Ramifications

Leaning back in her chair, Bianca watched Babe and Jamie with an unreadable expression on her face. Uncomfortable, Babe took a deep breath and asked, "Why are you looking at us like that Bianca?"

"Like what Babe?"

"Like we're a lab experiment whose reactions you are trying to anticipate," Jamie jumped in.

Smiling a wide beautiful smile, Bianca laughed lightly, "Because that's exactly what this is."

Seeing their puzzlement, Bianca looked at JR and they exchanged a look of complete understanding.

"This is something of an experiment for me, allowing myself to be lead by my more- base nature, for want of a better term. I do have one you know. I am Erica Kane's daughter, and you've met my sister Kendall. You didn't know my father.Travis Montgomery was a ruthless force to be reckoned with when he was alive. So I'm suspending my Pollyanna persona and allowing my genes free reign."

"The problem with having such forceful personalities as parents is that their children tend to rebel by trying to be their opposite in everyway," JR added, "but sooner or later something or someone pushes you beyond your limits and the personality that you're cultivated your whole life cannot withstand the assault."

"So in an effort to survive you cast about for a way, a path, which will never again allow anyone to think that they can hurt and betray you without having to answer for it" Bianca intoned flatly.

"For Bianca and me the answer is the example of our parents. So simple really. When has Erica Kane or Adam Chandler ever been slighted by the same person twice? Their motto has served them well: Make me cry, I make you scream; knock me down, I knock you out; make me hurt-"

"I make you bleed." Bianca said cutting JR off. Looking at the couple, she narrowed her eyes, "It time you both bled."

Meanwhile in Pine Valley

"I should have insisted on going with them. It's not in Bianca's nature to be vindictive and petty – to do hurtful things, she's like my mother in that way," Erica mused out loud.

"Calm down Erica, and don't kid yourself, there's more you in Binks than I think anyone has given her credit for. Babe and her pathetic entourage crossed a line and there'll be hockey games in hell before Bianca forgives or forgets."

"I hope you're right Kendall, I just hate that she wants to do this alone."

"She needs to do this Erica, or she'll never be able to move past it. It'll eat at her if you or I step in and give those pathetic losers what they deserve. This has to be Bianca's call. But, that's not to say that we can't contribute to their misery, I think we're entitled, don't you?"

Smiling at her daughter, Erica was struck again by how much Kendall reminded her of herself, and if she knew her daughter, and she did, that gleam in her eye boded ill for some very deserving people. Sitting down, Erica patted the couch beside her, "What do you have in mind sweetheart?"

Sitting down where Erica indicated, Kendall looked into her mother's eyes and smiled, "Well…"

Watching his step-mother and sister put their raven heads together, Reggie leaned over and said to Jackson in a stage whisper, "Dad, aren't you glad they're on our side?"

Chuckling, Jackson caught Erica's eye with a wink and answered his son, "This is the side you want to find yourself during any hurri-Kane son."

"Word" Reggie agreed, sitting back to enjoy his first lesson in the Art of War. Kane style.