#completed paras

[batting-for-a-home-run-evan-blog]

Another Episode || Samcedes

When: Wednesday night

Where: Samcedes’ new home

Notes: Mercedes witnesses one of Sam’s mental breakdown

There it goes again. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see his dad, smiling at him, taunting him. Sam has been trying to ignore him for the past few hours, but as time passed, he was losing his patience, then finally, he snapped. "Go away, old man! You're not here and I'm not crazy!" He swore loudly enough that he was sure that Mercedes would hear him.

Mercedes was walking back from the kitchen, from getting a glass of water, when she heard Sam screaming out to someone in his bedroom. She didn't think anybody was there with him, but he was indeed talking to someone. His tone scared her a little, because he sounded angry, so she decided to knock, "Um, Sam, are you okay?" She leaned against the door to try to hear what was going on in there.

The mocking tone on his dad's voice, agitated Sam even more. "Go away! I don't want you here!" He grabbed the pillows on his bed and begin throwing it in the direction of Henry Evans. Sam couldn't see anything past reason now. All he could hear was his dad's laughter and mocking words, getting louder and louder by the minute.

Mercedes was confused at this point, all she heard from Sam was him yelling saying go away, "Fine Sam, I'll leave you alone, but you don't have to yell." Her feelings were extremely hurt, but then she heard noises and things being thrown, and that scared her, so she decided to just go in, "Sam! What's going on here?" Sam was not answering, and he looked possessed and angry, and it scared her. She made her way to him and put her hand on his shoulder, "Sam, what's going on with you?"

Sam's head was hurting, his skull felt like it was about to bust apart, and all he could do was scream at Henry to leave. "Leave! I never want to see you again!" He couldn't hear anything past the pain he was in. He only snapped back from the trance he was in when Mercedes touched him. "Mercedes, did you see him? He was right here, he was mocking me." He told her frantically, his eyes searching everywhere, trying to get another glimpse of Henry, but of course he had disappeared by now.

Mercedes was now really scared, Sam was screaming at the top of his lungs, and he was not looking right at her, but past her. She had never seen him like this before. Finally he looked at her, but she could see in his eyes that something was still off, and he was asking questions about seeing someone, "Who Sam? There's nobody in here." She looked around and saw that no one was there, "Sam please calm down, try to relax, there's no one here but you and me. Take a deep breath, and please calm down." She didn't know what was going on, but she hoped he would calm down.

"My dad. My dad." He answered her, his eyes still scanning the room. Sweat was pouring from his face, and despite only being with Mercedes, his heartbeat was irregular, pumping too hard for his comfort. "He's here, Mercedes. He keeps showing up and giving me hell. He's telling me that I'm a bad father, and that I will hurt you and our baby. I'm not going to!" Then just so Henry could hear him, he shouted to the air, "I'm not going to hurt my family, you hear me!? I love them!"

Mercedes was so scared at this point, Sam was screaming at her that his dad was there, but there was no one there but the two of them. "Sam, there's no one here, baby please try to calm down." She was rubbing his back, hoping that would help, but it didn't seem to b working. She listened as he told him what his "father" was telling him, and she was so confused, "Sam, that does not even sound like something your dad would say. He was a kind and good man, and I know he would be excited about this baby, and you being a good father." He started yelling again, and she jumped out of fear, covering her ears, "Sam please relax!" She was trembling, and felt completely hopeless.

If he could, he would kill whatever demons who was impersonating his father. Mercedes was right, Henry Evans would have never done this. He was a loving father first and foremost, but even despite all of that reasoning, he couldn't dispute the fact that it was his father's face that was tormenting him. "He looks like my dad, Mercedes. Why would that demon look like my dad?" he said hysterically. Maybe he's the angel of death. He might be coming to collect my soul. He wanted to add, but hadn't even admitted to Mercedes to Mercedes that he was dying, and he didn't want to talk about it now. Eventually, he was able to calm down enough to talk reasonably with Mercedes. He breathed deeply and looked her in the eyes. "I'm fine. I'm fine. It must just be the medications that I'm taking and how tired I've been lately."

Mercedes was concerned about Sam, and now hearing that he was hallucinating, and seeing his dad in a demon form, that concerned her more. "Sam, whatever this is, it's playing tricks on you, and messing with your head. It chose to take your dad's likeness, because it is the total opposite of who he was, and it knows that you would take it more seriously coming from your dad, but it's not him, and you have to fight it. Don't listen to anything it says, because you are going to be an amazing dad, and I know you will never hurt me or this baby. Trust me, if I didn't think you would be a good dad, I wouldn't be here." Seeing him finally start to calm down, made her do the same. He assured that he was fine, and it was the medication that was messing with him, and she had to take his word for it. "Okay Sam, we need to take you to the doctor, and maybe get them to change your medication. Also you need to rest, and I am going to make sure you do that." She pulled him in for a hug, "What do you need? What can I do for you to help you get through this?"

Sam was grateful that Mercedes bought his story. He didn't want to worry her beyond what he was already doing to her, and knowing that he might be dying would definitely put a lot of worry on her. She didn't need that. It was already stressful enough for her right now, and he wanted to make sure that she was always healthy. "We'll do that. I will ask my doctor to change my medication." He said, reassuring her. When she hugged him, he felt solace and relaxed. He never wanted for that feeling to end. "Can I get you to cuddle up with me until I fall asleep?" Sam asked, feeling vulnerable and scared that she would deny his request.

Mercedes was glad that Sam agreed to talk to his doctor, and get his medication changed, that was a good start to getting him back on track. "Good, I'll even go with you if you want." The last thing Mercedes wanted was for Sam to see her nerves, she needed t be strong for him, so she was going to be his rock." Hearing his request made her smile, she liked knowing that her presence could keep him calm. "Sure Sam, I will stay with you." She got into the bed, and held her arms out, so he would join her. Once they were comfortable, she wrapped her arms around him, and held him close, softly singing in his ears, and stroking his hair until he fell asleep. She didn't even bother leaving after he was sleep, so she fell asleep right after he did, and they both rested peacefully for the rest of the night.

End

[smoke-n-mirrors-mj]

Last Chance || Mercedes & Tony Jones

When: Tuesday afternoon

Where: Mercedes’ art studio

Notes: Tony’s threats didn’t go his way this time around

Mercedes still hadn't given Tony the money like he asked, and he was getting pissed. He needed to get that money, so he could get back to the life he was used too. She was playing games, and he didn't ave time for any of them, so he was going to talk to her one more time. He made his way to her studio and walked in there like he owned the place, "Mercedes! You get out here and talk to your father....Now!"

Mercedes was on the phone with a potential student. Things with the pottery studio were looking up and she was beyond ecstatic over the fact. She had just finished with the phone call when she heard her name being shouted. Immediately, she knew who that voice belonged to. Armed with her cell phone, she smirked and called 911. The man didn't understand English when she said that she didn't want to have anything to do with him, so now he was going to have to pay for his faux pas. Once the call was made, she marked out, her attitude anything but pleasant. "What do you want, Tony? I already told you to stay away. The cops are on their way, so if I were you, I would get the hell out of here quick."

Tony didn't believe for a second that Mercedes would actually call the police on him, so he refused to leave. "You apparently didn't take my threats seriously, so now I have to show you that I'm not to be messed with." He pulled out his phone and dialed Sam's parents number. He held it up to her, to show her who he was calling, "I wonder how happy your little boyfriend would be to know that you are the reason why his parents are back in town, making his life a living hell?" He gave a sinister laugh before he acted as if he would hit send. "This is your last chance Mercedes, give me the money!"

Mercedes actually laughed. Tony was still trying to threaten her thinking that she would be afraid of him. Well, he was about to find out that he was wrong. She was not afraid of him, and she never would be afraid of his dumb threats. "Go right ahead. Try and call them. You seem to forget that this is my place of business, and everything that you are saying right now is being caught in the cameras. It will be so much easier to put you away if you did try to call them, Tony. Sam will be fine. We talked about this. He's in a better place mentally, there is no way that we are going to let anyone get the best of him."

Tony couldn't believe that Mercedes was actually laughing at him right now, what gall she had to actually laugh at him. "You think I am scared of the cops? You seriously that I wouldn't call them?" He hit the send button, ony to hear that te number was disconnected, and a look of pure shock came over his face. "What the hell?" He dialed it again, but got the same message, and that was the moment he knew that he had no leverage anymore. He had no way to get in touch with them, and even if he did, Mercedes was so sure that Sam was stronger, his plan might not have wworked anyway. "Why won't you just give me the money, and you will never have to worry about seeing me again." He was grasping at straws here, but it was all he had.

Mercedes rolled her eyes, "If you think that I'm scared of your stupid threats, you're wrong. I don't care. Call them. It's not going to cause neither Sam or I any trouble. My man is better, he can stand up for himself." She said this harshly and without any hint of fear. When he made it obvious that he couldn't get through, she laughed, "Oh what's the matter, did they not answer your call or did you have the wrong number?" She mocked, scoffing at him once more when he tried to ask her for money again. "It's not your money, Tony. Get a job and stop mooching off people. You give men a bad name with your laziness." She looked at the time in her phone and smirked, "I'd say you have another 2 minutes before the cops show up. If I were you, I'd run."

Tony rolled her eyes at Mercedes, her mocking was not what he wanted nor needed at this time. He needed money, he was out, and he couldn't be brole again, not now. He was trying to come up with something he could do or say to pursuade her to give him the money, but he had nothing. "A job?" He scruched his brow at the thought of that, "I don't want to have to get a job, I shouldn't ever have to work again!" He was starting to whine, but he didn't want to work, so he started rambling, "This is not how this was supposed to go, I was supposed to be able to sipher money from the two of you as long a I stayed away, and of course had Sam's no good parents under my belt, but they flaked on me...assholes! I can't tust anyone....no one!" Hearing that the cops were going to be there, finally started to sink in, "You actually called the cps on me? Your own father?"

"And that is why you're a loser!" Mercedes spat completely appalled that she had shared the same DNA as this man. He was nothing like her, and she didn't even know how such a man could still be living and breathing in this day and age. She laughed as he rambled on and on waiting on the time before the cops showed up. The sirens that sounded was like music to her ears. "Ahh... You really think I was too scared to call them?" He asked, laughing, "You are not my father, Tony. I'm ashamed to be in the same room as you. I've had enough of your nonsense and now you're are going to stay permanently gone from my life for good." When the cops arrived, she told them to cart him away. "Have a great life, Tony. I hope you've learned your lesson, if not, oh well, you're not my problem anymore." She waved him goodbye and watched as the two cops hauled him away.

Tony contemplated running, but he knew he was going to get caught anyway, so  why bother. He heard the sirens, and knew his time was short, so in Tony fashion, he was going to go out with a bang. "You know what Mercedes, I am glad that I wasn't around you and your mother, you two were my worst regerts, and I am better off in jail than associating myself with the likes of you. You two are the most selfish people I know, and I don't need you!" He saw the cops come in, and listened as Mercedes told them to take him away, and he stuck his hands out, "Arrest me, get me out of this dump. You are wasting your time with this art crap, because it is all garbage!" He yelled as they carted him out, "I don't need you!" He knew that was the biggest lie, but he was Tony Jones, and he was not going to let her have the last word. Now he needed to figure out his next move...well once he got out of jail.

End

[batting-for-a-home-run-evan-blog]

Expecting News || Paula & Samcedes

When: Tuesday afternoon Where: Sam’s penthouse Notes: Paula stops by while Sam and Mercedes were packing and finds out about the move and...

It had been a while since Paula worked on her plan to destroy Sam, she was a little busy with a certain drug dealer to focus, but today she was back on her job. She wade her way to Sam's apartment and rang the bell, she wasn't surprised when Mercedes answered the door, "Oh, hello Mercedes, you're still here..." She smirked and walked inside, and what did shock her was to see all the boxes all over the living room, "Where's Sam? Is he moving?"

Mercedes was putting the last of the kitchen things in a box when she heard the doorbell, "I got it Sam!" She ran to the door, and smiled seeing Paula there, "Oh hello Paula, it's nice to see you again."  She stepped back and let her in, "Sam's in the bedroom." She turned to the bedroom, "She decided to let Sam tell Paula about the move.

Sam was taking things apart in one of the rooms when he heard the doorbell ringing. He was going to get it but he heard Mercedes shouting that she would, so he took his time with the bookcase. When he was done, he went out to see who it was. It was Paula. "Hey, Paula. What are you doing here?" He asked, smiling.

Something was definitely going on, and Paula was not happy that she didn't know this piece of information, "Hello Sam, I came to check up on you, but I see you got some changes going on here, are you moving?" She continued to look around the room, "What brought this on?"

Mercedes went and stood next to Sam, and looked over at him, "Paula, it's so good that you are checking in on Sam, and he's doing a lot better now." She smiled bright, "I'll leave you two to talk, I need to finish packing up the kitchen." She turned around to leave, "Oh Sam, I have some boxes in the kitchen that are full, and since you said I can't lift anything, you are going to have to come move them please..." She smirked and headed to the kitchen.

Sam clearly saw that Paula was shocked by everything. Not that he blamed her, it all seemed so sudden after all. "I forgot to tell you that I was moving, Paula." He smiled at her and nodded to Mercedes who was retreating from the living room, "Okay, I'll be right there to help you after I talk to Paula." When she was gone, he returned his focus back at Paula, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but anyway, Mercedes and I are moving. We are having a baby together and we want to raise our child in a bigger home."

Paula was confused at the conversation going on between Sam and Mercedes. Why won't he let her carry the boxes? She watched Mercedes walk into the kitchen, and almost hit the floor when she heard Sam say they were both moving, and were expecting a baby, "Wait a minute, Mercedes is pregnant? And it's your baby?" She wanted to do flips at how scandalous this news was. but she kept a straight face, "So all those times I saw you two together, you were really together? So that just friends crap was just that?" She smirked and shook her head, "So you are the cause of the divorce? Oh Sam...I...am.....shocked,"

"Yes, she's pregnant with my baby." He admitted with a full blown smile on his face. Sam felt sheepish for being caught, but he wasn't at all ashamed. It was what it was. They were having a baby and building a life together and that was all that was important right now. "I was hiding it, only because she and Blaine were together, but I don't want you to think that any of this was her fault. I pursued her and I seduced her. It's not her fault at all. As you can see, everything worked out for the best with us."

Paula was stunned that Sam was just telling her everything so easily, which let her know that her plan was working. "Wow. this is a lot to take in. So that's why you and Blaine had animosity, so why Mercedes? Whet made you decide to pursue a married woman? And let me just say this, it's is some of her fault, because she made the choice to sleep with you too, so I can't put ll the blame on you." She was already thinking about ways to use this piece of information against Sam and Mercedes, but right now, she was just going to listen and gather information. "So, you guys are together I suppose, since you're moving in together, but is her divorce even final yet?"

"Whoa, slow down, Paula. One question at a time..." Sam said, as he felt his head started to spin from all the questions. "Look, things happened. I don't like Blaine for a lot of reasons, not just because of Mercedes." He could have outed the bastard right there, but for now, he was choosing to keep his mouth shut. "Things started out wrong, but I'm trying to make things right. I know that I might be jumping too soon or whatever, but I have a child to think off too. It's not all about me anymore." Sighing, he shook his head at her question, "No, they're not. But the paperwork's in, so it shouldn't be too long until their divorce is finalized."

Paula was asking a lot of questions, and she knew it, but she had so many more. She decided to save those for another day, because she didn't want to get Sam upset with her and stop talking to her. "Well I am not going to ask anymore questions, I'm sure you have a handle on all of this. I just hope everything works out, and you and Mercedes are happy together." She could see that Sam was actually serious about being there for his child and Mercedes, and it was like a light bulb went off in her head, I know what to do! If I get in between Sam and Mercedes, he would die, and with his guard down, I can seriously fuck with his head! Damn I'm a genius! She looked back towards the kitchen, "Well if the paperwork is in, then it's almost over, unless one of them contest something, but since they had no kids, it is just property they would have an issue with. Oh, but since Mercedes is moving in with you, then I guess she won't need her and Blaine's place, so you guys are basically home free to be a big happy family. I'm happy for you Sam." Inside she wanted to gag, but her face only showed joy.

Sam was so glad that Paula understood. They had definitely come a long way since their enemy days. It was nice to have support from her because right now, with everything going on with his health, and the changes in his life, he truly needed it. "Thank you for understanding, Paula, you don't even know how much this all means to me. It's scary having to start a life with someone and knowing that I have your support means the world to me. Anyway, I'm sure everything will work out, but I need to help Mercedes now. You are welcome to stay if you'd like, but as you can see, the place is a wreck." He smiled pointing to his surroundings.

Paula wanted to laugh so bad hearing Sam talking about how glad he was to have her support, and how much it meant to him, he is the hugest sucker in the world! I don't give a rats ass about his new life! I can't wait to see his face when he realize how supportive I really am. She clutched her chest, and started acting again. "Oh Sam, I am just so glad we got over our issues with one another to become friends, and now we even get a precious baby out of the deal, I couldn't be happier for you." She shook her head, Oh no, I am going to get out of your hair, and leave this to you guys." She was headed to the door when Mercedes walked back out, "Oh congratulations Mercedes, you are simply glowing. I have to run, but I hope to see the new place soon." She walked out, and dialed X, "Meet me at the motel room, we have to talk!" She hung up the phone and stormed off.

Mercedes finished packing up the kitchen, and was going to tell Sam, when she saw Paula leaving, "Oh, you're leaving?" She heard her comments, and she automatically touched her belly, "Thank you Paula, I appreciate that." She watched her leave, and she turned to Sam. "Well I am done in the kitchen, and now all you have to do is move everything out here for the movers to get too." She looked at Sam, "Are you alright? Paula didn't upset you or anything did she?" It was still something about Paula that didn't sit well with Mercedes, but she was not going to get in the middle of it, as long as Sam liked her, she was going to tolerate her.:"

"Okay, Paula. I will see you soon then. Thank you for stopping by." Sam smiled at Paula ushered her to the door before turning back to face Mercedes. "Thanks, Mercedes. I'll move the boxes for you." He told her as a promise. He was about to move back to the kitchen and get the task done when he heard her question. Wanting to comfort her, she smiles and cups her cheeks in her hands, "Don't worry about me, she's fine. She was happy for me. I told her everything and there was no judgement. Things between Paula and I are better now. I no longer hate you, so you don't have to worry, alright?" He reassured her, "Now I want you to go rest, while I move the boxes. We can go out to grab some dinner afterwards." Moving away from Mercedes, he went to accomplish the task before meeting her back in the living room and going out to dinner with her.

END

[smoke-n-mirrors-mj]

Miss Me? || Mercedes & Tony

When: Wed afternoon

Where: Art Studio

Notes: Tony pays Mercedes a visit

Tony had seen the fliers all over town about Mercedes new pottery studio, and he decided to make a visit after not hearing back from Lauren. "That bitch thought I was playing with her, but she's going to learn today." He walked across the street, into Mercedes studio, "Yoo hoo....is anybody home? Come out, come out wherever you  are." He laughed as he taunted Mercedes.

Mercedes and Cooper were in one of the classrooms, focusing on making the place friendlier for the students who were going to come into the studio. They were both doing some painting when she heard someone calling them from the entrance. "I'll get this." He told Cooper and headed off to see who was waiting for them. She was instantly angered to see Tony there. "You! You are not welcomed here. Get out of my place of business." She pointed at the door.

Tony smiled, and cocked his head, "Mercedes, is that a way to talk to your father. I've been gone too long, and I wantede to come and see my baby girl, what's the harm in that." He walked past her and started looking around the space, "So you left acting to own a studio huh? Well I'm sure your mother hated that." He chuckled, "But the place looks good....must have costs you a pretty penny. So if I wanted to learn how to do art, you'd teach me?"

"You are not my father Tony. You're the guy who donated his sperm to my mother so that I could be born." Mercedes spat out bitterly. She wasn't normally this way, but the man angered her beyond believe, and she hated him for the way he treated her mama, "You don't know me or the relationship I have with my mama, so please refrain from making a comment." When he asked if she would give him lessons, she scoffed, "I can hardly stand the sight of you. Do you really think that I would want to teach you?"

Tony clutched his chest, "Mercedes...you shouldn't talk to your father that way. I may not have been there the entire time,but I am still your father." He could have taken her hurtful words, and let them bother him, but he didn't, "I know enough, and I know that your mother is willing to do anything to make sure you don't ever have to hurt....even pay me a lot of money to leave you alone, but one thing she forgot to do, was keep those payments coming, because now here I am, and I need more, and guess who's going to give it to me?" He stepped closer to her and smirked.

Mercedes refused to acknowledge Tony as her father. The man could go to hell for all she cared. He wasn't and would never be her father. She was not a rude person by nature. Mercedes was calm, and always thought about the things she would say before saying it, but today was not the case. Today, this man was proudly announcing that he had been extorting money from her mama, and he even dared to try to extort her. "Mama is smart. Do you honestly think that you deserve a single cent of HER hard earn money? Get a job, Tony. Stop mooching off people, it's disgusting, and despicable." She laughed at him, "You really think I would pay you? And what exactly do you have against me? What do you think you can use to make me do your bidding? I'll tell you what you have, you have nothing. Now, I'm going to say this again. GET THE HELL OUT OF MY STUDIO!"

Mercedes was not backing down, she was not only being rude, but she was actually yelling at him, "Mercedes, you actually think that I don't have anything on you? Well maybe not, but I have something else that I know you would hate for me to do. Do you actually think I have to go right after you to get to you? No, you have a close knit of friends, and if you don't give me what I want, I will make their lives a living hell, starting with your boyfriend Sam." He chuckled, "I have his parents on speed dial, and I am sure he would love to get a visit from them again. You do remember what happened the last time they came, don't you?"

"You have jack shit against me, and your dumb threats don't scare me. Now get out!" Mercedes heard him talking about hurting her friends and Sam, and all her cool went out the window. "Fine, you want to play it this way, you want to threaten me and the people I love, we'll play it your way." Walking up to him, she didn't hesitate to kick him in the balls as hard as she possibly could. The man keeled over in pain, so she grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and crouched down to him, "You listen to me, I have enough of your bullshit. You've hurt my mama, and now you are threatening to hurt my man? Not happening. If I so much as hear a word from his parents, I will contact the authorities, and unlike you, I have proof. This whole incident is being recorded. Now please get the fuck out of my studio." She let him go and stood up.

Tony was sure that his threats were going to be what he needed to get Mercedes to change her mind, and give him what he wanted, but what she did not only surprised him, but hurt like hell. He was doubled over on the floor in pain, "FUCK! MERCEDES!" He was grabbing his crotch, "I can't believe you did that!" He listened to her threatened to call the cops, and hearing that this conversation was recorded just let him know that he was through. He had nothing, he didn't have a leg to stand on. "Fine...Fine! I'll leave, but know this Mercedes, this is not going to be the last you hear of me." He slowly got up and limped out of the studio, he really thought this was going to go a whole lot differently, but he was not going to give up that easily. She may have won the battle, but he was going to win the war.

Mercedes felt more than satisfied that she was able to bring Tony to his knees. She has had enough of his nonsense and can no longer tolerate him threatening the people that she loved. "You deserve it. Now like I said, get out!" She pointed to the door again. He got up shortly after and told her that he would be back. "If you try to come back, I swear to God, I will make your life a living hell!" She shouted back as he retreated. ONce he was gone, Mercedes had to take a breather before she went back to the back with Cooper. She was glad that he had his earphones on, and was listening to music when she came back because she didn't want Cooper to have to listen to what just transpired. It was drama that she shouldn't have to deal with, and she was glad to be rid of Tony.

END

[batting-for-a-home-run-evan-blog]

In Sickness || Samcedes

Sam has been having a pretty good few days. He and Mercedes were getting along, and he was that much closer to being freed from his 'work free' confinement. That night, he wanted to do some celebrating, so at dinner, he drank a flute of his favorite Champagne. Dinner went on smoothly, and afterwards, he even offered to help Mercedes with the clean up. While he was wiping down the table, the dizzy spell that he had been experiencing returned. It knocked the sails out of him, forcing him to take a seat. He didn't want to alarm Mercedes, but he did promise that he wasn't going to keep secrets from her anymore, so he had to say something. "Mercedes, I'm having that headache again..." He called out to her with his head down, resting on the dining table.

Helping Sam out this week was nice, Mercedes did all the things she thought he needed  for him to get better. She cooked and cleaned for him, but tonight, he was feeling a lot better, and offered to help, and she was feeling a little weird herself, so she agreed to let him help. She was washing the dishes when she heard Sam call her name, she whipped her head around, and saw Sam with his head on the table, "Sam..." She walked over to him, he was having one of his spells, and it freaked her out, "Sam, are you okay? What do I need to do?" She was in panic mode at this moment.

Everything around him was spinning and he could not keep his head up because he was starting to feel as if he was going to pass out, so he kept his head down. He only looked up when he heard a voice which he thought sounded like Mercedes'. "No, I'm not. I don't know what I need, but I feel like I can't even breathe right." It might just be in his head, but even breathing was becoming challenging. "Shit, I hope I'm not dying. I could be the dying of the same disease that afflicted my parents."

Mercedes started to panic hearing that Sam thought he was dying, "Sam, don't you dare die on me." She grabbed the phone so she could call 911, "I'm going to call an ambulance!" She paced back and forth trying to calm down, "Yes I need an ambulance at 435 Forest St. Apartment 1226. My boyfriend is having headaches and dizzy spells." She was so panicked she didn't even realize she called Sam her boyfriend. "Yes he's breathing, but I need you to please hurry!" The 911 operator told her to stay on the line, until the ambulance got there. "Sam....is it getting any better?"

Sam didn't like to think about his mortality. He was young, he shouldn't have to worry about dying, but he knew the truth, his parents were dead of a mysterious illness and now, he was getting the same symptoms as well. He didn't want to die. He loved Mercedes and had a baby on the way. Who was going to take care of them if he died? This couldn't be his fate. He needed to live, but just as his spirit to live brighten, the headaches strengthened in intensity. "Mercedes, hurry, baby... I need help." She was trying to talk to him, but all he could hear was mumbling, he wasn't even sure if his words sounded right. He was barely able to say those words as pain shot through his head.

Mercedes was trying everything she could do to calm Sam down, but she was finding it hard to keep herself calm, "It's okay baby, you are going to be fine." She leaned over to check on him, and felt a twinge in her stomach, "Ugh!" She grabbed her stomach, but she couldn't focus on her pain, she was to worried about Sam, and she figured whatever was going on with her would just go away. Finally she could hear the EMT's coming down the hall,"Okay Sam, I am going to answer the door, and let them in..." She went to the door and opened it, "Come on in, he's over there." The cramp in her stomach got stronger and she bent over, "Ow!"

There was a moment of relief from the pain and during that time, he was able to lift his head to reassure Mercedes that he was going to be fine, "I'm going to be fine. I'm going to the hospital and they're going to find a cure for me." He needed to believe this, and maybe talking about it was going to help. Shit hit the fan however when he saw Mercedes flinching in pain, "Baby, are you okay?" He asked and right as those words left his lips, the pain shot through his head again. "Fuck..." He held his head in pain, but his eyes were on Mercedes, making sure that she was okay.

Sam was trying to reassure Mercedes that he was going to be fine, but she found that hard to believe when he continued to keep his head down, but finally she saw him lift it up, and she was relieved, "Okay Sam, now let the EMT's take care of you." Another sharp pain went through her stomach, and she bent over, clutching her stomach, but she didn't want Sam to worry about her, "I'm fine Sam, just let them take care of you." On of the EMT's went to check on Sam, and the other came to check up  on her, "I'm having a couple of cramps, but I should be..." Before she could finish her sentence, another pain hit, and it was serious, so she decided to tell them, "I'm pregnant, and these pains are scaring me."

Sam's eyes was glazed over, everything he was seeing was a blur. He could hear Mercedes' distressed voice and that freaked him out more than anything, "Baby, you need to get help." Seconds later, he heard even more voices. Light were being shone in his eyes, yet in all the frenzied activity, he still could hear Mercedes' voice. Reaching out blindly, he grabbed the person who was examining him by the arm, "Please help my girlfriend, she's pregnant with our baby." Then he shouted out, "Baby, you let them take care of you." He was panicking now, his own pain soon forgotten. He tried to get up to get to Mercedes, but the EMT stopped him. "Please... Help my girlfriend, she's pregnant!"

Mercedes heard Sam crying out to her to get help, but she was concerned about him. She knew that Sam was not going to calm down unless she got help, "Okay Sam, I'll let them help me, but I need you need to let them help you as well. Please Sam....calm down, and let the EMT check out, and I'll do the same." She smiled hearing that Sam was so concerned about her, "I'm going to be alright Sam, but I need you to be okay too. We have a baby to raise."

Sam was close to tears. He was terrified that something really bad might be happening to Mercedes and their baby. He couldn't lose them, he'd fall apart if something bad were to happen to them. The EMT was trying to get him to settle down, but he only did it when her heard Mercedes' voice telling him to calm down. "Okay, baby... I'll let them take care of me, but I need you to do the same." Five minutes later, he was strapped into a stretcher. His vision had cleared up, and he could see that they were still examining Mercedes, "Can my girlfriend come with me? Please, I need to know that she's okay..."

Mercedes was looking over at Sam, and what was going on, and she heard the EMT saying she needed to get to the hospital as well, "Okay, I'll go, but please make sure Sam is okay....please." She looked over at Sam one more time, "I'm letting them take care of me baby, I promise. Our baby is going to be fine." She hoped and prayed that everything was going to be okay, and she felt another sharp pain hit her, "Oh God! It hurts so bad." The EMT acted quickly and picked her up, since Sam was on the stretcher, We need to get them both to the hospital. He carried Mercedes to the ambulance with Sam coming behind her on the stretcher. She was sitting on the side, and they put Sam inside as well, she took his hand, "I'm okay baby, we are both going to be okay." Before she knew it, they were speeding towards the hospital.

Sam was panicking. Mercedes was in pain, and he couldn't move to get to her. He wanted to be there for her and protect her from any kind of pain, and it was hard for him to just sit back and watch as she struggled. "Please! Help my girlfriend." He cried out, trying to get off the stretcher to get to her, but the EMT closest to him held him down. The one closest to Mercedes picked her up and soon, they were headed down to the ambulance. Mercedes sat next to him, and he took her hand, kissing the back of it, "I'm sorry about all of this. I feel like I'm to blame for all of it."

"No baby, this is not your fault at all." Mercedes squeezed his hand, "We are going to be alright Sam, you have to have faith." The EMT's needed to check the both of them, so they had to let go of one another. Once they got to the hospital, they were both whisked away to get checked out. Mercedes was not going to relax until she knew what was going on with Sam, "Please...I need to see Sam, I need to know that he's okay." She was worrying the staff so much that they promised that once she let them check on her and the baby that they would take her to Sam, and that finally got her to calm down. The tests took about 30 minutes, and they realized that she was okay, and the stress caused her to react, and they kept their promise, and took her to see Sam. They wheeled her in his room, "Sam...baby, are you okay?"

Sam didn't think that he deserved Mercedes' kindness. He felt like everything was his fault, and he was beating himself over it. She wouldn't let him go down that path however, and he was so grateful for her strength in that moment. "You are too good, to me, baby..." He kissed her hand and smiled. During the ride to the hospital, they were both holding hands. He started to panic again when they said that they had to be separated. He didn't want that, he needed to be with Mercedes. However, his pleading fell into deaf ears. Sam didn't say much after that. He simply let the staff do their work, but on the back of his mind, he was worried. Time passed in a crawl, but soon enough, he was reunited with Mercedes. "I'm okay, they're going to do some tests on me. Are you okay? Is our baby okay?" He asked, worriedly. Praying that everything was fine with the two people he loved more than anything else.

Mercedes was so relieved to hear that Sam was okay, "Did they say what was going on with you, and why you keep getting the dizzy spells?" She was so concerned with him, that she didn't even realize how concerned he was about her, and she knew he needed answers. "I'm fine Sam, and the baby is fine. They said that the cramps were probably brought on by stress, but I don't want you to go off and start blaming yourself. This was not your fault by any means, you understand." She took his hands in her, "Now that we know I'm okay and the baby is okay, now we need to make sure that you are okay, so this family will stay complete." She said a silent prayer to ask GOd to heal Sam, and make him better. The thought of losing him was scaring her.

"They're not sure yet, there's a few tests that they have to do, so I'm going to have to stay at the hospital overnight." Sam was getting impatient waiting for the results of his diagnosis. He had given ample blood samples, and had gone through so many tests and studies, and yet, they still couldn't fine what was ailing him. It was beyond frustrating now. He couldn't think about his diagnosis however, because Mercedes would keep worrying if he did that, so he played it off. "I'm sure they'll find something soon... So there's no need for you to worry. I'm just glad that you and our baby are both doing fine." He smiled, reaching out to rub her belly. "I promise that I won't blame myself. I was just worried." The smile on his face brightened at her words. He felt like things were finally falling perfectly together. "You're right, we have to make sure that I'm okay for our family." He kissed the back of her hand and without meaning to, he let out a yawn. "I'm exhausted. This medicine is making me really drowsy. Let's take a nap together..." He patted the free spot on his bed and waited for Mercedes to hop on before he held her in his arms and closed his eyes. The last thing that he remembered saying was, "I love you, Mercedes..."

Mercedes didn't like hearing that they were not sure what was going on with him, that made her get a little antsy, but she didn't want to freak Sam out, so she kept her concerns to herself. She smiled when she heard he was sure they wold find out what was wrong with him, "I hope so, because I was worried." She smiled when he touched her belly, "Yeah, we're good, and now we just need daddy to be good, so we can take him home." She put her hands on top of his, "Good, because it's not your fault, I know you worry, but blaming yourself is not going to solve anything." She liked the way things were working out between them, it was as if they were becoming friends, and not just a family, it felt good to see that happening. "You better be okay, we need you there for all the important things." She saw him yawn, and it made her yawn as well. She realized that she was just as tired as he was, so there was no fight, when he told her to get in the bed,. She climbed inside next to him, and rested against him. Hearing that he said he loved her made her smile, but she couldn't say it back, so she just kissed his cheek, and laid her head against his chest, drifting off to sleep peacefully.

End

[smoke-n-mirrors-mj]

Truth Hurts || Mercedes & Lauren

When: Friday Afternoon

Where: Mercedes’ Pottery Studio

Notes: Lauren tells Mercedes about Tony’s return and intentions to extort her

Mercedes was having a really busy day and didn't expect to see her mom and Mark at her studio, but she was definitely glad to see them. She gave each of them a hug in greeting before pulling back to say, "It's so good to see the both of you, but to what do I owe this honor of this visit?" She led them to one of the sofas, "Have a seat, let's chat for a little while."

Lauren walked into Mercedes art studio, and she was more than impressed to see what Mercedes had done to this space in so little time. It was beautiful, and very functional, she could see the vision that she had for the space. She smiled and looked at Mark, giving him a smile. She saw Mercedes come out, and she smiled, "Hey Mercedes..." She hugged her, "This place is amazing, you've done a great job with this space." She took a seat, not wanting to tell her about Tony, but she had to do it. "I have something to tell you, and you might not like it...." She felt her stomach start turning, and she almost chickened out telling her.

"Thank you, mama. I'm very proud of it already. I can't wait for us to get the classes started. Cooper has all kinds of plans already." Mercedes announced, looking at the space with so much pride. She was glad that her mama gave her approval. True, she didn't need it, but it was nice to have it either way. Her brows knitted together when she noticed how Lauren was fidgeting. "What it is, mama? You're making me really nervous here."

Lauren listened and saw the the excitement on Mercedes face, and that made her even more nervous about telling her about her father. "Cooper huh? Is he your employee? I can't wait to meet him?" She sighed hearing Mercedes wanting to know what she had to tell her, and she knew the time was now, "I have to talk to you about your father." She squeezed Marks hand, "He's back in town...."

"Yes, he's a really great guy, and he's an artist too. It's going to be good to have him around here. I will introduce the two of you to him. Now, what did you want to talk to me about?" Mercedes didn't think that she would hear those words. She almost couldn't believe it. "Why is he back? I thought he was gone for good? Did he say something to you?" She had so many questions and could only hope that she would get the answers soon.

Lauren was so happy that Mercedes was in a place where she was truly happy, and that made her happy. She hated having to tell her about Tony and ruin her mood. "I am sure he's a nice guy, and I can't wait to meet him." She could see the look on Mercedes face, and she had so many questions, and she didn't want to answer them, "He's here for money, and yes he talked to me. He asked me for a million dollars, but I am not going to give it to him." She sighed knowing that she was going to have to tell her the truth, and she was a nervous wreck, but she had to suck it up and tell her, "There's something else I have to tell you...."

Mercedes' eyes bugged out, she couldn't believe that the man who once upon a time loved her mother would extort her like that. "Tell him to go to hell, and don't pay him a single cent. Call the cops if you have to because he doesn't deserve to do this to you. He has not done a single thing for you ever since you got pregnant. Why does he think that he deserves any money now?" Just the thought of the man was making her angry. She hated that Tony was trying to hurt her mama. "What else did he want? Is he trying to get money from me too? Well, he can try, but I can tell you now that I am not going to give him a single cent."

Mercedes was angry, and she didn't blame her, she was pissed at Tony as well, "I will do that, and I won't give him any money, but I have to tell you something Mercedes. He did say if I didn't give him the money he will come to you, but there's more. I have to tell you something, I did something that I'm not proud of. In order to get Tony to leave the first time, I actually....." She took a deep breath, "I paid him money, and that's why he thinks he could come back for more." She couldn't even look at Mercedes, because she didn't want to see the disappointed look in his face.

Mercedes was usually a calm person. She didn't get angry very often, but hearing that Tony was blackmailing her mama was something that she couldn't forgive. He made her angry and for the first time, she really wanted to hurt him. "I can't believe that he would do this to you. I can't believe that there are people like him in this world. He makes me so angry." She was wringing her hands together, trying not to punch something. Her anger was replaced by surprise and the feeling of betrayal all too soon. She looked at her mom with a shocked look and asked, "Why would you do that? Why do you think you can pay him off?"  

Lauren's heart was breaking hearing Mercedes disappointment in her voice, "Mercedes please, just hear me out. I only paid him so he would stop harassing you. He threatened to come after you and Sam, I had to stop him. I couldn't let him hurt you. so I paid him to go away. I honestly thought that he would stay away, but apparently he has spent everything and he wants more." She looked over at Mark, and he gave her a reassuring nod, "I just did what I thought was right, I hope you would forgive me."

Mercedes wanted to understand, she didn't want to have to be angry. That was definitely not what she wanted, but the fact of the matter still remained, her mama went behind her back, "You didn't have to go behind me back for that. You could have told me what was going on. This involves me, you could have told me what was going on. I never lied to you, mama. Not once did I lie to you. How could you do this to me?" Tears were blurring her vision and before she could say anything that was going to hurt her mama, she said, "Can you please leave? I need some time to process this."

Mercedes was angry, and justifiably so, what she did was wrong, and she should have told her. "I'm sorry Mercedes, I didn't mean to lie to you, but you were already going through so much with Sam, and I didn't want to add something more on your plate, especially not your worthless father." She could feel the tears welling in her throat, "Please baby, I am so sorry, please don't be like this." She could see that Mercedes was going to need some time, "Okay Mercedes, I'll leave, but please don't close me out. I did what I thought was best." She looked at Mark, and they made their way to leave, but she stopped, "I love you Mercedes, and everything I do is for you." She sighed and walked out. As soon as she left she collapsed in Mark's arms, and bawled, "Baby, get me out of here.....please."

End

[jazzy--jones]

Homecoming || Samcedes, Ian, & Janelle

When: Tuesday Afternoon

Where: Samcedes’ Home

Notes: Sam and Mercedes welcomes Janelle and Ian back to sunny California

Sam was making sure that the guest rooms were cleaned out before Janelle, Ian and Cassie arrived. He knew Jazzy was super excited about having her sister staying with them for a while, and he was happy as well. He finished making up the beds, before joining Mercedes in the kitchen, "Babe, the guest rooms are all clean, and I say, we are ready for the Jacobs family to arrive." He sniffed, and let out a moan "You got it smelling good in here baby, what you making over there?"

Mercedes was busy in the kitchen making sure that lunch was ready for Nell, Ian and Cassie. She was really excited about today, she couldn't believe that her sister was moving back! "That's good, babe, I didn't think that it was messy to begin with, but thank you for helping." She turned around quick enough just to kiss his cheek. "I made Pot Roast and all it's fixings. I hope they enjoy it."

"No they weren't that messy," Sam stated, shrugging his shoulders, "I just had to put fresh linen on the bed, and do some light dusting." He smiled and looked over her shoulder at all the food she made, "That sounds great babe, I know they are going to love it." He heard the doorbell, "I guess their here, I'll go answer it." He walked to the door and saw Janelle, Ian, and Cassie standing there, "Hey, you made it! Come on in!" He moved out the way to let them inside.

Ian was ready to finally get someplace and sit. All this travel was getting old , and he was ready to sit and relax for the night. They arrived at Sam and Mercedes house and rang the bell. "This is really a nice place, would you want to live someplace like this? Or maybe closer to your parents?" He asked Nell, trying to feel her out. Sam opened he door, "Sam! It's good to see you man, thanks for letting us crash here with you guys." He grabbed their bags and took them inside.

"I hope so. Because if they don't they'll just have to order pizza or something. My feet are too sore to be standing around cooking all day." Mercedes was joking around of course. She tasted her cooking and although she wasn't the best cook in the world, she knew that the food didn't taste terrible. She smiled when the doorbell rang. "Yeah, you answer it and I'll join you in a few." She finished up what she needed to in the kitchen before heading to greet them. "Welcome home you guys!" She greeted with a cheer, hugging them all closely to her. "I can't believe you are all here." She took picked up Cassie and kissed her chubby cheeks. "Look at you, Cassie. You are beautiful!" She directed her gaze at Nell and joked, "I told you that you were going to have gorgeous babies with Ian."

It was so good to be back in California. Janelle had been all over the world, but no place was better then home, and California was home to her. In all these years, Janelle had never been to Mercedes and Sam's home here. She had heard that it was very nice, but never did she think that it was going to be like heaven on earth. "Wow... This is gorgeous. They have the beach right at their doorsteps. We definitely should buy a home nearby. Cassie would love to go to beach every day." She said, stepping out of the car and looking at her surroundings before they rang the doorbell. "Hi, Sam! Thanks for having us. We were just saying that we should buy a place here. It's gorgeous!" She went inside and not too long after was greeted by Mercedes. "There's my little sister. Aren't you glowing. How's my little niece or nephew doing in there?" She handed Cassie over to Mercedes and smiled as her sister cooed over her daughter. Then she playfully rolled her eyes, "Yeah... Yeah... You said it, and this is why I didn't want to tell you about me and Ian to begin with. You can't stop bragging..."

Sam greeted everyone, "Cassie, you are gorgeous, you look like your mommy." He smiled and winked at Janelle, "Well come on all the way end, no need to stand in the doorway." He helped Ian with the bags, and sat them in the foyer. "I'm glad you guys like this place, it is my dream house, with the beach at our doorstep, it's nothing better than that. If you want I can see what places are for sale around here." He grabbed their bags again, when Mercedes and Janelle were talking, "Come on Ian, let me show you to your room, and Cassie I can take you to the kids room, I'm sure they will be happy to see you." He lead them to the rooms.

Ian liked this neighborhood, and for Janelle to be around her sister, he was sure she would definitely be happy there. "I think that will be great Sam, I know this would calm me down, with this type of environment." He laughed at the banter between Mercedes and Nell, "You know I would have told you as soon as we got together, but my Nelly here was ashamed of me." He joked and moved before Janelle could hit him. "Yeah come one Sam, show me the room before I get in more trouble." He laughed and followed Sam to the room.

"Hey, I wasn't bragging. I might have said, I told you so a few times, but I'm definitely not going to brag." Mercedes giggled at Ian. "Oooh... Someone's gong to the doghouse if he don't stop." She teased before giving her sister a hug. "Oh come on, sis. Don't be mad, you know I was only kidding. Ian on the other hand..." She chuckled, "I'm kidding, Ian. Go with Sam. He'll show you to your room."

Janelle rolled her eyes at both Mercedes and Ian. "I see you two are already trying my nerves." She scowled at her husband, "That's right, you better run before something bad happens to you right here." She was joking of course, but she kept her voice serious. Janelle shook her head once they left. "He's hopeless... I smell food and it smells delicious. Now show me to your kitchen. I'm starving!" She said, laughing.

Sam laughed and showed Cassie to the twins room, and then took Ian to their room. "So here we are, I hope that it is to your liking." He smiled and put the bags down, "We have extra blankets and sheets in the closet, and you have your own bathroom and balcony." He smiled and showed him around. "So how was the move? I couldn't imagine moving across the pond, it was bad enough to move across country."

Ian followed behind Sam, and yelled back to Janelle, "I love you Nelly." He laughed and went into the room, and it was beautiful, "This is way better than any hotel we could have stayed in. It's perfect Sam, thanks again for letting us stay here." He looked out the window at the beach, and shook his head hearing Sam's question, "The move was stressful, but we got through it. The good thing is that we didn't have to bring our furniture here, we're just going to buy new furniture once we find a place."

"It's our job to get on your nerves, Nell, but we only do it because we love you." Mercedes giggled and continued, "Well, let's get to the kitchen. I'll feed you there. I hope Cassie likes Pot Roast because I made that for lunch." She smiled and led the way to the kitchen where she began serving lunch. "So how does it feel like to be back in Cali? I bet you're excited huh? You'll have mom and dad to help out with Cassie too. Mom might be mad at me right now. I snapped at her the other day..." She winced at the memory.

"Yeah... Yeah... Let's just not make that a habit." Janelle shook her head and followed her sister into the kitchen. "Cassie eats everything, so she'll be fine. I'm so glad you decided to make meat instead of fish or chicken, I'm starving and I need my meat." She chuckled, "I love being back here. This is home to me, and I'm so glad that Ian decided to make this his home too." Her brow rose. "Oh no... What did you do? Wait, I think the question should be is what did she do?"

Sam listened to Ian talk about their move, and he didn't envy them at all, "That's good that you didn't have to bring everything with you, that would have been a pain in the ass, and very expensive too." He could smell the food and it got his stomach growling, "I don't know about you, but I'm starving. My baby made Pot Roast, and I can't wait to eat it, so come, on, you can unpack later." He led him out of the room, and back to the kitchen. "Babe, everything is ready right?"

Ian shook his head, "Oh no, there is no way we were going to bring all that furniture over here, that would be crazy. Besides we kept the flat so we can still visit, so it worked out." He rubbed his belly and his mouth watered hearing what was fr lunch, "I'm starving, so let's go. I hope she made a lot, because I am going to eat a huge portion." He walked in the kitchen and went to hug Janelle, but stopped, "Is it alright to hug my beautiful wife that I love." He smiled.

"Mom and Lillianna were getting on my nerves, trying to tell me to do this and that with the baby's nursery, and I lost it. I should have acted better, but they were making me so mad, so I let my emotions take over and now I feel bad..." Mercedes stated, sighing. She really hated that she was at odds with her mom. Not wanting to think too much into the situation, she put her focus on serving lunch. When Sam and Ian joined them, food was already on the table. "Yes, babe, just sit down and eat." She kissed his cheek and took her seat.

"Oh come on, Mercedes. It's not all that bad. Things could have been a lot worse. I'm sure they'll understand once you apologize to them. Things like this happen and I don't want you to beat yourself up over it. I know that I would have snapped too if I was in your shoes." Janelle said trying to calm her sister's nerves. Once the food was on the table, the guys came in. Ian wanted a hug and she rolled her eyes. "Why should I give you a hug? You said I was ashamed of you." She huffed.

Sam walked inside the kitchen, and Jazzy let him know the food was done, so he sat down, and started making his plate, "This looks incredible baby, and I am starving, so let's eat." He started eating, and had to chuckle at Ian and Janelle, "You are in trouble man, all I can say, better you than me." He laughed and went back to eating his food.

Ian sighed, and put on his puppy dog eyes, "I'm sorry baby, you know I joke around a lot. I know you were never ashamed of me. Please forgive me?" He got closer and slowly wrapped his arms around her, hoping she wouldn't push him away. He got close enough to her, and whispered in her ear "If you forgive me, I will do that special thing for you tonight..." He smirked, knowing that she loved getting a foot rub.

Mercedes simply shook her head at Nell. "Nell, put the poor man out of his misery and come and eat." She started digging in and laughed at Poe's comment. "Yeah, you should be glad because an angry pregnant wife equals a miserable husband. Now let's eat, they'll figure things out on their own."

Janelle kept her scowl on her face. She really wanted to keep up the act and pretend to be angry with Ian, but the man always knew what to say and do to make her smile. When he bartered with a foot rub, she melted, but she wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily. "Fine, I forgive you but I want foot rubs for a week." Then she pulled away from his arms and went to sit down.

Sam couldn't agree more, "Oh baby, don't I know it, and I am doing my best to try not to make you angry with me." He laughed knowing that everything was going to be fine. They were all sitting around eating, and already Sam liked having Janelle and Ian there with them. It brought a new excitement to the house, and he was looking forward to spending more time with them.

Ian knew he had Janelle with the foot rubs, she was a sucker for his foot rubs. Most men would find that being a chore, but he actually loved rubbing Nelly's feet, so a weeks worth was easy for him. "A week it is, I'm just forgive me." He gave her a quick kiss before she walked away. He grabbed his plate, and started making his plate, "It looks delicious Mercedes." He dove in and the conversation flowed easily. He saw the smile on Janelle's face, and heard the laughter coming from Cassie, and he knew they made the right choice to come home.

END

[jazzy--jones]

The Candidates Are... || Finncedes & Sugar

When: Monday Afternoon

Where: A Coffee Shop/LA

Notes: Mercedes might have found someone just right for Finn within his circle of contacts

Mercedes was really excited about showing Finn the list of candidates that she had. It was good to know that he was up to trying this out, and she was determined to find someone for her dear friend. They were at a cafe, and she had brought along her Ipad for this occasion. After getting their drinks, she brought up the list and handed the Ipad over to Finn, "Here's the of candidates that I've picked out for you. You can choose the first woman you want to go out on a date with, and we can go from there."

Finn was still a little skeptical about this whole dating thing, but he trusted Mercedes, and he knew she would be very selective about the woman he had to chose from. He sat at the table across from Mercedes as she pulled out the list of women, and he looked over the list, "Wow, you really went all out with this huh? So is there any of these women that stood out to you?" Her opinion meant a lot to him.

"Of course I did. I told you that I was going to make sure that I screen all of the candidates. I don't joke around about that." Mercedes stated with a proud smile. She didn't play around when it came to her friends happiness, and Finn was one of them. "I don't know, Finn. I thought all of them had potential. Did you not see one that catches your eyes?" The bell at the entrance of the cafe chimed and a woman walked in, temporarily distracting her. When she looked back at Finn, he was looking at said woman as if he knew her. "Umm... Finn, do you know that woman?"

Finn looked at the list, and he saw a few that jumped out at him right away, and he was happy with the selection of women Mercedes picked out for him. "I knew you would only bring me the best, that's why I agreed to do this." He was just about to pick out the woman he chose, when he heard the door chime, he looked up and saw the nice  woman from the day care. He didn't realize that he was staring until Mercedes called his name, "Oh...um... yeah, I know her. She works at Ava's day care, she's really nice. I think her name is Sugar Motta."

A curious brow lifted as she took her time to watch her friend. She wasn't too sure, but she thought that she saw a spark of interest from Finn. Then her gaze went back to this other woman. She looked young and she was smiling, and if she was working at a daycare, she must have a patient of a saint. "She's a daycare provider, huh... That's nice..." Mercedes was suspicious of this woman, and wanted to know if she was good for Finn, so she asked, "So are you interested in her?" Just then the woman approached, her smile still bright on her face. When she introduced herself, Mercedes did the same too, "Hello, I'm Mercedes Evans, I'm Finn's friend."

Sugar was having a free day. Since she was free, she had decided to run some errands. After going to the grocery store, she placed her purchases in the trunk of a her car and walked to her favorite coffee shop. It was just going to be a quick stop, she had been craving her favorite drink all day, and just wanted to make a stop to get it. The queue wasn't very long at all, and she got her order within five minutes. She was about to exit the establishment when she saw a familiar face. It was Finn Hudson. She didn't want to be rude, so she approached his table and went to say hi, "Mr. Hudson? Nice to see you again." She looked at the woman he was with and smiled at her as well, "Hi, I'm Sugar Motta. It's very nice to meet you, Mercedes."

Finn was not sure how he felt about Sugar, right now, he just thought she was a nice lady, "I don't really know her, I just met her not too long ago at the day care. I mean she is a beautiful woman, there's no denying that, but I don't really know her." He hoped that would be enough to suffice, and Mercedes wouldn't ask anymore questions. Finn smiled seeing Sugar come over to speak, "Hello Sugar, it's good to see you again, you got you some coffee I see?" He inwardly cursed himself for being so lame, of course she has something to drink, it is a cafe...

Mercedes listened to her friend telling her that he didn't really know Sugar other then a pass by type of acquaintance and she wondered if there might be a connection between the two. The way he was blubbering was a sign that he liked Sugar. "It's nice to meet you, Sugar. Do you live around here?" She asked, trying not to giggle seeing Finn acting like a shy teenager around his crush.

"I live a few blocks away. This is my favorite coffee shop, so I come here every weekend." Sugar smiled at Mercedes and put her attention at Finn. She giggled a little and answered him, "Yes, I came here to get coffee. So where's Ava? I adore her. She's such a good baby. Everyone loves taking care of her. She lights up the daycare."

Finn smiled, "Oh this is a nice neighborhood, I bet you have a lovely place." He couldn't believe he said that, what would make him say something like that? "Not that I....you know what, forget it." He started sipping on his coffee, hoping not to say anything else stupid.He smiled when she brought up Ava, "She's with some friends, and having a play date. I'm a proud father hearing you say things like that about her."

"This is the best coffee shop that I know of, it's no wonder you like to come here." Mercedes giggled, Finn definitely had some kind of feelings for Sugar. The poor guy couldn't even talk straight. "Well, I happen to agree with Finn, it is a nice neighborhood, and I bet your home is nice too." She said covering for her friend. It was nice to hear that Sugar liked Ava, she was really starting to like this woman more and more.

"It is a nice place even if it's small, but then again, it's just me. I don't need all that much space at all." Sugar nodded and smiled at both Finn and Mercedes. She was a little disappointed that Ava wasn't around. She genuinely liked the baby girl. "That's too bad, but I bet she's having a great time." She didn't want to hold up the conversation between the two, so she started to take her leave, "I think I better get going, I still have a lot of chores to get done. It was nice to meet you, Mercedes, and to see you again, Mr. Hudson. I will see you and little Ava on Monday when you drop her off. Have a great day..." She waved at the two and left the coffee shop to continue about her day.

Finn listened to Sugar, and he liked that she was humble, and showed no sign of being vain or arrogant, he hated that. Usually people that looked like her would always turn out to be somewhat snotty or rude, so it was refreshing that Sugar was neither of those things. "I'm sure it's nice, but living alone is kinda difficult huh? Um...I mean....it is for me." He tried to cover up his blunder, so he was glad for the change in subject, "Yeah, I'm sure she is having a great time with her friends, she always does." He saw he was about to leave, and he stood up, "It was good seeing you again Sugar, have a safe trip home." He waved and watched her leave, before sitting back down. He looked back at Mercedes, and saw how she was looking at him, "So where were we?"

Mercedes simply watched as Sugar and Finn spoke. She had never seen Finn act like this before. He was usually so full of confidence, but right now, he was acting like he had a huge crush on Sugar. She didn't want to make fun of him, that would be a bad thing. Her approached had to be subtle, and after saying goodbye to Sugar, she said, "We were looking at candidates for your blind date, but now I don't know if you should be doing this. I mean, are you even sure you don't like Sugar? She's great, and she loves Ava. Maybe you should ask her on a date."

Finn nodded, and picked up the list, "Yeah that's right, picking a date." When Mercedes brought up him asking out Sugar, he shook his head quickly, "Ask out Sugar.....no, I couldn't do that. She's Ava's care giver and I don't think it would be appropriate to date her. Besides, I have this list of women to choose from, so I am going to stick with them." He looked over the list, and tried not to think about actually asking Sugar out. "What about this one....Dawn London? She looks nice."

Mercedes was hoping that Finn would ask Sugar out, she really thought that the two would make a great couple, but he said that he didn't want to complicate things, and she couldn't force his hand or decision, "Well, that's too bad because I happen to think that you two would be great together. Anyway, let's get back to your first choice." She waited for him to make his choice and nodded, "Okay, Dawn London it is. She does look nice, and she's a third grade teacher, so we know that she has to like kids. So...are you sure you want me to contact her? I mean, there's still time to change your mind with Sugar..."

"You do?" Finn was surprised to hear Mercedes say that she thought he and Sugar would make a good couple, "Why would you say that? He needed to know what was her thought process was. Then she let it go, and went on with his first choice, "See she looks like someone I can get along with, and she likes kids...so we think. So I think I will give her a shot." Then she brought up Sugar again, "No, there's no changing my mind, I am not going to go there with Sugar, she's Ava's child giver, and I am not going to cross those boundaries. Let's contact Dawn."

"I do think that you two would be good together. You really want to know why? Well, she loves Ava, and you can't seem to stop yourself from blubbering when she was around. You only act like that when you like someone, Finn. But it's fine, I'm not going to force your hand. You know what's best, so I'll set up a date with Dawn." Mercedes wanted Finn to be happy and if he wanted to keep things profession with Sugar, then she had to respect that. Her only hope was that he wouldn't be making a mistake with his decision.

Finn instantly got embarrassed hearing Mercedes calling him out on his behavior. "I was...." He was going to try to lie, but he knew Mercedes would see right through it, "I may think she is pretty, but I don't think it would be good for me to ask her out. What if things don't go right, picking up Ava would be awkward after that, and I don't want to put Ava in the middle of anything. I would rather just play it safe, so let's stick with Dawn." Finn was thinking about Sugar, sure he thought she was a nice person, and very pretty, but dating her would be a bad idea....right? He was just going to go with Dawn to be on the safe side.

End