Chapter 12: Tears for Fears (edited)

Mercedes was confused about going with Sam to Lily Roads. On what hand she just wanted life to go on peacefully. In her mind she thought about less complicated days. She knew she needed professional help because of the images and panic attacks also running away. She really didn't know anyone in the area, but she didn't want to chance being seen or cause for suspicion for no other reason than her own paranoia. Growing up in a small town contributed for sure. On the other hand her mother was coming and she wanted to be as normal as possible. But again she was growing increasingly frightened and exhibiting aggressive behavior being easily annoyed by her students. Her patience and forgiving nature was being challenged more and she feared she was losing the battle. She snapped on one little girl for asking to go to the restroom. Mercedes felt for some reason like the child was trying to get over. Like the baby was lying about having to pee. It was an overreaction which was confirmed by the puzzling look on Sam's face. She definitely needed to talk to someone or allow Sam to help her with his plan. At least she thought he and his family were a God send.

Sam stayed with Mercedes just as he promised and took the time to reply to some text messages busying himself while he waited. He was determined not to leave Mercedes alone. Sam stood and motioned to Mercedes that he was stepping outside the class to take a call.

"Yeah Bass, sorry I didn't get back Sunday I'm still working things out on my end Sam said."
"No prob Sebastian replied so tell me what is going on?"

"Well I'm not where I can talk but look into this cat for me Anthony Rashad."
"Sebastian asked aloud, why does that name sound familiar? Yeah I will look into it. How soon you need it?"

"Sam replied I am gonna be out of town the rest of the week. I will be back Saturday. Goin home to check on things and make sure everything is in place for her. Thanks man."
"Sebastian said man you know I got you. You took care of my baby sister and I can't repay something like that. Tell your family I said hello and I will visit soon."

"Sam laughed man I don't even know why you putting me in that position. Don't say it if you are not coming. You know my mother."

They joked laughing before ending the call.

Sebastian's POV

Sam and Sebastian had found his younger sister in a bad way after her husband was killed in Iraq. Nothing Sebastian and his family tried worked. Nothing would stop her from spiraling down. She was grief stricken and unable to care for herself. Sam brought Sebastian and his sister to Lily Roads. Six months later his sister looked like a new person. Turns out she was pregnant which nobody knew until she was completely checked out for a physical by one of the doctors at Lily Roads. Sarah his sister opted to stay at Lily Roads and being there in a different environment gave her life. She started working to help others in need. She said they saved three lives. Hers, her daughters and the memory of her husband's life.

Sebastian got his sister back and a baby niece, she named Samantha. They were ever grateful to Sam and his family. Sam didn't call often but Sebastian was always there when he called. Sebastian knew it was for a good cause. Even if he had to do something unorthodox as a man of law. His rationale was that scum deserved it. Sometimes you have to bend the rules you can't leave some people to the judicial system. Everybody knows that.

Mercedes

Mercedes made an appointment with Mr. Figgins the school principal and her boss, to put in emergency leave. She thought how does this work for Substitutes? Mr. Figgins thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

He replied "Absolutely please have a seat?"

"Thank you said Mercedes, as I said before I have an emergency actually a medical emergency and need to use or request leave."

"Certainly, is there anything we can do for you?"

"No Sir, I honestly feel horrible about leaving you or the kids on such short notice. Please understand this is for the best."

"No problem Ms. Jones please take the time you need if more than a week please call back and let us know."

"Thank you sir, she replied."

"Mercedes, Mr. Figgins called. I want you to know that your safety and wellbeing is of the utmost importance to me. Please don't hesitate to contact me or Ms. Martinez during your sabbatical or return. We are in your corner."

"Ok Mr. Figgins, ugh thank you."

Walking away Mercedes felt that things were certainly strange.

She met Sam in the lobby he was waiting for Mercedes. Just as they walked out the office Shana was coming in. Mercedes and Shana held a stare before Mercedes tried to speak. "I… she started when her eyes dropped. Shana thank you."

"They exchanged small smiles. Shana spoke I'm sorry I should have said something sooner but I let jealousy cloud my decision."

"It's ok. Mercedes said. I am sorry Mercedes said and walked out."

Sam drove Mercedes home to pack a small bag. He called his mother to let her know they were on their way by plane.

"Sam, called Mercedes. Mhm, Sam said. Just how rich is your family?"

Sam pushed hair out of Mercedes eyes, seeing her nervousness, he smiled. "Who said we are?" Mercedes pushed Sam's arm for messing with her. "Shhhhh, get some rest" he pulled Mercedes head to his shoulder. When she relaxed he kissed her forehead.

When Mercedes awoke she looked out the window but everything was dark. She stretched and yawned. "Where are we now she asked?"
"Sam replied we are about 30 minutes from landing. Are you anxious?"

"Yes, Mercedes laughed nervously."
"Why Sam asked, do you want to talk about it?"
"Umm Mercedes started I don't know just all of this. I just feel like someone else needs this more than me."

"Mercedes, you are deserving of every good thing that comes your way said Sam. You have put yourself in the background for too long. It's your time Mercedes. Work on you. Don't feel guilty just go with it. Let's get you better. Ok?"

"Ok." She agreed with a watery smile. Sam rubbed a thumb across her plump cheek.

"Thank you Sam you may need to tell me that again."

"Sam said, as many times as you need Mercedes Jones."

Lily Roads

When Sam and Mercedes arrived it was very late. His mom came out to greet them.

"Oh, Sammy she said squeezing him affectionately, my Sammy she kissed his cheek."

"Hey Momma he picked her up hugging her tight."

She was about Mercedes height only a little bit more petite. She had gold hair, like literally. She was clad in blue Jeans and a button down white shirt with a bandana tied to the side. She had an alto voice but softly spoken. She wore very little make up, maybe lipstick. Those plump lips Sam had were obviously hers first. Her smile was warm and inviting. Her eyes were blue like gray blue and full of wisdom.

"And you must be Ms. Mercedes Jones, superstar extraordinaire. The only woman who has stolen not only my son's heart but my niece as well."

"Um, hello ma'am it's just Mercedes she said reaching out her hand."

"Now Mercedes we are going to be great friends darlin. I will give you two choices of what I liked to be called she said hooking her arm around the two placing herself in the middle "Momma E" or "Momma". Out here I'm everybody's momma. We are all a family here. But as you stay you will get more comfortable with who we are. Tell me Mercedes have you any brothers or sisters?" Mrs. Evans already knew but she wanted Mercedes to get comfortable talking. As they walked into Sam's childhood home Mrs. Evans asked if they wanted food or drink. Mercedes declined her flight reflexes already showing. Mrs. Evans told Sam to stay with Mercedes until she said otherwise. When Mercedes used the bathroom "Sam asked his mom well, what do you think?"
"Mrs. Evans said, well son I've only been doing this 15 years, I would say she has been hurt physically and emotionally but she has fire in her eyes and you Sammy are in love with her."

"Sam turned red. Does she know? Sam shook his head no.
"Oh Sammy, Sammy, Sammy, well nobody knows better than you that until she loves herself first she won't be any good to anybody else."

"Yes ma'am, I do know that he said."

"Everything works out how it's supposed to, don't you worry."

"That's why I brought her to you, momma. He broke her, damn near broke her spirit. Sometimes she stares off you know, like Britt when she's low. She was so vivacious so full of life. Didn't have a mean bone in her body. Now she's snapping on the children and…"

"Mercedes returned hey what you talking about? Mercedes looked nervous."

"Mercedes, Mrs. Evan's said we will never have conversations about you behind your back. We were discussing how much spirit you had before all of this nastiness, how you love your children and the changes Sam noticed."

"Mercedes said like what?"
"And Sam shared again this time including Mercedes and holding her hand. Is there anything you'd like to add?"
"Well yes, the panic attacks and visions of what happened or hurtful times in the relationship and she whispered I have nightmares now where I wake up sweating."

"Ok, Mrs. Evan's said. All these things are perfectly normal reactions to trauma my dear. Why don't I make you some tea to help relax you and Sam will show you to your room. I will bring it up to you. I'm gonna give you a hug now darlin. It's going to be alright she told Mercedes and with those words Mercedes crumbled into tears right there in the kitchen.

"They surrounded her with love. She cried for herself, she cried for Shana, she cried for the little girl inside of her and when it was over she let them put her to bed."

"Mrs. Evan's kissed her forehead placing tea on the nightstand she said tears cleanse the soul. We are already on our way to recovery she smiled."

"Sam said, I think I will stay close to her in case she wakes confused."

"Mrs. Evan's said I think that's a good idea. You can pull out the air mattress or I can make you a pallet."

"I can do it momma, just tell me where the blankets are. Thanks again momma, I sure am glad you are my momma I love you so much."

"I love you too Sammy she kissed her son and walked out of the room."

Sam washed up and changed for the night. He made a pallet on the floor by Mercedes bed. He couldn't bring himself to leave her side. His mother was right Sam was in love with Mercedes. If one believed in love at first sight he was a sure fire candidate. He whispered a good night in the air and he said a little prayer for Mercedes.