A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow! I appreciate it and all of you. I wanted to give a shout out to Huskermania for giving me the idea for that spawned this particular storyline. They had suggested AJ be injured in some sort of accident. I obviously tweaked it since Gabby was hurt in a car accident along with Greenlee. I also wanted to give a shout out to Sammytyler for reminding of Erica and Jack's never ending engagement. That will be revisited. For AMCGL7, while it may have been a slip of the tongue for Erica to refer to Gabby as her granddaughter, it wasn't for me. Our favorite diva is slowly making progress in her acceptance of the title of 'grandma'. How long that will take remains to be seen. In case any of you were wondering why I chose to have the guilty driver being distracted by texting, I have a work commute of close to 50 miles roundtrip each day I go into the office. I see many things that distract drivers every day on the roads. Texting, however, is probably the most prevalent, and that text really can wait. Okay, I'm off my soapbox. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
The couple heard a commotion of some sort occurring outside Gabby's room. If they had to hazard a guess, both would say that Erica was somehow behind it.
"You stay here. I'll go see what's going on."
Bianca gave Marissa a grateful smile. She wasn't ready to leave Gabby's side just yet, and her wife knew that.
Marissa gave Bianca a soft kiss. The redhead then stood and leaned over to place a gentle kiss on Gabby's forehead before leaving the room to find out what was going on.
/
"Jesse, what happened? Who is responsible for this? Have there been any arrests? This will not go unpunished!"
The beleaguered police chief glanced at Angie who gave him a sympathetic smile.
"Erica, I'm not at liberty to give you any details of the case at this time." Jesse held up a hand to stop Erica's protest. "I'm sorry, but …"
"Does that apply to me, Jesse? Does it apply to Bianca?"
"Marissa …"
"No, don't even start. You owe me. My daughter is lying in a hospital bed in critical condition, struggling to breathe. Greenlee is in another bed, and I have no idea how she is. You know something, and I want to know what it is. I demand to know what it is. If you won't tell me, I won't be held responsible for my actions, and if you think Erica is bad, you haven't seen anything yet."
Jesse had only seen the redhead this angry with him once before, and if he was being honest with himself, he deserved it. Marissa was right. He did owe her. Besides, he had spoken with Mike Jensen not long ago, and the District Attorney had given him the go ahead to charge the suspect and book him as soon as he was released from the hospital. Jesse nodded. "Let's all go have a seat, and I'll tell you everything I know."
Marissa turned to Angie. "Would you please get Bianca and ask her to join us? She'll want to know what's going on."
Angie nodded. "Of course. I'll be right back."
"Thank you."
Erica looked at her daughter-in-law. "Are you sure about this, about you both being ready? Wouldn't it be better to wait, at least for Bianca?"
Marissa shook her head. "No, I'm not sure, but I honestly don't think there will ever be a good time to hear this. I just know that I'm not going to keep anything from Bianca."
Kendall took in her sister-in-law's appearance. Quite frankly, it looked like she had been to hell and back, and Kendall sympathized with her and knew that was exactly what she felt like. "How's Gabby?"
"She's resting. She … she's on a ventilator to help her breathe and heal. They have her sedated to make sure she doesn't try and pull it out." God how Marissa wanted to breakdown in that moment, but she couldn't just yet. The redhead believed what she had told Bianca earlier about not keeping things bottled up, and Marissa wouldn't much longer. It's just that right now she needed to be strong for Bianca. Her wife was barely holding it together.
Just imagining Gabby in that state had the others ill. They couldn't even begin to know exactly how it made her mothers feel.
"How is Bianca?" Erica asked.
"About how you would expect. Your youngest daughter is probably the strongest person I know."
"How about you, Red? How are you doing?"
Marissa looked at her sister-in-law. "I'm hanging in there. How's Greenlee?"
Ryan joined the group at that moment and was able to give them an update. "She has a pretty bad concussion and some cuts and bruises. She's resting now though. She asked about Gabby."
Jack, who had immediately gone to Greenlee's room upon arriving at the hospital, followed his son-in-law into the waiting room. He found Erica and gave her a quick kiss before wrapping his arms around her, giving her all of the comfort, love and support that he could. Jack then glanced at Marissa. "How's Gabby?"
"She has a punctured lung and a bruised spleen. They have her on a ventilator to help with her breathing and healing. She's sedated. Dr. Parrish is hoping remove her from the ventilator tomorrow and ease her off the sedatives."
"I am so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"
"Pray."
"You've got it." Ryan offered while Jack nodded.
"Thank you. I'm glad both of you are here. Jesse was just going to tell us what he knows. Angie went back to get Bianca." Marissa nodded at Zach who had arrived and was getting an update from Kendall, and he returned the nod. The redhead knew this was tearing her brother-in-law up inside.
"Angie said Jesse was going to tell us something?" Bianca took a seat next to Marissa, and the couple's hands were quickly entwined. Erica took the seat next to her youngest daughter and simply rubbed her back to comfort her.
"Yes, I am."
/
Jesse took a deep breath and began. "First, Ryan, does Greenlee remember anything?"
"No, she's doesn't. I asked, and she said the last thing she remembered was her and Gabby talking about getting ice cream."
"Would it be alright if I talk with her?"
Angie stepped in. "Not until at least tomorrow, Jesse. I can't allow it. She needs to rest, and that includes her remaining calm."
"I understand and can wait. From what we've determined from witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene, a car ran a red light and hit Greenlee's car." The chief saw Bianca and Marissa tense up. "How much detail do you want?"
Bianca squeezed Marissa's hand tighter. "Tell us everything."
"Alright. If it gets to be too much, just me tell me and I'll stop." Jesse advised before beginning with what the witnesses had told officers and of the same witnesses' efforts to help Gabby and Greenlee. Marissa and Bianca inhaled sharply when they heard the details of how Gabby had to be cut from the vehicle. After a brief pause, they motioned for Jesse to continue. No matter how difficult it was, they needed to hear it.
By the time Jesse had finished, those present were left feeling a mix of emotions ranging from the horror of what their loved ones had gone through to the outrage of the cause behind the accident and that the person behind it tried to flee. It was obvious that several members of the group were clearly plotting their revenge on the man, and Jesse honestly couldn't blame them. He had a job to do however and couldn't condone them forming a lynch mob.
It was Marissa that broke the tension and redirected their focus. "Has he been arrested?" Her abiding faith in the law had her ask Jesse this question, and he admired her for it.
The chief shook his head. "Not yet. He's being examined right now, but we have guards with him. I've spoken with the D.A. and have been given the go ahead to arrest him. Mike's going to handle the arraignment himself and ask for no bail or at the very least a high one."
Marissa nodded and looked at Bianca to explain. "If he doesn't haven't any priors, it's unlikely that a judge would deny bail, but given the fact that he tried to flee the scene, Mike should be able to get a high bond set. If it's high enough, he might not be able to make it and will end up staying in jail."
Bianca nodded at her wife's explanation. "And it's good that Mike's handling this."
"Yes, it is. He'll make sure everything is done right." Marissa turned back to Jesse. "Has he been read his rights?"
"I instructed Brot to take care of that, and I'll do again myself when I start questioning him."
"Thank you." Marissa said gratefully.
"Is there anything else?" Bianca asked. When Jesse shook his head, she turned to her wife. "Rissa, I want to go back to Gabby's room."
"Me too."
Bianca turned to her mother. "Dr. Parrish has said Gabby really can't have any visitors until tomorrow at the earliest. You should go home. All of you should. If anything changes, we'll call you right away."
"I'm going to stay for a little while longer, sweetheart, in case you need anything."
"Same goes for me too, Binx."
"Alright. Thanks."
"Go on back, B. I'll be there in a minute."
Bianca nodded and headed back to Gabby's room.
Marissa turned to the others. "Bianca and I talked earlier. She's going to stay here tonight, and I'm going to go home and stay with Miranda, AJ and Danny tonight. We'll do a Skype session and talk to them together, and will alternate staying here at night with Gabby until she can come home. I don't have my car though since Lisa drove me. Thank you for doing that by the way."
"You're welcome."
"Is it back at the courthouse?" Zach asked.
"Yes, it is."
"What about Bianca's?"
"It's back at the Miranda Center. I drove her over."
"Thank you so much for doing that, Jan. I know she was in no condition to drive over here herself." Marissa said gratefully.
"You're welcome. I couldn't let her drive in good conscience."
"Alright. We'll take care of getting your cars here. It's one less thing for you to worry about. You can just focus on Gabby and the rest of your family." Zach told her.
"Thank you, Zach. I really appreciate it."
"Red, have either of you had anything to eat?" Kendall eyed her sister-in-law. She already knew the answer.
"To be honest, that's the last thing either of us have thought about."
"I know, but you both need to eat something. You have to keep your strength up so you can take care of Gabby as well as AJ, Miranda and Danny."
Marissa glanced back at Gabby's room. "I don't want to be away from Gabby or Bianca longer than I have to."
"I understand that. How about this, we'll get you and Bianca something to eat and bring it here. You won't have to leave Gabby. The same goes for you, Ryan."
With a sigh, Marissa conceded. "Alright."
"Thanks, Kendall. I appreciate that. I was hoping to stay here with Greenlee for a little while longer before I pick up Emma. Is it okay if she stays at your place for another hour or so, Marissa?"
"It's fine." Marissa assured Ryan.
"I know Kendall is going to want to stay here for a while so I'll pick up our three after we get the cars situated."
Marissa nodded. "I really want to get back in there."
"Before you go, we're taking care of everything at work. So, don't worry about that." Lisa stated.
"Thanks. I was going to call Ellie later and have her clear my schedule."
"She's already on it. I … uh … I called Jo. She and Jessica are on their way. I hope that's okay."
Tears of gratitude filled hazel eyes. That was exactly what she needed to hear. "That's more than okay. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Oh, here's your phone." Lisa handed over the redhead's cellphone to her.
"I should probably give you Bianca's too. Tell her to not even worry about the Center. If either of you need anything, you just have to call." Jan added earnestly.
"We will, and we'll let you know how Gabby's doing." Marissa said before heading back to her daughter's room.
"I'm going to go back and see Greenlee. Kendall, you can come back whenever you want."
"Thanks, Ryan. I'll be there in a few minutes."
Once Marissa was gone, Zach looked at Lisa and Jan. "I'll drive you both to their cars if you're okay driving them here."
"Sounds good. I've got Bianca's keys."
"And I've got Marissa's."
"Alright. Let's go." Zach gave his wife a quick kiss. "I'll be back soon."
"Drive safely." Kendall squeezed her husband's hand before he left. "I'm going to call Krystal and see if she can bring them something over, and maybe take dinner over to their house."
"I think that's an excellent idea, and one they would greatly appreciate." Erica added. While Kendall made her call, the diva turned to her fiancée. "How are you, darling?"
Jack sighed and took the seat next to Erica. "Better now that I know that Greenlee is okay, but I'm still worried about Gabby. I'm worried about Bianca and Marissa as well. Bianca has to be going through hell right now. You know that this has to remind her about what happened with Miranda."
Erica nodded. "Yes, it does. She knows she's not alone this time however. Besides us, she has a strong partner in Marissa. You saw how she's there for Bianca."
"That's very true, but I'm sure Marissa is struggling too, Mom." Kendall added as she had ended her call to Krystal. Seeing the confused looks on Erica's and Jack's faces, she clarified her statement. "Her parents were killed in a car accident and …"
"Oh, and she almost died in one herself. How on earth could I forget that?" Erica shook her head, dismayed at herself. "She seems to be handling it well though."
"I have a feeling the reason for that is Bianca. Red knows what Bianca is going through right now and probably feels that she needs to be the strong one. I have to say that I'm really glad that Lisa called Jo and that she and Jessica are coming."
Jack nodded. "You're right. They're going to need all the support they can get."
"And they will have it." Erica added assuredly.
/
Krystal brought over enough food for a small army and left without having the chance to see Marissa or Bianca. She understood though and headed back to the restaurant to work on dinner for everyone at Minx Manor.
Somehow, Erica and Kendall had managed to convince Bianca, Marissa and Ryan to take a brief break to eat something, reminding them again they needed to keep their strength up.
While her daughter and daughter-in-law ate, Erica sat with Gabby. Dr. Parrish finally relented when she realized that the mothers were steadfast in their refusal to leave Gabby alone. Erica steeled herself before entering her granddaughter's room and gasped when she first saw her. Now was not the time for her to show any fear she might have for the little girl's condition. The diva quickly gathered herself, took a seat at Gabby's side and began talking to her.
/
While Erica was with Gabby, Kendall went to visit her best friend. Ryan had told her that Greenlee was blaming herself for the accident and Gabby being injured. He also told her that his wife was sure everyone, especially Bianca and Marissa, were blaming her and probably hated her. Kendall promised to do what she could to help her best friend see just how wrong she was about all of that.
Greenlee was dozing when Kendall took a seat next to her bed. The chair creaked slightly and caused her friend to wake up.
"Hey. I'm sorry. I didn't want to wake you."
"It's okay." Greenlee croaked. "How's Gabby? Nobody's telling me anything."
"She's resting, and Mom's with her right now so Bianca and Marissa can eat something." Kendall knew it would be a huge mistake to lie to or soften things for her friend. "They have her sedated and on a ventilator. It's just to help her heal though. Dr. Parrish thinks she will make a full recovery. Gabby's a Kane woman after all, and we're tough."
Greenlee released a shaky and relieved breath, and a tear ran down her cheek. "Thank god. I … I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For Gabby being hurt. She wouldn't have been in the car with me if I hadn't let her come when I dropped off Emma and Miranda."
"Bianca and Marissa gave her permission. With your thinking, shouldn't they take some of the blame?"
"That's ridiculous. I could've said 'no' to her."
Kendall scoffed. "Right, like anyone could say 'no' to her when she gives those puppy dog eyes. Give me a break."
"It still doesn't matter. Gabby was in my car, and I was driving. I'm responsible. If she wasn't with me …"
"Stop it, right now." Kendall's tone was more harsh than she had intended but maybe it's what her friend needed right now. "You are not to blame for what happened. Some idiot who was texting while he was driving is to blame. Not you. You had Gabby in her car seat, and from what Jesse told us, that saved her life."
"What? He was what?"
"He was texting while he was driving, ran a red light and hit you. You didn't do anything wrong."
Greenlee was feeling confused, tired and under the influence of pain medication as well as feeling a host of other emotions at the moment. It was all a bit overwhelming and making it difficult for her to grasp what Kendall was telling her let alone believe her. "They still must hate me. My injuries are nothing compared to Gabby's."
"The guy who hit you, the one responsible for all of this, walked away with barely a scratch. You can hardly say the same."
"Still …"
"I need you to listen to me, okay? Bianca and Marissa don't blame you for this. Nobody blames you for this. Trust me, and believe me."
Greenlee's eyes started to close. She couldn't fight sleep any longer.
Kendall saw this and encouraged her friend to get some sleep and hoped that some of what she said got through to her. "Get some sleep. You're my best friend, and I love you and need you to get better. Things around here would be boring without you to help me get in and out of trouble. Besides, who is Batman without Robin?"
/
By the time Marissa got home, the other kids had been picked up by their parents. Krystal was just leaving after having dropped off dinner for the family. She expressed how sorry she was to hear about Gabby and told her to call her if the family needed anything. Marissa thanked her and promised she would and that she would call her with an update when they knew something more. The redhead insisted Carol, Gail and Sam join them for dinner as a small way of thanking them for watching the kids even though she was assured it wasn't needed. While the others ate, Marissa picked at her food. The combination of an extremely late lunch and worry about Gabby left her with little to no appetite. Carol and Gail noticed but didn't say anything.
After dinner, Marissa called Bianca so they could talk to AJ and Miranda together about what had happened to Gabby. Before Marissa left the hospital, the couple had discussed what they would and wouldn't tell the kids. Sam offered to clean up the kitchen while Carol and Gail hung back to listen. The older Walker women had already discussed what they could do to help and had plans on standby to watch the three Tasker-Montgomery children at home for however long they needed.
It was no surprise to either Bianca or Marissa that AJ and Miranda were pretty upset hearing that their little sister was hurt, and they begged to see her. Their mothers told them the hospital had a policy against children under a certain age visiting patients. Even if that hadn't been true, there was no way in hell Bianca and Marissa would allow them to see Gabby while she was on a ventilator. It was hard enough for the couple to see that so they knew it would traumatize their children. The mothers then explained that they would be taking turns staying with Gabby while she was in the hospital. While they would miss having both of their moms at home at the same time, they understood and didn't want their little sister to be all alone while she was away from home. They knew she would be scared, and that was something AJ and Miranda didn't want for the world.
When the call was over, AJ and Miranda went upstairs to Gabby's room to pick out some things they thought she would want for her hopefully short hospital stay. Marissa held Danny and gently rocked him as she talked to Carol and Gail. Holding her youngest son had a calming effect on her, and that was something she desperately needed right now. Marissa explained Gabby's injuries to the shocked and heartbroken women. When the redhead was done, Carol extended her offer to watch the kids for the couple for however long they needed. It had pretty much been established that AJ and Miranda were not going to day camp while Gabby was in the hospital. They were adamant about that because neither child could imagine running around having fun while their little sister was sick. Bianca and Marissa didn't want their two older children to just stop having fun altogether. It wasn't fair to them, but the thoughtfulness of their offer had their mothers love them even more, if that was possible. They would revisit the decision in a day or two when they knew more about Gabby's condition, but for now, they let it go. Marissa thanked the three women for helping today, and she gratefully accepted Carol's offer. Knowing that the kids were taken care of was a tremendous relief for the redhead and would be for Bianca as well.
After finally getting AJ, Miranda and Danny settled in their beds, Marissa packed a small bag for Gabby. She smiled when she saw what AJ and Miranda had picked out for their sister. They had several of her favorite storybooks, a coloring book and crayons along with some blank paper so she could do her own drawings, her favorite pajamas, and lastly the blanket Marissa had made for her. The redhead added a few other personal items along with her hairbrush and toothbrush. Before leaving her daughter's bedroom, Marissa grabbed Minx. She almost broke down when she saw the beloved stuffed monkey sitting on Gabby's bed all by his lonesome. Marissa knew Gabby would want him, would need him when she woke up. That's why he was at the top of her list of things to take back with her to the hospital. Seeing the room without Gabby, Marissa released a shuddering breath and told herself that her daughter would be home soon as she turned off the light and headed downstairs.
Marissa left Gabby's bag in the family room and checked the locks. She patted Max who seemed to be looking for the two missing family members. "You'll see Bianca tomorrow, and Gabby will be home soon." Max headed upstairs and settled himself in Gabby's room. Marissa turned out the lights in the room and padded down the hallway to the master bedroom. She packed a change of clothes and some toiletries for both Bianca and herself. Marissa had told her wife she would run home and bring her some clothes back tonight, but Bianca had told her she would be fine. The brunette could tell her wife was tired and didn't want her driving back and forth unnecessarily. Bianca also knew it was better if Marissa stayed with AJ, Miranda and Danny once they were told about Gabby. Marissa agreed but made Bianca promise that she would lay down on the cot Dr. Parrish had arranged for them to have in Gabby's room.
With their bags packed, Marissa changed her clothes and got ready for bed. She thought about calling Bianca, but a quick glance at the clock told her how late it was. She opted to send her wife a text in the hopes that Bianca was sleeping. With the text sent, the redhead plugged her cellphone into its charger and started to pull the covers up. It was then that Marissa saw Minx. She hadn't realized that she had brought him into the bedroom with her. That's when everything hit her. Marissa pulled Minx into a tight hug and cried herself to sleep.
/
Marissa was back at the hospital bright and early the next morning even though she had only slept for a few hours the previous night. It had been a long one without Bianca and Gabby home. Carol came over to the house early bringing breakfast with her. After eating with the kids, Marissa poured two large travel mugs with coffee and wrapped up a few of the muffins Carol had brought. The redhead was going to make sure Bianca ate something. Marissa took everything out to the car before returning for hugs and kisses with the kids and a promise to call them to let them know how Gabby was doing.
The redhead had put Minx in Bianca's bag and grabbed it along their coffee and her wife's breakfast before heading inside the hospital. She would make a second trip back to her car later to retrieve her and Gabby's bags. Marissa quietly opened the door to her daughter's room and found Bianca curled up on the cot asleep, and Gabby still on the ventilator. Dr. Parrish would be by in an hour or so to hopefully remove it.
Marissa carefully made her way to Gabby's side, kissed her forehead gently and place Minx next to her before sitting down. Her gaze drifted back and forth between her wife and daughter. It was when her eyes were focused on Gabby that she heard her name.
"Rissa." Bianca said as she slowly stood and stretched.
"Hey. Did you get any sleep?"
"Some. What about you?" Bianca asked. Seeing the dark circles under hazel eyes, she already knew the answer.
"Some. The kids send their love, and I come with coffee and some of Carol's homemade muffins which you have to eat at least one." Marissa ordered lovingly.
"Yes, dear." Bianca answered with a tired smile before kissing her wife.
"Any change?"
Bianca shook her head. "No. They checked on her several times during the night, and her condition was still the same, like Dr. Parrish said it probably would be." The brunette groaned as she took her first sip of coffee. "I really need that. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now, eat."
While Bianca ate, Marissa caught her up on what was going on outside the hospital. The redhead had fielded several calls and texts from friends inquiring about Gabby and her condition. Marissa also told her about the conversation she had with Jo. Jessica had made them stop somewhere overnight on their way to Pine Valley to rest. She had noticed how tired her daughter was getting during the drive and made her stop deeming it something Marissa would insist on them doing. Jessica was right. As much as she wanted them there, Marissa wanted them there safely even more.
Bianca agreed as well, and was glad they were coming. She knew how much it meant to her wife to have them there. They were her family, a tie to her childhood and parents. Bianca could see hazel eyes staring off into the distance once or twice the previous day and knew she was thinking about Roy and Lydia. A quick squeeze of her hand had jolted her from those painful memories and brought her back to the present while also providing a measure of comfort. They didn't discuss it at the time, but they would.
"I told them they could stay at the house. Jessica said they didn't want to impose."
"They are in no way an imposition."
"That's what I told them, and they finally agreed to stay. Jo is going to drop Jessica off at the house and then stop over here. They should get here later this afternoon or early evening at the latest. She said if we need anything to let them know. Jo also called Cory, and I talked to her as well. She sends her love."
When Bianca finished eating, she grabbed her bag and went to wash up and change in the restroom that was in Gabby's room. The brunette was feeling a little better with Marissa there as well as having eaten. By the time she returned, Dr. Parrish was just entering the room.
/
"Morning. We've run additional tests on the blood we took from Gabby earlier this morning. The oxygen level in her blood is good, and there is also no sign of infection."
Both mothers released a huge sigh of relief hearing this news.
"I'm ready to remove her from the ventilator. Once that is done, we will lower the amount of sedatives that she is receiving. If all goes as expected, Gabby should begin to wake up in around two hours. Do you have any questions?"
"What about pain? How much will she be in?"
"I can't really say. I'll have something ready to give her. Unfortunately, we have to wait to see how responsive she is before I can give her anything. I wish I could do it sooner, but I can't. I promise that I'll give her something though as soon as I possibly can."
Bianca and Marissa winced hearing that but understood. They hated seeing their children in pain of any kind, but knew it couldn't be avoided in this instance.
"Are you ready?"
The couple nodded and watched as Dr. Parrish began the process of removing the ventilator. They held their breath until they could see Gabby breathing on her own.
Checking the girl's respirations with her stethoscope, the doctor smiled at what she was hearing. She stood as she removed the stethoscope and addressed the women. "All clear. There are no signs of fluid, and I'm hearing nice, strong breaths. I'm going to upgrade her condition from critical to serious. When Gabby wakes up, I'll examine her again and will hopefully be able to upgrade it further at that time or soon after. Alright. Let me know if you need anything or have any other questions."
"Thank you, doctor."
/
Bianca and Marissa had been sitting in silence on and off for some time. Even they were both lost in their own thoughts, the presence of the other comforted them.
"Have you talked to Kendall anymore?" Marissa asked.
Bianca nodded. "We talked last night after everyone in her house was in bed."
"Did she say how Greenlee was?"
"She said she was doing okay, but I had this feeling that something was off, like she was keeping something from me."
"Hmmm."
"What?"
"I overhead Kendall talking with Ryan before she went back to Greenlee's room yesterday. They stopped talking when they saw me, but from what I did hear, I got the impression that Greenlee is blaming herself for Gabby being hurt."
"Well, that's not true. The other driver was the one at fault."
"I know. I think we may need to …" Marissa didn't get to finish her thought.
"Mommies". Gabby rasped as she slowly opened her eyes.