The kids had been very disappointed when they found out that Marissa wasn't going to be there for the Halloween party. No amount of making plans for the Sunday evening, when she returned, was lightening their mood. To try and make it easier Bianca and the kids all accompanied Marissa to the airport to wave her off. Erica, Brooke and Scott were already waiting by the departure gate when they got there.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye." said Marissa, with a sad smile; moving to give the kids a hug each in turn. AJ clung tightly to his mother.

"Can't you stay?" he begged.

"I wish I could," sigh Marissa, "But I have a very important job to do."

He nodded and sadly let go.

Marissa ruffled his hair.

"But I'm sure Bianca is going to take very good care of you while I'm away."

"Well, he takes such good care of me it's only fair." said Bianca, giving him a wide grin. She was doing her best to keep things positive for the kids. Neither of them had expected the children to take Marissa's one night absence quite so hard.

She then gave him another hug.

"You know I love you inside out…"

"…And upside down." finished AJ. "I know. I'll miss you."

"Me too… but you'll be having so much fun at your party later I doubt you'll have time to miss me that much." Marissa added, a teasing smile wrinkling her nose.

"Yes we will." said Miranda taking her turn for a cuddle. "We'll miss you always!"

Marissa shared a smile with Bianca over the little girl's shoulder, touched by the sentiment.

"It's only one night." said Marissa. "I'm coming back tomorrow."

"We'll still miss you." insisted Miranda.

"Then I'll have to make sure I get back as quickly as I can." said Marissa pulling back and affectionately stroking the little girl's cheek.

Marissa then knelt and turned her attention to the youngest Montgomery.

"And what about you, little miss, are you going to miss me?"

Gabby threw herself at Marissa for a big squoosh and it didn't look like she wanted to let go.

"I think that's a yes." said Bianca.

They hugged for a long moment, but Gabby really wasn't going to release her.

"I'm going to miss my flight, baby girl. You have to let go. I can't take you with me." Marissa said, trying to gently apart the girl's clasped hands.

"You could." said Gabby with a sad pout. "I'm only little."

"But you'll miss your party… no one would see all the incredible work you did on your princess outfit…"

That gave Gabby pause… she wanted everyone to see her pretty dress.

Gabby released her grip and Marissa planted a big kiss on her cheek before straightening up.

"I'll be back before you know it." she whispered, "Don't worry."

Marissa saved her last good bye for Bianca.

"I'll call you tonight." she said, before planting a soft kiss on Bianca's lips.

"You'd better." said Bianca, grinning back. She was trying to keep this calm and normal for the kids sake. But Marissa could see from Bianca's eyes that she hated that she had to go.

Bianca pulled Marissa into a hug.

"Have a safe trip." she said, her smile slipping a bit.

"And you have a great party!" said Marissa, pulling out of her arms and addressing everyone.

Marissa picked her luggage and headed off toward the departure lounge but in a few steps she turned back and called.

"I love you!"

"…love you too!" called the kids. Bianca simply gave her a beautiful smile that said the same and so much more.

When she got through the departure gate, Marissa turned to give them one last wave goodbye. She noticed Erica watching the whole scene with a small frown wrinkling her forehead.

"It looks like they'll miss you." she said.

"Nothing like I'll miss them." said Marissa. "But a gal's got to do what a gal's got to do. Let's go save Chandler!"

…