A/N: Updating time again! As always, thank you for the reviews! I love them and all of you for indulging me in this. I don't know what to call it. Hobby? Not quite sure if that is right. Flight of fancy? That doesn't sound right either. Labor of love? Maybe. Whatever you call it. Thanks for sticking around.

If you noticed, I started to name the chapters. I have to give credit to Fab32 for that. When I saw she went back and named 200+ chapters, I figured I could do the 38 I had at the time. It is easier to keep track of and locate something for me when I want to recall something. Thanks for the inspiration on that, Fab32! I wanted to name this chapter something else but thought the better of it. I'll tell you what I wanted to name it at end of it.

Okay, back to the story. I got side-tracked by the first part of this chapter and decided to delay some anticipated and much desired action until the next chapter. I'm blaming the kids for that especially Gabby. I do like including them, and they're pretty cute. There's a little break from the tension in this chapter, but the next one will have some good stuff. I promise. Enough from me! Hope you enjoy this latest update!

/

"Well, if it isn't my favorite family! How are the Tasker-Montgomery's today?" Krystal smiled, greeting the family.

Both women grinned, loving the way that sounded. No matter how often or how many times they heard it, it would never sound old to them. "We're good. How's everyone here?" Bianca asked as she helped get Gabby settled in her seat.

Marissa glanced around at the women. Something was up with them. There seemed to be an odd sort of charged vibe going on between them. "So, did anything exciting happen today?"

"No, it's just been the same old, same old. That is a very cute monkey, Gabby. Did you get that at the zoo?" Krystal asked.

Gabby shook her head and grinned. "Mommy got him for me on her trip! I need to name him. She's helping me find one for him."

Krystal looked at her daughter, surprised but delighted for her regarding this latest development. She could tell Marissa was thrilled with her newest title. It was definitely one she had earned and obviously cherished. Her daughter was an amazing mother, and she said a silent thank you to Lydia Tasker for setting such a good example.

Marissa had a bright smile on her face and nodded. "I sure am trying. I've been giving her names all day, but nothing seems to fit. We just can't find one that we like. What do you think, monkey, should we ask for some help?"

The little girl nodded. "Yeah, okay, mommy."

"Alright, ladies, we're open to any suggestions. Remember though, Gabby gets final approval."

"Well, Greenlee and I are pretty good at coming up with names. Could we see him for a minute, Gabby? Maybe we can think of something. I promise to give him right back."

Gabby nodded and handed the stuffed animal to her aunt. "'k, Aunt Kendall."

The friends made a big show of studying the toy much to the delight of the little girl.

"You know, Kendall, I think this calls for some thinking outside of the box. This little guy needs a special name."

"I think you're right. A traditional name just won't do for him. He needs one that matches his personality."

Krystal smiled as she looked at the monkey. "Well, I think he's awfully cute."

"You're right. He is pretty darn cute. He looks like he's probably quite a character too." A thought popped into Greenlee's head causing the woman to grin wickedly. "I have an idea. It's a pretty good one if I do say so myself!"

Bianca arched an eyebrow. "Judging by the gleam in your eyes, I'm not entirely sure that I want to know what you have in mind. You look a little like the cat who ate the canary, and in my experience, that isn't always a good thing. It's a little scary finding out what's going on in that mind of your's sometimes."

"Come on, Binx! I know her mind can be a pretty scary place sometimes, but you've got to admit that it's always entertaining. No guts, no glory! What's your idea, Greenlee?" Kendall smirked.

Marissa chuckled and shook her head. "I'm sure I'll be sorry about this. In fact, I know I will, but let's have it, Greenlee, what's your idea?"

"It's kind of a name that one might associate more with a girl, but it's a monkey so I still think it'll work. Besides, he'll be named after a really cute couple we all know and love! What about naming him Minx?" Greenlee grinned.

Kendall burst out laughing. "Minx the monkey! I love it! He'd be named after both of them, Gabby." The little girl's aunt pointed to Bianca and Marissa. "And you're right, they are an awfully cute couple!"

Krystal wore an amused expression on her face watching the others' reactions. She'd heard of the nickname Greenlee had given her daughter and Bianca.

Gabby scrunched her face thinking about the name. This was a very important decision for her.

Miranda and AJ started to giggle when they remembered the nickname Greenlee had given to their moms during a past visit to the zoo.

Bianca rolled her eyes, barely managing to keep a straight face. Someone needed to be the mature one in this situation. "I warned you. I told you it was a bad idea to ask, Rissa."

Marissa was laughing. "You're right, you did, and I knew I was going to regret it, B. I just couldn't stop myself." The redhead nudged her girlfriend. "Come on, you think it's funny too. I know you do. I can tell you want to laugh!"

"Fine, fine, you're right. It is pretty funny." Bianca started laughing hard and then snorted.

Gabby grinned when she saw everyone's reactions and how much they were laughing, especially Marissa and Bianca. She liked how the name sounded, and she really liked the idea of having him named after both of her moms. "I like it! Can I really name him that if I want?"

Marissa was still chuckling. "If that's the name you want, monkey, then Minx the monkey it is! It's just great with me! You know, I've never had anything named after me!"

Bianca grinned seeing how much the others liked the name, especially her youngest daughter. "I haven't either. Yeah, you can name him that if you really want, Gabby. It's great with me too."

"Thanks, Greenlee!" Gabby grinned as she took the stuffed monkey back from her Aunt Kendall.

"You're welcome, Gabby! I'm glad I could help! Anything else anyone needs me to name?"

"Ah, we're good, Greenlee. Thanks, I think." Bianca chuckled.

Marissa glanced over at her girlfriend who gave her an encouraging nod that went unnoticed by everyone else. "Would you like to join us, Krystal?"

The older woman was touched by the invitation. "If you're sure that it's okay, I'd like that very much."

"The more, the merrier! Grab a chair and join us." Bianca smiled.

"Let me get your orders and put them in first. Then, I'll do just that." She took everyone's orders and placed them along with her's with one of her servers. Afterwards, she pulled up a chair next to AJ. Krystal noticed the locket her daughter's girlfriend was wearing. "That is a beautiful locket, Bianca. I don't think I've noticed it before. Where did you get it?"

Bianca sighed happily and grinned at Marissa. "Thank you. It is very beautiful. Rissa gave it to me. It was my present from New York, and I love it, not nearly as much as her though."

Marissa beamed. "I thought you deserved something special."

"It's got our picture in it, grandma!" AJ added.

"It's the one of all of us at the fair! Rissa got it engraved too!" Miranda chimed in.

"I remember that picture. It's a good one of all of you. Krystal's right. That is a beautiful locket. You did good, Marissa. What's the engraving say?"

"Thanks, Greenlee. I saw it and thought of Bianca."

Miranda smiled. "It says Forevermore! You know, like from her song!"

"That's sounds perfect. I can understand why you love it."

The group enjoyed lunch and chatted about Marissa's trip to New York. They were all happy to have her back home. It just didn't feel right without her there. Miranda then excitedly told everyone about her music box and was followed by AJ telling everyone about his Lego set of the Empire State Building. The kids then recounted that morning's trip to the zoo with Gabby giving her very best impression of a monkey that had everyone at the table cracking up.

After lunch was over, Kendall and Marissa set the kids up at a nearby table to draw some pictures giving them some time to let lunch settle before having some promised ice cream for dessert. This also gave the adults the time to discuss a few things somewhat privately.

Bianca smiled brightly as she watched her girlfriend working with her sister before turning to the smaller woman. "Greenlee, I don't know that I can ever thank you enough for helping Marissa get home earlier. I know I was probably on the pathetic side going on and on about how much I missed her."

Greenlee grinned. "Yeah, you were getting a little annoying with that. You know, I'm kidding. I could tell how much you missed her so I was happy to help. After everything we've been through, I figured it was the very least I could do. Besides, I really like Marissa, and she's good for you. You're good for each other."

"I think so too. It just felt like part of me was missing while she was gone. I know we haven't been together officially as a couple not quite a year yet, but I honestly can't remember when she wasn't a part of my life. As for my future, I can't even imagine it without her."

"What can't you imagine, B?" Marissa asked as she and Kendall rejoined the women at the table.

"I just can't imagine my life, my future without you."

The redhead grinned and gave her a quick kiss. "And I can't imagine mine without you. It's a good thing we don't have to, huh?"

Bianca's grin matched that of Marissa's. "It's a very good thing."

Kendall smiled and shook her head as she watched the couple. She hated to break up the moment but she needed an update from her sister on what was said earlier between the couple and the principal. "So, how'd it go with Ms. Evans?"

"It actually went pretty well. Wait. Krystal, do you know what's been going on? What Kendall's talking about?" Bianca asked.

"Yes, I do unfortunately. Your sister and Greenlee filled me in earlier. How are the kids doing? They seem like they're okay."

"Actually, they're doing pretty good. Once they realized they didn't need to keep what was happening to themselves or try and protect us, I think it really made them feel better." Marissa added as she watched the kids.

"Ms. Evans is moving Amber to another classroom on Monday, and they're going to be keeping a special eye on them. We're meeting with her Monday morning. The kids are a little anxious about talking with her, but we've told them to just tell the truth. Marissa and I are taking care of the rest."

"I can't blame them for not wanting to talk to the principal. Even if you didn't do anything wrong, going to the principal's office is always a little nerve wracking."

"If anyone would know about going to the principal's office, it'd be you, Greenlee." Kendall smirked.

The smaller woman rolled her eyes. "That's beside the point, and I wouldn't talk if I were you, Kendall. You probably had a reserved spot there." Greenlee turned back to the couple. "You were saying."

Marissa picked up relating the details from their morning conversations. "We're meeting with Jessica's and Bobby's parents tomorrow. They're coming over to the house, and we'll be going over everything before Monday. They were shocked when we told them about what's been going on. Rachel knew something was up, but thought it might have something to do with the new baby. It's been a bit of an adjustment for them. Things started making sense to her though. It seems that Amber had a party that Jessica had been invited to last week, but she didn't want to go. Rachel thought it was odd since the two of them used to get along really well, but …"

"Let me guess. Jessica didn't fall in line with what Amber was saying or doing so Amber turned on her. That's a heck of a good friend. I can't blame her for not wanting to go." Kendall shook her head in disgust. She looked at Miranda and AJ. "I gotta tell you that I'm really proud of those two for stepping up the way they did. The two of you are doing an amazing job with them."

"Thanks, Kendall. We couldn't be prouder of them. That reminds me of something. They told Bianca and me what you said about being able to go to you too. Thank you. That means a lot to us."

"Like you said yesterday, Red, we're family. That's what you do."

"You're right, Curly. And just so you know, we'll always have your back too."

Kendall nodded. "It's not something I doubt for a minute. So, you're all going to meet with the principal. What happens after that?"

"She'll meet with Amber and her family too. If all goes well, the bullying will stop, and she'll be punished. The severity of that will depend on the Baldwin's." Bianca stated.

"If they don't agree with what the principal comes up with, what then?" Greenlee asked.

Bianca glanced at her girlfriend. "Then, we go to Plan B."

"And what is Plan B, Red?"

"Actually, I prefer Plan C, but your sister won't let me pursue that until I at least try the other first. Plan C involves putting Tammy in a headlock, experiencing some pain on her side and maybe getting you and Greenlee to help hide something."

"Something or someone?" Greenlee smirked. "Either way, I'm in!"

"Sounds like Plan C could be really fun. You can count me in too, Red."

"I figured I could count on both of you!"

Bianca rolled her eyes. "Plan C is not on the table yet."

Marissa sighed. "Fine, we'll go with Plan B. If they refuse to follow what the principal lays out for them, we'll go with our legal options. I've done some research and found a few things for us to pursue."

"What do you have in mind? Legal options don't sound nearly as much fun as a headlock."

"True, but you forget that I'm a lawyer, and we love to argue. I also work in the best law firm in Pine Valley with two of the best legal minds I've ever known in Jack and Caleb. I put a call into both of them before we left the house this morning. After I told them what's been going on, they are aching for a fight with Tammy almost as much as we are, and are volunteering their time. We'll be meeting with them after we're done at the school."

"My dad does love a good fight, and he loves those kids."

"Does mom know what's going on yet?"

"No, mom doesn't know yet. I thought we would tell her after we see what happens with the school."

"Erica would be Plan D." Marissa smirked.

Greenlee smiled. "I almost feel sorry for the shrew having to face the wrath of Erica Kane, almost. On second thought, nah, I don't. She deserves whatever she has coming to her."

Miranda approached the table. "Mom, could we have some ice cream now, please?"

Bianca smiled and checked the time. "Yes, you may. When you're done with that, we're going to go check out our new house."

Miranda grinned. "I can't wait to see it!"

"How about I take the kids back into the kitchen to help me get their ice cream? Don't worry. I won't give them too much." Krystal offered.

"That sounds good. You guys go with Krystal, and Miranda …"

"Don't worry, mom. I'll keep an eye on Gabby."

"Thank you, Mimo."

Gabby came over to Marissa and handed her the stuffed monkey. "Mommy, will you keep an eye on Minx for me?"

The redhead managed to keep a straight face despite hearing the other women snickering. "Of course I will, monkey."

The little girl smiled and skipped off towards the kitchen.

"You guys are going to check out the house today, huh? How's it coming?"

Bianca nodded. "Yeah, the kids have been asking to see it so we thought it'd be fun to check it out."

"We've been told we have walls and a roof now. I gotta say I'm curious to see it myself. Okay, enough about that. I have something else I want to know about so you might as well spill it. I know something was going on when we got here. What was it?"

"Binx was right. You don't miss anything. Do you, Red?"

Bianca grinned. "I told you she didn't, Kendall. Now, answer her question."

The friends looked at each other and knew they needed to come clean or at least partially clean. Greenlee broke the silence. "Tammy was here before you all were."

"What happened?"

Kendall looked at her sister, and quickly decided what to say to honor Krystal's wish to not add to their current load and tell them about Tammy's threats to her. "She saw Greenlee and me talking. When Greenlee got up to check on our drink order, Tammy came over and tried to start something with me. She was assuming that we were a couple, kind of like you two are."

"Why would she think that?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe, it's because we were sitting next to each other. Hell, I don't know."

Marissa grinned. "Let me guess. You didn't do anything to dissuade that notion, did you?"

"We might have had a little fun with her. Okay, we had a lot of fun with her. I accused her of hitting on Kendall."

"Wow! I'm sure that went over like a lead balloon with her. I would've liked to have seen that." Marissa laughed.

Bianca looked at the pair and laughed as well. "Did her head explode? I can see that happening."

"No, it didn't, but she did get loud and say some pretty nasty stuff. Krystal asked her to leave, and she did."

"She left, just like that, huh?" Bianca wasn't buying that was all that happened.

Kendall shrugged. "Yeah, she left just like that."

Marissa was skeptical that the woman had left that easily. She started to push but thought the better of it. They obviously had a reason for not saying more. She was pretty sure they would find out what happened anyway. There was no such thing as a secret in Pine Valley. Marissa decided to ask something else instead. "Would you both be willing to tell Jack and Caleb what Tammy said. It might help with Plan B."

"If you think it will help, Red, we would be happy to tell them."

"I think it might, Kendall, especially if what she said was as nasty as I think it was. It will give us more ammunition for our lawsuit should we have to go that route." Marissa continued when she saw the puzzled looks of her friends. "There is a fine line between free speech and defamation of character, in this case slander. Tammy's been flirting with that line for a while, and I believe she's crossed it. I intend on making her life extremely uncomfortable. She'll have to hire a lawyer and go to court to fight this suit."

Kendall smiled. "Since you work for a law firm, you …"

"Yep, Marissa can work on this for as long as is needed to get Tammy to back down. God knows Rissa is stubborn enough to do it too." Bianca grinned at her girlfriend.

Marissa rolled her eyes. "Like the Kane women don't have a stubborn streak a mile wide."

Greenlee chuckled. "They have been known to be just a little stubborn."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Greenlee." Kendall turned to the couple. "So, I'm confused on the whole slander thing. I'm going to need you to clear that up for me. I know mom's had to deal with it, but she's a public figure. Her legal team has always handled that, but I think those were libel suits."

"I was confused at first too, Kendall, but then Rissa explained it. I think I have it though. It's libel if it's in writing. All of those stories in the tabloids about mom were libelous. Slander is verbal and is a statement that is false, either explicitly or implicitly presented as fact or conveys something negative about the person being described. In our case, Tammy is say we are immoral and bad mothers because of our lifestyle, that we are harming our children. In effect, she is damaging our reputations. Because she is saying these things to other people now, that makes our case stronger." Bianca looked at her girlfriend. "Did I get that right?"

Marissa beamed with pride. "I couldn't have said it better myself!"

"I'm impressed, Bianca. It makes sense to me now." Greenlee added.

"It helps when you live with a kick ass lawyer who gives you private tutoring sessions!" Bianca grinned.

"Well, it makes it easy when you're such good student."

"Okay, we're approaching the 'too much information about you and my little sister zone', Red. So, you're going to make …"

"Sorry about that, Curly. Yep, I'm going to make her life as unpleasant as she and her daughter have been making AJ's and Miranda's."

"It seems only fair to me that you do that. I like that plan. I have to say that Plan C is my favorite though." Greenlee smirked.

"Yeah, I know. It's Marissa's favorite though, but as I've told her, she's not worth going to jail over."

"You're right. She's not, but I also know that you wouldn't mind putting her in a headlock yourself, B."

Bianca sighed. "I gotta admit that you're right. We'll have to keep each other from doing that."

The conversation ended when the children and Krystal reappeared with ice cream for everyone.

"I figured we could all use a little treat."

"That is an excellent idea, Krystal. We could." Kendall smiled.

"Wait. I only see two bowls of chocolate ice cream. Who gets those?" Greenlee asked.

"Mommy and mommy get them! They love chocolate! It's their favorite!" Gabby grinned in reply.

Kendall chuckled. "Well, you can't beat that logic. I guess I'll take vanilla then."

After everyone had finished, Bianca looked at the kids. "Who's ready to go check out our new house and see how it looks?"

"Me, mommy, me!"

"I am, mom!"

"Me too, Bianca!"

"I'll make it unanimous, B!"

Bianca paid the bill while Marissa gathered the kids' drawings and got them ready to head out.

"Thanks for lunch you two, and make sure you let us know how things go on Monday."

"You're welcome, and don't worry, Kendall, we will."

/

A/N: Okay, I know this is probably on the cheesy side, but I was really tempted to name this Minx the Monkey. Alright, it's really on the cheesy side, but what can I say, it just kept popping into my head.