HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

(I didn't proof read, so sorry for any mistakes.)

CHAPTER 24

Quinn's POV:

My dad called me this morning and he told me that he wanted to talk. It seems like a bad idea but if I don't comply, he might take it the wrong way and I don't want that. I want to show him that I still respect them as my parents, even though they don't approve of my relationship.

"Quinn." I heard a very familiar voice say. I missed hearing him say my name.

"Well, I'm not going to beat around the bush." He started, "I know I was hard on you the last time we spoke. So I'm sorry." I was taken aback. Apologizing is the last thing I expected him to do.

"I understand where you're coming from, Dad." And I do. I really do. I know it's hard for them too but I want them to accept that this is me. This is just who I am.

"I want you to know that I'm willing to forget all about what you said." My father has always been strict. He loved being in control. But not to me. And now, he's willing to forget about our last argument and accept me; sadly not who I really am.

"Dad. I appreciate the gesture, but…" that would mean I would have to pretend to be someone else to please you.

"You have a great future in YALE, I hope you're not willing to throw that all away." He said it calmly but the look in his eyes told me otherwise.

"I'm not planning on doing that, Dad." I answered in a heartbeat.

"Then why is it that you didn't take two of your exams?" I didn't even bother asking why he knew about that.

"I just needed space. I needed to get away." I didn't need to see him to now that his features changed.

"So that girl is your escape?"

"That 'girl' has a name, Dad. It's Santana."

"You'd choose that girl over us?" He didn't sound that surprised.

"I love her, Dad." I replied in a heartbeat. "But I just- I'm hoping I wouldn't have to choose."

"Well, you would definitely have to choose between her and your studies because I am not paying for the education of someone who continuously defies me." he stated like it was set in stone; and chances are it really is, otherwise he wouldn't have said it.

"Dad." I can feel my palms getting clammy. I was not prepared for this. "That is unfair."

"Don't get me started with fairness, Lucy. You went to date some girl behind my back." He uttered with pure disappointment lacing his voice.

"If I would've told you sooner, would it be any different?" I asked.

"I don't know. I don't - I don't understand at all." He sounded frustrated. "This is not you."

I laughed incredulously, "This is me, Dad. I am me more than ever."

"You grew up to be such a fine lady, but then something like this happened, and I don't know where we went wrong."

"Maybe its your way of thinking, Dad." I said trying not to sound disrespectful. "Maybe nothing is wrong with me loving Santana, maybe its just you."

"She's not good for you." He stated matter-of-factly. "You better stop this nonsense or you won't be getting any kind of support from me; not even financially." He commanded with a tone full of authority.

Again. I didn't answer. I worked hard for this. I studied hard so I could go to YALE and graduate with honors.

"I don't work my ass off to tolerate your behavior. We're going to pick you up tomorrow. We're staying here in New Haven for good." He said with finality, before hanging up.

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Santana's POV:

Quinn has been staying at our house for four days now, at first I was insisting that she should go home at their house but she made a great point that she doesn't have anyone there. I realized she would be much safer at our house.

I'm also concerned with her studies; as much as I want her here she already missed so much in school but she told me that she needed time; going back to New Haven meant that she have to face her father and she was not yet ready for that. I've never really seen her father mad. He seemed like a collected man and a caring father. But looking at Quinn and how worried she is, I'm betting he's the kind of person you wouldn't want to mess with.

"Santana?" Quinn snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah?" I replied almost automatic.

"I was…thinking of going back." She said, fidgeting with her fingers. "I have to face them sooner or later."

"Are you sure you're ready?" I asked inquisitively.

She shook her head. "I don't think I'll ever be ready." She said looking down.

"Do you need me to come with you?" I think it's only reasonable since it was our original plan before her father knew. She was supposed to introduce me but we didn't have the time to plan it out due to the situation here with our friends; we simply didn't have the time.

"Do you want to?" she asked back. I could see in her eyes that she wanted me to go with her but I can sense that she was somehow hesitant.

"I want to be there to support you, but only if you think it's a good idea." I answered; leaving her the decision. "I mean, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I wouldn't be there for you, right?" I said as I offered a smile.

"The kind of girlfriend you were a week ago, probably." She said in a joking manner, but I was taken aback by the weight of what she said, because I knew it was half meant. I thought she already understood, I didn't think she was still upset about it.

"Quinn…" I trailed off, not knowing what to say next because we've already discussed this.

"No." she waved her hands, "I didn't mean that, it was just a joke." She said when she saw my smile falter.

"You're clearly still upset about it." I stated.

"I'm not." She denied. "It was just a joke."

"Q, you can talk to me; we're a team, remember?"

"I just – maybe if he found out in a different setting, a different manner, maybe he wouldn't be so upset. If I introduced you formally and he got to know you first…" she trailed off.

"It's going to be okay, Quinn. In the right time." I tried to reassure her but she didn't respond.

She just stared at the window.

"Quinn." I said, wrapping my arms on her waist. "Everything will work out just fine."

Normally she would say 'I hope so' but she stepped away from me instead. "I think I'll go for a walk; I need some fresh air."

I stopped her from going. "What's wrong?" she's acting distant and I'm becoming worried.

She contemplated before she answered. "I talked to him this morning." I straightened up. She didn't have to tell me who she was referring to.

"You what?" I asked. That explains why she seemed so anxious.

"He called." She confessed.

"What did he say?" I asked curiously.

"They're picking me up tomorrow; they'll take me back to New Haven." I can see that she's worried for what will happen. I'm fully aware that her parents don't like me.

"Hey," I said softly hugging her tighter. "It'll be okay."

"I don't know about that." She looked down, looking anywhere but me.

"I'm sure we'll make something work." I tried to reassure her.

"Can you please stop that?" she said, I was surprised by how annoyed she sounded.

"What?" I asked in confusion. What did I say wrong? She was suddenly so worked up.

"Stop pretending like everything is okay or that it will be." I was taken aback with the tone of her voice.

"I'm not pretending." I furrowed my brows as confusion hit me. "I'm fully aware of the situation."

She just shook her head and turned her back at me.

I don't really know why she's suddenly upset at me. "Did I say something wrong?"

"I can't do this right now." She said trying to walk away but I stopped her.

"No, we're going to talk about this right now." I demanded. This is a serious matter that should be pushed aside.

"What? Suddenly this relationship is a priority?" She asked sarcastically, finally looking at me.

"What is up with you? I know you're upset but diverting your anger at me won't do us any good." I said.

"I'm not angry with my parents." She murmured.

"So you're angry at me?" I asked.

"I'm not angry at anyone." She let out a frustrated sigh.

"Well you're clearly angry at something." I said trying to be as calm as possible.

She sighed. "You just don't understand."

"Then let me understand." I said in frustration.

"You're not the one who can lose everything she's worked so hard for because of this relationship, Santana." her voice wavered, looking down once more.

So this is what its all about; her education. Don't get me wrong; I understand that its important to her. But she sounds like she's blaming it on our relationship.

"I know how important your education means to you, Quinn. You left me for the same reason, remember?" I asked rhetorically.

She was silent for a moment. "Its my dream."

"You made that clear the first time." I replied. "And I'm not planning to stand in your way to your dreams."

"Everything I have come from my parents, Santana, and as of the moment he's mad at me and refuses to provide me anything unless I break up with you." She couldn't hold her tears anymore; she was crying. "But you know it's not just about that."

I was at loss of words. She has always been an obedient daughter; I'm sure. She's not used with these kinds of punishments. I can see why she's so worried. Disobeying her mother was hard for her but displeasing both her parents was even worse.

I sighed. "I'm sorry."

She looked at me like she was surprised with my sudden apology.

"I never quite know what to say when you're upset. And trust me; it frustrates me knowing that I can't always help you. I can't help you change the fact your parents isn't as accepting as you'd like them to be. I know you're having a hard time because of it." I stepped closer to her. "I'm well aware that you're hurting. So please tell me when something is upsetting you, instead of bottling it up and snapping on me like that."

"I love my parents, S." she reached in for a hug and buried her face on my shoulder.

I cleared my throat. "So uh…" I couldn't get myself to ask what her decision is; I have a feeling I wouldn't like her answer.

"I don't know what to do." She whispered. "I wish it didn't come to this." I could feel her tears soaking on my shirt. "I'm just thinking about the future." A future that doesn't involve me? I thought to myself.

I caressed her hair and stayed silent because I don't know what to do too. If its just financial I'm sure we could work something out but I'm aware that its beyond that. They are her parents and I don't think she's ready to be kicked out of their lives.

"You told me that you were going back to New Haven." I started, "Is that – is that your decision?"

She broke the hug and pulled away, "I'm still thinking, to be honest."

I moved forward to wipe her tears away. "I don't want to hold you back from your dreams-" I stopped when I felt her hand against my lips.

She shook her head. "I won't break up with you, if that's what you're thinking; I really hope you don't think that way." She was dead serious and I realized that I was holding my breath. "I just think that I should talk to them. I haven't been able to explain myself. I can't just disregard them like that."

"What if it doesn't change anything?" I asked.

She looked at me straight in the eyes. "I've always dreamt of graduating at YALE University, San; it has always been my dream. But when I'm in YALE all I could think of is you, and how much everything is much better if you're with me." She intertwined our hands. "My dream is just to be here, with you."

Suddenly her lips looked so soft and so tempting and so I leaned in for a kiss; which she reciprocated immediately.

But much to my dismay she pulled away. "Wait, San."

"I know." I said simply. "They are still your parents and you can't just disregard them like that, so you're still going with them tomorrow."

"Yes." She replied, smiling.

"Whatever your decision is, I'm willing to wait, because I know that you love me, and I love you."

"I'm yours." She whispered, and I never realized how much I needed to hear that until I felt chills down my spine. She's mine. Not in a possessive kind of way but more like 'she's the one for me', 'she's meant for me', 'she's my soulmate' kind of way.

"San?"

"Yeah?" I replied.

"You're going to be late." She said, looking at the clock, realizing that I was indeed going to be late for my first class.

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Sanatana's POV:

"You two, still aren't talking?" I asked Hanna because the last time I talked to both her and Emily they still weren't in good terms.

"I can't." she answered simply.

"You can't? Or you won't?" I asked because Emily has been bugging me to help her with Hanna since the reunion.

"Santana, its 8am, please don't start." She said trying to avoid the topic.

"I'm not starting anything; in fact, I'm trying to end this nonsense." I said matter-of-factly.

She stopped her tracks. "Nonsense?" she asked, it was obvious in her tone that she's getting agitated.

"You're running from the very person you are chasing, Hanna." I stated. "How is that sensible?"

"Because the person you want isn't always the person you need, Santana." She answered.

I sighed. "So you're saying you don't really need, Emily?" I asked because this is pure bullshit. She obviously needs her.

"No." she said before clenching her jaw. I waited because I know she wanted to elaborate her answer. "I'm saying that maybe I'm not the person she really needs." I had the urge to hug her because of how broken her voice sounded, but at the same time I wanted to slap her because she's just wrong. Emily obviously needs her.

I was just about to argue with her but she cut me off.

"San, the day is just starting but I'm already emotionally tired from all this talking, can we just go to class?" she said and I complied because she really did sound exhausted. And it probably wouldn't do any good if I force her further on a topic she obviously doesn't want to discuss.

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Aria's POV:

"Quinn!" I was really surprised to see her at our doorstep. Its been too long since she actually visited me. I stepped forward for a hug that she gladly reciprocated.

"What brought you here?" I asked after I pulled away from the hug.

She shrugged. "I missed you?"

I smiled because I knew that she meant it although it was said in an asking manner, but of course there's another reason why she's here. "I missed you too." I said as I stepped aside and motioned her to go inside. "But aren't you going to tell me why you're really here?"

We sat at our black coated sofa in the living room. "Santana's at school, and since I know your schedule; I decided to pay a visit."

"Because?" I asked knowing that there's more to it and ignoring the fact that I find it strange that she's willingly missing her classes.

She shrugged again. "My dad called me this morning." She started, and I kept silent probing her to continue. "He's making me choose between Santana and my studies." I have to say; Mr. Fabray is really smart, and he knows her daughter well.

"So, you're here because you can't decide, am I right?"

"My father has his connections; he's great friends with the administrators in my school, so even if I find sponsors, I'm sure he'll find one way or another to ruin my plan." I wouldn't be surprised; Quinn's father has become a very influential man, especially in the last year; they're business blossomed big time.

"Quinn, I know that you love Santana, very much." I stated. "But you have to look at the bigger picture here."

"So are you saying-" she shifted in her seat.

"No-that's not- I'm just saying that you shouldn't make any rash decisions. Weigh your options." I advised.

"If I'm gonna decide by heart, of course I would choose Santana but if I'm gonna be smart…I'll just agree with your dad and secretly date Santana until I graduate." Her face seemed to brighten up with my suggestion.

"I know that's too risky. Your dad might find out and he'd be more upset." If she's really gonna do it she should know the consequences.

"But right now, that's a far better idea than choosing just one of the two." She replied.

"Have you discussed this to Santana?" I asked, because it wouldn't be right if she's going to decide by herself; they're in a relationship now, they should be considering each other when making decisions as big as this.

"I have." She answered. "It just made me want to choose her more…"

"But?" I asked out of curiosity. "What was your initial decision?"

She contemplated first. "I can't just defy my parents." She said as she fidgets with her fingers. "Besides, the past weeks before I came here, she's too busy, our plans get cancelled most of the time, if not because of her schedule, its because of mine."

I didn't know what to say because I wasn't aware they were having these kinds of problems. Knowing Santana, she probably doesn't even know too. "Have you told her that?"

"She should be aware of these things; I don't think I need to update her on the status of our relationship."

"There won't pass a day when she won't mention you, Quinn. So if she's aware of what you're feeling, I think she would've mentioned it by now." I argued but she just shrugged. "So are you choosing what I think you're choosing?"

"Now before you judge me or anything; I just… I know that she's the one for me," she said while smiling. "And if I ever choose to part ways with her its because I know that we'll find each other eventually, one way or another." She said it so confidently that I envied her. She was so sure of their love for each other which got me thinking if I'd ever find that kind of love. I wondered if I would ever feel that secure with Emily, or anyone for that matter.

She must've guessed what I was thinking because she reassured me after. "Someone's out there for you too, Aria. You don't need to find the right person. As of the moment, you just have to try to be the best person you can be, and be the 'right one' for someone." She advised.

I grinned because she totally made sense. I almost forgot how smart she is because we haven't had a conversation like this in a long time. I didn't realize how much I missed her until now.

"You have to stop being sad at one point, you know?" She said sympathetically.

"I know." I replied. "But I'm afraid that if I let go of this sadness, eventually I have to let her go too." I smiled sadly. "And I don't think I'm ready for that…yet."

She smiled, telling me that she understands, without actually speaking.

"I know I should just move on. I know I should just let go but…" I said after a minute of silence.

"But 'I know' is different from 'I can', right?" she said so eloquently.

"Right." I'm glad I was able to talk to Quinn about this kind of things again. She gets me. It's just funny how a year ago, we were talking about boys we barely know, but now we're conversing about our best friends who we happen to be in love with.

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Emily's POV:

"So, where do you guys want to eat lunch?" Spencer asked.

"In our mouths." Sam, being Sam, answered.

"We eat with our mouths, Sam. We don't eat in them." Spencer corrected him, turning down his joke.

"And unlike you, Sam; we don't actually put people in our mouths, they simply don't fit." Santana teased.

"Ha-ha, Santana." Rachel said, coming in Sam's defense.

"What?" the Latina asked, shrugging.

"I'm getting hungry, where do you want to eat?" Spencer asked directly at me, completely ignoring the banter going on behind us.

"McDonalds?" I heard a familiar voice answer right before I could answer.

"Quinn!" Sam exclaimed. "Aria! You're both here!" he continued, causing Spencer to turn around.

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" Rachel asked.

I would've known their answer if I wasn't too concerned to a certain blonde who haven't said a word since I saw her this morning; who haven't said a word to me at all.

I saw her looking intently at Aria, before speaking, "Uhm." She cleared her throat. "I almost forgot, I have to accompany a friend this lunch break." She said, but I don't think anyone among us believed her; she's obviously just making an excuse.

"It's not Friday today, Hanna." I couldn't help but say, causing everyone in the group to look at me. "Who could you possibly be seeing?" I won't let her push me away, anymore.

"That's none of your business, Em." She tried to answer harshly but ended up saying it in a half whisper.

None of them had the guts to interfere with our conversation, "If it's so important then, just let her go." Well, none of them, except Aria.

I wasn't able to respond because I was too stunned to register what she said because it obviously had a double meaning.

Before I could say another word, Hanna was already walking away.

"I think you need to sort something out," Santana said, "We'll go follow Hanna, she's probably going to eat alone if we don't." and I'm just thankful that we were thinking the same thing, although, I would've really appreciated it if she won't leave Aria and I behind.

"Rachel and I will go elsewhere." Spencer said. She knows that if they all follow her, Hanna would find it more unsettling because she would realize that Aria and I were left alone, so I smiled thankfully at her. I think Rachel understood as well because she didn't complain.

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A minute passed by, and we were left alone.

"Where do you want to eat?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Actually, I'm not hungry, are you?" she asked and I shook my head immediately, "I just want to talk." She continued. She looked around before saying, "Follow me."

I followed her every step until we ended up in a quite secluded place in the university.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know." she answered. "To be honest, I didn't come here prepared. I was just accompanying Quinn to Santana." She explained.

"Oh.", was all I could reply with.

"I see you haven't fixed your issues with Hanna." She stated.

I don't know what the appropriate thing to say is. I don't think it's smart to discuss these things with her.

"This is ridiculous." she sighed.

I gave her a confused look.

"I'm with you, I'm right here, but I still can't help but be insecure because of Hanna." she confessed suddenly and it hit me with tons of feelings. Because how can they both feel the same way towards each other? Have I really failed to let them feel that I both love them so much? I felt stupid because that's probably just the thing; I both love them so deeply.

But they are just two different people and its not the same; what I feel for each one of them is different from each other.

"I don't know what you want me to say, Aria." I replied.

"Oh, but you do, Em. You know exactly what I want to hear from you; I just don't understand why you're so afraid to give us a chance." She replied so firmly. "You love me, don't you?" there was already confirmation in her voice; I didn't have to answer her because she already knows, but I realized that she wanted to hear it.

"Aria-" I said but she quickly cut me off.

"Why can't you say it, now?" she asked in frustration. "You've said it many times before; so many times, when I haven't asked you too."

"I just…" If I say it out loud, it would just mean that Hanna's right.

"Why are you acting as if this thing between us, is not something worth giving a shot?" she was genuinely asking, she was looking intently at me, and I couldn't do the same. "I don't get why you're always making Hanna an excuse."

"That's not true. I'm in love with her, Aria." Saying that I'm making her an excuse diminishes the meaning of being in love with her, and that's not the case.

She gulped and sighed. "Aren't you in love with me too?" she was holding back her tears right now, "You're making me feel so desperate, Em."

"You know that I am." I replied. I'm trying my best to restrain myself from hugging her. If I want to get back with Hanna, I have to distance myself from Aria.

"Then please," she begged, "let me feel like you actually do."

She didn't deserve this. She shouldn't be begging. She's too good for this.

"I can't do that." I felt my throat drying up.

"Why?" her voice was already hoarse but she wasn't crying.

I didn't answer. I couldn't give her an answer.

"For once, Em." She started. "Choose me."

A/N:

Thank you, guys for taking the time to read. And thank you for the reviews!

It really inspire me to write more.

I know I suck at updating but please be patient with me.

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