A/N: As always, thank you for the great reviews. I'm picking up where the last chapter left off, and this thread will continue after this chapter. I hope you enjoy this update!

/

Bianca checked the time and took a deep breath as she looked at Marissa. "I think it's time to call Ms. Evans."

Marissa took the seat vacated by Miranda and took Bianca's hand. "Are you sure you're okay with being the one to talk to her? I can do it if you want."

Bianca nodded. "I'm sure. I want to do it. I need to do it. Besides, I'll have you right here with me if I need backup."

Marissa leaned in for a loving kiss. "Forevermore."

The brunette sighed happily. She then took another deep breath and dialed the principal's number.

"Hello."

"Ms. Evans?"

"Yes, this is she."

"Good morning. This is Bianca Montgomery, Miranda's mother."

"Oh yes. Good morning, Ms. Montgomery. What can I do for you?"

"I'm sorry for calling you at home, but something has come up that we needed to bring to your attention and report it immediately."

"We? Oh, do you mean yourself and Marissa Tasker, AJ Chandler's mother?"

"Yes, I do. You're aware of our relationship, I take it."

"I am. I know the two of you are partners and are living together. You are raising your children together."

"That is correct. I'm calling for both Marissa and myself. She is right here with me if you need to speak with her."

"I'll keep that in mind. AJ and Miranda are bright and thoughtful children. While they may not be related by blood, they definitely have a special bond and act just like siblings. They remind me of my brother and me at that age. Is everything okay?"

"Actually no, it's not. Marissa and I have just found out that both Miranda and AJ have been getting bullied verbally by Amber Baldwin. This latest incident …"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Montgomery. Let me grab something to write this down. Okay, you were saying that both children are being bullied by Amber?"

"That's correct, and it has been happening on school property, mainly on the playground at recess."

"I see. If I recall correctly, there was an incident between the three of them last year which occurred off of school property."

"You recall correctly. We were under the impression that Amber was no longer saying anything to them, but she has started up again. This time, however, she is doing it at school."

"This is verbal bullying?"

"Yes, it is."

"What is the nature of what she is saying?"

"She is commenting on the fact that Marissa and I live together and are in a relationship."

"What kind of comments has she been making exactly?"

"This past week, Marissa was out of town for a conference for work. Amber overheard AJ and Miranda talking about it. She started telling them that Marissa realized that our relationship was wrong and that she left town to get help, to get fixed." Marissa squeezed Bianca's hand when the brunette said that last word. "When Marissa got back, Miranda, her sister and I would have to move out because she would no longer want any of us around. She wouldn't want anything to do with the children. Amber has also told Miranda that since Marissa was not AJ's birth mother, or as she put it, his real mother, and because his father was in prison that AJ would be taken away."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Ms. Evans remembered the facts behind AJ's story. His birth mother had died saving his life during the tornado that had struck Pine Valley. Marissa Tasker married his father some time later and adopted the boy. She could tell from seeing them together that mother and son were crazy about each other and had formed a strong bond. AJ saw Marissa as his mother, and she was in the truest sense of the word. He had been upset when his parents divorced, but Marissa worked with him and helped him accept that reality and the fact that they would always be a family. They just wouldn't live together any longer. The principal had been a little surprised when she heard that Bianca Montgomery and Marissa Tasker were a couple, but from everything she had seen and heard, they were a loving and committed couple. They provided their children with a loving and stable home, and the children were happy and thriving. That was all she needed to know. The principal also remembered a nasty custody case followed the women becoming a couple when AJ's father could not accept their relationship. Bribery and extortion charges resulted in the boy's father being sent to prison. That had been hard on AJ, but the couple sought counseling for him. He was doing amazing and back to his cheerful self.

The principal recalled the incident from last year. She had tried to pull Amber's mother aside discreetly and discuss the issue, but her hands were tied by the district's policy. Mrs. Baldwin appeared to know that and refused to discuss the issue stating that her daughter had done nothing wrong. She stated that Bianca's sexual orientation was immoral and a sin. It would seem that her daughter was picking up the mother's beliefs. She had, however, made a mistake this time. If what Bianca was telling her was true, this incident happened on school grounds, the principal's turf, and she could finally address the issue head on. She had every intention of doing so.

"Are you and Ms. Tasker available on Monday?"

"Yes, we are. We were hoping to meet with you that morning if possible."

"I'm free at 9:00 am. Is that time acceptable to the two of you?"

Bianca looked at Marissa. "Is 9:00 am good? The redhead nodded. "That's fine. We'll be there."

"I'm not sure if you are aware of the fact that I will have to speak with the children. I'll have to question them."

"We know. We reviewed the law and policy last night."

"That's right. Ms. Tasker is an attorney, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is. Ms. Evans, I think you should know there are at least two other children being bullied. From our understanding, their parents are not aware of this. Marissa and I will be speaking with them shortly."

The principal shook her head. I was afraid of that. "Would you be willing to tell me who they are?"

Bianca looked at Marissa who nodded, guessing the question in the brunette's eyes based on her last response. "Yes. They are Jessica Mendes and Bobby Douglas."

"Thank you. If any of the other parents would like to report and meet to discuss the incidents, we could expand Monday's meeting to include them."

"I will let them know. Thank you for taking this seriously and getting the ball rolling on this."

"If this is a case of bullying, I assure you that I take it quite seriously. It is an unfortunate problem and all too often children don't feel they can go to their parents and tell them about it. I'm glad that AJ and Miranda have spoken with the two of you. How are they doing?"

"They're actually more worried about each other and Marissa and me than they are themselves. I only wish they would've told us sooner."

I'm not really surprised by that. From what I've heard, that seems to be a direct reflection of their mothers. "The important thing is that they've told you. Do you plan on them attending school Monday?"

"Yes, we do. We thought it was better if they did."

"I believe you're right. It is. I will have Amber moved to another classroom first thing Monday morning and have their teachers monitor them."

"We've told AJ and Miranda to walk away and report it to a teacher if anything further happens."

"That is the best thing for them to do. I was just going to suggest exactly that. Do you or Ms. Tasker think you might run into Mrs. Baldwin anytime this weekend?"

"I honestly can't say. We don't plan on it, but Pine Valley is only so big. It's possible we may see her."

Marissa gave Bianca a puzzled look. "See who?"

Bianca covered the receiver. "Ms. Evans wants to know if we think we might run into Tammy this weekend."

"I'd like to run into her alright. Let's see I could run into her with my fist, my foot, ooh my car. Kendall and Greenlee could help us dispose of the body. They'd be really good with that." Marissa smirked.

Bianca bit back a laugh. She knew Marissa was only halfway serious about physically harming the woman. "I'm sorry, Ms. Evans. No, we don't expect to see her. Why?"

"Well, I'd like to ask you and Ms. Tasker to do the same thing with her that you've instructed your children to do with Amber."

"You mean walk away if we see her?"

Marissa made a face. She knew that was right the thing to do and would be requested of them. Bianca had brought up that possibility last night. It would take every ounce of strength they had to do that because it went against their very nature to deny that instinct to immediately stand and fight where their children were concerned. They knew, however, that they needed to set a good example for AJ and Miranda especially now and one that was better than the example being set for Amber by her mother. Marissa took a deep breath and nodded.

Bianca squeezed her girlfriend's hand neither was fond of simply walking away when they wanted nothing more than to rip the other woman's head off, but they had agreed last night that it was the best thing to do for all concerned and set the better example for their children. "Yes, Marissa and I discussed that last night, and we will do that, for now." Bianca emphasized that this would be a temporary situation. There was a limit to their patience.

The principal caught the tone and received the hidden message. "Thank you. I know that this is a difficult request, but it would be best to let the school handle this at this point. I want to assure you that I appreciate your position and will do everything I can to resolve this as quickly as I can for all concerned. Do you have any questions for me at this time?"

"I believe we've covered everything for now. If we come up with anything else, we'll bring it up on Monday."

"Thank you for calling and reporting this. I want you to know that I care about all of the students that attend the school. They are under my care and are my responsibility. I see them like my children, if you will. I don't like to hear when one of them is being victimized and is hurting. You and Ms. Tasker have done the right thing, and I again want to assure you that I will do my best to resolve this situation as fairly and promptly as possible."

''Thank you, Ms. Evans. That is all we can ask."

"I will see you and Ms. Tasker Monday morning. Goodbye, Ms. Montgomery."

"We'll see you Monday. Goodbye, Ms. Evans." Bianca disconnected the call and smiled at Marissa. Her girlfriend had an expectant look on her face. Her eyes had not left Bianca once during that call. "You were right about what she would do first. Amber is being moved to another classroom immediately. Plus, they will all be monitored."

Marissa sighed in relief. "I'm really glad to hear that. How did Ms. Evans sound?"

"She is taking this very seriously, and she remembered last year's incident. She asked how AJ and Miranda were doing. She described them as bright and thoughtful. According to her, they even remind her of her and her brother at that age."

"Interesting. She is definitely right about them being bright and thoughtful. What else?"

"She said she doesn't like to hear about any of the kids being victimized and hurting and wants to handle this as fairly and as quickly as possible. When I told her that we were going to discuss what's been happening with Jessica's and Bobby's parents, she said to let them know when we were meeting with her. The meeting could be expanded to include them if that is acceptable to everyone. Again, something you were hoping and planning on."

Marissa grinned. "I guess you'll really have to listen to me more often."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "I see where AJ gets it."

"And I see where Miranda gets it with the eye rolling."

Bianca chuckled. "Yeah, she gets it from Kendall."

"Right, she gets it from Kendall." The redhead added with a smirk.

"You know I always listen to you anyway. You haven't steered me wrong yet." Bianca gave her a tender kiss. "Okay, let's get this next round of calls over and get our day started. The kids are anxious to get out of here."

Marissa nodded and picked up her cellphone to call Jessica's parents while Bianca called Bobby's.

"Rachel? Hi, it's Marissa. I hope I'm not calling too early, but something's come up concerning Jessica that Bianca and I thought you should know."

"Brandon? Hi, it's Bianca. Do you have a few minutes? Something's come up with Bobby that Marissa and I thought you'd want to know about."

/

Kendall and Greenlee entered Krystal's for lunch and were greeted by the owner.

"Hey, you two! How are you this afternoon?"

"Hi, Krystal. We're good. We're meeting my little sister and your daughter here."

"Yeah, they've insisted on treating us to a late lunch because of Marissa catching a ride home on the Fusion jet. They really don't need to though. We were happy to do it."

"Well, let's get you to their table. From what Marissa told me the other day, Greenlee, that's not true. She was so happy she was beside herself that she was able to get home early and is eternally grateful to the both of you for making that happen. Let me add my thanks to that as well. I know they were all miserable to be apart from each other. What both of you did for them is greatly appreciated. So, thank you. Plus, knowing the two of them, lunch isn't the end of what they have planned in the way of thanking you."

"You're welcome. I'm just glad we could get it all worked out. I couldn't stand to see Bianca so miserable, and I could hear it in Red's voice that she was feeling the same way." She nodded towards her friend. "This one here, I must admit, is a bit of a genius."

Greenlee smirked at her friend. "It's about damn time you recognized my true brilliance!"

Kendall rolled her eyes. "I'm never going to hear the end of it, am I?"

"No, I don't believe you will, especially since I have a witness!"

Krystal laughed. "When do you expect them?"

"They should be here soon. They were hitting the zoo with the kids before meeting us here. Nice call on that zoo pass, by the way. Talk about getting your money's worth. The kids love it, especially Gabby."

"Thanks, Kendall. I was a little worried that I was jumping the gun getting them a family pass so soon after them getting together. I mean, they were only together for a couple of months, but as soon as I saw them all together and how well they fit, I figured it was a safe bet."

"You've got that right. Once they finally admitted how they felt, it was full steam ahead. Now, it's hard to remember a time when they weren't a couple. I've never seen any of them happier, including the kids. You should've seen them yesterday when I dropped them back home. They literally knocked Marissa over. As for Red and my sister, I swear they were glowing and couldn't stop smiling. It was a complete change from when Bianca was in here the other day."

"I'm not surprised by that at all. Bianca was so happy when she called to order dinner yesterday afternoon that I think I could hear her smiling over the phone." One of the servers caught Krystal's attention. "Let me see what's up with him. I'll have your drinks sent over."

"So, I guess we done good!" Greenlee grinned.

"Yep, we definitely did! They invited me to stay for dinner, and we talked later. I learned a lot more about Marissa and why she's like she is. I always liked her, but the more I get to know her, the more I'm impressed by her and see her as a good friend. I honestly think that she really is perfect for Bianca. They just fit. What they have is just so special."

Greenlee nodded. "It really is. I'm happy for them. They really deserve it. So, what did Marissa talk about?"

"She talked about her parents, the Taskers. They sound like they were pretty remarkable people. You can tell she really loved them and still misses them a lot. Bianca got kind of protective of Red when I asked about them. She didn't want her to be upset."

"They are very protective of each other. I'm not surprised by Bianca being that way. She's always been like that. It's good to see someone like that of her."

"It really is. It's a big change for her, something different. You should see the gift Red got Binx. Actually, I'm sure you will when we see them. She outdid herself. Oh, Gabby called Red mommy a couple of times last night."

"Seriously? That's big! How'd that go over? I know she's crazy about the girls just like Bianca is about AJ."

"Red was beyond happy. My youngest niece has her wrapped around her little finger."

"Ah, just like her mother!"

Kendall chuckled. "Yeah, just like her mother. Red has Bianca wrapped too though. Both of them could probably get the other to do anything they wanted, but they don't. They respect each other too much to do that. I can't tell you how much it means to me that Binx has finally found the partner she deserves. The one who is worthy of her, who is as honest, caring, giving and loving as she is. I wasn't sure if that was ever going to happen for her. I couldn't ask for anyone better for her than Red." Kendall paused when her attention was drawn to someone who had just entered the restaurant. "What in the hell is she doing here?"

Greenlee glanced around to see who had gotten her friend so angry in an instant. She noticed a woman standing at the counter who appeared to be picking up a carryout order. "Who's that?"

"Tammy Baldwin."

Greenlee furrowed her brow trying to recall where she had heard the name before. "Why is that name familiar to me?"

"She's Amber's mother. She's the girl who …"

"Oh, I remember her! Yeah, I remember that woman now. Tammy's the closed minded shrew who told Bianca to go back into the closet after her daughter called Bianca names."

"The one and the same."

"Has something else happened? You seemed to have gone into Kane mode." Greenlee scooted in closer when Kendall lowered her voice.

"Remember Bianca telling us that she and Marissa were concerned about Miranda and AJ, particularly Miranda?"

"Yeah, she was hoping when Marissa got home they could finally get them to open up, tell them what was going on. Wait! Don't tell me she's started up again!"

Kendall nodded. "I'm afraid so. When I was over there last night, it all came out. Marissa got Miranda to tell her what was going on while Bianca talked with AJ. Amber has been bullying them again. This time, she's saying things about Marissa."

"Such as?"

"Such as, Marissa was out of town getting fixed, and Bianca and the girls would be moving out when she got better. She wouldn't want any of them around."

"You have got to be kidding me!"

"I only wish I was. She also told Miranda that AJ would be taken away as a result of their relationship and because Marissa wasn't his real mother."

"Oh my god! I can't believe she had the nerve to say all of that!" Greenlee paused to collect herself. "Marissa and Bianca had to have wanted to blow a gasket. How are all of them doing? Why didn't the kids say something before now?"

"Well, they didn't say anything because they didn't want either of their moms to get upset or be worried about them. They were trying to protect them, especially since Red was out of town. The kids are doing a lot better now that they've finally told them what's been going on. The adults, however, are fit to be tied, but they are putting on a good face for the kids."

"I totally understand that. What are they going to do? Knowing the two of them, they are not going to take this lying down."

"No, they're not. According to Bianca when I talked with her this morning, Marissa put that legal eagle mind of her's to work last night. The two of them talked and are going to report the incident to the principal. They were going to call her today before heading out with the kids. From what Marissa was able to dig up, this falls under the school's anti-bullying policy, and they are pursuing that."

"So, they're taking the calm, rational approach for now, as opposed to the ripping her head off approach that I know they want to take. I can see them doing that. Does that mean we need to as well?"

Kendall sighed. "We probably should, at least until we hear from them."

"Fine, I'll do my best to be good, but we need to do something right now though because I really don't think they need to see her today. Why let her put more of a damper on their weekend than she already has?"

"You're right. They don't. I think we should let Krystal know who she is and what's going on. Maybe, she can get her out of here before they get here with the kids."

Greenlee got up. "I'll do it. I saw Krystal head into the kitchen. You keep an eye out for your sister and Marissa."

Kendall nodded and watched as her friend headed in the direction of the kitchen. She glanced over towards the front door watching for her sister. When she looked back she noticed the woman at the counter smirking and headed her way. Kendall didn't like the look on the woman's face and braced herself for whatever she might have to say. Whatever it took, Kendall promised to keep her calm for Bianca's sake.

"You're Bianca Montgomery's sister, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am. Why?"

"Oh, nothing. It just seems like you and your sister have a lot in common."

"What in the hell are you talking about?"

"I saw you and your partner. I thought you would have better taste or sense than to be flaunting your relationship out in public like that. Of course, I suppose it goes to your upbringing. If you aren't taught right from wrong or shown proper morals, what else can you expect?"

Kendall stared at the woman, wrapping her mind around exactly what she was implying about her relationship with Greenlee, and what she was saying about Bianca. She wanted nothing more than to wipe that smirk off that woman's face. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Greenlee approaching the table. Kendall knew the woman was goading her. Well, two can play that game, and honey, you have no idea who you are playing with.

Greenlee overheard part of the conversation between Kendall and Tammy and saw the look on her friend's face. After being friends for all of these years, they pretty much knew what the other was thinking just by looking at them. Greenlee took the hint that it was time to have some fun and give this nasty woman a taste of her medicine. She knew exactly what to do. I'm going to enjoy this.

"Baby, I can't leave you alone for one minute without someone hitting on you, can I?" Greenlee smiled as she slid next to Kendall, putting her arm around her. She looked at the other woman. "I'm not sure who you are, but this one's taken and is mine. You need to go find yourself another woman because this one is off the market."

Kendall smiled. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I swear I was just sitting here when she came up and started talking to me. You know I would never even think about looking at another woman."

Tammy just stood staring at the pair in complete shock, unable to fathom what they were saying about her. "I, I, I wasn't… I can't believe … Why would you even think … I'm not that way! I'm straight! I would never think of another woman in that way! It's wrong!"

"It seems like she's protesting a little too much if you ask me."

"Well, if you ask me, I think you scared her. You can be awfully possessive of me and that can be a little frightening to anyone you see as a threat." Kendall smiled, enjoying how upset the other woman was getting and watching her squirm.

"Just look at you! Why wouldn't I be that way about you? Can you blame me?" Greenlee grinned.

"You have nothing to worry about. I would never be interested in someone like her. You are all that I need in a partner."

"I can't believe you're doing this in public! I'm going to talk to the manager and complain! A decent establishment would never allow this to take place on its premises!"

"Was someone looking for me?"

Tammy turned around and saw Krystal standing behind her. "Are you the manager?"

"I am. I'm also the owner."

"Good! I'd like to register a complaint about these two."

"What about them?"

"Well, just look at them!"

Krystal looked at the friends. Both had smiles on their faces and were doing their best to look innocent. The older woman knew otherwise and knew immediately what they were up to. It was definitely working. Tammy was almost apoplectic, and the friends were enjoying every minute of it. "I don't see them doing anything wrong. They're just sitting there and not bothering anyone."

"Well, they're bothering me! They're all over each other! People are eating in here! Families are here! Children can see them! And you should hear what they are saying about me! They're implying that I'm like them!"

Krystal turned to the couple with a straight face. "Would you like to tell me what's going on and give me your side of this?"

"I came back to the table and found this woman hitting on Kendall. So, I called her on it. She kind of lost it after that." Greenlee offered with a sweet smile.

"And I was just sitting here, minding my own business and waiting for Bianca and Marissa when this woman came over and started all of this." Kendall said innocently.

"First, I was not hitting on her! I would never do that! That's wrong and against nature! Look, are you going to do something about this?"

"What, exactly, do you want me to do?" Krystal asked.

"Have them stop what they're doing! Have them leave! And have her sister and her partner leave when they get here!"

"You know, I'm not going to do any of that."

"What? Why not?"

"I don't see that they're doing anything wrong. They're just sitting here, minding their own business. You're the one causing a scene, raising your voice."

"It's immoral what they're doing! It's why this country is in the shape it is. I thought this was a family establishment! How can you permit behavior like that here? If you don't do something about it, I'll be forced to take my business elsewhere!"

Krystal had heard enough from this woman and fixed her with a cold stare. She wanted her gone, especially before her daughter and Bianca arrived with the kids, and she never wanted her in her restaurant again. "Well, I guess you'll have to take your business elsewhere. I don't need it or want it. I see nothing wrong with them or their relationship. This place is open to all families. If you don't like it, there's the door. Actually, if anything, I don't want someone like you in my restaurant. If you want a reason or someone to blame for things, I suggest you look in the mirror because if you ask me it is people like you with your attitude. I'd like you to leave."

"You can't be serious! I don't understand how you would want someone with their morals and ideas as customers! I have more right to be here than they do, her and her sister and their partners! Besides, you can't make me leave!"

"Let's get something straight. I will put their morals and character up against your's any day of the week. They are incredible women who do a lot for Pine Valley, particularly Bianca. I've never met anyone like her. She is one of the most caring and generous people to ever walk the face of this earth. I consider it an honor to know her. Oh, her partner has a name. It's Marissa, and she happens to be my daughter. I couldn't ask for anyone better for her than Bianca. Marissa is equally amazing, and I could not be any prouder of her and the person she has become. She is a testament to how she was raised. The two of them have a loving and committed relationship, and they are incredible mothers who are raising children who are just as kind and giving as they are. And actually, I can and will make you leave. Do you see the sign above the bar, the one that says management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone? Well, I'm management, and I'm exercising my right to refuse service to you. If you have a problem with that, you can take it up with the chief of police. Chief Hubbard is sitting over there having lunch with his wife. I'm sure he'll take your complaint as well as mine against you along with other charges such as disturbing the peace and trespassing."

"You'll be hearing from my lawyer! I will not be treated like this! There will be consequences!"

"Bring it on. You do what you have to do and so will I. Call your lawyer. If he has a lick of sense, he'll tell you that you don't have a case. Now, go."

Jesse walked over having heard the other woman's raised voice. "Is everything okay, Krystal? There's not a problem is there?"

"No, Jesse, everything is just fine. This woman was just leaving."

Tammy glanced around the restaurant and saw that most of the customers were staring at her. She glared at Krystal and turned on her heel and left.

"Are you sure everything is okay? Do you want to file a complaint against her?"

"Thanks for the assist, Jesse, but everything is just fine now. You and Angie enjoy your lunch."

Jesse nodded and went back to join his wife.

"Krystal, we're sorry. We didn't mean to cause you any problems."

"Kendall's right. Do you think Tammy's going to be an issue for you? I'm sure if you talk with Marissa she'll be able to head off any legal issues."

"You two did nothing wrong. Don't worry about me. I'll be just fine. It felt good to tell that woman off for all the grief she's been causing Bianca, Marissa and the kids. And I don't want you telling Marissa and Bianca about this. They don't need to know. They have enough on their plates right now, and I'm not going to add to it."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure, Greenlee. If I need any legal advice, I'll talk with Caleb. I'm not bothering my baby girl with this. Besides, I don't think that woman will do anything. She's a bully just like her daughter."

"That's true. She backed off the minute she realized you were holding your ground. It didn't hurt that Jesse was here either." Kendall smiled.

"You're right. It helps having friends in high places sometimes." Greenlee added.

"Krystal, thank you for what you said about us, especially for what you said about Bianca."

"You're welcome. I meant every word I said. You are all remarkable women, and I'm lucky to know you. As for your sister, I can never say enough about her. She is special, and she makes my daughter happier than I have ever seen her. I'll do whatever I can for them."

"That makes three of us. I can see where Red gets a little of her fire." Kendall chuckled.

Miranda and AJ entered the restaurant and made a beeline for the women. They were followed closely behind by Gabby who was holding Bianca's and Marissa's hands.

The women greeted the family warmly as they each took a seat.

"How is the Tasker-Montgomery family today?" Krystal smiled.

Both women grinned, loving the way that sounded. "We're good. How's everyone here?" Bianca asked.

Marissa glanced around at the women. Something was up with them. "So, did anything exciting happen today?"