CHAPTER THREE

Months had gone by and life had been moving fast forward. Bianca was sitting on her couch, enjoying a little peace. She thought to herself. You can relax…read a book…watch a show…phone a friend. That's what I will do! She reached for her cell and dialed Marissa.

"Hello. This is Marissa"

"Hey…it's Bianca."

"Oh, Hi…how are you?"

"I am…okay, I think. How are you? Did I catch you at a bad time?" Bianca asked.

"Oh, no…it is a perfect time, actually." Marissa replied. "I was just arguing with JR, again. I don't know what to do with him sometimes."

"What is he up to now?" Bianca questioned.

"Oh, the usual. He is just pushing too hard for us to get back together. Using AJ to get to me…same old JR!"

"Well, is getting back together something you are considering?", said Bianca. "Or is he just wasting his time?"

"I honestly don't know." Marissa sighed, sounding completely exasperated. "I would like to be a family for AJ. I would like to feel loved and cared for again. I am just really confused about my feelings and don't feel that right now we should be pushing so hard for a reunion. Ya know?"

Marissa gasped, quietly, and before Bianca could reply she said, "Oh my, I am just talking too much, aren't I?"

Bianca chuckled. "No, you are fine…I asked remember?"

"Yes, but you called me…you said you were okay?...What is going on? Are you still having nightmares?"

Bianca sighed. "Well, yeah…I did last night. I just haven't attempted sleep tonight. Just figured I would try to ease into it and was feeling a little nervous, so I called."

"Good!" Marissa said, sounding very pleased with herself. "I am glad someone knows how to listen to what I say. You need me to come over tonight? I can sleep in the guest room if it will make you feel any better."

"No!" Bianca replied. "I do appreciate it though. It has been a month at least since Ricky attacked us. You came over plenty and Kendall has come, and even Greenlee…But I really need to deal with this on my own. I promised to call you when I feel uneasy and I will continue to do so…but I don't want anyone feeling obligated to babysi...

"Hey!" Marissa interjected. "You stop it right there! I am honored to be there for you and you have helped me just as much! That event was very traumatic for the both of us and we survived it together and we will continue to get thru it together!"

Before Bianca could say another word, Marissa added. "I am getting the sitter for AJ, cause JR stormed off earlier, and then I am getting some stuff and coming over. I will not take no for an answer…okay?"

Bianca was sort of taken aback by Marissa's tone at first and nodded. When she realized that it was a phone conversation, she giggled to herself and said "Yes, ma'am!"

"Great! That is the spirit!" Marissa said cheerfully. "I am going to pick up some cake and coffee and maybe some fashion mags on the way. It will be such fun! See you in a bit."

Bianca hung up her phone with a grin. I hate being a charity case. She thought. But I hate being terrified even more. I am so glad for the friend she has turned out to be. The smile and the thoughts were soon faded by a knock on the door.

Bianca opened the door to find JR standing there. He looked tired and worn and maybe even a little like he had been crying. If she did not know better, she might have even felt sorry for him. But I do, know him. She thought. And I am not buying it for a second.

"What do you want JR?"

"Hey, I am sorry to bother you so late. I was out driving cause Marissa and I had a disagreement." He said.

"I know, JR. I have already talked to her. That doesn't explain to me why you are here at this time of night."

"You talked to her…of course you have. That is exactly my point." He said. "Can I come in?" He said the words, but in typical fashion he worked his way in without waiting for a reply. "You two are so close. You two share so much and sometimes seem to be on your own wave length. I need you to help me. I need your advice. I am sinking here, Bianca. I am losing my family and I need your help."

"What exactly do you expect me to do to help you?" Bianca asked.

"Maybe put in a good word for me? Help me think of what it is I am doing wrong? Give me some pointers as to what I can do to open Marissa's eyes." He looked at her with pleading eyes and waited in silence as she seemed to ponder this request.

"I really don't think so, JR. I don't think that I should have anything to do with your relationship. She was your wife, for God's sake and if you can't figure out what makes her happy…then I certainly do not know. I believe you are trying and I believe if you two are meant to reconnect, you will. But it will be the doing of Marissa and you…nothing to do with me."

JR stands, dumbfounded and just glared at Bianca.

"I am expecting Marissa here any minute. We are having a girls' night…so I suggest you go home to your son if you do not want an uncomfortable situation when she arrives and finds you at her best friend's house in the middle of the night. Good night…and drive safely."

With that, she shut the door.