A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I appreciate it and all of you. I'm sorry for not posting last week. I went out of town with some good friends to celebrate one of their birthdays, and we had a great time. I was exhausted when I got home and just didn't have the energy to finish up this chapter. I had an idea come to me that I wanted to slip in and did this past week as I was writing. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Bianca released a huge sigh of relief when Minx Manor came into view. 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 desperately needed more than anything. It wasn't that Bianca didn't trust the others and what they were telling her regarding Marissa. It was just that she needed to see it with her own eyes to truly believe it. As she drove down the driveway, Bianca rolled her shoulders in an attempt to relieve some of the tension in them. It had been building over the last few hours with the flight home being the hardest. Bianca had been on her phone most of the flight in an effort to find out how Marissa was, what had happened and what was going on at that time.
For the most part, Sarah had left her alone, but the brunette could feel her ex watching her from time to time. Bianca did her best to ignore her which was easier to accomplish when she was on the phone. It was when she wasn't that made it difficult as well as extremely awkward. Bianca could tell Sarah wanted to talk to her. The brunette just wasn't ready for that yet, and she wasn't sure when or if that would happen. When their plane was making its final approach to land, Sarah told Bianca that she hoped Marissa was okay. She also mentioned something about staying in Pine Valley for a couple days. Bianca didn't know what to say to that so she just responded with a curt nod. When they were finally at the gate and able to deplane, Bianca grabbed her bag and dashed to catch a shuttle to her car.
Once she was on the road, Bianca struggled to not speed too much, and she managed to do a reasonable job of it. It was tough though because the only thing she wanted to do was get home as quickly as possible. The car's radio was turned on in an effort to distract her, but all of the stations were airing stories about the day's events at the courthouse. Several of them had listeners calling in and offering their opinions. None of those who had been trapped inside had spoken to the press yet, and this did nothing but add to Bianca's need to see her wife. She really needed to know what had gone on inside. So while no one, including the police, was really talking yet, Bianca was sure that would change in the morning, and stories of what happened would abound. The brunette knew she and Marissa needed to discuss things and talk to the kids before they started hearing stories either from television or their friends.
All of this was on her mind as she drove home and added to the tension and stress that had been building and wearing on her for hours. When Bianca saw the lights from her home however, she forgot about all of it. A smile finally spread across her face because she knew Marissa was only minutes away.
/
Jessica glanced over at the door and smiled when she saw Bianca come in from the garage. The older woman was fixing herself a cup of tea. She had been planning on waiting up for the younger woman to get home. "Hello, Bianca. Welcome home." Jessica opened her arms, and Bianca stepped forward into them, welcoming the hug. She had really needed it.
Bianca took step back and smiled. "Thanks, Jessica. I can't tell you how good it is to be home. How's Rissa?"
"She's just fine, I promise. She went to bed a little bit ago. She was trying to stay up until you got home, but she just couldn't do it. A lot of it was her pain medication and the adrenaline from everything finally wearing off."
"I'm just going to go …"
Jessica smiled knowingly. "Check on her. I know. I have a message from Marissa."
"You do? What is it?"
"You can take a quick look, but then, you have to come back here and get something to eat because she was pretty positive that you wouldn't have eaten anything." Jessica held up a hand to stop Bianca's protest. "We're not talking a four course meal, just something light. She doesn't want you to get sick, and she also said to please do it for her."
Bianca scowled. "You know she doesn't play fair. Rissa knows that I can't say 'no' when she says something like that."
Jessica chuckled. "The bigger point being that Marissa knows that. You both have that problem. Go check on her and the kids, and I'll get your plate ready."
"Are you sure?" Bianca didn't want to take advantage of Jessica, and the brunette could tell the older woman was ready for bed since it was late and she was in her pajamas.
"I'm positive. You look like you need to talk to someone about everything that's happened today, and quite frankly, I do too. I know neither one of us is Marissa, but maybe we can do in a pinch for each other tonight?"
Bianca smiled. Jessica had read the situation perfectly. They both needed to talk, and while Marissa was the one they both really needed to talk to, the redhead was currently asleep. That was something neither Bianca nor Jessica would be able to do until they had talked to someone. "You're right. Let me go check on them, and I'll be back."
/
After checking on the kids, Bianca padded down the hallway to the master bedroom and carefully opened the door. The lamp on Bianca's side of the bed was on which allowed her to see her wife. Bianca felt like she could finally breathe again when she saw what greeted her on the other side of the door. She smiled softly when she saw her wife, sound asleep and snoring softly. Bianca felt a jolt of anger when she saw Marissa's casted arm resting on a pillow. Tammy had crossed a line when she hurt Marissa, and she was going to pay. Bianca wasn't sure how but knew it was going to happen. Not yet though. She couldn't go into this half-cocked. No, she needed to think this through, and she needed to do it clearly. That meant Bianca wasn't going to come up with an answer that evening. She carefully brushed a lock of Marissa's hair back before taking a step back. Bianca didn't want to take the chance of waking her wife, and she also knew that Jessica was waiting on her in the kitchen. With a sigh, Bianca turned and headed out of the bedroom.
/
By the time Bianca returned to the kitchen, Jo had joined Jessica. The doctor smiled seeing Bianca and hugged her. "I'm glad you made it back safe."
"Thanks."
"Is Marissa asleep?"
"Yes, she's sound asleep, thankfully." Bianca took a seat at the table. Tears started to fill her eyes as everything started to hit her.
Jessica was quick to hug the younger woman. "It's alright, Bianca. Marissa is safe."
"I could have lost her. She could've died."
"But you didn't, and she didn't. Marissa is home and is going to be okay. That's what you need to focus on."
"Mom's right."
Bianca released a breath. "I know, but I can't help but think I might not have gotten the chance to tell her that I love her because of what Sarah did."
Jo smiled. "Bianca, if there is one thing that Marissa knows with absolute certainty, it's that you love her. Trust me, she doesn't have a single doubt about that. As for what Sarah pulled …"
"Did Rissa say anything to either of you about that?" Bianca asked.
Jessica shook her head. "No, she didn't, and it didn't come up. I think the main reason for that was because we never really had the chance to talk privately, and you know there is no way she would bring something like that up in front of the children."
"No, she wouldn't." Bianca agreed.
"Jo told me what that Sarah did, and if you're worried about what Marissa thinks, don't be. She trusts you. That other woman? Not so much. I have no doubt that Marissa will have a few choice words for her."
The three women laughed. They all knew their favorite redhead would be tracking Sarah down and giving her a piece of her mind as soon as she was able.
Bianca chuckled. "Oh yes, she definitely will. Rissa is going to want to rip her a new one, after she rips Tammy one. There's going to be a long line of people wanting to get a piece of Tammy. Did she say anything about her?"
"No, probably for the same reason she didn't say anything about Sarah, and I'm also guessing she wants to talk with you about it first." Jo said. "The only thing she did mention was that she needed to go to the police station tomorrow and give Jesse a statement about what happened at the courthouse. I'm sure the topic of what Tammy did to her will be discussed at that time."
"Yeah, I don't doubt that. When I was talking to Angie earlier, she said she told Jesse that Marissa was off limits tonight, and he agreed."
Jessica smiled. "Smart man. From talking to her at various times, I get the distinct impression that she's not someone you would want to cross."
"You're right, she's not, and she also tells it like it is. Angie is one hell of a doctor, and I can't tell you how relieved I was to hear that she was taking care of Rissa. When I talked with her, I knew Rissa was going to be okay. I still needed to see her for myself, mind you."
"Oh, I understand."
Bianca suddenly realized something. "If Sofia dropped her off, then Rissa's car is still at the courthouse."
"Oh yeah, I guess it is." Jo nodded.
"I'll have to take her over there so she can get it. We can do that after she gives Jesse her statement. I'm glad I already have tomorrow off." Since Bianca had originally been scheduled to take the redeye from New York the next day, she had decided to take the day off when she got home. Now, it was one less thing to worry about, one less thing that would have taken her focus away from Marissa.
"Speaking of work, Jan and Aya called. They had heard that Marissa was inside when everything was happening. They said for you not to worry about anything at the Center. They'll take care of everything. Plan on a call from them some time tomorrow. In fact, I think you should plan on a lot of calls tomorrow. Visitors too."
Jessica nodded. "Jo's right. I'm positive Kendall, Erica, Greenlee, Krystal, and others will be stopping by."
"I have no doubt about that." Bianca knew there were a great many people that loved Marissa and knew how relieved they would all be to see the redhead and know she was okay. For the moment though, they would have to wait behind Bianca and the kids. The brunette had waited long enough. She was going to bed and wrap her arms around her wife. Bianca stood and started to pick up her plate.
"What do you think you're doing?" Jessica asked.
"I was going to put this in the dishwasher and clean up in here before I went to bed."
"No, you're not. I'll take care of it. I know you're itching to get back to Marissa. So, go. I'll see you in the morning."
"Thank you, Jessica. You too, Jo. You're being here means so much."
"You're welcome. Good night."
"Night, Bianca."
"Good night." Bianca gave both women a quick hug and padded down the hall to the master bedroom.
/
Miranda heard Bianca, Jessica, and Jo say good night to each other and knew she had to get back to her room as quickly as possible so she wasn't discovered. The girl hadn't meant to eavesdrop on the women. It happened purely by accident. Miranda had woken up and was curious if her Mom was home yet. She had gotten out of bed and headed downstairs. Miranda could sense something else was going on with her mothers and everything else that had happened earlier. She just didn't know what. It was when she overheard them mention Amber's mom and another woman that things were confirmed for her. The conversation had her pause outside the kitchen door and listen in. She wasn't quite sure what to do with her newfound knowledge. As she heard Bianca approaching the door, Miranda knew she needed to get out of sight as quickly as possible. Once she was back in her room, she tried to put the pieces together but was having a difficult time doing so. Miranda laid back in her bed and closed her eyes. Hopefully, she would come up with an answer tomorrow or at least be able to talk to someone who could help it all make sense to her.
/
As Bianca exited the bathroom after getting ready for bed, she was greeted by Marissa who was struggling to sit up in bed. The redhead had a sleepy smile on her face when she saw her wife.
"Hey."
Bianca smiled and could tell her wife wasn't feeling any pain. "Hey. I didn't wake you up, did I? I was trying to be quiet."
Marissa shook her head as the brunette crossed the room. "Nope. I just woke up." The redhead happily accepted a loving kiss from Bianca. "Have you been home long? I tried to stay up, but this pain medication …"
Bianca got into bed. "I haven't been home too long. You didn't need to worry about staying up for me. I just wish I would've been home a long time ago. Are you in much pain?"
"Nope. Angie gave me some really good stuff." Marissa answered with a dopy grin.
Her wife's answer made Bianca chuckle.
"Umm. Did you have something to eat?"
"Yes, I did. Jessica followed your orders and made me eat something." Bianca rolled her eyes playfully. "You should be worried more about you however."
"Nope. I'm going to worry about you as much as I want. I have to after all. Because if I don't, then you won't, and then you can't take care of me like you want to. So you see, I'm just helping you and me both at the same time."
Bianca laughed. Her wife may be under the influence at the moment, but she was still finding loopholes. "I give up. You win."
Marissa grinned and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry, B, but this stuff is making me loopy and really sleepy."
"That's okay. You get some sleep, and we'll talk in the morning. I promise." Bianca turned off the lamp and pulled the covers up around them.
"I love you." Marissa murmured as she felt Bianca gently take her into her arms and place a tender kiss on her temple.
"I love you too, Rissa, with all of my heart."
Soon the couple drifted off to sleep as the day's events slowly faded away.
/
Marissa woke with a smile as she felt her wife's arms around her. The redhead slowly turned around to see Bianca when pain shot up her arm reminding her she had a broken wrist. She winced and then took a deep breath to regain her focus. When she opened her eyes, warm chocolate ones now greeted her.
"Morning."
"Morning. Are you okay? I saw you wince."
"I'm okay. I just forgot about my wrist for a minute."
"Do you want to take anything for the pain?"
Marissa shook her head. "Not yet. I want a clear head. I'm going to need it since I have to talk to Jesse in a bit."
"So I heard. Just tell me when you want to go, and I'll drive you over. We can pick up your car after." Bianca gently took the injured limb in one of her hands. "You got green."
"I did. Does it bring out the green in my eyes?" Marissa asked with a cheeky grin.
"It does. That's why you picked green. You are such a goof." Bianca chuckled. "But you're my goof, and I love you."
"I love you too."
"You had me so scared."
"I'm sorry."
Bianca shook her head. "No, I know you couldn't help what happened."
Marissa knew her wife wanted to talk, and since they were alone, she supposed there was no time like the present. "What time is it?"
A quick glance at the alarm clock told Bianca it was still fairly early. "We have some time to talk before the kids wake up. Want some coffee?"
"That would be wonderful."
With a quick kiss, Bianca got out of bed. "I'll get the coffee and bring it back."
"Best wife ever." Marissa grinned as she padded to the bathroom.
/
Bianca returned with coffee for both of them just as Marissa exited the bathroom. The brunette then took a quick turn in the bathroom, and when she was done, returned to bed for their conversation. They both decided that their bedroom afforded them the most privacy. The couple settled on their bed with coffee mugs in hand.
"Tammy did this to you." Bianca said as she one again gently examined her wife's injured wrist.
"Yeah, she did. I'm guessing Sofia told you most if not all of what happened."
"She did, or at least she did up until you left the conference room."
"I had to, Bianca. Lauren, that's her name, is just a girl and not much older than Miranda. She was alone and scared. Someone needed to be with her, and it was quicker if I went. It would've taken too long to tell her mom how to get there. I just reacted." Marissa protested.
"I know. I know. What you did? It doesn't surprise me one bit, and it was the right thing to do."
"You would have done the same thing."
"I'd like to think I would have. So, Lauren was okay?"
Marissa nodded. "When I last saw her, yes, she was. As soon as she saw her mom, she took off and practically jumped into her arms. I would've tried to call you, but Lauren was texting her mom some. I also wanted to keep the line open in case there was an update from the police."
"I understand. What did you and Lauren do?"
"Well, I did my best to keep her distracted. We talked a lot. She's a pretty smart girl, and I see a bright future ahead of her. I'm pretty sure you'd like her."
"I'm sure I would."
"It took the police awhile to get us out."
"Why?"
"We had barricaded ourselves in there pretty good. It took us some time to take it all down."
"It kept you safe, and that's all that matters to me. I just wish I could have gotten to you quicker."
Marissa raised an eyebrow. "I'm going to guess that Sarah had something to do with that." The redhead knew who Sarah was and the role that she had played in Bianca's life when she was younger. Throughout the course of their entire relationship, first as friends and then lovers, Marissa and Bianca had told each other about their former partners over the years. By doing so, there would be no surprises should one pop up in their lives unexpectedly. This had turned out to be a very wise decision on their part, unfortunately.
Bianca sighed. She knew it was her turn to come clean, so to speak. "Yeah, she did. Sarah came to the Miranda Center after you and I talked. It took me totally by surprise."
"How did she find you?"
"It seems she saw Greg and me shopping the day before, and then, she decided to google me. That's how she found out about the Center and put two and two together. Oh by the way, did Greg call you? He said he was going to."
"Nope. I haven't heard from him. I know Jo talked to him yesterday and told him everything that was going on. He'll probably call in a day or two to talk. That or we'll talk at Thanksgiving. Back to Sarah. She decided to drop by after reading up on you?"
Bianca nodded. "Yes. We talked for a few minutes before I had to go to another meeting. I could tell there was something going on with her, but I didn't know what so I suggested we meet for an early dinner to catch up. She agreed. I told her about you and the kids, and she asked about the Center. I had to run to the ladies room and didn't realize I had left my cellphone at the table. When I got back, we continued to talk, mostly about the past, but she also told me she wanted to know if there was a chance for us. I don't get it, Rissa. What is it? I swear I didn't do anything to encourage her."
"I believe you. While I don't like it at all and will be addressing it with her, I can't say I'm surprised. You're you, and you just don't realize how amazing and special you are. If you could see yourself through my eyes, you would understand." Marissa followed her declaration with a loving kiss.
"I could say the same thing about you. When you 'address' this with her, and I can't stop you from doing so, but just remember your wrist."
Marissa grinned. "I will. Maybe I'll ask Kendall, Greenlee, or Jo to come with me."
"Yeah, I think all three would be up for that. Speaking of Kendall, it was some time later that Sarah told me you had called, and that she had answered. I called you back as soon as I knew, but it went to voicemail. I called Kendall figuring she might know what was going on. She told me everything she knew which wasn't a lot at that point. As I was talking to her, Sarah kind of got an idea that something was wrong. She offered me the use of her company's private jet to get home. I took her up on it because I had to get home to you. I had to know and see for myself that you were okay. So much so that I didn't argue when she said she wanted to come along."
"She's here in Pine Valley?" Marissa asked with a raised eyebrow.
"She is. I'm not sure where she's staying, but she's here."
"Hmmm, something to keep in mind."
Bianca rolled her eyes seeing her wife smirk. "Something else to keep in mind is the kids. Did you say anything to them about what happened?"
"Just at a really high level. I wanted to talk with you first. I know we're going to have to tell them about Tammy, and I hate that because of Amber. It has to be done though."
"It does." Bianca paused when she heard a knock on their bedroom door. "Looks like we have visitors."
Marissa chuckled. "Looks like. So much for planning what we're going to tell them." The redhead sighed before she called out to their kids. "Come in."
AJ, Miranda, and Gabby peeked inside their mothers' bedroom.
"Good morning, minions. Come on in. Look who's home." Marissa nodded towards Bianca.
"Morning." Bianca smiled brightly.
The Tasker-Montgomery children smiled seeing their brunette mother and quickly joined their mothers on their bed where hugs were exchanged.
"We're missing someone. I'll go get your little brother. Make sure your Ma doesn't try and do anything while I'm gone. She's supposed to take it easy." Bianca grinned and quickly headed up to Danny's room to get him.
"No fair ganging up on me." Marissa protested.
The kids laughed seeing their redheaded mother scowl.
"Are you feeling any better, Ma?" AJ asked.
"I am, Buddy. I'm still a little sore, but I'm okay other than that. Don't worry. I'm going to be just fine."
"Ma, what really happened? Did you fall, or did someone else hurt you?" Miranda asked. The girl had started to piece things together. After hearing her Mom talk with Jo and Jessica the night before and hearing how angry her Mom was over her Ma being hurt, the only thing that made sense to her was that Mrs. Baldwin was responsible somehow.
Marissa was taken aback by the question, and had three pairs of eyes staring back at her intently. Something told her there was an underlying reason for Miranda to ask that, and she wondered what it was. "Let's wait until your Mom gets back, and then, we'll talk. I'm curious though, Mimo, what makes you ask that?"