A/N: Thanks for reading, reviewing and following! It is truly appreciated! This story has hit a milestone, 1,000 reviews (1,001 now thanks to Weekend Reader)! Wow! I honestly don't even know what to say which I'm sure some might find hard to believe given that this chapter puts the total word count over 900,000! Thank you doesn't seem quite enough to say, but it's all I can come up with right now. So, thank you all for hanging in there with me. There's more to come! This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
Oh, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! May this holiday season give you peace and joy. Now, on with the story!
/
Jessica chuckled as Bianca pulled out the ice cream birthday cake AJ and Miranda had asked for from the freezer. How the cake was decorated was a compromise between the birthday twins. Half was decorated with characters from 'Frozen' and the other half with those from 'The Lego Movie'. Somehow, it worked. Jessica had offered to help her, but Bianca insisted that she was company and should relax. Now however, Jessica had to step in. "Why don't I get the door for you? You look like you have your hands more than full."
"Thank you." Bianca smiled.
"You're welcome. And then, I'm coming back to help you, whether you want it or not."
Bianca gave up and gratefully accepted the offer. "Thank you, again."
/
Jessica opened the front door to find Krystal on the other side. This was the first time she had seen the other woman since finding out what she had done to Bianca. Jessica kept repeating the mantra 'you promised Marissa to be good' in her mind. "Krystal, hello. Please come in."
Krystal stepped inside, took off her coat and handed it to the older woman who had held out her hand for it. "Jessica. I'm a little surprised to see you back in town."
"I have a meeting at the Miranda Center on Monday so I decided to come in a few days earlier to spend time with Marissa and her family. They insisted I stay with them." Jessica answered as she hung Krystal's coat up in the hall closet.
"Oh, I didn't know you were connected with the Center." Krystal was slightly taken aback at the closeness between Jessica and couple. She had to admit that she was a little jealous of it, but she also had to admit at the same time that she really didn't have the right to feel that way. It was a right she had given up when she gave up Marissa.
"Yes, I recently starting volunteering at the Center's New York branch. The office manager there liked an idea I came up with and told Bianca. She has me meeting with her staff here to go over it with them." Jessica offered, trying her best to be nice. It was tough though because seeing Krystal made her remember what had been done to Bianca.
"That's impressive." Krystal paused. "I was thinking that maybe we might find some time to talk?"
"About?" Jessica was no fool and knew what Krystal wanted. While she had promised Marissa to try and get along with the other woman, that didn't mean that Jessica was going to sit down and spill stories about Marissa's childhood with the woman that had sold her. In her mind, Krystal had lost the right to hear them, and those stories belonged to the redhead's true parents, Roy and Lydia Tasker. It wasn't only the wrong that she had done to Marissa that was off-putting to Jessica. It was also what she had done to Bianca. While Jessica was a god-fearing woman and believed in forgiveness, she didn't know if she could ever be that forgiving. The mere fact that Bianca could only went to show just how incredible the brunette was.
Krystal noted the other woman's cool response but continued nonetheless. "Marissa, Roy and Lydia. I'd like to know about their lives together in Devon. I don't think that's too much to ask."
Jessica took a deep breath before answering, keeping her voice low so she wouldn't be overheard. She especially didn't want the kids to hear. "Actually, for me, it is. I know how Marissa came to be their daughter. What you did is unforgiveable to me. You don't sell one child to support another and yourself."
"I did what I thought was right at the time to survive. I know it was wrong, and there's not a day that goes by that I don't regret what I did. Roy and Lydia weren't saints either. They knew what they were doing."
"You can't honestly be trying to put the fault on them?" Jessica couldn't believe what she was hearing. "They were desperate for a child while you were desperate for money and a way out. Yes, I know they weren't perfect, but Roy and Lydia gave her a home and all the love they had. She was their world and their daughter. They never would have even considered doing what you did." Jessica could feel herself getting angrier with the other woman and wasn't about to cause a scene here and ruin the day. So, she was going to remove herself from the situation. "I think it's best that we end this conversation now, before it turns into something else. Make yourself comfortable or whatever. Marissa is upstairs with the kids, and Bianca is in the kitchen. I'm going back to help her with a few things for the party." Jessica turned and headed to the kitchen to help Bianca as promised, relieved to be getting away from Krystal before their discussion escalated.
Krystal stood in partial shock and regret. She wanted to kick herself as soon as the words regarding Roy and Lydia left her mouth. She knew they were a mistake but couldn't stop them. Krystal was on the defensive and latched onto whatever feeble excuse/reasoning she had. It was a horrible mistake and one that had obviously struck a nerve with Jessica. It was clear the woman knew what Krystal had done concerning Marissa. That came as no surprise. What had shocked Krystal was Jessica's barely restrained fury. If they had been anywhere else other than at Marissa and Bianca's home, she had absolutely no doubt that Jessica would have unleashed it full-bore. Krystal shook herself out of her thoughts hearing her grandson clomp down the stairs.
"Hi, grandma!"
"Hi, AJ, and happy birthday!" Krystal hugged the boy and smiled at his birthday twin. "Happy birthday to you too, Miranda!"
"Thank you!"
"Hi, Gabby."
"Hi, Krystal. Mommy, can we go downstairs and play?"
"May we go downstairs, and yes, you may."
Gabby nearly rolled her eyes at the correction of her grammar by her redheaded mother. "Thank you." The little girl turned and pinned her snickering brother and sister with her best Kane glare. Gabby may be young, but the glare was definitely coming along quite nicely.
Marissa shook her head catching sight of it before the trio headed downstairs. Puberty was going to be so much for her and Bianca.
"Hi, Krystal. Did you just get here?
"Yes, I did. Where would you like these?" Krystal held up two gift bags.
"I'll put them over here." Marissa took the bags and placed them next to a small pile near the fireplace. "Don't worry. They'll be safe. Max is downstairs so he won't bother them. Would you like something to drink?"
"I'm fine but thanks. Shouldn't you be taking it easy and get off your feet? I'm sure it's been a long day for you."
"Nah, I'm okay. I'm going to run to the kitchen and see what Bianca needs. Are you okay here by yourself for a few minutes?"
Before Krystal could answer, she was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Hold that thought."
/
Marissa opened the door to find David on the other side. Krystal noted that the redhead's smile faded immediately upon seeing the doctor.
"David, you're early."
"Not that much, and I see Krystal's already here."
"She asked if she could stop over earlier." Marissa hung up his coat after adding his two gifts, one larger than the other, to the growing pile. What the redhead didn't know was that he had a third gift in his car. "I know what you're doing, and trust me, we'll be talking about this later. Now, I have to check on Bianca, but I'll be back in a couple of minutes. I expect you to be right here when I get back."
David held up his hands in mock surrender and smirked slightly. "I'll be right here, scout's honor."
Marissa scoffed. "Like I believe that. Krystal, please do me a favor and keep an eye on him for me. Make sure he doesn't go wandering off."
Krystal, who had been confused by the whole exchange, nodded. "Of course."
/
As soon as Marissa was gone, Krystal turned to her ex. "What the hell did you do, David?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about." David said innocently. "Where are the kids? I'd like to say 'hi'."
"Oh no! Marissa doesn't want you wandering off, and I'm going to see that you don't."
Another arrival prevented David from challenging his ex.
Krystal opened the door to greet Caleb. She had never been happier to see the lawyer in her life. She knew she would now have backup to handle David.
"Caleb, it's good to see you."
"Krystal, a pleasure. Hayward."
"What are you doing here, Cortlandt? This is for family."
"Caleb is family." Bianca smiled as she joined the others. "Hi, Caleb. I'm glad you could make it."
"Thank you for inviting me. I wouldn't miss it. These are for the birthday twins."
"Thank you!" Bianca placed his gifts with the others before taking his coat and hanging it up. "Hi, Krystal. David. Would anyone like anything to drink?"
"I'm good. Where are the kids? I'd like to say 'hi' before it gets crowded."
Bianca answered David's question with a pointed glare, letting him know she was on to him.
Caleb intervened. "Where is Marissa?"
"Rissa's in the kitchen with Jessica." Marissa had been a little upset with David's total disregard of their handshake agreement, and Bianca insisted her wife stay in the kitchen to calm down.
"Oh, I'll be sure to say hello to them both later. For now, why don't I stay out here and help keep an eye on things?"
Bianca saw him perk up hearing Jessica's name and smiled to herself. "Thank you. Rissa and I both would appreciate that. We've just got a couple of things to do before everyone else gets here."
On her way back to the kitchen, Bianca whispered to David as she passed him. "This may be a game to you, but it's anything but that to me. It's my family we're talking about. Right now, my wife is in the kitchen trying to calm herself down because of how much you upset her. If you care for her one iota of what you claim to, you'll stop playing around because we both know stress isn't good for her or the baby. Keep this up though and I won't hesitate to throw your ass out of here so fast it will make your head spin, and that's not a threat. It's a promise."
/
Marissa paced around the kitchen trying to calm herself down. She knew it was going to be difficult dealing with David. She just didn't think it was going to be this difficult this quickly. The redhead thought that she might have had a chance to warm herself up to handle it, but no such luck.
Jessica watched and worried about her friend. It was clear Marissa was upset, but she was doing her best not to lose her temper. "Is there anything I can do?"
Marissa rolled her neck to relieve the tension that had gathered there and sighed before finally taking a seat. "Unfortunately, no. I don't know how I'm going to do this, deal with him."
"Then don't." Bianca answered as she entered the kitchen and took a seat next to her wife. "We haven't signed a contract yet and can back out right now. Let's stop it. We'll come up with something else."
"I love you." Marissa gave her wife a chaste kiss before continuing. "But we're not backing out. Kendall needs this, and we'll get through this somehow."
"I love you too. Are you sure?"
"I am. With you beside me, I can pretty much get through anything, even David."
Bianca squeezed her wife's hand. "We are a damn good team."
"Yes, we are. The best."
Jessica had already made up her mind to do something to help the couple, and watching them just now, only made her resolve stronger.
/
"AJ, I want you to have this, and it's just between you and me." David had snuck back out to his car and retrieved the additional present he had gotten for AJ.
The boy looked at his grandfather. He couldn't help but shake the feeling that this was all wrong. Opal was supposed to be keeping an eye on him, but Jenny had fallen and skinned her knee. This gave David the chance he needed, and the doctor had managed to pull AJ aside in all of the bustle of the festivities upstairs. AJ wasn't sure about talking to his grandfather in private and have even bigger doubts now that the man wanted him to keep a secret from his mothers. The boy had done that before, and it never turned out well.
"I don't know, grandpa. This doesn't feel right. I don't like keeping things from my Moms."
David sighed. "This isn't something bad. It's just a present that I want you to have that you don't have to tell them about. Go on. Open it."
AJ shrugged and opened the present. Opening the box, he revealed a miniature doctor's bag made of real leather. Inside the bag were several replica doctor's instruments. "What's this for?"
"It's a doctor's bag just like mine. I thought you might like it. You can come around the hospital sometime and see what I do."
"Why?"
"To give you an early start on your future. I see you being a great doctor one day."
"But I don't want to be a doctor. I want to build things, things that I draw, like homes or other kinds of buildings or parks or things like that." AJ smiled.
"Why would you want to do something like that when you can do something greater? No, that's not good enough for you. You're going to be a doctor."
AJ shook his head. "No, I'm not. Blood makes me queasy. Besides, my Moms say building stuff like I want to do is really good. They don't see anything wrong with what I want to do. They say as long as I do something that makes me happy is all that matters to them, and they told me I have lots of time to figure out if that's what I to do anyway since I'm only 11."
"Bianca and Marissa are wrong. You have to start planning now for your future. Why should you settle when you can be something extraordinary? I can get you into the best schools, and you can learn under me."
"But that's not what I want to do. I want …"
"I know what's best for you. All you have to do is just listen to me."
"AJ, there you are. Your Moms are looking for you. It's time for cake."
The boy smiled widely. "Thanks, Jessica!"
"Hold on, AJ. We're not done."
"Yes, you are. His Moms want him upstairs, and the last time I checked, they trump you." Jessica glared at the doctor before turning back to the boy with a smile. "Go on, AJ."
"Are you coming, Jessica?"
"I'll be up in just a minute, AJ."
"Okay. Oh, thanks for the present, grandpa. I know you want me to keep it secret, but I can't. I'm going to tell my Moms later."
/
When AJ was out of sight, David turned to the older woman. "Who the hell are you and why are you interfering with my grandson?"
"I'm Jessica Shelton, a friend of Marissa's from Devon."
"Oh, you know my daughter?"
Jessica shook her head. "No, I know Roy and Lydia Tasker's daughter."
"She is my daughter." David said forcefully.
"I beg to disagree. You may share some DNA with her, but she's not your daughter because she's nothing like you and everything like them."
"What the hell does that mean? What gives you the right to come here and tell me how to raise my grandson?"
"Okay, let's get a few things straight, shall we? AJ is not yours to raise. That responsibility belongs to his mothers, and they are doing an exceptional job. He's a bright, kind and caring boy who, thanks to them, knows the difference between right and wrong. He saw through you, saw what you were trying to do, and could tell it wasn't right to trust you. AJ didn't let you intimidate him because of the values and examples set by both Bianca and Marissa. Who the hell does that anyway? What kind of person tries to intimidate an 11 year old, especially one that's their own grandson? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised though given what you're doing to your own daughter."
"What do you mean by that?" David gave the woman a menacing stare. Normally, he was able to intimidate others, but Jessica wasn't having any of it.
"You're blackmailing Marissa."
"I'm not doing anything of the sort. We came to a mutually satisfying agreement where we are both getting something we want."
"Really?! That's what you're calling it? You are going to do a job that you are supposed to do given the oath you took by helping Kendall while Marissa and her children are forced to spend time with you in order to ensure that you do said job. Then the first chance you get, you go behind her and Bianca's backs, corner AJ and try to start to manipulate him so you can mold him into a mini you. That's what you call 'mutually satisfying'?"
/
"What did you do, David?" Krystal asked with a sinking feeling as she interrupted the two. Bianca had asked her to find Jessica and David so everyone could sing to the kids before cutting their cake and opening presents. Having looked around upstairs with no luck, Krystal decided to try downstairs. She'd heard a muffled conversation when she was at the top of the stairs and followed it. As a result, she'd overheard a snippet of the conversation, the part regarding blackmail.
"Nothing that concerns you, Krystal."
"If it involves Marissa and her family, it damn well concerns me."
"Don't get self-righteous with me, Krystal. It doesn't suit you." David smirked.
"Like you have any room to talk." Krystal snapped.
"Oh please, neither of you have any right to act holier than thou."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I know what you've done to Marissa and what you've done to Bianca."
That statement stopped both Krystal and David cold, a look of disbelief on their faces.
"Yes, I know what you did to Bianca, and how either of you can live with yourselves is beyond me." Jessica held up a hand to stop the protests forming on the duo's lips. "No, don't even go there. There simply is no justification for what you put her through. The hell she went through is inexcusable, and now, you, the great Dr. David Hayward, are doing it again and compounding it by pulling Marissa and their children into it, holding Kendall and her daughter hostage so you can get what you want. You know what's the saddest part of this? Marissa was getting ready to open up and spend time with you of her own free will, and now by making that a condition of your treating Kendall, you've destroyed what little trust and faith she was starting to have in you." Jessica gave them both a look of utter disgust. "I thank god that Marissa had Roy and Lydia in her life to raise her and show her what real love, caring, trust and compassion truly are. The one thing you did right, Krystal, was choosing them to be her parents."
Krystal knew the words 'and saving her from becoming like both of you' were unspoken but still hung heavily in the air. The thing was that Krystal couldn't argue the point. Roy and Lydia definitely did save Marissa, and she was nothing like her biological family.
Jessica shook her head. She had nothing left to say and could no longer look at the other two, particularly David. The older woman turned and started to head back upstairs to join the others. Jessica was startled to see Caleb midway up on the stairs. The lawyer didn't say anything. He simply gave her smile and a quick nod, which she returned, before motioning for her to lead the way upstairs.
/
"I can't believe you're blackmailing Marissa. What the hell are you thinking, David?"
"I'm thinking that I'm getting what I want. I'm getting my family, one that you tried your damnedest to keep from me." David spat.
"Yes, when I found Marissa, I didn't tell you about you her, and after all of this, I can honestly say that I was right. Marissa is her own person. She is strong, smart and has a fire and spirit that can't be broken. People have tried, but they haven't been able to do it. I thank god for that, and I especially thank god for Roy and Lydia. Jessica was right. They are her parents, and Marissa is nothing like us. She never would've done what we did to Bianca. It never would've crossed her mind. What you're doing is wrong, and you're putting Bianca through hell again."
David shook his head. "I'm going to have a relationship with my daughter and grandchildren, and that's all that matters."
"You're getting it by threatening her, by withholding treatment for Kendall. You're having her make a life and death decision, and you're the only one who wins. On second thought, there are no winners here. Yes, you'll have a relationship with them, but it won't be a real one. Marissa knows the truth and resents you already for it. That's only going to grow. As for AJ and the baby, they may not know about it now, but they will when they get older. What do think they will think of you then? Do you really think they are going to fall on their knees and thank you for blackmailing their mothers? I don't think so. They're going to resent you and want nothing to do with you, and you will be all alone. Will it still be worth it when that happens? And just to be clear, that is what will happen." Krystal turned and headed towards the stairs. Her mind was already made up. She knew what she had to do. Krystal was going to have a long conversation with Erica and let her know everything that was going on. She wouldn't do it today because she didn't want to dampen the kids' party, but first thing tomorrow morning, she was going over to Erica's.
/
Miranda and AJ were standing with huge grins as their families stood around them singing 'Happy Birthday'. When the song was finished, the birthday twins leaned forward and blew out the candles in tandem. Bianca and Marissa engulfed their oldest children in loving embraces.
"Okay, cake and then presents!" Bianca announced.
The kids let out a whoop as Marissa sliced the cake and Bianca handed out slices to first the birthday twins and then everyone else with Greenlee stepping in to help.
David stood off to the side and watched. He had been stunned into silence, something that didn't happen, by the confrontations downstairs. Was Krystal right about his grandchildren hating him and being left with nothing? He was so close to getting what he wanted, but if Jessica had been telling the truth about Marissa being about to offer him a bigger role in her life and he couldn't see what she had to gain by lying about something like that, he had most likely blown it. At this point, was there anything he could do to make it right?
"Would you like any cake, David?" Greenlee held out a plate for the doctor.
"Thanks but no. I just got a page and need to head to the hospital. Would you do me a favor and give them my apologies."
Greenlee shrugged. To be honest, she was glad he was leaving. "Sure."
"Thank you." David went to the hall closet and pulled out his coat to put on. He spotted the box containing the doctor's bag he had gotten AJ. It was clear to him now he'd been way off the mark with it. Looking around to make sure no one saw him, he scooped up the box with a promise to replace it with something his grandson would like. The doctor then exited the home. Once outside, David shook his head and pulled out his cellphone.
"Luis, it's David Hayward. I'm going to give you a name. There's a condition with it. You didn't get it from me. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Anita Chambers."
/
The following day
"Do I look alright? I mean this isn't too formal, is it? Or is it too casual?"
Marissa bit her lip to keep from laughing as she watched Jessica fret over what she was wearing. After everyone had left the party, she had told Marissa and Bianca that Caleb had asked her to lunch the next day, and she'd agreed. Watching Jessica now, it was clear to Marissa that her friend was flustered and definitely smitten with Caleb.
Jessica glared at the redhead hearing a soft chuckle coming from her. "I know what you're thinking, and this is not a date."
"You're worried about what you're wearing?
"Yes. Of course I am. I want to look nice."
"You want to make a good impression with him?"
Jessica huffed. "I like to make a good impression no matter who it is."
"Caleb's picking you up?"
"Yes."
"You're going out alone with him and sharing a meal?"
"Something I can do with a friend."
"You find him attractive?"
Jessica blushed and cleared her throat. "Possibly."
Marissa thought her friend was pretty adorable right now and smiled.
Bianca rolled her eyes at her wife's gentle teasing of the older woman and was about to say something when they were interrupted by a knock at the front door. "I'll get it. It's probably Caleb."
Jessica took a deep breath. She hadn't felt this nervous in a very long time.
Marissa leaned forward and kissed her friend on the cheek. "You look amazing, and he'll think so too."
"Thank you."
"Jessica, you look beautiful." Caleb held out his arm. "Shall we?"
"Yes, and thank you." Jessica smiled and took the offered arm. She turned back to the couple. "I'll see you later."
Bianca and Marissa stood with an arm around each other as they watched their friends walk to the car. Caleb held open the car door and helped Jessica inside before making his way quickly to the driver's side.
"This so is a date." Marissa grinned.
/
After they had ordered, Caleb decided to finally broach the subject they had been avoiding. "I have to tell you that I was very impressed with what you did yesterday at the party. Not a lot of people stand up to Hayward like you did. Both he and Krystal had it coming."
"I thought so. What they did to both Marissa and Bianca is unforgiveable, and for David to blackmailing them? I can only tell you that I'm sure there is a special corner in hell reserved for him. Could I ask your opinion on a couple of things?"
Caleb nodded. "Of course."
"Marissa made me promise not to tell immediate family about what David's doing. In fact, she was very specific about that."
"Ah, that's the lawyer in her. She's covering her bases. You have something in mind though, don't you?"
"I do. Now, I won't tell them because I gave her my word and won't break it. So, I have a hypothetical for you."
"Go on."
"What if I was talking to someone that she didn't specify and someone, let's Erica, happened to overhear. Would it still be considered keeping my word?"
"In that hypothetical situation, I would say it would."
Jessica sighed in relief. "That's good to know. I have one other thing that is more serious. David managed to get AJ alone at the party. I overheard him pressuring AJ about his future and what he should do. David wants AJ to be a doctor like him, and he wanted AJ to keep their conversation a secret from his mothers."
Caleb clenched his jaw and his eyes flashed in anger. "That man will never learn. You obviously know that's against what he, Bianca and Marissa agreed to."
"Yes, I do. I also know the contract's not been signed yet."
"No, it hasn't. His lawyer is haggling over terms. I personally think he's trying to wear them down so they'll just give him everything he wants. Hayward's going to be disappointed because that's not going to happen. They are determined, and I will tell you that they are formidable when that happens."
"So I've learned watching them. I have to tell them. What do you think the best way to do that is?"
"Knowing them like I do, I would just tell them straight out and don't beat around the bush. They won't like hearing what he did, but they do need to know. Hearing it from you will definitely help soften the blow."
"Thank you." Jessica smiled. "Are you up for taking a break from some of the drama going around?"
"I think that's a great idea. What did you have in mind?"
"Tell me all about yourself."
Caleb returned the smile on Jessica's face. "Only if you return the favor and tell me all about yourself."
/
Krystal took a deep breath bracing herself before facing Erica. She was not looking forward to this at all but knew it had to be done. Erica needed to know what David was doing. His blackmail of Marissa and Bianca was simply not right and had the potential for causing health issues for Marissa and the baby because of all the stress associated with the blackmail. Krystal honestly was at a loss about what could be done and hoped that Erica had some ideas. Taking a second deep breath and exhaling, Krystal knocked on the diva's door.
"Krystal? What are you doing here? Are Marissa and the baby alright?"
"They're fine. Um, we need to talk."
Erica's relief was evident hearing that her daughter-in-law and soon to be grandchild were okay. The diva quickly schooled her features quickly however. "What on earth is there to talk about with you?"
"For starters, Bianca, Marissa and their family, Kendall and her family, and David."
That got Erica's attention. "Fine, come in."
After the two were seated, Erica continued. "So, what's going on?"
"Yesterday, at the birthday party, I found something out that you need to know. I went to find Jessica and David for Bianca and found them downstairs. Jessica was reading David the riot act."
"Why would she be doing that? As far as I know, she's never met him."
"Well, that may be true, but from what I could tell, she had plenty of reason for what she was doing. David has agreed to help Kendall."
Erica knew there was more to this. David never did anything without some sort of compensation. There was always a catch, and the diva had a sickening feeling over what it might be. "I've already asked him, and he refused to help. Why did he change his mind? What's his price?"
"In exchange for him treating Kendall, Marissa and Bianca agreed to let him spend time with AJ, the new baby and Marissa herself."
"What?! That's …"
Krystal nodded. "Basically, blackmail, yes."
"That son of a bitch!" Erica's mind was racing with this new information. This was exactly something both her daughter and daughter-in-law would do. Both were wanting to do something to help Kendall, and it seems they found it. David had to be salivating over this. There would be absolutely no way they could turn him down. To do so would be risking Kendall's life, and neither of them would ever do that. It was simply against their nature. The thing is this would put added stress on Marissa, and that was not good for her or the baby. Bianca was in an untenable position. She had to be worried sick about both her wife and her sister.
"I've known David to do some despicable things, but this … this is beyond the pale. He's willing to put Marissa's and the baby's lives in danger for his own selfish gain. I noticed some tension between them at the party, and now, I know why."
"I noticed that too, before I found out the reason." Krystal stated.
"What did Bianca and Marissa say when you told them you knew?"
"I didn't tell them."
"Why not?"
"I didn't want to ruin the party. After David left, they were all so happy I didn't want to do anything that would change that. I also had absolutely no idea of what to say that might help them. I was afraid I would make it worse. The one thing I did know was that you needed to know. Telling Kendall was out of the question, but you … you needed to know, deserved to know."
/
Jessica laughed as Caleb related yet another story from his self-described reckless youth when her cellphone rang. She noticed it was daughter. "Would you excuse me for a minute, Caleb? It's Jo."
"Of course."
"Hello, Josephine." Jessica could hear her daughter roll her eyes at the use of her full first name.
"Hi, Mom. I'm sorry to interrupt. I called Marissa's number first, and she said you were out with Caleb. How's the date going?"
Jessica squirmed in her seat at her daughter's teasing. She couldn't deny it was date, not with Caleb sitting right in front of her and especially if that's what it was starting to feel like. "Is there something I can help you with, Josephine?"
Jo got the message, now was not the time to tease her mother. "Actually, yes, there is. I've got the name of a cardiologist for Erica."
"You do?"
"Yeah, and she's really good, Mom. One of the best, period. A colleague spoke to her, and then she called me. I told her about Kendall, and to quote her, she is 'intrigued' by Kendall's case."
"That is the best news, Jo. Some things have happened here that you wouldn't believe. I was going to call you tonight and tell you all about them. Could you hold on for one second?"
"Sure."
Jessica looked at Caleb. "I hate to do this, but Jo has the name of an excellent cardiologist. I really should get this information to Erica as soon as possible. I'm afraid that means I need to cut this …"
Caleb held up his hand to cut her off. "Don't finish that statement. I'll take you to Erica's."
"Are you sure? I can't ask you to do that."
"You're not asking. I'm offering. Besides, I'm being a little selfish. This lets me spend more with you, if that's okay with you."
Jessica smiled. "I would like that very much."
"Then, it's settled. I'll get our check while you finish your call."
"Thank you." Jessica turned her attention back to her daughter. "Are you still there?"
"I am, and I have to say, Mom, I like him."
"You've only met him once and didn't really talk to him that much."
"Doesn't matter. I heard what he said, and I definitely approve."
That had Jessica smile even more, but she had to get back to the matter at hand. "What is the doctor's name?"
"Her name is Anita Chambers. I'll text you her number. She's waiting for a call."
"Thank you, Jo. This will definitely help with the situation here."
"I'm glad to hear it. Don't forget to call me later and fill me in on everything. Oh, and Mom, I do mean everything, that includes your date that's not a date."
"You are impossible. I will call you. I love you."
"Love you too, Mom."
/
Erica nodded. "Thank you for telling me."
"Any thoughts on what we can do? And before you say anything, I'm helping on this. I know I've done horrible things to them in the past and will never be able to make up for it, but I can't let this go. My daughter and her family are impacted by this, and well, I do care quite a lot about Kendall. I want to help, even if it's just holding David down while you kick the crap out of him."
Before Erica could answer, there was another knock on her door. A moment later, the diva was greeting Jessica and Caleb. "Hello. What are the two of you doing here?"
"Hello, Erica. I'm sorry for interrupting, but I just got off the phone with Jo. She came through and has the name of a cardiologist who is highly recommended."
"That is wonderful news. Please, come in."
Jessica stopped cold seeing Erica's guest. "Krystal?" She looked between Erica and Krystal, and a light bulb turned on for Jessica. "Oh."
Erica nodded at the other woman's look of comprehension. "Yes, oh. Would you care to tell me why Marissa and Bianca didn't tell me what's going on? Better yet, why haven't you told me?"
Sighing, Jessica turned to Caleb for help. The lawyer nodded and came to her aid.
"For reasons that will become obvious, I need both you and Krystal to work with me for a few minutes, Erica. Why don't you sit over in this chair, and Jessica, you take a seat by Krystal?"
Jessica looked at the diva and made a simple but heartfelt plea. "Please?"
After a moment, Erica nodded and did as suggested.
Caleb continued to offer direction. "Krystal, why don't you ask Jessica the question that Erica had."
Krystal was slightly confused but went along with it. "Alright. Jessica, why didn't you tell Erica what's going on with David, Marissa and Bianca? Why didn't they tell her?"
Jessica was so grateful for Caleb's quick thinking and knew she would have to thank him later when they were alone. She turned to Krystal and addressed her and only her even though she knew Erica was right behind her hearing every word. Not that she was keen on doing this with Krystal, but they had both a common enemy and common goals. The goals were clear. They were to help Bianca and Marissa, to make sure this stressful situation was handled in such a way that Marissa's and the baby's health were ensured and that Kendall's and her baby's health were as well. The common enemy was David, pure and simple. Neither woman was operating under the misconception that they would be friends as a result of working together, but for the couple and family they both loved, they would tolerate each other.
Technically, Jessica was keeping her word thanks to Caleb. "When I got into town Friday, I could tell Marissa was upset and asked her why. She agreed to tell me but on the condition that I not tell Erica, Kendall, Zach and Greenlee. She was adamant about that. I agreed because I couldn't help her if I didn't know what was going on. Marissa then told me that she and Bianca agreed to let David begin to spend more with their family in exchange for treating Kendall. To keep him in line, they were drawing up a contract that would have conditions regarding his time with AJ and the baby. They didn't like it, but felt there was no other option. They wanted help Kendall and knew this was the only way that David would agree that didn't entail Erica groveling to him. It seems David was really set on that. I didn't tell Erica any of this for the simple fact that I gave Marissa my word that I wouldn't, and I cannot break it."
Erica didn't know what to think. Her emotions were at war with each other. She was furious at David, but at the same time, she was so touched by what Bianca and Marissa were doing. David would be paying for this. That was a fact, and there was no absolutely no doubt about it. He was going after her family, hurting them, causing them tremendous pain, and no one got away with that. No one.
Caleb stepped in again. "Before you say anything, Erica, you should know that Jessica was hoping for a situation such as this, what's going on here right now."
The diva understood and nodded. "I understand. She's managed to keep her word and still let me know. I can appreciate your position, Jessica. Thank you. Krystal had just told me some of this, but I now know the details."
"There's more. David's already broken part of their agreement. He's not supposed to talk with AJ without either of his mothers being present."
"He did that at the party, didn't he?" Seeing Jessica's nod, Krystal shook her head. "That no good son of a bitch."
"I agree with you on that. I'm going to tell them later about that."
"You mentioned a contract. Has it been signed yet?" Erica asked.
Caleb shook her head. "Not yet. His lawyer is dragging his feet and haggling over several points. We're supposed to meet tomorrow to negotiate further. That's all I can say."
"I understand." Erica paused and thought. "You said that Jo gave you the name of a cardiologist?"
"Yes, her name is Anita Chambers, and she's on staff at New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell. That's the top hospital in New York City and one of the tops in the country. According to Jo's colleague, Dr. Chambers is one of the best cardiologists around, and is intrigued by Kendall's case. She's waiting for your call."
"Caleb, I need to ask you to delay the contract signing."
The lawyer smiled. "I know that look. Alright. I can buy you some time. Am I safe in assuming that you don't want me to let either Marissa or Bianca know about any of this?"
"Yes, you are. Jessica, I'll need that number. I have one doctor to call and another to deal with. He needs to learn that no one hurts my family and gets away with it without severe consequences." Erica smiled coldly.
It was that smile that sent shivers up the spines of the two present who had seen it before as well as the one who hadn't.
/
A/N: Weekend Reader, you had me cracking up with the little bit on the Jeopardy contestant being from Shamokin! Who'd have thunk it?!