Marcy walked out of her closet & nearly had a heart-attack. "What's wrong with you?!"
"Happy birthday!" Mercedes shouted.
Marcy glared at her. "Get out."
"I'm sorry." Mercedes didn't look the least bit remorseful.
Marcy crossed her arms. "Yeah right."
Mercedes smiled. "You look good. Isn't it a little warm for black?"
Marcy was wearing dark blue bootcut jeans with two tank tops, one black, the other dark green. She wore a silky black vest over it with her rosary around her waist & the jewelry Marcus gave her the week before. On her feet were black heeled boots with silver buckles & zippers. "No."
"You're still mad." Mercedes grinned.
"I'm not mad; I had a freakin heart-attack!"
"Now you know how we all feel!"
"I don't do that!"
"Yes, you do! You're always sneaking up on people!"
"I do not sneak up on people!"
"Yes, you do! No one ever knows where you are!"
"It's my birthday! How are you going to argue with me on my birthday?!"
Mercedes crossed her arms. "Fine!"
Marcy cocked her head to the side. "Go away."
"Nope! I'm walking you down to breakfast." Mercedes took her arm & led her out of the room.
"I don't need help walking." She pushed Mercedes off & went to check on the twins. The trio came out of the guest room & joined Mercedes in the hall.
"It's Mommy's birthday!" Mercedes cheered to the kids.
They started jumping around & yelling.
"Thanks." Marcy deadpanned.
"You're in a mood." Mercedes teased.
"I am not. I just don't want them in my ear." Marcy headed for the stairs.
Mercedes & the twins followed behind her. "You're in a mood."
"I'm going to be in a mood if you don't quit!"
"Mommy's in a mood." Mercedes whispered to the kids.
Marcy groaned. "You can't go with me today."
Mercedes laughed. "Lighten up!"
"Why are you so light? You've spent the past three days crying your eyes out."
"I've decided not to ruin your day with my drama. I can spend today thinking about you. There's no telling about tomorrow."
Marcy smirked as she walked into the kitchen. "Proud of you."
"Happy birthday!" Rose called out as she set a plate on the table.
Marcy raised an eyebrow. "Is this going to be happening all day?"
"I don't- I don't understand." Rose was confused.
"I do & yes, it will." Marc picked her up & twirled her around. "Happy birthday, Sis!"
"Okay, alright. Put me down." Marcy enjoyed the attention but didn't know how vocalize it.
Marc put her down & threw an arm around her neck. "What are we up to today?"
"We?" She threw his arm off her & went to put the twins at the table. "Who said I want to hang out with you?"
"I do. I'm amazing."
Mercedes & Marcy laughed as Rose shook her head.
"Well first thing's first; I'm going to the movies." Marcy finished pouring the twins juice.
"No, first thing's first is breakfast." Rose gestured to the plate she'd sat down.
Marcy sat down at her place & looked at the plate. "Yay, hash browns."
Rose was thrilled with the dry praise. "Do you see the omelet? I had Sonny come over & make it."
Mercedes's breath hitched & her eyes filled before she swallowed & forced her feelings down.
"Yeah & I see crèpes! How did this happen?!" Marcy went on quickly. She saw the emotional spike.
"I know they're your favorite breakfast food." Rose smiled to herself. "& this is apple chicken sausage."
"No bacon?" Marcy didn't mean to be ungrateful but she truly liked bacon.
Rose went to the island & brought back a plate. "Tada!"
"Yay! Bacon!" Marcy picked up a slice.
Rose went to get chocolate sauce. "This is for your crepes. They have sliced apples & cinnamon."
"Aw snap!" Marcy wiggled happily. "Sit & somebody pray! I wanna eat!"
Marc laughed. "I'll do it." He & the others sat & he blessed the food. "So what movie are we going to see?"
"Two. Mr. Quacky Comes to Town & Drag Me to Hell."
"What?" Rose was stumped.
So was Mercedes. "Do you think we'll have time to watch two movies?"
"I'm not seein no Quack-Quack is the Town." Marc frowned.
"No duh." Marcy rolled her eyes. "That's for the kids. DMTH is rated R."
"Is Drag Me to Hell a scary movie?" Mercedes needed to know.
"Of course." Marcy shrugged as she drank apple juice.
"So Laura's not babysitting?" Marc asked.
"No. She probably will later."
"Why? What are you doing? What is the plan for today?"
"Relax your braids, amigo. I want to go to the movies then hit f.y.e then Build-a-Bear. Then I'm going to Apple Town."
"You would." He smirked.
"After lunch, I'm going to As the Page Turns then I'm going to spend some time alone then I might go to glee. Then I want to go ice skating before going out to dinner. Then a walk in the park."
Rose started. "No. I'm making you a birthday dinner."
"I don't need-"
"I'm making you a birthday dinner!"
"Alright!" Marcy lifted her hands.
"Then we'll open presents."
Marcy chewed on her bottom lip. "I like presents."
"You'll like my present." Marc bragged.
"I'm sure I will."
"What do you want at f.y.e.?" Mercedes asked.
"Supernatural on DVD. I missed my boys."
Mercedes laughed. "It's not on Netflix yet. You missed a crazy season."
"I know. I checked my Tumblr all the time & saw new gifs & stuff."
"I don't know why you like that show." Marc sulked.
"You're just mad Laura likes Adam Winchester." Marcy teased.
"Am not!"
"Are too! He's her age."
"Cut it out, monster!"
"Marc, don't yell at your sister. It's her birthday." Rose chided.
Marcy stuck her tongue out.
Marc scowled. "It won't be your birthday forever."
"I could die tonight."
"What is wrong with you?! Why would you say that?! Why are you so morbid?!"
"It's true. I could die choking on a piece of bacon & you want the last thing you say to me to be mean?"
Marc groaned heavily. "No!"
"Then we agree. You shouldn't yell at me."
He knew he was being tricked but he couldn't figure out how. "Fine."
She smiled sunnily. "We should hurry. The movies start soon."
They ate breakfast quickly then the girls packed snacks for the theater while Marc got dressed.
Rose left for work. "Have a good day!"
Marcy packed the diaper bag with stuff for the kids & refilled their sippy cups with watered down juice.
"Could you go see if Marc's ready? I'm going to see if the others are."
"Sure." Mercedes went upstairs & knocked on Marc's door. "Are you ready?!"
The door opened. "Yeah." He came from the room.
They traveled down stairs & saw Marcy was already gone. "She must be in Travis."
They went outside & saw the teen mom in her car. Mercedes knocked on the passenger window to get the blonde's attention. She waved when she looked over.
"It's not locked." Marcy said.
"Oh." Mercedes opened the door. "Why were you waiting in here?"
"Figured he was ready & we need to go." Marcy started the car.
Marc hopped in the back. "When does this movie start?"
"In ten minutes." Marcy drove to the movie theater.
"Who's going to watch the kids?"
"What do you mean?"
"The movie they're going to see. Who's going with them?"
"Whoever doesn't want to see the movie I picked."
"I def. want to see it!"
Marcy laughed. "Why? Does it entice you?"
"Completely! I looked up the trailer online while I was getting dressed & it was amazing!"
Mercedes giggled. "I don't think I'm going to watch this movie. You know I hate scary movies."
"Yeah, you like those stupid cowboy movies." Marcy teased.
"Hey! They're not stupid!"
"You're Daddy's daughter for real!"
All three laughed as Marcy pulled into the parking lot. They got out & Marcy gave Mercedes the designer diaper bag. They walked inside & stood in line.
Seconds later, two women walked in.
"You made it!" Marcy exclaimed.
"Of course we did!" Laura threw her arms around her neck. "Happy birthday!"
"Thank you!"
"Happy birthday, Marce." Quinn hugged her.
"Thanks."
"Why is she here?" Marc sniped.
Laura narrowed her eyes. "He's here?!"
"Marce!"
A trio walked up. "This is a problem."
"Puck?!" Quinn frowned.
"Aw hell no!" He swore.
Mikey simply looked at Mercedes worrying her lip as she gazed at him. He turned to walk away.
"No!" Marcy shouted. "Nobody move!"
Finn took a deep breath. He knew it was going to be some drama.
"I invited you all here because it's my birthday & you're who I wanted to celebrate it with!"
"Look, Marcy-" Marc started.
"No! Are you mad at me?"
"What?"
"Are you mad at me?!"
"Of course not." He sighed.
"Then don't punish me. Please? Stay. Please?" She begged not only Marc but everyone.
Mike bent first. He wrapped his arms around Marcy & kissed her forehead. "Happy birthday, Moppet."
"Thank you." She hugged him tightly.
Puck was sick of Mike making him look bad. "I guess I got to stay, too. He drove."
"Whatever." Quinn scoffed. "I'm here for your day, MarcAn."
"I'm here for ya, babe." Marc rubbed Marcy's back.
Laura groaned. "I'm not sitting next to him."
"You don't have to. Somebody's got to watch the movie with the twins." Marcy let Mike go.
"What movie?"
"Mr. Quacky Comes to Town."
"A baby movie?!" Puck was hurt.
"They're babies, Puckerman."
"What movie do you want to see then?"
"Drag Me to Hell." She grinned.
"That sounds goof!"
"Is it a horror flick?" Finn asked.
"Totally." Marcy nodded.
"I'll see the baby movie."
"Wimp!" Puck accused.
"Leave me alone!"
"Girly wimp!"
Mike facepalmed. "Stop flirting & come on. The movies are going to start soon."
"How do you know?" Puck questioned.
"I can read." He pointed to the wall with the movies times.
"I'll take the kids to see Mr. Quacky." Laura held her hand out for the diaper bag.
Marcy gave it to her. "I packed them stuff."
"Good. Come on, guys." Laura got back in line with the twins.
At least until Mickey noticed Puck. The little girl walked over to him & put her free hand on his pants leg while she sipped from her sippy cup.
Puck smiled & patted her head.
She took the cup from her mouth & raised her hands. She spoke one word.
"What?" He looked to Mike.
"She said mine." He said.
Puck laughed & scooped her up. She giggled & dropped her cup to cup his cheeks.
Marcy picked it up & took Mickey from Puck. "Stop flirting."
Mickey fussed & fought to get back to Puck.
"Do you want a spanking?" Marcy held her up so she could look her in the eye.
Mickey calmed down with a pout. "No."
"Then act right. Stand next to Tia Laura." Marcy set her on her feet & gave her the sippy cup.
Mickey stomped over to Laura & wrapped her free arm around her leg.
"I think she's mad at you." Mike leaned over & whispered.
"I don't care." Marcy shrugged.
"What'd you tell her?" Puck wanted to know.
"To mind her own business."
"Ouch. my bad."
"Sorry." She sighed. "I don't like having to be bad cop. I can't wait for Mal to tell them no."
"I'd kill to be bad cop."
"You say that now but getting those "I hate you" looks are not fun."
"I hate you looks?"
"Kids are selfish. When they don't get what they want, they hate you for a minute & it's there in their faces."
"You've got to be kidding me!"
"Nope. She's right." Marc admitted. "I've told them no once & Mally looked at me like he wanted me to die."
Puck frowned. "Beth's not like that."
"When do you tell her no?" Marcy pushed.
Puck rubbed the back of his head. "Never."
"Next time you see her…"
Mike smirked. "We're next."
They got their tickets for their preferred movie then grabbed snacks (the boys).
They gave their tickets to the usher who pointed down the hall. The theaters were right next to each other.
Laura, Finn & the twins went to the theater on the left while the others went to the one on the right.
Marcy, Marc, Mercedes, Mike, Quinn & Puck sat in the middle row of the nearly empty theater.
Mike was uncomfortable being by his girlfriend but sat quietly as the movie progressed. They were a minute or two late.
Puck was still sore as he sat next to his girlfriend. He put his elbow on the armrest, where hers was & bumped it off. He smirked in the dark as he heard her angry scoff.
Marc was into the movie but it was starting off kinda boring. He hoped the trailers weren't the best thing about the movie.
Quinn was super annoyed by Puck & was starting to get angry at how he was behaving. She wanted to call him out on it but it was the beginning of the day. She could outlast him.
As the movie went on, Marc got the gore that he wanted. Marcy was quite pleased & her eyes were glued to the screen.
Mercedes, on the other hand, was quite terrified. She wished she'd gone to see Mr. Quacky Comes to Town with the kids! When a demon jumped out of the shadows, she shrieked lowly & grabbed Mike's arm. When her fear receded slightly, she noticed what she'd done & let him go.
The movie went on…
When it ended, only a few people were satisfied. The group walked out & met up with the rest of their party as the duck movie was over as well.
"Did you have fun?" Laura asked as they walked to the parking lot.
"I liked it but it was no Dracula." Marcy critiqued.
"What was your favorite part?" Quinn walked beside her.
"When she got dragged under the bed. Classic!"
"I'm glad I saw Mr. Quacky." Finn said.
"I wish I did." Mercedes took his arm.
Mike & Puck looked at each other. What was this?
"Did you like Mr. Quacky?" Marcy asked the twins, who cheered.
"So what's next on your list?" Quinn wanted to know.
"f.y.e."
"Why?"
"I want the DVD box set of the greatest show ever." She stopped at Travis & did a little dance.
"Ouran?"
"That is not the greatest show ever! That's not even the greatest manga ever!" Marcy was offended.
Quinn laughed. "I was just joking. I know you mean Supernatural."
"Yeah!" Marcy fist-pumped.
The boys scowled. "Why?!"
"Don't be haters." She buckled the twins in.
"Well as fun as talking about those douches goes, we should." Puck clapped Mike on the back.
"Oh no, you don't, Landing Strip. This is an all day thing. You don't split until I get tired of looking at your face."
"Marcy-" Mike started.
"No! You promised!" She pulled on his arm.
"Alright, fine."
She kissed his cheek. "Tank coo, Mikey!"
"So you got the baby voice, too?" Puck scoffed.
Marcy raised an eyebrow before shaking her head. "Whatever. Just go to the mall."
M&MC
"I've been here only once." Finn said as he looked around the apple orchard. "On a field trip in the fifth grade. Remember, Puck? Our whole class went."
Puck sneered. "Apple picking! Who pays to do labor?"
"Shut up & get going." Marcy climbed a ladder.
"You're abusive, you know that? A real abuser."
"& you're a gigantic baby." She began picking apples & tossing them into the wooden basket she had.
"You're as bossy as Q." He shot back. He turned his back & whistled to show his innocence but he felt something hit his back. He turned around quickly but she was still picking apples. He picked up the one that hit him & looked around. The others were looking at him & laughing. "& you're a bully!"
M&MC
After lunch at Apple Town, they went to As the Page Turns. It was early afternoon & the day was progressing smoothly… enough.
Mr. Herbert was ecstatic to see them & overjoyed to meet the twins. They spent an hour with the old man, talking & reminiscing.
Then they stopped by Sally's to see Mabel, who was working. She took a thirty minute break to see them.
Puck & Finn were surprised by how smoothly they talked to these older people & to each other. It was like nothing had happened. It was like these adventures happened just the day prior.
"We should go." Marcy stood up.
"Already?" Mabel pouted.
"Yeah. I have a laundry list of things to do today & being blessed with your gorgeousness is only number ten."
Mabel blushed. "Stop it!"
"Don't pay her any mind." Marc said. "You know you wanna run away with me!"
Mabel giggled & avoided looking at him.
Marcy put her hand over her mouth & Mally went up to Mabel, took her hand & kissed it.
"Awww! He's gettin started, too?! I'm going to have to fight off his advances, too?!" Mabel picked him up.
"Nothing's better than the original." Marcy winked.
"You need someone closer to your own age." Marc denied.
Mabel laughed before giving the little boy to Quinn. "Get on out of here & stop flirting!"
"Ain't nobody flirtin!" Marcy fussed. "Flirting rings with insincerity."
Mabel fanned her face. "Shoo! Get on before I lose my mind & believe you!"
"Don't break my heart now." Marc winked as they left.
Puck waited until they were in the parking lot to demand, "Why were you flirting with that woman?!"
"She likes it." Marcy shrugged.
"It makes her feel appreciated." Marc added.
"So you do it so she can feel good about herself?" Finn guessed. "That's really nice."
"I'm nowhere that noble." Marcy smirked. "I've always thought she was a handsome woman & told her so since the first time I saw her."
"Marcy's honest that way." Quinn said.
"But she likes that it makes her feel good." Mercedes pinched her sister's cheek. "That's why she pours it on so thick."
"So it is to be nice!" Finn had an aha! moment.
"I just think she's a foxy old lady." Marc shrugged.
"He's the same." Mercedes rolled her eyes. "I don't know where this sudden modesty came from."
"Hush!" Marc wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Where are we going now, Marce?"
"To the house. I want to check the mail." Marcy took her keys out.
"What are you expecting?" Mike asked.
"I told everyone to send my presents to my house but Rou's sending my present here. She's a stubborn one."
"Okay, let's go."
M&MC
"Is that it?" Finn asked as they walked up to the house.
"I think so." Marcy ran to the box sitting on the porch. There was mail on top but she ignored it to open the door.
The group crowded into the living room to watch her open the green wrapped gift. The twins leaned on the coffee table as Marcy knelt in front of it. They looked to her to see if she was going to open it any time soon.
"Present, Mommy." Mally pointed when it looked like she wasn't going to open it.
"I know. Want to open it?" She looked at him.
He grinned & reached for the gift but Mickey pouted. He pushed it to his sister. "You present, Mickey."
"Aww!" Laura, Mercedes & Quinn melted.
Mickey ripped the wrapping paper off the box excitedly. It was just a plain brown box underneath. She frowned in confusion. Her presents usually had pictures on the boxes.
Marcy pulled a switchblade out of her pocket & sliced through the tape on the top of the box before putting the blade away. She opened the flaps & rustled passed packing peanuts to lift out a large bottle of Irish whiskey. "Ah!"
Mike burst out laughing. "She got you booze?!"
"Want to know what I got her?" She grinned.
"Booze?"
"Bourbon." She nodded.
"Man, you have the same brain!"
"Someone sent you a bottle of alcohol for your birthday?" Finn was confused.
"My favorite cousin gave me my favorite drink." Marcy explained. "& we're all taking a shot."
"It's the middle of the afternoon!" He was scandalized.
"Lighten up, Finn." She smirked. "It's just one shot."
"Just one shot?" Mike wanted to make sure.
"Of course. I'm driving. I don't take chances with my life."
"Hell, I'm in!" Puck raised his arms above his head.
"That's the spirit!" She looked through the other mail absentmindedly.
"Just one shot." Laura warned as she got up. "Come on, Quinn. Is there any more plastic cups?"
Mercedes nodded.
The Fabray girls left the room.
Marcy found a letter from the doctor's office. She opened it & read it.
Laura & Quinn came back with eight cups. "What are we toasting to?"
"How about a miracle?" Marcy raised an eyebrow.
"What's going on, Marcy?" Mercedes asked.
"When we first got here, I went to the doctor's to get tested for my allergies & these are the results."
Mercedes took the letter & read it. "I'm so happy for you!"
"What's it say?!" Laura demanded.
"I still have my other allergies but I outgrew my nut allergy. I can eat peanuts now. I still have to carry my Epipen but I can eat peanut butter now!" Marcy was seriously happy.
"I say you're having a pretty good birthday!" Marc said.
"We def. have to take a shot now!" She took the cups from Quinn & opened the bottle of amber spirit. She poured what she estimated to be an ounce in each cup before setting them on the table. "Get 'em before the twins do."
The adults each snatched up a cup before the twins, who were quite honestly trying to look, could touch.
Marcy corked the bottle & set it down before lifting her cup. "You do the honors, Mikey."
Mike cleared his throat & thought about what he wanted to say. "Here's to new beginnings & finding yourself. To knowing who you are & going after what you want. Here's to being eighteen & one step closer to being allergy free!"
The others laughed before clicking their cups together & downing their drink.
"Whoo!" Puck shook his head. "That's strong!"
Finn coughed. "Yeah, it is!"
"Enough to put some hair on your chest!" Marcy agreed.
"I like it." Marc approved.
"Okay, what's next on your list?" Laura asked as she wiped her mouth daintily.
"Eating a Nature Valley Sweet & Salty bar." Marcy stood up with the bottle & letter.
"I'll get everyone one." Mercedes offered.
"Okay, I'm going to put these up." Marcy left the room.
Mercedes went to the kitchen & out a bar for each of them but made sure to get almond for herself & Quinn & to get one of each kind (almond, cashew & peanut) for Marcy. She returned to the front room & handed them out.
Marcy walked back in. "I got my Epipen right here. Let's do this!"
"Fearless little self!" Marc mocked.
She waved him away & opened the peanut bar. She took a tiny bite. She slowly chewed before swallowing. "I'm not gagging."
Laura turned her face. "No red splotches appearing."
"Are you breathing fine?" Quinn asked.
Marcy nodded. "Yeah."
"Take a bigger bite." Marc advised with a flick of his hand.
Marcy took a bigger bite but she was still fine. "I'm good. It really works!"
Mercedes hugged. "I'm so happy for you!"
Marcy left half of the bar & gave it to Mally. Then she tore the cashew bar in half & gave it to Mickey. She ate the other half. "I want to try peanut butter."
"Have you never had it?" Finn liked these bars. Unlike the ones his mom had had, they didn't taste like tree bark.
"Nope." Marcy put the almond bar in her pocket for later before cleaning up the gift refuse. "Should I get some now or wait? We do have glee."
"We can eat some tonight." Mercedes said. "After your party."
"Party? You're having a party?" Puck didn't know about that.
"It's not really a party. We're just around eating ice cream & opening presents." Marcy shrugged. "Are you coming?"
"I could."
"Bring Nic & Ms. Nadine."
"Okay."
"We need to go." Mike gestured to the time.
"Will you keep the kids, Laura?" Marcy asked.
"Sure. We'll stay here & watch a movie." Laura nodded.
"We're coming back here so we can go skating." Marcy reminded her.
"Got it. Come on, babies." Laura called to the twins, who followed her out.
"I should make sure the movie's not lame." Marc said. "Have fun at your meeting." He left.
"I'll throw this stuff away." Marcy also collected the cups & went to throw it away. "Help me, Finn?"
The tall nineteen year old followed her out.
The two couples just stared at each other in awkward silence. It took no time at all for the two drummers to come back. "Let's go."
The six left the house, the girls climbing into Travis, the boys climbing into Rhonda. They both drove to the high school.
They parked & went inside.
Mr. Shue was in front of the white board, writing examples of the week's lesson. "Hello!"
"Hi, Mr. Shue!" The kids chorused.
"What have you been up to today?" He capped the marker & turned around.
"It's Marcy's birthday." Mercedes said.
"It is?! Well happy birthday!" He said.
"Thank you." Marcy sighed.
"What have you done to celebrate it?"
"Just did a bunch of my favorite stuff." She took a seat in the back.
"That's good. You're eighteen, right?"
"Yup!" She beamed.
He laughed. "It's a good age! Enjoy it!"
The class started trickling in. Sam & Blaine made a beeline for the birthday girl.
Class began & it was business as usual as Mr. Shue outlined songs for the lesson. When it was over, Artie waved Marcy over. "Come down here, girl!"
She smiled as she climbed down the two wide steps. "Yes, RT?"
"Ya know I couldn't let the day go by without giving my side squeeze a little somethin somethin on her big day!"
"Aw! Thank you! You didn't have to get me anything!" She really appreciated it.
"Girl, open it!" He waved a hand as he gave her the box.
She opened it to reveal a video game. "No way! This is the game you taught me!"
"I figured you'd need all the practice you can get. We're going to have tournaments this summer!"
She hugged him. "Thank you."
Blaine had a small box. "I got you something, too."
Marcy let Artie go. "You didn't have to do that."
"I know but I think you'll like this."
She opened the box & lifted out the necklace on a 20" chain. "No way! It's the necklace Hermione used to go back in time!"
"It's just a replica but I know you like Harry Potter & I love it & we had that long conversation about the differences between the books & the movies." He lifted his shoulders.
"Thank you." She hugged him.
"Hey! I got you something!" Jake yelled.
"You didn't!"
"Yeah, I did. I found out your birthday & got you this." He gave her the big box.
She opened it. "Oh, Jake! Thank you!" She lifted out a moon shaped pillow.
"It matches your necklace." He beamed.
She hugged him. "I appreciate it."
Finn grinned. She liked all her other presents so maybe his wasn't that bad. "I got you something, too."
"Really?!" She was surprised.
He gave her the long narrow box. "I saw it & I knew it was for you."
She opened the box. "White sticks?"
"Drumsticks. Play with them."
She went over to the drummer. "May I?"
He nodded & moved.
She sat behind the drums & beat out a heavy drumline. Her eyes lit up when the sticks did. "No way! Super kawaii!"
"That's got to be the best present ever." Mercedes was in awe.
Mike scoffed internally. His gift was the best present ever.
Marcy stopped drumming & came to give Finn a hug. "Thank you so much!"
He felt warm inside at doing something right. "You're welcome."
Sam felt he'd been patient long enough. He tapped her on the shoulder as she let Finn go. "My turn."
Marcy smiled at him. "Thank you, Sam."
He gave her the shallow box. "I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I will. Because you gave it to me." She opened it anyway. It was a sketch book. She opened the first page & it was a sketch of her. Her mouth fell open. "Did you do this?"
"Yeah. I went off the picture I have for you in my contacts." He stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"I'm starting to think my present for you isn't good enough…"
"Whatever you have is fine."
Marcy hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Sam."
"You're welcome."
"I wish I'd known it was your birthday. I would have gotten you something." Unique pouted.
"That's okay. I don't need gifts." Marcy put her gifts back in their boxes.
"Here." Unique unwrapped the blue scarf from around her neck. It had traces of orange & red in it.
"Don't give me your stuff." Marcy declined.
"I want you to have it. You're a really sweet person." Unique insisted.
"You're the sweet one!" Marcy took it.
Unique hugged her. "Happy birthday!"
"Thank you, peach."
"Happy birthday." Marley said. She was quite honestly still in shock from Jake's present.
Tina nodded. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you." Marcy folded the scarf & put it in her pocket.
Ryder hugged her suddenly. He blushed hard core. "Happy birthday!"
She was stuck. It was completely unexpected but she patted his back. "Thank you."
"Happy birthday." Kitty felt obligated to say something.
"Thank you." Marcy patted his back harder. "You can let me go now."
Ryder blushed darker & moved away from her as if she were poison. "Sorry."
"It's okay." She smirked. "Well I have to go but I'll call you guys later. Thank you again for the lovely gifts."
They wished her a good day before leaving.
"Do you need help?" Mercedes asked.
"Yes, please." Marcy held onto a couples gifts while Mercedes got the rest.
"Are we following you back to the house or are we going straight to the place?" Mike asked as they walked out to the parking lot.
"Actually can you take them to the rink? I have something to do right quick & I'll just drop by & get the others on my way there." She put her gifts in the truck for safe keeping.
Mike's face was classic. It was technically blank but everyone knew he was uneasy.
"Please?" She widened her eyes.
"Okay." He couldn't deny her. She was his little sister.
"Thank you. I'll see you guys in like half an hour." Marcy hopped in her car & drove off.
The remaining quintet just looked at each other before Mike headed to Rhonda. Might as well get it over with…
M&MC
Finn was completely uncomfortable! Puck wasn't talking to the girls, Quinn wasn't talking to him & Mike & Mercedes weren't talking period. He'd never felt so out of place in his life & he'd hit his growth spurt at fourteen!
He tried to keep up a conversation with everyone but it took a mental dexterity he just didn't possess. He was super glad when Marcy came with Laura, the twins & Marc. "Hey! Hi! You made it! Thank you!"
Laura chuckled. "Are you okay?"
"I am now."
Marcy's lips twisted in amusement. "Sorry for leaving you with these people. But I'm here & ready to skate."
"Do you know how to skate?" He made conversation… Again…
"Oh, you ain't seen skating!" She went to rent skates then came back to pull her boots off. She slipped on the skates & wobbled her way to the ice.
"Are you sure?" He was concerned for her balance.
She touched the ice then skated out a little before doing a few figure eights then performing more difficult moves.
His eyes were wide. "I've never met anyone who could do that!"
Mercedes & Quinn, who already had their skates on, skated out onto the ice & copied her, "We can, too."
His mind was blown! "Whoa!"
Laura sat with the kids, who were excited to be in the rink. "They're quite good."
"You're good, too. Go out there." Mike urged.
"Someone has to watch the twins."
"I'll do it. I'm not getting out there."
Laura thought about it. "I'll do it."
Mike hit record on his phone as she got out onto the ice. The girls were having fun so he was good
M&MC
Marc, Mercedes & Marcy walked in the house with the twins at exactly seven fifteen. Delicious smells were coming from the kitchen so that's where they went.
Rose was setting food on the table. "Oh! You're just in time!"
"Smells great, Ma." Marc loved the smell of food.
"I made steak, stuffed pasta shells, twice baked potatoes & a Caesar salad."
"Wow." Marcy put a hand over her stomach to silence its growl. "It all sounds amazing."
"I also made cheddar biscuits & I have your favorite wine."
"Cool."
"Go wash up & come eat." Rose was pleased with herself.
The young adults did as told & gave back to the table with the twins & filled up their plates. Marc blessed the food & they dug in.
Mercedes, Marc & the twins filled Rose in on their day as they ate.
"Oh that's nice." Rose just heard about Ryder & his surprise hug.
Marc laughed. "Did he blush?"
"Big time!" Mercedes said.
He chuckled. "Young love."
"This steak is good." Marcy said.
"Thank you." Rose was pleased with her demeanor.
"What time is everyone coming over?"
"Eight thirty. We have time." Rose stood up & went to the fridge for something. "I made you something for dessert."
"Please don't let it be jello."
"It's a surprise." Rose set it on the counter. "Are you finished eating?"
Marcy ate the last of her meal. "Yes."
"Well let me get you dessert." Rose made coffee & set out four cups before pouring them & offering milk, creamer & sugar. While everyone was doctoring up their coffee, she plated up slices of dessert.
"Mercy? Can you collect all the dirty dishes & put them in the dishwasher?" Rose set out the plates.
"Yes, Momma." Mercedes got up.
"Is this what I think it is?" Marcy asked.
"Yes, it is. Tiramisu." Rose beamed.
"Wicked." Marcy dug in.
After the dishes were cleared & Rose wrapped the leftovers, they sat in companionable silence & had dessert. Even the twins were quiet.
At exactly eight thirty, the doorbell rang.
Rose answered the door. "Hello."
"Hi!" Maddie hugged Rose. "I got her the best present!"
"I'm sure she'll love it." Rose hugged her back as the Changs' entered the home.
The Fabray women were right behind them. "Hello!"
"Hi!" Rose welcome them. "She's in the den."
The doorbell rang one more time & Rose welcomed the Puckerman family in. Rose walked them to the den.
"Happy birthday!" Nic said excitedly.
"Thank you, kid." Marcy turned off the TV.
"Can I go first?" Maddie asked.
"Sure."
Maddie handed over a box. "I know you'll like it."
Marcy unwrapped it. "A diamond edition PSP? Thank you, Mad!"
Maddie sat back smugly.
"I have something." Nic handed over her small box.
Marcy opened the poorly (but adorably) wrapped present. "A statement ring? You didn't have to get me this!"
"It's not real." Nic whispered.
"I love it anyway." Marcy whispered back.
Nic beamed.
M&MC
Puck stood. "I have to go get my present."
"You didn't have to get me anything." Marcy said.
"Too late for that one." He went outside & came back with a cage.
"Why'd you get her a pet carrier?" Maddie asked.
"It's not empty." He set it on the floor.
Marcy's eyebrows shot up. "You got me an animal?"
He nodded. "Open it."
She unlocked the carrier & a golden retriever puppy walked out shyly. Her heart melted as she picked him up & cuddled him to her chest. "He's so cute!"
"& he's house broken!"
Marcy laughed as she turned the dog to face her. "What am I going to call you?"
"How about Fluffy?" Maddie suggested.
"For a dog?" Marc wrinkled his nose.
"Skipper?" Quinn asked.
"That's a terrible name for anything."
"Then you think of something!"
Marcy squinted at the dog as he tried to lick her face. "I know. Smith."
"What?! Why?!" Marc didn't get it. "That's a James Bond name!"
"Short for Aerosmith."
Puck laughed. "Knew you were bad!"
Marcy smirked as she let Smith get onto the floor & sniff around everywhere. He encountered a nervous Ozzie & barked. Ozzie barked back & ran behind Mercedes's legs.
Mally squatted down & rubbed the dog, soothing him.
"Aw!" The women melted.
Mike raised an eyebrow. He was the last to go. "Here." He handed Marcy a manila envelope.
She opened it & took out a sheath of paper. "What is this?"
"Read it."
Marcy speed-read through it before she grew excited. She flipped to the last page & found a glossy photo of her present. "You bought me a horse!"
"I quit with you." Marc threw up his hands.
Mike grinned as everyone gaped. "I know you haven't ridden in a while & you weren't able to get your own before so I thought it was way overdue. He's already in a stable in Milan."
"Can I see?" Nic loved horses.
Marcy showed her the picture.
"What's his name?" Laura demanded.
"Shadow."
"Good job, son." Michael congratulated.
Puck pouted. He'd had the best present & Mike outdid him!
"Thank you, everyone for your amazing gifts. I appreciate them all." Marcy felt really good at the moment.
Mal cleared his throat. "Do you want to go to Sprinkle Land?"
Those were the first words he'd spoken to her since Saturday.
She felt like being the bigger person (it was her birthday after all) & nodded. "That'd be good."
"Just the two of us."
It was like the needle was ripped from a record. Her face went blank. "Just the two of us?"
"Yeah."
"I should put the twins down." She evaded.
"I'll help."
She was running out of excuses. "Sure."
He smiled in relief.
"Help Mommy take this upstairs." Marcy spoke to the twins.
The trio took her presents upstairs while Rose threw all the wrapping paper, ribbon, bows & boxes away.
"I think it's safe to say I got her the best present." Mike said in the ensuing quiet.
"It was alright." Mal rolled his eyes.
"You got her medical journals. Unique gave a better present & she just took off her scarf."
"I don't know who that is but I'm offended."
"You should be. Unique doesn't even know her."
Mal narrowed his eyes. "I'm going to go put the kids down."
Mike grinned as he walked out. "I win."
"You're rotten." Laura rolled her eyes.
"You're so uptight."
"& a pain. A giant pain!"
M&MC
After giving the twins a quick bath, Mal & Marcy put them in the bed in the guest room.
"Did you have a good birthday, Mommy?" Mickey asked as she got comfortable.
"Yes, I did." Marcy leaned over Mally to give her cheek a kiss.
Mickey giggled.
"Why you buy Mommy books, Daddy?" Mally demanded with a yawn.
"Mommy likes books. Don't you like books?" Mal smirked.
"But they didn't have no pictures."
"Mommy doesn't need pictures. She knows how to read."
"Cuz she reads to us?" Mickey asked.
"Yup, Mommy reads to you."
Marcy smirked as they talked about her like she wasn't even there. They laid in the bed & talked about anything & everything until the twins fell asleep.
The teen parents sneaked out & closed the door behind them.
It was really awkward before Mal suggested they leave now. They went downstairs & Marcy leaned into the den. "We're leaving now."
"Be back before midnight." Rose called out.
"Uh huh!" Marcy walked out.
"You don't need your purse. It's your birthday." Mal told her when they reached the foyer.
Marcy put the handbag back & rifled through it for her keys.
"& we're walking." Mal got it out of the way as he opened the door.
She blew out a breath but locked the door behind them.
They walked in silence but it wasn't bad. They hadn't spoken in days but it wasn't like it was hanging over them.
It was nice.
They made it to the frozen yogurt shop & went inside. The people behind the counter waved & they waved back before going to the machines.
"What are you thinking of getting?" Mal asked as he filled a cup with organic chocolate.
Marcy shrugged as she used the taste cups to try a few flavors. It was between four so she mixed them all.
"That's a mess."
She just smirked at him as they went for toppings. "Live a little."
"I'll live through you." They went to the counter & he paid. "Want to eat here?"
"Sure."
They sat in a booth. They ate in silence. It was just as comfortable as before.
Marcy let her spoon hang in her mouth as she peered at him. "What is this about?"
"What?" They'd been quiet so long; he didn't think she was going to speak.
"This." She gestured between them. "What is this? Aren't we mad at each other?"
He wasn't done with his yogurt but figured this was as good a time as any to do this. He set the cup aside & folded his hands. "I'm not mad at you. Anymore. I'm just disappointed. In myself."
She raised a brow. "Why?"
"Because I had no right to be mad at you in the first place. You don't owe me anything & you do have a boyfriend. It wasn't right for me to pressure you.
So I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for yelling at you & eluding to you ruining my life. I'm sorry for pressuring you for your affections. I'm sorry for talking you into dating me. I'm sorry for yelling at you a year & a half ago.
The truth is; you didn't ruin my life, Marcy. You make it better just by existing. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I didn't have you in my life. You've always been a great friend & sister to me & you gave me two beautiful children that I can never thank you enough for.
Hell, you are my life. I'm sorry for being a bonehead & for taking so long to apologize. & so you know I'm serious, I got you this." He reached in his pocket for a box. He took it out & opened it. "Here's your real present."
She, for her part, was gobsmacked. She hadn't been expecting this at all! Her mouth worked as she looked over the stunning ring. "Thank you."
He took her hand & slipped the ring on her left ringer finger then kissed her hand. "Happy birthday."
Every one of her emotions was acting up. She felt like she was in a whirlwind & blood was pulsing in her ears. All she had one was thought & she acted on it. She kissed him.
He was pleasantly surprised but kissed her back. They were so far gone; they didn't even hear the yogurt shop clapping at first. They broke apart with happy but slightly embarrassed smiles.
Marcy looked at him with soft eyes. "Come on. Let's get out of here."
They scooped out the last of their frozen yogurt & threw away the containers before going outside. They started walking back home & Mal was surprised further when Marcy, the anti-hand-holder, took his hand.
Suddenly the sky opened up & rain poured down.
Marcy screamed in happiness. She loved the rain & the fact that it rained on her birthday made her extremely happy.
They walked slowly, stopping every few yards to kiss. By the time they made it to the Jones', they saw all the other cars were gone. Marcy put her finger to her lips as she opened the door.
She opened it quietly & they snuck in. She closed it just as quietly & locked it before they ran up the stairs silently.
When they made it to her room, she locked the door & jumped in his arms. They shared an intense kiss.
"Are you sure?" He asked as he set her on her feet.
She pulled his shirt over his head. "What do you think?"