I would like to humbly thank each and every one of you for reading A.S.O.F. Thank you so much for sticking with it.
To Rose, you inspired me to keep writing.
This final chapter has so many twists and turns and resolves. I therefore dedicate it to each and every, reader, favoriters, alerters, and especially reviewers, thank you for your wonderful support. I am so humbled.
This chapter is also dedicated to my brother who died one year ago today. There is a character called Steven in this chapter whose patience and loveliness remind me of him. Sleep well my dear brother.
Disclaimer: No songs or characters belong to me. And that's all I got to say about that.
Chapter 10: A Sign of Friendship
"What the hell are you doing?! You're a dam psycho! What the f-!"
Those were the screams of the young blonde executive as Sam dragged him from his plush office through the corridors, passed at least a hundred witnesses', to the stairwell and then toward his office.
As Sam arrived at his office door dragging the young man by the scruff of his neck, he casually turned to Miss Fabray as he opened his office door, "Miss Fabray, please do not disturb me, I have a very important meeting right now."
Then as the door was partially ajar he continued, "and if there are any strange screaming sounds coming from my office, please ignore them…they will only be the cries of retribution."
And with that he dragged the young man into his office, the young lad's heels scuffing against the black tiled floor as Sam slammed the door.
The blonde executive screamed, "Miss Fabray, please call the police, p-please, he's gone mad, mad I tell you!"
Miss Fabray was aghast, this is blatant physical abuse! She thought. Her eyes widened at the sight of Sam dragging the young man into his office. Oh my gosh! She thought, I really need to call the police or something. Then as her hand grasped the receiver she realised…retribution? Oh dam! she thought as her eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets, she gulped, Sam's found the person responsible for Mercedes shooting! The bastard! She thought, returned the receiver to its cradle and smirked, ain't calling any cops to help your ass!
…
Sam threw the young man onto the office couch.
"Talk you ass!" He screamed
"I don't know what your dam well talking about!" The young man screamed, "You're a bloody psycho!" he spat wiping blood from his cut lip.
Sam was trying so hard not to smash the crap out of the guy, but the rage that was pent up inside of him was hard to bind. He had dragged the young man up five flights to his office up the stairwell, and refused to use the elevator. I only hit him once…and I only dragged him, he reasoned, I haven't really hurt him…yet.
"Tell me about this!" Sam screamed and shoved the video surveillance photo of the young man handing a large envelop to an elderly gentleman.
The young blonde looked at the photo, his blood smearing its side as he held it.
"What the hell?! He cried.
"Yeah what the hell alright…" Sam grabbed him by the throat, "I am going to give you one minute to explain before I kill you with my bear hands!" He spat.
Sam's face was red with rage. He didn't even want to give the man a chance to explain, but since he was trying to show Mercedes that he could hold his temper, even if she was not present, he thought, one minutes grace was pretty lenient of him.
"W-what the hell ..." the young man cried, "what's the big deal about this photo?
"That's you isn't it?" Sam screamed.
"Y-yes that's me!" He grimaced, giving Sam a look of confusion.
Sam noted his expression and released him. Then took a deep breath and screamed, "Explain!...you had the cheek to approach me on the plane and talk about how you thought Mercedes Jones was the best thing since slice bread and then this…you better dam well explain!"
"Explain what?" The young man responded obviously bewildered.
"What was in that envelop?" Sam held him by the scruff of his neck.
The young man looked aghast," I don't know, m-my father told m-me to drop it off!"
Y-your father? Sam eyed him with suspicion.
"Yeah, he said it was important," the young man grimaced.
"You're father?" Sam queried.
"Y-Yeah, Ronald Briggs." The young man stammered.
"Ronald Briggs is your father? " Sam gasped in shock.
"Yeah… he used to work here; he was here for about 50 years until he took his retirement this year, a little while after my mom died."
"B-but your n-name is Ron Campbell?" Sam queried.
"Yeah, well I changed it because I didn't want to get my job based on my father's credentials." He sighed, "I'm actually Ronald Briggs Junior."
Oh no! Sam thought. "Hell!" Sam spat as all the blood began to drain from his head, and he felt a cold chill run through his body. Sam quickly dialed Mercedes, "pick up!" he pleaded as tears threatened, "pick up baby, please!"
Sam began pacing the room. Sam tried another number, "Mrs Jones i-is Mercy there? If she turns up can you please tell her to stay there? Thank you."
The young man watched as Sam became obviously more and more agitated.
"W-what's wrong Mr Evans?" the young man looked at him apprehensively.
"You don't have a clue do you? The morning of that photo of you at the airport was the morning Mercy was shot. That man you handed that envelop to is William Switch…he is a noted hit man!" Sam screamed pacing the room, trying desperately to contact Mercedes.
"W-what?" The young man's eyes grew, "He knew my f-father?" His eyebrows furrowed in disbelief.
"He's the guy who shot Mercedes; the cops tracked him down today. They found him in some rundown shack in New Orleans. I wanted to get him dam it!" Sam cried, "But anyway he wouldn't tell them who hired him. And they never figured your part in anything."
The young man was gob smacked and began to sob.
Sam turned to his phone again, trying to desperately reach Mercedes, "c'mon baby answer" he silently pleaded.
Sam called the police and Mercedes bodyguards. He found out that Mercedes and Mr Briggs had allowed the body guards to have a break while Mercedes recorded. They were seated outside the studio. By the time they ran in to find Mercedes, she and Mr Briggs were gone.
"M-my dad ordered a h-hit on M-Mercedes Jones?" He wept "What the hell? Why? What the-?"
"Where would your father be now?!" Sam fell to his knees in front of the young man and pleaded desperately.
"I'm not sure, he could be anywhere!" Ron Junior bawled, "Since we lost our mother he's been acting really strange and when he retired he seemed just really weird, like he had nothing to live for. B-but he wouldn't do this…would he?" he anxiously stared at Sam.
Sam cringed as he remembered the day he asked Finn to fire Mr Ronald Briggs. Finn did release him but with full severance pay and his full retirement pay. Finn could not just out rightly fire him without some sort of compensation for his time with the company. Sam bowed his head in shame.
"I need you to think…where he would be right now?" Sam tremblingly cried.
"w-why?" Ron Junior cried amongst bitter tears.
"Because he has Mercy!" Sam screamed.
"W-what? why would h-he?!" Ron Junior bawled, "Oh no, I can't believe it!" He shook his head.
Sam looked pleadingly at the young man.
"I think I know!" The young man cried throwing his hands to his mouth.
They immediately exited the office and Ron quickly led Sam to where he thought his father would be.
….
In Central Park there are quiet nooks and crannies sprinkled throughout. Ron Junior knew exactly which nook his father could be situated. He and his mother would attend the spot every day. It was in a secluded area of the park. Tall trees covered the majestic nook, and an old bridge guarded its entrance.
Ron junior, cautioned to Sam as ran toward the bridge, "let me go first Mr Evans, I will try and talk to him."
As he crossed the bridge he caught sight of a tearful Mercedes and a down cast father. Ron saw his dark countenance and knew immediately that his greatest fears were true.
"Poppa?!" Ron cautiously cried.
Mr Briggs raised his head slowly, revealing a gun to Mercedes side. A sombre dark look enveloped him. He did not acknowledge his son; he just bowed his head once again as tears began to stream from his eyes.
"Poppa!" Ron junior slowly but carefully approached his father, "what are you doing poppa? Let miss Jones go!"
"I c-can't son, even if I wanted to, it's gone too far!" Mr Briggs wept.
"Poppa, please, it's never too late poppa, please let Miss Jones go," he begged as tears filled his eyes.
Mr Briggs nodded his head and dropped the gun to his side. Just then Sam ran towards them. Mr Brigg immediately grabbed the gun and pressed it against Mercedes head, holding her tightly around the neck.
Sam's rashness had destroyed an otherwise happy ending. His ill temper could once again be to his detriment.
What the hell is he is doing here Ronny, he yelled tightening his grip on Mercedes.
"Please poppa, don't hurt her, please," Ron cried and looked disconcertingly at Sam.
This is his fault Mr Briggs cried, then turned to Sam, You destroyed my life Sam Evans. What would I do after I retired, I didn't want to retire.
And then you took my baby girl Heather and you destroyed her. I watched her each night as she plotted to kill Miss Jones. Each night she would sit in her room and plot your and Miss Jones death. So I went to her one night and I said to her I would fix thing, so I decided I would do it for her. That night I had to take her to hospital and have her committed. You destroyed me but you devastated my baby girl, she is totally insane Evans, and it's all thanks to you.
"I don't remember, H-Heather," Sam gulped
"You wouldn't!" Mr Briggs chuffed.
Ron Junior looked at Sam in disbelief knowing this was the man responsible for breaking his sister's heart. He also knew though that his sister had not been well since the loss of his mother. He could not blame Sam for the decisions his sister made. Or for the decision his father had made.
"Poppa!" Ron Junior cautioned raising his hands, "please don't do this it's not worth it!"
"I can't turn back son, they have already caught the man I hired, it is only time before they get me. You have taken everything away from me now Sam Evans," he screamed, "and now I am going to take the most important thing in your life from you!" Ronald Briggs Snr held the gun harder to Mercedes temple.
"Please!" Sam held his hands up motioning to the nervous gunman, "take me not Mercy. Please, please," he pleaded as tears filled his green orbs. Sam trembled; totally terrified that he would be driven to watch the death of his beloved in front of him. "P-please Mr Briggs, p-please, take me, Mercy has done nothing to you!"
"No!" Mercedes trembled, "No Sammy!"
Sam and Mercedes eyes met, they looked at each other with despair. It was as if they could read each other's minds. They were totally afraid, no terrified, terrified that this could be their last moment together, terrified of facing a lifetime apart. They were terrified that this would be the last time in which Sam would look into the eyes of his Mercy, the last time in which Mercy would look into the eyes of her Sammy.
"Please," Sam pleaded, tears now flowing down his cheeks as he dropped to his knees, begging, "please take me, p-please not my Mercy."
"No! Sammy no!" Mercedes wept, "its ok Sammy! I love you baby I always will until eternity Sammy," she cried as tears trickled down her soft brown cheeks.
"I l-love you Mercy, until eternity," his lips trembled, and looked deep into her eyes.
Sam was beside himself, his heart tearing apart as he watched Briggs push the gun harder into her temple. Sam wanted to disarm him but he couldn't in case the gun inadvertently fired. Sam felt helpless, so helpless.
"Shut up!" The gunman screamed sneering at Sam, "Shut up!" Then he cackled, "I want you to pay Sam Evans, I want you to watch as you see the woman you love die before you. I want you to feel what it's like to destroy other people lives and see the people they love literally die in front of you because bastards like you think it's funny to manipulate their life. Heather loved you bastard, and you just threw her away like a dirty old rag. And now- Dam it!"
Ronald Briggs pushed the barrel of the gun harder against Mercedes temple and squeezed the trigger as the echo of gun shots filled the air.
…
Earlier that morning
"Hey darling, do you have everything," Sam smiled then kissed Mercedes on the forehead as he picked up her manuscripts, and placed them into a folder.
"Yeah I think I have everything baby, um…oh I almost forgot the most important thing." She took Sam's face in her hands and kissed him passionately on the lips.
Sam smiled, "oh darling your making me blush," then pushed his body flush against hers.
They deepened their kiss until they were breathless and smiled.
"Ok Sammy, wish me luck, I have a feeling this song is gonna be number one." she smiled, placed her hands on his chest then kissed him chastely on the lips and quickly ran toward the door,
Sam turned collected his suit jacket and slipped into it, "I'll give you a ring later darling, I love you Mercy."
"I love you Sammy," she cheered as she opened the door, then she stopped ran back and kissed him again, "I love you darling." and then ran back throwing the large double doors open.
"Hey Mercedes," the voice of an elderly gentleman greeted her as she exited,
"Hey Ronny," she smiled and kissed him on the cheek, Ron waved to Sam,
"Thank you for coming with me to the studio Ronny, I'm kind of nervous" she smiled.
"Hey Ron," Sam reluctantly smiled and gave him a brief wave. Then he turned to Mercedes, "Look Mercy, I am happy to put my plans on hold for today darling. I would rather be with you anyway," he grinned.
"No its ok honey, you have missed so much time in the office these few months. It's not like I've never recorded before," she laughed, "I don't know why I'm so nervous today." She smiled.
"Look she will be fine," Mr Briggs smiled.
Sam grimaced and then waved.
Truth be known, Sam had an uneasy feeling about Ron Briggs, he had an uneasy feeling about that whole morning, but he let it slide, because Mercedes seemed to revel in Mr Briggs company.
Ever since Mercedes met Ronald Briggs at the hospital she became attached to the old man. Ronald Briggs was supposedly, visiting his wife in hospital when he seemingly inadvertently met Mercedes Jones. Mercedes enjoyed his company and she loved to listen to the stories of his love for his wife. But little did she know is that Ronald Briggs wife had passed away earlier that year. The stories he told were true, but the reasons for his surprise friendship with Miss Jones were far from the truth.
Mercedes blew Sam a kiss and said, "See you later baby, I love you."
"I love you honey!" he replied then added, "Make sure you take care of my fiancé Ron."
"I will Sam," he sneered, "I certainly will." Then he turned on his heels as he and Mercedes walked arm in arm, slowly toward the elevator.
…..
Mercedes was quite prepared to die at that moment. Her resolve and faith in God prepared her for this instant. When she declared to Sam that she would love him for eternity, she knew that no matter what happened, one day they would be together for eternity.
As Mercedes felt the cold hard barrel of the gun push against her temple and the look of utter helplessness of her fiancé, she decided, God also wants us to do something about it!
Mercedes wasn't gonna give up without a fight. She refused to believe that she would die like this in front of the man she loved. She would not allow him to enter a lifetime without her by his side.
As soon as Mr Briggs screamed Dam it! She knew it would be over. So she fought, she pulled her head forward and kneed the gunman in the groin. His finger hitting the trigger and shots rang out into the air.
Sam was fast, in an instant, he had wrestled the gun off Mr Briggs and was pummeling him over and over again causing his face to be a bloody mess. He didn't care that Mr Briggs was going on to 70 years of age, because no one messes with his Mercy. Sam continued to slug the old man then held the gun to his head.
"You bastard!" he screamed, sweat falling from his brow, "you miserable son of a bitch! How dare you do this to us…how dare you do that to my Mercy!"
Sam was ready to pull the trigger when the hand of his Mercy enveloped his.
"No honey," she whispered, slowly taking the gun off him, "it doesn't end like this baby."
She took Sam into her arms her eyes meeting his tear filled green pools; "We are ok now baby," she smiled, wiping his tears away, "We are ok."
"Oh my God Mercy," Sam fell to the ground and cried incessantly as they held each other so close.
"I love your Mercy," Sam breathed,
"I love you Sammy, for eternity," she smiled.
Sam plastered kisses all over her face as Ron Junior, rang the police and endeavored to tend to his father's wounds.
Sam looked toward Ron Junior as he tended to his father.
"T-thank you Ron," he stumbled, "thank you."
Ron smiled at Sam. No words were needed. Needless to say, despite everything from that day on Ron and Sam became firm friends. Mr Briggs ended up in Sunning Hill Psychiatric Hospital along with his daughter Heather who was known as 'Brittany' by her fellow patients. Ron Junior visited them every day.
…
Mercedes and Sam were married at Chateau de Versailles in the groves of Versailles near the beautiful musical fountains. They had a simple yet touching ceremony amongst their dear friends and loved ones who were all treated to a week in Paris by Sam and Mercedes. Kurt was Mercedes man of honor and Stacy her bridesmaid. Stevie was Sam's Best Man and Finn his groomsman. The wedding rings that were exchanged were created by Sam and mirrored her engagement ring. They were fine gold bands with two miniature yellow diamonds encrusted within signifying the two of them. Mercedes band read Mon amour pour toi est éternel x Sammy. My love for you is eternal Sammy and Sam's ring read, Mon amour pour toi est éternel x Mercy. My love for you is eternal Mercy.
Sam and Mercedes stayed at the same hotel as they did when Mercedes and Sam were in Paris last. Sam had ensured that they stayed in the same room Mercedes had had on their last trip. Sam ensured that their suite was tastefully prepared and his itinerary for the week was the most romantic one could think of.
Following the lavish reception at Chateau de Versailles, Sam carried Mercedes through the large ornate doors. Mercedes head rested in the curve of his neck. When they entered, Mercedes gasped seeing the beautifully decorated room. Yellow roses from Waverly filled the lounge and hundreds of tea lights lit up the plush surroundings.
"Wow!" Mercedes gazed in wonderment at the scene before her. A trail of petals led all the way to the bedroom. Mercedes wrapped her arms tighter around Sam's neck as she took in the sight and kissed him gently on his lips.
"Oh Sammy," she smiled, with tears in her eyes. "Are they from Waverley?"
"Yeah honey," Sam smiled, "Anything for you baby."
Sam carried her effortlessly to the bedroom, Mercedes gasped again as Sam lay her upon the bed.
The bedroom too was filled with her favourite yellow roses and upon the bed lay more Rose petals and tea lights filled the room. Their soft embers seductively filled the room with light. At the foot of the bed was set a tastefully decorated table. Upon it sat a lit lone candle, a bottle of Dom Perignon Rose, Debauve & Gallais French chocolates and 12 long stem red roses.
In the middle of the bed amongst the scattered Rose petals sat a small velvet box.
"Oh darling what is that, you didn't get me something else did you? Mercedes smiled apprehensively.
Sam gave a bashful smile, "just a little something honey."
Mercedes opened the slender box; inside sat a dainty bracelet, with yellow diamonds to match her engagement ring and their wedding rings. "Aww…It is so beautiful Sammy, thank you ever so much," She cried tears cascading down her cheeks.
"I love you Mercy," Sam breathed slipping the delicate bracelet upon her wrist.
"I love you Sammy," Mercedes entwining her fingers with his.
Sam took Mercedes into a warm embrace and kissed her passionately; Mercedes hand trailed down his muscular chest and slowly removed his tuxedo jacket her lips never leaving his. Then she slowly unbuttoned his shirt her kisses began to trail towards the groove in his neck. Sam closed his eyes as the familiar warmth he felt from Mercedes touch enveloped him. As she removed his shirt, Sam nervously whispered, "b-baby maybe, we should stop."
Sam was so nervous, he so wanted to make love to Mercedes but he was so afraid he would do everything wrong. It would be their first time and at that moment, it didn't matter that he had probably slept with more women than he could count, at that moment Sam Evans felt afraid. What if I'm not good enough, he thought, what if she doesn't like what I do. Sam and Mercedes were about to make love. Something he truly had never done. Yeah, he had had sex but to make love, to the woman he adored more than life itself, now that was new. Sam stepped back nervously wringing his hands.
"Baby whats wrong," Mercedes looked at him wearily.
"Um I….hang on darling," he ran into the bathroom and cursed. C'mon Sam you can do this. Sam looked at himself in the mirror as tears filled his eyes. Then he took a deep breath and re-entered the bedroom.
Mercedes looked nervously at Sam her face downcast.
Sam knelt in front of her, worried about her now sombre countenance. "Honey," he cried, looking into her beautiful brown eyes.
Mercedes brown orbs met Sam's. She never said a word but saw the tears in Sam's eyes.
"Whats wrong Sammy," she whispered wiping the tears from his cheeks delicately with her thumb.
Sam frustratingly lowered his head into her lap and breathed, "darling, I am so nervous, I've wanted you for so long but…I'm scared…I'm scared I'm gonna do everything wrong. T-this is our first time baby and I want it to be special and I've never made actual love, love before and….I'm scared, I'm scared I'm gonna do it all wrong." He raised his tear-filled orbs to meet hers, and saw the absolute love emanating from her beautiful brown eyes.
"Oh honey, I am as nervous as you, I have wanted you for so long too," she chuffed, "I'm afraid I'll do everything wrong too."
They both laughed and then finally Sam stood ran to the sound system and smiled as the familiar tune rang through the air.
I see us in the park strolling the summer days
of imaging's in my head.
And words from my heart
told only to the wind felt even without being said
Mercedes smiled.
Sam held out his hand and lovingly whispered, "Mrs Evans can you please do me the honour of having this dance."
Mercedes beamed from ear to ear took his hand and slid into his embrace as the beautiful melody continued.
I don't want to bore you with my troubles
But there's something about your love that makes me weak
And knocks me off my feet.
And I don't want to bore you it
Oh but I love you, I love you, I love you
And I don't want to bore you it
Oh but I love you, I love you, I love you
Before the song was even half way they were kissing each other until they were breathless.
Sam delicately lifted Mercedes onto the bed and kissed her full lips softly and tenderly, then trailed down her neck toward her chiffon gown. He slipped his hand behind her back and began to undo the delicate antique buttons. Mercedes slipped off Sam's pure cotton shirt and Sam tingled as her hand brushed along his taut abdomen and across his muscular arms. Mercedes smiled in agreement taking in his muscular physique and planted butterfly kisses across each taut groove. Sam slipped off Mercedes gown revealing a beautiful lace slip, her heaving mounds barely contained within.
Sam gasped, "You are so beautiful Mercy," and kissed her delicately on her bare shoulders, delicately slipping of her slip and unclipping her lace bra, gasping as he took in her beauty. Sam's kisses trailed down toward her delicate breasts his hands trembled as he caressed her body. Mercedes had now unbuckled his belt and had slipped his trousers off. Her hands then slipped into his boxers and delicately slid them off allowing them to fall to the floor. Sam looked into Mercedes eyes as he slid off every garment she wore. His naked body pressed against her's sent him into another dimension, it was unlike any feeling he had ever had. Unlike anything they had both experienced. As Sam looked into her eyes he entwined his hands with hers. Their bodies moved in sync, they were made for each other, they knew each other, they loved each other.
"I love you Mercy,"
"I love you Sammy," they both breathed.
The two whispered loving sentiments to each other and made love until dawn beckoned.
Suffice to say, Sam's plans he had so eagerly readied for their honeymoon were all erased as they spent the entire time locked up in their little love haven away from the world and safe in each other's arms.
….
"Ladies and gentlemen," Sam beamed, "I would like you to charge your glasses to the young man of the hour my beautiful son Steven Evans who has given me 21 years of utter joy. Son I am so proud of the man you have become you, your brother and sisters and your beautiful mother have made me the happiest man on earth. Thank you."
Sam charged his glass; the sound of chiming crystal filled the air as tears of joy rolled down his cheeks and everyone cheered, "to Steven!"
"Oh baby, stop crying," Mercedes sniffled, "your making me cry." Sam wrapped his arms around his wife and hugged her as they both cried tears of joy.
"Stop that you two you are gonna embarrass my namesake," Stevie chortled and slapped Sam on the back. The two began to play fight, slapping each other back and forth.
"Daddy, stop hitting Uncle Sam…" the hazel-blue eyed girl cried who was the spitting image of her father, "that's naughty daddy. I am going to tell mommy!"
Stevie side eyed Sam, hung his head mockingly and whispered, "I'm sorry Sam," and then he knelt before his daughter and pouted, "I'm sorry Frances Evans."
"Ok…" the little, determined, mousy blonde girl smiled, "that's better."
"What's happening darling," a beautiful caramel skinned woman saddled up to Stevie wrapping her arm around his waist, her short cropped hair and slender figure, looked like she had stepped off the cover of vogue.
"Daddy hit Uncle Sam again mommy," Frances Evans solemnly stated.
Stevie rolled his eyes and quickly replied, "I 'didn't hit him I was just playing with him, I said was sorry jesh!"
"Stevie Evan's…" the beautiful woman feigned anger and winked at her husband, "you know what I said about violence, there are always other ways to solve a problem, even play fighting is no good," she winked at her husband again.
Sam and Mercedes snickered in the background as they watched their niece cross her arms and nod her head vigorously agreeing with her mother's statement. She may have been just 7 years old but sometimes she acted 17.
Stevie looked lovingly at his wife then winked back, apologised again and wrapped his arms around the love of his life. Their daughter obviously happy with the outcome took her parents by the hand and said, "Now, can we please go and see my cousin Steven?"
Stevie's wife mouthed call me to Mercedes then quickly waved. Stevie turned and rolled his eyes then smiled as they both walked off hand in hand with their determined child.
"She's gonna be president one day Sammy," Mercedes chortled.
Sam smiled well she has good parents.
"Yeah ," Mercedes agreed, "I so love Kiri, her and Stevie are perfect for each other. Although she and all her healthy eating plans really aren't for me," Mercedes chuckled.
Sam shook his head and smiled, "well that's the greenies for you Mercy, the whole save the planet, healthy eating and everything," he grinned.
As the night grew on everyone happily enjoyed the festivities as Sam and Mercedes swept the venue thanking guests for their attendance. Suddenly two mischievous twins grabbed their waists. The ten year olds were obviously unhappy.
"Momma Rochelle Keeps teasing me," the young boy cried, as he constantly pushed his blonde bangs from his face, tears threatening his brown eyes. "She said I like Kimberley Puckerman!" He grimaced.
"But no momma, Finn pushed me and he started it, he said I like Samuel Hudson, but I don't, how could I? He is a least one year younger than me, he's a baby!" and pushed her green eyed face into her mother's waist.
Mercedes giggled, Sam frowned, "Findley Evans don't you dare hurt your sister!" he growled.
Rochelle smirked.
Then Sam turned to his dark haired daughter, "and Rochelle stop teasing your brother!"
"But!" Rochelle gasped.
"No buts…you two are always bickering, now apologise!"
"S-Sorry!" they both mumbled, and then they turned and ran off dejectedly into the crowd moaning at one another but never leaving each other's side. Mercedes turned to see Steven standing behind them who took them into a huge embrace.
"Thank you mom and dad for the best 21st ever," he smiled as he held their embrace.
Suddenly another pair of arms joined the happy throng.
"Hey my Steve bear," the elderly woman smiled as Steven released his parents and wrapped his arms around his grandmother.
"I am so proud of you, I love you very much Steve bear," Mrs Evans smiled. She had called him Steve bear for as long as he could remember.
"I love you grandma," Steven replied.
Sam and Mercedes smiled at their interaction.
Mrs Evans did indeed love her grandchildren. Steven and her had a special connection and were inseparable at times. When Mercedes and Sam shifted to Mexico following their wedding, Mrs Evans tried her best to rectify the wrongs she had caused in the past. After the hospital episode, she tried desperately to restore ties with Sam, to no avail. Sam wanted nothing to do with her. Then one day out of the blue Mercedes received a phone call.
"h-hello," Mrs Evans began, "Is this you M-Mercedes?"
"Um…yes," Mercedes replied and then her eyes widened, "Oh. my. gosh!" she gulped realising who it was. "M-Mrs Evans?"
"Yes Mercedes it's me, please don't hang up, please," she pleaded.
Mercedes did not hang up. Nor did she hang up on her the next day or the next. They continued to keep in secret contact, but that went belly up after Steven was born when Mrs Evans showed up out of the blue at their home in Mexico where Sam and Mercedes had given birth to a bouncing baby boy. She anxiously rang Mercedes and declared her arrival at San Felipe International Airport Mercedes smiled, but then frowned as she knew she had to find a way to relay the news to Sam. Mercedes had heard of what had happened at the hospital and did not want that same experience in her home. Mercedes knew she had to relay the news fast because very soon Mrs Evans would be standing on their stoop.
"Sammy?!"Mercedes smiled nervously at her husband.
"Yeah darling," he grinned proudly holding his baby boy, but then grimaced when he caught the obvious shift in his wife's visage. "What's up darling?" He asked her, narrowing his gaze.
Mercedes bit her bottom lip.
Sam flinched, he knew something was up.
"Um…Sammy," she whispered, "can I hold baby for a second, I have something to tell you and you have to promise me you will hear me out first."
"Um…I don't know," Sam looked at her sideways holding a sleeping Steven. "I know it's not good news Mercy!"
"Please Sammy," she pleaded looking at him with her doe like eyes.
"Dam it don't do that Mercy," he scowled, knowing he couldn't say no, then relented, "Ok baby I will try," he smiled and handed over a sleeping Steven.
"Well," she began, "You know how I want our children to know your side of the family as much as mine."
"Um…Yeah," Sam replied nervously side eyeing the hell out of her.
"Well Sammy," she grimaced nervously biting her lower lip, "I kind of been talking to your mom for some time now and we've buried the hatchet and she's gonna be here in like half an hour or so because she's at the airport right now," she blurted.
Sam jumped up and screamed, "What Mercy!" then realising baby was still asleep quietly cringed and gritted his teeth, "what Mercy?!"
"Baby please hear me out, your momma is really sorry and your uncle feels the same way," she whispered lowering her head
Sam paced frustratingly across the bedroom floor, muttering obscenities under his breath so baby couldn't hear. Then he stopped dropping beside the bed and taking his wife by the hand,
"Mercy, you know she can't be trusted, you know she is manipulative honey, and she will take advantage of your kind nature, how long have you been talking to her?" He whispered gently pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Um…e-every day for about a year now," she stammered.
"Oh honey!" Sam shook his head and frustratingly lowered it onto her lap as she patted Steven on his back.
"Please Sammy, just try honey," she smiled running a hand through his blonde locks.
"Ok darling, but only for you," he lifted his head and smiled.
Mercedes beamed from ear to ear, "Thank you darling," she grinned kissing him upon his head.
Sam stood, "but darling I am not talking to her until I can see that she has really changed, you will have to answer the door and do not expect niceties' from me darling he smiled, then frowned, one step wrong she's out on her ear."
"Ok then Sammy," she squealed.
Sam hugged his wife and baby, "I love you darling."
"I love you Sammy," she smiled.
When Mrs Evans arrived Sam literally did not talk to her, as she held their son his olive skin lay in stark contrast to her pale complexion. Mrs Evans smiled proudly at her new grandson, "he is beautiful Mercedes," she chortled. Then he opened his large green eyes and Mrs Evans was smitten from that day on. He looked so much like his father but had the complexion and quiet countenance of his mother. He was her Steve bear.
Steven was a kind compassionate young man and taught his grandmother many things about love. The barriers of hate which once existed were broken down and even Stevie, Stacey and eventually, Sam, after much time, were proud to call her mother. Mrs Evans regularly fought her bigoted friends defending her grandchildren or any other ethnicity. Suffice to say, they never remained her friends, but Mrs Evans didn't care. She would defend her family to the death.
Sam gained full ownership of the company. Sam and Mercedes lived in Mexico until the twins were born 10 years later. The children attended public school like Mercedes wanted and they all became well versed in the Mexican language and culture. Their yearly return to Mexico after they moved back to New York and eventually to Waverley was a family highlight. The only thing they did not do, which Mercedes had planned, was work in a Mexican café. Mercedes was too busy with her music career and helping Sam with his characters for his job at Marvel Comics. Sam would have been quite happy to illustrate for free, but Marvel really appreciated his talent, so they offered him a full time position. Unfortunately he had to decline due to his many other commitments, but accepted a part time position instead.
Sam and Mercedes made their way out of the venue, when they were readily approached by Finn, "Sam…" he grimaced breathlessly, "have you seen Samuel? He snuck off on me, I'm sure he's following your girl around?
"Well you better keep an eye on him and keep him away from my daughter," Sam chuckled "I know how you Hudson's roll!"
"What are you talking about he's your god son, he's like his God father!" Finn chuffed.
"Where's Amber?" Mercedes smiled, "Oh, she's over there trying to stop our silly son Finn junior from spiking the fruit punch."
Sam and Mercedes laughed.
Finn yelled, "there's the little blighter!" he pointed catching a glimpse of his son as he disappeared behind the trees. "I'll see you two later," he smiled, "remember no bowling night this week, but you are all coming to dinner tomorrow night aye?"
"Yeah Finn, see you later" Sam smiled waving briefly to his friend as he ran off toward the trees. Next up, came Kurt, Blaine, Stacy and Artie
"Hey Mercy-me we are taking Ellah-Jo home now," Kurt smiled.
"Thanks for a great night Mercedes," Blaine smiled holding their 10 month old girl as she slept.
They both fare welled Sam and Mercedes. Before they left Kurt held his dear friend Mercedes in a warm embrace. "I love you Mercy-me," he smiled.
"I love you Kurt," she whispered,
"See you for coffee in the morning," Kurt chortled and wrapped his arm around his husband as they exited the venue.
"That's me too Mercedes," Artie smiled, "Tina just texted and she has a terrible craving for burritos so I'm off to find the perfect one. Don't get me wrong I love my darling to bits, but I cannot wait till she has baby, she's driving me cray cray!"
Mercedes laughed, "You give her our love and I'll see you Wednesday. Ok Diva, l love you."
He kissed Mercedes on the cheek and shook Sam's hand before grabbing a couple of champagne bottles for good measure, "I'm gonna need these," he chuckled winking at Sam and Mercedes as he exited.
Stacy embraced her brother and Mercedes, "I'm going to walk back up to the house, Ron want's to come and wish Steven a happy birthday."
"How are the twins? It doesn't look like their chicken pox's are getting any better," Mercedes grimaced.
Stacy huffed, "They aren't, Ron's been trying to stop them from scratching all night, they're driving him crazy." she chuckled.
Sam laughed, "tell him to hurry up otherwise he's gonna miss out."
Stacy smiled, turned and walked toward Waverley.
Sam and Mercedes walked hand in hand and exited the venue, making their way down toward the rose gardens, their garden, as they walked along the cobblestone path, champagne and Chrystal flutes in hand. Suddenly there was a loud screech from behind.
"Sam Evans, Kimberley has run off with the twins again. That son of yours is trouble and it's your entire fault!" Quinn Puckerman was not a happy camper.
Mercedes was taken aback.
"Sorry Mercedes it's not you it's him…" she pointed to Sam, hands on hips, "he said that they could play those dam electronic games all night, and your son said Kimberley was allowed too, I've been trying to find where they are hiding!"
"W-what?!" Sam asked bewildered.
"Quinny!" an anxious voice came from behind with a young 25 year old Quinn clone close at his side. "I found them honey."
"No, I found them mommy, daddy was with playing with them," Beth smiled, "they were in the south wing games room playing that dance game, and he was playing too, they are so immature." She groaned rolling her eyes and smirked at her father.
"Well they are 10 years old baby girl," Noah chuckled.
Quinn shot a death glare at her husband, but then quickly turned to Sam.
"See Sam Evans I told you that would happen. Those games are terrible for a young child's mind it turns them into rogues!" she growled looking directly at Sam
Sam wanted to laugh at her ridiculousness but stopped. "Sorry Quinn, I shouldn't have let them," he shyly replied.
Quinn nodded her head and walked toward the house, Puck and Beth in tow.
"See y'all at the Hudson's tomorrow night," Mercedes chortled,
"Yeah, whatever!" Quinn haphazardly waved, secretly smiling.
Mercedes giggled, "Oh my Sammy she is always giving you havoc."
"Well that's your fault for giving her a voice; she worshipped me before you came along." Sam huffed.
Mercedes rolled her eyes, "more like quaked in her boots," she chuckled.
…
The Tennessee moon shone across the night sky as Sam and Mercedes sat quietly upon the woolen throw amongst the nodding yellow roses. Their beautiful fragrance filled the night air. Sam turned to Mercedes and kissed her gently upon her soft, dark locks.
"We are so blessed darling" he smiled.
"Oh yes Sammy we surely are, we have so much to be thankful for, 24 years of marriage Sammy, 24 years!" Mercedes whispered taking her husband's hands.
"I never thought it could be possible darling but, I love you more than ever," Sam breathed adjusting his jacket draped over his wife's shoulders.
"I love you Sammy…"she smiled, "who would have thought that we would be here, back in the same spot we met all those many years ago."
"I knew Mercy, I knew you were mine the first time I set eyes on you." Sam declared.
"Whatever Sammy," Mercedes chuckled rolling her eyes, "was that when I was writhing in pain, and you ignored me or was it when you saw the blood splattered across my head."
"Oh baby you know I apologized for that, you freaked me out, I didn't know what to do, I was smitten by you!"
Mercedes furrowed her eyebrows then chuckled.
"C'mon Mercy, you know you loved me the second you laid eyes on me too." Sam smiled.
Mercedes laughed, "Dream on dreamer," then slapped him playfully on his arm.
Sam chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. He was in his late 40's now but was still as handsome and as muscular as ever.
Mercedes held him tightly then whispered, "Let's toast Sammy."
Sam collected the champagne and poured it into the crystal flutes.
"A toast Mercy," Sam chortled, "to my beautiful wife who gets more beautiful every day."
They clinked glasses and took a sip of the sparking nectar.
"And a toast also…" Mercedes smiled, to my darling husband, "Who I will love forever…here's to forever Sammy, you and I forever!"
Sam smiled and rested his forehead upon her and whispered, "Forever Mercy!"
They sat in comfortable silence and watched the party goers in the distance. The twinkling of the tea lights which lit the garden venue illuminated the smiling faces of the party goers.
Sam and Mercedes were truly blessed and blissfully happy. They had the most important thing in life, love. They had a loving family and wonderful friends and the undying love they had for each other.
Mercedes and Sam laid down upon the warm blanket, Mercedes head rested upon his broad chest. They fell asleep in each others arms as they gazed at the twinkling stars and took in the scent of the beautiful yellow roses. They had been through much in their lives but these roses signified the most important aspect of their relationship. The true friendship they had for each other. Their undying love, that existed between the two of them. Their relationship was truly a 'Sign of Friendship.'
I hope you enjoyed the final chapter. Bitter sweet is all I can think of right now, because I actually hate finishing my fics, especially because I love the characters so much, but I do like giving them happy endings.
To my fellow writers and you beautiful reviewers, I love you so much. Thank you for sticking with A.S.O.F. To the guest reviewers, I am sorry I could not reply to you all but I am so appreciative of your comments. PS...My poor attempt at the love scene is dedicated to abbiecarr, sorry but I did try :!
We have a new fic coming out in a couple of hours or maybe minutes. I say we, as it is a prompt by bubblybubbly who will be giving me a few hints as to where we should go. It is called 'Strawberry Wine.' I so hope you like it. Thanks again you are all so lovely:)
Blessings and goodness always to all of you.