A/N: As always, thank you for the great reviews, and thanks for forgiving me! I'm picking up where I left off with the last chapter. The kids are back, and this piece of the story is going to be continued. A couple of characters from the original storyline on the show are mentioned, and one will definitely be making an appearance further down the line. I hope you enjoy it!
/
"So, was that a proper enough thank you?" Bianca grinned as she continued to softly caress Marissa as they lay in bed.
"Let me think." The redhead paused for a less than a heartbeat. "Yes, dear God, yes!" Marissa laughed and sighed as Bianca pulled her closer. "It is so good to be home, where I belong, here with you."
"This is exactly where you belong. It's so good to have you back here with me."
"I take your thank you as a sign that you're happy I didn't agree with you about getting you something."
"Yes, I'm very happy you didn't agree with me, at least this time. My locket is absolutely beautiful and perfect, and I love it. You knew that I would though."
"I did and that's because I know you."
"Yeah, you do, probably better than anyone ever has or will. Did you like your proper welcome home?"
Marissa laughed. "Did I like it? Uh no, I loved it! You know Jack and Caleb mentioned another conference next week. I'm thinking of volunteering to go if I'm going to get another welcome home like this."
"What did you say? You better be joking, Tasker!" Bianca started to tickle Marissa.
The redhead burst out laughing. "Uncle! Uncle! I give! I'm just joking! I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon, not without you at least!"
"That's more like it! Because if you did, I'd be blocking the door, and you'd have to get through to me to get out of here!" Bianca laughed.
Marissa sighed. "Trust me, I don't want to go anywhere. This is the only place I want to be." She glanced at the bedside clock. "What time is Kendall bringing the kids home?"
Bianca checked the time. "Oh my God, I can't believe how late it is! We haven't done anything all day. They're going to be here soon unless I can get Kendall to keep them for a little while longer."
"Um, excuse me, but are you serious? I seem to recall us doing quite a lot today!"
Bianca laughed. "That's not what I meant, and you know it! You're right though. We have done quite a lot today. Remind me to thank my sister for not only getting you home sooner but for keeping the kids."
"I will, and I owe her a big thank you myself. We can't forget Greenlee either. Since the kids will be home soon, I guess we better get moving."
"Yeah, we better." Bianca gave kissed her as she started to get out of bed. The brunette stopped and made a face as she glanced around the room.
Marissa grinned. "If you're looking for your pajamas up here, you won't find them. I'm positive we left them somewhere downstairs."
The memory of what had occurred between them in the family room not long ago flashed in Bianca's mind. She cleared her throat and smiled brightly. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure you're right. The robe it is for now, I guess. Why don't you grab your shower first, and I'll give Kendall a call to check on the kids and get us a little more time."
Marissa gave her a quick kiss and got out of bed grinning. "Feel free to join me. We could conserve water." The redhead picked up her robe and glanced over her shoulder as she walked into the bathroom.
"No matter how many times you've said that, it has yet to happen!" Bianca sighed happily as she admired the view as Marissa headed into the bathroom. You don't know how tempting of an idea that is though. The brunette shook her head as she picked up the phone and called her sister.
"Hello."
"Hi, Kendall."
"Hey, Binx. How are you doing?"
"You can save it, Kendall. I'm doing great and so is Marissa. I hear I have you and Greenlee to thank for helping get her home a day early."
Kendall laughed. "We were more than happy to help. Neither one of us could stand to see you so miserable. We figured the best way to fix that was to get Red home as soon as possible. I take it you liked your surprise."
"I loved my surprise, and you were right! So, thank you! And if you talk to Greenlee before I do, thank her for me."
"You got it."
"So, how are the kids, and how badly did they beat Zach?"
"They are doing great. No problems to report. They beat Zach pretty bad. He's threatening to get rid of the system and all of the video games! AJ's been showing Miranda some tricks, hasn't he?"
"Yeah, they were prepping for last night the other day when they heard they were going to stay over. They thought it would be fun. They love seeing Zach's reaction to losing to them."
"Well, he's just a big kid himself sometimes, and he loves to put on a show for him. As much fun as they're having over here though, they're anxious to get home and see Red."
"Marissa can't wait to see them. I was wondering if I could get you to do me one more small favor."
"Sure, just name it. If I can, you know I will."
"I just don't feel like dealing with having to fix dinner so I was thinking it would be nice to have a picnic for dinner. Would you mind picking up an order from Krystal's for me? I'd get it myself, but the dining room is still kind of a mess from the kids making Marissa's banner, and..."
"And you don't want to leave Red's side just yet either." Kendall laughed. "I think I can handle that. It's on the way so it's not a problem."
"Yeah, that's a big part of it. I'm that obvious, huh?"
"Just a little!"
"Well, she just got back home, and I don't want to leave her just yet. So, thanks and I really appreciate you picking it up for me. What …"
"Hold on a second, Binx." Bianca could hear Kendall talking to her oldest daughter. "Miranda wants to talk to you."
"Okay, put her on."
"Hi, mom!"
"Hi, Mimo. Did you have fun last night?"
"Yep, we sure did. Uncle Zach was pretty funny. Is Marissa home yet?"
Bianca smiled hearing the excitement in her daughter's voice. "Yes, she is. Did you want to talk to her? She's in the other room. I can go get her if you want."
Miranda paused as she thought about it. "No, that's okay. I can wait until we get home. You sound happy mom."
"I'm very happy, Mimo. I'm very happy to have her home, and Marissa's very happy to be home too. She can't wait to see all of you. In fact, we were just talking about the three of you."
"Really? Did she see the banner?"
"She did, and she loves it and said it was perfect. She told me that she loves it almost as much as she loves the three of you, and she plans on keeping it."
Miranda smiled brightly. "She really said that?"
"She really did. So, I was thinking we could have a picnic for dinner. What do you think?"
"I like that idea a lot. It'll be fun. Marissa likes our family picnics a lot too."
"Yes, she does. Good, I'm glad you like the idea. Aunt Kendall is going to stop at Krystal's to pick up some things for it when she brings you all home."
"Okay, we'll help her out. She said we would be coming home soon. Oh, she wants to talk to you again. We'll see you and Marissa real soon, mom! Love you!"
"Love you too!" Bianca heard Miranda hand the phone back to Kendall and could hear her talking to AJ and Gabby. All three were excited to get home.
"Well, you have three kids that can't wait to get home. Is it all clear to head over?"
"I need to place the order and then grab a quick shower. Does heading out in 45 minutes work for you?"
"You're just now getting a shower? Never mind! I don't want to know anything more! Forget I asked, please! We'll head over in a little bit then. I'll see you soon."
Bianca laughed. "Asked what? Okay, I need to call Krystal's. Thanks, Kendall. We'll see you in a little bit." The brunette disconnected and called the restaurant.
"Good afternoon, Krystal's. How can I help you?"
"Hi, Krystal."
"Hey, Bianca. How are you? Did my baby girl make it home okay last night?"
"Marissa made it home just fine, and now that she's home, I'm great."
"Well, I'm happy to hear that, for both of you. I know she's as happy to be home as you are to have her there."
"Wait, you knew she was coming home last night?"
"I did. She called me the other night, and we talked for a little while. It was a very nice conversation, and she was excited about getting home early and surprising you. Thank you so much for that, Bianca."
"She didn't tell me that you talked. That's great, and I didn't do anything, Krystal, so there's no need to thank me for anything. You and Marissa have done all of the work. You have been nothing but supportive of her, us and our relationship. Marissa sees that and knows that. She really appreciates it, and so do I. So, it's all you and nothing to do with me."
"Oh, you don't give yourself enough credit. Marissa is trying because you asked and because she loves you. That girl would do anything for you. So, please, let me thank you."
"You're welcome. And just so you know, I would do anything for her, Krystal."
"I know. There is no doubt in my mind about that. Okay. What can I do for the Tasker-Montgomery family?"
Bianca couldn't hold back her smile. No matter how many times she heard their names linked together, it always brought her profound happiness. "I was thinking of having a picnic for Marissa and the kids for dinner, and …"
"Say no more. I've got you covered. When do you need it?"
"Kendall watched the kids last night and will be dropping them off soon. She's going to stop by in about 45 minutes to pick it up for me if that works for you."
"I'll have it all ready for her. How does fried chicken and the works sound?"
"It sounds perfect. Thanks! I hear Marissa coming. Would you like to talk to her?"
"I'd love to, but I've got to get this order together for my daughter's family. Plus, a big group just came in, and they look hungry. Tell Marissa that I said hello and that I'm glad she's home. I'll be seeing all of you soon, I hope."
"I'll let her know. Thanks again, Krystal, and we will definitely be seeing you soon." Bianca disconnected the call just as Marissa exited the bathroom.
"I waited as long as I could for you to join me, but I guess conserving water was out of the question today given when the kids will be home, huh?" Marissa smirked.
Bianca laughed. "Yeah, we'd have to rush, and I do not want to rush anything with you." The brunette gave her a loving kiss. "You are definitely more than worth the time and effort."
"Right back at ya! Are the kids good?"
"The kids are great and can't wait to see you."
"Well, they're not alone there. I've really missed them. Okay, I'll get dressed and start on cleaning up the kitchen while you get your shower. I'll meet you downstairs."
Bianca nodded and gave her a quick kiss. "Sounds like a plan."
Marissa grinned as she watched her girlfriend head into the bathroom. Bianca could feel the redhead's eyes on her and couldn't resist putting an extra sway in her hips as she walked away. Marissa sighed happily and quickly changed. She made their bed before heading downstairs. The redhead found her shirt still lying on the stairs and scooped it up along with Bianca's. I don't think neither of us wants to explain why our clothes are all over. She found their pajamas by the sofa and added those to the pile as memories of last night and this morning caused a radiant smile to form across her face. She started to hum as she went to drop their clothes in the laundry room. Marissa put her iPod in the docking station and set it to shuffle as she began to clean the kitchen. Bianca came downstairs a short while later and began taking care of the dining room. She couldn't help but smile as she heard Marissa in the other room singing along with the songs playing on her iPod.
When Marissa saw Bianca exiting the dining room the same time she was leaving the kitchen, she smiled. "Perfect timing, as always!"
Bianca returned the smile as she slipped her arm around the redhead's waist, and they headed to the family room. "I do my best." She spotted the box containing her locket. "Would you help me with this?"
"It would be my pleasure."
When Bianca swept her hair from the back of her neck, Marissa fastened the clasp and dropped a kiss there causing her girlfriend to sigh contentedly. "Let me see how it looks." Bianca turned to face her. "Beautiful, absolutely beautiful."
"Yes, it is."
"I'm not talking about the locket."
Bianca pulled Marissa close and gave her a tender kiss. "Talk like that will get you anywhere."
"That's what I was planning on." Marissa gave her a mischievously grin.
"I'm afraid that will have to wait until later. The kids will be here soon."
"Later, it is then, and I'm going to hold you to that. Speaking of them, I need to get their gifts out of my suitcase."
"I took it upstairs."
Marissa nodded and dashed upstairs. When she returned, Bianca was sitting on the sofa, smiling and listening to the music drifting through their home. Marissa placed the gifts on the coffee table and held her hand out when she heard the next song begin. "Dance with me."
Bianca smiled brightly. "It would be my pleasure. Is this Martina McBride? What song is this?"
"It's her, and the song is I Just Call You Mine." The two began to slowly sway in time with the music and were quickly lost in the moment as they gazed into each other's eyes.
I pinch myself sometimes to make sure
I'm not in a dream, that's how it seems
I close my eyes and breathe in the sweetest moments
I've ever known, it feels like home
And here I am, I wanna be your everything
There you are turning winter into spring
And everyone that sees you always wants to know you
And everyone that knows you always has a smile
You're a standing ovation after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing yeah, I just call you mine
I fall apart and just a word from you somehow seems to fix
Whatever's wrong, oh, you reach into the weakest moments
And remind me that I'm strong, you've gotta know
I'd be a fool not to see or even worse
To forget that you're more than I deserved
Kendall and the kids entered the house, and she quickly stopped them from rushing in when she saw the couple dancing. She shared a smile with the children as they watched the couple.
Miranda grinned seeing her mom and Marissa together and lost in their own world. The sight was yet another confirmation of something she already knew in her heart.
'Cause everyone that sees you always wants to know you
And everyone that knows you always has a smile
You're a standing ovation after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing, I just call you mine
Nothing makes sense when you're not here
As if my whole world disappears
Without you what's the point of anything?
'Cause everyone that sees you always wants to know you
And everyone that knows you always has a smile
You're the dream that I've been chasing after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing, I just call you mine
Everyone calls you amazing, yeah, yeah, I just call you mine
As the song finished, Marissa pulled Bianca closer for a lingering kiss. They separated when they heard someone clear their throat and the giggling of their children.
Marissa's face lit up when she saw the kids. "Hi, guys!" She knelt down on the floor and held her arms open wide.
"Mom!"
"Rissa!"
"Mommy!"
The three rushed forward excitedly knocking the redhead over in the process. Marissa laughed and hugged her children tightly. "I missed you guys so much!" She gave Bianca a quick glance and gave her a dazzling smile as the brunette nodded and matched her smile with one equally as bright.
"We missed you a lot too, Rissa!"
"Thank you, Mimo!"
Bianca stepped forward. "How about you let Marissa at least sit up?"
The kids laughed and got up while the redhead righted herself. "Okay, come here!" She gave each child a hug and kiss. "It's so good to see the three of you!" She glanced up and saw Kendall smiling. "It's good to see you too, Curly!"
"Same here, Red! Welcome home."
"Thank you, and I really mean that! Thank you for everything!"
"You're welcome." She turned to her sister and held up a shopping bag from Krystal's. "Where would you like this, Binx?"
"Let's take that into the kitchen. Thanks for picking this up for me. I really appreciate it."
"It's not a problem. I was happy to do it." Kendall paused. "Bianca, did I hear what I think I did just a minute ago?"
Bianca was still smiling. "If you mean that you heard Gabby call Marissa 'mommy', then you did. That's the first time that's happened."
"Wow. Do you think Red caught it?"
"Oh yeah, she heard her. Didn't you see her smile? Come on, let's get back in there." The sisters headed back into the family room.
"Are you happy to be home, mom?"
Marissa was now off the floor and holding Gabby as she walked to the sofa to sit down. "I've never been happier, buddy! I missed Bianca and the three of you so much. And I want to thank you for my welcome home banner! It is, without a doubt, the best banner I've ever seen or had made for me! It's perfect, and I love it! Thank you!"
Miranda looked at AJ and whispered as they slowly went to join the redhead on the sofa. "I told you Amber didn't know what she was talking about."
AJ nodded and whispered back. "Yep, you did, and she doesn't know anything."
"Did you see how they were smiling and looking at each other while they were dancing when we came in?"
"Yep, I sure did. You're right. Mom's not going anywhere so I'm not either. You should really tell them what Amber's been saying to you. They'd want to know."
"I know, and I will. I'll tell them later. Rissa just got home, and they're really happy right now. I don't want to ruin it by telling them about her."
They sat on either side of Marissa with Gabby firmly planted on her lap. Bianca overheard their brief exchange. She immediately recognized the name of the girl who had caused the pair trouble early last year at a birthday party. The pieces of what was going on started to fit, but she felt she was still missing an important piece. When she had a chance, she would be discussing this latest piece of information with Marissa. Hopefully, her girlfriend could offer some additional insight. Bianca stood next to her sister and watched Marissa and their children.
Gabby saw the bags sitting on the coffee table. "What's in the bags, Rissa?"
Marissa grinned. The apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree in this family. "Well, monkey, when I little, my dad would have to travel for work. He would always bring me something home from where he had been. It was his way of letting me know that no matter where he went that he was always thinking of me and my mom. It always made me feel special. I promised myself that when I had a family of my own, I was going to do the same thing."
"Those are for us?"
"Yep, they sure are."
"Can we open them? I mean may we open them, please?" AJ asked.
Marissa smiled. "Yes, you may, but how about we do this one at a time?"
They nodded, and Bianca handed the first bag to Gabby. The little girl peaked inside the bag and squealed with delight. "It's a new monkey! He's so cute! Thank you! This is the bestest monkey ever!" She threw her arms around Marissa and hugged her with all of her might. "Love you, mommy!"
The redhead's breath caught as she hugged Gabby tightly and kissed the top of her head. "I love you too, monkey." When her eyes met Bianca's, both could see the other's eyes glistening.
"Is it my turn, mom?"
Marissa quickly composed herself and smiled at her son. "It sure is, buddy."
AJ opened his bag. "A Lego set of the Empire State Building! Cool, mom! Thanks! Love you!" He hugged Marissa.
She gave him a kiss on the top of his head and ruffled his hair. "I love you too, and you're welcome. I'm glad you like it." Marissa turned to Miranda who had been waiting patiently.
"My turn?"
"Yes, it is. Be careful because it's a little heavy. I hope you like it."
The young girl carefully removed the box that was inside and opened it. Her eyes grew excited. "Is it?"
Marissa nodded and smiled.
Miranda carefully removed a music box. "It's beautiful, Rissa! It looks kinda like your's!"
"Well, I know how much you like mine, and when I saw this, I thought of you right away. Your's is a little different other than the color. I know you'll like the song that it came with, but if you find another one that you want, you just let me know. We can replace it, okay?"
"Okay."
"It opens this way, and this is how you turn it on."
Miranda held the music box with both hands and carefully watched Marissa. "It's my favorite song from Beauty and the Beast! This is the best gift! I love it! Thank you, Rissa! Love you!" She set it down and hugged Marissa.
"You're welcome, and I love you too."
"I took really good care of your music box for you."
"I know. I can tell. Thank you." The redhead placed a kiss on top her head.
"You're welcome." Miranda beamed as she picked up her music box and began to listen to it again. She leaned against Marissa who put an arm around her. She looked up at Bianca and noticed her locket. "Is that new, mom?"
Bianca nodded. "It is. Marissa got this for me. Do you want to see it?" The children nodded and leaned forward to see the picture inside as Bianca sat on the coffee table in front of them.
"It's us!" Gabby said excitedly.
AJ pointed to the picture on the mantle. "It's the same picture. That's when we were at the fair!"
"You're right, it is!"
"What's it say on the other side, mom?" Miranda leaned in closer to read the inscription. She smiled brightly. "That's from your song, Rissa!"
"Uh huh, and I mean it with all of my heart." The two women looked at each other, and Bianca leaned over Gabby to give Marissa a quick kiss.
Bianca looked at AJ and Miranda. "No complaints from the two of you about us kissing?"
"Nope, it's okay since you missed each other a lot."
Marissa chuckled. "Thanks, buddy. We appreciate that."
"Well, I should get going."
"You don't have to go, Kendall. I forgot to ask you earlier. What are all of you doing tonight? You, Zach and the boys could join us for dinner. I ordered extra, and knowing Krystal, she probably added even more."
"Zach is taking the boys to a hockey game, and I am doing nothing."
"Then, you should stay."
"Tonight should just be your family. You don't need me here."
"You are family, Curly! Come on, stay. It'll be fun. Besides, how can you resist these faces? Give her the cute, irresistible looks, guys!"
Kendall laughed seeing all five giving her their best and most irresistible looks and flashing their smiles at her. "Alright, I'll stay! Who can resist this family?"
"I'm glad you're realizing that, Kendall." Bianca chuckled. "Okay, the three of you go get cleaned up for dinner, and we'll get things set up in the backyard for our picnic." The kids hopped off the sofa and ran up the stairs.
"Nice job on the gifts, Red. Santa couldn't have done any better himself."
"Thanks, Curly. I try my best."
Bianca held out her hand to Marissa and helped her off the sofa. "And you succeed! Let's get moving. Kendall, can you grab that blanket?" She glanced up the stairs to make sure no little ears were listening as they walked to the kitchen. "There's something I've got to tell you. I overheard a conversation between our oldest two children. I think I have a good idea of what's up with Miranda and who's been bothering her."
The three women had quickly set up their picnic outside as Bianca finished relating the conversation between AJ and Miranda.
"Why is the name familiar to me? What's her mom's name, Binx?"
"Her mother's name is Tammy." Marissa met Bianca's steady gaze. She remembered exactly who both the mother and child were. "Things are making sense to me now."
"Why do I know that name? Oh wait! Amber's the girl who called you a name at that birthday party and got Miranda upset. AJ stepped up to defend Miranda. You tried to talk to her mom, Tammy, and Red went with you to have your back. I remember you telling me about her. She sounds like a real piece of work."
"She's something all right. I'm pretty sure I know what's been going on. Amber's been spreading lies about us, me in particular, and playing on Miranda's insecurities about being left again."
Bianca shook her head. What Marissa said made sense to her now. It was the final piece she needed. "Why is she doing this to Miranda? Why hurt her? What's she getting from it? What's Miranda ever done to her? Where's she getting these ideas?"
"I'm not sure why she's doing it. Miranda is sweet, nice, kind, funny, smart and pretty and lots of people really like her. Maybe Amber doesn't like that. It doesn't really matter to a bully, and that's what she is. If I had to guess, I'd say that she's getting these ideas from her idiot mother."
Kendall smirked. "You're really watching your language, aren't you, Red?"
"Yes, I am."
"Why hasn't Miranda told us what's going on?"
Marissa sighed. "You're not going to like my answer, Bianca. She's being you. She thinks she can handle this all on her own, and she doesn't want to worry anybody."
"She's right, Binx. That's you to a T."
Bianca looked at her girlfriend and her sister. "As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. So, what are we going to do about this?"
Marissa saw the kids coming downstairs and heading outside. "For now, we're going to forget about dumb and dumber and enjoy our dinner. We're not going to let them ruin it. After that, will you let me talk to Miranda and see if I can get her to finally open up?"
"Okay, I think maybe she'll talk to you. But this is not over. Something will be done about them. This is not going to continue. I'm going to stand by while someone hurts and bullies our daughter. Someone's going to pay dearly for any pain they've caused her or other our other two children."
The redhead saw the anger in Bianca's eyes and walked over to her, putting her arms around the brunette's waist. "You're right about everything you've said, and we will do something about this, together. No one is going to get away with this. They're not going to know what hit them." Marissa gave Bianca a quick kiss and was rewarded with the grin she loved so much.
Kendall shook her head. "No matter how many times I see it, it never fails to surprise me. The two of you and how you know exactly what to say to the other to get through to them and calm them down, it never ceases to amaze me."
"What amazes you, Aunt Kendall?" Miranda questioned her aunt.
"Marissa and your mom and just how good they are together. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm starving. What do you say we get this picnic started and eat?"
AJ nodded. "I'm with you Aunt Kendall!"
"Okay then, let's eat!" Bianca smiled.
"I wanna sit next to Rissa!" Gabby smiled as she clutched her new stuffed monkey.
"Where do you want to sit, monkey?"
As Gabby was figuring out where to sit, Bianca whispered to Marissa. "It looks like she's still trying to figure out what to call you."
"Yeah, I think she is. It kind of slipped out when she was excited before. I'm good with that."
Everyone settled down to enjoy dinner and each other's company. As it started to get dark, it was decided to head inside for a movie. While Marissa asked Miranda to help her with the blanket, Bianca and the others took everything inside.
"Miranda, how about we sit down for a minute?"
"Okay."
"Do you want to tell me what's going at school?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Miranda, I know something's going on. Someone's giving you a hard time. You did tell your mom that someone was bugging you, and they didn't know what they were talking about."
"It's nothing I can't handle."
Marissa smiled and shook her head. "You are your mother's daughter. I'm sure that you can, but you don't have to. I want to help if I can, if you'll let me."
"They're being stupid, and I don't want you or mom to get upset. You just got home, and I want you and her to be happy."
"Mimo, I am happy, very happy, and so is your mom. You don't have to worry about us, okay? We're good. We're just worried about you and want you to be happy, and we know you're not right now. You might feel better if you talk to me. I really want to help. You know, that's what family does. They help each other out and try and make things better. I think it's something I can do if you let me. If you're worried about protecting your mom, you don't have to be. It's not something you have to do on your own anymore. I'm here to help with that. You also don't have to worry about protecting me on your own either. You're mom does a pretty good job with that. I love you for it though. So, will you please tell me what's going on?"
Miranda paused and then decided Marissa was right. "Do you remember Amber?"
"I do. What about her?"
"She overhead me and AJ talking about you going to New York for work. She said that you really weren't going there for that, that you left us and weren't coming back to live with us anymore. That you realized that you and my mom being together was wrong. That it was bad, and you were going out of town to get help. You were going to get fixed. When you got back here, we were going to have to leave and move out, and we wouldn't be moving into our new house together and we wouldn't see you and AJ anymore. We wouldn't be a family anymore. I knew she was wrong, and I told her so. I know that you love my mom a whole lot. I see how you look at her, how much you smile when you're around her like when you dancing together earlier. I know that you love me and Gabby too, and you promised that you wouldn't hurt mom or us, and if you left, that's what would happen. You've never lied to us or broke a promise. When you were gone, you called every night just like you promised you would, and I knew you would. There's nothing wrong with you and mom being together, and you don't need to be fixed. I know that you and AJ are happy with mom and with me and Gabby. We're a family. Amber's stupid, and she doesn't know what she's talking about."
Marissa could see Miranda fighting back tears, and she struggled to keep tears of her own at bay. "Come here, sweetie." Marissa pulled the young girl onto her lap and held her tight for several minutes before speaking. "Mimo, I'm not sure where Amber got her ideas or why she's saying those things, but you're right. She doesn't know what she's talking about. AJ and I are not going anywhere. You're stuck with us. I love your mom, you, AJ and Gabby more than anything in the whole world. I love our family and the life we have together, and I'm not giving it up. I've never been happier in my entire life, and that's all because of the four of you. There's nothing wrong with me and your mom being together. I'm glad you know that, and I'm really glad that you know I would never hurt your mom or you and Gabby. You all mean too much for me to do something like that."
"I know, and I knew you were coming back home to us." Miranda looked at Marissa. "Why would she say all that? I don't understand."
Marissa took a deep breath. "I wish I could tell you why, but I can't. I just don't know. I don't know why someone would want to hurt you like that. I can tell you that it's wrong, and it's going to stop. Has she said anything to AJ?"
/
While Bianca was keeping an eye on the two outside, she was also keeping an eye on AJ. The boy looked relieved to see them talking. "AJ, is everything alright?"
He glanced over at Kendall and Gabby, and the older woman took the hint. "Hey, Gabby, I have an idea. Why don't we go pick out a movie?"
Bianca mouthed thank you to her sister and waited until they went further into the family room before addressing him again. "Okay, buddy, what's going on?"
AJ took a breath. "I'm just glad Miranda's talking to mom."
"You know what they're talking about, don't you? We can't help if we don't know what's going on."
"It's Amber. She's been saying stuff to Miranda again. This time it's about mom. She said that mom knew being with you was wrong, and she was going to get help so she could get better. That she had to go out of town for it because you were bad for her and she couldn't get better with you around. When mom came back, you, Miranda and Gabby would be moving out, and we wouldn't be a family anymore. Miranda said she was wrong and making all that up, that she didn't know what she was talking about. Amber didn't like that so she kept saying more stuff to her. Mimo won't tell me what else Amber's been saying to her, and she didn't want to tell you and mom 'cause she knew you'd both get mad."
Bianca took a deep breath. "Has Amber said anything to you?"
"Not really other than that you got mom confused. I know that's not true. That's all she's said to me, but I think she's said stuff about me to Mimo to get her more upset. She just really doesn't like Mimo, and I don't know why. I don't like it. I wanted to tell somebody what was going on, but Mimo made me promise that I wouldn't. Amber says bad stuff to Bobby Douglas and some other kids too."
"She does? Do you know if they've told anyone?"
"No, they haven't. They're scared of her so they don't say anything about her or to her. Maybe that's why she picks on Mimo so much. Miranda always stands up to her."
"Amber's a bully, and you're right. Bullies don't like it when people stand up to them. I can understand you for keeping your word to Miranda and not telling us what's been going on, but your mom and I need to know when someone's doing something like what Amber's done. We can't stop it if we don't know about it. Do you understand?"
AJ nodded. "Are we in trouble, Bianca?"
The brunette smiled and hugged him. "No, you're not in trouble and neither is Miranda. Next time something like this happens, I want you to tell us though. Don't try and take care of this all by yourself, alright?"
"Alright, I promise. What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to talk with your mom, and we're going to make sure that this stops. I don't want you to worry about this anymore. We're going to take care of this now."
"Thanks, Bianca!"
She could see the relief in AJ's eyes and smiled as she ruffled his hair. "You're welcome, buddy. Why don't you help Aunt Kendall and Gabby find a movie?"
/
"Not really. Amber's said stuff to me about him."
"She has, huh? Like what?"
"It's going to make you mad, Rissa."
"That's okay. I can handle it. I need to know everything for me to help you."
"She's said that AJ doesn't have any real parents around. She said that his real mom is dead, and his dad's in jail. She said her mom told her because of you living with us that someone could take AJ away."
This is too much for Miranda to have to go through. No one hurts my children like this and gets away with it. That woman's ass is mine. "She didn't say any of that to AJ?"
"No, she just said that to me, and I'm not going to tell him that. That would hurt him way too much, and I won't do that."
Marissa smiled at the protective side of Miranda. "You really are just like your mom. Thank you for protecting AJ. He isn't going anywhere. No one is going to take him away. I don't want you to worry about that. Is there anything else?"
"Not about us."
"Has she said something about somebody else?"
"She says stuff to Bobby about his dads. Jessica tried to stand up to her about Bobby, but that made Amber mad. She started saying things to her."
"Jessica Mendes? What's she say to her?"
"She was talking about her mom and dad and how they're not from here, but they are. I don't understand. Jessica said her parents grew up here."
"I understand, unfortunately. It's just another case of Amber not knowing what she's talking about. I'm guessing Bobby and Jessica haven't said anything to their parents."
"No, they haven't. They think that will make things worse with Amber. Are AJ and I in trouble for not telling you and mom?"
"No, of course not! I wish you would've told us sooner, but neither one of you have done anything wrong. I don't want you to think that at all, okay?"
Miranda nodded. "Okay."
"I want you to promise me something though. I want you to promise me that if something like this ever happens again that you'll tell me or your mom. You won't try and handle this on your own. I understand why you wanted to, but sometimes, things are too big for people to handle alone. That's when you go to your family and ask for help. This is one of those times. Do you understand?"
"Yeah, I do. I promise I will, and I'm sorry. AJ wanted me to tell you and mom, and I was going to. I just didn't want the two of you to get upset, especially since you weren't here and then you just home, and I didn't want to mess up your day."
"Miranda, I want you to listen to me. It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, you can always come and talk to me about whatever is going on or bothering you. The same goes with your mom. You don't have to handle anything on your own. It's our job to take care of the three of you, and it's something we want to do because we love you very much."
"I love you too. What's going to happen now?"
"First, do you feel better, now that you told me what's been going on?"
Miranda smiled. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of her, and Marissa could tell that from both the smile on her face and the look in her eyes. "Uh huh, I do. I feel a lot better."
"Good, I can tell, and I'm glad to hear that. What happens next is I'm going to talk with your mom about everything, and we're going to take care of this. I don't want you to worry about this anymore. It's our turn, and we're going to make sure this stops."
"Okay. Thanks, Rissa!"
"You're welcome. Now, I saw that Krystal sent some of her chocolate cake with our order. What do you say we get some and see what movie the rest of them have picked out? How does that sound to you?"
"That sounds good!" Miranda hopped off Marissa's lap and took her hand as they headed inside. When she saw Bianca, Miranda hugged her mom, who had been watching the two, before joining the others in the family room.
Bianca slipped an arm around Marissa's waist. "Judging by her smile, I'm guessing Miranda told you everything and feels better now."
"Yeah, she did, and she does. AJ looks happier too. Did you get him to open up?"
"Yeah, he told me everything. Are you okay?"
"What do you think? We're going to be having a long talk later and comparing notes."
"You're right, we will. I'm thinking you want to kick a certain parent's ass as much as I do."
"You would be right, but as much as I want to do that, I'm not going to let that ruin our evening. The kids have gone through too much to keep that from happening."
"You're right again. They have, and I just got you back home. I don't want anything getting in the way of being happy about that."
Marissa grinned as she wrapped her arms around Bianca and leaned in for a tender kiss. "And nothing will, especially when I have you in my arms."
Bianca laughed. "That is my favorite place to be. Let's go watch a movie. In honor of her new monkey, Gabby has chosen Jungle Book for our viewing pleasure."
/
A/N: The song that Marissa and Bianca dance to is "I Just Call You Mine" by Martina McBride. I don't own the rights to it. She does along with those who wrote it. This song just struck me as working here.