Chapter Seven: The Samcedes Date

Mercedes stood outside Breadstix at exactly 6 o'clock. It had just started to drizzle with rain, so she sheltered in the doorway. She felt nervous because she wasn't sure as to how Sam would react when hearing about Rue. This is why she had wanted to be in a public place. Little butterflies fluttered in Mercedes' stomach. She pushed them aside and tried to be strong.

Fifteen minutes later and Sam hadn't arrived. Mercedes was just about to text him for the fourth time when she heard heavy footsteps and panting growing closer. She looked up to see a rather bedraggled looking Sam. He held in his hand a broken umbrella and a rather soggy bunch of roses. Mercedes couldn't help but laugh. Poor Sam looked like he'd run the entire way there. She scanned his outfit and the shirt and tie he'd clearly bough just for the occasion.

"I'm…so….sorry…" he gasped, trying to catch his breath. Mercedes found herself laughing harder. "It's ok, Sam," she said, through fits of giggles. He frowned slightly. "Why are you laughing at me?" Seeing his confusion, Mercedes said, "It's sweet; the flowers, the shirt. A guy hasn't done that for me in a long while." Sam's eager smile bounced back. 'Trouty Mouth' was what they used to call him, but Mercedes would never stop loving his smile. "Plus, you look hilarious!" she added, with a grin. This time Sam laughed too.

"Do you still want these?" He offered her the roses. "I'm sorry they're a bit crumpled.."

"They're lovely, Sam." Mercedes took them from him and planted a kiss on his cheek. He flushed red, just like he did as a teenager. He held the restaurant door open for Mercedes and followed her inside.

Breadstix was just how Mercedes remembered it: dimly-lit, with a slight waft of gone-off breadsticks. They sat in a central booth and Mercedes had flashbacks to prom night, where they, along with a couple of others, had eaten here before attending the event.

The conversation flowed naturally, considering it had been so long since they'd been together. However, it got to a stage where Mercedes knew she had been putting off the inevitable. She had to tell Sam about Rue. Her thoughts were spinning and beads of sweat started to appear on her forehead. "I can't do this," she muttered under her breath.

Before Sam knew what was happening, Mercedes had run out of the restaurant. Sam left the money on the table and rushed out after her. When he finally caught up to Mercedes, she was halfway round the block. All he could think was, "Man, that girl can run fast in heels"

Sam grabbed Mercedes shoulder and pulled her to a halt. "Sam, no," She tried to shake him off.

"Mercedes, what happened?"

Tears filled her eyes. "Sam, I can't do this here." He let go of her arm, knowing something was seriously wrong. He'd loved, still loved, this girl for a long time. He knew her too well. In that moment, he knew those feelings had never left.

Sam's tone softened. "Come to my apartment. We can talk there."

She nodded, wiping her eyes.

They took Mercedes car to Sam's small, one bedroom apartment.

Sam poured Mercedes a glass of wine and she began the most difficult talk she thought she'd ever had.

As Mercedes explained to her high school sweetheart that he was a father, she watched his face slowly drop. To Mercedes surprise and discomfort, Sam started to cry. Tears rolled down his cheeks like rain drops.

"I'm sorry, Sam."

"Sorry you never told me? Sorry I missed out on the birth of my child? Sorry I missed out on 16 years of his life?" The anger and hurt was building in his voice. "Why didn't you tell me, Mercedes?"

"I didn't want to ruin your future. You wouldn't have been able to be in the position you're in. Custardy would have been hell and I'm always touring. I didn't want to put you through that!" Mercedes put her head in her hands. "I wanted you to have the life you deserve."

"I could've helped you. I hate the thought that you had to go through this on your own." There was a pause. Sam had been yelling so much, his throat hurt. He could see the pain in Mercedes eyes and understood how much she must have given up just protecting him. "You didn't have to hide our son from me, you know that. It's 16 years I'll never get back with him." Mercedes nodded. She understood exactly what he was saying and she felt so guilty.

"I want to meet him." Sam said abruptly. "I don't want to waste another day where he doesn't know who I am."

Mercedes reached out and took Sam's hand in hers. "Let me talk to him first. Then I'll call you. Be patient. I don't want to rush things."

Sam nodded in agreement. Mercedes was just about to stand up and leave, when Sam stopped her. "Can I ask you one more thing? What's my sons name?"

"Rue; His name is Rue Samuel Jones."

With that, Mercedes left Sam's apartment. A lot had changed in that one evening for Sam. He had started off as a single guy who coached a Glee Club. Now he was a dad. His life was going to change forever.