A Tribe United Again

Chapter 17

Mercedes was so happy to be back home. She took a shower and just laid in the bed until Quinn waddled in.

"What are you doing?"

"Just lying here." Mercedes didn't even open her eyes.

Quinn climbed in the high bed. "I just talked to Marcy. She's taking down her Christmas decorations."

"Already? It's just the 29th."

"Yeah." Quinn paused. "She sounded a bit queer on the phone."

"How so?"

"I'm not sure. There wasn't a spark. Mal kept saying she was fine but she slept throughout the whole flight home and wouldn't talk to anyone when she was awake."

"Yeah." Mercedes realized. "What is going on with her? Jude and Yuria, too."

"I have no idea. We could go bug her."

"Okay."

ATUA

"Are you okay?" Karen held her wiggly daughter.

Marcy said nothing as she carefully set the ornaments from the tree into a plastic tub.

Mari chewed on her bottom lip. "Did you not have fun on your trip?"

Marcy said nothing, continuing to wrap and put away the ornaments.

"Okay, what's wrong?" Karen demanded.

Mickey ran in the room, screaming. She went straight to her mother. "Hi, Mommy!"

Marcy stared at her for a second before her features dramatically lightened. "Hi, baby!"

Mickey brightened. "Mommy, play!"

Marcy kissed her cheek. "Mommy has to work. You play with Bro-Bro."

Mickey pouted, widening her eyes.

Marcy smiled softly as she tapped the toddler's nose. "Get out."

Mickey giggled before running out. "Daddy!"

Marcy went back to work.

Karen and Mari stared at her. But Karen was the one to speak. "What was that?!"

"I want to get this done."

Mari didn't know how to feel. "You're talking!"

"Guys." Marcy worked faster now that her fog had lifted.

"You were just dead inside and now you're fine." Karen didn't get it.

Marcy made a face as she finished quickly. She put the top on the tub and "locked" it.

"We don't have to talk about it." Mari wished she would though.

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Look us in the face and say that." Karen challenged.

Marcy looked her in the face. "Quit buggin me."

Karen pouted. Marcy was fine now.

"We're not making love no more" Marcy sang low as she stood up and set the big tub by the open doorway.

"We're not?" Mal heard as he came in.

"I'm gonna be there for you" She sang to him.

He smiled. "Why are you singing Dru Hill?"

She shrugged. "Just felt like some Sisqo."

"You hate Sisqo."

"I don't hate him. I just think he got too much attention."