Thanks for all the reviews last chapter.
Flashback 2001
"Sanny I made it!" Brittany shouts leaping into Santiago's arms. "I'm the only freshman to make varsity." she happily says.
"That's so amazing Britt." Santiago says not surprised at all since she's been on the varsity team the last two years.
"We're really taking over the school now." Brittany says walking with him through the school.
"Yes we are. Oh and the head cheerleader asked me out on a date." Santiago says a smile growing on his face.
"Oh," Brittany says putting some space between them.
"I know I should have asked her out, but with her being a senior I didn't think I stood a chance." Santiago says not noticing the hurt look on her face.
"That's cool," Brittany sadly says. "I have to go to class." she says scattering off.
Santiago frowns as she takes off. He doesn't know what he's done now to upset her, but he'll just apologize later like he normally does. It's just easier for him to apologize he needs to apologize now as she looked like she was going to cry.
"Britt wait!" Santiago shouts running after her.
It doesn't take him long to find her sitting in the gym watching a PE class.
"Britt," Santiago says sitting next to her. "I'm sorry for whatever I did to upset you."
"You didn't do anything wrong." Brittany quietly says laying her head on his shoulder.
He opens his mouth to say something, but then shuts it as he's not sure what to say so he waits instead.
"It's just what's going to happen when you get a girlfriend and no longer have time for me." Brittany sniffles.
"Britt, I'll always have time for you no matter what." Santiago says kissing the top of her head. "Who else would push me so much in playing or let me stay over when I need to hide from my dad and the pressure."
"He just wants you to be the best player possible." Brittany wisely says. "Has he been pushing you too hard again?" she asks.
"No, but he's going to be home for all of basketball season to "help" me." Santiago sighs. "I'm on varsity, the best player on the team and already have college offers. What more help could I possible need?"
"Do I need to run interference? You know I will." Brittany offers since Rubio likes her and if she asks for help he'll help her out.
"I don't think so, but I may take you up on that later." Santiago softly says.
They end up skipping their first two classes opting to shoot some hoops instead before Santiago forces Brittany to go to math class which they both have together. After school they both have to go to practice.
"Good job Pierce take five." Sue shouts.
"But coach," Brittany says not wanting to stop.
"You need water, take a break." Sue orders before turning to the rest of the team. "Now that is a great player, she's the only one of you losers who's going to play in college on a good DI team." she shouts. "Now get back to work."
Brittany sits up against the wall taking a swig of her water.
"You're really good." a short hair blonde girl who's on the JV team says.
"I'm not that good." Brittany tries to argue.
"Yes you are, I'm Quinn Fabray." Quinn says holding out her hand.
"I'm Brittany-"
"Pierce I know who you are. You were the first eighth grader to make varsity." Quinn says. "And we have English and math together."
"You're a freshman too." Brittany says smiling. "Maybe we can be friends none of the upperclassmen like me."
"Sure, but you need to show me some of your moves." Quinn says glad to have a friend now whose so talented.
"I'm sure San would like to play someone else and add another training partner." Brittany says all smiles.
"Wait you're friends with Santiago Lopez?" Quinn asks shocked. "As in son of Rubio Lopez."
"Yep, he's my best friend." Brittany says.
"Blondie get up!" Sue shouts. "You need to show these losers what to do!"
"Later," Brittany says leaping up and running back on the court.
"Show them the backward play." Sue shouts.
Brittany smiles as she dribbles the ball into the key before turning around and shooting the ball behind her back. All the players are shocked when it goes in.
"And that ladies is the special play that we're running on the first play." Sue proudly says.
While Brittany's teammates congratulate her and ask for some pointers meanwhile Santiago is getting crushed.
"Lopez buck up!" Beiste shouts.
"Coach I can't shoot over him." Santiago complains.
He's only five foot eleven and everyone else on the varsity team is at least six foot three. Heck even Brittany is taller than him at six foot three. He feels so short and is hoping for a growth spurt soon.
"Well you need to figure it out or I'll have you riding the bench until you do." Beiste says. "Do the drill again!"
Santiago sighs as he gets back in line. This year has been much harder than he thought it would be. He needs to play well and so far all he gets is yelled at by his coach and dad.
"Good job Lopez!" Beiste finally shouts when Santiago finally makes a shot over Chris their six foot seven power forward.
"Next time that's coming back in your face frosh." Chris says slapping him on his back.
"Okay?" Santiago says confused.
"Listen you're our best player as much as I hate to admit it. We need you to get your head in the game if we want a shot at state." Chris says rolling his eyes.
It's not just that but all the other guys are getting exposer to college scouts who are coming to see Santiago play.
End Flashback
"You were short grandpa?" Evan asks interrupting the story.
"Yes I was for quite a while when I was young your grandma was taller than me." Santiago says smiling over at his wife.
"Let's take a break and eat, the turkey is done." Tyler their oldest son says.
All the kids run into the dining room all wanting a leg.
"Do you remember our first time?" Brittany softly asks.
"How could I, it was also the time I finally figured out my feelings for you." Santiago says smiling. "That was the best year of my life before I married you."
"Hurry up everyone they're starting to tell the story again." Gracie shouts.
Flashback 2002
Santiago didn't know what to do. He needed a date to homecoming and the only one he wants to ask is his best friend. He doesn't know when it happened, but sometime over the summer he started to develop feelings for Brittany. Pacing in front of his locker, he bites his lip trying to figure out how to ask her.
"Dude what are you doing?" Puck his guy best friend who's on the football team asks.
"Trying to figure out how to ask Brittany to homecoming." Santiago says stopping his pacing.
"Dude you're finally going to tap that." Puck says shocked. "Is it because you're finally taller than her?"
"Shut up," Santiago growls.
It's true though he's now six foot five and two inches taller than her for the first time in his life.
"Well she has developed nicely." Puck starts before Santiago hits him in the gut.
"Don't touch her." Santiago growls before plastering a smile on his face. "Hey Britt."
"Hey Sanny," Brittany says looping her arm through his and laying her head on his shoulder.
"What's up?" Santiago asks waving Puck away who's smirking.
"No one's asked me to homecoming yet." Brittany pouts.
"Really I thought several of the guys on the basketball team where going to ask you." Santiago says mostly to himself.
"Then why don't you two go together since you both need dates." Puck puts in.
"Puck," Santiago growls glaring at him.
"Is it true?" Brittany softly asks causing Santiago to focus back on her.
"Well…..I was planning on asking you in some romantic way not have Puck basically do it for me." Santiago says scratching the back of his head. "So do you want to be my date to homecoming?"
"Yes!" Brittany shouts wrapping her arms around his neck and kisses him on the lips.
"Wow," Santiago says licking his lips as he stares into her eyes.
"I'm sorry I don't know what came over me." Brittany apologizes several times before he shuts her up by kissing her.
"I want this to be our first date." Santiago says cupping her face.
"I'd really like that too." Brittany says all smiles.
She ends up laying her head on his shoulder as they walk to their first class. She's beyond happy that she gets to be on his arm now; it's what she's wanted for years. He leans down and kisses the top of her head so happy that she agreed to go with him. And if all goes well she'll be his girlfriend by the end of the week.
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"You really shouldn't skip practice today." Rubio tells his son for the tenth time that day. "You want to be recruited by as many schools as possible right? This is only some stupid dance that you'll forget in five years." he adds.
"Dad I promised Britt I'd take her." Santiago argues. "Plus I already have offers from thirty schools and you know more offers will come after this year."
"Still you should have by passed this whole dance for practice and watching film so you can win state like Brittany did last year." Rubio reminds him.
Santiago sighs; his dad has been pushing him extra hard since last season when they lost in the championship game. He thought he had played his best scoring thirty points, eight rebounds, four assists and had one block. The really reason they lost was the rest of the team didn't like him and they didn't play like a team. The only thing that saved him from his dad's extra pressure was Brittany who as always managed to distract everyone.
"Would you rather have Brittany over sobbing all night or have me take her to the dance and miss a day of practice? Mind you that she'll be sad for days thus disturbing my practices for days." Santiago says trying to sway his dad knowing that he has a soft spot for Brittany.
"I guess, just be back by one. We're working out at ten with the Jone's." Rubio says letting his son go up to get ready. "I told you that girl would be a distraction." he grumbles to his wife.
"Oh hush at least she loves basketball to and has pushed him to be better. I'm just glad that they're finally dating." Maria says smiling as she pulls out a camera.
"Of course you're happy about this." Rubio says rolling his eyes trying not to smile.
"So are you since you actually like Brittany." Maria says smirking. "Are you going to come over to the Pierce's house to see them off?" she asks him.
"How are they getting there?" Rubio asks.
"I think he rented a limo." Maria says.
"At least he knows what to do to make homecoming special for her." Rubio says nodding to himself.
A few minutes later Santiago comes down in a black and grey pinstripe suit. His undershirt is a very light sky blue and his untied tie is the same color.
"I need some help mom." Santiago says holding out his tie.
"You look so handsome San." Maria says expertly tying the tie.
"Thanks," Santiago says blushing. "We'd better get going the limo's going to arrive in five minutes outside of Brittany's house.
The three of them head out and down the street to Brittany's house, knocking on the door just as the limo pulls up.
"Awe Santiago come in, Brittany will be down in a few minutes." Paul says opening the door and letting the Lopez's in.
"It's good to see the two of you." Susan says coming in. "I just cleared my memory card." she says to Maria.
"So did I, I plan on taking many pictures." Maria says holding up her own camera.
"Now Santiago I expect her to be home by twelve thirty and I'm trusting you with my eldest daughter don't fuck up." Paul harshly says.
"I will sir," Santiago seriously says.
"Paul don't scare him." Susan says slapping his arm.
Just then someone clears their throat from the top of the stairs and Brittany starts walking carefully down the stairs. She's wearing a baby blue floor length dress.
"Wow Britt," Santiago gasps staring up at her. "You look….radiant." he breaths out.
"San," Brittany says blushing.
"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." Santiago says grabbing her hand and kissing it.
"Santiago, you look very handsome." Brittany says her blush deepening.
"Here," Santiago says holding out a white rose corsage. "My mom and your mom helped me pick it out." he says putting in on her wrist.
"Thanks San," Brittany whispers biting her lip.
They both stare at each other for several minutes until Susan can't take it anymore.
"Okay you two enough staring at each other, I want pictures." Susan says.
"Mom," Brittany whines. "Do we really have to?"
"Yes," Susan says.
"We both want pictures of this." Maria adds in.
"Yes so Santiago wrap your arm around Brittany's shoulders." Susan orders.
After ten minutes of taking pictures Santiago finally says that they really must be going to make their dinner reservation.
"San you didn't have to do all this." Brittany says as he helps her into the limo.
"Britt Britt this is our first date and I want it to be very special for you." Santiago says cupping her face when he gets into the limo.
"Just being with you has made this special." Brittany softly says leaning into kiss him.
"Well I want to treat you like a princess which I intend to do." Santiago says smiling. "You're the best thing to ever happen to me." he softly says.
All Brittany can do is to smile at this comment. She knows that he has a lot of pressure on him from his dad and it will only increase as they get older. So she tries to just be there for him and not add additional pressure to him.
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"I still can't believe that you managed to get us reservations at Ivars." Brittany says as they arrive at the school.
"The one time being Rubio Lopez's son has come in handy." Santiago says smiling as he holds out his arm for her.
"You have to let me pay for the pictures since you wouldn't let me help pay for dinner." Brittany says taking his arm and looping her arm through his.
"Britt I asked you, so you are not paying for anything today." Santiago strongly says.
"Santiago," Brittany says folding her arms.
"Brittany," Santiago says back.
"Fine you win, but only because you look so cute trying to say no to me." Brittany says kissing his cheek.
"I'm not cute, I'm sexy." Santiago says puffing out his chest.
"Nope you're cute." Brittany says waving over at a few friends.
"Whatever," Santiago says handing the doorman their tickets.
He leads her over to the coat check and checks in both their coats, tucking the ticket into his pocket.
"How many pictures should we get?" Santiago asks as they get in line for pictures.
"I don't know, I'd hate for you to spend all your money on me." Brittany says wishing they could get the biggest packet.
"My mom's paying so we can get as many as we want. She instructs we get a lot as she wants several copies." Santiago tells her.
"So does my mom." Brittany says laying her head on his shoulder.
"Then we get the biggest package." Santiago says.
After taking pictures Brittany hears one of her favorite songs and drags Santiago out on the dance floor. She's very good and sways her body in ways that should be illegal in Santiago's mind. While he has two left feet and just let's her lead him.
"I need a drink." Brittany shouts ten songs later and drags him over to the punch table.
"Thank god," Santiago whispers under his breath.
"I'm having so much fun." Brittany says smiling her megawatt smile at him.
"I'm glad Britt." Santiago softly says.
"You know I was nervous to come." Brittany softly says playing with his hand not looking at him.
"Why?" Santiago asks curious as she never seems nervous about anything.
"Because I wasn't sure if you felt the same way for me as I did for you. I know you said you did, but I thought maybe some of the guys from the basketball team would change your mind." Brittany whispers.
Santiago stares at her, grabbing her hand and pulling her into him kissing the top of her head.
"I care very much for you." Santiago says.
"I know that now, you've been treating me like a princess all night." Brittany says wrapping her arms around his neck, swaying to the slow song.
"That's because to me you are a princess." Santiago whispers kissing her again.
"This has been the best date ever." Brittany says. "Can we get out of here? I want to do things to you that we can't do in public." she whispers into his ear.
Santiago sputters as she pulls back with a mischief smile.
"What do you have planned?" Santiago asks as he's being dragged out.
They've only been at the dance for an hour and frankly he has no idea what she has planned.
"Nothing, but I have an idea." Brittany says.
"Which is?" Santiago asks grabbing their coats.
"Well I'd like to um….have sex." Brittany whispers bluntly blushing that just admitted this.
"Really?" Santiago says gulping, while he's been thinking about it for the last year he wasn't thinking that this would come up tonight.
"I want my first time to be with someone I trust and I think that I'm ready." Brittany softly says.
"Britt we're so young we don't have to do this now." Santiago says wanting to one make sure that she's sure and two not sure if they should.
"I know but I think I'm ready if you are. We've known each other for years so it's not like we don't know each other." Brittany says sliding into the limo. "There's no pressure San, if you're not ready that's fine."
Santiago just stares at her trying to process everything she just said. She wants to have sex with him. This is something he can't believe is actually happening. Never in a million years did he think his life would turn out like this, a gorgeous girl telling him she's ready on their first date. Looking at his phone he sees it's only ten so they do have some time. And it's not like they don't know each other extremely well.
"If we're going to do this we need to get a hotel room." Santiago says finally deciding that he'd like to lose his virginity to her as well.
The smile on her face is worth any trouble he might get in because of this.
"I love you so much San." Brittany says throwing her arms around his neck.
"And I love you more than you'll ever know." Santiago whispers.
He instructs the driver to take them to the nearest Hilton hotel. It takes twenty minutes before they're alone in a hotel room with a king sized bed in the middle of the room.
"Here we are." Santiago says standing unsure of what to do.
"Here we are." Brittany repeats.
End Flashback
"And grandma and grandpa went to sleep." Brittany says stopping her husband from scaring their family for life.
Julia gives her parents a thankful look for not continuing on that train of thought.
"That was an amazing night San." Brittany whispers kissing his cheek.
"That gave me the courage to do what I wanted to do and the reason I spent more time with you. My dad was pressuring me to go to UCLA." Santiago says smiling.
"We're all glad you didn't." Brittany says leaning into him.
"Tell us more." Ben their grandson says.
"Okay how about when we decided where to go to college." Santiago says smiling at him.
Flashback 2003
Brittany leaps into Santiago's arms wrapping her legs around his waist. Now standing six foot eleven in his junior year he's considered the top high school player in the country.
"We're both going to state!" Brittany shouts kissing him on the lips.
"Yes we are baby." Santiago says carrying her off the court ignoring his teammates.
"Good job son." Rubio says coming down and slapping him on the back.
"Thanks," Santiago says keeping Brittany in his arms.
"I'm sure you've impressed many scouts with that performance." Rubio proudly says.
"We're going to go celebrate. I'll see you at home later." Santiago says smiling at his mom and carrying her out to her car.
"San you didn't have to be that harsh with your dad." Brittany says when he puts her down.
"You know the kind of pressure he's putting on me." Santiago says hiding his head in her cleavage.
"I know," Brittany says combing her fingers through his hair. "But you should still be nice to him. He's your dad and just wants the best for you."
"I just wish he'd be more supportive like your dad or treat me the way he treats you." Santiago mumbles into her chest. "He adores you and values what you say."
"Baby," Brittany softly says. "He loves you maybe you should talk to him?" she suggests.
"Can we stop talking about my dad and go celebrate? I hear Puck's having a party." Santiago says giving her puppy dog eyes.
"Fine you win for now." Brittany says climbing into the car.
Santiago gets into the driver seat since he always drives and never lets her.
"So you will be able to watch our games right?" Brittany asks nervous as he's always been able to watch her games at state since despite Santiago being one of the best players in the country this is the first time his team has made state.
"I'll have to clear it with Beiste, but I should be able to since all the games are held at the same place." Santiago reassures her.
"I asked coach Sue and she was fine with me watching your games since I apparently play better once I know you've won." Brittany says smiling.
"I just hope we can both win state." Santiago softly says.
"Sanny you're an amazing player and winning state isn't everything. Do you realize that most of the top high school teams are from California so of course it's going to be the hardest to win." Brittany says since he hasn't even been to state before and she already has two titles.
"It is to my dad and some scouts." Santiago grumbles.
"Well it doesn't to me." Brittany states.
"And that's why I love you so much. You've never put extra pressure on me to do or be anything but me." Santiago says grabbing her hand and kissing it.
Brittany leans her head against his shoulder watching the world flash by as the drive down the highway back towards Puck's house. Santiago sighs contently really enjoying the silence. When they reach Puck's house the party is already in full swing.
"Can we dance Sanny?" Brittany asks pulling him in the house pass several very drunk guys.
"Let me get something to drink first." Santiago says needing liquid courage to dance as he has two left feet.
"Fine, find me out on the dance floor when you're ready." Brittany says dancing her way through the crowd of people.
"Where's your better half?" Quinn asks scaring Santiago after he stares after her.
"Shit Quinn don't sneak up on me like that." Santiago says clutching at his chest.
"Oh don't be a baby, you don't seem to care when Brittany sneaks up on you." Quinn says smirking.
"Well she's my girlfriend so it's allowed." Santiago huffs heading towards the kitchen.
"Where is she? You never answered me." Quinn says following him.
"Where do you think out on the dance floor." Santiago says pouring himself some vodka.
"And you're not out there why?" Quinn asks looking over at the dance floor for her best friend.
"Is there something I should be worried about?" Santiago asks wondering why she's asking so many questions, normally Quinn would have just gone to find Brittany by now.
"No, but Puck may have snuck some booze into the game and you know how Brittany gets after a few drinks." Quinn says knowing it will be better if Santiago is out there to stop Brittany from stripping.
"Shit, she didn't seem drunk at all." Santiago says downing his drink in one gulp before heading out onto the dance floor.
Quinn follows Santiago out onto the dance floor in case he needs any help. It doesn't surprise her at all when they find Brittany in a dance battle with Mike and she's already missing her shirt.
"Britt," Santiago says wrapping his over shirt around her shoulders pulling her into him.
"Sanny! I'm winning!" Brittany shouts wrapping herself around him.
"Yes you have, where's your shirt?" Santiago asks.
"I got too hot." Brittany says hiccupping.
"Babe how are you so drunk already?" Santiago asks buttoning his over shirt to cover her up more.
"I don't know I had some of Puck' stash during the game and he gave me some more a few minutes ago." Brittany says snuggling into him.
"Well I think you've drank enough." Santiago says leading her off to the side where a couple couches are.
"But we didn't get to dance." Brittany whines plopping on his lap.
"Britt you're a light weight." Quinn says sitting next to them.
"Quinnie!" Brittany shouts hugging her and whispering something in her ear.
"Hey Britt, no more drinking from Puck's stash during San's games we need you focused on winning state." Quinn says winking.
"But I get nervous for him." Brittany pouts winking back.
"We'll have a huge party after and we'll throw a huge party and you can drink and dance to your hearts content." Santiago promises.
"Okay," Brittany says smiling and kissing his cheek. "So Quinn are you considering dating Ryan? He keeps talking about you."
"If you two would go on a double date with us." Quinn says.
"Of course we will. Are you ready for practice tomorrow?" Brittany asks seeming not drunk at all.
"Yes but-"
"Wait," Santiago says cutting Quinn off as he's finally caught on. "Did you two just play me so I'd agree to host a party?" he asks.
"Babe, it's our turn to host and your house is the best for it. Don't worry I'll ask your parents for you." Brittany says patting his cheek.
"You were really easy to trick." Quinn says laughing.
"Ugh really?" Santiago grumbles. "My dad will never go for this." he says.
"He will when I ask him." Brittany says grabbing a drink from Puck and giving it to her boyfriend. "I'll drive tonight, I haven't had any."
"So Puck didn't bring booze to the game?" Santiago asks impressed they were able to trick him so well.
"He did, but coach Sue saw it and took it." Quinn says laughing.
After a few actual drinks Brittany manages to convince him to go out on the dance floor and grind with her.
End Flashback
"You tricked grandpa into hosting a party?" Nick asks.
"Your grandma all throughout high school used to trick me into doing things." Santiago says smiling. "But she was well worth it."
"Was aunt Quinn always involved?" Nick asked.
"More often than not." Santiago says. "Now back to the story."
Flashback 2004
"I bet you two don't have to worry about applying to all these schools." Quinn says as she fills out yet another application.
"I already have offers from about fifty schools." Brittany says shrugging looking over at Santiago curious if he too has gotten offers.
It's something they haven't talked about as it might bring up the fact that they're not going to the same school and neither wants to be in a long distance relationship.
"I also have a ton of offers." Santiago quietly says looking up at his girlfriend.
"You two are so fucking lucky." Quinn says.
"Yeah, but we'll help you out." Brittany says taking an application and copying the other application.
"While you two do that I'm going to go find Puck." Santiago says kissing Brittany's cheek before leaving.
He walks through the halls figuring he'll find Puck in the weight room. Being the star basketball player has it's uses as no one questions him when he walks around. Normally he'd be in English right now, but they have a sub so half the class is skipping.
"Hey man," Santiago says walking into the weight room.
Puck finishes lifting his sets before putting the bar up and greeting Santiago. "Hey dude, I didn't know you had a free period now too."
"I don't, but our class has a sub." Santiago says.
"So you came to join me I feel so honored." Puck says moving to another machine.
They lift weights in silence for about ten with Santiago keeping looking over at his best friend. Now Puck isn't stupid and knows if Santiago isn't in class than neither is Brittany so something must be up for him not to be with her. But instead he's here lifting weights, something is wrong and as his best friend it's his duty to find out what.
"Okay, what's up?" Puck says stopping and turning to face him. "Shouldn't you be with your insanely hot and tall girlfriend making out somewhere?"
"Maybe I just wanted to spend some time with you." Santiago says not stopping his lifting.
"Yeah right, you always want to spend time with her especially since basketball season is right around the corner. So something must be bothering you." Puck says.
"It's nothing really." Santiago softly says.
"Come on man just spit it out so I can get back to working out." Puck says.
"Fine I'm worried about college and what will happen with me and Britt. She's been a huge part of my life I don't want to lose her." Santiago softly says.
"Then just go talk to her. I'm sure you can work it out." Puck tells him like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"I know it's just hard to bring up you know." Santiago says.
"I don't," Puck says.
Meanwhile back in the library Quinn is staring at Brittany who has yet to look up. She clears her throat causing Brittany to look up.
"What?" Brittany says looking over at her friend.
"What is wrong with San?" Quinn asks.
"Nothing why?" Brittany asks frowning.
"Well he voluntary left your side." Quinn says.
"Oh that is weird maybe I should go find him." Brittany says getting up. "Good luck with your applications."
Brittany wanders through the halls looking for him, but having no luck. She finally finds him in the weight room with Puck talking. At first she just looks through the window at them talking that is until she decides to just go in.
"Hey Sanny," Brittany softly says.
"Babe what are you doing here?" Santiago asks.
"Well you ran out of the library and I wanted to check on you to make sure that nothing was wrong." Brittany says leaning in the door frame.
"Maybe we can talk later." Santiago says. "But it's nothing bad."
"Okay," Brittany says waiting for him to get up.
"See you later Puck." Santiago says getting up and walking over to his girlfriend.
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"So….." Brittany says later as they're sitting at the Lopez kitchen table doing homework.
"I'm nervous to talk about this." Santiago softly says.
"Okay now I'm getting worried." Brittany says staring at him.
"Babe I promise it's nothing bad. I'm just worried about college. What will happen to us if we pick different schools? Will we stay together or will the distance break us up? I don't want to lose you." Santiago says.
"You won't, but we need to talk about this. I know it's partially my fault too for not bringing this up." Brittany says reaching across the table and grabbing his hand.
"Should we talk about it now?" Santiago asks.
"Have you narrowed down the schools you want to go to?" Brittany asks.
"I have," Santiago says. "Have you?"
"I think I know what school I'm going to." Brittany softly says.
"Oh," Santiago says looking hurt.
"San, when I got an offer from UConn I knew that's where I'm going. They have the best team and have more players go pro than any other school." Brittany says scooting over so she's right next to him.
"I know Britt, but I wish you had told me or discussed this with me." Santiago says.
"I'm sorry I didn't talk to you about this." Brittany says laying her head on his shoulder.
"I also got an offer from UConn, I guess I could consider going there. They're program does have some good history." Santiago says kissing the top of her head.
Brittany wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him hard.
"Thank you so much." Brittany says. "I could open my mind to another school if you really wanted to go. I don't want to lose you either."
"We have some time to figure it all out, let's go out on a date tonight." Santiago says.
End Flashback
"Grandma actually said sorry." Willie says shocked.
"I know right, your grandpa was always the one saying when we were growing up." Delia his mom says.
"Oh remember that one time-"
"Everyone hush!" Brittany shouts. "Yes I said sorry to your father slash grandfather. There has been many times even though you all don't know about them."
"Thanks honey," Santiago says kissing her causing all the grandkids to shout eew.
"Do you all want to hear what happened when we decided on what college we decided to go to." Brittany says smiling.
Flashback 2005
"We're really doing this." Brittany asks her boyfriend.
"It's the best school for you and at this point none of the big schools are really better than the other when it comes to becoming a great NBA player." Santiago says wanting the best for her.
"Thank you so much for coming to UConn too, I know you ate the snow and everything." Brittany says kissing him.
"I love you so much baby." Santiago says. "Plus you know I like to piss off my dad." he says smirking.
"San, be nice to your father." Brittany tells him.
"If he's nice I'll be nice." Santiago bargains.
"San," Brittany sternly says.
"Fine I'll be nice." Santiago says coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her.
He walks back with her until they fall back on the couch with her laying completely on top of him.
"Do you really want to go to UConn with me?" Brittany asks for the fourth time that hour.
"Britt," Santiago says turning her to face him. "I wouldn't be signing this letter of intent if I didn't want to go to UConn okay."
"Okay," Brittany sighs.
She snuggles into his embrace so happy that they are finally declaring what school they plan on going to. The two of them have been inundated with recruiting calls, letters and coaches visiting and with basketball season starting next week she just wants it all to be over. She knows that they each have enough pressure to win state without having scouts and recruiters always showing up adding extra pressure. They stay like that until the Pierce's arrive and Rubio and Maria lead them into the living room.
"You ready for this son?" Rubio asks wondering why he has decided to go.
"Yes," Santiago says keeping Brittany in his lap.
"Honey are you sure about your choice?" Susan asks her daughter.
"Never more so." Brittany says.
"Well do you maybe want to clue us in on where each of you will be going?" Rubio asks them.
"We know where they are planning on going." Susan says.
"I thought they talked to you too Maria." Paul says confused.
"They did, honey you've been gone." Maria says hugging her husband.
"Why do I think that I'm not going to like this decision?" Rubio says narrowing his eyes at them.
Everyone is quiet for several minutes trying not to look guilty as Rubio glares at them.
"Here," Brittany says signing her letter of intent and giving it to her dad. "You'll have to fax it to UConn."
"So you're going to UConn." Rubio says very curious.
"Yes when they offered me a scholarship I couldn't turn it down." Brittany says. "They are the best woman's program."
"That they are I'm really glad that you got in." Rubio says very proud of all that she's accomplished.
"Dad," Santiago says a little nervous.
"Go on San just tell him." Maria says.
"Tell me what?" Rubio asks.
"I'm going to UConn too." Santiago says.
The silence that follows is deafening and the look on Rubio's face is frankly scary.
"You're what!" Rubio shouts.
"I'm going to play basketball at UConn." Santiago strongly says.
"No you're not!" Rubio shouts.
"Yes I am!" Santiago shouts leaping up.
"Honey relax," Maria says placing her hand on his shoulder.
Rubio huffs and storms out pissed about his son.
"Well that went better than expected." Susan says.