Chapter 1

Santana woke abruptly to the sound of glass smashing, followed by a dull thud and a yelp of pain. Those sounds had become all too familiar to her. She cringed as she heard her father yelling abuse. The Latina had been here so often. She grabbed a pillow and pressed it over her ears and gently began crying herself to sleep.

xXx

Santana groaned as the alarm went off. The brunette rose slowly and looked at the clock. 6.30. She dragged herself out of the bed and sat down at her dressing table. Today would be a challenge. First day of school since moving from New York to this shithole, Lima Ohio. She thought of her old school and prayed that this time it would be different.

She grabbed her clothes and make up and headed for the bathroom. She padded softly down the hall, not wishing to wake her father. He was not a morning person. She entered the bathroom and started getting changed. She winced as she pulled on her top over her tender ribs. She shook her head sadly as she opened the door and made her way downstairs. Grabbing a muffin, she picked up her keys and headed out the door.

xXx

There it was. Her new school. She pulled up outside the door and took in her surroundings.

"William McKinley High School", she found herself saying out loud as she stared in awe at the enormous building in front of her. She glanced at her watch and swore loudly as she realised she was late. Grabbing her bag, she jumped out of the car and approached the entrance.

Inside the building was silence. Everyone had gone to class it seemed and Santana was left alone in an empty hallway, completely lost. She began to go in search of the principal's office. She wandered around aimlessly for what seemed like ages until finally she saw a sign reading "Principal Figgins". She knocked slowly on the door and entered.

She was greeted by a friendly looking man in a fancy suit.

"May I help you?" he asked with a friendly smile.

"H-hello I'm S-santana Lopez. I'm new here.." the Latina replied nervously.

"Ah Miss Lopez! Welcome to McKinley High! I'm Principal Figgins!". He held out his hand, which Santana shook politely.

Principal Figgins proceeded to give her her schedule and informed her about the school's facilities.

"Now, I understand it may take you a few days to get to know the school so- Ah Brittany!"

Principal Figgins cut himself off mid-sentence and looked out into the hallway.

Santana turned around and her mouth fell open. Standing in front of her was a tall, blonde girl, wearing what appeared to be a cheerleading outfit. Santana looked right into her cobalt eyes and was immediately mesmerized. She could hear Principal Figgins talking but she wasn't taking in what he was saying, she was just so lost in the eyes…

"Miss Lopez?"

Santana was snapped back into reality.

"Uh yeah…yeah?"

"I was just saying how Miss Pierce here has kindly offered to give you a tour of the school as she can't remember what class she has now. Off you go then."

"Yeah sure", Santana murmured as she stared at the cobalt eyes again and made her way blindly out the door.