Forever (sequel to The Hostage)

10

Santana's POV
When I wake up, Quinn is there. She's stayed on her side of the bed, far away from me. And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm starting to understand why everyone is obsessed with Quinn.

I can't pinpoint exactly what it is. It could be her laugh, or her smile. Or the way she listens to you, without interrupting. But whatever it is, makes her personality so addictive. And distracting.

And a distraction is exactly what I need right now. Last night, or maybe this morning; somewhere in those dark hours, I realised something. If Brittany has a nightmare, who will be there to comfort her?

She's so alone, and I can't do anything to help her. I'm here, with only my thoughts and her best friend/my recent enemy for comfort.

Quinn shifts beside me, and turns over. A strand of blonde hair falls onto her face, and I lift it off. She's very pretty, there's no doubt. She has that classic face shape, high cheekbones, and the rosy cheeks and sparkly eyes that most people dream of.

I think Brittany is beautiful though. It's a different type of beauty. She's harder, with colder eyes. Until she laughs, and they turn into a warm ocean full of love and joy.

I get up, and go for a shower. It's my first one in days, yet I've only just felt dirty. It's like time stopped when Brittany was taken. And we're all just struggling through.

I mean, I haven't spoken to anyone besides Quinn, so I can't know for sure. But I'm sure everyone else if affected in one way or another.

I turn the water on, and wait for the ancient heating system to turn on, before stepping under the shower head. I properly wash my hair, and shave, and all that shit. I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I look like shit.

When I'm finished, and look slightly better, I step out and dry myself off. I didn't bring any clothes in with me, so I wrap the towel around me and step into the bedroom.

I'm not expecting to be up, so it's a surprise when she says "looking hot, Lopez" and whistles. I step back into the bathroom, and tell her to look away. When she promises that she's looking in the other direction, I walk out again.

I dress in clean clothes from the piles at the bottom of our bed. Brittany had promised she would put them away, but never got round to it.

It's small things like that, and they break my heart. Stupid little things that don't really matter, but cause my world to fall apart.

"You okay?" Quinn asks. I realise I'm staring at the heap of laundry with tears in my eyes. Not exactly my best moment.
"M-hm" I wipe my eyes quickly, and turn back around. She's sitting up in bed, her hair falling over her face in loose waves. She looks worried, chewing her nails. Again.

S-"You know, you shouldn't do that."
Q-"Do what?"
S-"Chew your nails. It's really bad."
Q-"Don't lecture me on it. Tina already tells me off for it at least once a day."
S-"Why do you do it then?"
Q-"Nervous habit."
S-"Are you always nervous?"
Q-"Nervous, worried, on edge. Same thing. And yes."
S-"That sucks."
Q-"Yeah, it does."

But she brings her hand away from her mouth, and resorts to biting her lip instead.

Q-"What do you want to do today?"

I look at her in disbelief. I've only just gotten up for the first time in days, I'm not going to do something. I can't. I'm not ready.

Q-"You can't hide in here forever."
S-"Yes I can."
Q-"Why would you want to? It's a horrible room. It's so cold and boring. Brittany has no taste."
S-"And your room is so much better?"
Q-"Yeah, it is actually. You wanna see?"