The Chief of Police arrived at the safe house before the kids had finished their meals, and he didn't come alone.
"Mom!" exclaimed Bianca, struggling off the bed to give her mother a hug.
"Mom!" exclaimed Marissa as well hurrying forward to embrace her own mother. "Why are you here?"
Krystal looked over to give Jesse a grin.
"Well one of us has considerable pull with the Police Department."
Bianca eventually pulled away, when she noticed Erica's slightly dishevelled appearance.
"What happened to you?" she asked.
"We got caught up in the insanity at the airport." said Erica, but then faltered when she saw the horror on her daughter's face. "But I'm fine, I really am."
"We found a bolt hole, we were perfectly safe." added Krystal, squeezing Marissa comfortingly by the shoulder when she saw the mask of worry on her daughter's face as well.
The kids were on their feet now adding jostling for a chance to hug their respective grandmothers.
"So." asked Erica keen to distract the kids and her worried daughter. "How was Paris?"
"And Disneyland!" added Krystal giving AJ a little tickle.
"It was so cool!"
"Brilliant."
"I saw princesses!" chorused the kids all at once.
"I'm glad to hear it." said Krystal leading Marissa and all the kids to take a seat on the nearest bed.
"The more important question is how is Pine Valley." said Bianca holding her ground as Erica tried to do the same for her.
"Well," said Jesse, "That is what we are here to talk about."
The Chief of Police pulled out a chair and indicated for Bianca to sit down.
Reluctantly she obeyed.
…
Sorry super short today I had an insanely busy evening.