"Right is everybody packed?" asked Marissa. She and Bianca were standing in the entrance hall next to a large pile of bags and cases.

"YES!" came the kids unanimous reply.

"You're sure?" said Marissa enjoying her tease, "You've packed your toys, books, tooth brush… hairbrush?" she said, pulling Miranda's brush out from behind her back; she had found it in the bathroom a moment ago.

"Oops" said Miranda, coming forward to take it from Marissa, before stuffing it rather unceremoniously into her bag.

"Then we are ready to go." said Bianca, giving Marissa a grin before addressing the kids. "The car is here, do you want to help by taking out some of these bags?"

The kids rushed eagerly forward.

"I can take a big one." said AJ, attempting to lift his mom's large case.

"Whoa there, take this one instead." said Bianca directing him to Miranda's smaller suitcase.

Reggie chose that moment to peer in at the front door, just as the kids filed past with their bags; even Gabby with her teddy filled backpack.

"Could you use a hand?" he asked.

"Grab a case." said Marissa. "I just hope it all fits in the car."

"Geez," he said, surveying the pile. "You do only know we are going for a week!"

He paused however when he noticed Bianca's wheelchair in amongst the luggage.

"Doctor's orders." said Bianca noticing his expression. "I have strict instructions to take it easy."

"Well Reggie can help you with that." said Camilla, coming in with a returning Miranda and AJ. She leaned into her boyfriend's side and gave him an affectionate hug. "You are in the presence of an expert."

"Hey!" said Reggie. "I'm not lazy." With that he picked up Marissa's large case in one hand and Bianca's wheelchair in the other.

"I think he doth protest too much." said Camilla, grinning after him.

Marissa she handed the kids more bags to carry out, and grabbed one of her own. But then she frowned.

"Um… where's Gabby?"

"She's outside with your mom and Erica."

"My mom's outside?" said Marissa, carrying her luggage to the door

Curious Bianca followed the others out the front door, and there was her mom and Jackson, and Kendal all lined up beside the car. It looked like Krystal was in the car entertaining Gabby and Ayesha.

"Sweetheart we have come to see you off." said Erica hurrying forward. She embraced Bianca and kissed her cheek. "I'm glad you will be gone before the press conference starts, I think it will be better in the long run."

"Thank you, again, so much for dealing with this nightmare."

"You're my baby girl. I will always take care of you." said Erica, reaching up to caress her cheek.

"And I will help out where I can." said Jackson coming in to pull Bianca into a bear hug. "You just concentrate on your family, okay!"

"I will." said Bianca squeezing him back.

"And if you need anything," said Kendal taking her turn to hug her sister goodbye, "You just have to call me… I love you."

"Love you too." said Bianca, getting a little emotional with all the goodbyes. "God," she gasped trying to puller herself together. "I'm only going for a week."

"Well just make sure you take care of yourself." scolded Kendal lightly.

"I will." said Bianca happily.

"And if she doesn't, I shall kick her butt." said Marissa, coming up to put her arm around Bianca's waist.

"Make sure you do." said Kendal firmly, "You know what she is like."

"I'm still here." said Bianca, making a show of looking heavenwards in despair.

Marissa kissed her cheek.

"You know I love you really." She sighed, "Now can you double check that is everything is in the trunk, I'd hate to think we have forgotten something."

"Right on it." said Bianca, turning back to the car, pausing a moment to chat to the driver.

Krystal appeared from the car after successfully strapping Gabby in besides Ayesha. She turned to see her daughter getting a hug for Erica, which was a pleasant surprise.

"Don't I get goodbye kiss?" she asked.

"Of course." said Marissa, wrapping her arms around her Krystal. "Thank you for everything. Thank you both for taking on this nightmare for us." She added looking back to Erica as well.

"It's our pleasure." said Krystal. "You just concentrate on the kids."

"I will," said Marissa, looking back at Bianca laughing with AJ and Miranda as they loaded in the last of the luggage, "Big and small."

…

Parents and kids, all excited for their trip, waved happily from the large car as it turned out of the drive. Their family waved back.

"I hope, at last, they have a moment to be happy." said Kendal, waving enthusiastically as the car pulled out of sight.

"They certainly deserve it!" agreed Krystal.

…