Enjoy!

Chapter Six

Mercedes was groggy as she walked into her office, her head was hurting due to the onslaught of calls and texts she'd been receiving since seven. She was woken up by Derek's obnoxious alarm blaring in her ear and then the calls started. Every three minutes her ex was blowing her phone up with calls and text messages about how he's going to get full custody.

In a haste, she bolted up and had Derek take her to her home so she could go get Jack from her parents which had proven to be another task because her mother was on another one of her hours long rants about her life choices.

"Mercedes, you need to figure out what you're doing. You've been at that little art job of yours for a few years now but have nothing to show for it."

Mercedes blinked before rolling her eyes. "Moma, I don't have the energy for this right now, I just came to get my son and take him to school."

"And that's another thing, how much longer are you going to keep dropping him off so you can sleep with Derek?" Amelia asked, shaking her head disapprovingly.

Mercedes looked at her mother, mouth agape. "I… moma you know it's not like that with Derek…" She replied, troubling her bottom lip.

Her mother scoffed, taking a sip of her coffee. "Mhm, you can tell that lie to your brother and your daddy but I know different. You need to talk to Jason and sort things out."

"You need to not speak on things you don't know everything to and stop projecting your version of what is acceptable on me." Mercedes snapped right as her son came into the kitchen. The nine year old smiled at his mother before running over to give her a hug.

"Hey ma."

Mercedes smiled, cupping his face. "Hey baby, are you ready for school?"

"Yes, ma'am. Nana made me lunch too!" He replied.

"Oh did she? I bet it's really good too, if we hurry we can stop at the donut shop and get a treat before I drop you off." Mercedes said and her son beamed before going to get his backpack.

Ameila smiled after her grandson before looking back at her daughter. "Giving him those treats is gonna come back later, you were a chubby kid."

Mercedes huffed, cutting her eyes at her mother. "You don't have to be such a bitch!" She said, snatching her keys and storming off. "Come on Jack!"

Jack came bounding into the room, his small sneakers scuffing and slipping on the polished wooden floor. His energy was relentless, a non-stop whirlwind that echoed the playful rush of life beyond the house's windows.

"Don't forget your jacket!" Amelia called, her voice full of fond tension as she picked up the small, superhero-themed fleece from the back of a chair.

Jack hesitated at the door and turned back to his grandmother. A serious frown replaced his joyous grin. "Nana, do we really need it?" He asked, his hopeful gaze already anticipating her answer.

"Yes, my little tornado," Amelia sighed with a playful wink. He groaned but obediently wriggled into the jacket before rushing after his mother, vanishing through the front door leaving a trail of giggles.

Amelia watched them go, her sigh becoming a gentle laugh that filled the now quiet house. "To be young again," she whispered to herself before turning back to the kitchen and her

unfinished cup of coffee. The sunlight bathed the room in a soft, golden glow as she settled back into her chair, savoring the peaceful calm after the storm that was little Jack.

"Girl!"

Mercedes blinked, hearing the snap before seeing Unique standing there. "Huh?"

Unique looked at her concerned. "Are you okay? You look, and I mean this with love, but girl you look a mess."

Mercedes looked down at her clothes, she was wearing a simple black dress and a pair of heels, and her hair was in a low bun. "What are you talking about?"

Unique motioned her fingers at Mercedes' face. "Honey, you're dull and that's saying a lot because you clearly have that after sex glow still."

Mercedes looked over at the mirror and saw her eyes looked sad and she had a grim expression on her face. "I just have a lot on my mind… just bullshit with my mom."

Nodding, Unique sat down across from her. "What happened?"

Shaking back tears, she sighed. "She… she wants me to sort things out with Jason and it's like annoying because she doesn't know all the shit he does."

"You still haven't told her?"

"No, how can I? He'll just sweet talk his way out of whatever anger she'll have towards him."

Unique frowned. "How about you and Jack come stay with me tonight? You're moving tomorrow and won't have to try to sneak away. I can take Jack and if he is trailing you we can just split up."

Mercedes wiped her eyes. "I really appreciate it… I wish I could stop my younger self from ever meeting him."

"Well honey, we can't live in the past but we can aim for a brighter future." Unique said standing and holding out her hand. Sniffling,

Mercedes grabbed her hand, smiling. "You're right." She said, feeling determined. "I'm not going to keep letting this shit get me down. I'm gonna move and if he comes, I'm going to get a restraining order."

"That's my girl, now tell me I can go home so I can get with Sugar. I'll go to the warehouse and video you so you can pick your furniture, give me the spare. We can get this done today!"

She laughed, shaking her head as she dug her spare house key and handed it to Unique. "Honestly, I can't thank you enough. I'll meet you at the house after I finish orientation for the new hire today."

Unique nodded, taking the key. "Just trust me honey, I will have your new place looking as good as you do!" She replied before walking out.

Mercedes watched her leave, feeling a surge of gratitude. Unique was her pillar in the whirlwind that was life. At least she had that going for her. Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she glanced at the clock. It read 10:30 am. Sighing, she stood up, checking herself in the mirror once more before leaving to meet Sam for his orientation.

"… and this is where you'll be working." Mercedes said, walking into a studio room and turning on the light so Sam could see his new workspace.

Mercedes made sure that Sam felt at ease and included during the orientation. They reviewed his paperwork, negotiated his salary and went over project expectations. She showed him around the office and introduced him to the other department heads, as well as some of his new always liked to wait until the end of the tour to show her employees their workspace because it would allow all the time they needed to get it set up the way they wanted.

Sam's eyes scanned the room, taking in all its details. On one side stood a massive desk, meant for drawing or writing, while on the opposite side was another desk with a desktop computer set up. He could see stacks of paper and various art supplies scattered across the surface. Along the left wall, tall cabinets lined up, holding an assortment of tools and materials. In the far corner, there was a cozy nook with comfortable chairs and a small table, perfect for relaxing after a long day of work. The room had an inviting atmosphere, filled with creative energy and potential.

"So this is mine?" He asked, looking at Mercedes with excitement.

Nodding she walked in further, slowly spinning as she assessed the space. "Mhm, I can order just about anything you'll need but we do have commercial space in the basement that has other supplies that you are welcome but I will need to know what you take so I can take it from my budget."

Sam looked around again, his heart fluttering and mind rushing with countless ideas. "With this space… I could make just about anything." He said, "Thank you… for the chance."

Mercedes looked at him with a soft smile. "Don't thank me yet, you haven't seen me when on a deadline and it's four in the morning." She joked.

He chuckled. "Lucky for you, I'm a night owl."

Before she could reply, her phone started going off. She checked and saw that it was Unique and smiled. "Well orientation is complete, I have to take this but you can either stay and play around in here or take the rest of the afternoon."

"I think I'd like to stay. I have something I was working and would like to keep going." Sam replied and Mercedes nodded, looking at her watch.

"Alright, sounds good. I'll be out for a few hours, but around 2:30 I'll swing by and take you out to lunch. It's this cozy little cafe called Miranda's Hut, just down the street."

Sam's face lit up with a smile."Looking forward to it," he replied. As she nodded and made her way out, the room was suddenly quiet and his thoughts began to occupy him once again.

Mercedes stepped out of the studio, leaving Sam to his work, and quickly answered Unique's call. "Hello?"

"Mercedes! I'm at your place and girl, you are not gonna believe what I found!" The excitement in Unique's voice was palpable.

"What is it?" Mercedes asked, curiosity piqued.

"I think I just found the perfect setting for your new living room. You've got to see this!"

"Alright, send me a photo."

Mercedes stood outside the studio for a few more moments as she waited for Unique to send over the photo of her potential new living space. As soon as she received it, Mercedes couldn't help but gasp in excitement. The living room was absolutely stunning, decorated in beautiful pastel colors with modern yet comfortable furniture.

"That… that's my living room?" She asked, not quite believing it.

"Well soon-to-be yours! What do you think?" Unique answered eagerly.

"I love it." Mercedes responded. "I can meet you, I just finished up orientation but I will need to be back by 2:30 to take him to lunch."

"No problem, honey. Just come see this place in person. I promise it will be worth it. And about time for lunch, I won't keep you long," Unique assured her.

"Alright, I'm on my way." Mercedes responded, excitement bubbling up within her. It was thrilling to start a new chapter in her life and to finally get away from the shadow of her past.

The drive over was surprisingly smooth considering the typical city traffic. As she pulled up to her soon-to-be new home, she took a moment to admire it from outside. It was a beautiful, two-story house with a small but well-maintained front yard. The exterior was painted a lovely shade of light blue which added to its charm.

Getting out of the car, she went inside and was greeted by Unique's radiant smile. "Welcome home!" Unique exclaimed, opening her arms wide. Her friend's enthusiasm was infectious and Mercedes couldn't help but return her smile.

She followed Unique through the house, noting the spacious dining area adjacent to a modern kitchen. The counters were sleek and black, contrasting perfectly with the stainless steel appliances. The cabinets above were filled with glassware and dishes, all stacked neatly row by row.

"Look at all this space," Mercedes murmured appreciatively, running a hand along the smooth countertop. "It's perfect for cooking."

"And hosting," Unique added with a wink. "This place is made for entertaining."

As they moved to the living room, Mercedes caught her breath. It was just as beautiful as in the photo – even more so because it was real and right before her eyes. Large windows let in an abundance of light illuminating the room which was tastefully decorated. Cozy couches surrounded a glass coffee table and a flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall. On one side of the room, book shelves filled with novels and art pieces lined the wall from floor to ceiling.

"You did all this in two hours?" Mercedes questioned in awe.

Unique shot her a knowing look. "It's me you're talking to and Sugar was kidding her daddy had just about everything in that warehouse. We walked it and I just knew this was your living room suite, now I found a few pieces for your bedroom but don't get mad boss lady but I already got Jack's room put together."

Mercedes looked at her amused. "Oh really?"

"Before you say anything, the room is such a boy room." Unique said and Mercedes couldn't help but snicker.

"Care to elaborate?" She asked teasingly.

Unique waved her hand dramatically. "It has… boy stuff. Trucks and things, let me just show you!" She answered, leading Mercedes upstairs.

Mercedes followed Unique up the carpeted stairs, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had always been a little unsure about decorating Jack's room, especially since he was growing up so fast. The idea of it being a surprise was both nerve-wracking and exciting.

Unique led her to the second door on the left, swinging it open with a flourish. "Voila!" she announced.

Mercedes took a step into the room and gasped. It was perfect. A full-sized bed was pushed against one wall, covered in a blue comforter patterned with various trucks and cars. A matching desk was situated under the window, its shelves already filled with books. Off to one side, a tall wardrobe stood, doors slightly open to reveal neatly folded clothes.

"I… how did you…" Mercedes stammered, lost for words.

Unique just shrugged nonchalantly. "I had some help from Sugar's staff." She admitted. Mercedes looked at her friend in awe before throwing her arms around her in an ecstatic hug. "Oh, Unique! It's.. it's perfect! Jack will absolutely love it."

Unique beamed, patting Mercedes' back affectionately. "I thought so too. Now come on, let's not get sappy here. We still have the master bedroom to see."

The master bedroom was just as tastefully done as the rest of the house – a king-size bed covered in soft linen sheets and a fluffy white comforter sat grandly in the center of the room. The walls were painted in subtle shades of lavender and cream, giving the room a peaceful and relaxing ambience.

A large bay window overlooked the lush backyard, drenched with sunlight that spilled in and bounced off the hardwood floor. A plush white rug lay invitingly at the foot of the bed. On either side stood mahogany nightstands, topped with sleek ivy-patterned lamps.

"Unique… this- this is move in ready." Mercedes said.

Unique nodded, grabbing her hands. "Yes, you can't not go back to that house and if this means me taking on the task of completely decorating your home, then so be it!" She replied, making Mercedes laugh tearfully.

"I can imagine how hard that was for you.. but I have pictures of Jack I want to get and my clothes."

"Just get the pictures, I will get you a whole new wardrobe. A picture book is easier to hide than clothes. Go home now and get them and then go back to work like nothing has changed. You're getting away from that asshole today."

Mercedes felt tears streaming, thankful to have such an amazing friend. "I can't thank you enough."

"You can by not looking back and moving forward."

They shared a hug before Unique showed her some pictures of furniture from the warehouse she thought would be nice in the spare bedrooms before it was time for Mercedes to head to meet Sam for lunch. She couldn't help the big grin that graced her face as she drove to the cafe.

As she parked her car, she took a moment to steady herself. This was it - the beginning of the end of her past life. She pulled out a small box from the glove compartment. It was the last true piece of her past that she needed to rid herself of, she opened the box feeling a strong wave of emotions and memories hitting her before quickly shutting it and putting it back.

"No looking back, only move forward." She muttered to herself before getting out of her car and walking into Miranda's Hut.

Her eyes scanned the café until they fell on Sam, who was sitting in a booth by the window.

"Hey," Mercedes slid into the seat opposite him.

"Oh hey," he looked up, startled but smiled after a moment.

She smiled back "So, how was your morning?" She asked and Sam's smile grew.

"Awesome! The studio space is perfect, I got five pages done and Mike even showed me the commercial space. I grabbed a few items, and I sent the list to your email."

"That's great, good to see you're accumulating! Care to share the work you have done?" She asked, noticing the notebook on the seat next to him.

He smirked. "If I say no, will I get in trouble?"

Chuckling, she shook her head. "No, you have a right to tell me no but only so many times… I am your boss after all." She joked back. "Besides-" Mercedes stopped when her phone went off,right as the waitress approached. "Order anything."

Sam nodded and she looked at her phone before her heart skipped a beat. It was a message from Justin.

You can't hide from your past. Good luck not looking back.

There was a picture attached, shakily she hit the attachment before screaming as she dropped her phone. Sam and the other patrons looked at her worried but before he could ask if she was okay, Mercedes had grabbed her phone and ran out of the cafe.

Next two chapters will be set in the past! until next time xoxo