Tuesday
"So Happy Birthday girl, what are we going to do?" Santana asked Tina
"I don't really know we usually just have a thing after church, you can come if you all want" she replied to the girls sitting around her, Rachel, Mercy, Brittany, Quinn and Santana looked at each other "I really want to say get a Christian Rock group up in this and dance the night away" she laughed
"Let's pray for that" Mercy said as they joined hands
"Really?" Tina asked
"We all know the power of prayer yes let's do it if it's ours God will give it us" Mercy replied as they all prepared for prayer.
"I know our parents are like pastors, priests and things but come on girls surely we can think of something a bit more adventurous for a 18th Birthday party vibe than a prayer circle" Quinn said when they'd finished praying
"What do you suggest?" Rachel asked before adding "Remember parents have to agree to it"
"What about a disco in the church hall or dare I say in the school hall?" Brittany asked as most nodded in agreement
"So whose church is going to host a full out disco?" Mercy asked "Revival evening I can see, disco gets cloudy for me" she laughed
"We've got convention in like 3 weeks, why don't we wait till then and then it's guaranteed Christians and they won't have any objections to a party then will they?" Santana asked
"You think?" Mercy asked dubiously
"I just thank the Lord that our parents started up their Parish praise group because otherwise I'd still be isolated" Tina stated "So really I don't want to do anything to rock this boat" she said looking around the room at her fellow sisters.
Tina's father a Priest at the local Lutheran Church was strict, nearly as strict as Mercy's Father a Pastor at the local Pentecostal Church. Rachel's Dad was a very busy Rabi with a growing population of Jews moving into the area due to new industry. Santana's Mother being a Priestess at the local Catholic Church, while Brittany's Father was a Pastor at the Baptist Church, Quinn's Father being the newest in the parish, having only lived there five years, was he Reverend at the C of E Church
"It really isn't fair" Mercy said "My dad says I'm not old enough to start going to the meet and match parties that Mom chaperones at, but there's no alternatives, it just really sucks being under 21, I can have a boyfriend but I can't look for one"
"So I guess we're looking at Movie and a Pizza at" Rachel said looking around the group "Brittany's house" she said pointing at Brittany
"Fine" Brittany said "Boring but fine" as they all got up to make their way through to the main church from the vestry to tell their parents what they had decided to do for Tina's birthday
"Stay together girls and we'll collect you all on the way through" Mr Chang, Tina's Dad, shouted after them
"Does anyone else feel like they have a ball and chain round their neck?" Quinn asked as everyone looked her way with smiles on their faces
"Pray sister pray" Santana said as the church door shut behind them
They did as stated and had their movie night followed by Pizza and sung and prayed until their parents came to collect them.
"My birthday's in 3 months and I plan on doing something different so get ready for it" Quinn said before they departed
"Hey I'm going to rebel, you know what? Let's have a song every other day, not gospel just any song that says something you feel say after school just 5 minutes" Rachel put out
"What do you mean like pop music" Tina asked
"Like anything we want to sing if that's gospel then go ahead but we have five minutes to express yourself" Rachel concluded "1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6" she said pointing to herself on the count of 6 "so that's when it's your turn to pick the song"
"This is exciting" Santana said as they packed things away before saying goodnight to return to their own homes.
Wednesday
School
'Ladies you would not believe this fit guy that's just walked into my class apparently new and Rachel I think he's just your type' Quinn wrote on her group Sapp during lesson 'I'll try and get a pic' she messaged 'too late but I'll follow him and let you know where he goes'
'Sins of the flesh' Brittany wrote back
'It's definitely a sin to put all that in one package' Quinn wrote
'You need a prayer' Mercy sapped back
'Boys bathroom by Mercy's locker' she sapped
Without hesitation everyone rushed to the said venue all looking for something in Mercy's locker when a hunky Italian looking guy with a dodgy Mohican hair cut walked out of the rest room, Quinn was the only one to make a noise while nudging Rachel "See he's bound to be Jewish too" she whispered in Rachel's ear
"Yeah he's like stay away from the bacon kind of Jewish not" Rachel said "He's got player written all over his face"
"I agree with Rachel" Mercy said
"I could get my flirt on and try him out" Santana suggested
"No girl leave him be" Rachel said walking away "he don't float my boat so to speak" she said
"Where did you get that from; float your boat?" Brittany asked
"I heard Bree and her friends saying it and it sounded cool" Rachel responded
"It sounds down right loose to me" Tina said as Brittany agreed nodding
"I beg to differ ladies, he definitely does something for me" Quinn said still watching him walk down the corridor "And Santana I think I got this" she said walking off swinging her hips following the cute guy down the corridor.
"Hey" she shouted after him but, he didn't acknowledge her "Hey Mohican" she said as he swung round at the reference, her friends stood glued to the spot watching and listening to Quinn behaving out of character "Wait up" she said waving her hand in the air at him "My friends and I noticed you were new, how are you doing, do you need pointers or are you coping?" she asked
"I thought I was doing fine but, I'm wondering down here thinking am I going in the right direction for Science" he replied with a bit of a laugh
"Wrong way" she said pointing him the opposite direction "I've got Science now, if you don't mind walking with me" she said pointing him up the corridor "My name's Quinn by the way and, yes I'm the Reverend's daughter before you ask" she said
"Noah" he said back offering his hand "Not the Reverends son but very active in the church band" he said smiling "which church?"
"C of E in the Town, where are you from?" she asked as they stopped abruptly in front of her group of friends "Oh, we're referred to as the God Squad in school, like it's a decease or something but this is Tina, Santana, Rachel, Mercy and Brittany all children of leaders in the churches across the parish; and this is Noah" she finally turned to them and said
"Hi Noah" came back in unison from the girls
"He was just about to tell us where he was from and what church he goes to" Quinn passed on before looking back at Noah
"I'm Jewish so I tend to be very traditionalist when it comes to all things religion but I find it really hard to get my groove on in my Church in Nevada, I was sort of hoping Churches in Ohio were a bit more up tempo"
"Sorry to burst your bubble" Rachel said "But we don't have music as such just the usual Hanukkah and stuff" she finished "Dad's old fashioned to say the least" she said looking to the floor
"Our Church has a band" Mercy piped up "But your much too young I'm guessing our youngest member is about 60 years old" she said as everyone laughed
"Is there like a music class at school?" Noah asked
"No" Quinn said grabbing his arm and leading him to the Science class
"I'm first on picking the song yeah?" Santana shouted after her "And your welcome to Noah" she shouted after her looking at Mercy and Brittany
"She's looking for trouble if you ask me" Tina said as they too went off to their lessons
Thursday
Yes school finished quickly for the group today it was their first sing off and Santana had chosen a song they were all on tender hooks as to what she'd have them singing as they stood behind the canteen block waiting for her to make an appearance "I bet it's some Rhianna stuff that we don't even know the words to" Rachel commented
"I know Brianna's stuff" Brittany said "I dance to it sometimes at church" she said as everyone looked at her blankly
"Rhianna Britt" Quinn informed her
"Santana about time" Mercy said looking at her phone for the time "We need to hurry up" she added as they all looked at Santana for the song
"Stop it Santana what's the song?"
"Hair by Little Mix & Sean Paul so I asked Noah to join us, he'll be here in a bit" she announced
"What you doing having words with Noah" Quinn asked
"He was just there when I caught Cooper with Brea in the changing rooms" she stated as Brittany openly smiled
"Sorry that happened to you girl" Mercy said "We'll definitely get him out your hair" she said nodding at the other girls as Noah came round the corner and surprisingly Quinn ran to him as if they were an established couple making everyone look at each other
She turned the Boom box on and they started singing the song and bobbing around having a good time about it
"How did you feel?" Mercy asked Santana
"Definitely like I was freeing something, he's out" she said invigorated looking at Brittany smiling
"I got to go girls I got Bible Class tonight" Tina said giving hugs and leaving the girls who in turn said their goodnights and left for home
Bible Class
Tina sat in bible class with the usual crowd of church youths singing praise songs and getting ready for a prayer fest, Matthew; the lead person, seemed fired up tonight and his spirit was reaching everyone in the room. They were going to be studying the representation of the blood of Christ this evening, it had been the buzz word last week and everyone had agreed to read up and have a healthy discussion ready.
As they finished praise and were in the middle of their greeting section, Tina noticed a new face in the crowd sitting while everyone else was standing around him. Curious she moved around the room chatting to individuals until she came face front with the guy in the chair to notice it was a wheelchair, she sat in the chair next to him and struck up a conversation.
"Hi I'm Tina" she said holding her hand out
"Hi I'm Artie" he replied
"This is your first time here Artie" she stated
"How do you know that?" he asked
"Because I come here every week and I'd have noticed you" she replied
"Yeah it's my first time" he said laughing shyly "So this is where all the cool people hang out weekends?" he asked
"Yeah sure is" she said as Matthew called for everyone to take their seats "Later" Tina said walking off to return to her seat as instructed
After prayers and offerings the group split into two and had discussions about the topic about an hour later they joined back together to understand, get clarification and share examples of the power of the Blood of Christ in their lives. Some shared recent examples but, it was Artie's testimony that grabbed the crowd that night. He talked about wanting to meet up and be like other young people, his search for a group to fit into that didn't look at him as a disability but as a human being, how although people had spoken to him within the group that night none of them had made reference to him as a wheelchair user and, what an impact that had on him.
Almost everyone in the room was smile crying by the time he'd finished, at the end of the meeting Tina just had to give him a hug "Hope to see you next week after that raving review" she said making him laugh
"You definitely will, I thought hugging was going out of fashion till I came here" Artie answered making Tina laugh
"T" she heard from the door way looking up to see her Father standing waiting
"Oh Dad" she said calling him to her "This is Artie, it's his first visit and I think he's been impressed enough to come again" she said as he approached "Artie this is my Dad, well actually he's the Priest here" she said
"Hello Artie call me Bruce or Mr Chang whichever you're comfortable with" he said shaking his hand "It's great to see young people getting drawn into the church again. There's lots of fun stuff for young people to do" he said looking at Tina for confirmation as she just shook her head acknowledging what her Dad was saying. Eventually Artie bid goodnight and left the church for home, but not before giving Tina a killer smile.
Mercy sat yet again in her bedroom waiting for her phone to ring, just another Thursday day night that he'd forgotten about her but, what did she really expect from him anyway. Mercy had been getting very friendly with a visiting Pastor's son, they had come to spend the summer holidays with her family and being the same age they had become quite attached to each other. She showed him as much life as she could with the restrictions her parents put on her and they'd been allowed to take his siblings to the park a couple of times. They hadn't done anything untoward, but on the last day they had kissed nothing big or lengthy just pecks on lips but, they weren't embarrassed after it and he had promised to call her to talk about what happened when he got back, that was like 3 months ago and nothing.
"I know how you feel Merc, it's been a while since Jess has been around, he's sent one pic from India and I've been living on that for like six months" Rachel said
"Yeah but you know where you stand with Jess, he's coming back and you're going to get married I think that's a given" Mercy replied
"Yeah but he's away for a reason there's some difficult stuff to deal with as adults, and the big ones sex" Rachel said widening her eyes "If he'd have been here now that would have happened already I'm not even pretending to deny that" she said half laughing "And you know where that would have put us with my parents and stuff" she added
"Shane will come back Mercy you'll see" Rachel said hugging her
"I have my doubts but, I'll give him another month and I'll pray about it" Mercy said as they came out of their hug
"Come on Rach" her Mom popped her head round the bedroom door to say "It's nearly 11 p.m." she added making Rachel jump off Mercy's bed and grab her coat to go home
Saturday
'Can we meet after practice later and everyone needs to keep an open mind' Brittany wrote on her Sapp and sent the message out to the girls
'Yes' came back from everyone
'Mercy's church, it goes on the longest' she wrote back
'Ok' came back from everyone
So it was 2 p.m. before they were all sat in the garden at Mercy's Father's Church waiting for Brittany to put something in their open minds "I'm; well don't judge me, I mean us, we've got enough of that coming our way" she said looking around the circle of girls "And we're telling you because we need support" she said looking at Mercy
"What?" Tina said looking at Mercy "Do you know already?" she asked
"Listen to Brittany" Mercy stated turning their attention back to Brittany
"Well, we just wanted you all to know that we're lady fabulous" Brittany announced as the others looked around the circle "We've tried to fight this for so long I mean we know the impact it will have on our families and everything but the feeling is so strong" Brittany said looking around
"I don't know what you mean" Quinn said looking blankly around the room at the other girls
"I'm with Quinn on that not a clue" Tina added
"I think they're saying their like lesbians" Rachel said looking at Brittany for confirmation
"Mercy I thought you were moaning about some guy the other day" Rachel asked
"It's not me Rachel it's Santana and Brittany" Mercy clarified
"You mean Satan and Delilah" Quinn said getting up "I'm out of here, this is an abomination" she said pointing at Santana and Brittany
"Quinn" Tina shouted after her "This supposed to be a safe space for us, just hear them out" she finished as Quinn did a U turn back to the bench
"Too much drama?" she asked with a smile on her face as she sat back down
"Much too much, Brittany's going into trauma" Rachel said laughing
"Hold up Santana's not laughing yet" Tina said as Quinn went in to hug her
"That was mean Quinn" she said shaking her off before pulling her back in for a hug
"You all know this is going to go orbital with the powers that are, they'll try and split us up for fear of everyone catching what you two got" Mercy said laughing
"Well I got something else that's going to go orbital when they find out" Quinn said standing up from her hug with Santana "Noah asked me out and I said yes" she announced
"Lord have mercy, how did you get them to agree to that?" Mercy asked
"Well I haven't said anything yet but, I envisage a lot of Hail Mary's and Rosary action" she said laughing "But I think he might be worth it, he might be the one" she said looking all pleased with herself
"Quinn, it's been at most three days stop being so needy" Rachel said
"You mean wanting" she said getting her sexy on
"I've seen someone too" Tina announced making everyone's attention turn to her
"Who?" Britany asked
"This guy at Church…"
"Come on T that's like a brother you don't get guy's from your backyard" Mercy added
"As opposed to sister" Tina said pointing at Santana and Brittany "No he's new and all I know about him just now is his name, so I'll keep you tuned but he's cute" she finished
"Hope that works out" Rachel said hugging her
"So relationship wise we all know where we're going to be in the next like 4 years I'd say" Brittany remarked
"Except Mercy, she's still waiting for Shane to land" Rachel announced
"Actually no I'm not, I've so outgrown that boy God will find me someone worthy of my Love" she said flicking her hair back off her face
"Ok so except for Mercy everyone sort of knows their future plan" Tina confirmed as everyone nodded "So Mercy What's your song choice?" she asked
"Well as I just said No to Mr. Shane Tinsley I thought I'd sing Megan Trainor's No she announced as everyone cheered as she got her phone out and they started singing along quietly to the song
"I've got to go its food time and I need to eat" Rachel said as everyone got up to leave the garden
Monday
"I literally have five minutes" Tina announced as she got to their spot behind the canteen block
"We chose tonight to tell our parents about us" Brittany announced
"Really?" Quinn asked "Do you need our support?" she followed with
"I'd love you all for support but I feel they'd think we set it all up and then they'd be wondering if it's some sort of experimental fad we're going through, so no leave it there we'll cope and if we don't we know how to get into Rachel and Quinn's rooms without adults knowing" Brittany said
"We've only got one life and we want to live it together, seriously; if they don't accept us we're leaving tonight" Santana said seriously
"You can't leave us" Tina said in a cry voice
"They need to listen to us so I've chosen No Broken Hearts by Bebe Rexha & Nicki Minaj" Brittany said as Santana pumped the music up and they started singing the girls joining in for the chorus, clapping at the end
"Bull, horns kind of talk that girls go for it and, good luck" Mercy said hugging them before they left
"I think we can guarantee no parish meeting tomorrow night" Mercy stated
"What do you think?" Rachel asked
"Well I think they are going to accept them I mean it's common now and a lot of churches accept gay and lesbian couples, seriously; I don't think Santana's Mom is one of those but, I think Brittany's Mom will talk her Dad round" Mercy said
"And if all else goes wrong we have the girls backs" Tina said nodding as they said their goodbyes and left for home
Wednesday
'Had a call from Shane finally' Mercy sapped the girls with as frown face at the end
'What did he have to say for his sorry self' Tina asked
'He's in love' Mercy wrote back
'Still?' Tina asked
'But not with you' Rachel wrote
'No with Thelma or someone and that's fine as I said seriously over him' she wrote
'Have Brittany and Santana surfaced yet?'
'Not heard anything, maybe there at some clinic getting cured ha ha' Tina wrote
"Tina that's not nice" Rachel said from behind her
"Grow me a new one that scared the heart out of me" Tina said as she jumped at the voice and held her chest in relief to find it was Rachel standing behind her "Shouldn't talk about people like that" Rachel said pointing a finger at her
"Bless her Father she has sinned" Quinn said laughing as she walked up to Rachel and Tina "That was comical T" she said unable to control her laugh
"When are you seeing your mystery guy again T?" Quinn asked once she stopped laughing
"Friday I think we didn't make plans" she said looking shocked at the insinuation that there had been some untoward conversation between her and Artie "Look I haven't even had the conversation with my Mom yet I don't even know if it's anything like that" she added
"You know how girls are T you need to snap if you're interested before he just gets swallowed up" Rachel said
"Yeah I remember all that competition you had with Jess" She replied
"Hey Squad" Mercy said as she approached them with Santana and Brittany in tow pointing at their hands linked together
"It went well then?" Quinn asked
"Exceptionally, they introduced us to this couple Kurt and Blaine they live just outside the parish and I've seen Blaine before in our church but their older than us so I've never really spoken to him but their cool" Santana said
"What do they do?" Tina asked
"Oh they're a gay couple and we just talked about the issues we might face about being who we are I suppose it's like a support group but with only four people in" Brittany laughed
"And what do they expect you to find there?" Rachel asked
"Support I think" Brittany answered looking at Santana who was agreeing with her "And T if it's there go for it" she said trying to deflect the conversation
"We'll see if there really is anything there tomorrow" Tina said mindfully taking in the comment made previously
"Girl all I'm saying is remember needy Quinn and wait for the invite" Mercy said as everyone laughed
"I'm not needy I'm wanting I told you already" Quinn said playfully slapping Mercy on the arm
"You dangerous girl" Mercy said laughing with her
And that's my song for my turn come on girls get some empowerment going on up in here" Quinn said "Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande she announced flicking her song on and she started singing as the others joined in at parts and the chorus
"I feel we need to pray for Quinn give her some resistance" Tina announced
"God's speed with that" Brittany said as Rachel linked arms with her and Mercy and walked towards the girls room and Mercy grabbed Quinn when she realised she was on the move
"Stop" Mercy shouted as they walked past the music room, she stood watching this tall guy playing the piano with his eyes closed "Rachel I could have sworn that was …"
"Jess" Rachel shouted out making the guy turn round, he moved away for the piano and held his arms out in anticipation of Rachel running into them "Jess your back" she said as she got to him as the others watched them hugging on each other with smiles on their faces
"Your parents told me you'd have break soon as I thought I'd come and surprise you but I missed you leaving your class and I just thought …" Jessie didn't get to say anymore Rachel was on his lips like a rash "I need to speak to you in private" he said when she finally let him up as the girls looked at each other before moving on.
"Either he's leaving for good or they're going" Tina said sadly
"Yeah it's just text book isn't it?" Mercy said "Everybody leaves"
"Mercy come on your going to be late for practice" Thelma shouted across the hall
"I'll see you all tomorrow" she said hugging the girls as she left for practice with Thelma
"You haven't been coming to practice for a while Thelma, what's been up?" Mercy asked as they walked out the door and towards the school gates
"Well to be honest I couldn't face you" she replied
"What me I've been a barrier?" Mercy asked in shock
"No, not you per say but, well I've been seeing Shane and he said you had a thing for him a while back and I just felt funny because, well you didn't know we were together but now he's come clean and told you we're getting married and stuff I figured water under the bridge and all that" Thelma said shocking Mercy almost to tears but she held it in no way was Thelma Rose soon to be Tinsley going to see water come out of her eye for some damn man. She thought.
"Its fine Shane and I were never like that anyway" she said not telling lies because in effect they'd kissed once and right now she was not going to become what Tina and Rachel called needy.
Mercy got to Choir practice in good time, got her coat off and settled into her usual front line spot ready for singing, she'd been round talking to most of the choir members and even had time for a bathroom break to listen to yet again more girl talk from Thelma about her eminent nuptials.
"Come on girls" her mother shouted into the bathroom seconds before they all piled out to the front alter "Choir this is Sam Evans, Brother Michael sent him in his place because he's not well today. Apparently he teaches him music and he reckons Sam is really good so let's bless Sam with our vocal contributions and see what he can offer with his guitar to support us Amen?" she asked
"Amen" the choir shouted after her looking at Sam
"Hi Everyone I'm Sam as Mrs Jones said I've been around for a while if I'm honest but refused to be a part of anything until Brother Mike took me under his wing. As a mentor he's fantastic and I'm hoping you'll see some of him in my style and love it" he said all confident
Mercy sang extra loud at practice, showing off her vocal skills and songs were covered in less than 3 takes by her Mother's standards which were very high so she knew she was on form. It wasn't until she got home that she was able to reflect on the evening that she seemed to float through. Of course all the women had been like flies around Sam even Thelma was asking questions about guitar playing and Mercy knew for a fact she wasn't interested in playing anything but the clarinet and now Shane's fiddle, Sam had sat answering questions and smiling friendly like all evening, at the end of the practice he's walked up to her
"Sorry I forgot your name" he said as he held out his hand
"Mercy Sam, my name's Mercy" she'd replied
"You're the choir Mistress' daughter yes?" he asked
"Choir Mistress stroke Pastors wife's daughter yes" she answered as Sam's left eyebrow raised
"Ok" Sam said still holding her hand "I need a different approach to this then" he thought as he smiled at her
"You do, and did you know you have the greenest, beautiful eyes I've ever seen" Mercy said before catching herself "Sorry" she quickly said, as she noticed their hands seemed to be glued together
"Did I say that out loud?" he asked
"What do you have on your hands?" she asked looking at her hand and then at Sam when she finally pulled them away
"Felt like electricity to me" he said laughing as Mercy's Mother called her
"Felt like sticky glue to me" she said laughing
"Time to go sweetheart" she heard and turned to see her mother standing actually waiting for her
"Sam" she said turning to walk away
"Next week Mercy" he said smiling at her as she looked back at him
"Are you coming or you waiting for a lock in?" she asked as he realised there was only him left in the church so he followed her out of the building "Bye Sam" she said
"Bye Mercy" he said as he jumped in his four by four and she went with her Mother waving as she passed his car on the church car park
'Shane's engaged to Thelma, you heard me Thelma' she sapped to the girls when she got in
'I'm praying for strength for you girl' Rachel wrote back
'It's at times like this I wish I could turn my faith off because this other cheek stuff just gets tired' Brittany wrote
Everyone sent back a laughing face or two
'I'm praying for her, he's not going to make a very considerate husband' Mercy wrote
Thursday
Tina got to Bible class late, due to a call from family in Belgium, she sat at the back of the group just catching the last of the praise songs, when they were numbered into groups for the topic discussions she was lucky enough to have been paired with Artie, Marley and Jake. Jake was always good for controversial stuff he'd go all the way to the edge making you wonder if he was a believer or not and then suddenly he'd ask for prayer across the room and when he caught the spirit, everyone needed to watch that space.
"Calling the name of Jesus, what power does that have?" Jake asked as Marley rolled her eyes knowing what was coming as they pulled their chairs around to close their group.
"It's a serious question it has no power" Artie added
"We can just sit back it looks like" Tina said to Marley "This hasn't happened before someone outright agreeing with Jake, he has no argument" she laughed "Go Artie"
The session went well and in the end Tina didn't know who was more controversial Jake or Artie but she knew Artie was the one she was interested in, 'he used a wheelchair but that stopped him from doing nothing, saying what he thought, backing it up to the end, giving that cheeky smile, she could very easily get used to and Lord if he's for me please give me a sign' she thought
"So what do you say woman don't leave me hanging" she heard bringing her back to the now
"Sorry Artie I was just thinking about some points you made, and Jake" she fibbed
"I was saying do you want to take this bible study banter to another level?" he asked
"What do you mean?" she asked
"A question with a question we could go on for hours" he laughed to himself "Do you want to go say get a coffee sometime soon we could even call it a study date" he asked
"I'd have to ask my parents so I'll let you know" she said smiling at him
"Ok give me your digits" he said passing her his phone, Tina willingly tapped her number in "So I'll call for when I can come over and ask for your hand" he laughed
"I'll wait for that call" she said smiling as she left the room and waving to him as he left the building a while later
Friday
"Come on get into groups of four and bring your scarves with you" Quinn shouted across the hall as she started the third group of dancers for the evening this was the 12 – 15 year old group and they were learning the waltz for the festival in a week "To the left on the count of three" she shouted as she nodded for the music to start and took them through their routine "perfect" she shouted as they bowed at the end. She rushed them out of the hall and quickly found her parents who were sitting in the main church conversing with some of the parents who were waiting for their children.
"Mom, Dad can I have a word please?" she asked as the parents got up
"Sure Quinny" her dad said moving her hair off her face "You should tie that up when you dance" he suggested
"Well I'm just going to say it and wait for your reaction" she said sitting down to talk more private "I've met this boy called Noah, he goes to the Rabi's church and he's trying to start a band up. We haven't done anything past exchanged numbers and he hasn't called me yet because he hasn't met you but, I really like him and I just needed you to know he might call you" she got out before looking down at her hands.
"You sound really taken with him but, we'll wait until he makes contact before we discuss this further" her Dad said as her Mom sat smiling
"Ok" she said getting up "I just didn't want him calling, if he does, without giving you the heads up" she smiled knowing full well Noah was planning on calling them the following day "I'm meeting the girls after class just for an hour and Rachel's dad will bring us home or her Fiancé" she announced as she returned back to the class. An hour later she'd finished and showered and was on her way to meet the girls at the local café
"So Miss T, how did it go?" Brittany asked
"Well we exchanged numbers and I think we like each other well more than like each other, yeah I think it could go somewhere" she said looking at her nails
"What with Miss Needy over there, Miss Having times two over there, Miss Got it here and now Miss Wanting sitting here I do believe I'm smack in the middle of a den of iniquity" Mercy said laughing
"He hasn't actually asked me out yet for your information Miss Jones" Tina smirked
"So why are you looking like the cat that got the cream?" Santana asked
"Cos I've got a study date" she said smugly
"Study Date oohhh" Rachel said
"He's got to ask me right" Tina said narrowing her eyes "I have a song Dove Cameron's Genie in a Bottle" she said laughing
"Good song you got that one anyone?" Brittany asked
"Hold up I'm just buying it now" Mercy said holding her phone up "Ok let's go"
"Hold up I need the words I'm not 100% on this one" Rachel said "Ok ready" she added when her download finished and they sung the song
"So I guess you're saying he needs to work for it then, a date I mean" Rachel said at the end of the song as Quinn almost choked on her drink
"I guess I'm saying we need to get to know each other and that's got to start with him showing an interest I guess" Tina said
"You'll know when you know girl" Mercy said hugging her in
"Nearing Curfew ladies let's roll" Quinn said
"That's not like you Quinn what's happening" Rachel asked
"Noah's calling my parents tomorrow and we need to talk before he does that so I've got a call booked" she said excitedly
Sunday
'There are about 60 people in this class' she sapped the girls as she sat in the Synagogue looking at the rows of chairs and easels 'how am I supposed to teach 60 people in two hours' she wrote putting a frowning face at the end
'It's God's work, he never gives us more than we can handle' Tina wrote
'I need to handle Jessie's lips' Rachel wrote
'Shame on you' Quinn wrote with a smiley face 'God's work'
'And who's looking after those 60 people while you all chatting?' Mercy wrote
'Have you two set a date yet?' Santana asked
'Parent coming' Brittany wrote
'2 p.m. normal place' Quinn wrote then there was phone silence, everyone had put their phone away
"Ok it's my turn" Rachel said excitedly
"I've had loads going on what with Shane's revelations and Thelma's confessions as well as all the drama at choir it's been mad" Mercy said
"Drama at choir?" Tina questioned
"Ok; well anyway I've chosen to sing a song about a conversation I had with Jessie earlier today and I can't believe he expects me to pick up after him and cook and everything" Rachel said
"Yeah we'll get to that in a bit Rachel let's hear Mercy's drama first" Santana almost ordered as everyone went quiet again waiting for the saga to unfold
"It don't matter I ain't got time to be constantly fretting over whatever his name is" she said fanning the idea off
"Must be serious drama; choir that is? Santana suggested as they stood waiting looking at each other for the suspense
"So you mentioned it but choir is fine?" Tina asked puzzled when she'd finished
"Yep" Mercy said smiling
"So Shane, Thelma and Choir has been mad but its fine?" Brittany asked Santana who confirmed that was what she had said as everyone looked at each other
"Ok; I've had a call from Artie he's meeting my parents next week" Tina said all excited
"That's great T, Noah met mine it went alright but I don't think they are fully on board he has to prove his worth" Quinn informed the group
"We can share more at meeting on Tuesday after Choir practice" Mercy said "What's your song Rachel?"
"As I said Jess wants us to get married next year and then I'm to move to Outer Mongolia or somewhere with him to become his chief cook and bottle washer" she huffed so I want to sing Ain't your Mama by Jennifer Lopez she said plugging herself in and starting of the singing as everyone was dancing around and filling in the backing vocals and joining in on the chorus'"
"You tell him girl you ain't dong nothing for him" Mercy shouted at the end
"I wouldn't say nothing" Rachel said
"But you just said you ain't doing anything for him in fact you just asked yourself if you still loved him so I guess you have some real questions to ask yourself and give him some truthful answers or get prepared to be a wife" Mercy replied no one answered they agreed, hugged and Jess came to pick them up
'Group date' Rachel wrote on a new group contact, Santana, Brittany, Tina and Quinn linked it quickly
'Mercy is up to something gate crashing her meeting at Choir on Thursday usual time' Rachel wrote, smiling faces came back from all four
Thursday
Mercy couldn't wait for school to be over she'd been bubbling inside all day, she kept it down when the girls were around because she hadn't actually spoken to Sam in that way yet so nothing was solid she just had a feeling. As she walked into the choir room she was conscious that Sam wasn't there and her heart sank as she saw Brother Michael sitting in his usual spot. She watched as Brother Michael spoke to her mother and her mother left the hall for a while before coming back in with a smile on her face "Everything ok Mom?" she asked as her Mom came to the group
"Fine baby girl but your Dad will be here soon" she said as Mercy looked at her quizzically
Her Dad must have used the back door because her Mom agreed a break, which was rare, and went into the Minister's office for a while. About 15 minutes later she came out again smiling 'My God they could have waited, and in Church as well' Mercy said disgusted at the smile on her Mother's face, if she had been a different shade she would have let this particular cat out of that bag. About 40 minutes later they finished practice, and Mercy was surprised to see the girls turn up at the door "What are you all doing here?" she asked
"We came to see what you were dreaming about" Rachel said without shame
"Oh they didn't turn up so dream over" Mercy said as her mother called her "Wait there" she said hurrying off to go see her. Funny enough her Mother guided her into the Ministers Office "What's up?" she asked backing into the room as she heard her Father's voice
"Arrh Baby Girl, this Young Man has …" Mercy spun round at her Dad's words to see Sam sitting in a chair on the opposite side to her dad at his desk "As I said" her Dad repeated knowing she wasn't listening to him "He's asked our permission to date you with the intention to marry at some point, I'm not sure you even know him let alone like him and I needed you to put him or us straight on this"
"I know Sam Daddy I met him last week at Choir practice" she answered
"Last week and you already think she's the girl for you?"
"When you know you know Sir" was all Sam had to say, looking at Mercy "I told you I had to come with a different approach" he said smiling
"Do you want to go on a date with him?" her Dad asked
"I'll try anything once" she said as her insides were screaming yes I do
"I'll have her back by 10 p.m. was it?" Sam asked her Dad
"Yes 10 p.m." her Dad said sternly
Sam got up opened the door for Mercy and followed her out into the church hall and through it to a crowd of girls sitting on the steps "Oh Sam" Mercy said looking at him as he grabbed her hand "This is Rachel, Quinn, Tina, Santana and Brittany my friends, we're the God Squad, all with parents of the cloth" she said laughing as Sam went round shaking their hands and saying hello
"Sam's my new …"
"Boyfriend I'm her new boyfriend" he said smiling at everyone
"I think it's so cute and I think it's so sweet how you let your friends encourage you to try and talk to me" Tina sung as Mercy gave her a look that said shut up
"You are fine as hell" Santana said as Britany nudged her
"I have been told that but it really doesn't matter until the right person says it to you" he said looking at Mercy
"Oh and our girl is the right person?" Santana asked
"Definitely" he said smiling down at Mercy "I know my eyes are the deepest green she's ever seen" he laughed "and so I love them now and I've got a thing for glue too" he said laughing to himself
"So intentions?" Brittany asked
"You sound like her father, Date, Love, Marry in that order" he said looking at Mercy with his last word
"What do you know about her father?" Rachel asked
"I was with him all evening asking for her hand" he said as everyone gasped
"Shhioot Mercy" Quinn quickly changed it to "You two are getting married?" she asked
"Well he hasn't asked me yet but I guess it's on the table" she said "I've got to be in for 10 p.m. and I want to get acquainted so excuse us" she said walking off with Sam in hand
"Nice to have met you all" Sam smiled as they walked away
They went to the lake to talk and get acquainted, Sam was very creative with getting to know you games and Mercy was very acquiescent to his games by 9.45 p.m. they were at a comfortable place holding hands, Talking openly, making their way back home and obviously getting nervous at the next step of the goodnight kiss "Are we going to be awkward about this or just do it?" she asked as they got to her door, as she finished her question Sam's lips met hers as they stood on her doorstep "I saw …" she got out before Sam went back in for another kiss
"Stars" they both said making the other laugh
"I've been ignoring the electricity running through me all night to get that explosion of colours now is like Wow" Sam said laughing
"I'm still attached" Mercy said looking down at her hands on his chest "I don't want to move them I know I have to but I like this glue" she smiled "What is this Sam?" she asked
"It's a definite attraction" Sam said "Are we going to see each other again?" he asked
"Do you want to?" she asked "Sorry yes I think we are" she said "I hate when people answer a question with a question" she laughed
"Then we'll see each other again on.."
"Saturday" Mercy said quickly "I wanted to say Friday but I don't want to seem needy as Rachel calls it" she said making Sam laugh
"I'll be needy can I see you tomorrow?" he said still laughing
"Yes 7 p.m."
"Baby girl" her Dad called as Sam gave her one last kiss and opened the door for her to go in before jumping in his car getting to the end of her road and doing an air fist punch, they were officially dating result
Tuesday
'Artie met my parents last night he just turned up' Tina text 'and it just happens to be my song day today I'm on cloud nine seriously I can't wait'
'Girl ain't your finger tired, you need to write a book' Santana wrote back
'Cracking me up' came back from Rachel
'She met her person leave her alone' Quinn wrote 'I have news'
'What?' Tina asked
'Later' Quinn replied back
'Please not the N word' Mercy wrote
'N?' Brittany asked in her text
'Needy' Mercy wrote back '? What do you think I was planning on degrading myself' with a smiley face'
'Totally out of character sorry M' Brittany wrote
'No worries you'd have got it if you could see my face smiley face'
'Convention in 2 days' Santana wrote smiles followed
'After last class usual place' Rachel wrote to a smiley face reply
"So" Quinn said when they all got together "Catch up, Noah and I are an item we're going official next week when my Nana comes down" she announced
"Great news Quinn"
"Quick wedding though I need to get into him and he knows the rules" she laughed looking at Rachel
"I did as Mercy suggested and went home to think about what I expected from my relationship with Jess and I really do love him and I want to be his wife and everything that comes with that and I really truly don't mind going to outer Mongolia as long as he's there and he loves me" she said smiling as everyone smiled back
"I knew you had that inside somewhere" Mercy replied
"We're good parents are fine we meet with Kurt and Blaine once a week and their really nice guys and we plan on getting married when they allow it" Brittany said kissing Santana
"Aaarrr I'm really happy for you both" Tina said "Artie and I are official already as I said and I'm investing so I expect the long haul" she smiled
"Good for you Miss T putting it all out there like that" Rachel commented
"And I'm seeing Sam, I mean seriously seeing Sam" she laughed "I don't know how that happened but thank God it did he's my soul mate"
"So what's the song Miss T?"
"I feel like things are changing for us and we need to stop and just think about life as it was as it is now and maybe how it's going to be so I thought "Never Alone" by Lady Antebellum (Adapted) sort of says everything I'm thinking" she said as she started the song on her phone and everyone eventually started singing along
"That was beautiful T" Brittany said as everyone hugged
"Convention on Thursday" Santana said jumping up and down
"What's so special?"
"PDA as a couple for us big deal" She replied
"Big for all of us everyone will have someone" Quinn said
"I'm gone later girls big day tomorrow fill you in after" Rachel said
Thursday
'Its official my wedding day is set for this say next year' Rachel sapped to screaming faces being sent back making her laugh
'Details on the way to convention is a must' Santana wrote
'Sorry unable to join Sam's coming' Mercy wrote
'Yeah Jess is coming apparently he's in a band' Rachel wrote
'Art and I are joined at the hip sorry' Tina wrote
'Siting behind Mom and Dad with Noah frown face' from Quinn
'An hour at some point today please ladies' Brittany wrote and everyone sent smiling faces
So it was 3.45 p.m. and everyone was due to meet up at 4 p.m. for the coaches
"Ladies this is Artie" Tina announced as everyone smiled at this man that had lit up Tina's life and hugged him saying hello
"I like you already" Quinn said as Mercy nodded in agreement
"Oh hi Noah you know everyone except Artie he's Tina's other half" she said
"Hi Art, didn't know you knew these Ladies" Noah went in giving him a man hug saying before turning to the Ladies to say hi and giving Quinn a peck
"Well I know Tina I've just met everyone else" he said looking at Noah first then Tina "Musician" he said to her nod
"Noah" Jessie said as he approached "What are you doing here my man?" he asked
"I'm playing but I'm here with Quinn and her family getting in the groove and stuff you know" he said knocking fists with Jessie as Jess bent to give Rachel a kiss on the forehead on his entrance
"Hello love of my life" he stopped to say before getting back to his conversation with Noah "I guess you're on drums?" he asked as Noah nodded "Art" he said when he came into view "That sweet voice is going to be a treat for us all" he said hugging him in too
"You guys all know each other?" Santana asked
"Musicians" Jessie said "This would be a real jam if…"
"Musicians" Sam called out from behind them as everyone spun to see him coming towards them
"Sam" Artie, Noah and Jessie all said together
"This is going to be a jam" Artie said to Tina but everyone heard it
"Hey guys sorry I got to go get electrocuted" he said going towards Mercy "Hi Babe" he said pulling her in giving her be deepest kiss any of them had ever witnessed outside their own kisses "I've waited all day for that, you alright" he asked a still dizzy Mercy
"I'm fine now babe" she finally got out before he let her go and went back to the guys
"We need to sit together lots of seat swopping going on with everyone together" Jessie said rubbing his hands together "And the girls will want to hear about the wedding" he finished
"Congratulations Man" the guys said as they got on the coach, they all gelled very well during the trip and the guys band sung some songs in the evenings dedicating 'Flawless' by MercyMe to their family in Christ saying they acknowledged they had work still to do with God but they planned on doing it to be worthy in the near future as Song they secretly dedicated to their girls 'Holy' by Florida Georgia Line
"Girls" Mercy said stopping them from jumping to the music "Girls" she said when they calmed down and looked at her "We got ourselves a real life Christian Rock Group" she said as they hugged before holding hands and thanking God for his blessing right there at the concert finishing as the guys started singing Feel it by Toby Mac & Talkbox the girls thought nothing of going up front to rock as the party started
The end