After the party Griffin had found himself inundated with questions about Bianca's health from Kendall, all the way home. He answered the best he could but he had to explain that he wouldn't know the real extent of her injuries until morning. It was clear Kendall was worried about her sister, especially after the way she had spoken to their mother. It was very out of character for Bianca to just snap like that and Kendall had a strong suspicion her sister was really more angry about her leg than over what Erica had done.
So early next morning Kendall loaded Griffin with a bag of breakfast goodies for her sister and pushed him out of the door; his mission was to make sure Bianca was really alright.
He didn't mind at all. He had planned to check up on Bianca after her fall. If it was necessary to take her to hospital he wanted to be the one to treat her; David's focus on his Orpheus treatment would most likely distract him from Bianca's real needs.
…
When he rang the doorbell to Marissa and Bianca's house he was surprised by who answered the door.
"Erica." he said, quickly regaining his focus after being greeted by a woman he'd seen banned from the house the night before. "I've come to check on Bianca and Marissa, are they awake yet?"
Erica smiled back.
"You too." she said pulling the door wider. Griffin could now see David standing in the hallway with his medical bag.
"As I said to David, they have just finished breakfast," she said, "And they are taking a moment to be with the kids before they are off to school. I didn't want to rush them."
"That is perfectly understandable." said David giving Griffin a welcome nod.
"This was from Kendall." said Griffin handing over his parcel of food. "Probably a little redundant if they have already eaten."
Erica took the bag and placed it quickly onto the hall table.
She looked from David to Griffin.
"I must say they are well looked after with both of you here."
David turned to Griffin.
"So how do you want to do this?"
"Well, as I treated Bianca last night I think I'm the best qualified to see her now." said Griffin, waiting for David to counter him, instead the older man just nodded.
"And I'll check up on Marissa; that makes sense."
Griffin relaxed; clearly David was here for his daughter and not his Orpheus treatment.
…
It took only a few minutes for the kids to come out from Marissa and Bianca's room with Reggie, all ready for school and day-care. They called their goodbyes to Erica. AJ added a hug for his grandfather and Gabby and Miranda gave Griffin a cheery wave.
"You'll take care of them won't you?" asked Miranda.
"Of course we will." said Griffin. "Don't you worry!"
…
David and Griffin went through to the downstairs guest room to find Bianca and Marissa sat up in bed together. Both women's faces fell at the sight of the two doctors.
"We thought a house call was in order." said Griffin in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Marissa's smile reappeared quicker than Bianca's.
"Well it's good to see you both. As instructed we are making sure we are getting plenty of bed rest."
"So I see." said David. He moved to his daughter's side of the bed and held out his hand. "But I think if we move to the parlour I can check you over there while Griffin looks after Bianca. Can you manage?"
Marissa took his hand.
"I think so." she said, letting her father help her to her feet and guide her to the door with a supporting arm around her waist. She turned and smiled at Bianca. "I won't be long."
Griffin watched as Bianca finally found a smile for her girlfriend.
"I'll still be here." said Bianca.
…
"So how are you feeling?" Griffin asked as Bianca resignedly pulled back the bedcovers to reveal her injured legs.
"You mean the parts…" began Bianca.
"…that feel." finished Griffin.
Bianca gave him a grin.
"I guess I need to find some new material." she said, some of her old humour returning.
"Yeah but they do say the old ones are the best." said Griffin leaning in to examine Bianca's still swollen right knee. "So how are the parts that feel?" he asked.
"Throbbing, I've been trying not to bend it."
Griffin tested the joint.
"Is it painful?"
Bianca winced.
"Yeah, pretty painful."
"Sorry." said Griffin. "It looks like a sprain but I am concerned about the amount of swelling, you might have chipped a bone. I think it best if you come in for an X-ray just to be sure."
"So not just bed rest then?" said Bianca with a sigh.
"You'll be fine. I'll make you an appointment at the hospital for this afternoon. I'll even come and collect you. How's that for service." said Griffin.
Bianca smiled.
"Thank you for this."
"Well, your sister wouldn't have it any other way. We'll get you checked out and back home before you know it." He moved to examine Bianca's other leg. "Is there any sensation in your left leg?" he asked.
"I'm a little sore at the top of my thigh, on the inside where I stretched it."
"Okay… excuse me…" said Griffin, examining her inside leg. He felt around the muscle.
"Is it another sprain?" Bianca asked.
"Looks like a just a muscle pull."
Bianca sighed.
"Just?"
"Don't worry we're not going to let this keep you from your family any longer than necessary. We just want you to be safe."
"I know."
Griffin pulled the covers back over Bianca's legs and gave her another grin as he checked the bruises on her arms and forearms from her fall.
"Is there anything else you need?" he asked.
Bianca nodded.
"…to know that Marissa's going to be alright."
"She looks like she's making a good recovery." said Griffin. "She will probably need another few days to get her strength back."
"And me?"
"If it's a bad sprain… a week or so… If you chipped the bone you may need surgery…"
Bianca sighed and looked down.
"So she'll be looking after me again."
"Well she's doing a good job."
Bianca met his eyes and gave a short, self-deprecating laugh.
"I just thought it was my turn to take care of her."
"Bianca..?" asked Griffin, surprised by her reaction.
She quickly shook her head dismissing his concern.
"Don't mind me." she said quickly. "I guess I'm just having a bad day."
"Hey." said Griffin, squeezing her hand. "Things will get better."
"Really?" said Bianca, a wry smile appearing on her lips. "Then answer me one last thing. Is my mother still here..?"
…