A/N: It's a little later in the day, but it's still Saturday, at least it is here! Sorry about the later posting though. I got a new car last week and was out driving around since the weather finally broke here. It's really nice and has that new car smell. It had to be driven and shown off.
Thanks for reading, reviewing and following! As always, it's greatly appreciated. I'm glad you all liked my adding Viki Buchanan to the mix. We'll see how much I blend her into the story. I mention a few other characters from 'One Life to Live' in this chapter. I don't own them either, and I'm not sure how much they will come into play, especially two of them. You'll be able to figure out which ones I'm talking about. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Bianca was returning to her office after talking with Aya when Jan caught her eye. Her assistant was on the phone and nodding the brunette towards her office.
"Yes, Mrs. Buchanan, I have Bianca Montgomery on the line for you. I'll put you right through."
The brunette hurried into her office and picked up the phone. "Viki, hello, it's Bianca. How are you doing?"
"Bianca! Hello! What a pleasant surprise! It's been too long. I'm doing well. And you? How is married life treating you?" Viki smiled as she settled behind her desk at the Banner offices and removed her glasses. She and Bianca had met a few years earlier when they were both attending a conference on women's issues in Philadelphia. After talking with each other for a while, the women discovered that they had a few things in common and a friendship was struck. Both had been through quite a lot in their lifetimes, and both were survivors. It was this knowledge that led to a deep respect and admiration for the other. They had kept in contact over the years and helped each other out from time to time.
"It's treating me great. I've never been happier. Marissa and I are both sorry you and Clint couldn't make it to the wedding. How is he doing? Is he feeling better?"
While Viki had spoken to Marissa a few times over the phone, they had yet to meet in person. They were to meet for the first time at the couple's wedding. "I'm sorry too. I really wanted to be there and to meet Marissa. Clint is doing much better. Thank you for asking. It was a nasty bout of the flu, and neither one of us wanted to risk getting you or anyone else there sick. It wouldn't do for you or Marissa to be ill on your honeymoon. Your assistant said it was Bianca Montgomery."
The brunette smiled sensing the question. "At work, it still is. Both Marissa and I are keeping our names for professional purposes. Everywhere else though, it's Tasker-Montgomery. We are still working on the thank you notes, but since we're talking, I wanted to thank you for the crystal wine glasses as well as the donation to the Center. It was very generous."
"You are more than welcome, and I'm happy to have done both. Have you had a chance to use them yet?"
"No, we haven't. We're going to wait a few months to use them. Marissa and I are expecting a baby. She's pregnant."
Viki laughed. "That is absolutely wonderful news. Congratulations. I couldn't be happier for both of you. How is she doing? When is she due?"
"She's doing really well. The morning sickness has gone away for the most part. She's due in early Spring."
"Please pass on my congratulations to Marissa."
"I will. Thank you."
"How is Erica taking the news of being a grandmother again? She still hasn't accepted that title, has she?" Erica and Viki knew each other and got along for the most part. They would never be BFF's, but they were cordial. The relationship between Bianca and Viki however was far different from the other and much warmer. Viki had to admit that she sometimes wondered how Bianca turned out like she did given the drama that came with having a celebrity for a parent, and no matter what could be and was said about Erica, she was a good mother. Bianca was proof of that. The brunette was one of the best and most genuine people Viki had ever known.
Bianca chuckled. "Mom's taking it very well and is excited for us. I sometimes wonder if I should be concerned about how well she and Rissa get along. I've never had that with anyone I was ever involved with. There is a great deal of respect there between them though. It's kind of like the relationship Mom has with Zach, and I'm very happy about that. To answer your other question, no, the kids still don't call her grandma or anything remotely close to that. Maybe one day, she'll take that title on, but Kendall and I aren't holding our breath. Speaking of, how are your grandchildren and the rest of the family?"
"They're doing well, and my grandchildren are perfect."
"Now that is a grandmother speaking if I've heard it."
"I am guilty as charged. Everyone is well on your side? Are your children still perfect?" Viki smiled. She enjoyed the way Bianca gushed over her children and rightfully so from what she'd heard from other sources. Both women knew that Viki's grandchildren and Bianca's children weren't really perfect, but they teased each other about it anyway.
"Yes, everyone is doing great, and of course our kids are still perfect. Kendall, Zach and the boys are doing well and staying out of trouble for the most part. I think eventually Mom and Uncle Jack will get married. How are Bo and Nora?" Bianca always liked the couple and knew them to be honest and fair in their respective lines of work as police commissioner and district attorney.
"Bo and Nora are happier than ever. If there's ever a couple that belongs together, it's them. Now, not that I haven't enjoyed catching up with you, I can't help but think that there is another reason for this call."
The brunette smiled to herself. She knew Viki would suspect another motive behind the call, that this wasn't just an informal call between friends. "What? I can't call you to just say 'hi'?"
Viki chuckled. "If anyone could, I have to admit that it would be you. If I recall correctly, however, you made this call as Bianca Montgomery, and you told me yourself that you only go by that name professionally now. One would assume from that that if you were merely calling as a friend, you would be doing so as Bianca Tasker-Montgomery."
It was now Bianca's turn to laugh. "One might assume that you work in the news business from the way you picked up on all of that. You've got me. There is another reason for this call, but I would like us to get together sometime soon. As you said earlier, it has been too long, and Marissa really does want to meet you."
"I would like to meet her as well. From everything you've told me, she sounds amazing."
"She is, and I know I don't do her justice. Okay, if I don't stop talking about her now, we'll never get off the phone. Do you know someone by the name of Amelia Mears? If you do, what can you tell me about her and her family?" Bianca knew Viki didn't pander in rumors. Any information that she shared with Bianca wouldn't be idle gossip. It would be based on facts and from reliable sources.
Viki thought for a moment. She knew if Bianca was asking for information that she had a very good reason to do so. The brunette didn't really gossip because she knew all too well of the downside of it. "Hmm, as a matter of fact, I do happen to know who she is and her family as well. Anthony and Julia Mears both come from old money and have strong political connections in Llanview. Anthony serves on city council. He's tried to seek higher office within the state but has never gotten the full backing of his party. He was a political ally of Dorian's when she was mayor."
"How is Dorian?"
"She's Dorian. Need I say more?"
"No, I suppose not. That does tell me something about him though." While Bianca didn't know everything about the complicated relationship between Dorian Lord and Viki, she knew enough, and she was definitely on Viki's side.
"Yes, it does. In addition to being on council, Anthony is chairman of the board of the Llanview Savings and Loan which is the largest bank here and has holdings of hundreds of millions of dollars. Julia serves on the boards of several charities. They definitely like to flaunt their connections and wealth. Their daughter Amelia serves as the manager of the bank. She had won several beauty pageants when she was younger. She is quite beautiful and very intelligent. Amelia is also gay and her partner is a woman by the name of Kirsten Tanner. She's a teacher and is originally from Pine Valley. I don't suppose you know her. I have to admit that I find it a little interesting that you're asking about someone here that has a connection to Pine Valley."
"I don't know Kirsten personally. We've never met. What else can you tell me about Amelia?"
"There is talk that she has a nasty temper and that her parents have had to bail her out of trouble numerous times."
"Would any of those rumors happen to mention anything about Kirsten in connection with that temper?"
"Are you going to tell me why you're so curious about her?"
Bianca weighed her words carefully, knowing that no matter what she said Viki was smart enough to put two and two together. "I'm really not at liberty to say anything at this time."
Viki paused. Taking what she'd heard around Llanview and what Bianca was saying without actually saying it, the older woman shook her head, saddened by this news. "Unfortunately, yes, she has been mentioned in those rumors. In the past, she has been seen sporting various suspicious injuries. The talk was spurred on more by her wearing a cast on her arm recently."
"I have a hypothetical question for you."
"Alright, go ahead."
"If the police were to respond to a call for, oh let's say, a domestic disturbance at someone's home who had Amelia's connections, what might happen? Hypothetically speaking of course."
"Of course. Hypothetically, it shouldn't matter. I know that Bo stresses tolerance and doesn't play favorites. He despises political favors. I can also tell you that the district attorney feels the same way. I haven't heard anything about such a call, and trust me, that would definitely be news if it had happened. If a call was made and no report filed, which sounds like is the case in this hypothetical situation, Bo and Nora would not like it at all. I could see them ordering an investigation into something like that. Could I ask you a hypothetical question?"
"Be my guest."
"In this disturbance, was anyone injured?"
"Hypothetically, yes. For the sake of this discussion, let's say it was a broken arm."
"Was the victim treated at a hospital?"
"Again for the sake of this hypothetical discussion, they were treated privately at the hospital so no records would exist."
"So, this would be a she said/she said case so to speak, and with the one party having political connections and no official record of it ever happening, the victim would be at a distinct disadvantage."
"You would be correct in your assessment of the situation, hypothetically."
"One thing I can tell is that you are definitely married to an attorney."
Bianca chuckled. "I might have picked up some pointers from my wife over the time we've been together."
"Well, she would be very proud of you right now. How would someone running a shelter such as yours find out about such a situation in another city?"
"Hypothetically, we could be contacted by a relative worried about the victim. That relative might also be working to get the victim to leave and come back to Pine Valley."
"Well, Pine Valley would definitely be safer. It's away from the abuser, her family and their connections. Plus, you have an excellent facility and staff. They couldn't be in better hands. We really do need to see about getting a branch opened here. What do you think the odds of the victim going to Pine Valley are?"
Bianca thought for a moment. "Hypothetically? I'd say 50/50 at this point."
"Am I safe in assuming this call today was a way to gage the probable accuracy of the hypothetical facts?"
"You would be safe in making that assumption, yes."
"I'm thinking that I might want to have a similar hypothetical conversation with the police commissioner and district attorney. I think Bo and Nora would be very interested in this."
"Could you have them hold off on any investigation until after this weekend?"
Viki took the subtle hint. It would be safer for the woman if that happened after she was out of Llanview and hopefully into one of the Miranda Center's shelters. "Of course. I know they would understand and appreciate the need for discretion." The older woman checked the time. "I'm afraid I need to go. I have another meeting in a few minutes."
Bianca checked the time on her side as well. "So, do I. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today."
"It was my pleasure. Hopefully, we can get together soon on a more personal note."
"I'd like that very much, and I know Rissa would too. She definitely wants to meet you and Clint. Maybe we could include Bo and Nora as well."
"And we would definitely like to meet her. I'll check our schedules, and let you know when we are free. I'll check with Bo and Nora too. I think they'd like that very much."
"That sounds good. I'll do the same on our side with our schedules."
"Would you keep me updated on this whole situation?"
"I will. Thank you, Viki."
/
"Hi, Marissa. It's almost 4:00."
The redhead stood up quickly and had to grab the shelf for support to hold off the sudden wave of dizziness that had struck her.
Ellie had rushed forward to help steady her. She and Marissa had run into each other a short while ago and the redhead had asked her to hold her calls until it was time for a meeting she had at 4:00. Ellie had offered to do one better and call her a few minutes before that time in addition to holding her calls. This way Marissa could focus on her work without worrying about keeping track of time. The redhead happily took her up on her offer. "Are you alright?"
Marissa smiled sheepishly. "Thanks. I'm fine. I just stood up too fast. You didn't have to track me down in the library, Ellie. Why didn't you just call me?"
"I tried but you didn't answer either your office phone or your cell. When I stopped by your office, I saw your cell sitting on your desk charging."
Marissa groaned. "I am so sorry. I must have left it there. I guess what they say about pregnancy brain is true."
Ellie stopped in her tracks as she and Marissa had been walking back to the redhead's office, surprise was clearly evident on her face. "What? Did you say …"
Marissa turned and grinned. "You haven't heard yet? I guess my team decided to keep that quiet. I'm pregnant."
"You are?! That's great news! Congratulations! You and Bianca must be over the moon. When are you due?"
"Thank you! Yeah, we're pretty happy. I'm due early Spring."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
Marissa chuckled. "I'm sure. I was in my 'lawyer mode' as Bianca calls it and got my nose so buried researching a possible custody issue that I didn't even realize I still crouching by the shelf instead of sitting."
"Okay, as long as you're sure. You really need to start paying attention more and have someone help you with these books." Ellie had automatically reached for the two law books that Marissa had been carrying when the redhead made her announcement.
"Thank you for carrying them for me, but I can handle them. They're not that heavy, and I'm only pregnant."
Ellie blushed slightly. "Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I overstepped."
"No, it's fine. I'm just giving you a hard time. I guess I have to get used to that and let others help me more. Seriously, thank you. It looks like I have lots of people keeping an eye on me here. Bianca will be thrilled to hear that."
"Are you sure I didn't overstep?"
"I'm positive, Ellie. Stop worrying. Thank you, and thank you for tracking me down. I really appreciate it."
Ellie sighed in relief. "You're welcome. I'll set these down over here and get out of your hair. Oh, you really should look into one of those cases on wheels." The young brunette laughed seeing Marissa's smile. "I guess Bianca is already on that, huh?"
"Yep, she's all over it. She ordered me one before the wedding, and it will be delivered next week. And before you ask, don't worry. I'm not taking them home tonight."
"Good. Otherwise, I was going to tell you to come and get me so I could help you to your car with them, as long as that was okay with you."
"I would be okay with that, and I'll keep it in mind for the future."
A knock on the door interrupted them.
Marissa smiled when she saw an older blonde standing in the doorway. "Meredith, hello. Please come in and have a seat."
Ellie took that as her cue and nodded at Marissa before ducking out.
/
Meredith sat and glanced around the office while Marissa closed the door and then settled behind her desk. She was making a mental note of things that would need to be changed. The older woman prided herself on her discerning eye. The first thing that would absolutely have to go would be the frame made out of Popsicle sticks. That just didn't seem like something one of the firm's partners should have on their desk. It wasn't professional looking, and Meredith thought the redhead needed help with that. Marissa definitely had some rough edges that needed to be smoothed out and refined. She found the rose on Marissa's desk to be acceptable but thought the newly added framed wedding pictures should probably be removed. While she didn't have a problem with same sex marriages, some clients might. So, Meredith didn't see the need of rubbing it in anyone's face. There were a few other personal items that didn't belong either, one of them being a small stuffed yellow thing with one eye and blue overalls that she had no clue what it was supposed to be. The older woman had no doubt she could have those objectionable items removed. Meredith considered Marissa and knew another thing that needed to be fixed in her mind was Marissa's lack of formality with those on staff below her. She had noted that the redhead seemed too friendly with those on her newly formed team as well as the receptionist. The older woman didn't see how they could possibly respect Marissa if she was like that with them. Meredith was confident that she could mold the redhead, bend her to her will and thus solidify Meredith's position at the firm.
Marissa closed the door and smiled to herself. Meredith was one of the women she had overheard in the ladies' room earlier. The redhead saw her giving her office the once over and noted the look of distain on her face as she looked at the homemade frame the kids had given her their first Christmas together. She also eyed the minion the kids had given the redhead during their vacation in Orlando this past summer with distaste. The redhead knew it was a silly little thing to have, but it was from her kids. They had pooled their money together to get one for her and one for Bianca, and all three were so proud when they gave them to their mothers. Both Bianca and Marissa displayed them with pride on their desks at work and would smile every time they looked at the stuffed figure. It was special to them because Bianca and Marissa had taken to calling AJ, Miranda and Gabby 'minions' after watching 'Despicable Me' and its sequel too many times to count. The kids especially liked their redheaded mother's imitation of Gru, and truth be told, Bianca did some really good minion voices that always had the kids cracking up. No, that minion was not going anywhere no matter what anyone said or thought.
It was also during this time that Marissa noticed the slight shaking of the older woman's head when she looked at the wedding photograph she had brought in today and placed on her desk. They didn't have many of their wedding photographs back yet from Brenda, but the photographer had a messenger deliver two copies of the couple as they gazed at each other by their pond along with copies of them with AJ, Miranda and Gabby. She had done a wonderful job, and the photographs were stunning. They absolutely loved them and couldn't wait to see the others. Bianca and Marissa immediately put them in the frames the kids had bought for them with each taking a set into their offices. The redhead almost wished she could get into a poker game with Meredith because the woman had a lousy poker face. Marissa could read the older woman's expression perfectly and knew exactly what she was thinking. Meredith had never said anything derogatory to her, but Marissa knew she had her own opinions. The redhead could tell she thought Marissa was flaunting her relationship with Bianca in the face of clients. Nothing could be further from the truth. Marissa was merely doing what others at the firm did, displaying pictures of her family.
The redhead chuckled to herself at what Meredith's reaction would be when she found out Marissa was pregnant. She was sure she wouldn't be happy. Meredith was a career woman. She was married but had no children, whether it was by choice or not wasn't known. The older woman and her husband travelled extensively when they weren't working. Their lifestyle suited them and Marissa had no problem with that at all. From the conversation she had overheard, Marissa knew that Meredith was hoping she could leverage working for a partner for other perks and advancement. To do that, she needed to mold Marissa into her ideal of what a partner should be. That meant putting work first and family second. Marissa loved what she did, but it wasn't all that defined her. It was a portion of who she was and would never come first. Family would always come first to Marissa, always. Meredith was about to be sorely disappointed in more ways than one.
"Meredith, let's get started, shall we?"
"Yes, I brought a copy of my résumé for you."
Marissa politely took the proffered paper. "Thank you. I did review the one that was attached to your application. You're very qualified, but I'd like to know more about you on a personal level."
"What … what do you mean?"
"Well, if you were to get this position and come and work for me, we would be working closely. I think it's a good idea to get to know each other. For instance, as I'm sure you're aware, I just got married. Bianca and I have three children, and I'm very happy to say that we'll be adding to that number shortly."
Meredith raised an eyebrow. "You are?"
Marissa simply smiled broadly. "Yes, I'm pregnant."
The older woman sat stunned upon hearing this news. Marissa could see the wheels turning though as Meredith struggled to see how this affected her. It took her a minute to regain her composure.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"Do the other partners know?"
"Of course they do. I told them before I accepted their offer. It was the only right thing to do. They were all very happy for me. Did you know that the firm is going to have a daycare center for everyone that works here? The partners are very committed to helping those that work here create a proper work/life balance. That is something I agree with wholeheartedly. Family is my first priority. You seem a little off-put by that."
"Well, you are a partner and there are certain expectations for that."
"Such as?" When Marissa saw the woman hesitate, she continued. "Please, I would like to hear your opinion on this."
"You should project a certain image, attend certain functions, and maintain a particular relationship with those reporting to you."
"Unlike the relationship I have with them now?"
"Well, I feel that you are too friendly with them. I don't know how they can respect you when it's like that."
"What else? Is there something wrong with my image?"
"It could use some tweaking. Take your office for example. There are a few personal items that should be removed to project the right image to clients."
"Such as?"
"This frame and toy for example." Meredith was feeling more secure in expressing her opinion since the redhead seemed to be receptive to what she was saying. "They seem a bit childish."
"Anything else?"
"Well, your wedding picture. Some clients might be taken aback by it." She quickly added. "I'm not mind you, but others might be."
"I see. Well, thank you for sharing your opinion."
Meredith smiled. This would be easier than she thought.
"I'd like to share mine with you now. The frame was made by and given to me by my children. It's from the first Christmas that the five of us spent together so obviously it means a great deal to me. When I look at it, I not only see my wife whom I love with all of my heart, I see our children and the love that they put into making this for me. Bianca has an identical one on her desk and feels the same way that I do about it. As to this toy, it's a minion which is a character from the movie 'Despicable Me'. The kids bought this for me and one for Bianca on vacation with their own money. It also means a lot to me because of how proud of themselves they were when they gave them to us. I've seen similar items on the desks of the other partners. Neither they nor any of my clients have objected to them. Speaking of my clients, seeing these things actually seems to reassure them. It's not a cold, sterile environment they are entering when they come in here. They see someone who can relate because family matters to them just as it matters to me. As to my wedding photographs, I'm not flaunting anything. I'm simply displaying my family just like many of the others that work here are. I've seen similar photos in the offices of the other partners. The only difference being theirs contains a man and a woman and mine has two women. If someone has a problem with that, they are free to see another lawyer. I will not hide my relationship with Bianca. I am extremely proud to call her my wife. Are we clear on those points?"
A nod was Meredith's only response.
"Now, as to the matter of my relationship with those that report to me, it is friendly. We spend a lot of hours together. It helps if we get along and promotes a better work environment. We're not going serve our clients' best interest if we're fighting amongst ourselves. By working together and getting along with each other, we can. As to the respect of my team, I feel like I have theirs. They've actually demonstrated this fact to me a few times already." Marissa paused momentarily before continuing. She could tell Meredith didn't like what she'd heard. It was time to make her final point. "Let's talk about this position and expectations, alright? I don't expect anyone to fetch me coffee or to do something I wouldn't be willing to do myself. I expect them to treat my wife with respect because if anyone deserves it, it's Bianca. I expect anyone working for me to do their job and to help other team members out when needed. If someone on my team has a problem or question, I expect and hope they would come to me. As for the overall team, how it's run and the decisions that are made regarding it, I am in charge and will give final approval unless I delegate that responsibility to someone else in my absence. When I'm on maternity leave for example, Claudia will be in charge and will keep me informed about what's going on. I know I'm a new partner and younger than the others, but no one should make the mistake of thinking that I don't have clear ideas of how my department should be run and the direction of where I want it to go. I will listen to input from others and take it under consideration, but the final decisions remain with me. Are there any questions so far?"
Meredith shifted in her seat under the cool gaze of hazel eyes. She was definitely not expecting this from the redhead. The older woman shook her head.
Marissa smiled, satisfied that she had laid down the law effectively enough for Meredith. "Good. Now, let's talk about the position. Why are you interested in switching departments? What would you like to accomplish in this position? How do you see your role on this team?"
/
Bianca glanced down at her cellphone and read the caller id. "Hi, Gail. What's up?"
"Hi, Bianca. I just wanted to tell you that Sam won't be at the Center today. She's not feeling well."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it's not serious."
Gail sighed. "It's nothing health related. We met with Marissa earlier today, and what we found out from her has us all a little upset. I think Sam will be okay, but we all felt it was a good idea to spend some time together."
"Is there anything I can do? Would you like to talk?"
"Thanks but no, at least not right now. Maybe later? We know how invested you are with Sam and our family and appreciate everything you and Marissa have done for us. We've told Marissa that she can share everything that she told us today with you. Now that I think about it some, it might be good if we talk to one of the counselors at the Center. While it's not like the cases that you normally handle there, they might be able to give us some insight or perspective."
"I think that is a great idea. Anyone here will be more than happy to help and will maintain your privacy. When you're ready to talk to someone, let me know, and I'll get you a name."
"Thank you. It means a lot. We appreciate the two of you more than you know."
"You're welcome. If there's anything else you need, please call no matter what time."
Bianca sat for a moment after disconnecting the call. She knew Marissa was concerned about what the investigator might find, and it seemed her wife's fears were well-founded. There weren't any texts from Marissa yet, but Bianca knew it was a busy day for her and she most likely didn't have a chance to send her one. This was a discussion that Marissa would want to have in person too. Hopefully, they could talk tonight after Bianca got home from class.
/
Marissa replayed the interview with Meredith in her mind as she drove home. The older woman struggled through the rest of it. Marissa had managed to throw her off her game. That fact made the redhead smile, and she couldn't wait to tell Bianca about it. She also needed to tell her about the meeting with the Walkers, and that was something she wasn't looking forward to. Marissa knew it would be late by the time Bianca got home from class and they would be able to talk. For now, she would put that all aside and concentrate on the kids. There was homework to review and dinner to be made.
/
Bianca sighed happily when she pulled into the garage and shut off the car. She was happy to be home. Her professor wanted to talk with her after class so she was getting home later than normal. Marissa understood when she had called to let her know. As a result of that discussion, she missed seeing the kids and putting them to bed which was something that she hated. Bianca ducked inside each of their rooms to kiss them goodnight before padding down to her and Marissa's bedroom.
The brunette smiled softly at the sight that greeted her. Marissa was sound asleep with her glasses on and a book resting on her lap. Bianca could tell that her wife had tried to stay up for her but had lost the battle. The brunette understood. Marissa needed her rest more than ever right now. Besides, it had been a long and exhausting day for both women. Bianca quickly changed into her pajamas and quietly slipped into bed. Marissa stirred as she removed her glasses and the book.
"Hey."
"Hey, yourself."
"I'm sorry I fell asleep. I tried to stay awake. How did it go with the professor?"
"I know you did, and I love and appreciate you for it. It went really well. I'll tell you all about it, tomorrow. Now, it's time for you and our little one to get some proper rest. Right now, all I want to hold my beautiful wife and sleep."
Marissa smiled sleepily. "I do love how you think and I can more than handle that. I love you."
"I love you too."
The couple exchanged a loving kiss before Marissa settled into Bianca's arms, and they drifted off to sleep.
/
A/N: In this chapter, I have Viki and Clint together. I'm not going into any of the stuff that happened on OLTL with them because I liked them together way back when. Bo and Nora were favorites of mine from when I did follow the show and feel a mention of them fit here given the storyline. Oh, I mentioned 'Despicable Me' above. I don't own that or those characters either. I have training next week which will cut into my writing time some. I'll do my best to have another update next Saturday, but it may be a shorter one. See you soon!
