Maureen was released from the hospital five days later after promising not to cut again. As a precaution, Joanne moved all of the knives and medications out of Maureen's reach. Dr. Garcia concluded that Maureen had collapsed from a combination of blood loss and exhaustion, so she had to stay in her wheelchair even longer. Maureen didn't really care anymore, her chair was a part of her; and all she cared about was going home.
Maureen wheeled herself into the apartment and pulled off her gloves. Joanne turned on the lights and put her purse on the table.
"What do you want for dinner?" she asked. Maureen stopped to think.
"Anything other than hospital food." Joanne smiled. "I want to order from that Mexican place down the street." Joanne dug through the kitchen drawer for the menu.
"Okay, you want a Diet Coke too?" she asked in a joking manner. Maureen stuck out her tongue. "I'm kidding!" Joanne picked up the phone and dialed the number.
Forty-five minutes later, Joanne and Maureen were curled up on the couch together eating. Maureen was sitting quite comfortable on Joanne's lap.
"Casey Novak called and left a message," Joanne said. "She's happy that you're better, but Dan's lawyer is pushing for a speedy trial. I'm so sorry Honeybear, but you're needed in court tomorrow." Maureen froze. Joanne stroked the diva's wavy hair. "I'm sorry baby, I really am. There's no way around this. If you don't testify-"
"The bastard will go free," Maureen said in a monotone. "I'll be ready this time, I promise." Maureen buried her face in Joanne's neck. She felt the lawyer kiss the top of her head and continue to stroke her hair and back.
Several minutes later, Maureen sat up and asked, "He'll be there, won't he?" Joanne nodded solemnly.
"Yeah, he will, but so will I, and Olivia and Elliot. Dan won't be able to even talk to you. There's nothing for you to worry about." Maureen nodded. "Just tell the truth, and remember, the defense attorney is going to try and make it seem like your fault, because there's so much evidence against Dan. Don't let him shake you up, it's his job."
"I know, you told me this already." Joanne kissed Maureen's cheek softly.
"I'm just making sure. I don't want to have a complete breakdown tomorrow when we get to the courthouse." Maureen snaked her arms around Joanne's neck and closed her eyes. "You tired Honeybear?" The diva shrugged.
"A little." Joanne rubbed her thin back.
"Why don't you go to bed then?" Maureen shook her head.
"I want to stay here with you."
"I have some work to do, so I'll be up for a while. You, however, need your rest. Go to bed, I'll be three soon." Maureen climbed off Joanne's lap and into her wheelchair. Before leaving, she kissed the lawyer tenderly.
"I love you," she said quietly.
"I love you too." Maureen flashed Joanne a smile and wheeled herself to their room.
Sighing, Joanne pulled out her briefcase. She had been so worried about Maureen that she had fallen behind on her work. Joanne began flipping through files and taking vigorous notes on her pad of paper. Suddenly, an Earth-shattering scream tore through the apartment.