Part VII
Mercedes, how do you feel about him? Would you have done the same? she mimicked as she flopped down on the bed. She rolled over, grabbed the pillow and liberated the scream she buried.
You're taking a long time on the question- her conscience chided.
Oh, you're against me too? She challenged.
Mercedes groaned. She sat up and fiddled with her memento.
Shane practically announced his admiration in front of everyone. He chose one hell of a pendant to back up a declaration. The charm, shaped in a dragon butterfly design, littered in amethyst jewels, black onyx and mini zirconias shimmered in the light. Any other girl would had lost their shit. Right? Then why did she feel like she received it in passing?
Mercedes started toward the car till a voice immobilized her.
"Mercedes! Wait up."
She watched Shane approach, head descended. His gait slowed. After a few moments, he looked up.
"I wanted to give this to you before… before all that craziness went down." He shuffled his feet and shrugged. "Like I was trying to tell you before, I know it ain't much but I want everyone to know you're my girl. I'm proud you're with me."
"Shane Darius Tinsley! Get your behind over here." Ms. Tinsley screeched.
"Coming, Ma." he called back.
He reached into his pocket. With a shaky hand, he opened the box and asked Mercedes to turn around.
"Mercedes...you are something special and I am lucky to have you in my life."
Shane opened the clasp and set the trinket on her neck.
"Just think about it, alright?"
She saw the look on his face before his mother pried them apart.
Still no answer? Her conscience provoked.
Mercedes pondered her other option. His panty dropping come hither stare. Finn Hudson's sole purpose was to wreak havoc in her world. Fuck, why did he have to take the task so much to heart, though?
Her mind pressed her to unearth the last time she placed her trust in option two. After another late night confession session at the Jones retreat, Finn demanded he wanted breakfast. He boasted the best breakfast place he knew was his. She remembered how miserably they failed at sneaking in. She tripped and Finn went to catch her. He caught her, but her infectious laugh bubbled to the surface. Finn joined in till suddenly… the moment shifted into something neither could explain. She knew she should stop him. Friends don't kiss each other-at least not like that. A realization hit her hard. Hell yeah, she wanted it like that. Except someone's phone rung.
"Hello?" Finn barked.
Mercedes watched as anguish, confusion creep over him.
I'm sorry, he mouthed and moved out of earshot. Mercedes decided leaving seemed much more dignified than being the third wheel. On Monday morning, holding hands, laughing and talking were Finn and Rachel. She decided to chalk it up to experience and move on. What other decision was there? There were better things on the horizon.
Her friendship with Sam suited her better than a Louis Vuitton stiletto. Until the quiet would allow her conscience to speak:
"Sam's fun, but Finn…"
"Did you ever notice how Finn's eyes light up when he sees you?"
"Does he look bored around what-her-no-talent?"
Mercedes shut her eyes…
"You're fighting us and I don't know why. What are you so scared of?"
"It won't work, Finn. My life is going in a different direction. Our timing-"
"Is only a problem to you. I told you before. I know what I want."
The sudden ring of the doorbell shook her out of her daydream. Must be Artie with my homework, she thought. Mercedes gave herself a brief check in the mirror and closed her bedroom door.
