Hello everyone...this is my first fic! I thought I would just give it a go because I just love fan-fiction and I especially love the writers! Anywho...I welcome your comments good or bad and of course none of the characters or songs mentioned in this fic belong to me cos I'm too poor...lol! Peace always :)

Chapter 1: A brief glimpse of Sam and Mercedes when they were young.

A brisk breeze and the trill of the Northern Cardinal filled the Kentucky air. The sun's warm rays danced across the cool granite slabs etching their way towards the entrance of Evergreen Manor. It's well kept gardens and manicured lawns greeted the cool morning dew.

The sound of faint laughter could be heard in the distance as two lone figures were seen, leaping off marbled banisters, darting around trimmed shrubs, and then finally making their way to the entrance of Evergreen Manor. Their pounding footsteps soon echoed throughout its Halls.

Suddenly, a brash thundering voice from beyond one of the stately rooms pierced the gleeful scene.

"Miss Mercedes Jones, hurry up and get ready for school!" the billowing voice pricked the very depths of the young girls heart, causing her to stop abruptly.

Spinning around on her heels the petite caramel skinned lass faced her young companion and lowered her gaze toward the white marbled tiles, a small sigh escaped her lips as she whispered, "I'm Sorry Sam, I have to go now..." Then suddenly lifting her almond orbs to meet his, her face transformed into a beaming smile as she turned and cheerfully continued, "but I'll see you after school!" and with that she was off toward the direction of the booming cry.

Mercedes Jones was a strong willed, yet quietly spoken twelve year old. Her soft dark locks flowed gently down behind her back contrasting beautifully with the simple yellow floral outfit she had chosen to wear to school that day. The Jones family had worked at Evergreen Manor for many generations. Their great, great grandmother had been the main chef for the Manor and this tradition continued through to Mercedes Mother.

Mrs Jones stood at the entrance of one of the stately room's. Spatula in hand she cried, "Mercedes Jones, get movin, the bus leaves at 8.00 am on the dot!"

Mercedes brushed passed her mother, her eyes now firmly focused toward the ground.

"Yes Momma, I'm sorry," she quietly replied.

She then slowly raised her eyes again to meet the gaze of the young boy standing afar off in the large ornate entry of Evergreen Manor. A small smile flashed across her face as the lone figure winked and gave her a mischievous lop sided grin, as she finally rounded the corner losing view of his sight.

The billowing voice sounded once again, however, with less vigor and more lightness. "And don't think yah should be standing there either Samuel Evans. Yah ain't even dressed proper!"

Sam shrugged his shoulders, shuffled his feet, head downcast he finally made his way up the marbled staircase, replying hesitantly to the stately figure, "Yes Ma'am."

Sam Evans was the eldest son of Dwight and Mary Evans. They came from a very affluent hard working, upper class family. They did not take the fortune they had acquired lightly. "Hard work is the order of the day son," Sam would often hear his father say, "Hard work and perseverance always wins!" These words rang in Sam's mind as he entered his room.

...

"Get a move on son..." Mr Evans called from the hallway, "…Y'all be late and have to see the School Principal again!"

Dwight Evans was a quietly spoken, family orientated, southern gentleman. They had all the money in the world, but family, were the most important thing to him and his wife Mary. Their family's happiness was everything to them.

"Awww dad..." Sam cried "…I don't want to go to school. I hate school!"

"Well, that's too bad. It's one of the best schools in Kentucky and y'all lucky that y'all attend it!" Mr Evans responded.

Sam flopped on the bed and quietly lay there looking at the elaborate ceiling.

"I want to go to Mercedes School!" he pouted, then cheekily added raising his eyebrows, "ya know ya could save money Pops?" Sam then glanced sidewards toward his father who was now standing in the doorway and sent him a mischievous grin.

Sam attended St Elmo's Preparatory School of Kentucky. It was one of the most exclusive schools in the area and only those from the most affluent families within Kentucky were able to send their children there.

Mr Evans leaned on the doorway of Sam's bedroom for a second then slowly sauntered toward his son and gently touched his shoulder.

"Look son, I know you want to go to Mercedes School..." he had heard this only about a million times before. "But son… you see Mercedes everyday anyway so... aww, common Sam, just stop it!" Mr Evans huffed then ran his fingers through his blonde locks in share frustration.

Sam frowned and then retorted allowing his bottom lip to protrude. "But I don't have any friends there!"

"Well," responded his father rolling his eyes and now taking his sons hand encouragingly, "I know that's not true!"

And it certainly was not. Sam was the most popular junior at St Elmo's Preparatory School. He was popular with girls and boys alike. His prowess in football and the fact that his family owned half of Kentucky ensured that this status endured. He was only 12 years of age, but it was evident that he would remain one of the most popular boys to ever grace its hallowed halls.

...

As the limousine pulled up to St Elmo's, Sam sent out a sigh.

"Well dad, have a woonderful day!"

His dad chortled at Sam's impression of James Earl Jones.

"Ya just make sure ya have a great day son!" Mr Evans grinned then moved to embrace his son.

Sam protested and raised his hands, "Oh Dad, I'm too old for that now!"

Ya never too old son," Mr Evans replied and gave his son a warm hug none the less.

"I love you dad," Sam melted in his father's embrace.

"I love you too son," Mr Evans smiled and kissed Sam lightly on the top of his head.

Sam stood near the curb waving to his father and watched as the limousine exited the school gates.

"Hey Evans…" a voice challenged him from behind, "run to the end zone for a touchdown!"

Sam spun quickly running toward the Schools ornate fountain, and then rotated in time to catch the leather clad ball.

"Touch down!" Sam roared, as a crowd of young lads in royal blue embossed blazers gathered around him, cheering him on. Lifting him high above their shoulders they chanted. "Evans, Evans, Evans!"

Sam turned toward the would-be quarterback and winked, "Ahaaa, you thought you had me there didn't ya bro?"

Arthur Abram or Arty, as his friends knew him, had known Sam for as long as he could remember. He had been wheel chair bound since he was struck by polio at a young age. Arty was sturdy in character and humor always danced before him, he also had an air of determination and drive about him, and never allowed anything to cloud his day. Arty strongly believed his wheelchair was his throne and it was the vehicle which would take him to great heights.

Arty sat snickering in his chair, "I'll get you one day Evans…" he cackled, "…one day when you least expect it!" He then rubbed his hands together mischievously braying at the thought as he followed his friends carrying Sam into the school.

Sam Evans was indeed a very popular young man.

...

Mercedes walked along the corridors of Carnell Junior High. Greetings bombarded her from all quarters as she strode toward her locker. Mercedes too was very popular with her peers and teachers alike. She was president of the Glee club and valedictorian.

"Hello Miss Thaaang" she heard a familiar voice behind her as she opened her locker… it was Kurt. Kurt was Mercedes best friend. She had known him ever since they attended Carnell Elementary School.

"What do you think of this outfit Cedes?" He stepped backward placed his hands on his hips allowing Mercedes to view the full effect of his latest ensemble.

Mercedes looked Kurt up and down. Kurt's fashion sense resonated Louis Vuitton meets the Vontrap family.

"Aaah, um…well?!" she struggled and nervously bit her lower lip, trying desperately to find a compliment for her friend's newest creation. Then she smiled and added, "Wow….ur...um…that color really brings out the blue in your eyes?!"

Kurt's eyes caught Mercedes. He crossed his arms. Looked at her suspiciously and shrieked. "Mercedes Jones, you have no game! I know that look girl and you ain't fooling me!" He then raised his chin, cocked an eyebrow, turned in the opposite direction and walked briskly away adding with the flick of his hand. "Never mind, cos I think I look absolutely fabulous!"

Mercedes giggled beneath her breath as she trailed behind her best friend to their first class.

...

Every day after school, weather permitting, Mercedes and Sam would make their way to the small family lake on the east side of Evergreen Manor. Its serene setting was always a welcome sight to both Mercedes and Sam after a full day of school.

Every day, ever since they were approximately 6 years of age they would take their hooks, tackles and bate and speculate on the number of fish they might catch that day. They ritually ensured they made their way to 'their' lake as much as possible.

As the years rolled by Mercedes had grown bored and wasn't really fond of fishing anymore. She would toss her rod to the side of the boardwalk, anchor it with a few rocks and then spent the remainder of her time arguing with Sam about who was the greatest superhero or baseball team in the world. Finally, and almost ritualistically, she would then stand on the shore and practice her scales for upcoming performances of her glee club.

"I don't know why you still come here…" Sam huffed "You never really fish anyway and I'm sure you're scaring my fish away with all that noise!"

Mercedes shot Sam a defiant look. "Excuse me Mr Evans…" Mercedes hands now fixed indignantly on her hips, "my singing is NOT noise!" She stomped, "…y'all see one day Sir Evans when I win my first Grammy…anyway…" she pouted and folded her arms defiantly, "…you should have told Arty to come with cos he's much more fun!"

"Whatever!" Sam rolled his eyes, slightly waved her away and grinned, "…then I'd have double trouble…so… just keep it down aye Mercy!" He smiled quietly to himself then turned back to his rod and eagerly waited for a bite.

In all honesty Sam loved to hear her sing. Every day she would sing a new song she learnt in glee club or the song she decided was her most favorite song ever by Baby-face which she had changed slightly to suit her,

Boy, it's been a long, long time comin'
But I, I know that it's been worth the wait
It feels like springtime in winter
It feels like Christmas in June
It feels like heaven has opened up its gates for me and you

And every time I close my eyes
I thank the lord that I've got you
And you've got me too
And every time I think of it
I pinch myself 'cause
I don't believe it's true
That someone like you
Loves me too…

Sam smiled as he tuned into her melodious voice, 'I love Mercy…' He thought closing his eyes as he sat pensively listening to his dear friend sing 'I love Mercedes Jones!'

Please review! O.K..there you have it! Thanks so much for reading it :) ..slash it to pieces or whatever or just help me to write better please!. I am poised for criticism..good or bad! Yes? No? what should I do?