A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I appreciate it. I'm sorry for the delay in updating this story. I ended up working last weekend which cut into my writing time. I'm going to offer a warning with this chapter. If you know anything about the character of Bianca, then you are aware of the traumatic event that happened to her when she was younger and one of the main purposes for the Miranda Center. This and the next chapter will focus on those events. While Bianca has healed, it doesn't take much for those wounds to be re-opened. This warning is here to prevent any possible triggers for anyone reading this. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

"How are you doing, Bianca?" Jo asked as she carefully observed Bianca. She was beginning to see some signs of strain in her friend's face, and the doctor had to admit that she was slightly concerned.

Bianca opened her eyes when she heard her name and saw Jo leaning on the wall next to her. "Hi, Jo. I'm … okay."

"Really?" There was no way that Jo could miss that pause.

Bianca sighed. She wasn't sure how much she would be able to hide from Jo. The doctor was very good at reading people which reminded her a great deal of Marissa. Her wife was the same way, and it made the friends formidable in their respective professions. Bianca did her best to try and dodge the probing question because she hated to admit that hearing Chloe's interview with the police had been harder than she had thought it would be. She knew Jo was only asking out of concern for her though. "I will be, as soon as Chloe is settled in a hospital room. I'll get a case worker from the Center assigned to her and over here."

"Do you need to talk?"

Just like Marissa, Jo is like a dog with a bone sometimes. Bianca shook her head. "No, but thanks."

"Okay. I'm here if you change your mind." Jo decided to drop the subject. She knew pushing wouldn't do any good.

"Thanks. I appreciate it." Bianca sighed and rolled her shoulders. Tension had been building in them since she had first talked to Angie, and now, she was feeling the beginnings of a migraine. There was nothing she could do about it at the moment though. "I should make some calls while I have a few minutes. Rissa sent me a text earlier, and I haven't had a chance to reply. I need to call the Center and check in there, and then, I need to figure out about the kids. I'm supposed to pick them up today, but I don't know that I'll be able to since it looks like I'm going to be here a little while longer."

"Why don't you give my Mom a call? I'm sure she would be thrilled to pick them up and spend some time with them. She really loves spoiling them."

"She's not busy? You don't think she would mind? I'd call Susan, but she has class this afternoon."

Jo rolled her eyes. "As far as I know, she didn't have any plans for today. And as for your question about her minding watching them, are you serious? I know you've met my Mom so I don't even know why you're asking that question."

Bianca chuckled. Jessica was like another grandmother to the kids, and they had a mutual admiration society between them. "Yeah, you're right. I'm wasn't really thinking on that one, huh? The kids would love to see her. It's a good idea. Thanks. I'll call her first."

"I'll leave you to make your calls then. I'm going to check on another patient. I'll be back."

/

"Are you sure it's not a problem, Jessica?"

"I'm positive, Bianca. I was just reading a book. Given the choice between reading and spending time with those children of yours, I'll pick the kids every time."

"Thanks. I really appreciate this. As you know, you're on the approved pick up list so you shouldn't have any problems. Just pick them up where you did the last time."

"Got it. I'll make sure they start on their homework right away too so don't worry about that."

Bianca chuckled. While Jessica loved to spoil the kids, she always made sure their homework was done. Education was extremely important to the older woman so she had no problem following Bianca and Marissa's homework rule. While Bianca knew Jessica would make sure that the kids started on their homework, she also knew that Jessica would be bringing over ingredients to make cookies for them as well as their mothers. "Thanks. Oh, you don't have to worry about Danny. Rissa will take care of picking him up from daycare as usual."

"Are you okay, Bianca? Is there anything else I can do for you?" Jessica had to ask. There was something in Bianca's tone that was sending up red flags for her.

"I am. I'm just a little tired. This helps more than you know."

"If you're sure …" Jessica wasn't really buying it but decided not to push right now. She was definitely going to talk to Marissa though.

"Don't worry about me. Okay. I need to call Rissa, and let her know what's going on. Thanks again."

"You're welcome. I'll see you later."

/

Next on Bianca's list was to call Marissa. She decided to call her wife's office number since she wasn't sure whether or not Marissa would be free, and she didn't want to interrupt her if she wasn't.

"Marissa Tasker's office. How may I help you?"

"Hi, Ellie."

"Bianca, hi. Long time no talk." Ellie joked. They had actually talked briefly that morning.

"Yeah, it's been a whole what five hours?" Bianca chuckled.

Ellie laughed. "Something like that."

"Is my brilliant wife available?"

"I'm sorry, but she is with a client at the moment. Do you need me to interrupt?"

"No, it's fine. Could you give her a message for me?"

"Of course."

"Tell her I'm still at the hospital, and it looks like I'm going to be here for a little while longer. I talked to Jessica, and she's going to pick up the kids from school."

"Got it. Anything else?"

"No, that's it."

"Okay. I'll let her know as soon as she's free."

"Thanks. I'll talk to you later."

/

Bianca's final call was to the Miranda Center. She needed to talk to Aya and have her assign a caseworker to Chloe. There had been a time when Bianca would have pushed herself to take Chloe's case on herself and felt less of herself if she didn't. That time had passed however. Through therapy, Bianca, for the most part, now understood her limits. There were still times when she pushed herself, but those were now fewer and further between. They had to be for her mental health, and this was something Bianca recognized and why she was going to have someone else handle this case.

"Hi, Bianca. How is it going?"

"Hi, Aya. It's going as well as can be expected. Chloe is getting some x-rays at the moment. She was in pretty rough shape when I first got here, but she's doing a little better. I need you to send someone over and work with her."

"Is there anyone in particular you have in mind?"

"What does Michelle's schedule look like?"

"Good choice. Let me check." Aya pulled up the woman's schedule. "It looks like Michelle is available. I'll track her down and send her over as soon as possible."

"Thanks. I'll wait here and turn things over to her."

"Sounds good. How are you doing?"

Bianca sighed. She knew everyone meant well, but she had to admit that being asked that particular question repeatedly was really starting to irritate her. "I'm fine. Look, just have Michelle text me when she's on her way so I can let her know where we are."

Aya winced slightly at Bianca's tone. She was truly concerned about her boss and friend and didn't mean to upset her. It was then that she realized that Bianca had probably been asked that very question several times by others. "Will do."

"I'm sorry for snapping, Aya. I'm just tired, and I shouldn't be taking it out on you."

"Don't worry. I understand. I'm guilty of doing the same thing myself sometimes. Do you think you'll be coming back to the office?"

"I don't think so. I think I'm just going to call it a day and go home."

Aya was relieved to hear that. From what she could tell, Bianca needed the break. "Okay. I'll have Jan clear your schedule."

"Thanks. I appreciate it. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll see you then."

/

When Marissa's client left, Ellie ducked back into her office.

"Bianca called a little while ago."

Marissa took her glasses off and turned her full attention to Ellie. "How did she sound?"

"She sounded a little tired but okay for the most part, I think."

"Okay. What did she say?"

"She was still at the hospital, and thought she was going to be there for a little while longer. Bianca also said that she talked to Jessica, and she was going to pick the kids up from school so neither of you have to worry about them."

"The kids will love seeing Jessica because that means she'll be baking some cookies for them. If Bianca and I are lucky, the kids won't eat them all, and we'll get some too. Did Bianca say anything else?"

Ellie shook her head. "No, that was it."

"Thank you." While Marissa was relieved to hear that Bianca sounded okay, she still couldn't shake the feeling that not everything was as cut and dry as it appeared to be. She was definitely going to have to keep an eye on Bianca when she got home to make sure she was truly okay.

/

A short time later with her tests finished for the time being, Chloe was moved to a hospital room. Angie informed the young woman that she would need to stay there for a few days. The doctor didn't want to release her just quite yet. Her injuries needed sufficient time to heal before Angie felt comfortable enough to release her. Chloe was anxious about staying there since her attacker hadn't been caught yet. By this time, Brot had arrived, and he and Officer Yates, the female officer who questioned Chloe earlier, reassured the young woman that they would have security in place for her.

Soon, Chloe's parents arrived, and they were informed of what had transpired. They were distraught hearing what happened to their daughter, but they did their best to be strong for her. Bianca remained there with them through it all and informed the family of the services that the Miranda Center offered and that a caseworker would be there for Chloe every step of the way. Michelle finally arrived, and Bianca caught her up on what was going on and then introduced her to Chloe. The younger woman was reluctant to part ways with Bianca, but after talking to Michelle for a few minutes, Chloe felt comfortable enough with her for Bianca to leave.

As Bianca was headed out, Angie stopped her.

"Thank you for coming and helping. You were amazing as always."

"You're welcome. I'm glad I was able to help. Chloe is in very good hands with Michelle. If you need anything else, you know where to reach me."

Angie nodded. "That I do. Thank you again. Are you going back to the office or going home?"

"I'm going home."

"Good. You deserve a nice long break. Take care."

"You too." Bianca waved as she left and headed to her car.

/

It was early afternoon by the time Bianca got home, but to her, it felt like it should be much later. She was mentally and physically exhausted, and the migraine, which she had felt the beginnings of at the hospital, was becoming more pronounced. It was no secret as to the cause of it. It was the stress of helping Chloe through her current crisis. The entire situation brought back the painful memories of Bianca's own past. Years may have passed since then, but it still haunted her from time to time. While Bianca had gotten better at recognizing the warning signs of when something like this would happen and deterring a flashback from becoming too overwhelming for her, it would still happen sometimes. Today was one of those times when she had been unable to stop it.

Bianca noted the time and found she still had some a little over an hour before the kids would be home, and she decided to take advantage of the quiet her family's absence afforded her. After letting Max out, she padded down the hallway to the master bathroom and retrieved some medication to help with the migraine. Bianca then changed her clothes before she went to let Max back into the house. She then got something to drink and headed back to master bedroom. Bianca hoped a nap might help with migraine as well as her overall mood before the kids got home. She thought about calling Marissa but dismissed it as quickly as it had occurred to her. Right now, the only thing she wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep.

/

Jessica let the kids into Minx Manor, and they all headed to the kitchen. The plan for that afternoon was that while Jessica baked cookies, the kids would do their homework at the kitchen table. Miranda immediately spotted her Mom's purse sitting on a counter. She was a little confused seeing it there because it would mean her Mom was home, and Jessica had picked them up because her Mom wasn't able to. Miranda put her backpack on the table and walked over to the door leading from the kitchen into the garage. Her Mom's car was there. She turned to Jessica after closing the door.

"Jessica, I thought Mom wasn't going to be home."

"When I talked to her, she wasn't sure how long she was going to be that's why she asked me to pick the three of you up. You think she's home?"

"Her purse is here, and her car's in the garage. Maybe I should go find her."

"She's probably back in the home office. Why don't you get started on your homework and then go find her once the cookies are done."

Miranda thought for a moment and nodded. "Okay. Maybe she could have some cookies with us then."

"That is an excellent idea. Go join your brother and sister, and I'll get the three of you something to drink."

"Thanks, Jessica!"

"You're welcome, sweetheart." As Jessica retrieved drinks for the kids, she couldn't shake the feeling that was something was off. She hoped she wasn't overstepping in what she was about to do, but she couldn't help it. Jessica pulled out her cellphone and sent a quick text to Marissa asking her if she had spoken with Bianca recently. Less than one minute later, Jessica's cellphone ran, and the identity of the caller was no surprise to her. Jessica stepped into the family room to take the call.

"Hi, Marissa."

"Hi, Jessica. What's going on? Is everything okay?"

"I don't want to worry you unnecessarily, but to be honest, I'm not sure. The kids and I just home, and it seems like Bianca is already here."

"It seems like she's there?"

"Miranda noticed her purse was on a kitchen counter, and then she checked the garage and found that her car was there."

"Did you check the house?"

"Not yet. I have a feeling that she's either in your bedroom or office, and I don't want to disturb her if she's in the middle of something."

"Did the kids say anything?"

"No. I had them start on their homework."

"Okay. I'm going to pick Danny up and then we'll be home. If something changes, let me know."

"I will. Drive safely.

"I will. Thanks, Jessica."

/

As soon as her call with Jessica ended, Marissa called out to Ellie and asked her to come into her office.

"What's up, Marissa?"

"I need to leave. I don't have any more meetings today, right?"

"Right. All of your meetings are done."

"Good." Marissa nodded as she logged off her laptop and started to gather some of the work she had been planning on doing that afternoon so she could take it home and maybe work on it there.

"Let me take care of this for you." Ellie took over gathering files for her boss and packing her briefcase. She could tell Marissa was distracted. "Is everything okay?"

"Thanks. I'm not sure. I need to make a quick call before I get Danny." Marissa pulled out her cellphone and called Aya. After her phone call with Jessica, something definitely felt off for Marissa, and she hoped Aya could give her some insight since everything had started at the Miranda Center.

/

"Hi, Marissa."

"Hi, Aya. Do you have a minute? I could use your help with something."

"Sure. What do you need?"

"I know Bianca got a call from Angie Hubbard earlier and went over to the hospital to help her with a patient." Marissa knew Aya would only tell her so much. The privacy of the Center's clients was closely guarded.

"She did."

"Have you talked to her recently?"

"I talked to her a little while ago. She was turning the case over to Michelle and then heading home."

That answered one question for Marissa. "How did Bianca sound when you talked to her?"

"Honestly?"

"Yes, please."

"She snapped at me a little when I asked how she was doing, and then, she apologized. She said she was just tired, but …"

This was what Marissa was afraid of. "But you think there was more to it."

Aya sighed. "Yeah, I do. There was just something in the tone of her voice that made me think there was something else was going on. I was a little surprised when she said she was going home because you know Bianca, but I have to tell you that I was relieved when she told me that she was going home. I think she could use the break."

"Thanks for talking to me. I'm on my way home to check on her now." Marissa paused for a moment. "Could you do me a favor?"

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Could you look at her schedule for tomorrow, and see if there is anything you can move around? I don't know how Bianca will feel tomorrow because I haven't talked to her yet, but I was thinking you could come up with a backup in case she doesn't."

"I can definitely do that. If there's anything else I can do, please let me know."

"I will. Thanks." Bianca disconnected the call and turned to Ellie. "I need to make one more quick call."

"Go ahead. I'll finish packing up for you." Ellie said.

"Thanks." Marissa then called Jo.

/

"Hey, Marissa. I was actually going to call you in a little bit to talk about something. What's up?"

"Hey, Jo. Could I ask you something?"

"Sure. You can ask me anything. What do you need?"

"Did you talk to Bianca today?"

"I did. I sat in on a case she was handling at the time for the Center."

"How was she?"

Jo thought for a moment. Marissa had told her and Jessica about the circumstances surrounding her birth and subsequent adoption not long after they had reconnected. That revelation shed a great deal of light on the relationship Marissa had with Krystal. It was some time later that Bianca felt comfortable enough with them and had built the trust needed in Jo and Jessica that she shared with them what had happened to her, Miranda's birth and what followed it, the establishment of the Miranda Center, and Bianca being reunited with her daughter. To say that Jo and Jessica were shocked was an understatement. They were heartbroken to hear everything that Bianca had suffered through, and their emotions ran the gamut from anger at what others had done to Bianca to admiration and awe of her, her strength and her forgiveness. Jo and Jessica were simply amazed by her. That morning, Jo had seen what she thought was strain in the brunette's eyes as she helped Chloe. The concern in Marissa's voice was clear to her, and Jo knew she had to share her own concerns with her best friend.

Marissa noted the pause and came to a realization. "You were going to call me about Bianca, weren't you?"

"Yeah, I was. I can't go into a lot of detail because of confidentially. I can tell you that today was tough, and it was especially tough on Bianca. I could tell she was under some strain. She was holding everything together though and focused on the girl and trying to help her and then later her family. We had a break while they were doing some x-rays, and I asked Bianca how she was doing. She said she was okay and just tired, but I'm not sure how true that was. Has she said anything to you?"

"I haven't talked to her yet. I'm headed home now."

"Let me know if there is anything I can do to help."

"I will. Thanks."

/

Marissa disconnected the call and turned to Ellie. The secretary had finished packing Marissa's briefcase for her and had gathered the rest of her belongings as well.

"You're all ready to go."

"Thank you. Could you do me one more favor?"

"What do you need?"

"Clear my schedule for tomorrow. I'm not sure whether or not I'll be in. If I don't come in, I might end up working from home. I'm not sure at this point. I'll let you know one way or the other as soon as I know."

"I'll take care of it. I hope Bianca is okay."

"Thank you. If you need me …"

"I'm only going to call you if it's emergency. We'll hold down the fort. You just focus on Bianca. Okay?"

Marissa smiled gratefully. "Okay. Thanks again." With that, Marissa left to go pick up Danny and then head home.

/

The cookies were done, and Miranda went to find Bianca to let her know and see if she wanted to join them for a snack. Miranda was about to knock on her mothers' bedroom door when she was stopped by a sound on the other side of it. She couldn't tell what it was exactly at first so she pressed her ear to the door. It was then that she recognized the sound. Miranda heard her Mom crying and saying 'no' and 'stop' repeatedly. This was something she hadn't heard in quite some time, but she remembered her Mom having similar nightmares before. Miranda was frightened for her Mom and knew she had to get help for her immediately so she hurried back down the hallway. She wished her other mother was home because she would know exactly what to do. Since she wasn't however, Miranda hoped Jessica would be able to help.

/

Bianca tossed and turned in bed. The memories of what had happened to her years ago came rushing back in vivid and horrifying detail. No matter what she tried, no matter how much she begged and pleaded, they wouldn't stop. They were relentless.

/

"Ma! You're home!"

Marissa entered the kitchen from the garage with Danny at the same time that Miranda entered from the family room. The relief the girl felt seeing her other mother was evident, and Marissa knew something was wrong. It was clear to her that her daughter was under some sort of duress.

"Hi, Mimo. What's wrong?"

"It's … it's Mom. I think she really needs you." Miranda whispered so that only Marissa could hear her.

Marissa nodded and handed Danny to Jessica. "Would you mind keeping an eye on him?"

"Of course I don't mind." Jessica took the little boy and started making faces causing him to giggle.

With her youngest son taken care of, Marissa said a quick hello to her other children. "Hi, AJ. Hi, Gabby. I'm going to go check on your Mom, and then, I'll be back."

"Okay, Ma."

Marissa signaled for Miranda to follow her out of the kitchen. When they were in the family room and out of earshot of the others, she looked at her daughter. "Okay. What's going on?"

"I went to see if Mom wanted any cookies. When I went to knock on your bedroom door, I could hear her on the other side. It sounded like she was crying and like she was having one of those nightmares that she used to have. I heard her saying 'no' and 'stop'. I got scared for her."

Dammit. I was afraid of something like this. "Okay. Why don't you go back in the kitchen, and I'll go check on your Mom."

"Will she be okay?"

"Yeah, she will be. Your Mom is stronger than she looks. I'm going to go take care of her though just to make sure she is." Marissa hugged Miranda tightly.

"Okay." Miranda whispered. She had every faith that her redheaded mother would do exactly what she said. "I'm really glad you're home, Ma."

"Me too." Marissa gave Miranda a reassuring smile before she padded down the hallway to the master bedroom to check on Bianca.