A/N: Thank you all so much for the alerts, and the amazing reviews. I have truly enjoyed each one! You guys are definitely spurring me to write more with your encouraging reviews. Once again, I don't own Glee! If I did things would be very different.


Chapter 3: One and Only

Mercedes spent a few days in the hospital after her surgery. The doctor advised that she go home, there was nothing more they could do for her there. The brace on her leg was the only indicator of what happened. She sat on the edge of the bed with a mirror propped up on her table curling her hair. When she wasn't on stage or making an appearance she preferred to take care of her own hair and makeup. She heard the sound of a clipped voice coming down the hall. She knew instantly it was Kurt.

Kurt and Blaine quickly became her place of reassurance after the divorce. Kurt was there to hold her hand, and Blaine made sure she acquired a divorce lawyer, his father. Theodore Anderson represented her during the entire ordeal. Even though Mercedes left the marriage almost penniless without a home to call her own anymore at least she didn't have to pay Shane alimony during his off seasons and she wouldn't have to pay him a percentage from her endorsement deals. All of these things were in the small print of their prenuptial agreement. The thought of being fooled so easily by Shane's mild dopey demeanor made Mercedes nauseous even three years later.

"Mercy Jones, what are you doing?" Kurt asked as she looked up at him, curling iron in hand.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm getting ready to go." Mercedes rolled her eyes. If Kurt had his way she wouldn't have bathed herself after she fell.

"Tut, tut, Angel. You've been through a lot. Now, let's get you dressed and ready to go. I've brought options." The porcelain skinned mans eyes grew wide and Mercy only smiled. Kurt loved to dress her. He called her his "Plus Sized Barbie". He made quick work of laying out the clothing; all were in her favorite color: black, gone were the bright colors of her teenage years. She preferred clean simple lines and statement pieces sparingly. She chose an oversized black cashmere tunic, black palazzo pants to go over the brace she wore temporarily. Kurt helped her pull on the items she had trouble with. She buzzed the nurse's station to let them know she was ready to be wheeled out; a precaution she fought against until she was told for the seventh time that it was hospital policy.

Carole Hummel came in with a big smile on her face. After Kurt and Blaine moved to Los Angeles to start their business, Burt and Carole followed to help care for the first of their grandchildren. She easily found a job as a nurse and Burt opened a small auto body shop with the money from the sell of their home in Lima. They loved being close to their family, and all of the kids they loved in Lima.

"You ready to go Ms. Jones?" Carole asked with a wide smile, her black and pink scrubs were a little wrinkled and Mercedes could tell she was tired.

"Yes, Mrs. Hummel." Mercedes said, trying to stand on her own to get into the wheel chair. Carole took her under the arm and helped her along.

"Mercy, stop trying to prove you aren't a diva all the time before you hurt yourself!" Carole scolded, Carole was never afraid to give the woman a what for when she felt she was going to do herself harm.

"I know I'm sorry. I just don't want any special treatment. After what that nurse said about me I just want to prove I'm like everyone else."

[Flashback]

Her room had been flooded with flower arrangements from everyone Mercedes knew, even Will Schuester, no doubt sent by Emma Schuester and his name signed to the card. Tina had to leave to take her daughter, Clara to school so she couldn't look over each one to make sure there were no lilies in them. Most people didn't know about her allergy, and Tina quickly notified the nurses' station before leaving the hospital. Several arrangement were delivered, one containing lilies. Mercedes buzzed the station because of her sneezing fit, she grew indignant when 20 minutes passed and no one came in to see what she needed. She would have been happy to check it herself, but moving wasn't an option. She started to scream, knowing the nurses' station was within ear shot. A tiny nurse with dark skin and braids came running in to see what she needed. After quickly informing the young girl of her allergy she asked her to check the two arrangements and dispose of the lilies in each one. The girl left the room muttering something about Mercedes being a no talent diva, who thought her shit didn't stink.

[End flashback]

"Mercy, you have an allergy. Avoiding anaphylactic shock really isn't something to be ashamed of. I told my boss what happened and she made sure Lisa was moved from this wing after knowing how she treats patients. This isn't the first time she's gotten a complaint." Carole said as she wheeled her past the nurses' station. Mercedes waved to each one of them, thanking them by name for all of their help. She took a deep breath and prepared to be wheeled out of the front of the hospital. Mercedes knew from experience going through the back door only created larger issues.

She smiled genuinely as she saw Noah Puckerman and Santana Pierce waiting for her. They were busy keeping the paparazzi at bay while Lauren kept the door to her large SUV open and ready for her to get in.

"How are you feeling Ms. Jones?" One of her regular paparazzi, John asked. She liked him because he never got to close, and kept his questions short.

"I'm doing great, ready to get back to work." She said, as she stood with some help and eased herself into the vehicle. It took a few more minutes to make sure she was safe and comfortable. Once in the safety of her car she took a look around. Tina was in the third row of seats holding her iPad and a thermos of tea. She took them both with a smile, and nod to her friend. Santana was on her left, and Lauren and Puck were in the front ready to drive. None of them said a word; they only watched her waiting for her to say something.

"What?" She asked looking to each of them, taking a sip from her favorite unicorn thermos, a gift from Brittany and Santana's little girl, Sissy.

"We were worried about you, mama." Puck said as he put the car in drive. "You're our resident Diva. What would we do without you, and your bad ass cooking?"

"Noah, you'd starve to death on Thanksgiving. Thank you for worrying about me. I'm going to be fine. Can we please get the hell out of here, please? I want to get home." She said relaxing back in her seat, her leg propped up on the empty seat, her back pressed against the door. "What's on my agenda today, Tina?" She asked scrolling through her iPad to get to the day planner.

"You have a meeting with Artie, Quinn, and Shannon later today. After that you have a meeting with your psychical therapist." Tina said matter of factly.

"Have they signed all of the release forms, and the gag order?" She asked closing her eyes and leaning her head back. She was oblivious to the sex of the person who would be living in her home for the next four to six months. She let her team handle the details. She trusted they would never put her in harms way.

"Yes, he has." Lauren piped up. We've checked this guy out and he's clean as a whistle. He comes with a laundry list of recommendations, and he's known for being very private and discreet.

"Have the rooms been set up for he and his team on the guest floor along with all the equipment they'll need?" Mercy asked, rubbing her temples.

"Yeah Mercy, we've made sure he'll be very comfortable." Santana answered, and leaned over to squeeze her shoulder. "Don't be nervous, mama, we'll make sure he's well taken care of."

The drive was short, and Mercedes was glad to see her house. As the gates opened she stared at her labor of love. The house seemed like it would be too large for one person but what people didn't know was it housed her parents when they came to visit, as well as her grand parents on occasion. The Jones' family valued their privacy so she made sure she had a place for them to come that had all the creature comforts they valued. She owned the house outright. Paying cash for the estate when the power couple who owned it split and the woman wanted to make sure no one benefited from the sell of the home. After a few tweaks the bills were lower and the upkeep costs were about the same as the rent on a large Hollywood apartment. She was known as having one of the most green and sustainable homes in Los Angeles. She watched as everyone piled out around her. Noah opened the door helping her out carefully. She didn't like being coddled but she knew she would only hurt herself if she tried to do anything alone.

After she was situated in the living room people began filing in. She sat and listened as Shannon Beiste gave her the run down on companies that wanted her as the face of one campaign or another, the state of her current deals, and how her own products were doing. She sat and watched as the older woman went down the line, and smiled. She still couldn't believe Shannon Beiste agreed to work for her. She reached over and squeezed the woman's hand looking up at her.
"Shannon, you're never this formal. What's going on with you?"

"Well, I was worried about you, M.J.! A torn ACL is no joke. My Cooter tore his ACL and was never right again. I know how much you love to dance, and I don't want that to ever be taken away from you!"

"Coach, they expect me to make a full recovery and to be back in the game before its time to start my next tour." She said leaning in to hug the woman.

"Well, if anything happened to you I don't know what I'd do. You're like a part of the Menkins' family. Cooter loves you more than our terrier." Beiste's eyes looked sad for a moment before she patted her hand. "Now speaking of the Menkin's family I need to go and get the chickens on to roasting for dinner!" Mercedes' laughter was heard throughout the house as Shannon left.

After the divorce Mercedes moved back to Lima to spend time with her family and lick her wounds. Offers came in and she didn't know who to talk to about the companies approaching her. Sue Sylvester and Shannon Beiste, after years of hating each other, finally went into business together admitting they were more alike than either woman would like to admit. They ran a small consulting firm in Lima. Shannon was the legal end of it. No one ever knew Shannon Beiste had a law degree, and a very good one. Mr. Jones suggested she take the contracts to her to look over. After taking out a red pen and going over each contract Shannon offered to become her manager, realizing that if she took any of these deals Mercy would be covered in red tape up to her ears. After Hollywood's elite and troubled saw what Shannon did for Mercedes, she had enough clients to have an assistant and her own office.

The next to come into the living room was Quinn, wheeling in a smiling Artie Abrams. Mercedes smiled as she saw the Sonic bag in Artie's lap.

"Hey guys!" She exclaimed, holding her arms out to the smiling couple. After exchanging hugs she was presented with the bag. She dug in hungrily, savoring the taste of her beloved chili cheese tots. Over the years Mercedes changed but her love of the potato snack never left. You could tell her someone set fire to her shoes and she'd just smile and eat another tater tot.

She listened intently as Quinn spoke, handing her forms to sign off on. Mercedes grew a little suspicious after noticing the blonde only used her left hand. Mercedes shrugged it off selecting to read each document carefully. It took a moment before Mercedes noticed the large engagement ring on Quinn's finger. She dropped the papers and kept a vice grip on her petite hand.

"Quinn Fabray when did this happen?" She exclaimed looking up at the blonde and keeping a tight grip on her hand, determined not to let it go.

"Three days ago, we wanted you to be the first to know." Artie said looking to Quinn and Mercy. "If it weren't for you I never would have reconnected with the woman of my dreams. Thank you Mercy."

"You two would have found each other eventually. Fate leads soul mates to each other as many times as it takes. Now get together so I can capture this happy moment." She said looking to the happy couple as Artie tugged Quinn into his waiting lap. Mercedes held up her phone and snapped a quick photo of the happy couple, Quinn holding up her engagement ring and smiling.

"Mercy if it weren't for you hiring me when I couldn't get a lighting job I would have never seen this neurotic angel again." Artie said, his glasses starting to fog a little from tears.

"If it weren't for you needing an accountant after your divorce, I would have never seen this one when I took his payroll paper. How did I never notice he was so damn cute?" She said smiling and leaning in to kiss Artie soundly.

"Truth." Artie said simply, and hugged her.

"Okay you two, you need to tell me the story. Don't leave anything out. Oh, and I'm planning the engagement party. No questions asked." Mercedes said eagerly as she settled into the cushions of her over stuffed couch. She loved to plan events; she single handedly threw the annual Grammy party each year at her home.

"Well he called me and told me there was a problem with his tax forms and that I needed to come over right away and help him or else he'd be destitute. I knew something was wrong since I was the one who did his taxes this year. When I got to his house he was at the front door waiting for me with his arm stretched out holding this humongous ring. He looked at me and said "I hope you'll give me forever to make up for luring you here under false pretenses." I burst into tears and of course I said yes. M.J., girl, not only do I want you to plan my engagement party but I want you to plan my bachelorette party." She bit her lip nervously. "M. J. will you be my maid of honor, please?"

"Of course I will!" Mercedes sighed wistfully, and smiled at the couple. She'd never seen them so happy. They deserved all the happiness in the world.

After Artie and Quinn left Mercedes settled into the couch for a nap before her psychical therapist came for their first meeting. She figured they'd get right down to the business of getting her ready to perform at her peak again. She let her dreams take her away. Her rest was troubled; she'd been having the same dream for the last week. It was always the same, the last time she saw Sam Evans.

[Flashback]

Mercedes drove all night to see him, her tear streaked face strained to concentrate. She hadn't heard from Sam since she told him about Shane kissing her in the music room, and her allowing it after their stupid fight of who would travel to see who that Valentines day. If he forgave her this one time she would drive to see him every time.

She felt guilty, and she wanted to apologize to him in person. Sam was the type of man who thought even kissing another person on the lips was cheating. The intent was the same no matter how severe the action. Mercedes heart felt heavy and her guilty conscience nagged her for days. She needed to make this right; Sam was the love of her life she planned to become Mrs. Sam Evans after college. She drove up to his apartment building, glad to see his light on and parked quickly running up the steps. She knocked on the door and opened it before she could hear him say to wait a moment. What she saw made her blood run cold. Some girl was on her knees in front of Sam giving him a blow job; his fingers were fisted in her hair.

"What the fuck Sam?" She screamed, fresh tears in her eyes. She'd never been so hurt and betrayed. The look on Sam's face was one of shock, fear, shame, and sorrow.

"Mercedes, please" He said getting up and buckling his pants. "I'm sorry." His face turned red, and the girl that had been on her knees got up quickly looking between the two of them and running out before she found herself in the middle of the arguing couple.

"What are you sorry for, Sam? Letting that whore blow you or the fact that you were caught?" She asked wiping her face.

"I'm sorry you caught me, and I'm sorry it happened. I love you, Mercy. Sometimes I just get so lonely." He said looking down, truly ashamed.

"How many times has this happened?" She asked her arms crossed over her chest defensively. She would forgive this one time, if he forgave her.

"It only has been a couple of times; I get really weak and can't say no." He said softly, his feet shuffling, tears were starting to fall.

"So, you've let some stupid little girl blow you and you got angry with me for letting Shane kiss me on the lips? You're such a fucking hypocrite Sam. To think I was coming here to apologize to you, and beg your forgiveness." Mercedes left not letting Sam say another word. She slammed the door hard enough to break several photos resting on the book shelf next to his door. One being the happy couple after their regional's victory. As she ran down the steps she heard Sam's voice calling after her begging her to stop. She drove straight through, her anger fueling her energy.

Her phone rang repeatedly for three weeks after that night. Sam sent flowers, cards, and everything he could think of to win her back. He sent everything but himself to the door of her small loft. If he'd only come to see her, to apologize in person she would have taken him back.

[End flashback]

Mercedes woke up to the sound of a breaking glass, and loud curses. She sat up straight and smoothed out her hair. She grabbed the crutches next to the couch and pulled herself up, carrying herself to the front door as quickly as she could.

"Tina, what's going on?" She asked looking to the open front door and a very angry Tina Chang. Her eyes locked with the familiar green pair staring back at her.

"Hey Mercedes, can I come in?" He asked his voice was unsteady as he spoke. His eyes full of fear. "I'm late for my meeting."

"Sam!" She said swallowing hard and starting to shake.


A/N: This explains why they broke up! I know this isn't my best chapter but I did the best I could. As I said before, read.. review..alert! Thank you so much for all of the encouraging reviews. I hope you enjoy the next tid-bit!