Sam Evans. 22. Tennesse born and raised. Chicago's my home now. Wannabe artist and Stagehand with the Stage Left Crew. Father to the most beautiful bit of sunshine.
It was so fun following rps even when you weren’t part of that group. there were so many groups with great plots that sucked you in and kept you engaged, and dash watch parties with fellow followers were a whole event. Shoutout to the Samcedes (@lonewolfevans and @redmercyjones) at Stay Gold (@staygold-gleerp-blog) for being my first experience with rp watching. Every character was so good but RedWolf was iconic.
this was perfect in every way! ya'll had me in tears, this has been and always will be my favorite rp!
This was really sweet. We’re so glad y’all enjoyed everything. It’s been a great journey with these two, and there’s much more in store. So thanks for sticking around!
Tagging → Mercedes Jones & Sam Evans
Time Frame → Friday Evening | July 17, 2015
Location → Dupree Family Cabin | Great Lake, CO
General Notes → The big day.
Mercedes stood in front of the full length mirror once her dress was zipped, trying to contain her smile. Elodie placed the flower crown (made by her and Alex the night before) atop her brown curls. When Mary joined them, the women stood there in silence, taking it in. The day was about to begin and Mercedes could feel tingles in her fingertips, knowing that come nightfall, she would be married. The moment was pierced by a loud yell, clapping and little feet padding across the floor as Alex ran up to her mommy, raising her arms and balling her fists the way she did when she was a baby that indicated that she wanted to be picked up. Laughing, Mercedes complied, reaching down to pick the little girl up and wrap her arms around her. "We're both so pretty!" she said, leaning in and touching the embroidery on the wedding dress before fingering the sunflower on her own. "Yes we are," Mercedes agreed. "And Daddy's about to see how pretty we are."
Sam had finished dressing some time ago. There was a bit of trouble with his tie, and his father laughed at him a little, making a remark about 'nervous fingers' being typical for every groom. But he knew it was more excitement than anything else. It rolled off him in waves, though he managed to keep a calm outward appearance. That did change once Mark came in and told him it was time. He was ready to see his future wife, and get things rolling with the pictures. He was sure his mother was ready to fill up her memory card with enough photos to last ten lifetimes. The calm he felt earlier slipped away, little by little as he left the guest bedroom and made his way to the living room where he'd see Mercedes in her dress for the first time. Carla, being the official photographer had her camera at the ready for the moment when the bride emerged and Sam rocked on his heels, unable to hide his crooked smile.
Mercedes released Alex, who went to hold both Mary and Elodie's hands. She picked up the front of her dress, taking a deep breath and stepping ahead of them to exit the master bed and head out to the living room. Both of the women behind her were firing up their point-and-shoot cameras, while Alex giggled from pure excitement. She'd been having a blast during the wedding process, with the pretty dresses and the flowers and the big lake. Though she didn't fully understand it, she knew today was very important, so she couldn't keep a smile off of her face. Mercedes wanted to check the mirror again as she got closer, but she knew that was foolish. They made sure everything was perfect. She moved a little faster, her heart racing a bit since she hadn't seen Sam all day. When she walked out fully, her eyes met his and she smiled big as she felt a warmth fill her completely at the sighed of his face. She wasn't nervous about today at all.
Sam heard his daughter's laughter before he saw anyone, and he couldn't help but smile a little wider because her happiness was infectious. He was beginning to fidget again, so he clasped his hands in front while he waited. It wasn't long until he saw her, and all the nerves and jumpy feelings seemingly melted away into a perfect peace he was so thankful for. It was easy then, for him to focus on her. Stunning in the white dress that hugged plush curves and draped to her feet. Thick, soft curls framed her face, with a wreath of flowers at the crown and Sam barely remembered to breathe, he was so caught up in the moment. His sniff was barely audible, though olive eyes shone, full of love and excitement and he happy to see the same look on her face, gorgeous and glowing as the was. Mary and Elodie were still holding tight to Alex, who smiled at him, looking just as sweet and perfect as her mother, he felt overwhelmed. "Daddy! Mama's pretty!" Sam could only nod at his little girl, his gaze still focused on his future bride as he walked forward. Faintly, he heard the click and whir of cameras, no doubt Carla and the rest of the crew getting shots in but all he could see was his love, perfect and happy, and stunning. Gently, Sam took her hand, pale thumb smoothing over silky chestnut skin and he offered her a smile that bordered on shy, uncharacteristic for the normally bold young man. "You...are everything," he told her, his words simple and sincere. "You're beautiful."
Mercedes couldn't stop grinning when she saw him, taking a couple deep breaths as they met in the middle of the room. She laughed a little at Alex's comment, biting her lip as her eyes burned a little from welling tears. She didn't know it would happen this early, wiping beneath her eyes so her makeup wouldn't get ruined. "You are," she replied, her voice a little thick. Releasing his hand, she brought hers to his face, cupping it and attempting to make that moment last a little longer. She could still hear cameras going off as she tried to recall what the rules for this were. "Am I allowed to kiss him?" She asked no one in particular.
Sam wasn't sure if the kissing was allowed, but his mother answered anyway with a 'not yet'. So he dipped his head and pressed a tiny kiss to the inside of her wrist instead, which only brought on the 'aww's' from the group. The next few minutes were spent posing naturally while Carla snapped a few shots. Sam was content to keep it as organic as possible, at least for the pre-ceremony pictures. He was so caught up in just how beautiful she looked, anyway. Eventually, they were able to get some pictures with Alex, who was only too happy to primp and pose, showing off her 'big girl' dress. Sam was feeling antsy again, but mostly due to the anticipation. He couldn't wait for the ceremony to begin. "Should we take some pictures outside," he asked, and Carla nodded, and attempted to herd the group outdoors, where the rest of the guest were gathered. It was an intimate affair, close friends and family, and Sam was pleased with the transformation of the cabin he loved so much, glad it was the place where they'd take that next big step.
Mercedes followed the rest of them to the scenic yard, away from where the ceremony was being held so they wouldn't run into guests. They posed for family photos, and then together. When he probably noticed that she was staring at him, she smirked and leaned in. "You know, I imagine that if we went to our prom, it might have been a little like the last ten minutes." She smiled some more as Mary and Dwight joined them, furrowing her brow when she saw Elodie quickly walking up to them. It occurred to Mercedes that the woman had disappeared for the last few minutes. "Hey, what's going on?" she asked, reaching out to take the woman's hand. "Some guests are arriving a little early," she began. Mercedes began to shrug, but Elodie continued. "Some...special guests...they wanted to come back here." She was confused until she noticed, over the woman's shoulder, her parents making their way over. Instinctively, she stepped back as they approached. "Mercedes," her mother greeted, clutching her purse and briefly looking around at everyone else. It was overwhelming, everyone watching expectantly and seeing them there after all that time. The only memories that stuck were bad ones. "I'm sorry. I just need..." She didn't finish, turning around and picking her dress up, walking as fast as her heels would let her back into the cabin. The door she chose led to a back hallway and she stopped once she was out of sight, pressing her palm against the wall and attempting to do breathing exercises.
Sam was good with taking Carla's easy direction, doing nothing more but standing and moving, though he did manage a small laugh because he'd been thinking the same thing about prom. "Guess this is kind of our prom. But like, a hundred times better. Being your husband beats some damn prom king crown any day." The smile he'd been wearing for the better half of an hour faded when Elodie appeared, and Sam's gaze quickly shifted from Mercedes' stunned face to their surprise guests. Confusion was the name of the game, until he realized Mercedes' hand was gone from his grasp and she was hurrying towards the cabin and away from the mother Sam was sure they'd never see again. Full lips twisted into a slight frown, though brief as it was when he heard his daughter's happy giggle while she settled in her godfather's arms. But he didn't waste any time following after his future bride, not even bothering with a glance back to the group of parents and friends he'd left behind. He found her near the back entrance to the kitchen, clutching at the wall and his hand settled at the small of her back, rubbing gently. "Red? Talk to me."
Mercedes sighed when she felt his hand on her back before straightening and managing a smile at him. "I'm fine. Really. I just...it was a little overwhelming out there and I didn't know what to do and I thought I was gonna start hyperventilating and I had to leave. I suddenly felt suffocated. Everyone staring...waiting." She paused for a long time. "I really am fine. I'm better than fine. Elated. I just...didn't expect them to come." Turning and leaning against the wall, she closed her eyes, shaking her head. "I didn't think they would come, Sam. And they're just...here."
Sam could understand that reasoning, but he was still a little worried. Her smile was reassuring though, so he relaxed a little and gave her hip a small squeeze. "Don't think anyone was expecting them to be here. We all know how tough it's been for you, going through all this wedding shit without them." The initial shock and confusion gave way to hardened annoyance, but Sam shoved aside that knee-jerk reaction to focus on Mercedes. "So...now that they are here...what do you wanna do about it? You know I'll support whatever decision you wanna make. And it's just us. If you don't wanna talk to them, you know I will. Got no problem telling people to fuck off. Even at my wedding. I don't want anything to take that smile from your face, on our day."
Mercedes took another deep breath, smiling again and moving forward to hug him tightly. "I can do that before the wedding," she murmured against his neck before pulling away. "I think...I don't care if they stay. I think I want them to. But I'm not going to allow them to ruin this either way. They were invited. They're just guests like everyone else." Taking his hand, she went back outside, waving at everyone to signify she was okay. "Sorry about that," she began when they joined them all where they stood. "Just needed a moment." She turned to her parents and offered a smile. Her mother looked hard as always, face pinched as she surveyed the area. Her father just looked tired. He always did, but it just seemed as though the years continued to weigh on him. "Thank you guys for coming. But we've gotta stay on schedule, with the pictures and the ceremony and everything. Chelsea, can you show them to some seats?" she asked, turning to her friend and bridesmaid who'd been doubling as her wife's assistant. The woman nodded, hurrying over and smiling at the couple before not-so-gently shooing them in the direction of the setup.
Sam wrapped his arms around her in a firm hug, his smile warm and he buried it into her curls. "Long as you're okay. Only thing I care about." Whether or not her parents stayed wasn't an issue for him; Sam was grateful for the important people in his life being present, and the rest was just part of the scenery. With Mercedes' hand in his, they returned to the group. He didn't spare a second glance in his in-laws direction, but instead leaned over and blew a raspberry into Alex's cheek, smiling at her laughter and the way she wiggled in Mark's hold. "Well I think we got a wedding to get to, right?" Whatever tension had surfaced with the arrival of the unexpected guests seemed gone, along with Sam's earlier bout of nerves. The happy energy had returned and Sam gave his mother a grateful smile when she clapped her hands and started shuffling the rest of the small wedding party to their places. Before Sam walked away, he pressed a kiss to Mercedes' knuckles and offered her a crooked smile. "Next time we kiss, it's gonna be as husband and wife. Exactly how we were meant to be. See you at the end of the aisle, Princess. I'll be the handsome dude in the suit, trying to keep my tears in check."
Mercedes smiled wide at him, nodding. "Okay. And I hope you do, because if I see tears I'll multiply them." Kissing his hand in return, she let him go, biting her lip as he went. She soon felt Elodie's hand on her shoulder, turning to the woman who would soon be giving her away. She was already tearing up, and Mercedes smirked, bringing her palm to her forehead. "Come on, El, the same thing I said to Sammy. Can I at least make it up the aisle before I start bawling?" They both laughed and she apologized, giving the younger woman a kiss on the cheek before the went to their post by the cabin. From there, they could see the ceremony clearly. Everyone was there now, talking among themselves and waiting for it to begin. Her friends were there, her in-laws were beaming, and Alex was bouncing at the edge of the walkway, waiting for her moment to shine as the flower girl. This was it. In just twenty minutes, they would be married. Everything they always knew would be real. Soon the music began to play, and she snapped out of it, hearing Elodie whisper "It is time, my dear," before hooking her arm with hers. "Are you ready?" She was, more than ever.
what's life for you now that you're a father? what's changed for you?
Well I’ve been at this whole ‘dad’ thing for about three years now, and I’m still learning. My schedule revolves around my kid and making sure I’m there for the important stuff. It’s basically naptime, play dates, and dance classes. Playing art teacher, doing all the voices for the bedtime stories and making sure all the monsters are gone from under the bed and the closet. Alex knows her parents are here for her, and love her no matter what. I’m not a perfect dad, but it’s a pretty rewarding gig. It’s something I couldn’t imagine for myself, like four or five years ago. Our plans changed when we found out we were gonna be parents, but that wasn’t a bad thing. Even if it was hard, and still ain’t easy, because it never is. Even if you did plan for it. But I love her, and the life we have now. She’s a blessing.
Ooc: This is the first RP I ever read and you guys are still the best after all this time. Can't wait to see what else you guys have in store for us.
Aww, that is very sweet to hear. We’ve been writing these characters for a long time, and we’re glad to know y’all are still along for the ride. Thanks for that, and this lovely message!
Tagging → Mercedes Jones & Mary Evans
Time Frame → Saturday Afternoon | June 20, 2015
Location → Bella Brides, Inc. & Sweet Sensations | Chicago, IL
General Notes → The search for THE dress, and a heart-to-heart.
Mercedes didn't want a royal wedding. She wanted something cozy with friends and family in the gorgeous, real version of the hut she made up with her fiance when they were teens. She didn't want a show. Despite that, she was being really picky when it came to her dress. No, she didn't want a lot, but dammit, she wanted to hear some gasps when she walked down the aisle. She wanted to feel as beautiful as she could on a day she once thought would never exist for her. Alex asked her if she would look like a princess, and if she had any say, she absolutely would. Her full figure made the job take a little longer, but they were ready for her when she showed up with Mary, who was finally in town with the baby and Dwight. She was a little nervous, as her face to face interactions with Mary had always been under strange or uncomfortable circumstances. That wasn't where they were anymore, but part of her dreamed of picking the perfect dress with her mother. Mary was the closest thing she had to that. She shook her head, willing doubts away and exited the dressing room in the third dress and stepped onto the pedestal, looking down at the employees of the boutique and her soon to be mother in law. "Okay. So? How's this one?"
Mary politely refused the refreshments offered by the attendants, with a subdued smile. The employees of these shops always seemed so high-involved and eager to please. And while she understood it was their job to be attentive, she understood that hovering tended to make brides anxious. Mercedes wasn't a high-strung woman, and Mary appreciated that. Her taste was simple and she was patient, even if Mary could tell she was hemming and hawwing over her dress. That, she understood; it was one of the most important parts of the ceremony. She deserved to be particular. As the younger woman stepped out, Mary glanced at her face before she eyed the dress. Mercedes didn't appear to be wowed by it, and while it was beautiful, if there wasn't an overwhelming reaction from the bride, it seemed like they'd have to keep looking. The attendants assisting her moved quickly, talking about accessories and flitting around the fabric to accentuate its beauty but Mary was already shaking her head, her gaze meeting her daughter-in-law's. "It's gorgeous. But does it feel like you? Is that the dress you pictured, when you think about your wedding day?"
Mercedes turned to the three fold mirror at Mary's words, biting her lip. As she looked it over more, the attendants were still going on about it until finally she shook her head. "No. I mean, I look nice in it. But nice isn't spectacular or even great," she said, looking at Mary over her shoulder. "It feels like an average dress." Before she could even finish her sentence, she was being presented with two more choices. The first one was fluffy and she imagined herself looking like a cupcake in it. It would do nothing for her curves. Her eyes flitted to the other and immediately, she reached out to touch it. The skirt portion of the dress began high on her waist, but not too high, and unlike many others it wasn't buried in tulle. It spread out, but the material was soft, silky. Wordlessly, she took it, stepping down and making her way to the changing room again. She had a good feeling, but judging from the last three, trying it on was everything.
Mary nodded and tried not to smile when the assistants readily agreed with Mercedes' assessment of the okay dress. "And you deserve more than average. It's your big day, after all." The new selections were varied, which was probably a good sign. Mary was glad when Mercedes bypassed the fluffy ballgown for the more demure dress, and she was interested in seeing how and if the switch up in style would pay off. "I'm feeling very positive about this one," one of the salesladies remarked. "There's a few other alternatives in the back, just in case, though." Mary gave the woman a small smile. "Keep them on hold until we at least get her out here again." Looking towards the dressing room, Mary called out. "Mercedes? Do you need some assistance?"
Mercedes had gotten the dress on with ease. The zipper was up, but she'd need someone to clasp the hook for her. She was now looking into the mirror of the changing room, unable to stop her bright smile as she turned in it. Her hands went to cover her mouth because she started to feel foolish. Mary's voice snapped her out of it, and she took a deep breath before responding. "Just the hook! I'll be out in a second." She lifted the front of the dress and walked over to the door, turning the handle and stepping out, her smile wide again. It was strapless, which wasn't what she originally intended, but it fit her so well and it felt completely right. Stepping back onto the pedestal, she grinned at them, her eyes meeting Mary's. "I don't even want to ask anybody because..." She looked into the mirrors and sighed. "I just feel like it's perfect, like, it's not over the top, but it's not bland and I look exactly like a Disney princess, so Alex's checkmarks are filled..."
Mary could tell, just from the smile that this dress was the dress. Indeed, it looked lovely. Simple, but elegant. Fitting just perfectly that even the employees surrounding them couldn't help but gasp. Rising from her chair, Mary headed over to the platform, blue eyes sparkling, lips curving into a warm smile. "Well Alex is the expert on all things princess." Slender fingers reached out to straighten the back of the dress, letting it drape fashionably to accentuate her curves and she smiled at Mercedes' reflection. "You look simply stunning, sweetheart. There's not even a need for any major alterations. A few touches. Maybe a crown of fresh flowers, or something. Nothing too ostentatious. You're going to make a beautiful bride."
Mercedes pressed her palms together in front of her lips at the mention of fresh flowers. "God, that sounds perfect." She adjust her hair before looking down at the attendants. "We'll take it, obviously." That led to them clapping and discussing as they helped her down from the pedestal. She went back into the changing room and carefully removed the dress, hanging it by the mirror. She got back into her street clothes and stepped outside, ready to sign and get out of there.
Mary watched Mercedes step down, her own excitement growing as everyone seemed pleased with the bride-to-be's reaction. While Mercedes went to change, Mary followed one of the lead saleswoman to the counter. All it took was a few brief words and a swipe of her credit card and the attendants were off to collect the dream dress. Mary smiled when Mercedes emerged, leaning casually against the counter when she approached. "They just need your signature, dear. Everything is already taken care of. We can take the dress home today, if you want. Or if you'd like a few alterations, they'll hold it here."
Mercedes smiled. "Oh wow..." she trailed off as she signed for it. "I think we can just take it home. " He request was heard, and the dress was presented after several minutes in a garment bag. She took it, draping it over her forearm and holding onto the top of it. "Okay," she said. "Let's get this into the truck." When she got into the driver's seat, buckling up and waiting for Mary. "So...time to get back to everybody." She smiled again, a little unable to stop, before starting the engine.
Mary offered a smile of her own, and followed Mercedes, thanking the helpful employees as they headed out of the boutique. Back in the truck, she buckled up and tapped her fingers on the dash before turning. "Why don't we grab a cup of coffee? I tell you, I've had this hankering for coffee and donuts all day. Unless you're planning to rush home. I'm sure Alex is busy charming her daddy and Pop-Pop for more cookies, so I think we'll be good to stay out a little longer. Maybe discuss a few more wedding details."
Mercedes raised her eyebrows and smirked. "That's a fantastic idea. It's probably lame to go to your place of work when you're not working, but the bakery has the best donuts. Coffee's not bad either, so I hear. We can talk about the layout,too." She pulled off from the parallel space, heading in that direction.
Mary shook her head with a laugh. "I don't think that's lame at all. Though you're not working, so I'm sure the donuts won't be as good. We'll make do." They moved easily through the downtown Chicago traffic, the radio low but pleasant and Mary took out her phone long enough to text her husband and son about their coffee detour, laughing again at the return text that popped up almost immediately. "Apparently we have a request for donuts. I can't tell if that's for the grownups or the little princess in charge."
Mercedes laughed. "I bet it's the grownups. So transparent. Though we'll pick up some cake pops for the little one. They're her favorite on treat yourself days." Soon she was pulling into a reserved spot behind the bakery's storefront. Stopping the engine, she grabbed her purse and got out of the truck, hopping down and waiting for Mary before they could go inside. She greeted everyone with a smile, telling a couple of them that she'd just gotten her wedding dress and making other small talk before ordering a hot chocolate and a ginger donut before stepping aside so Mary could order, paying with her discount and allowing the woman to pick a table for them.
Mary: "Of course. This smells like a Sammy scheme." Mary hopped down from the truck with ease, remembering to grab her purse before heading into the bakery, humming softly at the sweet smell of baked goods. It was warm and inviting, and the coffee smelled fresh, so she ordered the hazelnut blend and a cake donut, grabbing both and moving to a cozy spot near one of the windows. She took the time to dress up her coffee with cream and sugar before taking a sip, declaring it delicious and focusing her gaze on Mercedes. "So how are you feeling with the rest of the planning? I know the invitations are done and out. But what were you thinking, in terms of layout?"
Mercedes toyed with her cup while she waited for it to cool down. "Everything that we can do from here, I think is completely set. The dress was the last big ticket item. But with the cabin, I've only seen a couple photos, so we're going up there a few days before the rehearsal, but I kind of want to have the setup in my head at least, so it can go smoothly. The ceremony will be outdoors, if we can help it. As well as the reception. But I'm not sure if there'd be enough space for the latter?"
Mary broke off a piece of her donut, eating a bit while taking a sip of her coffee. "Going to Colorado ahead of the big day is a good step. The cabin is really lovely this time of year. Not too hot, but a late afternoon ceremony will take some of the heat out of the day. The property is pretty large. About four acres of land, including some forest. So there is enough space for the ceremony, and to have the reception." Suddenly remembering a thought, full lips tugged into a smile. "There's a small lake on the property. I think it'd be gorgeous, having the ceremony near there. And afterwards, the reception could be closer to the cabin where there's shade. We can string lights. Give it a cozy and intimate feeling. Or get a small tent, if that's what you want. There's a store in town where you can rent tables and chairs and it's all set up and reserved for the day."
Mercedes took a long sip of her hot chocolate as she listened. "A lake? That's perfect." Her eyes lit up as she thought about it. "The lights were really something I wanted. If we do it near sunset, we just need a podium and the view would be amazing. The biggest thing is the chairs, and do you think they have a website? We could call and have them ready to set up when we get there so that can be checked off the list by the time of the rehearsal dinner, which we can have inside the cabin, yeah? The wedding party's so small, and my parents aren't coming, so." She looked down at her donut, tearing a piece off and shrugging her shoulders.
Mary: "I'll have to double check on the website, but if not, there's always calling them and requesting pictures of tables and chairs via email. It shouldn't be too much of a hassle. As for the rehearsal dinner, that will most likely be family and friends part of the ceremony. So I don't see a problem, having it inside. The table in the cabin is very large." Mary noticed the shift in Mercedes' posture at the mention of her parents, and the older woman couldn't help but frown. Despite everything, a small part of her had hoped the elder Jones' would be present at their only daughter's wedding. And even though Mercedes shrugged it off, Mary could tell it was still a sore subject. With a sip of her coffee, she offered Mercedes a warm look as she inquired, "Did you send them an invitation?"
Mercedes began to speak, but felt herself about to crack and cleared her throat, sighing before going on. "Yeah, actually, I did. You know, they're right here in the city? So they've most likely had it for a while now. I haven't seen them in years, so it's probably best anyway." She took a bite of her donut and met the woman's eyes once again. "It's a little pathetic but a small part of me wanted them to come. I don't know if it's because I want to show them how happy I am or if I want them to be happy for me. Either way, it's whatever. Still gonna be the best day of my life."
Mary was surprised to learn that bit of information, blue eyes widening at the thought, but she quickly recovered. She couldn't imagine living in the same city as her child or grandchild and wanting nothing to do with them. It wouldn't do to say much more on the subject, not when Mercedes seemed already tense so instead Mary reached across the small table to give her hand a gentle pat. "There's nothing pathetic about it. They're your parents. Seems natural. And even though you're surrounded by plenty of love and happiness, it doesn't make you foolish for wondering. Makes you human. But it's good you're not dwelling. They're the ones missing out. And speaking selfishly, I love having my granddaughter all to myself." She gave her a quick smile and sat back to reach for her coffee. "You've grown into a lovely young woman. And it might not mean what you'd like, but I'm proud of you. And proud to call you my daughter-in-law."
Mercedes smiled down at their hands, nodding slowly. "Natural. I thought so. Cause a lot of kids think about what getting married would be like. The falling in love, the planning, picking out a dress with your mom." She took a shaky breath and smiled again. "And I got that today. So while I wonder, I'm still..." She scoffed when she felt herself tearing up. "I'm sorry, I'm just, despite everything that's happened, how tough things were, and who's going and who's not, I'm just so happy. I love my life, and I've never..." Sighing, she wiped her eyes and laughed a little. "I'm really looking forward to it."
Mary passed her a napkin, completely understanding where her head was at. "Lotta emotions hitting you at once. I get it. People stress about how important this is, and the big step you're taking and it is all of that. But it can be overwhelming. And there's no one right way to do this thing. You're surrounded by people who love you, and wish nothing but the best for you two. And that's the most important thing to keep in mind. Y'all have been through a lot to get to this point. More than most people your age. I'd say you've got every damn reason to be happy. We'll focus on the good stuff."
Mercedes grinned. "Yeah, and it's weird for me, being this emotional. I had a tendency to shut down, and lately it's like hitting me at every turn," she said, laughing. It faded into a warm expression, and she squeezed her hand. "We have. And you're right. We'll focus on the good stuff."
OOC: No worries! We’re still here. Life’s been pretty hectic for the both of us, but we have plenty in store. We’re just glad y’all are still sticking with us and being so patient while we get things together.. We really appreciate it!
Fun Fact: Heath Ledger improvised when he started clapping inside his jail cell in a mocking and sardonic way as Gordon is promoted. The clapping was not scripted, but Christopher Nolan immediately encouraged the crew to continue filming and the sequence was included in the film.
