"Are you schizophrenic or something? First you hate her so much that you tried to murder her and now you are convincing yourself that you are in love with her?"

JR didn't know what to make of the fact that it was a figment of his imagination that had asked the question.

"I always loved her!" he retorted angrily.

"Then you have a really screwed up definition of what love is!" snapped Marissa. She was pacing up and down JR's bedroom, and he was finding it distracting.

He knew why she was mad. It was because his plan was beginning to work. They had gradually been getting closer and closer together as a family. The picnic in the garden had been a wonderful way to break the ice, then Marissa took them to dinner at a little Bistro by the park the next day. The following Saturday all three of them went to the fair, and they laughed and joked, it was everything a family should be. He and Marissa were getting closer and AJ was also beginning to warm up to him once more.

"Not true." said Marissa in an exasperated voice. "The day at the fair was awkward and uncomfortable and you know it. Marissa couldn't go on any of the rides because of her recent head injury – you know from where you shot her in the head! You wouldn't dare leave her alone with AJ in case he mentioned Bianca and AJ refused to go on any of the rides with you. The only reason you both went on the carousel was because Marissa wanted to take some pictures..."

JR grunted and tried to shut out her voice. He was trying to work out his next move when it came to Marissa. All he needed to do now was find a way to spend more time alone with her, the time was right for him to sweep her off her feet.

"That isn't what she wants!" said Marissa and JR was angry for her invading his thoughts again.

"And how would you know that?"

"Mainly because she's been avoiding every chance there is of being alone with you!"

"Nonsense."

"When are you going to accept that this is about AJ, and AJ's happiness? Congratulations JR you've done it, not that you deserve it for one second, you are back to being co-parenting friends. Why are you so hell bent on screwing it up all over again?"

"Without Bianca sabotaging my every move I can't fail."

Marissa burst out laughing much to JR's frustration.

"Bianca sabotaged you! I don't think so! Correct me if I'm wrong but every move you've made so far have all been Bianca's."

"Not every move." muttered JR irritated.

"Your first move, the very first one, was a picnic with doughnuts and orange soda! Sadly you didn't get a chance to screw it up this time."

"I didn't screw anything up; Marissa was just being confused by Bianca."

"I guess you could be right about her being confused about her feelings for Bianca but face it you screwed it up badly. Or did you really think it was a romantic gesture on your second date to suggest sex in a busy public park in broad daylight and that it would be cool, when Marissa said no, to throw a temper tantrum like a four year old – oh and then jump into bed with your secretary. Oh no sorry," finished Marissa sarcastically, "You're right; clearly you didn't screw that up at all."

"Will you just shut up!" snapped JR.

"Why the hell do you deserve a moment's peace? You tried to kill Marissa and still you can't leave her be. You are trying to manipulate her into your bed, like it's some kind of sport. What will you do when she gets her memory back? Do you expect her to forgive you."

"Babe forgave me!" said JR smartly, "Why would Marissa be any different?"

"Oh yes you almost killed your first wife too. You say it like it's something to be proud of! Only that time it was an accident – you only wanted her to be date-raped by your brother, I forgot." said Marissa coldly, the disgust clear on her face. "Marissa isn't her twin sister – God knows why Babe forgave you but you two were so messed up maybe you deserved each other."

Marissa looked at JR, narrowing her eyes as she realised something.

"You can't turn Marissa into Babe – it doesn't work like that."

"That's not what I want. I want a family; I want my son to be happy…"

"…This is exactly what you've got JR. So stop, stop trying to get something you can't have. You will only get disappointed and then you'll get angry and then it will all go to hell again. Why won't you just stop!"

"Because I love her and we belong to together!"

Marissa sighed. She was still staring at JR.

"So which of Bianca's moves are you going to use this time?"

"Why would I need that lesbian's help to win back my wife?"

"Ex-wife." muttered Marissa, "And you were thinking about taking Marissa to the comedy club before I interrupted, so stop talking rubbish! You had no hope without Bianca."

"I don't need her!"

"Oh god sometimes I just wish you took Marissa to that damn play and then all this crap would never have happened!"

"Play?"

"Angel's Breath. God JR, most people would to do a little research first before planning to take a woman to a date that would make her relive every second of her parent's death. Not go 'Oh free tickets to a show, that will impress her!'." said Marissa, relishing her impression of a stupid JR. "If you'd taken her to that play she would have never spoken to you again and you would have saved the world a lot of grief…"

Marissa noticed JR wasn't listening anymore; a smile was creeping up the corners of his mouth.

"True, Marissa probably wouldn't have forgiven me back then but now… Now she would give anything to be able to properly mourn her parent's death… "

"What…?"

"Sorry, I've got to make a couple of calls." said JR delighting at the opportunity to turn the tables on his own private demon. "Thanks for the suggestion by the way!"

Marissa could see the thoughts in his head. 'Marissa broken hearted by the play – Tears pouring down her cheeks - A sad but grateful smile on her face as she falls into his arms - JR moving in for a kiss - JR taking her hand and leading her to his bedroom…'

Marissa shivered with disgust.

"Bastard." she muttered.

…