DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE NOR ANYTHING ELSE.
Bryson Green- Kofi Siriboe (he's just..heart eyes)
Garret Barkley- Austin Falk
Amanda Lee- McKaley Miller
Galvin Evans- Kurt Russell
Shana Evans- Brenda Strong
"You know you should think about transferring to my school. You've been the topic lately and it's been nothing but positive praises."
"Which I still can't believe. You go to a snooty rich white people private school in the city. They are all bitches to me." Santana responded with a frown as Tina roll her eyes and went back over to the cash register.
Mercedes chuckled at them as she shook her head. Over the summer, she decided to get a job. She has always been independent and wanted to work for things instead of just getting money from her parents. She had applied and immediately got a job at one of the most famous diner chains in Houston. She had met her now close friends, Tina and Santana, here and although different, the trio clicked instantly clicked. All three were the same age but went to different schools. Santana actually went to her rival school.
"Anyways, they are all assholes, especially the ones at my school. It only worsen when that jerk Eric transferred over." Santana added, rolling her eyes along with Mercedes, "But you keep doing you, mama. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks Tana."
"Ladies, we have half of a football team coming in. I'm going to need an extra hand on the floor because people wanted to call in 'sick'." Their manager Laurel, who was only five years older than them fussed as she grabbed some menus.
Mercedes giggled as she pushed away from the counter in her skates. Yes, their uniform included white button down shirts, a skirt for girls and pants for boys. It was optional for the skates and the skirts really, but Mercedes decided that it would be fun and it gave an old fashioned vibe. She was glad she had mastered skating while balancing trays over the summer. Pulling her pad and pen from the pocket apron, she rolled over to one of the tables once they got seated and smiled, "Hi, I'm.."
"Mercedes Jones." One of them said as he gave the girl a smile, holding out his hand, "I'm Bryson Green and we play you Friday."
Mercedes shook his hand and gave everyone at the table another smile, "Well, it's nice to meet y'all and welcome to Houston."
"Athletic, friendly and beautiful. What a great combo for a wife." Another boy said as he nodded his head approvingly.
Mercedes laughed as she rolled her eyes, "What can I get you guys?" After an a very entertaining ordering process, Mercedes finally made her way to give the ticket to the cooks before going to make their drinks. Once she did that and got it to them, she turned around when she heard doors opening, indicating customers, "Just when I need a break from them, here they go." She mumbled as she watched some of her own teammates come into the diner, skating towards Santana, "You and Bree got dibs."
"Ugh, I always get them."
Sam grunted once they came in, seeing the last person he wanted to see at the moment, "It's like we can't escape her."
"I wouldn't want to. She's a sweetheart, you guys are just jerks." Leo's girlfriend Amanda said as she grabbed his hand and led them to the counter.
"It's not like we can avoid her. She's our teammate, whether y'all like it or not. So, in my humble opinion, y'all need to have some respect for her." Garret, who was a graduating next year spoke up. He was one of the few who accepted Mercedes right off the back. He was sick of the rest of his teammates acting like a bunch of immature pigs about it.
Sam frowned slightly as he picked up the menu, grunting lowly, "I don't see why she has a job anyways. Her dad works with my dad at the oil rig."
"Maybe because it's none of your business what she does." Santana came up as she glared at him, placing a hand on her hips, "This diner has eight different locations, you can happily find another."
"But we will miss your pleasant personality, Santana."
Santana glared at Mike as she pulled out her pad, "What do you idiots want to eat?"
"Isn't that the team from California we're playing Friday?"
"Yeah, I guess. Riverbank, right?" Santana asked as she picked up their menus, seeing them nod, "Hm, I wish they resided here. They're helluva nice and accepting to the fact that a girl can play football."
Sam rolled his eyes at the dig before watching her walk away, seeing Mercedes come back out with a tray. He watched her for a minute as she went back over to them, taking note to how overly friendly the one on the end was to her.
Santana watched Sam closely once she got back behind the counter and raised a brow. Smirking to herself knowingly, she watched as Mercedes came back to the counter, "Baby girl."
Mercedes folded the page, looking up at her she tucked some of her hair behind her ear, "Yes Santana."
"That disgusting couple over there wants you to wait on them."
Mercedes turned into the direction she pointed in, smiling as she walked over to where they were, "Hey cuties."
"Hey girl." Amanda smiled as she closed her menu up, turning around in her chair to give her a side hug. Leo gave her a hug as well before pulling back, laughing when his girlfriend spoke again, "Who's the guy over there flirting with you?"
Mercedes pursed her lips as she went to ignore what she just said, "What can I get y'all?"
"Avoidance is not a good look."
"He's the quarterback from Riverbank. Bryson Green." Leo answered for Mercedes, much to Amanda's dismay, "I'll have a fried chicken sandwich."
Amanda frowned when they purposely tried to stop the conversation from happening, glaring at them both, "I'll take some loaded fries."
"Let me go put that in." Mercedes smirked at her as she skated backwards, chuckling when she rolled her eyes. Turning around, she tried to stopped herself when she bumped into someone, "Sorry." Seeing that it was Sam, she watched as he bumped his way purposely passed her, "Ass."
Tina saw what happened and she went up to her friend, "Is he still mad about you being on the team?"
"Yes, and honestly it's getting frustrating. I'm good with ignoring people but something about him just infuriates me."
Tina didn't have a chance to respond to her friend as one of the cooks spoke, "Your orders are ready Mercedes."
Mercedes excused herself as she went and picked up the tray, going back over to the table, she handed everyone their plates before sitting the tray behind her on the table, "Alright boys, I am off for the night so here are your tickets and I guess I'll see you all Friday night."
"Yes ma'am. This shall be an interesting game." Bryson said as he pulled his wallet, grabbing a ten dollar bill. Seeing her open her mouth, he shook his head, "Nope, please don't give me that speech about not accepting tips. Just take the money."
"I agree."
Mercedes sighed before she chuckled, once she saw them holding out the cash, she grabbed it and thanked each of them, "You fellows have a good night."
"You too, Ms. Jones."
Mercedes smiled as she picked up the tray and headed to the back. Her shift turned out to be a great one, despite the tension between her and Sam.
Mercedes slid on her dress, looking in the mirror to make sure she didn't mess up her makeup. Tonight was the night her family was finally having dinner and meeting her dad's business partner. She honestly did not want to go once she found out the man was none of than Galvin Evans, who just so happens to be Sam's father.
"Cedes, are all these from football?"
Mercedes came out of her thoughts when her little brother came into the room, looking at him through the mirror, she watched as he stared at her bruised up back, "Yeah, but I'm okay."
Moses shook his head as he leaned forward and zipped up her dress to cover them, walking in front of her, "Are they purposely hurting you?"
"It's nothing I can't handle, Moe. I promise." Mercedes gave him a reassuring smile as she slid into her strappy black heels, turning to him fully, "I know you say you're happy for me playing, but I want to know how you really feel."
"I am happy but I'm also scared for you, Cedes. I just don't want to see you get hurt." Moses said as he looked at her, sighing, "But knowing my sister, you're going to be fine and I for one can't wait for you to prove to the haters wrong."
Mercedes smiled as she stood up and hugged him, "Have I told you lately how much of a wonderful little brother you are?"
"Usually at least once a week, but you've been slacking." He chuckled as he hugged her back before letting go, hearing their dad calling for them, "Welp, here we go."
"You got that right, bud." She grabbed her phone from off her bed and followed behind him, turning off the lights before heading down the stairs and to the truck.
The ride over to Evans' house was quick and her dad and brother had done most of the talking. Vivian was still upset at her daughter for the news she sprung on her two weeks ago, and it was really hurting Mercedes. She valued her mom's opinion more than anything in the world, and unfortunately, this one stung. Feeling the truck come to a stop and park, she unbuckled her seatbelt and opened her door.
Quinn was touching up her lipgloss when she heard doors close from outside her window, leaning forward and moving her curtains back, she smiled when she saw that it was the Jones family. Closing up her gloss, she sat the tube down on her vanity before walking out of her room. She was thankful that her room was on the first floor because stairs were going to kill her in the heels in she had on.
Shana was helping her husband with his tie when she saw Quinn head for the door, "Are they here?"
"Yes ma'am." Quinn answered as she made it to the front, opening up the door, she smiled at them once they made up the steps, "Hi everyone."
"Hey Quinn."
"Come on in." She said as she moved aside so they could enter the house. Closing the door back, she turned around and greeted everyone with a hug just as her aunt and uncle came into the foyer.
"Duncan." Galvin greeted his business partner with a smile as he shook his hand, "Glad y'all could make it."
"Thank you for having us." Duncan replied as he turned to his wife, smiling, "This is my wife Vivian, our youngest son Moses and our daughter, Mercedes."
"It's nice to meet all of you, I'm Shana, Galvin's wife." She greeted with a smile as she went and hugged each of them, Galvin doing the same once she finished, "Let's head to the dining room."
Quinn waited till everyone left out before she went over to Mercedes, smiling, "You look gorgeous. I'm loving these heels."
"Thank you, beautiful. Can you believe that my brother actually brought these for me last year for Christmas? I was actually shocked he had taste, but come to find out, his girlfriend assisted him."
Quinn laughed as she wrapped her arm around hers and started to lead her to the dining room. Seeing them start to sit down, she saw Daisy making her way over, "Mercedes, this is Sam's older sister, Daisy and that little guy in her arms is their little brother, Brooks."
Daisy smiled as she came over and gave her a side hug, "It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise." Mercedes sent her a smile as well as her eyes went to the boy, seeing him stare at her with so much curiosity, "Hey there cutie."
The three year old gave a shy grin before turning his head and hiding into his sister's shoulder, causing them to laugh.
Sam walked down the stairs once he heard laughter that indicated that their guests were here. Walking into the room, he plastered a smile on his face as he entered.
"About time you came down." Shana sent him a small glare before turning to the Jones' family, "This is my oldest, Sam. Sam, this is Duncan, Vivian, Moses and I believe you already know Mercedes."
"It's nice to meet y'all." He said as he went over and shook Duncan and Moses hands, giving Vivian a hug. He turned around and saw Mercedes coming back fully into the room with Quinn and his siblings, giving her a nod, "Mercedes."
"Samuel." She responded as she stared him, watching with a raised brow as he pulled out the chair, gesturing for her to sit. She thanked him before sitting down, ignoring the look her mom was throwing at her.
Daisy glanced between the two before sitting her brother in his chair, taking her own seat afterwards. This was going to be interesting.
The dinner had flowed on well, much to Sam and Mercedes surprise. The adults were the ones mainly talking, and surprisingly enough, Sam was quite pleasant this evening. The families got to learn more about each other and even found that they had a lot in common. The Evans' had learned that there was actually two more members of the family, who were missing this dinner due to school, and the Jones' had found out that Brooks was actually adopted. After the delicious meal, Shana had brought out her famous cherry pie for dessert, which promoted a conversation Mercedes knew was going to happen sooner or later.
"So Mercedes.." Daisy started after she placed some of the pie in Brooks mouth, "I must say I'm pretty excited for the game tomorrow. You're about to make history at this school, girl."
"Which is absolutely amazing." Shana added as she sent the girl a warm smile, "Tell us how you came about wanting to play football."
"My brothers actually. I mean, growing up, I was glued to them." She giggled as she moved some of her from out of her face, smiling a bit, "I literally wanted to do everything they did. Sports in general was something that we had in common. I have always played football in recreational programs and in the neighborhood I grew up in. It's just something I love and I'm glad I can be apart of the team at school."
Galvin sat his cup down as he listened to her, once she finished, he turned to her father, "How do you feel about her playing Duncan?"
"I have no problem with my daughter playing. She's beyond talented, and knows exactly what she's doing. I'm proud of her." Duncan stated as he gave him daughter a smile, getting one in return.
Sam looked between them and sighed, his eyes going over to his dad, who had this unreadable expression. He knew his dad because he was just like him. He wasn't going to hold his tongue at all and he knew this dinner was about to take a turn for the worse.
"I'll just be honest and give my opinion. I was shocked when it was not only announced that you were on the team but you were replacing my son."
"Galvin." Shana started as she glared harshly at her husband, not liking where this conversation was going.
"Honey, I'm just being real and giving my opinion like I stated. I don't think what she's doing is appropriate."
"You're way out line now Galvin. I will not let you sit here and disrespect my daughter."
"I'm not trying to disrespect her at all, Duncan. I promise." He tried to reassure him as he looked at everyone in the room, "I personally think girls shouldn't play. Football is a man's sport."
"Who are you to determine that?" Vivian spoke up as she sat up in her seat. She had been quiet for too long about this and she was livid. She knew she was upset at Mercedes for wanting to play and she was wrong for reacting how she did. But she would be damned if she let anyone sit up and try to make her daughter feel bad for her decision, "You will not sit here and undermine my daughter by telling her what she shouldn't be doing. She is very capable of playing football, trust me."
The tension in the room was so thick that you could cut it with a knife as silence loomed in it. Sam looked over at Mercedes and was stunned into silence. For the first time ever, he didn't see that tough girl who he has been dealing with since day one. Instead, he saw tears glisten in her eyes as she did her best not to let show.
Mercedes suddenly scooted back and stood up, clearing her throat and speaking before she walked out, "I think I've overstayed my welcome."
"Cedes, wait." Quinn called after her as she stood up and went to follow her best friend. She couldn't believe her uncle at the moment.
"We all have." Duncan said as he got up from his seat, grabbing ahold of his wife's hand when she stood, heading out the dining room with their son in tow.
Shana shook her head disappointedly at her husband before she stood up, "Have a nice couple of nights out of our room." She went and grabbed Brooks out of Daisy's arms before heading for the stairs.
"Well..that could've gone better." Daisy placed another piece of pie in her mouth as she looked between her brother and father, raising her fork, "Piece of advice, it would great if you focused less on her gender and more on her talent."
Sam watched as his dad got up from the table without a word just as Quinn came back in and headed up the back stairs. He sighed as she leaned back in his chair, running his hands down his face. Tonight could've went a lot better than what it did.
After the dinner last night, the Jones' family went straight home and Mercedes went up to her room. She had did something she promised herself she would never do, and that was let someone's words get to her. With weeks of listening to news outlets and her peers bash her, this was her breaking point. There is only so much negativity a person can take before they've had enough. She is only human and she realized that she doesn't have to be strong all the time.
Leo walked to the other side of the locker room where he knew Mercedes was. He wanted to know how she was feeling for her first game but when he got to her, all he saw was a foreign scene. Was she crying? He asked himself as he moved closer, eyes going wide. Yep, she was definitely crying, "Mercedes.."
"No, I'm not crying. My contacts were ripped." She answered truthfully as she placed them back into the holder, grabbing the cold towel to wipe her eyes, "I'm fine, and yes I'm a little nervous, but I'm fine."
Leo let out a relieved breath as he went and sat on the bench in front of her, "You're going to do great."
"Yeah, let's just hope and pray my line realizes we're on the same team." She mumbled as she moved the towel from her eyes and looked at him, sighing at how blurry her sight was before she picked her glasses up and placed them on, "Dammit. I don't have an extra pair on me."
"Ah, don't fret baby deer. When I tell you we have everything you may need if something goes wrong, I'm not exaggerating."
"Baby deer?"
"Mhm, it kind of stuck with me when Amanda said you reminded her of one. Adorable and innocent with pretty eyes." He said as he went over and grabbed the box, looking at the size before handing it back to her and walking away, "Come with me."
Mercedes giggled at the nickname, shaking her head as she stood up and followed behind him just as their coaches came in.
"Alright everyone, gather around." Coach Mac said as he came from out of the office to address them, "This is our first game of the season and it's a non-conference one. The only thing I need to say to you all right now is to play hard and play together."
Sam leaned against the wall as he listened to what his coach was saying, his eyes wondering around the room before they landed on Mercedes.
"Sam..Mercedes, y'all want to say anything?"
Mercedes thanked Leo quietly as he held the container for her, taking her glasses off, she began to put the contacts in her eyes. Hearing Coach Mac's question, she continued to do what she was doing, "Let Sam have the floor. I don't want it to seem like I've being shown favoritism because I am a bitch."
Leo mouth dropped as he stared down at her, looking up at his teammates and coaches who were stunned into silence.
"We've never called you that, Mercedes."
"Maybe not aloud but I'm pretty sure y'all been thinking it..especially you." Mercedes titled her head back down and stared at Sam for a minute before walking back to her side to get her helmet.
Coach Mac sighed at them before shaking his head, "You know what, back to what I originally said. We're a team, and we're going to work together to get this win. Hands in."
Mercedes came back and placed her hand on Leo's shoulder, waiting for them the break before she headed for the door. As she got out and started to walk up, she felt someone come beside her and put their arm around her.
"Don't worry, princess. No matter how most of them may feel about you, we are always going to have your back."
"Thanks G, seriously. You and Leo are the only ones on this team that doesn't treat me differently."
"Girl or not, you have talent and showcasing your talent should never be denied because of who you are." He smiled as he pinched her cheek, earning a groan in response, "You're going to be okay kid and things will get better."
Mercedes smiled at him as she nodded, watching him let go, she placed on her helmet so she could get ready to run out. She was thankful for the little talk they just had because she needed it.
To say the first game was amazing would be an understatement. Mercedes' and the boys ended up winning 27-21. Mercedes did so well as a starter and one thing she was glad about was that her line did block for her. After doing an interview with one of the local news station, she gave the woman a smile before walking away, immediately being brought into a big hug by her father.
"I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks dad." She smiled as she hugged him back tightly before letting go. Seeing her brother come up right after to hug her, the smile never left her face.
"You were amazing, like for real. I was shook."
"Thank you." Mercedes chuckled as she let go of him, looking over at her mom, she smiled once she saw the tears in her eyes, "Mom.."
Vivian just leaned forward and hugged her tightly, letting her tears fall, "Seeing you out there made me so proud. I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time, baby."
"Thank you, mom." She whispered as she hugged her back, letting go after a moment, "I'll meet you guys at home."
"Okay, be careful." Duncan told his daughter before he wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders, heading to the car with Moses right behind them.
Mercedes thanked some of the people who passed by and congratulated her. Hearing someone clear their throat, she turned around and found Bryson a few feet away.
"You are damn good, Mercedes Jones."
Mercedes smiled as the boy as he walked up to her, "Well thank you kindly, sir."
"I hate that this is the only time we'll see each other. I enjoyed playing against you." Bryson sent her a smile as he towered over of her, "You're amazing, I hope you know that. I also hope you have an amazing season and lead your team to the championship."
"Thank you, Mr. Bryson. I wish the same for you and your team."
"Thank you." He said as he continue to stare at her for a moment, "I'm going to go out on a limb here. The next time I see you and if we're both still single, I'll like to take you out on a date. Can we shake on that?"
Mercedes chuckled at how serious he was, feeling her cheeks heat up when he smirked and held out his hand, "I guess I can bargain with that."
"Good." He took ahold of hand and pulled her close, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to her cheek.
"I'll be damn." Santana mouth dropped as she watched the scene before her, jabbing Quinn in her side with her elbow, nodding her head towards the field.
Quinn looked into the direction she was looking in and her mouth dropped as well, seeing the boy pull away from Mercedes. She smiled a bit before turning to the side, catching someone in the corner of her eye. She smirked when she saw her cousin rolled his jaw before walking off the field. She wasn't going to say anything out loud, but she could tell he was definitely jealous.
"Have a safe flight back home." Mercedes gave him one last smile before biting down on her bottom lip, turning around and heading to the locker room. This had ended up being one of the best nights of her life.
A/N. HUBBA, HUBBA! A lot went on in this update! So much that I'm just going to shut up and let you review! Hope you guys enjoyed it!