A/N: Thanks for reading, reviewing and following this not so little tale! It's hard to believe that I am fast approaching 100 chapters and 500,000 words and have received over 600 reviews. It boggles the mind. Thank you all. I still have ideas for future chapters so I don't see an end in sight yet so I hope you continue to stick with me. I'm glad you understood about the large presence of a certain character in the previous chapter. It was needed for story purposes. He'll be in this one as well but not as much. This chapter picks up the following day from the previous chapter. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
"JR actually said that? He's really going somewhere to get help with his anger issues? Wow. I never thought I'd live to see the day." Kendall had come over to watch Miranda and Gabby for the couple while they took AJ to say goodbye to JR. She had brought Spike and Ian with her and all five children were currently playing in the backyard while the three women discussed yesterday's events. Kendall, for her part, was still trying to wrap her head around what she had been told.
Bianca nodded. "Yeah, that's what he said. He told us that he didn't realize what he was doing to AJ, what he was putting him through. I mean, AJ pretty much called him out on a lot of stuff yesterday, and I think he got through to JR. I think he realized some things. His anger was starting to get out of hand again, and if he doesn't do anything about it, there's a very real possibility AJ won't want to be around him anymore. He saw how AJ looked at him and realized he's really close to losing him and doesn't want that to happen. He also acknowledged there's other stuff behind this anger and not just the two of us being together. We've just been getting all of the blame since we were easy targets for him."
"He realized that he was responsible for the things that have been going on in his life. So, he said he was going to get some real help and that Tad helped him a find place to go to. He wants to say goodbye to AJ before he leaves." Marissa finished.
"I hope he means it, but I'm sorry. I'm finding this change of heart a little hard to believe. Do you really trust him?"
The couple exchanged a look and sighed.
"We're not sure. Part of us wants to, but the part that's been burned by JR too many times to count is leery to say the very least. We're taking this meeting very cautiously. Bianca and I are both going to be there in case he does try to pull something. We're not taking any chances."
"That's very smart. How's AJ doing with this?"
Bianca smiled as she watched the blonde laughing as he played. "He's hopeful. He misses the dad JR used to be, and he's hoping this is the start of getting him back. We just hope JR doesn't screw this up and end up hurting AJ. Thank you for coming over and watching the girls."
"There is no need to thank me. I'm happy to do it. The boys were excited about coming over and going swimming later."
"We shouldn't be too long. JR's flight is at 4:30 so there won't be a lot of time for them to go into too much at Krystal's. If they want to go swimming before we get back, go ahead and let them. With that said, we need to go. I'll get AJ." Marissa stood and walked over to retrieve AJ.
Kendall looked at her sister. "Good luck."
"Thanks. Opal and Krystal told us they both plan on being there again, just in case."
"It's always good to have back up, and if JR does screw up, he doesn't stand a chance of getting out of there alive with those two watching him like hawks. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for it."
"We won't. Will Greenlee be over soon?"
"Yes, she and Emma will be here in about 20 minutes or so. She said that Emma was excited about the impromptu pool party."
"I'm glad to hear that." Bianca smiled as Marissa and AJ approached. "Let's go."
/
For this visit, JR had arrived at Krystal's early. He and Tad found a table and waited.
"Tad, JR." Opal eyed the younger man warily. She and Krystal had been there when JR arrived home with her son. They listened as the two men explained what JR was going to do and hope to accomplish. The women hoped he was being honest because they did not want to see anyone hurt by JR's actions again, particularly AJ.
"Mama, we're good. We don't need anything to drink or anything else." Tad didn't need his mother or Krystal to do anything to jeopardize the situation. He knew they meant well and were only looking out for AJ as well as Bianca and Marissa, but he really didn't want to chance them doing anything to mess this up.
"Alright, I was just checking. Krystal and I will be over there keeping an eye on things if anything should come up."
Tad rolled his eyes and motioned for his mother to move away. "Got it. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks."
"They don't trust me. I can't say I blame them. I haven't done anything to earn it." JR admitted.
"True, you haven't, but you are now. You're trying, just don't …"
"I know. Don't do anything to screw it up. I really mean it this time, Tad. I don't think I'll ever forget the way AJ looked at me. I just hope I can change that."
"Well, here's your chance to start." Tad nodded towards the door as Bianca, Marissa and AJ entered.
/
JR stood but didn't make any further movements. "How are you doing, AJ?"
"I'm okay. Hi, Tad."
"Hi, AJ. Bianca, Marissa, why don't the three of you have a seat."
"Tad, JR."
All eyes were on JR as they waited for him to begin. "Thank you for coming today. You didn't have to. I know that so thanks. AJ, I want to tell you that I'm sorry. You're right. I haven't been very nice lately and have yelled a lot. I've been mad about things not going the way that I've wanted them to so I've been blaming other people, taking it out on them, and it's not right. It's nobody else's fault but mine. You don't deserve that and neither does B, your Mom and Ma. I realize that I've been wrong, and I'm going to try and do better. I need to work some things out, and it's going to take work on my part. I'm going to do it though. I want to be better. I want to be the kind of dad you deserve to have. I can't do it by myself though so I'm going away to a place that can help me."
"Where are you going?" AJ asked.
"Tad helped me find a place in California where I can work on the things that I need to."
"Will you write me?"
JR looked at Marissa and Bianca. Seeing a nod from them, he answered. "If you want me to, I'd like nothing better. I'll email you, and when the folks at the treatment center let me, I'll give you a call. It may not be for a little while. They have rules that I need to follow before I can do that. I really am sorry, AJ. Thank you for helping me see how wrong I was. I needed that."
AJ smiled shyly. "You're welcome. I'm glad you're going to try and be better."
"That's good to hear, AJ." JR looked at Bianca and Marissa. "I'm sorry for everything that I've done or said to both of you. I've called my lawyer and told him to back off. I'm going to respect the court's ruling, and I'm not going to try and take him away. I know AJ is better off with you. I can see it now. I just wish I could've seen earlier. It could've saved us all a lot of pain."
Marissa nodded. "Thank you for telling us that."
JR shook his head. "Neither of you owe me any thanks. You're great parents. I can see how happy he is and how great he's doing with you and the girls. I want him to be happy, and he really is."
Tad hated to break up the moment but needed to. "JR, it's time for us to go if we're going to make our flight."
JR nodded. "You're right. AJ, I know I don't have to tell you, but be good for your mothers."
AJ hugged JR. "I will. I'll miss you."
"Not as much as I'll miss you. I love you." JR released his son and looked at the couple.
"Good luck, JR."
JR nodded to his ex-wife. "Thank you. To you too. I mean that. I know I'll never be able to make up for everything that I've done to both of you, but I really am glad that you've found each other and are happy. You both deserve it. Take care of each other."
Bianca put her arm around Marissa who rested her hands on AJ's shoulders. "We will. Take care of yourself, JR."
JR smiled knowing his former friend meant what she'd said. He knew they would never be the friends they once were, but hopefully by his getting help, they would be able to forge a peaceful coexistence.
Once Tad and JR left, Marissa looked down at her son. "You okay, AJ?"
"I think so. I'm glad he's gonna try and be better."
Bianca smiled at her son. "So are we, Buddy. What do you say we go home and join everyone in the pool?"
AJ nodded happily. "That sounds good." He knew the three of them would talk more later, but right now, he just break from it. He was glad his Moms saw that and didn't press him any further today.
/
Marissa pulled into the garage. "Go change into your swim trunks, AJ. Don't get into the pool though without your Mom, Aunt Kendall, Greenlee or me there, okay?"
"Okay, Ma." AJ jumped out of the car and headed inside.
Bianca turned to her fiancée after they had gotten out of the car. "Do you think JR means what he said?"
Marissa thought for a moment as they walked inside. "I think so. There was something in his eyes that I hadn't seen before. That's not to say that I think we should let our guard down. I don't know that I'll ever be able to really trust him."
"I agree with all of that. I just really hope he doesn't mess this up. It would crush AJ."
They were interrupted by Marissa's cellphone ringing. "I need to get this. It's one of the investigators who're working on a case for me. I promise it will only take a few minutes. I'll meet you outside."
Bianca nodded as she headed to their bedroom to change into her swimsuit while Marissa ducked into their home office to take some notes.
/
"Hey, Bianca. Where's Marissa?" Greenlee swam to the side of the pool and greeted the brunette.
"Hey, Greenlee. She had to take a call. She'll be out in a minute. I'm glad you and Emma could come over today." Bianca laid beach towels for Marissa, AJ and herself on lounge chairs by the pool before sitting on the edge and dangling her legs in the cool water. She smiled as she watched the kids splash around.
"Thanks for inviting us."
"How did it go, Binx? AJ seems okay." Kendall joined her sister and friend.
"Yeah, he is, but we'll talk some more later. Rissa and I could tell he needed a break. The last two days have been a little rough for him so a pool party seemed in order."
"Seems like you and Red could use the break too and have some fun. Speaking of fun, your nephew Spike didn't believe me when I said you knew how to do a cannonball." Kendall spoke loud enough to get the attention of the children.
"Oh really? Spike, is that true?"
The boy blushed and nodded shyly. "I never saw you do one, Aunt Bianca."
"Mom does the best ones. Show him, Mom!" Miranda shouted encouragement to her brunette mother.
"Yeah, show him, Mom!" AJ joined in.
Gabby paddled over to the side of the pool in her swimmies. "You can do it, Mommy."
Bianca smiled at her youngest daughter. "Well, I guess that settles that!"
Greenlee pulled herself out of the pool and went to get her cellphone. "I gotta record this!"
"Gabby, you stay next to your Aunt Kendall. The rest of you, stay where you are in the shallow end and be prepared to be amazed!"
Marissa walked outside to see Bianca on the other side of the pool wearing a red bikini that she had picked up on a recent trip to New York that she hadn't had a chance to wear yet. The swimsuit fit her perfectly and had the redhead stopping in her tracks at the sight. Bianca ran to the edge of the pool and jumped at the last second before executing a perfect cannonball in the middle of the pool with water splashing the kids and her sister. When Bianca emerged from the water, Marissa caught her breath. Her fiancée was beaming and carefree and was absolutely beautiful.
"If you don't want to swallow any bugs, you should probably close your mouth, Marissa." Greenlee smirked.
Marissa snapped out of her daze. "Hey, Greenlee. It's good to see you."
"Obviously, it's not as good to see someone else in a bikini. You know, you could give a girl a complex the way you're ogling her. It's like no one else is around and you literally only have eyes for her." Greenlee teased.
"Huh? Oh yeah, you look nice too." Marissa said clearly distracted by Bianca with her eyes never once leaving her fiancée and travelling to the smaller brunette standing right next to her.
Greenlee laughed. "Gee, that really sounded sincere."
Marissa chuckled. "Sorry. I just can't help it. She's beautiful and takes my breath away every day."
"You've been together a year and a half. Shouldn't you be out of the honeymoon phase by now? A lot of couples are by this point."
"I don't know about other couples, but we're nowhere near the end of it. I don't see it ending anytime in the near future, if ever."
"You are so whipped."
"Yup and I couldn't be happier about it!" Marissa grinned.
/
Bianca heard Marissa laughing and glanced over to see her fiancée talking with Greenlee. The brunette's breath hitched when she saw Marissa in the teal bikini she had picked up in New York. Bianca hadn't seen her in it yet and her eyes freely raked over the redhead, drinking in the sight in front of her.
"You're drooling, Binx."
"What?" Bianca snapped to attention and swiftly moved her hand to her chin before catching her sister's amused expression. "Funny, very funny."
Kendall cracked up. "Sorry. I couldn't help myself, but you did look like you were about to start drooling. You'd think after all this time you'd be used to seeing Red dressed like that."
Bianca grinned and shook her head. "Nope, no way. I'm never going to get used to it, and I'm never going to stop appreciating it."
"You know when she's pregnant she's not going to look the same in that bikini."
"I know. She'll look even more beautiful."
"Any word on that front?"
"It's only been a few days so it's still way too early."
The conversation was interrupted when the sisters were splashed from the side. They glanced over their shoulders to see giggling kids swimming away as fast as they could. Kendall and Bianca looked at each other before looking at the kids.
"It's on."
"Oh yeah, it definitely is."
Kendall and Bianca quickly caught up with the kids and started splashing back.
"Ma, help us!"
Marissa and Greenlee laughed and headed over to the pool. Both dove in and joined the water battle. Sides were switched repeatedly with no clear winner. Everyone did, however, have an extremely fun day. Bianca and Marissa shared a smile knowing this was exactly what AJ needed.
/
A few weeks later
Marissa woke up anxious for some unknown reason. She chalked it up to the meeting she and Bianca were going to have with Erica and Krystal later that day to discuss wedding plans. The couple had managed to hold off the older women for a little while. This wasn't because they didn't want to plan the wedding. It was because they really weren't sure what would happen when Erica and Krystal started spending time together and giving their thoughts on the wedding. There was a very real possibility that it could turn into a battle royale, and the couple really wasn't looking forward to it. The trick was to find the right balance, and they really weren't sure how to accomplish that yet. Given who they were talking about, it was most definitely no small feat.
Bianca entered the kitchen and saw Marissa dressed and getting breakfast ready. The brunette gave her a quick kiss. "Good morning. You're up early."
"Good morning. Yeah, I couldn't sleep."
"Everything okay?"
"I think so. Maybe I'm just anxious about lunch today with your Mom and Krystal."
"That would do it. Are you sure there's nothing else?"
"Nothing I can think of."
"Okay, as long as you're sure. I'll go get the kids up and moving."
Marissa nodded and finished getting the kids' plates ready. A few minutes later, they wandered into the kitchen and took their respective seats after greeting their redheaded mother. While they started eating, Marissa fixed a plate for Bianca.
The brunette came back into the kitchen and took her seat just as Marissa sat a plate down for her. "Thank you! Aren't you eating?"
Marissa shook her head. "I'm not really hungry. My stomach's feeling a little unsettled. I'm good with just coffee for now. I'll grab something a little later. Oh, I better let Max back in." The redhead opened the back door and Max scampered inside heading directly for his food and water bowls. "I'll be back."
Bianca nodded as she watched her fiancée head towards their bedroom.
A few minutes later, Marissa returned with her purse, briefcase and car keys in hand.
"You're leaving already?"
"Yeah, I forgot I have an early meeting. Are you still okay dropping the kids off at camp?"
"Of course I am." Bianca watched as Marissa kissed their children goodbye. The couple exchanged a quick kiss with Bianca stopping the redhead before she made her exit. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I am. I just hate that I forgot about this meeting. I'll see you later."
Bianca couldn't shake the feeling that there was something definitely up with Marissa. She just didn't know what.
/
Erica entered Krystal's and immediately found her daughter sitting at her regular table. "Bianca, sweetheart, how are you?"
"Hi, Mom. I'm good. How are you?"
"I'm very well. Where's Marissa?"
"That's what I'm wondering. Marissa isn't one to be late." Krystal noted as she joined the other two women.
"I know. Let me try and get a hold of her." Bianca grabbed her cellphone and stepped away from the table. She found Marissa's name in her contact list and hit the number to call her.
"Hi, this is Marissa Tasker. I'm sorry I can't take your call right now. If you leave your name and number, I'll get back to you as soon as I can."
"Rissa, it's me. I was just wondering where you were. I'm with Mom and Krystal at the restaurant. Hopefully, you're on your way. Call me, please. I love you." Bianca disconnected and dialed Marissa's paralegal, Lisa.
"Oh hey, Bianca. I hope Marissa's feeling better."
She thinks Marissa's sick? "Hi, Lisa. So, you talked to Marissa earlier?"
"Yeah, she said she wasn't feeling well and asked me to finish a couple of briefs for her. She was hoping to come in later if she felt up to it. Is anything wrong?"
"No, I just wanted to make sure she wasn't overdoing it. Thanks for keeping her in line for me."
"It's not a problem. Don't tell her, but I really like working for her. She's also a hell of a lawyer. I'm really learning a lot from her."
"I hate to tell you, but it's pretty obvious that you like working for her. You're also right. She is definitely a kickass lawyer. I'll talk to you later." Bianca disconnected the call. Something was definitely wrong. Marissa didn't skip out on work. Dammit, I knew something was wrong this morning. I should have pressed you more. Where the hell are you, Rissa, and what's going on?
/
Greenlee decided to take the scenic route to Krystal's that afternoon to pick up lunch. It was a beautiful summer day, and she could use the fresh air after being in meetings all morning. She stopped and closed her eyes breathing in the sweet smelling air. The sound of someone softly crying had her opening her eyes and look around to find the source. She was shocked at who she found.
/
A/N: Sorry, my evil side snuck out again. FYI, I'll be going on vacation in a week so I'll have one more update before I head out for a week. See you soon!