Cuddle Monsters

Trails and Tells Part 10

Chapter 10

SAM and MERCEDES

Mercedes listened to Sam tell how Britney came to be. She listened tearfully but she listened. Sam told as little as possible obviously not feeling comfortable sharing other people's story even if he realized the importance.

"So because of what happened to your Aunt your grandparents started this?"

"Yeah sort of that and other people that needed help. They had the means to create a system that could save people's lives. It has grown over time. My parents do actually travel the world as missionaries but the heart of what they do is on the grounds of Lilly Roads."

"Ok, so why are you telling me all this? I mean do you think I need help like that?"

"I didn't say that and honestly I don't know. Only you know that Mercy. I mean I have seen firsthand how something like this changes people's lives. Other people don't seem affected at all."

"Mercedes nodded slowly. Ok, well thank you Sam but I think I will be ok. I, I don't want to hear anymore. I am sorry for what happened to your Aunt and I am sorry such evil touched your family. The work that they do, that all of you do is amazing. But I wasn't battered. I dated Anthony even though I knew he was a liar and a cheat. I kept dating him, kept putting myself in precarious situations with him. I feel like this is my fault. And if it is my fault, I guess..."

"Sam interrupted her and knelt down in front of her. Mercedes, he said look at me. He held her hands in his, noticing how they covered her hands. None of this was your fault darlin. You did not deserve any of this. Men like that prey on nice, sweet young ladies such as yourself. It's awful yes and it happens more than you think. You are not the first person he has done something like this to I'm sure."

"Mercedes thought back to Shana, and the name fell off her lips in a whisper. Sam nodded his head."

"Probably. That's probably why she felt she had to warn you."

"Yeah, Mercedes said but I didn't listen."

"Sam stopped her, by that time you were in too deep. She should have warned you the first day. I mean she was talking to him that day. I know she saw him notice you. That would have been the time. I am almost certain that is why she acts the way she does. I really wouldn't be surprised if he is pimping her out."

"Mercedes covered her face with her hand. She said Oh, God. I thought the absolute worst of her. I called her terrible names and she sighed..."

"Don't do that to yourself Mercy. You didn't know."

"Mercedes looked at Sam and asked what makes me so different from her now? I'm the same. I don't know how to feel. One minute I feel angry, one minute I feel stupid, I am obviously needy, I am all messed up with emotions and I was never good at expressing emotions."

"Ok, let me stop you there. The difference between you and Shana is that you fought back. You looked him in the eye and said no. You are stronger than you think you are Mercedes Jones. Sam smiled and stood to his feet. That other thing about your emotions. That isn't true you express such emotion in your music. I feel it in my soul when you sing. I get chills, literally. I am not lying to you right now."

Mercedes was laughing softly and shaking her head.

"You give other people something every time you open your mouth, whether that's encouraging them or making them feel a little less lonely. You hit the nail on the head. I won't talk anymore about my offer but at least think about it. Can you do that for me?"