A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I'm sorry for posting late, but this wasn't ready on Saturday. I'm posting now because I've got plans this weekend and may not be able to post anything then. It's finally Election Day here in the States, and I can't tell you how glad I am about that. If you live over here, you know what I'm talking about. The polls have been open for several hours, and I voted not long after they opened. We'll see what happens next. If you haven't done so yet, please vote! It's a right that we are given in this country, and it's our responsibility to exercise it! Okay, I'll step off my soapbox. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

After dropping Tad and the girls off at the bed and breakfast, Krystal headed back out for a quick but long overdue trip. She would swing back by Millers when she was done, and then they would meet up with the others. As she drove down the road, Krystal remembered the last time she had been in Devon. It was a lifetime ago, and she was just as nervous now as she had been back then. At the time of that visit however, she didn't make this extra trip because Krystal simply couldn't bring herself to do it. It was different now. This was something she needed to do, and there was no turning back. With a deep breath, she exited her car, walked over to a bench that had been placed there and sat down.

"Hi, Roy. Hi, Lydia. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to visit. I know I should have before, but I just couldn't do it. I was simply too ashamed. I don't know that I've ever thanked you properly for everything you've done. Marissa is such a wonderful woman. She's kind, caring, and loving. She has the biggest heart and is the best mother, and I know it's because of the two of you. You gave her everything that I couldn't. You gave her the unconditional love I couldn't at the time. Plus, you gave her the stability that I couldn't provide her with, and more importantly, you provided the examples of how to just be a good person. That's definitely something I wasn't at the time. She's a brilliant lawyer, and she really cares about her clients. It's not about the money with her. It's about doing what's right, and that is something she does time and time again. She has a very strong sense of right and wrong. I know she didn't get that from me and wouldn't have if I had kept her.

You know, I honestly do regret what I did back then, but it was for the best. When I see the woman that Marissa has become, there's no denying it. Those experts always talk about nature versus nurture and which one is the stronger influence. In Marissa's case, it's clear to see that it's nurture. For as much as I hurt her with what I did, I hurt someone else so much more. It's not something that I'm remotely proud of. I hurt the kindest soul I have ever known in the worst way possible at during the worst period of her life. I tried to justify it at the time that I was helping my daughter, my other daughter Babe, but that's just an excuse. I know to the bottom of my soul that if Marissa was there at the time and knew what was going on, she would not have allowed it. She would have stopped it in its tracks no matter how much it may have hurt her. That's definitely not something her sister, her biological father or I considered at the time. Marissa knows everything that happened, and she has a harder time forgiving me of that than for what I did to her. I'm sure that really wouldn't surprise either of you. She is working on forgiving me though, thanks in large part to Bianca. Oh, you would absolutely adore Bianca. She's the one I hurt, and the one who has had a hand in encouraging Marissa to forgive me. They are perfect for each other, and they are so happy. Both deserve that happiness and even more. I promise you this. I will be there for Marissa and do everything I can to make things up to her in whatever way I can. I should go. I just wanted to apologize again though, and more importantly, I wanted to thank you. You did an amazing job, and I will forever be grateful to you. Goodbye." Krystal took a deep breath to gather herself and then left.

/

Unbeknownst to the others, Erica, who had been standing off to the side with Jessica, had caught the majority of that exchange. She and Jessica had stopped in one of the shops to look at a few things and had returned just in time to overhear what was going on.

"Jessica, would you like to help me with something?"

With a smile just as wicked as the one Erica was wearing, Jessica nodded. "I would love nothing more, Erica." She owed Shelly for what she had done to both Jo and Marissa. Between her and Erica, they would make sure karma paid a visit to Shelly. As the two women walked away from their group, something caught Jessica's eye, and she immediately pointed it out to Erica. "I think that could be of use to us. What do you think?"

Erica raised an eyebrow at what her friend had discovered. The diva was impressed with Jessica's obvious deviousness. "I love how you think. Let's grab it."

/

"Uh … M … Marissa. What … What are you doing here?" Shelly began to shift uncomfortably.

"I would think it would be fairly obvious. This is a ladies' restroom after all, and the last time I checked, it was a public one."

Shelly laughed nervously. "Ha, ha. You're right. How … How long have you been … here?"

"Oh, I don't know, not very long." Marissa paused and waited until she saw Shelly physically relax before she spoke again. The redhead knew the other woman thought she was in the clear, and it was then that Marissa knew she had her.

"Where are Carla and Veronica?"

"They left."

"Oh."

"Right around the time you started talking about my mother-in-law."

Shelly froze. "It's not what you think."

"Really? Why don't you tell me what it is then?"

"Uh … uh … I don't know what you thought you heard, but I'm sure you just misunderstood."

"Ah, I see. I'll tell you what. I'll tell you what I heard, and you tell me what I don't understand. Sound good? Okay, here we go. I heard you call my mother-in-law a drunk. What did I get wrong with that?"

Jo shook her head. While she knew Marissa was furious, the doctor also knew that her friend was enjoying making Shelly squirm. If anyone asked, Jo would have to admit that she was enjoying watching her friend in action.

After a beat, Marissa continued. "We can come back to that one if you want. I heard you say she isn't relevant, that she is washed up, and that she is a has-been. You said she is devoid of talent of any kind. Anything? No? Okay. You also said that I was acting on her behalf and pressuring Fitz to make her grand marshal because she needed the work. In fact, you said that she's desperate for work, and according to you, no one wants to work with her. I recall you saying that she was on the verge of bankruptcy, and you wouldn't be surprised if she was homeless any day now. Did I miss anything, Jo?"

"No, I think you got it all." Jo smiled. She really was having a good time.

Shelly had briefly forgotten that Jo was there. That fact bothered her a great deal. "I see you have your goon here. Two on one seems fair and just like something you would do."

Marissa glanced over to Jo. "Guess who has a new nickname! I'm calling you Dr. Goon from now on!"

Jo shrugged. "I've been called a lot worse. I'm just going to consider the source."

"Very smart and wise of you. That's why you were valedictorian." Marissa turned back to Shelly. "You would know about ganging up on someone. One of the many differences between us is that I don't need anyone else to help me with you. We both know that I can more than handle you all by myself. Jo just wants to make sure that we're not disturbed."

"I also wanted a front row seat to this. I really should've gotten some kettle corn."

"So, what did I not understand about what you said regarding Erica? I really need you to clear that up for me. Otherwise, I'm seriously going to have to consider pursuing a slander suit against you. I should let you know that I've learned quite a few things since high school."

"You can't sue if it's the truth! I've read articles about all of that!"

"I hate to break this to you, but not everything you read on the internet is true."

"That's the excuse people always use."

"Maybe they say it because it's true. Look, I'm feeling the Christmas spirit so I'll help you out. Erica is very relevant and far from being washed up or a has-been as you so eloquently put it. In fact, I don't think that she's ever been more popular or in demand. That is evident by the various talk shows that she's appeared on recently as not only a guest but also as a guest host. She's also extremely talented. So much so that her latest book is yet another bestseller. Oh, I don't want to forget the fact that she's been offered roles in several upcoming movies. As for her style, Erica is a staple on all of the best dressed lists, and her appearance at this year's Met Gala was a resounding success. She got rave reviews, from everyone. There wasn't a negative one to be found. I would say that is pretty convincing evidence."

"But … but she's still a drunk!" Shelly smiled triumphantly thinking she had Marissa on that one.

Marissa sighed. "That's not a secret. Erica has been very open about her struggle with alcohol. It was very brave of her to come forward like she did, and it took a lot of courage to do what she did. She had a problem, admitted it, and then asked for help. I can't tell you how many people, particularly women, have credited the interview she did with Diane Sawyer to discuss her struggle with them seeking treatment. They were inspired by her. I believe that would make her a role model. I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish by bringing that up. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm certainly not ashamed of my mother-in-law. I admire and respect her, and I'm proud to be a member of her family. Why don't you tell me what your real problem is, or do you not have the guts to do it?"

"Fine. She's your mother-in-law. I don't need any other reason."

"That's it? That's your problem with her? I don't mind you coming after me because, again, I can handle you. In fact, we both know that it's something I've proven more than once. What I won't tolerate is you going after my family and spreading lies intent on hurting them because of their relationship to me."

"Well, I won't tolerate someone like you coming back here and acting all high and mighty and like you own the place. You act like you're better than all of us when that is far from the truth. Ever since the day I met you, you have done your best to hurt me. You've lied, cheated, and stolen from me. You know what, I bet you would lose your license to practice law if they found about your arrest and conviction for prostitution."

"Wow. That's a heavy threat indeed. Where do I even start? Let's go with your charge, shall we? You've been spreading that lie for years. First, I was never convicted. I never even went to trial. Do you know why? It's because the charges were dismissed. The Chief of Police and the District Attorney concluded that I was wrongly charged. I was just a receptionist, and I wasn't involved in any of the illegal activities that took place there. I needed a job to survive. I had rent I had to pay as well as tuition, and oh, let's not forget food. I needed to pay for that too."

Shelly scoffed. "Oh please, you were far from innocent, and I wouldn't call you destitute. Your parents …"

Marissa stood up straight and lowered her voice, her tone icy. "My parents were dead, and you damn well know it. I didn't have any other family at the time, and I had no inheritance because we didn't have a lot of money. So, I got a job, and it was the only one I could find at the time that would work around my college schedule. Quitting school wasn't an option for me. It was important to my parents that I get an education so that I could pursue my dreams. I wanted to make them proud so I kept my promise to them. I think we can put your weak argument on that to rest. And just so we're clear, don't ever talk about my parents again. They were good people, and the only one who has ever said anything negative about them has been you. Say one more word about them, and you'll regret it for as long as you're breathing. Do you understand? Are we clear?"

When Shelly saw the barely contained fury in Marissa's eyes and heard the steeliness in her voice, she realized she had crossed a line when she had mentioned the Taskers. The only response she could muster was to gulp and nod once.

Seeing the other woman's response, Marissa continued. It took everything in her power to control her temper, but it was something she going to do. Shelly wasn't worth possibly losing any of the things Marissa had in her life. The redhead also could have brought up the fact that Shelly's father was a regular at the massage parlor and had been caught up in the raid just to spite her, but she decided not to. Mr. Griffin had never done anything to her personally so she let it go. "Good. Now, let's talk about the first time that we met. I went to introduce myself, and you challenged me to a race. When you saw that I was winning fair and square, you were the one that cheated. I guess you couldn't handle losing to someone who was smaller than you so you pushed me. You made me fall and skin my knees. Then, you laughed when you saw me crying. You saw how bad my knees were, but you didn't offer any help. When my knees heeled, I took you on again in another race, and that time, I won. I did it fair and square even though you tried your hardest to cheat and take me out again. Now, I'm trying to think of what I stole from you. You're talking about the mock trial, aren't you?"

"Yes! Yes, I am! I was supposed to win! Everyone knew it! Because of you and your goons I lost out on my chance to be valedictorian! She took it from me! It was mine! It was all supposed to be mine! You …"

"That would be you, and I guess Cory would be the other goon." Marissa glanced over her shoulder to her friend.

"We'll have to make sure we tell her that." Jo smirked.

"You know how she is. I think she might like it." Marissa turned back to Shelly and refused to let her continue. "First of all, Jo didn't take valedictorian away from you. She earned it. She has never had anything handed to her, and she sure as hell didn't expect to be given it or anything else for that matter. She studied and worked hard to get better grades than everybody else. Jo deserved it, plain and simple. You need to face that fact and get over it already. As for the trial, why on earth would you think you were supposed to win? Did you expect it to be handed to you on a silver platter? Did you think that whoever was on the opposite side was just going to roll over and let you win, that you weren't going to have to work for it? There was a class full of other students who had just as much riding on that trial as you, and they were equally worried about their grades. I was one of them. I took my role seriously. I studied, researched, listened to others, and didn't take anything for granted. I didn't take any shortcuts, and I also didn't leave my notes where anyone could steal them, which someone tried to do. When I stepped up to take the other lead role, it wasn't about you. It was about me wanting to do my best, showing what I could do. There was also no vast conspiracy against you. No one was out to get you. In fact, it really wasn't about you at all. You were the one who made it about you. You intimidated people, lied about them, spread vicious rumors, did everything you possibly could think of to hurt anyone you perceived not to be on your side because your side was the only side. Your way was the only way, and you didn't care who you walked over to get what you wanted. From where I'm standing, nothing has changed. You were a bully then, and you're a bully now. Just look at how you've treated Carla and Veronica. They've done nothing but try to be friends with you. And how do you repay them? You talk about them and treat them like dirt. You're still the same selfish, self-serving, spoiled, intolerant, bigoted, biased individual now that you were then. You don't care about anyone other than yourself. It's sad and pretty damn pathetic. You really need to get over yourself and move on. Grow up and get a life.

See, I hate to break this to you also, but not everything is about you. This was a family trip for us. Bianca planned this as a surprise for me. She knew how much I loved Winterfest and how much I love Devon. I grew up here. This was my home, and part of me will always be here. This trip was about sharing that part of me with our family. That's it. There was no ulterior motive. The role of grand marshal wasn't even a blip on the screen for us. What Ginny Williams told you and what you were so willing to believe with not even a shred of evidence was wrong. She either made it up and lied to stir up trouble, or she somehow heard it wrong. I don't know, and I really don't care. I wasn't lobbying to have Erica made grand marshal. Fitz was trying to get me to talk her into doing it. He and the city council thought her celebrity would bring more visitors here and make it bigger. When he told me that someone else had been picked, I told him I wouldn't do it because it wouldn't be right. My stance didn't change when I found out that you were the one who had been chosen. So before you start attacking someone, you really should get your facts straight. With all that in mind, I'll break this down so that even you can understand it. Leave my family the hell alone. Don't talk about them. Don't look at them. Don't even think about them. If you do, make no mistake about this, you will regret it. That's not a threat. It's a promise." Marissa finished and then walked to the door where a smiling Jo was stationed. Just before they left, the redhead turned back to where Shelly stood frozen in what could only be described as the gaudiest outfit ever made. "Oh, and that outfit, you were right when you said that Erica couldn't wear that, but you were wrong on your reasoning. Erica has way too much taste and class to be caught dead in something like that."

/

When Marissa, followed by Jo, exited the ladies' room, she was greeted by Bianca, who was holding their youngest son, along with Kendall, Cory, Carla, Veronica, and Greenlee who wore an ear to ear grin and held a large bag of kettle corn which she shared with the group.

"Um, hi. What's going on?"

Bianca smiled proudly and rewarded her wife with a kiss.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

"That is for you being you." Bianca continued when she saw the confused look on Marissa's face. "I heard what you said to Shelly."

"We all did, Red." Kendall added with a smile as she gently bounced a giggling Lexie. "Way to defend the family and hand Shelly her ass at the same time."

"How did you …"

"It was broadcast over the loud speakers in the square. I think the only area that didn't hear you was the skating rink and that's because they've got music playing over there."

"Wait. So you all heard that?"

Cory nodded. "Yeah, we did. I have to say that part of me does like being called a goon. It feels like it gives me some street cred."

Jo laughed at the school teacher. "Yeah. We're really going to have to work on that street cred for you. I still don't get how you all heard that."

"I'm not one hundred percent sure of this, but I did spot Erica and Jessica heading around the back of the building with what looked like some sort of portable microphone setup." Greenlee supplied. "Those two working together are going to give Kendall and me a run for our money."

"Mom and Erica did that?"

Bianca chuckled. "I think they're a bad influence on each other."

Marissa shook her head. "I'm glad they're on my side. Are you okay with everything?"

"I am. Like Kendall said, you defended our family as well as yourself and kept your temper in check. You didn't let her get to you. People really need to stop underestimating you. I'm very proud of you."

Carla took a step forward. "Marissa, thank you for what you said for Veronica and me. We appreciate it."

Veronica nodded. "She's right. It meant a lot. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I meant every word. Hey, Bianca, where are your Mom and Jessica?"

The group looked around for the pair, but no one could see them.

/

Inside the restroom, Shelly finally came out of her daze and looked around to make sure she was alone. She began to mutter to herself once she saw that she was. "Who in the hell does she think she is?! I can't believe she said those things to me! I'm going to show her. I will have my revenge. Everyone is going to know exactly who and what she is. She makes me sick. Flaunting that lifestyle in front of everyone here, acting like she's better than us."

While Shelly continued to rant, she didn't see Erica standing by the door. The diva had heard every word as did Jessica. It took everything both women had not to charge in and rip into Shelly, but they had managed to stop themselves. Instead of them rushing in however, it was decided that Erica would confront Shelly while Jessica disconnected the portable microphone they had borrowed to show Shelly's true character to the residents of Devon. Neither woman wanted this part to be made public.

"That's because Marissa is better, at least better than you, and trust me on this, she is better than you by a mile."

"Erica." Shelly's eyes grew wide.

"Yes. So you're planning some sort of revenge against my daughter-in-law for what? Being honest with everything she said to you? That you were going to tell people exactly who and what she is. Would you care to explain that?"

"That's not what I meant."

"It's seems you have quite the habit of saying things you don't mean. It also seems that happens especially when someone calls you out on it."

The diva's smile shook Shelly to the core and pretty much rendered her speechless. "Uh … I … I …"

"Don't. I want you to listen carefully to what I'm going to say because I'm only going to say this once. You will leave my daughter-in-law and the rest of my family alone. This includes Jessica, Jo, and Cory as well as their families. If you fail to do this and seek some sort of revenge or retribution against any of them and particularly Marissa, you will be dealing with me. Now, I'm fully aware that my daughter-in-law can handle you. She, in fact, did so quite impressively earlier. The point is that she shouldn't have to, especially with the likes of you. Someone who is insignificant, a mere speck, if you will, in the grand scheme of things. You see, Marissa is family, and I protect my family. If someone goes after them, I will return the favor tenfold and use every means possible. You should know that I have many resources at my disposal, and I am not afraid to use them. In fact, in your case, I'm quite looking forward to using them. Don't test me. As Marissa stated to you earlier, I'll make this as simple as possible so that even you can understand. If you try anything to hurt Marissa or any other member of my family, I will destroy you and not give it a second thought. I eat little girls like you for breakfast. So believe me, you don't want to take me on because it will be the biggest mistake of your sad, pathetic, insignificant, little life. Are we crystal clear on this? Nod if you understand." Seeing Shelly nod in response, Erica smiled. "Very good. Oh, my daughter-in-law was also correct about that outfit. I wouldn't be caught dead in that monstrosity." With that, the diva turned and left the younger woman shaking in her wake.

/

Shelly finally collected herself enough to leave the ladies' room. She spotted Carla and Veronica and made her way over to them. Her confidence was bolstered slightly once she saw that they were alone. She was going to give them a piece of her mind and begin to bash Marissa again. Like most bullies, she was braver when her true intended targets were not around. Just as she was about to open her mouth, Shelly spotted the diva just a few feet away talking with her family. Erica's eyes locked onto those of the younger woman, and she gave her the Kane death glare full blast and in all its glory. Shelly was not prepared for that at all, and the intensity had her stumble into one of the displays that featured a petting zoo for the children. Unable to regain her footing, she fell into a large pile that contained the animals' waste.

"Ahhhhh!" Shelly screamed and struggled to her feet. Just as she had almost regained her balance, she was blasted by a burst of white from a snow machine in the display next to the petting zoo that caused her to fall face first back into the pile of waste. After several beats, volunteers hurried over to turn off the snow machine and help Shelly up as they struggled to not bust out laughing. They had heard the conversation between Marissa and Shelly, and they all agreed the redhead was in the right. To a person, they also all believed that karma had just paid Shelly a long overdue visit.

Bianca and Marissa quickly glanced at each other and silently confirmed that they had each saw what had really happened with a grin. They had seen Jessica quickly leave the neighboring display right after the snow machine had blasted Shelly just as they had caught the exchange between Jessica and Erica immediately afterwards. The two older women nodded at each other and smiled knowingly. While Shelly falling into the petting zoo was sheer happenstance, what happened with the snow machine was definitely not. Jo had caught it too, and the doctor couldn't have been prouder of her mother than she was at that moment. Cory was unable to contain her laughter and had tears in her eyes.

Kendall laughed and glanced down at her daughter. "And that is why you never mess with a Kane woman."

Greenlee had her cellphone out and had recorded the entire incident. "Or any of the badass women that are in their squad. That was classic. I am so adding this to the Minx DVD. Everyone is getting a copy of this for Christmas, and when I get back to the B&B, we're going viral!"

/

A/N: The next chapter will tie up a few loose ends and then move on. See you soon!