A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, follow and review! I really appreciate it. I hope those of you that celebrate had a very merry Christmas, and I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season. I had one of the oddest things happen to me the day after Christmas. I'm still trying to process it. Obviously, it wasn't something really bad since I'm writing you. Here's the thing, I was going to tell you all about it here, but then, I got to thinking. If you're following this story, then you know that could be a good/bad thing. To make a long story short, I'm thinking of tweaking it and adding it to this tale. I have to be careful with it though and make sure I do it right. Is this ominous and vague enough for you?
It seems Santa gave me some inspiration as an early Christmas gift. I posted a one-shot just before Christmas that I hope you'll want to check out if you haven't already. It's called 'All I Want for Christmas'. At the time, I also had an idea for another one-shot with a New Year's theme. I'll try and get that up in a couple of days. One last thing, I had another idea for this story. I'm not sure when I'll add it in, but it will be after Sparky gets here (that will be happening soon). It will definitely kick up the drama for our girls.
Okay, enough about all of that. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update and that you have a Happy New Year!
/
"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.
Jessica knew that for David there would be hell to pay, and she found she couldn't care less what happened to him. In her mind, he deserved everything Erica was going to throw at him and then some. Despite what he may think, David Hayward was not god and did not have the right to act like he was. They were talking about people's lives, ones that belonged to people that Jessica loved and cared about. Yeah, she was definitely on board with whatever Erica came up with.
/
"Are you kidding me?! David had the nerve to come into our home and say those things to our son?! Oh, no, no, no. This, this is not going to happen ever again. I've tried and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and thought that maybe with this agreement, even though I hate it, that maybe, just maybe he might get it, and think of someone other than himself for a change, but I was wrong. This will not go unpunished. He does not intimidate our son and tell him what he can and can't do with his life. He does not get to try and mold that sweet, caring boy into someone like him, someone who only cares for himself and is only out for himself. That's not going to happen."
Bianca watched as Marissa paced angrily back and forth. She couldn't ever recall seeing her wife as angry as she was now. The brunette had to admit that she was just as furious as Marissa when Jessica had told them what had happened. Right now though, her concern shifted to her wife. Bianca had to walk a fine line at this moment. Telling Marissa to calm down could easily set her off even more, and that was something she definitely didn't want.
"Rissa, please."
The simple plea was all that was needed for Marissa to end her rant. Hazel eyes met warm chocolate ones, and Marissa sighed before taking a seat on the sofa next to Bianca.
Jessica watched the scene with more than a hint of fascination and awe. There was no doubt in her mind that the younger women would be beyond angry when she told them about what had occurred between AJ and David, but it had to be done. There was simply no way around it. They needed to know. Before leaving Erica's, it had been decided to let the couple deal with David's latest infraction. Too many questions would be asked if it came to light that Erica knew about it. For now, the diva was still working out the details of exactly how she was going make David pay for what he was doing, and she wanted Bianca and Marissa to be able to honestly claim innocence and avoid any possible repercussions as a result of her actions. Jessica agreed, and as soon as she returned to Minx Manor and the three women were alone, she told them what had happened yesterday. That is what led them to this moment. What had Jessica in awe was the way the couple was able to get through to each other and calm the other down. She honestly could only recall one other time she had witnessed something like that. It had involved Marissa's parents.
Marissa took a deep breath and released it as she willed herself to calm down. "I'm sorry. Okay. AJ seemed okay? He didn't seem upset?"
"If he was, I would've come to get you right away. Your son … You would've been proud of him. He thanked David for the gift but then told him that he would have to tell both of you, that you all don't keep secrets from each other. He also said that you had told him that he could choose whatever career he wanted. As long as he was happy, that's all you cared about."
Bianca smiled proudly. "You're right. We are proud of him."
"Definitely. He hasn't said anything to us yet though."
As if on cue, the couple heard their son's voice.
/
"Ma. Mom."
"What is it, Buddy?"
"I was looking for one of my presents to show you, but I can't find it."
"Oh, well what is it? Maybe we can help you find it?" Marissa asked.
AJ thought for a moment and then shrugged. He had wanted to show them the gift from his grandfather and then tell them what had happened, but since he couldn't find the gift, it didn't really seem like an option now. The boy would just have to tell them. AJ sat down next to Marissa on the sofa. "It was something from Grandpa David. He got me an extra gift and didn't want me to tell you."
"Oh, he did? What is it?" Bianca asked.
"It's a doctor's bag. He said it's just like his. He got it for me because he wants me to be a doctor just like him."
Marissa looked at her son. "What do you think of that?"
AJ made a face. "I don't wanna be a doctor. I don't like looking at blood. It makes me feel sick to my stomach. A doctor probably shouldn't be that way, huh?"
The redhead shook her head with a smile. "Probably not."
Relief spread across AJ's face. "Besides, I wanna design and build stuff. I told him that, and he didn't like it very much. I also told him that I was going to tell you guys about the present because we don't like to keep secrets. I could tell he didn't like that either."
Bianca studied her son closely. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I am. It's like I told him. You're okay with what I wanna do so it doesn't matter if he's not."
Marissa hugged the boy. "We're very proud of you for sticking up for yourself. You were right to tell us about this."
AJ beamed. "Thanks. I wanted to ask you something. If I can find it, do you think it's bad if I give it back to him? I'm not gonna really play with it or anything. Maybe, he can give it to one of the kids in the hospital that might want to be a doctor."
"That is very thoughtful of you, AJ. I tell you what. Don't worry about the present or what your grandpa said. Your Mom and I will take care of it, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks."
"You're welcome. Why don't you go play with your sisters and Max?"
AJ nodded, hopped off the sofa and hugged both of his mothers before heading off.
"We have to talk with Caleb about the contract. There's no way we can let David get away with this." Bianca noted.
"You're right, and we're not going to force AJ to spend time with David." Marissa paused. "I really want to call him right now and give him a piece of my mind so bad, but I know if I do I'm going lose it. And I know I can't do that. We need to be smart about this."
Bianca nodded. "Yes, we do, which means we need clear heads and a really good plan."
"Maybe you should take a day or two to just regroup and map out your strategy." Jessica suggested.
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea." Something popped into Marissa's head. "Hey, did Jo get ahold of you?"
"Yes, she did. A colleague of hers gave her a name of a very good doctor at the top hospital in New York City. Her name is Dr. Anita Chambers, and she was intrigued by what she heard about Kendall's case. I passed her number on to Erica, and she's going to call her."
"Really? That's good news." Bianca said cautiously. She didn't want to get her hopes up too much because she wasn't sure if she could handle them being crushed.
"If this pans out, maybe you won't have to rely on David and deal with that contract with him."
"If only, Jessica, if only." Marissa squeezed her wife's hand as she too tried not to get her hopes up.
/
Dr. Anita Chambers flew into Pine Valley the day after talking with Erica. She had agreed to meet with and evaluate Kendall. Erica had called Dr. Joe Martin, her old family friend who also happened to be chief of staff. Joe had arranged hospital privileges for the visiting physician, and Dr. Rivera and Dr. Abbott had agreed to meet with Dr. Chambers after she examined Kendall. The three doctors would develop a course of care for Kendall and her baby.
The day of Kendall's exam arrived and everyone was anxious, all for the obvious reason of wanting her to receive a clean bill of health. A few were hoping in addition to Kendall receiving a positive exam that Dr. Chambers would agree to take her case and thus releasing them from being at David's mercy.
While Bianca busied herself at the Miranda Center, Marissa went into the office and finished up the documents needed for Sam's case. There was a hearing scheduled two days from now for the teen to formally change her name to Samantha Robinson Walker. It would be Marissa's last court appearance until after she returned from maternity leave, and she couldn't think of a better case to end on. The redhead also wanted to check in with her staff.
Erica went with Kendall and Zach. They knew it would be pointless to argue with the diva, and truth be told, Kendall was very glad to have her mother present. As soon as they knew something, Erica would call Bianca with the news who in turn would call Marissa. Kendall had promised to call Greenlee who had reluctantly agreed to go into Fusion and handle a previously scheduled meeting.
/
Bianca was in the middle of a meeting when her cellphone rang. Seeing it was her mother calling, the brunette excused herself and left the meeting room to speak to Erica in private.
"Mom, how did it go?"
"It went very well. I have to say I'm very impressed with Dr. Chambers. She has agreed to take Kendall's case. They are arranging schedules right now."
Bianca breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Oh thank god! That is good news. Kendall's health?"
"For now, it's the same. Dr. Chambers reviewed her records and said that one more incident would have her seriously considering surgery for a permanent fix though."
"Did she say what that might be?"
"It was would most likely be a pacemaker. The pregnancy adds to the complications, but she has successfully done this procedure before. I would rather none of this happen, but I do have a good feeling about Dr. Chambers, especially after meeting with her. Kendall and Zach feel the same way, as do Dr. Abbott and Dr. Rivera."
"That's good, Mom, really good."
"Yes, it is. I know you are as relieved as I am. I need to call Jack and let him know, and I know you need to call Marissa. I'm sure she's as anxious as Jack is to hear what happened."
"You would be right. Thanks for calling and give Kendall my love."
"Always, sweetheart. I'll talk to you later."
As soon as the call was disconnected, Bianca quickly pulled up Marissa's office number and hit the button to connect to her wife.
/
"So, have you thought about what you'll do if things work out with this new doctor?"
Marissa sighed. "I'm trying not to get my hopes up, Brian. This is all just so messed up. I still can't believe David basically cornered AJ and did that."
Brian shook his head. "I can't either. What was he thinking? Who does something like that?"
"Apparently, David does. What I want the most is for Kendall and the baby to be okay, and the same for AJ. He already has baggage because of JR and the Chandler name. He doesn't need David trying to manipulate and mold him. Bianca and I are not going to allow that to happen. We've met with Caleb again."
"Did he have any ideas?"
"A couple. David and his attorney are still dragging their feet. They think we're just going to cave and give David everything he wants just to get this over with."
"David obviously doesn't know either of you as well as he thinks if he believes that's going to happen."
"Exactly. So, tell me how things are with you?"
"Stef and Jamie are good."
"Are they going to be here for the shower?"
Brian couldn't cover his surprise fast enough. "What … what do you mean? What shower?"
"The surprise shower that's being held for me here on Friday."
"How did you know?"
Marissa grinned. "I have my ways. And before you ask, no one on our team told me."
Brian shook his head. "I really shouldn't be surprised. Seriously, what was it that clued you in?"
"The partners scheduling a lunch and inviting Bianca was a pretty big hint. I may have a touch of pregnancy brain, but it's not that bad."
"Ah, it seems they're not as slick as they think they are sometimes." Brian laughed.
"Nope." Hazel eyes sparkled with amusement.
"To answer your question, yes, Stef and Jamie will be here."
"Good. I'll answer the one you haven't asked, but I know that you want to. Bianca and I will be sure to act surprised."
"That will be greatly appreciated by all."
The lawyers were interrupted by a knock on the open door. Marissa's secretary poked her head inside.
"Sorry to interrupt, but Marissa, Bianca's on the line for you."
"Thanks, Ellie."
"Do you want me to leave?" Brian asked.
"You can stay." Marissa assured her friend before picking up her office phone. "Hey. So?"
"She's going to take Kendall's case."
Marissa released a relieved breath. "Thank god. What else?"
"Mom said they're ironing out their schedules now. If Kendall has another incident, Dr. Chambers discussed the possibility of a pacemaker. It's a procedure she's done before though. It was definitely a positive meeting."
The redhead could hear the relief in Bianca's voice. Her wife had been extremely anxious about today so Marissa was glad to hear Bianca being back to her upbeat self. "I'm so glad. Are you doing okay?"
"Yeah, I am now. You know what this means, right?"
"I can tell David to go to hell."
"Rissa."
"What? I know you want to say it as much as I want to."
"Well, I can't deny that, but …"
Marissa huffed. "Fine, I'll come with a nicer of way of saying it. I reserve the right to say those exact words to him though if he starts to try anything."
"Promise me though that you'll take care of yourself?"
"I promise."
"Then you have a deal. Okay, I need to get back to my meeting. I'll talk to you later. Love you."
"Love you too."
Brian looked expectantly at the redhead. "Good news I take it?"
"Yes, Kendall has another doctor."
"And you don't have to bow down to David."
Marissa nodded. "Exactly."
/
Erica was sitting in the hospital cafeteria biding her time until David was scheduled to come in. She was still contemplating what she wanted to say to him when she heard two voices she'd recognized.
"So, Dr. Chambers …"
"Please call me Anita, Dr. Rivera."
"Only if you call me Luis. How do you know David Hayward?"
"Other than through reputation, I don't."
"I'm confused then. When I called, you were well aware of Mrs. Slater's case. I assumed Dr. Hayward had talked with you."
The woman shook head. "No, I had spoken with Ms. Kane and Mrs. Slater who gave me the particulars. I was first made aware of it because of a colleague of mine in New York. Then, I had spoken with a Dr. Shelton who knows the family and gave me an overview of the case before I spoke with the family. Why would you think I knew Dr. Hayward?"
"Just between the two of us, he was the one who gave me your name and said I should call you because you've had similar cases. He also said you had a stellar reputation. I did a little checking on my own before calling you, and Hayward was right about everything he told me."
"From what I know of him, Dr. Hayward is an exceptional doctor. I'm surprised the family hadn't reached out to him. Granted, some of the things I've heard haven't exactly been flattering."
"True. He does like to push the envelope on the ethical side and has problems with not only this hospital but the state medical board as well because of that. Even with that, there is denying his skill."
"Yes, that is true. From what I've heard, he's never been shy when it comes to discussing that about himself. It begs the question, why recommend another doctor?" Dr. Chambers asked.
It was a question that Erica had herself and one she was hoping to find the answer to when she talked with David.
/
Marissa was waiting in David's office when he arrived.
"This is a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting you. Did you change your mind about having Caleb negotiate the contract?"
"There is not going to be a contract, David."
"Oh, I'm happy to hear that you've given up on needing that. We can handle all of this without any lawyers. They just get in the way."
"In case you've forgotten, I'm a lawyer. We're needed sometimes to protect those who can't protect themselves from those attempting to use or hurt them."
David held up a hand in an attempt to appease the redhead. "I didn't mean any offense."
"Save it, David. I know better, but I'm just going to consider the source. Like I was saying, there's not going to be a contract because the deal is off. It's no longer on the table."
"What do you mean it's off?"
"They've found another doctor for Kendall, one that doesn't require the type of payment that you do."
"So, that's it? You don't need my help anymore because Dr. Chambers has run to the rescue and so you're done with me? Huh, you really are becoming like them."
"Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment. Let me just set you straight first. You do not get to play the victim here. You blackmailed me, and we both know that was the only reason you were going to help Kendall. Even after I told you that you weren't to spend time alone with AJ, that either Bianca or I had to be present, what do you do the first chance you get? You pull him aside, in our home no less, and start to pressure him to become like you. You tell him that what he wants to do isn't important and doesn't matter, that you will decide what's best for him, and here's the kicker, you tell AJ to keep all of this a secret from his mothers! Why would you do that? Why would you put him in that position? You claim to love him and me, but then, you turn around and do something that is the exact opposite of love."
"I only wanted to spend time with my family. I had no other choice. Erica and the rest of her family were keeping you away from me."
"No, there's always another choice, always another way. Here's a thought. Did you ever try simply asking instead of demanding? The answer to that is no. You didn't want to spend time with us. You want to control us and did the same things that you've accused the Chandlers of doing for years. You lied, cheated, used and manipulated. Those aren't things that occur in most families. Let me put it this way, those aren't things I'm going to allow to happen to my family. That family includes Erica. She has done nothing but be there for Bianca and myself, supported us and protected us. She wasn't keeping me away from you. You were, and you are. I will not have you corrupt AJ or this baby. If that means keeping you out of their lives permanently, then so be it." Marissa stood, picked up her purse and headed for the door where she paused and turned back to face David. "You know one of the things that's sad about all of this? Before any of this started, I was wanting to spend time with you. Not anymore."
/
Erica heard Marissa's voice growing closer to the door and quickly ducked out of sight. The diva had been on her way to David's office and stopped outside the partially opened door when she heard her daughter-in-law's voice. Erica couldn't help herself and listened to the conversation taking place on the other side. She had to give credit to Marissa. The redhead was not backing down or letting David guilt her into folding, and in the process, she was defending Erica. The diva could feel her daughter-in-law's pain. Both Bianca and Marissa tried to see the best in the people. Unfortunately, it sometimes led to moments like this. Erica was resolved to limit these moments as much as possible
Seeing Marissa leave the office, Erica waited until her daughter-in-law had entered the elevator and the doors closed before leaving her hiding spot. She didn't bother knocking.
"David."
The doctor grimaced. "Erica, I'm in no mood."
"Well, that's too bad because I am and this is going to happen now." Erica took a seat.
"Please, make yourself comfortable." David's sarcasm was clearly evident.
"I'll get right to business. I'm sure you've heard that Kendall has another doctor and your services will not be needed."
"Yes, Marissa was just here and informed of that fact."
"You also know then that your blackmailing of Bianca and Marissa is over."
David looked surprised at that statement. "What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, David, don't play dumb. It doesn't suit you. You think too much of yourself to be able to pull it off. I know all about what you were trying to do. I'm just glad that my daughters and daughter-in-law won't have to deal with you. I have a question for you though."
"Why would I answer anything you have to ask?"
"That's your prerogative, I suppose, but I'll still ask. Why did you pass Dr. Chambers' name on? Were you hoping to gain points from Marissa if she found out?"
"How did you know about my passing the name on?!"
"You'd be surprised by everything that I know. I will tell you that Dr. Rivera did not tell me. Fortunately, we obtained her name from another source." Erica spotted a legal document on David's desk and could see it had to do with his proposed deal with Marissa. Something clicked for the diva in that moment. "You weren't going to tell her, but you were still going to go through with the contract, still force her and the children to spend time with you all without doing anything."
David knew he'd been caught. He tried to hide the guilty expression that swiftly crossed his face, but he wasn't fast enough. Erica had seen it. He hadn't wanted to handle Kendall's from the beginning. For David, there was no glamour or glory involved in it. Basically, it wasn't worth his time, but that still didn't mean he couldn't use this to his advantage. If he could wear down Marissa and Bianca down to agree to all of his conditions and sign the contract before Dr. Chambers took the case, it would be a win-win situation for him, and they would be locked into it. If that happened, David knew without a doubt that the couple would still uphold their end of the bargain. They would nothing if not honorable, sometimes to a fault. He was just using this to his advantage. The only thing was he hadn't counted on Dr. Chambers acting so quickly and taking Kendall's case as fast as she did. He also hadn't expected Caleb to cancel yesterday's negotiating session. That threw him for a loop.
"I have to say that this is a new low even for you. I should tell Marissa and Bianca, but I won't. Don't mistake that for kindness for you, however. This isn't for you. It's for them. I do believe Marissa would be crushed if she knew, and I won't do that to her, especially in her current condition. I won't risk her or my grandchild for you. I do have something else to tell you." Erica withdrew an envelope from her purse and slid it across David's desk.
"What's this?"
"It's from the hospital board. I had a discussion with Joe Martin earlier today and informed him of your activities. He called an emergency board meeting. They've suspended all of your privileges here for six months. If I had known that you had still planned to blackmail Marissa despite another doctor caring for Kendall, I would've pushed for more time. I would've even gone to the state medical board myself. As it is, Joe assured me that he was contacting them personally." Erica stood. "This is the only warning I will give you so listen carefully. I'm done playing with you. We've done this dance before, numerous times over many years. It's gotten old, and I'm done. The stakes are just too high. So, know this. If you even think about pulling another stunt like this and hurting anyone in my family which includes Marissa and all of my grandchildren, you will regret it. I will make you sorry that you were ever born. Make no mistake about that." With that, Erica strode out of the office leaving David behind wadding up his notice of suspension.