It's my birthday so updates all day!
Enjoy!
NJPNJPNJP
"Thank you for shopping! Come again!"
Mike nodded to the clerk & exited the store with Finn & Puck. "That wasn't as painful as I thought it'd be."
"Speak for yourself." Finn was still blushing.
"You're just mad you can picture Mama in that stuff." Puck taunted.
"I can't look her in the face now! I feel like a pervert! No, worse than one. I feel like you!"
Mike laughed. "Stop picturing my girlfriend in her nightie!"
"Why'd you buy her so many?"
"I couldn't choose. Puck made a compelling case on each of them."
"Told you it was a good idea to bring me along!" Puck boasted.
"I just can't believe they cost so much! What does it say when you buy a girl expensive underwear?" Finn wanted to know.
"That she better wear it?"
Mike pushed Puck. "She's going to wear it."
"If you want to know about guys buying expensive crap, ask him about that daisy necklace she wears."
"Yeah, it looks pricey. I thought maybe her dad got it for her?" Finn looked between them.
"Her dad was there but nope, Mike got it for her. Tell him how much it cost."
Mike narrowed his eyes. "It doesn't matter."
"It's a lot, isn't it?" Finn guessed.
"Yeah." Mike lowered his head.
"Was it an anniversary thing? A special date or something?"
"Yeah, called Wednesday!" Puck laughed.
"You got her an expensive necklace for a random Wednesday?!"
"She loves daisies." Mike mumbled.
"He's whipped!" Puck continued laughing.
Mike glared. "Quinn runs you!"
"No, I wear the pants!"
"After she gets sick of wearing them!"
Finn fell out laughing. "Quinn is strong willed."
"So am I!" Puck fumed.
"But she can nag." Both Mike & Finn said in unison. They high-fived.
Puck pulled a face. "Leave my girl alone."
"Aww! You love her!" Mike teased.
"I'm telling Laura."
"You have no sense of humor."
"Are you scared of Laura?" Finn asked.
"No!"
"Yes!" Puck snapped. "I don't have a big sister but if I did, I wouldn't be scared of her!"
"I am not afraid of her! & you would be."
"Whatever."
Finn laughed. "Where are we going now?"
"I gotta get to the house. I left Marc alone with the twins & he lost them."
"He lost them?! Mini Mama's gon flip!" Puck waved his arms. "& you just left?!"
"We were playing Hide & Seek." Mike stated calmly.
"Oh. So she won't kill you all."
"Nope. Unless he hasn't found them & they've made their way outside."
"Go home."
Mike grinned. "I'll see you guys at glee."
Puck & Finn waved before getting in their own trucks & taking off.
Mike drove back to the Jones' & parked on the street. He brought the boxes inside & set them on Mercedes's window-seat. Then he came back downstairs & went throughout the house looking for Marc or the twins.
He found them in the den. "What are you watching?"
"Yo Gabba Gabba. They've never seen it." Marc answered.
"& you have?"
Marc glared at him. "No! But I know it's a baby show."
"When'd you find them?" Mike crashed into a chair.
"It took a while. I actually stopped playing & they found me."
"What kind of playmate are you?"
"They were gone too long." Marc frowned.
"What time is it? I'm hungry."
"Yeah, it's time to eat." Marc turned to the twins, who didn't seem all that interested in the show. "Are you hungry?"
Both nodded.
"Let's go to Sally's." Mike stood.
"Marce left the car seats." Marc turned off the TV. He stood up. "Let's go."
They got in Marc's car & took off to the diner, where they got burgers & fries & the kids got chicken fingers.
"Where'd you go for over an hour?" Marc asked.
"I wrecked something of Mercy's & I had to replace it." Mike ate a French fry.
Marc nodded. "I'd hate to be on her bad side."
"It's not fun." Mike agreed.
"Have you talked to her today? She just sent me a text saying they reached the beach & that was it."
"Nope. But I haven't texted her either." Mike brought out his phone & shot off a text to his girl. "She'll text back if she isn't in the water."
M&MC
Mercedes shrieked as Aaron splashed her. "Not fair! Your hands are bigger than mine!"
"All's fair in love & water war." He jumped in the waves & swam away from her.
She chased after him. "You won't get away that easy!"
"Get him, Vic!" Laura cheered from the blankets where she & Johnny were talking while she cleaned up. She had to go soon & wished she didn't.
Both Quinn & Marcy cheered from atop Dominic's & Craig's shoulders as they paused their game of Chicken to watch them swim. "Go get him!"
Mercedes caught onto Aaron's shoulders. "Gotcha!"
He turned quickly, pulling her into his arms. "You do."
She stared into his amazing eyes before swimming backwards a bit. "Want to chase me now?"
Aaron grinned. "Sure do."
She blushed. "I'm going now."
Aaron just waited.
She swam away slowly before picking up speed.
He sliced through the water after her, catching her around the hips. He held her tightly to his chest as he swam towards the shore, carrying her as he found his footing in the sand. He walked up on the beach & set her on her towel. "Gotcha."
"You put up a good fight, Vic." Johnny broke the spell weaving around them.
"Thank you, Johnny." She stood up. "Want to go judge their fight?"
Aaron stood up, too. "I wonder who'll win?"
"No idea. Both are silly." They walked off.
Johnny turned to Laura. "So what job are you looking for?"
"A museum job would be great. It would be amazing to buy art for a gallery."
"I bet you have great taste."
Laura smirked. "It's been tested."
"What's your favorite art to buy?"
"Actually it's Evie's. Although she doesn't sell to us. I have her stuff up all over the house. My little brother's, too. He's a photographer & so good."
"You have a bunch of talented people in your family."
"You have no idea." She looked at her watch. "I'm sorry but I have to go."
Johnny nearly pouted. "It was nice getting to know you."
"You too." Laura stared at him for a moment before making a decision. "Would you like to exchange numbers?"
Johnny brightened. "Yeah. I would."
They exchanged numbers before Laura got up. "Would you walk me to my car?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Laura waved at the water. "I'll see you guys at home! It was nice to meet you boys!"
The six in the water waved back. "Bye!"
Johnny walked Laura to her car. "You're a really nice person."
"Thank you." She really liked him.
"& very interesting."
"You're interesting, too. & very well-spoken. It's refreshing to be around a true gentleman."
"& it's new to be around a lady."
She stopped by her car & unlocked it. He opened the door & she climbed inside. "I'll def. call you."
He grinned. "& I'll def. answer." He shut the door.
She turned her car on & backed out of the space, waving the whole time. She beeped the horn twice before driving off.
He waved until he couldn't see her anymore then walked back to his friends. He went into the water where they were all just splashing each other. "She's gone."
"Sorry, buddy." Aaron wrapped an arm around his neck.
"She'll most likely call you." Marcy had seen them exchange numbers.
"I hope so. She's a great person." Johnny said.
Mercedes smiled at his sweetness. "She really is. You're lucky to have her as a friend. But I have a feeling she's lucky, too."
"Yeah, Johnny's a good person." Aaron agreed.
"Do you want to help us write S.O.S. in the sand?" Marcy asked Johnny.
"Why are you writing S.O.S. in the sand?" Johnny questioned.
"It'll be funny." Both Dominic & Marcy swore.
"Dom, why are you pulling her into your scrapes?" Johnny was exasperated.
"It was her idea!" Dominic defended himself.
"I don't believe that. She's too sweet."
Marcy beamed. "Thank you!"
"Don't fall for it, Johnny!" Quinn teased. "She's the devil!"
Marcy splashed her. "Don't listen to her. She's as sweet as pickle juice."
"I think Que's really sweet." Craig swam in slow circles around the blonde.
"Wait until you've known her longer…"
"I can't wait."
Quinn preened under his intense gaze. "I can't wait to get to know you better either."
Marcy attached herself to Dominic's back by his shoulders. "Come on, guys. I don't want to swim in pre-"
"Evie!" Mercedes splashed her (Dominic really). "No one wants to hear that!"
"Tell them to stop making baby making eyes at each other! No one wants to see that!"
Quinn sputtered as bright spots of red invaded her cheeks. "We're not!"
"Hmm." Marcy pursed her lips. "Come on, Dominic, Johnny. We have a prank to play."
Dominic laughed as he slowly swam towards to shore. Johnny followed behind, blushing madly.
Mercedes breathed deeply. "I'm so sorry for her mouth, Aaron."
He smirked. "Dom's like that."
"She's such a menace." Quinn spat bitterly.
Craig nudged her arm. "Maybe she wasn't so far off?"
Quinn lowered herself into the water to avoid him seeing her blush. She popped up & swam to the shore. "Catch me if you can!"
Craig grinned at Aaron before swimming after her. "I'm damn sure gon try."
Mercedes sighed as she turned to face Aaron. "They're all crazy."
Aaron swam around her lazily. "I can believe that. So where were we?"
Mercedes followed him. "We were talking about my family."
"Right. You were telling me about your famous grandmothers."
"They're not all that famous." She flushed. Then her eyes widened. "Oh my goodness! I'm glad none of them are here to hear that! I'd be dead meat!"
He laughed as he faced her. "They like to think they're famous? Funny."
"Technically they are. Especially Grandmom. She makes sure she's still in the limelight."
"Why haven't I heard of her?" He questioned.
"Have you listened to much Italian music?" She shot back.
"I haven't listened to any." He admitted.
"I have her CDs. I could let you listen to them." She offered.
"A music date? How fun." He continued moving through the water.
"I don't think it'll be a date."
"Friendly date. We're friends, aren't we?"
She smiled. "We are."
"Then what's wrong with hanging out?"
"Nothing, I guess."
"So when can I come over?"
"To my house?" She squeaked.
"Yeah. Or we can meet somewhere for coffee. Or you can come to my place."
"Your place?"
"I live with the guys in Lima."
"All of you live together in one little apartment?" She was shocked.
"It's a house. We pooled our money together & we rented a house. It keeps the cost down & we won't have to worry about being broke."
"That's a really great idea. Que & I are living together after the festival."
"Festival?"
"The one in June. It lasts for the whole weekend. We go every year & it's always a blast."
"Maybe the guys & I could show up? I've never been to a festival before. How fun is it?"
"It's really fun. We ride the rides, play the games, listen to the music. We rarely eat the food. It's too greasy. I think we should do it this year. Our parents have a lot to make up for & letting us eat junk food once should be the least of their worries."
"Lot to make up for? What's going on?" Aaron stopped to face her.
"Let's just say someone messed up a long time ago & it just got out. All of our parents have had moments of… neglect. Now they are paying for it."
"Neglect? Like abandonment?"
"Not really. I ate plenty of meals by myself. Our parents work hard & go on business trips a lot. We went weeks without seeing them sometimes. We took care of ourselves. We had to."
"Sounds like abandonment to me."
"It's not. I promise. They've always brought us presents back."
Aaron stared at her for a moment & she became uncomfortable. "If you say so."
"I'm serious. We had it good."
He stayed silent.
She rolled her eyes. "We can meet at the Lima Bean."
The corner of his mouth picked up & he swam closer. "You're only saying that to shut me up."
"I would never!" She was.
"Ms. Vic."
"Alright. Maybe I am?"
He kissed the tip of her nose. "Maybe I'm okay with that?" He dunked under the wave.
She wondered where he went & why when suddenly she felt his hands on her waist, pulling her down. She shrieked as she was pulled under. As soon as she was, he let go & she was able to bob back above the surf. "Aaron!"
He broke the waves & appeared behind her, laughing. He ran his hand through his wet hair to get it off his face.
She splashed him. "That was mean!"
He continued laughing. "I'm sorry, Ms. Vic."
"No, you're not! But you're gonna be." She swam closer slowly with her hands outstretched.
He backed away. "Oh no! Help me! Somebody help me! She's going to get me!"
She raced forward & caught him by the shoulders. She pushed down & dunked him. "Payback!"
Johnny swam out. "What are you guys playing?"
"He pulled me under so I repaid the favor." She let him go & he popped up, gasping.
"Ah!" Johnny smirked.
"What are you doing out here?" Aaron breathed deeply. "I thought you were making false help beacons?"
"We finished. Que & Craig are rubbing each other down with sun lotion & Dominic & Evie are playing in the sand."
"Doing what? We didn't bring any toys." Mercedes frowned.
"He's just lying down while she heaps sand on him." Johnny shrugged.
They all turned to the shore & saw Marcy forming shapes on top of Dominic's covered body. "She can amuse herself with nothing."
"She's doing it." Aaron smirked.
"Seems like Que & Craig are." Johnny pointed out.
The other two turned to face the two on the blankets, touching each other. Mercedes's eyes widened & she swam to the shore with the boys close behind her. It took no time at all & she grabbed Quinn's arm & dragged her off.
"What?!" Quinn took her arm back from her.
"What are you doing? Are you forgetting about Noah?" Mercedes kept her voice low.
"As much as you're forgetting about Sonny." Quinn shot back. "Relax! I'm not doing anything I'd yell at him for."
"Really?" Mercedes crossed her arms. "Because if you caught Puck lotioning down another girl, you'd trip."
"I would not."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Okay. Fine. Let's pretend I buy that-"
"Let's pretend I didn't see Aaron kiss you." Quinn cut in.
Mercedes gasped. "I- he- it's not what it looked like!"
"Okay. Fine. Let's pretend I buy that." Quinn crossed her arms.
"He kissed my nose! Puck does more than that!"
"Mikey doesn't care about Puck. But he will care about some guy that looks like he stepped out of a GQ magazine."
"Because Puck doesn't have jealousy issues! He fought his own best friend over you. Think he & Craig won't get into it?"
"He & Craig will never meet."
"& Mike will never know anything about Aaron."
Quinn held out a hand. "If you keep Craig's & my… touching a secret, I won't tell about Aaron's petite kiss."
Mercedes shook it. "Are we going to keep Marcy sitting on Dominic a secret?"
"What?" Quinn was confused.
Mercedes used her free hand to point to their younger sister, sitting on Dominic's waist, molding shapes onto his chest.
Quinn's mouth formed an "o". "Jr.'s going to flip!"
"So's her actual boyfriend."
"Should we remind her of her prior entanglements?"
"& have her rat us out? I'm on her good side." Mercedes finally took her hand back.
"We should get her off of him before they start making out. & to think she didn't like him at first."
"You know how she is. She probably still doesn't."
"She is dogged."
"We should probably pry her off of him before she ends up pregnant again though."
Quinn snickered. "I wonder if she's even having sex with Pierre?"
"We can always ask." Mercedes started forward & they walked to the blonde/green haired girl. "How are you?"
Marcy raised an eyebrow. "How am I?"
"Are you comfortable?" Quinn grinned.
"I'm sittin on sand. I'm in heaven."
Quinn switched to Italian. "How do you think Pierre or Jr. are going to react to you sitting on another man's middle?"
"As bout as well as Mikey takes that nose kiss from Aaron or Puck the obvious touching between you & Craig." Marcy responded in kind.
"You saw that?!" Mercedes was shocked.
"I got eyes, don't I?"
"Rude!"
"What I mean is it was in broad daylight. Any & everyone saw it."
"Oh my goodness! You can't tell Sonny! He won't understand!"
"I won't. Calm down."
"That was way too easy." Quinn wasn't fooled.
"Of course it was." Marcy grinned. "You two owe me."
"But we have dirt on you." Mercedes was dumbfounded. "You can't blackmail us."
"Who are you going to tell? You don't know Pierre's number nor will you ever see him. At least not for a while. I can always lie or just have you tell him & I'm out one boyfriend that I haven't even had for a while. I'm not attached."
"We could tell Jr.!" Mercedes put her hands on her hips.
"What's he going to do? He's not my boyfriend & I'm kinda pissed at him right now."
"Good point." Mercedes sighed. "He's not in the position to be making demands or getting angry. Fine. We owe you. What do we owe you?"
"You'll know."
"No! No more of that! What do you want from us?!" Quinn yelled.
"You'll know." Marcy rose to her feet. She looked down at Dominic & spoke in English. "Get up. We're going back in."
Since he wasn't buried even remotely deep, he just sat up. "I'm kinda hungry."
"Well let's go to the showers & get cleaned off. I'll give you more of my food." Marcy took his hand & led him away.
Both Mercedes & Quinn crossed their arms. "She's the devil."
"Agreed."
M&MC
"Can't you stay?" Aaron begged as Mercedes showered.
"No. We have a meeting we're probably going to be late for." She pouted.
He swept a finger down her smooth cheek. "I'm going to miss you."
"We have each other's numbers." She reminded him. "All of each other's. I'll call you later."
"What time?" He pressed.
"After our meeting. At four thirty."
"Promise."
"I promise." She smiled. "Can I wash in peace?"
"Can I help you?"
She pushed his chest. "Boy, stop it!"
"I can get your back. You missed a spot." He was earnest.
She turned her back to the spout. "I can do it."
"You missed here, here & here." He touched each area.
She jumped. "Stop it." She smacked his hands away. "Que can do it."
"Go ahead." He waggled his eyebrows.
She pursed her lips. "Que? Evie? Can you help me?"
Both stopped their own showers & came over to help get sand off of her. "Better?"
"Thanks." Mercedes turned to face Aaron. "Are you okay?"
Aaron shook his head. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine."
She shook her head & rolled her eyes. "Perv."
"I would never, Ms. Vic!"
"Uh huh. Thanks, girls."
"You're welcome." They chimed before finishing their showers. The trio had brought their clothes over with them & began dressing.
Dominic made disapproving noises. "Shame! Covering all that up!"
"Shut up." Marcy smiled.
"Are those shorts painted on?"
She turned her back on him & bent slightly at the waist. "What do you think?"
"I think I'm going to need you to call me sooner."
"I'll text you during the meeting."
"Isn't it important?" Johnny asked.
"Kind of." Quinn shrugged. "I can't seem to think of a reason to want to go."
"I know I don't want you to leave." Craig shifted his weight.
She grinned as she put on her shirt but didn't button it up. "I wouldn't either."
Mercedes pulled her dress down. "Stop being egotistical. It's not ladylike."
"But it's true." Marcy smirked.
"No fair ganging up on me." Quinn pouted.
"Nobody's ganging up on you."
"I call unfair. I got your back." Craig told Quinn.
"We need to hurry." Mercedes reminded them. They'd already packed Travis & just needed to shower. She washed off her feet. "We're already late."
"Then let's go." Marcy left her shirt open. "I'm ready."
"Me too." Quinn turned the faucet off.
The group walked to the tricked out Lincoln. Dominic trapped the owner between his body & the car. "It's been real, getting to know you."
"It's been a slice." She replied.
He pressed closer. "I'll be waiting on your call. I just love your voice. It's magical."
"He has a point." Aaron took Mercedes's hand. "You girls have musical voices."
"Too bad we never got to hear you sing." Craig leaned against the car.
"You will one day." Quinn promised.
"We really have to go." Mercedes hated to.
"Just remember to call me." Aaron reminded her.
"I will."
Marcy pushed Dominic away so she could open the driver's door. "Bye."
"Bye." Dominic shut the door.
Quinn got in the front & scooted over so Mercedes would have room. Marcy rolled down the windows as Mercedes got in. The trio buckled up & Marcy plugged in her phone.
The guys all waved as Marcy backed out of the parking space, blowing the horn as she took off.
She got on the highway soon & drove back to Lima. "How late are we?"
"Maybe five minutes?" Mercedes checked her phone.
"They'll be fine without us." Quinn debated calling Craig now.
"I'm really glad we met them. They're so nice."
"Especially Aaron." Marcy teased.
"Yeah, he's pretty fly for a white guy." Quinn taunted. She & Marcy laughed.
Mercedes burned. "Shut up!"
"So how was his kiss?" Marcy didn't listen.
"It wasn't a real kiss!"
"Don't convince us!" Quinn giggled softly.
Mercedes huffed & turned to face the window with crossed arms. "I don't even know why I'm talking to you two!"
"Let's just admit they were all hot." Marcy said.
"It's just a fact." Quinn put in.
Mercedes melted. "A little. But Mike, Puck & Mal are way hotter."
"Oh, no doubt." Marcy said as Quinn nodded. "Agreed."
"Do you think Laura's going to call Johnny?" Marcy asked when it was quiet for a while.
"I think she should." Mercedes bit her bottom lip.
"No way! Her & Marc are getting back together!" Quinn denied.
"You need to let that dream go." Marcy passed a car.
"Weren't you the one who said they were going to hook up before the year was out?"
"Yeah but they won't get back together."
"How can you say that?" Quinn was upset.
"Look at the way they are! They can't stay away from each other but both have major baggage when it comes to each other & until they sit down & talk, they won't make it."
"I'm surprised at you." Mercedes said. "You're endorsing talking?"
"Not endorsing it but knowing the importance of it in soul mates."
"You don't believe in soul mates." Quinn pointed out.
"Doesn't mean they're not real. If there are any, those two are it."
"Aww! So cute!" Mercedes squealed.
"You ruin everything…"
"Whatever! You believe in true love & soul mates. My dream has come true!"
"You dreamt for me to believe in garbage?"
"& now she's back!" Quinn laughed.
"Turn on some different music, Marce. I feel like singing." Mercedes said.
"I'm driving." She deadpanned. "You do it, Q."
Quinn picked up the phone & touched it. "I don't know your password."
Marcy told her. "None of that warbling crap!"
Mercedes took the phone. "Stop talking about my taste in music!"
"Bunch of whiny crybabies…" She muttered.
"Ooh! Here's Here & Now by Luther Vandross! It's me & Sonny's song!" Mercedes ignored her. "I haven't heard from him all day."
"Check your phone." Quinn said as she took Marcy's phone back & Luther Vandross's legendary voice filled the car.
"Has Puck called you?"
"I don't know. I ignored all my messages when I put the boys' numbers in & never looked."
"Me too. What about you, Marcy?"
"Mal's texted a bunch of times but I never responded." The driver shrugged. "Pierre texted once but I told him we were having girl day & that I'd call him later."
"& he bought that?!" Quinn was surprised.
"It was the truth. It was before the guys showed up."
"Was Jr. texting you before then, too?" Mercedes asked.
"It's been all day. He's asked me out to dinner, he's said he has something for me, he's asked me about my day, he's relentless!"
"You should take whatever's he's giving you." Quinn picked up the phone & texted Mal that Marcy would go to dinner with him.
Mercedes checked her own phone. "That's greedy, Quinn."
"That's getting what's owed you."
Mercedes gasped. "He texted me a few times!"
"Who? Mike?"
"Yes! I can't believe I ignored my baby so much!" She shot off a text to him, letting him know she was alive.
"I've been ignoring Puck."
"Text him!"
Quinn grinned. "I wasn't going to do it all day!"
"Let that man know you're still breathing!"
Quinn shot off a quick text. "Happy?"
"I suppose." A new song filled the car. "I love this song. But that's alright!"
Quinn & Marcy laughed.
"But it's alright! Alright girl!" She wiggled around.
Marcy & Quinn laughed at her the whole song as she wiggled & sang. They were sad to hear it go off. Until…
"This is my song! Turn it up, Q!" Marcy grew excited.
"You played dead
But you never bleed
Instead you lay still in the grass
All coiled up & hissin!
& I meant every word I said
When I said that I'd love you
I meant that I'd love you forever
& I'm going to keep on lovin you
Cuz it's the only thing I wanna do
I don't wanna sleep
I just wanna keep on lovin you"
"You & Puck!" Quinn laughed.
"Love REO Speedwagon! Forget you, Fabray!"
Quinn laughed harder. "It's cute."
"I'ma cut you."
Mercedes laughed. "That reminds me. I should call Santana."
"Why?" Quinn pursed her lips.
"Because I want to!" Mercedes dialed the number. "Hello? Hey, crazy girl! What are you doing?"
"I'm kinda tired." Marcy remarked.
Quinn looked at her. "It's because we were so active. I'm tired, too."
"Glad it's not just me. I usually only feel like this after running after the twins."
"Laura has said that she's worn down after Maddie comes to pick them up." Quinn grinned.
"I don't know why you're smiling. You're going to be babysitting soon."
"I am? I don't care. They're too adorable."
"How's Beth?"
Quinn looked at her sharply. "What- why would you ask?"
"You're my sister. Why wouldn't I ask?"
Quinn started. That was a good point. Marcy knew how hard it was to give up Beth. "She's fine. Shelby sends pictures & letters."
"Any idea what you're going to say to her when she's older?"
Quinn blinked. "I thought you were tired?"
"Too deep? My bad. What school are you applying to?"
"I don't know what I'm going to tell her. It's not Puck's fault; it's mine. & you told me that before I did it. Sorry I didn't listen to you."
"You had to do what you felt was right for you. Just because you were pregnant didn't mean you were obligated to be a mother."
"I think it did."
"Just a bit."
Quinn laid her head on Marcy's shoulder. "I remember what Mercy told us in the hospital room. About thinking about her before ourselves. Sometimes I think we did when we gave her up because I made so many mistakes after giving her up that would have ruined her life."
"Hello! I'm messing up left & right! You don't see me crying."
"How are you messing up? Those kids are darling!"
"Darling?" Marcy snorted. "They have hidden horns. Besides the fact that I was seriously going to let the twins grow up without their father."
"That wasn't your fault. You didn't know he'd want them."
"Come on. It's Jr. Of course he would."
"Yeah but as far as you knew, he was different. That phone call was traumatizing & you thought he'd changed. If he didn't want anything to do with you, why would he want anything to do with your children?"
"You think it was traumatizing?"
"Completely."
Marcy chewed on her top lip. "I still could have hounded him. Made him be involved."
"& if he didn't want to be? You said it yourself; kids know when they're not wanted."
"I've made plenty of other mistakes so if that doesn't suffice; I've got plenty of other things I've ruined them for."
"Like what?" Quinn pursed her lips. "I find you to be a good mother."
"I can't think of anything on the spot but there's stuff! I'm spending my days goofing off while other people watch them! Ha!"
"We're not "other people". We're family. & you need a break. It's okay to spend time away from your children."
"I've just never done it. Last Monday was my first time."
"& it won't be your last. You're going to get some grown up friends & have fun."
"I have adult friends."
"Without kids."
"I have those, too."
"Do you do anything with them?" Marcy was silent. "I thought so."
"Fine. I guess I can meet new people. Technically I met four new people today."
Quinn's lips spread into a wide grin. "What four new people to meet!"
"Super-hot!"
Quinn cracked up. "Yeah, they were!"
Mercedes poked her side. "What are you two talking about?"
"Weren't you on the phone?" Marcy sassed.
"Well I'm not now. Actually I'm going to call her back later. Tell me what you were talking about."
"Friends."
"What about friends?"
"About how you don't have enough." Quinn teased with a straight face.
Mercedes's mouth fell open until she realized they were messing with her. "I'm sick of the two of you always talking about me!"
"You'll be okay." Marcy smirked. "We were talking about me getting more adult friends. Especially ones without kids."
"Why? Friends with kids sounds like the best idea ever."
"I have friends with kids."
"She needs friends without kids so she can let loose & have fun!" Quinn shook her head.
"She can have fun with friends with kids!" Mercedes shot back.
The eighteen year olds argued it all the way back to Lima with Marcy tuning them out in favor of the music coming from her car speakers.
Marcy drove to the high school & parked. "We're here. Stop fighting. Crazies…"
The two looked around & saw they were indeed at McKinley. The trio exited the car (Marcy locked it & pocketed the keys) & went inside. They went inside & found the classroom easily. People were still finding seats.
"Oh, hello Mercedes. Quinn. Marcy." Mr. Shue smiled as he looked up from talking to Finn. "How was your day?"
"It was good." Mercedes smiled back.
"We went to the beach." Quinn added.
"See?" Marcy was behind Mercedes & lifted her dress up for all to view.
Mercedes screamed & yanked her dress back down but it was too late. Everyone saw. The girls had their open mouths covered in shock with bulging eyes while Mr. Shue looked like he was about to die. Puck, Jake & Artie cheered & whooped loudly as Finn & Ryder burned so badly, their health was called into question while Blaine & Sam blushed but didn't look away. Mike just had a silly grin on his face.
"Marcy, I can't believe you just did that." Quinn whispered in shock.
"What I do?" Marcy didn't understand any of them.
"Lift it again, Mini Mama!" Puck hollered.
"Puck!" Quinn snapped.
Mercedes left the room quickly. Marcy, in complete confusion, followed.
Mr. Shue wiped a hand over his face, feeling like a complete perv. "Everyone, settle down, take your seats."
Quinn sat next to Puck & hoped everything would be okay.
M&MC
Marcy found Mercedes in the library. "What's wrong, Mercy?"
"Marcy, why did you do that?" Mercedes demanded.
"Do what?" Marcy sat down across from her at the table.
"Lift up my dress."
"So they could see your bathing suit."
Mercedes knew her sister wasn't being deliberately mean. But she was still embarrassed. "You can't do stuff like that."
"Why not?" Marcy had the distinct impression that she'd done something wrong.
"I can't explain it."
"Did I do something bad?" Marcy looked at her in befuddlement.
"Yes. I know you don't understand but you can't lift my dress up. Or anyone else's! Or your own!"
"How else were they supposed to see your suit?"
"They could have just taken your word for it."
"Oh." Marcy digested that. "I'm sorry for lifting your dress up."
"It's okay."
"Are you still mad at me?" Marcy pouted.
"I'm not mad at you. Come here."
"Yes, you are! You're making me hug you!" Marcy accused as she opened her arms.
Mercedes waved her close. "Get over here!"
Marcy sighed before giving her sister a hug. A brief hug. "Can we go back now?"
"How am I supposed to face them now?"
"You didn't do anything wrong. I did."
"I know you don't understand embarrassment either but that's what I am. Embarrassed."
She was right. Marcy didn't understand at all. "Why?
"I just am."
Marcy thought about it. "What if I hold your hand?"
Mercedes smiled. "I'd feel completely better."
Marcy took her big sister's hand & they set off for the choir room. It was quiet when they returned as Mr. Shue was speaking.
Every eye was on Mercedes but Marcy squeezed her hand so she just lifted her chin & sat down by Mike. She felt even better when he put his hand on her leg & slowly drummed his fingers.
One could only stay embarrassed for so long, right…?
M&MC
Puck checked to make sure every student was gone before coming back inside the choir room. "That was classic, Mini Mama!"
She looked at him in pure confusion. "What?"
"That peepshow." Jake clarified.
"That was bad."
"Says you." Puck didn't think so.
Finn pushed his shoulder. "It was bad! It probably made her self-conscious! Now everyone knows what she looks like naked!"
"Not quite." Puck smirked.
"I just wish Mr. Shue didn't make you button up your shirts when he realized you were wearing bathing suits, too." Jake sulked.
"It was to respect their privacy." Mike rolled his eyes.
"Still sucks."
"Well I gotta go." Marcy was over this. She didn't like to wallow in her mistakes. "I've got children to see."
"Actually you have dinner to get ready for." Quinn told her.
"Dinner?"
"With Mal. I texted him from your phone, responding to his dinner invitation."
"Why?!" Marcy bit off.
"Go to dinner with him!"
Marcy sighed. "You & your matchmakin! You're like Mercy: the baby."
"Ha ha ha!" Quinn frowned. "Just go."
"I'm not going." Marcy was just as stubborn (even if she didn't believe so).
Mike put an arm around her neck. "You should go. He has something for you & I know you're going to like it."
"Is it shiny?" Her eyes lit up.
"Very." He promised.
"I'll go." She grinned.
"So you'll go to dinner with him because he bought you jewelry?" Jake pouted. "Are you a gold digger?"
"Who said it was jewelry?" Mike questioned.
"Is it a rock?!" Marcy fidgeted excitedly.
"A rock? Rocks aren't shiny." Finn knew that much.
"Some are. He gave me one once that had a bunch of something stuck to it that reflected in the sun. It was beautiful."
"She likes shiny things, no matter what they are." Mercedes explained.
"Can we dress you for dinner?" Quinn asked.
"No! I'm not a baby!" Marcy snapped.
"Come on! Let us dress you! You want to look good, don't you?"
"It's just Jr.!"
"Don't you want him to hurt?" Mercedes enticed. "He'll be falling over in lust."
"But he's not getting anything. I've got a boyfriend."
"That's right. & you've done enough cheating in your life." She stopped when Marcy glared at her. "We've done enough cheating in our lives."
"Fine. You can pick out clothes but they better not be uncomfortable!"
"Promise!" Quinn swore.
"Come on. I don't know what time this dinner is & I still have to call Dominic."
"Who's Dominic?" Mike asked.
Mercedes, Quinn's & Marcy's eyes widened. "Nobody!"
"But you just said-" Finn started.
"Learn the art of silence, Finn."
He pouted. He knew when he was being told to shut up.
Mike squeezed Marcy's shoulders. "Why won't you tell us who this Dominic person is? Is he your new boyfriend?"
"I can't even get rid of my old boyfriend." Marcy sassed. "How can I have a new one?"
"Are you trying to get rid of the old one?"
"Not actively."
"Tell him about Jr. & I bet he leaves you."
"I already did. He doesn't blame me."
"You gotta sucka." Puck snorted.
"That's not fair, Puck." Mercedes said. "He's probably just really understanding."
"That Marcy has been having sex with Jr. since she's been back?" Quinn didn't think so.
"I have not! Only for the first week then we've stopped." Marcy defended herself.
"You're not having sex? It's really just kissing?"
"Yes! & even that I'm putting a stop to."
"Jr. is going to have a hard time letting that play out."
"Jr. doesn't have a choice. I have a boyfriend & I don't feel like being a slut for his amusement."
M&MC
Mercedes opened the fridge for a bottle of juice & poured herself a glass. Mike walked in while she was doing so. "Have you been in your room?"
She looked up briefly before watching what she was doing. "Uh no."
"You should." He took a seat at the island counter.
"Have you put something in my room?! Is it another snake?! Mike, I keep telling you, that's not funny! Stop scaring me!"
"No! No! It's nothing like that!" He waved his hands.
"You promise?" She put the juice away & came back to the island.
"I swear on every hoodie I own."
She gasped. He was serious! She took a draught of her juice. "I guess I should go on up then."
"I want to record your reaction." He brought his phone out.
"That worries me…" She left the kitchen with him on her heels & went upstairs. They went into her room & she looked around before spying boxes on her window seat.
"Surprise!" Mike opened his arms.
Mercedes just gave him a look before opening the box on top. She unfolded the tissue & gasped softly. "It's beautiful!" She lifted out the delicate night-rail.
"Not as beautiful as you." He sat beside the boxes & watched as she opened the other boxes.
"You got me all these?" She was in awe at the wispy nightwear.
"Yes, I did & I hope you wear them."
"I will! I will!" She put them back in the boxes & wrapped her arms around his neck, pecking his lips repeatedly. "Thank you for replacing my nightgown. But you didn't have to buy so many!"
"I wanted to." He enjoyed his kisses.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She continued hugging him.
"You're welcome." He pulled her into his lap & nuzzled her. "Are you going to model them for me?"
"Stop hanging around Puck!" She giggled.
"That's not a no."
She kissed him again. "It's not."
I don't remember the song Mercedes was singing but the song Marcy was singing is Keep On Loving You by REO Speedwagon.