A/N: Happy Saturday! Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow! It means a lot and gives me ideas for things to add to this not so little story! This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy you this update!
/
Erica, Marissa, Kendall and Greenlee paused outside Bianca's room to gather themselves. Marissa carefully opened the door and smiled when she saw that Bianca was still asleep. The redhead placed a finger to her lips signaling for the others to keep their voices down before she led them inside. The four felt instant relief when they saw the brunette resting comfortably. Erica was alarmed when she spotted some of the bruises on her youngest daughter's arms. Kendall saw them as well and her jaw clenched in response. One good solid punch to the woman who did this to her little sister was not nearly enough. She really wanted another shot at her.
Seeing their reactions, Marissa did her best to reassure them. "I know it looks bad, but it's really not. The doctor assured me she's okay. I'm going to need all of your help with something though. We have to make sure she behaves herself and doesn't try and do too much too soon. She's not allowed to work the rest of the week and has restrictions on what she can do so don't let her try and trick you."
The others chuckled softly knowing that would be exactly something the sleeping brunette would try to do.
"Do you have a list of what she can and can't do, Red?"
"Yes, I do, Kendall. I'll make sure you each get a copy." Marissa quietly filled them in on the extent of Bianca's injuries and what they planned on telling the kids about what happened. The others agreed with their approach.
Greenlee stood after a few minutes. "I'm going to go get an ice pack for your hand, Kendall." She cut her friend off before she could voice her protest. "Don't tell me that you're okay and that it doesn't hurt because I know you're lying. I've seen you trying to flex it and wincing every time you do."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Greenlee is right." Erica huffed seeing the incredulous expressions on the others' faces. "Contrary to popular belief, I can admit when I'm wrong. It's just not something that happens all that often."
It was a pretty big struggle for the younger women not to bust out laughing. The only thing that stopped them was that they didn't want to wake up Bianca.
"Uh huh." It was obvious that Kendall wasn't buying her mother's last statement.
Erica rolled her eyes. "Fine, believe what you want about that, but you should get your hand checked. It looks like it is a bit swollen. I know you don't think you need to, but I'm sure your sister would feel bad if she found out you were seriously injured protecting her."
"Wow, pulling out the Bianca card, Mom. You don't fight fair at all, do you?"
"I thought you would've learned that by now, Kendall dear." Erica smiled sweetly.
Greenlee chuckled. "Come on, Kendall. I owe Jake an explanation about what happened earlier. I can give it to him while he's examining your hand." She turned to Marissa. "When was the last time you ate something, Rocky?"
Marissa froze at the abrupt change in conversation. "Um, this morning?"
The other three women looked at her and shook their heads.
"What? I had a nice breakfast, and I just haven't had a chance to eat anything because I was waiting to find out about Bianca and then we had to deal with the mess out there. I haven't had time, and I'm not that hungry. Don't think for one second that I'm leaving either. I'll grab something when I get her home."
Greenlee sighed dramatically. "Do you know how lame Bianca's going to think those excuses are? Do you know how messed up it is that I have to be the voice of reason here? I'm not suicidal enough to try and make you leave. We'll get Kendall's hand checked, and then, I'll stop at the cafeteria and pick something up for you. It won't be all that great, but it'll be something. Bianca would want you to eat and to take care of yourself and Sparky. You know I'm right."
"This family definitely does not fight fair. Fine, grab me something. I don't care what it is. And if you wouldn't mind, could you get something for Bianca? She probably hasn't eaten since this morning either and probably should have a little something before I take her home."
"You got it."
"Thanks, Greenlee."
"You're welcome. Do you want me to grab you something too, Erica?"
"Yes, thank you. That would be very nice. The two of you should eat something as well."
"We will. I'll make Kendall come with me and help carry everything back."
"What? I have a broken hand!"
Greenlee rolled her eyes. "Oh please, it's not broken. Even if it is, you can carry a bag with your other hand. Don't be such a drama queen. A minute ago it was just fine."
"Me? A drama queen? You're seriously calling me that? You of all people? That's the pot calling the kettle black. You Google drama queen, and you're the first result." Kendall smirked as the two left the room.
/
Erica sighed as she watched Kendall and Greenlee leave bickering and bantering the entire way. They really were the best of friends. There was a time when she didn't think that possible and was sure they would kill each other. Now, they would die for each other if it ever came to that. Erica turned back to her youngest daughter and found Marissa seated next to her bed gently stroking her hand. The diva smiled at seeing someone so devoted to Bianca. Again, there was a time when she didn't think that was possible, but the proof of it was right in front of her and staring her in the face. It was then that she noticed a single tear falling from her daughter-in-law's eyes.
"Marissa, is everything alright?"
The redhead nodded and quickly wiped the tear away. "Yeah, yeah, it is."
Erica eyed the younger woman. "Why don't I believe you?"
Marissa noted her mother-in-law's expression and knew it would be useless to deny that she was right. "Because you're Erica Kane and are hardly ever wrong?"
The diva chuckled at Marissa's quick and somewhat snarky comeback. "Precisely. I'm glad you've learned that. Maybe you could help my oldest daughter realize that."
Marissa snorted, grateful that Erica was trying to ease her into revealing what was bothering her. "I know Bianca may not think so, but there is a limit to my gift of gab."
Erica smiled and waited.
"I could've lost her."
"But you didn't."
"I could have."
"But you didn't." Erica emphasized.
"I don't know what I would do without her. I don't know that I could do this without her. I don't know that I'm strong enough."
"You're not going to have to do any of this without her. Bianca is not going anywhere. The doctor has told you that she is going to be okay so you don't have to worry about that. You are not alone anymore, Marissa. You have a family that loves you very much, and I'm not just talking about the children. Kendall sees you as another sister. Zach does as well, and both would do anything for you. As for myself, I view you as a daughter. I know that you miss your mother. That's a void I'm not sure that will ever be filled." Erica paused, thinking about her own mother and the huge void Mona's passing left for her.
Marissa nodded. "I think about her and my dad every day. They would've loved Bianca. She's such an amazing person. You should be proud of her."
"Thank you, and I am. I know your relationship with Krystal is complicated, and I know why. I hope that if you would ever need anything, you know that you can come to me, and that I will do everything in my power to help you."
"I do know that, and thank you for saying that. I can't begin to tell you how much that means to me." Marissa squeezed her mother-in-law's hand gratefully.
"You're very welcome. Now, I'd like to give you some motherly advice if I may."
"I have a feeling you're going to give it to me whether I want it or not." Marissa grinned.
Erica chuckled at the cheekiness of the redhead. "You would be right. Now, time for the motherly advice. Don't second guess or doubt yourself and what you are capable of. You are a strong, independent woman. Don't ever think otherwise. Look at everything that you've accomplished. A weak person would not have been able to survive everything you've been through and come out on the other side with the success that you have, and I'm not just talking about your career. You should be proud of yourself, and from what I've heard of your parents, they would be extremely proud of you."
Marissa, feeling a little overwhelmed by emotion, could only nod.
"As for Bianca, yes, she … her injuries could have been more … serious, but they aren't, and she will heal. Both of my daughters are fighters. I honestly believe that even if she was hurt more seriously that Bianca would still be alright. She has been through a lot to get to where she is now, to have what she does now with you. She will not give any of that up without one hell of a fight. Bianca is married to someone who simply adores her and would move heaven and earth for her." Erica smiled at Marissa who blushed slightly and nodded.
"I do, and I would."
"You have three wonderful children with a fourth on the way, and I see nothing but a long and happy life for all of you. Believe in that. Trust in that. Trust in yourself because I have no doubt whatsoever that you are strong enough. Need I remind you of how hard you fought when you were injured last year?"
"No, you don't need to remind me. I wasn't leaving Bianca and our family if I had any say in the matter."
"That is exactly how hard Bianca will fight."
"Thank you, Erica." Marissa had to admit that she felt a great deal better after this chat.
"You're welcome. Now, what do you need me to do to help you with Bianca?"
"I was thinking for tonight it would be best if we didn't have anyone over. She needs the rest, and if anyone stops by ..."
"She will feel the need to entertain them. I understand and believe you are correct. I'm also not offended. I will stop by tomorrow."
The redhead breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, because the last thing I want to do is to offend you."
"Will you be able to get her home by yourself without any problems?"
Marissa suddenly remembered she didn't have her car. "My car's not here. It's back at the office since I came here with Jesse, and Bianca's is back at the Center."
/
"We can help with that." Kendall offered as she and Greenlee quietly slipped back into the room.
Greenlee nodded. "Give me your keys, and we'll get your car over here so you can take Bianca home, and we'll deal with hers tomorrow."
"Thank you! That would be great." Marissa handed over her keys after fishing them out of her purse. She noted that Kendall was now sporting an icepack on her hand, and Greenlee had bags from Krystal's. "How's the hand?"
"It's just bruised and a little sore. I'll live. I have to admit though that it's worth it."
"While I don't like the image of either of my daughters engaging in what might appear to some to be a bar room brawl, I'm extremely proud of what you did. That horrid woman deserved that and a great deal more. I'm just sorry that you were injured in the process, dear. Is there anything you need?"
The three younger women froze at Erica's mention of a bar room brawl. Their collective memories flew straight to Bianca and the incident at Shamokin Joe's. They knew that Erica didn't know what happened because the vow they had all taken after that weekend remained intact. Somehow, Kendall, Marissa and Greenlee managed to maintain straight faces while thinking 'if only Erica knew'.
"I'm good, Mom, but thank you."
"You guys weren't gone that long. How did you manage to get Kendall's hand examined and go to Krystal's?" Marissa asked.
Greenlee placed the bags on a table and started unpacking them. "Word of what happened today at the Center has gotten out. I'm not really surprised given how fast word travels in this town. Kendall and I were headed down to the cafeteria after Jake examined her hand, which isn't broken, when we ran into Krystal who was bearing food. She thought we might need something to eat and wanted to spare us from having to deal with the cafeteria. She asked if there was anything else she could do, and we suggested maybe bringing dinner over to your house later. We're not sure when you'll be able to take Bianca home and didn't think you would feel like cooking when you did get there. I hope you don't mind."
Marissa simply smiled and waved off Greenlee's concern. "No, I don't mind. That actually helps out a lot. Thanks. I owe you all so much."
"It's what family is for, Red."
"Where's Jack? I thought he would be back here by now." Erica knew that whatever was keeping Jack had to have been an emergency of some sort because that was the only thing that would keep him from checking on Bianca.
"Yeah, remember when Greenlee said word had gotten out about what happened?"
"Yes."
"Well, the waiting room is a little crowded. There are reporters out there interviewing any and every one that is willing to talk. Jesse has some more officers here trying to keep them in line. Plus, you have a large number of friends that want to make sure Bianca's okay and want to know if you need anything. Brian and Jack are in the middle of all of that trying to keep it under control and answer any questions that they can. Oh, Claudia brought the restraining order over, and Brot served it to that lying sack of …"
"Kendall."
"Oh, sorry, but she is. Anyway, she's been served and hauled away to jail."
Marissa sighed in relief. "Good. I didn't like her being this close to Bianca."
"Don't blame you. So, what's the plan after you get Binx home?"
"Well, I'm definitely taking tomorrow off, and I'd like to take off the rest of the week. If I can't swing that, then I at least plan on working from home. I might need some help getting the kids to and from school and running some other errands. Susan will be willing to help, but she does have other obligations that I can't ask her to put off."
"We'll help however you need. Bianca can be a handful at times." Erica chuckled softly.
/
The woman in question stirred and slowly opened her eyes. The first person Bianca saw was her wife. "Rissa?"
Marissa smiled brightly. "Hey. How are you feeling?"
"A little tired and a little off."
"That's normal. Anything else?"
"No."
"Do you want something to drink?"
"Yes, please."
Marissa poured her a cup of water and held it and the straw steady while Bianca drank.
When she had enough for the moment, she looked around trying to get some sense of time. "How long was I asleep?"
"A couple of hours. It's the best thing for you right now. You have a little company though."
"Bianca sweetheart, I can't tell you how happy I am to see you awake."
"Hi, Mom. Sorry."
"For what?"
"Worrying everybody …"
"You have nothing to be sorry for. None of this is your fault, and I will worry about you no matter what you may want or say. I love you."
"I love you too, Mom. Hey, Kendall, Greenlee."
"Hi, Bianca."
"Hey, Binx. You gave us a scare, but Red says you're going to be okay."
"Yeah, I am. Are you taking care of her for me?"
Greenlee grinned. "You know we are. We're even making sure she eats. We've got something for you too if you're up for it. Krystal dropped some stuff off."
Marissa looked at her wife. "It's probably not good to eat something heavy. Do you feel up for some soup?"
"I think I could try some, on one condition."
"What?"
"You eat too."
"Fine. I've got a sandwich."
"Oh, Krystal said she owes you some chili cheese fries when you get out of here." Kendall said knowing her sister's weakness.
"That's sounds good. What happened to your hand, Kendall?"
"Ah, yeah, that's a long story. How about I tell you tomorrow?"
"Am I going to like it?"
"You might like parts of it." Kendall smirked.
"Hmmm, okay. I'll wait until tomorrow. It seems like I'm going to have lots of babysitters the next few days whether I like it or not."
Marissa raised an eyebrow. "You heard some of our conversation, huh?"
"A little. I guess I don't really have any say in this?"
"Nope. It's part of doctor's orders, and we're going to make sure you follow them."
Bianca sighed. She really didn't feel like arguing about it at the moment. Hopefully, that would change tomorrow after she was home and had a chance to sleep in her own bed. "Okay. When can I go home?"
The others chuckled hearing an uncharacteristic whine in Bianca's voice.
Kendall got up and kissed her sister on the forehead. "I'll track down your doctor and have her come check you out."
"I'll come too. We have to get Marissa's car. I'll see if Brian is willing to drive me over to their office to pick it up."
"Good idea. I'll make sure Jack knows you're awake too."
"Thanks."
"Anytime, but I'd really like it if you two would not make a habit out of coming here." Kendall was half joking and half serious.
"Yes, I couldn't agree with you more, dear." Erica eyed the women in question.
"We'll try our best, but you will need to come back in a few months when I have Sparky." Marissa grinned.
"That's acceptable. Can we try and make that a normal delivery though, please?" Kendall asked.
Bianca looked at Marissa and sighed. "That would be different for a change and kinda nice. If I have to choose though, I'll settle for healthy."
"I'll see what I can do, but it's all kind of up to Sparky."
/
Not long after Greenlee returned to the hospital with her car, Marissa drove Bianca home with promises to call the others if they needed anything. When the kids saw Bianca with a brace on her wrist and being helped into the house by Marissa, they were immediately alarmed. Susan, having made sure their homework was done, that they had eaten dinner thanks to Krystal's delivery of said meal and that the kitchen was cleaned up, ducked out with the promise to swing by the next morning to pick up the kids and drop them off at school.
When the family was finally alone, they settled together in the family room, and the couple explained Bianca's injuries and touched briefly upon what happened. Neither mother saw the need to go into the ugly details of what had actually occurred. The only thing that would accomplish would be to scare the children even more than they were when they first saw Bianca, and that was the last thing they wanted. Bianca assured them that she was okay, just tired and sore. Marissa then told them that the doctors had said that Bianca would alright and back to normal in a few days after she got some rest and took it easy. The redhead asked the kids to be mindful of extra loud noises while Bianca recovered from the effects of the concussion. Marissa also asked them to help her keep an eye on their brunette mother to make sure she was behaving herself and following doctor's orders. This request drew a scowl from Bianca. The interaction between their mothers was just what was needed to break the tension and ease the kids' fears. The request elicited giggles from all three children and ready agreement. With that done, the family settled in for the rest of the evening as close to Bianca as they could get, including Max. Their faithful dog had sensed something was different and claimed a spot at the brunette's feet.
/
The next morning found the couple slightly groggy due to the frequent but necessary disruptions in sleep during the night to check on Bianca's condition. Marissa had wanted Bianca to stay in bed while she took care of the family's normal morning routine, but Bianca was stubborn and insisted she could help. A compromise was reached. While Marissa got the kids up and ready, Bianca let Max out and refilled his food and water bowls before sitting down at the kitchen table. She wanted to do more but knew it was the best she was going to get out of Marissa, and if the truth be told, it was about all she could handle at the moment. Her whole body ached, and being right-handed and having that hand injured, certain tasks were difficult for her to perform.
It turns out that was all she had time for anyway. The kids woke up and began getting ready with no fussing at all which made Marissa's job a great deal easier. Miranda, in particular, was a big help. After quickly getting herself ready, she took over for her redheaded mother and finished helping Gabby out. Marissa was then able to start on breakfast. When they were done, AJ helped load the dishwasher, and Gabby took care of Max. Susan arrived, and after hugs and kisses were exchanged between mothers and children, the kids loaded into the babysitter's car and headed out.
/
"Why don't you go back to bed? I know you have to be exhausted." Marissa suggested.
"To be honest, I'm a little wired after being with the kids so I don't know if I could get back to sleep right now. I also really want to take a shower and get the hospital smell off of me. What about you? You were up more than me."
"I need to call Claudia and talk to her about a few things. After that, I got nothing on my agenda other than a nap with you. Go ahead and take your shower, but please be careful. I know you're still having some balance issues which should go away in a couple of days."
"I will. Meet you back in bed for that nap." Bianca gave her wife a quick kiss before slowly making her way back to their bedroom.
/
Marissa's call didn't take long at all. Claudia and the rest of the redhead's team had a firm handle on things, easily splitting up roles and responsibilities. It turns out that this was a good test run for when Marissa would be on maternity leave. Things were covered so well, it allowed the redhead to take a couple of days off to take care of Bianca without worrying about work. Claudia and Marissa decided that the redhead would stop by the office in two days to review things and take care of anything that needed her attention.
With her call over, the kitchen clean and Bianca taking a shower, she found herself at loose ends. That was when Marissa was struck with what she thought was an excellent idea.
/
Bianca was struggling a little in the shower. She had taken the brace off of her wrist so it wouldn't get wet which had been easy enough to do. What she didn't count on though was how sore her body was and how awkward it was to actually bathe herself.
"Dammit."
"Do you need some help?"
Bianca glanced up and saw her wife entering their shower. Marissa always managed to take her breath away but even more so now with her ever growing baby bump. The redhead simply glowed and didn't know the full effect that she had on Bianca.
Marissa seemed to sense where her wife's thoughts had gone to and didn't try and hide her amusement. "Not that kind of help, babe. You're still recovering and your hand is hurt."
"I'm not against building up my left hand. I can already do quite a few things with it. Maybe I could become ambidextrous. Think of what we could do then." Bianca waggled her eyebrows.
The redhead laughed. "While there's not a doubt in my mind that I would enjoy that particular skill immensely, the kind of exertion you're talking about is against doctor's orders for a couple of days. So, you have to behave yourself."
"You're evil and making it impossible for me to behave myself."
"Well, you're just going to have to try harder. It kind of reminds me of how I had to last year when I was hurt and you were helping me."
Bianca made a face. "Guess I had that coming, huh?"
Marissa smiled and took the washcloth from Bianca. "Yep. Turn around and let me get your back."
Placing her left hand on Marissa's belly, Bianca spoke to their little one. "Your Mama can be very bossy sometimes."
Sparky kicked in reply.
"See, our little one agrees with me." Bianca grinned.
"I'm only that way because your Mommy can be very stubborn sometimes."
Another kick was given in reply.
"Looks like Sparky agrees with me too." Marissa chuckled.
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She turned and glanced over her shoulder. "And we're not calling the baby Sparky."
Marissa shuddered when she saw the bruises on her wife's back and arms from the attack. They weren't as visible the night before, but now, in the light of day, the redhead could clearly see what Amelia had done to Bianca. Marissa could feel her anger rising.
"Rissa?"
Hazel eyes snapped up to meet warm chocolate, and Bianca could tell exactly what her wife was thinking and feeling. "Rissa, I'm okay."
"But …"
"I know. Trust me, I know, but I'm here, and I'm okay. I'm not going anywhere either. Okay?"
Marissa released the breath she'd been holding and gave into her wife's unspoken request. "Okay." The redhead began to gently wash her wife's back. She smiled as Bianca leaned into her touch. "I think I should probably tell you that you called our little one Sparky yesterday."
Bianca turned around. "I did not. You're making that up."
"Nope. I'm telling the truth."
"Obviously, I was under the influence of pain medication."
"Yeah, obviously. If you ask me, I think the name is growing on you." Marissa knelt down and began washing Bianca's legs, making her way up slowly.
Heat began to build in Bianca, and a shiver made its way down her spine.
Marissa glanced up and saw her wife's eyes begin to darken. "Not happening, babe."
"You're an evil temptress, and just plain mean."
"What if I promise to make it up to you after you're given the all clear for strenuous activities by the doctor? I'll leave the exact details of how I can make it up to you and redeem myself."
Bianca raised an eyebrow. "Anything?"
"Anything." Marissa grinned.
"Alright, I'll let you off the hook."
"Thank you. Now, let's you rinse you off. I've got another surprise."
/
"Lay down on your stomach."
"Exactly what are you going to do?" Bianca asked but did as requested.
"I'm going to give you a massage."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. I picked up a few things working at that parlor. Some of the girls that worked there would talk to me on their breaks and give me some tips."
"What kind of tips?" Bianca couldn't help but smile seeing her wife blush.
"That's for me to know and you to find out. I will tell you that I've never practiced those tips on anyone else. You're my first and only. Of course, I can only show you a few of them now. I'll save the other ones for when you can handle them." Marissa winked.
"You are killing me. I'm going to start working on my list of things you're going to have to do for me."
"I'll be happy to do each and every single one of them."
Marissa began to work the muscles on Bianca's back and could feel the brunette start to relax.
"Are you going to tell me how Kendall hurt her hand?"
"That's really Kendall's story to tell. She said she would stop by later today so maybe you'll hear it then."
Bianca could feel herself succumbing to sleep as she relaxed more and more thanks to Marissa's magical touch.
Marissa smiled softly when she saw that her wife was asleep. She placed a kiss on Bianca's back between her shoulder blades before covering them both up and curling into the brunette's side and drifting off herself.
/
The couple woke from their early morning nap with both feeling a little more refreshed. They each changed into sweatpants and t-shirts and padded to the living room settling on the sofa and catching up on some of the unwatched episodes of 'Rizzoli and Isles' currently residing on their DVR. Bianca spoke with both her mother and sister during this time as well. After lunch, they had their first visitor.
Nora Buchanan had called earlier asking how Bianca was doing. When she received a positive answer from Marissa, she asked if it would be okay if she stopped by. She had news that needed to be shared with the couple as soon as possible. This piqued their curiosity, and they quickly agreed to her visit.
"You're sure it's okay? I'm not keeping her up? I don't want to do anything that would interfere with her recovery."
Marissa smiled as she led the other lawyer inside. "I'm sure."
"So am I. Hi, Nora. I had a nice nap earlier, and thanks to my beautiful and talented wife, I'm not nearly as sore as I was when I got up."
"Hi, Bianca. I'm so glad to hear that. Now when I talk to Viki later, I'll be able to give her a good report, and you can expect a call from her tomorrow. We talked last night and filled her in on everything. Like a lot of other people, she was worried about you. She made me promise to check on you before Bo and I left here."
"Where is Bo?"
"He's at the police station with Jesse and helping him sort this mess out. He sends his best and was sorry he couldn't come with me, but with the charges both Anthony and Amelia are facing now …"
"Wait. Her father is facing charges? What did he do?"
Marissa looked at Nora. "I haven't had a chance to tell her about everything that happened while she was sleeping."
Nora nodded, grateful she hadn't said more. "Gotcha."
"You are going to be telling me everything later." It wasn't a question coming from Bianca, merely a statement of fact that left no room for discussion.
"Yes, I promised I would, and I will keep that promise. So, Nora, what's this news you have to tell us?"
"After everything calmed down, Bo and I decided to grab some dinner at the Yacht Club. While we were eating, Julia Mears stopped by and asked if we could talk."
"Seriously? Why would she do that?" Bianca asked.
"It's because of everything that happened yesterday and quite frankly over the last 30 plus years."
Bianca glanced at her wife. "Yeah, you really need to tell me what happened yesterday."
Marissa nodded. She understood Bianca's feeling lost right now. "So, what did she say?"
"She apologized to me and Bo for getting us involved in all of this in the first place."
"How did the two of you get involved?"
"Ah, the mayor asked us to tag along. He and Anthony are friends."
"Yeah, a fact that Anthony mentioned yesterday repeatedly." Marissa smirked while Nora laughed.
"Oh yes, he did. I have a strong feeling that might not be the case much longer. Anyway, Julia asked if I would pass along her sincerest apologies to the both of you for everything. She wanted me to tell you that she knows she bears responsibility because she was never able to stop Amelia or get her help. By staying with her husband all of these years, Julia believes she was, in effect, telling Amelia that what Anthony did to her, how he treated her, was okay. As a result, Amelia modeled her relationships after what she saw in her parents'. Julia admitted that she just didn't see a way out after years of being broken basically. She said that she knows that she'll never be able to apologize enough to the two of you as well as Kirsten and her family, but she hopes what she's doing now will at least be a first step of making amends."
Marissa addressed Bianca. "From what little I witnessed yesterday, your assessment of Julia was spot on. She was abused and kept it quiet and hidden. She wasn't able to yesterday though. The way he spoke to her and treated her was awful."
"Sometimes, it really sucks to be right. Is she going to get help? It sounds like she's reached that point where she might be ready to. She's welcome to come to the Center."
"That was my first thought, but she quickly dismissed it. I have to admit that she has a very compelling reason for it too. Anthony is going to be on the warpath when he finds out what she's been up to, and she doesn't want any of it to blow back on you or the Center more than it already has."
"What has she done?"
"First, she wanted me to give you this." Nora handed over a cashier's check.
The couple's eyes bulged when they saw the amount.
"This can't be right, Nora! This is for, this is for one million dollars! How? What?"
"Yeah, I thought that might be your reaction, Bianca, and before you ask, Marissa, the money is perfectly clean even though some of Anthony's dealings may be questionable. Anthony opened up several accounts in her name at other banks without her knowledge, and over the years, he funneled a lot of money into them. This makes it look like on paper that he doesn't have that much money. So you might be wondering why he would have accounts at other banks when he has one of his own. This kept him off the radar of bank regulators and the SEC. Julia didn't know any of this until late last year when she stumbled onto them by accident, and that's when she started planning."
"Planning what?"
"Her escape. She's cleaned out all of the accounts with her name on them, single and joint. Those funds have been transferred to I don't know where, and I really don't want to know where. You have a cashier's check because that money came from a joint account, and he won't be able to stop payment on that type of check because her name is on the account as well as his. She also wanted me to give you this to pass on to Kirsten. Again, it doesn't make up for Amelia put Kirsten through, but she hopes it will help her get back on her feet."
Bianca took the second cashier's check. "Wow. This is for $500,000. I'll make sure this gets to her along with what Julia said. What's Julia going to do now? She has to know that Anthony's going to come after her."
"She does. That's why she won't be coming to the Miranda Center. She is going to get help, but it's going to be far away from the state of Pennsylvania. To do that, she's going to go into hiding."
"Really?"
"Yeah, that was pretty much our reaction. Like I said, she's been planning all of this for a while, and now with the cash, evidence that she's gathered over time and Anthony distracted briefly with his current legal issues, she saw her chance and took it. She does feel she's abandoning her daughter, but she realizes she can't help her right now. She's just not in the position to right now, at least not psychologically."
"She didn't tell you where she was going, did she?" Marissa asked.
"No, she didn't. Neither Bo nor I know."
Marissa smiled. "Smart. You can't help him if you don't know. Since her name is on the accounts, she hasn't done anything illegal by making the withdrawals. She's getting help for herself with the added bonus of helping others with her donation and using his money to do it."
"There's kind of a poetic justice to that if you ask me. The man is a real son of a bitch." Nora offered.
Bianca couldn't agree more. "It sounds like she's on the road to recovery. Hopefully, she'll be able to help Amelia once she's helped herself. Of course, Amelia will have to accept responsibility for her own actions first."
"Maybe prison will be the wakeup call she needs." Marissa remembered something Nora had said. "Wait. You said she collected evidence. What's she doing with that?"
"I thought you would catch that. It turns out that not all of Anthony's dealings have been on the up and up. Julia's turning that evidence over to the state attorney general, bank regulators and the Securities and Exchange Commission. I have a feeling they are going to have a field day with that."
"The state attorney general because you recused yourself, huh?"
"You know it, Marissa. I'll be sure to keep you both posted on everything. Alright, I need to pick up Bo and head back to Llanview. This trip has certainly been interesting."
"Yeah, you can't say that Pine Valley is boring." Bianca smirked.
"No, you definitely can't. I'm really glad you're okay, and like I said, expect a call from Viki."
After Nora was gone, Bianca made a quick call to Jan to have her pick up the checks so they could be deposited by the Miranda Center and Kirsten as soon as possible. Marissa took them and locked them up until Jan could make it over.
/
Kendall pulled up in front of Minx Manor. As she got out of the car, she suddenly felt dizzy and short of breath, and she had to hold onto the car door to steady herself. The episode was brief only lasting a moment. Kendall quickly recovered, and as a result, dismissed it. She'd been running around a lot lately getting Fusion ready for the holiday season and was probably just tired. Plus, she hadn't eaten all day. She promised herself that after Christmas she was going to take some well-deserved time off. Kendall saw the mail had been delivered and grabbed it for the couple before making her way to the front door.
Marissa smiled brightly when she saw her sister-in-law. "Hey, Curly. Come on in. Are you okay? You look a little pale."
"Hey, Red. Here's your mail."
"Thanks!"
"How's the patient?"
"The patient is fine." Bianca called from the family room having overheard her sister. "You could ask her, you know?"
Kendall laughed. "Sorry, Binx. You're feeling better?"
"Yes, I am. Rissa's taking good care of me, and I haven't done anything all day. I've been a model patient."
"Has she, Red?"
Marissa chuckled. "Yes, she really has."
"Alright, you still haven't answered her question. Are you okay? Rissa's right you do look a little pale."
Kendall sighed and sat in a nearby recliner. "I'm okay, just a little tired. It's been nuts at Fusion. With Christmas coming up and Valentine's Day not long after, we've been really busy filling all of the orders that seem to be pouring in. I haven't even had time to eat."
"That's not good. Rissa?"
Marissa smiled. "I'm on it. I'll fix you something."
"I don't want you to go to any trouble."
"It's no trouble. Krystal brought over enough food to feed a small army last night. I'll get us all something to drink, and you something to eat, Kendall. Why don't you tell her about Nora's visit, B? I have a feeling she's going to like that story a lot."
"You're right, she will. Oh and then, you two can tell me what I missed yesterday."
The sister-in-laws looked at each other and knew they were going to have to come clean.
"Alright, we will. I'll be right back."
/
While Bianca filled Kendall in on what Nora had told them, Marissa sorted through the mail. One piece in particular caught her attention, and she immediately opened it.
"Wow. I wasn't expecting this."
Bianca glanced at her wife. "What is it, Rissa?"
"An invitation to my high school reunion."
"Which one?" Kendall asked.
"We didn't have a 10 year reunion. It looks like they're combining several classes together for one big one."
"When is it, Rissa?"
"Next month."
"Do you want to go?"
"I'm not sure. I really haven't seen or been in touch with anyone since my parents died, and I moved here."
"It could be fun, Red."
"She's right. It could."
"Would you come with me, B?" For some reason, Marissa felt nervous about making the trip back to her hometown. She had both good and bad memories there.
Bianca smiled. "I would love to."
Marissa gave her a quick kiss. "Okay, I guess we're going to Devon."