A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I really do appreciate them so please keep them coming! This chapter picks up exactly where the last one left off. I have to admit that part of it was a little tricky, but I got through it and think it turned out okay. I hope you all agree and enjoy this latest update!
/
Marissa threw on a pair sweats and a t-shirt before heading downstairs. Autumn had finally arrived, and it was a cool day. She didn't feel like dressing for work quite yet. She padded downstairs having heard Bianca pull up and decided now was the time to talk. She heard voices coming from the kitchen and headed in that direction, stopping when she heard Bianca and Kendall talking.
"You did what? You knew how she felt about the break-in and everything connected with it, Bianca. Why would you do something like that?"
"Because I'm idiot, Kendall. Marissa was angry, and she was hurt. She has been nothing but supportive of me, and then I go and do something like this. Did you know that just the other day we were talking about me going back to school and taking a few classes, and she was all for it?"
"Really? You're thinking of going back to school? I think that's great, Bianca. It doesn't surprise me at all that Red would be behind that."
"That's pretty much what Marissa. How do I repay her? I turn around and do this. I can't believe how selfish I was."
"Bianca, what you did was not selfish, maybe a little, what misguided because of how you went about things, but definitely not selfish. You were trying to help a girl who is all alone."
"I know, but I should've been upfront with Marissa. I wasn't though. I keep screwing up."
"What are you talking about, Binx?"
"My relationships. I keep screwing them up. You know, maybe I'm the reason my relationships keep failing and don't work."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don't you dare blame yourself for what those others did! You didn't make them to decide to cheat, or lie, or close themselves off and put their family second! They are the ones that did that! Okay? That's on them, and you don't get to blame yourself for their stupidity and being asses and not knowing what a good thing they had with you! You got it?"
"Kendall …"
"No, I'm serious, Bianca. You don't bear the responsibility for their actions. They made those choices, not you! Don't be taking on their garbage. I mean it! Got it?"
"I got it."
"Good. Now, I know Marissa. Granted, I don't know as well as you, but I do know her pretty well. The woman loves you. She lights up whenever she sees you, hears your voice or even whenever she just talks about you or hears your name. I know she's a little upset with you right now and rightfully so, but someone who loves you that much will forgive you for this. When I saw her last night, I think she pretty much already had."
Bianca was surprised to hear this news. "You saw her last night? Where? What did she say?"
"Yes, I saw her last night. I had to drop something off at the post office, and I saw her outside the police station. She was just leaving you a message when I walked up. I believe Red's last words on that message were 'I love you, Bianca'."
The younger brunette nodded. "They were."
"See! She may've been upset, but it didn't change her feelings towards you. As for what else she said, Marissa only told me that you 'put her in an awkward position'."
"That's how she described it? Is that all she said?"
"Yep, that's it. Well, other than the fact that I shouldn't worry because she loved you too much to let whatever was going on between you get in the way of that and that the two of you would work things out, that was it. So, I'm going to take her at her word. I think you should too." Kendall smiled.
Bianca released a shaky breath. "She said that? You're right. I should, and I do. I just …"
"You're human, Binx, just like the rest of us. You made a mistake. Marissa knows and understands that. As I much as I love to give her a hard time about you having her wrapped around her little finger, I know that Red is her own woman and is fully capable of telling you 'no' if she ever needs to. So, she must have sensed you were on to something with Sam for her to go along with things."
"Yeah, she definitely can and has told me 'no' before."
"Then why are you beating yourself up so much over this?"
"I hurt her, Kendall, and that's the last thing I ever want to do. She means everything to me. There was a time when I thought I would never find anyone to share my life with again. That I had my shots at love, and well, that was it. But then I met her, and something clicked. I didn't want to admit it at first because you know my track record. Everything was different with her though. She was so sure about me, us and her feelings once she admitted them to herself. She didn't run or hide from them. She was in all the way, and there's been no looking back for her. Do you know how special someone like that is? How rare it is to find someone like that? Well, it is for me at least. She has done so much for me and the girls, given so much and so freely. She's put a lot on the line for us and has never once asked for anything is return. I don't doubt for one second that she would do whatever she needed to in order to keep us safe."
"You have done and would do the same for her, and she knows that. Marissa knows how you feel about her. How could she not know that? It's written all over your face just like it is her's."
Bianca nodded. "Yes, I would do anything I needed to in a heartbeat. I can't remember when she wasn't a part of my life, when I didn't love her. I can't imagine my life and world without her. When I think of my future, Marissa is always there beside me, giving me the strength and love that I need. I see us watching our kids and grandkids growing up and the two of us growing old together. I don't want anyone else. She's it for me, Kendall. I know I will never find anyone else as perfect for me as Marissa. I know I have never or will never love anyone the way that I love her."
/
A knock on the front door prevented Marissa from entering the kitchen at that moment. She quickly collected herself as she hurried to the front the door. When she was far enough away from the kitchen, she called back to Bianca. "I've got it."
Marissa checked the door viewer and saw it was her paralegal. "Hi, Lisa."
"Hi, Marissa. Here's the finalized version of the plea deal." The young woman followed Marissa into the family room as the redhead reviewed the document. "Hi, Bianca."
"Hi, Lisa. How are you?"
"I'm good. It's a good thing I start early because the boss is keeping me busy this morning, not that I'm complaining. This was definitely a change in pace for me, and I kind liked it. There is a definite difference between the criminal and civil sides."
Marissa glanced up, meeting Bianca's steady gaze and smiled.
"She's working you that hard, huh?" Kendall smirked, having following her sister from the kitchen.
"Who, the boss? She's a real slave driver." Lisa chuckled. "She lets me have a life outside the office, unlike some of the other associates with their paralegals. Between us, I lucked out when I was assigned to her, and I'm not just saying that because my review is coming up."
Marissa rolled her eyes. "You're lucky I can tell the difference between a smartass and a kiss ass."
"Guess I am. How does it look? Did I get it the way you want? Are there any changes you need me to make?"
"No, it's good. You've got everything in here and have dotted all of the i's and crossed all of the t's. Good job."
"Good, I'm glad. Do you want me to run it over to the D.A.'s office for you on my way back to the office?"
"No, I need to review this with Bianca. I'll drop it off after that. If there are any changes, I'll let you know. For now, why don't you head on back to the office and hit the law library there. I seem to recall you having a big test tomorrow."
Lisa looked over at the sisters and grinned. "Now, she's making me study for my tests! See what I mean? She's a real slave driver."
Marissa shook her head and chuckled at the younger woman. "Get out of here before I come up with something long, drawn-out and boring for you to do. Better yet, I could loan you out. I know of a couple of other associates that would be more than happy to find some work for you."
"Please not them! Those two are just downright scary and really creepy. Okay, I'm outta here. You know how to reach me so call me if you need anything else. Good to see you again, Bianca. You too, Mrs. Slater." She followed the redhead to the door. "Thanks for giving me the time to study. Have a good day, boss."
"You're welcome, Lisa. Thanks for dropping this off for me. I'll see you tomorrow, after your test. Good luck."
Marissa walked back into the family room. "Good morning, Kendall. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company this morning?"
Kendall laughed, glad to see some of the spark back in the redhead. "I was in the neighborhood and decided I would grace you with my presence to brighten your day."
"Wow, I'll have to remember to go out and buy a lottery ticket since luck is on my side today." Marissa smirked.
Bianca laughed as she watched the exchanged between the two women who meant the world to her.
Hearing Bianca laugh prompted Marissa to glance her way. A smile tugged on her lips as she replayed the conversation she had overheard earlier.
Kendall watched as the couple gazed at each other. "Okay then, I think I'll be going now. No, no, I insist. I really can't stay so don't ask. I need to go do … something." Kendall hugged her sister and whispered. "Remember what I said. Talk to her and tell her what you told me. I'll call you later."
Marissa looked at the older brunette and smirked. "Are you sure, Curly?"
Kendall made her way to the front door as the redhead followed her. "Yeah, I'm sure, Red. I'll catch up with you later."
"Hey, Kendall. Thanks, for everything. I'll take it from here. Trust me, I got it." Marissa smiled.
Kendall smiled and knew instantly that Marissa had heard some if not all of her conversation with Bianca. She hugged the redhead. "You're welcome. I know my little sister's in the best possible hands, and I know you've got everything under control. If you need anything though, you call me. I'll see you later, Red."
/
After seeing Kendall out, Marissa walked back into the family room. Hazel eyes met brown and neither woman was able to speak for a moment.
Marissa finally broke the silence. "Hey."
"Hey, yourself. From what I gathered from what Lisa was saying, you were up early working. Were you able to get much sleep? I tried to keep the kids quiet, but you know how that is."
"Yeah, I do know how tough that can be keeping them quiet. I managed to get a little, but I just couldn't get back to sleep when I heard you all leave. After a while, I just gave up. I had a few things I needed to get done, and once the brain kicked back on, sleep was out of the question. I'll be okay though. I know you didn't get that much."
Bianca smiled. "I'm okay. Besides, sleep is overrated sometimes."
"I highly doubt that." Marissa smirked before turning serious. "I don't want you getting sick."
"I'll be fine. Have you had breakfast yet? Are you hungry?"
Marissa's stomach growled, answering for her.
Bianca laughed. "I guess that answers my questions. Have a seat, and I'll bring us something in here."
Marissa started to argue that she was perfectly capable of helping, but the look on her girlfriend's face put an immediate stop to her argument. "Okay."
Bianca headed to the kitchen and returned with a tray carrying two mugs of coffee along with the takeout she had brought back with her from her earlier trip out. She set the tray down on the coffee table and sat next to Marissa after handing her a mug of coffee.
The redhead took a drink and released an appreciative groan. "Oh god, I needed that! The shower helped, but the caffeine is what I really need about now." Marissa looked at the bag expectantly. "Is that what I think it is?"
Bianca chuckled as she pulled out something from the bag. "Yep, I stopped by Krystal's on my way home from dropping off the kids and picked up a blueberry muffin for you."
"Thanks! You know how I love them. You better have gotten yourself something while you were there. When was the last time you ate something?"
"Yes, I got myself a chocolate chip muffin. And I ate some dinner last night. What about you?"
"What about me? Oh, I, uh, I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday, but I just wasn't hungry last night. Besides, the question wasn't about me originally. It was about you. If I had to guess, your dinner was more like you pushing things around on your plate. Kendall and Erica will think I'm falling down on the job and not taking care of you."
"Trust me, you take excellent care of me. My sister knows that. As for my mom, I think she does too, but just in case she gives you any problems, Kendall and I will both set her straight."
"Thanks. I appreciate that." Marissa smiled.
The two ate in silence for several minutes before Bianca finally broke the silence, unable to hold the words she needed to say in any longer. The brunette turned to face her girlfriend. "Rissa, I'm so sorry for everything. You have to know that I never meant to hurt you. I was just so focused on trying to help Sam that I didn't think things through the way I should have. I hope you can forgive me. I mean I was thoughtless and selfish, and I acted just like …"
"Stop right there! I don't ever want you to compare yourself to him. You are not remotely like him. You never have been or never will be."
"But what I did …"
Marissa took Bianca's hands in her's. "Okay, I need you to listen to me. I thought I told you this when I got home, but it looks like I didn't. I forgive you. I had by the time I called and left you that message. Were you wrong in not telling me up front what you wanted? Yeah, you were, but I know why you did it. You were trying to help someone, and God knows Sam needs help. It's what you do, and who you are. I know that, probably better than anyone else given everything we've been through. I forgot that briefly because I couldn't see past the fact of what she'd done to you. I'm sorry for that."
"She didn't do anything to me."
"Yes, she did. I know what the Center means to you, what it represents, everything that it stands for. An attack on it is the same as an attack on you in my book, and I will not stand idly by while that happens. When I see something like that, you can be damn well sure that I'm going to do something about it. I guess I have a hard time being as forgiving as you when it comes to someone hurting you. It's simply the way it is, and when it happens, well, I just kinda can't see straight and lose it a little bit."
"No, don't turn this around and blame yourself for anything. I was wrong, and I should have just asked you and accepted your decision, whatever it was. Just so you know, I'm the same way when it comes to someone hurting you. I really hate that I'm the one who hurt you this time, trying to get you to do something you didn't want to do. I should've let it go and did what you asked and let the police handle it."
"Bianca, you are never going to stop wanting to help someone that needs it. It's just one of the many reasons of why I love you so much, and you don't have a selfish bone in your body, unlike others that will remain nameless. Those others, well, they would do things to just get what they could for themselves. They always think about what's in it for them and don't give a damn about anyone else or the repercussions of their actions. God knows, they wouldn't be the least bit sorry of how I felt about what they did. My feelings wouldn't even begin to cross their mind. They certainly wouldn't have waited up half the night for me to get home and made themselves sick with any type of remorse or guilt. They wouldn't even know the meaning of those words. You do, and I know that you're sorry. I know that you would never purposefully hurt me."
"You're right. I wouldn't. You mean too much to me. You and our kids are everything to me. I don't want to lose you."
"You're not going to, B."
Bianca released a breath of relief upon hearing those words. "Good, because I can't imagine my life without you. I don't even want to think about it. You make it so much brighter and bolder."
"You do the same for me. I think I was just hurt and upset because I wasn't expecting you to do something like that."
Bianca winced. "I know. I'm sorry. I screwed up and was an idiot."
"Yeah, you were. You made a mistake."
"I did, a big one. I never said I was a saint, and I never said I was perfect."
Marissa smiled. "No, you didn't, and for the record, I never said you were. Others may think that you are, but I know better. You are wonderfully human and flawed just like the rest of us. What makes you different is that you try and bring out the best in people. What you fail to recognize sometimes is that it's not always possible. Sometimes, your expectations for the rest of us are a little hard to meet. We're just not as good as you."
"Rissa, you have to know that you are a good person. You help so many people day in and day out without giving it a second thought. I'm definitely not any better than you."
"You're more forgiving than I am. When I think what …"
"I made my peace with that a long time ago. I had to, or I wouldn't have been able to move forward with my life or set the kind of example for Miranda, and then later Gabby, that I wanted, one that my grandma would've been proud of."
"Mona, I would've liked to have met her."
"She was one of the kindest and sweetest people I've ever known. I still miss her. You would've loved her, and more importantly, she would've loved you. She would've loved your fire and how you don't back down from my mom. There aren't many people that do that. She also would've loved how you fight for me, our kids and our family. Family meant everything to her, just like it does to you. As for …"
"I know, and I'm trying, for you. I know it's better if I do, especially for AJ. It just seems like sometimes that you're so willing to set yourself up to get hurt, and I can't stand that. I know I can't protect you all the time, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to. I think what got me the most was that with Sam, you really didn't know anything about her, but you were ready to help her in spite of what she did. By not telling me right away what you wanted, it felt like you weren't listening to me. Then, I got over myself and realized that you were. It's just that you were doing what you thought was right and staying true to yourself, to who you are, and that you were discounting my opinion. You had the best of intentions. You just didn't go about it the way that you should've. If you had told me what you wanted, I honestly don't know if I would've come down there to help. I just know that I'm glad that I did. I need you to do a few things for me though. I need you to make me a few promises."
"Anything, you just have to ask. I'll do anything to make this up to you, whatever it takes."
"Next time, and I really hope there isn't a next time but if there is, I need you to just stop and think for a minute before jumping in right away. You see, I don't know what I would do without you, if something happened to you. Life without you is something that I can't even begin to fathom."
"I promise I will. What else?"
"Next, I want you to stop beating yourself up about this now. I need you to forgive yourself because I meant it when I said I forgive you. I also never want you to compare yourself to someone else because you are in no way shape or form like him."
"I'll try my best, for you. Anything else?"
"Yeah, there is. I know you're not a saint. I don't want you to be. Let's face it, they can be kinda boring, and you are anything but boring."
The look in Marissa's eyes made Bianca's heart skip a beat and caused her to give the redhead that goofy grin that she loved so much.
"The last thing I need you to do for me is to kiss me because I can't begin to tell you how much I've missed …"
Bianca surged forward to Marissa, silencing her before she could finish speaking, and captured her lips with her own. The longing and love in that contact sent shivers through both, and the kiss deepened as they wrapped their arms around each other. It had only been one day, less than one actually, but the emotional distance that had been between them made it feel longer. As they pulled each other closer, quickly becoming lost in each other, a thought managed to cut through the fog that was quickly forming in Marissa's consciousness. With what felt like a herculean effort, the redhead pulled back from Bianca causing the brunette to groan in protest.
"As much as I want to continue this, and God knows I do, I can't, not right now at least."
"Why not?"
Marissa swallowed hard. "I have to get some papers over to the D.A.'s office, and before I do that, I have to go over them with you and get your okay."
Bianca's breathing slowed as she nodded in comprehension. "Sam's plea deal, right?"
"Yeah, I also need to tell you a few things about her, what I learned last night. It's not going to be easy to hear."
"I had a feeling it wouldn't be. I'm okay. Go ahead."
Marissa took a deep breath. "Sam was placed with a foster family by the name of Allen. They know some people, and have been a foster family a couple of times before her. Things were okay there for about a month, and then, everything went to hell in a hand basket. She wasn't getting the counseling she was supposed to in order to deal with losing her parents. The Allen's didn't think it was necessary. Any money that she was supposed to get for her care, they pocketed. Before she knew it, she had become the family punching bag. She was an easy target because she was the outsider. They took all of their frustrations out on her, even the kids. They seemed happy to have someone else around to take the heat off of them."
"What about the social worker? They usually pay a follow up visit."
"Sam told her what was happening when she did, but she did basically next to nothing. She went to the Allen's and told them what Sam had told her. She didn't bother doing any investigation at all other than that. If she had really listened to Sam, she would've followed up at a few emergency rooms that Sam had told her she had visited, and gotten all of the proof that she needed."
"It was that bad?"
"Yeah, it was. Sam had some broken bones on a few of those trips. They were careful not to go to the same one too often because …"
"It would raise flags if they did. Yeah, I've seen that before, unfortunately. So when the social worker talked to the Allen's …"
"It made everything worse because now they were even madder because she was damaging their reputation."
"They couldn't have that now could they. You'd think they would've let the social worker take her away and get her off their hands."
"They couldn't do that because it wouldn't look good if they did. So, they kept her, and the social worker chalked it all up to Sam being disturbed because of losing her parents. The Allen's, in turn, made the place a living nightmare for her. She couldn't trust the social worker because when she did it just made things worse. She didn't know who else to go to. Sam stuck it out for as long as she could. When she couldn't take it anymore, she ran away."
"And she was put back with the Allen's when they found her. So, she ran away again."
"Yeah, she did. That time she fell in with that gang that's been robbing places. They took her in because she could fill a role for them. At first, she was a look out. She was good at that because she could fly under the radar. The break-in at the Miranda Center was her first job where she actually participated. They told her that if she didn't help that she'd have to go back to the Allen's."
"That probably scared her more than anything else. Of course, she went along with them. I'm guessing they threatened her not to talk to the police if she was caught."
Marissa nodded sadly. "They did. That's another reason why she was so reluctant to talk. She knew what they could do to someone who crossed them."
"Somehow, you managed to get through to her, got her to trust you enough to tell you everything. You're incredible, you know that?" Bianca smiled.
"I don't know about that. I was able to relate to her on one level because of us both losing our parents. This all made me realize how lucky I was. I had my mom and dad, and thank God, they were the loving and wonderful people they were. When they died, I was old enough that I didn't have to deal with the foster care system and take my chances with that."
"How did you get her to open up, to let you help?"
"I told her that 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 all 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."
"And Sam took that offer just like you did." Bianca caressed Marissa's cheek. Her girlfriend's actions upon returning home made perfect sense to her now. After hearing everything that Sam had gone through, the first instinct Bianca had was to hug each of their kids and tell them how much she loved them just like Marissa had done. "I'm sorry. I didn't know that her situation would be that bad. It brought up some painful memories for you. Are you okay?"
"I am. Again, this all made me realize how lucky I was, how lucky I am. Krystal did help get me out of where I was and get me here. She may have done it partly out of guilt, but it was enough. If I hadn't taken her up on that offer of helping me with school, then, I wouldn't have moved here. I wouldn't have adopted AJ. I also wouldn't have met you, become your friend, fallen in love with you and have the family that I always wanted." Marissa leaned in giving Bianca a loving kiss.
"I'm glad you took her up on that offer. It changed my life. Is it safe to say that you know who the others are?"
"It is. I need to go over the deal I struck with Mike on this with you. If you're not comfortable with any of it, let me know, and we'll figure out something that will work for everyone. Okay?"
"Okay, but I trust you on this."
"For Sam giving up the others, she'll be charged as a juvenile but to a lesser offense. Instead of being put in detention to serve her time, she'll have to do community service, a lot of it."
"Let me guess where, the Miranda Center?"
Marissa smiled. "Yeah, I thought it was only right."
"I suppose it is, and that's fine with me. How many hours?"
"Mike and I went back and forth on that point. We compromised on 300 hours. We figure that could take her around a year to complete. She can work after school, on the weekends and breaks."
Bianca thought for a second. "We can always use the help. We'll find something for her. Where's she going to live?"
"That's the next part of the deal. Mike agreed that she will not be going back to the Allen's. He's going to open up an investigation into them."
"Good! Knowing him, he'll make sure it's actually done this time and that they pay for what they've done. It's sad and kind of ironic that their kids are now going to be on the other side of the system."
"Yeah, it is. Hopefully, they'll get the help that they didn't want to give Sam."
"So, where is Sam going?"
"For now, I'm hoping that she can temporarily stay in one of the Center's safe houses until a proper foster home is found for her. And B, when I say a proper foster home, I don't mean …"
Bianca stopped Marissa. "I know, and I understand. It can't be us. We've got our hands full as it is, and we won't be able to give Sam the attention that she needs. She's going to need a lot. She can definitely stay at one of the safe houses. Could we maybe have some say where she goes?" Bianca smiled when she saw the answer in Marissa's eyes. "You got Mike to agree to that, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I did. We'll be able to have a say since I'm her lawyer and she has to work for you."
"You're absolutely amazing."
"So you keep telling me." Marissa chuckled.
"I only speak the truth. Sam's good with the deal?"
"She is. One last thing, her record will be expunged when she turns 18 as long as she's completed her community service, gotten herself straightened out at school and stayed out of trouble. So, what do you think?"
"I think it's a very fair and well thought-out deal. I'm with good it. What next?"
"I take these papers over to the D.A.'s office for Mike to sign, and then, he files them with the court."
"Okay, I'll head to the office and get things set up on our side."
"I was wondering if you could do one more thing for me."
"Whatever you need, Rissa, you just need to ask."
"Call Jan and Aya and let them handle some of the details. Before you ask me why, I want you to get some rest. You need it. I know you didn't get that much last night so I know you're exhausted. You can protest all you want, but I know otherwise. Would you do this for me, please?"
"You're just as tired as I am. I know yesterday was rough on you. You could let Lisa run those papers over for you."
"Sam's my client, and I have a responsibility to her."
"And she's my client as well now giving me an equal responsibility to her as well." The two women stared at each other, neither wanting to give on the point.
Marissa smiled and shook her head. "How about we compromise?"
"What do you have in mind, counselor?"
"You call your office and handle things from here, but let Jan or Aya handle her intake at the Center and getting her settled at the safe house. I'll have Mike meet me at the police station to sign the deal and make sure Sam's okay with going with Jan or Aya since I can't go with her to the safe house. I'll come back home as soon as I'm done. We'll check on her later today to make sure she's okay."
Bianca thought for a moment and finally relented. "Okay, I suppose I can live with that. It's probably better for Sam if I'm not hovering around the staff. They can do their jobs better if I'm not, and it will give her a lower profile. There's no need to bring more attention to her than what's necessary. While they're handling that, I can think of how she can best complete her community service. Will you let Sam know I'll check on her tomorrow?"
Marissa grinned, happy to see Bianca accept the compromise. "You know I will. Let me go change into something slightly more professional than sweats and call Mike." The redhead grabbed her cellphone and headed upstairs.
Bianca cleaned up the remnants of their breakfast from family room before starting on her calls. Marissa rejoined her a short time later.
"Aya will meet you at the police station while Jan starts on the paperwork. We think we've found the best place for her to stay."
"Good. Mike agreed to meet me at the station." Marissa leaned in for a quick kiss. "I'll be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, please try and get some rest."
Bianca sighed. "I will. I promise."
"I'll pick us up some lunch on my way back. Sound good?"
"Sounds perfect." Bianca followed Marissa to the door giving her a lingering kiss goodbye. "I'll see you soon. I love you."
Marissa grinned. "You definitely will. I love you too."
/
Marissa walked into Krystal's and headed straight for the counter to place a lunch order to go. She was anxious to get home to give Bianca an update and to pick up where they had left off earlier.
"Hey, Red."
"Hey, Kendall, Greenlee. How're you both doing?"
"Not bad. You look better than you did when I saw you this morning. I'm surprised to see you out and about."
"That's because I am better, a lot better. I had to wrap something up from yesterday."
Greenlee looked around. "Where's the other half?"
"Bianca's at home getting some much needed rest. I'm picking up lunch for us."
"Why does she need rest in the middle of the day? Should I take a guess?" Greenlee waggled her eyebrows and grinned.
"Do you mind? I'm eating here, and come on! You're talking about my little sister! We've talked about this many, many times. There are certain aspects of their relationship that I don't want to talk or even think about, alright? Bianca feels the same way that I do when it comes to my relationship with Zach."
"Sorry, I brought it up." Greenlee smirked.
Kendall shook her head seeing the glint in her friend's eyes. "The hell you are. You do it on purpose. I know you do."
Greenlee laughed. "You're right, I do. It's fun getting a rise out of you and surprisingly easy sometimes. Besides, you do the same thing to me."
"Yeah, I know I do. Guilty as charged. Don't get any ideas, Red."
Marissa chuckled. "I'm not saying a word, Curly. I like to keep some things between Bianca and myself just between the two of us and private. Greenlee, you are free to speculate all you want, and I will neither confirm nor deny what you say. Oh good, it looks like my order is ready. I'm going to get it and head home. As always, it's been … interesting chatting with you. I'll tell Bianca you said 'hi'."
"Thank you. See you later, Red." Kendall watched the redhead leave.
"It looks like things are patched up between the two of them." Greenlee stated.
"Yes, it does. I'm glad to see it."
"Did you really doubt they wouldn't work it out?"
Kendall shook her head. "No, I knew they would. I just …"
"Don't like seeing them both so miserable, yeah I know. Don't worry so much. Yes, they've both been through a lot. That's the reason why I know that this time is different for both of them, particularly your sister. What they have is special, and they are going to fight like hell to keep it."
"And we'll be there to help them if they need it. You really are getting soft."
"Shut up!"
/
When Marissa let herself in, she was relieved to see that Bianca wasn't in the family room and to hear that the house was quiet. Both were good indications that the brunette was indeed getting some much needed rest. Marissa went to the kitchen and placed the food on the counter before heading upstairs to check on her girlfriend and change her clothes. She found Bianca had changed into an old pair of sweats and a t-shirt and was sleeping peacefully on their bed. Marissa smiled and gazed at the beautiful sight for several minutes. She shook herself back to the present and changed into her sweats again. As she about to pull her t-shirt over her head, Marissa yelped in surprise as she felt Bianca's arms wrap around her. She leaned back into the embrace, enjoying the feel of Bianca enveloping her.
"Hey, you."
"Hey, yourself. I didn't wake you, did I? I was trying to be quiet."
"I woke up to the intoxicating smells of you and chili cheese fries."
Marissa laughed. "I'm glad to hear I rank up there with chili cheese fries."
"Oh, I think you have the edge there." Bianca grinned. "Am I right about smelling the fries though?"
"Yes, you are. I stopped by Krystal's on the way home. I know how much you love them. Everything went fine at the station by the way. I'll give you all the details while we have lunch."
"I had no doubt that it would. Thank you for getting me lunch and making me get some rest. I didn't realize how tired I was."
"You're welcome. I'm happy to do it. So, you feel better?"
"Definitely. I'm extremely well rested." Bianca began to nuzzle her girlfriend's neck as she pulled the t-shirt from her hands and discarded it.
"What about lun, lunch?" Marissa's heart began to race as she fought to keep her train of thought. The brunette was making that extremely difficult at the moment. Her lips were a very pleasant distraction, and she knew Bianca knew that.
"Hmm, you or chili cheese fries? It's a tough call but I think the fries can wait." Bianca grinned as Marissa tilted her head giving her better access and the brunette accepted the unspoken invitation as she trailed kisses from her girlfriend's shoulder to her neck, finding that one spot that she loved behind Marissa's ear, the one that made her powerless and caused the redhead to inhale sharply and release a soft moan. "Is that alright with you?"
"Huh? Uh, uh yeah, that's, that's fine with me. We can, we can wa, warm them up later." Rational thought was impossible for her as those soft lips continued their exquisite torture. Marissa turned around and found Bianca's lips for a searing kiss as her hands found their way under the brunette's shirt. Bianca moaned at the contact, and their remaining clothes were quickly discarded as Marissa pulled them to the bed.