HEY YAL, hope all is well. Here's an update for you guys.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own rights to glee nor it's characters.

I look at the road ahead of me as I push down the accelerator with my foot. I feel a sense of relief knowing that I'm heading back home. Of course, I also feel sad to leave Sam. I know that each mile I drive, is one more mile away from him. It was so hard to get myself to leave this time, especially after the night that we had.

Sam made me feel like a woman again last night. He made me feel alive and he made me feel like his wife in every sense of the word and the ache I feel in between my legs right now is proof of that.

"Please promise me you're not going to disappear," Sam said earlier this morning as we said goodbye.

Jane was already waiting inside the car. Sam had his arms around my waist. He was holding me tightly, as if afraid to let me go. I smiled up at him.

"I promise I'm no going to disappear."

He kissed me hard befofe he finally let me go. "I love you. Be careful."

"I will," I said and then I pressed my lips against his. "I love you too. Call me, okay?"

He grinned. "Everyday."

I smiled then hesitated before finally getting in the car. I waved at him as I drove away. There was a sadness in Sam's eyes that I couldn't make go away as he waved back. I could tell he doesn't fully believe I'm not going to disappear again. I don't blame him. I know that only time will give me the opportunity to gain his full unconditional trust. I had already convinced myself all night that I will be back. No matter what Mary thinks of me and no matter how much she hates me. I want to be with Sam and she isn't going to keep me away. Not as long as Sam wants me by his side and last night, not only did he tell me how much he wanted this second chance, he also showed me in the way he made love to me.

I wish I could repeat last night over and over again. My body already aches for him and we're not even in Arizona yet. Jane has her eyes closed as she listens to music so I turn on the radio for some background music as I drive. There is something very relaxing about driving with music that I love. I'm probably one of the few that actually enjoy driving long distances. As long as it wasn't at night, of course, mostly because I know I would fall asleep for sure.

The drive back to Arizona goes by smoothly and it actually goes by faster than when we were on our way to California. It is around three in the afternoon when I pull into the driveway of the house whom is in good shape, thank God. There are a few leaves oh fhe grass and sidewalk but other than that-it's all good. I was skeptical about leaving the house empty for the weekend. Little did I know that I was going to end up leaving it alone for a whole week. It's not that it's a bad neighborhood. I'm actually friendly with my neighbors. It's just me being precautious and paranoid about everything

"Im so tired," Jane says as we walk into the house. "I'm going to my room."

I look after her, wondering why she's so tired if she slept for most of the way. She disappears down the hall into her bedroom. It's not a big house. Just a normal size three- bedroom, 2-bathroom house for Jane and me. This house made me happy from the memories and I find myself feelinga bit sad that I have to sell it. Maybe I don't have to...maybe I can rent it. Who knows? I can have it as a backup. Maybe in case Jane wants to come back after college...or maybe I would in the future. This is our home after all. It's where we were born.

After checking out the house to make sure there aren't any broken windows or missing things, I go to the laundry room and throw the clothes into the machine. I call Sam as I make my way to my room. I smile as I throw myself on the bed. God. It feels so good to be back.

"Mercedes? Everything alright?" Sam answers.

"Yes, everything's alright." I smile. "You can't freak out every time I call you. I just wanted to let you know that we're home."

"I will always worry about you," He says and I can hear the smile in his voice. "I'm glad you're home." I hear some background noises on his side of the line.

"Listen-I'm so sorry but I'm at work and I have to go. I'll call you tonight?"

"Okay," I say with a nod. "Bye."

"Bye."

I stare up at the ceiling and think about how the last time I was on this bed, I wasn't the old Mercedes that blocked any slight thought about Sam. If I were to tell that Mercedes that ina week I would be back with Sam, I wouldn't have believed it. I put my left hand up in front of me. The ring is mny back on my fourth finger. I look at it and a name comes through my head.

Matt.

I sigh then reach for my phone again.I call Matt but it goes to voicemail. Seconds later. he calls me back.

"Hey." I answer.

"Hey, Mercedes! Sorry I wasn't able to take your call. I was going through security in the airport."

I sit up. "Oh, it's okay. You're traveling?"

"Yes, it's for work. I'll be in New Mexico all week."

I feel both relieved and disappointed. It seems like this conversation is going to have to wait. I'm not about to drop this bomb over the phone right before he's about to board a plane. He doesn't deserve that and it wouldn't feel right doing that.

"Oh, okay. Well, I'm back in Arizona and I just wanted to see if we could meet but it can wait."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. Bad timing."

"It's okay. It can wait."

I repeat. It can wait. I really dont want'to have this conversation over the phone. There is nothing I can do but wait until he comes back.

"I'll let you go then," I say quickly. "Have a safe trip."

"Alright. See you soon."

"Bye."

I begin to think about what I'm going to say to him when I see him. Then, after I'm all stressed about it, I force the thoughts out of my head and do some cleaning around the dusty house instead. I wash the sheets, towels and clean everything until the musty smell is gone. The only room left is Jane's but she's sleeping and I don't want to wake her. I feel genuinely happy to be back home though I do miss Sam.

~~~~~~~

The next morning, Jane Heads to school and I to work. We are back to our old routine. It's so crazy to think about how we have only been gone for a week when it feels like so many things have happened in the timne we were away. My life isn't the same. I'm not the same Mercedes I was last Monday.

I'm the first one to arrive at the bank. Mostly because I'm early. I left the house 30 minutes earlier to stop for donuts for the branch. I smile as I sit down at my desk. The bank is small. There are four teller windows with an open space in the middle for customers to get in line. There is a waiting area and four desks on each side of the waiting space. Two were occupied by the bankers, the other desk by the assistant manager, and the fourth by me.

I enjoy my job as a manager and I find myself feeling a bit sad because I know my time here is coming to an end.

"Good morning! It's so good to see you, Mercedes!" Tina, the assistant manager, says when she sees me and she comes over and hugs me. Tina and I have worked together since I started working here. She is the closest thing I have to a friend here in Arizona.

We've only hung out about three times out of work so that says a lot about my social circle here.

"Hey Tina, thank you, it's good to see you too."

"How was your vacation?" She asks as her brown eyes roam all over me. "You look great! Did you cut your hair?"

I shake mny head as I touch my hair without thinking. "No, I didn't. I guess I'm just well rested."

She raises her eyebrows and suddenly looks shocked. "Oh my god! Did Matt propose?" She asks as she reaches for my left hand. "I thought he was joking when he brought it up the other day. Oh my god! Congrats!"

I frown. "What? What do you mean?"

She looks at me confused. "Yeah, he said something about how he felt really good about you and how he was going to wife you up. But...why are you so confused?"

Oh God.

"But we just started to see each other." I murmur. What is Matt thinking? Have I misinterpreted our relationship this whole time? I thought we were just casual. We were barely getting to know each other as more than friends. Why in the world would he be thinking about marriage already? He doesn't even know me!

Tina nods. "I know. I thought he was joking. but I guess he ended up doing it, huh? And you said yes..."

I finally look at her as she waits for my answer. "Oh, Tina, no. I haven't seen Matt since this past weeks when we had our third date. I uh-"I sigh. "There's something you don't now about me." I

hesitate then look at her. "I'm actually married. I've been married all this time... since you met me."

Her mouth hangs open. "What?"

I nod. "I've been married for the past four years. I left my husband three years ago when my mom died. I came here to care for my sister and I never went back with him. This pasted week -we sort of got back together.."

I practically filled her in into my whole life story in just a few sentences. What I hadn't told her in the last three years, I just told her now.

She covers her mouth with her fingertips as she looks at me with wide eyes. "Wow. I can't believe it. Does Matt know?"

I shake my head, feeling ashamed. "No, I wanted to tell him yesterday when I got here but he told me he was in a business trip and isn't coming back until next week"

"Oh, no. I'm sorry I don't mean to make you feel bad. It's just...poor guy."

She doesn't mean to make me feel bad but I'm starting to feela hundred times worse than I already did. And if this is how I feel after telling one person...I don't want to feel this way every time...why do people have to know anyway? No one needs to know my personal life.

I begin to pull the wedding ring out of my finger. "Anyway, I think I'd like to keep this a secret...untilI tell Matt at least."

Tina nods. understanding what I'm asking from her. "Of course." She smiles. "I'm sorry I just can't believe you're married! What's his name?"

"Sam," I say with a smile.

"Is he from California then? What does he do?"

Before I can answer, the doors open and Ingrid, one of the bankers, along with our morning teller come in. They both greet me with friendly smiles as I clutch the ring in my hand.

"We're going to have to continue this later," Tina says quietly with a wink.

I smile, wishing that we would've hung out more often. Ever since I ran away, I've been more closed and cautious about developing friendships and relationships. I convinced myself that I didn't need friends. I had enough with Jane. Now I look at Tina and feel like we could've become really good friends if I would've been a little more open. Now it's too late for that.

"Thank you, Bonnie."

She nods then turns and heads to her desk across from mine.

"There are donuts in the break room!" I announce to everyone.

~~~~~~~~~

The week seems to take forever. It's like the world is punishing me for the great week I had with Sam. It's not that anything bad happens. No. It's just that I'm eager for Matt to come back from his trip so that I can talk to him. What Tina told me really concerned me and I want to make things clear with him. I'm a little uncomfortable and maybe a little angry at him for making assumptions and talking about proposing after only a few weeks of dating me.

I just want to tell him the truth and set things straight. It's finally Saturday and Matt agrees to come to my house for dinner tonight. I spent the afternoon doing grocery shopping, thinking about all the different million ways the conversation with Matt can go tonight.

"Hey," Jane says as when' I get home. "Need help?" She asks looking at the grocery bags in my hands.

"Yes, please.

"You okay?" She asks as we go back to the car to get the rest of the bags.

"Yeah, just nervous about tonight."

We make our way back into the house with the rest of the grocery bags.

"Don't you want me to stay instead?" She asks. "I can stay in my room and I won't make any noise, I promise."

I told Jane that Matt was coming tonight and asked her for some privacy. She already had plans to go out anyway so it works out for both of us. I half smile at her and shake my head.

"No, it's okay. You go out with your friends. I-I sigh. "I need to do this by myself."

"Okay." She sighs as she looks around all the groceriės. "Do you really need to make him dinner though? I'm pretty sure his appetite is going to be gone after you tell him."

I look at her. "Well, I want to do something nice. And I don't really want to just dive into it right away..."

"Does Sam know that you're seeing Matt tonight?"

"of course not. Why would I tell him? It would just make him worry for nothing. No. I'm just going to have this dinner and have the talk and then everything will be over."

Jane shrugs. "If you say so..."

She helps me put away the groceries then she goes upstairs to get ready while I begin to make dinner. I'm making pasta Alfredo with shrimp. I've cooked this for Matt and he really liked it. I also bake me garlic bread and chill a bottle of wine. I know I'm going to need it.

It's around six when I finally have everything ready and I head to my room to take a quick shower. I put on a blue dress that went down to my knees with black heels and blow-dry my hair. I apply some mascara and some nude lipstick. Then I go back downstairs to set the table.

"Im heading out," Jane says as she walks down the stairs.

"Okay. The keys are by the door. Be careful."

"Good luck!" She says as she walks out the door.

I stand in the middle of the living room and take a deep breath. This is it. Matt will be here any moment. I've played the conversation in my head about a million times by now and I'm ready to get it over with but when the doorbell finally wings my heart still skips a beat and I'm suddenly too nervous to speak.

My heels echo as I walk down the hall to open the door. "Okay." I whisper before I unlock the door then pull it open.

Matt is standing on the other side with a big smile on his face. He is a very handsome man with low cut fade with hazel eyes. He has one of those smiles that make you want to smile back even if you're having a bad day or even when you're about to break up with him. He's wearing dark jeans with a red plaid shirt and black shoes.

"Mercedes," He says as he reaches out to hug me. "It's so good to finally see you." He kisses my cheek then pulls away.

I smile at him. "It's so good to see you too. Come in."

He takes a step into thehouse then turns around. "These are for you," He says handing me a dozen red roses.

"Oh, Matt, you shouldn't have, thank you," I say as I take them. "Come. Dinner's ready."

I make my way to the kitchen and he follows me. The dining table is set with silverware and I take out an empty glass vase to put the roses in with water.

"So, how was California?" He asks as I serve us dinner.

I'm grateful for the distraction in keeping my hands busy. "Good. It was fun. Jane finally got to go to Disneyland. You know how bad she wanted to go."

Matt chuckles. "Oh yeah. I'm glad she finally got to go. I hope it was everything she ever wanted."

"Minus the accident, yes,"

"Right, how is she? Did she break her arm?"

"No, just a fracture. She had to get a cast but shell be fine," I say as I walk to the table with our plates.

"Looks delicious," Matt says. He reaches for my hand after I sit down in front of him. I look at him in wonder. "I really did miss you, Mercedes," He says looking into my eyes.

I lower my gaze. I thought we could have a nice friendly dinner before I told him but I realize now that it's not going to happen. I'm not going to be able to sit through dinner and pretend that everything is fine and then drop the bomb at the end. It's not fair to neither of us. I don't know what I was thinking.

Confrontations have obviously never been my thing I pull my hand away gently. "Matt... there's something we need to talk about."

"What is it?" He asks looking at me, as if trying to read my mind. I wish he could.

I look at him. "Did you tell Tina that you were thinking about proposing?"

I know he can tell I didn't like that by the tone of my voice but I don't make myself say it another way. That comment, whether it was made serious or not, really bothers me. I'm a married woman and I know it's not Matt's fault he doesn't know-it's mine. I guess it just makes me feel even worse.

He chuckles nervously. "Oh, that. It was just a silly conversation. I know we're barely getting to know each other. Don't worry, I don't have a ring hidden on me right now." He jokes but I don't laugh.

"Matt-"I shift uncomfortably in my seat.

"Mercedes, you don't have to worry about that. I shouldn't have made that comment. It was supposed to be a joke. Though I would be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it. Right now it may be too soon but later, when the time is right, I would like to get married..." He lets the sentence hang.

"Im so sorry." I whisper looking down at my lap.

He reaches out and places his hand on my arm. "Is there something wrong?"

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as I look into his eyes and gulp. "I haven't been completely honest with you, Matt, there's something about me that you don't know-I'm just sorry I have led you on."

"Mercedes, it's okay. You haven't led me on. I know we're just casual right now," He says gently but there is a confused frown in between his eyes.

"I had a life in California before coming here"I begin.

"Yes, I know you went to school there," He says reaching for the glass of wine.

Mirroring him, I also take a sip of the wine hoping it will calm my nerves. "Yes." I hesitate as I twist the glass around.

"Just say whatever you need to say," Matt says. His tone isn't rude but I can tell that he's starting to get impatient.

"I didn't just go to school," I say looking at him. "I-I also got married."

Matt nods slowly. "Okay.."

"I still am." I tell him. "I'm married."

He frowns. "I don't understand. So you never got a divorce?"

"No," I say slowly. "I left my husband three yvears ago when my mother passed away. I -ran away. From him."

Saying it aloud makes me realize how childish my behavior was. Many times I would think about everything I went through with Sam's mother and I would convince myself that I made the right choice by running away. And then there were the days like tonight--days when I would feel guilty for running away without saying anything. I'm not sure how much I want to go into detail with Matt.

I don't think it's necessary. Deep down, I don't think he's going care after I tell him that I'm getting back together with Sam.

"You ran away from your husband?" He asks.

I nod. "I did, yes."

He raises his eyebrows as he looks at me with concern. "It must have been hell living with him. What did he do to you? Did he hurt you?"

I can tell he's really worried about me which makes me feel even more guilty. I need to get to the point quickly. Before I can answer his question though, the doorbell rings. I frown as I turn to look at the front door as if I could see through it.

"I'm sorry," I say as I stand up. "I'm not expecting anyone. Will you give me a second?

"Of course," Matt says.

I walk across the dining room just as the doorbell rings again. As I reach out for the doorknob, I have a gut feeling that I know who it is but I still pull it open and my stomach drops.

Standing outside is Sam wearing a gray suit with a white dressed shirt underneath. He is holding a bouquet of white roses with one hand and a small gift bag with his other. It's so strange to see him on my doorstep. I never thought this would ever happen. It's like my two lives clashing for the first time.

"Hey" He says witha goofy grin on his handsome face.

"Sam-"I say, shocked. "What are you doing here?" I say, puling the front door closed as I step outside.

"I wanted to surprise you," He says then he frowns, studying my face. "Is it not a good time?"

"I'm sorry," I say feeling bad for killing his surprise. I wish I would've been alone in the house, missing him. It would've been the best surprise to open the door and see him here if that was the case but it's not.

This is such bad timing. "I was actually- Just then, the front door opens and Matt appears on the doorway behind me.

"Mercedes?"

I notice the way Sam's shoulders tense at the sight of him, as if he knows exactly who he is. I don't know what to say for a second. I'm happy to see Sam but at the same time, I want to finish my conversation with Matt who thought that Sam was-

"Is this him?" Matt asks pointing at Sam. "Is he bothering you?"

"Who the hell do you think you are, pal?" Sam demands, glaring at him.

Matt takes a step forward, getting in between Sam and I. "I'm here to protect Mercedes from you."

"Matt-please" I say nervously.

Sam scoffs. "I don't know who you think you are butI would get out of the way if I were vou,"

"Or what"

Everything happens so quickly then. Sam takes a step foriward. In response, Matt pushes him away. I move to the side and watch as Sam narrows his eyes at Matt and then he throws the roses to the ground before throwing his fist right across Matt's jaw.

Ok babies here yal go, I'm so tired from work I was going to do a double update but my body hurt but I wanted to give you guys this chapter let me know what yal think.