Chapter 1: Out Here On My Own (edits)

Mercedes Latrice Jones POV

Mercedes always dreamed of becoming a world renowned contemporary Gospel and Rythm and Blues singer. In High School she was a Social Butterfly. She was a member of the Glee club, Chess club, the Cheer Squad, and even the Sewing Club. To say Mercedes was popular was an understatement. Everyone loved to be around her magnetic personality. Her smile would lighten the darkest day (or so she was told) and she gave so much advice she seriously considered becoming a psychologist. Mercedes loved the attention.

As the only girl in a family of five. Her dad Jeffrey Jones was one of two dentist's in Lima, Ohio. Her mother Michelle Oliver-Jones was a Grade 15 in the Federal Government. Her older brother MarKeith Lamont Jones is a senior at Brown college in Philadelphia and her baby brother Marshall Tyson Jones is a Freshman at McKinley High School her alma mater. Mercedes graduated with honors, and took the first plane to her destiny in Las Angeles, California.

Mercedes was focused. Her goal was to give herself 5 years to make a name for herself. It didn't happen, not right away. What did happen was a good dose of reality. To say Mercedes was naïve when she first came to CA is giving her credit. Mercedes was what some called "green" like unripe fruit. She never experienced alcohol, certainly not weed or any other type of drugs, she wasn't versed in street slang (what the elders called common sense) she was book smart, she had one date or so with a boy from church and a fumble in the dark during a black out, and that was it. Nothing to right home about. And although Mercedes was very comfortable with her sexy and confident in her talent in Lima, Ohio, something about a year or two of rejection began to weigh on her self-esteem. She thought she would be able to dive right into the MUSIC scene and when that didn't happen right away, she became disappointed but Mercedes did not give up hope.

During her second year Mercedes was a little more established. She had created a brand for herself and began to market her talent better this meant she sang at weddings, restaurant openings, ground breaking ceremony's for new land, and of course she sang at church, any place really that paid cash and not chicken dinners (really - a fried chicken dinner).

MEET THE FRIENDS

She made friends easily enough. There was Quinn who she met singing at BONE FISH a restaurant on the outskirts of Southern, CA durung the Mother's Day Celebration her second year in Cali. Quinn was a classic beauty, tall, model thin, beautiful eyes, smart, funny, charming and was a part time waitress/full time mother of a 3 year daughter named Bethany. A classic beauty that was over worked under payed and constantly doting on her daughter. Mercedes was surprised to find out that Quinn graduated top of her class from Yale. There was a story there but Quinn was also guarded about her background. Mercedes and Quinn became close friends when one day Mercedes was singing and Quinn started harmonizing on You go ahead let your hair down by Corinne Bailey Rae.

There was Quinn's ex-boyfriend, sometimes lover and baby-daddy Noah or Puck as he liked to be called. Wait that's a lie, he liked to be called Puck-Myster but no one ever did, LOL! The boy was fine as wine and new it. He had those bed room eyes her mom would say. Sort of Hazel and gray. He was also tall, muscular, loved to accidentally show his abs as he stretched. And boy was he a flirt, he was a complete and utter mess. He had a bit of a wondering eye. Hence the back and forth with he and Quinn. He had actually been the school Badass, I'm told. I can see it.

There was Britney S. Pearce and she would introduce herself like that to everyone. Hi, I'm Britney S. Pearce what's your name? Mercedes came to call her Britt Britt, she was really sweet, kind of child like most times. She LOVED to dance which she often did when Mercedes sang. She had long blond hair almost white it was so blond. Her eyes were the prettiest shade of blue, not dull but really alive always thinking. The girl loved her cat. She talked about him all the time, Lord Tubbington. To see her talk to that cat would make people think she was touched. But she wasn't she was just Britt Britt she really has a heart of gold.

Britney introduced Mercedes to Thee Samuel Jeremy Evans, another tall one (everyone was taller than Mercedes she was 5'2") Sam had captivating emerald Green Eyes. His hair was long enough to get on his nerves because he was always running his hands in it if it wasn't short and it rarely was. He was a GOOD looking man. Not like Puck, he was beautiful like a movie star. He looked like he belonged on the cover of someone's magazine. He definately had a nice body but he wasn't arrogant about it. He was easily embarrassed because he constantly blushed. And nobody made him blush more than one Ms. Santana Lopez.

Now to know Santana is to love her really. She was a beautiful Hispanic woman. Sort of rough around the edges. The things she said in Spanish made Mercedes blush. Thank God she was dark complexioned. Santana wasn't around as much as Sam or Britney because of her career but when she came around Mercedes would hand her the mic. The girl was bad with vocals that blended with Mercedes like cookies and creme. But, she travelled a lot. Usually if you saw Sam, you saw Britney and Santana or just Britney and Sam. Mercedes wasn't sure because she was no expert but the three of them seemed very touchy feely. She thought Britney was dating at least one of them, but she couldn't tell because both Samuel and Santana had wondering eyes. She caught both of them at different times watching her ass walk away. But that's another story for another day.

Britney worked for the local school system and it was Britney that told Mercedes about the job she was currently working as a substitute teacher for the music department. The trio were having dinner one night at Bone Fish and after Mercedes set Britney approached her and told her the teacher that was working at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts for the gifted and talented and disabled had taken ill with something mysterious. Mercedes didn't really hear what came next, she really needed to make more money so she could move out on her own and away from her cousin. When she tuned back in Britney was saying to call for an interview. She remembered her saying don't doddle.

Now Mercedes was sure that she would not be able to get the job because she didn't have a degree in Education or Music. All of Mercedes talent was natural. Her Mothers mother, Mercedes grandmother taught her to play piano and she taught her to use her ear to learn music. Mercedes could play and sing anything if she heard it one time. That's all it took. She taught herself to play the violin which was hard but she did it and that was middle school. When her parent's saw Mercedes gift for learning instruments and music they invested in other instruments. They payed for singing lessons and found that she has perfect pitch so they invested more money into her for music theory classes. All of this with the understanding that her grades could not suffer. She could give up one or two extracurricular activities but her grades could not suffer.

When Mercedes walked into that interview she walked into a blessing because she got the substitute teacher position. It was either a blessing or Mr. Figgins was desperate for help. Possibly a bit of both. She started right away.

Britney worked every day as the modern dance teacher and after school she managed a club for free style and hip hop for adults and every other day she taught tap dance for ages 5 to 10.

MERCEDES, BRITNEY and SAM

On Mercedes first day she met Britney for lunch in the teacher's lounge where she noticed a beautiful brick house of a man as she walked in. Mercedes raised one eyebrow, her body became overheated and she stopped walking with her mouth slightly agape and her slowly licking her lips. Thank God he was talking to someone and didn't notice because she would have embarrassed herself.

Of course Britney saw the whole thing.

"Mercedes! Over hear! Britney waved."

Snapping out of her daze Mercedes was able to move her feet finally and sit at the table with Britney and...
"Oh, Hi Samuel! Mercedes said a little embarrassed for having been caught lusting and for some reason she felt guilty for doing it in front of Sam, who looked a little bit sad in those eyes of his."
"Mercedes when are you going to start calling me Sam, asked Sam. SAM I AM and I don't like green eggs and ham."

"Mercedes giggled and said cute bowing her head in agreement." Then turned her attention to tall, dark and lovely in the corner still chatting it up but with a different woman. Humph, she thought, Figures. Mercedes eyes lowered and she bit the inside of her lip. Britney was talking about a movie she wanted to see and asking if anyone wanted to join her over the weekend. Sam said he would go with her but Mercedes had to work at Bone Fish.

Britney said "Why would they name the Restaurant Bone Fish when they don't sell Fish? I mean, she said a Filet is not fish."
Mercedes and Sam looked at each other puzzled and laughed out loud.

Just as they started to clean their area to return to their classes tall, dark and lovely walked over and introduced himself.
"Hello", he smiled, Mercedes would later swear there was a twinkle of light on his teeth when he smiled. That's how white they were and his voice was so deep and sexy, Mercedes was swooning. "I'm Anthony Rashad, I don't believe I have had the pleasure he extended his hand."
Sam rolled his eyes and excused himself thinking so she doesn't like me because I'm white? What the hell? I've been hinting and flirting, shit. One look at this Bozo and who are you again. Fine!

Britney raised her eyebrows and watched the two greet each other. "Hello, I clearing her throat, I'm… Mercedes then she looked in his eyes and immediately looked away. It's very nice to meet you. she was blushing"
Sam looking at the two said "Oh for Pete's sake" walking off shaking his head.
Anthony spoke to Britney and said he overheard her extending invitations to the movies and wanted to know if the invitation included everyone?

Britney said, "Oh… well I was talking to Sam and Mercy here, pointing to herself and Mercedes"

Anthony said "Mercy" in a low sultry growl that made Mercedes insides do cartwheels.
Yeah, said Britney and rolled her eyes before saying, and Sam. Britney couldn't stand Anthony. She'd watched him make his way through the women in the school and Mercedes was fresh meat.

While Mercedes looked away and made herself busy wiping the table and pushing in the chairs.

Anthony said "Whose Sam?"

Mercedes said, "Oh! he's Britney's friend really, I mean we all are but, I really don't know him very, very well. Britney twisted her head and looked at Mercedes, squinted her eyes and raised an eyebrow.

Anthony smiled and before he could respond his phone rang. So he excused himself to the hall.

Britney teased Mercedes, "He's her friend" as they walked to their classes laughing. Britney said, "I'm telling Sam" Mercedes pushed her and swung at her missing. NO! Mercedes said, They laughed together as they walked down the hall. Mercedes said "Shut up, I was just... nervous."

At the end of the day Sam and Britney showed up at Mercedes door and saw Anthony Rashad talking to Mercedes. Sam was thinking he looks like a tall elephant, he was towering over her petite form. They knocked on the door and Mercedes jumped.

Anthony excused himself and said "Mercedes I will give you a call."

"What was all that about asked Britney?"

He wanted to know if we could meet for brunch since I have to work this weekend.

Britney looked at Sam who was turning red with jelousy and anger and looked away.

Sam said "I wouldn't advise it." "Don't shit where you have to eat."
Mercedes eyebrows furrowed, she really didn't understand, "Ummm. What?"

Sam said "I'm just saying it's not a good idea to date where you work or live."

"Hold on, Mercy said" Don't you and Britney date... oh and Santana?

Britney and Sam stared blankly at Mercedes and said "NO! We're cousins!" Britney said "I like lady parts" and Sam said "I... like someone else." lowering his eyes slowly.

"Oh!" Mercedes said.

"AHHH" Britney teased Sam. "Do I know her?" She wrapped her arm around Sams arm who had begun to turn red in the face.

"Nah… I don't know, you might." That's all you are getting. The last time I told you about someone I liked you went to her job and interviewed her like you were the police. She thought I had a wife. It took me two weeks to build back up intimate relations.

"Laughing at his response she pretended to gasp SAM… Boy you something else" Mercedes said. Well sorry about that. Why the hell, didn't you introduce Sam as your cousin and plus you guys seemed… you know…?"

"No. What?" they both asked…

Mercedes was pushing her head forth trying not to have to say. They still didn't get it. You know… together – together.

"Oh! Ewww." "Oh God No"… they broke a part.

Mercedes bellowed with laughter. "I'm sorry." She kept laughing and saying, you ARE always touching or holding hands or hugging said Mercedes still laughing. Then realization set in about Sam. Oh shit she thought. Oh no, she furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Sam apologetically as if to apologize for ignoring his previous advances toward her.

Mercedes invited the two over for dinner but Sam declined he was going to go to the gym. Mercedes was little disappointed but in light of current circumstances she understood.

Britney said yes but that she couldn't stay too long as she and Santana had planned a late date and she wanted to have time to get ready.

"So", Britney said. You never said if you accepted his invite.

"I told him I would consider it." Mercy said. I don't want to get involved you know she said lying? I have no idea of what I am supposed to be doing. I am completely in the dark when it comes to dating. I've really never been good at all that emotion stuff any way. I know, I'm so pathetic she covered her face with the dish towel, but in my defense my focus has never been on boys, and my family has always sheltered me, you know like a princess.

Britney grabbed Mercedes by the arms and said "don't say that. There is nothing to it. You are talking and eating, she grabbed a piece of bread demonstrating just talking... and Britney chomped on her bread with her mouth open and said... and eating. Eeew Mercedes laughed."

Mercedes smiled. "I'm still scared, or nervous, or anxious I don't know maybe all three, I just have feelings I don't understand. "

"Well, maybe that's your body warning you not to go" Britney said smiling softly. I wouldn't be a friend if I didn't say be careful, he looks like a lady's man she said." Britney seemed to get a darkness over her face. In fact her entire disposition changed and just like that, she bounced back. It happened so quick Mercedes didn't even have time to let it register as to what actually happened. Then Britney started singing some Sesame Steet song " Small b is the boy in the valley, who makes the b sooouund beee, bah bah bah bah bah bah bah bad ah boy, Small d is a letter too... turned the other way... a_rooou_ u_ u_und" ...and Mercedes was distracted by her antics, laughing and joining her, she loved shows like that.

Britney was excited to see Santana. She had been on travel for a week and tonight was her first night back. Santana came through the door calling out for Britney.

"I'm home mi amor te extrañé tanto. Tráeme esos labios. ¿Me extrañaste demasiado?"

Britney responded, "sí mucho" and smiled.

They embraced for a while just holding one another and getting reacquainted with each other.

Britney grabbed Santana's hand and said "Ven Déjame mostrarte cuánto".

Later that evening Britney was staring off the balcony and Santana walked up behind her wrapping her arms around her.

"What's wrong Brit Brit?" Sanatana said.

"Just have things on my mind Britney said. Nothing to worry about. Britney walked over to the bed and sat down. I was thinking. Maybe it wouldn't be a terrible idea to start taking theropy again. What do you think about that?" Said Britney.

"Has something happened? I mean if you feel you need to, of course I support you but I'm here for you too babe if you want to talk."

Britney smiled weakly, "I know, and I love you for it" she told Santana "but I think I'm not ready to share everything yet. But soon, she looked in Santana's eyes. Soon."

Over the next two nights Mercedes and Anthony talked on the phone all during the day and texted each other throughout the day. He asked her all about her dreams, and family back home in Lima, Ohio. He talked about his career as a pharmaceutical sales representative and how he got the contract for the school, how many years, how important he was to the company. Almost like a script.

Anthony told her he knew someone that was on the music scene and he would see if he could bring her to his studio. This excited Mercedes. She had begun to feel like she was putting her dreams on the back burner because of the need to make money to survive. And though she could call home to ask for help her pride wouldn't let her. Her parents and she did not agree with her plans to move to CA and pursue her craft. Mercedes having been a "good girl" all of her life shocked hell and heaven out of her parents when she told them no. Mercedes shocked herself !

FLASHBACK

Mommy, Daddy, I know that you are going to be disappointed. Immediately Jeffrey but in, if this is about that fool idea to not go to college yet pursue some half thought out idea of a dream then, yes. Michelle looked at Jeffrey and touched his knee to quail his frustration. Let her talk Jay. Just, lets listen to what she has to say. Well Mommy, Daddy, this is about me going to CA to pursue my dream of becoming an R&B and Gospel singer. I don't want handouts from you guys. I don't want to owe anyone. I want to prove to myself and...and everyone that ever tried to hold me back that I am just as talented as they are if not more. Mercedes stood a little taller, the color of my skin won't stop me. My size or the clothes I wear won't stop me. They could see her passion...and her naivete'.

END FLASHBACK

As Michelle watched Mercedes and Jeffrey go back and forth about Mercedes being too young and having no real world experience her mind drifted

FLASHBACK

Touching Jeffrey softly, baby, Michelle said, her heart aching for the many nights Mercedes cried to her about not getting the solo in Glee with that damn Scheuster and his favorite pupil Rachel Berry. Together they did something to her baby and her self-esteem. Then that crack pot of fool Jessie Saint James telling her she is lazy. My baby! Lazy! Michelle wanted to snatch a whole in his butt crack for that.

Baby, Michelle sometimes called Mercedes. Listen to your momma, No man can take from you what God has in store for you. All your blessings have your name on it. I know it seems unfair because we have always taught you that you are the head never the tale. Your not getting a solo over Rachel does not change that fact. Baby your time is coming. Right now as hard as it is take what you can learn from them and leave the rest in Lima, Ohio. I believe in you baby. You are already a star. Hold your head up.

Singing to her daughter (That's right Look up to the hills from whence cometh your help… she sang… Your help cometh from the Lord, who makes heaven, and the Earth...)

END FLASHBACK

Mercedes thought about how supportive her parents, well her momma was even though they wanted differently for her… her mom eventually said, Jeffrey, Mercy baby can't we compromise as a family? Your daddy and I are not going to see you alone living in a strange state with no means of money to care for yourself. We will give you one year of allowance but at the end of that year you will have to take on your responsibilities. I will give your second cousin Avery Jones a call and let her know that you are coming. You will stay with her for the year, regardless, she's family and I know she'll look after you without being over bearing. Jeff said "I want weekly calls to me and your mom."

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Mercedes said jumping and hugging her parents.

ANTHONY and MERCEDES Present Day

Anthony asked Mercedes "So... you are basically out here, alone, on your own? It sounds like they will take care of you if you need help. Have you ever had to go back and ask for help? Mercedes said "No, I was fortunate enough to use my talent to make enough to live here together with the teaching job. I am still on the 5 year plan, though. I have 3 more years to go before I completely give up and go back home with my tale between my legs." She gave a subtle mirth… and then it happened.
Anthony said speaking of help baby girl I didn't get a full pay check and won't be able to get groceries or pay my car note or nothing, knowing Mercedes would offer to help. He called her beautiful and promissed to pay her back. She thought He said he believed in her.

Ok, I guess this is the part where I invite you to leave a review. Thanks for reading. I don't own anything that isn't real everything else is just FanFiction. :)