"She can do this; she can kiss J.R. and hold his hand and smile at all the right moments. She can do all of this, for years and years and years.

And it just might work.

And it could all work out just fine.

But his arm is already there and the air passes through his lips, hitting her early morning skin, and the only person filling up Marissa's head is Bianca."

-This is so well said. And I totally identify with Marissa here.

"The world Marissa is trying so hard to build just falls away, though. She is nothing more than the walls of Jericho and that deadly trumpet call rings out with one look into Bianca's eyes."

-Love this. I am a sucker for Biblical/historical/literary references, but this really works well.

Again you've focused on the very moments I found most intriguing. I enjoy your delving into these.

OMG *cries* Marissa is breaking my heart! Come on Red, just give in and get your girl! Please tell me you are going to do another one of these or twelve! I like the poetic flow of these types of stories!