Chapter 29: I Did it My Way
(I'm apologizing right now for the length)
MERCEDES
Mercedes was getting fussed at by everyone. From Momma E saying she thought we were getting married at Lilly Roads and from there she was being selfish [again] and taking advantage of sweet innocent Sammy. Her entire face was contorted as she thought (who da fuck she talkin about)
"Momma are we still talking about the 30 something year old Sam, or Sammy in that picture over there asked Mercedes?"
"Don't patronize me this is serious all his family should be able to come to his wedding."
"They won't fit Mercy said lowly."
"Momma E said which is why having the wedding here would be better. Well, I can see there's nothing I can say to change your mind. I'm just so disappointed in you over this. At least give it some thought."
Mercedes began to push and pull up from the table. Momma came around to hug her and kiss her usually on the cheek or forehead but for the first time Mercedes pulled away.
"I will let Sam know we had brunch um, and I'm sure he'll call. Have a good morning said Mercy."
"Then her mom and dad came at her with Mercedes this just doesn't even sound like you said her mom."
"Mercedes said who does it sound like?"
"Her dad said we understand that some family members have not painted us in the best light to everyone but asking you to leave out Nanna and your uncles and cousins said her mom."
"Mercedes put up her hand and said wait, you think Sam put me up to this?"
"They both said yes, I mean that's the only way an idea like this would spring up that we could even begin to figure out."
"Oh, I see said Mercedes. Is it that you two believe I'm too stupid to think for myself or the mere thought of me not doing what you want is incomprehensible?"
"Mercedes watch yourself. No need to use tone with us said Mrs. Jones. It's just we know it isn't a money factor."
"Mercedes sighed saying, no money has nothing to do with it. I think I should leave."
"What, where are you going asked her father?"
"Mercedes we are still discussing this said her mom?"
"I have another appointment to go to, which wasn't a lie, I'll just get an early start. Oh Mercy said opening the door the idea is mine. None of it was Sam, not this part anyway. She closed the door behind her. She inhaled long the cool air before releasing, woo sah said Mercedes.
She heard her phone ringing Sam's ringtone, Hey baby she answered getting in the car.
"Hey darlin you don't sound so good asked Sam?"
"Yeah, well I'm not it's just wedding stuff. I'll be fine. How are you asked Mercedes changing the subject or trying to?
"Sam replied, I'm ok, worried about you."
"I'll be alright babe she said."
"Sam said maybe we should just go along with having it at LR. I mean, they kind of have a point about inviting family, don't you think darlin?" Wow Mercedes felt that punch in the gut.
"Hungh said Mercedes I don't even know anymore. Let's talk sighing again more about it later tonight. I need to go ahead and meet the girls. Again not a lie just not entirely true."
"I thought you are meeting with them at 12:00, ok darlin, I love you, you know that right?"
"She didn't respond to the first question. Yes of course, love you too. Bye, bye." Sam knew he messed up saying that and further more since when don't they say "I" love you, not love you. He told himself he was being petty and silly.
Mercedes was feeling frustrated and hurt, disappointed in Sam not standing up for them. She was angry with all the parents and she was having trouble thinking. She didn't have far to drive which was great she was feeling tight like the babies were balled up and it was hurting. "Hey you two she said, I'm sorry mommy will calm down then you can relax ok?" She rubbed her babies and then as she was in the habit of literally picking up her stomach to relieve pressure she pulled up on her stomach. These days she would do anything for relief. Sam was usually around to massage her. She took several deep breaths and got out the car.
She smiled her best but it was tight and fake. "Hi ladies, man it is so good to see you all. After greeting one another they sat down to order. Mercedes couldn't decide so she ordered last. She really wasn't hungry but tried for the babies.
"Mercy said Tina, do you want to talk about it?" Mercedes softly smiled at her bestie.
"It will blow over, it's nothing really just our families don't agree with our decision of where to get married. Mommy and Daddy think Sam put me up to it because he's supposed to be ashamed of our family."
They looked confused saying what and shaking their heads. "Momma E is disappointed in me for not getting married at Lilly Roads but her Sammy had no input at all according to her. I don't know."
The table was quiet.
"What asked Mercedes?"
"Well said Quinn, maybe you should wait til next year."
"Yeah, Britney chimed in and shook her head in agreement plus said Santana you'll be back to your regular size and can wear whatever you want."
"Tina said, Mercedes you know I'll support you either way, but I just think there is something you aren't talking about that's got you in this state."
Mercedes was quiet for a minute. She was thinking her face gave that away. "Ok, said Mercedes what state is that?"
"Tina said, it's like you are giving up who you worked so hard to be for years. You have put yourself in a 'SAMCEDES' square from all of the world and the decisions you are making are sounding so completely different from your usual ones."
"Funny. Mercedes said dryly, that's what my parents said. Is that the consensus of the table?"
Everyone agreed uncomfortably.
"Taking a deep breath ok, well I really don't know how, she was a little dizzy. She grabbed her water and unbuttoned the top button to her shirt, was it hot in there? Let me think about it, and let you know. Oh wow, is that the time? I just need to pick up, to pick up something for Sam."
That was a lie. They all stood up and hugged goodbye. With that Mercedes was out. As she walked she really thought hard about the why. She didn't see or hear the children yelling at her to watch out, or the car speeding towards her, her mind was on everyone else, not paying attention, she stepped into the street headed for her car but she didn't make it. She was hit by a speeding car. None of the girls saw what happened, they were discussing whether or not they did the right thing.
The force from when the young man in that car hit Mercedes was so hard she flew up and landed hitting her head, blood immediately made a path down the street like a road map. The girls were just walking out when one saw Mercedes car still there.
"Britney walked towards the small crowd gathering and saw Mercedes purse on the ground. "She called out to the others hey, guys, I think it's Mercedes!"
"Oh God no, covering her mouth gasped Quinn."
"Tina was stuck at OMG!"
Santana said nothing but held a crying Britney.
The ambulance arrived and EMS lifted an 8th month very pregnant, blood soaked, Mercedes Jones.
"Wait! Yelled Quinn she's my family, I'm going with her. Quinn said, Tina, call Sam now tell him to get to the hospital!"
"Tina called Sam from Mercedes phone."SAM
"Sam answered, Hey darlin you headed back?"
"Sam… Sam it's Mer.. tried Tina, crying uncontrollably."
Sam was screaming "What happened Tina?!"
"When Santana came on the line and calmly said Sam, this is Santana. You need to get to Providence right now, Mercedes was hit by a speeding car walking to her car, and she's unconscious." Sam was already in his car. Driving like a maniac until he nearly had a collision. As he felt his heart race he slammed on the breaks. After that he drove slower or at least more vigilant.
Sam arrived at the hospital to see Quinn walking towards him. "What the hell happened asked Sam?"
"We weren't there but from what we were told Quinn answered, she was walking to her car and a young man collided with her in his car head on."
"What said Sam, walking? Why don't you know, she was meeting you, all of you?"
"Yes and we did, Sam listen she hit her head pretty hard."
"The babies Sam said"
"Quinn replied, they are checking on them now."
"We just have to wait, said Quinn"
One hour later the Jones', all the girls, Momma E. and Sam were waiting together.
"Well, its good we were all in town for the wedding said Britney to no one."
"The Dr. finally came from behind the double doors. He asked who is here for Ms Jones?"
Everyone said we are,
"Yes I'm Dr. Mackay who is Mercedes immediate family?"
"We are, we're her parents said the Jones', and I'm her fiancé, said Sam this is my mom."
"The Doctor explained Mercedes suffered a traumatic brain injury, what they all started asking? A concussion grade 3, he went on when she landed on the ground at the angle she hit her head some strain was put on her neck. Of course her right side will be bruised but the majority of the fall landed on her posterior and that is the easy part to explain. There are too many factors to speculate that could happen because of this, so I won't. Has she complained of dizziness, pain in her abdomen? Right about here he pointed to himself showing where? "Sam said, yes the dizziness happens first thing in the morning if I don't give her, her morning shake before she stands, I've noticed. So I try to get up before her, he was scared and rambling."
"Is this her first pregnancy?"
"Yes they all said."
"Does anyone have a history of preeclampsia in your family?" "No said the Jones'."
"I'll need her obstetrician if you haven't called them please do. The doctor started to leave then asked has Mercedes ever been diagnosed with hypertension?"
Everyone looked at each other. "The doctor said, I see. Look I don't want to give false hope. I am going to suggest taking the babies to her obstetrician but I would like a little more information about her first. As I said, she's unconscious right now. We don't know if she will progress to a coma. The women gasped." Sam was stone faced something was off to him, Mercedes always looks before stepping off the curb. The doctor was white noise right now to Sam. His baby is unconscious, they may perform a C-section on the twins. "When Sam came back the doctor was saying Mercedes and the babies will be in the hospital for the rest of her pregnancy, she is now considered a high risk. Either there or wherever the regular doctor suggests. The doctor looked at Sam and said I will do my best, son. Do you understand?"
Sam shook his head but didn't trust speaking right now.
"If you have questions he pulled out his card and gave it to Sam, you can call and I will return your call." Sam nodded. When the doctor left he headed straight to Tina.
"Tina, can I speak with you Sam asked?"
Tina was still tearing but she could speak and be understood.
Santana knew of Sam's temper and not that he would hit a woman, but come on when it came to Mercedes anyone was at risk. "So she said I'm coming too."
Sam shook his head ok.
They walked to a lobby that had a door and some chairs and tables. Sam went in right away.
"Tell me what happened from the time she arrived to the last second of her departure. Please? All of a sudden he remembered his manners. "
"Tina said, she was upset when she arrived so I asked her to talk about it. Santana shook her head agreeing."
"What, what was she upset about Sam asked, but had a feeling he knew already?"
"Tina was searching for a way to say the next part. Santana spoke up. "Sounded like everyone is against her getting married in your home, including you."
"Sam said what?" Frowning he shook his head, now wait a minute I am NOT against it, I just said maybe we should just marry at LR to stop all the fussing, to keep the peace."
"Tina said, well she was disappointed at whatever it was you said."
"Santana looked at Tina with a side eye, we aren't exempt from that Tina, Santana quipped."
"I know, I mean as her trusted friends and sisters we let her down too. Collectively, because of our own selfish feelings about HER wedding. When all she's ever said was "I just want Sam."
Sam felt a smack across his face, oh no, those were words of truth stinging his cheeks.
So the three of them sat feeling guilty but Sam pushed on.
"Then what happened he asked?"
"Santana said, she made an excuse about picking up something for you, or picking up you and left. We didn't follow her. Shit, Santana was getting emotional".
"Ok, did she say what exactly our parents said?"
"Ugh yeah, said Tina sniffing. The Jones' were blaming you for putting such an idea in her head because of your shame for their family." Sam's eyes shot open in bewilderment.
"Santana continued and YOUR Momma told her she was disappointed in her, Oh and selfish for doing this to YOU again. She put all the blame on Mercy the way she explained it."
"Tina said, yeah but even after hearing all that we just poured it on. We suggested she move the wedding back a year. I, I asked if there was a reason she was acting differently, making decisions different from her usual ways. I think, I hurt her most said Tina."
"No Sam said, I did. I was supposed to be on her side and stand up for us. I was supposed to fight for us. I didn't do that with my mom, and that probably really hurt her more than anything anyone else said. I'm saying that none of what was said should have been thrown at her, by herself. I should have been by her side for each and every meeting. But everyone requested to meet with her, alone. So, we had no way of knowing. Now she's literally fighting for her and the twins lives.
"Fuuuuuck! Sam pulled at his hair before laying back on the chair and wiping his face with both hands. Ok, if that's everything. Thanks for telling me."
"Sam, said Tina, I don't think it was planned to happen like that."
"Sam said, does it matter and Sam walked out the room leaving them sitting at the table staring at nothing."
When he returned to the lobby everyone was seated different places, everywhere. Mike had arrived and Joe, he waved. Joe led everyone who wanted in prayer. Then made his way over to Quinn and held her while she cried.
Sam's mind was on a constant replay of Mercedes saying "I just want you Sam. Just you."
He wouldn't let himself cry, he knew he'd never stop. Dr. Peggy Scurry came walking down the hall. He'd know her short stature anywhere.
"Sam, she said opening her arms for a hug. She was the same height as Mercy, but she wasn't Mercy. He allowed her hug and hugged her back. How are you holding up?"
"Not very well doc, said Sam."
"Well, said the doctor I need you to pull it together son, you have two no three you are responsible for now, can we count on you?"
"Sam said, yes in a whisper"
"Dr Scurry said, I am going to move her to the Women's Hospital across the street. She will be under my watch 24/7. The babies are not in danger. From what I can tell Mercedes is just not conscious, sleeping."
"Sam asked will I be able to stay, with her?"
"Dr Scurry smiled, well considering you two are such high profile patients it may be best. Less chance of unwanted press. I will start the paperwork. No babies today, she said walking off."
"Hi Tina she waved as the Changs approached her."
"Who was that asked Momma E coming to sit beside him?" "That's Doctor Scurry, they are about to move Mercy across the street. She is sleeping, just not conscious. He moved away from her. She let him go knowing him as she did. He would talk later.
Sam was just waiting now for someone to come get him a nurse or something, he didn't know."
JOE and Sam
Joe walked up beside him.
"Hey man said Joe."
"Hey bud, said Sam, I am scared shitless, Joe. I, sorry man, I need to be strong now you know, for Mercy, for the babies. I just don't want to, you know break down. Not right now."
"Joe understood, is everything ok though, with you and the parents and the girls?"
"Sam said, honestly all of us have a part to play in Mercedes being upset today. So upset that she was preoccupied stepping off the curb. It's all of our fault. He shook his head. I may say the wrong thing. It's best if I say nothing right now."
"Joe said, well its ok if you let that go right now you know and come together. You need them right now Sam. All of you are feeling guilty about a freak accident. Your words did not push Mercedes in front of that young man's car. As I understand it, he had a seizure while driving."
Sam shook his head.
"None of you have any idea of what she was or was not thinking. Being mad at yourself and the world is not going to heal Mercedes any sooner. You may be angry. You may hate what they did, or what you did. But the simple fact is, you need each other. You are a family. All of you. Maybe, just maybe when all of you let go of guilt and allow love in, you will see your prayers have been answered. But why answer prayers if you're only going to go back to thinking with your emotions. Let it go, and learn from this. He looked around at everyone. All of you, and grow. It's never been a better time to surrender all, I always say. Let the one who knows all handle that which you cannot."
He hugged Sam and told him he would be around if he wanted to talk or needed him. When they let go they saw they had an audience. Sam looked around the room and understood that Joe's words were heard by all, and he was right.
An RN came to get Sam and take him to the [Women's Center] not hospital he thought and showed him where they would be bringing Mercedes. Now that Sam knew Mercedes was not in a critical state he was less anxious. But he wouldn't be right until his family was out of there and back at home. Sam was impressed with the Center's accommodations. You wouldn't know it was a hospital if not for the rails on the bed. But the bed was big enough like a queen sized bed. There was a nice sized t.v. a refrigerator, a kitchen area. There was what looked like a section to weigh babies, medical supplies and things that looked medically to him that he did not know. A sense of calm came over him.
MERCEDES
Mercedes was dreaming of kissing Mike. The kiss was sensual, she sucked his bottom lip, she felt comfortable but something was wrong. She dreamed of Tina in a room carrying a child a toddler, but talking the child was talking to Tina. She saw bugs hiding and felt yucky. She dreamed of kissing Mike twice. Mercedes head hurt. She relaxed into her dream state again.
SAM
Sam had spent the night but didn't really rest. Mercedes didn't say anything but she was moving a lot. He kept watching her, all night.
MERCEDES
Mercedes saw Mike again. This time they were having sex. She knew he was married but knew him before he got married. Mike didn't care, but didn't want his wife to know. Mercedes was confused by this.
Mercedes was watching a play about a preacher speaking up for a very young and handsome Sam wearing a fake military uniform. Everyone was wearing something weird and outrageous. Leopard print stuck out the most. The woman had family that filled the row and, she didn't know… her head hurt. Mercedes heard the preacher say something in Sam's defense.
Her head hurt again. She relaxed into sleep.
Mercedes saw Tina walking around holding the child feeding it crackers but they kept falling on the ground so Mercedes had to pick up the fallen pieces. She relaxed into her sleep. Mercedes just felt a sense of time pass, a long time or a while ago.
Mercedes dreamed of junk food, candy and chips. She and the girls were going to the movies. Mercedes didn't want to leave two people out.
Her mom was not in the group she left but then two strange men were waiting. Mercedes head hurt.
SAM
"Sam was on Mercedes watch again. He told the Dr. About how Mercedes has basically trained her body to sleep for weeks at a time after pushing herself on these world tours and concerts over a seven year span. He asked if it was possible for her to also do this when overwhelmed. She told him she would look into it. They talked more about Mercedes behavior during that time and if he noticed differences. The biggest difference was that she wasn't talking but moving from side to side like a rocking rhythm but slowly. She was also frowning and making noises like she was in pain. He noticed the babies would start kicking until she rocked them back to being calm. He videotaped her this time to show her. She didn't stay unconscious for long.
On the night of the third day Mercedes started coughing and asking for water. The one thing that remained the same was when she reached for Sam and called for him he was there. It was in that moment that Sam could finally breathe. After giving her the water and calling the doc, after the nurse took her vitals and their families and friends were called, after everything that happened was explained thoroughly to him and Mercedes, Sam held his lady and cried.
MERCEDES
"Aww Sammy, I'm ok. I'm alright. We are alright, see she was pointing to the monitor of the cardiotocography or CTG. Which monitored the babies' heartbeat and let them know if she was contracting and she was not. Plus they were monitoring her heartbeat. It didn't matter to Sam and she knew she would be the same way had the situation been reversed. So she softly sang their song and rubbed her fingers through his hair til he calmed."
"Then she asked, what's a girl gotta do to get some eats around here? In her best Groucho Marx voice and Sam was floored with laughter. But seriously babe we hungry."
"Sam called the nurse who came up with a tray of food for both of them. Mercedes said uuuww and clapped her hands as she came." Sam kissed her forehead chuckling at her antics. While they ate Mercedes told Sam about her dreams.
"He asked what she thought they meant she said, "I think I am the people in my dreams acting things out in my life or someone else's close to me or sometimes there really is a message and sometimes I'm not going to know. I do think I was wrong about Shana. I think the message was for me. The time that Tye referred to was my time with he who must not be named and this time in my life."
"I think you should know I've been paying for Shana's medical care. Mercedes lowered her shoulders slightly preparing for the response but Sam just asked why?"
"I feel oddly connected to her. I feel like I sort of understand her. Even if SHE may have had ill intentions toward us. I am not upset, she still gave up her only relative so that my family would have justice. I don't expect her to miraculously get better. But her last days can be comfortable said Mercedes."
"Sam said ok, well he breathed a sigh, I have been helping Joe to rehabilitate her brother Shawn. I have known the entire time. I wasn't sure how you would feel or any of your family but I met him. He's really just a naïve boy, trying to be a man. With the right direction and guidance I think he will make better choices said Sam are you upset he asked?"
"No, I have peace about what happened now. What about Kitty she asked?"
"Sam said, I haven't had anything to do with her sentencing or anything but I do know she was offered a similar program like Shawn's said Sam."
"What asked Mercedes, 2 years penitentiary then rehabilitation?"
"Yes said Sam, I believe so. I can check with Joe for certainty. Also, Sam went on, Holly is going to have to serve time."
"WHAT asked a surprised Mercedes, why?"
"Sam said apparently she had a past that involved embezzling big funds and was some kind of female killer, Sam shook his head at Mercedes wide stretched eyes and open mouth but proceeded. Yeah he laughed humorously and scratched his scalp, and Momma knew about it. Yup he said again, he cleared his throat anyway, her father was incarcerated at the same time as you know he pointed his head forward and Mercedes shook her head. Well, Holly's dad was abusive to her and her sister. The mother tried to get away and take the girls but he found them and took Holly and her sister. Mercy, the man sold his own daughter."
"Mercedes gasped covering her mouth. No… she whispered."
"Sam responded yeah, but he took Holly and trained her. When Holly was old enough she escaped and that's where my parents come in. They were called by a friend at Social Services and adopted her into the LR community. Now all these years later her father tells asswipe about her past. He threatened to go public if she didn't release the video."
"Mercedes said, son of a bitch."
"Yeah Sam agreed but Momma thinks Holly injected the Aids virus into him and her father."
"Mercedes said wow frowning. I don't know whether to be thankful or afraid."
"Sam said, let's go with thankful besides the cops couldn't pin it on her. So they are making her serve 5 years. Fabray her attorney says she can get her out within two and probably community service which she can fulfill at LR."
"Mercedes said I thought my family was bad."
"Sam asked what do you mean?"
"Mercedes lowered her eyes not knowing how Sam would take what she was going to say. Mommy said she believes daddy had "you know who" jumped inside."
"Sam said I can see it."
"Mercedes looked shocked and confused. She said daddy came home with a weapon, and was intent on using it on the backasswords in Ohio, but a mysterious disappearance befell certain community leaders that rallied and harassed my parents. One was found in a burned up car on the side of the road. One has yet to be found."
"Sam looked white(er) in the face. When he didn't speak she touched his arm, Sam she chuckled you ok?"
"Sam snapped back and said yeah, I often wonder what lengths a man will go to, to protect his family. I think it scares me that I would see no wrong in that. What does that say about me?"
"Mercedes said nothing baby. It's a thin line between sanity and insanity. I think these are prime examples of temporary insanity. Don't you?"
"Sam blew out a breath, yeah."
"I know I shouldn't be but I'm tired. What time is it she asked?"
"It's like 3:00 in the morning and you are very pregnant, I know you must be sore, maybe close your eyes and relax for few hours. We both can he said."
"Mercy? Said Sam"
"Yeah huhn she answered. Looking at him she said come on, we can cuddle until the dawn."
MERCEDES and SAM with the Group
After waking up later that morning Mercedes was ready for battle. She called an emergency meeting with everyone, including Mike.
Once everyone arrived she began.
"My reasons for wanting a small private wedding. It's really what I want. A big wedding is overwhelming me, I realize that now. I don't want a wedding thrown for me that would be your weddings or what you think I should have or deserve. I don't want someone else to plan my wedding. I just want Sam. I realized something too. I won't argue about this either, if what I want is too difficult and you can't wrap your head around it, you don't have to come. We want you to. But obviously this is just too much for me to handle. She said pointing around the hospital room. A few if them lowered their heads in guilt. I didn't say that to guilt you. I want to help you understand."
"To our parents I know for me, I won't speak for Sam but for me, something is changing me. Not just physically but I see things from a mothers perspective or from Sam's view point. My mind is preparing for the next chapter in our lives. I know this is going to be a time of transition but for me I won't be running to you all anymore. I am ready to rely completely on Sam and to meet him with whatever he has to give."
She looked in Sam's eyes and sang the first line of a Tony, Tony, Tony song from …. "Just me and you" Sam came in with the next line "ooh baby" and laughed at Mercedes screaming Yes! Like he just gave her the best orgasm of her life. Composing themselves Mercedes said sorry, but you understand right?"
The parents looked a bit stunned. The friends all said yes in agreement and SAMCEDES thanked them for their support. "Ok, said Mercedes but was interrupted by Momma E.
"I understand your feelings Mercedes but are these really Sam's feelings or are you just going a long to get a long? Sam raised an eyebrow and pulled Mercedes and the babies closer. He could feel her body tightening. And everyone could hear the heart monitor. He began rubbing her stomach on autopilot. This did not go unnoticed by everyone else in the room.
"Sam said, of course I'm going a long with my wife to be and the mother of my children. I want her happy, that makes me happy Momma. I thought we went through this back home?"
Sam through look to Stevie who caught it in return. Stephanie was covering her face. Sam looked back to his mother who just charged forth with "what is it YOU want Sammy for YOUR wedding day?"
"Sam blurted out I want to marry her right here, right now! He was rising and didn't know it. As he walked forward he continued to say, I want Mercedes to be mine in every way, shape form or fashion. He pointed back toward Mercedes. She is my soul mate. Her love gives me life. I WILL choose her over you Momma. Don't make me do it. And don't ever question my wife on what is best for us. That goes for all of you Sam said angry now, looking around the room."
Momma E was stubborn and argumentative. Sam turned in a face and walked back to Mercedes.
"Sam got on one knee and said Mercedes, I was wrong. I now want to marry you IN the hospital, today if you'll have me?"
"Mercedes was tearing up but she managed a yes. She was crying because he got it. He really understood what she meant. He just wanted her, just like she just wanted him. They kissed sweetly while clapping came from both sides of the room. It would seem everyone understood except Momma E.
"She turned towards the door saying "Well if that don't beat all, I don't know what does." And walked out. Stevie and Stacey hot on her heels.
"It was Joe that spoke up "So we are having a wedding here today?"
Sam and Mercedes were lost in each others eyes having a private conversation about what just happened.
Some would say Sam just became a man. When things died down Mercedes continued.
"I hate to spoil the mood but I need to explain something to you all, please. Then I will let you go so you can change for my wedding, she grabbed her cheeks and squealed Eee! Um, Mike if you could stay behind please, I need to talk to you."
"Alright, I realized something else recently. Something that's bothered me since that whole video debacle. She took a deep breath. I stayed in that horrible relationship because the things that were happening to me were not normal things I was used to. I was shocked and tried to make the terrible things make sense by giving those things a place. It was me not accepting what happened but finding a way to blame myself, and by saying I chose to stay it put blame on me for the horrible things. But I now know that I did not choose any form of abuse. I did not sign up for what that relationship ultimately ended up becoming. I just needed to say that."
"Mrs. Jones said, baby you don't owe any of us an explanation. None of us think any less of you. She kissed her daughter and one by one everyone came to hug and congratulate them."
"I don't have anything else for the group babe maybe you do?"
"Sam said no, did you need me to be here with you for Mike?"
"Mercedes answered, no, I think I've got it. She looked at Mike. Yeah, we'll be fine. Alright Sam kissed her then said men, I guess we need to go get ready. He clapped his hands."
MERCEDES and MIKE
"Hey Mike can you come sit over here please? They had Mercedes on a light bed rest, but they kept saying she was alright.
"Sure Mercedes, what's going on he asked?"
"I won't bs you Mike, I ask that you do the same. I know you are having an affair. I do not know with whom but it is someone you have known for years and Tina knows her too. Maybe not as long as you. Mike looked confused, then tried to deny at first. Mercedes said Mike I know that she sucks your bottom lip and pulls it and that drives you wild. I KNOW you slept with her. I might even know how many times."
"Finally, Mike asked in shame, how did you know?"
"Mercedes responded I dreamed it Mike. Believe it or not. When I awoke I was certain of several things. I have such clarity. I wanted to meet with you before Tina."
"Mike panicked you, you're not going to tell her are you?"
"Mercedes said no, you are. I just need to know if she is pregnant or the other woman. I will know that when I look in her eyes."
Mike's head was spinning. He was utterly blown. He thought he'd been so careful.
"Mercedes said, Mike, I know you don't want to lose Tina. I could also see that. You need to work this out Mike. I am not angry with you (yet) because I have not witnessed my sister in pain and we have not talked. But if you're wondering when it's coming I can only say, be vigilant." Mike Kissed Mercedes forehead and walked out. He was not happy he was angry with his selfishness and the fact that he wasn't ready to end the affair. He KNEW he was wrong. They both did.
Mercedes and Tina
As Mike walked out Mercedes saw Tina on the other side of the door. Watching the two she understood another part of her dream, Mike didn't want to stop. Mercedes was conflicted. She hated this for Tina. She didn't deserve this. Nobody does. Tina came in breaking her train of thought.
"Hi baby come here and hug me."
As Tina walked closer Mercedes looked for signs, "Dammit my pregnancy radar is off."
"How are you, Mercy asked her old friend?"
"Tina said I'm ok, I've been kind of sick but it's not serious. Just probably stress. There's so much going on you know. Tina wouldn't look in Mercedes eyes."
Ok Mercedes said, she does know and it is her that's pregnant. "Tina asked timidly what did, what did you and Mike talk about?"
"Mercedes said several things sweetie, like the fact that you might be pregnant, and just you know, get your house in order stuff said Mercedes."
"Tina looked at her surprised. How, um… she looked away."
"Tina, you and I are soul sisters. Mercedes held out her hand. "She said when something this important is going down, I'm gonna find out. She chuckled"
"Tina said, surprisingly I haven't been my crybaby self. Mercedes I want to hate him, I do. But I can't. The heart wants what it wants."
"Mercedes listened then said, yeah I know how you feel, literally she thought."
"Tina, said well one way or another time will tell what happens next. Now, Tina said a bit more cheery"
"Its wedding time"
"Yay said Mercedes! Are you ready for the girls? Yes said Mercedes. Let them in.
MERCEDES
(Doing it her way)
When Tina opened the door every one came in and grabbed a piece of her. Someone had hair nails, feet. There was the order to Stand Up, ok sit back down. "Is she supposed to be standing Mercy tried to answer but someone somewhere said only for short periods." Then someone pulled her hair too hard "Ow, heey… precious cargo over here." "Sorry Ms. Jones."
"Mercedes took a breath woo saaah."
SAM
"Wow, dude that came out of nowhere, said Blaine."
"Joe responded actually no, he's been trying to get me here since last month. I've come prepared."
"Mr. Jones asked, Sam that was some speech you gave, are you nervous?"
"Not to get married to Mercy, but for it to all be over with. I mean the ceremony. Not the marriage"
Sam looked over at Mike and hit his shoulder as if to say, people mess up, but it's ok. Mike nodded in return.
"Well what do we need for this surprise wedding?"
"Sam side eyed Blain, we need flameless candles, our suits, and shoes."
"I'm forgetting something said Sam."
"The RING! All the men yelled."
They reached their vehicles and agreed to meet at Sam and Mercedes place in 2hours. That should give you time for fresh cuts, get Fresh get your suits and be back here.
MERCEDES
Back in Mercedes room Britney and Stephanie were decorating with flowers, a wedding runner, they had fold up white chairs, wedding streamers. "Mercedes said where did you get this from so fast?"
"Quinn said did you forget we were going to do this at your new home."
"Oh, said Mercedes head injury. She had assumed they weren't doing it that way." She underestimated their willingness to respect their wishes. That made her think of Momma E.
"Where's momma she asked Stephanie?"
"She went home I suppose. But you have all of us."
Mercedes smiled sadly. Hand me a phone she said, then said well I don't know the number, it's in that dumb, smart phone of mine."
Santana gave her the phone from her purse.
"Here you go Chica."
"Thanks San, she looked troubled briefly then Santana squeezed her shoulder and said, you've got this."
Mercedes called Momma E who answered. She thought wow today is just filled with surprises.
"Hi Momma E said Mercedes, I was wondering if you were coming back for the wedding?"
"Momma snapped, Why would I miss my child's wedding, no matter how I feel."
"Momma E I thought you approved of our getting married. What has changed?"
Momma thought about it
"Mercedes said hello?"
"Momma E said, nothing has changed I just seem to be having a problem letting my Sammy go I suppose."
"Mercedes was at a loss for words. She began Momma E I'm going to say this in love. Please accept it that way."
"This is Sam's life. He chose me as his companion. Your life mate spent all the time he possibly could on this Earth with you. It is now Sam's time to experience a life like his dad, your loving husband and his granddad taught him." She heard her chuckle a little.
"Momma E said, yeah frowning you may be right but it doesn't make this any easier."
"Ok, said Mercedes well I hope, well I guess, I have no more to say. Bye Momma E."
"Momma Evans walked to the lake on her property. She's right Dwight's voice said in her head. Mary you are realizing your place in our sons life. You know Mercedes, better than her own Mother. She would never do to you what your parents did to us. The gal even called to check on you after that scene you made. Mary you aughta be shamed. Just what do you think a woman that gives up her career, her home and everything to move to Texas? Just where do you think she's taking him? And you pick a fine time too, right before my grandchildren come. Make this right Mary Evan's. Fix it. "Oh, Dwight she said wiping a tear." She began to feel a warmth surround her even though the sun was going down.
SAM
"Well, is everybody here? We got the ring? Mr. Jones said it's time."
MERCEDES
"Kurt looked Mercedes up and down, this is the best I could do with the little I had to work with he sighed complaining. Out of all her supporters Kurt most wanted to show off his new design, her wedding dress."
"Mercedes hugged Kurt and kissed his cheek Kurt I look beautiful. Sam's gonna love it. Thank you. Thank all of you, you really came through for all of us Mercedes said rubbing her stomach."
The girls had changed and were led out by the nurses, who happily joined the Celebrity celebration of love. They took the men and women to different rooms. Music played from an iPod 'Endless Love'. Flameless candles adorned the hallway on both sides with a vase of flowers from the Women's hospital.
The ladies carried candles instead of flowers. The men came out of the room one by one and waited for his partner to escort down the hall and into the open lobby. The nurses didn't want a fire violation one of them said. Sam and Joe were waiting in the lobby in front of a large window that revealed the open court filled with colorful flowers. It was as if it was planned. They had just enough light to see.
A/N
Wow this is the longest chapter yet. I hope it doesn't feel rushed. But we are so close to the end…
Someone checked all the boxes. I was happily surprised.
Thank you bcandylandgirl. Thank you to the readers that only read, all of you are appreciated, and Thank you jacquelinehogan922 for all you have done.
