A/N: As always, thank you for the wonderful reviews! Keep 'em coming! You all are the best!

So, why two updates in a week from me? Well, I'm heading out on vacation which means I will be putting down the laptop for a few days and picking up my camera which happens to be my first love creativity-wise, although this writing thing has become a close second. I didn't want to leave anyone hanging and wondering what happened to me when there wasn't a regular update, and I wanted to give you all a little something to hold you over while I'm gone. I'm not sure when I'll have my next update, but rest assured, there will be one. And while I may be leaving the laptop at home, I will be taking a notebook and pen along with me and writing old school just in case inspiration happens to strike me after I'm done exploring during the day while I'm away. Oh, I have to give a quick shout out to the readers from the United States. Happy Independence Day!

Okay, I'm picking up this chapter where I left off at the previous one.

/

Marissa arrived at the police station not long after getting off the phone with Bianca. She wasn't quite sure what her girlfriend needed her help with, but she needed her so she would be there for her. "Hi, Brot."

"Hey, Marissa. What can I do for you?"

"Bianca called and wanted me to meet her here. Do you know where she is?"

"Oh, she's back with Jesse in his office. Let me take you back."

"That's okay. I know the way. Tell Natalia I said 'hi', and I'll be giving her a call soon."

"Will do."

Marissa made her way back to Jesse's office and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

The redhead's eyes immediately found Bianca's and smiled before locating the chief seated behind his desk. "Hi, Jesse."

"Marissa, it's always good to see you." He looked across his desk at Bianca and got up. "I need to check on something. Why don't you two stay here and use my office to talk?"

"Thanks, Jesse." Bianca said gratefully. "Hey. Why don't you have a seat?"

"Hey, yourself." Marissa gave her a quick kiss and took the seat next to her girlfriend. "So, what's up? What do you need my help with?"

Bianca picked up a folder that was on Jesse's desk and handed it to Marissa. "I need you to read something for me and give me your take on it, but before you do, I need to explain something."

"Sure. What is it?"

"This file is on a potential client of the Miranda Center. It's someone that I think needs the Center's help more than she knows. She's 15 years old, alone and has gotten herself into quite a bit of trouble."

Everything came together in that split second for Marissa. Bianca was called down here to be given an update on the break-in by Jesse. The person they had in custody for it was a female minor. Jesse had a funny look on his face when he saw me just now. Bianca's talking about a potential client who is a 15 year old girl who's in trouble. Dammit, it's the same girl! Does she know what she's asking me to do? "No, Bianca, no! I'm not doing it! I can't believe you're even thinking about asking me this!" She threw the file back on Jesse's desk.

Bianca took a deep breath. "Marissa, she's going to need some legal representation, and I was hoping that you …"

"No! She's responsible for breaking into the Center! All of the damage that was done to it? She's one of the people responsible for it! I saw how upset you were when you heard what happened down there, when you came home after spending hours there that night cleaning."

"Marissa, she's a child and didn't know any better."

The redhead was shaking her head as she got up and started to pace back and forth. "No, AJ, Miranda and Gabby are children, and they know better than to do something like this. This girl is 15 which is pretty close to being an adult and definitely old enough to know right from wrong. Don't tell me she doesn't know any better when our 4 year old does! What if you were there when they broke in? What if they would've done something to you? Did you ever think about that?"

"But I wasn't there, and nothing happened to me. I honestly don't think this girl would've done anything to physically hurt me and neither does Jesse. I talked with her, and I'd like you to as well. I think if you do …"

"Wait a minute. You mean to tell me that Jesse let you speak with her? Was he there?"

"He was just outside the interrogation room."

"You talked to her alone? Are you kidding me?" Marissa was struggling to control her temper. She couldn't believe Jesse had allowed that to happen. If something had happened to Bianca, she would never forgive him and she planned on making sure he damn well knew that the next time she saw him.

"I was perfectly safe."

"Uh no, I don't think so. Being perfectly safe wouldn't have you alone with her. Being perfectly safe would have you either in the same room as her with someone else there or not in the same room with her at all. I can't believe Jesse did that." Marissa stopped pacing and stood in front of Bianca. "Why do always put everyone else first, put everyone else before your own safety?"

"I told you before, I was safe. Nothing happened. There's no reason to worry. And this is my job, this is what I do."

"Well, my job is to worry about you, especially when you don't want to seem to bother worrying about yourself. Why didn't you tell me this over the phone?"

"I tried, but you hung up before I could say anything else."

"You didn't try very hard."

Bianca knew that Marissa was right and that not telling her until she was at the police station was wrong even if she had the best of intentions. She should have told her when they talked, before Marissa came down to the station. "You're right. I should've tried harder. I'm sorry. I had a feeling what your reaction would be, that you would refuse to help her, and she needs help."

"Damn straight, I would've refused! Now what? You want me read her file so I'll feel sorry for her and just blindly agree to help. It's wrong, and you know it's wrong. You should have told me upfront. You promised me that you wouldn't get involved any more than you already were. Does this look like you not getting involved?"

"You're right. I'm sorry. I should've told you everything from the very beginning. I know I promised, but she needs help. If you just read the file and talk to her, you'll see that. She's scared, Marissa, and she doesn't have anyone. I know you know how that feels."

"What do you mean 'she doesn't have anyone'? Where are her parents?"

"Her parents are dead. They died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning last year while she was away on an overnight school field trip. When she got home, the police were at the house and broke the news to her. As for other family, it looks like it's only an aunt who they haven't been able to locate yet. She's all alone."

"That's not fair, Bianca. That's not fair at all. Yeah, I know what it's like to be alone, but I never did anything close to what she did."

"I'm sorry. No, you didn't, and I know that you could never do anything close to what she did. It's not who you are. You're strong and kinda fearless, and there's no way that anyone could ever convince you to do something that you know is wrong, something that's illegal. This girl though, and she is a girl, is scared, and she's not as strong as you. She's alone and needs someone to show her that there's a better way. Until her parents died and her life was turned upside down, she was a good student and never in any trouble. She's scared and hurt and doesn't know how to deal with what's happened to her. She got in with the wrong crowd, and if she doesn't get away from them now, she never will. There's good in her. I can see it."

Marissa shook her head. "Bianca …" She looked at her girlfriend and saw how much this meant to her. She knew all too well what it was like to have your life turned upside down in an instant, to be alone with no one to turn to. "Dammit. What do you want me to do?"

"I just want you to talk to her. See if you can get her to open up and tell Jesse about the other people involved. If she doesn't, then she's going to be the only one punished for this, and I don't want that to happen."

"And you want me to represent her."

Bianca nodded slightly. "Only if you want to and think it's the best thing to do. I know I'm asking a lot."

"Yeah, you are, and I really don't want to have this argument in the middle of the Pine Valley Police Department." Marissa rubbed her forehead and sighed. "Fine, I'll talk to her, but that's all! I'm not promising anything more than that."

"Thank you."

There was a knock on the door before it slowly opened and Jesse appeared. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the social worker is here and wants to take Sam now."

Marissa glared at Jesse. "I can't believe you let Bianca alone in that room with her."

The chief looked guilty immediately. "I was right outside and would've been in the room in a heartbeat."

"You and I both know that's all anyone needs."

Jesse nodded contritely. "You're right, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." He winced when he thought about what Angie's reaction would be when she found out, and she would find out because everyone seemed to know everything that happened in this town. He cleared his throat. "Uh, I hate to ask, but what about the social worker?"

Marissa took a deep breath and looked at Bianca. "She's going to have to wait until I have a chance to talk to Sam, and I just mean talk. No promises."

Bianca nodded. "No promises. Thank you. Do you want me to wait for you, or do you want me to go ahead and pick up the kids?"

"No, I don't want you to wait. I don't know how long this will take. You better pick up the kids. I'll see you at home, and we'll be talking more then." Marissa turned to Jesse and spoke with an edge to her voice. "Chief Hubbard, I guess you better let me see this girl now."

Jesse nodded again and led her down the hallway.

Bianca winced slightly as she watched Marissa leave. I really screwed that up.

/

Marissa and Jesse paused outside the door to the interrogation room when the redhead turned to him. "You're not off the hook, you know."

Jesse looked at her confused.

"With Bianca and leaving her alone with that girl. If something, anything, had happened to her, you wouldn't have to worry about Erica or Kendall. I would have had your head on a platter. Remember that and don't let something like that ever happen again. And yes, I'm aware of who I'm talking to."

Marissa shook her head. Maybe she was being a complete bitch right now, but she couldn't help it. If something had happened to Bianca, she honestly didn't know what she would do. The redhead went into the room alone, closing the door behind her. The girl was sitting at the table, and she glanced up suddenly when the door opened. The two eyed each other curiously for a minute.

Marissa pulled out a chair and sat down on the opposite side of the table. "Hello, Sam. I'm Marissa Tasker."

"Hello. What'd you want?"

"I'm here to talk."

/

Bianca left the police station kicking herself and feeling a little sick to her stomach. Marissa's so upset. God, I hate when she's upset like this. I hate it even more knowing that I'm the reason she is. Be honest, she's not just upset. She's pissed off, and she's pissed off with me. And she has every right to be. I could've handled everything better. I should've handled everything better. Marissa's right about everything. I broke my promise to her. I promised her that I wouldn't get involved with the investigation of the break-in, and not only do I get involved, I've pulled her into it as well. I honestly did have the best of intentions. The girl needs help, and she's all alone. I just couldn't seem to stop myself from trying to help her. I just felt compelled to do something, and now, that compulsion has Marissa angry with me. Things have been so great with us, and now, I go and do something like this. Dammit, why can't I ever just leave well enough alone? I just hope Marissa can forgive me. I need her to forgive me. Okay, calm down and think. How can I make this up to her?

The brunette checked the time. She knew she wouldn't be able to concentrate at the office in her current state for the little time she had left in her workday. Plus, it was almost time to pick up the kids from their afterschool programs, and she told Marissa she'd get them tonight. She pulled out her cellphone.

"Miranda Center, Jan speaking. How may I help you?"

"Hi, Jan, it's Bianca."

"Hey, boss. What's up?"

"It took longer than I thought at the police station. So unless there's anything pressing for me back there, I'm going to call it a day and go pick up the kids from school."

"Okay. Everything's under control here. Have a good evening, and I'll see you tomorrow."

"You too. See you tomorrow."

Bianca disconnected the call and headed to her car, trying to come with some way to get herself together so the kids wouldn't know that she was upset and think of how to make things up to Marissa.

/

The girl looked at Marissa, trying to get a read on her. So far, she wasn't having any luck. "Why should I talk to you?"

"Well, to be honest, part of me doesn't care too much if you do talk to me or not."

"Then, why bother?"

"Ah, that's where the other part comes into play. I'm here because someone I care about more than anything wants me to talk to you, and I'll do whatever I can for her, within reason and whether I like it or not."

"Are you talking about that lady that was here earlier?"

"I am, and her name is Bianca. She is without a doubt the best person you are ever going to meet, and she seems to think there's some good in you."

"And you don't." The girl said flatly.

"To be honest, I don't know. I haven't made my mind up on that yet. I will tell you that you have a couple of strikes against you already in my book because of what you and your friends did. Bianca puts a lot of herself into the Miranda Center. She's the heart and soul of that place, and you will never know the meaning of that place to her. When you and your friends trashed it, that was pretty much an attack on her, and that is one thing that I will not stand for, ever. Do you understand me?"

The girl shifted uneasily under Marissa's fixed stare. She nodded. "I understand."

Marissa had been watching the girl closely. Every time she mentioned the Center, the girl shifted in her seat. She could tell it bothered her. That's something, I suppose. "Good. You know, the Center does a lot of good, helps a lot of people. Why someone would want to do what all of you did to a place like that is beyond me. So tell me, why did you all do this exactly?"

"Someone heard there was money there, and we needed it."

"Why? What did you need it for? Was it for drugs or something like that?"

Sam shook her head vigorously. "No, I don't do that stuff. My parents wouldn't like it if I did something like that."

"Why then?"

"We needed it to get something to eat."

"I see." Marissa saw the wall this girl had built up around her. If she was going to help her, the redhead had to keep chipping at it. "There are places you can go to for food without you having to resort to stealing and damaging other people's property to get it. What would your parents think about what you did? I'm guessing they probably wouldn't like it."

The girl glared at Marissa. "Don't you dare talk about them! You don't know them!"

"No, I don't. I'm just going by what you said earlier."

Sam was near tears. The woman was right. Her parents would be disappointed in her and what she had done. She'd tried to be good, to be the kind of person they would've wanted her to be, but now, she just didn't know how. Ever since she lost them, it seemed like she'd been making one mistake after another, and now, she felt like she was in way too deep with no way out. All she did know was that two things frightened her more than anything. The first thing that scared her was her 'friends'. They had threatened her to not rat them out if she ever got caught. If she did, there would be consequences, and she definitely believed that, having seen what happened to others that had crossed them. The second thing was going back to that foster family. They were nice, at first, but that had quickly changed after the first visit from the social worker. No, she had to keep quiet, no matter what. "You don't know what you're talking about. You don't have any idea."

Marissa shook her head and sighed. As much as she hated to admit it at this moment because she was still pretty mad at her, Bianca was right. The girl was really scared, and unless she opened up, she wasn't going to make it. Marissa saw an opening, and she knew she had to take it. It wasn't going to be pleasant for either of them, but it had to be done. "You'd be surprised. I unfortunately know more than you think I do."

The girl's head quickly popped up, and she glanced into the redhead's eyes. The edge she had heard in her voice earlier had softened, and Sam thought she heard just hint of sadness in it now. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I know what it's like to be alone."

/

Bianca picked up the kids and headed home. Once there, AJ and Miranda got settled in the dining room to start on their homework with Gabby joining them to draw. The brunette was grateful that the kids were occupied for the time-being and didn't seem to notice that she was struggling to stay focused. Her mind was elsewhere as she continued to wonder and worry about Marissa and what was going on with her at that moment.

/

"You, you know? How could you know?" Sam shook her head. People had been telling her that they knew how she felt since her parents died, but they were wrong. They didn't know. Nobody did. There was no way they could because they still had their families.

Marissa had a feeling that might get the girl's attention. The redhead paused for a moment to determine how much of her own story to relate. "When I was a little older than you, I lost both of my parents."

Sam's eyes grew wide. She wasn't sure if this was a trick or not. Something was telling her that it wasn't. "You did? How?"

"They were killed in a car accident. One minute, my life was as close to perfect as I thought it could be at the time. The biggest problems weren't really anything at all. My mom is fussing with me about what I was wearing, and my dad is threatening to not let me drive the car anymore unless I start putting gas in it after I borrow it, the usual stuff. I knew neither one of them was completely serious. That was just what we did." Marissa smiled slightly at the memory before shaking herself back to the present. She braced herself for the painful memory that followed. Time had eased the pain, but there was still a remnant that she knew would always be there no matter how much time had passed. "The next minute, I'm rushing to the hospital to see them only to find out that I was too late. They were gone, and I never got the chance to say goodbye, to tell them one last time how much I loved them."

The tears that had started to form in Sam's eyes finally escaped. This woman really did know what she was feeling. She did know about the ache that Sam had felt every day since her parents had died. "Does, does it get better?"

Marissa sighed. She could see the girl's pain etched on her face and hear it in her voice. The redhead looked her straight in the eyes. "I won't lie to you, it'll take time. You'll have good days and bad days, but it does get better, eventually. You'll still miss them. I know I do. There are a lot of things I wish I could share with them, things that I wish they could see. I wish they had a chance to know their grandchildren and Bianca, to see how happy we are, to see the life we're building. The thing that helps me get through that is the belief that somehow they do know and that they're happy for me and proud of me. The last part is what I try and focus on the most." Marissa leaned forward, wanting, needing to get this point across. "I've done a few things I haven't been proud of, some things I know they wouldn't like, but those things only hurt me and not anyone else. My parents wouldn't have liked that if I had. They would've been extremely disappointed in me if I did, and disappointing them is the one thing I never wanted to do, the one thing I still don't want to do. So, I try and live a life that not only I'm proud of, but one that they'd be proud of. What about you?"

Sam started to sob. The redhead was right. She had hurt others, and no matter what the reasons were behind her actions, her parents would be disappointed in her. She didn't know what to do to fix any of what she'd done, and that fact made everything worse, made her feel even worse than she already did, causing her to break down even more. She suddenly found herself being comforted by Marissa, and Sam clung to her, finally releasing the pain and hurt she had kept bottled up inside of her from the past year.

/

Bianca was getting dinner ready when Miranda came into the kitchen.

"Hey, mom?"

"What is it, sweetie?"

"When's Marissa getting home?"

Bianca looked at the clock, again. That, along with checking her cellphone for texts from her girlfriend was something she'd been doing since she and the kids had gotten home. "I'm not sure. She's working late." When Bianca saw the puzzled look on her daughter's face, she quickly followed her answer up. "She's doing something for me, and it could take her a while."

"Oh, okay. Will she be home in time for our bedtime story?"

"I'm sure she will try her best. Would you do me a favor and go get cleaned up for dinner and tell AJ and Gabby to do the same please?"

"Okay, mom."

"Thank you." Bianca began setting the table for five, wondering if Marissa would make it home in time to join them, and if she didn't, she wondered when she would be home.

/

Sometime later, Sam felt her tears beginning to subside, and she wiped them away with some of the tissues that Marissa had given her. The redhead was sitting back across from her again, waiting. Her eyes looked a little red, like she had been crying some too, but the girl wasn't completely sure if that was case or not. Sam finally was able to speak. "I don't know what to do. I don't know how to fix this."

"Do you really want to?"

Sam nodded. "I really do. I don't wanna hurt anybody else, and I really am sorry for what I did to the Center."

Marissa could tell the girl was being sincere. "Okay, good. You also have to stop hurting yourself."

"How do I that? How did you do that?"

Marissa smiled. "Someone offered to help me, and I let them because I finally realized that no matter what I'd been saying to the contrary, I couldn't do it on my own. I needed help, and once I admitted that to myself, I was finally able to start healing and stop hurting as much. Will you let us help you?"

"Us?"

Marissa took a deep breath. She really hadn't planned on getting involved with any of this. She had truly believed what she had told Bianca. The best thing was for them to not get involved and to let the police handle this, but then Bianca got involved anyway and managed to pull her into it as well. She hadn't forced Marissa. That was something she would never do. She had simply asked her, telling her she saw some good in this girl, and she was right. Damn it all to hell, I see it too. Part of me is still upset with Bianca because she didn't think about her own safety. Nothing unusual there though. She wasn't straight with me, and that was wrong. I just wish she would've told me before I came down here. But would I have come down if she had? Don't think about that right now. Focus. "Yes, Bianca and me."

"You, you mean you wanna help me? I thought you didn't like me. Why?"

"Yeah, I do, and like I said before, someone that means more to me than anything else in this world next to my kids wants me to. Now, that doesn't mean I'll just agree to whatever because I won't. If someone hurts her, there will be hell to pay, and I'll make spending a day in jail seem like a walk in the park. Do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good. So, do you want our help?"

The girl nodded and whispered. "Yes ma'am, but what can you do?"

"I'm a lawyer. There are a couple of things I can do, but …"

"But?"

"You have to help yourself a little bit here."

"What do I do?"

Marissa leaned forward again. "You have to tell us who else was involved with the break-in. Are you willing to do that? Because unless you are, I won't be able to help you."