DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE NOR ANYTHING ELSE.

Karla Santiago- Melonie Diaz


Karla took her eyes off the girl when she heard the whistling, getting up, she headed to the kitchen. She removed the kettle from the stove top, and poured the tea in the two cups. Once she was done, she picked them both up and headed back into the living room.

"Thank you." Mercedes said softly as she grabbed the cup from her, sniffling as she rubbed her sore eyes, "I'm sorry again for just popping up."

"No, it's fine. You know you're always welcome to come here." She said as she leaned over and brushed her hair from out of her eyes, "What's wrong, mi amor?"

"Everything. Everything is so wrong." She responded as she took her hand and wiped the tears that was sliding from her eyes. She had made it to Karla's around three this morning. Her boyfriend had answered the door and was instantly worried when he saw the familiar face in tears at their front door, but he acted quickly and pulled her in the house, calling for his girlfriend.

Karla watched her worriedly as she sat her cup down. She had known Mercedes for years seeing that she was one of Bria's childhood friends. This girl was like a little sister, so that immediately meant she was family. She moved closer and wrapped her arm around her, "Lets just start with the obvious. Why are you crying?"

Mercedes laughed humorlessly as she looked away from her, "Because now, I'm realizing how much of an idiot and how weak I am."

"That's not true."

"Yeah, it is."

Karla got the hint that she didn't want to talk about it, so she wasn't going to push, "Seeing that you are here now, I guess you are staying for the rest of the week."

Mercedes gave her a weak smile as she looked at her, "If you don't mind."

"Of course not. I should be asking if you really want to be around mi loco Puerto Rican familia." Karla chuckled when she laughed and nodded her head, "Alright, then it's settled."


24 hours earlier...

"Oh my god." Dalton moaned as he closed his eyes, licking the powered sugar off his lips, "This is the best thing on earth."

Grayson snorted at his little brother as he grabbed one of the beignets from the plates, biting into it, "I'm going to have to agree with you on that."

"It's so light and fluffy. Oh my god, I think I'm having a foodgasm." Dalton stated, causing Grayson to roll his eyes at him. Seeing Sam coming into the living room, he pointed at him then to the plate, "Hey you there, you have to try these."

"Where's everybody at?" Sam asked as he came and plopped down next to Dalton, picking one of the beignets up and biting into it, "Oh man, it's better than I expected."

"Right?"

Grayson chuckled at his two brothers before wiping his hands, "Mom and dad had an invite to something the governor is throwing, Raleigh and Mercedes went shopping, and I do not know where Zara is."

"Wherever she's at, let her stay. She's been treating Mercedes like shit since we have been here."

Grayson sighed as he leaned his head back on the couch, "She told me that she doesn't trust her. After what happen with the ex, she thinks everyone is trying to use you."

"Which is stupid by the way. Everyone is not out to get us." Dalton spoke up as he took a sip of his milk before looking at them, "She's just being really mean and honestly, I don't even want to be around her right now."

"You and me both." Sam said as he grabbed Dalton's cup, earning a protest from him as he drunk some of his milk.

"Speaking of Mercedes.." Grayson started as he glanced over at Sam with a smirk, "What was up with you two on the couch last night?"

"WHAT?" Dalton screeched as his eyes danced between his brothers, "What happened on the couch? What couch? What the hell did I miss?"

"Stop screaming in my ear." Sam pushed him out of the way before he avoided eye contact, "Nothing happened."

"Yeah right." Grayson waved him off before directing his attention to their littler brother, "They were cuddled up, like close close, on the patio couch."

"Dude, wait..I thought you said Mercedes was just your friend? Even though it's damn near obvious that you two aren't."

"We are friends and friends cuddle all the time." Sam rolled his eyes at Dalton when he gave him a disbelieving look.

"Be honest with yourself, bro. You have feelings for her and you know what, it's okay." Dalton grabbed himself another beignet, "If you want my honest opinion, I think Mercedes is the one for you, seriously. She's sweet, funny, beautiful, and takes no bull. That's the type of woman you need in your life, hell the one we all need."

Grayson nodded in agreement, "We know you like her, Sam. You've never been good with trying to hide your feelings. The real question is, why haven't you told her how you feel?"

Sam chewed at the corner of his mouth as he ran his hands over his face, shaking his head. He got up from the couch and walked out the room, catching both of his brothers off guard.

"He's scared." Dalton noted as he turned to look at Grayson, "He doesn't want to get his heart broken again."

"I honestly don't blame him." Grayson responded as he let out a defeated sigh. Sam out of all people deserved happiness and it was truly killing him to see his little brother like this.


Mercedes sat back on the towel chuckling at the young girl in front of her. She had spent the whole morning and afternoon with Raleigh. What an adventure it has been. She had to admit, she had a really good time with the baby Evans'. They shopped, ate and explored Santa Monica all while getting to know each other better, "Can I ask you something?"

Raleigh nodded as she put her water down, "Of course."

"When did you realize that you like girls? How did you take it? How did your parents and siblings take it? Oh God, I just realized that was more than one question."

"It's fine." Raleigh laughed as she glanced over at the rides on the pier, "It really hit me when I was twelve. There was a girl in my class name Sage, and I thought she was just the most beautiful person ever. I got this feeling in me that I just wanted to be around her every second of the day." Raleigh chewed on her bottom lip before raising her eyes back at her, "I thought it wasn't nothing at first, but then it's like all of sudden, all I could find myself thinking about were girls. I was legit panicking at twelve because I knew who I was but it was problem. I knew that how I was feeling was wrong and I could get in trouble because of it. So, I waited until I was thirteen to see if anything changed, it didn't. Sam was the first person I talked to about it, and all he did was smile at me for the longest. He's so weird, if you're not aware of it yet."

"I am." Mercedes added with a giggle as she shook her as an indication that she knew all too well.

"But he's also the sweetest, most caring, uplifting, and trustworthy person ever. That's why he's my favorite sibling, and I'll tell anyone that because it's true. He's also so understanding. That night we talked, he hugged me and held my hand, just letting me know that it's okay, and that everything will be alright. He let me know that I had nothing to be ashamed of. He was right. My parents were more accepting that I thought and I'm thankful, because a lot of people can't say that."

"That's true." Mercedes said as she gave her a warm smile, "Even knowing you for this short amount of time, I can easily say I am proud of the young woman you are and are becoming."

"Thank you Mercedes. You have no idea how much that means to me. Are you sure you're not into girls?" Raleigh asked jokingly, blushing slightly when she began to laugh, "Because we can mingle."

Mercedes smiled at her as she moved her hair from out of her face due to the wind, "Sorry sweetie."

"It's cool, I had to shoot my shot." She laughed, causing Mercedes to do so as well, "Can I ask you some questions now?"

"Go for it."

"You are single, right?"

"I am."

Raleigh nodded as she pulled her legs up to her chest, looking at her through her sunglasses, "What do you look for in a relationship and a person?"

"Hm, that's a good question." Mercedes replied as she placed her hands behind her in the sand, leaning back, "This time around, I only want a solid, healthy relationship. Communication and trust are big things too. As for the person, someone who is loving, passionate, fun, caring, honest, loyal and is able to love me for me, you know?"

"Yeah, I do." She said with a familiar lopsided grin on her face as she titled her head, "One last question..do you want kids?"

Mercedes nodded almost immediately, "I do. I've always dreamed of having a big family. Family is everything to me."

"That's really good to know." Raleigh hid the smirk on her lips, hearing someone coming behind her, she turned around and gasped when she felt a shirt hit her in the face.

"Cover up. I believe you're trying to seduce my friend."

Raleigh let out a snort as she sat the shirt on the other side of her, "Yeah bro, that's exactly what I'm trying to do with the less blessed chest I have."

Sam chuckled at his little sister as he stuck his hands into his pockets, looking between them, "Y'all didn't get into any trouble today did you?"

"That's for us to know, and you to never find out." Mercedes gave him a sweet smile, getting one in return.

Raleigh glanced between them and smiled, standing up as she pretended that she had a text, "Oh darn, dad needs me back at the house." She looked up from her phone and to her brother as she gathered up her things, "I promised Mercedes we would go to pier. Fill in for me please, and buy her one of those delicious ice cream sandwiches. Have fun and see you both later."

Sam watched as she hurriedly walked away before he turned back to look down at Mercedes, holding out his hand to help her up, "What do you say?"

"I say yes." Mercedes answered with a smile as she grabbed his hand, straightening out the long, dark blue maxi dress she had on. Picking up the towel and folding it up, she placed it back on the chair and grabbed her bag.

"I'm curious, how exactly was your day with my little sister?" Sam asked once they starting heading off the beach, squinting a bit as the sun shined so brightly.

"It was fun. She was fun." Mercedes admitted as she giggled, "She reminds me of you, just more free-spirited."

"In other words, wild." Sam chuckled as they walked up the steps, watching as she nodded her head, "That's what makes her Raleigh. She has always been the confident one out the bunch."

"And you're definitely the sweetest." Mercedes smiled as she looked up at him, bumping his shoulder as he began to blush.

"Alright, since this is super last minute and I was actually going to bring you tomorrow, welcome to the Santa Monica pier." Sam said as he gestured to everything in front of them, "Rides, games, shopping, food, you name it. It's a lot to take in, so if you want to come back tomorrow morning, we can but I have to fulfill the promise of a ride on the Ferris wheel and that ice cream sandwich."

"That's fine with me, but just so you're aware.." She drifted off as she found his hand and locked their fingers together, catching him off guard, "I'm going to hold your hand because it's a lot of people, I'm short, and I don't want to get lost. If you don't mind."

"Not at all." Sam gave her a lopsided grin as they began to walk again. His face was so red, you would've thought that they were back in Washington outside in the cold.

Mercedes looked at everything as they walked along the pier, seeing all the different shops and restaurants they had. She has been to California numerous of times, but she has never been to this part. She was honestly happy Sam said they were going to come back in the morning because it was definitely a lot. She came out of her thoughts when he stopped at one of the ice cream vendors. Looking at menu, she was reading it while Sam ordered. She was curious to see what was so special about this ice cream sandwich Raleigh couldn't stop talking about.

"Alright Ms. Jones, hate to let go of your soft hand, but I have to pay for our stuff." He said as he pulled some cash out of his pocket and handed it to the man, thanking him when he handed their treats over.

"Thank you." Mercedes said once Sam gave her one. Seeing exactly what it was, she smiled with a raised brow, "Waffles and ice cream."

"Yes, it's literally the best thing ever. Instead of a crunchy waffle cone, you have two delicious, warm soft waffles with that lovely man's special homemade ice cream in between with one side dipped in chocolate and peanuts."

Mercedes laughed at his giddiness before moving the paper back, biting down into it, she nodded her head as she looked back at him, covering her mouth as she chewed, "Okay, now this is really good."

"Right?"

"What kind of ice cream is this?" Mercedes mumbled with her mouth full, causing Sam to smile at her adorableness.

"We can't figure it out and he won't tell anyone." Sam said as they sat down on one of the benches, taking a bite out of his own, "You would think it's vanilla, but then it turns into a coffee flavor, then it goes to mocha to unknown. I don't know, I just think it's mixed with everything."

"Whatever it is, it's bomb." Mercedes gave him a cheeky smile as she crossed her legs, sitting back against the bench where they stayed until they were finish enjoying their cold treat.


Due to the line being ridiculously long, the friends opted out and vowed to come back in the morning. They did indeed stopped and played a game of darts, which Sam actually won and gave his prize to Mercedes. A stuffed dog to be exact. The two were now walking back to the house, hand and hand of course, in a peaceful silence until Mercedes broke it.

"Thank you for tonight. Actually, thank you for inviting me to spend spring break with you and your family. I'm glad that I didn't stay in my dorm."

Sam looked down at her and smiled, "Well, I'm glad I went ahead and bought you a ticket anyways, instead of waiting for an answer. Because you know how you women are.."

"Shut up." Mercedes giggled as she bumped her shoulder against his, leaning against him, "For real, thank you. You have made my life a bit brighter ever since you have entered it, and I'm forever grateful."

"Funny you should say that, because I've been thinking the same thing." He said as he stopped in front of the house, prompting her to do so as well, "You have helped me more than you've realized. I thank you for that."

"You don't have to thank me." She whispered as she gave him a sweet smile, moving closer, she leaned up on her tippy toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, which enlightened something in both of them. Before she could stop herself, she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her lips onto his.

Sam wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss as much as he possibly could. Yep, this was really happening and he did not want to stop it.

Mercedes breathing was uneven once she pulled back, biting down on her bottom lip as she looked up at him, "Wow."

"Mhm." He got out as he tried to control his breathing too, bursting out into laughter when he saw the expression on her face.

Mercedes tried to keep a straight face but failed miserably, giggled erupting out of her as she hid her face on his chest, mumbling, "I can't believe I just did that."

"Do you regret it?"

Mercedes lifted her head up, staring into the green eyes she has been getting so lost in lately, answering without hesitation, "No."

"Good." He said with a smile as he rubbed the side of her face, leaning down to press one more against her lips until his phone rung. Groaning loudly, he pulled back and grabbed it out of his pocket, answering without checking the caller ID, "What?"

"Excuse you?"

"Mom, I'm sorry." Sam cursed underneath his breath, feeling the deadly glare she was giving him through the phone.

"When you get home, I need you to come to the basement for a minute."

"Okay." Sam responded, hearing her say her goodbyes, he chuckled as he hung up the phone, "Old people don't know the use of texting."

"Or maybe she always wants to hear your voice." Mercedes pointed out as she turned on her heels and headed up the driveway.

Sam thought about it for a moment and shook his head up and down. Maybe so. He followed behind her and opened the door with his key, turning to her when they got in, "I'll be right back and then we can talk."

Mercedes nodded with a smile, watching as he disappeared down the hallway. She was just about to head upstairs until she heard someone clearing her throat. Turning around, the smile immediately dropped from her face when she saw who it was.

"I can't say I'm impressed at all." Zara spoke as she leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, "You're good at what you do."

"And what exactly is that?"

"Getting people to like you so easily. It is easy because you've probably done it so many times." Zara said as she stared at her, "But your charm doesn't work on me sweetie, I will not ever fall for it."

"Listen.."

"No, you listen." She pushed off the wall and went to get in her face, "I will not let you come in this family and play over us. You may be fooling them, but you're not fooling me. You're using Sam, I'm hipped to your game, been for awhile now actually. You're no better than the ex he had. She was straight trash, but you're garbage. To think you was going to get away with this, you're a complete idiot as well."

Before Mercedes could stop herself, she slapped her across her face, causing her to gasp in surprise. She pointed her finger in her face, trying her best to not let the tears in her eyes fall, "I may be a lot of things, but for a fact, I'm not garbage and I'm far from a gold digger. Everyone is not out to get your family. You formed this opinion on me as soon as I walked in the door. You didn't even give me a chance to show you who I am, but that's okay. Congratulations, you succeeded at getting me out of the way." She took a calming breath before she began walking up the stairs, pulling her phone from her bag to make a call.

Raleigh heard the door open down the hall and she rolled out of her bed, opening the door of her room as she walked down the hallway with a smile on her face. As she got to the doorframe, it dropped when she saw Mercedes' putting her suitcase and duffle bag on the bed, "What's going on?"

"I'm leaving." Mercedes said as she went into the bathroom to grabbed all of her personal items.

"What? Why?" Raleigh asked as she went to where she was, seeing that she was crying had her taken aback, "Wait, why are you crying Mercedes? What happened?" When she didn't answer, she shook her head and walked out the room, yelling loudly for her brother as she ran down the stairs. Seeing him coming from the basement, she angrily went up to him, "What did you do?"

Sam was downstairs in the basement turned man cave, laughing at his mother as she gestured to how macho the place really looked when he heard Raleigh yelling for him. Heading back up the steps, he was confused at her question, "What are you talking about?"

"Mercedes is upstairs packing."

"What?" Sam asked confusedly as he walked around her and headed for the stairs. As he did so, Mercedes was already making her way down the hallway, "What are you doing?"

"I'm leaving." She answered softy as she tried to walk pass him, only to stop when he grabbed her arm, "Sam, please let my arm go."

"Why are you leaving?" He asked as he did what she said, walking behind her down the stairs. This time now, his parents and brothers had made it back from downstairs.

"Ask your sister." Mercedes said bitterly as she looked over to his parents, mustering up a smile, "Thank you for your hospitality, but I think I've overstayed my welcome."

Ethan and Marissa looked at each other before their eyes went back to the young girl worriedly.

Dalton stared at her until she opened the door to the front of the house and walked out, snapping out of it, "Zara said something." He turned on his heels and went into the kitchen, finding her with a pack of frozen peas to her cheek.

Sam closed the front door behind him, "Mercedes, wait." He saw that the cab driver was already here and out putting her things in the trunk, "Mercedes."

"Sam, stop." She said as she turned to look at him, "I need to go. I can't stay here."

"I'll pack my bags and we go back to school."

Mercedes shook her head as she stepped closer to the car, "Stay here with your family, Sam."

"Where are you even going then?"

"My sister has a friend that lives in Santa Ana, I'll just take a bus there and stay for the rest of the week." Mercedes saw that he was about to open his mouth and protest, and she shook her head once more, "I can't be here around someone who is accusing me of using you. I can't."

One thing Sam hated most was seeing her cry. But this time, seeing her cry pissed him off because the cause was his own sister. He watched as she got in the car and closed the door, staring behind the cab as he drove off. Turning around, he headed back into the house where in ran into Zara. Walking up and getting into her face, which caused Grayson to pull him back, "You had no damn right."

"I had every right. I'm only protecting us." She hissed out, gulping loudly when she saw this foreign look on his face. She has seen him angry, but he has never been this angry, especially with her.

Sam pushed Grayson off of him before heading back up the stairs to his room, slamming the door behind him.

"Hope you're happy, Zara. If you hadn't notice, those two really love each other." Raleigh said as she rolled her eyes and headed back up the stairs in an attempt to see if she could talk to her brother.


A/N. Why can't Zara's mind her business? Oh right, she ain't got no life of her own. Why do you think Mercedes let her words get to her this time around? One thing I can say, it's only so much a person can take. / If you haven't notice yet, Dalton is a real gem. I'll tell you one thing about the younger Evans', they may act wild but they are absolutely wise. I love that talk Raleigh and Mercedes. She was lowkey putting the good word in for her big bro. SAMCEDES KISSED! ABOUT TIME, but of course, the moment for them to actually have a talk about them was ruined. Alright, next update they will be back at school (including me, sigh) & the aftermath of all. What's going to happened? Stay tuned to find out. :)