A/N: As always, thanks for the great reviews! Please keep them coming because they fuel the creative beast. A reviewer asked about the song "Forevermore". I did a search of it (gotta love Google), and there are songs out there with that name. They are not, however, the same song which leads me to believe that the show's writers just made it up. There were a few questions/comments, obviously, wondering about Marissa's condition. Those get answered in this chapter. Speaking of which, this update picks up where the last left off. Hope you enjoy it!
/
Bianca held her breath when she saw Marissa starting to stir. When she saw those beautiful hazel eyes open, she released that breath and smiled. It soon faded when she saw the pain etched on her love's face.
Marissa groaned and winced in pain as she struggled to open her eyes. They slowly opened, and she tried to focus on the person next to her. The lights in the room were too bright and intensified the pain in her head making it impossible to keep her eyes open. She heard her name, but the pain was too great for her to focus, know who it was or respond to them.
Bianca didn't know what she could do to ease Marissa's pain. It killed her to see her lover in such distress. She reached for the call button and pressed it hoping a nurse or doctor would come soon with help. Bianca then acted on instinct. She remembered how Marissa comforted her over a year ago when she rushed her to the hospital. The brunette gently stroked Marissa's head, kissed her forehead and began to sing softly.
Marissa felt a gentle touch and heard soft whispered words that comforted her and began to ease her pain.
"All through the night, near and far, we will be together. So hush, don't you cry. You will be in my arms, forevermore."
Marissa drifted back to sleep feeling the love behind those words.
"Ms. Montgomery, is everything alright?" Emily, the nurse on-call, asked as she entered the room.
"I need Dr. Torres. Marissa just woke up."
"I'll get her right away." The nurse nodded and headed off to get the doctor.
Bianca gazed back at Marissa and continued to softly stroke her copper locks. "You're fighting, aren't you? Keep fighting, Rissa. I'll be here no matter what. I'm not leaving, ever. I love you."
/
"Kendall, where's Marissa? Is she …"
"She's holding her own, Krystal. Red's a fighter, and she's got a lot to live for, to fight for."
The older woman exhaled in relief. "Yes, she definitely does. What happened? Who should I talk with?"
"Kendall, how is Marissa? How is Bianca? Do they need anything?" Erica rushed into the waiting room.
"Relax, Mom. Marissa is hanging in there and so is Bianca. She's back there with her right now." Kendall looked at both women as they acknowledged each other with a nod. "Why don't you both have a seat? I'll tell you everything I know." She waited until both older women settled in. "First off, Marissa's condition is listed as serious but stable. The doctors' main concern right now is her head injury. There's some swelling in her brain, and they need to reduce that."
"Did they say how they want to treat that? Should I be talking to them? Who are they?" Krystal asked anxiously.
"Angie Hubbard is her primary doctor since she admitted her. Angie called in Dr. Sandra Torres who is the chief of Neurology. Before you ask, Mom, she's pretty impressive. Greenlee looked her up."
"I figured I could do a little research while we were waiting for an update. Thanks to Google, I was able to find out quite a lot about her. She's very respected in her field and considered an authority on head traumas. She's consulted at a number of hospitals around the country. Plus, there's the added bonus that Angie recommended her."
Erica nodded. "Angie's an excellent doctor in her own right, and she cares a great deal about Marissa and Bianca. She wouldn't recommend just anyone."
"You're right. Going back to your question, Krystal, I have no doubt the doctors will speak with you, but they've already been given permission on how to proceed with her treatment by …"
"David spoke with them?"
"Yes, he spoke with them, but he doesn't have the authority to give consent. Bianca has the authority to make the decisions regarding her treatment." Kendall continued before Krystal could stop her. "Marissa gave Bianca her medical power of attorney before this happened. I'm guessing they did this when they updated their wills a few weeks back."
The other three women observed Krystal as she processed this. She had to admit that she was a little stunned. Bianca wasn't her … No, Bianca is her family. They love each other and are building a life together. Bianca knows Marissa better than I ever will, and my daughter trusts her. She trusts her with her life, and I can't think of anyone better to make those decisions. She has more of a right than I do to make these decisions. "It makes perfect sense to have Bianca be the one to decide those things. You said they talked with David?"
Kendall relaxed seeing Krystal's acceptance of things and knowing she wouldn't fight her sister on anything. "One of his disciples made the call to him in Harrisburg without Angie knowing."
Erica quirked an eyebrow. "The state medical board is located there."
Greenlee nodded. "Apparently, he's there to try and get his license back. From what I gathered, he assumed he would be in charge and wanted them to proceed with surgery. Bianca wasn't having that though."
"David can't be too happy about that." Erica offered with a slight smirk.
Kendall agreed with her mother. "I'm sure he's not. Angie's taking care of setting him straight though. Bianca spoke with her and the neurologist. Dr. Torres explained everything. She recommended treating Marissa with medication after assuring Bianca that the swelling was minimal and that this was the best course of treatment."
Krystal nodded. "Well if Bianca thinks that's the best way to go, I trust her. She loves Marissa and would never do anything to jeopardize her health and more importantly her life. Are there any other injuries?"
"She has some broken ribs and her knee is injured. She'll need surgery on it after the swelling's gone down."
"Do you know when we can see her? You said Bianca's with her?"
"Yeah, she is. She's been back there with her ever since the doctor said she could see her. We're going to have to pry her away from Marissa's side."
"Kendall, how's Bianca holding up?" Erica knew how much her youngest daughter loved Marissa. She'd been through so much in her life, and this had to be killing her.
"Bianca is Bianca. She's focusing on Marissa and holding it together somehow."
"When you called, Greenlee, you said this wasn't an accident. It's that man, isn't it? What's his name?"
"His name's Robert Brennan, and Jesse said that he's responsible, Krystal."
"Where are the children? Are they safe?"
"The kids are safe and with Zach, Mom. Jesse has an officer watching them, and he also has them watching Marissa. You know that Bianca isn't going anywhere anytime soon so she'll be safe here as well."
"What happened exactly, Kendall? I thought Marissa already had a security guard watching her. How did this happen?"
"She did, and he was injured. This is what Jesse told Bianca and me on the way over." Kendall then related everything the police chief had told them.
/
"Ms. Montgomery, I'm told Marissa woke up." The doctor began to examine the redhead.
"Yes, she did, Dr. Torres."
"Tell me exactly what happened."
"She groaned and opened her eyes. I could tell she was in a lot of pain. I could see it in her eyes and on her face. It was like the light was hurting her when she opened her eyes, and she closed them right away."
"Light sensitivity is definitely an after effect of the head trauma. We'll make sure we lower the lights along with the sound of the monitors. There could be some sensitivity with that as well. Did she say anything?"
"No, she didn't. I think she was in too much pain. Can we do something about that please?"
"Yes, I'll increase her pain medication." The doctor looked at the brunette. "I'm curious. The nurse said Marissa was asleep when she came in. How did you get her to relax and fall back to sleep?"
Bianca gazed at Marissa. "I whispered to her and tried my best to comfort her. There's a song from her childhood that she brought to our family. It always made her feel better and safe when she was growing up and scared or hurt. She's sung it to me and our kids when we've needed it, and it turns out it does the same thing for all of us. I simply sang it to her this time. I guess you can call it our family secret."
"It must be one heck of a song, but I have a feeling it's who's singing it as well." The doctor noticed the worried look on the other woman's face. "Ms. Montgomery, she woke up. Yes, she was in pain, and we will handle that. This is a good thing though. She woke up, and it's actually a little sooner than I thought she would. This is a very good sign. Trust me."
"You're not just saying that, are you? Trying to make the patient's family feel better and hold back the truth."
The doctor smiled. "If you were to ask any of my colleagues, they would tell you that's not my style. I don't sugarcoat things when it comes to doing what's best for my patients. This is a very good sign. I know you'd like her to wake up, but right now, she needs sleep. It gives her body the time it needs to heal." She observed the brunette carefully. "I don't suppose I could convince you to go home and get some rest?"
Bianca shook her head vehemently. "No, I'm not going anywhere until I know that Marissa's out of the woods."
"I thought so. I need to examine her though, and you can't stay while I do that." Bianca started to protest but was quickly stopped by the doctor. "I'm just asking you to you take a small break and get some coffee, tea, soft drink, whatever while I finish her exam. As soon as I'm done, I'm come get you, and you can stay in here. We'll find you a more comfortable chair. I promise to go over everything with you when I'm done. Besides, Emily tells me that you have some family out in the waiting room. Both of your mothers are here in addition to your sister and her friend. I'm sure they would appreciate an update from you."
Bianca sighed. Krystal needed to be told about Marissa, and it was her responsibility. "Okay, I'll go, and you'll come get me as soon as you're done?"
"Cross my heart. The sooner you go, the sooner you can come back."
Bianca started to say something but stopped. She leaned over and kissed Marissa gently. "I'll be right back. I love you."
/
Erica and Krystal were sitting quietly together in the waiting room. They weren't talking to each other but at least they weren't fighting. Each was worried about both Marissa and Bianca. They were worried about Marissa recovering from her physical injuries, and they were equally worried about Bianca and how she was handling all of this.
"Bianca, sweetheart, how is Marissa?" Erica embraced her daughter as Bianca walked into the waiting room.
Krystal hugged the young brunette as well. "Bianca, do you have an update?"
"Hi, Mom. Hi, Krystal. Yeah, I do. Marissa woke up."
"She did? That's great. Did she say anything?"
"No, she didn't. She was only awake for maybe a minute and went back to sleep right away. Dr. Torres said that was a good sign though. She's examining her right now and made me leave."
"I'm sure you could use the break. You have to be exhausted. You need to get some rest."
"I'm okay, Krystal. I just need Marissa to be alright. Before either of you say anything, I'm not leaving."
"I need her to be alright too, and I wasn't even going to suggest it. I don't think Erica was either."
"No, I'm not going to. I can tell by the look in your eyes that that would be impossible. I do want you to get some sleep though, Bianca. Marissa's going to need you during her recovery, and you'll be no good to her if you're exhausted and don't take of yourself."
"Part of me knows you're right, Mom, but I can't, not yet. When I know she's out of the woods, I'll get some rest then. I promise."
"I suppose that will have to do for now. Jack called Caleb, and they are taking care of things for her at the office. So, you don't need to concern yourself with any of that. Jack also said he'll be by later to visit."
"Thanks, Mom. Did Kendall and Greenlee go home?"
"No, they went down to the cafeteria to get some coffee."
"What did they tell you?"
"Kendall and Greenlee told us everything that they know. We know about you having Marissa's medical power of attorney, and that you're making all of the necessary decisions for her."
"Are you okay with that, Krystal?"
"Bianca, there's no one that I trust more with my daughter's life than you. There's no on that knows her better than you. You are the perfect person to make these decisions. I'll be behind you with whatever you decide. If David tries to give you a hard time about this, you let me know. I'll take care of him."
Erica nodded. "That makes two of us. Marissa has made her decision more than clear, and it will be respected and followed. Kendall and Greenlee did some research on Marissa's doctor. It sounds like she's quite impressive."
"She is. I like her. She's been very good and upfront about everything. There she is now." Bianca stood. "How's Marissa?"
"Her vital signs are improving, and she's resting quietly."
Bianca released a deep breath. "Dr. Torres this is my mom, Erica Kane, and Marissa's mom, Krystal Carey."
"Ladies, I wish I were meeting you under better circumstances, but as I told Bianca, Marissa is improving. She's young and healthy and has a loving family. These are things that will all aid in her recovery."
"Is it possible I could see her, Doctor?"
The doctor threw a questioning glance towards Bianca who nodded. "You can see her for a few minutes, Ms. Carey, but only a few minutes. I'm keeping her visitors along with the amount time spent with her to a minimum for now."
"I understand. Thank you."
"I'll take you back now."
Krystal turned to Bianca. "Are you coming back?"
"I'll let you have a few minutes to yourself."
"Thank you, Bianca. I'll keep it brief. I know you're anxious to get back to her."
Erica observed her daughter. "Are you sure you're alright, Bianca?"
"Honestly, I don't know how I am, Mom. When I first saw Jesse, I couldn't help but think that Marissa had …" Bianca closed her eyes and shook her head simply unable to say the word.
Erica pulled her daughter to her, hugging her fiercely before releasing her to look directly into her eyes. "Sweetheart, I want you to listen to me. You are not going to lose her. You heard the doctor. She's improving."
"But …"
"No buts. I've learned a few things about Marissa since I've known her and even more since the two of you have become a couple. Here's what I've learned about her. She loves you. That young woman would go to hell and back for you. She's stubborn and a fighter, and I am certain that there's nothing that will keep her away from you. Marissa isn't going anywhere. The two of you have a long life ahead together."
"You really think so?"
"I know so. I'll tell you something else if you didn't know it already. I care a great deal about Marissa. I love her and respect her quite a lot. She's good for you, and I've never seen you happier."
"I second that. Mom's right on all of it." Kendall smiled as she and Greenlee rejoined Erica and Bianca. "How's Red?"
"She's improving and woke up for about a minute. Dr. Torres said that was a good sign even though she was in a lot of pain. She adjusted her pain medication. Krystal's with her now. I thought I'd give her a few minutes alone with her."
"That's great news that she woke up, Bianca, and what the other two just said, that makes three of us. We brought you something to eat."
"Thanks, but I can't eat anything, Greenlee."
"Bianca, you have to eat something. I know for a fact you haven't eaten all night. You're getting sick isn't going to help Marissa, and you know she won't be happy when she finds out that you're not taking care of yourself." Kendall gently scolded.
The younger brunette sighed. She knew her sister would rat her out to Marissa and that her partner wouldn't be happy with her. "Fine, I'll eat something. I know you'll tell Marissa if I don't."
Kendall smirked. "You're right. I will."
/
Bianca gently kissed Marissa before settling down in the chair the nurse had provided for her. It was late or early depending on how you looked at it. She had sent the others home to get some sleep. While she promised to get some rest herself, she wasn't sure how realistic that was. She had eaten some, not a lot, but enough to appease her mother and sister. Bianca was grateful for family's support, but now, she wanted some time alone with Marissa and time to think. She was thinking positively that Marissa was going to make a full recovery. To assist with that, Bianca knew some changes or rather some adjustments would be needed. To that end, the brunette was taking a page out of Marissa's notebook and coming up with a plan.
She knew that her partner would need to stay in the hospital at least two more days. Dr. Torres had told her that earlier. Bianca planned to spend most if not all of that time here. She knew Marissa would fight her on that, but it was just too bad. Her partner would have to deal with it. She would ask Kendall and Zach to watch the kids. Kendall had already volunteered so that wouldn't be a problem. The kids. She'd have to talk with them, tell them something. They could only be distracted for so long. They would be asking where Marissa was and why they hadn't seen or heard from her. Bianca was hoping for something more concrete, more positive to tell them. She wouldn't know that until more tests were run later today. She decided that for now she would tell them that Marissa was in a car accident, was recovering and needed lots of rest. This was partially true. It wasn't an accident though, and they didn't need to know that some abusive son of bitch tried to kill her and was still running around Pine Valley. Bianca shook her head. Focus on what needs to be done. I'll talk to the doctors on allowing the kids to see her. In the meantime until they can, I'll have them make her get well cards.
The next thing Bianca needed to work on was security. She was going to make damn sure that Robert Brennan didn't have another chance of hurting Marissa. She would talk with Jesse about what the police were doing. She would also talk with Zach and get additional security set-up. She hated that they might feel like they were prisoners in their own home, but she would do whatever it took to ensure her family's safety.
Bianca would also need to call her staff. She would be taking some time off to care for Marissa. How much time, she wasn't sure yet. Bianca knew that Marissa would need surgery on her knee in maybe another week once the swelling was down. After that, there would be some time for recovery. Right now, Bianca was looking at being off for at least two weeks. If she needed more time though, she would take it. It didn't matter. This was her family, and they always came first. While she was off, Jan would be in charge. She knew her assistant was more than capable especially with Aya's help, and Bianca would be available by phone if she was needed.
The brunette decided that while they were home that they could make the final plans for the move to their new home. It would be done in a few weeks, and they needed to start sorting things, line up a mover and plow through the list that Marissa had created for them. Bianca gazed at her lover and smiled. She looked so peaceful now. The brunette put down the pad of paper and pen she had borrowed from a nurse and scooted the chair closer to the bed. Bianca took Marissa's hand and kissed it softly. The events of the day began to take their toll. I'll just close my eyes for a minute.
/
Hazel eyes slowly opened and began to scan the darkened room trying to find something familiar to latch onto to clear the confusion she was feeling. A smile tugged at the corners of their owner's mouth when they landed on the sleeping form of a brunette. She heard someone clear their throat and quietly say her name.
"Good morning, Ms. Tasker."
The redhead winced in pain when she turned her head too quickly towards the voice. "Do I know you?"
"We haven't met officially. Before I introduce myself, I need to ask you a few questions. Are you in a lot of pain?"
"Some. I moved my head too fast."
"I'll give you something for the pain if you want."
Marissa closed her eyes and tried to focus on something other than the pain to no avail. "Maybe just a little something. I don't want a lot."
"Okay, I can do that." The doctor administered a small dose of pain medication. "You should feel some relief in just a minute. Do you know your name?"
"Yes, Marissa Tasker."
"Good. Do you know where you are?"
"Judging by all of these machines, I'd say a hospital."
"Very good. Do you know …"
Marissa felt the pain medication begin to kick in and take the edge off for her. "No more questions until you answer some of mine. Who are you, and where am I exactly?"
The other woman chuckled softly. She'd overheard the redhead's loved ones last night discussing how tough and stubborn she was. She was proving them right. "Fair enough. I'm Dr. Sandra Torres, and you're in Pine Valley Hospital. Now, it's my turn again. Do you know who the woman in the chair is?"
Marissa slowly turned her head back towards the chair and smiled. "She's been here all night." It wasn't a question just merely a statement of fact.
"Yes, she has, but you're not surprised by that, are you?"
"No, I'm not."
The quiet conversation being held jostled Bianca awake. Warm chocolate eyes met hazel and a smile quickly formed on both women's faces.
"Hey."
"Hey, yourself." Relief flooded Bianca when she saw Marissa's smile.
"Ms. Tasker, can you tell me who she is?"
Bianca held her breath waiting for Marissa to respond to the doctor's question. Please remember me, remember us.
Marissa kept her eyes peeled to Bianca's and gave her a goofy grin as the medication took more effect. "She's absolutely beautiful, isn't she? Scratch that. She's breathtaking. She's the love of my life, the other half of my heart and soul, the most beautiful woman in the world inside and out, the mother of my children, and I'm going to grow old and gray with her. She's Bianca Christine Montgomery, and I am so lucky to have her in my life."
Bianca blushed and wiped the stray tears that escaped from her eyes as her partner gushed. She gave Marissa a loving kiss and rested her forehead against the redhead's. "I'm the lucky one, and I've got nothing on you. I love you so much."
"And I love you."
"How are you feeling?"
Marissa grinned. "I'm feeling pretty damn good."
Bianca gave the doctor a worried glance.
Dr. Torres was smiling watching the interaction between the couple. Seeing the look the brunette directed to her, the doctor shook her head. "The pain medicine is kicking in. I gave her a small dose before you woke up. Is she usually so passionate when talking about her feelings for you?"
"She …"
"Don't you dare say I over exaggerate when it comes to you because I'm only speaking the truth."
Bianca leaned in and gave Marissa a chaste kiss. "I won't argue with you right now on that. Once you're out of here though, it's another story."
Marissa struggled to clear her head some of the pain medication's effects. "Speaking of that, what happened and why do I feel like I got run over by a truck?"
"What's the last thing you remember, Ms. Tasker?"
"I left the office, and Ben was following me home. We had a girls' night out with Kendall and Greenlee. I remember seeing the headlights of a car behind me getting closer. I can't remember anything else after that. What happened?"
"Two words, Robert Brennan."
"You're going to have to give me a little more than that, B."
"From what Jesse's told me, Brennan was waiting for you outside your office." Bianca then related the events of the previous evening as they had been pieced together by the police to that point based on witness statements and examining the crime scene.
"How's Ben?"
"He was injured, but he's going to be okay."
Marissa sighed in relief at hearing that. She felt responsible for the man who was guarding her. It was his job, but in her mind, she was the reason he was injured. "What about the kids?"
"They're with Kendall and Zach. I haven't told them anything yet. I wanted to wait until I knew more, until I could talk with you. I think it's best if we tell them it was a car accident and not …"
"Not a blatant attempt on my life. Yeah, I agree. There's nothing to be gained by worrying them. Security's in place for them."
"And for you. Jesse has a police officer right outside your door."
"What about for you?"
"I'm not leaving your side so I'm safe."
Marissa smiled. "We'll talk about that in a minute." The redhead glanced up at the doctor who had moved to the same side of the bed Bianca was on. "Why can't I remember the crash?"
"I don't want you to push yourself or take that as a bad sign. What you're experiencing isn't unusual for patients that have experienced head trauma."
"Head trauma? Okay just for the record, Bianca and no one else is to make the medical decisions for me if I can't."
"We know. She brought us the paperwork detailing that she holds your medical power of attorney. It was good that she did and that you had those orders in place. Otherwise …"
"Let me guess. David assumed he was in charge and tried to throw what little pull he may still have here around." Judging by the lack of reaction from the other two, Marissa knew she had guessed correctly. "I won't bore you with my family's whole sordid story, Doctor. I'll just state again for the record that Bianca is to make any decisions if I'm not able to. I don't trust David. I know how that must sound, but it is the truth, unfortunately. I trust Bianca with my life because she is my life."
"You're my life too." Bianca squeezed Marissa's hand.
"So, Dr. Torres, what kind of head trauma and what else is going on with me? When can I go home?"
The doctor shook her head. "Not that you could tell so much from this discussion, Ms. Tasker, but you took a pretty good shot to the head from the impact of the crash. The result of which is a concussion. There's some minimal swelling of your brain which we are treating with medication per Ms. Montgomery's directive."
"Please call me Marissa. I think you're allowed since you're dealing with my brain." Marissa smirked.
"And I'm Bianca."
"Alright. From observing you, Marissa, I would say that the medication appears to be working. I will be running some more tests to confirm that. You have some broken ribs and a tear of your ACL and MCL in your left knee. That will require surgery but not until the swelling has gone down. As for going home, I want to keep you here a couple of days for observation. Speaking of the tests, I'd like to go ahead and do those now."
"How long will they take?" Marissa asked.
"I'd say about an hour, and after that, I want you to get some rest."
"That's enough time for Bianca to go home, get something to eat and get some rest herself."
"I'm not going anywhere, Rissa."
"Bianca, you were here all night, and knowing you like I do, you didn't get hardly any sleep or eat much if anything at all."
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Hey, Curly."
"Hey, Red. It's good to see you."
"It's good to be seen. I need some help here."
"You got it. What do you need?"
"I need you to take your sister home and don't let her come back until she's at least had something to eat and a nap."
"Rissa, I'm fine. You're the one in the hospital bed."
"And you'll be joining me unless you take care of yourself. Besides, the kids need to know why I'm not home, and you know as well as I do that's something that needs to be done face to face. I'm not going to be in the room anyway. I've got tests and then I'll be sleeping. All you'll be doing is watching me."
"I love watching you." Bianca grinned.
Marissa's grin matched her partner's. "I know you do. It's that nasty habit of your's. You can watch me when you come back in a couple of hours. You know I'm right."
Dr. Torres watched the couple and whispered to Kendall. "Is this normal for them? Are they always like this?"
Kendall gave the couple an amused look and nodded. "Yeah, they are. You get used to it after a while. Watch. Bianca's realizing that Marissa's right and is going to give her this point, but she'll come back with something else."
Bianca sighed in defeat. Marissa was right about the kids. They needed to be told about Marissa being in the hospital, and Bianca needed to be the one to tell them. "Okay, I'll go, but only for a couple of hours. I'm staying tonight, and don't even try and argue with me on that."
Marissa smiled. "I won't even try. Kendall, will you make sure she does what I want? I'm counting on you."
"I'll do my best for you, Red. You concentrate on getting better, and I'll keep an eye on Binx for you."
"Thanks."
Bianca leaned in for a loving kiss. "I'll be back soon. Do what the doctors tell you to until I do. I love you."
"I love you too."
"Okay, Marissa, let's get these tests started."
/
Bianca smiled when she re-entered Marissa's room and saw her resting comfortably. Doctor Torres said the tests went better than she hoped, and Marissa's condition had been upgraded to good. She had asked if the kids could visit, but it wasn't possible. It just wouldn't work with the restrictions for Marissa to have as much quiet as possible for another day. Bianca had another suggestion for the doctor then. The kids were anxious about seeing Marissa and she was just as anxious. The doctor agreed with her proposal. While Kendall worked on setting up the laptop and finding a signal, Bianca unpacked a late lunch.
Marissa chuckled as she opened her eyes. "Are the chili cheese fries for me or you?"
Bianca grinned and gave her a quick kiss. She helped Marissa sit up in bed. "They're for both of us. I also got you a burger with the works from Krystal's. The doctor said it was okay."
"It helped that Binx bribed her with a burger of her own." Kendall smirked. "Before you ask, she did get about an hour's sleep and a nice hot shower before she talked to the kids. I tried my best to get her to eat at home, but you know how stubborn she is. She wanted to get back here as soon as she could. We came up with a compromise. We stopped at Krystal's and brought everything here. This way you both get to eat."
"That's as good as I'm going to get so I'll take it. Thanks, Kendall."
"You're welcome, Red. How are you feeling?"
"Better. They dialed back the pain medicine so I'm definitely feeling clearer and more with it. Dr. Torres seemed happy with the tests, B."
"She told me. Your condition has been officially upgraded. Krystal said to tell you 'hi', and she'll stop by later. She was here last night and so were Mom and Greenlee. They're going to stop by for a few minutes later too and so is Uncle Jack. The kids are just too young to visit so we're going to Skype with them after we eat."
"That sounds perfect. How are they?"
"They're worried about you, but they're doing okay. They know that you're hurt but getting better. They're also making you get well cards along with Spike and Ian."
Marissa moaned as she bit into the burger. "This is so good. I didn't realize how hungry I was." Her eyes quickly found Bianca, and she smiled as her lover dug into the fries.
Kendall laughed. "Next to you and the kids, Red, those things are her biggest weakness."
Marissa laughed when Bianca made a face at her sister. "I see where Gabby gets it. What else is going on out there in the world?"
"Well, you were definitely the topic of conversation at Krystal's. Everyone we ran into sends you their best. Dr. Torres has a limit on the number of visitors so they'll stop by the house after I get to take you home."
"I can't wait to get home." Marissa spotted the small duffle in the corner of the room. "And what's that, B?"
"It's a change of clothes for me. I told you I'm staying tonight. Kendall and Zach are going to watch the kids again, and before you argue about it, you should know that the kids took a vote and want me to stay here with you so you're not alone."
Marissa took a shaky breath. "We really do have the best kids, don't we?"
Bianca smiled. "Yeah, we do. We, uh, also ran into Jesse while we were at Krystal's. He's going to stop by in a little while, get your statement and give us an update on the case."
"That means that Brennan is still out there on the loose."
/
A/N: It was tricky writing the part with Krystal. I know she's Marissa's mother, but there relationship is complicated. In my mind (and story), they are still working through it. As someone stated in a review, Bianca is Marissa's "person" so this naturally (again in my mind) all falls to her. I hope this makes sense to you. On another note, did you really think I'm just going to wrap this storyline up that quickly? Remember, I'm dealing with an evil part of me that is enjoying writing cliffhangers!