CHAPTER 3
SUMMARY: Mercedes and Abby spend Christmas with the Hummels; and things progress between Sam and Mercedes
RATING: Teen
WARNING: Mild sexual thoughts and cursing
A VERY HUMMEL CHRISTMAS
Sam's parents lived about three hours away in the town of Dusk Hollow; it was even smaller than Bethel Rock, and it was mostly a farming community. The drive with Mercedes and Abby was tense at first and Sam tried his best to get Mercedes to let down the aloof wall she built around herself. He was surprised that she still wanted to go, despite her polite coldness toward him. Abby fell asleep in the back seat, and Mercedes read Wuthering Heights, or at least she pretended to, she seemed to be reading the same page for the first 45 minutes of their journey. After an hour of driving, Sam stopped at a gas station to get some water and snacks.
"You want anything?" he asked Mercedes, who was still staring at her book.
"Yes, could you get me some Ding Dongs?"
"Ding Dongs? You seem more like a Drake's Cake sort of gal."
Mercedes smiled and Sam sensed that the ice was melting.
"Looks are deceiving."
"Maybe. But I know what's in front of me."
"What do you mean?"
Sam didn't answer her. He only smiled and went into the store. He ended up buying Ding Dongs and Drakes Cakes, and 4 big bottles of water.
ooo
Mercedes offered to drive after they were on the road for two hours, but Sam refused saying he wasn't tired. Her offer was her way of trying to make amends, and a cowardly way at that, she reasoned as she gazed out at the Tennessee countryside. Sam played a 70s soul mix on his iPod and after a while he and Mercedes were singing a long to Across 110th Street, as the rustic scenery glided passed them. When the song was over, both of them were laughing.
"I love it," Sam said, grinning as they stopped at a red light, "I was raised on that stuff."
"So your musical tastes come from your parents?"
"Actually, it was my Dad more so than my Mom, he loves soul music."
"Thanks again for inviting us for Christmas."
"You're welcome. I'm glad you decided to come. I like spending time with you."
"Sam, I have something to say."
Sam pulled over to the side of the road.
"What is it?"
"Why did you pull over?"
"I have a feeling what you're about to say is going to be serious."
"Not enough for you to stop driving, but anyway, I'm sorry for how I've been acting toward you. I got this stupid idea in my head about us, and well, I like having you as a friend. You're a good man."
Sam took a deep breath as if he were trying to stay calm.
"Friends?"
"Yes, you didn't do anything wrong. I acted silly after what you said to Quinn. It really was my own crazy notions. I think it was stress-related."
"Stress-related?"
"And maybe hormones."
"Hormones?"
Mercedes nodded.
"Why do you keep repeating –"
Then she felt Sam's plump lips press against hers. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her soft body against his lean, muscular one. She felt his heart beating fast against her chest, and smelled his squeaky clean scent of Ivory soap and mint toothpaste. She felt safe like he would protect her forever… the intensity unsettled her; and then his tongue sought entrance into her mouth and she obliged; relishing in his taste of coffee cake and chewing gum; she let her hands roam up and down his back, and she moaned. It had been a long time since anyone had kissed her like that. Not since Shane… and the guilt settled in her chest, but she pushed it away. Then Sam slowly pulled away from her, his emerald green looking into hers, gauging her reaction. Mercedes was breathless and she felt a little dizzy.
"Sam…" she whispered, touching his face, trying to come down from the blissful high of the kiss.
"I want us to go on a proper date," Sam said, rushing to get his words out, "You know, dinner, a movie, maybe coffee afterwards; I'm interested in you. I want more than friendship. You're beautiful and kind and I'm falling for you, so what do you say? I can't make it any more plain than that. I want to be with you in a relationship."
Just then they heard a rustling sound in the back seat. Abby slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes.
"Hi sweetie," Mercedes said, smoothing down her disheveled hair which Sam had run his hands through moments earlier, "Have a nice nap?"
Abby nodded and pointed to the road.
"We're not there yet," Sam said, "But it won't be long."
"Do you want some water?" Mercedes asked.
Abby shook her head.
"Ok," Mercedes said, and then she whispered to Sam, "We'll talk later."
Sam started the car and they began their journey again.
His kiss lingered on her lips.
ooo
The Hummel home was a huge white colonial-style farmhouse surrounded by acres of land; they drove up a long, winding, paved driveway to get to the house. Sam said the nearest neighbor was a quarter of a mile away. Blue and white Christmas lights decorated the house; and a sign in the shape of an open Christmas card and made of red, white, and green lights was on the front lawn that said: Merry Christmas from the Hummels! On the roof of the house, a giant, plastic Santa and his reindeer glowed in the blue twilight. Sam parked the car.
"Welcome to our humble Hummel abode."
Mercedes gave him the side-eye.
"Humble my ass. This place is freaking huge."
"We spent years doing renovations. It didn't always look this nice."
"Don't try to play it off," Mercedes said, teasing him, "You grew up in a mansion."
He unlocked the doors.
"Come on, everyone is anxious to meet you."
"They are?"
"Of course. I'll get our bags."
As she unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car, Mercedes briefly wondered if he explained to his family about Abby. Her daughter was already outside of the car, standing beside Sam; and watching him unload the trunk. Mercedes reached for his arm, pulling him aside.
"Sam," she said lowering her voice, " Did you – "
"Don't worry they know she's mute," he whispered.
Mercedes breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thanks."
He smiled and squeezed her hand before resuming taking the bags out of the trunk. They planned to stay for three days. The front door opened and an older heavyset woman with long, blondish brown hair, wearing an oversized Fisherman's sweater and faded jeans, waved to them from the closed-in glass porch.
"Hello there, you must be Mercedes and Abby, come on in, it's freezing out here," she looked over her shoulder and yelled out: Stevie, Finn, come help Sam with their bags. Come along ladies, I've got a hot supper waiting for you."
"Hello, Mrs. Hummel," Mercedes said as she and Abby walked up the stone steps that led to the porch.
"Sweetie, if you want to get on my good side, you'll call me, Carol," the woman said, laughing as her cheeks turned pink, her breath coming out in white puffs into the cold, evening air.
"Carol it is then," Mercedes said, smiling at the pleasant woman who stood before them, and once they reached the porch, she pulled them both into a big bear hug.
"We're excited to have you spend Christmas with us," Carol said.
Finn and Stevie came out onto the porch, with Finn flashing a big smile at them:
"Nice to see you both again," Finn said, hugging them.
"You, too, Finn," Mercedes said.
A tall blond man with the same green eyes as Sam, gave them each a hug too. He smelled like burning wood.
"Hi, I'm Stevie. Pleasure to meet you."
"Hello Stevie, nice to meet you too," Mercedes said.
Then Stevie bent down and said to Abby.
"I heard you like animals. Well we have two new kittens that need looking after. Do you think you can help feed them?"
Abby nodded and gave Stevie a small, shy smile and he smiled back at her.
"Good, my kids will introduce you to them."
"Come on," Carol said, ushering them into the house, "I know you're hungry after that drive and want to take a load off."
Once they were inside, Mercedes admired the polished wood floors and the long, red ribbon wrapped around the winding staircase. Then she saw something that caught her eye. At the top of the stairs, hung a large painting of the Hummel family; they were seated on a big, blue couch. The kids were elementary school age, and Mercedes picked out Sam immediately; his cheeks were round; and she could recognize those full lips anywhere; he looked like an angel with his floppy blonde hair and soft smile, he held a teddy bear and wore blue overalls, he was probably around five years old, Finn sat next to him, who even at that young age, looked like a giant compared to his siblings, his arm was wrapped around Sam, he was in jeans and a red sweater, a big smile on his round face; and next to them sat Carol, a younger version of her self with less wrinkles and darker hair; she wore a green dress held a cute chubby baby in a ruffled pink dress and Mercedes guessed that was Stacey; and Burt was beside them, thinner with less hair, wearing a white shirt; and Stevie leaned against Burt holding his father's hand, he was a string bean with glasses and blond hair, all arms and legs, dressed in brown pants and a orange sweater; next to him sat a boy who Mercedes figured was Kurt, his skin was pale as porcelain, he was rosy cheeked and delicate; his thick brown hair, carefully combed, his black slacks and white shirt were wrinkle free; and he wore an impish grin.
"Do you like our family portrait, folks always comment on it the first time they see it," Carol said.
"It's a lovely painting. You have a beautiful family," Mercedes said.
"Thank you. I know we drive each other nuts, but in the end, I think our family is pretty darn awesome," Carol said, smiling at her, her blue eyes twinkled.
The house had lots of delicious Christmas aromas mingling together: gingerbread, hot apple cider, turkey, stuffing, and onions… Mercedes' stomach growled. She was hungrier than she thought. Carol took their coats and scarves.
"Follow me to the dining room. Everyone is in there waiting for you two."
Mercedes suddenly felt shy.
"Waiting for us?"
"Yes, honey, we wouldn't eat Christmas Eve supper without you, that's just bad manners."
Mercedes nodded, clutched Abby's hand, and followed Carol to the dining room.
ooo
Christmas Eve Supper with the Hummels was quite an affair and Mercedes could only describe it as noisy, loving, and very fattening. The dining room had a long, oak wood table; covered with a festive red tablecloth embroidered with white snowflakes; the walls were a soft yellow; and Christmas music played in the background. Carol, along with Stacey and Kurt, prepared quite a feast: juicy roast turkey perfectly browned and laid out on a shiny silver platter; the meat was so tender and delicious; it could be eaten by itself and one would be satisfied, and it was stuffed with savory bread stuffing seasoned with sage. Silver gravy boats filled with thick brown gravy that tasted of marjoram, turkey juices and pepper were next to the turkey. Silky smooth buttermilk mashed potatoes whipped to perfection that melted on your tongue were in a lovely burgundy Cape Cod bowl; and next to the potatoes was a wicker basket filled with fluffy yeast rolls, still warm from the oven and lighter than air.
Bright crimson cranberry sauce flavored with orange liqueur, sat quivering in a delicate glass bowl etched with flowers; a white Cornwell dish filled with what Carol called "Slap My Mama" macaroni and cheese was beside the cranberry sauce; Carol said she used three different cheeses: cheddar, American, and Monterey jack, and fresh cream and butter from the local dairy farm; it was so decadent, delicious, cheesy, and creamy, that Mercedes had to stop herself from having a third helping.
A black pot of spicy collard greens with smoked turkey wings was at the other end of the table along with a big glass bowl of steamed broccoli with a hint of lemon juice and salt, and the table was completed with a large wooden bowl of fresh garden salad with crisp romaine lettuce, fresh basil, crunchy cucumbers and sweet cherry red tomatoes all tossed in a homemade oil and vinegar vinaigrette. Mercedes knew she gained about 40 pounds on that meal alone, but the Hummels were so warm and welcoming, that she had a wonderful time, despite the calories she inhaled.
Everyone hugged Mercedes and Abby upon meeting them, and they weren't polite hugs either; they were "you're a part of this family now" kind of hugs. Burt Hummel reminded Mercedes of a Papa Bear, because of his big, burly physique, and loud laugh that made you want to laugh too without knowing the joke. He was bald with sparkling blue eyes; a smaller version of a Karl Malden nose; and gentle smile. He sat next to Abby and treated her with such kindness; helping to fill up her plate and watching her closely to make sure she was cared for and Mercedes could see where Sam got his great character from.
Kurt and his husband Blaine made a cute couple, though they bickered now and again at the table. They recently had a baby girl via surrogate whom they named Carol after his mother, but everyone called her Carrie for short, she had curly black hair and blue eyes; they showed Mercedes her picture on their phone. She was in the living room sleeping in her playpen
"She keeps us busy. I don't know when I've slept a full 8 hours," Kurt said, as he scooped more mashed potatoes onto his plate.
"I want more kids," Blaine said, smiling over at Mercedes; "I know they're exhausting but I love taking care of them." He was a rather handsome man with thick black hair and his eyes were deep black pools; he wore a bright red vest and a green bow-tie and was a little on the pudgy side.
Kurt patted his husband's shoulder.
"That's why I do 9 to 5 and you do Mr. Mom."
"What do you do?" Mercedes asked.
"I own a couple of dinner theaters in Nashville," Kurt said.
"He's a wonderful performer," Blaine said, kissing Kurt's cheek, making him blush.
"I'm decent," Kurt mumbled, taking a bite of mashed potatoes.
"Better than decent," Stevie said as he cut up his son Lukas' turkey slice, "My brother could win a Tony if he wanted."
Lukas, who was four-years old and adorable with his wavy blond hair, dimpled cheeks and plump hands, touched Stevie's hand and said:
"Make the meat smaller, Daddy."
"Cool your jets, son, I'm getting it as small as I can."
Stevie's wife, Helen gently reprimanded their son.
"Be patient." she said, as she poured a glass of cider for their 6 year old daughter Birdie; who looked just like her little brother only leaner. Helen was a thin wisp of a woman covered in freckles and had long auburn hair she wore in a long braid hanging down her back, a touch of lip-gloss coated her seashell pink lips. The turquoise peasant dress she wore reminded Mercedes of a Mexican fiesta. She barely ate anything because she was so busy doting on her kids and everyone else for that matter. She looked over at Mercedes and said:
"So what brought you to Tennessee from Ohio?"
Mercedes shrugged.
"I needed a change. I watched that old TV movie Smoky Mountain Christmas late one night and I thought, hey Tennessee might not be so bad."
"Really?" Sam asked her, he sat next to her and he was quiet for most of the meal, but every so often, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze under the table.
"I know it's silly, but yeah."
"But you don't live anywhere near the Smoky Mountains," Stacey pointed out, her golden hair, hung down her back, straight and sleek like a 1970s Breck Girl ad; she was voluptuous with wide hips, full bosom, and a rather large behind. Mercedes wagered she was around a size 14; her flushed pink cheeks, skin like fresh milk, crystal blue eyes; and bountiful figure were reminiscent of the women depicted in Peter Paul Rubens paintings; Her lacy white blouse, hugged her breasts, as she leaned back in her chair, stretching her plump arms.
Mercedes laughed.
"True. I'm glad I made the move though."
"And I bet I know why," Stacey said winking at her, "My big brother is hard to resist."
Sam coughed into his napkin, his ears turning red.
"Um, how about we have dessert?"
"Don't get cute, Sammy," Stacey said in a sing-song voice, "You don't bring just anybody home to meet us. Besides, Mercedes is gorgeous, and not a bitch like that other one that shall not be named."
"Watch your mouth," Carol said to her daughter, "It's Christmas, let's not talk bad about folks, that girl was ruined in more ways than one. No need to discuss it. We lived it."
"Sorry, Mama," Stacey said, taking a bite of macaroni and cheese, "But that woman got under my skin."
"She burned under mine," Finn said.
Mercedes looked at Sam as he stared at his plate in contemplative silence; she watched as he finally looked up and gazed at all his nieces and nephews laughing and talking around the table.
"Sam, are you ok?" she whispered.
"I'm fine, just a little melancholy. Remembering stuff."
Mercedes held his hand.
"Everyone here cares about you. You're blessed."
He looked at her and gave her a lopsided grin.
"That I am."
Suddenly they heard someone tapping a fork against a glass to get everyone's attention. Mercedes saw that it was Finn's petite, raven-haired wife Rachel.
"Everybody, could you please be quiet for a moment?"
The family hushed and let her speak.
Rachel smiled, revealing gleaming white teeth, her red dress with a poufy skirt gave her stick figure some dimension, a diamond and ruby necklace glittered around her neck; and her olive skin glowed under the light of the chandelier.
"I have a surprise. My dear children and I are giving you a special Christmas treat. We're going to sing a holiday medley for you of all the classic carols."
Everyone clapped politely, and Mercedes could see they dreaded it.
"That's nice of you Rachel," Burt said with a forced grin.
Rachel nodded, still smiling like she was posing for a photo shoot:
"I knew you would appreciate it," she glanced at Finn, "Turn on the iPod when I tell you to."
Finn hopped out of his chair.
"Sure thing, baby."
Their ten-year old twins Matt and Lucy looked embarrassed, their cheeks were as red as Rudolph's nose and they stared down at their hands. Lucy was a carbon copy of Finn, tall with hazel eyes and a somewhat clumsy walk; she even had his thick, chestnut hair, she wore in ponytail with a red bow; while Matt favored Rachel, with his petite stature, dark eyes and hair, and long eyelashes. They were dressed in green and red, Lucy towered over her brother; she was older than him by three minutes. Mercedes felt pity for them, and hoped they could survive this childhood torture. Earlier that evening she chatted with Rachel about music; and while the woman was quite knowledgeable, her hunger for the spotlight made Mercedes uneasy.
"Come, children, up out of your seats," Rachel said, clapping her hands.
Matt and Lucy obeyed their mother and dragged themselves out of the big oak chairs, and walked to the head of the table where Rachel stood, presiding over everyone like royalty. She directed where they should stand.
"Now Lucy, you stand on my right and Matt, you stand on my left."
Once they were situated, Rachel said, "Turn it on, Finn."
Finn turned on the iPod and soon the dining room was filled with the first few notes of Jingle Bells only it was jazzy like an Ella Fitzgerald Christmas album. The trio snapped their fingers and belted out:
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way…
Mercedes thought Rachel had a great voice, but all of her posturing and showboating, distracted from it. With the little room they had at the head of the table, she and the children twirled, bopped and swayed through the carols. They ended with Silent Night and that was the best performance because Rachel sat her ass down with the twins on her lap, and sang from her heart instead of her ego;
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Her voice was as clear as Swarovski crystal and just as delicate and beautiful; she and the children harmonized well together, and the way Rachel wrapped her skinny arms around them, holding them to her heart, was rather touching. Every now and again, she stared at Finn, and a blind man could see the love they felt for one another. Her bright eyes filled with tears as she sang. When they finished, there was genuine, enthusiastic applause, and they took a bow, faces flushed from the vigorous performance. Mercedes dabbed her eyes with her napkin and Sam shed a few tears as well. Abby climbed into her mother's lap, kissing her cheek.
"I love you too, Abby," Mercedes whispered. And Sam looked at them with love in his eyes, and he pulled them into a hug.
ooo
On Christmas morning, a sparkling blanket of snow covered the Hummel property; and frost glittered on the windows. Much to Mercedes' surprise, Abby left the warmth of the queen-sized bed that they shared, and joined the other kids at dawn, to open the gifts that Santa left for them. For a while, Mercedes listened to the commotion downstairs as she lay in bed enjoying how soft and comfortable it was; she knew it would be rude to hibernate in the bedroom, so she roused herself up, put on her big, purple robe, quickly made the bed, went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth, and as she was about to go downstairs, someone knocked on her door.
"Mercedes, you up?"
It was Sam.
"Yes, just a minute," She said, tying her robe as she opened the door.
His blond hair was messy, sticking up every which way, and wrinkled sheet imprints covered his left cheek. His red plaid robe was partially opened, revealing his muscular chest and pink nipples. He held two steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
"I thought we could talk."
"Alright, I just wanted to –"
"Don't worry about Miss Abby, she's having a blast downstairs. Matt and Lucy are helping her feed the kittens, and she wrote you some notes, I have them in my pocket" he said.
Mercedes waved him inside.
"Merry Christmas," she said, taking the hot mug from his hands and sitting on the bed. He closed the door behind him.
"Merry Christmas."
He sat down beside her and Mercedes suddenly felt hot and she knew it wasn't from the drink in her hands. Then he leaned over and kissed her lips, it was soft and sweet, and Mercedes felt herself melting. He pulled away from her, stroking her cheek.
"Well?"
"I want to date you too."
Sam took the mug from her hands and set them both on the dresser; and he jumped up and down on the bed and cheered:
"Yes!"
"Sam, your family is downstairs, you may want to – "
But Sam was too busy riding cloud nine to hear her.
"I am the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet, yippee!"
He kept jumping up and down and Mercedes didn't want his parents to think they were doing the "nasty" under their roof so she grabbed his ankle.
"Samuel Hummel!"
Her touch startled him out of his joyous outbreak and he calmed down, collapsing beside her, and banding his arms around her, pushing her back on the bed, so that he was on top of her, kissing her forehead, cheeks, then settling on her lips once again.
"Sweet Jesus, I could never get tired of kissing you."
Mercedes giggled beneath him, loving how his arms felt around her and enjoying the view of his bare chest; it all felt so good and sweet and… her thoughts turned to Abby and how this could affect her; what if it didn't work out and she grew attached to Sam? She already liked him well enough and he understood her so… her heart sank and she slowly sat up. Sam noticed the change in her mood.
"What's wrong?"
"It's Abby. You know how she is and what's she's been through with losing her father and everything. If it doesn't work out for us, where does that leave her? I can't bear to see her heart broken. I just can't."
Sam put his arm around her.
"We'll take it slow. I promise. No rushing anything. The last thing I would ever want to do is hurt her. She's a wonderful little girl and I care for her deeply. Do you think she'll object to us dating?"
"I don't know. She likes when the three of us are together."
"That's true."
Mercedes laid her head on his shoulder.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see. I admit I'm scared."
"Me too."
She kissed him.
"At least we'll be scared together."
"Yeah…"
Mercedes thought she should tell him something else.
"About taking it slow, there's something you should know."
"What is it?"
"It's hard for me to say."
"Mercedes, whatever it is, I won't care."
She was quiet for a few moments, then she put her arm around him hugging him close.
"I don't have much sexual experience. In fact the only man I've ever been with is Shane," she felt foolish for telling him, but she had to come clean; he needed to know what he was dealing with; and Quinn didn't look like she lacked any experience which made Mercedes feel at a disadvantage.
"Is that all, sweetheart?"
Mercedes nodded.
"Yes."
He lifted her chin and looked directly into her eyes.
"Listen, I want you to hear every word of what I'm about to say."
"Ok."
"I don't care how much experience you have. I want to build something with you, not just jump into bed, is that clear?"
"Yes, it's clear."
"Good. We just need to learn from each other about what our bodies respond to, and when the time is right, we'll make love. But Mercedes, I want more than that. I really do."
They kissed again until a loud knock came on the door.
"I know what you two are doing and you need to knock it off," Stacey called through the door, "Sam knows I'm not joking!" Her tone was light and airy and Mercedes knew that Stacey was just giving them a hard time. Sam stood up and took Mercedes by the hand:
"Come on, we have presents to unwrap."
ooo
The family room was a sea of empty boxes, ripped wrapping paper, discarded bows, and a stack of fruitcakes nobody wanted. The children were all in their pajamas; excited squeals erupting from them, whenever they opened a present. A fire was lit in the fireplace and the grand Hummel Christmas tree decorated with big silver snowflakes, gold balls and angels, and a gorgeous silver star on top sat proudly in the corner. Abby showed Mercedes all of her gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel got all of the children brand new handmade sleds and iPads. Mercedes felt that was too much, since they weren't blood relatives, but Abby was so happy that she thanked the Hummels profusely for their generosity, which they waved off as nothing.
Sam bought Abby a deluxe tool kit and a new tool belt since her old one was worn out. She was already wearing it around the waist of her pink flannel pajamas; Mercedes gave her daughter a woodwork kit to build a dollhouse. Even though Abby showed no interest in dolls, Mercedes noticed that she was asking Sam a lot of questions about building houses; and she figured she would enjoy it. She also bought her new overalls and jeans, a pair of hot pink sneakers, an iPod and a pair of fancy binoculars for bird watching. Sam gave Mercedes a beautiful opal and diamond pendant necklace; Mercedes' hands shook as she lifted it from its black velvet box. It was exquisite. No longer shy or unsure of where he stood with her, he kissed her in front of his family and helped her put it on. Abby looked at them with wide eyes. Mercedes protested at first.
"But Sam, it's so expensive and I –"
"You're worth it."
Her next gift was a lovely long-sleeved royal blue silk chiffon dress with a twisted waistband, a surplice V-neckline and a full, flowing knee-length skirt. The fabric was soft and luxurious, reminding Mercedes of a cloud, and it felt wonderful against her skin.
"I can't wait to see you wear this," he whispered, "All your curves in silk…"
Mercedes blushed and put the dress back in the box. He also gave her a few tin canisters of his homemade blend hot chocolate since she loved it so much, and a complete set of the Bronte novels.
She gave Sam gift cards to Lowe's and Home Depot since he was always going there for supplies. Some new plaid flannel shirts, a bright red and blue scarf she knitted herself; and a very expensive tea called Yellow Gold Tea Buds. Sam's eyes bulged when he saw it.
"I've been wanting to try this tea for a long time. I mean I – "
"I know and I'm glad you like it."
Seeing that look on his face was priceless and she couldn't resist the urge to kiss him so she did.
"Merry Christmas, Sam."
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart," he said wrapping his arms around her. Abby came over to them and wedged herself between, and they hugged her.
"It's not complete without you, Abby," Sam said to her. She looked up at him and smiled.
ooo
After the family room was cleaned up, all the women gathered in the kitchen to make Christmas breakfast, while the men sat around in the den watching TV and drinking coffee. The kids played with their new toys in the family room. Carol called this "Girls Only Bonding Time" and Mercedes loved every minute of it. The kitchen was enormous with bright peach walls, lots of counter space and top of the line, stainless steel appliances. Mercedes was put in charge of the bacon, ham and sausage; Stacey made the waffles and pancakes; Carol made the grits and biscuits; Rachel squeezed fresh orange juice and Helen fried the eggs. The girls chatted about everything and Mercedes came to the realization that this is what it was like having sisters.
"You and Sam should go out tonight," Stacey said as she poured the batter onto the hot waffle iron, closing it shut.
Mercedes turned the bacon over on the griddle and added a few slices of brown sugar cured ham.
"What's there to do in Dusk Hollow?"
"Necking in a cornfield," Helen said, cracking a few eggs open over a big, red mixing bowl, "It's not known for the night life."
"We just opened a community theater downtown," Carol said.
"I'm not sure if I should leave Abby alone," Mercedes said, lifting the bacon off of the griddle to drain on some paper towels.
"With all these folks, she won't be alone," Stacey said, "She's such sweet little girl. She wrote me a note and said I was pretty like a statue. I'm going to have it framed."
Rachel cut an orange in half, lifting it up she said:
"Are these organic?"
"Honey, I don't know. But one morning with non-organic oranges never killed a soul," Carol said as she dropped a spoonful of biscuit dough onto a cookie sheet, "Live a little."
"Living a little can equal a heart attack."
"I'm seeing someone new," Stacey said, turning the attention on herself, "His name is Ralph and he's a painter and he says he likes my ass, we'll see where it goes."
Carol opened the oven and slid the biscuits in.
"Stacey Elizabeth Hummel, could you not talk like a sailor on shore leave?"
"Oh, Mama, I'm just teasing. I know how to talk."
"And with that pretty angel face. A nasty mouth doesn't fit," Carol continued lecturing her daughter.
Stacey rolled her eyes, and flipped more pancakes. Helen poured the beaten eggs into a black iron skillet on the stove.
"I think a woman should be able to express herself anyway she wants. I hate double standards."
"Thank you, Helen." Stacey said and raised her hand for a high-five.
Rachel shook her head.
"Decency and decorum are the cornerstones of true womanhood. I wish I could get Lucy to wear white lace gloves, but they make her hands break out in a rash," she said as she squeezed the orange in the juicer, she then looked over at Mercedes and smiled:
"Sam seems quite taken with you. I think you two are lovely together."
Mercedes returned her smile.
"Thank you, Rachel. He's a special man."
"Yeah, Sammy is cream of the crop, when he's not being a complete idiot that is," Stacey said as she stacked the fluffy pancakes onto a blue porcelain platter; "It took him way too long to get a clue with you; and I thought Finn was slow. Did you know he failed kindergarten? Who in hell fails kindergarten?"
"Stacey, that's enough. Finn didn't fail. I kept him back a year because going to school was hard for him," Carol said, and she then turned to Mercedes, "I haven't seen my son this happy in a long time. I'm glad you're a part of his life. And that little Abby is something special."
Mercedes was overcome with emotion, and she went to Carol, who was stirring a big, black pot of grits on the stove, and hugged her from behind.
"Thank you," she whispered.
ooo
Breakfast was loud and noisy the way supper had been the night before, and Mercedes laughed and joked and felt like one of the family. By the time they finished eating, it was noon, and everyone went upstairs to shower and get dressed. When the kids were bathed and in their coats and snowsuits; they went outside to go sledding on the snow covered hills, with Finn, Stevie, Sam, and Burt supervising. Mercedes used this time to soak in the marble bathtub and listen to music. She rarely had moments like this back in Bethel Rock because she was always on the go. Now she could take a much-deserved rest. After her bath, she washed and conditioned her hair, and rubbed cocoa butter lotion onto her mocha brown skin. She stood in front of the mirror and stared at her naked body.
As a self-esteem booster, she picked out the parts of herself that she liked. She had high, proud breasts that were large, ripe, and beautiful, with nipples as thick as blueberries; and wide, fecund hips that pushed out her precious Abby into the world. She turned around and gazed at her generous backside, it was firm, plump, and smooth as polished wood. She glided her small hands over her callipygous derriere, gently squeezing her abundant cheeks; she imagined Sam's big, rough hands rubbing all over her bare ass, and whispering in her ear about how much he wanted her; and she could smell the sawdust and paint on his flannel shirt as he held her nude body against his clothed one; the thought aroused her and a wetness developed between her thick thighs, she turned away from the mirror, and quickly put on her robe, pushing the fantasy out of her mind.
Despite his obvious attraction to her, Mercedes wondered if she was the only big woman he had ever dated; she only knew about Quinn; and Mercedes was about as opposite from Quinn as a person could get. As she stepped out of the bathroom, she saw a cream-colored envelope that someone had slipped under her door. She picked it up and across the front, written in fancy calligraphy was her name: Ms. Mercedes Tinsley. She smiled to herself. What was that man up to now? The envelope was closed with a blue wax seal of the Hummel family crest; she carefully opened it with a bobby pin, and inside was a cream-colored card with a metallic gold scroll border. The card was also written in calligraphy and said:
"Mr. Samuel Hummel requests the company of Ms. Mercedes Tinsley
Tonight at 6:00 p.m. for dinner at the Sir Walter Raleigh Inn and afterwards to attend the Dusk Hollow Community Theater performance of Our Town.
Please refer to the instructions below regarding attire and arrangements.
Instructions for Attire: Please wear your blue silk dress, opal pendant necklace, and your hair hanging down your back.
Babysitting Arrangements: The Hummel family will tend to Abby for our evening out and will send you hourly texts about her well-being.
Please RSVP before 5:00 p.m. today by written confirmation and deliver across the hall to Mr. Hummel's room.
Mercedes sat down on the bed laughing and smiling, feeling like a 14 year old going on her first date with her ninth grade crush. Sam hit all the notes on this; she forgot that she told him how much she loved the old-fashioned courtship in the Bronte novels with wax sealed letters and handwritten invitations. She decided to be just as inventive and tore out a piece of blank gold pressed paper in a journal she bought at the Papyrus store and responded in her neatest penmanship:
Dear Mr. Hummel,
I gladly accept your invitation for a date this evening. I look forward to it.
Until tonight,
Ms. Mercedes Tinsley
She folded up the note lengthwise in three sections, and since she had no wax, she took one of her diamond stud earrings and stuck it through the paper, fastening it together. Across the front she wrote, Mr. Samuel Hummel, and she sprayed the note with her favorite perfume, Samsara. Smiling to herself, she crept out of her room, and went across the hall, sliding the note under Sam's door.
END NOTES: Thanks for reading and reviewing!