A Tribe United

Chapter 29

Mercedes wrinkled her nose as she felt something touch her face. It was feather light but insistent. She finally peeled her eyes open when it wouldn't leave her alone.

Mike and Quinn were kissing her face.

She giggled. "Guys..."

"Happy birthday!"

She giggled again. "It's my birthday!"

"Yeah." Mike turned her on her back. "You know what that means."

"Mikey, no. My breath stinks."

He leaned close and sniffed her closed mouth. "No, it doesn't."

She gave a short chuckle. "You stop that, you horndog."

Quinn kissed her cheek repeatedly. "I don't care what you say. We're going to put a smile on your face for the whole day."

And they did...

ATU

"Happy birthday, Mercy!" The rest of the house yelled when Mercedes made it to the kitchen for breakfast.

"Thank you!" She glowed.

"Here you go." Joe set a plate of strawberry banana pancakes in front of her place setting.

"Thank you, Joe!" Mercedes sat down.

Marc prayed and she dug in. "You know what today means."

Mercedes chewed happily, dancing in her seat. She nodded.

"You get presents?" Brittany hoped.

"Well yeah but when we turn fifteen, we get coffee and beer." Quinn was excited for next week, when she'd turn fifteen.

"What?!" Santana looked at her askance.

"Haven't you noticed that we don't drink coffee?"

"Chang does."

"He's fifteen."

Santana was just shocked. "Okay then."

Joe brought Mercedes a cup of black coffee. "Congratulations, birthday girl."

"Thank you, Joe." Mercedes picked up her mug and sipped. She immediately retched. "Oh my goodness!"

Marc laughed. "Bitter, huh?"

"I need milk!"

Laura giggled as she handed her soy milk.

"I want real milk." Mercedes pouted.

"You have to think of your tummy."

"Yes, Laura." Mercedes poured in a few dollops of soy milk.

"What's wrong with your tummy?" Brittany grew scared.

"Marc, Marcy and I are lactose intolerant."

"What's that?"

"Cow's milk produces lactose and it's hard for us to digest. So no cheese or milk or yoghurt or ice cream."

Santana was too done... until she realized, "I've seen you eat ice cream! And cheese! And frozen yogurt!"

"I didn't say we didn't eat it. Just that we shouldn't."

"What happens when you do?"

"We're eating!" Marcy snapped.

Santana blanched.

Brittany ignored all of that to ask, "You've been getting presents for weeks. Are you going to open any of them now?"

"When we come back from work." Mercedes nodded as she sipped her coffee. It was still too bitter so she added three teaspoons of sugar. After stirring, she sipped. It was perfect. "I like it."