Song is Last Night by Az Yet. Totally look it up.

Mercedes: POV

Things have been so great this past month! The New Directions won Regionals! And the best part of that experience is that Mr. Shue and Ms. Pillsbury got married!

We were in the choir room after the kids performed and she came in with a minister! I was so happy for them.

Things were looking up for Artie, who got into the school he applied for in New York. It's a film school and I just know he's going to be happy there. He loves directing.

As for the rest of us, we applied to and auditioned for schools in New York. Ellen applied to NYU, Noah and Finn applied to the community college even though Lucy and I made them apply to NYU, too, Mikey and Marcy auditioned for Juilliard and Britt did, too. Tana auditioned for NYADA, Blaine auditioned for NYADA and T applied to Columbia. Columbia was doing some kind of joint program with Pardue University where you get two degrees in four years. Lucy and I applied and auditioned for that. Mal applied for Columbia and Marcy was waiting to hear from Cornell.

I talked to Sammy and he applied to NYU. Speaking of him, he and Marcy talked. They agreed their liaison was a one time affair and that it must be kept secret to preserve our group's unity. They were being very mature about this and I was happy their friendship wouldn't suffer.

One really good thing that happened was Rachel got the part! We were all so happy for her. She called us in tears, she was so happy.

Marcy got her sling off. She still has to wear her casts for another month but she's happy to have some sort of freedom again. Beth is completely potty-trained. She doesn't even wear training pants to bed anymore.

Noah and I are having sex again. It was a little weird at first because I was self-conscious. My body was different now. But he was patient with me and now we're back to us.

I was really freaked out after having Rae because I found tiny bumps down there. Marcy and Lucy reassured me. Marcy said she'd had one after giving birth and Lucy got mad because she'd had three. I counted myself lucky with my two.

Gross things aside, Beth's birthday went well. No fighting this time. We had her party at the planetarium. She loved looking up at all the stars and stuff. Marc told her all about planets and her eyes were wide. It was so cute.

Oh! Speaking of Marc, he picked which team he was playing for. As of June, he would be a Los Angeles Ram! We were all super proud of him and promised to watch every game.

Laura was excited to find a house down there and was waiting until next week to go looking.

As I thought over my life, I dressed Rae. We were going to Princeton for Marc's graduation. It was amazing for him to be valedictorian. He worked hard for it.

"Come on, Rae. Stop fighting Mommy." I frowned as she continued to hit me.

She flailed her arms and giggled.

I pursed my lips. She's giggling now but she'd cut up last night. She's in the middle of teething and she cries so much at night.

To be honest, it was a killer. I wasn't getting any sleep and the other housemates were getting agitated. Noah said she woke up half his neighborhood on the weekends.

She didn't even cry this much when I got her ears pierced. I know I should have let her grow up and make the decision but I thought Beth and Mickey looked so cute with their earrings and Mally looked so roguish with his that Rae would look adorable, too.

It's better than that tattoo that Noah got with his brother. He didn't even tell me about it. He just got it after we got back from Switzerland. So I put my nose ring back in. It made me feel bad.

Heaven knows I'm good enough.

I finally put Rae's dress on her and picked her up. She didn't need shoes. It wasn't winter anymore. I went to my stuff and picked it up and went downstairs. I put her in her high-chair. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Princess." Daddy said. "Good morning, Cream."

Rae hit her tray.

"Morning, Merce." Marcy sat down after filling her coffee cup.

"Good morning, Señorita Mercy." Mrs. Gonzales said.

I sat and began eating.

Pretty soon we were done.

"Alright, I gotta go. I'll see you at the airport." Marcy stood. She wouldn't have time to change after school so she was wearing her outfit there.

We were leaving as soon as classes were over.

"Bye!" We waved.

I checked the time. "Ooh! Lucy'll be here any minute! I should clean up."

Daddy nodded. "Me too."

Lucy swept in. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Babygirl. Good morning, Cookie."

"Gramps!" Beth shouted.

Daddy smiled and patted her head. "Good girl. I'll see you later." He left.

"Let's go." I told Lucy. "I'm so ready for the last day!"

"Me too." She kissed Beth. "I'll see you after school."

"Bye, Mommy." Beth waved.

"Did she eat?" Mrs. Gonzales asked.

"Yes. Thank you." Lucy waved. "Have a good day, Mrs. Gonzales."

"Have a good day yourself."

We grabbed our stuff, hopped in the car and took off. This was gonna be a good day. MAP

Puck: POV

I opened the door. "Bros!"

"Bro!" Mike, Finn and Wheels cheered.

I waved them in. "Today is gon be awesome! Going paintballing is going to be hella fun!"

"Aw yeah!" Wheels waved his "praise" hand.

"Marcy said she'd meet us there with Blaine." Mike said. "You're sure you can do it now? Won't Beth and Rae miss you?"

"Beth is into cartoons and Rae is into her own feet. They won't even notice I'm gone. Moms got it." I waved a hand.

"Then let's go!" Finn raised his arms above his head.

"Alright!" We cheered before leaving. We drove to the place and got suited up.

Mini Mama and Bowties walked over as we were looking over our guns. "Hey!"

"Hey!"

"This is going to be epic." She said. "I can't wait to blow you away."

Mike put an arm around her. "Let's not say anything we're gonna regret."

"I'm gon mop the floor with you." She pushed him away slowly.

"Put up or shut up!"

"Oh, I'ma put up!"

We looked at them. "Okay?"

"We'll settle this on the battlefield." Mike said. "Suit up."

Mini Mama and Bowties pulled on their white jumpsuits. "What are the rules?"

Mini Mama looked at Bowties. "Rules?!"

Wheels and I laughed at her face.

"Yes, Marcy." Bowties explained. "Games have rules."

"The only rule is cover your ass." She checked her gun.

"Oh ho!" Mike chuckled. "I see how it's gonna be!"

"Oh yeah. Prepare to die." MAP We were not prepared…

Mini Mama ain't no joke. She shot us so many times, I thought I was caught in a driveby. She (and Mike crazy ass) lit us up!

I frowned as I took off my suit. "Did you have to shoot me in the throat?"

"Did you say something?" She hummed.

I narrowed my eyes. I could barely speak thanks to her! "I'm tellin Mama!"

She made a face. "You big baby."

"I'm telling Quinn that you shot me there!" Finn was still on the ground.

"That was an accident."

"I don't think his balls agree." Wheels said dryly.

"Whoops." She didn't give a damn.

"Let's go out for pizza." Mike suggested.

I was mad at him, too! He shot me in the back of the head! "I don't want to be anywhere with you!"

He grinned. "Come on. I apologized."

I glared at him. "You didn't mean it!"

"I let you shoot me back."

It didn't feel good enough. "Let's go."

"Baby."

"Let's get something to eat." Wheels said. They tore him up, too but he was still smiling.

Bowties didn't get hit as hard. "I think pizza is a great idea. I'm hungry."

Finn crawled to his knees. "I'm never playing another game with you as long as I live!"

"Do you want me to kiss it better?" Mini Mama cooed.

He turned bright red as we all stared at her. "Wha-? I mean- but- I- uh…"

"Simple question."

"Mal will kill him." Mike's eyes were wide until he grinned evilly. "Do it."

Finn turned to him. "Why are you trying to get me killed?!"

He shrugged. "Mal'll kill you. Lucy will desecrate your body. Marc will sprinkle your ashes over a volcano."

He paled. "Stop it, Mike!"

"My kisses are magic." Mini Mama sang.

"Truer words have never been spoken." Wheels looked down his glasses.

Finn blushed. "No. No, Marcy, I think I like living."

"Too bad." She lifted a shoulder. "It would have taken all your pain away."

He gulped.

"You can kiss my neck." I volunteered.

"You're lucky Mercy isn't the jealous type." Mike scowled.

I grinned. "It's the least you can do after trying to mute me."

Mini Mama shrugged before putting her hands on my shoulders and standing up on her toes. She pressed her mouth to my throat.

She was right. I did feel better.

"We're really not going to tell Cedes about this, are we?" Bowties looked at us. "I'm sure no girl likes her sister kissing her boyfriend."

"She'll get over it." I knew right then, I had to tell Mama before she did.

"I thought we were getting pizza?" Finn asked.

"Let's go." Mike said.

So we did. MAP

I stared at him. "So you're just going to stare at the wall?"

Jake started. "No."

"Then why are you here? I thought you had school?"

"I do."

I waited. "Well?"

He huffed. "I cheated on Marley."

My eyes widened. "You did?!"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

He shrugged but he knew.

"Why, Jake?"

He threw himself back against the couch. "She just made me mad. She wouldn't even talk to me and then we had a fight. I found Bree and we hooked up."

I grimaced. "Does she know?"

"No! No. I could never tell her."

"I don't know. Part of me wants to say hide it for as long as you can but a part of me says you should tell her before she finds out."

"She'll never find out. I'll make sure of that." He seemed to be talking to himself more than me.

"Good luck. I hope it goes well for you."

"Thanks." He muttered. "So where's your mom?"

"Probably work."

"How do you feel to be out of school?"

I groaned. "So fucking happy!"

He cracked a grin. "Aww! Is college hard?"

I punched him. "You're a twerp, you know that?"

"But I love you."

Mike was right; little brothers were enough to make you commit murder. But I'd take him. MAP

Marley: POV

I approached Mr. Shue. "I don't really feel comfortable being either Lady Gaga or Katy Perry."

His brows lifted. "Why not?"

"I don't see myself as either. Can I work with Marcy?"

He eyed me seriously. "Is there anything you want to talk about?"

"No, I'm fine. I would just rather work with Marcy."

"Okay. I'll tell her when she comes in for rehearsals."

"Thanks, Mr. Shue." I left the choir room and went to my locker. I was really upset. That's why I didn't want to participate in the assignment. Lady Gaga was too sexual and Katy Perry had Jake in their group.

I didn't want to be anywhere near him. I just found out he cheated on me. With Bree. Of all people, her!

I felt so crushed. I loved Jake but he apparently didn't love me back. And all because I wouldn't sleep with him. Was that all boys were really after?

I didn't know he was behind me until he touched my shoulder. I jumped. "You scared me!"

"Sorry." He grimaced. "I thought that maybe we should talk."

Was he going to confess? "Go ahead."

"I'm really sorry about fighting with you."

Well I guess he wasn't going to confess!

"I just got upset and instead of talking it out, I stormed out like a huge baby. It wasn't right and I apologize."

I stared at him.

"Do you forgive me?"

If he was going to play this game, I could, too. "Nothing to forgive."

He hugged me. "Thanks, Marley. You're amazing."

Just not amazing enough to be faithful to? MAP

I went up to Marcy after rehearsal. "Did you talk to Mr. Shue?"

She looked at me. "Yes."

"Are you alright working together?"

"Why would it matter to me?"

I really didn't know Marcy. She was mostly quiet until she got upset. She had good ideas and Tina, Artie and Blaine just loved her.

Jake thought the world of her but his opinion didn't count right now. Unique loved her and Kitty respected her (after a few run-ins) and Sugar and Joe liked her before they left school.

Mr. Shue was nuts about her.

Even Ryder seemed to like her. He didn't really talk to her much and just blushed whenever she spoke to him.

She seemed so grown up and above high school. I knew she was a mother and that she was bi-sexual. I knew she was smart.

But I didn't know much else. Hopefully working together would shed some light into her?

I shrugged. "I guess it doesn't."

"We should get started right away."

"Is it okay if we go to your house?" I didn't want her to see where I lived.

She stared at me for a long time and it felt like she could read my mind. "Do you need a ride?"

"Yes. My mom doesn't have a car."

She nodded and stood up. "Let's go."

I followed her out when Jake stopped us. He wanted a kiss. I kissed his cheek quickly and ran out.

She met me in the parking lot and led me to her car. She unlocked the doors and we got inside. I looked at her but she didn't say anything.

I waited for her to remark upon me not kissing my boyfriend the way he wanted but she said nothing. She just plugged something into her phone and music began playing.

She left the parking lot and drove to her house. It was in the rich part of town and was very beautiful.

We got out and went inside. She shut the door behind us. "I'm back!"

A woman came into the foyer and began speaking to her in Spanish. My Spanish was pretty basic but I think she was telling her something about her children.

Marcy looked at me. "First door on the left." She pointed to the stairs.

I nodded and went up the stairs. The house was beautiful. I looked around as I slowly walked up the steps. I made it to the second floor and went to the first door on the left. It was painted green.

I opened the door and walked inside. This room was amazing! It was huge and had a lot of interesting things in it. I tried not to but I couldn't help poking around her stuff.

She had a lot of books, art and music. I couldn't read all the titles but she apparently had varied interests. It was mesmerizing.

I looked at her walls and noticed she had a lot of artwork by one person. And her name was drawn on the wall by her bed. Incredible!

I wished my room was half as cool as this one!

The door opened and she came in. "Sorry. My son has discovered the joy of biting."

"It's okay." Biting?

"Have a seat." She pointed to the sofa and chairs by a window as she threw her things on the bed.

Imagine having a sofa and chairs in your room! I sat on the sofa as she went to a door. She went inside.

I took my backpack off and stared around me. Not to be crass but I wondered how much money did they have?

I waited for about two minutes before she came back in different clothes. She was wearing her cheer uniform before but now she was wearing a short sleeved Bugs Bunny shirt with shorts and long socks.

She went to the bed and started unpacking her bags. She went around the room putting stuff away then put the bags away.

Then she went to the desk and grabbed her laptop. She brought it over to the chair closest to me and sat down on her knees. She opened it and took down her hair to put it in a messy bun. "Alright, what are we going for here?"

"Excuse me?" I didn't understand.

"The point of the assignment is to have a message. The Gaga group are saying that they have a wild side with the Perry group are saying they have a soft side. What are we trying to say?"

"I don't know. I didn't feel like a Gaga or Katy Perry."

"It is understood and shared." She rolled her eyes.

"What- what do you want to say?"

"It doesn't matter to me. We can go with something subtle or we can go all out. Either way, we need to hurry. We're up soon."

She was right. I sighed. "I don't know what to do."

She stared at me.

I began fidgeting. It was like she was judging me. I hated that. I didn't have as much money as she did but I was still a good person. "I- you have a nice house."

She raised a brow.

"You- uh… I like your voice."

Her brow lowered.

I didn't know what she was looking for. I sighed again and wiped my hands on my jeans. "I'm nervous."

"Why?"

I took a deep breath. "You're a little intimidating."

"Hmm."

I couldn't hold her stare and looked down. "You see, I'm having problems with my boyfriend. Jake. He says you hang out sometimes."

She just looked at me.

"We're not having a fight actually but more of a… misunderstanding."

She stared.

I took a breath and went on, feeling foolish for telling her this. "I recently discovered he was unfaithful to me. It just breaks my heart because I love him but he broke my trust."

I didn't know I was crying until she tapped my arm. I looked up and saw she held out a tissue. I took it.

"So what's your plan?" She asked.

"Plan?"

"Are you going to break up? Stay together? What?"

I touched my eyes with the tissue. "I don't know. I guess we have to break up. He doesn't even know I know."

"How'd you find out?"

"She told me." I spat. "Bree."

She made a sound and rolled her eyes.

"Thank you! I don't understand what he sees in her!"

"An easy lay."

I eeped.

"Sorry."

"She was so smug about it. I hate her!"

She was quiet for a while. "You really want to give her your man?"

"Huh?"

"Do you really want to give her Jake?"

"I'm not giving him to her! He cheated on me!"

"And that's bad. But you can get through it. If you want."

"How can I get through it? He destroyed my trust! All because I wouldn't sleep with him!"

She gave me a certain look. "He really slept with her because you wouldn't sleep with him?"

"Yes." I sobbed.

"How do you know that?"

I stilled. "Because we had a fight about sex and he went straight to her!"

"A fight about sex. About having it, not having it, never having it?"

Why wasn't she on my side?! She was a woman! "Does it matter?!"

"Yes."

I waited but that was all she said. "How?! He was wrong!"

"He was. There's no excuse in the world for cheating. But that doesn't mean he didn't have his reasons."

I was shocked. "How can you condone this?! You have a boyfriend! What would you do if he cheated on you?"

"Honestly?"

I nodded.

"Kill her."

I sagged. "Why would you kill her? He's the one who went out of your relationship!"

"And normally I'm all for dismembering some slimeball. Cheating on me wouldn't be a good look. But it's Mal. I know him inside and out. He wouldn't cheat on me without a good reason."

"What good reason could there be?"

"Your fight about sex. What did you say?"

I huffed. "I told him I didn't want to have sex with him."

She had a strange look on her face. "With him or anyone?"

"What does it matter? I said no."

"Well for one, men have feelings. If you told him you didn't want to have sex with him, his feelings could have gotten hurt."

I blinked. Was that true? "Really?"

"Men have their pride and when their feelings are hurt, they lash out."

"So he thinks I don't want to have sex with just him?"

"Is it true?"

I blinked again. "I don't know. I just know things were moving too fast and I had to stop it."

"Moving too fast like he was trying to get you out of your jeans or there was some heavy petting?"

I blushed. "We were- we were on my bed and he kept kissing me on my neck and touching me."

"But he wasn't trying to take your clothes off?"

"No." I admitted. "But wasn't that what he was going for eventually?"

"Possibly. He could have just wanted to touch you. Physical contact could be important to him. It could make him feel connected to you. Not to say he wouldn't have tried for more. Most men operate on a yes-until-it's-no objective."

"So he would have tried anyway!"

"Maybe. Did you ask him?"

I blushed anew. "No!"

"Why not?"

I gaped. "I can't ask that!"

"Why not?"

"Because!"

"You're too embarrassed to have a frank conversation with your boyfriend about normal human desires but you want a boyfriend?"

I huffed. "Did you have a frank conversation with your boyfriend about sex?"

"Yes."

I gave up. Of course she did! "I wasn't brought up that way. My mom never told me anything about sex."

"We weren't brought up to talk about private matters. But not talking causes too much confusion when a simple conversation can get everybody on the same page."

"How would I ever start that conversation?"

"We need to talk about intimacy."

I leaned back. "I guess that's not a bad idea."

"Did you even tell him why you didn't want to have sex?"

I was starting to feel bad. "No."

"So you made a joint decision by yourself and didn't let him have a say?"

"But it's my body!"

"But it's your relationship. You make those decisions together and compromise."

"I have to compromise my virginity to keep him?"

"No but you could have said you wanted to wait until marriage for sex. You would have had an open talk about how serious you both were about one another and came up with other things you could do together instead of sex and said what you were and weren't comfortable with."

That made more sense than I wanted to admit to. "I never said I wanted to wait until marriage."

"You could have said you wanted to be in a more committed relationship. The script follows. You could have said you wanted to make sure you're both clean, that you're doing it for the right reasons or literally anything but you closed your ears and got mad when he reacted."

That judging look was back. I remember it well. A couple weeks ago, Ryder confessed something really personal to us because Unique was catfishing him and he didn't know who knew his secret.

His babysitter when he was younger used to touch him. Artie didn't see how he could have a problem with it and I said that it was his truth. Marcy got upset with all of us and said that it wasn't "his truth"; it was "the truth" and that that woman deserved to rot under a prison-house for what she did.

That no meant no and just because you were a certain gender didn't mean people were entitled to your body. She said she was ashamed of Artie then hugged Ryder after asking if it was okay to touch him. Then she took his hand and they left. Ryder later told me she took him to get ice cream.

He wouldn't say anything else but I could tell it meant a lot to him.

She also had something to say about us girls not wanting Jake to sing a Bobby Brown or Chris Brown song. She said that their actions had nothing to do with their art and by supporting one didn't mean you supported the other. She also said there wasn't definite proof that Chris Brown hit Rihanna because the only two people who knows what happened are the two of them. She even said that Whitney Houston made her own choices, no matter who introduced her to drugs and it wasn't Bobby Brown anyway. It was her brother.

We felt bad after that but Jake didn't even gloat.

I sighed. "So it wasn't his fault he cheated?"

"It's totally his fault. It just wasn't all his." She shrugged.

"How can I forgive him?"

"Do you want to forgive him?"

"Shouldn't I?"

"You should have forgiveness in your heart. But forgiveness is a fickle mistress and just as alluding."

I didn't know what that meant. "Would you forgive him?"

"It would take a while but yes."

So I should forgive him. "So he's just going to get away with it?"

"It's not a game, Marley. Talk to him and tell him you know and he hurt you."

"Really? What if he wants to stay together? What if he really wants her? What if-?"

"You won't know anything if you don't talk. To yourself and him. Do you want to break up? Do you want him? Ask yourself and give yourself time to answer. And talk to him. Listen to what he says with an open mind and without getting in your feelings."

"I can do that." I picked at a spot on my jeans. "You said you wouldn't let her have him."

"I didn't say that but I wouldn't."

"Isn't that a little cavewoman?"

"He's a person with thoughts and feelings but he's also your person with thoughts and feelings. It may seem prehistoric but there's a reason this species has survived. You do what you have to do."

"How am I supposed to keep him?"

"Let him know that he'll have to rebuild your trust in him but you're willing to make the relationship work. Then let her know."

"I don't want her to know our business!"

She smirked. "Let her know you're working on your relationship i.e. she's not welcome. Let her know that she gave away something very special and it still wasn't enough to keep him. He's where he wants to be. With you."

Something bubbled up within me. I really liked that idea. I felt totally inadequate next to Bree. She was exotic and fun and popular. I was just me. If Jake really chose me over her, it means that I'm not that bad. "How can I do that?"

"You seemed to have trouble with our message. This is it. Invite her to listen in on our performance and she'll get the message. That trollop ain't stupid."

I grew excited. "What song should we sing?"

"I know a lot of songs. It's just a matter of choosing the right one."

So she played me a bunch of songs on her computer. We went through them comparing lyrics and tones and making sure they were what we really wanted to say.

Then we got to a song that she knew well. With the other songs, she hummed along and harmonized but this one she sang out loud.

The lyrics made me blush. I couldn't imagine thinking those words let alone singing them! She must have seen how freaked out I was because she declared it was the one.

I tried to talk her out of it but she wouldn't budge. She said it was perfect. I would be sending a clear message that everyone would be able to get.

Suddenly she looked up. "Dinner's ready. Let's take a break."

"Do you want me to wait up here while you eat?" I asked.

"Why would I leave you up here by yourself while I eat? That's next level rude." She stood up. "Come on."

I followed her out and downstairs. We went through the house. I didn't know what she was looking for but we eventually made it to a beautifully decorated dining room.

"Why didn't you tell me you had them?" She asked an Asian woman.

The woman spoke back in another language.

Marcy responded the same. She nodded and turned to me. "This is Marionette. She's learning English. What she knows is from sitcoms."

"Hello." I smiled.

"Hey-O!" The woman shook my hand.

"Aw jeez." Marcy muttered before taking a seat between two high-chairs. "Have a seat. Mrs. Gonzales will be out in a minute."

I took a seat and looked over the children in the high-chairs. They were so cute. They kind of looked like her. They also looked like their dad, who I've seen a couple times. Both were really light with big eyes (hers green, his brown) and curly hair (hers brown, his black). Both had earrings, which I was surprised about. I've never seen a boy with an earring that wasn't a gauge.

They were banging on the trays of the chairs and yelling loudly. I couldn't understand them and assumed they were speaking baby talk.

Suddenly a woman swept in with plates and bowls. She set them on the table.

"Mrs. Gonzales?" Marcy said. "This is Marley. Marley, this is our housekeeper, Mrs. Gonzales."

"Hola." She bowed to me.

"Hello." I didn't know what to do back but she just left the room.

A man walked in and sat down. "Hello, Sweetpea."

"Hi, Daddy." Marcy pulled on one of the babies. "Meet Marley. Marley, this is my father, Dr. Jones. Marley goes to McKinley, Daddy."

"A pleasure to meet you, young lady." He inclined his head before speaking in a foreign language.

Whatever he said made the kids scream.

Marcy narrowed her eyes. "Thanks a lot, Daddy."

"You're welcome." He replied.

The housekeeper came back with more bowls and plates. "Buenos Dias, Dr. Jones."

"Good day to you."

She swept out again and someone else came in. It was Mercedes. I really liked her. She was sweet and kind and really nice. She's encouraging and helpful. Unique loves her. So do the others. I thought she was one of the nicest people I've ever met.

She came in with a baby on her hip and put her in a high-chair. "Hello, everybody!"

We all spoke back and she turned around and saw me. "Hi, Marley. It's so nice to see you."

See what I mean? I smiled back. "It's nice to see you, too."

"Do you want to meet my daughter?"

"Yes." I didn't know any babies.

She pulled on the baby's hand to get her attention. "Look, Rae! We have a guest. Say hi."

The baby smiled at me and waved her arms.

She was so cute. I waved back. "Hello."

"Tell her how you're such a good girl." Mercedes cooed.

She was talking to the baby, right?

Mrs. Gonzales walked back in with the last of the dishes. "Dinner is served."

Mercedes sat down and they all closed their eyes and bowed their heads. Dr. Jones began saying a prayer so I closed my eyes, too.

When he finished, we said "amen" and they began passing around platters of food. Once everyone was served, they started eating.

I didn't exactly know what it was that was served. I knew rice and some veggies but that was about it. They were eating with chopsticks, except the kids. I couldn't use chopsticks so I picked up a spoon.

I might not have known what it was but it was delicious! I found myself stuffing my mouth.

"You okay, Marley?" Marcy raised a brow.

I blushed and swallowed what was in my mouth. "Yes. Thank you."

"Don't listen to her." Mercedes said. "Eat until you're full."

"Thanks." I was still red.

"How was your day, girls?" Dr. Jones asked.

"It was a rollercoaster!" Mercedes rolled her eyes. "Lucy and Rachel pitched a fit over something that Finn has."

"Do I want to know what he has?"

"A poncho!"

Marcy stared at her. "What?!"

"Yes! He has a poncho and they're talking about his style now."

"Didn't Rachel wear Granimals until September?"

"I'll never tell."

"Foolishness." Dr. Jones rolled his eyes.

"Yes! And it gets worse! Lucy went on strike!"

"What is she going to stop doing, she asked not really caring." Marcy huffed.

"Cooking."

Marcy bubbled up with laughter as their father stared at Mercedes in horror. "Then who's going to cook?!"

"Laura. That's why she and Marc are gone. They're over there making sure Beth doesn't starve."

"What has gotten into Babygirl?" Dr. Jones shook his head.

"She says that Ms. Judy does something that annoys her and until she stops, she won't cook another meal." Mercedes sighed. "She won't even tell me what the thing is."

"Knowing Lucy, it could be anything." Marcy tilted her head.

"Could be. I don't know. I just know she's really mad. Oh! And London has a new boyfriend!"

"She's too young for that." Dr. Jones frowned.

"Daddy, she's a month younger than me."

"Much too young."

She rolled her eyes. "Anyway, she says he's the one."

"Sounds like Rue. She's raving over her new boyfriend." Marcy picked up a piece of meat with her chopsticks.

"Boyfriend?! What happened to her girlfriend?!"

"Dumped. Guess what this one's problem was?"

"Let me guess; she lived?"

"No, this is a real problem. She was more interested in Onee."

"Ooh! That girl was interested in her brother?!"

"Yep! Rue took her over there to show her off and when she went to the bathroom, the girl cornered him in the kitchen. He turned her down and she tried to play it off when Rue got back but Onee told on her in front of her face. Onee was willing to keep quiet but Rue was so pissed, she's sworn off all girls."

"Dang!" Mercedes grimaced. "Poor Rue!"

"You should all be celibate." Dr. Jones humphed.

"But we are." Marcy blinked at him.

He smiled. "Good girl."

Marcy looked at me. Was she lying to her father?

"How was your day, young lady?"

I started. How was my day? "It has been informational. I learned a lot."

"Good girl. Learn something everyday."

Marcy smirked before looking at Mercedes. "Guess what I got today."

"What?" Mercedes took a sip of water.

"An email."

"Don't you get a lot?"

"This one's special."

"Ooh! Let me guess! A movie offer?"

"Nope."

"An old friend?"

"Nope."

"A job offer?"

"Nope."

"Spam?"

"Nope."

"Give me a clue!"

Marcy smiled. "It was expected."

Mercedes threw up her hands. "This is why I hate playing this game with you! You're so vague!"

"Am I torturing you?"

"Goodness, yes!"

Marcy smirked and sat up straighter. "I got an email from Sapphire Inn."

Mercedes clapped. "Yes! What'd it say?"

"Guess."

"Marcy!"

"The apartments are finished."

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"Congratulations, girls." Dr. Jones said.

"You know what this means, don't you?!" Mercedes spoke quickly in her excitement.

"Yeah, everything's set for us to get started decorating." Marcy said.

"Why do you ruin everything? You couldn't let me have this?"

"Nope."

Mercedes glared at her. "You're not going to ruin this! I have to call everyone!"

"Sit, sit, Princess." Dr. Jones waved her down when she popped up. "You can call everyone after dinner."

"I can't wait to start shopping!" She sat down.

"Eh." Marcy sneered.

"You're shopping!"

"I did agree to it." It looked like she hated admitting that.

Mercedes smiled. "I can't wait!"

"You're moving into your own apartment?" I asked.

"You don't know?"

I shook my head.

"I'm surprised Artie, T or Blaine hasn't said anything to the glee club." She smiled. "Well let me tell you all about next month." MAP

After dinner, Marcy and I went back upstairs. She told me to do my homework while she worked on the music. I didn't even think of rebelling. I just did my homework while she hummed and worked on her computer with her headphones.

After an hour, she got up and left. When she came back, she had her kids. I watched as she went to a door and went inside. I figured it was her closet because she came out with clothes.

She took her kids into a different room and came back out ten minutes later. She took their old clothes to her closet as they ran around the room, playing with different things.

I was nearly done with my homework so I just watched them. She came back and got on her computer before popping up and going to her desk.

Her son came over to me and handed me a stuffed snake. He kept speaking but I had no idea what he was saying. "Thank you. I don't know what you're saying but thank you."

"He's calling you beautiful."

I looked at Marcy as she pulled up paper from a printer. "Oh! He can talk?"

"Yes." She was frowning.

"He doesn't know English?"

"Not much." Her frown cleared and she came back to sit down. She handed me the paper. "Here."

I took the papers. It was a score sheet of the song and my parts were highlighted. "Thank you."

"Let me put them to bed then I'll take you home." She didn't even wait for an answer. She just got up and chased her daughter down.

Her son was playing by my feet. I looked down at him and he looked up at me with a smile. He really was cute. I wonder what languages he knew.

She came back with her daughter and got him. She went between the cribs and sat in the rocking chair. I saw her pick up a book and open it. She started reading in another language.

They'd say things every once in a while but mainly just let her read. When she finished, she put them in their cribs and grabbed a guitar. She started strumming and began singing a song.

That was in another language, too.

She peeked into their cribs at the end and took the guitar off. She set it back on the black stand and began picking up toys they'd thrown everywhere while she was busy.

I never thought about this side to her. She was like a real mom. I was kind of in awe.

When she finished, she shrugged into a black motorcycle jacket and slung her purse over her neck. "You ready?"

I jumped. I'd just been staring at her. I hurried to put away my things then picked up my bag. "Yes."

"Come on." She pushed a button on a device on her nightstand and held the door open for me.

I walked out before her and she shut the door after us. We walked down the stairs. When we got down to the foyer, she yelled. "I'll be back! I'm running Marley home!"

Mercedes showed up and gave me a hug. "It was good to see you, Marley. I'm praying you guys win in California. Come back anytime. Have a good night."

"Goodbye, Mercedes." Even her hugs were amazing. "I had a wonderful time today."

"Good. Keep that Jake on the straight and narrow."

"I will." And I would.

"Hey, Marce? Movie when you get back?"

"Sure." Marcy had been on her phone during our exchange and put the device in her pocket now. "Let's go, kid."

I was only two years younger than her. But it felt like decades. "Okay."

We left the house and got in her car. She plugged in her phone again and music filled the car. I'm pretty sure it was jazz. She put her seatbelt on and waited for me to buckle up before pulling away from the curb.

I gave her instructions on how to get to my house in the Heights. She told me she was bad with directions but it was hard to imagine her bad at anything. She seemed so untouchable.

She got to my house and pulled over. "Flick your porchlights so I know you're safe inside."

I looked at her but she was back on her phone. "Okay. Thank you. For everything."

"No problemo." She set the phone down and looked at me.

Ooh, her eyes scared me. I hurried to get out and ran inside. I flicked the porchlights then peeked out of the peephole. She was driving off.

I turned the lights off and went through the house looking for Mom. I had to tell her everything that was going on. MAP

Although I was dressed in a long white dress and simple flats, I was still really nervous. I hadn't talked to Jake all day except right before glee. I told him that the song was for him.

I didn't tell him that Bree would be in attendance…

He was on stage right now with Unique, Tina and Kitty, singing Wide Awake and it was beautiful. Bree was standing next to me smirking and I suddenly wasn't nervous anymore. I couldn't wait to wipe that smug smirk off her face!

We applauded the quartet as they got off stage. They sat in the audience.

Mr. Shue turned to me. "Next up, Marcy and Marley. Good luck, girls."

I followed behind Marcy as she walked onstage. We climbed in two of the stools the others left. She crossed her legs and folded her hands delicately in her lap.

She was the picture of calm. I tried to emulate her. I crossed my legs at the ankle and folded my hands.

Suddenly she waved. I noticed Mal and Ellen coming in. She'd said that she was singing for her spouses, too.

The music came on. It was a bit slower than the original but not by much. She really wanted our voices to shine and emphasized enunciating. She wanted nothing left to the imagination.

She opened her mouth. "Last night You were so into it You told me secrets that You never told a soul You were so nervous and Yet oh so comfortable As we explored Your image of love"

I took over. "I drank your wine Marcy: (Drank your wine) As you taste mine I kissed your lips Marcy: (Kissed your lips) You felt my body slip Into your soul Marcy: I almost cried cuz it was so beautiful!

Both: Last night I was inside of you Last night While making love to you I saw the sun The sun The moon The moon The mountains and the rivers I saw heaven when I made sweet love to you

Me: Last night There was no planning it It was so special and So very innocent We talked of memories Our favorite fantasies As we explored Our visions of love

Marcy: Deep in the night Right by the fireside You felt my candlelight In your soul You felt incredible I started to explode Both: I almost cried cuz it was so Beautiful!Last night I was inside of you Last night While making love to you I saw the sun The sun The moon The moon The mountains and the rivers I saw heaven when I made sweet love to youSunlight Marcy: Sunlight Me: Red roses Marcy: Red, red roses The scent of you It calms the heart The sight of you I fall apart Both: Moonlight Me: Moonlight The things we notice Marcy: When we're in love Me: That's when it comes Both: And I'm so, I'm so in love!The moon The mountains and the rivers I saw heaven when I made sweet love to you"

We began clapping in rhythm. "Last night I was inside of you Last night While making love to you I saw the sun The sun The moon The moon The mountains and the rivers I saw heaven when I made sweet love to you Last night I was inside of you Last night When making love to you I saw the sun The sun The moon The moon The mountains and the rivers"

The music ebbed and we sang acapella. "I saw heaven when I made sweet love to you"

Everyone just stared at us after we finished. Marcy stood up and walked off stage so I followed her as they began clapping. The boys were acting like we did a striptease. Although it felt like it.

There was a definite rush flowing through my veins. I looked for Bree and saw she was running out.

I guess she received my message.