A/N: Howdy, all! Thanks for continuing to read, follow and review! It means a lot. I have to tell you that this has been a weird week for me. One of my sisters knows how to bring the drama and make everything about her, and she was really on a roll this week. A co-worker passed away unexpectedly from a brief fight with cancer that she kept private. Work itself was a bitch. I'm ending the week on a good note though. One of my best friends is getting married tonight, and I couldn't be happier for her. Enough about me, I hope you all have had a good week. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Please read the author's notes at the end for a shout out. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

The room started spinning as soon as she stood up. Things then went black as Kendall collapsed.

Bianca lunged forward and managed to catch her sister right before she hit the floor. "Kendall! Kendall! Please, Kendall, wake up!"

Greenlee was on the side of her friend, desperately calling her name as well. "Dammit, Kendall! Don't this to me. Wake up!"

Due to her condition, Marissa was moving a little slower than the other two. She grabbed her cellphone though and immediately called 911.

"911. What's your emergency?"

"Yes, we need an ambulance at Krystal's restaurant, 748 Main Street. A woman who is a heart transplant recipient has passed out, and we can't wake her up."

"Is she breathing?"

Marissa glanced over to the fallen woman and could see her chest rising and falling. It looked labored, but she was breathing and that's what mattered. "Yes, she is."

"Alright, an ambulance is on the way. Is she exhibiting any other symptoms?"

"No, she isn't."

"Do you know CPR in case it's needed?"

"I do."

"Good. Keep an eye on her. The ambulance will be there in just a matter of minutes."

"Thank you." Marissa disconnected the call and saw a crowd gathering around Kendall. It was then that she took control of the situation. "I need everyone to back up please. She needs air. Bianca, an ambulance will be here in a few minutes. Let me know if her condition changes in anyway. Krystal, Opal, I need you to make sure that the paramedics have a clear path to Kendall when they get here." Marissa tried to call Zach as she instructed the others, but there was no answer. "Greenlee, we need to get ahold of Zach, but he's not answering."

"Uh, Kendall said he had a meeting of some sort today. He'll only answer if Kendall's calling." Greenlee struggled to keep her panic at bay as she fumbled through her friend's purse to find her cellphone. Her hands were shaking as she searched for his name in Kendall's contact list.

Marissa placed a hand over Greenlee's. "I'll call him. You help Bianca keep an eye on Kendall."

Greenlee nodded gratefully. "Okay. I can do that."

The paramedics burst through the doors and made their way immediately over to Kendall.

"I'm sorry, but we need you to step back so we can examine her." A paramedic addressed both Bianca and Greenlee, neither of which moved.

"Bianca, Greenlee." Marissa spoke gently to both women. "I need you to move so they can help Kendall."

Both nodded numbly and moved a few steps back.

Marissa then turned back to her original task of calling Zach.

"What's up, sweetheart?"

"Zach, it's Marissa."

"What's wrong, Marissa?" Zach had immediately snapped to attention hearing his sister-in-law's voice instead of his wife's.

The redhead watched as the paramedics checked her sister-in-law's vital signs and began to load her onto a gurney. "It's Kendall. We're at Krystal's, and she passed out. The paramedics are here and are going to be taking her to the hospital."

"Is there anything else I should know?"

"No, she's breathing on her own."

"Okay, I'm on my way to the hospital. I'll see you there."

The call was disconnected just as the women were giving the paramedics a hard time.

"I'm sorry, but there's no room in the ambulance to take either of you."

"But …"

"You need to let them go and do their jobs. I'll drive you, and we'll be right behind them, okay?"

Bianca took a shaky breath and nodded. "You're right. You're right. Greenlee, let them take her, and we'll go with Marissa."

"Fine." Greenlee finally backed off and began to gather Kendall's things.

"Do you need us to do anything else?" Krystal asked.

Marissa glanced at Opal and Krystal. Neither one seemed like a good option to call Erica. Opal would be too emotional and get Erica even more upset than she was going to be, and Krystal was, well Krystal. The redhead just didn't know how Erica would take the news coming from her. She quickly decided to make the call herself from her car on the way to the hospital.

"I can't think of anything right now. We'll take care of calling Erica. I'll call you when we get there and know something."

The older women nodded as Bianca, Marissa and Greenlee followed the paramedics and Kendall out of the restaurant.

/

Once in her car, Marissa flipped on her Bluetooth to call Erica while Bianca and Greenlee buckled themselves in.

"Erica Kane's line."

Marissa sighed. The call had been answered by Andrea, Erica's assistant. "Hi, Andrea. It's Marissa. I need to talk to Erica please. It's important."

"I'm sorry, but she's in the middle of an interview and can't be disturbed."

The redhead didn't like having to deal with Andrea sometimes. She understood the woman had a job to do, but she was a little heavy handed sometimes. "Again, it's important. I really need to talk to her."

"So is this interview. She's been named as one of Barbara Walter's most fascinating people, and as you may have heard, Ms. Walters is retiring so this is one of her final interviews. It's a great honor. It's obvious you don't understand. If you want to leave me a message, I'll get it to her, but I don't know when she'll be able to get back with you. Her afternoon is booked solid."

"I'm not going to leave a message with you, and I don't have the time for her to free up. I need to speak with her now. It's a family issue."

"I'm sorry, but I won't interrupt not even for a family issue."

Marissa's voice took on a hard edge. "You don't understand. This isn't a request. I need to speak with Erica now. You're going to interrupt that interview because if you don't, you're not going to like what happens when Erica finds out you didn't let me speak with her. Now, get Erica for me."

Andrea huffed slightly but did as asked. There was something in Marissa's tone that told her not to argue further.

Erica was soon on the other end of the line. "Marissa dear, is everything alright?"

Marissa took a deep breath. She knew her mother-in-law would not want this sugarcoated. "Erica, Kendall passed out while we were having lunch at Krystal's. She was breathing on her though and is now on her way to the hospital. I called Zach and told him what happened. He's on his way there. I've got Bianca and Greenlee with me, and we're also headed there now. Unfortunately, I don't have any other information to give you."

There was silence on the other side of conversation while Erica processed everything she'd just been told. "Alright. I'm leaving now and will meet you at the hospital. If anything changes before I get there, please let me know."

"You know that I will. Are you okay to get there?"

"Yes, I have a driver with me today, dear. Don't worry about me. Drive safely, and I will see you soon."

/

The call was disconnected, and Marissa quickly glanced at a pale Bianca before turning her eyes back to the road.

"Your Mom is going to meet us at the hospital. She's leaving now. You don't have to worry about her driving herself. Erica said she has a driver with her today. Okay? Talk to me, B. You okay?" Marissa reached over and squeezed her wife's hand.

Bianca sighed. "I don't know. I don't know how I am. Kendall has to be okay. She's my big sister. I need her, Rissa."

"I know, B. Don't go there. Keep thinking positive. She's going to okay. We're almost there."

The brunette nodded. She knew Marissa was right and was thankful she was there with her. Her thoughts turned briefly to her mother, and with that, another thought crossed her mind. "Oh, we need to call Uncle Jack."

Greenlee, who was sitting in the backseat and lost in her own thoughts and worry over her best friend, snapped out of her daze at the mention of her father. "I'll call him and Ryan too."

Marissa glanced in the rearview mirror to address her friend. "How are you doing, Greenlee?"

"I'm okay, I guess. I don't know what happened. Kendall was fine earlier. This just doesn't make any sense." Greenlee's worried look over the health of her best friend matched that of Bianca's.

/

Marissa found the closest parking spot to the emergency room entrance, and she, Bianca and Greenlee rushed inside. They quickly found the admitting nurse and asked for an update on Kendall.

"Kendall Slater? Are you family?"

"Yes, I'm her sister, Bianca Tasker-Montgomery."

"Ms. Slater is being examined by Dr. Angela Hubbard. I'm sorry, but there is no other information on her condition at the moment. As soon as Dr. Hubbard is done with her examination of your sister, I'll let her know where you are."

"Thank you."

The three women found a quiet spot in the waiting area and sat.

/

"Bianca! How's Kendall?" Zach was slightly out of breath as he ran in a few moments later.

"Angie's examining her right now. That's all we know. Zach, Angie's good. She's really good. Kendall is in the best hands." Bianca was trying to convince herself as well as her brother-in-law. She did trust Angie, but she wouldn't feel better until she actually saw her sister.

Zach nodded letting Bianca's words sink in. "You're right. What the hell happened?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure. She said she wasn't feeling well, that she thought she was coming down with a bug of some sort and got up to go to the ladies' room. When she did that, she just passed out, and we couldn't wake her up. Kendall was breathing on own though."

Erica soon stormed into the emergency room and spotted her family immediately. "How is Kendall? Is there any word?"

"Not yet, Mom. Angie's still examining her."

Bianca had a tight grip on Marissa's hand as the redhead finished calls to her office, the Miranda Center and Fusion letting each place know that she, Bianca and Greenlee would not be returning to their places of work that afternoon. The brunette was beyond thankful that Marissa was there and helping take charge. Her clear head was the reason Kendall had gotten help as quickly as she did. She was also the reason that Bianca was holding on as well as she was. There was no doubt that Bianca could handle this if need be, but that was the thing. She didn't need to. The brunette had Marissa beside her and that made all the difference in the world to Bianca.

/

An excruciating 45 minutes passed with still no word on Kendall's condition. Jack had arrived and was the probably the only reason Erica hadn't hunted Angie down and demanded an update on her oldest daughter. Zach remained stoic with his eyes focused on the doors that led back to the exam rooms where Kendall currently was, his gaze rarely straying. Greenlee alternated between pacing about the room and pestering the staff for an update. She had called Ryan, but he was unable to get to the hospital for at least another hour. Bianca held onto Marissa like a lifeline and forced herself not to think of the worst case scenario. She was usually optimistic but something was different this time. It felt different, and Bianca just couldn't shake that ominous feeling.

"Zach, Erica, Bianca."

Everyone's head snapped to attention as Angie suddenly appeared.

"Angie, how's Kendall?" Zach asked.

"She's awake. Her blood pressure was extremely low, her pulse thready and her breathing labored when she was brought in. We've gotten her stabilized and comfortable now. Given her medical history, I do want to admit her overnight to run some tests and for observation."

A collective sigh of relief was released.

Before any of them could ask, Angie continued. "You can all see her, but only for a few minutes. She needs her rest. Follow me."

/

To say Zach was relieved seeing his wife awake and alert would be an understatement.

Kendall smiled weakly as her family made their presence known. "Hey."

Zach placed a tender kiss on his wife's forehead. "I have to tell you, sweetheart, you had me scared."

"I'm sorry."

Erica kissed her oldest daughter's cheek. "It's fine, dear, just don't do it again. Between you and your sister, it's a wonder I don't have a headful of gray hair."

The others shared a look that said they knew her hair stylist was the reason for the diva's hair color remaining unchanged after all these years, but they silently all agreed that it was best not to go down that path.

"How are you feeling, Kendall?" Bianca asked as she kissed her sister's cheek. Relief flooded through her when she saw Kendall smile.

"Tired and embarrassed. Nothing like taking a header at Krystal's during the lunch rush to keep you humble and grounded. What I can't figure out is why I'm not really hurt, especially my head."

Greenlee stepped forward and followed suit in kissing her friend's cheek. "That's because it seems there is another dynamic duo. Your little sister sprang into action and caught you before you actually hit the floor and could hurt yourself. Marissa waddled right in too and called 911 to get you help, and then she took control of the situation and ordered everyone around making sure you were okay and that nobody freaked out, like me and Bianca."

Marissa rolled her eyes at Greenlee. "Hey, Curly. You sure know how to draw a crowd. And I don't waddle quite yet, Greenlee."

Kendall laughed and squeezed Marissa's hand. "I try my best, Red. I try my best. You have to admit that you're getting close on the waddling." She glanced at her future step-father. "Hi, Jack."

"Kendall, it's good to see you. How are you holding up?"

"I actually feel okay except for being a little tired and the whole wounded pride thing. In fact, I think I feel well enough that I should be able to go home."

Zach shook his head. "That's not happening. Angie wants to keep you here overnight and do some tests so we can figure out what happened."

"What's to figure out? I got up a little too fast and was dizzy. I just passed out this time."

"This time?! This has happened before?! Yeah, you're staying. I'm not going to argue with you over this, and I'm not taking any chances. Understand?"

Kendall scowled, cursing herself internally for the slip up. She knew it was useless to fight with him about this now. Kendall knew she couldn't win against him, her mother, her sister and her best friend. "Fine."

"How many times have you had similar episodes?" Angie asked.

"Three or four times. Zach, what about the boys? We'll need to get them soon."

Bianca and Marissa whispered to each other quickly.

"I'll do whatever you need me to do, B."

"I'd really like you here with me, but the boys. I know Kendall and Zach will feel better if they're with someone they know and trust, with family"

Marissa nodded in understanding and spoke up. "I'll pick them up and take them back to our place. They can stay overnight if you want."

"Thanks, Red, but I couldn't ask you guys to do that. It's too much."

Bianca spoke up. "First of all, Kendall, you didn't ask. We offered. I don't even know how many times you and Zach have done the same for us."

"Exactly. And it's not too much. Spike is so easygoing, and he'll be hanging out with AJ and Miranda. As for Ian, he's no problem at all, and Max can help him run off some of that excess energy of his." Marissa added.

"Are you sure?" Seeing his sister-in-laws nod, Zach continued. "That would be great and let me stay here with her. Don't argue with me, Kendall."

Marissa grinned seeing Kendall pout before checking the time. "Speaking of the kids, I better go pick them up." She leaned over and gave Kendall a kiss on the cheek. "Behave yourself. I like having you around giving me a hard time and helping me keep your sister in line. I'll run by your place and pack a bag for the boys."

"Thanks, Red, and don't think this means you're in the clear about the whole class reunion. We're owed some stories." Kendall smirked.

"I haven't forgotten, trust me on that. Zach, if you need me to do anything else, let me know."

Zach nodded gratefully and hugged the redhead. "Thanks, Marissa."

Bianca stepped aside with Marissa for a private moment. "Are you sure you're going to be okay?"

"I'll be fine. Are you okay? I know you're worried, and I don't like leaving you."

"I know, but we're doing the right thing. I'm much better now that I see her awake and joking. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

"I'm always going to worry about you." Marissa turned to the others. "Could one of you give Bianca a ride back to her car? It's still at Krystal's."

Jack nodded. "I'd be happy to."

"Thanks, Jack. Okay, I'm going to go. Call …"

Bianca smiled. "I'll call when we find something out. I love you."

"I love you too."

/

Marissa was loading the last of the dishes from dinner into the dishwasher when Bianca got home. "Hey."

Bianca sighed contentedly as she fell into her wife's embrace. "Hey. How are the kids? What did you tell the boys?"

"They're doing just fine. AJ's a little quiet, but he seemed happy that Spike was staying over. Everyone's homework is all done, and they're watching a movie. It was Gabby's choice. Care to guess what she picked?"

"Hmmm, 'Frozen'?"

"Yep, for only like the 1000th time. It's a good thing I like it. As for the boys, I told them their mom wasn't feeling well, was getting checked out by the doctor and their dad was making sure she behaved herself."

"I bet they liked that last part."

"They did."

"Kendall and Zach said they would be calling before the boys went to bed."

"Good. Did you eat anything?"

Bianca made a face. "No, I didn't."

"That's what I thought. I made you a plate. Why don't you go see the kids while I warm it up for you?"

"Thank you." Bianca leaned in for a quick kiss before going into the family room.

/

The couple was settled at the kitchen while Bianca ate.

"Any update on Kendall?"

Bianca shook her head. "Not really. Angie's going to run some more tests tomorrow. Her blood pressure is back to normal, and they took her off oxygen."

"Those are good signs. Is Angie worried about her heart?"

"Yes. Thankfully, it's not showing signs of rejection, but she's going to be doing more tests around it tomorrow. The results of her blood work will be back tomorrow too. You're right about AJ. He did seem quiet. Think we should talk to him about it?"

Marissa nodded. "Yeah, let's talk with him after we know what's going on with Kendall."

"Sounds good." Bianca's cellphone rang. "It's Kendall."

"You finish eating, and I'll take the phone out to the boys." Marissa connected the call as she began walking out of the kitchen. "Hey, Kendall."

/

The next morning, Marissa headed into work. She had a deposition she had to take for an upcoming trial. Marissa offered to move it so she could be there for Bianca, but her wife assured her that she would be okay and sent a very reluctant redhead off to work. While Marissa did that, Bianca dropped the five kids off at school before heading to the hospital.

When she entered Kendall's hospital room, Bianca found her brother-in-law was the only one present. "Morning, Zach."

"Morning. Before you ask, Angie has already taken Kendall for some tests."

"Wow, that's early. How'd it go last night?"

"Not bad. Kendall was able to get some rest after we talked with the boys and slept pretty much straight through the night."

"That's good. What about you?"

"I did okay." Zach chuckled seeing his sister-in-law raise her eyebrow questioning the truthfulness of his answer. "I really did."

Bianca decided to accept his answer. "What time will Greenlee be in?"

"Around 11:00. There were a few things that needed to be taken care of at the office, and Kendall made Greenlee promise that she would go in and handle them before she came here. You know your sister is going to give you grief for skipping out on work to be here."

"I know. Let her. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. You know that I can be just as stubborn as her."

"Oh, I'm aware of that fact. It is a Kane woman trait I'm all too familiar with."

Bianca and Zach both laughed at his matter of fact attitude, enjoying the brief break in the tension that hung in the air due to their concern over Kendall.

"Any problems with the boys?"

"None whatsoever." Before she could answer further, Bianca was interrupted by another arrival.

"Oh, did they already take Kendall for her tests?" Erica asked as she suddenly appeared carrying a takeout tray with several coffees.

Bianca took the tray from her mother and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before handing out the drinks. "Morning, Mom."

"Morning, sweetheart."

Zach accepted his mother-in-law's hug and then groaned taking an appreciative sip of coffee. "Thank you for this, Erica. Now, I know why you're my favorite mother-in-law." The response earned him an eye roll. "Yes, they took her up about an hour ago, and it will be at least another hour before she's back here. So, make yourself comfortable."

/

Almost two hours later, Kendall finally appeared. As the orderly helped her from the wheelchair and into bed, it was clear she was exhausted from the morning's activities. She looked at her mother and sister and wasn't surprised that they were there despite what she had told them last night. "I told you two that you didn't need to be here today. I know you both have busy schedules."

"We know, but you didn't seriously think we would listen, did you?" Bianca smirked.

"No, I didn't. Are the boys okay? They didn't give you any problems last night, did they?"

"They're fine, except for missing both of you. We didn't have any problems with them last night. Marissa entertained everyone with an original bedtime story per her favorite nephews' request. She sends her love by the way. She didn't want to go into work, but I made her."

"Thanks, and give her mine back. You know when she does that on the stories that she sets the bar impossibly high for us. A regular story from a book just doesn't cut it after an 'Aunt Marissa original'."

Bianca grinned. "Yeah, I do. I think it's like an added bonus for her."

Kendall rolled her eyes. "Of course it is."

"Did I miss anything?" Greenlee asked as she burst into the room slightly out of breath.

"I think I can answer that question." Angie offered as she joined the others.

All eyes flew to the doctor and family friend.

/

"I have some of your test results back. Would you like to speak in private or …"

Kendall and Zach shared a quick glance before she shook her head. "It's fine. We're just going to turn around and tell them anyway so you can speak in front of them. Now, is this where you tell me that I'm perfectly healthy and can go home?" Kendall's smile faltered somewhat at Angie's silence.

"That answer is a little complicated given your medical history."

"You mean given the fact that she has a heart transplant." Zach stated as he held his wife's hand.

"Yes. I won't beat around the bush. Kendall, you're pregnant."

/

A/N: This storyline is going to be a combination of ideas given to me by a guest reviewer, Huskermania, and AMCGL7. I hope you all like what I'm going to do with this. There's more planned. Remember, nothing is ever easy in Pine Valley (or with my evil side when she gets going). Thanks for the ideas! See you soon!