After my epic surprise, Brittany and I spent the rest of the school day nearly inseparable. Since we had 4 out of our 6 classes together, we were able to sit next to each other and hold hands while we took notes (or at least while we were supposed to be taking notes since neither one of us was really paying attention to the lesson). It was also nice to have some of our other friends in class as well, but at the moment, I couldn't concentrate on anything else besides the beautiful blonde staring back at me.
In between classes, we snuck in kisses whenever we could, which was awesome. It's incredible how much I missed her when we were apart, even though I just saw her a couple of weeks ago. I'm just glad that with a lot of help from the special people in my life, I was able to make it back to Lima so that I could spend my senior year with all of my friends and my amazing girlfriend.
Once the school day was over, Britt and I parted ways for a little bit while she went to volleyball practice. While she lead the team in exercises and drills, I used the free time to steal Coach Washington away to chat about the upcoming swim season and to see if I still had a spot on her squad. Needless to say, she was ecstatic to have me back and told me that my position as captain was still intact. After we talked shop and discussed some new strategies to implement during the new season, I went and sat on the bleachers and watched the end of Britt's practice while Coach Washington got back to her duties as Head Varsity coach.
When we arrived back at Brittany's house afterwards, she took a quick shower and then we may have participated in a steamy make out session before we were interrupted by her sister. Although the interruption would've normally annoyed me, I couldn't be bothered because I knew that my time with Britt was no longer limited. We didn't have to rush to spend as much quality time together as possible anymore because I was back, for good - or at least until we graduated.
After spending some time catching up with Lindsay, I joined the Pierces for a nice family dinner and finally informed my girlfriend of how I ended up back in Lima.
It all started that night after I had dropped Brittany off at the airport and Jamie and I had our little heart-to-heart. I guess she had talked to my dad about our conversation because the next thing I know, the next morning came and my dad was asking me if I wanted to spend my senior year in Lima. Of course, my interest was immediately piqued and I was overflowing with excitement; however, I was also very skeptical.
My dad then explained to me that over the past few months, he had been talking to the Pierces and the Berry's about the possibility of letting me move back and making sure that I would be taken care of and have a place to stay. I guess seeing how hard I had been working over the past year in school while maintaining a part-time job and managing a long distance relationship showed him just how much I had grown up and how responsible I was. After saving up some extra money and doing some extensive planning, Rachel's parents agreed to let me live with them during the school year. Once the logistics of how much money my dad would be giving the Berry's per week to cover my expenses and exactly when I would be moving back was set, Rachel worked on getting the rest of the gang involved so that I could surprise Brittany.
The only thing I had to do was play it cool and be careful not to spill the beans. And boy... that was no easy feat, especially after seeing those sad blue eyes every time we said goodbye over the phone.
Thankfully, everything went according to plan.
Although I loved the idea of going back home, I felt a little weird and sad when I thought about leaving my dad. We've been through so much together over the past year and our bond is stronger than ever. I think he could tell how I was feeling without me actually having to say the words, but he assured me that everything would be okay. He told me that although he would miss me dearly, we would still talk all of the time and see each other on holidays. He also said that this would be a good preparation for him for when I go off to college. Talking to him definitely made me feel better about the situation. Plus, I know that he won't be completely alone because he has Jamie now.
After dinner, me and Britt went out to the backyard and hung out in the treehouse our fathers had built together when we were kids. Since it was only the first day of school, none of our teachers had given us homework so we just laid there, wrapped up in each other's arms, watching the stars above. I was enjoying every second of it because it was only a matter of time before we had to say goodnight and Britt drove me over to Rachel's house.
"I still can't believe you're here right now," Brittany coos out as she nuzzles her nose into my neck.
"I know... but it's real," I reply softly as my hand gets lost in blonde tresses. "I'm gonna be here tomorrow..." I say as I place a delicate kiss on top of her head, "and the day after that..." Another kiss to her cheek. "And the day after that..." A kiss to her other cheek. "And the day after that..."
I finish with a kiss to the tip of her nose, causing her to giggle as she connects her lips to mine in a chaste kiss.
"You're such a dork," she sighs contently as she snuggles back into my arms. "Y'know... I hardly ever come up here anymore."
"How come?"
"It's just not the same without you," Brittany sincerely replies. I tightened my hold on her. "Sometimes when I'm really missing you, I'll come up here and wrap myself up in your hoodie. But then I look over to where you used to live and it just makes me sadder."
"Wow... that started out as a sweet story, but then it got really depressing," I say in a monotone voice.
Brittany just laughs and playfully pushes me away from her. "I missed this, just us hanging out and not having a care in the world."
"I missed it too, babe... but all that being sad stuff is over," I state reassuringly.
Brittany softly kisses me again, widely smiling as we break apart. "So, have you thought any about joining the Glee club?"
"Gee, I don't know B... don't we have to audition for that?" I ask, feeling slightly anxious.
"Well, yeah... but you shouldn't be worried about that," Brittany says with the utmost confidence. "I know you get a little nervous performing in front of a big group of people, but that didn't seem to bother you at all this morning."
"That's because I was looking at you," I shyly reply.
Brittany ducks her head bashfully as she begins to play with the fabric of my shirt. "I love it when you sing to me."
I kiss the top of her head again. "You tell all the boys 'no'... makes you feel good, yeah," I begin to softly sing. "I know you're out of my league, but that won't scare me away... oh no."
I feel Britt's lips brush against my neck as she smiles against my skin.
"You've carried on so long, you couldn't stop if you tried it," I continue on. "You've built your wall so high, that no one could climb it. But I'm gonna try..."
"Would you let me see beneath your beautiful? Would you let me see beneath your perfect? Take it off now, girl, take it off now, girl... I wanna see inside. Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight?"
Before I get to continue singing, my girlfriend's lips silence me as she rolls further on top of me. I wrap my arms around her lower back and deepen the kiss as Brittany cups my face. We stay like this for a few minutes until our lips become swollen.
"That's the song you wrote me," Brittany says in between ragged breaths. "You've never sung it to me before; I always wondered what the melody was like."
I'm not sure if I'm supposed to respond to her statement, so I don't. I just look back at my gorgeous girlfriend and get lost in her ocean blue orbs as I try to regulate my breathing.
"I get it if being in the club is too much pressure or exposure for you," Brittany begins to say. "I just thought it would be something cool that we could do together. Plus, all of our friends will be there too."
After pondering over it briefly, I made my decision. "Okay... I'll do it."
This answer seems to surprise my beautiful blonde, judging by her facial expression.
"Seriously... that's it?" She asks skeptically. "You mean I don't have to bribe you with sweet lady kisses?"
"I mean, you can if you want to," I say smugly as I wiggle my eyebrows, causing her to roll her eyes. "Seriously though... you know I'd do anything for you. Besides, this 'glee' thing sounds like it could be fun."
"Not as fun as living with Rachel," Brittany says jokingly.
"Yeah... that should be interesting," I respond back as I think about my new living arrangements. "I think having a girlfriend has mellowed her out a little."
"Maybe, but I'm sure she still has her morning rituals," my girlfriend snickers out. "Good luck with that."
All I can do is shake my head, knowing how right she is about one of Rachel's many unique quirks.
"Brittany, it's getting late," I hear Mrs. Pierce yell from the back deck. "It's time to get Santana home and get your stuff ready for school tomorrow."
Brittany adorably pouts before responding back. "Okay Mom... we'll be right in." She then looks back at me. "I guess I should get you home."
"One more kiss before we leave?"
Brittany smiles in response as she leans down and lightly kisses me. We then climb out of the treehouse and I say goodbye to her family before Brittany takes me to Rachel's house. I kiss her goodnight and tell her that I'll see her in the morning.
The rest of the school week went by fairly quickly and before I knew it, it was Friday.
As I nervously pick the imaginary lint off of my jeans, Brittany reaches over and links her hand with mine. "Relax babe; you're gonna do great."
"Yeah Specs, you got nothing to worry about," Mercedes adds in. I lightly nod my head, appreciating their faith in me.
We were all gathered in the auditorium, watching each other audition for Mr. Schue's Glee Club. Of course, Rachel had to be the first one to go and 'show' all of the newbies how to perform. The students she kept referring to as the 'newbies' weren't really new to our school; they were just new to our little group.
Anyways, after Rachel put on a well-rehearsed performance of "Don't Rain on My Parade", one that I had to endure several times over the past few days since she's my roommate now, Mercedes took the stage and killed it with a Whitney song. Sam followed with his cool rendition of "Rude" while Mike did a Temptations number that was more dancing than anything. I don't think anyone seemed to mind though. More or less, I think his main goal of being in the club is so that he could finally have a place to show off his killer dance moves. Brittany is kind of in the same boat where she would much rather dance and be a back-up singer. Because of that, I'm very curious of what her audition is going to be like. She's been pretty tight-lipped about it all week.
"Alright, Brittany... you're up next!" Mr. Schue says cheerfully as my girlfriend stands up. She gives me a wink before she makes her way up towards the stage.
As Brittany readjusts the mic stand, I see Mike and Sam join her on stage, standing on either side of her. "Hey, I'm Brittany Pierce! I know that I'm not the strongest singer here, but I figured I'd still give it a shot. Also, I'd like to dedicate this performance to my amazing girlfriend, Santana! I'm so glad you're back," she sincerely states, making me blush. "Anyways, here it goes!"
Every time you're near baby
I get kinda crazy in my head for you
I don't know what to do
And oh baby
I get kinda shaky when they mention you
I just lose my cool
As Brittany begins to sing, I can't help but think this is the perfect song to match her voice. I know she's always been really self-conscious about singing, but I've always thought that she sounded like an angel.
My friends tell me
Something has come over me
And I think I know what it is...
I think I'm in love...
I can see now why Brittany didn't want to tell me what song she was singing; all of the cute choreography she planned with the guys wouldn't have been a surprise.
Girl, I think that I'm in love with you
I'll be doin' silly things when it comes to you
Girl, I think that I'm in love with you
I've been telling all my friends what I feel for you
I'm really digging this little performance, especially the slight changes she's made to the lyrics.
Something strange has come over me
Got me going out of my mind
Never met a girl like you before
You make me feel special inside
I think I'm in love...
At the end of her audition, of course I give my baby a standing ovation. It was so simple, yet very sweet.
"So... what did ya think?" Brittany curiously asks as she takes her seat back next to me.
"It was awesome babe," I say as I give her a chaste kiss. "Thank you."
"That was very good Brittany," Mr. Schue says with a big smile. "Santana, you're up."
"I guess that's my cue," I reply with a nervous chuckle before making my way towards the stage.
"Hi... I'm Santana Lopez," I start out. "If you thought Brittany was really shy when it comes to singing, you ain't seen nothing yet."
Again, I awkwardly chuckle out as I try to take a few calming breaths. I look back at Brittany and see her beaming at me with her mega-watt smile while giving me two thumbs up. I shoot her a quick smile before nodding to Mr. Schue, letting him know that I'm ready.
As the music begins to play, I tightly grip the microphone and close my eyes.
I've been looking under rocks and breaking locks
Just tryna find ya
I've been like a maniac insomniac,
Five steps behind ya
I then open my eyes and instantly lock them with the ocean blues that I love so much. Looking at her always calms down my nerves. I just have to pretend that it's only her in the audience and I'll be fine.
Tell them other girls, they can hit the exit
Check please...
Cause I finally found the girl of my dreams
Much more than a Grammy award
That's how much you mean to me
After gaining a little bit of confidence, I detach the microphone from the stand and try to work the stage a little bit.
You could be my it girl, baby you're the sh*t girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl, this is it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like...
Oh oh oh oh [x2]
I take a moment to quickly look around, making brief eye contact with my friends. They all seem to be enjoying my performance, judging by how their nodding their heads from side-to-side.
Can't seem to stop you from running, running
Through my, through my mind, mind…
Just keep it coming, coming
'Til I make you mine, mine…
You've got that something, something
I wanna be with girl (wanna be with girl)
You're my greatest hit girl (greatest hit girl)
Just say this is it girl...
Hey baby...
Don't you know you're my… it girl
As I hold out that extremely high note, I hear applause coming from the crowd before the song is even over with. I guess that means I did a good job cause everyone is yelling out and giving me praise. Again, I'm not use to this type of attention, but seeing the bright smile plastered on Brittany's face makes it all worth it.
"Wow, Santana... that was amazing!" Mr. Schue exclaims.
"Yeah, San... you might give me a run for my money," Rachel says, causing my eyebrow to raise.
I'm not the only one either as I look around at the rest of my friends that have the same questionable look on their faces. Rachel Berry giving someone else a compliment on their singing is a very rare occasion. And when it does happen, it's usually followed by some backhanded comment.
"I mean... you were a little flat and slightly shaky in the beginning and you definitely could've used the whole stage a little better, but overall, great job," Rachel rambles out while clasping her hands together.
Yeah... that sounds more like the Rachel I know.
After everyone finished auditioning, Mr. Schue informed us that we had all made the club. He also told us that he had already talk to our respective teachers and coaches to work out an arrangement so that we could practice during our free period and after school.
Once we done with that, I was looking forward to the weekend. Since a good bit of my clothes and my car were still in Seattle, my dad and Jamie offered to drive down those items and then fly back to Washington first thing Monday morning. Even though I told my dad that it wasn't necessary for him to bring me my stuff right away, I think he just needed visual confirmation that his little girl was okay.
It was nice to see Jamie again and take her around to see the place where I grew up. Everything was going well, although there was a weird moment when we passed by the hospital. I immediately thought of my mom and felt a mix of emotions. I felt a glimpse of happiness when I thought about when I was younger and how my dad would take me there to surprise her for lunch. He was always doing sweet things like that.
But as quickly as those thoughts entered my mind, they quickly faded into sadness and anger. I think back on how many times my mom was always too busy to take a quick break with her husband and daughter. I remember how I barely saw her throughout the week because she was always at work. I mean, I get it... she's a surgeon and she was saving people's lives, but it sucks to feel like her job was always more important than her own family. I think back on how many birthdays and holidays she missed because she had to be at work.
Then I think about the night she found out my feelings for Brittany and told me that I was an abomination. I think about that last month we spent living under the same roof before pulled a Houdini. I barely saw her in those final days, and when I did, all I could feel is the disappointment seeping from her eyes. That, more than anything, pisses me off the most. Her knowing that she was planning on abandoning her family without the slightest heads up or discussion was so uncalled for and just disrespectful to our family.
Now that I think about it, my mother was never really a mom to me. Sure, she provided the necessities such as food, water, clothing, and shelter... but other than that, she was never really there. It was my dad that was at every swim meet and Mathletes competition. It was my dad that cheered the loudest in the crowd and told everyone 'that's my daughter!' with pride. It was my dad that fixed me up whenever I scraped my knee or had a boo boo. It was my dad who was always left to come up with an excuse as to why my mom couldn't make this event or that event.
It was my dad that's always been there for me and supported me in everything I do. His love is the very definition of unconditional. I didn't necessarily always know it back then, but now that I'm older, I can definitely tell the difference between a person who takes care of their kid out of obligation and a person who is a true parent.
I think Britt could tell that I was getting a little work up and caught up in my emotions as we passed by the place that had taken my mother away long before she deserted her family. Luckily for me, a simple touch from my girlfriend's hand is enough to soothe me and put me back in better spirits.
I then decide to forget about all of that anger starting to resurface and just focus on enjoying the rest of the weekend with my Dad and Jamie. And before we say our goodbyes, I tell him just how much I love him and how awesome of a parent I'll be one day because of the shining example he's set for me.
After a couple of months had passed by, things seemed back to normal, almost as if I had never left. I was having so much fun being able to just chill with Britt and our friends again and Glee club turned out to be not so bad. We cruised through our Sectionals competition and we're preparing next for Regionals.
It was getting towards the end of the Fall season for sports and I just couldn't wait to be back in the water and on the swim team again. With Brittany's strong leadership, she led the volleyball team to a flawless 21-0 record. This weekend, her team will be going to the State tournament and hopefully bring the gold medal back to McKinley.
I can't tell you how proud of her I am and just how happy I am that I'm physically here to witness all of it. I can't wait to make a big ass sign and cheer my amazing girlfriend on as she mops the floor with the competition. I missed so many things while I was in Seattle, like Homecoming and taking my girl to the Junior Prom. Although it sucked, things were definitely going to be different this year and a lot better than either of us could've ever imagined.
So far this year, things were looking pretty awesome and I hoped that they continued to stay that way.
As I pulled my car into the Pierce's driveway, I notice a guy standing outside the front door of the place I used to call home. Before I have time to dwell on it, I see Brittany happily skipping outside to greet me.
"Hey baby," she says giddily as she softly grabs the sides of my face and kisses me. "I missed you."
A chuckle out a little. "Babe, you literally just saw me like 2 hours ago," I say as I loosely wrap my arms around her waist.
"Well, 2 hours is way too long," Brittany replies as she shrugs her shoulders and lightly pecks my lips again. "How was Glee today?"
"Not the same without you, but okay... I guess," I earnestly state.
Since State was literally right around the corner, Britt couldn't afford to miss a practice at this critical point. All of the coaches that had players that were also in the Glee club had all been very flexible with letting their players miss a few practices here and there so that they could attend rehearsals. However, knowing how strict and focused Coach Washington can become when gold is in sight in either of the sports she coaches, I knew for sure that I wouldn't be seeing Britt at any of the Glee club meetings during the last couple of weeks.
But now, it was the end of the school week and I just wanted to soak up as much girlfriend time as possible before Britt had to go to bed. Since the State tournament was being held in Cleveland this year, that meant that my blonde had to get up at the buttcrack of dawn in order to meet up with her teammates before they made the long 3 hour drive on the bus.
Just as I was about to enjoy some more kisses from those soft pink lips I've grown so accustomed to, we get interrupted.
"Excuse me..." I hear a male's voice say. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could maybe help me?"
Brittany makes a goofy face at me before pecking me on the nose and then detaching herself from our embrace. She doesn't go too far though as she opts to stand beside me and loop her arm through mine. It's only now that I can see that the voice of our unexpected guest belongs to the same guy I had seen a minute ago.
"Sure, what can we help you with?" Brittany politely asks as she slides her hand down until our fingers connect.
"I'm looking for a Maribel Sanchez..." The random stranger begins to say. "Actually, you might know her as Maribel Lopez?"
Upon hearing my mother's name, my ears instantly perk up.
I then start to study this guy's features, seeing if there's anything about him that seems familiar. He's a few inches taller than Britt, has a muscular build, short, jet black hair, and a decent tan for a white guy (but clearly he's mixed with something). He also appears to be in his mid-twenties.
"What do you want from her?" I question, a little defensively.
I think my tone catches Brittany and the guy a little off guard.
"Be nice," Brittany whispers to me as she rubs her thumb over my hand.
"Sorry..." I say back to her, earning a small smile.
"Anyways, I didn't catch your name," Brittany says to the stranger. "I'm Brittany and this is my girlfriend, Santana."
Something about hearing that word roll off of Britt's tongue immediately calms me.
"Nice to meet you both," he says as he extends his hand, causing Britt and I to momentarily break our handhold. "I'm Noah."
"Nice to meet you, Noah," Brittany replies sweetly. I just give him a tight-lipped smile. "I'm sorry, but Dr. Lopez doesn't live there anymore; hasn't for over a year."
"Oh, well that's a bummer," Noah says sadly, sounding a little disappointed. "Do you happen to have a forwarding address for her or maybe a phone number?"
"No, sorry... I don't," Brittany replies. "How do you know her?"
"I don't... well, not really," Noah says, confusing us both. "I was hoping to finally meet her and maybe ask her a few questions."
I scoff and mumble out, "good luck with that."
Again, there must be something about my tone.
"Look, I'm sorry if I've like offended you in any way," Noah apologizes, addressing me.
Great… now I feel bad.
You can't really blame me though. I haven't seen nor heard from my mother in over a year and then out of the blue, some handsome, mysterious stranger comes around, asking about her.
"No, I'm sorry for being short with you," I sincerely say to him. "Maribel Lopez is kind of a sore subject for me."
Brittany then smiles at me and kisses me on the temple.
"Oh, so you know her then!" Noah says a little too excitedly.
"I guess you could say that," I slowly reply, not sure what to make of his current demeanor. "She's my mother."
It's at this point that Noah's facial expression morphs from hopeful to complete shock. Britt then looks at me and mouths 'what's happening' and I mouth back 'I have no idea'.
Now, Noah appears to be getting very emotional as he tries to find the right words to say.
"Wow..." he finally settles on.
"Uh... are you okay?" I ask out of general concern and mild curiosity.
"Yeah, I'm fine... I just wasn't expecting this," he replies back.
"I don't mean to sound insensitive, but what exactly just happened here?" Brittany says, asking the obvious question.
"I don't really know if there's an easy way to explain this, but I'll try," Noah starts off. "I was adopted as a baby. Apparently, my biological mother was just a teenager and wasn't ready to take on the responsibility of raising a child."
Brittany and I both nod our heads, not sure of where this story was going.
"After doing some extensive research and possibly breaking a few federal laws, I was able to find out the identity of my birth mother," Noah continues, taking a deep breath. "Maribel Sanchez - or now Lopez - is my mother."
As that last sentence floats through the air and travels to my brain, my eyes harden, both from confusion and complete astonishment.
"What?"
"Maribel Sanchez is my mother," Noah repeats. "I guess that means you're my sister."
I still can't believe what I'm hearing. Instantaneously, I turn to Brittany, hoping to find an answer that makes sense. However, her wide eyes with her mouth slightly ajar tells me that she's just as lost and befuddled as I am.
No. Fucking. Way.
So much for having a drama-free year.
Author's Note:
What's up guys! I know, I know... it's been forever! Thank you all for being patient with me. I'm sorry to leave you all with a cliffhanger, but I figured that would make things so much more interesting. Anyways, yay for Santana being back in Lima! I hope you guys are still enjoying the story. Thanks again for all of the love and support. I like hearing your feedback. Anyways, stay tune for the next update for Quantico, A Magnetic Force, and possibly a new Brittana story (wink wink).
Stay classy,
Kris
PS - Happy belated 4th of July and congrats to the U.S. Women's soccer team!
Songs Used:
Beneath Your Beautiful by Labrinth ft. Emeli Sandé (but I had the Matthew Schuler version in mind)
I Think I'm in Love With You by Jessica Simpson
It Girl by Jason Derulo