A/N: Thanks to everyone who patiently waited for updates. I could give you many reasons why I wasn't able to update this story but I rather not wallow in the past and just hope this chapter would make it up to all of you. Thanks again to all who read and reviewed this story, especially to all loyal followers.

Chapter 32:

"Mercy, are you alright?" Stacy asked concerned as she watched Mercedes frozen on the spot.

"Sam, what's wrong with Mercy?" Stacy was now upset as Mercedes was still unable to shake herself free from the fear that's rendering her catatonic at the moment.

Stevie moved closer to Mercedes to hold her and shake her free from what is currently enveloping her.

"Mercy, please say something." Stevie pleaded and it seemed to do the trick.

Mercedes looked down at Stevie as she stroked his hair and looked up to Sam.

"I'm sorry Stacie; I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just taken aback, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to meet your parents. They might take it the wrong way." Mercedes stared in Sam's eyes pleading him to agree with her.

"But they've always wanted to meet you since the first time we met you!" Stevie smiled still hugging Mercedes.

Stacie asked Sam to put her down and she ran to Mercedes and immediately Mercedes scooped her up.

"Mommy and Daddy says they want to meet you so they can finally put a face to the person we constantly talk about. Please Mercy; say you'll come with us!" Stacie begged.

Mercedes couldn't help but smile at how adorable Stacie looked.

"Please Mercy! We promise we'll be good and we wouldn't leave your side." Stevie joined in begging.

Sam stood amused as his siblings put all their tricks on Mercedes which seems to be working as he notice Mercedes' demeanour softening.

"Alright, alright I'll go! You kids are going to be the death of me!" Mercedes chuckled as the kids locked her in a crushing hug.

"We better go. The car is waiting." Sam smiled as he ushered them to start walking.

"I blame you Sam Evans! You are evil incarnate using your siblings like this." Mercedes teased.

"I do my best!" Sam winked.

The ride to the church went by quickly; Mercedes absent-mindedly rubbed the heart pendant of her necklace all the way. Stacie and Stevie ran out of the car as soon as the doors opened. Sam held a hand out for Mercedes as he got out but stood there empty handed.

"Are you coming or should I carry you in?" Sam teased.

"Sam! Can't you see I'm panicking here?" Mercedes snapped.

"Glad you finally admitted that." Sam chuckled.

"It's not funny!" Mercedes looked mortified.

"It is if you think about it. It's just our parents and they have been asking for you for a while now. Don't worry; this has nothing to do with us dating. This is purely a long overdue thank you for what you did for Stacie. I promise I won't bring us up." Mercedes felt relieved at Sam's promise, but at the same time felt somewhat disappointed. Mercedes shook the feelings away and grabbed Sam's hand to get out of the car. She noticed that Sam never let go of her hand as they walked towards the church's entrance holding hands.

"I think you should let go now." Mercedes stopped a few feet away from the door which halted Sam as well.

"What?" Sam acted confused as Mercedes tried to loosen his grip on her hand.

"Sam! Come on, you promised." Mercedes pouted which earned her a peck on the lips before Sam let go of her hand.

"Happy now?" Sam mocked pouting but couldn't help but smile as he opened the door for Mercedes.

Sam walked up to the front of the church where his family normally takes space while Mercedes followed closely behind him. Mercedes noticed Stacie and Stevie waving at them with wide smiles across their faces.

"Mom, Dad; this is the infamous Mercedes Jones, a.k.a. Mercy!" Sam introduced Mercedes as she stood next to him.

"Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Evans!" Mercedes greeted them warmly as she reached out to shake their hands.

"We are huggers, nice to meet you Mercy!" Mrs. Evans waved Mercedes' hand away and brought her in for a hug. Mrs. Evans; liked the first time Mercedes saw her had an air of regal eloquence about her. Finally seeing her up close, she could tell that she is indeed a loving and caring mother and that she is also approachable despite Mercedes' initial impression.

"We're so happy to finally meet you. The kids here just couldn't stop talking about Mercy did this and Mercy said that; I'm starting to think you're their imaginary friend." Mr. Evans chuckled as he pulled Mercedes in a hug. Mercedes smiled at the warm welcome the Evans gave her. She's been without parents for a very long time and she missed the hugs only parents could give.

Mr. Evans held similar features to Sam; the same dark blonde hair and green eyes. While the kids share their mother's blonde hair and blue eyes. Sam however got his pouty lips from his mother, but his lopsided grin was definitely their father's. The Evans made room for Mercedes to sit in their pew. She sat in between Stevie and Stacie as Sam sat at the end next to Stacie. The service was beautiful despite the lack of energy Mercedes is accustomed to from her church. The priests' sermon was thoughtful and solemn. Sam intently watched Mercedes as she concentrated on the priests' preaching. Stacie looked up to see what her big brother was looking at and smiled as she saw his gaze stuck on Mercedes. Mercedes was lost in thought as she pondered on the priest's last words and was surprised to see a grinning Sam when she turned her head his way.

"What?" Mercedes whispered as a smile tugged on her lips.

"Nothing." Sam mouthed with a smile on his face.

The Evans walked out the church and stopped to make small talk with their pastor.

"I just can't thank your family enough for the generous contribution last week. Our community reach out was a success and the smiles on the families that we helped out definitely made it worthwhile. I really wished your family could have been there." Father Bob excitedly thanked the Evans family.

"We are really sorry we couldn't be there father. Our schedules were really full, but hopefully next time we'll all be there." Mr. Evans apologized to Father Bob.

"Yes father, we promise to be in the next community reach out. Oh by the way father, this is Ms. Mercedes Jones." Mrs. Evans introduced Mercedes.

"I see Samuel has found a friend!" Father Bob joked as he took Mercedes' hand in both his hand and shook it.

"It's nice to meet you Mercedes, I hope to be seeing you more in church." Sam smirked.

"Oh, no father it's not like that!" Mercedes blushed at Father Bob's assumption.

"I'm only teasing my child, but Samuel is a fine young man; you could do a lot worse." Father Bob winked at Mercedes and turned his attention to Sam.

"Samuel, it's good to see you again!" Father Bob shook Sam's hand.

"Work has been hectic father, but I've missed your sermons." Sam beamed.

"Well next time don't be gone for too long." Father Bob smiled and bid farewell to the Evans family and Mercedes.

They walked to their waiting cars. Mr. and Mrs. Evans went to their car and their children with Mercedes went to theirs. The drive to the Evans' estate went by quickly as Mercedes took in the scenery along the way. The car drove up a long curvy driveway towards the main house. The driveway was lined with plush greenery hiding the elegant mansion out of public view. Mercedes eyed the Evans' home in awe at the luxury she has never witnessed in her life. Her reverie was broken by two children rushing to get out of the car. Mercedes soon followed out still in a dream state as she drank in her surroundings. Sam walked slowly beside Mercedes and smiled at how adorable she looked. Sam chuckled as he heard Mercedes gasp when they entered the foyer.

"Seriously?" Mercedes sarcastically said.

"What's that?" Sam asked as he eyed her curiously.

"I just think it's a cliché that rich people would want a staircase at either side. It's not like it's going to a different place, you go down to the same spot." Mercedes looked at Sam as if waiting for him to explain to her why.

"In my defence, this house already had those even before I was born so I couldn't really tell you the reasoning behind it. But for a kid those stairs is a goldmine of fun." Mercedes smiled at Sam's dorkiness something she wasn't used to seeing but liked it a lot.

"I think they're waiting for us outside. Shall we?" Sam held out an arm to escort Mercedes.

"We shall." Mercedes beamed as she took Sam's arm and intertwined with hers.

They walked through the foyer and out the garden to the patio where the family was already seated waiting for Sam and Mercedes to join them. Sam held out a seat next to Stacie for Mercedes before sitting across from her. Sam's parents sat across from each other while Stevie and Stacie sat across each other. Mr. Evans said grace and soon food was being passed around the table.

"So Mercedes, how long have you been working in the restaurant?" Mrs. Evans inquired.

"Not that long, only a couple of months. My friend has been dating Blaine and when he mentioned that the restaurant needed people I immediately applied. I love working at the restaurant, everyone there is really helpful and it's just a great place to work for." Mercedes smiled.

"I'm glad you like it there. We always try to ensure that our employees are happy working for us." Mr. Evans was glad to hear that Mercedes like working at the restaurant.

"Believe me Mr. Evans I worked for a lot of establishments and yours is definitely the best. Knowing that you are actually making a conscious effort about your employee's well-being makes me more motivated to work for you." Mr. and Mrs. Evans smile grew bigger.

Lunch went incredibly well. They were all sat around the table talking when Stacie interrupted them.

"Momma? Can Mercy come up with me to my room?" Mrs. Evans turned to her daughter.
"You have to ask her yourself sweetie. But why do you need to go to your room?" Mrs. Evans asked.

"I want her to see my toys and maybe we can play for a bit. So can you go with me to my room?" Stacie now turned to Mercedes.

"If that's ok with you Mr. and Mrs. Evans I'll be happy to go with Stacie." Mercedes smiled as she waited for their reply.

"Please we wouldn't dare stand between you and a determined little girl." Mr. Evans smiled and winked at her daughter.

Mercedes and Stacie stood up and started walking back in the house.

"I need to be excused as well. I uhmm… I need to do something in my room." Stevie asked permission to leave the table.

Mr. Evans nodded and smiled as Stevie ran up to catch up with Stacie and Mercedes.

"Mom, dad." Sam called for his parents.

"You need to be excused too?" Mr. Evans smirked at his joke.

"Actually, I need to tell you guys something." Mr. Evans demeanour changed as he shifted to face his eldest son.

"Honey what is it?" Mrs. Evans looked at her son worriedly.

"Don't worry mom, it's nothing bad. Actually I just wanted to tell you both that I'm dating Mercedes." Sam beamed as he finally told his parents.

The couple looked at each other in confusion before Mrs. Evans replied.

"What about Quinn?"

"What about Quinn?" Sam returned the question to his mother.

"Honey you're engaged to her, right?" Mrs. Evans asked.

"I never said I got engaged to her nor did I confirm that I am/was engaged to her." Sam replied.

"But John told us you asked for his daughter's hand in marriage." Mrs. Evans seemed quite upset with what's happening.

"That's the other thing mom. I don't know what Mr. Fabray's motive for telling you that, but I never did such a thing. I don't love Quinn; she's a friend and all but I don't think I could marry her, ever!" Sam looked at his parents contemplating on whether or not he should tell them about Quinn's threat to him.

His parents look distraught at this new information and couldn't fathom how one of their oldest friend can lie to them. Sam knew that it would be hard for his parents to take in more disappointment and decided to leave the other information out.

"Son, we support whatever you want to do, but please make sure all these is straighten out. I don't want anyone getting hurt especially that lady upstairs with your sister." Mr. Evans told his son.

"I know dad. You may not believe me when I say this, but I really do want more with Mercedes. It's scary because everything is moving so fast and I literally have to stop myself from overwhelming her. I'm scared that she won't want me when she realizes how crazy my life is." Sam took in a deep breath trying to calm his racing heart.

"Does Mercedes know how you feel about her?" Mrs. Evans smiled at how adorable her son looked to her right now.

"I haven't told her, I actually don't know how. We've only been on 2 dates if you include today. Don't you think that's moving too fast mom?" Sam looked at his mother pleading for an answer to his dilemma.

"Oh honey." Mrs. Evans couldn't help but chuckle as she patted her son's hand before leaning forward to take her husband's hand.

"I told your mother that I love her the moment I laid eyes on her. So anything beyond that is not moving too fast by my definition." Sam was surprised by his father's revelation even though he knew how madly in love his parents are.

"There is no right or wrong time to tell someone how you feel. You just time and hope for the best. Most of the time neither of you know how you each feel until one of you make the jump. When your father told me he loves me I thought he was plain out of his mind. I've never met him before and I knew who he was. How could I not know him when your grandfather wouldn't stop talking about the young, genius of a son of the company's president?" Mr. Evans squeezed his wife's hand and gave her a knowing look.

"Well I didn't know at that time that I was already in love with him, not until I couldn't imagine life without your father. By then my thoughts kept going back to the first time he told me he loved me and that's when I knew I was already in love with your father even before I could admit it to myself. So you see, you just need to put the thought out there and you never know she just might be as in love with you as I was with your father." Mr. Evans held his wife's hand and smiled at her lovingly as if years haven't passed since that day he found her.

Chapter 33:

"I don't care how you do it, just make it happen and make it happen fast!" Quinn slammed the phone down as Artie entered her office.

"Ouch! That person on the line must be deaf by now." Artie cringed holding on his ear.

"Artie!" Quinn smiled at the sight of her friend.

"Well I'm glad you still remember me. What's up Q?" Quinn's expression suddenly fell at Artie's question.

"Nothing… just work." Quinn lied not looking into Artie's eyes afraid he'd realize her lie and probe at her.

"Ok, then if it's just work then you can have lunch with me then, right?" Artie looked at Quinn with puppy dog eyes mock pleading for her to say yes.

"I don't know I still have a lot of stuff to finish." Quinn reasoned.

"You have to eat some time, so until you do I'll wait here in your office." Artie leaned back on his chair, crossed his arms over his chest and put his feet up on Quinn's desk.

"Fine! Give me a second." Quinn stood up and walked out of her office with a smile on her face only Artie could put there.

Artie waited for Quinn as he looked around her office. He flipped through magazines, paced in the office, finally settling down spinning around in Quinn's chair. As Artie spun around a document caught his eye on Quinn's desk. Usually he never paid any attention to Quinn's work, but seeing Mercedes name on the document made him curious. Just as he was about to lean closer Quinn entered her office.

"I'm ready lets go!" Artie looked at Quinn and stood up.

"To Lunch!" Artie held out his arm out for Quinn which she gladly took.

As they made their way out Artie couldn't shake his curiosity. Why does Quinn have a document with Mercedes' name on it?

Kurt heard someone buzzed.

"Yes?" Kurt answered the intercom.

"Kurt Hummel?"

"Yes speaking."

"I have a delivery." The man said and Kurt quickly buzzed him in.

Kurt waited at the door for the man.

"Kurt Hummel?" The man confirmed as Kurt nodded in reply.

The man handed Kurt an envelope and left as soon as he arrived. Kurt opened the envelope and gasp as he read through the document. Kurt quickly closed the door and took out his phone to call Mercedes.

Mercedes sat on the floor in Stacie's room with Stacie on her right and Stevie on her left. They were playing tea party with several of Stacie's dolls sitting around the small table with them.

"More tea Miss Mercy?" Stacie asked as she lifted the tea pot.

"No thank you Miss Stacie, 5 cups is my limit." Mercedes smiled at the little girl.

"How about you Mister Stevie, more tea?" Stacie looked at her brother.

"No thanks!" Stevie shook his head.

"How about biscuits?" Stacie offered when Mercedes' phone rang.

"Hang on, I'll just see who's calling." Mercedes excused herself and walked out of Stacie's room to answer the call.

"Cedes!" Kurt sobbed on the other line.

"Kurt what's wrong?" Mercedes feared the worst as she waited for Kurt's response.

"Mercy the magazine's suing me. They've frozen all my assets until the investigation is over. They're saying my confidential agreement breach caused the magazine millions of dollars financial loss and accusing me of selling information to their competitors. I don't know what to do Cedes." Kurt broke down and cried uncontrollably.

"I'm coming home! We'll figure something out Kurt, just hang in there." Mercedes ended the call and walked back in Stacie's room.

The kids immediately noticed a change in Mercedes and both ran up to hug her.

"Mercy what's wrong?" Stevie asked as Stacie started sniffing.

"Oh Stacie please don't cry. I'm ok, it's just my friend is in trouble and I need to go home. I promise we'll do this again soon, but for now I need to go." Mercedes rubbed Stacie's back.

Stacie wiped her tears away and smiled at Mercedes.

"I'm not a cry baby, I just don't want you to go, but if your friend needs you then you have to be there for your friend." Stacie replied.

"You're not a cry baby Stacie. You just care too much for people; don't ever change that and thank you for understanding." Mercedes smiled at Stacie.

"Do you want me to get Sam?" Stevie asked.

"No that's ok, I'll do it myself. I need to thank your parents for having me over and say goodbye. I expect to see you both next week, so ask your parents to bring you over to the restaurant and I'll give you free ice cream." Mercedes hugged both kids as she kissed the top of their heads before making her way out the patio.

"Mercedes! Already tired of the chipmunks?" Mr. Evans teased.

"Not at all, but unfortunately something came up and I need to rush home." Mercedes shyly smiled.

"I hope it's nothing serious." Mrs. Evans asked.

"I honestly don't know yet. I just wanted to say thank you for having me over. Your family is really wonderful; hopefully I can return the hospitality. Thank you again and please don't hesitate to ask for me at the restaurant when you come by." Sam quickly stood next to Mercedes and squeezed her hand.

"What's wrong?" Mercedes looked up to Sam and smiled not wanting him to worry.

"I'm sure it's a misunderstanding. Could you ask someone to drop me off the nearest station? I don't want to ruin your family day." Mercedes asked.

"No, I'm bringing you home. Mom, dad I need to bring Mercy home. I'll see you both next week." Sam kissed his mom and hugged his dad before making his way out with Mercedes in tow.

Mercedes silently sat in the car anxiously rubbing her pendant as she waited for them to arrive at their apartment. Sam held on her hand all the way and wondered what Mercedes was hiding from him. The car finally stopped in front of their apartment building and Mercedes quickly opened the door and jumped out the car. Sam followed behind not wanting her to leave his side. They bounced up the flights of stairs and barged in her apartment.

"Thanks for lunch Artie. I always have fun with you." Quinn smiled at Artie.

"Well if you had fun now, wait 'til dinner!" Artie wiggled his eyebrows at Quinn.

"Artie I can't, I told you I have a lot of work to finish." Quinn complained.

"I won't accept no for an answer Q. Come on, you've been avoiding me for a while now and I miss you." Quinn's heart melted at Artie's confession but she knew she needed to stay focus otherwise all her hard work would go down the drain.

"I miss you too Artie, but I really do have to finish my work. I promise to make time for you next weekend." Artie pouted but accepted her promise.

"I can't believe you would be working on a weekend, but I know you and if it's important you wouldn't be working this hard. I just hope whatever it is you're doing is worth it." Quinn felt her gut knotted as she thought about what she was doing.

Artie said his farewell to Quinn and kissed her on the cheek as he made his way out her office.

"Artie!" Quinn called out and Artie turned around.

"Thanks for being my friend. You know I love you right?"

"And I love you too Q! Just know I'm always here when you need me, you don't always have to be strong one." Artie went over to Quinn and hugged her before leaving.

Quinn sat in her chair and picked up the document on her desk. Tears ran down her face as she thought of what she would be giving up if she went ahead with her plans.

"I have to do it. I am not a failure!" Quinn wiped the tears from her face and dialed a number.

Mercedes held Kurt as her cried himself to sleep. Sam sat across from them and watched in confusion at what could possibly upset Kurt this much.

"Did Kurt and Blaine break up?" Sam asked softly not wanting to wake Kurt up.

Mercedes snapped her head towards Sam and glared at him like he has grown a second head.

"Well… he's really upset and Blaine's not here so what do you expect me to conclude." Sam shrugged.

"No they didn't break up! Come to think of it I don't think Blaine knows anything so don't you dare tell him about today."
"Tell him what? I'm still not sure what's happening." Sam responded.

"Good and we'll keep it that way!" Mercedes went back to stroking Kurt's hair as he peacefully slept.

"Mercedes!" Kurt stirred as he heard Sam's voice and Mercedes shot him a glare.

"Sam, Cedes won't tell you anything unless I tell her it's ok." Kurt yawned as he sat up next to Mercedes.

"Then you tell me what's going on." Sam looked at Kurt.

"I promise I will, but not right now. So please leave Mercy alone, I'm just not ready for other people to know about my problems." Mercedes wrapped an arm around her friend and looked at Sam pleadingly to leave the questioning for now.

"When are you planning to tell Blaine?" Mercedes asked.

"I don't think I can. Like you I'm sure he'll push me in the same direction and I just want to figure things out before I make my move." Kurt answered honestly.

"We'll think of something I promise." Mercedes reassured her friend.

"Sam I think we should call it a day. Kurt and I really need to talk and I'm sure you have better things to do."
"You're throwing me out now?" Sam smirked.

"Sam you're incorrigible!" Mercedes screamed in frustration which made Kurt laugh.

"You two are just too cute for words!" Kurt giggled as Mercedes and Sam looked at him like he lost his mind."

"So now you think we're funny?" Mercedes raised a brow at her friend.

"Yes! I'll leave you two to say your proper goodbyes. I'll be in my room when you're done Cedes." Kurt winked at his friend before going inside his room.

"The nerve of that man!" Mercedes muttered under breath as Sam stood and sat down next to her.

"I don't want the day to end, but I know you and Kurt have a lot to talk about so I'm reluctantly leaving you only if you promise to call me later!" Sam bargained.

"I promise." Mercedes lifted her head and kissed Sam on the cheek.

"Oh that won't do Ms. Jones!" Sam leaned and kissed her on the lips.

"You are very bold Mr. Evans, but don't think I give in easily." Mercedes raised a brow at Sam.

"I wouldn't dare." Sam smiled as he hugged Mercedes tight before standing up to leave.

"I'll call you later. Please be safe." Mercedes walked Sam out of their apartment.

"You better! I'll rush back here if I don't hear from you later and I will break your door down if I have to!" Sam warned.

"Sam the big bad wolf, oh my!" Mercedes mocked fear.

"You should be frightened." Sam's response earned him a light slap on his arm from Mercedes.

"I never break my promise and if I do I must have a really good excuse. Goodbye Sam." Mercedes smiled as she watched Sam walk away.

"I'm not saying goodbye. I'll talk to you later Mercedes." Sam shouted as he was walking down the stairs.

Mercedes shook her head at Sam's childishness as she closed the door. She quickly made her way to Kurt's room and found him laying on his back staring at the ceiling. Mercedes sat at the foot of the bed and lied down next to Kurt looking at the ceiling.

"What now?" Mercedes asked.

"I need a lawyer. I really good one." Kurt replied.

"Ok that's a start. We'll need Rachel's contacts for that since I can't really say I know any lawyers."

"I don't have any money Cedes." Kurt said out loud.

"Don't worry about it. Hopefully we can find a lawyer that's willing to do it pro bono, if not I have my savings." Mercedes found Kurt's hand and squeezed it.

"I can't let you do that Cedes. You're so close; I can't let you put your dreams on hold again." Kurt sat up and looked at his friend.

"I can and I want to. Besides with all the gigs I have right now who's to say I won't get a recording contract soon." Mercedes smiled at her friend.

"Thanks Mercy! I don't know what I'd do without you." Kurt hugged her friend.

"Yeah and you'll never have to find out. I'm always here for you Kurt. We have each other's back remember?" Mercedes pulled away from their hug and looked at Kurt.

"I know honey. I'm really lucky to have you as my sister." Kurt finally smiled even when tears are streaming down his face.

Chapter 34:

The two continued to plan their next steps and contacted Rachel to relay the new events. Rachel wanted to rush over to their apartment but since it's late they decided to meet up tomorrow for lunch. Kurt was visibly exhausted which Mercedes took as her cue to get ready for bed herself. She kissed the top of Kurt's head as she stood up to hug her friend and make her way back to her room. Mercedes got ready for bed opting to leave her new necklace on as she reminisced today's events before calling Sam as promised.

"I'm so ready to storm back in your apartment. What took you so long?" Mercedes giggled at Sam.

"I don't think I like your tone Mr. Evans. I'll talk to you when you're in a better mood." Mercedes teased.

"Don't you dare hang up on me!" Mercedes laughed.

"Fine I won't, but don't act like a possessive boyfriend." Sam froze at the term.

"So are we?" Sam asked.

"Are we what?" Mercedes asked confused.

"Am I your boyfriend?" Mercedes realized her mistake and quickly sat up from her bed.

"Sam we've only gone out twice and we haven't actually talked about going out exclusively."

"So are you going out with anyone else? I sure wasn't since I met you."

"Not really, but it isn't that easy."

"I think it is. You're not going out with anyone else and I'm not going out with anyone else, so I think we are dating exclusively." Sam smiled as he thought about being Mercedes' boyfriend.

"Sam!" Mercedes sounding quite frustrated.

"What? I'm just saying." Sam replied.

"I… I'm not ready for a relationship. I don't know how to be in a relationship." Mercedes admitted.

"Honestly so do I, but somehow I think we can do it. We can actually make it work. Give us a chance Mercy, I promise you won't regret it." Mercedes paused and digested what Sam was trying to say to her.

"How can you be sure? You don't know me that well and I sure don't know you that well. What if it isn't enough?" Sam understood what she meant even if they haven't talked about it.

"It'll always be enough. It's more than enough because what I feel for you will never go away and that with the promise that I'll never hurt you will see us through." Mercedes felt the sting of tears in her eyes.

"I'm scared Sam. I've been alone most of my life with friends being the only family I have. I don't know how to love and be loved other than friendship love. I rather have you as my friend than lose you forever." Mercedes was now crying as her wall was slowly crumbling.

"Cedes!" Mercedes was startled by Kurt's voice and quickly wiped the tears away as she ran out of her room to Kurt's room still with the phone in her hand.

Mercedes opened her bedroom door and walked in their living room filled with smoke. Mercedes coughed as she breathed in the smoke.

"Mercedes what's going on?" Sam shouted through the phone.

"Kurt! Kurt where are you?" Sam heard Mercedes shouting for Kurt.

"Mercy what's happening?" Sam shouted again hoping for a reply but all he could hear was somebody coughing on the other line.

Mercedes finally collided with Kurt as he rushed them to her room.

"Get some towels and wet them quickly!" Kurt ordered Mercedes.

"Damn sprinklers, I knew they were just for display. I am suing our landlord as soon as we get out of here!" Kurt shouted so that Mercedes could hear him all the way in her bathroom.

"Kurt? Mercedes! What's happening, please tell me what's going on!" Sam shouted through Mercedes phone as soon as he heard Kurt's voice.

Kurt picked up Mercedes phone and talked to Sam.

"Sam! Listen carefully. Mercedes and I are trapped in her room. There's a fire in our building and we can't go out of our apartment. We'll try and see if we can climb out of her window, I already called 911 and we are sealing Mercy's room until they get here. Please can you call Blaine and tell him what's happening? We'll call you as soon as we're safe." Kurt ended the call just as Mercedes came back with wet towels to seal the door with.

"Kurt!" Sam shouted just before he heard the line dropped.

"Damnit!" Sam cursed at his phone and dialed Blaine's number.

Kurt opened Mercedes' window and scanned for a path out of their apartment.

"Cedes we need to get all of your blankets and beddings. We need to make a rope to get out of here. I'm sure the firefighters are on their way but we need to do something." Kurt went to Mercedes' closet and started gathering all the blankets and beddings he could find.

"I'll strip my bed and start tying them together."

Mercedes started tying knots to the beddings making sure the knots are tied tightly. She tied one end to her bed's leg and tugged hard to make sure it's secure.

"Cedes, wrap it around you and climb down while I hold the other end." Kurt ordered Mercedes.

"Kurt you're lighter, I can help lower you down."

"No Cedes you go first, I'm not gonna leave you here alone." Kurt shouted.

"Kurt Patrick Hummel. You are not gonna argue with me. If there's anyone that could find a way for both of us to get out of here alive that would be you. I'll lower you down and you figure out the best way for me to get out from the ground. The smoke hasn't penetrated my door so I think I'll be safe."

Kurt hugged her friend just before he tied the makeshift rope around him. Kurt climbed out the window and Mercedes slowly let the rope slip through her hand to lower Kurt. Halfway through, Kurt could feel the knots loosening. He eyed the fire escape to his right and thought he could jump for it if he could swing himself. Kurt held on the window's edge of the apartment below them and used it as his ledge to propel himself. Kurt counted to three before pushing off and swinging to the right reaching out to grab on the railing. As soon as he touched the railing the knot gave way and Mercedes' heart dropped thinking that Kurt fell. She quickly stuck her head out of the window trying to see where Kurt landed.

"Over here Cedes! I'm ok, I'll get help as soon as I can." Mercedes felt relieved as Kurt ran down the fire escape.

Mercedes saw the smoke slowly seeping through her bedroom door and quickly grabbed her phone and entered her bathroom. She did the same thing wetting towels and sealing the door. She opened the window in her bathroom and sent a text to their friends to tell them she's in her bathroom and that Kurt's already out getting help. As soon as she sent the message out her phone started ringing.

"Mercedes are you alright?" Mercedes couldn't help but cry as soon as she heard Sam's voice.

"Mercy I'm near your building, I'll be there soon just hang on baby I'm coming don't put the phone down just talk to me." Sam could still hear Mercedes sniffing.

"Ok I won't. Kurt's looking for a way to get me out and the firefighters will be here soon." Mercedes reassured herself more than Sam.

"I called some people too, they should be there now and I'll get you out myself." Mercedes finally smiled.

"Don't go on trying to be a hero Sam. What good would you be with a broken neck?" Mercedes teased and Sam laughed.

"I'm hurt that you think I won't be able to rescue you. Let me tell you I've rescued a lot of cats off a tree." Mercedes giggled which lessened her fear.

"I'm right outside your building now." Sam looked at the building in fear as he saw the fire engulfing the top floor.

"Ok. Just don't do anything stupid!" Mercedes warned Sam.

"I'm not dropping the call; I'll talk you through my rescue plan so you can be in awe at how amazing I am." Sam joked making sure to keep Mercedes calm.

"I don't know what's worse breaking your neck or your expanding ego!" Mercedes laughed.

"You know you love it." Sam retorted.

"Uh who said anything about love?" Mercedes sassed.

"You were about to say it just before the fire thing happened." Sam confidently answered.

"I wasn't! Where did you get that idea?"

"Alright, I was about to say it before the fire thing happened." Mercedes froze not believing what she just heard.

"Mercedes, are you still there?" Sam asked waiting for Mercedes to respond.

"Mercy! Baby, answer me!" Sam was starting to panic now.

"Sam, what did you just say?" Sam let out a deep breath as soon as he heard Mercedes' voice.

"I love you Mercedes." Sam heard Mercedes gasped on the other end.

"You are crazy Sam!" Mercedes couldn't help but smile.

"Crazy about you!" Sam replied.

Mercedes saw the smoke entering the bathroom and tried her best not to panic so that Sam wouldn't be alarmed. She crouched on the floor lying flat to avoid inhaling the smoke. She rubbed the pendant she still wore and prayed that everything will be alright.

The firefighters are doing their best to put out the fire but the flames kept growing and spreading across the top floor.

"Mercy, are you still there?" Sam asked as he heard shuffling.

"I'm fine Sam. So what's the rescue plan?" Mercedes asked.

"Sam!" Mercedes heard Kurt's voice on the line.

Sam turned and ran towards Kurt and Blaine.

"Sam, the fire's in Mercy's room now. We've been trying to find a way in but there aren't any. I told her she should get out first but she insisted that I will find a way to rescue her but I failed her." Kurt broke down and Blaine held him.

Sam won't accept what Kurt just said.

"Mercy hang in there baby. I'm climbing on the truck ladder and getting you out myself." Mercedes felt sleepy as she mumbled a reply.

"Mercedes talk to me. Don't sleep baby, just hang in there. Please Mercy for me!" Sam pleaded as he fastened himself with the harness.

"Sir you can't go in there it isn't safe!" One of the firefighters tried to stop Sam.

"My girlfriend's in there, if you're not going to do anything I will." Sam waved off the firefighter and ordered the crane to be lifted.

"We understand sir, but I can't let you put yourself in danger. We are doing our best to rescue everyone in the building but we can't let you add to the casualties." Sam saw red as he interpreted what they said that they're letting Mercedes perish in the fire.

"I love you Sam. Please tell everyone I love them, I just need to sleep I'm so tired. I'll feel better once I'm rested." Sam's eyes watered as he heard Mercedes' words.

"Mercy stay awake! Please talk to me baby, I'm almost there!" Sam begged.

"Lift me up now or you're all fired!" Sam shouted at his employees.

"Sam! Wait, I have a plan! Tell Mercy to lie low on the floor and cover her head." Kurt shouted.

"Mercy! Can you hear me? Please say something if you can." Mercedes groaned in response finding it hard to do anything else.

"Ok, lie on the floor and protect your head. Do you understand?" Mercedes groaned again and mustered her last strength as she lifted her arms to over her head.

"We'll get you out soon, just stay awake baby! I love you so much!" Sam tried hard to fight the tears.

Kurt explained his plan to Sam and he quickly ordered his men to gather all the materials they need. The firefighters were on standby as they waited for Kurt's instructions.

"I'm sure Mercy's lying on the floor. We need to knock a hole on the bathroom wall and grab Mercedes as fast as we can. Firefighter Joe is the fastest in their company and is the one to grab Mercedes out. The rest of the company will be on standby with the jumping sheet. Ok lets do this, we don't have much time left." Kurt ended the huddle and everyone rushed to their designated stations.

Sam's men went up with jackhammers with Firefighter Joe and quickly made a hole on the building wall enough for people to go through. Firefighter Joe went through the wall and scanned the bathroom. When he didn't see any immediate danger he located Mercedes unconscious on the floor barely breathing. He quickly administered a gas mask to help her breath and lifted Mercedes on his shoulder. Firefighter Joe handed Mercedes' limp body to Sam's men and waved for them to lower the ladder as soon as he was out himself. Sam ran to Mercedes as soon as they carried her down. The paramedics started first aid on her and when they diagnosed that she's stable they placed her in a gurney and wheeled her to the ambulance.

"Sam, go with Mercy. We'll see you at the hospital." Sam nodded and climbed in.

Sam watched Mercedes breathing and held her hand as he willed himself not to cry.