Note: Finally an update! RPing takes out a lot of time amongst life and working. I think I must have rewritten this chapter twice because I wanted to break it up more for future ones. Thanks for waiting patiently for an update! As always reviews are much appreciated and I enjoy reading everyone's opinions on things.
Mercedes lied awake in bed staring at the sun shining into the window. The past few weeks had been draining on her energy. Between trying to keep up with her class work, the babies, Sam and now Travis's constant demands was taking a toll on her. She shifted her gaze to the left side of the bed. Sam lay snoring lightly on his back. His muscular arm slung over his face, blocking out the sun. She smiled at how adorable he looked with the croaked grin on his face. He was her everything and despite all the drama they had going on between them he still managed to fight for them. She knew she had to tell him somehow, eventually, about the shady dealings going on at work. That conversation was going to be something that needed to be handled carefully. Mercedes was afraid of the outcome or what Sam might do. 'Angry wouldn't probably cover what he would do…' her mind tried to process as it came up with various scenarios ranging from Sam ending up in jail, a fight or murder being the cause. She was disappointed in herself over what had transpired. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd end up in a situation like this. It was something that she would see on TV as a storyplot for those in desperate need to seek fame. Yet here she was being controlled by her now manager and producer, but for what exactly? He hasn't made a pass at her so it couldn't be for sex. Sam didn't like him so maybe it was a masculine thing? So far other than work he's only requested her for dinner dates in the name of business and some upcoming promotional stuff. "It could be worse…" she said quietly to herself. Feeling an arm slide across her waist she knew Sam was awake.
"What could be worse?" he mumbled half awake tugging on her hip.
She tensed up, "Oh I was thinking about finals and such for school," she lied
Sam buried his head into her side, "Mmm hmm, that's nice," he spoke before snoring again
She laughed to herself at his sudden lack of awareness. Her eyes moved around the apartment. As the babies grew their space got tighter and tighter. She was convinced that their apartment was soon going to look like an episode of Hoarders from all the stuff in it. They really needed a bigger place but to get that place they needed more money. She scowled at the idea of how long she could keep this charade up with Travis just so they wouldn't have to struggle. Her thoughts we broken when she felt Sam's hand lazily creep up her shirt and tug on her breast. She looked down at him, 'Even in his sleep he's still horny.' Looking down at his body her eyes became amused at the pitched tent under the blankets. She sat up slowly as his arm dropped down to the bed. Licking her lips she carefully hovered over him until she was straddling him. Sam's body reacted shifting against hers. She smiled devilishly as she braced her small hands against his firm chest. Deciding to wake him up she grinded her heat against his shaft. Her eyes focused on him waiting for a reaction as she paid close attention to his breathing and movements. Suddenly he let out a low moan from her actions. "Sammy," she cooed quietly but all she got was a moan from him. She bent her head down planting kisses on his chest as her body continued its motion. She was wet and all the friction was causing her nipples to harden and become more aroused. Aligning her center with the head she slid down on him arching her back as he filled her. Her breath hitched for a moment as she lay their adjusting to him before slowly rocking her hips. Sam's chest rose and fell as his breathing became labored. Slowly opening his eyes and focusing he was met with a seductive look on Mercedes face. "Hmm?" he mumbled before letting out a groan as he realized what she was doing. His hands connected with her waist guiding her motions a little faster. He thrust up to meet her pace before arching against the bed.
"Good morning," he moaned before biting his lip.
She sat up and started to bounce harder against him. Running her fingers under her night shirt she started to tug on her nipples panting his name. His toes curled as he continued to pound into her heat, his hands moving from her hips top tug on the offensive material on her upper body. Taking the hint she pulled her shirt off and leaned down onto him again. Sam cupped her ass in his hands as they found a rhythm to move too. He leaned up slightly taking a breast into his mouth teasing her nipple with his teeth. Mercedes let out a small cry at her sensitive flesh being bitten. Tangling her hand into Sam's hair she held his head against her chest.
"Sammy…" she breathed, "Harder"
Sam bit a little more as he sucked, "You taste so good baby," he said in between breaths
Releasing her from his mouth he started sucking against her throat before reaching her neck. He dug his fingers into her rounded ass as he pumped harder into her, feeling his release approach slowly. She was close and could feel it building up inside of her as her she rapidly took all of him in her. He slipped his hand in between their bodies finding her peaked clit. He slowly rolled it between his fingers watching the expression on Mercedes face change. Increasing the pressure he watched as her face scrunched up in frustration as he felt her walls start to grip him tighter, "Make me cum," he begged wanting her orgasm to trigger his. She moved against him faster as he continued to play with her nerves. Feeling her release take over she dug her fingers into his chest and slammed her face in the pillow to muffle her cries of his name. As soon as she slammed down on him, her walls pulsating, his eyes rolled back as he shot his load into her. They both clung to each other as they rode out their orgasm. Resting his head back against the pillow he panted heavily before kissing her cheek. Her hair had been all over the place and he was certain his state didn't look any better. Mercedes came up for air before kissing him then laying her head on his chest.
"That was some wake up call," he panted
"Hmmm…it was," she replied
He stretched his arms to reach for the covers before covering their joined bodies, "I could get used to these," he smiled
She giggled, "We'll see," she rolled her head from side to side, "I am going to be so sore in a little bit."
"Sorry," he apologized, "So what's on the agenda for today?"
She lifted her head to meet his gaze with a saddened expression, "I'm sorry… I have to go into the studio for a little bit today."
"Oh"
She bit her lip, "Sam…"
He brought his hand up to the back of her head, "Its ok I'm not mad. I understand its work. Really don't be upset about it," he reassured running his fingers through her hair.
"It's not that it's…" she started resting her chin on his chest before sighing, "What are you doing today?"
His face perked up, "Today is the babies playdate with some of the people I met at the meeting. We finally found a day that worked well for everyone."
She averted her eyes, "Oh… that sounds so great. I'm really sorry Sammy that I haven't gone to a meeting yet," she replied, her voice dripping with sadness.
"I guess we just got bad luck with timing," he stated
"Or something like that"
He looked at her with concern, "Are you ok baby? You look really upset. I know you really wanted to go to the meetings. Believe me I want you there but I understand you're busy."
"It's not that Sam, it's…everything is moving so fast and I feel like I'm missing out on so much…" she started, "Maybe I should give up my dream of being a singer and just focus on school and you guys. Therefore I can be home more and actually be a girlfriend and a mother."
Sam frowned, "But that's your dream baby! It's the whole reason why we're out here is so that this opportunity you have been given will open so many doors for you."
"I feel more like the doors are hitting me on the way out then actually leading somewhere."
"Don't think like that. Everybody has to start from somewhere and they have to struggle to get where they want to be. Just keep at it honey."
"But I don't want to be this mysterious person in our family," she paused, "What if the babies forget what I look like?"
He chuckled, "Honey I don't think they could"
"You don't know that! They see you far more than me. Hell I think Puck might see them more than me."
"Well maybe you can talk to Travis about shortening your hours," he said flatly
She bit her lip, "We talked…and…if I draw this out the longer it's going to take to launch my album," she lied
Mercedes felt like crap. Here she was trying to find some way around telling him and hoping he'd catch on. Instead he was being nothing but supportive and encouraging her to stay in the rut she was now in. Before she could speak another word the soft whimpers of one of her children crying caught their attention. She looked at Sam with an apologetic look as he laughed lightly.
"Looks like we woke Aura up," he said
Frowning to herself she shifted off of him so he could get up. Sam rose from the bed scratching his head as he stretched in front of the window. Her eyes fell on the sight of his ass as he walked away from the bed. When he was out of her field of vision she flopped back against the bed staring up at the ceiling. Mercedes had been lost in thought that she hadn't noticed Sam had returned with their very wide awake daughter. Pulling the covers around herself she sat up and gently touched the cooing baby. Sam bent down and nuzzled his face against Aurora's causing the baby to squeal. She had a very infectious laugh similar to her mother's that could make even the sourest person laugh. Sam pulled the covers over his lap before leaning up against the headboard.
"I love that her personality is showing more and more," he stated marveling at the little girl, "She's all you."
Mercedes shook her head, "Hey mama!" she said in a baby voice, "No she's all you Sammy. Look at her face. That's got Sam Evans written all over it, right down to the hair. She's a funny baby so she completely has your personality."
"I beg to differ, she has attitude. The other day I was being a little lazy at feeding her and she was not thrilled by me. She kept giving me judging faces every time I went to feed her."
"Aww… hey don't mess with her meal time."
He glared at her, "I was sleepy. Daddy was very tired but clearly Aura was not trying to cut him any slack," he spoke looking at her.
Sam leaned over and placed Aurora between them. He had been trying to get her to practice sitting up for longer than a few minutes. She pouted puffing out her chubby cheeks at him as if stating she was once again unenthused by her father's assistance. The now grumpy looking baby sat still staring at him before turning her attention to her mother.
"My big girl!" Mercedes squealed
Aurora was delighted by her mother's excitement that she tried to reach out. Not being able to fully support her body she fell over. Mercedes had to hold back from laughing at how adorable her attempt was. Sam bit his lip trying to contain his own laughter as Aurora started to tear up. "Aww…" he said sympathetically picking her up and patting her back as he cuddled. The piercing sound of her cry made the both of them wince. He rubbed the back of her head, his fingers lightly playing with her curls as her crying turned into small hiccups.
"Poor sweetheart, she was really trying," Sam said
"Yeah, but it was a good try Mama," Mercedes said proudly touching the little girl's hand.
Sam sighed as she calmed down, "She gets so frustrated easily sometimes. Most of the time she's a good trooper about this. I guess she really wanted to impress mommy," he spoke pulling the baby away from him slightly, "Is that what you were doing? Trying to show off the big girl skills you were learning?"
Mercedes frowned, "I don't want her to grow up. Neither of them. They have to stay my babies forever," she confessed
"Honey they have to grow up at some point."
"No. I want them to stay as little and innocent as possible until I'm ready for them to grow up."
Sam smiled, "We can always have more babies in the future for you to smother."
"No. It's not the same Sam," she sighed, "I feel like I'm missing out on things."
"You really haven't missed much baby."
"Oh really?" Mercedes sat up and crossed her arms, "I missed out on the both of them rolling over for the first time. Now they're learning to sit up and possibly walk. I'm missing their first playdate where they make friends. What else is next? Am I going to come home one day and find out they're leaving for college?" she looked away from him as the tears welled up in her eyes.
Sam laid Aurora on the bed before leaning over to pull Mercedes near. The look on her face showed every emotion she was feeling. He knew that she was probably feeling left out because of work and school. 'It must be really hard on her,' his mind said as rubbed her back. He wished sometimes that she wasn't so busy and that she would have more time to spend with them. However it wasn't so. Instead he would spend some nights thinking the world was against them and that all these coincidences were a sign of much worse to come. 'It's silly. This is just life and growing up. You guys couldn't stay kids forever,' he told himself as he looked at her with an exasperated look on his face. She shifted her eyes to make eye contact.
"I'm sorry if I'm over reacting Sammy. I don't mean too… it's just I'm their mother and I don't feel like it sometimes. I have days where I feel like I'm a stranger to them. Then you go on and on about all the amazing things you do with them when I'm not there and I get depressed," she confessed looking back down, "Then I start to think what if you feel like you're in this alone? What's to stop you from taking that feeling and making it a reality? I don't want to lose you or the babies! Sometimes I wonder if I can truly give up my dream of being a singer. It's not that important right? I can do other things…yes, I'm sure I'm just as good at something else as I am at being an entertainer."
Sam sucked in his breath, "Can I talk now?" he asked softly as she nodded to him, "You know as much as anyone that I support whatever it is you want to do. If you really want to stop chasing your dream and trade it in for a family life I'll support. However don't do it because you feel like you'll be making my life easier. Do it because that's what your heart and mind is telling you. As for how I feel…"
She placed her hand over his, "Tell me the truth"
He sighed looking at her warily, "I do sometimes feel like I'm alone because I am. But that's not your fault. You came to LA to do you and live your life. I messed up your plans by being an idiot and forgetting the condom. Under no circumstances do I not love my children. I love them so much but I know us, this," he said motioning around the room, "Is a lot on you and I try very hard to make it less stressful. So yeah that means I have lonely nights with the babies or I'm the one tending too them every chance I get. You need the exposure to succeed and without putting yourself out there at all times it isn't going to magically happen. Things will get better and at the end of the day we will come out of it stronger. I have faith in us. But right now things are tough and it's just only the beginning. If we hang in the towel on every little thing that stands in our way we'll never make it."
She nodded, "But it's not like there's an obstacle standing in the way. This is our family! I get what you're saying but do you really expect me to just march on knowing that the three of you are living a separate life without me? I don't like this at all," she pouted
"Quit the music business then."
She closed her eyes and let her shoulder's sag while taking in his words. Did she really want to do this? Maybe should could find another way around it, 'No Travis said he'd make sure he's run your name in the ground before you even got a chance to step foot in someone's off,' she thought. Hearing a soft whimper caused her to snack her eyes open. Sam went reaching for Aurora who had not been thrilled by the lack of parental attention. Feeling territorial she quickly leaned over blocking him so she could cuddle her daughter closer. She buried her face into Aurora's blonde curls, cradling her head as she stared ahead lost in thought. Sam didn't bother to get an attitude with her reaction. Instead he just watched her trying to figure out what was going on in her head. He stretched his hand over to them and started to play softly with Aurora's chubby arm. The little girl was adorable. In his eyes she was the most beautiful and cutest chubby baby girl he'd ever seen. Long gone are the days when she and her brother could fit in the palm of his hand, hooked up to tubes, struggling to live. Those painful nights when she would make that horrible cry. The heartbreak they both felt having to leave them in the hospital day after day for months on end. She had more of a chance at survival that Isaiah did. Thinking of his son his eyes shifted towards the room. Suddenly feeling panicky Sam convinced himself he was being too quiet for his liking. Pushing the covers aside he got up and stumbled over to the bassinet. He was surprised to find his little boy wide awake and staring up at him, "Come here you. Papa wants some love," he cooed rubbing the baby's belly. To Sam's surprised he actually smiled. "Did you just smile for me?" he asked excitedly. Between him and his sister he was the least expressive Evans baby. While Aurora was full of emotions and personality, Isaiah remained a little stunted in that department. He had read that boys develop slower than girls and him not being an overly happy person could be his personality. That information didn't sit well with neither of them, especially Sam who was a bubbly person, as Mercedes and Aurora. Picking up the baby he planted kisses over his face. Walking back to the bed he stood at the foot of it looking at Mercedes.
"He smiled!" he exclaimed
Mercedes shifted her eyes, "He what?" she asked before looking down at his naked waist. Instinctively she turned Aurora so she was facing the other direction.
"Izzy smiled when I touched him. You know how he never likes to really be bothered or seem like he's interested in what people are doing. He smiled!" Sam rocked happily on the balls of his feet.
She got a sparkly look in her eye, "That's amazing. Oh…oh…this means he's growing more," she said with a shaky voice.
Sam sat down on the bed, "Hey, don't cry," he said softly, "Izzy tell Mama she shouldn't cry. That you smiling is a good thing but that doesn't mean you're growing up without her," he spoke to the baby before extending him out towards Mercedes and wiggling him, "See…he agrees!"
"Oh Sammy…"
He pulled Isaiah back to him, "Baby in honesty if you really want to quit just think it over. You don't have to make a decision right now. It's not like you're on a deadline and this offer will expire if you don't say something. Just take your time with it because it's a really big decision."
She nodded looking at him, "You know what?"
"What?"
"I think I'm gonna stay home today. I really would like to meet these people and be here for the babies playdate. It's more important. Laying down a track can wait."
Sam looked at her surprised, "Are you sure honey?"
She looked him the eyes, "Yes"
The park had been a little crowded today. Considering how nice the weather was every parent must have wanted to take advantage of that. Mercedes decided she was going to wear a sundress for today because it was less professional looking and made her relax more. She and Sam had spent most of the morning making snacks and sandwiches together for their picnic playdate. Sam sat happily on the blanket with Aurora sitting up in between his legs. Reaching for a bottle out of the diaper bag he pulled the little girl back some so she was resting against him as he stuck the bottle in her mouth, angling it as she drank.
"Hola amigo!" he heard a raspy voice say.
Sam looked up and did a short wave, "Hey Emmanuel!"
Emmanuel had his son on his hip will carrying a large bag in his hand. Setting it down on the blanket he put Marcus down who looked like he was ready to take off, "Sientense por favor mijo," he said sternly to the little boy who pouted. Marcus looked around curiously until his eyes landed on Mercedes and Isaiah, "Baby!" he squealed before scooting over to her. Mercedes was taken back by the sudden affections she was receiving from the unknown little boy. Marcus placed his hands on her thigh so he could sit up on his knees and stare at Isaiah who was giving him a blank expression.
"I apologize Miss my son is nosy," Emmanuel said, "Sam where's your manners homes?"
Sam was in such a daze, "I'm sorry," he laughed out, "Mercedes this is Emmanuel and Marcus. This is my Mercedes I've been talking about."
Emmanuel sat down, "Even prettier than the pictures. My little boy is 2 so forgive him. He's a little hyper," he commented before extending his hand.
"It's alright," she laughed accepting his hand, "He's so adorable."
"Thank you. Mijo! No toque el bebe!" he shouted as the little boy retreated from grabbing Isaiah, "He gets excited easily."
"Aww… Marcus? Do you want to hold Isaiah?" she asked
The little boy nodded up in down anxious, "Yes," was all he managed to say.
"Ok you come over here and sit up nice and tall. No slouching comprende?" she said trying to use what little Spanish she remembered from the beginning of High School.
Marcus sat up against her trying to follow her instructions carefully. His father watched him closely nervous that the little boy might accidentally hurt the baby. Mercedes was confident as she gently placed Isaiah in his arms, "Support his head," she said instructing. She placed her hand on the little boys back to give him extra support as he beamed at the baby. Marcus gently patted the little boys head as he continued to squeal with excitement.
"This is so cute," Sam said pulling out his phone to snap a picture.
Emmanuel shook his head, "Ey, now the true blessing would be if he could stay this innocent," he joked.
Sam laughed, "How's your day going?"
"It's going man. You know how it is. My moms' is just happy to be childfree for the day."
"She says it but she loves it I'm sure."
"She does but I'm pretty sure she'd like not having her son and grandson living with her while doing it. LA is expensive man without having to live in the malo areas, ya know?"
Sam nodded, "Yeah, I've been looking because living in a studio apartment with two kids is tight."
"I hear ya," he replied, "So Mercedes I hear you're a singer?"
Mercedes head shot up, "Me? Oh yes!" her voice sounding unaware of the conversation, "Sorry I was lost in thought. Yes I started out as a background singer but then I got offered to be signed to the label I was working at as a solo artist," she replied glancing at Sam briefly.
"That's amazing. So have you met any big named stars yet?"
"Just a few but no one worth getting excited over," she said unenthused.
Sam shook his head, "Oh come on babe it's not everyday you get to work with Alicia Keys or Katy Perry," he beamed
"Really?" Emmanuel asked amused
"Yeah man, it's so awesome! Her manager is also a producer so some of the tracks he's working on she did vocals for," he said with pride, "She's just being humble about it so I'm going to brag about it."
"Sam it's not like you haven't met any celebrities in your work either," Mercedes told.
His back stiffened for a moment, "That's different," he said trying to hide the nervousness in his voice, "Sets and actors are totally different than a singer. Meeting a musician whose music has touched you is more exciting to me. Working with actors can range from headache inducing to just an average person."
"Aren't singer's average people?"
"Yes but I'm not going to lie and say I won't shit a brick if I ever met like…Michael Jackson."
"Michael Jackson died though, sweetie."
"Precisely, but I'd still be excited to meet him!"
"You're so morbid"
"You love me"
"Unfortunately…"
"Is this a private conversation or can I join?" a light voice spoke suddenly.
Everyone had focused on the petite redhead as she stood next to her very brightly pink travel system. Emmanuel stood up, "Alexis!" he shouted before embracing the girl and then turning his attention to the system, "Hello Miss Hayden," he cooed at the baby. Alexis shook her head trying not to blush at his attentiveness towards her daughter. "Let me get that," he said taking the bags from her hand and setting them down.
"So you must be Mercedes," she said staring at the sundress wearing woman.
Mercedes looked startled at her boldness, "That's me and you're Alexis I take it?" she responded in the same tone.
Alexis put her hand on her hip and tapped her foot looking at Sam, "Sammy why didn't you tell me she was so pretty. I swear he is terrible at descriptions. Here I am thinking I'm meeting some average lady and to my surprise you are so adorable!"
Confusion had been written all over her face as she didn't know how to take Alexis's comment so instead she opted to stare at Sam for a moment, "Um…well they say pictures don't do people justice?"
Alexis walked around the blanket to sit near her, "Clearly," she said before reaching out to stroke Mercedes hair, "Your hair is so pretty," she gushed.
"Thank you?" she responded patting the girls hand lightly for her to stop touching her.
Shrugging her shoulders she smiled wildly looking at Sam and then at the babies, "Your children are so gorgeous. Izzy is my favorite. He's all frumpy and grumpy but that makes him even more lovable."
"Sammy, Izzy?" Mercedes asked in a curious tone towards Sam.
He shrugged, "People do call me Sammy and I call Isaiah Izzy."
"Do they really?"
Alexis could sense some tension and waved her hand in the air, "I'm sorry I'm a little more affectionate than most. It's a term of endearment."
Emmanuel had finally stopped fussing with Alexis's things before he sat down with the Hayden's carrier, "Look who's here to join the party!" he said
Mercedes' thoughts were broken at the sight of the redheaded baby, "Aww! I love her hair color!"
"Not too many natural gingers. I'm hoping she keeps the red and it doesn't turn blonde when she gets older," Alexis said
"Not too many natural blondes either," Sam joked causing everyone to laugh.
Alexis smiled, "I know! I'm still in awe that Aura's so blonde herself," she said sweetly petting the baby's head as she cooed at the younger girl.
Mercedes narrowed her eyes but quickly met Sam's stare, "So Alexis how old is your baby?" she asked putting on a fake smile.
"Oh! Hayden is only 2 months, almost 3."
"Aww she's a newborn that's so sweet. I remember when the twins were just born."
"Yeah I heard, I'm sorry you guys had a tough time."
"We pulled through"
"I see! Sammy here is a trooper. Him and Em are a riot at the meetings."
Mercedes glanced at him, "Is that so?"
"Oh yes. They're the only boys, well beside August but we don't count him because he's creepy," she explained scrunching up her face, "So these two are awesome. Dominique's usually riding Sammy's ass every chance she gets. I swear that girl has it in for you."
Sam laughed, "Whatever, she doesn't run my life. I appreciate her input from a black woman's perspective but it's really not needed unless I ask."
"Domonique?" Mercedes asked
Alexis lightly slapped her shoulder, "Oh that's right you have yet to attend a meeting so you don't who we're talking about."
Mercedes frowned looking out into the park, "I'm sorry about that."
Sam could sense her uneasiness, "Ally, how's school going?"
"Ugh! Oh my god! My teacher is such a bore. I'm still trying to get caught up after having Hayden."
"She's still in High School," Sam explained looking at Mercedes worriedly, "So my baby's working on her first album. She's been laying down tracks and in the studio most of the time. It's going to be amazing!" he smiled
Emmanuel handed Mercedes a plate, "New fan right here," he said
Mercedes blushed, "Oh you're too kind Emmanuel."
"Can you sing for us?" Alexis asked with sparkling eyes.
Mercedes looked around from everyone, "Oh I don't know…"
"Oh come on babe, just a small sample on what you've been working on?"
"Ok…"
Mercedes set down her plate and smoothed her dress nervously. All eyes were focused on her and suddenly she got the case of butterflies. Sam sat across from her smiling with confidence for her. "This is a song that I currently working on. I co-wrote this with my producer," she said. She closed her eyes for a moment building up the tune in her head. Humming to warm up her voice she opened her eyes to her awaiting audience.
So much to believe in
We were lost in time
Everything I needed
I feel in your eyes
Always thought of keeping
Your heart next to mine
But now that seems so far away
Don't know how love could leave
Without a trace
Where do silent hearts go?
As she continued to sing Sam started to feel something in his chest, 'When did she write this?' he wondered listening to the words carefully. Was she singing about him or was it just a general song? He couldn't quite pinpoint the inspiration behind it but in his gut he felt the song was about him. Shifting his eyes back and forth between Alexis and Emmanuel he looked at Mercedes as he bit his lip.
Where does my heart beat now
Where is the sound
That only echoes through the night
Where does my heart beat now
I can't live without
Without feeling it inside
Where do all the lonely hearts go…
When she finished everyone had been clapping with excitement, including on looking people in the park. She blushed at the attention she was receiving. A sudden rush of anxiety hit her when she saw the flustered look on Sam's face.
"Your voice is so beautiful," Alexis beamed
"That was muy bonita Mercedes," Emmanuel said
Sam nodded, "It was a beautiful song baby," he said quietly
She smiled, "Thanks, I um…wrote the song over a year ago when I first moved out here," she confessed making eye contact with Sam.
His shoulders slumped with relief, "Is it going to be your first release?"
"No I don't think so. I think we're going for a more uptempo song as the first release."
Alexis squealed before resting her head on Mercedes shoulder for a second, "Whatever you choose I'm sure it's going to sound great and be number one on itunes."
Mercedes glanced down at the girl with a soft expression, "One can only hope."
"So this means you're going to be on all the award shows and MTV right?" she asked
"You are a very excitedable person aren't you?" Mercedes asked
Alexis shrugged, "Eh, life's too short to be angry all the time. YOLO!" she shouted before everyone groaned, "Haters."
The group laughed as they went about the rest of the picnic. Sam was happy that everyone had taken to Mercedes well and everyone was getting along. He at one point ended up getting spit up on him from Isaiah who decided he was going to try and eat more than he was capable of. Emmanuel spent most of the time on and off staring at Alexis that everyone had taken notice to but Alexis herself. She was too busy trying to talk Mercedes head off and make her her best friend by the end of the day. Mercedes had seemed to be warming up to the younger girl for the most part but was still wary of her behavior and suspicious of her intentions. Then again anything concerning Sam being around another woman didn't sit well with her because of their history. She made a mental note to pay more attention to Alexis before she cleared her in her books. Marcus stole everyone's hearts by trying to imitate Mercedes singing abilities with his undeveloped skills. Sam took the opportunity to record him trying to serenade her with his made up words and incoherent sentences.
As the sun started the set the group declared it a day and started to pack up. Mercedes was happy that she came to this event with Sam. She felt like it was a big family boost for them and it had made her feel a little better about their earlier conversation. Grabbing the twin's diaper bag she felt it vibrated. Lifting up pouches and searching she finally found her phone. She had 6 missed calls and 3 voicemails. Activating her voicemail she tucked her arm under the other as she listened to the directory before hearing her mail.
'Message 1 sent today at 12pm…Mercedes? Where are you? What's this about you not coming in today? …end of message. Message deleted! Second message sent today at 1:58pm …Ms. Jones this is very unprofessional of you to not return my calls. We have an agreement and part of that is you are here when I say- message deleted! …Third message sent today at 4:34pm …Now you've pissed me off Mercedes. Obviously whatever you are doing you feel is better than your career! Don't bother coming in for the rest of the week. I'll see you in the studio on Monday sweetheart. Enjoy your time off…message deleted! You have no new messages.'
"Where Does My Heart Beat Now" by Celine Dion.
