A/N: Back again! I really appreciate the reviews! You all are great! I don't recall this being dealt with too much on the show so I thought I would pursue this thread some. It will build into what I have planned for them. Hope you like this latest chapter.

/

"Marissa? Are you okay? Where did you go?" Bianca asked, worried about the redhead.

"Huh? I'm fine. I won't be able to make it for lunch tomorrow. There's something I need to do."

"Okay. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No. I don't think so. It's just something I really need to do." Marissa checked the time. "I have to go. I have a brief I have to finish before tomorrow."

"You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Call me later if you want to talk."

Marissa nodded and headed back to work.

Bianca watched her leave and was concerned. She couldn't ever recall seeing Marissa as down as she was now. She saw Krystal behind the counter and approached her.

"Hi, Krystal. Could I ask you something? It's about Marissa."

"What about her? Is there something wrong?"

"I don't know for sure. She just seems a little down. Is there something about tomorrow that would cause that?"

"Tomorrow? Not that I know of." Krystal pulled out a calendar and checked the date. She thought for a minute and then made a connection. "Of course. I think I know why she may be feeling that way. It's the anniversary of Roy and Lydia's deaths."

"Her parents? Oh, I'm sorry, Krystal."

"That's okay. You're right. She considers them her parents, and she loves them very much. They raised her. They're responsible for her being the person she is today. They did an incredible job."

"You're right. They did. She is something special. She loves you too though."

"I suppose she does but not the same way as them. I don't blame her. Our relationship is complicated. I know she still struggles with my giving her up."

Bianca knew this was true and couldn't think of any way to respond to that statement. A thought occurred to her. "Are the Taskers buried in her hometown?"

"Yes, they're buried back in Devon. Excuse me for a minute, Bianca." A server approached Krystal with a question interrupting their conversation.

"That's okay, Krystal, I need to go."

"Bianca, would you keep an eye on Marissa for me?"

"You know I will."

/

Bianca entered the Fusion offices looking for her sister. "Hey, Kendall, I need a favor."

"Sure, Binx. What do you need?"

"Could you watch the girls tomorrow afternoon for me?"

"I'd be happy to. You know I love spending time with them"

"Yeah, I know, and they love spending time with Aunt Kendall."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I think so, at least with me."

"Okay, you've got my attention. If you're okay, then is it someone else?"

"It's Marissa. She seemed down at lunch and cancelled for tomorrow. She said she had something she needed to do. I checked with Krystal to see if she knew what might be up. It turns out tomorrow is the anniversary of her parents' deaths."

"Oh, that makes sense that she would be a little down. She was pretty close with them, wasn't she?"

"Yeah, she was. I haven't seen her that down before. I'm a little worried about her."

"I'm sure she'll be okay, Bianca, but you want to be sure of that, don't you?"

"I do, yeah. I have a feeling she's going back to Devon to visit their graves tomorrow."

"Did she give any indication that she was going out of town for the day?"

"No, it's just a hunch. I checked with Caleb on my way over here, and he confirmed that she took tomorrow off."

"What does that have to do with me watching the girls?"

"Well, if she's upset, I don't think it's a good idea for her to make that drive by herself. I've cleared my schedule for tomorrow, and I'm going to go over to her place early tomorrow morning to see if she wants company."

"You could just ask her tonight, couldn't you? I mean, aren't you taking a chance that she'll agree? What if she says no?"

"It's a chance I'm willing to take. Besides, it's harder to refuse someone to their face than over the phone."

"You've got a point. You're that worried about her?"

"I'd say I'm more concerned than worried. She's been incredible, and I just want to make sure she's okay. That she's safe. It's the least I can do after everything she's done for me."

"She has done a lot for all of us. Tell her I'm thinking about her. Do you think she'll need someone to watch AJ? If she does, I'm willing to add one more to the mix."

Bianca smiled. "I'm sure she has that covered, but I'll let her know the offer. I know she'll appreciate it. Thanks for watching the girls."

"It's not a problem. You'll just owe me one! Have a safe trip. Let me know if Marissa needs anything."

"I will, and thanks again. Talk to you tomorrow."

Kendall watched her sister as she left. Interesting. Is it just concern or is it something else, Bianca?

/

The next morning, Marissa saw AJ off to school. She hoped her son didn't notice her mood. She had tried hard to put on a happy face for him. No matter how hard she tried though, she just couldn't shake this feeling of melancholy that had been building the last few days. This year was a little better than last year, but this day always seemed to affect her the same way. She knew why. She still missed her parents. They had been taken far too soon. She thought about their life together and her hometown. She hadn't been back to Devon for a couple of years and felt a little guilty for not having gone back sooner. She decided a few weeks ago that this year she would make the trip. She was anxious about it and knew it wouldn't be easy, but Marissa felt she owed it to her parents. She checked the time and knew she should head out. Maybe, I should have talked to Bianca and asked her to come with me. I know she would have come. I wouldn't be dreading this drive so much with her here. Well, it's too late now.

She grabbed her keys and purse and headed out the door. Marissa came to a complete stop as soon as she walked outside. Bianca was getting out of her car.

"Bianca, hi. What are you doing here? Is everything okay? Did you need something?"

"Morning. Everything's fine."

"That's good. I'm actually on my way out."

"You mind if I ask where you're headed?"

Marissa looked at Bianca and knew she needed to tell her. "Today is the anniversary of the day my parents died. I'm headed to Devon to visit for the day."

"That's a bit of a drive. Would you like some company?"

"What about work and the girls?"

"My schedule is clear, and Kendall is watching the girls this afternoon. She wanted to know if you need her to watch AJ."

"That's very nice of her, but AJ's staying with Tad after school."

"So, would you like some company?"

Marissa nodded. "Yes, I would."

"I'll drive then. Are you ready?"

The redhead nodded again and got in the passenger side. Once they were on the road, she turned to Bianca. "How did you know what I was doing today?"

"You seemed so down and distracted yesterday. After you left, I asked Krystal if she had an idea of why. She remembered that today was the anniversary. I had a feeling you might be headed to Devon when Caleb told me you took today off. You don't talk about them a lot, but I know that you miss them. I thought the trip might be hard for you, and I didn't want you to go through this alone."

Marissa whispered, "Thank you."

Bianca knew better than to press her to talk. Marissa would do so when she was ready. "You're welcome."

The drive to Devon was silent. Bianca glanced at Marissa several times to check on her. She seemed lost in thought as she watched the scenery go by. Once they entered town, Marissa asked her to stop at a florist where she picked up two sets of flowers. They headed to the cemetery.

When they arrived, Bianca asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm as okay as I can be today. I won't be long."

"Take as long as you need. I'll wait over at that bench."

Marissa took a deep breath and walked to her parents' gravesites. She placed the flowers by their headstones and sat on the grass between them. "Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. I'm sorry it's been so long since I've been here. I know what you'd say, Mom. That I shouldn't feel that way. That I should be living my life and not dwelling in the past. I'm trying, but today's hard. I miss you both. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about the both of you." Marissa sighed and wiped a tear away. "Okay, Dad, no more tears. What can I tell you about my life now? I've met Krystal. She's nice, and we're working on building a relationship. She's living in Pine Valley and convinced me to move there. You'll be proud to know that I'm a lawyer, and I'm actually pretty good at it. The best thing is that I'm a mom! I have a son. His name is AJ, and he's seven. He is the most amazing boy. While I didn't give birth to him, I couldn't love him any more than if I did. That's right. He's adopted, kind of fitting when you think about it. He's my ex-husband's son with my sister who passed away before I moved to Pine Valley. I know, it's a little confusing, but just know that AJ is the light of my life. I finally understand everything you two told me about the love a parent has for a child whether they are blood or not. We just moved to our own home. It's not the biggest, but it's perfect for us. Yeah, Dad, I'm avoiding the ex-husband talk. Let's just say that I'm pretty sure neither of you would like him too much, but I do have AJ so something good did come out of that relationship."

Marissa shifted slightly. "I'm taking care of myself so you don't have to worry about me. I've met some very nice people in Pine Valley, and they look out for me. Actually, one of them came with me today. Her name is Bianca, and she is the best friend I could ever ask for. She is absolutely amazing. You both would love her. She is the most caring and giving person I've ever known. She showed up at the house today to make the drive up with me without me asking or even telling her what I was going to do. She's one of the strongest people I know too. She's been through a lot and still has an incredible outlook on life. She reminds me a little of Dad. She has his goofy sense of humor. If you met her, you'd never believe she is Erica Kane's daughter. Yeah, I've met the Erica Kane. She is definitely something else, a force to be reckoned with. I guess Bianca is a little like that, but only when protecting those she cares about. She gave my ex a piece of her mind a little while back. It feels good to have someone in my corner like that. I'm talking too much about her, aren't I? I've just never had someone so special in my life." Marissa smiled. "You'd like her sister Kendall too. She's become a good friend. What else can I tell you about you about Pine Valley?"

Bianca watched as Marissa visited with her parents. She was relieved to see that the redhead's mood seemed to take a turn for the better. She looked away to give her more privacy. It was some time later that Bianca head someone singing. She looked around and realized that it was Marissa. She has an amazing voice! That song is so familiar. Where have I heard it before? That's the song she was humming to Miranda and Gabby the day of the incident with Reese. Bianca listened to her sing and could only stare. She was mesmerized by the scene. It's such a lovely song made even more beautiful by Marissa's voice, and the feeling she puts behind the words. She looks so calm, so peaceful and so beautiful.

Bianca blinked as she saw Marissa stand and walk towards her. "Hey, I'm sorry I was so long."

"It's okay. How are you doing?"

"I'm better. I really am. Are you okay if we head back home? I really want to see AJ."

"Sure. I'm ready whenever you are."

They walked to car and headed back to Pine Valley. After about 10 minutes, Marissa opened up. "I'm glad I came here today. I feel closer to them here for some reason. I wish you could have known them. They were great." She sighed. "How was Krystal yesterday?"

"She was okay. Why?"

"Well, I know it had to be hard on her when she realized what was going on with me. I know she loves me, but I sometimes have a hard time understanding everything that she did. She tries, but it's complicated. I won't even go into my relationship with David. I guess I'm lucky that she gave me to my parents though. I couldn't have asked for better ones. They gave me so much love and such a wonderful childhood."

She continued to tell Bianca about her childhood and her parents on the drive back to Pine Valley. They stopped at a small diner for a late lunch along the way, and Marissa continued to share memories.

As they started back home after lunch, Bianca turned to her. "Marissa, could I ask you something?"

"You can ask me anything."

"The song I heard you singing…"

"Oh my God! You heard me? I didn't realize I was singing that loud. I'm so embarrassed." Marissa covered her face.

Bianca gently pulled the redhead's hands from her face. "You shouldn't be. You have a beautiful voice, and it's a lovely song."

"Thank you." Marissa said, still slightly embarrassed.

"You're welcome. Is that the same song you were humming to the girls that day at Krystal's?"

"Yes, it is."

"I hadn't heard it before. What's the name of it?"

"It's called 'Forever More'. My dad used to sing it to me whenever I was scared. It always made me feel better. It always managed to calm me down and made me feel less afraid. It made me feel good about myself. It really is a beautiful song, isn't it?"

Bianca smiled. "Yes, it is. It calmed the girls down. I actually heard Miranda trying to hum it to herself after we got home."

"Really? I'll have to teach it to her if you don't mind."

"Why would I mind? I think she would really like that."

They soon arrived at Tad's. As soon as they pulled up to the house, AJ darted outside to greet his mother. Marissa kissed him and hugged him tightly. "I love you so much. You know how much, don't you?"

The boy nodded. "Inside out and upside down! I love you too. Are you feeling better, Mom?"

Marissa looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"You just seemed kinda sad this morning."

She smiled and remembered that nothing got by him. "Yes, I'm much better, thanks to you and Bianca."

AJ smiled and got in the car. "Hi, Bianca!"

"Hey, Buddy! Did you have a good day?"

He nodded and proceeded to tell the two about everything that had happened.

When Bianca got the pair home, AJ got out of the car and started to run to the front door. He stopped midway and ran back towards the driver's side and motioned to Bianca.

The brunette unfastened her seatbelt, opened the car door and knelt beside him. "What's up, Buddy?"

AJ hugged her tightly. "Thank you for helping Mom feel better today. Love you, Bianca."

Bianca swallowed hard. "You're welcome, AJ. I love you too."

AJ turned to Marissa and asked for the key to the front door.

"I'll be right there, AJ."

Her son nodded and ran to head inside.

Bianca noticed Marissa starting to wipe tears from her eyes. She walked over and hugged her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I am. I'm just thinking how lucky I really am. I have the best son anyone could ever ask for. I had wonderful parents even if it was for a short time. I really wish you could've known them."

"You know, I think I do know them some after today. From everything you've told me about them, I think you're a great deal like them."

"You do?'

"I do. You are such an amazing person and an even more amazing mother if that's possible. They would be very proud of you."

Marissa struggled to form a reply for a few seconds. "Thank you. That's the best compliment anyone has ever given me, and thank you for going with me today. I don't know if I could have gotten through it without you. That's another thing that makes me so lucky, having you in my life."

Bianca could only manage "You're welcome."

"Mom!"

Marissa smiled. "That would be me! Coming, AJ! Talk to later, and give the girls a hug and kiss from me."

"I will." Bianca's cell rang, and she answered. She smiled as Miranda was on the other end of the line.