A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
"What do you mean a security issue? What kind of security issue?" Tammy's tone was both demanding and panicked.
"I don't know exactly, but I do know that we need to find a place that's safe where we can wait things out." Marissa glanced around and spotted an empty conference room. "That should work."
Sofia saw the room and nodded. "I think you're right. Everyone, please calmly go into the conference room."
While Sofia and Jordan directed those that had been in the hallway to the conference room, Marissa saw Tammy eyeing the exit. The lawyer knew those doors were already locked. It was a safety measure. They did so as soon as the alarm sounded. Just as Tammy was starting to make a break for it, Marissa blocked her path. "Where are you going?"
"You can all go and huddle in that room, but I'm getting the hell out of here. If you know what's good for you, then I suggest you get the hell out of my way."
"I can't let you do that. The doors lock automatically as soon as the alarm is activated which means that no one will be able to leave until the all clear is given. Please, for your safety as well as everyone else's, go to the conference room."
"Oh please! Like you give a damn about my safety! I know I sure as hell as don't give a damn about yours or any of those other people! Now, get the hell out of my way!" Tammy then violently shoved Marissa out of the way. Before she could even move a foot, Doug grabbed his wife and carried her into the room.
Marissa landed awkwardly with all of her weight landing on her left wrist as she tried to break her fall. She heard a crack and pain shot through her.
"Are you alright, Marissa?" Jordan asked as she tried to help the redhead up without causing her further injury. She had a feeling Marissa had broken something since she had heard the crack as well.
Marissa winced. "Thanks. It's doubtful. My wrist hurts like a son of a bitch. I need to grab my phone. Go on in. I'll be right behind you." Cradling her injured wrist, Marissa went to quickly retrieve her cellphone. The device had flown out of her hand when she fell. She knew she would need it for updates on their situation and to communicate to those outside.
"My daughter!"
Marissa turned as she saw a woman try to get out of the room. "What about your daughter?"
"She's not here! She must still be in the ladies room. That's where she was before the alarm sounded. I know she's scared to death. She doesn't have her cellphone. I made her give it to me when we got here. I have to get to her. I'm not sure where it is though. Can you tell me? Please!"
"What's your name?"
"Ruth."
"Okay, Ruth. I'm Marissa. It's going to be quicker if I go get her since I know where it is. What's your daughter's name?"
"Lauren. Her name's Lauren, and she's 13."
The missing girl was only a couple of years older than Miranda, and Marissa couldn't help but think of her oldest daughter. "I'll go get Lauren, okay? I need you to stay here though. I promise I'll get her and keep her safe. You have my word. Sofia, take care of her please." After she received her colleague's nod assuring her that she would do as asked, Marissa took off down the hallway before anyone could stop her. The pain in her wrist was forgotten. Her only thought at that moment was getting to Lauren and making sure the girl was safe.
Tammy quickly slammed and locked the door. "Nobody comes it or goes out!"
Doug scoffed at his wife's proclamation. "You can't do that. Marissa and that girl are out there."
"I don't care. Look the girl will be safe where she is. As for Marissa, she made her choice. It's her own fault for leaving here. If something happens to her, well, it's God's will."
"What do you mean by that?" Jordan asked.
"It's God's judgement for her sinful life of lying with another woman as she should with a man. It's her punishment."
Jordan stared at her client, incredulous that she would say or even think something like that. She shook her head and spoke with a finality that allowed for no argument. "Maybe that's how your God feels, but not mine. When Marissa comes back with Lauren and wants in, they're going to be let in. It's as simple as that. And when this is all done, you're going to need to get a new lawyer. Now, move away from the door before I move you."
Tammy glanced around and saw the disbelieving faces of the others in the room. She did a double-take when she saw Sofia staring daggers at her. Little did she know that the only thing keeping Sofia from ripping her to shreds was the fact that the lawyer was comforting Lauren's distraught mother. If Marissa hadn't asked her to take care of Ruth, Sofia would have been all over Tammy. Something in the lawyer's eyes however told Tammy that she should back down and move away from the door.
/
Marissa bolted down the main corridor and quickly located the ladies room. Once inside, she found that the room appeared to be empty, but then, she noticed one of the stall doors was shut.
"Lauren, are you in here? Lauren? Your mom sent me to find you. Her name's Ruth."
"Is she okay?" A soft voice finally replied.
Marissa breathed a sigh of relief. "She is, but she's worried about you. Could you open the door for me, please?"
The stall door finally cracked open, and a young brunette peeked out.
"Hi, Lauren. My name's Marissa."
"Hi. Where's my mom?"
"She's down the hall in a conference room with some others. She didn't know where the ladies room was, but I did because I'm here a lot. I told her I would come find you. She's really worried about you. How are you doing? You okay?" Seeing the girl hesitant to answer, Marissa continued. "I know that alarm is pretty loud and kind of scary."
"What's going on?"
"I'm not exactly sure. Something is going on though, and that alarm is telling us to shelter in place."
"Kind of like the drills we have at school?"
"Yeah, kind of like those. I'm afraid this one is real though." Marissa could see the girl was scared and knew it was better if they just stayed put for now. Lauren was in no condition to try and make it down the hall. "I have an idea. A colleague of mine is in the room with your mom. Let me text her so your mom knows you're okay, and then, you can send your mom a text."
"Really? You'd do that?"
"Of course I will. You can only send a couple of texts though. I don't want to drain my battery because we'll need it to know when we can get out of here, okay?"
Lauren nodded. "Okay."
Marissa sent a quick text to Sofia. When she replied, the redhead then handed her cellphone to Lauren before she started looking for something to block the door. Adrenaline kept the pain in her wrist at bay for the moment, and even though Marissa knew that was temporary, she would take it because her main focus right now had to be on keeping them safe.
/
"Are you still living in Boston?" Bianca asked.
Sarah nodded. "Yes, I am. I decided to go back to school when I got out of rehab and got my degree in business administration. When I graduated, I went to work for my dad's company. I also started helping mom out with some of her charity work."
"How are your parents? I know things were still pretty strained when you left Pine Valley."
"That's an understatement. We all actually went to therapy, and it helped some. After all these years, they still struggle with me being a lesbian, but it's better than it was and continues to get better."
"I'm glad to hear that. Are you seeing anyone?"
Sarah sighed. "I have off and on over the years but nothing serious. It seems they all fell short of what I want."
"Which is?"
"You."
Bianca was shocked not only by the admission but by the straightforwardness of it. "What?"
"You. It's always been you, Bianca, and it probably always will be. You are a very hard woman to not only forget but to get over."
The brunette scoffed. "That's not true, and you know it."
"Oh no, it's true. It always amazed me that you never saw how special you were, how special you are. You're beautiful, kind, and caring. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it through rehab. I would have literally continued to starve myself to death especially after that time I left Ian and ran away to visit you in Pine Valley." Sarah continued, not willing to give Bianca a chance to speak and interrupt her. All the while, Marissa's call nagged at her, telling her she should have told Bianca about it the second she got back to the table. She had to get this out however. Sarah had made a promise to herself long ago that if she ever saw Bianca again she would let the brunette know how she felt about her, and now that she had the chance staring her in the face, Sarah wasn't going to let it slip through her fingers.
"I owe you so much, but most of all, I owe you an apology. I should have listened you, not married Ian, and run away with you. I think about that and wonder what would've become of us and our lives if I had just been stronger. Not doing that is my biggest regret. I know I don't really have any right to ask, but do you think there is any chance for us? Could we start over?"
Again, Bianca found herself in shock. She was not expecting this. How could she have? It had been years since the last time she had seen Sarah, and Bianca was no longer that girl who had pleaded with Sarah to run away with her. Life had taken them on separate paths, and while she had no idea of everything Sarah had gone through, the brunette was fully aware of the twists and turns she herself had experienced. Many of them were bad and ones she wouldn't wish on her worst enemy. More, however, were amazing. Bianca knew that despite the pain she had gone through that she wouldn't change any of it if it had brought her to where she was now. To change anything would mean she wouldn't have Miranda and most likely Gabby as well, and she couldn't imagine her life without them. They were worth any amount of pain. The same was true for AJ, Danny, and Marissa. Bianca had fought too long and too hard for the life she had now, and there was not a chance in hell she would give them or it up.
"Sarah, I'm flattered …"
The blonde already knew what was coming next. "There's a 'but' coming."
"Yes, there is. I'm flattered, but I'm hopelessly in love with my wife and the life we have. I'm sorry if this hurts you or comes across as rude because that really is the last thing I want to do, but the answer is no. It always will be. There is no 'us'. What we had was a lifetime ago. It's in the past. There is only one woman that I want, it's Marissa. What I have with her is my present and my future. Marissa and our children are everything to me. They come first. I will choose them every time, and I won't do anything to hurt them."
"I … I was afraid that would be your answer."
"Sarah, if we could, I would still like to be friends, but it could never be anything more."
"I understand." Sarah knew what the answer was going to be before she had even asked the question. The way Bianca lit up when she talked about Marissa had told her everything she really needed to know. Bianca was right. What they had was in the past and had been over a long ago. Now that she had finally said what she needed to, maybe she could move on. Finally having that closure meant Sarah could be open to someone else, and maybe, just maybe, she could find what Bianca had with whoever that might be. And just maybe, she and Bianca could be friends. Sarah suddenly remembered the call she had intercepted from Marissa. That horrendous error in judgement could easily have Bianca taking that offer of friendship off the table. "Bianca, I need to tell you something I did that I'm not very proud of, and I really don't have any excuse for it. Quite frankly, I'll understand if you hate me and never want to talk to me again."
"What are you talking about? What could you have done that was that bad?"
"While you went to the ladies room, your cellphone rang. You probably didn't realize you left it here. Anyway, it rang, and I answered it."
"You answered my phone?"
"I did, and I know it was wrong. I shouldn't have done it, and I'm so sorry. I just wanted some more time to talk to you, to …"
"Who called, Sarah?"
"It was Marissa. I told her you weren't available. She asked who I was, and I told her my first name and said I was an old friend. She then asked why you weren't available and why was I answering your phone."
Bianca took a deep breath in an effort to keep from losing her temper. While she knew that her wife trusted her, she also knew Marissa couldn't have been happy to have another woman, particularly an ex-girlfriend, answer her wife's home without any real explanation. Bianca knew she wouldn't have been if the situations were reversed. She had every intention of telling Marissa about running into Sarah and having dinner with her when she got back home. It could be easy for that intent to come under scrutiny when she finds out another way though. "And what did you say?"
"I didn't get a chance to answer her. She said she had to go and to tell you to call her back."
"That's it? She just cut you off. There was nothing else?"
It was then Sarah recalled hearing something in the background. "I couldn't tell you where she was or anything, but I think I heard some sort of siren in the background."
"A siren?"
"An alarm, I guess to be more accurate, like the kind you hear during a fire drill."
Bianca picked up her phone and saw there were no missed calls, but there was one missed text. She wasn't sure how she had missed it when it came in only several minutes ago, after she was back at the table. It was from Marissa and said 'I'm safe, and I love you'. Bianca couldn't help but feel something was wrong so she called Marissa right away. When the call immediately went to voicemail, Bianca was filled with dread. She scrolled through her contacts, found her sister's number, and selected it to connect to her. If anyone knew or could find out what was going on for her, it was Kendall.
"Binx! Thank God! I was just getting ready to call you."
"Kendall, what's going on? I just tried to call Marissa, but it went right to her voicemail. It seems she called earlier, but I wasn't told about it. There was some sort of alarm going off? Did something happen at the courthouse? She was supposed to be there today. I did get a text, but it was short."
"Bianca, take a breath. I don't know everything that's going on, but something did happen at the courthouse not too long ago. It was put on lockdown. The news is saying someone had managed to get a gun by the metal detectors."
"What?! Oh my god! Rissa!"
"Calm down, Binx. You said she sent a text. What did it say?"
"It said that she was safe and that she loved me."
"There you go. Marissa is very smart and knows that courthouse inside and out. They said everyone inside was told to shelter in place. I bet you that Marissa found someplace safe to wait this out. She's fine."
"But when I tried to call her, it went to voicemail. If she was okay, why didn't she answer?"
"I'm guessing that she probably has it on silent and isn't answering for safety. She probably doesn't want to tip off someone that doesn't need to be. Marissa's going to be alright. You have to believe that, Bianca."
"What about the kids?"
"I don't know if they know or not. I haven't had a chance to call Jo or Jessica."
"I'll call home. I need to get back home tonight. I have to be there. I just don't know if I'll be able to get a flight at this hour. I could probably rent a car. There's not a chance in hell that I'm waiting until tomorrow."
"Okay, let's do this. You call home and check on the kids. I'll see what information I can get about what's happening at the courthouse, and I'll have Greenlee work on getting you home."
"That sounds really good, and I appreciate it so much. I still have to check out of the hotel."
"Bianca." Sarah interrupted. She didn't know what was going on, but judging from the bits and pieces she picked up from overhearing Bianca's end of the conversation, the blonde could tell something bad was going on. The guilt from her earlier pettiness was eating her up inside. "I think I can help."
For her part, Bianca had pretty much forgotten about Sarah being there because she had been so focused on Marissa. "What? Hold on a second, Kendall." Bianca removed the phone from her ear and addressed Sarah. "What?"
"I think I can help get you home to Pine Valley tonight."
"How?"
"Our company jet is here. Well, it's over at JFK. I flew here on it. I can call and have it ready to take you home tonight if you want."
"Why?" Bianca couldn't help but be wary of the offer given what had happened earlier.
"Because I owe you … and Marissa from my earlier stunt, and before you ask, there are no strings attached. I can make the call right now. Look, I don't know what's going on, but I can tell you have to get home. Let me help."
The brunette paused for a moment before she decided to tell Sarah what was going on. "The courthouse is on lockdown, and Marissa's there. The alarm you heard was signaling them to shelter in place." There was definitely an edge to Bianca's voice with that last statement, one she couldn't help.
"Oh my God. I … I didn't know. Let me help, please." Sarah felt one hundred times worse for what she had done.
Bianca nodded. At this point, she would make a deal with the devil if it meant getting home to her family tonight. "Alright, make the call." The brunette turned her attention back to her sister. "I have a flight home, Kendall."
"Really? That was quick. What …"
"I'll explain when I get home."
"Okay. Let me know when you're on your way. If I hear anything, I'll call you right away."
"Thanks, Kendall."
"There's no need to thank me. Marissa's going to be okay, Binx."
"She needs to be. I don't know what I'll do if she's not." Bianca disconnected the call and looked at Sarah who was just finishing her call.
"Thanks, Sharon." Sarah disconnected her call and turned to Bianca. "That was the pilot. The plane will be ready to leave in two hours."
Bianca sighed in relief. "Two hours? Okay, I need to finish packing, check out, and call home to check on the kids. I also need to call a cab."
"Don't worry about getting to the airport. I'll get you there. I promise." Sarah meant every word she said. She would do everything she could to make this up to Bianca.
/
Less than one hour later, Bianca was in a car Sarah had arranged for her on her way to the airport. Sarah was also with her and determined to accompany Bianca to Pine Valley, and the brunette, not wanting to fight about it, agreed. For her part, Sarah needed to make sure Bianca got there safely, and she needed to apologize to Marissa for what she had done. Sarah hoped with everything she had that she would be able to make that apology. At the moment, there was still no word on Marissa. Bianca continued to call her wife, and the calls continued to go straight to her voicemail. When they arrived at the airport, they made their way to the terminal their flight would be departing from. The pilot, who had just arrived to begin her pre-flight check, greeted them at the gate and escorted them to the plane.
"I'm going to go start my pre-flight check now. I expect us to depart in about 45 minutes, and we should be arriving in Pine Valley in two hours."
Sarah nodded. She was seated away from Bianca because she knew the brunette would want her privacy during the flight. "Thank you, Sharon."
"Thank you. Is it okay if I make a call?" Bianca asked. She still needed to call home. Bianca didn't want to do it while she was moving around. She wanted to be situated when she talked to her kids.
"Yes, you still have time before we take off so it's fine. I will need you to turn your phone off when we take off though." The pilot instructed.
"I understand. Thank you." Bianca took a deep breath and phoned home.
/
Jo recognized the number on the caller id and hurried down the hallway to the couple's office after a quick glance at her mother. She and Jessica knew about the drama at the courthouse and had been doing their best to keep the kids from finding out about it. They knew Bianca or Marissa would want to be the ones to tell them.
"Bianca, I've been hoping you would be calling. You know?"
"I do. Is there any word?"
"The latest we've heard is that the police are talking to the gunman. No shots have been fired."
"Thank God."
"I thought I would've heard from you before now."
"I just found out a little while ago. I haven't been able to get ahold of Marissa. She called me, but I wasn't told about it until later. It seems the alarm was going off when she called."
"What do you mean you weren't told about it until later?"
"I ran into an ex-girlfriend earlier today. We decided to have dinner to catch up. I had to run to the ladies room and left my cellphone on the table. Marissa called during that time, and Sarah, my ex, answered. She didn't tell me until later."
"Are you kidding me? Who does that?"
"It's a long story, and I don't want to go into it right now. She's apologized and has actually arranged a flight for me to get back home tonight. We'll be leaving here soon."
"She's coming with you?"
"Yes, and again, it's a long story. Frankly, I really don't care as long as I make it home tonight."
"Okay, I'll let it go for now." Jo would definitely be giving Sarah a piece of her mind. "Mom and I haven't told the kids anything and have kept them away from the news. We knew that you would want to tell them."
"Thank you. Could you get them for me please?"
"Of course." As Jo padded down the hallway and back towards the family room, she had a question for Bianca. It was one that she knew Marissa would want her to ask. "How are you doing?"
Bianca sighed. "As well as I can. I'll be much better after I talk to Rissa."
"You'll talk to her soon. Okay, here are the kids."
/
After Bianca talked to Miranda, AJ, and Gabby and had done her best to reassure them, she made a quick call to Kendall to tell her she was one her way home. The brunette had to turn her phone off after that so they could take off. Not being able to make any calls to get an update felt like the longest 15 minutes of her life. As soon as she was told she could use her phone again, Bianca tried her wife once more. This time someone answered, but it wasn't Marissa.
"Bianca? It's Sofia."
"Sofia? Why … why are you answering Marissa's phone? Is she alright? Did something happen to her?"
/
A/N: So I took one of those quizzes on Facebook that tell you how good or evil you are. It said I was 89% evil. I probably won't get arguments about that right now, huh? See you soon!