Out of Bounds

Chapter 13: Just let it Be

"You left class early?" I asked as I kept my gaze on Britt. As simple as that sounds, I know how much her Studies mean to her. She nodded at me shyly and held my gaze.

"You couldn't just text her or call her or I don't know, just come to our room?" Asked Quinn. I looked at Britt again in anticipation of her answer.

"Maybe we should let them discuss this in private" Said Rachel who turned to Quinn and proceeded to push her lightly towards the door.

"But, I want to know" Groaned Quinn as she was pushed through the bedroom door. Rachel turned back to us and smiled warmly.

"I am happy you two are working this out.We will be getting dinner started. Meet us in the kitchen in an hour." She said winking at me. Have I mentioned how much I love Rachel right now?

"Why do we have to always cook" I heard Quinn whine loudly.

"Wow" Laughed Britt. "Our friends are really something else"

"Yes they are" I laughed. Her arms encircled my waist, gently tugging me so I was sideways on her lap.

"I missed your laugh" She admitted placing a kiss on my cheek. I turned to her and felt my cheeks redden. Britt had this genuinely happy look on her face that made all of this frustration feel worth it. Already, Britt was being so much more open with me. "What's on your mind San?" She asked intertwining our hands in the process.

I met her gaze and shifted so I was facing her. "I am happy that we are talking again, it's just...why didn't you just call or come over? If you wanted to talk to me so bad." I asked. Quinn's question was a fair one and now all I wanted were answers.

"I didn't think you'd answer your phone." She said, "i also didn't want to lay all my feelings out via text if you didn't answer me. Our conversation felt like something we had to discuss in person. After pacing the hallway for like 20 minutes yesterday, I did knock on your room door, but there was no answer. If Rachel hadn't texted me then I was planning to camp out in front of your door until you came home"

"Oh" I answered looking away. My need to be distracted actually cost us a day. I'm not sure how I felt knowing this.  "Yesterday, I stayed in the library until closing." I admitted.

"San, I wanted to talk to you ever since that moment I left your room. I just wasn't ready." I squeezed her hand, letting her know it was okay. "I'm sorry San. I never wanted to hurt you."

"I just wish you would have talked to me instead of just running away" I said, "I want you to trust that i'd never judge you" I mumbled shyly looking at the floor. "We all have a past and I don't want you to think i would leave you because of it"

"Oh really? Is there something I need to know San?" She said with a playful expression. I smiled at her, but inwardly felt my heart drop. Her hand brushed my face. "Baby. I'm not good at talking about this. But i want to be able to do that with you" She admitted, "Aside from Rachel, I really don't talk about these types of feelings with anyone. It's easier when you've grown up with the person." She shrugged, "You know when you've seen them in their worst, it becomes easier to tell them anything. And let me tell you, Rachel really must like you because the constant lectures I received from her all weekend sucked. I'm really surprised you didnt hear her yelling at me." I couldn't stop the laugh that escaped.

"Well, I'm glad I made a good impression on her" I placed my hand on her waist and enjoyed the smile that lit up Britt's face. I guess that secret she had kept, felt good to get off her chest. "Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me."

"Thank you for listening" with a smile, I leaned my head on her shoulder and closed my eyes. I can't believe I almost passed this up.

~.~

Later that night, we were all sitting in the kitchen enjoying some homemade pasta.

"Well now that you two have fixed things, I think there's a few topics we should discuss." Said Rachel. "Firstly, you two." She said pointing at us with her fork. "Now that we have had the utmost joy of experiencing one of what I'm guessing will be many fights to come" At this I groaned. "We need to discuss our plans for the rest of our time here"

"Really, Rachel. Do we have to discuss this?" I Asked burying my face into Brittany's side.

"Yes really." She said throwing a clean napkin at me, "As cute as you two are together, you both really suck apart"

"You really have been spending way too much time with Quinn" I groaned.

"Exactly my point!" Whined Rachel as she flung her hands, still clutching her fork wildly into the air, " I had to spend way more time than considered normal with her and she the same with me." I groaned again, this was going to be a long dinner.

"I should take offense to this, shouldn't I" Said Quinn lazily. Her fork was twirling the pasta around and her eyes were glued to the plate. Rachel ignored her comment and turned back to us.

"Anyway, while you two were ignoring each other, Quinn and I had plenty of time to discuss where our next trips will be. Also, we took the liberty of planning our monthly New York meetups!" She said excitedly as she handed out schedules.

As I skimmed through the prints, waves of emotions rippled through me. I actually felt admiration for Rachel. She missed me for those 3 days and cared enough to help us. In the back of my mind I always figured she spent time with me for Brittany, but to know she actually cared made me want to hug her.

Unfortunately, my happiness was short lived as I read over the planned trips. The realization that this was really it. Our trip was at its end. I glanced at my girlfriend, who was looking through the itineraries with excitement written all over her face. As sad as it was, at least I will be heading back to the states with this amazing person and of course with a new best friend. I smiled at this and allowed myself to feel excitement for the upcoming trips.