A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I appreciate it. This chapter picks up where the last one left off, and I hope it doesn't trigger anyone. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Before anyone could say anything else, the phone rang. Marissa recognized the number and answered it. "Hi, Vikki. I'm going to put you on speaker." Once she had done that, the redhead continued. "We've got Greenlee, Ryan, Kendall, Bianca, and myself here."

"Hello, everyone. Merry Christmas. I have Nora with me."

"Merry Christmas."

"A belated Happy Hanukkah, Nora."

"Thank you, Marissa."

"Merry Christmas, Vikki."

"Merry Christmas to you, Bianca. Are you alright sitting in on this discussion?"

"I am. If there is any way that I can help Greenlee and Ryan, I will."

Greenlee smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

Bianca returned the smile and nodded.

Marissa glanced around the room to make sure everyone there was ready. "Thank you both for taking the time out of your holiday to talk with us. So, what can you tell us?"

"A woman after my own heart, Marissa. You get straight to the point, just like me. Okay. The information I'm going to give you is public record. I know I could direct you to it, but given our relationship, I feel this works better for all of us." Nora paused to determine the best place to start. "I will only give you her first name since Marissa already knows it. As you know, the biological mother is named Alicia, and the biological father is Travis Warren. Alicia and Travis were students at Llanview University. She comes from a working class family and was the first one in her family to go to college. Alicia is extremely intelligent and received a full scholarship, and she was pursuing a degree in education. And as you know from the social worker, she is African-American. Travis is white and comes from money. His family is very influential and has donated quite a bit to the university. In fact, one of the buildings has their name on it. Travis is also the starting quarterback for the university's football team. There has been some speculation that a few NFL scouts have been to some games to watch him. Both Alicia and Travis lived on campus in different dorms. Last fall, there was a party in Travis's dorm, and Alicia went to it with some friends. There was alcohol, and both were drinking throughout the night. During the course of the evening, the two met and began talking. Up to that point, everyone agrees with the story. After it however, that's where things change.

There's a difference of opinion as to how much they drank, particularly with Alicia. There are reports from some of Travis's teammates that she drank quite a lot. Alicia and others at the party said that she had two or three drinks at the most. She said that she had one before she met Travis and felt fine. After that point, he got her the drinks. Alicia said that after the second drink she started to feel 'off'. Things started to get fuzzy. Travis offered to take her to his room so she could lie down until she felt better. Do you need me to go into detail with what happened next?"

Marissa glanced at Bianca and squeezed her hand. "Are you okay?"

Bianca took a deep breath and nodded. "I am."

Greenlee shook her head. She didn't need to hear any of the details and neither did Bianca. "We're good, Nora. I think we all know what happened after he took her to his room."

"Alright. I'll skip ahead. The next day, Alicia went to the university's health center, and a doctor performed an exam and completed a rape kit. Alicia was a virgin so there was definite evidence of sexual activity. Normally, they would have offered her a day after pill, but the university's regents didn't approve that expense on the school's budget. The health center contacted the campus police, and they took Alicia's statement. It then became a case of he said/she said when they finally interviewed Travis one month later. They didn't want to interfere with the football season. He also had a lawyer who saw to it that Travis denied everything, then kept his mouth shut, and gave no further statements. They didn't push back. Up to this point, the case and investigation were handled only at the university level. Now, I need to ask if you are familiar with Title IX."

"That deals with women's sports, doesn't it?" Ryan asked.

Bianca had glanced at Marissa's notes while Nora spoke and saw she had written down Llanview University and Title IX with question marks next to them.

"It's best known for its impact on athletics, but it goes much deeper than that. It is a federal civil rights law. Am I safe in assuming that you have more of those details readily available, Nora?" Marissa asked.

"You are. Marissa is correct that Title IX goes deeper than just sports. It was passed in 1972 and applies to all educational programs. Basically, Title IX states that 'no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance'. Each college or university that receives federal funds must abide by that. They also must have a Title IX office or coordinator that oversees complaints and investigations. According to an April 2011 letter issued by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, 'The sexual harassment of students, including sexual violence, interferes with students' right to receive an education free from discrimination and, in the case of sexual violence, is a crime.' That letter goes on to state that it is the responsibility of institutions of higher education 'to take immediate and effective steps to end sexual harassment and sexual violence.' It gives several examples of Title IX requirements as they relate to sexual violence, and makes clear that, should an institution fail to fulfill its responsibilities under Title IX, the Department of Education can impose a fine and potentially deny further institutional access to federal funds. I mention all of this for a reason. Llanview University failed miserably and fumbled the investigation. I don't even think you could call it an investigation to be honest. In fact, they didn't contact the police or my office."

"Who contacted you? Marissa asked.

"Alicia and her family. They went to the police when nothing was being done on the university level. They had been instructed by the university not to go to the police because the school would be handling it. A month went by, and they still hadn't heard anything. Alicia found out she was pregnant and went to the president. Still nothing. It was when she got a letter from the Warren's attorney to cease and desist that she decided to go to the police. Bo brought me in right away. I still remember our first meeting. Some time had passed from when the assault happened which would make the case hard but not impossible. We had the rape kit that had been done at the health center along with blood samples they had taken from Alicia. Neither of which they had done anything with. We were able to get a few witnesses from that night that had seen them together. There was one other piece of evidence we found. Travis had taken a video of what happened once they were in his room. He sent it to some of the players. One of them came forward and turned it in to us."

As Nora spoke and revealed details of the case, Marissa nodded. "I remember this case. Wasn't there a charge of bribery?"

"Yes, there was. His parents tried to bribe the player that came forward with the video. They also did their best to make Alicia's life more of a living hell than their son already had. They leaked Alicia's name and started a smear campaign against her."

"They contacted 'The Banner' as well as a few other papers. We couldn't confirm any part of their story. We also have a policy of not releasing the names of victims of sexual assault. The Warrens were none too happy. They threatened us with a lawsuit, but it was baseless and eventually dismissed." Vikki added.

"What happened with the trial? Did you verify that he was the father? Could he come back and try and take the baby?" Greenlee asked.

"We did take a DNA sample after the baby was born, and it confirmed that Travis is the biological father. As to the trial, he was found guilty of all charges and will be spending a long time behind bars. He won't be given custody and neither will his family if they were to even think about suing for it, which trust me, I don't think that will ever happen. They were quite clear about what they thought of a mixed race grandchild. The only thing Travis did for the baby was sign away his parental rights. Alicia told me she had thought about abortion but couldn't do it. She decided to carry the baby to term and wanted to keep her, but she just couldn't. She was too much of a reminder for Alicia of what happened. It was the same for her family. They agreed on adoption. The adoption couldn't take place right away because of the trial. So, the baby was placed in foster care with a very good family, and she was taken care of. I believe she's five months?"

"Six months." Marissa corrected. After listening to Nora, everything made sense to her.

"Are there any other questions you have for Vikki or me?"

Greenlee shook her head. "No, I think we know everything that we need to. Thank you."

"You're welcome. If I could just add one thing? While Travis is a son of a bitch, Alicia is one of the kindest, smartest, and bravest people that I've met. It took a great deal of strength to get through what she did. I would say that she's one of those people because there's another in Pine Valley."

"You're right about that, Nora." Kendall said proudly as she smiled at her sister.

"Greenlee, Ryan, good luck with your decision."

"Thank you, Nora."

"Thanks, Nora. Thanks, Vikki. We really appreciate you taking the time today to talk with us." Marissa said.

"Rissa's right. Thank you." Bianca added.

"You're welcome. Let's plan on getting together again soon."

"That is an excellent idea, Nora. We'll call you in a few days to plan something." Vikki suggested.

"Definitely. We'll talk soon. Oh, Nora."

"Yes, Marissa."

"I'm sure you're already on top of this, and while it would be a conflict of interest if my firm were to get involved because I represent Greenlee and Ryan, let me know if Alicia wants to pursue a Title IX suit against Llanview University. She has one of hell of a case, and I know a few attorneys that would be more than willing to take it on as well as a civil suit against the Warrens."

Nora chuckled. "I agree with you on that. She has an excellent case against both of them. We've talked a little about that, and I'm getting a list of attorneys together for her. Send me those names, and I'll add them to it."

"Will do." Marissa disconnected the call.

/

Everyone was silent for a few minutes while they absorbed all of the information they had just gotten from Vikki and Nora.

Greenlee finally broke it. "Jo."

"What about her?" Kendall asked confused by her friend's outburst.

"You asked her to stay."

Marissa nodded. "I did."

"Because she's black?"

"In part. Both she and Jessica are women of color. They will know some of the challenges you'll probably face with the baby. The main reason I asked her to stay though is because she's a psychologist. Knowing the baby's history, you may want someone to talk to about it, a professional."

"That makes sense. Ryan and I know that we can talk to you if we need to, but it can be a lot to take in. The last thing we want to do is to trigger anything. Are you okay, Bianca?"

Bianca nodded. "I am. Do you want some advice?"

"Yes, please." Ryan said gratefully.

"This baby is innocent. She is the result of a violent act, but she is innocent. If you do decide to adopt her, just love her like I know that you can."

"And when she asks about her birth parents?"

Bianca sighed. "Miranda doesn't know what Michael did. She knows that her biological father was not a good man and is no longer alive. I know that we'll most likely have to have a deeper conversation about him one day, but I try not to focus on it. Right now, I give her all of the love that I can. I try and build up her confidence and do my best to help her become a good person. She is not Michael, and I never look at her that way."

"You've done a wonderful job with her. Miranda is your daughter through and through." Greenlee assured Bianca.

"What are you going to do?" Kendall asked.

Greenlee thought for a moment. "Ryan, I think we need to talk to Marissa alone for a few minutes."

"I think that's a good idea."

Looking at Kendall and Bianca, Greenlee asked them a question. "Are you okay with that?"

"Whatever you need." Kendall assured her friend.

"We'll go to the family room. If you need us again, just let us know." Bianca then turned to her wife. "Take as long as you need."

Marissa studied her wife for a moment. She was a little worried how this discussion would affect Bianca. "Are you okay?"

"I am. I promise."

The redhead didn't sense that her wife was lying so she let it go for now. "Okay. We'll talk later."

Bianca nodded. "I'd like that a lot. Thank you." She leaned in and gave Marissa a quick kiss before she followed Kendall out of the office.

Once they were alone, Marissa looked at Greenlee and Ryan. "What questions do you have for me?"

"I know Kendall's story as well as Bianca's. Could I ask how you feel about being adopted?"

Marissa thought for a moment and released a breath. "Honestly, I hit the adoption lottery with my Mom and Dad. They were the best parents a child could ever want. They gave me everything, and I never once felt that they didn't love me, that I wasn't their world."

"When you found out you were adopted?"

"It didn't change how I saw them. Yes, Krystal and David are my biological parents, but in every other way, my parents are Roy and Lydia Tasker. They taught me right from wrong, good from bad. They were the ones who laid the foundation for who I am today. Who knows how I would've turned out if Krystal didn't give me up? When I adopted AJ and became his mother, I wanted to be the kind of mother that my Mom was. I hope I am. And before you ask, I love AJ, Miranda, and Gabby just as much as I love Danny. Now, I know you love Emma and Spike."

Greenlee nodded. "Of course I do. They're a part of Ryan and really special children."

"Knowing how Miranda was conceived, do you look at her differently?"

"No, not at all."

"Do you look at this child differently?" Marissa knew Greenlee needed some reassurance and was helping as best she could to help her find it.

"No, I don't. Like Bianca said before, this baby is innocent. I just … Can I give her what she needs?"

"Greenlee, I know you. You have one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen, and it gives you this tremendous capacity to love. There's not a doubt in my mind that you can give this child the love that she needs. She, or any child for that matter, would be lucky to have you as her Mom. Now, when they become a teenager, they may not feel that way because they won't be able to get much by you." The quip had its intended affect when Greenlee chuckled.

"That's very true. Been there, done most of it."

"You know, it's perfectly natural to have some doubts. Like I said, you can do this, and you won't be alone. You have a whole village to help you. You've got Ryan, Kendall, Jack, Bianca, Zach, even Erica, and me, and I don't even know how many others that will be more than ready and willing to help. Trust and believe in yourself as much as we do, and you'll be great."

"Thank you, Marissa."

"You beat me to the punch on that, Marissa." Ryan said and then turned to his wife. "She's right you know. You are great with Emma and Spike, and they are crazy about you. For all intents and purposes, you are Emma's mom. I know it hasn't always been easy because of Annie, but you were patient with Emma and got through to her. As for Spike, you're right up there with Kendall in his eyes. This baby, she'll see you the same way. I'm with you, whatever you want to do."

Greenlee took a deep breath.

/

The others glanced up when Bianca and Kendall returned to the family room.

"Is everything okay back there?" Jack asked. He was a little concerned about Greenlee.

"Don't worry, Uncle Jack. Rissa has things under control." Before Bianca could say anything else, Miranda appeared and sat next to her on the sofa.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hi, Mimo. Are you okay?"

Miranda rested her head against Bianca as her mother wrapped an arm around her. "Yeah, I just wanted to see you. Are you okay?"

"I am. Why do you ask?"

The girl scrunched her face. "It's hard to explain, but I just had a feeling that maybe you needed me."

Bianca hugged her daughter tighter and kissed the top of her head. "Well, I'm always going to need you. I love you."

"I love you too. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm positive. Thank you for thinking of me though."

Kendall watched her sister and niece. They really did have a special bond.

"Where's Ma?"

"She's talking to Greenlee and Ryan about a few things. She'll be out in a few minutes. Is there something I can do for you?"

"I'm okay."

"Would you want some hot chocolate?"

"Who wants some hot chocolate?" Marissa said as she joined the others. The redhead smiled when she saw Bianca and Miranda together. No matter what her wife said, she knew the discussion they'd had earlier was hard on Bianca. Marissa was glad to see Miranda with her.

"Me?" Miranda grinned.

"I think that can be arranged. How's everybody downstairs?" Marissa asked as she sat on the other side of Miranda.

"Ian's asleep, and Emma and Spike were nodding off a little. Uncle Zach said they'll probably go home soon."

"Sounds like Uncle Zach is right." Kendall said.

"What about your brother and sister?" Danny and Lexie were up in Danny's room and sharing his baby bed.

"AJ and Gabby are doing okay and still watching the movie."

"Why aren't you watching it?"

"I wanted to check on Mom."

"You did, huh?"

"Yeah, she didn't get home until early this morning and then was up early so I know she hasn't had a lot of sleep."

"You are a very good daughter, you know that?"

"I try."

Marissa and Bianca chuckled.

"And you more than succeed." Bianca assured her daughter.

Greenlee and Ryan finally joined the others.

Kendall looked over at her friend. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, it is." Greenlee nodded with a bright smile. "It looks like we're going to be going to Llanview in a few days with Marissa."

"Really?"

Ryan nodded with a smile as big as his wife's. "Yes, we are."

"I'm happy to hear that." Bianca smiled.

"Is there anything you want to share with us?" Jack asked.

"Tomorrow. Right now, we're just going to go home and spend some time with Emma." Greenlee said. She and Ryan wanted to talk Emma first and tell her about the adoption, and let her know that she was soon going to be a big sister. They weren't going to tell her any of the ugly details because she was way too young for that. After they talked with Emma, they would tell the others.

"It's getting late, and we should get home. I'll go get Emma." Ryan said as he headed downstairs.

Greenlee nodded. When they entered the room, she had made a point of standing next to Jo. Greenlee lowered her voice so the others couldn't hear. "Jo, could we maybe talk tomorrow or the day after? I have a few questions, and Marissa thinks you would be a good person to talk to about them, professionally speaking."

Jo glanced over at her friend and saw the redhead give a nod. "Sure. Just give me a call."

"I think Ryan is right. It is getting late. We should go." Jessica said.

Caleb nodded. "I'll get our coats."

Greg looked at Jo who nodded at his unspoken question. "Caleb, would you mind grabbing ours while you're at it?"

"No problem."

Jack turned to Erica. "Are you ready to go?"

"I am."

"I'll get our coats then."

"And I'll gather the rest of our things."

"I'm going to go get Lexie." Kendall said as she stood up.

Bianca stood as well. "I should check on Danny."

Marissa and Miranda helped everyone gather their gifts and leftovers. Soon, everyone, including all of the kids, was back in the family room and buttoning up their coats. Hugs were exchanged as everyone left Minx Manor.

Greenlee hung back for a second and hugged Marissa again. "Thank you so much, Marissa."

"You're welcome. I'll call Jackie first thing in the morning to arrange all of the details and call you right after. Congratulations!"

"Thanks! I'm going to be a Mom!"

"Yes, you are!"

"I'll talk to you tomorrow."

/

Once all of their guests were gone, the Tasker-Montgomery family settled in the family room with some hot chocolate as they watched a Christmas movie and enjoyed just being together. It had been a long but fun day for all of them.

Marissa glanced at Bianca. "I love you, B. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Rissa. I love you too."

They would talk about the day's events later, but for now, the couple just wanted to enjoy this moment.

/

A/N: The information regarding Title IX was gathered from Wikipedia. Unfortunately, Title IX violations have been in the news a lot recently, and in some cases, the schools have failed their students. I can only hope this changes. On a much lighter note, I still need some name recommendations for Baby Girl Lavery. See you soon!