Mercedes: POV

Thank everything for spring break!

I couldn't wait to escape. I wasn't going anywhere or anything but a break was just what I needed. The past two and a half months have been hectic! I insisted on going back to classes instead of going online so I had school on top of getting used to Rae.

Noah went back home in the middle of January and it sucked having seeing him leave after we just found our rhythm together but in two short months, we'd be together again.

I couldn't wait for it. Kurt and Rachel kept sending pictures of the outside of our building and it looked so beautiful. We were outlining how we wanted to decorate. We decided that each of us would get rooms to decorate to be fair.

In our house, I would be decorating the kitchen, studio, Rae's room and Noah's and my rooms. Lucy would handle the living room and Beth's room and her, Rachel's and Finn's rooms. Finn would handle the den with Noah and Rachel would take the dining room. Us girls would handle the bathrooms, spare bedrooms and hallways.

For the apartment across the hall, Marcy would take care of the studio, her, Mal's and Ellen's rooms, the kitchen, the twins' room and she and Tana would handle the living room together. Britt argued for and won the right to do the den. Ellen would help with bathrooms, spare bedrooms and hallways with the other girls while Tana would take care of the dining room and her, Britt's and Artie's rooms.

Mal and Artie didn't have a say…

Marcy would do both of our "libraries". She said it was a present for us all and that she'd do murals for the kids if we wanted.

We definitely wanted! Then she volunteered Sammy and T to help.

For T and Kurt, they split things down the middle. Kurt would do the kitchen, living room and his room while T did the dining room and den and her room. They'd do the spare together along with the bathrooms.

Mikey refused to decorate. He said that he wasn't interested in it and nothing we said would change his mind. So Lucy, Marcy, T and I would decorate for him. Blaine was a bit better but he was so easy going that Kurt took over. Sam said he didn't mind what went in the house. He was just happy to be staying there.

So we had things picked out in catalogs and would order them when the building was finished.

Things have been good between us. No real fighting. Everyone's been getting along. Glee club got a second chance at competing. It turns out, the Warblers cheated so the New Directions were back in.

That made Finn feel better and Mr. Shue happy. Thank goodness for that because Mr. Shue was supposed to marry Ms. Pillsbury on Valentine's Day…?

It didn't happen…

She bailed on him during the ceremony. He was devastated but let us party anyway. We had a good time in spite of his pain.

A weird thing that happened was Rachel was asked to appear in a student film. She wasn't sure if she should do it because it required nudity. Lucy flew up to New York to put a pin in that immediately.

Another thing that happened for Rachel was that she auditioned for a Broadway revival of Funny Girl. It was her favorite movie and she knew Fanny Brice's part inside and out.

We all supported her and she said she sung Don't Stop Believin as her audition piece. I hope she gets it.

A bad thing that happened was Becky found Coach's gun and it went off during school hours. Everyone was scared out of their minds because they didn't know it was her.

Well everybody but Marcy. Mr. Shue was angry with her because she wouldn't "cower in fear" (her words). He thought she was being stubborn and reckless. She said she wasn't afraid of death, she wasn't afraid of getting shot, she wasn't afraid of people. If it was gonna happen, it would happen. Being a sniveling baby wouldn't stop a bullet.

I was terrified for them up at the school. But she said she'd been in that situation before and she could not find it within herself to be afraid.

Power to her but I would have been rocking in a corner somewhere. With our family's favorite occupation, guns freaked me out. I could shoot one but I'd rather not.

No one really knew it was Becky who had the gun because Coach said she dropped it but Marcy got it out of Becky. She said she felt bad for her because she had to be scared when it went off.

I was glad Marcy was there for her.

But enough about sad things! The clock struck two thirty and I was out of there. Midterms sayanara!

I grabbed my things and fled to my car. I got in and drove home, listening to music and singing along the whole way.

I got home and went inside to put my stuff away then went down to see the kids. Marionette was watching them play as she watched TV.

I picked up Rae and spoke in baby talk to her. She blew bubbles at me and pulled at my hair. I took her out to the kitchen, where I grabbed a bottle of water.

I was drinking more water and less juice these days. I know I didn't gain a lot of weight during pregnancy but having a baby motivated me to lose some pounds. I asked Marcy what she did and she gave me step by step instructions.

First off was exercising. I didn't do it much before. Sure when I played sports but I didn't do anything in the off season. Now I took the stairs whenever I could, walked where I could and went to the gym.

Secondly was diet. Marcy said she stopped eating meat until Christmas and kept her carbs and grains down. She got her protein from eggs, milk and supplements. So I stopped eating meat. I figured I could start again in another month but I wanted to reach my target weight.

So far, it's been working. I'm building muscle unfortunately but I've dropped a considerable amount. I feel healthier but thankfully I don't look like a stick figure. That wouldn't be a good look for me and I selfishly want my boobs.

At the moment, I'm a size sixteen/ eighteen American. I want to go down to fourteen/sixteen. I already bought an outfit that would fit when I got to that size.

At first Noah didn't like me dropping the weight. He said he didn't want it to change me. I told him I needed a change. I wanted to be a healthier me. But he's come around and he's forever teasing me about being as light as a feather.

And I admit I like the looks I'm getting. There's this girl in my bio class that keeps checking me out.

Not that I'm looking for a replacement Annie. Some days I don't feel anything would make that feeling go away. It was hard to top what we had. She was perfect for us. Sweet, fun, funny, kind, smart, a little sassy.

No! No thinking about the past!

I took my water to go back to the den when the front door opened and slammed against the wall. Marcy slammed it shut.

I stared at her. Obviously I was going to ask what's wrong but I didn't want her to hit me. "Bet that door won't mess with you again."

She gave me a funny look. "What?!"

I pointed to the door. "It had it coming."

She shook her head. "I'm not in the mood to smile."

"What's wrong?"

She screamed lowly. "That idiot brother of yours!"

Uh oh. "What'd he do?"

She started pacing. "I can't even say it! I'm done with him! I never want to see him again! I hate him!"

"Let me put Rae down."

She started for the stairs so I hurried to give Rae back to Marionette then ran upstairs to her room. She was running around, packing a bag.

"What are you doing?"

"Packing an extra bag."

"Extra? Where are you going?" I was confused.

"I don't know. I just gotta get out of here. I wasn't leaving until Sunday night but I can't be here when he picks up the twins." She continued stuffing the bag then zipped it up.

"Marcy, where were you going Sunday night?"

"I'm doing a movie."

I raised my brows. "You're still doing stuff?"

"Yes. Not a lot but yeah. I wanted one last movie until the summer at least. I wanted to get back into modeling. Maybe full time for the summer? I don't know. Nothing's planned. I just want- ugh!"

"Slow down. Talk to me." I sat on her bed. "When'd you decide this? What movie is this? How much school are you missing?"

"It's only a week long. It's in Quebec. A funny little project. Kinda a romantic comedy. I'm taking off high school next week. I know we have Regionals coming up but we're doing original songs and such rot again. They don't need me."

"You're a brilliant songwriter, Marce."

"And I'm not lending my talents to these people."

I smiled. "So you're just gonna drive til you get to Sunday?"

"That's the plan." She shouldered the bag then grabbed two more from the closet. "I gotta say goodbye to the twins then I'm gonna head out. Thanks for talking to me, Merce."

"Part of the Big Sister Initiative." I shrugged. "Maybe when you get back, you'll talk to Mal and get all this straightened out?"

"No!" She pointed at me. "We're over. We're done."

"What about Ellen?!" I frowned.

"I'm sorry but that's something to think about next week." She left and held the door open so I'd leave.

I got up and left. She shut the door behind herself and we walked down the stairs. "Did you leave them at school?"

"She wanted to reason with him. She can talk til she's blue in the face but he's a stubborn ass!" She took her bags to her car then came back in.

We went to the den and she kissed the twins. They were talking more and it was a Japanese/Italian/English mix. It reminded me of the gibberish we spoke as kids, not knowing English.

"Goodbye. Mommy will miss you." She kissed them again and let them go back to playing. "Bye, Betty. Bye, Rae."

I walked her out to her car and waved her off. She beeped and left. I went back inside and sat with the kids.

Less than twenty minutes later, Mal swept in. "Where is she?!"

"She left." I didn't pretend to misunderstand.

"Where'd she go? She can't run from me! This isn't over!"

"Calm down. She went to calm her own self down. She'll be back next weekend."

"Next weekend?!"

"Did she tell you about the movie?"

"Yes. But I didn't think she'd leave early. We're fighting." He looked hurt.

"What are you fighting about?"

"I don't wanna talk about it." He bit off.

"Mal."

"Leave me alone! It's her fault anyway! She's impossible!"

"Mal! Your children are watching you."

He glared at me before telling them to get their toys together. "If she thinks I'm going to be sitting here, waiting on her, she's got another thing coming!"

"Mal. Don't make this worse. Control your temper."

"It'll be controlled alright!"

"What about Ellen?"

"Traitor!" He picked up Mickey and took Mally's hand. "Come on, guys. We don't need Mommy."

"Mal!" I stood up and followed him out. "Mal!"

"I mean it, Mercy. I'm tired of her and her her-ness."

And she's sick of him. What a pair! What happened to not fighting? "Is it really over?"

"Is that what she said?" His eyes were troubled.

"Yes." I watched him carefully.

I could see the exact moment it sunk in. He closed himself off. "Then yeah, it is."

"Mal." I reached out for him but he moved.

"See you Sunday, Mercy." He left.

I closed the door behind him and went to get my phone. I had to call Lucy. We had to fix this.

MAP

Puck: POV

I wrestled with the tabs. "Come on!"

Beth leaned over and pointed. "That!"

"I know! It won't go!" I peeled a tab off my finger and tried to stick it to the diaper.

Rae kicked me. She had that bad. Kickin just like her mama.

I glared at her then the diaper that was giving me so much trouble. "Hold still, Rae! I gotta get this diaper on you! We're already late!"

Rae kicked her legs again then put her feet in the air.

I sighed. I couldn't do this without help. "Ma! Ma!"

A minute later, Moms was at my door. "Noah, what's taking so long? Are you serious?! The girls aren't even dressed yet?!"

"Rae won't stop wiggling so I can get her diaper on!"

She frowned and waved me away. I got up and let her take my place. She took off that diaper and put on a new one. She got the tabs working. "There. Don't you feel better, Rae?"

Rae flailed around.

Moms smiled at her. "Yeah! Noah, get ready. I'll take care of the kids."

I picked up my shirt and put it on. "It isn't all that easy."

"I know. I had a couple of kids." She said dryly. She put Rae in a onesie and pulled a dress over her head. Then she put socks and shoes on her. "There. Come here, Beth. Let's get your dress on you."

Beth crawled over. "Gram!"

"Hi, baby." Moms fit her dress over her head and stuck her arms through before pulling it down. "Where's your shoes? Show Gram where your shoes are."

Beth looked for them and found them near the foot of the bed. She grabbed them and gave them to Moms, who put them on her feet.

I shrugged into my jacket and did up the buttons as Moms brushed both of their hair (Beth had Q's straight hair while Rae was curlier than Mama). "I'm ready."

"Good." She set the baby brush aside and picked up Rae. She took Beth's hand. "Where's her blanket?"

I snatched it up. It had lambs on it. I don't know why but it was the first stuffed animal I bought her and she seemed to love them like Beth loved ducks (which was the first stuffed animal I bought her).

Moms took it from me and draped it over her shoulder. "Come on. Nic is waiting downstairs."

We left my room and went downstairs. Nic was watching TV.

"We're ready, Nic. Come on." Moms put Rae in her car seat and laid the blanket over her.

Nic turned off the TV and stood up. "You look so pretty, Beth!"

Beth held her dress out. "Thank you, Tia Nic!"

"Here, Noah." Moms gave me Rae. "We're already late. I hope no one says anything."

"We're okay, Ma." I told her. "They should understand."

She blew out a breath. "We've been late every Saturday for a month."

I winced. She was right. "We'll do better."

"Alright. Come on." She marched to the door.

We followed behind her and she locked the door behind us. We went to her car (a brown sedan) and got inside. I buckled up the little kids while Moms got in the passenger seat. She was nervous driving at night so ever since I got my permit, I've been the driver.

I got in the driver's seat and buckled up. I turned on the car and drove towards our temple. We got there without any problems and went inside.

They'd already started…

Moms was so embarrassed as we found our seats. We sat in the back and hoped people wouldn't say anything.

After service, we tried to sneak out but this busybody I hated- truly hated- caught us. She was fake as a three dollar bill and was super uppity. Worse, she thought she was better than Moms and was slick with rubbing her husband in her face. Her rich husband.

"Oh, Nadine!" She- hooted is the word I could go for.

"Cecily." Moms grinned but it was clearly a cry for help.

She came to Moms and hugged her. "How are you, dear? I heard you came in late. It's been happening a lot lately. Do you need any help?"

"We're fine, Cecily." Moms told her. "Getting out of the house with two little ones is just a bit of a challenge but we're doing better."

That old bat looked at me. I felt like a piece of meat. Like how being with housewives used to make me feel. "Oh, that's right! I heard your strapping son had another!"

Moms narrowed her eyes. "Yes! His girlfriend had her in December."

"May I see the little darling?"

I didn't want to show her Rae. I didn't want her to even know about her. "Sure."

She clapped.

I lifted Rae's blanket.

"She's just darling! But she's a trifle dark, isn't she?"

"She's the same color as Noah." Moms stared at her.

"I'm just saying that a good Jewish girl would produce a much lighter baby."

Was she talking about my baby?! "My girlfriend is mixed."

She made a face. "I never understood that. Mixing races just confuses the children."

Moms' eye started twitching. "I'm mixed."

"So you know first hand."

I grabbed Moms' arm. "Both of my daughters are mixed and they will never be confused. They'll be proud of who they are. Just like I'm proud of who I am and who my mother is. We don't see color. We don't see race. We see people. And we definitely see you."

Moms grabbed Nic's hand and wrapped her arm around my arm carrying Rae while I picked up Beth. Then we strolled the fuck out of there!

MAP

Mercedes: POV

"Can you believe that?!" I was livid still.

"Wow!" Mrs. C breathed. "Who talks like that these days?! It's 2013!"

Ms. Judy rolled her eyes. "That is the biggest crock I've ever heard! "Confuses the children"! Ha!"

I just told everyone at brunch about what that lady said to Noah at temple last night. I was so upset, I couldn't even sleep properly! "I wish I were there! I would have told her something!"

Laura seethed. "Mrs. Puckerman should have slapped her!"

Marc took her hand. "You're the one who says violence solves nothing."

"It would solve that!"

"Why are people like that?" Maddie asked.

"I don't know, honey but there's more people on the side of right than on the side of ignorant." Mrs. C told her.

"I'm proud of Puck." Lucy said. "He stood up for our children."

"He did. I'm going to reward him." I surely was.

"Gross." Mikey made a face.

I punched him. "Not like that!" Maybe like that. We haven't had sex since Rae was born.

"Uh huh." He obviously didn't believe me.

"Subject change!"

Mrs. C smirked. "Your fathers get back from their business trip tonight."

"Yay!" Maddie cheered. "They promised to bring me something back from Utah!"

"Let's channel Marcy." Lucy clapped. "What'd she say if she were here?"

"What the "H" is in Utah?" Marc said immediately.

Mikey laughed. "Where in the "H" is Utah?"

Us girls giggled.

"I wish she would have told me what the movie was about." Laura said when we calmed down.

"She told me it was a romantic comedy." I shrugged. "I'm surprised she's moved away from horror and drama."

"She didn't tell me a thing." Lucy griped. "I'm seriously offended."

"You're always offended." Maddie pointed out.

Lucy pinched her.

MAP

I sat down to dinner with Mrs. Gonzales and Marionette. I didn't want to be alone and was glad for the company. We were talking amongst ourselves when someone walked in. It was Daddy.

"Hi, Daddy!" I beamed.

"Hello, Princess. Mrs. Gonzales. Marionette." He looked bone tired. "Where's Sweetpea?"

"Uh…"

He took a seat and rolled his shoulders. "Well?"

"I don't know." I admitted.

He stopped moving. "You don't know?"

"She- she said she had to get out."

"How long has she been gone?"

"Since Friday."

"Since Friday?!" He exploded. "Why haven't you called me?!"

"She wouldn't do anything dangerous." I don't know why that lie tumbled from my lips.

He gave me a look before taking his phone out. "When was the last time you spoke with her?"

"I gave her space."

He stared at me as he put his cell on speakerphone. It rang a few times before Marcy picked up.

"Hello?"

"Sweetpea? It's your father."

"Hi, Daddy."

"Where are you?"

"Outside."

My lips twitched. She was so literal.

Daddy pulled a face. "Where are you, Sweetpea? Are you at a friend's?"

"In a manner of speaking." She answered lowly.

"What does that mean? Where are you? When are you coming back?"

"I'll be back next weekend."

"Next weekend?! You'll be back here tonight, young lady!"

"Daddy, I have a movie. People are counting on me."

"You're doing a film? You said you were at a friend's."

"I said in a manner of speaking. Besides the film's not for another day."

"Then where are you right now?!"

"I'm safe, Daddy."

"That wasn't what I asked but I'm glad you are. What I want you is safe and at home."

"I'll see you soon, Daddy."

"I expect you in this house before I go to sleep."

"I'm not coming home, Daddy. I'll see you when I get back. Okay, I'll be right there. Look, Daddy, I gotta go. I'll see you, okay?"

"Sweetpea! Sweetpea! Marceline Anne!"

"Bye!" She sang before hanging up.

He growled at the phone. "She hung up on me!"

I pursed my lips.

"I should call the police."

"Daddy, don't be extreme."

"My seventeen year old daughter is out in this world and I don't know where! That's extreme!"

"She'll be back."

"And what did you do yesterday when you had to see your mother?"

"I told her Marcy was sick and couldn't make it."

"You lied?"

"Technically, she is still sick."

He pursed his lips at me. "You're more ethical than that, Princess."

"Daddy, she and Mal had an awful row. She just had to clear her head."

"What did they quibble over?"

"I don't know. She was too upset to tell me at the time and he won't say a word. He pouted all through church and brunch."

"This is ridiculous."

"Just give her time. She'll be back."

He sighed. "Okay, Princess. But if she's not in this house by Sunday, I'm calling the authorities!"

MAP

Quinn: POV

I was worried over the situation between Marcy and Mal but I had to admit that I was floating on cloud nine this week. I had my boyfriend and girlfriend in one spot for a whole week. I loved spring break!

At the moment, we were at the mall, shopping for Beth's birthday next month. I wanted to find her something that screams "I'm three!".

"How about this?" Rachel held up a dress with ladybugs on it.

I smiled. "That would work on three year old me but Beth hates bugs."

Finn smirked. "Does Mike scare her with them?"

I giggled. "I'd kill him. It's bad enough he traumatized us."

"I still can't believe Mike would ever do anything less than absolutely angelic." Rachel said.

"He is an angel. A fallen angel."

Finn grinned. "You know? He never used to complain about Puck getting us in trouble. He'd point out how stupid it was but he would be the first to try it."

"That's Mikey." I lifted a shoulder. "Do you think she'll like this?"

"If she were Sadie." Finn wrinkled his nose.

I put the leopard print shirt back. "I just want her birthday outfit to be the best."

"How about this?" Rachel held a dress up to herself. It was yellow and had long pleats.

I eyed it critically. "It might work. But she'll need shoes to go with it."

"Shoe shopping?" Finn winced.

"It'll go fast." I kissed his cheek. "Come on. Let's pay for this and we'll go to a shoe store."

"Can we stay in here for a bit? I don't have a present for her yet."

"Sure. What are you thinking of getting her?"

"I have no idea. I haven't met a three year old since Nic was three."

"Can't go wrong with a toy."

"I bought her an educational toy." Rachel piped up. "It tells numbers up to twenty."

"She can count to twenty."

Rachel's face fell. "She can?"

"Yes. She can count to fifty."

"She's already smarter than me!" Finn sulked.

"Stop it, guys. We'll find the perfect presents for her. I actually have her present nailed down to two options. Wanna hear them?"

MAP

Puck: POV

Finn and I had fun hanging out with Mike during the days and Mike, Wheels and Bowties during the afternoons. Spring break was awesome. We played video games and ate like pigs. It was great!

I was even introducing Jake to my friends and they were getting along. But everyone was leaving Lima again either today or tomorrow.

We spent some time together as a big group but we were missing three people. Mal stayed home and sulked. Mike said he and Mini Mama had a fight and now he was acting like a bitch. He actually said that about his brother.

Elle Woods was a no-show, too. The girls had been over, trying to get her to open up but all she did was cry. Mini Mama had been ghost. Mama said she was making a movie but the chick didn't return any texts or phone calls. It was very rude.

But we couldn't do nothin about them. At least not until Mini Mama came back. So we ignored the drama and had fun. We swore we'd do something if it was still funky a week after Mini Mama got back.

Yes, that made us feel better about ignoring them!

So it was Saturday again. I wasn't looking forward to seeing that old battle-ax again but I was determined to be on time for temple.

I gave Beth and Rae baths early and started putting their clothes on half an hour early. Once they was straight, I hopped in the shower and pulled on my clothes.

Moms didn't even have to scream for me. I was coming down the stairs just as she opened her mouth. "You're ready!"

"Yup. Is Nic?"

Moms blinked. "Nic?!"

Nic came downstairs. She was missing her shoes and her hair was all over her head.

"Get ready. I got her." I put my children in front of the TV and grabbed a brush. "Come on, Runt."

"I'm not a runt!" Nic stomped over and let me brush her hair.

I finished. "Go put on your shoes."

She popped up and ran to slip into her shoes.

"I'm ready." Moms appeared downstairs again. "I can't believe we're actually on time. Early even!"

"Yup. Let's ride." I picked up my kids.

Moms ushered us out and locked the door behind us. We got in the car and I drove to temple.

We got there as people were going inside. People nodded to us and we nodded back.

Our rabbi came up to us. "Nadine, Noah, Nicolette. How good it is to see you tonight."

"Thank you, Rabbi." Moms said.

He stooped down to Beth's level. "Hello, Beth."

"Hi." She whispered.

"How are you?"

"I'm fine and you?" Mama was teaching her manners.

"I'm very well. Thank you. Is this your little sister?" He pointed to the car seat.

She nodded. "Sissy."

"What's your sister's name?" He knew.

"Rae." She said proudly.

"That's a pretty name."

"Thank you."

He stood up. "Service is about to start. Make sure to sit up front so the children will be blessed."

"Thank you, Rabbi Peterson." Moms said.

He nodded and went to greet people behind us.

Moms moved us inside and we sat near the front. Rae got a little fussy so I passed her to Moms and gave her a bottle. Mama pumped a lot and we went back and forth with formula to stretch it.

A few minutes later, service started. It was good but I admit, I dropped off a bit. It wasn't like going to church with Mama. They had a hype church and their choir was amazing. Mostly cuz Mama sung in it.

After service ended, we ran into a lady of temple. "I heard about your encounter with Cecily last week."

Moms paled. "You did?"

"Yes. And I must say; what rock has that woman been living under? This country was build on race relations. I can't believe she even said such a thing and to your faces! That woman has nerve."

Moms brightened. "I think we should pray God opens her heart so she may see the beauty in life."

"You're a good woman, Nadine."

Moms damn near glowed.

The woman walked off and we went outside to get in the car. Moms was on cloud nine the whole time.

When we got in the house, she had this smile on her face and didn't even yell at me for cussing when I hit the coffee table in the dark.

People at temple needed to compliment her more…

MAP

Mercedes: POV

I hummed under my breath as I read. I was just going over the assignment my professor gave us for during break. Mrs. Gonzales said that dinner would be ready in twenty minutes so I wanted to reread the passage so I could be fresh tomorrow.

My door slammed open suddenly and I jumped. It was Marcy. She hurried to shut the door and climbed into my bed. Her eyes were wide and she looked panicked.

"Marce! What's wrong?!" I set my book aside.

"I messed up."

"What's wrong? Tell me what's going on." I sat up.

"Did you see Mal at all while I was gone?"

"Yes."

"Did he say anything about us?"

"No."

"Nothing at all? Like if we were broken up or not?"

"Marcy, what are you fishing for? You said you were broken up."

She got up and paced. She pressed her hand to her mouth.

"Marcy, you're scaring me."

She spun around. "I slept with Sam!"

My eyes widened. "You did what?!"

"I slept with Sam." She looked ready to cry.

"Sam? My Sam? Sam Evans?"

"Sam. Your Sam. Sam Evans."

I was in shock. "No way!"

"Yes way." Her voice was getting softer.

"You-! but-? I'm so confused right now!"

"And it was more than once."

I had to catch my breath. "Marcy!"

"Don't say it! If you say it, it's real."

"How did this happen?! Where did you see Sam?!"

She began pacing anew. "I was so mad that I just got in the car and drove. It didn't matter where I went. I just had to get out of here."

So far this was making sense. "Go on."

"The next thing I know, I'm knocking on the Evanses door!"

"How?!"

"I don't know! I didn't plan on it! I just showed up!"

She'd been to see him a few times so she did know where he lived. "What happened? How'd that lead to you two sleeping together?"

"Well his parents were nice about me showing up out the blue and let me stay. After dinner, we were up in his room and I was-"

"Was?"

"Fuming about Mal. He let me talk until I ran out of words. He was on his bed and I flung myself next to him and we just laid there for a while. I didn't want to hear any words defending or discrediting him so it was nice.

Then he began singing some stupid kids song. It was awful! I knew the lyrics!"

I caught myself before I laughed. She sounded horrified about that fact. "And?"

"And I looked up at him and he looked down at me and- and we kissed. And we kept kissing. The next thing I know, we're spent and having to rush to put our clothes back on when Stacie asked us to come watch a movie with her."

My mouth formed an "o". "Ooh!"

"I know! The next morning, it was really awkward. He had to take Stevie to Little League and Stacie to her horseback riding lesson. At both places, I pulled him into somewhere private and we did it again. When we got back to his house, we sat them down in front of the TV and didn't come out of his room until his parents came home."

My eyes were wide.

"Then Sunday, I pulled him into confessional."

"Marceline Anne Eve Taylor-Jones, you did not have sex in church!"

She shushed me. "No! I have some morals! We just made out. His parents took us out to eat after and we had sex in the bathroom. Then twice more at the house. When we were saying goodbye, I attacked him as soon as his parents weren't looking."

My jaw had dropped. "What happened when you left?"

"I went to the airport and flew to Canada. I stayed there until wrap then I flew to Germany."

"Germany?! Why?!"

"Rou and I sat P down and talked to her about how she was acting."

I smiled. "Good. Late but good. How'd she take it?"

"She was pissed at first. Said that we went through men and women like Kleenex and she should have fun. That she was seventeen and deserved fun in her life."

"What'd you tell her?"

"That breaking hearts and using people wasn't fun and they didn't deserve for her to do them like that."

"I'm proud of you."

"Ugh! Then why did I slept with your boyfriend?! I'm sorry by the way."

"Sam and I are over. I know we agreed to no backbiting at the baby shower but this is clearly a special case." I waited a beat. "So how was it?"

She gave a light huff. "He's learned a thing or two since you but I definitely put him through his paces."

"Poor Sam. He was probably glad for the break when you left."

She gave me a look. "Don't make me laugh. This is serious."

"You're right. It is. What are you thinking now? Do you want to be with Sammy?"

She climbed back in the bed. "I don't know. Mal and I are obviously over."

"You don't know that."

"That man is stubborn."

So are you. "I know but he's Mal."

"I guess." She picked at my bedspread.

"What are you going to do about Sam? What's he think in all this?"

"I haven't exactly answered any of his messages…" She looked away.

"Marcy!" I hit her. "You used that man's body and won't return his phone calls?!"

"I don't know what to say! Help me!"

My eyes widened. "You're asking me for help?"

Since she was wearing her sling, her hand was already over her heart but she opened her hand. "I am asking for help."

I opened my mouth (to say what I have no clue) when the doorbell rang. "Who's that? It can't be Mikey. He's already on his way back to Chicago."

"You know that other people want to call on us that don't have a key, right?"

I swatted her. "Let's just go see!"

We got up and went to the stairs. Standing at the bottom were Mal and Ellen. "What are you doing here?" Did I mention this girl was stubborn?

"We were hoping to catch you. Mercy told us that you were coming home today." Ellen said. "We need to talk."

We came downstairs. Marcy put her hand on her hip. "I think we said everything we needed to say then."

"You two screamed at each other. It wasn't a conversation. And I didn't get to say anything. I think this whole fight's stupid. We love each other and you two are so obsessed with being right, you're ignoring it."

I prodded Marcy. "What are you trying to say?"

"That we're not broken up. I refuse it. We're still together and you two are going to kiss and make up."

"Does this mean he's apologizing?"

"What?!" Mal came alive.

"Yes!" Ellen talked over him.

"No, I'm not!"

"Mal, apologize right this instant!"

He looked away.

Marcy glared at him. "See?! He's a set in his ways young fool!"

"Me?! You're the one who can't see you have a good thing with us!"

"I have a good thing with her!"

This was getting out of control. "Mal, just apologize." I snapped. "Do you really want Marcy out of your life?"

He grumbled.

"No, he doesn't so he should stop acting like this!" Ellen bit off.

"Fine!" He hissed. "I apologize."

"Way to make me feel it, jackass." Marcy sniped.

He threw his hands up. "Make her apologize!"

"In your deepest, darkest dreams, you lugnut!"

"Marcy!" Ellen was at her wits end. "Apologize!"

"I will not!"

"Marcy, I mean it! Apologize or I'll never kiss you again!"

Marcy mocked her.

"I swear to you!"

Marcy flared her nostrils. "I apologize."

"Way to make me feel it." Mal jeered.

"Oh, I want you to feel something."

"Kiss!" Ellen yelled.

They stared at her.

"Kiss!"

They leaned forward and pecked each other.

"Kiss like you mean it!"

They glared at her before leaning forward and kissing for real. Things grew… warm as they got wrapped up in each other. They parted with smiles.

"I'm sorry, Marce. I was being a tool." Mal wrapped his arms around her.

"I was being a complete hag. I'm sorry, too." She said instantly.

As one, they tugged Ellen over and gave her kisses. "Thank you for not giving up on us."

"No problem." She rested her head on Marcy's shoulder with a sweet smile.

I smiled at the cute picture they made.

Mrs. Gonzales came in. "Dinner is served."

"Stay for dinner." Marcy invited. "I can take you both home after."

"I'd love to." Ellen said.

"Me too." Mal kissed them again.

We all went into the dining room, where we encountered Daddy, who flipped about Marcy being home.

MAP

I knocked on Marcy's door.

"Come in!"

I opened the door and found her on her bed, braiding her hair into two braids. "Hey?"

"Hey." She finished her last one and secured it with a bright green band.

I sat next to her. "We didn't get a chance to talk."

"About what?"

"You're back together with Mal and Ellen."

"Yeah."

"What about Sam?"

"I was hoping you didn't bring that up."

"He deserves to know what's going on. We will be living with the guy in a couple months. Does he expect to be boyfriend/girlfriend after this?"

She licked her lips. "I'll call him tomorrow. I don't wanna play with him."

"Good." I took her hand.

"You know I can keep secrets."

I cocked my head. "Yeah?"

"Will you?"

My head straightened.

"Please?! Mal cannot know about this! He'll never trust Sam! He's just now calling him a friend. It was a mistake! A big mistake! Please, Mercy!"

"Marcy! Marcy!" I put my hands on her shoulders. "You know I'd never tell. Your secret's safe with me."

"Thanks." She calmed down.

"Did you tell Karou and Paris?"

She shook her head. "Only three people on Earth know. You, me and him."

"I won't tell a soul." I promised.

She lay slumped for a second. "Guess what?"

"What?" I was cautious. She could say anything at this point.

"Rou wants to move to New York with us."

My eyebrows raised. "What?!"

"She applied all over but there's this acting school she wants to get into there. Real prestigious place. A lot of Academy Award winners are alum."

"Did she get in?"

"She has to audition. She's coming to the States for them next month. She said she already talked to Grandfather about a loan. She wants to be in our building."

"She's not going to get to customize her place. Or does she want to live with us?"

"She says she wants to live by herself for a bit before getting roommates. She says she doesn't care how things are made."

"Well good for her. Going for her dreams. I'm proud of her."

She nodded. "Me too."

"Well alright. I should go. We both have class in the morning."

"Bye, Mercy." She slipped under the covers. "I'm grateful for you."

I kissed her cheek and went to the door. "I'm thankful for you. Even if you are a handful."

She wrinkled her nose.

I turned out her light and went to my room, where I turned out my own light and climbed into bed. I thought about everything that happened and realized- we're just dramatic. We all needed to be actors.