Marissa pulled into the hospital parking lot.

"Can't we drive around the block a couple more times." begged Bianca.

Marissa put a hand on Bianca's knee.

"I need to get you back; I can see the pain you are in."

"I've had my medication, I feel better now." said Bianca, gazing into Marissa's eyes. "Honestly, I just want to stay with you."

"I know I feel the same." whispered Marissa, as she moved closer, her lips lightly grazing Bianca's.

Bianca sighed, her smile brightening.

"Thank you for today, I don't think I've laughed like that in a long time… and to see the kids so happy… You are an incredible girlfriend."

Marissa's grinned.

"I have an excellent role model."

She moved in for more kisses. Bianca reached up with her right hand to stroke Marissa's neck and shoulder, keeping her close. They lost themselves in the taste of each other's mouth.

"Mm." sighed Marissa.

"We could just stay here." suggested Bianca.

"What, making out like a couple of High School kids in the car?" said Marissa with laugh.

"Works for me." said Bianca laughing too, but there was an unmistakable intensity in her eyes as she pulled Marissa closer once more…

…

Marissa pulled out of a heated kiss, and attempted to catch her breath. She had let Bianca take the lead, as she could judge own limitations. Only Bianca's limitations were proving anything but limiting. Marissa realised they had both completely lost track of time and it was beginning to get dark out.

"I need to get you back."

"Not yet." begged Bianca, wide eyed, as she grabbed at Marissa's collar.

"Bianca, please, you have to go back." said Marissa gathering the strength to move away from her girlfriend's delicious lips and irresistible brown eyes. Marissa glanced out of the windscreen towards the hospital trying to find something else to focus on; at the same time surreptitiously refastening the buttons of her shirt. She froze at the sight of a familiar silhouette standing outside the front of the hospital. "Oh god is that David?" gasped Marissa, ducking down slightly in her seat.

"Has he seen us?" Bianca asked, following her girlfriend's gaze.

Marissa squinted to try and get a better look at the shadowy figure.

"I don't…" began Marissa, but then she saw his eyes focus in their direction. "Yeah…" she said reluctantly, "Yeah, he's seen us."

Bianca sighed.

"You had to go back eventually." said Marissa, "You've got a major medical treatment tomorrow."

"I know." said Bianca sadly. She stroked Marissa's cheek. "And you have a check-up with Dr Stanhope; maybe finding some new memories."

"Maybe." said Marissa, reaching up her own hand to mirror the gesture, enjoying the softness of the skin of Bianca's cheek.

They got caught up in each other's gaze again before moving in for another passionate kiss.

"This is silly." moaned Marissa between kisses. "I'll be seeing you tomorrow."

"Mmmmm." breathed Bianca, drawing her back in for a longer kiss. "I know."

Marissa pulled away once more.

"No, we have to stop… or the next thing you know David will be over here tapping in the glass."

Bianca laughed at the image.

Marissa sighed as she stared back at Bianca trying to find the strength to leave the car. She kissed Bianca once… twice…

"Right, we have to go!" she stated firmly.

But she kissed Bianca deeply once more before finding the door handle and opening the car door.

Marissa got out of the car and stepped into the cool evening air, trying to ground herself. She waved in David's direction. It was time for Bianca to return to her hospital bed. Their day of freedom was over.

…

Marissa got home to find two cars still waiting in the drive.

Under the pool house porch she found Jackson and Kendal quietly talking.

"Everyone else gone?" Marissa asked.

Kendal laughed.

"Well you've been gone quite I long time… so I guess it wasn't quite as simple as dropping Bianca off at the hospital."

Marissa's cheeks turned a little red.

"Erm… no." she said.

"Stop, I don't want to know." said Kendal, holding up her hand. "But she's okay?"

"Well, David wasn't very pleased with us being over an hour late…"

"I'll bet." said Jackson.

"But she seems fine… She really enjoyed today."

"Good I'm glad."

Marissa looked into the darkened windows of the pool house.

"Is Erica inside, I need to talk to her about something?"

"She left with Reggie," said Jackson, a hint of exasperation in his voice, "Apparently she has an early start tomorrow. I stayed to help Kendal load and unload a car full of sleeping children."

"I'm sorry I didn't think." said Marissa apologising to Kendal. "I can't believe how well you are coping with a houseful of kids?"

"I'm definitely outnumbered." said Kendal, "But luckily three out of four of them are angels and my little demon is so cute, I can forgive him anything. Besides you are always there for breakfasts and most bed times and there's always Reggie, so I'm doing surprisingly well."

"Speaking of bedtimes." said Jackson. "It is getting rather late."

"Then let's round up the kids."

They found all five children passed out in the lounge. Spike, Ian and Miranda were sprawled on the couch while AJ and Gabby were stretched out on the floor.

"Wake the little ones first?" suggested Kendal.

She shook Ian gently put he wasn't really stirring so she settled instead at scooping his unconscious form into her arms.

"AJ." called Marissa, shaking his shoulder. "AJ come on wake up."

Her son groaned.

"Come on buddy get up. I'm going to help get everyone to Kendal's car. Do you think you can get yourself to bed? We won't worry about teeth cleaning tonight, okay; just bed. Can you hear me AJ?"

"Okay." moaned AJ, sitting up still half asleep, knocking into Gabby as he did so.

"Mommy?" whined Gabby, not liking being disturbed.

"Shh." soothed Marissa, picking up the little girl. "Mommy went back to hospital. And now it's time for you to go home."

Gabby wrapped her arms around Marissa's neck.

"Momma 'Rissa." she sighed happily.

"That's right." said Marissa smoothing her hair.

They were ready to move. Kendal had Ian in her arms and a half-dozy Miranda leaning into her side. Jackson had Spike cradled in his arms.

"Lets go." said Jackson.

…

Marissa wished everyone good night and waved them off. Night had really fallen now and Marissa wondered how late it was.

She came back to the pool house and climbed the stairs to AJs room.

He had managed to change into his pyjama bottoms, but was now sprawled out across the foot on his bed asleep again. He was so worn out.

Marissa shook him awake again.

"Come on buddy, you are almost there." she said pulling back the covers and guiding his head to the pillow before tucking him in.

"Mom," he mumbled, not really opening his eyes. "We had fun today."

"Yeah we did." said Marissa kissing his brow.

"Mom." he mumbled again.

"Yes AJ."

"Did you have a good day?"

Marissa smiled down at her sleepy son.

"AJ, I had the perfect day."

…