Hey guys. I am sorry for the long wait. I have all of these ideas and it is hard to get them in order. I did not want to stop the chapter here but I really wanted to give you guys something to read. I will try my best to put the next chapter up before the end of the month.
I love you all for reading and your reviews keep me motivated. Enjoy!
Come Back to Me
Chapter 12
May in Lima
It's almost Midnight and the Jones family is gathered in their dim candle lit living room. On the table are five candles that have yet to be lit, three pictures, a baby blanket, a teddy bear, and a cupcake with two birthday candles sticking out of them. Papa Jones lights his candle first, "We miss you everyday baby girl, keep smiling wherever you are and I pray with all of my heart that we will be reunited soon." Liv is next, "Before you were born I knew you were something special, I would listen to Mercedes speak about you for hours and that was before you started kicking. I watched you come into this world baby girl and I miss you every day. I pray that you are safe and I am waiting for the day I get to see you again." It's R.J.s turn to light the candle, "I did not get the chance to meet you but like Mom said I still knew you were something special. I have felt you kick and wiggle around in Lucy's belly and even listened to your Mama sing to you. Uncle R.J. is here for you baby girl and I am impatiently waiting for you to comeback." It's Mercedes turn to light her candle. Before she moves to light it Quinn's grip on her hand tightens. Mercedes turns to her, "Don't worry baby I won't let go." She kisses Quinn on the cheek and proceeds to light her candle. She takes a deep breath, "You are my angel Faith. You brought Lucy to me; she is the love of my life. When she told me you were on your way I was excited that I would get to be a part of something, so beautiful, so special, even if your mom and I were just friends at the time… The way you used to kick inside of her, it was like you couldn't wait to get out, and I was ready for you, I was so ready for you." Mercedes takes another deep breath as a few tears begin to trail down her face. It's Quinn's turn to comfort her girl, and she kisses her on the cheek, "It's okay Mercy." Mercedes smiles and continues, "You were mine before I held you in my arms for the first time, but when I did hold you for the first time an energy passed through me and I knew for sure that we would have a great life together. I pray for you every day and I can't wait for you to be with us again." It was Quinn's turn now and she was as nervous as ever, but Mercedes held on tight and it gave her the courage to speak. "I didn't think that I would be a good mom. I felt lost and alone after I found out I was pregnant with you. That was until I met your Mama and she made me believe that I could do anything. She made me feel safe and loved. She made me brave and I knew that as long as I had here I could do anything. That's why I gave you her name; Faith Jones. Faith Jones would grow up to be a girl who knew that she could do whatever she set her mind to. I love you and I wish you were here with us. We will find you soon, and when we do we are going to be the family we were supposed to be." Quinn pulls Mercedes into a tight hug and buries her face in her neck. Mercedes holds her just as tight and kisses the top of Quinn's head. As the girls are having their moment R.J. lights the two candles pocking out of the cupcake and holds it up for the girls to blow out. As the two break from their embrace the clock strikes midnight. They share a kiss before turning their heads to blow out the candles on the cupcake.
…
It is about an hour later when the Jones family has finally decided to go to bed. It was only Quinn and Mercedes left in the living room now. Quinn sat curled into Mercedes side, "You're parents are going to hire a private detective?"
"Mom said that is the only way we will get any answers."
Quinn nods her head in agreement "I'm happy, but a little nervous about getting my hopes up."
"I'm a little scared about that too. At least we have each other to wait with. Being here with you right now means so much." Quinn turns her head to catch Mercedes' lips with her own. "I know what you mean baby."
"On Faith's birthday last year we did the same thing, lit candles said a prayer, ate cake, but afterwards I locked myself in my room and cried for hours until I fell asleep. The night before that I woke up in a panic, I mean, you saw what happened last night. I didn't think that would happen again because you were here.
It was the middle of the night on the eve of Faith's birthday. R.J. came down to L.A. for the occasion and was making his way in after a night out with some old friends. He had to walk past Mercedes' room to get to his but before he could pass, he heard noises coming from her room. He knocked, but there was no answer, so he opened the door. He could tell that his sister was jerking from side to side like she was having a bad dream; it wasn't until he turned on her bedside light that he realized just how bad the dream was. Mercedes was soaked in sweat and she was crying in her sleep. R.J. gently tapped her, but she wouldn't wake. He did it again with more forced and Mercedes sprang up, eyes darting from left to right. "Mercedes, Mercedes" he sort of shouted. Her eyes focused on her brother although her breathing was still out of control. "Mercedes you are okay. Just breathe." She does as she is told as she looks around her room and takes in her appearance. "R.J. their gone… their gone." Mercedes hangs her head and starts to cry. She is inconsolable, but R.J. tries anyway. He warps his arms around his little sister and tells her, "You are going to be okay." over and over.
…
Last night Quinn woke up to a shaking Mercedes in her arms. Her front was to Mercedes' back and she could feel something wet. Immediately she unwrapped herself from Mercedes' body and turned on the bedside lamp. Her heart drops when she sees the state that her girlfriend is in. She runs into the bathroom and wets a rag with cold water. She makes her way to Mercedes side and sits in front of her, body turned so that she can pat Mercedes' forehead with the damp rag. "Shhh, shhh, Mercedes you're okay. Shh, shhh I'm right here, look at me." Mercedes hadn't been sleeping, not really. She's aware of everything Quinn is doing, but she was overcome with grief. Quinn continues to coo as she presses the rag to Mercedes face. She leans down to plant a light kiss on her lips. Mercedes eyes slowly open and Quinn greats her with a soft smile "There you are."
"She still isn't here Lucy. She should be with us. It's her birthday." There was nothing else that Quinn could say. The girls have had this conversation so many times already; all Quinn could do was hold Mercedes close. "Come on, sit up." Mercedes does what she is told as Quinn goes to grab a towel from the bathroom, and a top and bottom from Mercedes draw. She sits back on the bed and reaches for the bottom of her shirt. She lifts it up Mercedes' shirt then wipes her body down with the towel before putting on the fresh shirt she grabbed for her. She then pulls Mercedes out of bed and pulls down her pajama bottoms and underwear. She wasn't sure if her entire body was wet, but just in case and Mercedes didn't protest, so she continued. After she cleans her off and changes Mercedes, Quinn changes her own clothes. She takes a comforter out of the closet and grabs Mercedes by the hand. "Come on."
Quinn leads Mercedes down to the living room where she instructs Mercedes to lie down on the couch first. Then she throws the blanket over her and Mercedes as she snuggles on top of and into her. "We just have to be strong." She kisses Mercedes with all the passion she can muster. "I love you."
Mercedes pulls Quinn even closer to her, "I love you too."They lie awake for a little while before falling asleep.
…
It's prom week and Glee Club is on a high from winning Nationals the week before. Mercedes is feeling more excited than anyone else because her best friend Dani is visiting for two weeks. When Ray answers the door he is trampled by an excited Dani, "Ahh Papa Jones!" Ray and Dani's father Mark have been friends since medical school. They work together at least once a year on special probono cases. During that time their daughters spend every possible minute together.
"It's nice to see you too Dani" Ray shakes the girl off, greets his friend and then calls for his daughter. Mercedes rushes down the stairs and both girls erupt in screams, "Dani's not a many but she will get any girl out her panties!"
"Mercedes' the lady that drives allll the woman crazy!"
Their fathers roll their eyes and make their way into the kitchen. The girls are so into each other that they don't notice when their father's leave the room or when Quinn enters. They only notice her when she clears her throat. Mercedes turns instantly with a huge smile on her face and begins to gesture between Quinn and Dani, "Lucy! Dani. Dani, Lucy!"
Although this was Lucy and Dani's first time meeting each other, they already didn't like each other, each one for their own reasons. However for Mercedes' sake they were cordial and greeted one another respectfully, shaking hands with tight grips. Quinn is the first to speak. "Hi Dani. Glad to finally meet you." Her voice lacking excitement and pleasantries. Dani responds in an equal tone. "So good to finally meet you too."
Mercedes is not aware of the tension between the two girls because she is too wrapped up in the joy of seeing her two best friends in the same place at the same time. She wraps both of them up in a tight hug while squealing, "My two best friends are finally in the same place at the same time! We are going to have the best time together." Both Quinn and Dani roll their eyes but smile and hug for Mercedes' sake. Quinn pulls back first, clears her throat and plasters on a fake smile, "So Dani you'll be here for two weeks then?" Directing her response at Mercedes as if she were the one to ask her the question, "Yes ma'am two weeks as usual and I can't wait. I couldn't have come at a better time. I finally get to go to prom with you!" Quinn is quick to correct her. "To prom with us. You are going with us." Dani finally looks at her, trying not to break the character, "Yup that's what I meant." Mercedes still high on excitement grabs Dani's hand and starts rushing towards the stairs, "Come on, and let me show you your room."
They leave Quinn standing alone. "Ok, so I'll just be down here." She didn't say it loud enough for anyone to hear.
…
It's the night before prom and the girls are up talking. Most of the talking is being done by Mercedes' and Dani. Quinn has had enough and decides to leave. Starting with a yawn she says, "Oh wow I am tired. I'm going to head to bed." Mercedes turns her head to her fast, "Oh no baby stay." Quinn smiles at her girlfriend and gives her a kiss. "Mercy I'm tired, it's okay. Stay down here with Dani. I have to get up early to head over to Santana's. I need my beauty rest if I'm going to look good for you tomorrow night."
Mercedes smiles, "but you always look good to me baby." They kiss and say goodnight, but before Quinn leave she addresses Dani, "Goodnight Dani. I hope you are excited for tomorrow. Santana is a great girl."
"Can't wait. Goodnight Quinn."
After Quinn has made her way upstairs Mercedes asks Dani, "Are you nervous about tomorrow?"
"No, why?"
"I don't know, until just now you haven't really acknowledged the fact that you are going to prom with a blind date."
Dani waves her hand to brush off Mercedes statement, "I've been on dates before, besides I'll be with you." While Dani is sporting a huge smile Mercedes adds, "Yeah, me and Quinn, and you and Santana. One big prom going group."
Their conversation continues well after the midnight hour. As the girls are parting ways with a a hug and a kiss, Dani's kiss lands a little too close to Mercedes' lips.
"Ooops. I didn't mean to, sorry about that." Her tone did not indicate a hint of remorse.
"Please don't do this Dani. Not again."
"Do what, like I said, it was an accident."
Mercedes rolls her eyes because she knows her friend is full of shit. "Don't play with me Dani I'm serious. You know the thing that we had is finished. I don't want whatever you are doing now to ruin our friendship."
Dani puts her hands in the air, silently surrendering and retiring to her room.
Mercedes climbs into her bed behind Quinn and before she can pull her tight, Quinn turns around and buries her body into Mercedes'. She mumbles something that Mercedes can't understand and continues to sleep. Mercedes kisses her on the forehead and tells her she loves her before finding sleep herself.
…
Santana and Quinn are getting ready for prom at her house. The girls are almost ready to leave, "Quinn I'm nervous." Santana starts pacing back and forth, halting her prom preparations.
"Why are you nervous? You are never nervous!"
Still pacing, "Because, you guys are trying to hook me up with a girl who is obviously more interested in getting into Mercedes' pants than meeting someone new. From what you have told me she doesn't seem to get that your girl is off limits. No offense."
Quinn is slightly offended by what Santana says but she knows she is right. All week Dani has been rude to Quinn and openly flirtatious with Mercedes. She hasn't done anything about it because she is Mercedes' best friend, but to be honest she doesn't think that she can hold her tongue much longer.
"You know what Santana you are right. Dani wants my girl, but I honestly believe that it's because she hasn't met someone as amazing as Mercedes. And that is where you come in. You are smart, gorgeous, and pretty badass. When she meets you and gets to know you I am sure this thing she thinks she has with Mercedes will disappear."
Santana stops pacing to look at Quinn, "You really think so?"
Quinn grabs Santana's hands and holds them in her own, "I really do. You are beautiful Santana in and out. I know she will see that as soon as she meets you."
Santana squeezes Quinn's hands and smiles, "Thank you Quinn."
"For what? Speaking the truth?"
"For being a good friend."
…
Back at Mercedes' house Dani is putting the finishing touches on Mercedes' makeup. Mercedes is just getting off the phone with Quinn when Dani tells her to "Stay still!"
"Sorry girl. That was Lucy. She and Santana are going to be here in a minute, she forgot something in our room so she told me to make sure I stay in here until she tells me it's okay to leave."
Dani stands back to take a look at Mercedes' face. The only thing missing is lipstick. "You are so beautiful Mercedes." Dani caresses Mercedes' face and leans in close, "You just need a little lipstick and you are set. I can kiss you so that what's on my lips rubs off on yours." Mercedes pulls her face back, "That's not funny." I left my lipstick on the dresser will you get it for me please. It's Lucy's favorite."
As Dani enters Mercedes' room she sees Quinn standing by the dresser with the lipstick she came to get.
"Oh, hey Lucy."
Giving Dani a look of disgust she replies, "Dani."
"I just came to get" cutting her off, Quinn fishes her sentence, "this lipstick? I know."
As Dani reaches for the lipstick Quinn pulls it back, "Why are you doing this Dani?" Finally letting her fake smile fall she responds, "Doing what?"
"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. You have been flirting with Mercedes all week. In front of me and behind my back from the moment you walked in this house. I mean really, what is your problem?"
Assuming she heard the interaction that she and Mercedes just has, she steps a little closer to Quinn's face she answers, 'My problem is you. I don't like you."
"You don't know me."
"I know that I don't like you. I know you walked into M's life, made her fall in love with you, and then ruined it. I know that the last time I saw here she was in pieces over you …
Quinn gives Dani a baffled look. "You know I had no control over me leaving, but Mercedes and I are past that, and your dislike for me does not give you the right to disrespect my relationship with Mercedes. You are supposed to be her friend and you aren't acting like it."
"I can be more than her friend with you out of the picture"
That was it. It took everything Quinn had in her not to punch the crap out of Dani's face. As she spoke she moved forward, causing Dani to move backwards until her back was against the wall. In her low controlling/territorial Fabray voice she says, "You listen and you listen good. Whatever fuck buddy shit relationship you had with Mercedes finished the day she met me." Dani gives her a questioning look. "Oh yeah she told me about you two. I know you used to sleep around, and I know it didn't mean anything. Just like I know she called you a week after meeting me to tell you that your little e arrangement was over. You may have been her first but I will be her last, her forever. Remember that." Dani tries to speak but Quinn is having none of that. Quinn puts an index finger up to Dani's mouth without quite touching it and looks her right in the eyes. "I swear if you open your mouth right now I will shut it for you." Dani doesn't say anything, so she continues, "And as far as what happened with you two the last time you saw each other, you should be ashamed of yourself for holding that to any kind of standard. She was in a vulnerable place. What kind of friend are you?"
The last time Dani saw Mercedes was right after Quinn left with the baby. She was supposed to be meeting baby Faith and Quinn for the first time, but instead she was met with a distraught Mercedes. Ray called Dani's father to inform him of Mercedes' state, but Dani still wanted to see her friend. She thought that she could be Mercedes' saving grace. She was wrong. Mercedes did not want to talk to anyone at that time, all she did was ask "why?" over and over again. She allowed Dani to lie with her and hug her, but she spoke very little and cried most of the time.
It's Dani's last night visiting and she decides to try and talk to Mercedes one last time. She lays down on the bed facing Mercedes who seems to be sleeping, but she talks anyway, "I know you are hurting right now Mercedes and it hurts to see you like this. I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better but I have nothing. I didn't know Lucy and I can't imagine why she did what she did. If I ever get the chance to meet her I swear I'll…" Before she can finish her statement Mercedes moves her body closer to Dani's. Her eyes are still closed but she is mumbling something. Dani touches her arm and tries to shake her away. As she is doing that Mercedes' eyes open slightly and she lunges for Dani's lips. They start kissing and it gets heavy really fast. Dani tries calling Mercedes name to wake her up from her trance but it is not working. The kissing continues and it feels too good for Dani to stop. Mercedes begins to caress Dani's left boob and as she does that that Dani melts even more over her. She tries to rationalize the situation by telling herself that Mercedes needs this. It will help her feel better. This little episode only continues for a few more minutes before Mercedes begins to say Lucy over and over and it hurts Dani. She is unable to keep this up so she slaps Mercedes hands away and beings shaking her vigorously until the girl come too. As Mercedes begins to enter reality she takes in her surroundings. She is sitting on top of Dani, both of their breasts are out and they are panting and sweaty. Mercedes immediately starts crying and apologizing. Before Dani can get a word in Mercedes runs and locks herself in the bathroom. Dani tries to tell her that they are ok but Mercedes hears none of it. She doesn't see Dani before she leaves and the next time they talk is weeks later after Mercedes began seeing a therapist.
Quinn steps back from Dani, and looks her up and down. "I can't believe Mercedes calls you her best friend. Try something with her again and I will make sure that is the last thing you do with her." Quinn hands her the lipstick she came for, "Take this and go. I don't like to keep her waiting." Dani is out of the room in less than a second, but as she leaves she is smiling to herself. All of the flirting she has been doing with Mercedes was her own little test. She loved Mercedes but she knew that they would only be friends, and in reality she was okay with that. She just needed to see if Quinn really loved Mercedes and how much. She figured having to confront someone's best friend would be a good test.
"What took you so long?"
"Umm your lipstick fell behind your dresser. It took me a minute to get it out."
…
Quinn and Santana are both waiting for their girls to walk down the stairs. Quinn is anxious and Santana is nervous but they are both so gorgeous. Quinn is wearing a light lavender dress with silver glittery straps and a silver glittery center. The dress is low cut and it falls down to her feet. She has her hair tied up and her bags falling to the side. Santana is wearing a strapless red dress that falls to the ground. Her long hair is in loose curls and is scooped to hang off of her right shoulder. As Mercedes and Dani begin walking down the stairs, both Quinn and Santana's jaws drop. Mercedes is dressed in a strapless purple dress with sliver sparkles bursting from the center in all directions. Her hair, like Santana's is in loose curls and hangs from one side. Her deep shade of purple compliments Quinn's softer shade of purple. Dani has on a halter black dress that has a splash of white draped over her right leg. The halter really defines her breasts. Her hair is half up, half down, and her bangs hang from either side to round out her face.
Quinn locks eyes with Mercedes and both girls smiles are a mile long. "Wow Mercedes you look incredible."
"I can say the same about you." They lean in and share a quick kiss. But they are so wrapped into each other that they don't remember that Dani and Santana need to be introduced. So Santana takes it upon herself. "Hi I'm…" Before she can finish Dani cuts her off and says, "Santana! Wow you are phenomenal." Santana's cheeks immediately get seven shades redder. "Umm thank you. You are very beautiful."
Mercedes' and Dani's dads take pictures for the girls before they make their way to prom.
…
Prom is amazing and the girls have been dancing all night. They have just announced that Finn and Rachel are prom King and Queen. While Quinn and Santana are sing "Love Song" by Selina Gomez for the winners Dani stands next to Mercedes and watches along with everyone else. Mercedes mouths "I love you" to Quinn as she sings, Quinn blushes a throws a wink Mercedes' way in response.
"She really loves you, you know." Turning her head to look at Dani she responds, "I know. I've been telling you that."
"Yes but she showed me that." Mercedes has a questioning look on her face but before she can say anything Dani continues, "Don't worry about how, but just know that she did, and she definitely put me in my place." She smiles as she finishes her statement and Mercedes asks, "So does this mean no more flirting?" Dani chuckles, "Oh there will always be flirting, but I won't be trying to get in your pants anymore!" Mercedes bumps her best friend with her but then holds out her hand silently asking for a dance. Dani takes it and as they dance they understand that their friendship is really okay again.
…
The after party at JBI's house is crazy. Almost everyone is drunk and dancing without any cares in the world. In the middle of the dance pit are Mercedes and Quinn. Their shoes are off, hair and sweat is everywhere, and the happiness on their faces is evident. Santana smiles as she watches them from afar, Dani walks up to her and strikes conversation, "Are they drunk?" Santana laughs, "Oh for sure, but I like seeing them like this; carefree. They are usually on their guard and so protective of one another, it's rare to see them like this." Dani admires the way Santana talks about the love birds, "Would you like a drink Santana?" Santana smiles at Dani, "Thank you but I can't, I'm driving remember." Dani nods her head yes then asks, "Well then would you like to take a walk with me around the block? I could use the air." With one last look at her friends on the dance floor, Santa agrees and the girls head outside.
To be continued...