From A to Z - M for Matriculate

(Suggested by dealanexmachina)

Brittany gave one, large heavy sigh as the paper in her hand felt like a weight slowly closing down on her chest. How dramatic of her…to think of this as if it was that one thing that changed her life.

But you couldn't blame her. Not one bit.

"I got in."

Santana looked up over the kitchen counter and stared at the paper, frowning. "Oh."

"Santana…"

"What, Britt?"

"Are you angry?"

She shook her head, looking away from her girlfriend and clutching at the kitchen top. "No. No, baby. I'm happy for you, I really am. It's just…"

"Just what?"

The other girl shrugged and walked around the counter, coming to a standstill right in front of Brittany, her hand reaching for the paper and running one long, slender finger down the parchment edge.

"It's just that this means we're both going to different colleges."

"But it's not like we're going to be on the other side of the country, Tana…"

"Yeah, I know," she answered half heartedly, removing her finger and placing her hands in her back jeans pockets, hanging her head slightly. Her hair fell over her eyes, hiding her rapidly watering eyes.

"Babe…"

She didn't need to answer Brittany's plea, she just moved a little closer and put her head on her girlfriend's shoulder gently, pressing her eyes tighter shut.

"I am going to miss you so much, though."

"I know, baby, I know…" Brittany sighed, rubbing her hand up and down Santana's back. Her eyes quickly roamed around the room. Soon, Santana would be alone in the kitchen, and Brittany would be in Maryland, at the dance college there. And Santana would be here, alone, attending the community college.

Well, not really alone. Finn and Puck where there too. But she wasn't exactly on speaking terms with either.

"It'll be fine," Brittany cooed into her ear, smiling softly. "I promise you, Santana, it'll be fine."

"But you got accepted."

"And we don't start for another two weeks!"

Santana raised her head, breathing in deeply through her nose and holding it in, trying to stop the tears from pooling over her eyes.

"When's Matriculation?"

Brittany looked down at the paper, pointing at the date. Next to the number, in small italics, was one sentence…

Students being Matriculated into the college are allowed to bring one guest with them.

Santana grinned through her tears and kissed Brittany's hairline.

"I know what I'm doing on the 24th of September…"