Hello Everyone again..yes another update I'm trying to samcedes it up because I hate the travesty of Glee season here we go again. Will endeavor to bring out chapter 4 just before that stupid show airs in the states...to give people some samcedes!
Thanks to Tara...my writer in crime...you are BEAUTIFUL.
To all our guest reviewers and reviewers, thank you so, so much for your fabulous reviews, you are all FABULOUS!
To all our readers, favoriters and other ters, you are MAGNIFICENT.
To my fellow samceder's at this most saddest time...will you please just stop watching Glee and read all the fab stories on Fan-fic because there are hundreds...lol!
Disclaimer: Own no character or song or anything like that stuff.
Chapter 3: Strawberry Wine
10 Years Before
"You will write to me aye Mercy?"
"Yes, I will Sammy and you will write to me too Sammy?"
"Yes Mercy, every day!"
"Oh no, I just realized, I don't know where I'll be Sammy so you will have to wait till I send you the address!"
"Ok Mercy," he smiled and kissed her on her cheek
Sam and Mercedes sat on Charlie as the sun began to set over the horizon. They had been riding around the ranch for much of the day and spent the remainder of it at their spot by the river bank. Sam's heart was heavy, it was the end of summer, the end of the strawberry season and they were going in separate directions, not knowing when they would see each other. But Sam made up his mind that no matter what he would write her everyday even if he did not know where she might be.
Sam's mother had come to collect Sam. She loved Mercedes as soon as she met her and could not get enough photos of the two of them on Charlie. Mercedes fare welled Sam's grandparents, who had grown accustomed to this young girl who had stolen their grandsons heart and even joked about their knowing about Sam and Mercedes 'secret' trip to Humboldt.
Mercedes family were leaving that evening to a new destination. They were a transient lot, depending mainly on the meager income of what the differing fields had to offer to supplement their father's job as a ranch hand. Mercedes hated moving all the time, but it taught her to appreciate the small things in life. She saved as much as she could each season to help pay for her future in college. Something her parents desperately wanted for her to pursue. They never wanted their daughter to struggle the way they had.
Now here they were, at the same spot, down by the river that they met a few months ago, bidding farewell.
"I have to go now Sam," Mercedes smiled, holding his hands.
"I love you Mercy."
"I love you Sammy."
"We will see each other again, won't we?" Sam sadly whispered
"Yes Sammy, somehow we will."
She took him into a deep embrace. Their lips traced each other as sentiments of love fell with each breath.
Mercedes finally pulled away, with tears in her eyes she whispered, "I love you Sammy," then ran to Charlie and patting his mane, "I love you Charlie, take care of Sammy for me please," she whispered and walked to the waiting row boat.
Sam stood on the shore, tears falling from his eyes and upon the sandy banks. Raising his arm Sam waved forlornly to the woman he loved. As tears clouded his vision, he cried, "I love you Mercy."
Sam watched intently as Mercedes rowed off into the distance, with tears in her eyes. He then watched as she pulled the vessel to shore and waved once more to Sam and blew him a kiss. His heart broke when she disappeared up the broken path towards an unsure future.
.…
"Ok Sammy what do you prefer tonight, blonde, brunette or red head, or all of the above," Puck chuckled in the back of the limousine grabbing himself a scotch.
Sam smirked and waved Pucks comment away. They were on their way to Kurt's home for Kurt's huge fashion launch. All the who's who of Hollywood and Seattle would be there. But today Sam didn't want to attend. He would rather have stayed home that night because for some reason he could not shake Mercedes from his mind. All day he constantly thought about her, which was not unusual, but the feeling he had today was the feeling of her being near. Sam shook it off and thought of how silly he was becoming in his old age. As they rode to their destination Sam took in the surroundings as they flitted past shops, then homes, and then the countryside peppered his vision as vast empty green fields filled his vision and the soft meandering hills reminded him of days gone by.
….
10 years before
"C'mom Evans keep up with the rest!" coach Beastly growled as the footballers made their way around the field for the fiftieth time.
If Sam could, he never wanted to look at another football field again. Running in full uniform really took the breath out of him, but if you are the captain of Riley's football team, running around fifty times was the least one could do.
Sam was in his element, he was handsome, popular, rich, and the captain of riley football team. Everything was at his feet, there for the taking, yet Sam missed Mercedes. It had been two months, and at first he had heard from her almost every other day, but then the letters became few and far between. The last time he had heard from her was when she rang to say happy birthday to his mother, and to share sweet endearments with Sam of course.
But ever since then there was nothing, absolutely nothing. Sam was very upset that he had not heard a word from her, but tried to hide his anger through dedicating himself to his sport and being popular. Popularity had its perks. He could sit anywhere in the cafeteria as people would always move for him. Girls flocked like nothing to be near him, and the amount of free gifts he got just for being him never stopped. Oh it was surely great to be Sam Evans.
As the team finished their final lap they all stretched and groaned happy for their brief reprieve from their grueling schedule. Sam lay on the ground near the bleachers utterly exhausted. Huffing away upon the hard ground, he heard the voice of Kurt Hummel.
"Oh and if you look to your right you will notice that this stand was named after president Lincoln and it is called, "hang on," a familiar voice interrupted, "Don't tell us let me guess…it's called the Lincoln stand," she giggled.
Kurt huffed and said, "yes ma'am you are almost correct…because it's called the president Lincoln stand to be precise," he smirked.
The young lady rolled her eyes and then she giggled… and giggled and giggled.
Sam eyes quickly widened, he sat up, spun around and stood shouting, "M-Mercy? Is that you?"
"Sammy! Sammy?" Mercedes screamed a smile strewn across her face.
She jumped two steps at a time down the bleachers.
Sam ran 4 steps at a time up the bleachers throwing his helmet off as he did so.
The two ran into each others arms and held each other so close, arms and hands clutching onto each other for dear life, afraid to let each other go.
"Sammy!"
"Mercy!"
"I have so much-"they both started then laughed.
"You first Mercy," he smiled holding her hands as tightly as he could.
"Oh Sammy, I am sorry I haven't been able to write for you lately, I was in the hospital with influenza for a little while there so I've only got discharged yesterday."
"Oh Mercy, I am so sorry, if I had of known I would have come and seen you!"
Sam and Mercedes were caught so caught up in their reunion they did not notice a small crowd had gathered around them, the greatest number being the Cheerio squad.
"So Sammy boy…" came a voice from behind, "who is this?" the slender blonde slid up next to Sam and slipped a hand around his waist.
Sam flinched, "t-this is Mercy…I mean Mercedes," he stammered.
"Hello Mercedes," Quinn offered her hand, "my name is Quinn," she smirked, "I'm Sam's girlfriend."
"G-girlfriend?" Mercedes choked, she thought she was going to pass out.
"Yeah? Why? Who are you?" Quinn frowned looking suspiciously at Mercedes.
Sam looked at Mercedes his eyes full of sadness. When Sam never heard from Mercedes for that month he assumed that she had moved on and so he did too, and flew right into the arms of the most popular girl, Quinn Fabray. It seemed the most popular and logical choice since they both were deemed the most popular students at Riley High.
"I-I'm…" Mercedes stammered, "I'm-"
"An old friend of the families!" Sam smiled a smile that did not reach eyes.
"Oh…" Quinn smiled, "an old friend of the Evans family aye? Well, well," she chortled turning to kiss Sam on the cheek and chimed, "maybe I'll see you around like never Mercedes," she chuckled as her and her fellow Cheerio's turned and snickered all the way as the exited the venue.
Mercedes let go of Sam's hand and made her way back up the bleachers.
"M-Mercy p-please, I didn't know you were in hospital, I thought you were done with me…I-" Sam blurted obviously trembling.
"Well lucky I'm just an old friend of your families and not some girlfriend!" she chortled as tears threatened her brown orbs.
"P-please Mercy…p-please understand, Quinn is like really popular, I couldn't tell her I love you, I will though I-"Sam was shaking, he knew what was going to happen and he was afraid.
With that Mercedes interrupted, "I don't need any explanation Sam. Have a good life," and turned to exit.
Sam quickly grabbed her arm and begged, "Please understand Mercy, please!"
Mercedes pushed him away and joined the rest of the new students as the toured the campus. Sam mournfully watched as she disappeared from his sight.
…..
Mercedes rummaged through her locker and grimaced as she smelt the familiar cologne of a certain someone she hated at this point in time.
"What do you want Sam?" she groaned not even turning to acknowledge him
"I want you to call me Sammy," Sam stood behind her, wringing his hands, tears tracing his eyes.
Mercedes collected the books she needed, slammed her locker then walked away.
"Talk to me Mercy please, it's been two weeks, I'm dying here, please talk to me,"
"Oh, do you mean the way you don't speak to me when you are around your friends is it Sam? Or is it the way you ignore me completely as if you never knew me, and yet every other chance when you aren't with them you are hanging around me like a bad smell." She screamed. Mercedes never missed a stride, she walked briskly to her class and desperately tried ignoring Sam as he trailed behind her.
"Look, I'm so sorry Mercy, I'm just trying to sort things out in my head, I love you Mercy, please just talk to me please!"
Mercedes walked on and raised a hand not even acknowledging him and laughed, "Please, you don't even know meaning of the word Evans."
Just then a familiar voice boomed down the hallway
"MERCEDES!" he screamed,
Mercedes stopped in her tracks and looked up, Sam smacked right into her. Mercedes eyes widened as she took in what she saw.
"FINNEY? Is that you?!"
Sam looked on bewildered.
Finn ran toward Mercedes, Mercedes dropped her books and ran toward Finn. Finn lifted her up and swung her around in the air and took her into a large embrace.
"Finney, do you go to this school?" She cheered.
"Yeah, but I've been away a couple of weeks visiting my grandparents in Toronto, Are you here too?
"Yeah," she smiled, "where is Artie, please tell me he comes to this school?"
"Yep," he grinned, "he's the one playing those smooth sounds on the radio."
"Get out of here!"
No truth Cedes, truth!
"OMG, I can't believe it!" Mercedes squealed with glee.
By now a large crowd had gathered and the almighty Quinn stepped forward.
"So you know this loser too aye Finn?" Quinn smirked looking at Mercedes.
Finn looked at Quinn with disgust, "she's a hundred times more the woman you'll ever be," he spat taking Mercedes in his arms.
There were whispers and snickers all around as Quinn looked obviously flabbergasted at Finns response. She grunted and marched off in total disgust.
Mercedes hugged Finn and smiled.
"C'mon Cedes lets surprise Arty!" Finn chortled hugging his friend again.
"Oh, I've just got to get my books Finn," Mercedes turned to find them.
"Um here they are Merc- Mercedes, I picked them up f-for you." Sam's eyes meet Mercedes and she could see the pain in them.
"Oh you know Sam too Cedes, he and I play football together," Finn smiled
"Um yeah, we met some time ago," Mercedes mumbled looking to the ground.
Mercedes took the books off Sam. Their hands lightly grazed each other and for a second and that same familiar feeling encompassed them. Sam knew she felt it and looked longingly at her hoping she would respond.
"No, no!" Mercedes whispered, as she willed those unwanted feelings away.
"C'mon Cedes," Finn smiled and took her hand. Mercedes turned and looked at Sam briefly then followed Finn down the hallway in search of Artie.
Sam stood down the hallway in abject pain. Mainly because Finn had done everything he should have done that day on the bleachers. Finn was popular too, but it was obvious he thought more highly of Mercedes than he did. He treated her the way that Sam should have treated her. Sam looked on despondently as the two walked hand in hand down the hallway and then out of sight.
…..
"I hate him," Sam mumbled as he watched Finn and Mercedes chatting closely together in the cafeteria.
"What was that Sammy?" Quinn smiled running her hand along his taut arm.
Sam never heard a word she said but instead mumbled, "Bloody Hudson," and began stabbing his food with his fork,
Mercedes and Finn then stood and exited the cafeteria.
Sam quickly stood and collected his back pack.
"Where are you going Sammy?" Quinn cried, grabbing his arm
"Look Quinn, firstly I no one calls me Sammy except for one person and it ain't you so shut up with the Sammy crap, and secondly, I don't want us to go out anymore, hell I didn't want to go with you in the first place. It's over!" And then he walked off.
Quinn ran up to him, "What the hell are you saying? are you saying that we are over?"
Sam stopped and looked her straight in the eyes, "Yes it is and don't pretend it's like the end of the world either, cos all we really had was sex. See ya later or never," he groaned and walked off.
Quinn stood there absolutely shattered as snickers and smirks greeted her at every turn. But in true Quinn style she brushed her hands over her Cheerio uniform, saw a young and willing man and saddled up to him, "buy me lunch handsome," she cheered, "y-yes please," the eager recipient smiled as they turned and walked back into the cafeteria.
Sam eyed Mercedes as she and Finn parted ways, he followed her down toward the auditorium and snuck into the back. It had been two months since Mercedes had started school and six weeks since she seemed to besty it up with Finn. Sam hated Finn, he hated how he made Mercedes smile, he hated how she laughed at his stupid jokes, he hated everything about him, he hated especially the way he monopolised her time, after school, during school, everyday all day.
Sam sat in the back of the auditorium and watched, he knew Mercedes schedule off by heart now, not that it was the vastest of schedules.
Mondays, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – lunch and morning tea with Artie and Finn
After school – breadsticks' with Finn or Artie or both
Weekends – movies or dinner with Finn, Artie or both
Tuesday - a quick lunch with Finn and then rehearsal in the auditorium for half an hour.
It was Tuesday today and Sam loved Tuesdays, it was the day he could watch Mercedes sing from her heart. Sam loved to listen to her sing and remembered how they spent many an hour down by the river singing as many songs together as they could muster.
Every Tuesday she would practice her trills and sing the most beautiful songs ever. Sam sat in the back in anticipation.
Ok harry, we'll sing RESPECT by Aretha Franklin, we'll start from the top," She smiled.
Mercedes began when Harry's phone rang, "sorry Mercedes can I take this?"
"Yeah," she smiled and sat upon the stool at centre stage.
Sam slid deeper in his chair as he watched her from afar. She was to him, the most beautiful woman in the world. If only she would talk to him. If only he hadn't been an ass. Sam replayed every minute in his head of the day on the bleachers. He wished he had of done things differently. Tears fell as he watched Mercedes sit plaintively on the stool. Then she took the microphone and started humming the familiar tune and began singing in accapella.
He was working in college
On my grandpas farm
I was searching for knowledge and he had a car….
When she got to the chorus she closed her eyes and sang with all her might.
Like strawberry wine 17
The hot July moon saw everything….
Sam's tears fell relentlessly. He could barely hold his sobbs.
Suddenly Mercedes stopped and stood,
Looking out over the empty auditorium she called, "Sammy is that you, are you there? Sammy?"
Sam slinked deeper into his chair.
Mercedes jumped off the stage and headed toward his direction,
Sam slid onto the floor, "OMG she is gonna kill me!" he grimaced, trying to make his way to the exit before she got there.
"Sammy!"
Sam stopped and was caught red handed.
"Um hey Mercy…I mean Mercedes," he smiled rubbing the back of his neck.
"How long have you been here Sam?" She stood tapping her foot, arms folded defiantly.
"Um not um Mercy I…" Sam stammered.
"Look you really need to stop following me around Sam, you have a girlfriend you know!" she moaned.
"No I-I finished with her," Sam stumbled.
"What? When?" Mercedes frowned at him in unbelief.
"About half an hour ago," Sam whispered.
"Oh Sam…" not sure what to say she continued, "Look you really do need to stop following me around and turning up accidently on purpose everywhere we go."
"I do not!"
"Yes you do," she chuckled, "let me see, Saturday night we were at the movies."
"But you know I love avatar!"
"Yeah then what were you doing at James bond with us?" Mercedes replied looking at him suspiciously.
"I love James Bond and his mean as gear!" Sam smiled.
"No you don't and nor do I, I just went because Artie likes to think he's James Bond!" she growled.
Sam huffed and ran his hand through his hair because he knew it was true.
"And what about the home show?"
"I l-love the home show Mercy," Sam feigned a smile.
"Don't lie to me; cos I hate it too, we only went because Finn wants to be an architect,"
Mercedes folded her arms,
"Ok then!" Sam grimaced, "I just want to be part of your life."
"Well stalking certainly isn't the way to do it Sam, it's just creepy!"
"Well you won't talk to me!" he grimaced.
"Well do you blame me!" Mercedes growled.
Sam shook his head.
"I'm so sorry Mercy I never wanted to hurt you, I wanted to take it back but it was too late. And now you have Finn and Artie, so-"
"So what Sam?" Mercedes cried.
"Look Mercy I love you ok, I'm sorry I'm stalky but I am so in love with you it hurts, I wish I could change things, cos that was the happiest day when I heard your voice from the bleachers. I so w-wish I could have taken things back, I was so happy when I saw you, you don't know how happy I was, and do you know what…I hate Finn…I hate him because he has you, I hate Finn because, because…h-he is a good guy, he did what I should have done, but cos I'm such an Ass I just stuffed everything up," he blurted then he slumped back into a chair and wiped the tears from his eyes.
Mercedes leaned down and knelt beside Sam.
"You know I love you even though you are a total ass, aye Sammy? And you really shouldn't hate Finn or Artie for that matter because they are my dear friends, even though their feelings are mutual when it comes to you," she giggled, "but you Sammy, you are my Sammy and you always will be!"
Sam raised his head and looked into her beautiful brown eyes, "y-you still love me Mercy?!"
"Always Sammy, always"
Sam leant forward and kissed her tenderly on lips then rested his forehead on hers.
"I love you Mercy!"
"I love you Sammy!"
…..
"Here we are, I think it's this house!"
"Nah it can't be!"
"But this is the address he gave!"
"Are you sure Finney…It's huge!"
"Hang on let's look at that address again!"
The three friends walked aimlessly down one of the most plush streets in a remote area of Seattle. They had been dropped off at least twenty minutes ago, but the three friends could not believe their eyes. As they arrived at the double gates they noted an intercom fixed outside the ornately gilded Iron Gate.
"Ok Artie, push that button!" Mercedes instructed, pointing toward the intercom.
"Why do I have to do it? It could be the wrong house."
"Well I don't want to push it," Finn groaned shaking his head.
"Ok you two are just pathetic, I'll do it then," Mercedes growled pushing them both out of her way.
"Hello," came the reply from the intercom.
"Um..ah…hello..um…we-" Mercedes stuttered.
"Cedes? Is that you?" came a high pitched scream through the intercom.
Artie and Finn smiled,
"Yeah it's m-me Kurt," Mercedes grinned.
"Well hell, wait I'll just buzz you in! Where's your car?" Kurt queried.
"We caught a taxi," the three chortled.
"I'm coming down to get you, won't be a second," Kurt squealed.
The large gates opened and then closed soon after as the three companions entered the complex.
The three stood in wonderment admiring the plush gardens and the giant trees which adorned the long path. Just then Kurt arrived on a golf cart.
"Hey you three," he smiled, throw your gear in the back and jump on.
They all gave Kurt a huge hug and quickly loaded up the cart.
"Oh my Kurt is this your home?" Mercedes gaped, looking at the well-manicured lawns as they made their way down the long road to his house.
"Yeah Cedes, you like? Wait till you get inside!" He grinned.
Finn and Artie looked around in a daze. "This is one seriously ridiculous crib you have Kurt. OMG, we thought you still lived in that apartment down town."
"Nah I sold that a long time ago," Blaine and I bought this about a couple of months ago.
"Just wow!" Mercedes breathed.
"Job must be paying well," Artie chortled.
"Extremely," Kurt smiled as they pulled up to the large steps leading toward his front door, "I am very lucky everyone loves my designs," Kurt chortled.
Kurt was a renowned fashion designer, not that it concerned Mercedes and company. Fashion was of no interest to them. Blaine was overseas promoting his latest film. They both had achieved all they had dreamed to do.
A young man came out to collect the bags. "Thanks James, can you please place their luggage in the guest rooms, we are just going to have a little snack and a catch up."
"Would you like me to have Chelsea bring the drinks into the drawing room or the veranda?"
"Veranda thanks James," Kurt smiled.
"As you wish sir," he replied as he quickly grabbed the luggage and began carrying them inside.
Mercedes, Artie and Finn looked knowingly at each other, then looked at Kurt ever so seriously and chortled, as you wish Sir! They then followed Kurt inside, laughing as they entered.
Kurt rolled his eyes, "you guys will never grow up!" he smirked strutting briskly in front of them.
"Who wants to grow up?" Mercedes grinned, "Then you don't have fun!"
"Yeah!" Artie agreed, "we are quite happy living our childish ways, Mercedes owns a law firm that she hates so spends all her days at the bar get it Barr? Pun definitely intended, and Finn owns the bar which Mercedes spends all day in and never gets a holiday, which he hates, and I am an unemployed musician who hangs out at that said bar all day every day which I love, oh unless I have to go shopping for home, which I hate, my mother is such a slave driver," he chortled.
"I swear you guys are ridiculous you are 27 years of age and everything you do you hate, and Artie when are you shifting out of your mother's home?"
"It's my home too!" Artie grinned, then added snickering away, "when I grow up!"
"One moment there Kurt," Mercedes held up her hand and looked quite concerned, "we do not hate our jobs... I love it at the bar not the Barr but the bar." Mercedes chortled.
Kurt shook his head, "you guys are gonna be the death of me," he cried and then snickered as their laughter sounded through the entire mansion.
…..
All the who's who of the fashion business and beyond entered Kurt's bustling party. The music pumped throughout the venue as young and old alike enjoyed the cheerful surroundings and the joyful atmosphere.
Sam and Puck entered the large stately home, Puck smiled, "gosh this ain't too bad aye Sam? it reminds me of your beach house in the Bahamas," Sam never said a word, he just looked around the venue taking in the surroundings.
Suddenly a cry rang through the air, "Sam Evans and Noah Puckerman, aren't you a sight for sore eyes!" The blonde chortled.
"Kurt!" they cried.
Kurt bounded down the staircase and hugged them warmly.
"I didn't think you would make it, I thought you have a concert in Tennessee tomorrow night,"
"Yeah we do," Sam smiled, "so we are catching the redeye tonight."
"Wow, that's full on," Kurt smiled, "no rest for the wicked"
"And even less for the righteous," Sam whispered despondently.
Puck saw the change in Sam's mood and so did Kurt for that matter. He never meant to say that, but he was so use to hanging around Mercedes it just slipped out.
"Sorry Sam," Kurt grimaced, and then smiled, "I've got a surprise for you Sam!"
"What is it!"
"You will see tonight," he cried turning toward the large doorway and opening the doors, the thumping music sounding throughout.
"Wow, looks like a great party Sam," Puck cheered,
Sam looked downhearted and had so since they arrived at Kurts
"Hey brother, what's wrong you don't seem to be your cheery self, look how about if I give you first dibs on the sexiest lady here, is that fair brother," he smiled, his arms outstretched.
"Um I don't feel too great Puck, I think I may pass. I don't know what's wrong with me.
Sam couldn't get Mercedes out of his mind, not that it was new but this time it was like every second, ever since he stepped foot in Kurt's driveway. Everything resonated Mercedes and he didn't know why, he got the same feeling when he went back to his grandparents' home, he hated to go back there, but he loved his grandparents so went none the less, Sam shrugged the feeling, it's probably because Kurt is such great friends with her, he grimaced and sat down in the foyer.
"You're not coming in Sam?"
"No I might just sit here a little," Sam smiled and waved Puck on, "I'll catch up with you soon."
As Sam sat there pondering, he heard a little chortle, "Sam Evans, how are you darling."
Sam looked up and came face to face with Quinn Fabray.
"Hey what are you doing here Quinn?" Sam smiled
"Oh, Matt and I were invited to Kurt's launching of his new range so I had to come!"
Sam smiled, "I was gonna say, you weren't the best of buddies in high school!"
Quinn grimaced, "whatever Sammy."
Sam glared at her.
"Sorry for calling you that," she smirked but then giggled, "you are so sensitive Sam!"
Sam placed his hands on his knees and looked toward the floor,
"You're not going in Sam?" Quinn grinned.
"No not yet, not feeling to great!"
"Was it after that interview?" Quinn queried.
"w-what how would you know, it hasn't been aired yet?"
"I know Matt, Matt is the producer for Ellen, hello, look trust me Sam when it does you are gonna have every heffa coming out of the wood works!"
"W-what do you mean?"
"Well first you never said her name and second, it's a love song so everyone wants it to be them."
"Whatever!" Sam groaned
"Yeah, for sure, you're hot, sexy and rich Sam Evans you're gonna have every girl you even batted your eyes at thinking its them."
Then Quinn moved toward Sam and slid her hand on his chest, "I bet it's me aye Sam? Remember, when we were 17 on the banks of the river, you know when we, Quinn winked at him,"
"W-what Quinn? You don't seriously think it's you do you Quinn…your joking right?"
Quinn huffed, "I know it's not me but it was worth a try," she sat dejectedly bedside him. "I already know its Mercedes."
Quinn tossed her clutch onto the ground in disgust, "why does it have to be her Sam," she pouted
"You already know Quinn, she's the only one for me!"
"But what if she's married now with like a million little Finn clones running around," she groaned
Sam flinched, "that's not even partially funny Quinn!" he huffed.
"Well I guess I better drink my sorrows away, are you gonna join me? We can drink them away together."
"Ok, but just as long as you don't try and take advantage of me in my delicate state," he chuffed
"Dido Evans." she smiled as they entered the venue.
Sam found themselves a seat and the waitress asked them for their orders.
"Gin and tonic and a…" Sam turned to Quinn, "Manhattan please," she cheered
Quinn opened her bag and pulled out a mirror checking her appearance.
Sam looked around and spotted Puck by the pool dancing with a number of young ladies. Sam never had the urge to be with someone that night. All Sam could do was think of Mercedes.
As their drinks arrived, Sam and Quinn smiled and clinked glasses, "to true love Sam," Quinn smiled,
"yeah Quinn, to true love."
…
Finn and Mercedes sat below the counter unloading boxes of beverages into the bottom cupboard. "Oh my gosh Finny this tenth time we've had to load up the fridge and cupboards, you're gonna make a killing tonight!"
Finn smiled, "it's a great night aye Cedes?"
Mercedes smiled from ear to ear, "oh yes Finny and gave him a hug!"
Sam and Quinn quietly made their way to the bar, ready for another round of drinks. They had waited for the waitress to return but there were so many people it was impossible to cater for the crowd. The place was teaming with celebrities who practically stood shoulder to shoulder as the music boomed through the venue.
Believing the bar was unmanned Quinn quietly grimaced, "what the hell kind of place is this, they don't even have a bar tender?" and then opened her clutch purse and began rummaging through it.
Mercedes jumped up from underneath the bar and chortled. "Sorry can I help you?" but quickly noticed that no one was actually looking at her. Then her eyes widened and she audibly gasped as she viewed the figures standing before her, Quinn? She grimaced, and…S-Sam...oh my gosh! It's Sam! Mercedes stood gobsmacked, absolutely stunned.
At that moment Sam turned toward the bar, his jaw dropped and his eyes widened as he saw the person he had dreamnt about for 10 years standing right in front of him, "M-Mercy?!" He gaped, looking very much like a deer caught in headlights, "M-Mercy?!" Mercedes and Sam were in total shock but were instantly caught up in each other's gaze as the years of the agony of being separated swept before them.
Sam's reverie was short lived as Quinn nudged him; whilst still rifling through her purse, drawing his attention for a split second and said, "order me a drink Sam!" then she finally pulled out a mirror and some lipstick and began reapplying her makeup.
By the time Sam turned back to the bar Finn stood in front of him and Mercedes was gone.
"Hey Sam, how are you?" Finn fidgeted and smiled the fakest smile he could ever muster. Finn hated Sam. Not only because of what happened between Sam and Mercedes when they broke up but because he knew that Sam had Mercedes heart. Finn always loved Mercedes and thought her love was wasted on Sam the idiot Evans.
"W-what..w-where?!" Sam gasped, I didn't just dream that did I? Sam thought, that wasn't a dam dream was it? Sam moved to look over the bar, Finn moved to block his view.
"So well…hey Sam how are you? Finn began again trying to divert his attention, then turned to Quinn and sombrely nodded, "Quinn."
Quinn nodded back and smirked, "so this is what you do for a living Finn" She snickered. "You're really on top of the world aren't you?"
Finn sneered at her, ignored her remark, then turned and smiled at Sam awaiting his response.
"Ah…um…I'm fine thanks Finn!" Sam looked over the bar again, running a hand through his locks in confusion, but so sure he was not dreaming.
There was just one problem with that thought. Sometimes Sam's reality could not be trusted. There were many times Sam felt he had seen Mercedes, but every time it was just a mirage. Maybe this was another mirage? He thought.
Sam furrowed his brow absolutely puzzled and queried, "Um..Finn…was that…um…where is…um Mer-"
Finn interrupted knowing what Sam was about to say. He quickly shook his hand and gulped, "so you're a big star now Evans?!"
"Um…ah…I…um guess so," Sam stumbled. Sam's mind was still stuck on the brief altercation between him and Mercedes, he knew he saw her; he was so sure he saw Mercedes and looked suspiciously at Finn.
Sam needed confirmation that he wasn't crazy, he turned to Quinn and whispered, "Was I just dreamin or did I see Mercy?"
"When did you see her?" Quinn queried
"Just a second ago, she was at the counter," Sam grimaced and scratched his head in confusion.
Quinn looked up, then turned to Sam and smirked, "all I can see is fuggly Hudson standing in front of us."
Finn cleared his throat, the bar was bustling with orders from patrons and Finn just wanted to get rid of the two thorns in his side who would not get out of his face, "A…hmm…Sam, If you want to order your drink you really need to do it now!" He groaned rolling his eyes.
"Oh...um, ok, I'll have a gin and tonic, and Quinn will have a Manhattan," Sam replied and moved closer to the bar, still eyeing Finn suspiciously.
Afraid that their plan may go awry Finn knew he needed to get rid of Sam quick smart, so he quickly added, "Go to your seat, I will have someone bring them to you Sam," Finn croaked and feigned a smile once more.
Sam nodded and Quinn smiled in agreement and began to return to their seats. Sam was still apprehensive, and slowly moved from the bar. Sam knew she was somewhere. It can't have been a dream. He could feel her. From the minute he entered Kurt's house he knew, and even now that he could not see her, he could still feel her.
Meanwhile underneath the bar Mercedes sat poised to run. She was crouched in a little ball. She blocked her eyes and her ears trying to prevent anymore Sam Evanness to enter her conscience. He looked as handsome as ever and Mercedes willed herself to erase his beautiful eyes and his luscious lips from her mind. On the other side of the bar Sam reluctantly stepped away and begrudgingly forced his feet to follow Quinn.
Suddenly Sam heard a voice yelling amongst the crowd, "Hey hot mama!" Artie screamed, "We need two gins, neat and a vodka and lime." Then he yelled to Finn realizing Mercedes wasn't there, "hey where's my diva gone?"
On hearing that, Sam stopped in his tracks and turned to Quinn, "look you go to our seats, I just have to do something." Sam then spun on his heels and headed toward Artie.
Finn glared at Artie and slyly looked at Sam as he approached the both of them.
"What brother?" Artie grinned, none the wiser, the music pounding around them.
Finn signalled to Artie and mouthed, shut up! He then discreetly pointed to Sam who was now hot on their heels.
"Hello Artie," Sam chortled, "nice to see you again," he feigned.
Arties eyes widened and then growled, "Oh S-Sam…W-what the hell are you doing here, don't you have some big concert or bimbo to play?!"
"Well that's no way to greet an old friend," Sam smirked.
As Sam moved toward the both of them, he quickly veered off, slipped onto the mahogany counter, jumped over to the other side, and ducked underneath it.
Finn screamed, "What the hell are you doing?" and then huffed knowing their plan had gone awry.
Sam saddled up beside Mercedes as a mischievous grin encompassed him. Mercedes looked a comical sight huddled under the bar with her eyes closed and fingers in her ears. As she sat there, feeling a presence beside her, she knew immediately that it was Sam.
No Mercedes, he is not sitting right next to you! No he is not looking at how ridiculous you look right now, she tried to convince herself.
Mercedes wanted to believe that she was dreaming but she knew she was caught red handed, hiding from her ex-boyfriend at a random party under the counter of a bar.
Sam bowed his head and took in the feeling he had at that moment. Here he was, next to the woman he loved, the woman he had been dreaming of for 10 long dam years. He laughed and blushed as he took her in. She looked so beautifully ridiculous huddled there and smelt deliciously delectable, Sam thought.
Mercedes opened one eye then both her eyes and turned to Sam seated next to her. "S-Sam!" she smiled and then apprehensively turned toward him, "S-sorry Sam I um…"
Sam crossed his arms and feigned anger, but he knew that he was the total opposite, Sam was ecstatic, he wanted to kiss her. She was still as beautiful as ever, and he just wanted to kiss her. They sat there in silence for at least one minute.
"Are you gonna say hello at least Mercy," Sam whispered, looking wistfully at her through his blonde locks.
"Um..I…yeah um, hi Sammy!" She bashfully whispered, but in her mind she was saying, hell to the nah, nah, nah…this cannot be happening, it cannot. Be. happening!
Sam moved closer toward her. Sam wanted to scoop her up in his arms and take her away but he knew that she was probably still angry at him.
Mercedes mentally encouraged herself to toughen up, he does not smell fine, his shirt is not tight as hell against his rippling abs, she cursed. After a while, courage affixed, Mercedes then smiled "Um, h-how are you Sammy?" and then moved toward him and offered him her hand.
Finn and Artie watched on in anticipation and absolute horror. Anticipation, to see what would happen between the two high school sweet hearts and secretly hoping Mercedes would smash his worthless head in, and abject horror, in knowing they both hated Sam Evans and they'd probably never get rid of him.
Sam took Mercedes hand and instantly, as if they had never been apart, as if 10 years never existed, the same electricity enveloped the both of them. Sam instantly pulled Mercedes toward him and kissed her with 10 years of longing. Ten years of needing. He kissed her with all the love that existed in him. Mercedes resisted at first, but was soon swept away with emotion, totally mesmerized as they kissed softly and tenderly. Mercedes mind was saying stop, but her heart was saying go. I should stop this right now, she thought, I should stop this, but all logic disappeared as the two kissed under the mahogany counter as if nothing in the world existed except the both of them.
Sam Loved Mercedes Jones and at this moment, with this kiss, he knew that Mercedes Jones still loved him just as much.
Sorry for being so long again...thanks again and please review...Love and Peace always. xx