Santana settled into her seat on the plane, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through her veins. It had been too long since she last visited Lima, her hometown, and the thought of seeing her family again filled her with anticipation.
The almost two-hour journey passed in a blur as Santana tried to distract herself with books and music, but her mind kept wandering back to thoughts of home. As the plane descended towards Lima, Santana's heart fluttered with excitement. She could see the city sprawled out below her, its streets and buildings stretching into the distance like a patchwork quilt of memories and Santana felt a surge of emotion welling inside her.
As the plane touched down on the tarmac with a gentle jolt, Santana's heart skipped a beat. She was finally home, reunited with the place that held her heart and soul. The seatbelt sign blinked off, and Santana eagerly unfastened her belt, gathering her belongings as she prepared to disembark.
As she made her way through the airport, the sights and sounds of Lima enveloped her like a warm embrace. Santana felt a sense of peace settle over her as she stepped out into the arrivals hall, scanning the crowd for the familiar faces of her family. And then, she saw them – her mother Maria, and her father Antonio, standing at the end of the terminal with wide smiles and open arms. Santana's heart leaped with joy as she rushed towards them, her steps quickening with each passing moment.
"Mamá! Papá!" Santana cried out, her voice filled with emotion as she threw herself into their waiting arms. Tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks as she embraced her parents, feeling the weight of their love and affection wash over her like a tidal wave.
"¡Mi hija!" Maria exclaimed, her voice choked with tears as she held Santana close. "Te hemos extrañado tanto, mi amor." Antonio wrapped his arms around them both, his eyes shining with pride and joy. "Bienvenida a casa, hija," he said softly. "Te hemos echado de menos."
Together, they stood in the bustling arrivals hall, their hearts overflowing with love and happiness. Santana felt a sense of peace settle over her as she basked in the warmth of her family's embrace, knowing that no matter where life took her, she would always find solace and comfort in their love.
Santana stepped out of the car and into the warm embrace of her childhood home. The familiar sights and sounds enveloped her, filling her with a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The scent of her abuela's Pozole wafted through the air, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of freshly chopped cilantro and onions from the kitchen.
With a smile on her face, Santana made her way toward the heart of the home, where she knew her abuela would be busy preparing their favorite dishes. As she entered the kitchen, she was greeted by the sight of her Abuela standing at the counter, expertly dicing tomatoes and jalapeños for the pico de gallo.
"Abuela!" Santana exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and affection as she crossed the room to greet her grandmother. Abuela turned around, her face breaking into a wide smile at the sight of her beloved granddaughter. "Santana, mi amor!" she exclaimed, opening her arms wide to embrace her.
Santana melted into her abuela's embrace, inhaling the comforting scent of her grandmother's perfume mixed with the aroma of spices and cooking food. It felt like coming home after a long journey, and Santana couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. "¿Cómo estás, mija?" Abuela asked, pulling back slightly to look Santana in the eyes. "It's been too long since you've visited."
Santana smiled, feeling a lump form in her throat at the overwhelming emotions swirling inside her. "I'm good, abuela," she replied, her voice tinged with emotion. "I missed you so much." Abuela's eyes softened with affection as she reached out to brush a stray lock of hair away from Santana's face. "And I missed you, mi niña," she said gently. "But now you're here, and we can catch up on lost time."
Santana nodded, feeling a rush of gratitude towards her abuela for always being a source of love and support in her life. She looked around the kitchen, taking in the familiar sights of her childhood—the worn wooden countertops, the colorful ceramic tiles, and the pots and pans simmering on the stove.
"I see you're making pico de gallo" Santana remarked, a hint of excitement in her voice as she glanced at the ingredients laid out on the counter. Abuela nodded, her hands moving deftly as she continued to chop and slice with practiced precision. "Sí, mija," she replied. "Your favorite."
Santana's stomach rumbled in anticipation as she watched her abuela work her culinary magic. Pico de gallo had always been one of her favorite dishes, a simple yet delicious combination of fresh ingredients that never failed to remind her of home.
As she helped her abuela finish preparing the meal, Santana felt a sense of contentment settles over her. Being back in the familiar surroundings of her childhood home, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family, was exactly where she belonged. As she sat down to enjoy a meal with her loved ones, Santana couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple joys of homecoming.
"Where's Jorge?" Santana inquired, her gaze sweeping over the faces of her loved ones. Her father chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Who knows," he replied with a grin. "Probably out causing trouble somewhere, as usual."
The rest of the family joined in the laughter, the mention of Santana's mischievous brother bringing back fond memories of his antics over the years. Abuela chimed in, her voice tinged with mischief. "Maybe he's off charming some poor woman with his smooth talk" she suggested, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Santana rolled her eyes playfully at her grandmother's teasing. "Knowing Jorge, that's a definite possibility" she agreed with a grin. Across the table, her abuela leaned in with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "You know, mija," she began, her voice carrying a hint of playful teasing, "there are some nice Latino men at my church who are single."
Santana chuckled softly, her cheeks flushing with amusement. "Oh, abuela," she replied with a fond shake of her head, "you know I already have a boyfriend." Her abuela let out a dramatic sigh, rolling her eyes "Si, si, I know" she said, her tone laced with affection. "But a woman can dream, can't she?"
Santana couldn't help but laugh at her abuela's antics as Santana's father, Antonio, interjected with a more serious inquiry. "How is Brett doing after his accident?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Santana's smile faltered slightly at the mention of Brett's name, her thoughts drifting to the man she loved and the challenges they had faced together in recent weeks. "He's making progress" she replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and worry. "His recovery has been slow, but he's getting better every day."
Her father nodded, his expression softening with empathy. "We'll keep him in our prayers" he said quietly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Santana's shoulder.
Santana offered her father a grateful smile, touched by his gesture of support. Despite the physical distance between them, her family's unwavering love and concern for Brett served as a source of comfort during this difficult time.
"It's a shame Brett didn't come with you" Maria commented, glancing over at Santana with a knowing smile. "We would have loved to meet him". Santana nodded, "He's picked up a few shifts at his old gym" she explained, her voice tinged with disappointment. "But maybe one day he'll come visit with me."
As they began to dig into their meal, Santana couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation tinged with nervousness. "He should be hearing back from NYU within the next few weeks," she announced, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "We're waiting to see if he's been accepted into their college program."
Her abuela, seated across from her, raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "He seems too young for you, Mija" she commented, her tone laced with skepticism. "He hasn't even started college yet."
Santana's eyes narrowed slightly at her abuela's words, a flicker of annoyance passing across her features. "He turned 23 like a month ago" she countered, her voice firm with conviction.
Her abuela pursed her lips thoughtfully, considering Santana's response for a moment before nodding in reluctant agreement. Santana couldn't help but roll her eyes at her abuela's persistence, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. Despite their differences of opinion, she knew that her family only wanted what was best for her, even if their concerns sometimes felt misguided.
After a long day spent catching up with her family she made her way to her bedroom, Santana couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over her. The room looked exactly as she remembered it, with its mismatched furniture. A sense of peace settled over her as she changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light across the room.
With a sigh, Santana reached for her phone, her fingers navigating to Brett's contact. As she pressed the call button, her heart fluttered with anticipation, eager to hear his voice after a day spent apart. The phone rang once, twice, before Brett's face appeared on the screen, his features illuminated by the soft glow of the display.
"Hey babe" Brett's voice echoed through the line, his tone warm and affectionate. "So, I'm finally in your childhood bedroom." Santana couldn't help but laugh at Brett's playful remark, the sound echoing softly in the quiet of her room. "Yeah, it's a blast from the past" she replied, her voice tinged with fondness. "But it feels good to be back."
As they talked, Santana felt the weight of the distance between them melt away, replaced by the warmth of their connection and the shared laughter that had always been the hallmark of their relationship. Despite the miles that separated them, she knew that Brett was there with her, his presence a comforting reminder of the love they shared.
They talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories of their day. With each passing moment, Santana felt herself falling more deeply in love with Brett, his words wrapping around her like a warm embrace.
Santana finally stepped into the familiar confines of her apartment, greeted by the comforting sight of Quinn lounging on the couch. The fatigue of her journey clung to her bones, but the warmth of being home washed over her like a soothing balm. Quinn's cheerful greeting pulled her out of her reverie, prompting Santana to offer a tired but genuine smile in return.
"Hey, Quinn," Santana replied, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. She shrugged off her coat and sank onto the couch beside Quinn, relishing the familiar comfort of their shared space.
Quinn's next question drew a soft chuckle from Santana's lips, the memory of Easter weekend still fresh in her mind. "Oh, you know how it goes," she replied, shaking her head with a wry smile. "Abuela had us all in church bright and early on Sunday morning. It was... an experience, to say the least." She rolled her eyes playfully, the image of her family sitting through the lengthy service still vivid in her mind.
"But," Santana continued, her expression brightening at the thought, "the food more than made up for it. Abuela pulled out all the stops for Easter dinner, and let me tell you, it was incredible." She paused, her mouth watering at the memory of her abuela's delicious cooking. "I think I ate enough to last me until next Easter."
Quinn laughed, the sound ringing out like music in the cozy confines of the apartment. "Well, at least you got a good meal out of it" she remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "And some quality time with the family, I'm sure."
Santana nodded, her thoughts drifting back to the precious moments she had shared with her loved ones over the weekend. Despite the chaos and occasional frustration that came with being home, there was a sense of belonging that she couldn't deny—a feeling of being surrounded by people who loved her unconditionally.
"Yeah," she agreed, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It was nice to catch up with everyone, especially after being away for so long." She leaned back against the couch, a sense of contentment settling over, "How was your Easter? It must have been nice to be back in Miami."
Quinn returned Santana's smile, a flicker of nostalgia dancing in her eyes. "It was good" she replied, her tone reflecting a sense of contentment. "But I have to say, it's always nice to be back home." She shifted slightly on the couch, reaching for a box that had been placed nearby.
Santana's interest was piqued as Quinn handed her the box, a curious expression crossing her features. "What's this?" she asked, turning the box over in her hands. "A care package from Brett?"
Quinn nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yep" she confirmed, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "He asked me to give it to you." Intrigued, Santana eagerly opened the box, her heart swelling with warmth at her boyfriend's thoughtfulness. As she peeled back the layers of tissue paper, she discovered a treasure trove of goodies nestled within.
The first thing that caught her eye was one of Brett's hoodies, its fabric infused with his familiar scent. Santana couldn't help but smile as she pulled it out, the soft material reminding her of his comforting embrace. Beneath the hoodie, she found a scented candle, its warm, inviting aroma filling the room as she lifted it from the box. Next to it lay a few bars of chocolate, a sweet indulgence that Santana knew would bring her moments of comfort and joy in the days to come. But it was the next items that truly warmed Santana's heart—a collection of gift cards for Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, and Sephora, her favorite places to treat herself. She couldn't help but laugh at the thoughtfulness of the gesture, grateful for Brett's understanding of her little indulgences. Finally, nestled at the bottom of the box, was a framed photo of Santana and Brett taken during their trip to Vegas. As she gazed at the image of the two of them smiling and laughing together, Santana felt a surge of affection for her boyfriend.
"He went all out, didn't he?" Santana remarked, her voice filled with awe as she took in the contents of the care package. Quinn nodded, her smile reflecting Santana's sentiment. "Yeah, he did," she agreed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "And I have to say, he didn't stop talking about you, the whole weekend."
Santana's heart swelled with love at Quinn's words, a warmth spreading through her chest at the thought of Brett's unwavering affection. As she nestled into the couch, surrounded by reminders of her love for him, Santana couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond they shared—a bond that transcended distance and time, bringing them closer together with each passing day.
Quinn had left the room to make a start on dinner, leaving Santana alone with the thoughtful care package from Brett, Santana couldn't resist the urge to reach out to him immediately. Pulling out her phone and dialing Brett's number, her heart fluttered with excitement as she waited for him to answer.
As Brett's face appeared on the screen, Santana's eyes lit up with joy. "Hey" she greeted him warmly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I just wanted to thank you for the care package."
Brett grinned in response, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Glad you liked it, baby" he replied, his voice laced with affection. "I figured you could use a little piece of me and some treats while I'm not there."
Santana chuckled, feeling a surge of warmth at Brett's playful comment. "Well, your hoodie smells like you" she teased, holding up the garment for him to see. "But I have to admit, I think you might have had ulterior motives for including it." Brett's grin widened, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "Maybe I did" he admitted, his tone playful. "I thought it might be the perfect excuse to come and collect it in person."
Santana's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, a rush of anticipation coursing through her veins. "When are you thinking of flying out?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned in closer to the screen. Brett paused for a moment, as if considering his answer. "How does sometime around Memorial weekend sound?" he suggested, his eyes locking with Santana's through the screen.
Santana's breath caught in her throat at the mention of Memorial weekend, her mind racing with the possibility of having Brett by her side once again. "That's over six weeks away," she pointed out, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice.
Brett's expression softened, his gaze filled with tenderness as he reached out to brush his fingers against the screen. "I know" he murmured, his voice gentle. "But we've only been apart for four weeks. We can make it another six, can't we?"
Santana sighed, her resolve melting under Brett's unwavering gaze. "I suppose so," she conceded, a small smile playing at her lips. "But it's six weeks too long, if you ask me." Brett's smile mirrored Santana's, his eyes shining with adoration. "I couldn't agree more," he replied softly. "But I promise it'll be worth the wait. I'll make sure of it."
As they continued to talk, Santana felt a sense of comfort wash over her, knowing that despite the distance between them, their love remained strong and unwavering. With Memorial weekend looming on the horizon, Santana couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of being reunited with Brett once again, their bond stronger than ever before.
The next morning Santana stood amidst the hustle and bustle of her workplace, her mind preoccupied with the tasks at hand. With her phone buzzing incessantly in her pocket, she finally took a moment to check her notifications, only to be greeted by a flurry of missed calls and a text message from Brett. Her heart skipped a beat as she read his message, a sense of unease washing over her. Quickly excusing herself from her colleagues, Santana retreated to a quieter corner of the site, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed Brett's number.
As soon as Brett's voice filled her ears, Santana's heart raced with worry. "Brett? what's wrong?" she blurted out, her tone laced with concern. "Are you okay? What's happened?"
To her relief, Brett's response was filled with excitement rather than distress. "I'm fine" he reassured her, his voice tinged with enthusiasm. "I just had to share some amazing news with you." Santana's anxiety began to ebb away as she listened to Brett's words, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?" she asked eagerly, her pulse gradually returning to normal.
With a hint of excitement in his voice, Brett revealed the reason for his flurry of calls. "I got accepted into NYU" he exclaimed, his words ringing with joy and disbelief. Santana's eyes widened in astonishment, a surge of pride swelling in her chest. "Brett, that's incredible!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness. "I'm so proud of you."
Brett's laughter echoed through the phone, his joy infectious even from miles away. "Thanks, babe" he replied, his tone overflowing with gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without your support. Also, It's official", filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "I'm moving to New York this summer."
Santana couldn't contain her joy at the news. "I can't wait," she replied, her voice laced with eagerness. "I've missed you so much, Brett. Having you closer will be amazing." Brett's voice softened as he expressed his feelings. "I love you, San," he said, his words carrying a depth of emotion. "I love you too" Santana responded, her heart fluttering with affection for him. "And I'm so proud of you for following your dreams."
"You need to tell Quinn" she reminded Brett, her tone gentle but firm. "She'll be thrilled for you." Brett assured her that he would, expressing his gratitude for her unwavering support. Then, Santana shifted the conversation to Brett's parents. "How did they take the news?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"They're happy for me" Brett replied, a hint of relief evident in his voice. "They thought I'd be stuck in their house forever." Santana chuckled softly at his words. "That's not true" she reassured him. "They love you so much, Brett. They just want to see you succeed."
As she hung up the phone, Santana felt a sense of anticipation building within her. With Brett's decision to move to New York, their relationship was about to embark on a new chapter—one filled with endless possibilities and adventures yet to be discovered.