An hour and a half later, everyone was ready and the Jones – Evans arrived. They greeted their grandchildren and children, and within seconds, dinner was served.
"how are you feeling now, Jessica? " asked Katherine while eating.
"I feel much, much better. It surely has been tough weeks, but being here really helped. Sam and Mercedes has been nothing but great with me and the kids are just – amazing. "
Everyone smiled at her, except Mercedes.
"well, family supports you during tough times. Speaking of tough times, I have some news of Rachel and her family. It's hard, since, let's remember, they lost Finn because of Jessica, but they're doing okay. Just if anyone wanted to know, since they are the real victims here. "
Everyone went silent, and Jessica looked down.
"you're right."
"well, of course I'm right – "
"Mom…" said Alicia quietly.
Sam sent meaningful looks to Mercedes while the grandparents and twins stayed awkwardly still. She sighed and stood up.
"Mercy " said Sam , firmly.
She shook her head and went into the kitchen. Sam sighed and looked at his parents.
"I'm sorry guys, I didn't know, I thought –"
"its fine, we understand. I know my girl." Said Mary.
Sam stood up but Paul stopped him.
" Let me. "
When Paul entered in the kitchen, Mercedes was cleaning, putting food into plates.
"hey. "
When she saw her dad, Mercedes smiled weakly.
"hey."
"do you need some help?"
"no it's fine, you can go back there."
"Mercy-"
She sighed and stopped her frantic movements.
"I'm sorry dad-"
" hey, it's complicated okay, don't ever feel sorry for what you feel."
And just like that, she broke down in front of her father.
"honey, it's okay…"
He came and held her tightly.
" I just – I really thought I was over it, but I miss him and I'm still so angry… and seeing her all okay as if nothing happened… it's just- it's not fair. It's really hard. Plus, I have other things to think about too now… it's getting too much. "
" I understand baby girl. I do. And don't get us wrong we were mad at Jessica. What she did was really irresponsible. And we all know she'll never ever go anywhere alone with Alicia again. But it's family, Mercy. When you decided to marry Sam, you also married his family. You got to forgive her, or at least find a way to be civil with her- "
" but I am! I am. Sam and I had a big fight about her, and I decided to change my attitude , for family. But it's just – she act like she doesn't even care! Like she made a little mistake and it's all forgiven and forgotten, but it's not! It wasn't a stupid little mistake, Finn died. How can she act like it's nothing? I just don't get it!" she said, throwing a fork in the sin.
Paul sighed.
" you don't know what's really going on inside, baby girl. She may smile but that doesn't mean she isn't sad about what happened. I'm sure she feels extremely guilty. "
"as she should!"
Her father gave her a look and she sighed.
"you're right. I need to calm down."
"yeah" agreed her father , taking her in his arms. "I know how hard it is, but you really need to let go of this anger. You need to think about your family. Because your kids were pretty scared there. "
Mercedes shook her head. She completely forgot about them in the heat of the moment.
"I'll try harder. Thanks dad. You always know how to put sense into my head"
Her father laughed.
" that's what I'm here for. Now let's go back, shall we?".
"yeah."
When they went back, it was awkward, but everyone decided to talk about Alicia's plans for college, or Tyler and Lena's day, anything but what just happened and Mercedes was glad. Jessica was obviously uncomfortable, but she laughed when needed , and Sam stayed unusually quiet, thinking about something really hard. Mercedes tried to catch his eyes but he was avoiding her. She sighed . "he must be mad". She thought. She promised him that she was going to act better towards Jessica, that there will be no more fights, and she just broke that promise. She felt guilty about it, she didn't want Sam to be more upset than he already was, being sick.
After dessert, the whole family sat down in the living room, waiting for Tyler who was getting ready with Alicia and Lena.
"So" started Katherine "Why did you want us to come for? You said you wanted to announce us something…?"
Mercedes and Sam looked at each other.
" hum , yeah … well, what we wanted to tell you – "
" can wait" suddenly said Sam. " we'll … we'll tell you after the match. It can wait."
Mercedes stared at him and shook her head. She didn't know why he was insisting on pushing the announcement away. The grandparents frowned but at this moment Tyler came, running to them, wearing his blue soccer uniform.
"oh my god, you're so cute!" Mercedes cooed.
"that's my boy!" said John , giving him a high five.
" guys, before we go, Lena and I have a little surprise"
"oh?"
They showed their hiding hands , they were holding blue tee-shirts.
"we made tee-shirts for you Ty-ty!" exclaimed Lena.
" everyone have one with his name on the back and Tyler's number, 8!"
"aw, that's so sweet of you guys!" cooed Mary, taking hers.
Everyone got ready quickly after that. Sam and Mercedes went upstairs. Sam was struggling a little, feeling weak. Mercedes got out of the bathroom and she smiled sadly when she saw her husband.
"do you want me to – "
" no. I'm fine." He answered coldly.
Mercedes closed her eyes for a second. Definitely mad.
" we should've told them you know. You're pushing it- "
" I don't want to talk about it alright? All I want to focus on , is my happy excited son's game. Then we'll tell them."
"alright. "
Sam finally got ready and stood up, looking madly at her.
"and seriously, if we talk about what we shouldn't have and should have done… I think you know what you shouldn't have done with Jessica."
"Sam, listen – "
"lets just go. People are waiting."
Mercedes sighed. This evening was getting worse every minutes.
When they arrived at the state, of course it was crazy. Alicia had the mistake to Instagram and tweet a photo of the family all together wearing their matching tee-shirts. Fans quickly put two and two together, and there they were, blocking the entry now.
"guys, I'm sorry, I didn't know, I posted the photo only ten minutes ago, there are so many people already, how is that even possible…"
"don't worry about it" said John. "lets just wait for the security. "
Alicia was in the same car as Sam's parents, behind them were the twins and Jessica in the car of Mercedes parents, and behind them were Mercedes and Sam in Mercedes BMW, as she didn't want Sam to drive.
"what the hell…" said Sam.
Paparazzi rushed to the 3 cars and took photos. Mercedes took her phone and dialed her parents. She didn't want her kids out of the car until the security comes.
" Your mom told me that it's because Ali posted a photo, so…"
" Hm, I see…".
Mercedes nodded.
" listen – "
Sam rolled his eyes.
" oh my god Mercy , please – "
"no, just – I'm really sorry okay? I know I said I was going to make some efforts, and obviously I broke that promise with my… outburst. But my dad opened my eyes earlier. I was mad because I thought Jess didn't care. I thought you didn't care. I mean everyone just forgave her so quickly… but I finally understand that forgiving doesn't mean forgetting. And despite everything, I married you so she is my family. And family always come first. I'm sorry if I've been a bitch, even though I clearly had all the reasons to be… but this time, I promise, there will be no more of that. I know deep down it'll never get easier, I'll never really forgive her, but for my family, I need to stop being so angry. So here it is. That's all. We don't have to talk about it if it annoys you so much, I just wanted to apologize."
Sam stared at her for a while, then a the window.
"okay, I heard you."
" great."
Then the security pushed people and settled things. The Evans – Jones family got out and Tyler ran to his coach because the match was starting soon. Of course, the parents were a little overwhelmed by the presence of Mercedes Jones the famous singer and Sam Evans the Oscar winning actor. Some were in awe, some were mad because the match didn't start at the hour because of them, some were jealous… the family sat in a secluded place and waited for the match to start.
The game started , and only ten minutes later, Tyler ran fast with the ball, he gave a decisive pass to his friend who marked a goal. Everyone stood up. Sam and John high fived each other .
" that's my boy !" yelled Sam, proud.
Mercedes looked at him and laughed. It was good to see him so happy.
"he's such a proud daddy" said Katherine , laughing at the boys.
Sam turned and smiled at his mother.
"I have every right to be, just look at him! He's amazing "
" I know!"
20 minutes later, Tyler ran with the ball again, and marked another goal, all alone . Everyone cheered, and the mid- game hour came.
" Tyler you're amazing ! " yelled Lena from her place.
" yeah , keep it up boy, we're proud of you!" yelled Sam.
"we love you!" added Alicia.
Tyler heard them and smiled widely. He waved at them. Mercedes sent him kisses, when the bodyguard came to her.
" Madam, these two people would like to talk to you and Mister Evans. "
Mercedes frowned and looked. It was a short Latina woman and a tall white guy, holding hands and wearing blue tee-shirts.
" they must be parents."
Mercedes called Sam and they went to them. The Latina woman smiled.
" excuse me, I'm Shirley Jefferson and this is Matt Jefferson my husband . We're Stefan's parents. He's the one who marked the first goal with the help of your son" .
"Oh! Hi! Your son is pretty good! " said Mercedes.
"thanks! Yours is the superstar, just like his parents " said Shirley, laughing.
" Yeah , well… " said Sam, proud.
The four of them laughed.
" you want to sit with us? " asked Mercedes.
" Yeah, why not!"
The bodyguards let them pass, and Mercedes introduced them to the family. They began to talk , and the four of them got along very quickly. The game started, and the other team marked a goal. But Tyler's team quickly got back on track, with another goal from one of their member with the pass of Tyler. The coach was ecstatic. The match ended with a 3-1 . The kids returned to their families and the Evans – Jones – Jefferson were waiting eagerly for the two prodigies. When they got out, the families cheered.
" oh my god baby, you were amaziiiing I'm so proud of you ! " said Mercedes , kissing her boy.
" thank you mommy!"
" and you, Stefan, were incredible too! I'm Tyler's mommy"
" I know, I saw you on TV"
Everyone laughed.
"I propose that we all go celebrate in a restaurant with delicious food " said Paul. " who's with me?!"
"ME! " yelled Alicia who looked up from her IPhone for the first time. "I am STARVING!"
Everyone laughed and Mercedes rolled her eyes at her daughter.
" would you like to join us? " Asked Katherine to the Jefferson family.
" oh, we wouldn't want to bother a family time…"
" well consider yourself family then ! You're coming! " said John.
Matt laughed.
"thank you. "
They all walked to the car , and Mercedes stayed back, retaining Sam.
"what ? "
" Do you… do you feel up to it ? " asked carefully Mercedes.
No, Sam was definitely not up to it. He felt dizzy , his body was extremely warm, and his hidden hands were shaking . But, it was his son's night. He promised himself that he wouldn't let his disease ruin the perfect night.
" yeah… never felt better. " he said calmly.
Mercedes watched him and felt that something was weird but she didn't want to insist, afraid of his reaction.
"okay. Let's go then. "
They went into a fancy restaurant in New York, they asked for a private place, as paparazzi were starting to show themselves.
"they followed us until here… how can you put up with that all the time ? " asked Shirley as they all were eating. " I don't think I could!"
" well, we're used to it " answered Mercedes. " they can't follow us around our house or take pictures of it, because of the policy we placed with our lawyer, so we do have some privacy. When we go out like that, it's the only time that they can take pictures of us , and most of them are really respectful , so it's fine. They don't have much pictures of the kids though. We make sure that they keep their privacy. "
" thank god! " answered Shirley. "they're too young to be exposed. "
" yeah I agree. When they'll grow up, they'll make the choice themselves , whether they want to have this life or not. I don't want them to be forced. "
" that's great ." answered Matt. " Alicia, how old are you ? "
"I'm 16. "
" well, almost time to decide huh? " joked Matt.
" Oh I already decided. I want to follow my Mother's steps and be an international singer! I have the voice so… "
Sam and Mercedes looked at each other .
" we'll talk about it "answered Mercedes. "High school first, young girl."
Alicia rolled her eyes.
"anywaaay, lets cheer for Tyler and Stefan for their excellent game tonight ! You guys are the future in the soccer game ! "
Tyler and Stefan smiled shyly.
" we are really proud of you" added Mercedes. " Cheers to our amazing babies!"
"cheers!" they all said with their drinks.
After that, people ate, laughed, Mercedes learned more about Shirley, she is a successful surgeon and her husband a lawyer… it was a good night. Until Sam felt like throwing up.
"Hum , excuse me, guys, I'll be right back. "
He stood up very slowly and the grandparents began to worry.
"are you okay, son?"
"yeah, yeah. I'm fine. "
He made it to the restrooms in time , and threw up. When he got out, Mercedes was waiting in front of the door, worried.
" I saw that look on your face, and I knew something was wrong. Are you getting sick? "
" no, just went into the restrooms cause I wanted to pi, if you want details. End of story. "
" Sam, stop – "
" oh for god sakes! Stop smothering me all the time ! I can't do anything, anything! You watch my every move, and I'm sick of it , it's getting crazy ! I'm fine okay, it's all about me all the time but this night isn't about me. It's about Tyler and his friend. Don't make it about me. Enjoy the freaking night and Leave. Me. Alone alright ? "
Hurt could be read on Mercedes face, and Sam instantly regretted what he said. But he needed Mercedes to back off, he knew how to handle the disease, he was dealing with it fine.
" Alright."
She walked past him and he followed behind.
" are you feeling okay honey ? " asked a worried Katherine.
" yep, just had to go to the restroom. "
Mercedes took her purse.
" hum guys? I'm not feeling really well, so I think I'm going to head home. I'll see you guys there okay? Shirley, Matt, it was such a pleasure to meet you, I have your number so we'll do some play date with Tyler and Stefan! "
"A-Alright " said a confused Shirley. " and get better soon"
" Mercy, do you want me to come with you?" asked Mary
"No, Mom it's fine. Enjoy the night. I'll see you guys later"
With one last glance a Sam who felt uncomfortable and guilty , she got out of the restaurant. Then Katherine threw him her napkin.
"Mom!"
" what did you do?"
"nothing! "
Katherine took Mary's napkin and threw it at him. The kids laughed.
" to me!"
" I didn't do anything! She's just tired… I guess. " he lied.
"hum!"
Explaining why she went, would be explaining that his cancer came back, and he wasn't ready. Especially not in front of guests.
" I just don't understand you know. If you saw the way he talked to me ! " said Mercedes.
She was sitting and Kurt's living room. When she drove home, she called him and he asked her to come see him.
" Maybe you're just … too much behind his back . "
" what ? "
" I mean he just went to the restrooms…"
"Kurt, I know my husband. He didn't just went to the restrooms, he is sick! He feels horrible and he is hiding it! I don't know why he acts like that all the time, it's tiring. "
" Mercy, I think you need to calm down. You're so stressed that you're getting paranoid. "
" what ? I'm not – hang on " Mercedes phone rang and she answered. " hey mom, yeah, I'm at Kurt's … hospital ? Why?..." Mercy stood up "WHAT? O-Okay I'm on my way !"
"What's going on?! "
"Sam fainted in the restaurant. Am I being paranoid now?!"
Mercedes rushed to the hospital. When she saw her, Alicia ran into her arms.
"Mom!"
The grandparents, the twins and the Jefferson family turned.
"it's okay sweetie. " she said , kissing her hair.
"Care to explain us what the hell is going on, Mercy? " asked a very angry John.
Mercedes looked at her angry parents and then at the guests. She sighed.
" I-I can't right now. "
John threw his arms in the hair.
" my son is in the freaking hospital and you want to play with us? Tell us what's going on, right now!" yelled John.
"hey, you don't talk to my daughter like that!" exclaimed Paul.
Paul and John began to fight but the doctor came.
"hey! What's going on here?! "
" you tell me what's going on! What the hell is happening to my son, why is there so many people examining him huh?" yelled John.
Doctor Frank looked at Mercedes.
" you didn't tell them?"
" I-I wanted to, but – "
" No she didn't ! So what 's going on with my son?!"
" well, he'll tell you himself . He woke up. I suggest we all go to his room, I have some things to talk to you about."
The Jefferson gave their blessings and said goodbye, then the family entered into the private room. Sam was lying there, with a white dress and a weak body. The kids went to him directly. Mercedes stayed in the back, not ready to face him yet.
" Son, what's going on with you? We are aware that Mercedes and you are hiding something from us. So talk, now. " said John, firmly.
Sam sighed. He then explained the situation. Katherine broke into tears and Mary held her, while John didn't know how to contain his anger. He turned to Mercedes.
" why the hell weren't we updated, Mercedes ? You think this is a game? "
" What? Of course not! I wanted to tell you, but Sam insisted that we wait- "
"and you listened to him? He is sick! He is afraid, it's normal! You should be the responsible one, and should've told us!"
" Dad, calm down – "
" I'm not going to calm down ! What if something really bad had happened ? You let him going to the game, the restaurant, everything , knowing that he is sick, and without telling us! He could've die tonight, and it would've been your fault !" he yelled at Mercedes.
"DAD ! Stop talking to my wife like that , I swear, weak or not , I'm not going to tell you twice! " warned Sam.
Everyone went silent, Mercedes had tears in her eyes, Katherine was crying, the kids were afraid and Paul was ready to jump on John. The doctor cleared his throat.
" I think everyone just need to take a deep breath and calm down. "
" yeah" agreed Mary. " I'm taking the kids and Katherine outside for a moment. This is getting too much. You'll keep us updated. And you, you better calm down, John! "
The kids, Mary and Katherine went out and the doctor gave a paper to Mercedes.
" We have to do the aggressive surgery, we have no other choices. We'll do it next week, so I need your approval with the signature of this paper. If it works Sam is cancer free for good, if it doesn't work… well death or some bad reactions are a possibility . But if we don't do the surgery , there are even more risks of death, as the medication isn't enough anymore. It worked 15 years ago , but not this time unfortunately. I'll let you decide, but I need your decision tonight. "
" Thanks" said Mercedes with a small voice.
She sighed and put a pen out of her purse.
" What are you doing " asked John. " we got to talk about this!"
" What is there to talk about ! " yelled Mercedes, now angry. " if he's not doing the surgery , he's going to slowly die! Is that what you want? No, so let me sign the freaking papers please. "
" I'm the one having the surgery Mercy, so can I at least have some details before you-"
"you, stop talking! Don't you dare ! I am so mad at you already, so don't even start with me! You lied to me. Every time I was behind your back asking you if you're okay , you always said yes ! I told you to stop lying about your health but you're still doing it ! You are SICK Sam, You have CANCER! But you continue to act like it's nothing! You pushed and pushed yourself despite my warnings, and where are we now huh? We don't have any choices! Either you die on the surgery if it doesn't work , or you die not doing it ! Are you happy , now ? Now for now on, I'm the one taking the decisions. You obviously want to kill yourself , but I'm not letting you. You're doing the freaking surgery and that's it. And if he dies, John, I'll take the blame, no worries!"
"Mercy – "
Mercedes signed the papers, took her purse and went out of the room to find the doctor. She was devastated by the news they just had, but she also had to stay strong and responsible, for her kids, and for Sam. She gave the papers to the doctors who scheduled the surgery the next week , and Sam was allowed to go home. When they rejoined Mary and Katherine, Lena and Tyler were sleeping in Alicia's arms.
" So? " asked Alicia , looking at her father.
" We have a surgery scheduled for me, next week. If it works, it'll be over for good. "
"and if it doesn't ….?"
Mercedes stepped in.
"it will work, honey. let's go home now, the kids are tired. "
When they got home, Paul explained the situation to Jessica, who went home to wait after the restaurant, as she hate hospitals. Mercedes put the 3 kids to sleep and went into her and Sam's room. She got ready for bed without talking to him . She put a little bag out of her purse and threw it on his side of the bed.
" the doctor gave me that. It's your new medicine until next week. "
" Thanks … "
Mercedes got into bed. Sam took his pills and rejoined her. They turned off the light, but any of them could sleep.
" I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said about you smothering me. I thought I had it under control, that I didn't need you but I do. I know I hurt you and I'm sorry. I'm also sorry I lied, I just wanted a perfect night for Tyler. And most importantly, I'm sorry for my father's behavior. When you quitted the room, I told him that it was my fault, that I was the one insisting that we wait before telling them… and I told him that I hated the way he talked to you. I'm sorry he took it out on you. I feel guilty for everything and I'm sorry. You obviously didn't deserve any of it."
Mercedes didn't answer and resigned, he sighed.
" anyway, I just really am sorry for everything. I love you. Goodnight. "
Sometime in the night, when they both still weren't asleep, Mercedes grabbed Sam's hand and squeezed it . He kissed her shoulder, relieved.
"thank you."
Sam having cancer again is a part of a big storyline that is coming , stay tuned ;) it will get better, but not right now. Hope you liked this one ! See you soon Xx