Chapter 5

Brittany's POV

Holy crap, Santana is one of the most beautiful women I have ever laid eyes on. Although we are strangers I already feel a connection to these two, I know I can help them in some way. It's obvious that Rachel is going to need some type of professional help.

Once Santana had left Rachel cried for a solid twenty minutes before I was even able to put her down. Currently the little brunette was sitting on the letter rug while I explained to Tina that this child is going to need extra attention today.

"I've got it covered Britt, and Kitty will be here in ten minutes to start her shift" I smile at the thought of seeing my sister today. She only comes to the daycare once in a while, normally she's on the fifth floor doing her internship.

"Thanks Tina, I appreciate your understanding" she smiles and walks away to wrangle up the rest of the kids.

I turned to see Rachel now sitting on the letter "S" while clutching her bunny tightly. I smiled fondly at the obvious smart girl, clearly the letter was making her better and connected to her sister.

"Alright boys and girls it's time for our snack and then it's nap time, let's clean up our toys and find a place at the table" Tina says as Kitty leads the kids in their "cleanup" song.

All the children except for Rachel sing their song and head over to the containers to pick out their snacks and drinks.

I noticed the little brunette now shifting on her feet so I went over to help her pick her snack and hopefully a spot at the table.

"Rachel, do you need help finding a place to sit?" She just shook her head no as her little eyes filled with more tears, I think she thought because we had cleaned up it was time to go home. I immediately noticed her distress and reached out with my hand to help calm her. There was a flash of fear in her eyes. I didn't mean to scare her but she took off to the letter rug again, where she made herself as small as she could, and began to sob.

I felt absolutely terrible, I only wanted to help this little girl but it definitely wasn't going to be an easy task.

I walked slowly over to the rug not wanting to startle her again. "Rachel, Ms. Brittany is so sorry she scared you, can I sit with you for a little bit, please?" I asked in my softest whisper and waited patiently for little doe eyes to meet mine. After her cries had finally turned to little whimpers and sniffles she gave a little nod that I could get closer.

I just sat next to her for a little bit before she shocked me by crawling into my lap and snuggling into my chest. I let out a tiny gasp, definitely not expecting her to be so affectionate especially after I frightened her. The little brunette had her walls up but I believe I can make them down and maybe Santana's too.

I picked Rachel up and walked over to where the other kids were but she had her face buried into my neck and her arms wrapped tightly around me. "It's okay Rach, Ms. Brittany just wants you to have a snack and something to drink, I won't put you down, I promise" I whispered while rubbing her back.

"Would you like carrots and celery or apples and oranges" there were no words she just pointed to the vegetable container.

"Okay how about apple juice, cranberry or milk?" Again there were no words from Rachel, just a tiny finger pointing to the apple juice container.

I grabbed exactly what she wanted and sat her in my lap so she could eat quietly but comfortably. All the other children had found a spot to lay on the letter rug for their naps after snack time was over. Tina took her break while Kitty was on the computer making the schedule for the upcoming week. I carried Rachel over to the yellow bean bag chair hoping she would fall asleep for a little while. I sighed while looking at this precious girl in my arms, feeling warm puffs of air on my chest, wondering what was going on in her little mind. There was something about these two brunettes, I knew they needed help and I am definitely willing to give it.

Santana POV

I sat in my Business Ec class bouncing my leg up and down while clicking my pen. Anxiety was radiating through me as I worried that Rachel was okay. I hadn't heard anything from Brittany so I can only assume my little one is hanging in there. I stopped bouncing my leg and clicking my pen when I received a glare from an overgrown toddler in my class. If I wasn't so anxious I would have gone all Lima Heights.

I can't help but think more about Brittany, she's so sweet and stunning. She seems to carry herself well, like a beautiful unicorn. It would be so easy to fall for her. Although I haven't dated in a very long time, my parents weren't thrilled when I came out so it was very hard to bring a woman home to meet them and I can understand how that can strain a relationship. I couldn't fall in love and have someone else leave me like they did. Also, who actually knows if Brittany is into women let alone me. I have nothing to offer this girl with my shit job, my hurting four year old and all around anxiety. Santana Lopez does not do rejection very well.

"Ms. Lopez are you with me?" I'm ripped from my thoughts when my professor addresses me. Get your mind out of the gutter Lopez. I just nod at the professor as the class drags on. Only two left until I get to see my baby.

Brittany Pov

I check the clock as Rachel continues to whimper in her sleep. She woke with a startle only once seemingly from a nightmare but I was able to lull her back to sleep. I tried to get her up to maybe color with the rest of the kids but she was not having it therefore my day was spent cuddling the cutest four year old.

I look up when I hear someone taping on the window. I smile when I see Santana waving at us.

"Rachel, wake up sweetie, look who's here" I whisper while pushing her hair back a little to coax her out of her sleep.

"Tana" she gasps out and jumps off my now numb legs. Crap.

"Hi baby, I missed you so much today" Santana says while scooping her little girl into her arms.

"How was she?" The older brunette asks while I am slowly getting my legs to wake up.

I easily explained to Santana the transgression of the day. I had to tell her about the nightmare which just upset her. I explained that it was very quick and the little fell back into an easy sleep which seemed to make her feel a bit better.

"My aunt works with kids who have been through traumas or loss. I really think she would be able to help the both of you, I can give you her card…" I trailed off when I saw the look on the brunette's face.

"You mean like a shrink?" she snaps but immediately apologizes when my face falls at her coldness.

"I'm sorry Brittany, I know I need to get Rachel help, it's just so hard being on my own right now. Our family never believed in therapy or anything like that. They only saw it as a burden or a way that other families could judge us if they had found out" she rushes out.

I quickly grab my wallet before she can change her mind and blush when our fingers brush against one another.

"Thank you for taking such good care of Rachel today. I really appreciate it. We do have to get going though. I have to buy books, make dinner, get this little one bathed and ready for bed. Sorry I don't know why I'm telling you all this" I just smile at her little ramble. I could listen to her talk for hours.

"Santana" I yell before she can leave "here's my number in case you ever want to talk" I say quickly, nervous that she'll reject me.

"Thanks Brittany" she says with a small smile as they exit for the day.

Santana POV

"Good job today baby girl. We did a lot better than I thought we would" I whisper against her forehead as she snuggles more into my chest. Thank God she's small for her age.

We stopped at the grocery store so that I could pick up some items for Rachel's favorite dinner, spaghetti.

Once we get home and finally have dinner my eyes are starting to close. I know I have to give Rachel a bath and there's only a few days left that I will be able to do this before my job starts.

"Why don't we put Ruby to sleep baby, it's time for your bath" Rachel just looks up at me and nods, I really miss her voice, her whispering is just not enough.

I take out Rachel's bunny robe and walk in her room just in time to see her kissing Ruby goodnight and tucking her under the covers, the sight alone is enough to make me melt.

"Come on baby, let's get you in the tub" I say as I hold out my hand for her small one.

Rachel points at the tub and I nod "yes it's bath time." She points again with a bit more emphasis and I'm not understanding what she wants. Tears start to well up in her little eyes "no no Rach, tell Tana what you want" she points at me and then at the bath "do you want Tana to take a bath with you" I ask and again she nods sniffling lightly. "Of course I'll take a bath with you!" I kiss her little cheek as I help her get undressed.

Rachel is leaning back against me while playing with her pink ducky, bouncing on my arm. She squeals when I take the ducky from her and attack her little face with kisses. She splashes around while managing to get me right in the face with a ton of water. "Oh you little stinker you're gonna get it now!"

As the words flew out of my mouth Rachel immediately freezes while throwing her hands over her head. She moves so quickly off my lap I almost don't have time to catch her before she cracks her head on the side of the tub. Little legs are drawn to her chest and she stutters out "I'm s-s-sorry M-Mama, p-p-please don't h-h-hurt me" she sobs.

Now it's my turn to be completely frozen…

TBC...Please let me know what you think. Reviews are always appreciated! Thank you