Marissa watched Bianca leave the party with concern. Bianca hadn't even looked all that tired, maybe this was just an excuse to avoid her mother. She couldn't help but notice all the time Bianca moved towards the exit, not once did she even glance in Erica's yesterday Bianca was insisting she was here to have fun and there were moments that she let her guard down completely. And then when her mother was around the tension suddenly returned. She wasn't going to let her mom down easy that was for sure. She needed space and time but Erica was no good at recognising that. She had never actually seen Bianca lose her temper enough for it to show but Marissa was worried just the same. If anything was said now… it would be a hard thing to fix.

At least her girlfriend hadn't just walked out. She took the time to talk to the kids before she left; laughing at their jokes and kissing their brows. She also stopped and had a word with Francois and Opal. She was obviously asking them to watch the children so Marissa wouldn't have to do all the work herself.

Marissa had tried to be surreptitious with her gaze, but as Bianca reached the door she noticed she was being watched and gave her a grin.

The pause in the doorway was mistake though, if Bianca's goal was to avoid her mother. Erica chose that moment to pounce. She grabbed Bianca's arm and was talking urgently to her.

From across the room Marissa was trying to work out what was being said when Scott stepped into her field of view.

"So are we having fun yet?" he asked playfully.

Marissa was a little startled by his intrusion and didn't want to appear rude by peering past him, but she worried about what was going on with Bianca and her mom.

"Are you okay?" he asked worried by her reaction.

"I've got things on my mind." said Marissa.

"No Bianca?" Scott asked, turning round to try and see what Marissa was looking at.

"She's tired." explained Marissa. "She was just going for a lie down."

Bianca was still in the doorway with her mom; Erica's hand was still on her daughter's arm, but Marissa couldn't work out what was going on.

"But she's looking better." said Scott, referring to Bianca.

"Yeah…" said Marissa distractedly. Was that a frown on Bianca's forehead? Should she go over and intervene?

"It was a lovely ceremony."

"Yeah…" said Marissa still watching the scene playing out at the opposite side of the room. Well at least Erica has let go of Bianca's arm now…

"And the bridesmaids looked beautiful."

"Yeah…" …but she's still not letting Bianca leave.

"…You and the kids."

"Yeah…" said Marissa blankly; she was now trying to lip read the conversation going on by the door. What's Bianca saying? 'This is not important..?' 'Marissa's what's important..?' Were they talking about her?

"But you should have worn antlers to really make a statement…" said Scott

"Yea…what are you talking about?" said Marissa suddenly hearing his words.

"Just making sure you're awake."

"Sorry." said Marissa shaking her head and giving him more of her attention. "I'm just worried about Bianca. She and Erica still aren't in such a great place."

"I don't blame her." said Scott. "She made Madison crazy… I know she was sick but Erica didn't help matters any. Madison almost killed you."

"But she didn't." Marissa said kindly. "And she's getting the help she needs now. That's the main thing."

Scott gave his sad smile.

"Madison hardly knows me anymore… and I don't know her."

Marissa squeezed his hand, and then pulled him into a hug.

"I know its long road, but trust me. It will be worth it in the end."

"I want to believe that." he said.

"Then believe it." she said firmly.

She leant back from the embrace and frowned at his sad face.

"Come on." she said. "This supposed to be a party. Let's dance, yeah?"

Scott nodded and for the second time that night he found himself dragged to the dance floor. The music was much livelier than for the first dance and soon they were bopping along to 'Dancing in the Moonlight'.

As she danced Marissa's eyes drifted back to the doorway. Bianca was gone and Erica was now talking to Jackson. She had missed how the conversation ended. She hoped Bianca was alright. Her eyes fell back on her dance partner. She hoped Scott was going to be alright too.

…

As they danced Marissa couldn't help but notice that every now and then Scott was looking passed her towards where Cara was dancing with Ryan and Emma. Was that jealousy she saw in his eyes?

"Scott?" she called, drawing back his attention.

He gave her a grin.

"Is there anything else you want to talk about?" she asked.

"I'll be okay." he said.

"That's not what I mean." she said, trying not to let her disappointment show in her tone as her eyes glanced at Cara. "You and Cara have gotten quite close lately haven't you? Wasn't she the one who persuaded you to come to the wedding?"

Scott didn't miss the hint of accusation in Marissa's tone.

"Cara and I are just friends." he insisted. "She's been a great help with Holly. We've bonded over smelly nappies and formula."

Marissa nodded.

"I just know it can lonely when someone you love is sick…"

"She's just a friend." said Scott again.

"Look, I'm just looking out for you." she said. "I'm a friend too remember. If you want to talk about… anything… I won't judge, okay."

"Nothing is going on." said Scott shaking his head. "She's just a friend."

Marissa gave up her suspicions. She didn't like seeing the unhappiness in Scott's eyes at her words. She was supposed to be cheering him up, not accusing him of cheating.

"I'm sorry. Ignore me." she insisted. "Like I said, I've got a lot on my mind at the moment."

Scott nodded,

"You're forgiven."

They got back to their dancing. Although Marissa did notice Scott's eyes drift Cara's way once or twice more, his expression now a little more curious. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything. It felt like she had planted an idea.

…