A/N: Thanks, as always, for continuing to read, review, and follow! I appreciate it and all of you more than you know. I noticed the site is being a little wonky again with reviews. I am getting the email notification about receiving a review and can read it there, but it's not posting on the site for some reason. I just wanted you to know that I am seeing them. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

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Marissa leaned back in the passenger seat of Sofia's car and closed her eyes. It had been one hell of a day, one that she had serious doubts about ending on a positive note. Now though, she going home and would soon see her family, and Marissa could not wait. With things calmed down, a question crossed the redhead's mind. Actually, it was two questions.

The redhead opened her eyes and turned to face Sofia. "You've talked to Rebecca, right? Told her you're okay?" Through Angie, Marissa knew that Bianca knew that she was okay. She wanted to make sure that Rebecca knew the same about Sofia.

Touched by Marissa's thoughtfulness, Sofia smiled and nodded. "I have. I called her on my way to the hospital and then again while I was in the waiting room before you were discharged. Becca knows that I'm okay and what I'm doing. She was very relieved to hear that you're going to be okay."

"I know she had to be worried about you. I'm sorry for …"

"Don't even go there. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. While Becca wants me home as soon as possible, she also wants to make sure that you're okay. She completely understands and told me I was doing the right thing by being with you. Besides, I know you would be doing exactly the same thing for me."

"I would. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Marissa closed her eyes as she rested her head on the passenger seat's headrest again. She turned her focus to her second question. "I have the distinct impression that something happened in that conference that you haven't told me about, Sofia. Would you tell me now?"

Sofia glanced over quickly at her colleague and then back to road as she chuckled. "How did you know?"

"Just a feeling. Plus, Tammy was in there with you, and I unfortunately know her. So, spill. I can take it, especially since I'm properly medicated." Marissa grinned with her eyes still closed. The buzz from the pain medication she had been given had mellowed her out considerably.

"Let me tell ya, I could've used some of that pain medication earlier. Tammy is such a raging bitch. I won't tell you what happened in the courtroom because of what we agreed on, but she's damn lucky that the judge didn't hold her in contempt."

Marissa opened her eyes and turned to face Sofia. "Wow. Judge Tanner is pretty even keel. It takes a lot to tick her off."

"I know. It was ugly, and I'll tell you all about it once the case is settled. We'll do it over drinks."

"You're on, and the first round is on me. You'll definitely have earned it."

Sofia smiled. "Okay. Back to this afternoon. No sooner had you left to find Lauren then Tammy attempted to declare herself in charge. She informed us all that nobody was allowed to come in or go out. When Doug pointed out that you and Lauren were out there and might want in, she said she didn't care."

"Well, the fact that Tammy doesn't care about me is old news. I'd be surprised if she did. She'd like nothing better than for Bianca and me to burn in hell for all eternity. What about Lauren though? She's just a girl and not much older than Amber. Considering the fact that Tammy's never met her, I can't think of anything Lauren could have done to warrant such disregard."

"Tammy said that Lauren would be safe where she was. Don't ask me why she thought leaving a scared girl alone in that situation was acceptable. As for you, you kind of nailed it. Tammy said if something happened to you that it would be God's punishment for your sinful lifestyle. It's funny. She didn't direct that towards me. I guess she hasn't picked up on the fact that I'm a lesbian."

"Probably not. Although, I think it might be hard for her to pick up on it because she's distracted. Bianca and I do hold a special place in her heart." Marissa snorted.

Sofia chuckled. "Lucky you and Bianca."

Marissa smirked. "That's one way of putting it."

"How long have you been dealing with her exactly?"

"With Tammy? A couple of years. I'll give you the short version. It all started when Bianca and I were just friends. There was an incident at a birthday party for Amber. Miranda and AJ were invited. Miranda came home upset, and AJ had gotten into a fight with another boy at the party. We tried to find out what happened, but neither one was talking at first. Then, we finally got them to. Some things were said to Miranda about her Mom liking women. I'm sure you can imagine what was said. AJ stepped in and defended her. Bianca wanted to know exactly what was said and why Tammy didn't stop the bullying so she asked to meet with her. This was all before we had the pleasure of knowing Tammy, mind you. I was Bianca's backup for this meeting. As I'm sure you can guess, it did not go well, at all. Tammy was extremely offensive. She assumed, wrongly at the time, that I was Bianca's girlfriend, and that we were tag teaming her. And the rest, as they say, is history."

"Wow. I know she's been nothing but a thorn in your side. How is she still walking around town? I mean, if neither of you did anything, I'm sure Kendall and Erica would be more than happy to take her down."

"Yes, Kendall and Erica would love nothing better than to unleash the Kane woman fury on her. You've met my wife though. Bianca is the most forgiving person I have ever or will ever meet. Tammy has pushed her to the limit time and time again. I think this time she might have just pushed her over the edge. I'll have to keep an eye on her. I don't want Bianca to do something that she could regret later. That being said, I am done with Tammy. I am so sick and tired of her. We really need to do something about her. Maybe, we can convene a war council of sorts. I know a lot of people who would be totally on board with that. Don't worry though, nothing illegal." Marissa grinned at the thought of plotting with Bianca, Kendall, Erica, Greenlee, Jo, and Jessica as well as a few others. The redhead knew there would be no shortage of people who wanted a piece of Tammy. There was one person, however, that she knew who would be extremely hurt by the woman's latest actions. Amber. She was a sweet girl and wasn't responsible for anything her mother did. After their rocky start, Miranda and AJ had become good friends with Amber, and Marissa also knew that her oldest son had a crush on the girl. And while she wasn't positive, the redhead also thought that Amber reciprocated AJ's feelings. That complicated things.

Sofia thought for a moment before she spoke. "I'm glad to hear your disclaimer. You could file assault charges. God knows that you have plenty of witnesses."

Marissa shook her head. She had considered that option while she was having her wrist x-rayed. "I don't think so. While it definitely could be considered assault, she has a ready-made defense for her actions. Jordan could say that Tammy's actions were dictated by the lockdown and being in fear for her life."

"While that's true, Jordan wouldn't be representing her. When Tammy went on her little tirade, Jordan told her that she would be needing a new lawyer when we got out of there. She didn't agree with Tammy's biblical interpretations at all."

"Oh wow, I did miss a lot. Now that I think about it, I'm not surprised. Jordan's dad is a minister, and he has spoken out in favor of same-sex marriage for quite some time. Tammy wouldn't stand a chance quoting scripture against Jordan. Let me guess, Tammy was shocked by what Jordan said."

"Yes, she was. It actually shut up for a bit, but then, she rallied and started spewing things again while insisting she was in charge. You're sure about not pressing charges?"

"I am. It would be a weak case at best. Plus, she'd have public opinion on her side. Think about it. I would be pressing charges against someone who was afraid a gunman who would burst in and shoot her. I would be seen as being in her way, stopping her from escaping. There is a lot of people that would identify with her, could put themselves in her shoes."

Sofia nodded. "I see what you're saying. In the public's eyes, she could come out of it looking better than you."

"Which in turn could reflect badly on Bianca and impact the Miranda Center. I won't do anything that would hurt her, our children or the Center. Tammy just isn't worth it."

"I definitely agree with you on that. It's going to require some thought."

"Yep, and I will be keeping you out of whatever is decided upon, at least while you're representing Doug."

"Damn. I never get to have any fun." Sofia smirked.

Marissa laughed. "Sorry." The redhead then sighed happily as Minx Manor finally came into view. She was finally home.

Sofia parked in front and as close to the house as possible. The lawyer was just getting out of the car when the front door opened, and Jo hurried out.

/

Jo helped Marissa out of the car while Sofia grabbed the redhead's things. The doctor then carefully led her friend inside since Marissa was a little unsteady due to a combination of the pain medication she had received and exhaustion from the day's events.

"Ma!" AJ, Miranda, and Gabby rushed over to their redheaded mother, nearly tackling her.

"Guys, be careful."

"It's okay, Jo." Marissa hugged her older children and smiled when she saw Jessica holding Danny. "Okay. Why don't we all have a seat?"

"Are you really okay, Ma?" Miranda asked. Their Mom had told them she was, but they needed to hear it from their Ma.

"I'm really okay."

Danny started to fuss and reached for Marissa. The redhead nodded to Jessica to bring him over.

"Angie said no lifting." Sofia reminded Marissa.

"With my left arm. My right is fine. Besides, I won't be lifting him. He'll be on my lap."

"Yeah, your Ma is just fine, kids. She's already looking for loopholes." Jo cracked.

That remark broke the tension in the room, and the kids giggled.

Jessica placed Danny on Marissa's lap. Before she backed away, the older woman hugged Marissa and kissed her cheek. "You had me worried, Marissa Lynn. I can't tell you how glad I am that you're okay. Don't scare me like that again." Jessica whispered as she squeezed Marissa's right hand.

"I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to. Thank you for watching the kids."

The older woman knew what Marissa was really saying with that 'thank you'. She was thanking her for keeping the kids away from the news so they wouldn't worry about her and the situation at the courthouse until one of their mothers could explain things to them. "You're welcome."

"Is your wrist really broken, Ma?" AJ asked as he eyed the cast on Marissa's arm. It had been wrapped in green.

"Afraid so, Buddy."

"Does it hurt a lot, Ma?" Miranda asked next.

"A little, but Angie gave me something to help with the pain. She told me it will feel better in no time."

Gabby had the next question. "How'd you break it, Ma?"

Marissa was afraid one of them would ask that. She really didn't want to go into right now. "I fell. I'll tell you all about what happened in the morning."

"Are you going to work tomorrow?"

"No, I'm not, Mimo. I'm taking the day off. I think I earned it."

Miranda nodded. "I think you did too. That means we can all spend the day together."

"It does. I do have to talk to Jesse tomorrow though about what happened. The police are talking to everyone that was there. He gave me a pass because of my wrist, and Angie told him to leave me alone for the night."

The others laughed.

"I got a slight pass myself because of you." Sofia admitted. "I gave him a partial statement and have to go back tomorrow to give him a formal one."

"Speaking of tomorrow, I want you to take the day off, Sofia. No arguments. It's an order. You definitely earned it."

Sofia knew it was no use to argue with her boss. Truth be told, she was more than happy to take the day off. She needed it after today. "Okay. Rebecca will be happy to hear that."

"Was there anyone else from our team there? I don't think there was, but I'm not sure."

"No, it was just us. I checked with Ellie about that while you were being examined."

Marissa nodded. That was definitely good news. "Did they send something out yet about the courthouse being closed? I thought I heard someone say it would be, and it only makes sense."

"You heard right. They sent out a text not too long ago. It will reopen on Monday."

"Good. I'll need to call Ellie …"

"No, you don't. As soon as I told her that you were going to be okay, which she was very relieved to hear, she started rattling off things that needed to be done. Ellie said she would contact the other partners, starting with Caleb, and the rest of the team to let them know we were okay. After that, she was going to clear your schedule."

Marissa chuckled. "Why am I not surprised? Okay. Go home. Get some rest. Thank you for everything and thank Rebecca for lending you to me."

Sofia smiled. "You're welcome, from both of us. What time are you going to the police station?"

"I'm thinking around 11:00."

"I was thinking of heading there around the same time. I guess I'll see you then. Good night, everybody. Kids, take good care of your Ma."

Miranda, AJ, and Gabby nodded. "We will."

Sofia headed to her car and sent a quick text to Bianca to let her know that Marissa was home. With that done, she pulled out of the driveway and headed home to Rebecca.

/

Inside Minx Manor, Marissa was still being questioned by the kids. Jo and Jessica had questions of their own, but they would wait until either the kids were in bed or tomorrow morning when they could be alone with Marissa and able to speak more freely.

"Why did you pick green for your cast, Ma?"

"Because your Mom likes green, AJ. Whenever I wear something green, she says it picks up the green in my eyes."

Jo laughed. "Wow. Kendall and Greenlee are right about you and Bianca. You both are completely whipped."

The kids giggled while Marissa rolled her eyes.

Jessica just shook her head. "You don't have much room to talk, Josephine. You should see you and Greg."

Marissa laughed as Jo scowled. It was something she did whenever her mother called her that. Jo's reaction never got old, and it never failed to make the redhead laugh. "You know, I think I want to change into something more comfortable. I'm thinking my pajamas, like you guys." Marissa was beyond grateful that Jessica and Jo had gotten the kids ready for bed before she got home. Since they didn't have school the next day, they would be allowed to stay up a little later than usual, and AJ, Miranda, and Gabby all needed a little extra time with their redheaded mother given everything that had happened that day. Truth be told, Marissa needed the time with them just as much.

"We'll get your dinner ready, Ma!"

"My dinner, Monkey?"

"Yep! We helped Jessica make something for you and Mom." Gabby stated proudly.

"You did? Well, I know it will be great, and I can't wait to try it."

"I'll take Danny, Ma." Miranda said as she got up from her spot on the sofa to take her little brother.

"Thank you, Mimo." Marissa kissed her youngest before shifting a little to make it easier for Miranda to lift Danny from her lap. She had every faith in her oldest daughter who had carefully watched her mothers with him and followed their lead and instructions when she lifted, carried, and held him. "You got him?"

Miranda nodded as she carefully held her baby brother. "I got him, Ma."

"Do you want some help, Marissa?" Jo asked.

"Yeah, I probably could use some. Thanks."

"Anytime." Jo helped Marissa stand and followed her down the hallway.

/

After Marissa had changed, she went to the kitchen and finally had dinner. The kids joined her at the table and told her all about their day as they had some milk and cookies. When they were done, Jessica carried Danny up to his room for Marissa, and then, the redhead kissed him goodnight. The two women joined the kids and Jo down in the family room where they watched a little TV. Soon, the Tasker-Montgomery children were yawning, and Marissa knew it was time for them to go to bed. The redhead herself was having a hard time keeping her own eyes open. Per Angie's instructions, she had taken another dose of pain medication after she had eaten dinner, and it was starting to hit her. Marissa had wanted to stay up and wait for Bianca to get home. It didn't look like that was going to happen however. Bianca was supposed to be home a while ago, but her flight had run into some bad weather over Philadelphia and was diverted. Now, the brunette was scheduled to be home in about two hours. That message had come when Marissa was watching TV with the kids a little earlier. Jo had answered the phone, and when she told Bianca what her wife was doing, the brunette just left a message because she didn't want to disturb them. As much as she had wanted to talk with Marissa, Bianca knew the kids needed to spend time with her more right now. She would get her time with her wife when she got home. Marissa was a little disappointed that she had missed the call, but she knew that Bianca was right.

Once the kids were all in bed, Marissa told Jessica and Jo goodnight and padded down the hall to her and Bianca's bedroom. She climbed into bed and rested her injured wrist on a pillow.

/

Bianca released a huge sigh of relief when Minx Manor came into her sights. The last few hours had been torture, but now, she was finally home. Now, she would finally be able to see for herself that Marissa was safe, and that was something Bianca needed more than anything.

/

A/N: I know it's a little bit of a shorter chapter, but the last few weekends have been busy for me. Next weekend, I'm going out of town with some friends to celebrate one of their birthdays. I don't see it being like Shamokin! So, I might not post the next chapter until sometime Sunday. See you soon!