Quinn has always had a great game face. She can seem ready for anything, when the truth is, she isn't ready at all. The only place she can let her guard down, it seems, is also the least likely. When she moves in with Mercedes and her family, there is no need for masks or faces.

They are honest people. Good people. People she has to get used to because they aren't concerned with appearances. Their only concerns are Mercedes, Quinn and the baby. They want Quinn to go to school, keep up with doctors visits, and eat healthy.

To help with this, Mercedes' mom makes delicious dinners that Quinn forces herself to eat, even though her morning sickness can last all day. She is shocked when they invite her with them on family activities, and don't relent until she gives in and comes along. Mercedes insists she come outside with them when they are playing in the snow. Quinn hasn't played in the snow since she can remember, and doesn't have appropriate clothing, but the Joneses take care of that.

Soon, Quinn is outside, trying to waddle around in boots that fit her swollen feet and snow pants and a coat that can close around her expanding belly.

"Come on! It's you and me against my dad and mom," Mercedes encourages, and she helps Quinn duck behind a large pile of snow.

"What are we doing?" Quinn asks, her tone as cold as it is outside.

"What does it look like? We're havin' a war. A snowball war," Mercedes says and smiles, handing Quinn a perfectly formed ball. "Go for it," she says, motioning to her dad, who seems, for the moment, to be unaware of the plan his daughter is hatching.

So, Quinn nails him. Hits him square in the back, and then her heart is in her throat because what did she just do? But Mr. Jones surprises her. He turns and laughs.

"Good one, girls! But get ready! 'Cause it's on now!" he promises. "Honey!" he calls to his wife. "Get ready! The kids started somethin' now, and we've got to finish it!"

Quinn is totally flustered by Mrs. Jones joining the laughter, but Mercedes doesn't give her any time to think. "You stay here with the supply. I'll lure them over here," she pauses. "Is the baby having fun? Are you having fun?"

"I suppose," Quinn allows, "I've never actually played in the snow before."

"Get out of here. For real? Well, we got some catching up to do for you then, don't we?" She takes a couple steps and pats Quinn's stomach. "We gotta loosen Mama up, don't we, baby?"

"Mercedes, don't tell her that!" Quinn protests, but she can't help the smile that splits her face.

It's kind of fun being one of the family.

The End.