Hello Lovelies…Well we are back again with a new fic…I would like to introduce the lovely Tara to you. She collaborated with the writing of Strawberry Wine and is right in the middle of assisting me in writing this. I am indebted to her for her support and we both hope you enjoy this fic. Blessings and goodness lovelies…

Introducing My friend Tara…

Hi...I am Tara aka bubblybubby. I am a wife and mother who loves to read fanfiction, Samcedes, Amber Riley, Scandel and Disney. I always admire the work of our fabulous fanfiction writers and with the encourgement and friendship of the lovely Ngawai, I am starting to write and collaborated with her on this fic and fics of my own. Thank you all who have already read and reviewed some of my work. Blessings Tara aka bubblybubby.

Hope you enjoy. Apologies for any mistakes and the length...but we needed to explain the premise :) ...Blessing and Goodness.

I would like to dedicate this fic to Zach who just underwent Surgery. This fic highlights the importance the unending love and support of family and friends play in our lives. This is for You... Zach and your beautiful family.

Disclaimer: We do not own any character or any of the songs produced in this fic. but we do love them immensely

Chapter 1: Switching Sides

The sun beamed along the speckled path which led to the hallowed halls of McKinley High and seemed to illuminate the jade green orbs of the most popular boy in school as he strutted up the granite steps, girlfriend happily in tow and accepted the accolades which plagued him. There were so many greetings Sam Evans jaw literally got tired of acknowledging them and ended up relaying the eyebrow salute instead.

Sam Evans was more than popular. Not only was he rich and handsome he was also Captain of McKinley High basketball and football teams, Captain of the swimming team, Editor and chief of the school paper and Vice-Captain of the science squad. He could have been captain of the science squad but already had too many commitments so something had to give. And to top it off his girlfriend of the hour was the richest girl of McKinley high, Sugar Motta. Well actually, she wasn't as popular and a little conceited really, but she was pretty. Sam was pretty chuffed really with all the attention he received day in and day out. They were the picture perfect couple. Sugar was not only beautiful, she was clever too. They were both intelligent. They were so perfect it made everyone in school either envious or angry with them due to how perfect they seemed to be.

All except one person, well three people actually. Three people did not share the same inane desire to cater for the so called celebrities of McKinley High school.

…

Mercedes Jones was on a mission. Plan A. Graduate high school. Plan B. Get a recording contract. Plan C. she had none, but both or either plan A or B sounded really good. Mercedes struggled academically. She had problems with almost every single subject, except one, but she was determined. She was determined to keep slogging away until she graduated from high school, even if she had to re-sit a year, she didn't care, she had to pass.

Mercedes sat glued to a textbook in the library, determined to pass the upcoming exam. Her life's plans depended on it. Anyone who saw her would immediately imagine her to be some sort of nerdy book worm. The lens on her prescription reading glasses were thick and made her eyes bulge. But she certainly wasn't a book worm. She couldn't seem to remember things, she seemed a bumbling mess at times, but there was one thing Mercedes Jones had bucket loads of, determination. Therefore, Mercedes Jones had no time for any other club except two, the glee club and the God Squad of which she was Captain. Grant it there were only three people in it, a Rastafarian type boy named Joe, who named his dreads after every book in the bible, and Quinn Fabray, Lima's head chair leader, whom Sam had already dated previously. All other time was used in study. In the weekend she would go to the karaoke club and sing her heart out until the patrons got sick of listening to her, which was highly unusual, and during the week she would sing for the patrons of a local restaurant.

So, no…Mercedes Jones never noticed Sam Evans and Sugar Motta. Popularity was not of importance to her and it had never been to any of her family. They never watched television, well actually, they never even owned a television set because her father believed it stunted ones growth. She didn't even have the Internet or a mobile phone. But they did enjoy their music. They never went to the amusement park because her father decided it was a waste of precious money, so all she did was study work and sing, or sing work and study. Their father's view of entertainment was a leisurely hike up the nearest mountain or roughing it in the forest. Which Mercedes was sick of and hated in spades. Mercedes never compared herself with any other being in school. She wore plain colorful clothing. Clothing which never accentuated anything really. To all those looking at her from the outside, one would take pity on the seemingly lifeless thick rimmed bifocal ridden teenager, but Mercedes Jones was far from that. She was happy. She loved her family more than anything else in the world. Her mother had made all of their clothes and she loved her for it and wore them proudly. She did notice the way the girls at school dressed but Mercedes Jones never conformed and didn't even have the urge too. She was Mercedes Jones and she was truly happy. Her hero was Mother Theresa.

Mercedes Jones had two best friends, who were also true non-conformist. The three amigos were truly the best friends in the world. Artie Abram's had known Mercedes Jones since she was 5 years old. They met at a home schooling venture for home schooled children within the Lima area. He was from another very conservative family who also did not allow their children to be influenced by the outside world, except for one cellular phone and tasteful music. Arties hero was the astronaut Neil Armstrong, even though his parents were hearty conspiracy theorists and were sure the whole moon thing was one great big hoax. When they were Ten years of age they met Tina Coheng another home schooler. Her hero was Mahatma Gandhi.

These three were serious with what they wanted to do in the future. Mercedes wanted to sing, because she loved music and wanted to be the Mother Theresa of music and soothe the lonely hearts, but she needed her high school diploma in case music didn't pan out. Therefore, to pay for the bills she had to have a backup plan, Mercedes Jones decided she would be a music teacher. Artie wanted to be an astronaut and he had the smarts to achieve it. The thought of not needing the use of his legs in space appealed to him. Tina of course wanted to be a doctor. Her father was a Doctor, her mother was a doctor and he older brother was a doctor. So the three of them regularly had study dates in the library and actually studied, like overly studied.

…

As Sam and Sugar strutted into the library a calm hush enveloped it, well actually, it was already quiet because it was the library, but Sugar Motta was sure it went even quieter as the patrons stared at them in wonderment, all except for the three figures whose eyes were fixed solely on the books before them.

Sam and Sugar walked toward their table and then expeditiously took their books from their bags. Exams were before them and they needed to study, even though they already knew their subjects inside out and upside down. Sugar smiled at Sam, tossed her hair back and smirked at the eager eyes enjoying her beauty. Well, all except for the three eager readers.

Sugar never noticed the few eyes that ignored her, but Sam did. Sam and Sugar would often go to the library and the same three would be studiously concentrating on the task at hand. Sam always wondered what they were like. He had always been an inquisitive person, and each day he saw them he would wonder. What is their world like? What do they like? He noticed that none of them seemed to attend any of the sports events or school dances or anything. Not that he was looking for them. Sam became so intrigued with these three that he decided to grace them with his presence, they would surely be chuffed that the great Sam Evans chose to speak to them, wouldn't they? So he stood and walked toward them. Sugar watched as Sam walked away and quietly eyed her boyfriend attentively.

"Hello!" Sam smiled his famous half smile that could launch a thousand ships.

Artie, Tina and Mercedes lifted their heads in unison and smiled, "hello," they happily replied.

Sam noted their response, not one sign of awe crossed their gazes. They were genuinely smiling at him, awaiting his response.

"Um…I…um…" Sam wasn't sure as to what he should say. He knew they would respond to him, but not in absolute ignorance, oblivious as to who he was, what he did or anything.

"Um I don't know if you know me…" Sam continued, still shocked that they didn't know him. "But I noticed you study here a lot so…um…I was wondering..." think of something Evans, Sam mentally challenged himself, think of something! And then ping, a light bulb flashed, "I was wondering if you would have any study tips or something to assist me with my work." He beamed pretty chuffed with his ability to think quickly on the spot.

"Haven't I seen you in one of my classes?" Tina squinted her eyes, "yeah isn't it calculus, um…what's your name?"

Sam looked at her in astonishment. She didn't just ask my name did she? Hell, this is not on at all, he thought. How the hell do they not know who I am? He gaped.

"Oh…um…sorry my name is Sam…Sam Evans," he began, feeling really ridiculous; he hadn't had to introduce himself since he began high school.

Artie held out his hand to him, "hey Sam, my name is Arthur, but everyone calls me Artie." He smiled.

Then Tina held out hers, "and I'm Tina and this is my friend Mercedes."

Mercedes held her hand toward Sam. As their hands clasped, a sudden warmth shot clear up her arm and shot right through her body. Well that's freaky! She thought turning her head slightly and grimacing at the sensation.

Sam's eyes widened as he took in her beautiful brown eyes and beaming smile. The warmth that coursed through his body was unlike anything he had ever felt. Well actually he had, but not from a simple touch. Sam loved the feeling and held her hand tight. Mercedes fought to take her hand back and furrowed her brow, hmmm…strange guy, she thought. Sam stood mesmerized and almost missed Arties inquiries.

"Um…Sam…you wanted study tips?" He inquired.

"Um yeah,"

Sam smiled, half blushing but never taking his eyes off Mercedes. Mercedes however smiled politely, then lowered her head and returned to her book.

"Um…Well I can only speak for myself. I research the topic, highlight only the most important facts and study vigorously on those specific items." Artie chortled.

Tina smiled and added, "Well, I actually do the same, however, I alphabetize my topics. That way everything is in order. One can never be too orderly," she smiled lifting a finger to highlight the fact.

Sam turned and smiled at Mercedes and awaited her response.

Artie noticed she did not seem to be paying attention and gave her a friendly nudge. "Mercedes!" he grinned.

"Oh…Sorry?" Mercedes queried placing her book down.

"Study tips," Artie smiled.

"Oh sorry Sam, please forgive me, I'm so sorry for being rude," She begged and then sighed, "Well…I wouldn't actually have a clue cos I am the worse studier out of the lot of us. I just figured if I read enough it might sink in." she giggled.

Sam smiled at her response. Even her laugh was cute, he thought, and was soon taken away by her fabulous smile. Sam was so caught up in his reverie he almost forgot that Sugar had been patiently awaiting his return. Turning, he smiled, thanked and bid farewell his new acquaintances and returned to his seat, kissing Sugar gently on the cheek.

For the rest of that session Sam wondered what it would be like to live their life, what kind of people they were. Maybe they are weird, maybe they weren't, but all he knew is they seemed like the most interesting people in the world for losers. So in that very instant as his eyes traced Mercedes Jones luscious lips, Sam Evans decided to write an article, he had two titles in mind the life and times of an obscurest or the life and times of losers from loser Ville. He decided to go with the former. Clandestinely looking toward their table once more Sam smirked and thought, Let's have some fun Sam Evans, let the games begin.

…

Sam was set, he used spray-in dye to darken his hair brown, he wore the baggiest and most unflattering clothes ever which made him look like a lanky douche bag, he inserted some dark brown contact lens, put on the thickest pair of Len's he could wear and then stood in front of the mirror and took in his reflection. He looked very much like a bedraggled Macaulay Culkin the young boy from the Home Alone movies.

"Yep you truly look like crap," Sam chuckled to himself then ran a hand over his attire.

Sam Evans never wore clothes like these, he always wore s-medium shirts which accentuated his abs. Tight jeans which accentuated his butt and tight everything which really accentuated, well, everything.

Sam then sluggishly made his way out of the boy's bathroom and down the school hall. Sam knew he only needed to pull this game off after school, that way he was free to continue his regular classes. The school hall was a menacing sight as students stared through him and at him but no one spoke to him. As he passed Sugar's locker he noticed his friends who had gathered around her. Their eyes soon rested upon the seemingly awkward teenager before them and they snickered, and then turned away ignoring him altogether. No one spoke to him or acknowledged him. He could have not existed at all for all anyone cared.

Looking at the clock, Sam eagerly made his way to the library to begin his plan to infiltrate Loserville. Noting the three amigos table he sat quietly at it. Maybe they will tell me to leave? He thought, maybe even Loserville has clicks and anyone else not in their click should not exist? They sit here every day, maybe they will be upset that I am sitting at their table? Sam smiled at the prospect of meeting them again and at the prospect of writing the best article he had written thus far.

Finally the three approached the table and asked if they could sit beside him. Sam smiled, its show time, he thought, and began to shift into character utilizing the upper class English accent he had been practicing. Sam loved doing impressions and this was a fitting occasion for him to manifest his hidden talent, "Oh hello there, of course you may sit here," he grinned and them offered his hand, "by the way I'm Chord, Chord Evans."

"Hello Chord…" Artie smiled, "my name is Arthur but my friends here call me Artie." and then quickly offered his hand. "Evans? We met an Evans the other day!" Artie grinned.

"Oh yeah he's my cousin," Sam quickly responded, then watched as Sugar entered the room with Santana. The two nasty girls glowered toward their table, pointed and giggled at the beings they deemed below them. Then suddenly without warning Sugar started screaming random rants toward them and something in the line of losers from Loserville. Then quickly covered her mouth and shyly giggled. She couldn't be blamed for anything that randomly shot out of her mouth could she? She did suffer from Asperger's and little random twitches such as these had to be excused, even though her condition was self-diagnosed. Sam scowled as he watched the girl he liked a heck of a lot and Santana openly mock them.

Tina, Artie and Mercedes beheld the giggling duet but ignored their chide remarks and carried on their conversation as if nothing had happened.

Tina smiled and offered her hand, "and my name is Tina Coheng spelt C.O.H.E.N.G!" she chortled.

Sam took her hand and smiled. Then his eyes finally rested on Mercedes and awaited her response.

Mercedes never offered her hand to him. She was too busy staring off into the distance trying to remember what she had to study for calculus.

Artie nudged her.

"Oh, I'm sorry Cory!" Mercedes jumped.

"It's Chord,"

"Oh sorry, Court, I'm Mercedes!"

"No…It's Chord, like three notes create a chord," he grinned.

"That's an unusual name," she mumbled.

"Well, you don't hear the name Mercedes very often either," he snickered.

Mercedes furrowed her brow and then smiled, "Chord?"

"Yeah Chord, My parents named me that because I'm the third child in the family and three notes create a Chord."

"That's clever," Artie smiled.

"Yeah Chord, nice to meet you," Mercedes smiled and offered him her hand.

As soon as their hands met the same scenario Sam experienced the last time he touched her enveloped him. Oh hell, Sam Evans, there it is again, he blushed.

Mercedes experienced the same feeling and raised a brow thinking, Oh my, I must be going to have a heart attack or something, I'm sure I read in an article that just before a heart attack the patient experiences pain in their arm or something. She then anxiously turned to Tina and frowned, "Tina what are the symptoms of a heart attack?" after a good five minute description which Mercedes missed most of, Mercedes sat opposite Sam and pondered her symptoms, feeling up and down her arms for numbness.

"Why do you ask?" Tina queried.

"Well because I had this freaky tingle shoot up my arm and I experienced it the other day too." She mused.

Sam lowered his head and pretended he was engrossed in the book in front of him, and then blushed, oh hell! He snickered, she felt it too? And she doesn't even know why? He smiled to himself shaking his head back and forth.

Mercedes was not versed in the world of love or dating. She loved four people, Jesus, her father, her mother and her little brother. Oh and her friends, but that was different.

Sam was well versed in it, but the feelings he had when he was around this seemingly obscure being confused him. She was nothing like anyone he would be attracted to. But yet she had occupied his thoughts ever since the first time they met and he couldn't figure out why. Once he figured it out Sam determined he would write it in his article.

Reminding himself to shake those feelings away and keep to the article Sam looked longingly at Sugar, but then began to seethe once again as the two girls looked toward their group and snickered openly once more. Ignoring the jeering girls, the four of them opened their books and studied the texts before them. Suddenly Sam's iPhone buzzed. It was Sugar. Tina and Artie raised their heads at the sound of his vibrating phone.

"Sorry about that," Sam grimaced and quickly sent Sugar a text and watched as she received it. Sugar giggled to her friend and then fanned herself and they both quickly jumped up from their seats and exited the library. Sam had planned to meet her that evening at her house for a little 'them' time which was really code for sex, which Sam desperately needed after spending a whole hour away in Loserville. As the two girls disappeared around the corner, Sam once again returned his gaze to Loserville, smirked and then quickly returned to his book and began to read.

After approximately forty minutes of silence, Artie smiled, "are you ready for breadsticks guys?"

"Yeah!" Mercedes smiled and stood to exit.

Sam pretended he was still studying and turned the page of his book feigning deep concentration.

As they stood Artie smiled, "Chord what are you doing? Would you like to come to breadsticks with us?" he grinned.

Breadsticks?

Sam thought, I've never seen these guys at Breadsticks. Breadsticks was the popular hangout for all the popular students. No losers or obscurest allowed.

"Um…ah" Sam stammered, he really didn't want to go. Maybe his friends would recognize him or worse, maybe he will be caught red handed with these losers. But he had to go, he had to hang out with these losers and create his article.

"Um…I-"

"Don't worry," Artie interjected, "It's my shout!" he grinned and placed a comforting hand on him.

"Um…ok I w-will…thank you,"

Sam nervously replied thinking, how in the hell are these guys going to get into breadsticks.

When they arrived at breadsticks in Arties, tattered 1999 Toyota Corolla, Sam embarrassingly hopped out of the car covering his face. He noticed all his friends seated in front of Breadsticks, laughing and smiling. They looked so happy, so carefree, so…good looking, he thought to himself.

Sam trailed behind his new acquaintances hoping not to be seen walking with them, he looked a mess himself but to him, these three before him looked worse, well except Mercedes Jones, she was ok, Sam deemed. Just as they crossed the road and approached the corner Sam freaked seeing his friends outside and began panicking, they are gonna recognize me, he thought. They are gonna see me with these freaks and-

Suddenly Mercedes grabbed his arm and the three of them shot through a side gate and toward a small garden Sam never knew existed. Mercedes smiled and looked at Sam.

"Have you been here before Chord?" she beamed.

"Um n-no!" he honestly replied, he had never been to this part of breadsticks. As they entered the garden there were a number of other patrons there. The scene was jovial and the setting was beautiful.

Why don't I know about this place? he thought, this is better than inside, he grinned, I must show Sugar this place, he pondered.

Artie, Sam and Tina took a seat while Mercedes walked toward the back entrance as a waiter arrived at their table.

"Hey Art," the waiter grinned.

"Hey Puck!" Artie answered, "this is Chord, Chord this is Puck."

Sam freaked, Puckerman! He was in his basketball team a couple of years ago. What the hell is he doing here? He thought, he's gonna spring me! Sam balked.

Puck looked at Sam carefully taking him in, raised an eyebrow then took Sam's hand.

"Hey, how's it?" Puck smiled and shook his hand.

"Chord is new to our school he has a cousin here," Artie beamed.

"Oh yeah, what's your cousins name?" Puck inquired.

"Sam, Sam Evans!" He nervously responded.

Pucks smile evaporated, "YOU are SAM Evans cousin? I thought your face looked familiar!"

"Y-yeah," Sam nervously smiled.

"But you seem nothing like him," Puck furrowed his brow looking at him.

"Well, I'm not sure whether that's a compliment or what!" Sam grinned.

"It's a compliment…." Puck smiled and then winked, "between you and me…Sam Evans is an idiot!"

Sam's eyes widened.

"Sorry brother, I don't mean to upset you but your cousin is an idiot…" Puck looked him up and down and then chuckled, "and by the way you look, you and he are nothing alike," Puck then moved closer to Sam inspecting his face, "although your features do seem very similar."

"Well how do you know I'm much better than my cousin?" Sam groaned pulling away from the Mohawked server.

"Just the fact that you are hangin with the three Amigos tells me so," he grinned pointing to Artie and company.

"What's that supposed to mean Puck?" Artie grimaced.

Puck chuckled, "you already know…" he grinned and then added, "So Art, what would you like to order?"

"Um, just the usual for me thanks Puck," Artie beamed and then turned to Sam, "and what would you like Chord it's my shout,"

"That's fine Artie I have some money I can-"

"No I insist, think of it as a welcome to Lima present," Artie interrupted

"Um I'll just have a coffee thanks," Sam smiled at Puck and thanked Artie once again.

Artie smiled, "no worries," he replied.

Sam looked toward the back entrance and waited for Mercedes to exit.

"Um…where did Mercedes go?" Sam queried.

"To see the manager, he's a friend of ours," Artie grinned.

"So how long have you been coming here?" Sam inquired, moving closer to Artie.

"For ages, Mercedes parents and Judge, that's the manager here, are old friends. We always come here to catch up with Judge and grab a coffee before she has to do her singing gig." Artie grinned placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Mercedes sings? Where does she sing?"

"At the Oberheim"

"Wow that's a really nice restaurant!"

"You been there?"

"Well um…" Sam remembered that Chord had supposedly just got into town, "Um…I just heard about it from Sam and my Auntie but I-I mean they have never seen-" Sam stopped mid-sentence, he was about to say they had never seen Mercedes there then added, "they never talk about it much!" he blurted, then congratulated himself on a quick save.

"Well…" Artie grinned as their coffee arrived, "it's like this fancy smancy restaurant. We're allowed to watch her from the staff quarters until she finishes. She's there three nights during the week. She doesn't like anyone knowing. No one from school goes there during the week so she's pretty safe and if they do go there they don't ever recognize her," he chuckled.

"Gosh, I don't even recognize her sometimes," Tina giggled.

Sam was intrigued, why don't they recognize her? He thought, what on earth does she have to wear? I'm sure a restaurant of that caliber wouldn't get her to dress up in a rabbit suit or something, he chuckled to himself.

Artie, Tina and Sam spoke for some time. Sam found out that Artie was and only child as was Tina. He also found out that Arties family were not the most affluent, but were hard working, middle class folk.

"Ok Judge wants to see you Art!" Mercedes smiled at Artie placing a hand on his shoulder.

Artie gave her a high five and smiled, "see you in ten Evans," he grinned. Mercedes sat beside Sam and opened a bottle of soda.

Just then Tina stood and waved, then anxiously turned to Mercedes.

Mercedes smiled, "see you soon T," she grinned as Tina quickly made her way to the tall young man who entered the hidden gate.

"Who's that?" Sam queried.

"Tina's boyfriend Mike, although she says they are just very good friends," she laughed.

Sam smiled as he took in Mercedes gorgeous smile and blushed at the feelings he was experiencing when he was near her.

"How do you like this place Chord?" Mercedes grinned.

"Well it's really nice here under the trees, so much better than insi-"

"Have you been inside?" Mercedes inquired furrowing her brow.

"Oh um no,"

he stumbled, "It just…looks like it is." He smiled sheepishly.

"Well it is nicer than inside," Mercedes smiled, "no one except those you see here knows this place even exists. It used to be really grotty before but my momma, poppa, Tina, Artie and I decided it had potential so, we cleared away the rubbish and planted the trees and gardens and it has been here ever since."

"You guys did this?" Sam gapped looking at the surroundings. A small pond sat to the right. Tall oak trees covered the venue and beautiful flowerbeds were scattered along the walls.

"Yeah…" Mercedes smiled, "and when we started all our other friends here helped to complete it," she pointed to the other patrons. "We figured everyone needs a special place, all the patrons inside love being inside and we love being out here. It works well for everyone." She grinned sipping on her soda. "Have you read the book the secret garden?" Mercedes asked.

Sam shook his head.

"Well that's what this place is for us. It's our secret garden. It took loving care to create this. The secret garden is my momma's favorite book she gave it to me when I was 6 years old," Mercedes smiled.

Before he knew it they had spent an hour talking to each other. The difficult part of their conversation was when Mercedes asked him about England. Lucky for him his auntie actually did live in London and he and his parents visited them regularly. Before they knew it, it was time to go to the Oberheim. Exiting the Secret Garden the four of them jumped into Arties' car.

"Ok guys what do you want. I have tuna or chicken wraps,"

Tina smiled as she took a small chilly bin and opened it.

"Tuna please!"

Artie smiled as he drove to their destination.

"Chicken thanks,"

Mercedes grinned as Tina handed her her wrap

"What would you like Chord? you best eat up before we get to the Oberheim otherwise we will have to wait till after work," Tina smiled.

"You work at the Oberhiem too?" Sam queried.

"Yeah we both do, well we all do, and Artie and I are kitchen hands."

"Oh…" Sam responded, help these guys are always on the move.

"This is what we do Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday coffee at Breadsticks and then off to the Oberheim."

"What do you guys do on the weekend?"

"Well Saturday and Sunday nights are karaoke nights, but Friday night is our special night," Tina chuffed.

"Do you wanna come with us?" Tina smiled.

"Um do you mean on Friday night?"

"Yeah…" Tina smiled,

"You don't mind do you Mercy?"

"Oh no the more the merrier," she beamed,

"do you sing Sam?"

"Well um, I've been known to be able to hold a tune…" Sam chuffed, "and I can play the guitar."

"Hey we need a guitarist don't we Cedes? We won't have one this Friday since Andy can't make it." Artie sounded.

"Oh yes we do…PRAISE!" Mercedes cheered and then cast her eyes toward the sky and smiled.

"Well, I will check my schedule but I'm sure I have nothing on Friday," Sam chuffed.

Sam actually did, he had a date with Sugar who had been constantly texting him wanting to meet him after school. Sam text to say he was not feeling well and then again later stating he would miss their alone time that evening. Sam couldn't believe he had ditched a night with Sugar to watch Mercedes sing.

As they pulled up to the rear entrance of the Oberheim, Mercedes quickly pulled out a bag from Arties trunk and ran inside, Tina in tow.

"Are you sure it's alright if I come in," Sam grimaced running a hand through his brown hair.

"Yeah course it is, lots of people come and watch Mercy from the back," Artie grinned.

Artie and Sam made their way in. The maître d' gave Artie a wink and smiled at Sam.

"This is Chord,"

Artie smiled, "Chord, this is Carlos," Artie smiled placing a hand on Sam's arm.

"Have you come to watch our diva?" Carlos smiled offering his hand.

"Um yeah," Sam smiled and shook his hand.

"Well there's a room over there where you can watch her on the Flatt screen television, but it can get a little crowded. Unless you can pay $500 a head and sit in the dining area," he chuckled.

Well I actually could, Sam smugly chuffed within, and then made his way to the small area.

"Hey," one of the young men greeted him, "nice to meet you! I'm Jake!" He smiled.

"Hey Jake I'm S- I mean Chord," Sam smiled and shook his hand

"Have you seen diva sing before dude?" Jake smiled.

"No," Sam replied.

"Well you are in for a treat." Sam sat and waited watching the wide screen, and then suddenly everyone gasped.

"OMG she looks stunning once again," Jake smiled from ear to ear.

Sam gaped as he took in Miss Mercedes Jones.

Gone was the over-sized floral dress and glasses, replaced by a shapely sequined of the shoulder blue gown, her hair was loose and fell down behind her back. Her make-up, yeah she actually wore makeup, was simple yet stunning.

Sam was dumbfounded.

"She scrubs up well doesn't she?" Jake smiled, looking eagerly at the screen.

Sam agreed as he nodded in shocked.

Mercedes sung song after song. As the night drew to a close she smiled out toward the crowd and finally spoke, "This is my last song for the evening, and it's my mommas favorite song..I hope you like it, thank you for coming to the Oberheim," she blushed, closed her eyes and sang into the night….

Oh, it's been such a long, long time
Looks like I'd get you off my mind
Oh, but I can't
Just the thought of you
Turns my whole world misty blue

Oh honey, just the mention of your name
Turns the flicker to a flame
Listen to me good, baby
I think of the things we used to do
And my whole world turns misty blue

Sam gasped as he listened to Mercedes sing and couldn't take his eyes off her. She was stunning, and that song, that song just sent him into the spin. After the performance Mercedes whipped around the back. Sam went to congratulate her "You were fantastic Mercedes absolutely amazing!" Sam gaped, overcome with emotion. "And you look so beautiful Mercedes why don't you wear more clothes like that to school?"

"Yeah Chord I'm gonna wear a sequin gown to school!" she chuckled, rolling her eyes.

"Um…w-well that's not what I meant um-"

"I know…"

Mercedes laughed then placed an arm on Sam, "I'm happy with my clothes, these clothes belong to Tina's mother, and she lets me borrow them to sing in."

"You look stunning," Sam gaped then thought, hell I would be walking on air walking down the hall with you lookin like that.

"Thanks' Sam but I'm happy with the clothes I have, my momma made them," then made her way back to the women's room to change back into her previous attire.

Sam watched as she walked down the hall and grumbled, dam it…doesn't she realize how stunning she is? and she wears those f-ugly sad sack clothes. Then he haphazardly collected his belongings and continued, strange girl, he thought, hell I'd never wear crap like that even if my Grammy, God rest her soul, made it, and made his way to the exit totally wishing Mercedes Jones would step up, what he thought, her game.

…

Friday night

"It was nice to meet you Chord," Mr Jones smiled as they cleared the dinner dishes.

"Yeah, you're cool," Mercedes 14 year old brother grinned, helping his father, "

I don't know why you hang with my sister," he chuckled

Mr Jones shot his son a death glare.

"Sorry Mercy," Andrew groaned then looked at his papa, "sorry papa."

"You know never to belittle your sister in any way, shape or form, if you bring that into this house I will stop you from going to public school and you will be home schooled once again!" Mr Jones warned.

"B-but-"

"You hear me son!" Mr Jones growled.

"Yes sir, sorry Mercy," her little brother grimaced then lifted his head and smiled. "I drew momma a picture today Mercy can you please make sure she gets it?" Andrew then stood and disappeared for a few minutes and returned, sketch in hand.

"This is beautiful Andy, it's at the lake isn't it?" Mercedes beamed.

"Yeah Mercy, I tried to recapture everything!" he chuffed.

Mercedes gave him a warm embrace and kissed him upon the top of his head.

"Wow that amazing Andrew, you have real talent there, it takes a lot of skill to capture those finer details." Sam grinned running a hand over the sketch.

"Do you draw Chord?"

"Yeah…I dabble," Sam smiled.

Soon the toot of Arties car horn sounded from the driveway.

"Well time to go," Mr Jones clapped and gave his daughter a hug. "Give your momma a kiss for me, tell her I will see her before the end of the night, but we best get your brother to the game aye son?"

"Game?" Sam queried.

"Yeah Andy here is a quarter back for his school they have their final game tonight!" Mr Jones grinned from ear to ear patting his son on the back.

Sam looked at Mercedes and furrowed his brow. "You aren't going to watch his final game?"

"No way!" Andy interrupted, "it's Friday night, momma's night," he smiled.

Sam looked at them confused. Sam had been wondering about their momma. The way Mercedes spoke was like the sun shone continuously upon her and that she could do no wrong, but it was momma's night? What does that mean? Sam perused the photos along the wall of Mercedes, her brother and father and someone he was sure must have been her momma. Every time they spoke about her mother it was if she was just down the road and as if she would be home any minute.

"Well we best go..." Mercedes hugged her father and kissed her brother, "good luck with the game brother."

"I would rather be coming with you!" Andy groaned,

"Never mind Andy, next week," Mr Jones smiled, "next week."

…

Sam played the acoustic guitar Tina sang backup and Artie played the piano.

I can't believe I'm doing this, Sam moaned as he played before their eager audience as they sang song after song, hits of the 60's 70's 80's and 90's.

This is the exciting night they spoke of? Sam thought rolling his eyes, singing to a bunch of decrepit souls? I passed up my date with Sugar for this? He inwardly groaned.

Mercedes smiled at the applauding crowd and grinned, "This is our final song for tonight. This is my momma's favorite song, it's called Misty Blue, momma…this is for you," she whispered and winked at the middle aged woman who sat in the wheelchair before her and clapped happily like a little child at the greeting.

OMG that's her momma? Sam gapped, OMG her momma isn't well? Sam looked at Mercedes as she smiled at her momma, walked toward her and began to sing….

Oh, it's been such a long, long time
Looks like I'd get you off my mind
Oh, but I can't
Just the thought of you
Turns my whole world misty blue…

Sam played along following his sheet music but was gobsmacked to see the interaction between Mercedes mother and herself. Mercedes mother suffered from Dementia and believed she was only 16 years of age. She didn't understand that Mercedes was her daughter, but Mercedes called her momma none the less. As the song came to an end the residents of the hospital applauded their performance.

"Miss Mercedes..." Mrs Jones giggled clapping happily, "are we gonna go now?"

"Yes momma, poppa and Andy are gonna come later are you ready?"

"Ahmmm," Mrs Jones happily giggled.

Mercedes wheeled her mother outside the venue as the doctors and nurses waved them off.

"Bye bye Mrs Jones," they happily chortled beaming from ear to ear.

"Ready momma?" Mercedes smiled as they stood perched at the top of the hill.

"Let's ride momma Jones!" Artie screamed and raced Mrs Jones down the hill.

Tina and Mercedes cheered happily from the top of the hill and then quickly ran after them. Sam smiled at their antics and ran down the hill too. When they made it to the bottom of the hill they made their way to the lake shore where a boat awaited. The three of them hopped into the boat as Mrs Jones and Artie were carried into the boat by Mike. Then they rowed out toward the other side of the lake.

"Close your eyes momma we're almost there." Mercedes smiled.

Mrs Jones closed her eyes and giggled, "oh Miss Mercedes, what is it what's the surprise?"

"You will see momma Jones," Tina smiled as they made it to the venue, then hoped out of the row boat. They had made this trip many times before, but each time was like a new experience for Momma Jones and her happiness was a lovely sight to behold.

Sam gasped as he looked at the surroundings around him. Thousands of fireflies buzzed around the small meadow beside the lake. The little luminous spheres twinkled in the night sky.

"Mercedes, this is-!" Sam was gobsmacked; he had no words to describe how he felt. It looked like they were amongst the stars, high up in space. It was beautiful.

Mrs Jones jumped around and danced from side to side.

"She can walk?" Sam gaped.

"Yeah…"

Mercedes smiled, "she pretends she can't when she is at the hospital but comes alive when we come here." They smiled as the watched Momma Jones flitter amongst the fireflies and as Mike and Tina danced along with her.

Sam turned to Mercedes and apprehensively asked, "Your momma, what's wrong with her if you don't mind me asking?"

"She thinks she's 16 years old, she doesn't understand that I'm her daughter, but I still call her momma she thinks that's her nickname," Mercedes chuffed and smiled at Sam.

"B-but why aren't you sad Mercedes? I would be devastated if this happened to my momma!" Sam queried, a worried look set across his brow.

Mercedes furrowed her brows and sent him a puzzled look.

"Well I would…don't just want to cry?"Sam scowled and shoved his hands in his pockets, "seeing her…yah know…unwell!"

Mercedes smiled and placed a hand on Sam's shoulder, "Chord, my momma is alive and that's all we care about, Artie and Tina have known her for many years and since Mike has joined us, he comes with us each week too. When we were little we would sing to the folks at the hospital every Friday night then Momma and Poppa would bring us here and we would dance amongst the fireflies. This dress…" Mercedes ran a hand over her attire, "my mom made for me when she was told about her onset of Dementia. She made me 20 of these outfits mainly by hand because she knew she couldn't be there for me when I became a teenager. They aren't fashionable or flattering but they are mine," she chuffed, "and that's why I wear them…" she smiled. "My momma made them."

Sam understood now why the clothes she wore were so important to her, her momma had made them with love. Sam could feel a strange feeling engulf him as tears pricked his eyes, was it happiness, gratitude for the life he led or wonderment for the girl who stood before him. Looking toward Mercedes Sam knew. It was wonderment.

"Would you like to dance Chord," Mercedes smiled lifting her arms toward him.

Sam returned her smile and then bowed before her, "I would love to Miss Jones!"

Artie played the music on his iPhone as they danced to a random selection of songs which consisted, once again, of hits from the 60's 70's 80's and 90's

"Momma Jones would you like to dance," Artie smiled bowing before Mrs Jones.

Mrs Jones blushed, "ok, but don't you dare tell Jack you danced with me," she giggled, "He might get angry!" To Mrs Jones Jack, also known as Poppa Jones, was her boyfriend. In her mind he was the same 16 year old boy she met so many years ago.

"Momma you best behave," Mercedes chuckled as she took Sam's hand, "otherwise I will tell poppa… I mean Jack. He's gonna come see you before the moon goes to sleep."

Mrs Jones giggled as she held Arties hands and danced to the soft music which echoed into the night.

Sam smiled as he watched Mike and Tina, Mrs Jones and Artie dance then took in the sight of the girl who he held in his arms, the moon dancing upon her brown orbs, thick glasses stationed securely upon the top of her head. He felt warm holding her hands as they danced amongst the fireflies. He felt free.

As the night drew to a close Andy and his father joined the company, Mrs Jones smiled as Jack approached her side and blushed as he took her in his arms.

"Lovely lady…" Mr Jones smiled to his wife, tears in his eyes, "I believe this dance belongs to me." and slipped an arm around her waist.

Mrs Jones giggled like a school girl and curtsied, "I've been waiting all night for you to arrive Jack," she smiled and took his hand as the two prepared to dance.

The five of them quickly sat on a log stationed near the clearing and watched the two take their positions. Andy stationed himself next to Mercedes and began to play the guitar he had brought. Then Artie let out a cry and cheered, "sing mommas song diva!"

As Andy played the introduction to the song, Mercedes eyes began to fill with tears as she watched her parents dance, finally Mercedes began to sing, Artie and Tina harmonizing in part…

Oh, it's been such a long, long time
Looks like I'd get you off my mind
Oh, but I can't
Just the thought of you
Turns my whole world misty blue

Oh honey, just the mention of your name
Turns the flicker to a flame
Listen to me good, baby
I think of the things we used to do
And my whole world turns misty blue

Sam happily watched as Mr and Mrs Jones dance before them, then he turned and took in the beauty of their daughter, he couldn't believe that someone as beautiful and wonderful as Mercedes Jones actually existed. She was amazing. She was just- Sam was dumbfounded as he listened to her sweet voice.

Ooooh baby, I should forget you
Heaven knows I tried
Baby, when I say that I'm glad we're through
Deep in my heart I know I've lied
I've lied, I've lied

Ooooh honey, it's been such a long, long time
Looks like I'd get you off my mind
But I can't
Just the thought of you, my love
My whole world turns misty blue…..

Listening to every single word sung, Sam's heart began to flutter. Shit, Sam thought, what the hell's going on? Then he looked at Mercedes and his heart just melted. Oh shit, Sam nervously grimaced, stop it, stop it Sam…this is just an article…it's just an article. He scolded himself. Sam was truly taken by the entire evening and especially Miss Mercedes Jones and he couldn't stop singing that song, that dam beautiful song, then Sam felt his eyes, oh shit, I'm dam well crying, I don't do tears, he grimaced, this just can't be, it's an article, I can't feel like this!

But Sam had to relent. Sam allowed the evening to take control of him, as the fireflies danced before them and as the sound of Mercedes melodious voice completed the most beautiful song, Sam now deemed, he had ever heard. Shaking his head Sam Evans couldn't believe he was smitten by Loserville and he grinned, taking in the entire scene.

I love Momma's night, he smiled to himself, I love it!

On behalf of Tara and Myself. Thank you very much for reading. Please Review.

Song: Misty Blue by the fabulous Dorothy Moore