Hello everyone! i'm back :)! ok so first i want to thank each and everyone one of you for all your kind words and for being so patient with me. thank you all so much. i want to thank everyone that continues to read and review this story. everyone who has put it in their favorites. you guys have no idea how much i love reading your reviews lol. thank you for all your continued support.

i want to give a giant shoutout to my beta reesie and my darling rose who tackled this monster of a chapter. you guys are the absolute best.

let me warn you guys, its a real long one lol. i truly think i lost myself with this one lol and i hope it lives up to your expectations. it is also best, you listen to tears in heaven by eric clapton before reading the chapter. or after, or not lol.

can i confess something? i really dont like leaving a disclaimer. its pretty obvious i dont own glee or anything glee related, im just borrowing the characters. so from now on, i will not leave a disclaimer.

Ok, im done rambling,

on to the chapter 7

enjoy :)


Mercedes walked around the kitchen of her quiet home, desperately looking for something to eat. The kitty clock that hung on the wall told her that it was past 1 in the morning and she knew she should take her butt to bed before Sam realized she wasn't lying next to him, but her rumbling stomach wouldn't let her lie down. Mercedes rubbed her large 8 month pregnant belly as she walked back to the refrigerator and opened it only to be met with the same image as before. She didn't know what she had a craving for, but she did know she needed something to eat or she was going to go crazy. Throughout her entire pregnancy, Mercedes had developed these crazy food cravings. Everything from pickles and cookie dough ice cream to peanut butter and ketchup sandwiches, Sam tried to eat the same things as her when she expressed that she felt weird ordering a steak with mayo on it at outback steakhouse, but he just couldn't stomach it.

Sighing in defeat, Mercedes decided to just call it a night and head back to bed when she saw Sam's keys in the fishbowl they kept on the hall way table. Biting her bottom lip, Mercedes looked up the stairs; did she really have it in her? Was she really about to grab Sam's car keys and go for a midnight snack? She was surprised Sam hadn't woken up, usually he could sense her movement and he would be up before her. Sam had always been a little overprotective of her but all that seemed to escalate now that she was pregnant with their first child. Sam didn't want her to do anything; he told her that if he could, he would carry her anywhere. She didn't want to upset him but she needed food and she couldn't wake him up like she did the night before, so she threw caution to the wind and grabbed his keys, put on her coat and purse that were in the entryway of the house and made her way to his car in her pink, onesie pajamas and her fuzzy slippers. Backing out of the driveway, Mercedes bit her bottom lip to hide the squeal. She did it! She felt like she had escaped prison. Driving into downtown Lima, she searched for any eatery that might be open but all she found were empty streets and closed businesses.

"This is crazy Mercedes!" She told herself. "What the fuck am I doing? Its almost 2 in the morning and you are riding around looking for food. Sam is going to flip." Once again about to give up, she saw a light at the end of the tunnel in the form an all-night diner effectively called Rita's. Pulling into the parking lot, Mercedes practically ran from her car, fist pumping the air, which made her stop in her tracks immediately.

"Did I just fist pump? Jesus, I've been with Sam for too long." Mercedes shook her head and walked into the nearly empty diner. Finding a seat wasn't a difficult task since it was past 1 in the morning. Walking to the booth in the far end of the left corner, Mercedes tried to squeeze her way in but sighed in defeat when her large, protruding belly wouldn't let her.

"Do you wanna sit at a table honey?" the waitress must have seen Mercedes struggling to sit in the booth and decided to come over and help her. Mercedes shot her a "Duh bitch, does it look like I can fit in this shit?" look.

"Yes please." The waitress walked to the other end of the restaurant with Mercedes close on her heels; to where they kept the tables. Mercedes pulled the chair and sat down, her stomach grumbling loudly, embarrassing her but all the waitress did was give her an understanding smile.

"I know girl, I got three kids of my own." Her name tag said Tammy. She was short woman with mousy blonde hair and giant mole at the bottom of her chin. She chewed her gum loudly, so much so that it tempted Mercedes to want to slap her for chewing like a cow.

"What will it be sweetheart?" Mercedes looked down at the menu and contemplated her choices. Everything looks so good, it was a bit overwhelming.

Biting her bottom lip she said, "I want a bacon deluxe cheeseburger, with the works. And I mean the works. If you can somehow manage to add ice cream to that burger, go ahead. I want an extra-large order of fries; if you got tots add those too. I want a large chocolate and vanilla milkshake and I want… what else do I want?"

"For your husband not to kill you." a deep voice rang out.

Mercedes was startled to find Sam at the diner, with his leather jacket on over his bare chest and pajama pants on. His hair was ruffled and he looked really angry but to Mercedes, he looked down right delicious. Taking a seat at the table, Sam turned his attention to the waitress.

"Tammy, I'll have whatever my wife is having." Tammy nodded her head and walked away, leaving Sam and Mercedes alone.

Taking a deep breath, Sam said, "Mercedes Patrice Evans. Just what the HELL do you think you're doing? It's past 1 in the morning and you're sitting at a diner? Are you insane? What if something would have happened to you?"

Mercedes eyes got watery as she looked down at the menu. Damn her pregnancy hormones. Everything was making her emotional. There wasn't a day where she didn't cry about something. The day before she was at her parent's watching TV when a fabric softener commercial came on and Mercedes bawled her eyes out.

"I'm sorry…I was really hungry… and I…I … I didn't want to wake you." Mercedes wailed the last part as sobs wrecked her body, her cries echoing loudly throughout the nearly empty diner. The few people that were in the diner shot daggers at Sam for making a pregnant woman cry like someone had told her they had killed her entire family.

"Mercy… babe… I'm sorry… don't cry… alright… I was worried, that's all. When a man wakes up to find his wife and car gone, he begins to panic. Please stop crying, I didn't mean to upset you. Just… next time give me a heads up."

"I'm sorry honey, like I said I just didn't want to wake up. You've been working so hard, and you just got that new job at the paper. I didn't want to burden you. I know that these past 8 months have been a struggle; this pregnancy has made me so emotional. I'm crying more than Tina."

"I'm sorry I haven't been more supportive of your needs baby. This pregnancy and all the things that come with it have taken me by surprise. But please understand that you need to come to me, I am your husband and I'm here for everything, you aren't alone Mercedes."

"You are right my love, I am sorry." Just then their food graced their table and Mercedes eyes light up in delight.

"Enjoy you two." Tammy smiled and walked away.

Mercedes grabbed her burger and took a large bite, moaning out loud which made Sam laugh.

"Are you happy baby?"

"Mmmmhmmm."


4 months later - one year since Annabelle went missing.

Sam sat in the back yard of his home, softly strumming his guitar as he looked at leaves blowing in the wind. He had been dreading this day for the longest and so were Mercedes and everyone else. Today was the one year anniversary since Annabelle had been gone and even though they were surviving, it was still a challenge. It brought it him a sense of comfort to know that Mercedes was going to give them another baby is 4 months but it still wasn't the same. His parents had flown in since Annabelle's birthday was the week after and they wanted to have a small get together in her honor. He wasn't sure he and Mercedes were up for it but they decided to give it a try.

Softly strumming his acoustic guitar, Sam began to play the first song he ever learned. Closing his eyes, he sang the song.

Would you know my name?

If I saw you in heaven?

Would it be the same?

If I saw you in heaven?

Sam remembered the first time Mercedes told him she was pregnant. He couldn't lie and say he wasn't scared out of his ass, they had only been married a couple of months when she found out. He remembered going to his father with his fears about being a good father. He wanted to be as good as his dad was to him. Courageous and strong but also loving and affectionate, he was the kind of man anyone would aspire to be.

I must be strong

And carry on,

'Cause I know I don't belong

Here in heaven.

He remembered the first sonogram and how Mercedes was the one to calm him down. The entire way to the hospital, he felt the butterflies in his stomach. This would be the first time he had ever been to a sonogram. He was getting ready to see the first pictures of his child, hear the baby's heartbeat; it was scary to think that he could do that. Hearing the baby's heartbeat was like music to Sam's hearts. He felt like his heart was going to break out of his chest. Taking his wife's hand in his, he kissed her knuckles as he couldn't take his eyes off the monitor. This was real. He was going to be a father.

Would you hold my hand?

If I saw you in heaven?

Would you help me stand?

If I saw you in heaven?

He remembered the day she was born. Sam didn't know what to expect, when Kurt called him, he immediately dropped everything, including a wrench on his toe to be there for her. He blew every traffic law in Ohio to get to her. This was the moment they were waiting for. This was it. Once Annabelle was born and she was placed in her father's arms, it was as if they were the only ones in the room. Everything became grey as he locked eyes with his daughter. She was his, theirs. He knew at that moment when she opened her giant eyes to meet his, he would die before anything could happen to her.

I'll find my way

Through night and day,

'Cause I know I just can't stay

Here in heaven.

Time can bring you down,

Time can bend your knees.

Time can break your heart,

Have you begging please, begging please.

He thought about the day he lost her, his life could never be the same. It felt like someone had ripped his heart out. There is no greater loss than the loss of a child. No one would ever be able to understand what it's like to create a life and watch it grow up before your eyes only for it to be taken to violently. There were nights where Sam would dream he was swimming and he would see his little baby girl, reaching out to her but she was never in his reach. Her screams haunted him, never letting his get a full nights rest. He remembered feeling useless and not worthy of a life. How could he let this happen? How could he let someone take her? He was supposed to protect her. He was supposed to be there for her when she needed him and he failed her. He wasn't a man, he was a coward. He remembered crying in his mother arms as she tried to comfort him but it wasn't helping. His mother rocked him back and forth as she cried her own tears. Sam remembered the frustration and the pain as the first few weeks of her disappearance. He remembered going to everywhere trying to find her. He remembered how loud he screamed for her. He remembered the anguish he felt every morning when he would walk by her bedroom and she wasn't in there. He remembered going in and touching her clothes and her toys and her bed. He remembered crying so hard he fell asleep on her tiny bed as he cradled her pillow. It was the darkest time of his life.

Beyond the door,

There's peace I'm sure,

And I know there'll be no more

Tears in heaven.

Would you know my name?

If I saw you in heaven?

Would it be the same?

If I saw you in heaven?

But now, now he finally had something worthwhile. Mercedes was going to have another baby, this time he would do it right. This time he would be everything he failed with Annabelle. This was what he needed to face his demons. He was going to love this baby like no matter what, he was going to do it right, they were going to do it right. No more living in fear, no more tears, no more pain and suffering. He was done with that part of his life. He would never stop looking for Annabelle, he would die trying but at least now, he finally felt his heart healing itself. Now, was the time to live, to fight? Now was the time to be the man he was raised to be. Taking a deep breath, Sam put his guitar down and got up and walked back inside, but not before turning around and looking at all the leaves blowing around in his backyard.

"I love you Annabelle. Where ever you are baby, I will find you. If it's the last thing I do, I will find you."


One week later- Annabelle's Fifth Birthday

Mercedes walked down the aisle of the supermarket, not really looking for anything in particular. She wasn't in the mood to be cooking or celebrating anything, even though it was Annabelle's fifth birthday, she wasn't around for them to celebrate. Her parents insisted that she get up out of bed and do something instead of mope around. She spent most of the morning, lying in bed, rubbing her ever growing pregnant belly and looking at Annabelle's baby book. Sam and Mercedes made it their mission to record just about every aspect of their daughter's life. Some people might they're obsessed but you never have too many pictures of your baby growing up, and it's a good thing they did because they would be lost without them. Everyone was back at her house, preparing for the small party they were going to throw in Annabelle's honor.

Mercedes continued to walk down the aisles of the supermarket, not really paying attention to where she was going when a little girl nearly ran into her car.

"Oh My God! Sweetheart! Are you ok? I am so sorry! I didn't see you." Mercedes ran around the car to where the little girl stood frozen, inspecting the child and making sure she wasn't injured. Mercedes noted the similarities between the little girl and her daughter. Same giant green eyes, same puffy pink lips and she even had the same hair color as her. If Mercedes didn't know any better, she'd say she was looking at her daughter. The only difference was the little girl looked older.

"Baby girl, what is your name?" She asked her but the little girl shook her head and giggled, telling Mercedes that she was a stranger and that her mommy told her never to talk to strangers. The little girl even had the same giggle as her daughter. "Ok what the hell is going on here?" Mercedes asked herself. She was beginning to freak herself out so she decided to ask the little girl where her mommy was, but all she did was shrug her shoulders.

"Alright well… let's take you to the manager so he can maybe call your mommy." Mercedes went to grab for the little girls hand but she stepped back, telling Mercedes that she didn't want to leave her side.

"I'm scared of the monsters." She whispered.

"Ok… just give me one second." Mercedes reached into her bag and pulled out her cellphone, placing a call to her mother who was probably on the other side of the supermarket, looking for low sodium type foods for her husband. Once her mother answered, Mercedes urged her to come to her side because she needed her for something.

"So… tell me about these monsters." Mercedes asked.

The little girl looked frightened. "I'm not supposed to tell." She whispered. "If I say anything, they'll hurt me."

"They? There is two of them? What do they do?"

"I can't tell." Just then, Mercedes heard her mother calling her name, turning to the little girl, she told her not to move a muscle as she was going to be right back.

"What is it Mercedes? Is it the baby? Are you feeling alright?" Sheila Jones asked as she placed her hand on Mercedes growing baby bump.

"Mom, I found this little girl and she was telling me about how she didn't want to leave my side because of monsters." Mercedes knew how she sounded but she needed to tell someone, to her it sounded like the little girl was being abused.

"Monsters, Mercedes? And you believe her? Honey…she's a child… how old did she look?"

"About 5 or 6."

"Well there you go. Kids make up things all the time. You did. Remember when you used to pretend to have an older sister named Bee? Kids have active imaginations, its nothing to get worked up over."

"Mom… you don't understand… I feel something. She even looked like…" Mercedes voice trailed off as she thought about her daughter.

Sheila gave her daughter a sympathetic smile. "Baby, I know today is hard for you and for Sam, its hard on all of us."

"Momma… I'm serious!" Mercedes Exhaled. "Come with me, I'll show you and then you can talk to her." Mercedes walked back to the aisle and gasped. The little girl was gone. Vanished into thin air. Sheila walked behind her daughter and peeked around her, searching for the little girl.

"Well, where did she go?"

"Momma… I swear she was here! She spoke to me! I'm not crazy!"

"Sweetheart, I never said you were crazy. Today is taking its toll on you. Let's go pay for these items and we'll take you home to get ready for the party."

"Momma… you believe me right?"

Sheila paused and looked at pouty, pregnant daughter. "Of course mercy, let's go."

After arriving home from the supermarket, Mercedes went upstairs to her bedroom to change while Sheila went looking for Sam, finding him in Annabelle's playroom with Artie and Finn.

"Sam? Can I talk you for a minute please? It's important." Sam excused himself and walked out of the room and into the laundry room with his mother in law.

Bracing herself on the dryer, Sheila turned around and gave Sam a worried look. "Sam… how is Mercedes?"

Sam furrowed his eyebrows and said, "She's fine. She's a bit tired because of the pregnancy but other than the usual, she's fine." He paused. "Why? What's wrong?"

"Well… today at the supermarket, she told me she was talking to a little girl that reminded her of Annabelle, she said the little girl told her about monsters and Mercedes believed she was in danger. When I went to talk to the little girl, there was no one there. I'm worried about her Sam, maybe this pregnancy might be too much for her. I know this is a tough situation, especially with today but… I'm worried about her mental capacity. I mean… a little girl that looks like Annabelle? Monsters? Really?"

"Mama Jones, I think you're overreacting. Worried about her mental capacity? Mercedes isn't crazy. She's not seeing thing and she most certainly isn't seeing Annabelle in supermarkets. I'll go talk to her but she's fine."

"Sam listen, I know a person; a friend of my husband. He specializes in situations like this, I think Mercedes should go and talk to him."

Sam's sage green eyes darkened. "Sheila… I know you mean well but Mercedes doesn't need "specialized help" she's fine ok? Right now, her mind is clogged with a lot of things. I love you like my own mother Sheila, but let me handle this…"situation." Sam went to walk out of the room when he felt Sheila's grip on his arm.

"Sam… I mean it… talk to her."

Sam walked out of the laundry room and made his way upstairs to his bedroom where he found his wife lying in bed, with Annabelle's baby book. Walking over to his side, he sat down and placed his right hand on her belly, eliciting a small smile while she still continued to flip through the baby book.

"Baby… what happened today?"

Mercedes turned her dark brown eyes at him and frowned. "Did my mother send you? Because I know what I saw Sam! I know I saw that little girl. She spoke to me; I know I didn't imagine it."

"Mercy, I'm not calling you crazy, I just asked what happened. Your mother seems concerned so please talk to me and tell me what happened."

Mercedes exhaled and said, "I was at the supermarket, walking down one of the aisles when they little girl came out of nowhere. I almost hit her with my shopping cart and everything. Anyway, she didn't want to tell me her name or where her mommy was and when I said I was going to take her to the manager, she got scared and told me not to do that because of the monsters and how they'll hurt her and all this. I called my mother but by the time she got there, she must have run away. She looked just like Annabelle Sam, same lips, eyes, hair color everything. It was like I was staring at our child. What does this all mean?"

"It means," He paused, choosing his words carefully. "It means that maybe, since today is her birthday, you might be imagining her. Today is a special day for us and not having her here hurts-"

Mercedes cut him off and got off the bed. Placing her hands on her hips, she turned to her husband with a scowl. "Sam! You aren't listening to me! I am not imagining anything! I saw her, I know I did. I spoke to her! This is real. I know what today is. I know how hard today can be! You don't have to keep reminding me that my baby isn't here for me to celebrate her special day. You don't have to keep reminding me of what a failure of a mother I am. You don't have to keep reminding me that Annabelle is somewhere out there in the world, alone and hungry and scared. You don't have to remind me!" Mercedes marched to the bathroom and slammed the door. Sam got up and walked toward the bathroom, knocking on it softly.

"Mercedes… maybe we should cancel the party. Maybe today is too much for you to handle…look I'll go downstairs and tell everyone that you aren't feeling well and they can just go home."

Mercedes opened the door in haste. "You will do no such thing Samuel David Evans. There is nothing wrong with me, physically or mentally. This party will go on and we will celebrate our daughter's life because that was we promised each other we would. Besides, you remember what happened the last time we cancelled one of Annabelle's birthday parties. I still can't show my face at Chuckie E Cheese."

"Yeah… I know… I still have the scar on my arm from when she bit me. I'm surprised they didn't sue us." Sam bit his top lip, assessing his wife. "Mercy baby… I'm sorry… it's just…I'm worried about you and I can't be myself knowing that something is wrong with you and I can't fix it." Mercedes reached over and stroked his face.

"Sammy, don't ever think that. There is nothing wrong me so you have nothing to worry about. Now let's go get ready for this party."


"Are you ready Ms. Washington?"

Roz Washington sat in the news van as her crew fanned over her, making sure that she was looking absolutely perfect for the cameras. She had been a reporter for nearly ten years and never in her life had she had to cover a story like this. She had a small son herself so this particular story hit home for her.

"Gimme one second Jimmy." Jimmy the camera guy nodded his head and walked out of the trailer. Roz grabbed her bag and pulled her cell phone out.

"Hey Lisa! It's Ms. Washington! How is Isaiah? Is he awake? Good! Please let me speak to him." Roz heard shuffling in the background and then her angel picked up the phone and it felt like the sky had opened for her and the sun was shining for her.

"Hello my sweet angel! How are you baby? Are you being good for Lisa? That's great baby! You did? Wow! Alright well Momma is working right now but I'll be home later tonight, I promise baby. Isaiah? I love you sweetheart. Always remember that." Roz hung up herself and willed herself not to cry, her crew trying to do the same.

"Alright ya'll. Let's do this!" Roz got up and walked out of the trailer and into the public. The street in front of the small two story home was chaos. Police were in and out of the house as well as different reporters taking pictures and telling their stories. Neighbors stood outside, talking quietly amongst themselves. Nothing like this had ever happened in their town so this was big.

"Alright Ms. Washington. In 5,4,3,2…"

"Hello and good evening. I am Roz Washington with channel six news. I am standing in front this house with heartbreaking news. Little three year old Annabelle Marie Evans went missing today when her mother, Mercedes Evans stopped at the local Shell gas station for some treats. Evans claimed that as she was paying for their items, the little girl vanished. Police were immediately called where they assembled a small search party and they have been tracking down every possible lead they get but as of tonight, no word on the little girl. Standing with me here is friend and neighbor, Dave Karofsky. Dave, what are your thoughts on the situation?"

Dave cleared his throat and said, "Well Roz, this is a tragedy for everyone in this town. I am a father myself and I can't imagine something like this happening to me, to anyone actually. I've known Sam and Mercedes a really long time now and it breaks my heart to see them go through this. I pray that the police find her and bring her back home."

"Dave, thank you very much. As you all can see, everyone in this town is greatly affected by this. Just like Dave, I also pray for the safe return of this precious little girl. This is Roz Washington for channel six news, back to you Katie."

Roz was just about to walk back to the news van with her camera guy when she noticed that Sam had stepped out of the house. She noticed that he looked worn out, his eyes were puffy and his work uniform was dirty and wrinkled. He walked straight to one of the detectives and began to speak to him. Roz's heart went out to him as his family; no one should have to go through something like this. The loss of a child is possibly the worst thing a parent could have happen to them. Roz watched as Sam's voice grew louder as he yelled at the detective.

"So you mean to tell me you couldn't find anything? This town doesn't have the many fucking people! How can you not find her? This is a little girl! She's only three and she's biracial! How many biracial little girls do you think there are in this town? What the fuck have you and your bullshit detectives been doing all day?"

"Mr. Evans, I know this situation can be tough and we are trying the best with can, but if you please just try and understand that it's only been a couple of hours and unfortunately, these things happen. " the detective said in a sympathetic tone.

Sam's green eyes darkened as his body shook with anger. "These things happen? These things happen? That's all you have to say to me? How about you tell me that you're looking for my daughter? How about you tell me that you've got something? That you've found her coat or her shoes or her doll or something? I mean, how many missing kids are you looking for right now? Huh? This is MY child! And MY child is missing. And all you can say to me is, 'these things happen.'" Before anyone could stop him, Sam grabbed the detective by the throat and slammed him to the ground.

"I don't have time for your bullshit! This. Is. My. Daughter. You better find her. You better fucking find her! I swear to god I will flip this town upside down if you don't find my daughter soon." Sam growled at the detective on the ground. Sam's father Dwight and his friends as well as other detectives ran and tried to pry Sam off the detective but Sam had a firm grip on him. It wasn't until Mercedes came outside, due to hearing all the commotion that Sam finally relented. She had walked over silently to him and placed her small hand over his large one, silently communicating with her husband. Sam took one look at Mercedes large, brown eyes and let go of the man. Mercedes wrapped her arms around her husband as he cried into her shoulder. She rubbed his back as she whispered words of comfort to him.

Roz watched the entire exchange with tears streaming down her face. How could this have happened? Who would take this child? How would do this to such a beautiful family? She watched as the detectives tore them apart and arrested Sam, the older man, who she presumed was his father, begging the detectives to let him go and the entire time, they kept their eyes on each other. Mentally telling each other it was going to be ok. Mentally telling each other that no matter what, as long as they had each other, everything was going to be alright.


The small get together was in full swing. Their friends had completely decorated the house and turned it into a castle fit for a princess. Everyone that they loved was present including some neighbors with their children and some Annabelle's friends from day care. Quinn and her mother in law Donna decided that instead of making a birthday cake, they would instead make a tower of cupcakes for all the little kids. Quinn had also invited Shelby with Quinn and Puck's biological daughter Beth and Puck's younger brother Jake with his friend Ryder and his girlfriend Marley. Artie even came with someone, a girl named Sugar Motta who he said is, "The Sweetest honey dip in all of Lima." Mercedes stood at the top of the stairs in awe, her home looked amazing. It a gigantic scene of pink and green, Annabelle's favorite colors. From the streamers to the balloons to the banner that said 'Happy birthday Annabelle!' in bold letters, to the bouncy castle that Mercedes parents and in laws got for the day, to the music blaring all over the house. Everything was how Mercedes envisioned her daughter's fifth birthday to be, the only thing missing, is her daughter.

Mercedes adjusted her grey and purple tunic maternity dress and made her way down the stairs and into her living room where all her friends sat around, looking at baby pictures. Rachel was the first one to notice Mercedes, she waved her over, patting the empty seat next to her, indicating that she wanted Mercedes to sit next to her but before Mercedes could do that, her doorbell rang. Making her way to the door, she wondered who it could be when everyone else was already there. Plastering on a smile, she opened the door, expecting a neighbor asking for something but instead she came face to face with a beautiful blond stranger.

"Hello!" the blond stranger greeted cheerfully. "I am Savannah Girabaldi. I am a friend of your husband, Sam and we work at the paper together. He told me that you guys would be throwing a party for your little girl and he asked me if I could come."

Mercedes didn't utter a single word. She didn't even care that she was being rude, as far as she was concerned, she knew all of Sam's friends, the ones they shared and the ones from the tire shop. He didn't talk much about working at the paper and he sure as hell didn't mention anything about a gorgeous blond working with him or that they were good friends to the point where Sam felt comfortable enough to invite her to their home on such a special day. They both stood awkwardly at the door, Savannah expecting to be invited in and Mercedes expecting Savannah to go back to where ever the hell she came from. Mercedes mother in law came up behind her, startling them both.

"Hello! I am Mary Evans, I am Sam's mother. And who might you be darlin'?"

Before Savannah could say anything, Mercedes answered for her, "This is Savannah Girabaldi and she works with Sam at the paper. He invited her to Annabelle's birthday party."

"Oh…"Mary dragged on, while giving Savannah the once over. "Well… come on in sugga! We got plenty of food and drinks and music and everything." Mercedes moved to the side so Savannah could enter her home and Mary showed her where she could hang her jacket and where to put her present. Mercedes escorted her to the living room where all her friends were.

"Everyone, this is Savannah Girabaldi and she is a friend of Sam's who works with him at the paper." All the men in the room lowered their heads except Kurt who's face instantly harden at the woman he had met all those months ago at the bar, he leaned over to whisper to Santana, "That's the musty bitch I was telling you about." Savannah took a seat next to Rachel, who instantly grabbed on to Finn's hand. Quinn gave Puck a knowing look as he moved from where was standing near the fireplace to stand next to her, giving her back their son. Uncomfortable, awkward silence filled the living room.

"So…um…where is Sam?" Artie asked.

"He's still changing." Mercedes answered.

More awkward silence.

"Savannah, would you like something to drink?" Mercedes asked her but Savannah politely told her no.

More awkward silence.

"Well, since no one is talking. Finn and I have some news." Rachel was practically bouncing in her seat. She held tighter to her husband's hand as he gave her the nod to speak.

"Finn and I… are pregnant! We're going to have a baby!" Rachel exclaimed and the living room erupted with loud cheers for the happy couples, all except Mercedes and Santana who had the same thoughts.

"Well, congratulations osh kosh big schnozz b'gosh. I'm very happy for you, but did you have to make your little announcement today? Couldn't you have waited until tomorrow? I mean…talk about trying to steal someone's thunder."

"Rachel… you can steal thunder? That's awesome because Santana and I hate thunder." Brittany remarked as she looked at her friend in awe.

"Santana, we weren't trying to steal anyone's thunder. We're friends and we're all here together so why not make an announcement?" Finn asked in defense of his wife.

"Because today isn't the day for that. We're here for Annabelle and you choose today of all days to tell everyone you're pregnant. Call me crazy but I think that's called stealing someone's thunder."

"Santana, leave them alone. Can't you just be happy for them?" Tina requested.

"I am happy but I think I speak for everyone when I say, that they could have at least waited until tomorrow to tell us."

"Just drop it, Satan." Quinn warned.

"Fine." Santana relented.

"So Savannah is it?" Kurt asked in a curt tone. "How long have you and Sam known each other?"

"Oh, well, for as long as he's been working at the paper. I do the wedding announcements and things of that nature."

"Oh…well… so would you say you guys are good friends?" Tina asked, earning her a look from Mike.

"Yeah… I could say that." She replied with a smile and a slight blush that everyone took notice of.

"Funny…" Santana stated, "We've known Sam a long time now, and not once has he ever mentioned you. I wonder why?"

"I don't know. I think that's a question you should ask him."

"It just seems odd to me you know? I mean you say you guys are close, obviously since he invited you here today. I wanna know, just how close are you two?"

"Alright Santana, that's enough." Quinn jumped in.

"What? It's just a simple question. She says they're close but yet I haven't heard diddly squat about her. If she's such a close friend, why hasn't she ever hung out with us?"

Just as the tension continued to grow, Sam walked in.

"What I miss?" he asked but no one answered. He looked around the room, at all his friends and wondered what the hell happened, when he saw Savannah sitting next to Rachel. He turned his gaze over to his wife, who was giving him a big side eye, along with the other women in the room.

"Hey…Savannah…glad that you could make it."

"Thank you for inviting me, Sammy."

Mercedes head whipped around when she heard Savannah call Sam by his nickname. The questions that Santana asked Savannah swam around in her head. Who is this woman? Where did she come from? Why hadn't Sam ever mention working with her? And just how close were they that he felt comfortable enough to invite her to Annabelle's birthday party? Mercedes may not have known much about Savannah but she sure as hell was going to find out. The tension in the living room was so thick you could cut with a knife.

"So… should we play some games?" Mike asked as he tried to lighten the mood, but Mercedes got up and excused herself without another word. Mercedes made her way back up to her bedroom with Sam close on her heels.

"Mercedes…what happened downstairs? I mean you just got up and left the party." He asked as he closed the door.

Mercedes, who was pacing back and forth, whipped around to face her husband.

"Sammy? She calls you Sammy? Really? You let her call you Sammy?"

"Mercy… you call me Sammy. What is the problem?"

"I am your wife!" Mercedes exclaimed. She walked over to her husband and stood directly in front of him. "Are you sleeping her Sam? Huh? Are you?"

"Are you serious Mercedes? Are you seriously asking me that? Haven't I dedicated my life to you? Aren't I here every night with you? We took vows Mercedes and those vows mean something to me. They weren't just words; they are what I still feel in my heart."

"Then why is she here? What is she doing here Sam?"

"Cedes', she my friend. I can't have friends that aren't inside of our circle?"

"Of course you can but… I mean, what am I supposed to think? Never once have you ever mentioned knowing her, not even in passing. And then she shows up today, acting as if you've guys been buddies for years. And it also doesn't help that she's gorgeous. I mean… look at her… she's what people expect you to be with. She's what people want you to be with. You don't think I hear what people say about me? What people say about our marriage? I hear the whispers and the backtalk. That boy could do so much better. Why is he with a girl like that? I bet she got pregnant on purpose; no girl that looks like her can ever get a guy like him."

Cupping her face, Sam kissed her softly on the lips. The kiss started off small but it grew more intense by the second, causing both parties to moan into each other's mouth. Stopping for air, Sam pulled away and looked into his beautiful wife's face.

"You're right baby, that is who people expect me to be with. But do you know who I want to be with?" He tilted her chin up so he could stare into her eyes. "You. I don't want those other women, I want you. I didn't mention Savannah because she isn't worth bringing up. You are the woman I married, the woman who I share a home and life with, the woman who, gave me the most precious little girl in the world and is about to give me another one. They don't do it for me Mercy, you do. You are my wife, you are my soul mate. You are my light; my safe place to land. They will never mean anything to me, ever. If I don't have you by my side, then I have no one." He gave her his famous crooked smile that she loved so much. Mercedes smiled in spite of the tears.

Sighing, Mercedes said, "I'm sorry babe, I just… I don't know what is happening to me today. First the little girl at the supermarket and then this chick showing up at my house, I don't know where my head is today. I just…"

"Hey, it's ok. Today just happens to be one of those days." He rested his chin on her head and rocked her gently back and forth.

"I love you Sammy."

"I love you too Mercy."

Just as they were about to share another kiss, there was a knock at their bedroom door. Mercedes father opened the door and walked in.

"Sorry to interrupt you too…but there is someone downstairs for you."

"Can't it wait daddy?" Mercedes asked.

"No baby… I don't think it can." He answered back cryptically. Mercedes and Sam took one look at each other and walked out of the bedroom and down the hall to the stairs. Once they reached the ground floor of the house, they stopped dead in their tracks. Standing on their front porch, was a Hispanic police officer with a grim look on his face.

Time felt like it stopped and a feeling a dread filled the air. Why are they here? What do they want? It has been months since they had heard anything from the police or from their private investigator.

"Can we help you Mr. Officer?" Sam asked them.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Evans. I am detective David Martinez with the Lima police department and… I have some information regarding your daughter's disappearance."


welp lol. so yay or nay? did you like it? did you hate it? did it live up to your expectations? what do you think the police have found out? leave me a review letting me know what you guys thought.

dont worry, the next chapter is almost ready. ya'll should have it by this weekend.

Much love,

Tay :)