Breakfast had passed and the toast from Krystal was warm and heartfelt. Both women were still quite amazed at the ease, acceptance and grace that Krystal showed in taking in this unexpected news. They had sat there, all three together, long after breakfast and discussed tales of when they started questioning their friendship. They re-lived events of the past that meant something special, and shared thoughts and concerns and hopes for the future.
Krystal whole-heartedly backed them up on their decision to postpone telling JR. "I have had my share of run-ins with JR and Adam as well, Baby Girl! Let me tell you, Bianca has the right idea. Sure JR is not necessarily against Bianca, or any other person because of sexuality…But I would bet my last dime that he will turn into a different kind of monster when he feels like he has 'lost'. Chandler men do not take to losing well…ever."
"So then, we should probably wait on telling the kids till just before JR." Marissa pondered aloud. "I mean, don't want to take the risk of AJ letting it slip. I also don't want the pressure of a secret weighing on their minds." Bianca nodded in agreement and added (with a laugh) "And Opal will probably be the last to know, cause God love her…she would have it out there before we finished telling her." The other two ladies smiled and chuckled at the comment.
Bianca looked at her phone, then at Marissa and began speaking to Krystal, not moving her gaze from her lover. "So it is getting close to approaching lunch, here shortly. And while I am not famished, I could certainly use a little snack. Do you think you could put together a little something for us? Maybe some fruit…and maybe an assortment of cheeses…and bread?" She finally broke her gaze from Marissa and looked to Krystal who was watching the two and beaming with joy. "Sure can!" She replied. "I can also bring some glasses and maybe a wine selection over, if you would like?"
Marissa was completely lost in Bianca's eyes, which had found their way home again. Upon hearing Krystal's question she snapped out of the daze and responded "No… I mean, yes…if you could maybe select a nice pairing and prepare it to go…that would be lovely." Bianca raised an eyebrow and her grin spread as she looked at Marissa. "I will get right on it!" Krystal replied. "And all of this is on the house." She added as she noticed the girls gathering their purses. "Seeing that smile on Marissa's face…well, that is the only payment that is needed today." And she turned with a slight skip to her step and walked away.
"I do believe that she may be happier about this than we are!" Marissa said with a chuckle, as she watched her mother walk away. Bianca absent-mindedly took Marissa's hand in her own and caught her eyes. Softly tracing tiny circles with her thumb, she caught her breath and said "Not possible." Marissa smiled and the trance was broken when she heard a familiar voice from behind. Kendall had just arrived with the boys, and her voice could be heard clearly calling out for them to "slow down".
As she got the boys settled in, and noticed the presence of her baby sister, Marissa looked more seriously at Bianca. With a quiet whisper, she said "Do you want to tell her? I mean it is only fair…since my Mom knows. You should be able to share too." Bianca smiled and stroked Marissa's hand some more. With a giggle, she said "Honey, Kendall has known for like 2 months. I think she knew before I did." Marissa's face took on a look of shock that Bianca could not address, because Kendall had now arrived at the table. Bianca stood to hug her sister and Marissa changed her demeanor, realizing that she would have to save her questions for later. She rose to hug Kendall as well.
"Wow, looks like I missed quite the feast!" Kendall exclaimed. "And champagne? You girls know we don't usually start 'Girls Night Out' until it is uhh..night, right?" Bianca laughed, while taking her seat and replied "Well we were just having breakfast and celebrating us." Although Kendall was still hugging Marissa 'Hello', Bianca held a smirk and watched for her sister to meet her gaze and have everything register in her mind. Marissa took a seat and having heard the playful tone to her lover's voice she immediately blushed as a huge grin claimed her face. Here we go! She thought and watched for Kendall's reaction.
After the hugs, Kendall had looked back at her boys, to see that Krystal was helping them choose a snack. She had barely registered all that Bianca was saying, but as her attention returned to the ladies before her, she took a seat in front of them. She saw both of the women grinning like idiots and as the words reached her brain in waves, she looked again at the table and saw the light coming from Bianca's eyes. She looked puzzled for a second, repeating "celebrating us?", and then taking in Marissa who seemed different somehow…glowing almost. "Binx…what are you?...Celebrating?...Wha?" and then the light clicked on in her brain and Bianca saw the recognition in Kendall's eyes as they widened in amazement.
The conclusion she reached was only confirmed by Bianca's smile growing to a length that Kendall was not entirely sure was possible, let alone ever accomplished before. "Are you serious?" She asked loudly, and then catching herself she spoke lower. "You two? You're together? Really? Marissa? But…when? When did? I mean…uhh…how long ago? Why don't I know about this already? Oh My God! I am so happy for you guys! This is…Wow! This is the best!" She was up on her feet again, and pulling the girls into hugs and almost jumping excitedly.
Laughing at her sister's reaction and trying to avoid being squeezed to death, Bianca said "Easy, Kendall. This just happened. With the exception of Krystal figuring it out, you are the first person to know. We are together and it is new and very, very exciting. BUT we are doing this slowly. We have a lot of obstacles to face and a lot of 'new-ness' to work through. We are trying to do this slowly…so please remember that."
Having caught her breath and regained her seat, Kendall nodded. "I undertand, Binx. Whatever you want. I am just so happy for you! For both of you! I already know…I can imagine that JR and the kids will be a hurdle that you want to deal with delicately. I mean those are no-brainers. Oh…and don't tell Opal yet, unless you want it on The Exposer cover by tomorrow. Ooo, or Mom either…cause she will most likely tell Opal and then once again Mom's 'Best Gal Pal" will do you in."
"Wow!" Bianca said. "I hadn't even thought about Mom blabbing to Opal. Yeah, I guess we can put her on the bottom of the list as well." Krystal returned to the table with the girls' lunch. She had taken the liberty of packing it in a basket to go. Kendall looked up at her arrival and then back at the girls. "Ooo, are you two going on a picnic? How romantic!" She said in a teasing tone. Bianca stood up and said "I don't know exactly what she has in mind. I am leaving the rest of my afternoon to Marissa's capable hands."
Marissa stood up to join Bianca and Kendall smirked at both of them. Almost in perfect unison, Kendall and Marissa both replied "Smart woman!" They all began to laugh. Bianca hugged Kendall's neck and her and Marissa started to depart. "I love you and I am glad I was able to share this with you! I absolutely promise to keep you in the 'loop' as things progress." Kendall teasingly threatened "You had better! Come here you!" She said as she pulled Marissa into another hug. "Thank you for making her so happy!" She whispered into Marissa's ear. Marissa pulled away and said with a smile "I assure you the pleasure is all mine."
She then turned to Krystal and reached out for a hug and said "Thanks again for being so understanding!"
"And for helping us think through some of this. It means a lot to us both" Bianca chimed in as well, patting Krystal on the shoulder. "We hate to run, but…"
"You girls have fun!" Krystal said, watching for a moment and then returning to her customers. Kendall just smiled and gave a slight wave. Bianca caught the brief glimpse of a tear in her sister's eye as she tried to cover up the emotion that seemed to be choking up the eldest Kane. She smiled and waved, giving her big sister a knowing look of 'Yes! I am really happy!" and then turned to follow Marissa hurriedly out of the restaurant. Kendall shook off the tears and smiled, returning to her two boys as they had their lunch.