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Step Into Christmas
So Merry Christmas one and all, there's no place I'd rather be.
Than asking you if you'd oblige, stepping into Christmas with me.
Santana walks into her favorite coffee shop and joins the small line at the counter. She's hoping that she'll get served by her favorite brunette barista this morning. She's one of the main reasons that Santana's been coming into this particular coffee shop nearly every day for the past year.
"Good morning Santana" Rachel greets as she gets to the front of the line.
"Hey Rachel, just the usual please."
"One coffee. Black. Coming right up."
Rachel turns her back to Santana as she prepares her coffee, giving Santana a few minutes to check the other girl out. However, it doesn't help Santana's mood that much as she has a certain phone call to make.
"That'll be $1.70" Rachel says, giving Santana a smile as she takes the money from the other girl.
"Keep the change" Santana says as she takes her coffee.
She walks over to the corner of the coffee shop and sits at a small table by the window.
"Come on Santana, you can do this. Just call and explain" Santana says to herself before taking a sip of the hot coffee.
She puts the coffee cup on the table and takes a deep breath before pulling out her cell phone and dialing her mother's number.
"Hola."
"Hi Mami."
"Santana, honey. I'm so excited to see you!"
"I can't wait to see you either mom" Santana replies.
"I can't wait to meet your new beau either."
"Beau? Really mom?"
"I'm so glad you decided to bring your girlfriend for Christmas. Your Abuela has mentioned it a couple of times to me on the phone."
"Listen, mom about that."
"Santana I really hope you aren't having second thoughts. This is a good chance for you and Alma to fully reconnect. Shas been trying and seeing you happy with your girlfriend will help her fully get over any of her issues, I'm sure."
"I'm not, I was just going to inform you that we might be a little late tomorrow" Santana lies.
"That's no problem Mija."
"Okay then, I'll see you later. Bye Mom."
"Bye honey" Maribel just manages to say as Santana disconnects the call.
"So stupid" Santana growls, laying her head on the table.
"Excuse me. Are you okay?" a voice behind her asks.
"Not really" Santana replies, turning around to see Rachel standing next to her.
"Do you want to talk about it? I know we don't really know each other, but talking to a stranger can be easier sometimes."
"Aren't you working?"
"I can take a break, I was due one anyway."
"Okay, take a seat" Santana says, gesturing to the empty seat across from her.
"So what's on your mind?"
"I told my mom that I would bring my girlfriend to Lima for Christmas. The only problem is I don't have a girlfriend."
"So why did you tell her that you had one?"
"She was telling me about a friend whose daughter has just come out and she was going to try and set me up on a date. She's done it before and honestly I don't know where she finds these girls, they're all weird. So when she mentioned it this time I just told her that I was already seeing someone" Santana explains.
"Okay I see your reasoning, but wouldn't it have been best just to ask her not to set you up with these girls?"
"I did that and she has stopped actively searching for girls for me to date, but sometimes she'll just come across one and she can't help herself. She told me about her and I wasn't really thinking, I just said that I had a girlfriend."
"Can't you just call her and tell her you lied or maybe tell her that you have broken up with your girlfriend?" Rachel asks.
"I called her and tried to tell her, but I backed out. My grandmother is coming for Christmas, she and I had some issues when I came out. She wouldn't talk to me, but about a year ago she apologized and said that she wanted to start again. I know it's hard for her, but I can see that's she's trying to get used to the idea that I like girls. When my mom told her I had a girlfriend she wanted to meet her, that's a really big step."
"So you told them that you would bring her because you think it'll make you closer to your grandmother? I can see your way of thinking, but that doesn't change the fact that you don't actually have anyone to take home. I'm struggling to find a solution for your problem" Rachel says.
"You're not the only one. Thanks for trying to help; I'm sorry for taking up your break."
"It's okay; I was only going to run over some lines anyway."
"Lines?"
"I have an audition in a few weeks."
"You're an actor?" Santana asks.
"I serve you coffee every day. So no, not an actor, not yet anyway."
"So what's the audition for?"
"It's for a small show at the local theatre, it's nothing big, but you have to start somewhere. Unfortunately, my start has been slow."
"Well break a leg or whatever."
"Thanks. I should get going; my break will be over soon. I hope everything works out for you."
"Thanks again Rachel."
Santana watches as Rachel heads back behind the counter and ties on her green apron. She really can't believe that she's got herself into this mess and she has no idea how to get herself out. She really shouldn't have chickened out when she called her mother, she should have just told her straight out that she doesn't have a girlfriend.
She could have even told her that they broke up yesterday or something. Things would be so much easier if she did just have a girlfriend; it's too late for that now though. She should have thought about it earlier, she could have met a girl and asked her to come home with her for Christmas.
Santana continues to watch a as Rachel serves customers. Maybe it's not too late. Rachel did say that she was an aspiring actor; she could be perfect in this situation. She could remember information quickly and can act calm under pressure. The plan was in motion; all she had to do now was to get Rachel to agree.
The line at the counter was empty so Santana decides that this is her time to make her move. She gets up from her seat and approaches Rachel with determination.
"So this sounds utterly crazy, but I might have come up with a plan and it involves you."
"Excuse me?" Rachel asks.
"I need you to come home with me for Christmas and meet my parents."
"Yes that does sound utterly crazy."
"Just hear me out. This might be the one chance I have to make my grandmother finally accept me for who I am. She actually asked me if my girlfriend was coming, she's never actually used that term to me before. If I go home without someone I just feel like it'll take her progress back a step. If she just sees me with someone that makes me really happy then maybe that will make her fully accept me."
"Santana we barely know each other" Rachel argues.
"We see each other every day and have done for the past year."
"Yes for about two minutes when you buy your coffee."
"That's not true, we've had load of conversations. Besides, we'd have to leave in the morning so tonight you can stay at my place and you can get a crash course on all things Santana Lopez."
"I really don't think it's a good idea. You should just call your parents and tell them that you have no girlfriend."
"Please Rachel. I have waited for three years for my grandmother's approval and she's finally interested in meeting a girl I'm dating. If I turn up without a girlfriend I could be losing the chance to get the approval I have wanted since I was seventeen."
"I know how hard it is to come out and be yourself. I have heard stories from both of my fathers about the difficulties they faced, much of that was from their own family."
"You have two dads?"
"That's something you're going to have to know if you want me to be your girlfriend" Rachel says with a soft smile.
"So you'll do it?"
"Well I don't have any plans for Christmas so I am willing to help you. I'm still not convinced that this is the best way to go about your problem, but if it will help bring you and your grandmother closer together and help her accept you for who you are then I will try and help."
"I really appreciate what you are doing for me. All we have to do is get through Christmas and a few weeks later I will tell them that we broke up."
"Amicably I hope."
"Of course. Unless you annoy me too much then I'll just paint you to be a huge slut" Santana teases.
"Santana!"
"I'm joking of course. You need to give me your number and I'll call you later."
"Is this how you charm all the girls?" Rachel asks as she writes her number down on a napkin.
"You'd know when I put the charm on" Santana says with a smirk.
"So I'll call you later and arrange everything."
"Goodbye Santana."
"I'm starting to get a little bit nervous now" Rachel admits as they step out of the car outside the Lopez residence.
"We'll be fine. You made us both sets of notes and you're an actress so you're suppose to remember things easily."
"I only had a day and a half to prepare Santana, even the best of actors would struggle with that."
"We'll be okay trust me and if we have to we'll just have to improvise a little bit. Just remember to inform me of any details you add or change" Santana says as she opens the door to her parents' house.
"Mom, Dad. I'm home!" Santana calls and a few moments later both of her parents appear.
"Santana, I've missed you" Maribel says as she pulls her daughter in for a hug.
"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend Rachel" Santana says putting an arm around Rachel's waist.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Lopez. You have a beautiful home."
"Thank you Rachel but please call us Maribel and Miguel" Maribel insists.
"Is Abuela here?"
"Not yet, she's spending a few days with Uncle Marcos and then she'll arrive on Thursday. So you have just less than a week to prepare yourself."
"Okay, Rachel and I have to leave on Sunday evening. I have some work to catch up on and Rachel has to get back to the coffee shop."
"That's fine. Your father can drive you to the airport, isn't that right Miguel?"
"Of course love."
"Why don't you girls take your luggage upstairs and get yourself settled. Santana I have prepared your old room for you" Maribel suggests.
"Thanks Mom. Which room have you set out for Rachel?"
"Don't be silly Mija; you two can share a room. You're old enough now that the old rules don't apply."
"Thanks Mom."
Santana takes Rachel's luggage as well as her own as she leads her fake girlfriend upstairs and into her childhood bedroom.
"You never said anything about sharing a bed" Rachel says as they enter the room.
"I didn't think about it, it's not a problem though."
"It might not a problem for you but it certainly is for me."
"It's a bit too late for you to be having a homophobic panic."
"It's not about you being a lesbian, which by the way I'm insulted that you insinuated that I would be. It's about us barely knowing each other. I just thought that it might be awkward for us to be in a small space in such close proximity" Rachel admits.
"I'm sorry; I can get a bit defensive sometimes. That's something else you'll learn about me, but if it's a problem I'll just sleep on the floor and you can take the bed."
"Are you sure?" Rachel asks.
"Yeah. You're in this situation because you offered to help me; it's the least I can do. I can create a bed on the floor tonight and I'll hide it in the morning so my parents don't find out."
"Thank you Santana. I know that I agreed to help you but you're being very accommodating and I appreciate it" Rachel says with a smile.
"No worries. We should unpack before my mom calls us for dinner."
Rachel has been staying with the Lopez family for four days now and surprisingly she was really enjoying herself. Maribel and Miguel we very welcoming, they were both sweet and funny and that helped Rachel to relax around them.
Santana was another surprise to Rachel. She seems to have inherited the Lopez charm from both her parents, although Santana softer side takes a little longer to find underneath all of her bravado.
Rachel had discovered a lot about Santana in the last few days. A lot of the information she gathered was from Santana's childhood bedroom. She's been feeling slightly guilty about making Santana sleep on the floor in her own room, especially last night when she could hear the other girl tossing and turning in her sleeping bag.
Rachel turns in Santana's bed to look at said girl asleep on the floor; her hair tussled from the tossing and turning she endured in the night. She's just about to call out Santana's name but is interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Santana? Rachel? Are you awake?" Maribel's voice rings through the door.
"Just a minute Mrs. Lopez" Rachel calls.
Rachel sits up in the bed and calls Santana's name quietly.
"Santana" she whispers again.
Santana still doesn't respond so Rachel grabs a pillow from next to her and throws it at the sleeping girl.
"Ow! What the hell?" Santana says sleepily as she rubs her face where the pillow hit her.
"Santana your mother is outside the door."
That statement jolts Santana into life as she quickly unzips her sleeping bag and gets up of the floor.
"Just a sec mom!" she calls.
Santana grabs the sleeping bag and pillow from the floor and hurriedly stuffs them in her closet, closing the door behind her. She rushes over to the bed and gets under the covers next to Rachel.
"You can come in mom."
"I'm sorry for disturbing you girls. I was just wondering if you would like some breakfast?" Maribel asks.
"Breakfast sounds lovely Maribel, thank you."
"Come downstairs in fifteen minutes or so and once again I apologize if I was interrupting something" Maribel says with a knowing smirk. Rachel's blush is probably doing nothing to discourage Maribel's train of thought, but she can't help but be embarrassed by the situation.
"You weren't interrupting anything mom, we were just sleeping" Santana says.
"Whatever you say sweetheart, I'll see you girls downstairs."
"That was a close one" Rachel says once Maribel closes the door and leaves.
"Yeah" Santana says as she rubs her neck with her hand and winces slightly.
"Are you okay?"
"I think I have a crick in my neck and possibly in my back."
"Do you want me to take a look? I often have to work out tension in my muscles after a dance class?"
"Sure."
Even though Santana had agreed, she's still surprised when she feels Rachel's soft hands on the back of her neck. As Rachel worked her muscles Santana could feel the tension easing away, she still had a slightly stiff back, but she doesn't think that she could cope with Rachel running her hands all over her back.
Just having Rachel's hands on her neck was getting her all hot and bothered.
"Sleeping on the floor can't be that good for you, maybe you should sleep in the bed tonight" Rachel suggests as she moves her hands from Santana's neck to her shoulders.
"I doubt you'd want to sleep on the floor, what happened to you being the guest?"
"I wasn't suggesting that I slept on the floor. I though that we could sleep in the bed together."
"Then what happened to it being awkward?" Santana asks.
"I think we have got to know each a bit better now and I don't think it's right for you to sleep on the floor when there is a perfectly good bed that will fit two. It was only a suggestion, you don't have to."
"No, I want to" Santana says, maybe all too quickly.
"That floor really is uncomfortable."
"Then that settles it. There, I hope that helps your neck" Rachel says, removing her hands from Santana much to the disappointment from Santana herself.
"Thanks Rachel. We should probably head down to breakfast."
When they make it downstairs, there is a small feast laid out on the dining room table.
"I should bring you here more often if this is how we get treated" Santana says as she takes a seat.
"You shouldn't have gone to any trouble Mrs. Lopez."
"I've told you before, it's Maribel and it's no trouble at all. You're our guest here."
"Yeah Rachel just sit down and enjoy it" Santana says.
"Please do enjoy it, if you ever decide to move in together don't expect food like this from Santana. She's been ejected from my kitchen more times than I can count! Maybe you can teach her a few things."
"I'm afraid I'm not a natural in the kitchen either. I can cook enough to get by, though I tend to eat a lot of salads."
"Then I shall have to give you both some lessons, I can't have you both starving to death" Maribel says.
"Mom, I've been living on my own for over two years and I've survived this long haven't I?"
"Santana you're so stubborn. I don't know how you put up with this one Rachel."
"It's because she loves me, right babe?" Santana asks before leaning over and placing a not so innocent kiss on Rachel's lip.
"Of course" Rachel manages to reply, even through the surprise she just experienced as Santana kissed her.
"You two are very sweet. I'm going to see where your father has got to" Maribel says before leaving the room.
"Santana you just kissed me."
"I know, we have to be affectionate or they won't believe that this is real" Santana says as she continues to eat her breakfast.
"Okay, I understand that, but did you really have to slip in your tongue?"
"That part was just for you; I thought you might enjoy it" Santana teases.
"Well I'll appreciate it if you don't do it again. I don't mind the odd stage kiss, but that tongue must stay in your own mouth."
"Alright, I promise to keep my tongue to myself" Santana says, barely managing to contain her amusement.
"Good morning girls!" Miguel shouts as he enters the dining room.
"Morning dad."
"Rachel you should come here more often if this is the feast we get!" Miguel beams as he sits at the table.
"I wish you two would stop making it seem as though I don't spoil the both of you. I would have gone to this effort if you were on your own Santana. I may have added a few extra dishes as I wasn't sure what Rachel liked" Maribel says as she enters the room with a plate of toast.
"I appreciate the effort Maribel. Thank you for being so considerate" Rachel smiles.
"It's my pleasure. So do you two have any plans for today?"
"I was thinking about taking Rachel to the mall so we can get some last minute things."
"Why don't you show her around Lima?" Maribel suggests.
"There is nothing to see here. That's why I left for New York."
"You sound just like a teenager again. I have some good stories about teenaged Santana" Miguel says.
"Yes well you can keep them to yourself. Rachel, eat quickly."
"What if I want to hear the stories" Rachel teases her.
"If you do then I'm sure that I would love to ask your dads lots of questions of your childhood."
"That isn't fair my fathers love to exaggerate things, they're more dramatic than me!"
"Wait! Is that even possible?" Santana jokes.
"Just wait until you meet them and you'll find out" Rachel says.
"I can't wait!" Santana replies, neither of them noticing that they had subconsciously agreed that Santana will be meeting the Berry men some time in the future.
"So what exactly are you looking for?" Rachel asks as they enter the mall.
"Well I have all of my presents and they're all wrapped. I just need a gift for you and you need a gift for me. I mean, it'll look weird if we didn't buy each other gifts, but don't worry, I'll pay for both. I'll just get myself some bling or something, but I need you to choose something that you like" Santana explains.
"Santana, I can't ask you to buy me anything."
"We've been over this a million times, you are helping me out so buying you a gift can be my thanks to you. So what do you want?"
"Seriously Santana please don't spend your money on me."
"Alright, let's just shop and see if anything catches your eye. We can go to the jewelry store first."
"So is this where teenaged Santana used to spend her free time?" Rachel asks as Santana leads her through the mall.
"I have some good memories here. Britt, Q and I used to hang out here and shop and then head back to one of our houses."
"They were your best friends?" Rachel asks.
"Yeah. We were all cheerleaders, the school dubbed us as the Unholy Trinity."
"I'm not sure I want to ask why they called you that."
"We kind of ruled the school and kept everyone in line, to be blunt, we were bitches" Santana says with a smile.
"I've seen you get a little stressed over small things but that's all, nothing to warrant the label of bitch."
"Well there is another side to me that can get defensive and slightly angry but luckily for you, you haven't seen it yet."
"Well hopefully I never will."
"So what were you like in high school?" Santana asks.
"I had only a few friends, people found me a little strange. I was this ambitious girl with two fathers and some people didn't like that or at the very least they didn't know how to take me. I always knew what I wanted and I always went for it."
"You're not the only one. Looks like we have something in common" Santana says as she opens the door to the jewelry store and holds it open for Rachel.
They look around the store for a while, but nothing really catches Santana's eye, as she turns to tell Rachel that they can leave she notices the other girl staring into a display case.
"Do you like that?" Santana asks as she comes up next to Rachel who is still looking at the bracelet.
"It's very nice. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes. I can't find anything I like here; maybe you can just buy me some shoes instead" Santana jokes.
"Okay where to next?"
"There is a store next to the food court that I always used to buy shoes from so we could head there. Actually, I have to use the bathroom so I'll just meet you there" Santana suggests.
"Okay."
Rachel walks towards the food court as Santana heads in the direction of the toilets, but once Rachel is out of view, she turns and walks back towards the jewelry store.
Santana wakes up on Christmas morning surprisingly closer to Rachel than she expects. It seems that the smaller girl had moved in her sleep and has curled up into Santana's side, not that she minds. Santana looks at the sleeping girl, but it only last for a few moments before Rachel slowly wakes up and opens her eyes.
"Good morning" Santana greets.
Rachel's sleepy face soon turns into shock as she notices the position she's in.
"I'm so sorry" Rachel says, moving away from Santana.
"It's alright. Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas to you too."
"I'm going to take a shower, you can go downstairs and get some breakfast if you'd like. I'm sure my parents will be up" Santana says.
"Okay, I'll see you down there."
When Santana enters the kitchen after her shower she is greeted with the sight of Rachel enjoying breakfast with her family, including her Abuela who had arrived the night before.
"Santana come and join us" Alma says, waving her granddaughter over.
"Here you can take my seat, I have to prepare the turkey anyway" Maribel offers.
Santana takes her mother's vacated seat across from Rachel and pours herself a bowl of cereal.
"So when do I get my gifts?" Santana asks.
"Once you've finished eating we can go in the living room and open them, that's if you've been good enough to receive any of course" Miguel replies.
"Well if I don't get a present that means you don't either."
"That's not fair, I want my present. I'll tell your mother" Miguel jokes.
"Will you two both stop acting like children?" Alma says with a soft smile.
"Okay, I'm finished" Santana says dropping her spoon back into the bowl.
"Show me the presents!"
It doesn't take long for Santana to open up all of her presents, she doesn't care how old she is, she's still like a kid at Christmas. There is just two presents left underneath the tree, the ones that Rachel and Santana allegedly bought for each other.
Santana knows what's in hers, but she's kind of excited to see Rachel's face when she finds out that the other present is for her.
Miguel picks up the last two presents and hands one to Santana and the other to Rachel.
"You bought me a gift?" Rachel asks as she reads the tag on the present.
"Of course I did."
Santana unwraps her present and opens the box to find the red high heels she had chosen herself.
"Oh my god babe, I love them" she says with as much surprise she can fake.
"I thought you would" Rachel smirks back.
Rachel starts to un wrap her own gift and is genuinely surprised when she opens the jewelry box containing the bracelet she had been admiring at the jewelry store.
"Santana, you shouldn't have."
"I wanted to."
"Thank you" Rachel says before leaning over and placing a delicate kiss on Santana's cheek. Santana's reaction to her present might have been fake but the blush creeping up her cheeks certainly wasn't. The more time she spent with Rachel, the more she got to like her.
"So Santana hasn't told us much about you Rachel, how did you two meet?" Alma asks as the family sit around the dining room table about to eat dinner.
"We met at the coffee shop I work at; Santana comes in every day for her morning coffee. We just made pleasantries at first, but then we started to get to know each other and Santana asked me out on a date."
"So where did she take you?"
"Believe it or not, she took me out for coffee. I work everyday at a coffee shop and she took me to one for our first date" Rachel laughs.
"It wasn't my fault; I was at school all week. Rachel had school and work so the only time we both had free was a Saturday morning, so there wasn't much else to do."
"Don't worry Santana, I enjoyed myself immensely" Rachel reassures the other girl, gently patting her hand on the table.
"How long have you been working at the coffee shop?" Alma asks, continuing her friendly interrogation.
"Two years. I started working there to help finance myself. My dads had been saving since I was born so they are able to pay for my college tuition, but everything else is down to me. I like having some independence."
"You've done well for yourself there Santana, this one has a good head on her shoulders" Miguel says.
"Thanks Dad. Can we change the subject now?"
"We're just interested in your life Santana that is all. You have been very secretive about your relationship with Rachel so it's only natural that we are curious" Maribel adds.
"I didn't want to jinx anything that's all. I didn't want to say anything until things got a bit more serious."
"So you two are serious now?" Alma asks.
"Abuela, you asked me to bring my girlfriend for Christmas so that's what I've done. So can you stop with the questions your making things awkward" Santana says.
"What I think Santana is trying to say is that we wanted to make sure that our relationship was stable enough to withstand the pressures of meeting each other's families. We've both been in relationships before where we have rushed into things and they haven't ended very well. Santana and I have been in a good place for the last few months so we thought that we'd take the next step and introduce each other to our loved ones. Santana has explained things that have happened in the past and I'm sure that has her slightly on edge, so you must excuse her behavior."
"I don't need you to apologize for me" Santana snaps.
"Look, I'm sorry" Santana says looking directly at Rachel before turning to face the rest of her family.
"Rachel is right, this is a big step for me and I just want things to run smoothly. I can't relax with you constantly asking me questions."
"I'm sorry dear. I'm just happy that you have finally found your own happiness" Maribel says.
"Thanks Mom."
"So is everyone excited for game night?" Maribel asks trying to change the subject quickly.
"Are we really doing that?"
"Santana, It's tradition plus I have a new game for us to play!" Maribel beams.
A few hours later the Lopez family, including Rachel are all gather in the living room getting ready to take part in their annual Christmas game night.
"Cards Against Humanity?" Santana asks as her mother holds up her newest purchase.
"Doreen told me about it, she told me it was fun!"
Maribel reads the instructions out so that everyone understands what they are meant to be doing, it's a simple game but Santana is slightly worried of how it would pan out. As Maribel goes to hand out the white cards she accidently drops one and catches what it says on it.
Slightly shocked at the words written on the card she decide to read another one which was as equally rude.
"You know what I think that we should play something else."
"What's wrong dear?" Miguel asks.
"Nothing, it's just not the game I expected."
"We can just play something else, what have you got?" Santana asks, trying to spare her mother more embarrassment.
"I have trivial pursuit." Maribel counters.
"I love that game!" Rachel exclaims.
"Okay Rachel and Santana can be team one and Miguel you and Alma can be team two. I'll be the question master."
Over the past few days Santana and Rachel had slowly been learning things about each other and during this game of trivial pursuit, they learnt that they were both highly competitive. Unfortunately, this was a trait that Santana had seemed to have got from both her father and grandmother who were also trying their hardest to win the game. They had been playing for almost two hours now and neither team wanted to give up.
"Okay this question is for you Rachel, if you answer this correctly then you and Santana win."
"What is Amy Winehouse's 2006 album called?"
"I know this! It's one of Santana's favorites, it's Back To Black!"
"Correct."
"Yes!" Santana exclaims high fiving Rachel before pulling her into a hug.
"Tough luck Dad and Abuela. Better luck next time!"
"Thanks for not gloating" Miguel says.
"I can't believe that it's nearly twelve twenty already. I should go to bed, Santana can you help me?" Alma asks.
"Sure."
Santana walks her grandmother back to her room. Alma makes her way over to the chest of drawers she's been using and pulls out small object.
"You have a special one there Santana. I can see that you both make each other happy. I have something for you, something that you might want to give to Rachel" Alma says handing Santana the small box.
"Abuela, I can't take this."
"Yes you can. Now excuse me, I really need to get some sleep. It's getting harder every year to keep up with you youngsters" Alma jokes.
"Goodnight Abuela, I love you" Santana says hugging her grandmother.
"I love you too sweetheart."
The day after Christmas, Santana is sat on her bed staring at her phone when Rachel enters the room carrying a pile of clothes.
"Hey, your mom asked me to bring your laundry up. Where would you like me to put them?"
"You can just put them in the top drawer over there. Thanks Rachel."
Rachel opens the drawer and puts the laundry away; as she goes to close the drawer she notices a small black box. She opens it to find a beautiful silver ring with a equally beautiful diamond.
"Santana what is this? Is this an engagement ring?" Rachel asks holding the item up for Santana to see.
"Yeah, it's my Abuela's. She gave it to me, she likes you."
"That's it. I can't do this anymore" Rachel says putting the ring back in the drawer and closing it before walking towards the wardrobe to get her suitcase.
"What? What are you doing?"
"I'm packing" Rachel replies as she places the suitcase on the bed and starts to grab her clothes from the wardrobe.
"Why? Are you leaving?"
"Santana your parents are convinced that we are in love. Your abuela gave you her engagement ring. The whole point of me doing this was to help you get your grandmother's full approval and I think this ring proves that you have it. I just don't think that it's fair for us to keep lying to them, maybe this was a mistake."
"We can't tell them, that'll make things even worse. Please Rachel" Santana begs trying to stop Rachel from gathering her belongings from her drawers.
"Your family are such good people. I'm not sure I can look them in the eyes knowing that I'm lying to them. I'm going back to New York, you can tell them that I had to go back to work or I got a call back for a play. I'm sure you can make something up, you seem pretty good at that."
Rachel slams shut her suitcase; she grabbed everything that was important. If she has left something behind then so be it, she can't be in this situation any longer, not when she has real feelings for this family.
"Rachel please."
"I'm sorry Santana" Rachel says before grabbing her suitcase and walking out of Santana's bedroom.
Santana attempts to follow Rachel down the stairs but then she notices the figure standing by the bathroom door.
"So this was all a lie? You're not really dating that girl?" Alma asks.
"Abuela, please. I can explain."
"I don't think I want to hear it. Excuse me" Alma says as she walks past Santana and down the stairs.
Santana can't help the rush of emotion that takes hold of her; she slides down the landing wall as the tears rush to the surface. She just wanted everything to be perfect and now she's ruined everything.
First there was Rachel. She was really starting to enjoy the girl's company, she already had an attraction to the girl, that's why she used the same coffee shop every morning, but spending the last week with her just made that affection grow.
Santana knew that she was asking for a lot from Rachel and she can understand why she left, of course she didn't want that but she could have easily used one of Rachel's excuses on her family.
That was until she noticed her grandmother standing there; she had witnessed the entire conversation with Rachel. She looked so hurt and angry, when Santana had tried to talk to her. That was the last thing Santana had wanted, she was trying to rebuild her relationship with her grandmother, not break it down even more.
Santana wipes the tears from her eyes; she can't feel sorry for herself anymore. She has to try and fix what she has done, starting with her abuela.
She makes her way downstairs on slightly shaky legs after her emotional outburst. She finds her grandmother sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of herbal tea.
"Abuela, can I please speak to you?"
"Sit" Alma gestures to the chair next to her.
"I just want to apologize for what I did. I know that you're hurt and angry with me."
"Santana, there is no need to apologize. You are right I am hurt and I am certainly angry but not with you. I am angry with myself. I heard what you said to Rachel, I know that you did this because you still felt like you needed my approval. That makes me so angry with myself because I was stupid before, when you first told me about how you felt and I dismissed you. I said horrible things and I ignored you for far too long. I have been trying."
"I know you have, please don't blame yourself" Santana says.
"Who else can I blame? Just listen to me; I have been trying to come to terms with your sexuality, that's why I agreed to meet your girlfriend. It just saddens me to know that you feel you have to lie and deceive, why did you feel the need to do that and please be honest with me?"
"Honestly? I feel that I'll never been good enough for you. I disappointed you so badly and I felt like you would never truly accept me for who I am. I thought that showing you that being with a girl make me truly happy and if you saw that for yourself then you would accept it easier" Santana explains.
"That there is the reason I am angry with myself. I never wanted you to feel that way and I never want you to feel that way again. So please Santana know that I truly do accept you for who you are and for who you love."
"Thanks Abuela."
"It's such a shame that Rachel isn't really your girlfriend. She was such a lovely girl; I did give you that ring for a reason."
"Yeah I know. I think I ruined things with her too."
"You like this girl" Alma says.
"I don't know. I mean we only saw each other a few times at the coffee store. We've talked a bit and I'll admit that I found her attractive. Plus this week we've got to know each other really well."
"It wasn't a question Santana. I could tell by the way that you look at her, you like her."
"Okay, so I do like her."
"Then you should tell her" Alma says.
"I don't know if she even likes me."
"She wouldn't have gone through all this trouble if she didn't like you, besides she had the same look on her face that you did."
"She left, she went to the airport."
"Then you better drive quickly."
In a matter of minutes Santana is out of her seat and is heading to the front door.
She can't believe that she's doing this. She's actually driving like a maniac to get to the airport to stop someone from getting on a plane. It's like something from a romantic comedy, it's the biggest cliché out there but here she is, speeding towards the airport whilst probably breaking multiple traffic laws.
She parks in the closest spot outside the entrance to the airport, it's probably a disabled spot but she doesn't care, at this point she'll take the ticket. Hopefully Rachel is not too far away from her, if she's made it past security then there is no way that Santana can make it to her.
She scans the airport; it was busy with people returning to and from home for the holidays, she's about to give up when she sees Rachel sitting on a bench.
Santana makes a beeline for the girl, shouting her name as she approaches. Rachel looks up when she hears her name being called and stands up as she sees Santana rushing towards her.
Rachel is about to ask what is going on when she feels lips crash against hers and a hand thread through her hair. A few seconds pass before Santana pulls back with a sheepish look on her face.
"I'm sorry. I made up with my abuela and then I just rushed here to find you so when I saw you I just couldn't help myself."
Santana's out of character rambling was cut off as Rachel gave her another quick kiss.
"It's okay Santana, you don't have to apologize for something we both wanted."
"Really?"
"Really. I was actually just sitting here contemplating on whether or not to go back; luckily I had just missed a plane back to New York."
"It looks like we were very lucky. So would you like to come back to my parents' house and finish our Christmas vacation?"
"I'm not sure that we should carry on this charade."
"Actually my Abuela overheard us talking so she knows that the relationship was fake."
"What about your parents?"
"I called them on the way and explained everything. They were a little disappointed that we lied to them but they are also happy for you to stay as planned."
"What did your grandmother say? Was she angry?"
"A little but not at us, I'll explain in the car, just know that it was her idea for me to come after you."
"So you didn't want to come after me?" Rachel teases.
"Of course I did, my head my just a little bit all over the place."
"I was only teasing Santana. I'm glad you decided to come after me, I enjoyed spending time with your family."
"They loved you too. Who knows, this might not be the last holiday we spend with them."
Song: Step Into Christmas by Elton John.