As Marissa turned down Cresent she began to worry what kind of damage the storm might have done to their house. She felt apprehensive as she pulled into the drive. The storm had taken down branches from a couple of the mature trees, but thankfully the house was untouched.

As she parked she noticed a second car waiting on the drive. It was Liza.

Marissa shepherded AJ and his school bag out of the back seat as Liza began to walk from her car to the front door of the main house.

"We're actually round the back." Marissa called. It was an easy mistake to make.

She set off slowly so Liza could catch up, while AJ raced ahead along the brick path that led around the east wing. He wanted to check his tree-house was still standing.

"Is something wrong?" Marissa asked when Liza fell in step with her.

"No,no." said Liza. "I just wanted to talk to you in person."

Marissa frowned, that didn't sound good.

"It's a nice house." said the lawyer clearly impressed.

"It will be when we move in." explained Marissa. "We're staying in the Pool House at the moment."

As they got to the front door of the white panelled Pool House AJ raced back to join them.

"It's still there." He gasped a little out of breath.

"That's great to hear," said Marissa ushering him inside, "Now go and put your PJs on and brush your teeth it's getting late."

"Aw, mom, I'm not tired." AJ moaned.

"Look, get yourself ready for bed and I'll be in in a moment to read you a bedtime story. We've still got to finish the final instalment of Lemony Snicket!"

AJ sighed and looked from his mom to Liza.

"Good night." he said. "Although I'm really not sleepy." He muttered to his mom.

"AJ." warned Marissa.

"Good night." Liza called after him.

Both women watched as he retreated reluctantly to his room.

"He's a great kid." said Liza.

"The best." agreed Marissa, "Although I am a little biased."

She took a deep breath.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Well it's good news so don't worry." said Liza a confident grin on her face. "You have custody of AJ. Child services were not particularly helpful, but after Adam had a word with JR's lawyer I got the judge to sign over temporary custody of AJ to you."

She handed the papers over to Marissa.

"There will still be a formal hearing," she continued, "And child services have requested to do a home visit but it's just a formality."

"A home visit?"

"Marissa you have nothing to worry about. Before the shooting you were AJ's legal guardian and at the time you were living in a hotel. The home visit is just a formality."

"But before, I was some big-shot lawyer, now I'm just a waitress. Will they be looking at my finances do you think."

"They might do, but you don't have to worry. You are a good mother. AJ is thriving and it's because of you."

Marisa still didn't look convinced.

"You know my mom offered me a job as restaurant manager at Krystal's. I'll be on better wages, and Krystal's certainly has better hours than the Yacht Club. That would help wouldn't it?"

Liza took Marissa by the shoulders.

"Do you love your son?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Then that is all that matters. Show child services the loving home you have made here. That is all they need to see."
Marissa nodded.

"Mom, I'm ready." AJ's voice called from the bedroom.

Liza smiled.

"Go see to your son." She said, "I'll let myself out."

Marissa smiled and nodded, the worry vanished as she switched to 'mom mode'.

"I know you're a quick change artist." she called as she headed for AJ's room, "But are you sure you've brushed you teeth? I will check!"

She turned to give Liza one last grateful smile, but the lawyer had already gone.

Marissa knew she should take Liza advice and try not to worry… Although taking up her mom's job offer might not be a bad idea, just to be on the safe side.

…