The doorbell rang. Marcy ran to the front door & accepted the flowers. Mercedes pouted. The blonde went straight upstairs with them.
Mercedes went back to sit down. "Not fair."
"It's personal, honey." Rose looked at her.
"I still wanna know." She picked at her breakfast.
"Well you ain't gonna." Marcy came back & sat down.
Mercedes felt like sticking her tongue out so she did. "Spoilsport!"
"Nosy!" Marcy shot back.
"Where were you last night, Marce?" Marc cut through their fighting.
"I had dinner at a friend's."
"Who was it? Anyone I know?"
"You know that guy with the glasses from glee? Him."
Marc recalled the face. "Dude in the wheelchair?"
"Yes."
"How was it?"
"It was fun. His mom is amazing, his little sister is too funny & his dad is cool. They say they miss you, Mercy."
Mercedes smiled. "I haven't seen them in months."
"What'd they have?" Marc asked.
"Is food all you can think about?" Marcy frowned.
"Well you did go over for dinner."
She rolled her eyes. "I really liked her mashed potatoes. She gave me the recipe. I think I'm going to try it out tonight."
"Are you cooking dinner?" Marcus asked.
"Yeah but not for you." She tried to break it gently. "I'm cooking for Sam."
"Sam?! Mercy's ex Sam?!" Marc exclaimed.
"Yes, drama queen."
"& you're okay with this?!" He turned to Mercedes.
"They're just friends, you nut." Mercedes sucked in a breath.
"Oh. I guess that's okay."
Marcy rolled her eyes. "You need a life & quick."
"I have a life!"
"Sure."
Marcus raised a hand to halt their fighting. "We're going to miss you at dinner but I hope you have fun. What is everyone up to today?"
Mercedes was eager to change the subject. "Well I'm going to finish working on my car then have lunch with you. Get some shopping in then go to glee. Then I'm making dinner for the Puckermans."
"You won't be here either?" Rose looked up from her plate.
"No. I promised Ms. Nadine & Nic that I'd visit with them & I've been scarce."
"Good girl." Marcus praised. "Always be a woman of your word. A man not of his word is not a man at all."
Mercedes smiled. "Thank you, Daddy."
"What about you two?" Marcus angled his head to his other children.
"Artie invited me to shadow him at school today so I'm going to be there." Marcy said.
"I plan on sleeping all day." Marc had no problem admitting.
"Don't you have a job?" Marcus asked.
"Yeah but I got downtime, Pops."
Marcus pursed his lips. "Why don't you invest in other endeavors? It's the time to start branching out."
"I can't move forward before the move." He shrugged.
"What do you mean?"
"You know how I have my video game company?"
Marcus nodded.
"Well I want to open a computer service shop. But I want to be there when it opens & I can't find a place until I get to England."
"My boy!"
Marc was glad he was making his father proud. "I'm still going to be looking for a job to put my degree to use while I'm going to Oxford."
"Are you sure it's not too much?" Rose asked.
"I figure it'll take all summer to get the shop up & running & I'll be going to school in the fall. I can handle it."
"I'm proud of you, my son." Marcus saluted him with his forkful of eggs.
"Thanks, Dad."
M&MC
Mercedes frowned as she heard her phone go off again. She knew exactly who it was: Aaron. She'd made up in her mind to ignore him but he wasn't making it easy.
She took a break from working on her car to answer it. Maybe if she told him outright she wasn't interested, he'd leave her alone? "Hello?"
"Ms. Vic! I'm glad I caught you. I've been trying since yesterday."
"I have to be honest with you. I don't think we can be friends any longer." She cut to the chase.
He was obviously confused. "Why not? Did I do something?"
"No." She realized she was being a little mean when the truth was, she was mad at herself. She sighed. "You did nothing wrong. It was me."
"What could you have possibly done wrong?"
"I have a boyfriend."
It was quiet for a long time before, "Oh."
"Yeah. I can't offer you anything but friendship."
He sighed. "I really like you."
"I like you, too but I love him."
"Are you sure? He's not a new boyfriend?"
"No, he's not."
He sighed again. "Maybe it clicks with me because your relationship has hit its mark? Maybe I came into your life for a reason?"
"Aaron-" He was making this so hard!
"No, just hear me out. Meet with me tomorrow & we can talk. If by the end you still want your boyfriend, I'll back off & we'll just be friends. I promise."
"Okay." She hoped this would go well.
"Can we have dinner?"
"Sure."
"Okay. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Goodbye, Aaron."
"Don't say goodbye. Say you'll see me soon."
He sounded so broken, she felt so bad! "See you soon."
He hung up & she looked at her phone for the longest time. She needed help. She sent out a text to four people. She hoped they'd send her one back soon…
M&MC
Mercedes frowned as she pushed chicken sausage bites into a plastic tub. She'd yet to receive a text from her support system. It was nerve-wracking!
She finished her task & set to work cleaning the cookie sheet before packing the bites into the picnic basket. She had the bites, Swedish meatballs, baked chicken wingdings, steamed rice, carrots with hummus & chocolate covered bananas for dessert.
She packed away strawberry juice for herself & guava nectar for her father before cleaning the kitchen then taking the basket to her car. She made sure not to make too much noise as to not awaken her brother even though he was dead to the world.
She drove to her father's office & found a parking spot quickly. She brought the basket inside & went to his floor then his office. She went up to the receptionist's desk & saw her father's assistant on the phone.
She waited patiently for the black woman to get off the phone before asking, "Hi, Anita. Is my Daddy with a patient?"
"He should be in his office." Anita smiled at the young woman. "It's nice to see you, Mercy. You haven't been here in a while."
"I know. I'm due for my checkup any day now."
"We saw your sister yesterday. It shocked me to see that girl with green hair!"
"Mine's purple." Mercedes held out a lock.
"I see! All these new colors! Gives me the flux!"
"Aren't you too young for that?"
"You're starting to sound like your good-for-nothing brother." Anita smirked. "He still hasn't called me."
"He will." Mercedes knew he wouldn't. Not unless Anita was willing to be on her back again.
Anita hurrumped. "Go on back."
Mercedes smiled at her as she went to the back. "Bye, Anita."
"Bye, Mercy."
Mercedes followed the long familiar corridor to her father's office. As the owner of the practice, he had the biggest office & Mercedes used to love to sit in his big twirly chair. She wanted to do anything to make him proud.
She stopped her reverie as she came upon his door. She knocked politely & waited for him to bade her enter. "Come in!"
She opened the door. "Hi, Daddy."
"You came!" Marcus dropped his pen in surprise.
"Of course." She closed the door behind herself & walked to his sitting area. "Why would you think I wouldn't? Didn't Marcy come yesterday?"
"Yes. I was surprised then, too." He closed whatever he was working on & stood. "I simply thought you might have to cancel. I know you're working on your car. You might have lost track of time."
Mercedes realized something in that moment. As much as Rose had been complaining about her children being gone & never seeing them, Marcus was just as worried. "I'll always have time for you, Daddy."
He smiled. "What do we have here?"
Mercedes set the basket on the coffee table & opened it. "The chicken sausage bites you wanted with Swedish meatballs, chicken wingdings, steamed rice, carrots & hummus & for dessert? chocolate covered bananas."
He rubbed his hands together. "Sounds great!" He went to get the paper utensils he kept for when he had meals in his office.
Mercedes unpacked everything & took a seat. "How's work?"
He came back & sat next to her. "Work. I've had to fire a dentist for giving a root canal to a pregnant woman."
"I'm sorry." Mercedes shook her juice.
"The woman is fine now but she had to go to the hospital after she had ill effects." He handed her a plate, fork & a few napkins.
"Is she suing?" She undid the lids on the food.
"I don't know yet. I don't know if she can get anything. If she does & she wins, he'll lose his license."
"Why would he operate on her & he knew she was pregnant?" She served him.
"He claimed he didn't know but she's five months along & out to here." He demonstrated.
"What was his excuse?"
"He says he thought she was just fat."
She frowned. "What a jerk!"
"I'm telling you, Princess, it's hard being the boss." He shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Daddy."
He took her hand & bowed his head. She followed suit & closed her eyes. He said a quick prayer & squeezed her hand. "Let's eat."
M&MC
Mercedes felt better after spending time with her father & resolved to do it more while she had the chance. After lunch, she went home to put the leftovers in the fridge & put the basket away.
It was only one thirty & she had an hour & a half before she had to be at glee so she went shopping. That made her feel good, too. Retail therapy always worked. She'd even picked up a little something for Mike. Either it was going to be a guilt gift or a going away present.
She came home to put away her stuff before driving to McKinley. She was early & sat in the choir room by herself. She sat at the piano & started pressing different keys randomly yet melodically.
Blaine wandered in. "Hey! I didn't know you knew the piano."
"Yeah." She smiled wanly. "A little bit."
"Do you know any songs?" He sat beside her.
"A few."
"Start playing & I'll see if I know it."
She put her hands on the keys & started playing Candle in the Wind.
He laughed. "I def. know that!" He played beside her.
"Oh! You sound good!" Mr. Shue walked in holding papers.
"Thanks, Mr. Shue!" Blaine leaned back to thank him but never stopped playing.
"Hi, Mr. Shue." Mercedes greeted.
"Hello, Mercedes. You play very well." Mr. Shue ducked into his office.
"Thank you." The others trickled in but she didn't see anyone but her sister, who was pushing Artie in (followed closely by his jealous girlfriend). "Marce!"
Marcy looked over. "Hey!"
Mercedes waved her over. Marcy excused herself & walked to the piano & leaned against it. The elder sister just looked at her.
"What?"
"Why haven't you answered your phone?"
"Because it's off."
"Why?"
"Because Artman's teacher in first period was a world class witch & made me turn it off. I just forgot to turn it back on." She shrugged carelessly.
"Check your phone."
Marcy brought her phone out of her back pocket & turned it on. It lit up like a Christmas tree when it loaded all of the messages. Only one was from Mercedes. "Wow."
"What if Lady had trouble?" She fussed.
"I know. I should have remembered." Marcy ignored all the texts except Mercedes'. It simply said big trouble help!. "What's going on?"
"I'll tell you later when we go shopping." Mercedes spied the other person she wanted to talk to. "Quinn!"
Quinn let go of Puck to walk over. "Hey."
"I texted you. You didn't answer."
"I spent all day with Puck. We ignored our phones."
Mercedes glared. "I hope you had a good time."
"I did." It went over the blonde's head momentarily. "Wait. What? What's going on?"
"Check your messages." Marcy told her.
Quinn looked through her phone & saw the same message as Marcy's. "What's going on?"
"I'll tell you later."
Quinn stuck her bottom lip out. "Why can't I know now?"
"Isn't class about to start?" Marcy showed her phone & pointed to the time.
"Ugh!" Quinn groaned. "Class always gets in the way!"
Mercedes smirked. "Serves you right for ignoring me."
"Okay, guys. Please take your seats. We only have a couple days left to rehearse for prom." Mr. Shue clapped his hands. "Let's get started."
M&MC
Quinn cornered Mercedes as soon as class was over. "What's going on?"
Marcy walked over. "Is it bad? Do we need to beat somebody down?"
"No." Mercedes looked at them both like they were crazy.
"Then can we talk about it while we shop? Artie wants to show me something back at his place & Sam keeps trying to tell me something."
"You're throwing me overboard for boys?!" Mercedes set her hands on her hips.
"No! Never that! I just like them. We click."
"Don't we click?"
"We do more than click. We gel."
Mercedes smiled & gave her a hug. "Okay, I'll tell you later."
"Thanks!" Marcy ran over to Sam, Artie & Blaine.
"Seriously? Are you going to tell me what's up?" Quinn asked.
"Yes. But not here."
"I left my stuff over at Puck's. We can meet up somewhere & talk."
"Okay." Mercedes did the math in her head. "Let's go to As the Page Turns."
"Okay."
M&MC
Mercedes waited in the back of the bookshop for Quinn. She knew she was fidgety but couldn't stop. She felt like a million birds were flapping away in her belly.
She heard the door chime but ignored it. The last three people haven't been Quinn. She made herself comfortable as she waited.
"Mercy?" Quinn peeked around a bookshelf.
"Quinn? It was you." She was surprised.
"Yeah. Sorry it took me so long. Puck was feeling feisty & he didn't want to take me home to my car before I kissed him a couple times. He's a pig."
Mercedes made room on the bench. "I have a real problem. Where in the world is Laura?!"
"She's still with Johnny."
"What?!"
"Yeah, she spent the day with him & it's still going on." Quinn sat down.
Mercedes couldn't believe it. "I can't believe it."
"Yeah, me neither. I asked her if she was joking & she nearly bit my head off. Something about not waiting on some "cornrolled jiggalo"."
"Marc." Mercedes bit her lip. "Do you think she's rushing?"
"Not at all. With the way she moves, they'll be up to handholding at Christmas."
Mercedes chuckled. "That's okay. No need to rush & make a mistake."
Quinn took her hand. "So what's up with you? Why the 911 call?"
"Because Aaron knows about Mike but still wants to be with me."
"What?" Quinn was floored.
"I told him today that I couldn't see him anymore & he wanted to know what he'd done wrong & I told him I had a boyfriend but he wants to fight for me." Mercedes wailed.
"No way!"
"He wants to have dinner tomorrow to talk it out. & I agreed. I'm a horrible girlfriend!"
Quinn held her as she cried. "It's not bad yet. Just tell him you're not interested."
"I'm not altogether sure I'm not. I like him, Q. I really like him."
"I get that." Quinn seemed to wrestle with what she wanted to say. "I really like Craig. I think of the differences between him & Puck & sometimes I feel like I'm only with Puck because he's the only one who wants me."
"Quinn." Mercedes wrapped her arms around her soul sister. "That is in no way, shape or form true! You have options! You're with Puck because you love him & he makes you happy!"
"Days like today make me agree with you. We laughed & talked today. We gelled."
"I think you should talk to Craig. Tell him about Puck. It's only right. Before he falls for you."
Quinn was quiet for a moment before nodding resolutely. "Okay. I don't want to play any games. I'm passed that point in my life."
"Good. Tomorrow, it's over."
M&MC
Mercedes waited for Marcy up front. She spotted her sister running up to her. "Hey! What took you so long?"
"I had to re-plan my whole menu because Finn & his parents will be there & I had no idea what to cook for a man with heart restrictions & Artie held me hostage at his place!" Marcy breathed deeply.
"Are you okay?" Mercedes held onto her shoulder.
"Yes!" Marcy stood up straight. "So what's going on with you?"
Mercedes linked their arms & dragged her inside. They both grabbed carts & started with the meat section. "It's a lot & I don't want to spill it all in the supermarket."
"Give me what you can. Did you talk to Q?"
"Yeah, we talked. Bottom line, I'm going to have dinner with Aaron tomorrow."
"While we're all busy?" Marcy picked up a package of meat.
"I know. We've never done one on one before."
"I might have." Marcy mumbled.
"What?!" Mercedes turned her to face her. "When?!"
"Remember when I said I watched a movie after lunch Tuesday?"
"You went to the movies with him?" Mercedes guessed.
"No, I lied all the way around. He called & said he wanted to see me. I didn't have anything else going on so I went."
"Did you do anything?" Mercedes was afraid of the answer.
"No. We just walked around downtown for a bit. He was telling me about something that upset him at work & I helped him through it."
"That sounds friendly."
"It didn't feel friendly."
"Cosy atmosphere?"
"We were at this fountain & he threw a dime in. He said he wished for me."
Mercedes, who was looking at potatoes since they'd gone to the produce section, almost fell over. "What?!"
"Yeah." Marcy picked up a bag of Michigan white potatoes.
"What did you say?"
"He was standing real close to me & he cupped my cheek. He was staring at me & I was staring at him &- &- & a little boy splashed us from the fountain. I've never been so glad for a bad ass kid in my life!"
"So what'd you do?" Mercedes was into it. It honestly made her feel better about her situation.
"I ran. I don't mean I made some excuse & left. No, I mean I literally ran away from him." Marcy hung her head in shame.
Mercedes grimaced, thinking both about how it looked & how it must have felt for her emotionally shy sister. "I'm so sorry."
Marcy expelled a breath. "I haven't answered his phone calls since. It's why I was so quiet at dinner. He was the one who called me during Artie's class."
"I bet you were glad you had to turn it off."
"So glad."
"So what are you going to do?" They moved to the baking aisle.
"I figure I can ignore him forever or text him & tell him we'll talk Saturday."
"Why Saturday?"
"I'm busy tonight. I'm helping you tomorrow. I'm busy tomorrow night. All great distractions."
"Want to put it off even more? How long do you think it'll take to put the fuel source in?"
"Three days."
"Make it Saturday night."
Marcy hugged her. "Thank you!"
Mercedes giggled. "Let's shop. We can talk more later tonight. With a whole bottle of wine."
M&MC
After getting all the groceries they needed, the sisters went home to collect anything else they needed then freshened up before going to their respective friends' homes.
Marcy remembered how to get to Finn's house & drove there in higher spirits than she'd had all day. She had a few days of breathing room. She could relax.
She parked on the street & went to the door. She pushed the doorbell & waited.
Finn opened the door. "Marcy? What are you doing here?"
"Sam didn't tell you? I'm here to cook you dinner."
"I've been playing video games since I came home." He answered sheepishly.
"Well tell him to bring his muscles on. I need both of your help."
"Help?"
"With the food…?"
"Oh. Okay. I'll be right there."
She went to pop her trunk while he went calling for Sam. Sam, on the other hand, was in the kitchen with Carole. "Sam? Marcy's here. She said she's here to cook dinner."
Sam nodded. "I was just telling your mom."
"She needs help with the stuff."
"Stuff? She said she was making cereal."
"Cereal?!"
Carole chuckled. "Go help her!"
The two left the kitchen & went outside to bring in the bags. Marcy had waited for them, not picking up anything.
"What is all this stuff?" Sam wondered.
"You'll see." She finally picked up a light bag.
The boys struggled to bring all the groceries in, in one trip. She locked her car & brought her purse inside.
She followed them to the kitchen. Carole was waiting for them. "Hi, I'm Carole Hummel."
"Hi, Mrs. Hummel. I'm Marcy." Marcy stuck her hand out.
"I understand you're Mercedes's sister?" Carole grasped her hand.
"Yes." Marcy shook it twice. "Thank you for allowing me into your lovely home."
"Oh, you're welcome!"
"Thank you for letting me use your kitchen. I promise not to make too big a mess."
Carole laughed. "You can't be worse than the boys."
"Yeah, they are hard on everything."
"I think I'm offended." Finn said.
"Don't be." Marcy clapped her hands. "Not to be rude but get out. I need space to get started."
Sam & Finn cleared out but Carole stayed. "Can I stay & watch you?"
"This is your kingdom. I'm just a visitor." Marcy held up her hands.
"I'll help you. It'll make it go quicker."
"Thank you." Marcy went to the light bag & pulled out a large wooden cheese board. "Let's start with appetizers."
"Appetizers?" Carole was intrigued.
Marcy looked through a bag & pulled out a few items. She arranged a hearty cheddar, a smooth baby Swiss & a creamy spreadable herbed cheese on the cheese board with a couple varieties of crackers before washing off strawberries & grapes & arranging them on the board.
She added shortbread & two jams in tiny jars & piles of pepperoni before looking for butter knives to place on it. "Can you give this to the men?"
Carole was surprised that it literally took five minutes to pull together but looked so beautiful. "Of course." She carefully took the cheese board & took it into the living room, where the guys were watching a football game. "Here you go!"
"What's this?" Burt turned down the TV.
"Mercedes's sister is making us dinner." She set the board down.
"I remember her mentioning a sister." He rubbed his head before righting his cap. "She made this for dinner?"
"No, it's a cheese board. An appetizer."
"What is this stuff?" Finn looked at the soft cheese.
"I don't know what kind but it's cheese. Try it." His mother urged.
Finn picked up a cracker that had a bunch of junk (his thoughts) in it & spread some cheese on it. He bit into it suspiciously before his face cleared. "Wow! It's pretty good!"
Burt tried it next. "Hearty."
"She said she was making cereal." Sam said again.
"This is def. not cereal." Finn ate a pepperoni slice.
Carole stole a strawberry as they swarmed the board & retreated to the safety of the kitchen. "They like it."
"Yay," Marcy turned back from what she was doing.
"What are you doing?"
"Making a marinade for the meat." Marcy wiped her hands. "Would you like a glass of wine?"
"Wine?" Carole frowned in confusion.
Marcy lifted the hidden bottle. "I brought it for you (although I used a little in the marinade)."
"How did you get wine? Aren't you underage?"
"I got it from home. So do you want a glass? It's from my family's brand."
"Your family has a brand of wine?" Carole was considering it.
"Yes." Marcy showed the label. "Barnes' Best."
"That's Italian wine. Expensive Italian wine."
"I know. It's supposed to be this big secret my sister doesn't want out but we're foreign, we're rich, yada, yada, yada. I brought a bottle from 1989." Marcy danced with the bottle a little.
"You can't have any."
"Of course not. I'm driving." She was appalled.
Carole was thrown for a loop but nodded. "One glass should be okay."
Marcy smiled & poured her a glass. "Here you go. You can keep the bottle. We don't need it."
Carole sat at the kitchen table. "You said you're rich?"
"Yes, ma'am." Marcy poured a little more wine in the marinade before corking it & putting it in the fridge. She finished making the marinade & soaked the meat in it, putting that too in the fridge.
"New rich or old rich?" Carole took a sip.
"Old rich. Very old."
"So you must have a trust fund? Oh my goodness, that's rude! Forgive me!"
"It's okay. Yes, I do have a trust fund." Marcy began chopping herbs.
"I couldn't imagine being born with a trust fund."
"It's not that different than being born without it. I've never paid any mind to it. I never really thought of it as my money. Although I'll be getting it next week."
"Next week?" Carole took another sip.
"Yeah, I'm turning eighteen Tuesday."
"Happy early birthday!"
"Thank you!"
"What are you planning on doing? You only turn eighteen once."
"I'm thinking of having a birthday party after Artie turns eighteen, that way me, him & Sam can celebrate together."
"Oh that would be very nice! Sam couldn't go home for his birthday last year & he can't this year either so I know it's hard on him."
"Yeah, he told me all about it. I figured I can kill two birds with one stone. Have fun & do something nice."
"Why doesn't Mercedes want anyone to know about you? Being rich & all?"
"I don't know. My only guess is she doesn't want people treating her different. When money's involved, it's hard to know how people truly are."
"She's right. I used to be broke but now that I'm married to a wealthy senator, people who used to look down on me suddenly want to speak to me."
"I'm not much of a people person. I don't have time for all the games they play."
"I agree wholeheartedly!"
"Can you do me a favor, Mrs. Hummel?"
"Call me, Carole."
"Alright, Ms. Carole. Can you set the table for me?"
"In here?"
"No, no. If you have a dining room please."
"Okay." Carole set her wine down & went to get the fancy place settings. She set out five of them before coming back to the kitchen. "It smells really good in here."
"Good. I'd hate for it to stink."
Carole laughed. "Why hasn't Mercedes brought you around before?"
"I don't know. You seem wonderful."
Carole flushed with warmth. "Thank you." She drifted closer to where Marcy was stirring a pot. "What is that?"
"Soup. You're going to love it." Marcy left it alone to simmer before picking up the bag of potatoes & began peeling them with a sharp knife. "I wish I'd gotten red potatoes. But these are easier to peel."
"What are you making with them?"
"I don't know what to call it. Maybe mashed potatoes?"
"I like mashed potatoes. I know Finn really does. He says the best mashed potatoes he's ever had were at Artie's house."
"I was there last night. They are really good. She gave me the recipe."
"Really? You're going to have to teach me one day."
"Will do." They talked about various topics as Marcy peeled potatoes. She peeled half the bag before she realized she didn't need so much. She shrugged as she began roughly chopping the potatoes into hearty sized chunks.
"Is the soup done yet?" Carole asked.
Marcy checked it. "Not yet." She went back to chopping potatoes.
"It smells really good."
"Wait until you taste it." Marcy danced in her seat.
"Why haven't you joined glee?" Carole got back to their current topic.
"Oh, I don't go to McKinley."
"What school do you go to?"
"I finished high school early & went to college." Marcy glossed over a few facts.
"College?" Carole was impressed.
"Yep."
"Which one?"
"Harvard. I just finished first in my class."
Carole's jaw dropped. "Harvard?!"
"Yeah. They gave me the best opportunity at the time so that's where I went but I'm hoping to go to Cornell next. I'm not worried about my grades but my extras. They might not say Cornell material."
"I've never met anyone who went to Cornell. What do you think they are looking for?"
"Math & science clubs & lots of them." Marcy chopped her last potato & added it to the pot of heavily salted boiling water on the stove. "I've been on a math team & in a science club but is that enough?"
"How long were you on the math team?"
"Every time I was able. I was in a science club for a couple years."
"They should want you for other stuff. Have you been in anything else?"
Marcy grabbed a pan & took the marinated meat out. "I've been on a lot of teams & in a lot of clubs. I'm a true joiner. If I can make a meeting, I'm there."
"Which clubs specifically?"
"I don't know. There's been a lot. Like Japanese club, film club, the math team, the dance team, the cheer team, the sewing club, the science club, art club, the trivia team, book club, photography club, Spanish club, gymnastics team, skating team, hockey team, soccer team, Native American club, cooking club, volunteer work, canning club, lacrosse team, swimming team, football team, little league team, ceramics club, computer club, I can't think of anything else."
"That's enough!" Carole gaped. "How do you find the time?!"
"A lot of time management." Marcy finished searing the meat in the pan & put it in the oven.
"I'm tired just listening to that list!"
"I really want to get in. I just hope that list makes a difference."
"It will."
Marcy grabbed another pot & put it on to boil with lightly salted water. She diced bacon & put it in. "My second choice is a music school."
"Music? Do you play any instruments?"
"Several."
"Finn plays the drums. Has since he was five."
"I play, too. Started when I was three & haven't stopped beating on things since."
Carole smiled. "Does he know?"
"Yeah. I think so." Marcy frowned. She was sure he did.
"It's so hard to meet drummers. Everyone wants to play the guitar. Or the piano."
"I play both."
"Really? I can't play air."
Marcy chuckled. "Learning an instrument is a labor of love."
"I saw. He was really focused on his studies. First & last time I've ever been able to say that about Finn & studying."
Marcy outright laughed. "Soup's done. I just need two serving bowls."
Carole grabbed them. "I'll get the boys." She walked out & to the living room. She looked at the cheese board. It was empty. "You must have really liked it."
"It was good." Finn said.
"Well come on. Dinner's ready. We're eating in the dining room."
Burt turned off the TV & they shuffled to the dining room. Finn & Sam sat down as Marcy came from the kitchen with a large pot.
Sam bolted up & took the pot holders from her. He set the hot pot down on the table. "You shouldn't be carrying heavy stuff."
"I'm fine." His southern manners tickled her. She noticed Burt & held out her hand. "Hi, I'm Marcy."
"It's nice to meet you. Welcome to our home." Burt took her hand.
"It's a pleasure being here."
"You're a polite little thing."
"Most people find me quite rude & abrasive."
"You? You're so sweet."
"Thank you, Senator Hummel."
"Call me Burt."
"Thank you, Mr. Burt."
"So respectful! Why can't more of your generation be more like you?"
"I don't know." She blinked.
"Well sit. Let's try this meal you've made for us."
They all sat down & Burt, closest to the pot, ladled them all soup.
Marcy popped back up. "I forgot something." She went to grab two bowls from the kitchen & returned.
"Cheese & red sticks?" Finn was confused.
"Cheddar cheese & red tortilla strips." She corrected.
"What are we supposed to do with them?"
"Put them in your soup." She set the bowls down.
His face was classic. Equal parts fear, disgust, confusion & distrust were strewn across his features. "I don't know."
"Trust me." She sat down.
He shrugged before grabbing a handful from each bowl & plopping them in his bowl. He used his spoon to mix it a little before taking a big bite. "Good!"
Sam doctored up his bowl before taking a bite. "What is this?"
"Black Bean & Corn Chicken Tortilla Soup." Marcy stated.
"It is really good." Carole had taken a small spoonful.
Burt shrugged & dug in. "It is. I've never had this before. What's in it?"
"Black beans, corn, chicken, spices, broth, onions, garlic, a ton of stuff." Marcy listed.
"Is it heart healthy?" Carole asked between bites.
"I think so. There's not much sodium in it either."
The men cleaned their bowls before refilling. They really liked it.
"Ms. Carole? Can I have your help in the kitchen?" Marcy stood.
"Sure can." Carole followed her to the kitchen.
"I need a salad bowl. Do you have one of those?"
"Yes. We got it as a wedding gift."
"Don't you just love presents?" Marcy was absolutely serious.
"I don't get too many of them now but I always enjoyed them." She handed it over.
Marcy chopped up romaine hearts before using a shaver she'd gotten from home to shave Parmesan on the pieces. She threw in buttery croutons then handed the bowl to Carole. "Salad is done."
"That was really quick!" Carole was surprised.
"Caesar salad is the easiest salad to make. & the best. Where's your dressing? I can bring it in."
Carole nodded to the fridge. "We all like different ones."
Marcy grabbed all of the bottles & followed Carole back in.
"Ugh! Salad!" Finn grimaced.
"Salad's good for you!" Carole snapped.
His face said exactly what he thought of that.
Marcy set the bottles of dressing on the table before disappearing into the kitchen again.
Carole set the salad down. "You will eat this salad."
"Fine." Finn pouted.
"She didn't have to make this meal."
"I get it. Be grateful. Got it."
"If the rest of the food is as good as that soup, I'm happy she came. She can keep coming back." Burt said.
Carole laughed as Marcy came back. "Nice to know your appetite is healthy."
"So Marcy?" Burt put salad on his plate. "Where do you go to school?"
"I graduated already." Marcy said.
"Are you older than Mercedes?"
"No, I'm younger. I graduated early. Went to Harvard. Trying to get into Cornell."
"You'll get in." Carole assured her.
"I hope so."
"You went to Harvard? How old are you?"
"Burt!" Carole was appalled.
"I'll be eighteen Tuesday." Marcy smiled.
"You went to the best school in the States & you're only seventeen?" Burt gaped.
"It's actually the third best school. Cornell's the first."
"Why didn't you go there?"
"Harvard offered me a full ride."
"Smart choice. I bet your parents are proud of you."
Marcy blinked. She'd never thought if her parents were proud of her. She'd spent so much time disappointing them; she didn't think she ever could make them proud.
Carole noticed her bewildered look. "I'm sure they are. You're very accomplished."
"Mercedes told me all the stuff you did growing up." Finn fudged slightly. Technically Mike & Puck told him. "I feel lazy compared to you."
"She's been playing the drums since she was three." Carole said. "& she knows the piano & the guitar."
Sam brightened. "I play the guitar. You know three instruments?"
"I know six. I also play the sax, the flute & the harmonica."
"I can play the harmonica a little, too."
"That's quite a lot." Burt finished his salad. It wasn't bad. "How'd you learn all that?"
"My mother taught us the piano when we turned two. I learned the drums at three. I picked up the flute in the first grade. I learned the harmonica in the sixth. I was taught the saxophone in the seventh & I taught myself the guitar when I was twelve." Marcy recounted.
"& you remember how to play all those?"
"I never stopped playing any of them & we had to practice every day."
"Every single day?" Sam asked.
"Yes."
"Whoa! My grandpa taught me how to play guitar. Do you know how to read music? I can't."
"Yes, I do."
"Do you still practice?" Carole asked.
"I play the flute every night." They didn't have to know it was because she couldn't sleep…
"You were in a lot of clubs & teams. How is that possible?"
"I went to different schools so I tried different things. We weren't allowed to quit anything so I stayed in everything until I went to a different school."
"Why'd you go to so many different schools?" Sam asked.
"I kept getting kicked out." They all looked at her. "Be right back."
They watched as she scurried to the kitchen.
"I can't believe that sweet little girl has ever been kicked out of a school!" Burt was outraged.
Carole patted his arm before standing. "I'm going to check on her." She went to the kitchen to see Marcy at the stove. "Are you alright?"
Marcy turned around with dry eyes. "Yes."
"That must have been hard to admit to a room of basically strangers."
"Not really. I've never hid that I got kicked out of more schools than an army brat." Marcy poured the slightly cooled potatoes into a large serving dish & poured over a special made sauce with herbs, crème fraishe, mayo & lemon juice. "This is ready."
"How can you be so blasé about it all?" Carole was lost.
"It's just a fact to me. I've been kicked out of every place I've ever been sent to." Marcy shrugged.
"Isn't that family business?"
"In a way but it's my past & I have the right to tell it."
"Do you need help?"
"Can you take the beans out?"
"Beans?" Carole didn't know she made beans.
Marcy held out the serving dish. "Green beans. With bacon & red pepper."
Carole took it. "Smells good."
"My Daddy likes them."
Carole led the way back to the dining room & set the green beans on the table. Marcy set the potatoes down, too before going back for the main meat dish.
"Potatoes!" Finn rubbed his hands together.
Sam chuckled. "How was she? Is she okay?"
"She says she is." Carole sat down.
Marcy came back with a serving platter of lamb chops. "Tada!"
"Those look really great." Burt wasn't buying her act. He grew up with a distant dad & knew how it was to mask that hurt.
Marcy set the five chops on the table. "I don't know if you like lamb but I find it delightful. It's also well done. I'm not trying to kill anybody."
"How does lamb taste?" Sam asked as Finn stabbed at one.
"Tender, slightly sweet. Depends on how you cook it."
He shrugged before grabbing one. "What's on this? It's really good."
"A really good marinade. The success of any good meal consisting of meat needs a good marinade."
"Do you know how to grill?" Burt asked.
"On the indoor grill but I don't know what I'm doing outside."
"We'll have to invite you over & I'll show you."
"I'd like that."
The rest of the meal consisted of talk of sports with Marcy going back & forth to the kitchen.
Finn got another helping of potatoes. "These are really good. I thought Mrs. Abrams had good potatoes. I love these!"
"Thank you." Marcy got up. "Can I have your soup bowls?"
"I'll help you." Sam offered.
"Thanks." They gathered up the bowls & spoons & went to the kitchen.
"This is really nice." Sam leaned against the sink. "Why'd you tell me you were making cereal?"
"I never said that." She began washing the bowls.
"Yes, you did. You said-"
"I was good at making cereal." She set the bowls on the counter. "& I am."
Sam's face darkened. "You tricked me!"
"I was joking."
"No, you tricked me!"
"If I did, wouldn't you rather I pretend I couldn't cook when I can than pretending I can when I can't?"
He scratched his head. "Huh?"
"Get me a big spoon please." She smirked.
He grabbed a large spoon & handed it to her. "So that stuff about you getting kicked out of schools?"
"What about it?" She went to the freezer & grabbed something yellow out.
He couldn't guess her mood by her flat tone. "Did it hurt?"
"I didn't actually get kicked, Sam."
"No!" He watched as she spooned balls of something into the five bowls. "I meant did it hurt your feelings?"
"No one's ever asked about my feelings before." She stopped & looked straight ahead before shrugging, looking back down then getting back to work.
"Well we're friends & I'm asking,"
She took a moment to think over his question honestly. "I suppose so." She looked at him. "Take two bowls."
"Huh?" He was caught up trying to figure out what she was feeling.
"Bowls? Take two of them into the dining room."
"Oh!" He jumped. He grabbed two bowls & spoons & went back to the dining room. He set the bowls in front of Burt & Carole.
Marcy came with three bowls. She gave one to Finn before setting the last two bowls in front of Sam & herself. "Here you go."
"What is this?" Finn liked it. It was slightly sour but still hit the spot.
"Lemon ice. It's a palate cleanser."
"It's really good. Did you make this?"
"No. It's store bought."
"I feel like it's doing spring cleaning." Carole commented.
"I usually don't like lemon stuff but it's refreshing." Burt ate slowly to avoid brain-freeze.
"It's just enough to cleanse your palate for dessert." Marcy stood.
"This isn't dessert?" Finn scooped up the last of his lemon sherbet.
"No." She smiled as she slipped out of the room.
"She's gotta come back."
Carole chuckled. "I remember her sister's cooking. They're really similar but different."
"Marcy says they're not interchangeable." Sam said.
"Of course not. They're different people." Burt speared another potato quickly.
"I have the smallest, littlest, tiniest crush on her. But she has a boyfriend."
"Yeah, Ma- I mean Mercedes told Puck & Puck told me that it was some French dude." Finn hurried to correct himself.
"Oh! How romantic!" Carole was beside herself. "I bet he's an artist or something really creative. He probably sings to her all the time."
"I can sing to her." Sam pouted.
"What does Mercedes think of your crush?" Finn asked.
"She knows. We're only going to be friends so I hope it goes away fast." He sighed.
Marcy came back with a large platter of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. She set it on the table. "I'm sorry. I don't know how to make coffee."
"That's alright, dear." Carole stood up. "I'll make a pot."
"Thank you. Now watch out, these cookies have toffee in them-" She was cut off by her phone ringing. It'd been doing it all night & she'd mostly ignored it but she checked it now. Her face broke…
Sam was concerned as a brief flicker of happiness slithered across her face closely chased by fear & panic. "Are you okay?"
Her stricken eyes clapped onto his. "Oh! Yeah! May I use your bathroom?"
Carole pointed. "I'll show you."
"Thank you." Her voice was strained at best.
The women left the room. Finn took a cookie. "I wonder what that was? That was weird, right?"
"She must have gotten an upsetting message." Burt was very astute.
"Who do you think it could have been?" Sam asked.
Finn shrugged as he bit into the cookie. "Anybody. Whoa! Try the cookie!"
Burt & Sam each reached for a cookie & bit into it.
Burt chewed like a cow as he tried to understand the flavors. "It's nutty. But creamy. & the chocolate is like pockets of molten chocolate lava."
"Is this crunchy stuff toffee?" Sam asked. "That's sweet. I like that."
Carole came back. "Finn, Sam? Help me with the dishes."
Both boys jumped up to help her.
Carole had the boys stuff the dishwasher with what could get washed later then made coffee. "This was really nice."
"I loved those potatoes. You gotta make them." Finn shut the door to the dishwasher.
"Hopefully she'll give me the recipe." She checked to make sure the coffee was dripping correctly before hugging her son & Sam. "I'm glad you brought her over."
"I guess it pays to beg for attention." Sam grinned.
Carole looked at him. "You begged that girl for attention?"
"Yes & it worked. I'm going to keep doing it."
She giggled. "Just don't go overboard."
"I won't. I think I'm staying away from girls for the moment."
"Good. Focus on your education."
"The coffee's ready." Finn took the pot out.
"Sam & I will grab cups." Carole went to a cabinet & grabbed three mugs.
Sam grabbed two more & they followed her back to the dining room, where Marcy was back & talking to Burt about cars.
"Here we go." Carole gave Marcy a cup. "What are you talking about?"
"Cars." Burt answered. "Her father taught her all about them & she built her own."
"Do you want to see it?" Marcy asked.
Carole didn't care one whit about cars. "That would be lovely."
"It's totally awesome!" Sam warned.
"It is." Finn agreed. "I can't believe she built it. & the inside is even nicer than the outside!"
"She has flames painted on it."
"This I've got to see." Burt stood up. He led them outside to view the car at the curb.
"This is Travis." Marcy introduced them.
Burt whistled lowly. "Nice set up. Can I take a look under the hood?"
Marcy grinned. "Oh you're gonna like what's under there."
Carole tried to keep up with the conversation but she was quite honestly lost. Burt had tried to teach her but she couldn't get the hang of it. It all just flew over her head.
"I've got to get that fuel source from you." Burt was saying.
"I'll come by in the next few weeks & show you. It'll take a few days though." Marcy closed her hood.
"I'll def. be here."
They drifted back in the house & had dessert; the conversation was still about cars.
Marcy looked at her phone & jumped. "Oh! I have to go! I've just been talking your ear off!"
Carole, who'd been cleaning up, came back. "We loved having you. & thank you for that beautiful meal."
"You're welcome. Thank you for your warm hospitality."
"You're most welcome."
Marcy smiled as she got up. "It was nice to meet you & Mr. Burt."
"It was very nice to meet you, Marcy." Burt stood up.
"Would you like leftovers to go with the rest of your ingredients?" Carole asked.
"Oh no, that stuff's for you." Marcy shook her head.
Carole gaped. "All those groceries? You can't be serious."
"I usually am." Marcy made a considering face before it evened out. "But no thank you to the leftovers. I'm sure you might want to eat the rest tomorrow."
"Don't you want your cheese board?"
"No, that's for you. It's a hostess gift."
"Thank you!"
"You're welcome."
"Are you going to give me the potato recipe?"
"I can do that."
"I'll walk you out." Sam stood.
"Thanks. Thank you again. I'll see you tomorrow, Finn." Marcy got her purse, keys & phone & followed Sam out.
"Bye!" Finn waved, along with his parents.
Sam led her out. "I'm still mad you tricked me."
"But you're still breathing & you've eaten. I think you're fine." Marcy smirked.
He gave her his lopsided grin. "I'm telling Blaine."
"Tell him whatever you want."
Sam opened her car door for her & stood to the side as she threw her stuff inside. "I'm telling him you cook like a professional."
"Do you." She grinned & leaned against the open way.
He leaned beside her. "Too bad we couldn't get to know each other before now."
"Shame." She looked up & down the street. "But at least we're friends now."
"Yup. Hey, what were in those cookies?"
"Toffee."
"No, I mean the other stuff. It didn't taste like any chocolate chip cookie I've ever had."
"I used soymilk, rice flour, brown butter, cane sugar. Stuff like that."
"All that weird stuff from the frou frou aisle?"
She laughed. "It's not weird!"
"Yes, it is! Is that why you didn't eat any?"
"No. That's not why." She couldn't help but smile up at him.
"Well you should go. I don't want you driving late at night."
"It's nine o'clock."
"Late. Only crazy people are out at night."
She laughed & straightened from the car. "Bye, Sam."
"Bye, Marcy." He helped her in then closed the door behind her.
She beeped twice before pulling off & he waved her down the street before going back inside.