There's a ton of drama in this chapter. Hopefully, you'll understand the characters a little better.
NJPNJPNJP
Mal bit his lip as he was kicked again. He knew he should have gone home. He'd simply been too tired to travel in the deep snow.
Now he was at the bottom of Marcy's bed, being kicked by the donkey known as Ellen. He was sleeping at the bottom to make Puck's grandmother feel safer about him sleeping in the same room as her young granddaughter. She had nothing to worry about so he complied easily.
Marcy slept in a ball & Nic was extra small. The bed was extra large so they'd have room anyway without anyone touching. That is if Ellen didn't move like a worm in her sleep.
He bit back a groan as she caught him in the ribs. The pint sized redhead moved more than necessary. He didn't know what time it was because Marcy had turned off her clock. Nic was sensitive to light in her sleep & Marcy wanted the little girl to sleep as long as possible before she had to leave.
His cell phone lay on her desk, yards away. He wondered briefly if he could get up without disturbing the girls.
He felt a movement & feared Ellen was going to kick it up a notch, pun intended.
Marcy's curly head popped up. She stretched before reaching for her phone & turning off the alarm. She set it down & climbed out of the bed.
He watched her unknowingly as she scratched her arm & yawned. She opened the door then shut it behind her with a small click.
He debated getting up after her but decided to be lazy. He rarely had a moment to bask in an early morning's glow as he was a late riser.
He was nearly lulled back to sleep by the time the door reopened. He cracked open an eye & watched her as she set a cup on her desk. He frowned slightly.
She walked into her walk-in closet for a minute & he wondered what she was doing. When she emerged less than a minute later, he nearly rose to satisfy his curiosity. She strode into her bathroom & the water began to run. She's brushing her teeth.
He let the water float around his senses. The door opened moments later & she went back into the closet. He really wanted to know what she was doing. It wasn't her normal routine so he was confused.
She exited the closet & left the room again. He rose up slightly to find out what was going on but Ellen decided to kick-box with his kidneys again. He had to lie back down in order to catch his breath.
When the spots dancing behind his eyes disappeared, Marcy was back. He noticed she was wearing jeans, boots & a heavy sweater. She must have changed in the closet while I was unconscious.
Marcy walked to where Nic was sleeping & picked her up. She carried the little girl out of the room before coming back for her bags.
She must be driving them back to Carlisle. He blinked. The spots were def. gone but the nausea was still there.
Marcy returned to the room for her purse & stood above Mal. "The coffee is for you."
He blinked again. "How'd you know I was awake?"
She smirked & leaned over his face until her lips were level with his. "I know you." He grinned & she kissed him. "I'll be back in six hours. Put some ice on those ribs. She kicks like a mule."
He eyed her & nearly laughed. Of course she'd know about Ellen's nighttime footwork. She left him to his thoughts.
He relaxed as he thought about her but another kick from Ellen had him moving away from the petite girl. He only had so many ribs left to break.
He picked up the cup of coffee that was gently cooled by then. He sipped & felt his muscles loosen. What can I do for six hours that doesn't include being kicked to death?
M&Q&M
Marcy strolled into the kitchen. "I'll put your stuff in the car."
Ruth looked up. "Thank you, Marcy."
Nic slid off the high stool & buried her face in the teen's stomach. "Thank you for breakfast."
Marcy chuckled. "It's just oatmeal & toast."
"Nic, sit down & finish so we can get going." Ruth commanded.
The little girl did as told.
Marcy went to the front hall closet & pulled on her green peacoat. She collected the two overnight bags her guests had brought, their two garment bags & trudged to her car.
After putting them in the trunk, she got in the front seat to warm the car. It was nearly four below outside. She opened her purse to find the keys & realized she left her cell upstairs.
She blew out a breath. "Fantastic." She left her purse under the driver's seat & went back inside. As she opened her bedroom door, she saw Mal asleep in her desk chair.
She smiled. Guess he was tired of being kicked. She grabbed her phone & headed back to the kitchen. "Ready?"
M&Q&M
"I need the perfect present!" Tina frowned as she looked around.
Kurt sighed heavily. "Why did you wait so long?"
"At first, I didn't know him well enough." She explained. "Now I'm just confused. What do I get him that he doesn't already have?"
Kurt tapped his custom made (by himself of course) designer boots against the linoleum of the Lima Mall food court. "He'll appreciate anything you give him. Maybe make him something? Or buy something & put your own flair to it!"
"That was so helpful, Kurt." She deadpanned.
He shrugged. "I already have his present."
"What'd you get him?!"
"A studded belt that reads Mike&Ike. That's something I know he'll find humorous."
She frowned. "I need something like that. Marcy bought him a diamond studded PSP. Mal bought him that new zombie video game that hasn't even come out yet. Mercy got him a diamond & garnet watch. Quinn bought him Chuck Taylors signed by Kareem Abdul Jabar. Maddie bought him a personalized solid gold money clip. Marc bought him sold out tickets to the Spurs. Laura had a suit made for him. I can't compete with any of that."
His eyes widened. "That is extravagant."
She sighed. "I know he's not materialistic but then again he has a lot of material!"
"I think you may be looking at this from the wrong angle."
"What do you mean?"
"All of the gifts his family got him were really ordinary."
Her jaw dropped. "In what universe?!"
"Hear me out. If you take away all the dollar signs, the gifts are normal. Laura bought him clothes. Marc got him tickets to a basketball game. What did Cedes buy him?"
"A watch." She nodded slowly. "I get it. They got him stuff that he really likes but upgraded because they have money. He's not going to see the monetary value; just the thought behind it."
"So what else does he like?"
"He likes building things."
He frowned before rubbing away premature wrinkles. "A tool belt?"
She grinned. "I can make one! Get a strap of leather & customize it."
"Now we're talking!" Kurt raised his hand for a high-five.
M&Q&M
Marcy hung up her phone & opened her bedroom door. She'd just finished talking to Rhiannon & was finally done with all of her errands. Ruth & Nic were home safely, the keys to the hall were where they belonged & she'd given her sister's pregnant friend recommendations for her own wedding. She was beat.
She looked up & saw her friends were still asleep. She smirked & went to Mal to wake him up. She shook his shoulder. "Hey."
He blinked slowly. "Huh?"
"Wake up." She put her finger to her mouth & waved him over to her bed. She climbed on top & counted down from three.
Ellen was laid out on her back, snoring softly. Marcy covered the girl's mouth & nose. Ellen sprung up, scared.
Marcy didn't let go right away. "Stop kickin people, Mule!" She removed her hand.
Ellen glared at her as Mal laughed. "That's not funny!" Her voice was rough with sleep. "I could have died!"
"Bet you wouldn't kick anymore." Marcy shrugged before taking off her boots & collapsing face first on her covers.
"Tired?" Mal climbed in the bed.
"So much!" Her groan was muffled. "I'm picking them up on the second so that'll be the last thing I do ever. I'm free until then & after."
"In your car?" Ellen sat back against the mountain of pillows & yawned.
"No way! So they can sit in the back & make out?" Marcy shook her head in distaste. "Gross! I'm driving his truck & Mal's gonna follow me in Travis."
His eyes widened & he rolled onto his stomach. "I am?!"
She looked up. "Yeah. That way they have his truck to themselves & I can keep my breakfast down with you."
He narrowed his eyes. "You're welcome!"
She smiled crookedly. "Thanks! I decided they can bring up their own bags. I'll take you out to lunch."
He rolled his eyes before rolling onto his back again. He folded his arms behind his head. "I expect there to be meat."
"Don't you got enough?"
The room was silent before all three burst into laughter.
Ellen wiped away tears. "What about me? You're just gonna leave me at home?! All alone?!"
Marcy sat up. "If you wanted to tell me you loved me, all you had to do was say so." Ellen's jaw dropped & she looked at Mal, whose eyes widened. Marcy started laughing. "I know you want to spend every waking moment with me." She teased. "I guess we can swing by & pick you up." Mal & Ellen relaxed. They laughed nervously. Marcy crawled next to Ellen & pushed the covers until she could crawl beneath them. She patted the space next to her. "Come on, Mal. I'm going to sleep & it's gonna be amazing!"
He crawled over to her & climbed under the covers with the girls. "Is there any cake left?"
"Yeah." Marcy yawned. She took off her sweater & threw it to the bottom of the bed. Then she grabbed Ellen & pulled her down so they could cuddle.
"We should have cake for breakfast."
"That sounds good." Ellen murmured sleepily.
He wrapped his arms around both girls after rearranging the covers around them. "With some vodka."
Marcy cracked open an eyelid & smirked at him over her shoulder. "You damn lush!"
He bucked his hips against her round bottom. "I don't drink anywhere as much as you do."
"True."
Ellen slid one arm under Marcy & the other over to reach Mal. "You both drink too much."
"Says the only person who likes tequila more than Mercy!" Mal lifted his head to glare.
Ellen giggled. "I do not!"
"Please!" Marcy had snuggled deeper & sighed. "I have a case just for you."
"You're exaggerating!" Ellen insisted.
"It's in her closet."
Ellen pinched his arm. "Forget the both of you!"
Marcy snorted. "You'll never forget us. We're unforgettable, baby!"
Ellen smiled to herself as she drifted closer to slumber. They really were.
M&Q&M
Laura sipped her champagne & eyed her husband in disgust. He was brown nosing with her father's & uncles' friends & business contacts. It made her sick.
She flicked her gaze to Marc, who was chatting with a model from the new modeling school that opened in the Adjacent. She was Brazilian & very pretty. She flipped her hair at him flirtatiously numerous times & that made Laura sick, too.
She wished the leggy brunette would sprain her ankle in those six inch spiked heels. She watched bitterly as Marc laughed heartedly at the woman. She threw her head back & slapped his arm flirtatiously. Laura swallowed down her bile.
She knew she was staring. She knew she was scowling. But she didn't care. The man she loved was flirting with some other woman! Yes, he was single. Yes, she was not. But it didn't change the facts; Marc was hers!
M&Q&M
Sam watched as Quinn did another line of cocaine. "Maybe you should slow down?"
She shrugged him off. "I need this. When we get back to school, it's going to be hell!"
"No, it won't." They'd been arguing about it all day. Mike's birthday was the first day back at school & it was the day Marcy & Becky officially became head Cheerios captains with Quinn. She was worried it'd make her look like she wasn't a fit leader.
When she'd agreed to it before, she was just happy to still be captain but she realized she'd have more power as Mercedes's news reached McKinley if she were sole captain. She wanted to protect her sister. What was so wrong with that?!
"Yes, it will! Everyone's going to think I can't handle my position! I need underclassmen to help me!" She sobbed.
The people around the table looked mildly uncomfortable, not enough to stop doing lines of coke & help out but uncomfortable nonetheless.
"No one thinks that when you're with Santana & Brittany. No one thinks it when you're with Mercedes & Mike. No one will think it with Marcy & Becky." He rubbed her shoulders.
"Really?" She looked up at him, her running mascara making her look a little like a raccoon.
"Really." He promised. "& Marcy & Becky will hurt anyone's feelings who say otherwise."
She nodded before pasting a sunny smile on her face. "Thank you, Sam. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never find out."
M&Q&M
Mike was having a ball. He was high as a kite but he was having a ball. He & Tina were slow dancing to a fast song because he was moving through a fog. "Do you hear that?"
Tina shook her head, confused. She hated when he got this high. "Hear what?"
"Exactly!" He grinned.
She sighed. "Mike, please stop smoking so much."
He frowned. "Do we have to do this again?"
"I'm not picking a fight but sometimes you get so high, it's like you're a different person!"
He stopped moving & glared down at her. "I mix a few drugs & all of a sudden, I'm an asshole?!"
"I didn't say that!" She bit her lip as a few hot tears squeezed out.
"Oh! We start that again!" He threw his hands up angrily. "Why can't we have one disagreement where you don't cry?!"
"I'm not trying!" She covered her face. "It's not my fault I'm sensitive. My dad says it's okay to cry."
"All the time?" He glared. "Or just when you don't get your way?" His mother's voice floated through his haze.
"What way, Mike?!" She was hurt, confused & sad.
"Women always cry to manipulate men." He repeated his father's words as if they were his own.
"I'm not manipulating you!" She shrieked. The people on the couches near them, smoking bongs, looked up. She was killing their buzz but she didn't really care. "Why are you always dismissing my feelings?"
"Why do you have so many?!" He was going to have to ask Marcy for some of her meth to get his buzz back.
"You know what, Mike? Stay here. I'm going home!" She stalked away from him but he grabbed her arm.
"It's nearly midnight on New Years Eve!" He shouted. "It's dangerous out there!"
She snatched her arm away. "It's dangerous in here!"
"How are you getting home? Do you want me to take you?" He rubbed his hands over his face to sober up.
"No! I don't want anything from you!"
"You can't walk!"
"I'll ask somebody."
"Who?!" He didn't mean to sound jealous. It just came out that way. "There is no way in hell some guy is going to drive you home!"
She narrowed her eyes. "I can ask one of your family members."
"Just stay, Tina." He begged. "I don't care about you being mad at me. Just stay."
She straightened her back & swallowed her tears. "No."
His face hardened. "They're all high, too! You have to stay!"
She marched off. She'd find someone. She had to leave this awful New Years party with these over privileged assholes. Since she'd gotten there, everyone was drinking or doing drugs.
Normally, she didn't have a problem with it but then again it was always in controlled amounts & a controlled crowd. This party was unlike anything she'd ever witnessed before. The adults were just like the family she'd (through love) become accustomed to. They ignored their kids unless they were getting high right beside them!
They didn't even have the decency to hide it! It made her sick. She received permission to come to the party under the conditions that she drink only one glass of champagne & Sam's parents were to drop her off at home before one.
It was barely eleven & she just wanted to go home. She caught sight of Marc but he was going upstairs with a tan woman. She looked around & found Laura staring at them hatefully, downing champagne like water.
Tina walked into the dining room where she found Mike's parents laughing at something one of their friends said. She rolled her eyes before going back to the den.
At a glass table, was Quinn & Sam. She signed in relief & approached the pair. "Guys!"
They looked up & Tina could tell Quinn was in no position to be behind the wheel of a car. "Tina!"
"I'm heading home." She stated simply.
"But it's not even midnight yet!" Quinn protested. "You can't go!"
Tina blinked back tears. "I have to. I can't be here any longer."
Sam narrowed his eyes. "What's wrong?"
She shook her head. "I don't want to talk about it. I guess I'll have to find someone else to take me home."
"I can call my parents."
"No. I don't want to interrupt your fun."
"I'm not having any." He responded dryly. "I think I want to go, too."
Quinn began to cry. "You're leaving me?!"
Sam shook his head. He was tired of her mood swings. "I'm leaving the party."
Quinn stood & wobbled. "I'll take you home."
"No!" Both yelled. She blinked. "I'll call my parents."
"I'm tired." She leaned slightly.
Sam rubbed her back. "You should go up to bed."
She nodded & staggered to do so. Sam blew out a breath. "I really don't want my parents to see this."
"Maybe Mal is sober?" Tina suggested. "Let's try to find him."
They searched all over the Fabray home before spotting the teen in the pool house. "Mal!"
The Asian looked up, his bloodshot eyes saddening them. "Yeah?"
"We wanted a ride home but I guess you can't drive." Tina was about to lose her mind.
"I can take you." Marcy said, behind them.
Sam & Tina screamed before whirling around. "Don't do that!"
She frowned. "That gets old."
Ellen walked in behind her. "Did he drink it?"
Marcy shook her head. "Nope. I haven't been able to give it to him yet."
"What is it?" Sam eyed the cup in her hand.
"Coffee." She moved around them & sat beside Mal. She helped him drink it. "He's three sheets to the wind."
"Why aren't you drinking?" Tina asked.
"I don't want to. I don't need a day to tell me to drink."
"Can you take us home? I don't want my parents to see all this."
Tina nodded. "I really need to get out of here."
Marcy nodded. "Okay. Help me pour him into my car. He's a heavy drunk & Elle had just enough to not be any help."
Ellen frowned. "I only had three drinks!"
"You're two pounds wet!" Marcy shot back.
"I'll help you." Sam agreed.
Together, the five moved slowly to the front door. They found Marcy's car, Travis & buckled Mal in.
"Sit in the middle, Tina." Marcy ordered. Tina nodded. As she slid in, Sam was going to follow but Marcy shook her head. "Up front, Blonde Ambition."
He opened the passenger door. "Why?"
"I'm taking you home first so I can go in a circle." Marcy buckled Ellen in as she was starting to really feel the effects. He nodded before getting in & buckling up. Marcy shut the door & got into the drivers seat. "Everyone buckled in?" She attached her own seatbelt as she asked. She got the okay & pulled off. "Where are Q-Card & Mike&Ike?"
"Who cares?!" Tina & Sam spoke at the same time. "Going to bed."
Marcy's eyebrow rose as she left the gated community. "Alright. Spill. What's going on?"
"I don't want to put our business out there." Sam bit his lip.
Marcy side-eyed him. "Are you serious?! This would stay between the family, who if you haven't noticed is good at keeping secrets. Besides, Mal's knocked out & Ellen's enthralled with her reflection."
Both Tina & Sam looked at the redhead, who was indeed stroking the window. "Mike & I had a fight."
"My bad. Did he tell you to come find Mal?"
"No. I left him where he was!" Tina folded her arms.
"Sam, fish my phone out of my purse."
Sam eyed her warily. "You're going to text & drive?"
"Are you high?!" She glared at him for a second before focusing on the road. "I follow every letter of the law when it comes to driving. I have absolutely no distractions. Music on low to help me keep focused but not loud enough to distract me. I go the exact speed limit. I don't eat or drink. I don't do any work or put on make up. I don't talk to people." She snapped. "Speaking of which, I'm not supposed to. You are. Get to it!"
"Quinn & I didn't fight." Sam pulled out the mobile. "We did earlier but she was just getting really clingy & crying."
Marcy pulled up to a stop sign. She plucked her cell from his big fingers & typed in her password. "Here. Text Mike & let him know I'm taking Tina home. He doesn't need to worry."
"Let him!" Tina scowled.
"What's the problem, Morticia?"
"He's so high; it's ridiculous! I hate when he gets like this. It's like he's a different person!" Tina bit her lip. She would not cry until she reached her bedroom. "He said I cried too much & was only doing it to manipulate him."
Marcy sighed. "Just text him, Sam. You guys are going to have to pay attention to them if you want your relationships to last."
"All I do is pay attention to her!" Sam spoke bitterly.
"Not to her face. Her actions. The real ones. If you haven't noticed, we grew up in an unstable environment. We've learned how to deal with things in our own way but it's not really understandable to other people if they're not trying to understand. I'm not saying we can't be dicks but eight times out of ten, we're reacting. Just pay attention & remember there's more than they're telling."
"How can you be sure?" Tina wanted to believe it so badly.
"Because I live it." Marcy's lips quirked slightly. "I know I'm known as the one with a tight lid on their emotions but I'm not the only one. The way we deal with our parents is to stuff it down. Sometimes when we get high or drunk, it'll come out. That isn't always going to go well.
I can't tell you anymore because that's their stories to tell. A road you'll have to travel with them so that you'll be closer. That you'll have that bond. It's why Mercy & Puck will make it. He knows when she's being serious & when she's reacting. He paid attention.
You need to do the same if you want to be with them. It'll be hard & they'll push the envelope but you should tell them what you are & aren't comfortable with. Be open & honest. If they get mad, leave them. I love them to pieces but I'm not going to tell you to stay in an abusive relationship."
"How are you this deep with us but you refuse to date Mal?" Sam was in shock.
"I refuse to date Mal for a specific reason. One that he ignores on a regular basis. Maybe that situation will become non-existent but until then, it's real & I'm not about to lose someone I'm really close to because he can't keep his hormones in check."
"I think he really loves you." Tina said softly.
Marcy snorted. "I know he does. We're family. We're close. We've grown up together. He was always going to love me. But the way he keeps harpin on about? I don't know. I don't believe in that kind of love. Barely believe in any other kind. But that kind of love is magic to me. Cute for movies but it's not real. At least I thought it wasn't until Puck came along.
I thought we were all empty shells of people but when she started dating him, I had a glimmer of hope. I'll admit I wanted them together mostly to reassure myself that one of us could feel. One of us could be happy. But they love each other. Really love each other. It gives me hope.
But I'm not there yet. Until I am, I don't plan on playing games with anyone's heart. It's not right & it's not funny. I'd rather sleep with the entire state of Ohio than hurt Mal."
"Sounds like love to me." Sam touched her arm.
"Don't do that." She flicked her gaze to him before looking back at the road. "Maybe one day we can have something but not now. Right now, he's my best friend & my ** buddy."
"What about Ellen?" Tina asked. "I thought she was your best friend, too."
Marcy sighed even deeper. "I really don't want to mess that up. At least Mal can take the abuse. He can handle what I'm dealing with because he's in the same boat. We're forever linked through the craziness that is our family but Ellen is pure. She's gothic but as good as a good girl can get. I'm being selfish for wanting to be her friend. I shouldn't bring my darkness into her life. But I'm doing it anyway."
"Why?" Sam eyed her. He'd never heard her talk so much or so openly. "Do you have feelings for her?"
"I can't." The reply was quick & low. "I need a friend. A female friend & a male friend. I need to have friends. I get around enough."
"He asked if you had feelings for her; not if you found her attractive."
"It doesn't matter. Nothing can come of it. She's straight. Her family is normal. She's nice. A good girl. I would ruin her. After high school, she's going to do something with her life that doesn't include Lima's craziest. She's going to be happy. She's going to get a job she loves, marry a good man she loves & have a ton of lovable kids. & that's that." The car was silent as Marcy pulled up to Sam's house.
"I texted Mike like you wanted." He wasn't sure how to feel exactly.
"Thanks." He made to leave but she put a restraining hand on his arm. "This conversation never happened."
He nodded once. "Understood." He exited the car & made his way to the porch.
"You can just climb over the seat to get in the front." Marcy eyed Tina in the rearview mirror.
Tina did so & both waved to Sam as he made it inside & flicked the porch light twice.
Marcy pulled away to take Tina home. "I'm sorry his drug use freaks you out."
Tina looked at her. "It's not your fault. & it doesn't mostly. It's just tonight, he was somewhere different. I've seen him get like this only a couple times before & it honestly scares me. I don't know how to handle him."
"Like a child or like a man."
"Yes."
"It wasn't a question."
Tina scrunched up her face. "Huh?"
"Either you can baby him & nurse him through his dickhead moments or you can talk to him like he's sober. Tell him what you will & won't do & that he better get with the program because you don't need negativity in your life."
"I love him." The words were spoken so softly, they were a whisper to the wind.
"It's fine & dandy to love him." Marcy pulled up in front of Tina's townhouse. "But you need to love you more."
"I thought love wasn't selfish."
"Loving yourself isn't selfish. You were born in this world by yourself & unless there's some massive thing happens, you'll die the same way. You are the only person in your corner 24/7. Don't dismiss that just because you're looking for outside affection."
Tina reached out & hugged Marcy. "& you said you weren't deep!"
"Like a faulty kiddie pool in the middle a drought in the Sahara desert in July."
Tina giggled. "How are you getting them home?" She pointed behind them.
"Taking them to my house. She's dozed enough that she'll be a little more sober by the time we have to drag him in."
"I think you're capable of love."
"I think you're capable of demanding the love you deserve."
M&Q&M
"Tina. Please, pick up. I'm sorry. I don't remember much about last night but I know you're mad at me. Call me back please." Mike left another voice message & threw himself on his bed. His head ached but his heart felt worse.
He wasn't sure what he did but he knew it was his fault. That hurt him more than anything. He'd never want to hurt Tina. He loved her. She was the first person he thought of when he woke up each morning & the person he dreamt about every night.
He dialed her number again. When the same automatic greeting played, he frowned. Was he going straight to voicemail now?
He called Quinn. Maybe she knew something.
Fifteen minutes later & he was no closer. Just when he thought about knocking on her door, he received a text from her; Don't call me anymore. We'll talk tomorrow but I need a day apart.
He didn't know how to react. They were on a break? He felt he deserved to know what he did that was so awful. Then he felt guilty & simply responded, k.
He didn't want to push her away & it was only one day. She couldn't decide to leave him in one day, could she? Could she?
M&Q&M
Sam thought about what Marcy said. He already made up in his mind that he wanted forever with Quinn by the night of the dance. It was about time he acted like it.
When Quinn called to apologize for anything that might have upset him the night before, he asked her to come over. They needed to have a talk.
She'd said yes & they were scheduled to have lunch with his family before talking privately. He hoped he was doing the right thing...
M&Q&M
Artie flicked a glance at Mike. "I don't know what you should do. She won't even tell you what you did?"
Mike shook his dark head. "She won't even talk to me. She sent the text & that's it."
Finn set his controller down. "What do you remember from last night?"
Mike shook his head as he thought. "Just going to the party. Everything is fuzzy after that."
"I don't know what to tell you, man." Karofsky said. "Kurt always tells me what I do wrong. Even when I don't ask."
Finn chuckled. "Tana's like that, too. I don't even get a chance to mess up. She kills it while I'm still thinking about it."
Artie grinned. "Britt's too sweet for all that. It helps that I rarely mess up."
The guys threw chips at him.
"Quinn's like a combination of Kurt & Santana. I mess up even while I'm doing what she told me." Sam pouted.
"I don't have that problem." Azimio shrugged. "Shauna & I are just getting started so everything's real chill right now."
The guys all turned to Mal, who flushed. "What?"
"You can't even pretend Boo Thang doesn't have your balls in a jar!" Artie quipped.
"She does not!" He snapped.
"Ellen does, too." Karofsky added. "They lead you around like a puppy."
"I'm not dating either of them!" He insisted.
"Like you don't want to!" Mike snorted.
His brother side-eyed him. "It's not even like that!"
"Cuz you didn't have a heart-attack when they walked down the stairs the night of the dance?" Azimio prompted.
Mal frowned as his blush deepened. "I was caught off guard!"
"Alright, guys." Blaine interjected. "Let's leave the man alone. Whether he wants to admit to loving two women, who boss him around more than Rachel did Finn or not, we gotta be there for him."
"She was bossy." Finn shuddered.
"We're supposed to be helping Mike!" Mal stressed.
It was true. Mike had called his bros in need of help after receiving Tina's text. They had decided to meet at Artie's for video games. The guys agreed with Mal.
"Did you get drunk & act crazy?" Finn asked.
Mike shrugged. "I had to have."
"Weren't you there?" Azimio asked Sam.
The blonde nodded. "But I was with Quinn until she went to bed." The guys catcalled him. "It wasn't even like that. She was too tipsy so I told her to sleep it off. I went home before midnight."
"Did you see Tina?" Artie questioned.
He nodded. "Marcy took us both home."
Finn brightened. "Just ask Marcy what's wrong."
Sam shook his head. He didn't want to get in the middle of Tike's mess but he also didn't want it all out there. "I don't know if she'd tell you."
"Why not?" Mike scoffed. "She's my little sister."
"She's mad at you." Sam flushed. "She's on Tina's side."
Mike's shoulders sagged. "Oh, come on!"
Mal was confused. "When did she take you home?"
"You were there!" Sam wanted to laugh. "You really were drunk!"
Mal blinked. "I did have a hangover this morning."
"So you can't tell me why she's mad either?" Mike scowled at his brother before realizing fully what Sam had said. "Wait! You know why she's mad. You said Marcy was on her side so that means she told you guys."
Sam ducked his head & sighed. "Yes. Tina & I went to find Mal so he could take us home but he was drunk. Marcy didn't have anything to drink so she drove."
"I can't believe she didn't drink anything." Artie was amazed.
Sam shrugged. "On the way to my house, she asked us what was wrong & we told her. She gave us advice. She dropped me off & took Tina home."
"What about me & Ellen?" Mal asked. "We woke up at the Jones'."
"You were in the car!" Sam shook his light head in amazement. "She gave you coffee to sober you up a little then she left the heat off to wake you up. You fell asleep as soon as she buckled you in."
"No more drinking for me!" Mal swore.
"What did Tina say?" Mike dragged the conversation back to what was important.
"Didn't she say she'll tell you tomorrow?" Sam really didn't want to admit it in front of the other guys. "How come you just can't wait?"
"I need to know how to apologize!"
"It's really personal." Sam stressed.
"Just tell me!" Mike demanded. "We can go by the doors."
Sam gave up. "Okay."
As the rest of the boys looked on, Sam & Mike walked to the doors leading to Artie's bedroom. They watched Sam's face as he quickly explained the situation in a hushed whisper.
"What do you think it is?" Blaine whispered as well.
"Sh¡t!" Mike's exclamation was loud in contrast.
They saw Sam shrug before heading back to the group, a stunned Mike following behind. They eyed each other as Mike flopped onto a couch, rubbing his large hands over his face slowly.
"What's the deal?" Finn asked.
"I completely messed up." Mike moaned. "She's going to dump me & I'll deserve it."
"What'd you do?" Azimio sounded skeptical. "It couldn't have been that bad."
"There's something that I do that kinda freaks her out. I wasn't paying attention. Ugh! I'm such an ass."
"What do you do?!" Karofsky couldn't think of anything to get Mike blackballed.
"It's nothing." Mike said absentmindedly. "I think I can fix this!"
"How?" Mal wanted to know.
"I can…" Mike frowned as he made plans. "I can promise her to never do it again."
Sam snorted. "Really?"
Mike glared at him. "Yes! I can buy her something shiny. Some flowers. She'll be right as rain, right?"
"Tina's not materialistic." Artie pointed out.
"I know." Mike agreed. "The flowers are the apology & the jewelry is the promise."
"Sounds like a plan." Azimio said.
Mike hoped it worked.
M&Q&M
Tina painted her toenails. She wished she could talk to Mercedes but didn't want to interrupt her best friend's honeymoon. She was close to her other friends but Mercedes was the perfect person to talk about the situation with.
Besides Marcy, who refused to discuss it further. She understood her more now & felt like she would give good advice but she already gave all that she would the night before.
A knock sounded at the door. It was probably her mom again. After Marcy had dropped her off, her mother wanted to know all about the party but Tina had pled a headache & raced to her room.
She'd been trying to get her to open up ever since but Tina didn't want her mom to think badly of Mike if they stayed together. "Yes?"
Mrs. C-C poked her head around the door. "Sweetheart? I bought you some Mizo soup."
"I'm not hungry, Mom." Tina sighed.
Mrs. C-C came into the room fully & set the tray she was carrying on Tina's desk. Then she took a seat on Tina's bed, careful not to dislodge the teen. "Honey, do you want to talk?"
"No, Mom." Tina recapped the bottle of electric blue & set it on her bedside table.
"Did something happen at the party?" She asked gently.
"Yes. I don't want to talk about it." At least not to you.
"Maybe your father-?"
"No!" Tina flung herself against her pillows. "I can figure this out by myself!"
"Are you sure?" Mrs. C-C's tone left her intent clear. "Because you seem to be distressed. Do I have to call Mike?"
Tina screamed. "Why are you trying to ruin my life?!"
Mrs. C-C blinked in shook. "I don't know what's going on with you Tina Marie Cohen-Chang but I don't like it. Whatever it is, I hope it's over soon so I can have my nice sweet daughter back." She stood & headed for the door.
Tina felt immense guilt. "Mom, I'm sorry. I'm just- I don't know how to- I'm scared."
Mrs. C-C returned to the bed. "Of what?"
"That Mike & I are going to break up." Tina hung her head & whispered.
"It has something to do with the party." It wasn't a question.
"Yes. He- he does things." Tina admitted.
Mrs. C-C frowned. "Like what?"
"It's a secret. I promised I wouldn't tell. I usually don't have a problem with it but there's times where I fear that he'll-"
"Get hurt?"
"Yes! & it's like he doesn't care!" Tina shouted. "He doesn't think about the fact that he's hurting himself. Or how it affects me. It's like he turns into a different person & when I ask him to stop, we always argue."
"Men are stubborn creatures." Mrs. C-C understood that perfectly clear.
"Then he said I cry too much. It hurt. I had to get away from him before we said something we couldn't take back. Sam & I found his sister & she brought us home."
"Which one? They weren't drinking, were they?"
"No. It was Marcy. She hadn't drank anything. She said she wanted to go home."
"Did you tell her-?"
Tina nodded. "She made me tell her. Mal & Ellen were asleep so they didn't hear anything & Sam was having problems with Quinn, too. We needed her advice."
"What did she say?" Tina repeated everything that she was able to. "She's right."
Tina sighed heavily. "I don't like that he does it so much though. I just want him safe. Why can't I have that & him, too?"
"If he's been doing whatever it is since before he met you, it's going to take a while to change. & that's only if he wants to. Habits are hard to break."
"So I should get over it?"
"No, honey." Mrs. C-C took her daughter's face in her hands. "You just have to take the good with the bad because everyone has it. You be with him if you want to be with him but don't make him feel bad for being himself."
"But he's not!" Tina let a few tears slip. "If he wasn't doing what he was doing, he wouldn't have said what he said. I know those words. They're his father's words. But he still said them like he believed them."
"You said you're going to talk to him tomorrow. I advise you to think of what both Marcy & I said & decide if being with Mike is good for you. If it's not, let him go. If it is, you need to tell him everything. How you feel, what you think, everything."
"Thanks, Mom."
"It's my job." Mrs. C-C shrugged.
Tina threw herself on her mom & hugged her tightly. "I love you, Mom."
A knock sounded at the door. "Is it safe to come in?" The pair laughed as Mr. C walked in. "Good. I was scared for a moment!"
M&Q&M
Quinn rolled her eyes as Laura thought up a plan for getting Marc's attention. "This is a bad idea, Lady."
Laura stopped pacing to glare at her sister. "That skinny bitch thinks she's going to steal my man but she has another thing coming!"
"You don't own Marc! You can't string him along for his entire life, Laura. That's not fair. You got married. You did this. You can't be mad that he's moving on."
"Our arrangement was perfect!"
"Sleeping with a married woman who's not wearing his ring, isn't perfect for any man."
"I can't let him go." Laura walked to Quinn's bed & sat beside her. She sobbed gently. "I love him."
Quinn wrapped an arm around her. "I know."
M&Q&M
Mike walked into Breadstix earlier than the time Tina requested. He was nervous, embarrassed & ashamed. He didn't want to lose her.
He patted his jacket pocket as he shrugged off his overcoat & took his seat. He'd bought her jewelry & flowers. He just hoped they'd be enough.
His heart raced as she entered the restaurant. She approached the hostess & asked for him. He couldn't hear what was being said but he knew the moment the hostess told her he was already there. Her mouth fell open & her beautiful brown eyes widened.
She walked over stiffly. "Hello, Mike."
He stood quickly & kissed her soft cheek. "Hey, T."
She sat. "I'm glad you made it."
He nodded as he took his seat again. He slid the flowers to her. "These are for you."
She eyed the orchids scornfully. "Why?"
"They're an apology. For New Years." His leg bounced under the table. This was not going well.
"What exactly are you apologizing for?"
"The drugs." He leaned forward to whisper.
Her eyes filled. "You don't get it."
He frowned. "Sam said-"
"Sam?!" He looked around as he shushed her. "Don't shush me, Mike!"
"Tina, why are you making a scene?"
"Did you call Sam?"
"No. After I received your text, I called all the guys so they could give me some advice. We went to Artie's & in private, Sam told me that you were upset about me doing drugs."
"Big mouth!" She whispered to herself. She figured Sam was only trying to help so she wasn't too upset with the blonde. "Yes, I was upset about that but it's not the drugs. It's the way they make you act when you do too much or you mix them. It's like you're a completely different person & I can't even talk to you about it because you start a fight."
He winced & hung his head. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize because you know how, Mike. Do it because you're actually remorseful."**
"I am." He cleared his throat & spoke firmer. "I am sorry. I didn't realize how it affected you. I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable."
"It's not that. It's not just that." She tried to be as clear as possible. "When you get high, it's not that bad. I wish you didn't have to do drugs but since you do, I'm glad it's nothing hardcore or has you constantly loopy. You're not really addicted. But then you go & do too much or you mix them & it's like you're Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. It scares me!"
He felt lower than any snake.
"You won't even talk to me about it. I love that you don't want me to be uncomfortable but if we are going to work, you have to trust me. You have to let me in. I don't need someone to take care of me all the time & I want to take care of you. At least some times. It's called give & take. I need to give, Mike. My dad protects me from the world; I don't need it from you, too."
He nodded & met her eyes. "I understand."
"Do you?" He cocked his head. "Because that night you said some things that reminded me of your father."
He frowned, confused. "I highly doubt that."
"Well, I don't. I wasn't higher than a kite that night so I remember every word." She expounded each word with a pointed finger at the table. "It hurt. It hurt so badly because I know you don't believe that. I know you'd never say something like that sober. But the fact that you could high, it hurt."
"I'm so sorry. I'd never want to hurt you. I never want you to feel any pain."
"My mom & Marcy told me that if I feel like it's too much, we should break up."
His mouth fell open. Mrs. C-C, he could understand; Tina was her daughter. But Marcy was his sister. What a traitor! "What?!"
"But I can't because I love you. I'd rather take you as you are than be without you."
His heart lifted before it sank like a stone. Was he really putting her through so much & she loved him too much to keep her self respect? "Tina. No. We should break up."
"What?!" She did not expect that. So much for being honest!
"If you feel like being with me is hurting you, I'd rather you be free. I only want your happiness." He shook his head.
"Mike, listen to me." She took his hands. "I am happy with you. Most of the time. I want you to open up more. Lean on me. Stop getting high to the point where you're no longer the Mike I love. Then I'll be happy always."
He smiled & removed his hands to take out the box resting in his coat. "I got this for you."
She took it from him & opened it, gasping slightly. "I was going to promise to stop. Or at least stop doing it so much & this was my promise to you. Do you like it?"
Inside the black box, resting on blue plush, was a necklace made from gold & onyx. The chain was long & held a large pendent. It was in the shape of an owl. Its eyes glittered as if it were alive.
Her mouth worked as she tried to form words. In the end, all she could do was cry.
He frowned in unease. "You don't like it? I can get something different. I'm sorry."
"No. Mike, it's beautiful. Thank you." She sniffed. This was the Mike she knew & loved. This Mike didn't care if she cried. He'd gotten her a necklace that she loved. It had her favorite animal with their favorite color. He always said she was the wisdom to his owl. His thoughtfulness was making a grand comeback & she was thankful!
He relaxed. "Do you accept my apology & promise?"
She nodded happily. "Can you put it on me?" It was long enough that she didn't need any help but she wanted it.
"Sure." He rose & went to stand behind her. She lifted the necklace from the box & handed it to him. He unclasped it as she lifted her hair & he refastened it quickly.
She dropped her long hair & smiled. "I love it."
Their intense eye contact was broken as they heard clapping. A few of the closer patrons saw the exchange & were applauding them.
They blushed & Mike took a seat. His heart eased as he looked at her. "So we're okay?"
"We're beyond okay."
He reached for her hand as a waiter appeared. "Are you ready to order?"
M&Q&M
Quinn laid on her bed after Laura left. She was thinking over the conversation she had with her sister. It was emotional to say the least. She wanted to talk to Mercedes but the newly married couple's flight was just arriving. She'd have to wait.
She blew out a breath. Her conversation with Laura would have been hypocritical if it had come a day prior but she'd gone to Sam's to talk. She was glad she had.
She didn't remember much from New Years except how he treated her. He'd been so caring & understanding. She knew she had to have given him a hard time. They'd fought earlier & she knew with drugs in her system, it wouldn't have stopped then.
Yesterday, she called to apologize & he'd asked her to come over for lunch. She quickly agreed because she loved his family. They were nice normal people. Then he said they could talk afterwards. She'd been afraid he'd want to dump her but she figured he wouldn't ask her over just to break up with her.
She rolled onto her stomach as she thought about what they'd talked about. Sam had told her he loved her but wasn't sure if he could stand to see her kill herself.
She'd been surprised to say the least. He told her that she got weepy when she did too much cocaine & he didn't know how to handle her. She was an angry weepy & he felt like he wasn't enough to protect her.
That had broken her heart. Sam took care of her the way she felt she needed so for him to confess he felt he was coming up short, cut her to the quick. She had let him know that she wasn't trying to use the coke to distance herself from him & that she depended on him more than anyone in her life.
He'd been surprised. She told him that she needed him & that what he told her really bothered her.
He told her that he wished she would lean on him more. That she could drop her shields around him. That he wouldn't hurt or use her. He cared about her but couldn't show it because she wouldn't let him. It made him feel useless like she didn't need him but kept him around like a dog on a leash.
She'd been horrified to find that out. She swore then that she'd let him in. She'd talk more. Do whatever it was that he required because she needed him.
He confessed to feeling like her puppet & she told him her fear of being a bad influence over him. Then they hugged & kissed before rejoining his family.
She only stayed for a little while after that because he received an emergency text from Mike & had to go.
When she woke up that morning, she noticed Laura's car was there. Her sister was in a tizzy about Marc & some model. She wanted to hurt the girl but Quinn had talked her out of it. It wouldn't look good for the family.
Quinn really didn't know what else to tell her sister. Either, she left Robert or she stopped leading Marc on. But Laura refused to listen.
She sighed as she thought about that situation. She was glad she was too young to be married. But she also knew that when she wasn't; nothing would keep her from Sam.
She eyed the promise ring he'd given her. It was a rhinestone but she loved it. It was a promise to always be there for her & that one day it would be replaced with a real diamond.
She wasn't concerned about the gem; just the sentiment behind it. She didn't care who made her father happy. She refused to marry a Robert to appease him & lose out on her Marc. Sam was her Marc & she wouldn't miss him.
M&Q&M
Marcy played on her phone as she waited for the flight to come in. She didn't know what was her family's problem but hoped they got over it soon.
Sam had texted her early in the morning about his conversation with Quinn & it had made her smile. She was glad they had worked things out but she was worried about Tike.
Tina had texted her to tell her they would talk around the same time as Mercedes's & Puck's plane landed. The rest of the family was having just as much trouble.
She hoped her sister never went on another trip. She was the peacemaker. Marcy was the troublemaker. She didn't appreciate having to play dual roles.
She looked up from her phone to see the signs flip to tell that the planes had arrived. Seconds later, a voice over the intercom said the same.
She sighed. Thank you! She sent Mal a text to let him know the plane was there. She put her phone away & stood. She had left her purse with Mal in her car so she could meet her siblings & leave straightaway. She felt like she needed a stiff drink to make it through the rest of the day.
She walked to the gate & leaned against the window. Her phone chirped & she looked down. It was a text from a soccer friend. They sent her a message about the team meeting the next month.
She quickly texted back that she was excited for it. She missed soccer. Her friend responded with a picture of them showing a thumbs up. She smiled. She missed this. With her family acting like a loony bin, she missed having normal friends.
She put her phone away again & looked up in time to see a familiar Mohawk in the crowd. "Yo, Puck!" It turned in her direction. It was times like this that she hated being short. She waved her arms back & forth & jumped up & down.
"Mini Mama?!"
There we go. Marcy grinned. "Puck!"
He walked forward but before he could reach her, a purple blur pushed him aside. "Marcy!"
"Mercy!" They embraced like it was five years since they'd seen each other last instead of five days.
"I've missed you so much!" Mercedes wiped her face.
"Are you crying?" Marcy stepped back.
"She does that sometimes." Puck explained. "Hormones."
Marcy nodded. "Yikes!"
Mercedes gave them both the stink eye. "We had a great time. New York is so beautiful. We rang the New Year in at Times Square. So romantic! I've got presents. How's the family? How did the party go? I'm so ready for school tomorrow. Are you?"
Marcy slapped a hand over Mercedes's mouth. "Coke is bad for the baby." Mercedes narrowed her eyes.
Puck laughed. "She's been excited all day."
Marcy removed her hand. "Let's get your bags so you can get home."
"Aren't you going to answer any of my questions?" Mercedes pouted.
"I wasn't aware that laundry list was questions." Marcy's tone was dry.
"How was everybody?" Mercedes grabbed Marcy's arm & the trio walked to baggage claim.
"I don't know."
"How was the party?"
"I don't know."
"Are you ready for school?"
"I don't know."
Mercedes frowned. "Do you want me to beat you?"
Marcy snorted. "Please! You're pregnant. You couldn't beat your high score in CoD."
"So you were listening?" Puck was impressed. He remembered when he failed that particular test.
"Listening? No. Heard her? Yes." Marcy stopped as they reached the carousel. "She keeps asking me things that I don't know."
"What don't you know?"
Marcy side-eyed her. "Everyone lost their damn minds when you two left. The party was terrible. I could not give a fuck less about school. Any other questions?"
Mercedes frowned. "Was it really that bad?"
"The party was same old same old." Marcy leaned against the carousel. "I was bored out of my mind. Mal & Ellen got drunk. Mike was so high; he & Tina could be breaking up. Quinn almost pushed Sam out the door. Marc hooked up with some clingy model. Laura's losin it. The parents are their normal enchanting selves. I had to take Sam & Tina home before eleven."
Puck frowned as he spotted one of their bags. "Damn, that blows!"
Marcy made a face. "You could say that again. I just want to climb into bed & pretend other people don't exist."
"Why don't you go somewhere with Mal & Ellen?" Mercedes suggested as she pointed out another bag.
"We're going to lunch. I know I suggested it but I really don't feel like it anymore."
"Why not?"
"Just a lot on my mind. After talking to some people, I had to figure some stuff out."
Mercedes frowned. That was really cryptic. "Like what?"
Marcy tilted her head. "I thought you had presents."
Mercedes swatted her arm. "I'm trying to talk to you & you're worried about gifts!"
"Duh!" Marcy stuck her tongue out. "If I have one, that's all I care about."
"You have one." Puck assured her. He grabbed the last two bags. "Are we getting in Travis?" He really dug her car.
"Nope!" Marcy shook her head. "I brought your truck. I'm leaving in my baby."
"Mean!" He complained as they walked towards the exit.
Mercedes grabbed her arm again & looped it. "Why don't you want to spend time with Mal & Ellen?"
Marcy eyed her. "Why did I want you back so bad?!"
Mercedes laughed. "I'm your big sister. You love me."
"No. That's not it." Marcy sounded contemplative.
Puck laughed. "Cuz she's as close to normal as you know?"
Marcy snapped her fingers. "That might be it!"
They made their way through the crowd & quickly strode to the parking lot.
Mal exited Travis & rubbed his hands together from the cold. "Hey, guys!" Ellen waved from the back. Mercedes embraced him while he fist bumped Puck.
"I missed you so much!" Mercedes cried slightly.
Mal looked bewildered until Puck explained. "Oh. I missed you, too then."
"Your presents are stacked neatly & the envelopes of money are under your window-seat." Marcy told Mercedes.
"Thank you!" Mercedes watched as Puck & Mal loaded their bags in the back of the truck. "We really want to thank you for all you did. It was a lot & we really appreciate it."
"No big." Marcy shrugged.
"Your present's better than everyone else's." Mercedes winked.
Marcy laughed. "Thanks."
The guys were done & Puck opened the door for Mercedes. "Are you going to go home?"
Marcy shook her head & hooked a thumb at her friends. "Lunch. Remember?"
"Well, I guess we'll see you at Family Dinner."
"We didn't go to church today." Mal told them.
"Really?" Puck was surprised. For such… loose people, they went to church faithfully.
Marcy shrugged. "It just didn't happen."
Mercedes leaned out of the truck so Puck couldn't shut the door. "But we still have Family Dinner, right?"
"As far as I know."
"We'll see you guys then." Mercedes faced front & Puck shut the door.
"See you later." He threw up his hand as he went around the truck to climb in.
"Bye!" Mal climbed into the passenger seat while Marcy got into the drivers seat. "See ya!"
After beeping horns, the vehicles went in separate directions.
M&Q&M
Mercedes squealed when Puck picked her up & carried her over the threshold. "Put me down, fool!"
He grinned. "Gladly!" He set her carefully on the bed.
"Oh no, you don't!" She giggled. "We almost missed out on Times Square because of your antics!"
"You know you like me puttin it down!" He boasted.
She rolled her eyes. "Which do you want to do first? Open the presents? Or unpack?"
"Neither?"
"Unpack it is!" She swung her legs to meet the floor & went to their luggage.
"I could have sworn I said neither." He grumbled.
Soon they'd unpacked & faced the mountain of presents. "Little to big or big to little?"
"I'd rather go big to little." Puck straightened his neck.
They got started & found things like bedroom suits & a mini fridge.
"Who sent that?!" Puck asked. "We need to send them a personal thank you!"
"We're sending them all personal thank you's." Mercedes said. "That's why I have this pad. So we know who bought what."
They ended up with a ton of weird stuff. Things that would keep their marriage "spicy". Some people got them exercise equipment. They received toys. Actual toys geared for young adults.
"Did people forget we got married?!" Mercedes rolled her eyes & wrote the correct information.
Puck shrugged as he threw the wrapping paper to the side. "I don't know. I'm just glad we got more envelopes than gifts cuz a lot of this is crap."
"At least we got some stuff for the baby." Mercedes pointed her pencil to the two carseats.
They were finally down to the last box as Puck cleared away all the debris & Mercedes put away everything Puck let her lift.
"What do you think this is?" Puck eyed the small box.
"I don't know." Mercedes checked the tag. "It's from the Hudmels."
They took a deep breath before opening the box. It held another box. It was silver with hearts engraved in it. There was a note on top.
Fill this box with every treasured moment to take out for every troubled time.
Love,
The Hudmels
Mercedes smiled. She could just bet Ms. Carole wrote it.
Puck picked up the box & considered it. "I like it."
Mercedes took it from him & placed it on their dresser. "I think we'll use it."
Since everything had been put away & cleaned, Mercedes pulled the pillows off her window-seat. She threw them on the bed & lifted the seat to reveal a mess of envelopes.
"That's so cool." Puck ambled over. "It's like a hiding place."
She regarded it fondly. "It used to be. When we played hide & seek, Marcy would always hide in here."
"Why only her?"
"She was the only one who still fit after all these years. Maddie can now. Soon she won't." She bit her lip.
He wrapped an arm around her & kissed her temple. "Everyone has to grow up."
She sniffled. "I know." She dried her eyes & grabbed as many envelopes as possible. Puck retrieved the rest.
"Are you going to write a list out for these people, too?" He asked.
She nodded. "People who sent money get the standard thank you unless they sent a present, too."
"I didn't know there were rules to thanking people!"
She nodded again. "A proper lady knows how to display gratitude."
He raised an eyebrow. That was weird. "I guess we should get started."
Soon they'd opened every envelope. It took longer than necessary because he'd exclaim every time he counted the pile.
"I can start the thank yous now." She glanced at her list. "Can you put the money together & all the cards? I think we should keep them. They're nice."
He gathered the cards into a pile. "What are we going to do with them?"
"Shoebox?"
He shrugged. "I don't have any. I threw them all away the day I moved in."
"I bought some shoes before we left." She went to the closet & found them. She set the shoes on the floor & came back with the box. "Here you go. Label it & put it in the closet, I guess."
He found a marker in the desk & set to work as she powered up her computer to send out the thank you notes.
By the time he'd put away the cards & collected & recounted the money, she was printing out the cards. "Are you done already?"
She nodded. "It's easier to do with the software."
Those words meant nothing to him so he blinked. "What are we going to do with the money?"
"Savings account?"
"I don't have one." He admitted. "At least not one at the bank."
"I can add you to my account." She shrugged as she turned to the printer.
He felt a little uneasy admitting this but he felt he should be honest. "I don't know if I'm comfortable with that."
"Why not?" She whirled around to face him.
"How many people have access to it?"
"The savings account? One, me. The checking account? Three, the adults & I do. They can only put money in. I can put money in & take it out. All of our accounts are set up that way."
He sighed. "Don't they send out paperwork with your information on it?"
"Are you paranoid about the government?" She side-eyed him. "No. They send info out but it doesn't have important account information on it unless they're telling you someone tried to access your account. The Adjacent banks are pretty subtle."
"I'm not saying I don't trust-"
"Yes, you are." She faced the printer again. "& I don't blame you. So yes, adding your name to my account is a good idea & no one's going to steal your money."
"Thank you for not making me say it."
She smiled though he couldn't see it. "I don't trust my parents anymore than you do. I doubt they'd steal my money but I wouldn't put it past them. Anyway, we can go at lunch. It won't take but a minute."
"Cool." He sat on the bed & looked at the money again. "I can't believe we got so much."
"Most of the larger amounts came from family, friends of the family & business associates." She collected the last of the cards. She grabbed the envelopes that fit them & began addressing them. "You know how rich people are."
"But your grandparents!" His eyes widened at seeing the checks from all six sets of them.
"Told you; old money."
"Will the bank let you deposit so much?"
She nodded. "Yes. I also have stocks & bonds. There's my Christmas account-"
"Christmas account?"
"Yeah, you put money in it all year round but you can only take it out in December."
He whispered low. "That's so cool."
"There's also my college fund. Which reminds me; we need to open one up for the baby. We can use the money from the wedding?"
"We need to think of names."
"Even though my names are old, I like old fashioned names. Just not names that make you feel like the baby will be born a hundred!"
He laughed. "Mary?"
"Nah. Rebecca?"
"Nope. Anne?"
"That's one of Marcy's names!"
"Maybe we can name her after Mini Mama. She's helped us so much."
"You'd do that?" She teared up.
"She's my sister now, too right?"
She finished the envelopes before she started bawling. "So would it be her first name or middle?"
"First. Mini Mama wears it with pride." He teased.
She giggled. "Don't tell Sam but I've always liked Poison Ivy."
"You want to name our child after a super villain?!" His jaw dropped. "& I got blasted for thinking of whiskey!"
She threw her pencil at him. "Not the poison part! I just liked that she called herself Ivy."
"Marceline Ivy?" He rested on his elbows as he sounded it out. "I like it."
She touched her stomach gingerly. "You hear that, sweetie. You have a name."
M&Q&M
"No!"
"What do you mean no?!" Puck's jaw dropped.
"You can't say no." Mercedes continued.
"I can & I am." Marcy insisted. "You cannot name your child after me."
"I believe we can do what we want." Mercedes said stubbornly.
It was After Dinner & they were at the Changs'. Mercedes & Puck just dropped their bombshell & Marcy wasn't even thrilled.
"Name her after Bubbie."
"We want to name her after you!" Puck insisted.
"Then I should name her if you want to thank me." Marcy pointed out. "I say…"
"Be nice!" Mercedes warned.
"Raven." She frowned as she was cut off.
Everyone blinked in surprise.
"Really?" Mercedes eyed her closely. "Raven what?"
"Raven Ivy." Marcy shrugged. "I like Ivy."
"Why Raven?" Mike was confused.
"After Raven-Symonè?" Laura asked.
"Not really after her but what a role model to have!" Marcy pointed out. "She's nice, talented, smart, driven, a good girl & smoking hot."
Everyone nodded as it made sense.
"So you're going to deposit the money?" Marc asked. "That's a good idea."
"We were thinking about setting up a college fund for her." Puck said.
"That's proactive." Mike put in.
"Thanks." Mercedes grinned. "We're swinging by the post office to send out all those thank you cards then by the bank to add his name to my account & open the fund."
"Getting things situated." Laura approved.
"Why wait?" Mercedes turned to Tina. "I'm just happy you're still messing around with this knucklehead. Last I heard, you were thinking of ditching us."
Tina shook her head. "We just had to talk. We're good now."
"I'm glad." Mercedes hugged her. "We need you!" She looked at Sam. "We need you, too!"
He smiled at Quinn. "Well, you got me."
"Who's ready for school?" Mal asked.
Everyone groaned. Vacation ended way too soon for the group.
"I miss my sorority though." Laura admitted.
"& I guess destroying other girls' self esteems won't be as effective if I'm not there to do it." Marcy drawled.
"Lucifer…" Mike threw a pillow at her.
"Are you telling anyone else about you two?" Quinn looked at Puck & Mercedes.
She shook her head. "Just my teachers cuz I already changed my information in the office. It's no one else's business."
Laura nodded. "Good idea."
"What I want to know about is your party tomorrow night." Puck pointed at Mike.
"It's going to be…" Mike frowned as he thought. "Extravagant."
"I can't wait to give you your gift!" Marcy grinned.
"Me either!" Mercedes clapped. "It goes with Laura's."
"I know she's making me a suit." Mike smiled. "Thanks, guys."
"What's Mom planning?" Mal asked.
Mike shrugged. "I told her I wouldn't do anything demeaning. After that I don't care."
"You know you just gave her carte Blanche to straight jack your birthday." Marc shook his head.
"I don't care. I just want to have a good time with my friends."
Quinn wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "You're so down to earth!"
Marc punched her in the arm. "Hey! What are we?!"
"Spoiled beyond belief?"
Mercedes side-eyed Laura. "Are not!"
The room burst into laughter.
"I was just joking, Mercy." Laura hugged her sister.
"You won't be a godmother." Mercedes sniffed.
"Lies!"
NJPNJPNJP
**It's a direct quote from me. It sounds stupid to point that put but it's just something I always say. Also, everything Marcy said was my philosophy as well. I really value friendship over relationships which is a big thing in my stories. I believe in loyalty.
Anyway, it's about to get really… deep after Mike's birthday. Most of this fic is either taken from the series or my own personal experiences, so if it doesn't make sense; that's why. I combine my real-life experiences with what the characters seem to be like & adding a touch of sweet familial magic named Head Canon. Yes, I'm being silly. Its like 4 in the morning & I'm exhausted.
Until next time!