As the crowds filtered out of the court room Bianca remained in her seat. Marissa was watching her girlfriend closely; concerned by her silence, but then she noticed a new light in Bianca's eyes.

"We're free." said Bianca, her smile suddenly beaming. "We're really free."

Marissa found herself smiling back at the delight on Bianca's face. She looked down to where their hands were still entwined and stroked the soft skin on the back of Bianca's hand.

"What does that mean?" she asked curiously.

Bianca was captivated by the movement of Marissa's thumb as it stoked her hand. She sighed before she spoke.

"It means JR is no longer hanging over our heads like some sword of Damocles. He can't hurt us ever again. It means mom's home and awake. I don't have to worry about never seeing her again." Bianca looked up and held Marissa's gaze. "It means I love you and I don't ever want to stop loving you."

For the first time in Marissa's memory she saw Bianca really truly relax. The tension that haunted her eyes was gone as if finally all her worries had melted away. Instead Bianca was gazing at her with so much love and devotion, Marissa thought her heart would just melt.

"I love you too." Marissa managed to whisper before Bianca closed the gap between them for a tender kiss.

Marissa may not have memories of her past but right now she had no doubts about her future. And that future belonged to Bianca. Although Bianca seemed determined to take things slow for the sake of Marissa's amnesia, Marissa had a plan. She often wondered if she had been this impatient before the amnesia, but after her conversation with Bianca about the house Marissa had devised a private five date plan to get them both back to where they belonged. Back to the place they would have been if it wasn't for that one terrible night.

"Do you know what will make this perfect?" Marissa whispered as they nuzzled noses, before she got lost in her girlfriend's adoring gaze once more.

"What." asked Bianca her voice almost a hum, she seemed so happy.

"I think I owe you a second date." said Marissa, leaning forward to steal another kiss. "What do you say we continue this at Krystal's, my treat?"

Bianca smiled; then she paused and pulled a playful frown,

"Wait, didn't Krystal say she was throwing a victory party at the bistro?"

"It will still be my treat." said Marissa as she helped Bianca to her feet. "Come on we deserve this, you more than anyone!"

Bianca gave Marissa no resistance, she only laughed softly at her girlfriend's little tease.

"Well as long as it ends better than our last date." said Bianca still laughing.

Marissa dutifully moaned at Bianca's little quip, but a part of her was astounded that Bianca had been able to move on so fast after the assault. God, could she love this woman any more?

Bianca took a moment to balance on her crutches, and then they left the court room side by side, the playful banter flowing between them, their smiles so bright they lit the room.

…