Mercedes stood behind the curtain her nerves bouncing frantically. Her hands shook. In five minutes she would be singing a duet for Brittany and Santana. In front of everyone and by everyone she meant Sam and Rachel. She didn't know how she could do this.

A few weeks ago Kurt had warned her that something had been going on between Sam and Rachel. Her world had become smaller. Her breathing had hitched up and she had felt as if someone had choked her. Kurt had calmed her down and reassured her that it could mean nothing. But when she had arrived in Lima three weeks ago she had seen them.

They were at Breadstix. Sam had had his arm around Rachel, who was resting her head on his shoulder. Time had stood still. Her fears had been confirmed. The love of her life had moved on with Rachel Berry. She had spent the night crying on Kurt's shoulder about a fool she had been. How could Rachel have done this to her? That was the thing she couldn't understand. So she had kept to herself in her apartment, barely going out, not ready to face them.

She smoothed down the front of her dress. Where was Artie? He had disappeared to get some water ages ago and they were about to go on. He was probably with Kitty, trying to get her attention again. Poor guy. That one wasn't budging.

She checked her watch. Her date still hadn't shown up yet. She wondered if it had been a wrong move to invite him. Her friends we're definitely not a fan of him. She hadn't even told Kurt who had pestered her all week about her secret date. Kurt was her best friend but she didn't trust him to keep anything a secret. He would have let slip who she was bringing. Maybe he wouldn't show. He hadn't seem that excited.

" Mercedes?"

Rachel stepped in behind the curtain and gave her a warm smile.

" Oh my god you look beautiful!" She hugged Mercedes. " Where have you been hiding yourself?"

" Get off me." Mercedes voice was venom.

Rachel let go of her startled.

Mercedes swallowed the bile that had risen in her throat. Her breathing slowed. " You have a lot of nerve talking to me like we're friends."

Rachel shook her head. " What do you mean? We are friends-"

Mercedes raised her hand and slapped her. Rachel stumbled backwards clutching her hand to her face. She looked up at Mercedes shocked.

" Still think we're friends Rachel?" Mercedes paused for effect. " Because friends don't stab one another in the back."

Rachel rubbed her sore cheek. " You know about Sam and me."

The way she said Sam's name made her feel cold all over. " Yes I know."

" Mercedes we wanted to tell you-"

" That you went after the man I love. That you didn't give a damn about our friendship!" Mercedes voice had risen to a crescendo though her voice couldn't be heard from all the chatter that was going on from the reception. " You knew how much Sam meant to me know and you just…" words failed her. She felt helpless against Rachel who looked at her with sadness.

" I'm sorry Mercedes."

" Just stay the hell away from me Rachel. Get out."

Rachel nodded and disappeared behind the curtain. Mercedes grabbed the mike stand and bowed her head. Damn it! She had wanted to shout and rage and drag Rachel across the floor. But she couldn't ruin her friends' wedding. This was a special moment for them.

" Hey," said a voice. A warm hand grabbed her shoulder.

" You came!" She hugged him.

He squeezed her. " Sorry I had to make a little detour."

Mercedes let go of him. " Did anybody see you?"

He shrugged. " I think so but I'm not really sure. I whizzed past them so they didn't get a good look at me."

Mercedes sighed. " That's a relief."

He grinned. " Look at you. Keeping me as your dirty little secret. I'm kinda turned on."

Despite feeling crappy Mercedes giggled. " We're friends."

He rolled his eyes. " I've heard this a million times before. You don't have to worry about me. I won't," he pinched her cheek. " Cross the line."

" Hey Mercedes sorry I took so long- what the fuck is he doing here?"

" Language Mr. Abrams."

Artie ignored him and pushed past him. He handed Mercedes a cup of water.

Mercedes took a sip and threw the paper cup in a little bin behind them.

" Mercedes what the hell is he doing here?"

" He's my date."

Artie looked taken back. " He's your date? Since when have you two…?"

" Since L. A. We became good friends. " Artie looked skeptical. " I know it's hard to believe but he's changed."

Artie snorted. " Sure he has. Anyways we have a whole crowd to entertain so If you don't mind…"

Mercedes's friend raised his hands in submission. " I'll just stay behind here in the corner where no one can see me. Good luck Mercedes. " He winked at her.

Artie shook his head. " Unbelievable."