Lost Melody - Brittana

Chapter 16

Brittany stepped out of the school bathrooms, her mind still preoccupied with her next lessons. As she turned the corner, she bumped into someone, causing her books to scatter to the ground.

"Oops, sorry," the guy said quickly, bending down to help her pick up her books.

Brittany looked up, a wide smile spreading across her face as she recognized him. "Finn!"

Finn grinned back, pulling her into a tight hug. "Brittany! When did you get here? I could've given you a tour. I'm way better than all the tour guides."

Brittany laughed, brushing off her skirt. "Your sense of direction is horrible, Finn. But thanks for the offer."

Finn flashed his dimples at her. "So, have you made any friends already?"

Brittany shrugged. "I guess. Hanging out with Tina and Mercedes today."

Finn's smile faltered slightly. "Really? Tina and Mercedes?"

Brittany nodded. "Yeah, why?"

Finn hesitated before speaking. "Just be careful, okay? Some people... they don't like it when you hang out with other races."

Confused, Brittany frowned. "What do you mean?"

Finn sighed. "They think it's like betraying your own race or something."

Brittany shook her head in disbelief. "That's stupid."

Finn nodded. "I know, but... it's a thing. Just watch your back."

Brittany's expression darkened. "That's messed up."

Finn nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it is. But hey, let me walk you to your class."

Brittany smirked teasingly. "Are you trying to woo me, Hudson?"

Finn laughed. "You wish, but I'm taken."

Brittany raised an eyebrow. "With who?"

Finn grinned proudly. "Rachel."

Brittany nodded, impressed. "Nice. Well, lead the way, then."

Brittany sat attentively in her English class, next to Mercedes, as their teacher delved into the intricacies of Shakespearean literature. Mercedes leaned over to Brittany, whispering, "I can't believe we have to listen to this again. I'd rather be listing to Mr Shues pep talks."

Brittany nodded in agreement, a faint smile playing on her lips as she whispered back, "Yeah, that would definitely be more exciting."

Just then, the classroom door creaked open, and a group of cheerleaders sauntered in, led by Quinn. As Quinn scanned the room, her eyes landed on Brittany, and she swiftly turned around, nudging Santana, who was behind her, to look in Brittany's direction.

Reluctantly, Santana followed Quinn's gaze, and her eyes widened when she saw Brittany engaged in conversation with Mercedes. Santana wasted no time and marched over to their table, shooting a glare at the guy seated next to Brittany, commanding him to leave.

Brittany looked up, her face lighting up with a smile when she spotted Santana approaching. "Hey, Santana," she greeted warmly.

Santana, still processing the situation, questioned, "Why didn't you tell me you were visiting?"

Brittany chuckled nervously, shifting in her seat. "I'm not visiting," she admitted. "I might have transferred."

Santana's jaw dropped in surprise. "Really?" she exclaimed, taken aback by the revelation.

Brittany nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, with everything going on at JBI and with Karofsky, it just made sense to change schools," she explained softly.

Santana nodded understandingly, then discreetly glanced around the room before sliding her hand under the table, interlacing her fingers with Brittany's. Brittany smiled softly at the gesture, feeling reassured by Santana's presence, but she continued chatting with Mercedes, enjoying the comfort of her new school environment.

As Brittany and Santana strolled along the familiar path home, Santana glanced over at Brittany curiously. "I thought you lived in the dorms," she remarked.

Brittany sighed softly, her gaze drifting ahead. "I did, but they're only for students that attend the school, so I had to move back in with my parents," she explained.

Santana nodded in understanding. "At least it's cheaper though, right?" she offered, trying to find a silver lining.

Brittany shrugged, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "I mean, yeah, but I have to live with my dad, so that ruins it," she admitted.

Santana's expression softened, sensing Brittany's discomfort. "Oh," she murmured sympathetically.

Brittany waved it off with a nonchalant shrug. "It's whatever," she replied, trying to brush off her feelings.

As they reached Brittany's doorstep, Santana hesitated, feeling the awkwardness of the situation. "So, I should go then?" she asked tentatively.

Brittany glanced around and spotted her dad's car parked in the driveway. "Yeah," she confirmed with a nod, "but I'll see you soon, right?"

Santana's smile brightened at the prospect. "Yeah," she agreed eagerly. Taking a small step closer, Santana leaned in and whispered, "Is it okay if I kiss you?"

Brittany hesitated for a moment, her heart racing, before whispering back, "Yes."

With a widening smile, Santana leaned in and pressed her lips against Brittany's, a quick but tender kiss. Just as they began to pull away, the door swung open, revealing Brittany's dad standing in the doorway, his expression a mixture of anger and shock.

As Finn trudged along the familiar path toward his house, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket. With a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, he pulled it out and answered the call.

"Hey," Finn greeted, his voice hushed.

A deep voice on the other end cut straight to the chase. "Are you picking it up today?"

Finn's hand instinctively reached into his pocket, feeling for the crumpled bills he kept tucked away. When his fingers brushed against the paper, he replied, "Yeah, I'm on my way now."

The voice on the phone continued, a note of caution in its tone. "I've got some stronger stuff for you this time, so you have to be more careful."

Finn rolled his eyes, feeling a surge of annoyance. "I'm always careful," he retorted defensively.

But the voice grew more serious. "No, you're not. I've seen the way you've taken them, acting as if it's candy."

Finn huffed, growing impatient. "Whatever, Mark. I'm here."

With that, the call ended, and Finn's attention was drawn to a figure in a black hoodie approaching him. Without a word, the figure handed Finn an orange bottle, while Finn passed over a small wad of cash in return. Their transaction completed, they parted ways swiftly, each disappearing into the shadows of the evening.