I was super impressed with last night's episode and next week's looks pretty awesome too! I don't really know what I plan to do with this so make sure to stay tuned! Thanks for reading and please review!

Disclaimer: I own nothing recognizable

"What's up?" After all of the day's events Stef was having a hard time focusing on the SWAT team around her as she had to leave Brandon and Callie.

"We found your daughter Marianna." Stef's heart stopped as she waited for the man to finish. "She is alright but she needs a little encouragement to move. She's terrified."

"Where did you find her?" Stef swallowed as she spoke, her heart confused. Happy that her daughter was safe but heartbroken at her fear.

"Standing on the toilet in the girl's bathroom."

"Oh, my poor baby." Stef couldn't hold herself back as they appeared to have reached their destination.

"Go on in." The man spoke with a sad smile and gestured towards the door.

When Stef went in her eyes first went to the man who had apparently stayed with Marianna but then quickly traveled to her. She hadn't appeared to move at all from when they found her, still standing on the toilet with tears streaming down her face. "Hi Sweet Pea." She spoke softly to get Marianna's attention but the scared teen still jumped slightly, then she realized it was her Mom and Stef saw her shoulders relax ever so slightly.

"Is it over?" Her eyes drew up to her Mother's as she spoke.

Stef nodded knowing now was not the time for specifics. "You're safe now Mari. You did so good. I'm so proud of you."

"Ok." Marianna uncharacteristically hesitated before she spoke, but she did not move.

"Do you want to come down and go see Mama and your Siblings?" Stef didn't want to force her daughter into anything she was uncomfortable with after the day she had.

"Everyone is safe?" Marianna needed the confirmation.

"Yes ma'am." Stef was careful to keep her voice quiet. "Let's go see 'em, yeah? They are all very worried about you."

"Ok." She didn't hesitate as much as she spoke and grabbed on to her mother and stepped down from the toilet.

"You're so brave sweet girl." Stef finally allowed herself to crack a relieved smile as she kissed the top of her girl's head. "Let's go see Mama and everyone else." She gripped her tight and nodded to the SWAT member who took the lead and began to escort them to safety.

Marianna's tears had slowed, with her Mom's arms around her she had begun to feel safe- although her mind wouldn't stop racing at what seemed like a million miles an hour. She leaned in for more comfort which Stef happily gave her. Neither spoke knowing the time for that would come later.

When they made the final turn and the exit was in sight Stef begun to have to hold back her own tears, she was only successful because she knew the rest of her family was safe right ahead of her. She was brought out of her own thoughts by her daughter's small voice; "We're finally safe."

"I'll always protect you. Always." Stef didn't want to lie but knew the exact truth that no one could find Nick would not be very helpful. Marianna leaned in closer at Stef's words as they finally exited Anchor Beach.

Both women became increasingly emotional as they saw Lena in the distance. Once they got close enough Marianna released herself from Stef's arms and went to hug her other Mother.