Sam would be a fool not to admit that he missed Mercedes Jones. Too much time had passed. It'd been at least a year since their last real conversation. He tried dating other girls to clear her out of his brain, but it never really worked. He could convince himself that he and Brittney were perfect, but to be honest, they were both just biding their time with each other. Britt belonged to Santana, and Sam knew as much. This past week as some old members of the New Directions reunited, everyone seemed to find their way back to each other, to the ones they belonged to. He was in that mindset as well, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He felt like a fool to approach Mercedes now. He wasn't on her level. There once was a time when he fought tirelessly for her. That time passed. He watched her from afar, knowing that in a few months she'd be back in L.A. and he'd be in New York. He tried to convince himself it wouldn't work.
Later that night while he lie in bed, he contemplated calling Penny. But he knew that would be a bad idea. He'd pursed her simply because he had no one else. They were past done. And that kiss with Tina? Just a dumb idea that'd meant nothing, really. No- he wanted Mercedes. Plain and simple. Earlier tonight, on the way home, 'Human Nature' by MJ played on the radio… the universe was playing a cruel joke on his psyche. Any time anyone even mentioned her name before, memories of those summer nights replayed in his mind. But those nights are long gone… no more lake or carnival memories. Had too much time passed? Maybe he should have fought harder… maybe he should have tried convince her to not let go of what they had when she left for L.A.? Maybe… Maybe… Maybe. Pride, ego, and too much time now stood in his way.
If he could just get the courage to talk to her. Remind her of the times they had. Have her remember those memories he just hadn't been able to forget. Maybe then she'd be open. Sam was convinced if the opportunity presented itself again, he'd jump head first at the chance. If he were honest with himself, which he rarely was, he'd realize that Mercedes was the only woman he ever really, truly loved. Quinn was a great introduction to McKinley, and he and Brittney definitely had some good times, but Mercedes… Mercedes. She was the only woman who made him smile the way he did when he remembered her. The only woman who made him literally beg to take him back. The only woman who made him cry. The only woman he felt inspired to encourage her to fulfill her potential. They brought out the best in each other, and that's what love was about.
The next day in Glee club, he overheard Kurt and Blaine discussing a possible visit by Mercedes in a few months in New York. If he were there, and she were there… he took this as a sign. He was putting his plan into action. Mercedes would be his again. He'd spoil her with flowers, take her out, tell her how beautiful she is, and dance with her in the moon light. Anything to win her heart back. Once they'd both left McKinley, and tasted life as an adult, the time would be right. Sam lost Mercedes once… he wouldn't let it happen again.