Still In Love – By Maejene B

It was a beautiful, fall evening in Salem. A gentle breeze flowed throughout the night, as starlight illuminated the heavens. Marlena stood on her terrace, savoring every bit of it. She closed her eyes, and breathed in the fresh, crisp air…It felt so incredibly peaceful. She wanted the feeling to last forever.

“I really should be getting back inside,” Marlena said disappointingly, not wanting to tear herself away from the beautiful night. “The last thing I want to do is go back to the party…But I’m sure Grant is wondering where I am.” Reluctantly, she started to head back into the mansion. Then, as she approached the door way, she bumped into a handsome man in a tuxedo… It was Grant Valentine, the man whom she was thinking about.

“There you are!” Grant cried. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Marlena giggled playfully. “Oh, I was just relaxing on the terrace. Today has been really busy, my love…I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t mind at all! I was only wondering where the hostess of the party had gone. Everybody has been asking about you.”

Marlena flashed him an adoring smile, and affectionately wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, don’t leave me, at least for a little while. I haven’t had any time with you at all day today…Let everyone at the party wonder where we are for a while.”

“Now, you know we can’t do that,” he said seriously. “There are hundreds of guests inside the house. And, there is someone I need to speak to who may need me to defend them in court.”

Marlena rolled her eyes. “Work, work, work! That’s all it is with you, isn’t it?”

“Honey, I’m sorry,” he said apologetically. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“That’s okay,” Marlena said disgustingly. “I guess wanting to spend some time with my husband is too much to ask.” She pulled away from him angrily, and checked her watch. “I should go check on our son before the nanny puts him to bed.”

“Tell him I said goodnight,” Grant told her.

She stopped in the doorway, and said bitterly, “Go and tell him yourself for once! I’m tired of having to do it for you!” Angrily, she stormed away.

Grant grew tense, and tightly balled his fists up. “Thank God this will soon be over. You have no idea what’s ready for you, Marlena.” He quickly regained his composure, and headed back inside to the extravagant party.

“Well, we’re here… after all of these years.” John Black felt a strange sensation as he drove into Salem for the first time in over a decade. For a brief moment, it felt as if he had never left. “I never thought I’d come back here.”

“I really wish you hadn’t dragged me a long with you,” John’s teenage son, Brady said. “Why’d we have to leave California, dad? Especially to come back to a boring place like this.”

John laughed, and patted his son on the shoulder. “Oh, c’mon, Brady! You possibly can’t remember Salem. You were still a little baby when we left here.”

“I know, dad,” he said. “But from all you’ve told me about this place, I can tell it’s really boring. And you know I hate boring places.”

“Well, maybe you need to live in a boring place for a while,” John said strictly. “It seems you can’t live in exciting ones because all you do is get into trouble.” Brady quickly silenced himself. He didn’t feel like having his dad lecture to him about his behavior. He had heard the speech a million times, and didn’t want to hear it again.

As they drove further into town, Brady broke his silence and asked, “So, who are we staying with again?”

John made a right onto a bridge, and said, “At a good friend of mine’s. Her name is Alice Horton. Trust me, you’ll love her. She’s a very sweet lady.”

“If she were such a good friend of yours, then how come you never contacted her until recently? You didn’t speak to her for years.”

John sighed. He was hesitant about traveling down memory lane, but he knew it was inevitable. “I really don’t know, Brady. Only thing I can say is when we left Salem, I pretty much cut off ties with everybody.”

“Why, dad?” Brady asked curiously.

John looked at his son, and said, “There are too many reasons, Brady. And, I really don’t feel like talking about it right now.”

“I wish you weren’t so secretive with me all the time, dad,” Brady said, feeling somewhat hurt.

John, ignoring his son’s last comment, said, “Look, there is Alice Horton’s house. You’re about to be introduced to one of the best ladies around.”

Marlena poured herself a glass of wine as she sat in bed, reading a magazine. The party was long over. No more sounds of laughter and music flooded the mansion. She had done her job as the hostess, for her husband’s sake. Now, she wanted some rest…and hopefully, some time with her husband.

“Oh, where is he? The party has been over for at least an hour,” Marlena said, disappointed by her husband’s absence. “I’m growing very tired of him never being around.” Tears of sadness began to fill her eyes.

Suddenly, to her surprise, Grant came into the room. Their eyes met, and were locked on each other. For a moment it seemed as if they’d never part.

“There you are, Mr. Valentine!” Marlena cried playfully. She jumped out of bed, eager to hold him in her arms. But, shockingly, he stepped back…to stay out of her reach. “Darling, what’s wrong? You’re not still angry over our little fight, are you?”

Grant took a deep breath, and said darkly, “Marlena, we really need to talk. It can’t wait any longer.”

By the tone of his voice, Marlena realized that what he had to say wasn’t good… Not one single bit. “Okay, I’m listening,” she replied fearfully.

Grant reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out a long, white envelope. Marlena stared at in wonder as he held it out for her to take.

“What is this?” Marlena asked, as she reached for it.

Without any emotion, Grant said, “They’re divorce papers, Marlena.”

Marlena laughed at him at first. He had to be joking, she thought. She tore open the envelope, and pulled out its contents. But, he wasn’t joking…He was telling her the truth. She gasped in horror. “Oh my God, these really our divorce papers!”

“Yes, Marlena,” he said coldly. “I’m leaving you, and your days as Mrs. Grant Valentine are numbered.”

Marlena’s mouth dropped open as she went into a state of shock. After eight years of marriage, it was all coming to an end…Grant was going to leave her… “Why? Why are you doing this?!”

“Face it, Marlena! We haven’t had a real marriage for a long time now! I think it would be best if we put an end to it. Don’t you agree?”

Tears burst out of Marlena’s eyes. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing… Her marriage was going up in smoke. “How can you be so heartless? After eight years of marriage, you’re willing to just throw it all away?!” As if it never meant anything?!”

“I’m not going into that right now,” Grant shot at her. “All I know is I want out as soon as possible.”

Marlena wiped tears away from her cheeks, and asked, “What about Zachary? Don’t you care how our son is going to be affected by this?!”

“Of course I do!” Grant shouted thunderously at her. “That’s why I’m doing this! So he will no longer be subjected to our sham of a marriage!”

Furiously, Marlena swung her arms at him, and screamed, “Get out! Get out, now!”

“Fine with me!” Grant yelled rudely. He quickly left the bedroom, violently slamming the door behind him.

Marlena fell to the floor, sobbing hysterically. Yet again, she was losing someone that she loved deeply. She had no idea if she could go on…or if she even wanted to…
Page 2 of 39″My world is crashing down, Hope,” Marlena said, as she stared sadly at her wedding band. The shock still hadn’t worn off and most likely it wouldn’t for a long time. Grant was divorcing her, after eight years of marriage… “I thought Grant and I had it all. We have a beautiful son, a perfect home…It obviously isn’t enough for him.”

Hope Williams gazed sympathetically at her friend, as they sat among the crowd at the Java Cafe. “Oh honey,” she said, “my heart is breaking over this. You and Grant seemed like the perfect couple. I thought you’d both be together forever!”

“So did I,” Marlena replied, as tears formed in her eyes. She took a sip from her espresso, and added, “But it’s over. Grant has made it clear he wants to be free. There is nothing I can do to change his mind.”

Hope sighed upsettingly. “I can only imagine how this will affect little Zachary. How do you plan on telling him? Do you think he’ll be able to understand?”

Marlena shrugged nervously, fearful of how her little boy was going to take the news. “I don’t know,” Marlena said unknowingly. “I’m afraid he’s going to have his little heart broken. The last thing I want is for him to experience any kind of pain.”

“It’s such a shame how children become innocent victims in situations like these,” Hope said.

Marlena nodded in agreement with Hope. “I know. But I don’t know how that can be avoided…Surely he’ll realize his father and I are breaking up.”

“Yes, that’s true,” Hope said. Then, attempting to brighten up her friend’s spirit, she added, “Well, at least one good thing will come out of your divorce.”

Marlena looked at Hope, completely stunned by her comment. “What good could possibly come from my divorce?!”

“You won’t have to worry about Belle and Grant fighting anymore,” Hope told her friend. “It’s no secret that their relationship is strained. And Belle’s made it clear that she’ll never accept him as her stepfather.”

“You’re right about that,” Marlena said seriously. “But that’s not a good reason to get a divorce, Hope. I love Grant. The last thing I want is for him to leave me.”

“I know, honey,” Hope said, as she reached for her friend’s hand. “I was just trying to cheer you up.”

Marlena laughed. “Thanks.”

“So, have you heard from Belle recently?” Hope asked curiously.

“Yes, actually,” Marlena said cheerfully. “She called me a few weeks ago. Apparently Roman got some time off from his mission in Spain to go see her in Switzerland. She was so overjoyed by his visit.”

“Really?” Hope asked happily. “That’s great! I know how much she loves her father.”

Marlena nodded, with a smile overtaking her face. “Yes, she does. I’m glad that she has a solid relationship with him. That means more to me than almost anything.”

Hope tapped her fingers nervously, hesitant on whether she should or shouldn’t ask the following question she had for Marlena.

“Hope, I can tell you want to ask me something,” Marlena said, feeling as if she could read her mind. “Spill it out!”

Hope sighed, not knowing how Marlena was going to react. “Marlena, don’t you think it’s about time you told her the truth…about who her real father is?”

At the sound of those words, Marlena nearly dropped her espresso clear to the ground…

***
The sweet aroma of pancakes and hot syrup flowed all throughout Alice Horton’s kitchen. Alice insisted on cooking breakfast for her guests, John and Brady, though John kept telling her she didn’t have to. Together, all three of them sat at the kitchen table, eating the delicious meal she had prepared for them.

“Oh, Alice,” John said, “these pancakes are delicious! I really have missed your cooking!”

Alice laughed. She patted John on the shoulder, and said, “Not as much as I’ve missed you all these years! Life in Salem hasn’t been the same since you left, John.”

“I’m sorry about that, Alice,” John said, as she sat down in her seat. “I really should’ve kept in contact more. It was really selfish of me to be so distant.”

Alice shook her head and said, “Don’t start beating on yourself, John. There’s no need to go down that road. You’re here now, that’s all that matters.”

“Thank you, Alice,” John said lovingly, as he reached for her hand.

Alice looked over towards Brady, and asked him, “And how are you doing with your breakfast, young man?”

“Good, Mrs. Horton,” Brady said, as he devoured his pancakes. “You sure do know how to cook!”

Alice laughed again. “Oh, you’re so sweet. Thank you!”

After everyone was finished eating, Brady and John did the dishes, though Alice demanded they leave them be. “It’s the least we can do in return for your hospitality, Alice,” John said.

“Oh, okay then,” Alice cried in defeat. “I guess I can handle that.”

When the dishes were clean and dry, Brady was quick to ask John, “Dad, can I borrow the car for a little while?”

“Why so early in the morning, son?”

“I just feel like checking the town out. That’s all,” Brady said.

John rolled his eyes, and handed his car keys over to Brady. “Be back here no later than two o’clock,” John said strictly. “I may need the car this afternoon.”

“I will,” Brady said happily. Then, he ran over to Alice, and gave her a warm hug. “Thank you for breakfast, Mrs. Horton. I really appreciate it.”

Alice pinched his cheek adoringly. “The pleasure was all mine, sweetheart.” Quickly, Brady flew out of the house, and within a few minutes you could hear the car driving down the street. “He’s grown up to be a wonderful, young man, John. I’m sure you’re very proud of him.”

“Yes, I am,” John said proudly. “He can be a handful at times, but what teenager isn’t?”

Alice sat back down in her seat, and instructed for John to sit down as well. “Now, at least with Brady gone, we can talk more openly about things.”

John nodded, not liking where the conversation was leading to. “Yes, we can, I suppose.”

Curiously, Alice asked him, “What made you decide to come back to Salem after all these years? Some reason in particular?”

John flinched uncomfortably in his seat. “I don’t know. I just felt it was time to reconnect with past friends…that’s all.”

“Bull!” Alice shot at him. “Be honest with me, John. This is me you’re talking to here. There are no secrets between us, remember?”

John sighed, full of frustration. Finally, he caved in. “Okay, I admit it. I came back to see my daughter…I’ve been curious to know how she’s grown and how she looks…”

“You obviously don’t know anything,” Alice said.

John looked at Alice, with worry written all over his face. “What, Alice? Has something happened to Belle?”

***
“I can’t believe you’d even suggest that!” Marlena cried, as she regained her grip on her espresso mug. “There is no way I’d reveal to Belle that John is really her father…It’s enough already that Roman doesn’t know the truth!”

Hope feared she’d receive this kind of reaction from Marlena. “Marlena, I was only wondering. I always thought you were planning to tell her once she was older?”

“No,” Marlena cried boldly. “I won’t destroy her world, nor Roman’s. They both love each other very much, and the last thing I’d want to do is jeopardize their relationship.”

“I still don’t understand why you and John just didn’t tell Roman the truth about Belle’s paternity when you both found out,” Hope said, completely unable to understand.

“Hope, I’ve told you this a million times,” Marlena said annoyingly. “When Roman learned of my affair with John, he was destroyed. It would’ve killed him if he found out Belle wasn’t his daughter. John and I both decided that it would be best to let Roman keep thinking that Belle was his…But I didn’t expect John to leave Salem.”

“How couldn’t you expect that, Marlena?” Hope asked. “It was obviously too difficult for John to stay around and watch his child be fathered by someone else. One can only imagine how painful that must feel.”

“Yes, I know,” Marlena said sadly. “But, it doesn’t matter anymore. Roman left me anyway, and shortly after that I met Grant. Now, history is repeating itself, because once again a man is leaving me.”

Hope frowned miserably, as she stood to go. “I do feel for you, Marlena. I really do.”

“Thank you, Hope,” Marlena said, feeling grateful to have such a good friend as her. “I do appreciate all you’ve done for me…I’m so glad I can confide in you with all my secrets and problems.”

“Hey, that’s what friends are for,” Hope said warmly. “Now give me a hug. I’ve got to get to work.” The two women gave each other a friendly embrace, and went their own separate ways.

“I wish there was some way I could change Grant’s mind,” Marlena said, as she began to cry uncontrollably. “I don’t want to lose my family…It’s the only dear thing I have left in the world.”…

***
“No, nothing has happened to Belle,” Alice said, reassuring John. “She’s in a boarding school in Switzerland. From what I know, she’s doing very well over there.”

John nodded, thankful that nothing had happened to her. “That’s good. As long as she’s happy, I’ll be okay. I know I can’t raise her as my daughter, but I still want her to have the best in life.”

Alice nodded. “Yes, she is a very happy girl. She loves Marlena and Roman very much…”

“I’m glad to hear that,” John said happily. “By the way, how are Marlena and Roman? Were they able to work through their problems?”

“Oh my goodness,” Alice cried. “You mean…you don’t know?!”

“Know what?!” John asked.

Alice closed her eyes, and said, “John, Marlena and Roman divorced shortly after you left Salem. He couldn’t get past the affair you and Marlena had.”

“What?!” John cried in shock, as he rose from his chair. “They got divorced?!”

“Yes,” Alice said, instructing for him to sit back down. “And that’s not all, John. There is much more.”

John, completely stunned by the revelation, sat back down…eager to hear the rest of what Alice had to tell him…
Page 3 of 39″I need to try and get beyond this,” Marlena sobbed, as she left Salem Place. “Being upset isn’t going to bring Grant and I back together…We’re through, and I have to realize that.” But she didn’t want to face the horrific truth. She thought her and Grant had the perfect marriage. Yes, at times they did have their differences, but mostly…their lives were perfect and filled with love.
Suddenly, thoughts of Zachary invaded her thoughts. How were they going to explain their breakup to their precious little boy? “He’s only six years old,” Marlena cried, wiping tears away from her cheeks. “There is no way he’ll be able to understand this. No way whatsoever.”
Marlena stumbled through the parking lot, barely able to maintain stability. She had been dragged through the mud, and felt as if she were going to die. Eventually, she collapsed to the pavement, and broke down. Tears flowed uncontrollably out of her eyes…She slammed her hands on the pavement, trying to release the frustration that was consuming her body and soul.
“Ma’am, are you okay?” a voice behind her asked.
Snapping back into reality, Marlena heard the voice, and realized how pathetic she must’ve looked…crying on the pavement. Without looking at the person, Marlena said calmly, “Yes, I’m okay. Thank you for asking.”
The person reached his hand out and said, “Please, let me help you up…”
Marlena, still not looking at the person, willingly reached out her hand. The man helped Marlena up to her feet, and asked, “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need help with something?”
Marlena finally looked into the kind hearted person’s eyes, and said softly, “Thank you, but I am okay.” He was a handsome, young man…and for some funny reason, he reminded her of somebody she knew.
The dark haired, blue eyed young man caught hold of Marlena’s mysterious glances. Uncomfortably, he asked, “Ma’am, is there a reason why you’re looking at me so strangely?”
Marlena apologized, realizing how foolish she was acting. “Oh, I’m sorry. You remind me of somebody I know, but I can’t figure out who!” Curiously, she asked, “Are you from around here? Maybe I know your parents.”
“No,” he replied. “I’m from California. My dad and I are visiting from out of town.”
“Oh,” Marlena said. “Well, I’m sorry for bothering you…and I really do appreciate your helping me out a few minutes ago.”
The young man smiled and said, “Think nothing of it.”
Marlena continued to watch the young man walk across the parking lot, and into Salem Place. Something about his eyes stood out in her mind…They were the bluest of blue. Marlena sighed sadly, and said, “There is only one other person I know who has eyes that color…John.”
***
John sat in Salem Park, thinking sadly about what might have been. If he only would’ve stayed in Salem for a little while longer, he and Marlena may have been able to start a life together. He knew the whole story now, and it wasn’t what he had expected to happen. Marlena and Roman’s marriage had crashed and burned…Now, she was happily remarried to another man.
“I wish I had never left Salem,” John said to himself, as tears formed in his eyes. “Things may have ended up differently if I had stayed.” Yes, things could’ve been so different…He tried to fight off the painful thoughts, but he couldn’t. He and Marlena may have ended up together if he hadn’t of disappeared from Salem so many years ago. “I’ve never stopped loving her, even after all of these years. She’s still the one and only person in my heart…”
In his heart, he wished she felt the same for him, but knew it was impossible. She was married to a successful attorney, and together they were raising a little boy. “She’s living a happy life with her husband and child,” John said, as he recalled his conversation with Alice. “If I had any compassion at all, I’d just leave Salem…and pretend I had never come back.”
John, realizing that is what he had to do, prepared to leave the park. “It was a mistake coming back here. My returning to Salem would only cause problems…Why didn’t I realize that before?”
As he left the park, he kept kicking himself in the behind, saying it was stupid of him to come back. “I’m not going to disrupt Marlena’s life…or Belle’s either. I love them too much to do that.” He continued his way back to Alice’s, but stopped when he realized he still had to visit one more place before he went…
***
Marlena stood on the pier, gazing out a long the river. It had been years since she had last stood there…and it had been with John she last did so. She smiled warmly, as her mind replayed memories of times when they were together. “Oh, John,” Marlena sighed, “we were so in love. I was so happy and full of life when we were together…Now look at me. I’m nothing but a broken down mess.”
She walked a long the wooden dock, thinking about everything going on in her life. “I don’t know how I’m going to recover from this,” Marlena cried fearfully. “Grant has been my rock for years. Our marriage means the world to me…What am I going to do when it’s officially over?”
Marlena sat down, and buried her face in her hands. She was so lost. Her mind felt as if it were spinning out of control and was going to burst. “Why can’t my life be easy for once?”
The sound of footsteps interrupted her thoughts. Her face raised out of her hands, and her eyes focused on a man staring out at the river…just like she had done not too long before. Trying to be friendly, Marlena asked the man, “Don’t you think it’s a beautiful evening?”
“Oh, yes,” the man laughed, still gazing outwards. “It’s gorgeous out…”
Marlena smiled. “I used to come here all the time with someone dear to me…I haven’t been here in years.”
“Same with me,” the man said. “I came here with a very special lady. She meant the world to me…” The man turned around to introduce himself to the woman speaking to him, but froze in place when he saw who she was…
Marlena turned her eyes towards the man. Suddenly, all the color drained from her face…Her mouth dropped open in amazement…Could it truly be him?! Or was her mind playing tricks on her?! Her eyes were telling her she saw him…but her mind wasn’t accepting it.
Finally, Marlena asked, “Is that you, John?”
The man nodded nervously, and said, “Yes, Marlena…I’m back.”
“Oh my God!” Marlena cried out joyfully. She thought she was hallucinating, but she wasn’t! She ran rapidly to him, and joyfully dove into his arms. “Oh, John…I can’t believe it! You’re here! After all of this time!”
John held onto to her tightly, not ever wanting to let go. It had been over a decade since they had last seen each other…Now, after so many years, they were finally reunited…
Page 4 of 39It felt as if it were too good to be true. After what seemed like a million years, John and Marlena were together again, holding each other in their arms. Both felt they were in a wonderful dream that had become reality…

“I’m speechless,” Marlena cried, as she embraced John lovingly. “I’ve been waiting years for this moment…and now you’re finally here!” She gazed at his face, with an exuberant smile planted across her own. “I saw a young man today. He reminded me so much of you…That’s why I had to come here.”

John laughed, as he held her in his arms. Humorously, he said, “Oh, you probably saw Brady!”

“Brady?” Marlena exclaimed. “Oh, the young man must’ve been him! He has so many features of yours…especially your blue, blue eyes.”

John smiled, as he continued to hold her. “Yes, I’ve been told we look a lot alike.”

“Oh, John, I’ve missed you so much!” Marlena said, changing the subject. “Why didn’t you keep in touch with me? I didn’t know if you were dead or alive! How could you be so heartless and cruel?” She didn’t understand why he had never contacted her, and left Salem so mysteriously.

John sighed sadly. “Marlena…I felt it would be best if I just stayed out of the picture, and let you live your life with Belle and Roman. It wouldn’t have been right for me to contact you.”

Marlena touched his cheek gently, not wanting to drag up the past. “John, I know we were involved in a very sticky situation. But you didn’t need to disappear, never to be heard from again! Didn’t you realize how much you’d worry me by doing that?!”

“Trust me, Marlena,” John said seriously, “I was doing you a favor. My being around would’ve made things worse for everyone.”

Marlena looked into John’s eyes. For years she had been wanting to ask him a really serious question. And now that she finally had the chance, she didn’t know if she wanted to or not…for fear of what his answer may be.

“Doc,” John said softly, “is there something you want to ask me?”

Marlena nodded.

“Then do so,” John instructed.

Marlena closed her eyes, and asked him, “John…do you have any regrets over what we did? You know…keeping the truth about Belle from Roman?” She wanted an honest answer from him, even though it really didn’t make a difference anymore.

John looked away from Marlena, and said, “Yes, I have many regrets, Marlena. It breaks my heart, knowing that my daughter is being fathered by another man. I know what we did seemed like the right thing to do at the time. But, now I realize what we did was horribly wrong…”

She was fearful he’d react this way. Marlena said hopefully, “I hope you don’t intend on having us break the truth to Roman and Belle. It would shatter their worlds, John.”

John looked seriously at Marlena, and said, “Doc, the lying has gone on long enough. Belle and Roman should know the truth. We have to put an end to this dishonesty once and for all.”

“I can’t believe you,” Marlena spat at John horrifically. Her joyful and festive mood had flown away with the wind. Seeing John again had lifted so many fears from her shoulders, and made her so extremely happy. Now, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing come out of his mouth. “You want to tell Belle now? After Roman has been raising her all these years?”

“Please, don’t get angry with me,” John said calmly, trying to soothe her growing temper. “I was going to leave Salem today, and not disturb you or Belle. But, after seeing you again, I know it is the right thing to do.”

Marlena laughed hysterically at John as if he were a lunatic. “Are you crazy? Belle has grown up all her life believing Roman is her father! They both share a very strong bond. There is no way I’m going to allow you to drop this on her. Especially this far into her life!”

“Marlena, it’s the right thing to do!” John cried. “They’re bound to find out the truth one day!”

“No, John!” Marlena shot at him angrily. “We decided on this years ago, and this is the way it stays! I can’t believe you have the nerve to come back here after all these years and propose this disastrous idea!”

“Don’t you care how this affects me?” John asked, as his heart tore to shreds. “Everyday, I wake up, knowing my daughter is growing up more and more…and she doesn’t even know that I exist!”

Cruelly, Marlena snapped at him, “You should’ve realized the consequences when we decided to keep the truth a secret. I clearly remember asking if you could deal with not raising Belle as your own, and you said yes! You did have a chance, John! And you passed it up!”

Trying to control his temper, John took a deep breath, and replied softly, “I did what I felt best for Roman. I had hurt him enough already by having an affair with you. Belle not being his daughter would’ve put him in his grave!”

For a brief moment, Marlena said tenderly, “I know you sacrificed a lot for Roman, John. I do appreciate that very much…”

“Thank you, Marlena,” John said. “That’s the least you can say.”

“But what you’re suggesting we do is preposterous!” she yelled. “Belle can’t know the truth! It would destroy her!”

“Marlena,” John said, “we’re destroying her by leading her down a path of lies! Don’t you see that?”

Marlena shook her head, refusing to listen to him any longer. “I can’t listen to this anymore. I obviously can’t get through to you.”

“Where are you going?” John asked, as she turned to leave.

Annoyingly, Marlena said, “I don’t expect you to know this, John, but I do have a son to go home to!”

John nodded, remembering that she had remarried. For a split second he had forgotten. “Yes, I heard all about your marriage to Grant Valentine. Alice filled me in on everything.”

“Oh, she did?” Marlena asked coldly. “Well, if you would’ve kept in touch sometimes, maybe you wouldn’t have found out this far down the road.”

“You’re cruel, Marlena,” John said sadly. “You’re not the same beautiful woman I cherished and loved so deeply…”

Marlena laughed wickedly at John, and said, “People change, John. I guess it has taken you till now to realize that.” She flashed him a rude and nasty glance, and walked away quickly…as if she wanted to get away from as soon as possible.

John continued to watch her as she walked away, and said, “I guess Belle will never know the truth…” Tears filled his eyes, as sadness took over him…and darkness consumed the sky…
Page 5 of 39An icy breeze ripped around Marlena as she unlocked the door to her luxurious mansion. The evening had grown colder ever since she and John were reunited … quite nastily … on the Salem Pier. Thoughts of him continuously plagued her, and the argument they had about Belle haunted her soul like a ghost.

“I think John is going to be a problem,” Marlena convinced herself, as she stood outside her front door. “He is determined to tell Belle the truth about her paternity. I have to make sure he doesn’t. But how?”

One thing soothed her mind though. Belle was on the other side of the world … far, far away in Switzerland attending a boarding school. Marlena smiled triumphantly. “Thank goodness she’s over there in stead of here,” she cried with relief. “All I have to do is make sure John doesn’t find out which boarding school she’s attending. I’ll do anything to keep Belle safe from our secret!”

Marlena smiled happily as she finally entered her warm and elegant home. “I’m home!” Marlena cried out, her voice echoing throughout the mansion. Within a matter of seconds, the sounds of two feet running furiously could be heard. Then, suddenly, Zachary came bursting into the foyer.

“Mommy!” Zachary exclaimed joyfully, running quickly to his mother.

Marlena’s eyes lit up gleefully at the sight of her beautiful, little boy. She knelt to the floor, and invitingly flung open her arms. Zachary lovingly dove into them.

“I’ve missed you, mommy!” Zachary cried, as he embraced his mother.

Marlena smiled as she held onto Zachary. She ran her fingers through his light, blonde hair and said, “I’ve missed you, too, cupcake. I couldn’t wait to come home and be with you.”

Zachary giggled. “I had fun at school today.”

“You did?” Marlena asked, still holding onto him. “What did you do?”

Zachary stared excitingly at his mother. “We did lots of things! First, we carved pumpkins for Halloween. It is in the kitchen, so you have to see it!”

“Okay,” Marlena laughed. “What else did you do?”

Zachary thought deeply for a moment. His seriousness nearly made Marlena burst out and laugh. “Um … we drew pictures for Halloween! I drew a vampire for mine!”

“Oh, I bet it is scary!” Marlena cried fearfully, playing with her son.

“Yes. It is really scary!” Zachary squealed.

“So, is your daddy home?” Marlena asked, trying to hide her growing sadness over their deteoriating marriage.

Zachary nodded. “Yes. He’s upstairs packing clothes.”

“He is?” Marlena asked, wide eyed with surprise. “Is he packing a lot of things?”

Again, Zachary nodded. “Yeah. He said he has to leave for work.”

“Oh, I didn’t know he was planning to leave now,” Marlena said sadly, trailing off into space.

Zachary gazed at his mother with concern, and asked, “Mommy, are you okay?”

“Yes,” Marlena said cheerfully, hiding her true feelings. “I’m thrilled, now that I’m home with you!”

“Good,” Zachary said. “You’re going to be happier when I show you who is here.”

“Who’s here?”

They both rose to their feet, and Zachary took her by the hand. “Come into the living room. I’ll show you.”

Zachary and Marlena walked happily into the living room. Little did Marlena know, she was being set up for a huge shock.

“Look, mommy! Belle’s home!” Zachary cried ecstatically, while clapping his hands vigorously.

Marlena’s eyes turned quickly to the gorgeous, blonde haired figure sitting casually on the couch. It was Belle …

“Hi, mama!” Belle cried, as she stood from the couch. “Happy to see me?”

Marlena stared at her daughter in terror, and gasped, “Oh my goodness … you’re home!”

***
It was nearing eight o’clock when John arrived back at Alice’s. He hadn’t been able to think straight at all since his bitter confrontation with Marlena. At first, they were so thrilled and happy to see each other again. But the subject of Belle had turned everything upside down. Now, everything was in total chaos and upheaval.

“There you are!” Brady cried, as he spotted his father hanging his jacket on the coat rack. “I’ve been waiting here all day for you.”

“I’m sorry,” John said apologetically to him. “I didn’t mean to ditch you. There were a lot of things I had to do.”

Brady smiled at his dad, and patted him on the shoulder. “It’s okay. But I did come home on time with the car — just like you had asked.”

John laughed. “Good, boy.”

“So, what did you do today?” Brady asked as they walked into the living room.

John sat on the couch, feeling totally exhausted. “I went and did some catching up with a few old friends. That’s all.” It was a flat out lie, but he didn’t want to tell Brady about Marlena. After all, he didn’t know anything about the matter, and planned on keeping it that way until the truth was revealed.

“Cool,” Brady replied, nodding his head.

John sighed and said, “We have to get up early in the morning. I want to get you enrolled at Salem High as soon as possible.”

“So I guess we’re staying here,” Brady stated miserably.

“Yes, for the time being, at least,” John replied.

“Dad, why’d we have to leave California?” Brady asked seriously. “I was looking forward to spending my senior year in high school with my friends … not people I don’t know!”

John sighed. “Brady, we had our reasons for leaving California.”

“Tell me some of the reasons then!” Brady yelled, demanding some answers.

John, not knowing what to say, rose to his feet and left the room … leaving Brady by himself.

“I can tell something is bothering him,” Brady said surely, “and I’m going to find out what.”

***
Marlena stared at Belle in shock. Deep in her mind, she tried to convince herself she was seeing things … and that Belle’s presence was a figment of her imagination. But she wasn’t. She was standing before her … meaning she was no longer in Switzerland, safe from John.

“What are you doing back here?” Marlena asked, trying to act happy in front of Zachary. “Aren’t you supposed to be in boarding school?”

Belle could sense that her mother was very upset, but was trying to stay calm with Zachary present. “I was homesick, mama. Daddy came to visit me a few weeks back, and he said it was okay for me to come home.”

Marlena looked at her son, and asked kindly, “Honey, could you go upstairs with your daddy for a little bit? I need to talk to Belle privately.”

“Okay, mommy,” Zachary said. He quickly ran off to see his father.

With Zachary gone, Marlena gazed angrily at Belle, and asked, “What in the world are you doing back here, young lady?!”

“Mama,” Belle said sadly, “it was lonely in Switzerland. I missed being with you and Zachary!”

“Damn it, Belle!” Marlena yelled. “Of all times for you to come back this has to be the worst!”

“I’m so sorry, mama,” Belle cried, on the verge of tears. “Daddy said it was okay, so he took me out of the school, and bought me a plane ticket. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You’ve invested so many years into that school, Belle,” Marlena cried, her face turning a crimson red. “Why would you want to leave after spending so much time there?”

Belle shrugged. “I don’t care about that. That school has no hold over me … The only thing I could think of was how much I missed being with you.”

Marlena waved her hands in the air, giving into defeat. “Well, you’re here now. There’s nothing I can do to change that.”

“So, you’re not mad at me?” Belle asked timidly, wiping tears away from her cheeks.

Marlena shook her head. “No, I’m not mad at you, honey. I’m just really frustrated at the moment.” Having Belle home didn’t upset her one bit. She loved having her daughter back, even if it meant her leaving the boarding school after so many years. But it was John that filled her mind with fear … How was she going to shield her from the truth, now that she was back in Salem?

“Oh, thank you, mama!” Belle cried, throwing her arms around her mother. “I’m so glad to be back.”

Marlena softened a bit towards her, and said warmly, “I’m glad, too. I missed you so much.”

After a few minutes had passed, Belle looked at her mother sadly, and said, “I know what’s bothering you. I spoke to Grant when I got home.”

“You did?” Marlena asked. “Then you know that we’re getting divorced?”

“Yes,” Belle said. “I’m really sorry.”

“That’s okay, sweetie,” Marlena replied. “Lets not talk about that right now. I want to hear about all you’ve been up to in Switzerland.”

Marlena and Belle sat comfortably upon the sofa, and started to talk up a storm. But, no matter what, John wouldn’t leave Marlena’s mind … He was stuck there, and it appeared he wasn’t going to disappear at all …
Page 6 of 39The halls of Salem High were flooded with teenagers. All eyes were cast upon John and Brady as they made their way through the crowd of kids to the guidance office. Brady felt uncomfortable and desperately wanted to leave there immediately. Everyone was staring at him, and trying to figure out who he was … It nearly drove him to the point of nausea.

“Everyone is staring at me”, Brady said, as his face turned beet red.

“Dont worry about it, son”, John said reassuringly. “They’ve never seen you before. Surely they’re curious to find out who you are.”

The pressure seemed to lift off of Bradys shoulders once they were inside the confines of the guidance office. He gazed around the room, filled with papers and filing cabinets. Miserably, he slumped into a chair while his father spoke to a secretary.

“Hello”, John said politely. “My name is John Black. My son and I have an appointment with the school guidance counselor, Renee Hansen. It concerns his enrollment.”

The secretary nodded in agreement. “Yes, I remember her telling me about that.”

“Can she see us now?”

“Yes”, the secretary replied. “She has just finished enrolling another student, and told me to send you in as soon as you arrived.”

“Thank you”, John said kindly. He turned towards Brady, who was sitting glumly in the chair … twiddling his thumbs. “Okay, bud. We’re set.”

“Yippee!” Brady cried sarcastically, as he rose from his seat. “I’m so thrilled, I think I’m gonna wet myself.”

John rolled his eyes. “Okay, cut it out, young man. I know you don’t like the idea of going to school here. But you’re going to have to just deal with it.”

“And why should I?” Brady snapped back at his father. “I hate this school! The last thing I want to be is a student here.”

“You haven’t even given it a chance, Brady”, John said, trying to remain calm. “At least try it out before you say things like that.”

Brady laughed. “I don’t need to. I can already tell that the kids here are boring and aren’t my idea of fun.”

John sighed, and patted his son on the shoulder. “I know you’re going to end up liking it here, Brady. I can feel it in my soul. Just give it a chance, and maybe you’ll see for yourself.”

Brady gazed at his father blankly. ” Whatever.”

Even though he knew he wasnt going to get one in return, John smiled warmly at his son. He rested his arm across his shoulders, and said, “Come on. Lets get you enrolled.”

***
Marlena entered the Penthouse Grille looking as beautiful and sophisticated as ever. To many people, she seemed as if she didn’t have a care in the world. But all she was doing was putting on a great act. Beneath all the glitter and fancy clothes lied a woman in utter despair … who was breaking apart into millions of tiny pieces.

A lot was going through her mind. Between her divorce, Belle’s surprise coming home, and John’s appearance back in Salem … it felt as if she were going to fall over from a dizzy spell. So many things were happening at one time, and it was all becoming too overwhelming.

Marlena gazed around the Penthouse Grille for Grant. He requested that they meet for brunch and discuss what they were going to do concerning the divorce. She dreaded the thought of losing him, and she hoped that he’d have a change of heart. But there was no way. He’d made it clear he wanted to be free of her … and their marriage.

“Hello”, Marlena said to Grant, once she reached the table. He gazed up at her … She felt as if her heart were going to melt just by looking into his dark brown eyes, and his handsome looks. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.”

“No, you didn’t”, Grant replied unemotionally. From the way he was acting, it seemed as if he were at a business meeting … not at brunch with his soon-to-be ex-wife.

Marlena sat in her seat, feeling uneasy. “I had so many things to do this morning. First, I had to enroll Belle at Salem High, and then I had to work with a patient–“

“No more beating around the bush, please”, Grant interrupted rudely.

Realizing she had hit a nerve, she stopped babbling. “Okay.”

“First thing I’d like to ask is did you sign the divorce papers?”

Marlena nodded, strongly holding back her feelings of sadness. She wasn’t going to make herself appear weak any longer. She was a strong person, and was going to let him know it.

“Yes”, Marlena replied. She pulled the documents out of her purse, and handed them over to Grant. They’re signed and ready.

“Good”, Grant exclaimed, with a joyful glow in his eyes. ” And I assume that you have no problems with how we’re splitting things up between us?”

Marlena shook her head. “Like I actually give a damn.”

Grant’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, dont get feisty, Marlena. We wouldn’t want that.”

“Shut up, Grant”, Marlena snapped at him viciously. “I have every right to be feisty and nasty with you.”

“Watch your mouth, Marlena”, Grant scolded, as he scanned the divorce papers. “You tend to get a little wordy at times.”

Marlena leaned across the table, and looked right into his face. He returned the glance, totally confused by her actions. “Finally”, she said, “I believe you have no control over me anymore, Grant. Don’t tell me how to act behavior wise.”

“Get back in your seat”, Grant demanded, ignoring her comment. “The people are beginning to stare”.

Marlena laughed. “You know what? I don’t care!”

Grant rose from his seat, clutching the divorce papers tightly in his hands. “I’m not putting up with this. I’m going to make sure my lawyer gets these papers so the process can begin right away.” Quickly, Grant began to walk away. But Marlenas shouting voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Grant, I was wondering about something!” Marlena called out to him. Everyone was staring at the dueling Valentines as if it were a thrilling television show.

“What?!” Grant yelled back. “What is your crazy mind wondering about, Marlena?!”

Smiling mischievously, Marlena picked up a glass of water, and walked over to Grant. “Are you leaving me for another woman?”

“Huh?!” Grant choked out.

“Is there another woman in your life?” Marlena asked, her eyes piercing his like daggers.

Annoyingly, Grant rolled his eyes. “You’re crazy.”

“How about you answer the question”, Marlena suggested. She was dead certain that he was leaving her for someone else. He was such a poor liar when it came to her … It was written all over his face that he had fallen for another.

Grant sighed, and admitted, “Yes, I am seeing another woman, Marlena.”

You bastard! Marlena cried. Furiously, she flung the water from her glass all over his face. She went back to the table for her purse, and left Grant standing in the Penthouse Grille.

As everyone stared at him in disbelief, Grant vowed, “You’ll pay, Marlena. Pretty soon, you’re going to wish you’d never met me.”

Overflowing with tears, Marlena ran hysterically, not knowing where she was headed. She finally stopped at Salem Park, where she collapsed to the ground. Her life was over. She had been completely crushed and destroyed …

“Why do so many horrible things always happen to me?” Marlena asked herself, as she wept mournfully. She couldn’t get out of her mind how cold a person Grant had become. Where had everything gone wrong?

“A beautiful woman crying in the park. Not such a lovely sight for one like me to see.”

Marlena shuddered at the sudden appearance of the foreign voice. She looked up from the grass … and saw that it was John. Her eyes widened at the sight of him. Seeing him again had stunned her. For a brief moment she had forgotten he had come back to Salem.

“I know I’m probably the last person you want to see right now”, John stated, “but are you okay?”

Marlena rose to her feet, and nodded. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“You don’t look it”, John noticed. She looked as if she were just involved in a train wreck. He couldn’t help but feel concerned for her.

“Well, I am!” Marlena snapped at him. “I’m leaving now, so good-bye!” She turned to go, but John gently grabbed her arm, holding her in place.

Horrified, Marlena asked, “Could you please let go of me? I really need to go!”

“No”, John said. “Not until you hear me out.”

Marlena closed her eyes, not knowing how much more she could take. “Hear out what, John? You’ve made it clear you want to reveal the truth to Belle and Roman, which I will not allow you to do!”

“That’s the thing”, John said seriously. “I’ve changed my mind concerning the matter.”

“You have?” Marlena asked in shock.

John nodded. “Yes.”

“Why?” It really surprised her that he changed his mind. He was so adamant on telling Belle the truth about him being her father. Now, all of a sudden, he had a change of heart.

“I don’t think it would be fair to Belle”, John replied. “You made me see things more clearly. Our telling her the truth would disrupt her life … and cause her more damage than good.”

Marlena was speechless, and thankful at the same time. She no longer had to worry about Belle being hurt, which soothed her soul more than anyone could know.

“Are you going to say anything?” John asked.

Marlena smiled warmly at him, and pulled him into her arms. “Oh, John … thank you, so much. God only knows how much this means to me …”

“You’re no longer upset?” John asked.

Marlena gazed into his eyes, and said, “No.” She buried herself in his arms. It felt so safe being wrapped up in them. It reminded her of the good old days… the glory days of their love.

“I couldn’t stay angry at you forever, John”, Marlena whispered softly. “How could I over something as serious as this?”

“Shhh”, John instructed. “Let us not talk about it anymore. Ive made my mind up, and I truly agree with you. Belle is leading a wonderful life. The last thing I want to do is get in the way of that.”

Comfort filled their souls as they held onto each other. It felt so wonderful … and right. Marlena smiled, because for the first time in years, John had lifted her spirit up at a time that it was dying on the ground.
Page 7 of 39Birds were chirping happily in the trees of Salem Park as Marlena and John strode together. Being in each other’s company made both of their hearts soar, now that their differences concerning Belle were settled. They knew they were making the right decision … Letting Belle know the truth about her paternity would be catastrophic. Protecting her from hurt and humiliation was their main objective … Nothing else.

“So, Belle is back in Salem?” John asked.

Marlena nodded. “Yes, she is. She surprised me last night. Apparently, Roman said it was okay for her to come back. It would’ve been nice if she had asked me first.”

John chuckled. “I can tell she is just like you. Only you would do something like that.”

“Yeah, that is something I would do,” Marlena laughed. “But my parents wouldn’t have been as forgiving.”

“I’d really like to see her,” John stated emotionally. He stopped walking, and looked her straight in the eyes. “I promise I won’t say anything to her. I just want to see how she’s grown up … That’s all.”

Marlena sighed, knowing that he was truly hurting inside. “I have no problem with you seeing her, John.”

“Thank you,” John said cheerfully, his eyes glowing like Christmas lights. “You don’t know how happy this makes me.”

Marlena smiled tenderly at him. “We’ll make plans for you to visit some time this week. I promise.”

They continued their walk through the park, speaking of the different directions they’ve taken in life. Each listened attentively to one another, eager to hear all they’ve been up to … and what adventures they’d been involved in.

“I’m glad you found peace in California,” Marlena said. “Sounds like you and Brady really liked it there.”

“Yes,” John said, “we did.”

Teasingly, Marlena asked him, “Did you meet anyone special in California?”

John blushed. “Yes, actually I did. But it’s over now.”

“I’m sorry,” Marlena said sadly. “Tell me about her.”

“Are you sure?” John asked annoyingly.

Marlena nodded seriously. “Yes … I want to know.”

“Okay,” John moaned. “Her name is Carlotta Ramello. She’s from Italy, and we dated for six years.”

Marlena laughed. “That’s all you’re going to tell me?!”

“Yes,” John said. “I don’t see the point of dragging it up for conversation.”

“Wow. Six years … Must’ve been a serious relationship.”

John nodded. “Yes, it was. I did love her … but not the same way she loved me.”

Curiously, Marlena asked, “Why?”

John gazed at her beautiful face … and whispered gently, “… I was still in love with you …”

Marlena gasped in shock … and didn’t know how to react …

***
“Oh, it feels so good to be back in Salem!” Belle cried, as she threw her school books into her locker. Getting away from the boarding school in Switzerland was the answer to her prayers. Now, she was free to live life to its fullest … and be more daring and exciting.

“I’m so glad you’re back, too,” Belle’s friend, Gabby, exclaimed joyfully. “Your being here during the summers wasn’t enough. Now, we can hang out all the time!”

The two girls squealed happily, and started to walk towards their Chemistry class.

“I missed being here so much, Gabby,” Belle said. “Switzerland is such a boring place. I can’t believe I had to go to school there for all that time!”

“At least your dad rescued you,” Gabby replied positively. “I’m sure your Mom would’ve never let you leave if you would’ve asked her.”

“No, she probably wouldn’t have,” Belle agreed. “I fought too much with Grant. It would’ve been too much of a hassle.”

“Didn’t you tell me they’re getting divorced?”

“Yes!” Belle cried happily. “Finally, that jerk is going to be out of my mother’s life! She is way too good for that piece of scum. Sad thing is, she’s still hung up on him.”

“Yuck,” Gabby said disgustingly. “I really wish your Mom could see what a creep he is. There are rumors all over town that he is seeing another woman.”

“He probably is,” Belle replied angrily, thinking about how great it would be to tear Grant’s head off. “But my mother is the kind of person who will disregard rumors. She needs evidence, you know?”

“Yeah,” Gabby said.

A crowd of girls were crammed at the entrance to Chemistry class. They all were staring at something further down the hall. Everyone one of them seemed to be captivated by the vision they saw.

“Hey girls,” Belle said happily. “What are you all eyeing down?”

They all sighed, and were completely hypnotized.

“Anyone gonna answer me?” Belle asked.

One of the girls looked at Belle, and pointed her finger towards the end of the hall. “Look, Belle. There is a really cute guy down there.”

Belle and Gabby mimicked everyone else. Finally … they caught glimpse of him.

“Oh my goodness,” Gabby cried, also taken by the handsome stranger. “Who is that?!”

“He’s a new student,” one of the girls replied. “Just started coming to school here today.”

“Anyone know his name?” Belle asked curiously, not able to tear her eyes away from him. She couldn’t believe how handsome he was. Not once had she seen anyone so extremely breathtaking.

“I think his name is Brady something,” another girl said. “I heard he is a senior.”

Belle smiled, as she observed his every single movement. “Has anyone spoken to him yet?”

All the girls shook their heads.

“Well,” Belle said mischievously, “looks like I’m going to be the first!” Immediately, Belle ran to the beautiful stranger, while all the girls watched in suspense …

***
Marlena was afraid to respond. She didn’t know what to say or do … John had just practically admitted that he still had feelings for her. Her heart began to pound furiously, as nervousness consumed her soul.

“I’m sorry,” John said apologetically. “I shouldn’t have said that. I can only imagine how uncomfortable I’m making you feel.”

Marlena shook her head, and said, “Don’t be sorry.”

“But I am,” John insisted. “What we had together was a long time ago. You’ve moved on … and have a new life. It’s not your fault that I can’t get beyond the past.”

Marlena touched John’s face, and said gently, “John, part of me has never gotten over us, either. But I want to make it clear to you that we can’t go back. What we once had cannot be retrieved …”

“I know,” John said knowingly, as tears built up in his eyes. “You’re in love with your husband, and dedicated to your family. I shouldn’t even be laying this on you!”

John’s words made Marlena think of Grant. She still hadn’t told him that they were getting a divorce. Now, she was afraid to do so … for it could give John false hope, and make him feel they had a chance of getting back together.

Deciding she had to tell him, Marlena said, “John, there is something you should know about Grant and I.”

“What?” John asked. “It’s obviously nothing bad. I can tell that you love him very much … and he’d be a fool not to love you.”

“Actually, it is bad,” Marlena stated.

“Tell me,” John said, desperately wanting to know.

She hesitated for a moment, and said sadly, “We’re getting a divorce.”

John stared at her blankly. She was obviously joking with him. From all he had heard from people, Marlena and Grant had the perfect marriage. “Are you pulling my chain or something?”

“No, John!” Marlena cried. “I’m serious! Grant has filed for divorce. He’s leaving me …”

“Oh my God,” John said, realizing how stupid he had just acted. “I’m so sorry, Doc.”

“So am I,” Marlena said, holding back her tears. “But it’s okay. I’ll survive.”

Impulsively, John pulled her into his arms. He wanted to comfort her so badly … and to let her know that everything was going to be all right. He still loved her very much. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel any kind of pain.

“You’re going to be fine, Marlena,” John said, as he held her in his arms. “Grant is going to realize what a wonderful thing he is losing. Believe me.”

Marlena sighed, as she rested her head on his shoulder. “No matter how much he has hurt me … I still love him. The last thing I want is for our family to fall apart.”

John’s spirit felt as if it were breaking into pieces. Hearing her say that she loved Grant left a hollow emptiness in his heart. But, he pushed his emotions aside … and focused entirely on Marlena.

“You’re a wonderful woman, Doc,” John whispered. “I know that you’re strong … and your strength is going to help you through this.”

Marlena smiled at him. She knew now that he still loved her, and knew her speaking of Grant must’ve been hurting him. After so many years, John was still putting his own feelings on hold … just so Marlena would feel better. “I know it must be hard for you, hearing me speak of Grant this way.”

“It’s okay,” John said, lying completely. His heart was being twisted up like a pretzel. He was aching inside so much …

Marlena checked her watch, and frowned sadly. “Goodness, it’s nearing two o’clock. I really need to go and pick Zachary up from daycare.”

John nodded. “I understand. Go and get your son.”

“I am sorry,” Marlena said. “I really wish we could talk more.”

“It’s all right,” John said. “It comforts me that we got to talk this long! Now, go and get your son. I’m sure he misses you …”

Marlena smiled, her eyes twinkling with joy. “Thank you, John … for being so wonderful. I appreciate everything.” She took him into her arms, and gave him one last embrace. Then, she turned to go … and quickly darted out of the park.

John sighed sadly, with tears gently rolling down his cheeks. “I’m still in love with you, Marlena. But there is no chance for us … I know that now …”

***
Belle started to shake nervously once she grew closer to the new, mysterious guy in school. She looked back at her friends, who were urging her on. She took a deep breath, and approached him … He was taking books out of his locker, and didn’t realize that she was standing beside him.

“Hi,” Belle said to him, breaking the ice.

The boy looked at her, and asked, “Are you talking to me?”

Belle nodded. She felt as if she were going to faint. He was so strong and handsome looking … He had the darkest of hair, enchanting baby-blue eyes, and a face that would send any girl into a frenzy.

“Are you okay?” he asked, noticing how strange she was acting.

“Yeah,” Belle said in awe. “I heard that you were the new guy in school. I just wanted to introduce myself.”

“Cool,” he said. He held out his hand, and said kindly, “My name is Brady Black. And yours?”

“Belle Brady,” Belle replied, with a slight giggle. “My last name is the same as your first!”

“That’s weird!” Brady laughed.

Belle continued to giggle giddily. “I’m a new student here, too.”

“Really?” Brady asked.

“Yeah. But I already know most of the kids. I was in boarding school for a while … and I’m originally from Salem.”

“That sounds neat,” Brady said, as he shut his locker. “Why’d you come back?”

Belle leaned up against a locker, trying her best to seem interesting and attractive. “Oh, for many reasons … mainly because boarding school is boring. You don’t have much freedom to do things.”

“Oh,” Brady said.

“So, how do you like it here?” Belle asked.

Brady shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t really spoken to anyone yet.”

“Well, you can talk to me anytime,” Belle said mischievously.

Brady laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind. But for now, I gotta go to Calculus.”

“Okay,” Belle said. “I’ll see you at lunch.”

“All right,” Brady said. “See you there.” Brady smiled at her, and began to walk to class.

Belle watched him go down the hall, not able to take her eyes off of him. Within a matter of seconds, all of Belle’s friends came piling around her, wanting to know everything.

“What did he say?! What did you talk about?!” they all asked.

Belle sighed, and realized that she was falling hard for him. “Oh girls, he’s a dream come true …”

“What are you going to do, Belle?!” one girl asked excitingly.

“I’m gonna make him mine,” Belle said surely. “Trust me on that.” She smiled slyly, as she contemplated on how she was going to win Brady Black’s heart …
Page 8 of 39It was a slow night at University Hospital. No sounds at all could be heard through the long, winding corridors … The normal hustle and bustle of the establishment was absent … and replaced with a peaceful silence.

In her office, Marlena sat comfortably at her desk, seriously reviewing files concerning her patients. It was the perfect night for her to catch up on her work, and she decided to take advantage of it. She adored the placidness of the hospital … Never had it been so peaceful and relaxing.

Carefully, she read over her documents, and scratched out anything that was incorrect. She loved her work. Ever since she was a child, she dreamed of helping people solve their problems … or bringing reassurance into their lives.

Marlena yawned, and took a break. She was exhausted and drained … but it felt so good to get ahead with her work. She rose from her cozy seat and stretched. For a moment, she was so lost in thought, she couldn’t hear the knocking at her office door.

Snapping back into reality, Marlena heard the gentle tapping. She frowned. “Gosh, who could that be?” She didn’t want to be disturbed, but it seemed inevitable. The person at the door had to be acknowledged. Reluctantly, she went and opened the door … but was thrilled when she saw who it was.

“Hope!” Marlena exclaimed with surprise.

Hope stood in the doorway, smiling brightly. “Hi, honey! How are you?”

Marlena invited her into the office, and closed the door behind them. “I’m fine. And you?”

“I’m good. All day I’ve been thinking about you. I heard you were working late, so I thought Id stop by.”

By then, the two ladies were sitting on the sofa. Marlena had completely forgotten about her work. She was so happy to see her best friend. It had been a few days since they had last spoken, and she had so much to tell her.

“I’m glad that you did”, Marlena replied gleefully. These past few days have been dreadful without you. I’ve had no one to talk to!”

Hope laughed. “The feeling is mutual.”

“I have so much to tell you,” Marlena cried. “Some of the things I have to say you’re going to find hard to believe …”

Hope smiled knowingly, and said, “I already know what you’re going to tell me, Marlena.”

Bewildered, Marlena asked, “You do?!”

Hope nodded. “Yes, I do … Is it about John?”

“Yes,” Marlena stated with sheer shock. “I assume you know he’s back in town?”

“Yeah,” Hope said, seeming stunned also. “I ran into him today at Grans … It appears that he’s staying at her house for a while.”

“Sometimes I think I’m making this all up,” Marlena laughed. “I keep thinking I’m in a dream or some type of fantasy…”

Hope grabbed Marlenas hand. “Honey, you’re mind is not playing tricks on you. John is really back in Salem!”

Marlena giggled. “Oh, stop acting like I’m crazy! I know that! It’s only a figure of speech…”

“Well, on a more serious note,” Hope began solemnly, “do you know why he’s come back? Obviously for some reason…”

The color drained from Marlenas face as her memory recalled her painful argument with John concerning Belle … Yes, they had settled the matter, and agreed to continue keeping her true paternity a secret. But, still … it ate away at her for reasons unknown.

“Well? Do you know why?” Hope persisted.

“Yes”, Marlena replied, shrugging off her worries. “At first, he wanted to reveal the truth to Belle concerning her paternity. But I managed to thwart his plans. He now agrees with me … and my darling daughter is safe from pain and heartache.”

Hope stared at Marlena, shocked over what she had heard. “Wow … Pretty serious stuff.”

Marlena nodded, with her eyes widened to the max. “Oh, yes. Very serious.”

“Is everything okay between you guys? You aren’t fighting, are you?” Hope asked with concern.

Marlena smiled. “Yes, everything is fine between us. We got off to a bad start when we first ran into each other … But, now, things are better.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Tension between the two of you would only make matters worse.”

“I agree”, Marlena replied.

“So, how is Belle?” Hope asked. “I heard from Gran that she has come back to Salem.”

“Yes, she’s back,” Marlena cried, rolling her eyes. “I’m not too thrilled about it, but she hated it in Switzerland. Roman said it was okay, so I figure it’s for the best…”

Hope nodded, and then ventured into more treacherous waters … “Grant. How’s everything with your soon-to-be ex? Did you sign the divorce papers yet?”

Fury instantly began to flow throughout Marlenas veins. Her skin crawled at the sound of his name. Every time she heard it, all she could think of was him cheating on her … betraying her … and going against the precious wedding vows that had meant so much to them in previous years.

“He’s going to rot in hell for what he’s done to me”, Marlena muttered viciously, her face turning apple red with anger.

“What has he done?” Hope asked nervously, afraid to find out.

Marlena laughed wickedly. “That bastard is leaving me for another woman, Hope. And I’m not going to rest until I found out who the little tramp is!”

***
Music from the jukebox flooded the smoky atmosphere of the Cheatin Heart. Everyone was having a merry time, except for John. He sat at the bar, drinking a cold bottle of beer … in hopes that getting drunk would help him forget about Marlena. Seeing her at the park the other day had been so remarkable … and memorable. Her beautiful face still captivated him and stole his heart …

“I wish I could get you out of my head, Doc”, John said to himself, feeling helpless and out of control. “For so many years I tried to forget you… but I couldn’t. You’re like a habit that I just can’t shake.”

John took another sip from his drink. He detested alcohol, and for so long it wasn’t a part of his life. But, for the time being, it was the only thing available to aid in soothing his nerves and feelings. With every swig he took, it seemed Marlena further disappeared from his thoughts. He smiled, as the numbness of the alcohol began to take over his body.

“I’m winning, Doc”, John said triumphantly. “Pretty soon, Ill be so far gone, I won’t even know you exist. I need that right now… because thinking of you just hurts too damn much!” The picture of her beautiful face seemed to grow fuzzier and fuzzier with every gulp he took. God, he loved her so much. He’d give anything to sweep her off of her feet … carry her precious form in his arms … and reclaim her as his own. Salty tears burnt his eyes. The alcohol wasn’t working. Actually, it was making him think of her even more!

John pushed the drink aside, knowing that getting drunk wasn’t going to erase his feelings. He didn’t understand. For years he had tried to move on, and make a happy life for he and Brady. Heck, he had even romanced a beautiful Italian dame … a woman that had loved him completely. She would’ve given anything to make him happy … sell her soul to the devil, just to insure his happiness. But, it wasn’t enough. Marlena constantly plagued him … and haunted him like a distant ghost from a past life.

“I had it all with you, Carlotta,” John said sadly, remembering the woman who had loved him so much. “You were perfect for me. One of the most remarkable women I’ve ever known.” Yes, she was wonderful to him… and for a time, made him one of the happiest men on the entire planet. Her whole world revolved around him and Brady.

Everything was great for years. All three of them had a home of their own, and were living a harmonious life in California. Their home was filled with love … and Brady adored growing up with having John and Carlotta as parents.

Things began to plunge down hill the day Carlotta asked John to marry her. She had wanted to become his wife for so long, but remained patient … hoping that one day he would ask her himself. John didn’t tell her much about his past, but she knew that he was deeply in love with someone before her. Fearful of pushing him away, she waited and waited … but, finally, she asked. She was positive that he’d accept her proposal with open arms … but she was wrong. John rejected her proposal, breaking her heart into millions of pieces. He admitted why he couldn’t marry her… because he’d never be able to love anyone but Marlena.

Carlotta was devastated. After investing so many years in her relationship with John, it had been for nothing. The love they shared wasn’t love after all. At least to him it wasn’t … Without any hesitation, Carlotta left John’s life that very day, never to be heard from again.

“It’s been three months now since I’ve seen her”, John sighed miserably. “But I couldn’t marry her. She is such an astounding woman… and deserves a man who can love her completely, not partially.”

Dismissing thoughts of Carlotta, John gazed around the Cheatin Heart. Everyone was out of control and acting like a bunch of hooligans. It disgusted him … sitting among so many wild people. He realized he had to leave immediately. The bar was definitely not his kind of place.

“I gotta get out of here”, John said surely, placing money on the bar for his beer. “I’ve got a son at home who needs me… and the last thing he needs is a drunken father.” John rose from his seat, and hurriedly walked out of the bar.

Unbeknownst to him, a mysterious figure lurked in the shadows, and followed him out of the building …

***
Marlena poured herself a cup of coffee in the cafeteria. She smiled kindly at a few colleagues of hers, and sat down by herself at a table. Hope had long left the hospital, for she had to meet a friend of hers. Marlena begged her not to leave. The last thing she wanted was to be left alone.

“Funny”, Marlena laughed. ” When I came here, I wanted to be left alone to do my work. Now, I’m desperate for some companionship!” A few of the doctors looked her way as if she were some kind of nut case. Marlena blushed, feeling totally embarrassed. She had to keep her voice down … or people were going to start wondering about her mental stability!

Talking to Hope again was great. Her wisdom and friendship always helped her see the light at the end of the tunnel. After all, she knew what it felt like to lose someone you loved. When she had returned from the time she was missing, she wanted to reconnect with Bo … and start their lives over again. But, his heart wasn’t in it. He was with Billie, and that’s where he wanted to stay … She was blown to smithereens, but she managed to come back from the depths of despair.

“Hope understands my situation”, Marlena whispered to herself. “If it weren’t for her advice, I’d probably be in the middle of a nervous breakdown. I owe so much to her.”

Their conversation concerning Grant philandering with another woman was upsetting. All it did was sadden Marlena even more. But Hope helped her see she could move on, and that one day she’d heal … just like she did. At least their was a glimmer of hope telling her she’d have a happy future …

“Thank you, Hope”, Marlena said, with tears in her eyes. “You’re the best friend anyone could ever have.”

***
It was dark and cold out. Hope stood at the docks, not able to forget her conversation with Marlena. She was hurting so much … Her whole world was tumbling out of control, and she desperately had to do something about it. Her heart was breaking for Marlena …

“I can’t let this go on”, Hope said boldly. “Marlena’s life can no longer be in turmoil. She’s been through so much already…” She gazed at her watch, and it read ten o’clock. Impatience consumed her as she waited for the person whom she desperately needed to talk to.

Minutes seemed to pass like long, dragging days … and finally, she saw a figure approaching her. She couldn’t make out who it was, but she sneered when the person’s identity was revealed. It was Grant.

“Finally, you’re here!” Hope snapped at him angrily. “What took you so long?”

Grant reached out to touch her, but she slapped his hand away. “I’m sorry it took me so long. I had clients to consult with.”

“We seriously need to talk”, Hope instructed. “It concerns Marlena.”

Grant laughed hysterically. “Oh, c’mon! You didn’t drag me down here for that, did you?!”

Hope nodded, puzzled by how he was acting. “You’re so insensitive. She’s my dearest friend … and I’m tired of seeing her hurting so much!”

Grant grew serious. “Okay … I still don’t understand …”

Hope grabbed his face, and held it tightly in her hands. Guilt snapped at her heart, as she told him, “We can no longer see each other, Grant … Our affair is over!”
Page 9 of 39Grant was frozen stiff once Hope’s shattering comment reached his ears. He couldn’t believe it. After all he had sacrificed and gave up for her, she was putting an end to their affair. His feelings for her were so strong … There was no doubt in his mind that she was the one and only woman he loved and wanted to be with for the rest of his life.

“Grant, it is for the best,” Hope said honestly, feeling that he should repair his marriage. “Marlena and Zachary’s happiness depends on our breaking up. I hope you realize that …”

Grant shook his head fiercely, refusing to believe it. “No, you’re wrong! I don’t love Marlena, and I don’t want to be with her any longer …”

“But what about Zachary?” Hope asked. “Don’t you care about how he feels?”

Desperate for the right words, Grant cried, “Zachary would be happier growing up with us, Hope. He’d be better off without Marlena being a constant presence in his life.”

“What?!” Hope asked, completely horrified by Grant’s degrading comment. “I can’t believe you actually have the nerve to say that! Marlena is a wonderful figure in Zachary’s life, and also a fabulous wife to you!”

Grant grabbed Hope by the shoulders, and held them tightly … his grip causing her body to flinch with pain. “I’m sorry, Hope, but I don’t share the same views as you. I used to love Marlena very much, but not anymore … The very mention of her name makes my skin crawl inside out.”

“Why, Grant?” Hope asked with wonder. “Why do you despise her so much?!”

Grant laughed. “She’s the wrong person for me, Hope. I need someone who is more open to adventure and spontaneous than she. Her saintliness is too bland, and it makes me ill.”

“Gosh, saintliness is such a horrific trait to find in someone,” Hope replied sarcastically. “But, given that you’re nothing but a cold hearted, ruthless bastard … I can see why that may have a negative effect on you.”

In a sudden fit of rage, Grant grabbed Hope by the neck, and started to squeeze it tightly. Hope began to wheeze heavily … she couldn’t breathe! He was choking her!

“You witch!” Grant screamed devilishly at her, as his grip tightened around her neck. He stared at her wickedly, smiling at how her face was turning a dark and treacherous purple. “You really shouldn’t have said that!”

Hope stared at him with pleading eyes, as she tried to free herself from his grasp. She could feel the dizziness taking over her body … and the fuzziness clouding her eye sight. If he didn’t let go of her soon, her life was doomed to end there on the docks … Desperately she gasped for air, hoping that God would bless her, and spare her life …

Midnight crept closer as John walked through the darkened streets of Salem. Everyone was home, sleeping comfortably in their beds … except for him. His heart was in total turmoil. The last thing he could possibly do was rest. Confusion and heartache plagued his mind. No matter how much he tried, he couldn’t dismiss the precious thoughts of Marlena … He loved her so much … so much it hurt.

“Get a hold of yourself, John,” he demanded of himself. “This is not healthy for you or Marlena. She’s made it clear that she doesn’t love you anymore … so get over it! Move on!”

But, it was easier said than done. For nearly a decade and half he dreamt of her every night … wondering how she was, and if she were at peace with her life. He could never get beyond his feelings for her … and he’d lost so much in life because of that.

John sighed miserably, and continued his stroll throughout the hauntingly silent town. The only sounds he could hear were the click of his shoes against the sidewalk … that is until a second pair of footsteps joined his own.

Quickly, John turned around to see who was walking behind him. But, there was no one … only darkness. John laughed to himself, realizing how crazy he had just acted. It was obvious that he was only hearing things … or his imagination was acting up.

John continued to walk, growing closer and closer to the center of town. Suddenly, he heard the sound of additional footsteps tapping against the ground again … somewhere not too far behind him. He knew then that he wasn’t hearing things. Someone was following him, and obviously didn’t want him to know about it.

Abruptly, John stopped, and turned around once again. There was no one there …

“What is going on here?” John questioned himself. “I’m positive that I heard someone walking behind me.”

He began to walk again, and as he suspected, the sound of footsteps reappeared. John didn’t dare to look back, but quickened his pace … and so did his stalker.

“What am I going to do?!” John asked himself, panicking severely. He had to get away from whoever was following him … and fast.

***
“I love you, Hope!” Grant cried, still holding onto her neck tightly. “How can you so easily hurt me like this?” He wanted to make her pay for playing with his mind … and he was going to make sure she did so.

Tears were pouring out of Hope’s eyes. She couldn’t breathe … not one single bit. She tried flailing her arms at Grant, her nails occasionally scraping against his skin … but it was of no use. He was too strong and powerful for her to escape.

“I had so many dreams for us,” Grant said, his grip growing tighter. “Together we were going to raise Zachary. All three of us were going to be a family … But now, that can’t happen. You’ve crossed me, Hope … and now, you must pay the consequences!”

Hope squirmed in pain, while trying to tear his hands away from her neck. She stared at him, her eyes pleading for him to release her. The only type of look she got in return was that of hate and contempt. Finally, with all the strength she could muster, she managed to violently kick him in the knee. Grant screamed in pain, and collapsed to the ground … releasing Hope from his deadly grasp.

Hope bent over, breathing heavily … taking in as much air as she possibly could. She was alive …

“You bitch!” Grant screamed. He held onto his knee tightly as it throbbed with pain.

Regaining her strength, Hope walked over to Grant, and grabbed his hair tightly … yanking it so hard his scalp started to bleed. She couldn’t believe that she had fallen for such a dangerous and heartless man … Poor Marlena had no idea how treacherous and violent he truly was.

“Now you listen to me,” Hope growled, still pulling his hair viciously. “I’m going to make sure Marlena knows what kind of slime you really are. Do you hear me? You’re never going to be allowed to see your son again … How does that sound?!”

Grant’s faced turned red with hostility and hate … He couldn’t believe that he actually loved her. “Don’t forget to mention that you’ve been sleeping with me for the past year, Hope. I’m sure Marlena would love to know that her supposed best friend has been seeing her husband!”

“I plan on telling her the whole truth, Grant!” Hope screamed. “Marlena’s my dearest friend, and I’ve betrayed her! I’m not expecting her to forgive me. But in time, I hope she can find it in her heart to do so …”

“She’ll hate you for the rest of her life,” Grant snapped at her surely. “You can trust me on that.”

Hope nodded, knowing that was a possibility … and she dreaded it. “Her feelings for me aren’t my concern at the moment. I want her to know how dangerous and evil you are. And, believe me, Grant … she’s going to know the truth about you very soon.”

“You’ll chicken out.” He was convinced that she would remain silent.

Hope let go of his hair, and stared down at him with disgust. “No I won’t, Grant. You’ll see.”

Still sitting on the wooden planks of the dock, Grant watched Hope run away, leaving him behind. In frustration, he slammed his fists violently against the dock. Everything was going out of control, and completely opposite of what he had planned.

“There is only one other thing I can do now,” Grant said seriously. He rose to his feet, and walked off into the darkness. “My back up plan for me and Zachary is perfect. Marlena will never know what hit her …”

John panted heavily as he ran for safety … desperately trying to outrun his pursuer. He feared for his life. For all he knew, the person chasing him could be a homicidal maniac. He had to find a place to hide, and fast.

“What am I going to do?” John repeated to himself loudly. Frantically his eyes examined his surroundings, hoping to find a place of solace and safety. He was about to give up, until he saw an alley way not too far in the distance. He picked up his pace, and soon after he was running down the alley way, filled with dumpsters. Nearly half way down the moist and murky alley, he hid behind one of the large green dumpsters. The smell protruding from the garbage heap was unbearable, but he had to deal with it. His life possibly depended on it.

John sighed, feeling totally relieved. Maybe the mysterious person wouldn’t find him. He had hidden himself pretty well … and the alley was very dark. It was nearly impossible to make out anything.

A few moments later, the echo of footsteps could be heard. John’s heart skipped a beat. He prepared himself to attack his pursuer in case they got any closer to his hiding spot. The footsteps grew closer and louder … until eventually the stalker stopped right next to the dumpster he was hiding behind. John took a deep breath, and pounced out of his hiding spot … and violently captured the unknown individual in his powerful arms.

“Who the hell are you?!” John screamed, while restraining the person. “What do you want from me?”

Furiously, he swung the person around so he could see their face. John couldn’t make out the person’s features at first, but, as his eyes adjusted … he gasped in terror … and shock. His body tensed up immediately. He couldn’t believe what his eyes were showing him.

“Hi, John,” a feminine voice said with a slight tremble of nervousness.

John could hardly get the words out for he was in total shock. After seconds of trying to speak, John stammered, “Oh my God … Carlotta …”
Page 10 of 39John stared in total amazement at Carlotta. He was completely blown away by her presence. It had been months since they had gone their separate ways in California … He never thought he’d see her again after that. But no … she was there in Salem … standing right by his side.

“It’s really you,” John said, with a tinge of happiness. Seeing her again had brought back so many memories of happier times together. They truly did share a wonderful past. If only he could’ve loved her completely … their lives would have been so different.

Carlotta didn’t know how to react. She had stalked John all evening, and nearly scared the daylights out of him just moments before. But, by the look in his eyes, she realized she had nothing to fear … and opened up to him.

“Yes, I’m here, John,” Carlotta laughed, welling up with emotion. “You’re not hallucinating … I’m in Salem, with you …”

“My mind is having a hard time absorbing all of this,” John said, smiling brightly. It had been so long since he had last seen her … her dark brown hair … big blue eyes … and enchanting face. Even though he didn’t love her the way he had wanted … she still managed to hypnotize him. “Why are you here, Carlotta?”

“I came here for you, John,” Carlotta replied seriously … reaching her hand out to touch him affectionately. “I’ve come to realize that our breaking up was a mistake, John. I know — you still love Marlena — but I can settle for half of your heart. You mean so much to me.”

Feeling guilty, John took her hand away from his cheek, and held it in his own. “Carlotta, you deserve so much more than that. You’re a beautiful and compassionate woman. A woman like you belongs with a man who can love them completely.”

Carlotta disregarded his comment. “John, we put six whole years into our relationship … six wonderful years. We had such a wonderful life together, raising Brady in California. I don’t think it’s right to just throw that all away …”

John sighed sadly. It hurt him so much, knowing that Carlotta still loved him deeply. He had to make her see that she had to move on … “Yes, we did have a great life. I’ll always cherish the memories of the times that we were together … living happily.”

Carlotta grinned. “So, why not try and make more splendid memories, Johnny? Honey, I know for sure that we can. If only you would allow it …”

John laughed frustratingly. She was so headstrong and unwilling to listen to him. “Gosh, Carlotta. Don’t you remember how much I hurt you a few months back? You proposed to me; I turned you down! You were devastated. Aren’t you still angry at me for breaking your heart so badly?”

Tears formed in her eyes, as she recalled the day that she had asked to join him in marriage. She was certain that he would accept her proposal … after all, they had been together for years. But, her dreams were shattered when he said he wouldn’t marry her … because he was still in love with the woman from his past … Marlena …

“Well, don’t you?”

Painfully, she nodded. “Yes, I clearly remember you ripping my heart out, and throwing it on the ground. For years I thought you had forgotten about Marlena. I knew you two shared a strong bond … but I was convinced that you had moved on — and were in love with me.”

“You’re still angry,” John said knowingly, seeing the hurt written all over her face. “I can tell.”

“Of course I’m still angry!” she cried sadly. “I’m so alone, and it’s because the man I gave my heart and soul to never truly loved me … for he was still hung up on a woman he was involved with years ago.”

“And I always will be!” John said. “Carlotta, I will never be able to get over Marlena. She’s in my blood, and there is no way I can rid myself of her … I tried for years to do so, but I failed continuously. You need to realize that …”

Carlotta shook her head furiously, not listening to a single word he had said. “No, I won’t let you escape from me that easily … not after all the years we spent together!”

John gently grabbed her shoulders, and stared into her eyes. “You have to face it. There is no hope for us … and I don’t think there ever was. We were destined to fall apart, Carlotta. I couldn’t give you my entire heart. Not when it still belonged to someone else.”

He was out of her grasp forever. She knew it right at that very moment. He never loved her, at least not the way he should have … All the years they had spent together were for nothing.

“You never loved me,” Carlotta said sadly. “True, you and I were together all of those years … but, spiritually, you were still with Marlena … and the daughter you had given up.”

John prepared to touch her cheek, but she stopped him from doing so. “There is no need for that,” she shot at him.

“I’m sorry,” John said, pulling his hand away.

Carlotta laughed through her tears. “Not as sorry as I am …” She gazed adoringly at him, one last time … and began to walk away.

“Carlotta, please … don’t leave like this,” John called out to her.

Carlotta blocked the sound of his precious voice from her mind. She had lost everything and was all alone in the world. And it was all because of his undying love for Marlena … and the daughter he could never call his own.
Page 11 of 39Marlena smiled contentedly as she carried her beautiful, little boy in her arms. The first snow had arrived in Salem, and Christmas was drawing closer and closer everyday. It seemed everyone in town was happy during the holidays. And, even though it wasn’t the best of times in her life, Marlena couldn’t help but feel happy.

“Mommy, where are we going again?” Zachary asked his mother. His eyes stared in amazement at the Christmas lights shining brightly on buildings … and jolly men dressed as Santa Claus, walking around, trying to spread cheer …

Marlena smiled at him, as tiny, little snow flurries fell onto their hair from the dark sky.

“We’re going to visit a good friend of mine at a little restaurant not too far away from here.”

“Really?” Zachary asked. “What’s his name? Is he nice?”

Marlena laughed. “His name is John … and, yes, he’s very nice.”

“Why are we going to see him?”

Marlena hadn’t thought of an answer for that one. The reason they were meeting with him was so he could meet Belle … once and for all. They had lost contact over the last month, and gone their separate ways. Remembering she had promised that he could meet her, she called him one day … and apologized for avoiding him. They set a date for the reunion … but, no matter what, Belle couldn’t know the truth … She never could.

“Oh, I just want you and Belle to meet him,” Marlena replied, keeping the truth from him. “He’s a nice man.”

“Where is Belle?” Zachary asked confusingly. “If she’s going to meet him with us … then why isn’t she here with us now?”

Marlena pinched at his nose. “She’s with her friends at the moment, but she promised to meet us there.”

“Goody!” Zachary squealed. “We can all be together tonight!”

Marlena nodded, as she spotted the restaurant in the distance. “Yes, all of us.” Happily, she quickened her pace … eager to get inside.

***
The crowd was going wild in the gymnasium at Salem High. One of the greatest basketball games in the history of the school was being played … All of the students were having the time of their lives, applauding their superb team, and “booing” the opponents.

Belle and her friend Gabby cheered crazily in their seats, crying out to their favorite team mates.

“They’re playing so good tonight!” Gabby cried.

Belle nodded, and checked her watch. “Gosh, it’s going on seven o’clock!”

“What’s wrong?” Gabby asked.

“Oh,” Belle began miserably, “I promised my Mom that I’d meet her at some restaurant in town … She wants to introduce me to some friend of hers.”

“No!” Gabby cried sadly. “You can’t go! Not when we’re doing so good …”

Belle sighed. “I’m sorry, Gabby … I promised my mother I’d be there. I can’t stand her up.”

Gabby frowned upsettingly, and then her eyes caught glimpse of something that could change Belle’s mind. Brady Black had just walked into the gymnasium with a few of his friends. He had only been in Salem High for a little over a month, and already he was the most popular guy in school.

“Belle, you can’t go now!” Gabby cried joyfully, gawking over Brady.

Belle stood from her seat, and grabbed her purse. “Gabby, stop talking nonsense! My Mom said for me to be at the restaurant at seven. If I don’t show up, she’ll kill me!”

Gabby smiled slyly. “Well, you can go if you want, but then you won’t be able to talk to Brady Black.”

Belle’s eyes shot open wide with surprise. “What? He’s here?!”

Gabby nodded, pointing towards him. “Yes, he just walked in with a couple of his friends.”

Belle’s eyes found him, and she immediately felt weak in the knees. Every time she saw him she thought her body would melt into a puddle. A cupid had definitely struck her in the heart with an arrow — that was for sure.

“So, are you going to leave now?”

Belle smiled mischievously at Gabby, and said, “My Mom can wait a little while longer. When it comes to Brady, nothing else is more important to me.”

***
The inside of the restaurant was warm and cozy. Marlena felt total relief. The cold winter air had numbed her fingers … and even her nose! She gazed around the room, still tightly holding Zachary in her arms. There were so many people there, seeking solace from the wintry weather … But, finally, she managed to pinpoint John. She smiled happily at the sight of him, and walked over to his table.
“Hi,” she said, once she reached his table.

John, who was in the middle of reading a magazine, recognized the heavenly voice … and looked up. It was Marlena … and she had never looked so beautiful.

“Hey,” John said, thrilled at the very sight of her.

Marlena smiled, feeling nervous around him. “This is my son, Zachary.”

John turned his eyes to the beautiful, blonde, little boy in her arms. He looked exactly like his mother … and oh so perfect. “Well, hi there, Zachary! My name is John!”

“Hi, John!” Zachary squealed joyfully.

Marlena nuzzled her cheek against Zachary’s, and said, “Honey, how about you go play those games over there while I talk to John for a little bit?”

“Okay, mommy!” Zachary cried playfully. Marlena handed him a few quarters, and then he flew away. She watched him carefully, making sure that he was okay.

John continued to look at the little boy in complete awe. “You’ve got a beautiful son, Marlena. I can only say that you’re truly blessed.”

“Thank you,” Marlena said, sitting herself down.

“How’ve you been?” John asked softly.

Marlena shrugged. “Okay, I guess. This hasn’t been one of the greatest months of my life, but I’m managing.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I just heard from Alice that your divorce was finalized last week. Of course, right during the holiday season.”

Marlena nodded sadly, thinking about Grant. She was in denial for the longest time, and felt that he would have a change of heart … and realize that their marriage was worth fighting for. But no, it was over … and it was verified officially the week before when she received her confirmation of divorce papers.

“Thank you,” Marlena replied kindly. “But I’ll be okay. As long as I have Zachary, I’ll be content. He means the world to me …”

John nodded, feeling uncomfortable around her. The last time they spoke, he had practically admitted that he still loved her. He could only imagine how foolish he must seem to her.

“How’ve you been?” Marlena asked, gazing into his eyes warmly. “I figure you’ve decided to stay in Salem for good?”

John nodded. “Yes, I have — but my past in California has caught up with me.”

“What do you mean?” Marlena asked, not liking the tone of his voice. He sounded upset.

“Well, about a month back, my ex-girlfriend, Carlotta, came to Salem. Ever since then she’s been trying to win me back,” John said sadly. “I’ve tried telling her that we can’t retrieve what we once had, but she refuses to believe it. Her ears must be clogged with cotton or something!”

Marlena nodded. She recalled when John had mentioned her in the park … and that the reason they didn’t stay together was because of his deep and undying love for a woman from his past … which was none other than herself.

“Well, from what you told me, John,” Marlena stated, “she was hurt very much over your break up. She’s most likely in denial … but I’m sure she’ll get beyond her feelings for you eventually.”

“I hope so,” John said, feeling bad for her.

Marlena smiled warmly, and patted his hand. “Lets not talk about sad things anymore, okay? You’re going to meet Belle tonight … finally!”

John’s cheeks blushed with excitement. Yes, he was going to see his beautiful, little girl. After so many years of not knowing what she looked like … and not seeing her grow up … he was going to see her. The very thought of being reunited with her made his heart soar rapidly …

“When will she be here?” John asked.

Marlena checked her watch. “She’s running a little late, but I’m sure she’ll be here soon. I made it a point that she had to be here.”

“Okay,” John said cheerfully. “I can’t wait to see her, Marlena. I’ve been waiting years for this day. Even though we can’t tell her the truth about me, it’s still going to be wonderful … I know it!”

***
Belle shivered nervously as she made her way towards Brady and his friends. With every footstep she grew nearer to him. He was so handsome … and charming. He had to be hers … She knew it, and was dead certain that she was going to get him.

After what seemed like an eternity, she finally approached his little crowd. “Hey, Brady,” she called out, flashing him a gorgeous smile.

Brady turned away from his friends, and looked at Belle.

“Hi,” Brady said nicely. “Haven’t talked to you in a while.”

“I know,” Belle replied. “I’ve been kinda busy lately.”

“Okay, then I won’t hold your avoiding me against you,” Brady said jokingly.

Belle laughed. “You’re such a joker, Brady!”

Brady blushed, feeling bashful.

“So, how are you liking it here at Salem High? You’ve grown pretty popular since you’ve come here.”

Brady nodded with approval. “I like it a lot. I must admit, at first I hated it here. But — after meeting so many nice people — I love it. The last thing I’d want is to be anywhere else now.”

“Oh, I’m so happy that you’ve adjusted so well!” Belle said happily, patting him on the shoulder. She stared into his mesmerizing eyes. Once again, she was captivated by his enchanting looks.

Curiously, Brady asked her, “Are you doing anything after the game?”

Belle shook her head, lying completely. She knew that she had to meet her mother at the restaurant … but leaving Brady wasn’t an option.

“No, I’m not doing anything at all,” she replied. “Why?”

“Well, if you’d like, we could go out and do something,” Brady said. “You know, maybe to the movies?”

Belle squealed joyfully. “Oh, I’d love to, Brady!”

“Cool,” Brady said. “I’ll meet you outside after the game.”

“Okay!” Belle cried. They both smiled at each other, and walked off in separate directions.

Belle was stunned by her progress with Brady. For the longest time she felt she wasn’t going to get anywhere with him. But, now … she knew it was only a matter of time until he’d belong to her. Possibly, by the end of the evening, her dreams would become reality.

***
Marlena checked her watch, growing more angry with each passing second. It was going on eight thirty. She had told Belle to meet her at the restaurant at seven o’clock sharp. But, no … she had to disobey her. And of all times to do so, too.

“Well, I guess she’s decided not to come,” John said, trying to hide his sadness … and the fact that his heart was breaking in two. Marlena could tell by the look in his eyes that he was dying inside, and it hurt her so much.

“Oh, John,” Marlena said, “I’m so sorry. I told her to be here … She obviously didn’t listen to me.”

John smiled. “Don’t try to lay this all on you. She’s a teenager. Most likely she got too involved with her friends, and felt that was more important.”

“I don’t care!” Marlena cried, standing up for him. “I told her to be here, and that it was very important that she do so.”

John sighed. “Don’t get upset, Marlena. It’s not worth it.”

Marlena rose from her seat, and said, “I’m going to go find her. She’s acting very childish and selfish … and I’m going to put a stop to it!”

She prepared to go get Zachary, but John grabbed her gently … restraining her from doing so. “Please, don’t go. It’s no big deal, Marlena … really.”

Marlena gazed at him, and said, “You’re lying, John. I know you are … You’ve waited so long to see her. I don’t believe for one-second that this doesn’t upset you.”

“I am upset,” John admitted, “but I know I’ll be able to meet her. I just wasn’t meant to tonight … That’s all.”

Marlena shook her head. “That may be true, but she still shouldn’t have disobeyed me. So, I have to go and find her. I’m sorry.”

For a second time she tried to walk away from him … and, again, he pulled her back towards him. This time, Marlena lost balance, and fell into his arms. She gazed into his eyes … and he at hers. They were so close … their lips only inches away from each other’s. Marlena was bewildered by her feelings … For the first time in years, she desperately felt the need to kiss him passionately … leaving her confused …

For a brief moment, there was silence … as they stared at each other. Neither one of them knew how to react.

John, growing courageous, said to her, “I can tell that you want to kiss me, Marlena … I feel it.”

Defensively, Marlena pushed herself out of his arms. “You’re crazy,” she snapped at him … pushing aside her true feelings. She went over to Zachary, and pulled him up into her arms.

“I can tell you still feel the same way as I do, Marlena,” John said knowingly, staring at her adoringly … while she held her son in her arms. For a while, he had his doubts … but he knew now. She still loved him.

Marlena laughed. “I don’t need this in my life right now … not after all I’ve just been through.” She quickly began to walk away, leaving John behind in the restaurant.

“You can deny it all you want, Marlena!” John called out to her. “But now I know your true feelings … and you can’t fight them.”

Once outside the restaurant, Marlena grew panicky. She couldn’t believe how she felt, and was in total disbelief. But, no matter how much she tried, she couldn’t dismiss it. She was falling back in love with John …
Page 12 of 39Snow fluttered through the blackened sky as Hope sat comfortably in her bed. Her mind thought pensively as she wrote in her journal. She made it a point to do so everyday. For some strange reason, it helped ease her mind and clear her thoughts.

Her lips formed into a content smile when she had finished. She read through the entry to make sure she had written everything that happened during that peculiar day. Then, her fingers flipped through previous pages she had written on before. She laughed hysterically, for most of them were about her affair with Grant … and how wonderful it had been.

“I’ll never forget our time together,” Hope sighed, recalling the blissful days of their forbidden love. She strongly remembered their secret meetings at the Salem Inn, where he’d shower her with romance and nights filled with passion. She never wanted it to end — and thought that it never would.

Hope nodded surely, knowing that breaking off her relationship with Grant was the right and only thing to do. He was married to Marlena, and the thought of him leaving her so they could be together appalled her. She and Marlena were the best of friends, and had been for the longest time. She couldn’t live with the guilt of destroying her dearest friend’s life.

“But he did leave her,” Hope said, feeling melancholy for her friend. “If I had never gotten involved with Grant, maybe none of this would’ve ever happened. I’m the reason why Marlena’s family fell apart — and I have to deal with that.”

Countless times she had tried to tell Marlena about the truth concerning her affair with Grant — but, like he predicted — she constantly avoided doing so. In the long run, Grant was right. She was a chicken, and didn’t want to risk losing the best friend she ever had.

Tears formed in Hope’s eyes as she remembered her hostile conflict with Grant on the docks, where he had nearly strangled her to death. The devil had infested his soul that night. He wasn’t himself, and was extremely out of control. At times, she found herself fearing for Marlena’s safety. Grant’s dislike for her was outrageous … Could he possibly harm her if she ever got in his way?

“Why am I worried about this stuff?” Hope asked herself. “Grant and Marlena are divorced. She isn’t in any harm. They’re never around each other anymore, and the only time they are in each other’s presence is when he picks up Zachary!”

Hope gazed at her diary, and held it tightly in her hands. So much about her life was written in it … many things which no one could ever know. No one’s eyes could ever read it except her own, or her whole world could possibly turn into a chaotic mess.

Hope sighed, and flung the diary underneath her bed. She was growing hungry, and the thought of going out to dinner suddenly crossed her mind. She smiled as she darted into her kitchen and reached for her coat. But, as she was about to leave, her phone began to ring.

“Oh, who could that be?!” Hope cried, reluctant to answer. She reached for the phone, and was surprised to hear Marlena on the other end of the line.

“Marlena, what a surprise!” Hope said.

Frantically, Marlena asked, “Hope, I was wondering if you had possibly seen Belle tonight?”

“No, I haven’t,” Hope said. “Why? Is something wrong?”

Marlena moaned in agitation. “Well, she was supposed to meet me at a restaurant tonight, but she never showed up. And that was over three hours ago!”

“Oh my goodness!” Hope gasped. “Did you call the police?”

“Yes, but they can’t find her!” Marlena cried. “Can you come over here? I know it’s late, but I’m really worried …”

“Sure,” Hope said, “I’ll be right over. Just hang on.”

“Okay. Thank you, Hope,” Marlena said appreciatively.

The two women hung up simultaneously, and Hope instantly began her journey to Marlena’s home.

Marlena sat on her couch, her legs shaking nervously. It wasn’t like Belle to disappear. Not once in her life had she ever done that, until then of course.

“Damn it, Belle!” Marlena cried, trying to keep her voice down … not wanting to wake her sleeping son. “Where are you?”

Just then, she heard the front door close and shut rather quickly, and in came Belle — bursting into the living room with the brightest smile on her face.

“Belle!” Marlena cried in relief, but with anger slowly consuming her.

Belle jumped at the sound of her mother’s voice. She hadn’t noticed that she was in the living room, for she was lost in a daydream.

“Mom, please don’t be angry with me!” Belle instantly begged, as Marlena stomped furiously towards her.

Viciously, Marlena grabbed Belle’s arm and held it tightly. “Don’t even try that with me, young lady! You better start telling me right now why you didn’t meet me at the diner tonight … or else!”

“Or else what?!” Belle snapped back at her.

“Or else I’ll send you back to Switzerland!” Marlena screamed, not paying attention to the volume of her voice. “I’ll be damned if I have to put up with a daughter who won’t obey me!”

“Mama, I’m sorry! Please, I won’t do it again!” Belle sobbed, with tears falling out of her eyes.

Marlena dismissed her comment, not wanting to let her off easily. “Don’t you care that I wandered all over Salem looking for you? And that I got the entire Salem P. D. searching for you all over town?!”

Belle cried, and stared into her mother’s eyes. “Please, mama … I didn’t mean to be late! I was with my friends — I’m sorry, and I’ll never do it again!”

Marlena laughed. “That’s right, sweetie. You’ll never do it again, because I’m sending you back to Switzerland as soon as possible. I don’t need this in my life, Belle … You’re not going to cause me any grief whatsoever!”

“No, please don’t send me back there! I hate Switzerland!” Belle begged. “Do anything you want to me, but please … not that!”

Marlena let go of Belle’s arm, and stared at her in disgust. “I want you to go to your room. And I don’t need any back talk either!”

Sobbing devastatingly, Belle fled to her room, leaving her mother alone in the living room. Marlena sighed, and held her face in her hands. She couldn’t believe how she had just acted with her. She had every right to be angry at Belle … but was it necessary for her to fly off of the handle as she had just done?

The sound of the doorbell halted Marlena’s thoughts. She quickly wiped the tears away from her cheeks, and went to answer the door. It was Hope.

“I got here as soon as I could,” Hope said comfortingly. “Any news?”

Marlena invited her inside, and said, “She just came home a few minutes ago.”

“Oh, that’s good!” Hope cried. She looked at Marlena, hoping to find a spark of happiness, but all she found was anger and fury. “Honey, are you okay? Belle’s home now, so why are you upset?”

Marlena fell to her sofa, and broke down. “Oh, Hope! I completely lost it with Belle before you got here! If you would’ve seen me you’d have thought I was a lunatic.”

“What happened?” Hope asked with concern.

“I grilled her over not meeting me at the diner tonight,” Marlena said. “I desperately wanted her to meet with John … so he could finally see her after all of these years.”

Hope nodded. For some funny reason, she felt there was more behind Marlena’s frustrations. It was written on her face, and plain for her to see.

Marlena wiped her eyes, and noticed that Hope was staring at her strangely … as if she were trying to read into something that Marlena wasn’t informing her about.

“May I ask why you are looking at me like that?” Marlena asked harshly.

Hope smiled. “You’re using this situation to cover up your true feelings concerning something else.”

“What?!” Marlena cried.

“Yes, and I think I know what it is,” Hope stated.

“Then tell me, cause I sure don’t know!” Marlena replied sarcastically.

Hope grinned, and said surely, “John got to you tonight, didn’t he!”

Marlena gasped, and put on an act. “Don’t be absurd! I don’t have any feelings for John, none at all! He’s a thing of the past … Gone with yesterday’s trash, you could say!”

Hope laughed, and rested her hand upon Marlena’s shoulder. “Honey, this is me you’re talking to. C’mon, tell me the truth.”

Marlena gazed into Hope’s eyes, wondering if she should reveal her secret or not.

“You can tell me,” Hope repeated.

Marlena sighed, and gave in. “Yes, he did get to me … Tonight, after seeing him again, I realized that I’m falling back in love with him.”

Hope squealed with delight. “Oh honey, I’m so happy to hear you say that! Especially since I’ve —” Quickly, she stopped speaking. She was just about to reveal that she had an affair with her former husband. Luckily, she had caught herself in the nick of time.

Marlena stared at Hope in wonder, and asked, “Hope, is there something you want to tell me?”

Hope, not knowing what to say, turned away from her … as Marlena glared at her with a weary eye …
Page 13 of 39″Hope, I can tell by your behavior that you have something to tell me. Now, don’t hesitate one bit. I’m here for you … just as you’ve always been for me.”

Marlena’s soothing comment had no effect on Hope. She was too ashamed and filled to the max with guilt. Her affair with Grant had been magical, at least while it lasted. But, if she had known that it would have such horrible long lasting effects on her soul … she may never had gotten involved with him.

Comfortingly, Marlena rested a reassuring hand upon her best friend’s shoulder. “Oh, honey. Please talk to me!” She wanted to help ease her pain. She could feel the tension oozing out of her body. What was haunting her … and gnawing away at her spirit?

Forcing herself to do so, Hope turned towards Marlena, with tears flooding her eyes. Marlena gasped in surprise, and embraced her lovingly.

“Something is wrong! I know it!” Marlena cried. “Why won’t you tell me?”

Hope shook her head violently, and tore herself away from Marlena’s friendly arms. Without a word, she fled quickly out of the house, and disappeared into the night.

Marlena stood in the living room, puzzled … Hope had just acted so bizarre. In all the years that she had known her, Marlena had never seen her behave so strangely. There was something terrorizing her inside … That was definite.

“What’s eating away at your heart, Hope?” Marlena asked herself. “And why do I sense it has something to do with me?”

It was a miserable night for Grant Valentine. Life had become a complete and total mess. All of the plans he tried to set burned into ashes … Everything he tried to reach for fell out of his grasp. Nothing went his way anymore, and he hated it.

Work was about the only thing he had left to hold on to. He was one of the biggest defense attorneys in the nation. There wasn’t a single day that his schedule wasn’t filled or he didn’t have to meet with a client concerning a case. For the longest time his work meant everything to him … until the past month or so, that is.

Grant sighed, as he stared at two plane tickets he held in his hand. His plan for he and Zachary was in the beginning stages of development. After the Christmas holiday, he had every intention on fleeing the country with the son he and Marlena brought into the world.

“My dream was to have Hope raise Zachary as her son. But, since she’s rejected me, that’ll never be … Now, I have to live my life without her, and bring him up alone. Even if it means taking him out of the country – and damaging my reputation.”

He still loved Hope deeply. Constantly he dreamed of her, and what could’ve been. The bond they shared was strong and powerful. He had never experienced something so extremely magnificent or breathtaking in his life. The days he spent with her were the best ones of his life … and that was the truth.

“Forget about her,” Grant severely commanded to his heart and soul. He furiously threw the plane tickets into the top drawer of his desk. He stood from his leather seat, and started to pace his luxurious office.

After minutes of endless walking, Grant stopped and gazed out of his window to admire the beautiful winter night. It was breathtaking. He smiled as he remembered endless nights of star gazing with Hope.

“Oh my goodness!” Grant cried out loud. “I never star gazed with Hope … ” Finally, he remembered … Those were special times he spent with Marlena, during the happier days of their now terminated marriage. For hours they would stand on the terrace of their grand mansion, pointing out constellations … and making wishes upon stars.

Grant moaned tiresomely, and bowed his head in sadness. “I’m so tired of being alone. Maybe I’ll find love again when I take Zachary to Europe? Who knows …”

Out of the blue, a knock on the door could be heard. Grant came out of his solitary world, and answered it. It was his secretary, Linda Jennings. In her hands was a large yellow envelope.

“Mr. Valentine,” Linda said, handing the package to him, “this just arrived for you.”

Grant looked at the package strangely. “I wonder what it is? Not often does one receive a package this late at night.”

Linda nodded, showing signs that she hated being at the office so far into the evening. Grant, catching hold of this, gently informed that she could leave. And, she did so joyfully.

After Linda’s disappearance, Grant stepped back into his office and read the return address on the envelope. It was from the attorney who had handled his and Marlena’s divorce.

“I wonder what he wants?” Grant asked himself. He eagerly tore the envelope open, and quickly began to read the documents that were inside. The further and further he read … the more shocked the expression on his face became.

Marlena admired the winter snow as she stepped out into the cold, dark night. After hours of unending frustration, she needed to find a way to cool her nerves. Walking in a chilly, snowy night always seemed to do the job.

She felt she was alone outside, until she felt someone touch her shoulder from behind. She shrieked with fright, and found that the person who snuck up on her was John.

“John!” Marlena cried, pretending to be sickened at the very sight of his presence. “What the hell are you doing here?! I could have you arrested for sneaking around my home, you know!”

John laughed, as if their argument at the diner earlier in the evening had never happened.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

John shrugged playfully. “I don’t know. Maybe the way you’re acting, perhaps?”

“Ha-Ha!” she snapped at him. “Well, how do you expect me to react? You just literally scared the living daylights out of me.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, gazing at her mischievously.

“Good,” Marlena said. “So, why are you here?”

John rubbed his hands together to keep warm. “I wanted to make sure Belle got home okay, since she didn’t show up at the diner tonight.”

Marlena nodded, not wanting to fill him in about how disastrous things had gotten … even though things at the diner were almost just as bad. “Yes, she got home okay. In fact, she was here when I got back.”

“That’s good,” John said. “At least she is okay.”

Marlena sighed, desperately wanting to get away from him. “Yes, thank goodness for that.”

“I’m sensing that you don’t want to be around me right now,” John said knowingly, changing the subject rather abruptly.

Marlena smiled brightly as if she were the sun itself. “Oh, how right you are! You’ve always been such a good psychic!”

John smiled, and said, “Yep, haven’t I? And guess what else I can see?”

“What’s that?” she asked annoyingly, going along with his game.

He pretended to think seriously, and finally he said, “Oh, that’s right! I can see that you’re falling back in love with me … and that you feel the same way for me as I do for you. Tell me, am I right?!”

Marlena’s face turned a ghostly white. She didn’t want to give into the truth … but he was absolutely correct. The love she had felt for him so many years ago was finding a way back to her heart …

“Well, am I?”

Wanting to stay in her world of denial, Marlena laughed hysterically at him. “Maybe you’re not as good a psychic as I thought, John.” And, with that settled, she brushed past him to go on her night time walk.

John stared at her for a moment as she walked away, wanting to hold her in his arms again. Then, sadly, he headed back to Alice’s.
Page 14 of 39The kitchen had a country feel to it. For the first time in ages, Marlena felt a need to cook a delicious breakfast for her children. Sending them to school with only cereal in their tummies didn’t soothe her much.

Also, she needed to find some way to reconcile with Belle, for their argument the previous evening was horrific … and things had to be eased between them. Hopefully, Marlena thought, Belle would see how truly sorry she was …

“Mommy, the pancakes are delicious!” Zachary squealed joyfully. “You need to cook everyday!”

Marlena laughed adoringly, and patted him gently on the head. He looked up at her, with nothing but sheer love in his eyes.

Then, her sight shifted to Belle. She appeared to be sad and withdrawn. It was apparent that she was still angry and upset — but something else was plaguing her thoughts. And Marlena could sense it.

Carefully, Marlena asked her daughter, “Belle, do you like the breakfast I prepared for you?”

Belle nodded, not showing any emotion. She continued to eat and paid no attention to her mother.

Zachary patted Belle on the shoulder, and said, “Hey, sissy! Mommy is talking to you.”

Belle looked at Zachary, and snapped, “Be quiet, Zachary!”

“Belle!” Marlena cried angrily. “There is no need for that. Don’t take your anger out on your little brother when it’s me who you’re mad at.”

Zachary grew nervous as he felt the growing tension flowing between his mother and sister. Quickly, he took his plate into his hands, and began to walk out of the kitchen.

“Honey, where are you going?” Marlena asked softly.

Zachary looked at his mother, and said, “I’m going into the living room. I don’t like it when you and Belle fight.”

Marlena sighed sadly, and slumped into one of the kitchen chairs. She gazed at Belle ignorantly, not knowing how she should handle the situation.

“Why are you looking at me like that, mother?” Belle asked irritatingly.

Marlena rested her hands upon the table. “All I want to do is make peace with you — and the only thing you’re doing is being difficult. I know I was angry with you last night, and I’m sorry! I was worried about you, and I just got really freaked out.”

Belle looked up at her mother, and finally gave in. She reached her hand across the table and touched her mother’s softly. By the look in her eyes it could be seen that she wanted to bury the hatchet.

“I’m sorry, too,” Belle said apologetically. “I should’ve met you at the diner. I realize that now.”

Marlena smiled in relief. “It’s okay, honey. Lets just move on and pretend last night never happened. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” Belle replied happily — but not truthfully. Unbeknownst to her mother, the previous evening had been one of the best nights of her life. She had finally gotten to Brady Black’s heart, the boy she was desperately smitten with.

Marlena rose from her seat, and said, “How about we go into the living room with Zachary?”

Belle grabbed her plate, and together they joyfully headed into the living room — and moments later Zachary’s adorable laugh flooded the rooms of the mansion.

Grant sat at the Java Cafe, pondering on what he should do. In one hand he held two tickets that would send him and Zachary off to Europe, where they’d never be found or heard from again. Then, in the other, was a letter from the lawyer who handled his and Marlena’s divorce, which clearly stated that their divorce wasn’t officially finalized — and that they were still husband and wife after all.

Grant sighed frustratingly. He never expected to have to make a decision as big as this one. He was so clear on what he had wanted the night before, and that was to flee the country with Zachary. But, everything changed once he learned that he and Marlena were still married.

“God knows that I still love Hope,” Grant said admiringly, “but, she’s made it clear that she wants nothing to do with me. Leaving the country with Zachary would make me a fugitive on the run — a kidnapper. That would completely destroy my reputation … If I was smart, I’d try to win Marlena back and rebuild my family. At least I wouldn’t be alone ..”

He knew that was the best route to go. But going back to Marlena didn’t satisfy him much. His heart belonged to Hope, and nothing could change that. And he desperately wanted to live alone with Zachary in a far away land … and leave Marlena and Salem behind forever.

“I can’t do that,” Grant said, shaking his head. “Going back to Marlena and getting my family back is my best bet. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be able to fall in love with her again someday.”

Knowing what he had to do, Grant tore up the plane tickets and threw them into a trash bin. He was going to get Marlena back — one way or another.

“Hey, Dad!”

John looked up from his morning newspaper, and smiled warmly at his son.

“Hey, sleepy head!” John cried, checking his watch. “It’s going on seven o’clock! You’d better hurry and catch the bus to school.”

Brady opened the fridge to get some orange juice. “I will,” he said. “I’m just running a little late today.”

John laughed as Brady sat down at the kitchen table.

“Where’s Mrs. Horton at?” Brady asked, after he took a long sip from his orange juice.

John looked up from his paper, and said, “She went to the hospital to do some volunteering. She’s always doing some type of charitable work. That’s what makes her such a special person.”

Brady nodded in agreement. “Yes, she’s a terrific lady. One of the greatest I’ve ever known.”

“So, what did you do last night?” John asked curiously.

Brady blushed, thinking about Belle Brady. “Nothing much,” he fibbed. “Just hung out with some friends.”

“That’s good,” John said happily. “I’m glad that you’re adjusting so well here, Brady. Not too long ago you hated the idea of living here, and now you love it!”

“Yes, Salem is a fun place,” Brady said, “but nothing can replace California and all of the special times we shared out there.”

“I know,” John said, feeling the same way.

Brady smiled devilishly, and asked, “Oh, by the way, have you seen Carlotta lately? I know that she’s still in Salem … Anything going on between you two?”

John put down his paper, and said seriously, “Brady, how many times do I have to tell you that my relationship with Carlotta is over!”

“Yes, you’ve told me a million times,” Brady said upsettingly, “but I don’t understand why. She was the best thing that ever happened to us.”

John sighed. “Some things just aren’t meant to be, son. I know she means a lot to you, but I can’t go back to her. It wouldn’t be right.”

Brady rose out of his chair. He was growing angry. Why was his father acting so stubborn? Carlotta had made them so happy in California. Then, all of a sudden, their relationship ended — for reasons unknown to him. The only family he ever had fell to pieces …

“Carlotta’s like a mother to me, Dad,” Brady growled. “It kills me inside because I know that she still loves you, and would give anything to have our family back together.”

“Brady, I don’t love Carlotta anymore,” John cried sadly, not wanting to hurt his son. “What can I say? I can’t lie to you about my feelings!”

“Whatever,” Brady mumbled. “I’ve gotta go to school.”

John called out to Brady, but he had already stormed out of the house. Sadly, he buried his face in his hands, not knowing how much more grief he could take in life …

Marlena sipped from a mug of coffee as she sat in her office. She didn’t feel like being at work one bit. Relaxing all day in bed sounded more appealing to her. She smiled as she thought about the holidays. At least then she’d have some time off, she thought.

“Dr. Valentine,” a voice called over the intercom, surprising her.

“Yes, Judy,” Marlena said, pushing the button down on the device. “What is it?”

“Your ex-husband is here,” she said. “Are you too busy at the moment to see him?”

Marlena’s eyes widened at the sound of his name. She couldn’t believe that he had come to her office. It had been a while since they had last seen each other. But, it seemed strange to her … Why was he there? Obviously he had something important to tell her.

“Well, can he come in?”

Marlena hesitated for a moment. Finally, she answered. “Yes. Send him in, Judy.”

Marlena sat firmly in her seat as she watched the door to her office swing open. Her stomach seemed to tie up in knots at the sight of him … but her nerves calmed once he flashed her his warm and adoring smile.

“Hello, Marlena,” Grant said, standing perfectly still in the doorway.

“Hi, Grant,” Marlena said softly.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here,” Grant laughed, as he closed the door behind him.

“Yes, I am a little bit puzzled,” Marlena said. “Would you mind telling me?”

Grant sighed nervously. He continuously thought to himself that he had to win her back — and that there was no other way. He was convinced that Marlena would be his again … No two ways about it.
Page 15 of 39″What I’m about to tell you is rather surprising,” Grant said, smiling a bit as he sat in a chair.

Marlena sat at her desk. She was not too amused with Grant’s sudden visit to her office. She wanted to hear what he had to say, and then send him off and forget that he ever stopped by.

“Start telling me then,” Marlena said. “I have patients to see and I can’t be held up all day.”

Grant sighed nervously. She could sense that he was worked up over something…

“Why are you so tense?”

Grant seemed surprised by her comment, and then he noticed that he was. He loosened himself up a little. He had to tell her that they were still married — and hopefully she’d come back to him.

Marlena checked her watch, and rolled her eyes. “Grant, please hurry and tell me, for goodness sake! I am at work you know!”

“All right!” he cried. “I’ll tell you now!”

“Okay!”

He took in a deep breath, and began. “I received a letter late last night from the lawyer who handled our divorce.”

“What’s the big deal?” Marlena asked annoyingly.

“The big deal is that we’re still married, Marlena! Our divorce wasn’t officially finalized by the courts! The process didn’t go through correctly. That means we’re still man and wife!”

Marlena gasped in shock. She wasn’t prepared or ready for the news at all.

“Marlena, are you going to say something?”

She couldn’t find the words. She was too overcome with shock.

Grant walked over to her and took her by the hand. Her eyes gazed at him blankly, not knowing how to react…

“Please, Marlena. Say something to me.”

Finally, she managed to speak. “I suppose we’ll just file for divorce again, Grant,” she said with a trembling voice. “I know that’s what you want. It’s what you’ve wanted all along. I know your heart belongs to somebody else now and doesn’t belong to me …”

“No,” Grant said seriously. “That’s not what I want at all.”

“Huh?” Marlena asked.

Grant continued to hold her hand in his. His plan had to work. The thought of living alone for the rest of his life didn’t satisfy him one bit. If he couldn’t have Hope, then he’d have to settle for Marlena.

“I believe this is a sign, Marlena,” Grant said.

“Sign of what?” she asked.

“That we’re meant to be together after all.”

Marlena laughed. She didn’t believe anything he said to her.

“I’m being serious here, Marlena!” Grant cried.

“Grant, just a few weeks ago you wanted nothing to do with me. Besides, isn’t there another woman you’d rather be with?!”

“Not anymore,” Grant lied. “I broke ties with her, Marlena. I’m no longer involved with her.”

“And, now that this new information has come to light, you expect me to come running back to you? After all that’s been said and done?”

Grant touched her cheek gently as he put on the performance of a lifetime. The thought of staying married to her disgusted him, but it was the only way…

“Marlena,” Grant said affectionately, “I realize that I’ve hurt you badly.”

“Yes, you have,” she shot back at him.

“But,” he said, “I do know that leaving you was the biggest mistake of my life. My heart still belongs to you, Marlena. You’re the one I love … Please, darling … give me another chance. Just one more chance to prove how much I love you …”

Tears formed in her eyes. For the longest time she dreamt that Grant would realize that he was wrong and that they were really meant to be. She wanted desperately to run into his arms and to resume the life that they once shared together. But, things had changed … She was falling back in love with John. It was undeniable, even though she didn’t want to admit it.

“Grant, a lot of things have happened lately,” Marlena said. “I don’t know if we can go back.”

“Please, just give me one more chance … I promise I’ll never hurt you again, Marlena,” Grant said tenderly, kissing her soft and gentle hand.

Marlena sighed. “I need time to think about this,” she decided.

Grant looked up at her with delight in his eyes. “I’ll give you all the time in the world, my love. The last thing I want is to pressure you any.”

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t make that kind of decision on the spot, Grant,” Marlena said sadly. “You do understand, don’t you?”

“I do,” he said, as he rose to his feet. “I’ll go now. I know that you’ll need some time alone …”

“Good-bye, Grant,” Marlena said.

Grant stood at the doorway. He smiled adoringly at her, his eyes filled with hope.

“I love you, Marlena,” Grant said. “I always have, and always will …”

Then, he was gone.

For a few moments Marlena continued to stare off into space, lost in her own little world. She couldn’t believe what had just happened in her office. It seemed so strange and unbelievable.

“Now what am I going to do?” she asked herself. “I’m still married to Grant, but I don’t love him anymore. How could I after how much he’s hurt me?”

Then, John entered her mind. She didn’t doubt for a minute that she had fallen back in love with him. And he had always made it clear to her that he wanted her back in his life…

“What I had with John is ancient history,” she told herself, trying to fight her feelings for him. “But I must admit that whenever I’m around him, I always feel so good and warm inside … Oh, I have to stop thinking about him! I’m still married to Grant, and I need to figure out what I’m going to do!”

Silently, Marlena sat and began to ponder on how she wanted to spend the rest of her life … until she finally realized what she had to do.
Page 16 of 39″So, how did things go last night?” Gabby asked Belle. “I want to know everything. Don’t leave anything out!”

Belle looked up from her notebook. She didn’t want to be pestered by Gabby or anyone. There were too many things on her mind, especially the English test she had to take later in the day.

“Well, come on, Belle! Spit it out! How did things go with Brady?”

“Gabby, I can’t talk right now. I have to study for my test.”

She frowned upsettingly. “Belle, you know you can’t leave me hanging. I’ll die if you don’t tell me!”

Belle slammed down her notebook. “Fine!” she cried. “I’ll tell you!”

“Good!” Gabby squealed. She sat down next to her, eager to hear every single detail.

“After the basketball game, we went to the theater,” Belle giggled, “but we didn’t watch the movie needless to say.”

“Oh!” Gabby cried. “Did you guys kiss?”

“No,” Belle said quickly. “We just talked a lot. Time seemed to pass by so quickly.”

“That’s all you did?” Gabby asked loudly.

“No. After that, we took a walk around the town. It was really nice,” Belle said happily.

“Well, did you guys kiss at all? Tell me something juicy, Belle!” Gabby said.

“I’m sorry, Gabby!” Belle said. “We didn’t kiss. It was just a friendly date.”

Gabby rolled her eyes. “Doesn’t sound like a great time to me, Belle.”

“Well, we obviously don’t share the same opinion, Gabby,” Belle snapped back at her.

Gabby stuck her tongue out at Belle.

“But, I got into serious trouble when I went home last night,” Belle said ominously.

“What happened?”

“I was supposed to meet my Mom at a diner last night to meet some friend of hers, remember?”

“Yes,” Gabby recalled. “Oh my goodness! You didn’t meet her!”

“Exactly!” Belle cried. “And when I came home, she went off on me like a lunatic. She almost sent me back to Switzerland; that’s how bad it got.”

“Wow,” Gabby gasped. “I can’t picture your mother acting like that. Not even over something like that.”

Belle nodded. “I know. But I think something else was bothering her.”

“What?”

“I don’t know,” Belle said, ignorant to the truth. “But it doesn’t matter now, I suppose. We made up and all is back to normal.”

“She’s not mad at you anymore?”

“Nope.”

“Well, that’s good.”

“Did you tell her about your date with Brady?”

Belle gasped. “Are you crazy? She’d really flip if I told her I went out on a date!”

“Why? You’re 16 years old!”

“Gabby, you don’t understand my Mother,” Belle explained. “She feels I can’t date until I’m 18 years old and on my own.”

“That stinks!”

“Tell me about it!”

“So,” Gabby said, “what are you going to do about Brady? Surely you can’t date him secretly!”

Belle smiled at Gabby mischievously. “Watch me.”

“Belle, I don’t know if defying your mother is the smart route to take,” Gabby warned. “What if she finds out and sends you back to the boarding school?”

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take, Gabby!” Belle cried. “I like Brady! And I’m going to continue to see him — I don’t care how anyone feels about it!”

“You’re going to get into trouble,” Gabby predicted.

Belle giggled. “No, I’m not. Trust me. Everything is going to be just fine …”

“Well,” Gabby said, “in stead of studying for some boring old test, how about you go and talk to Brady?”

Belle smiled, and shook her head. “No. This test is very important. Besides, Brady isn’t here in the cafeteria.”

Gabby looked around the crowded room for Brady. Belle was right. Brady wasn’t sitting with his friends eating lunch.

“Hmmm,” Gabby said. “I wonder where he is?”

Belle sighed. “I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. I’ll find him later on — and we’ll talk then.”

Snow blew violently outside as a cold breeze rolled around the high school and beyond. But, despite the harsh conditions, Brady seemed to be unaffected by his current surroundings. He knew sneaking out of the school during lunch wasn’t right, but he desperately wanted to be alone.

“Why does life have to be so unfair?” Brady asked himself, as he sat under a tiny shelter behind the school. “All I want is to have the perfect family. That’s all I’ve ever dreamed of having. But, without my father and Carlotta together, how can that come true?”

He just didn’t understand. For years, all three of them were a happy family. They had the best life together. Until, one day, everything changed. Carlotta left, shattering Brady’s dream. And the worst thing of all is that he didn’t know why she and his father broke up. It was all a mystery to him, and he wanted answers.

“Dad has made it clear he doesn’t want Carlotta in his life anymore,” Brady sobbed sadly. “Gosh! Why does he have to be so stubborn? She’s still in love with him, and wants very much to give our life as a family another try … Why does he continuously push her away? What secret is he keeping from me?!”

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Brady felt the touch of a hand upon his shoulder. He jumped with fright, and hoped that it wasn’t a school official. For if it was, he was surely going to get in trouble for being outside.

But, it wasn’t. He was stunned to see who it was, but thrilled at the same time. It was Carlotta.

“Carlotta!” Brady exclaimed, overjoyed at the sight of her.

Carlotta smiled, and touched his face. “Hi, honey.”

“What are you doing here?” Brady asked confusingly. “How did you know I was back here?”

Carlotta laughed. “Oh, sweetie! I went inside the school to find you, but you were no where to be found. So, I started to look around outside for you. And lo and behold, here you are!”

Brady smiled warmly, and dove into her arms.

“Sweetie, are you okay?”

“Yes,” Brady said. “I’m just not having a good day. That’s all.”

“Why not?”

“It’s Dad,” Brady shot out angrily.

“Oh,” Carlotta said uncomfortably. “I take it you and your father had an argument.”

“Yes!” Brady cried. “Why does he have to be such an idiot?! Doesn’t he realize that you still love him and want us to be a family again?!”

Carlotta sighed. “Baby, you just have to give him some time. I’m sure he’ll come around soon.”

“You think?” Brady asked optimistically.

“Yes!” Carlotta smiled. “Your father and I had some rough times a few months back, and we drifted apart. But, now that I am in Salem, I’m going to try my damnedest to get him back.”

“I hope you do soon, Carlotta,” Brady said sadly. “I really miss us all being together. Nothing has been the same without you. I still don’t understand why you and Dad broke up in the first place.”

Carlotta sighed. She wanted to tell him everything. He had been in the dark for so long, and deep down it wasn’t right. But, he had to be protected from the truth. He never could know about John’s past in Salem with Marlena, and the daughter he could never claim as his own. It would be too painful for Brady, she thought.

“Never mind that now,” Carlotta said, trying her best to dismiss the subject. “What we need to do is concentrate on how to get our family back together!”

Brady took her by the hand, and held it warmly. “I hope you know that I will help in any way I possibly can.”

Carlotta laughed and kissed Brady on the cheek. “Oh, my darling boy! I know you will.”

“So, what are we going to do?”

Carlotta thought pensively for a moment, and then came up with a sinister idea. And, with Brady’s help, everything could possibly turn out the way she wanted it to…
Page 17 of 39The morning sun shined brightly through the bedroom window. Marlena gazed outside through the large pane of glass, allowing the sun’s rays of light to illuminate her face. It felt warm and refreshing against her skin.

“It’s a brand new day,” Marlena whispered to herself. “The past is no longer an issue. All I have to worry about now is the present … and the future.”

She had made her decision, though it had been a difficult one. Her feelings for John were undeniable and couldn’t be dismissed. She had admitted to herself that she was in love with him and dreamt of spending the rest of her life with him. But, she couldn’t forget about Grant and the fact that their divorce wasn’t legal. They were still married by law … and in the Lord’s eyes.

“Hopefully he will be able to understand,” Marlena said sadly to herself. “There was nothing else I could do. I had to do what I felt was right.”

With tears in her eyes she looked towards the bed. Lying there was Grant, sleeping heavily in a world of dreams. For the longest time she wished they would reunite, but those feelings had diminished. Her heart longed for John … yearned for what they had so many years before.

“I need to forget about John,” Marlena stated boldly, as she stared at her sleeping husband. “Grant and I are still married. If we were really divorced, maybe I would be able to move on … but I can’t now. I owe it to Zachary to try and make this marriage work. He needs to have both his mother and father in his life …”

“What if your father doesn’t show up?” Carlotta asked frantically. “Are you sure he listened to you last evening?”

Brady nodded as he took a sip from his warm cup of cocoa. He was dead set on reuniting his father with Carlotta. They needed to be as they were before … a family.

“Yes,” Brady said. “I told him to meet me at the Java Cafe at eight thirty sharp. Don’t be so worried, Carlotta.”

“He’s not going to like this one bit, Brady. You know your father …. Being set up like this always infuriates him.”

“Look! You asked me for help, so I’m helping you! Trust me, Carlotta. Dad is going to realize sooner or later that you two belong together. He just needs a little boost. That’s all.”

“I hope you’re right,” Carlotta said. But she wasn’t quite sure. John had made it clear to her that he couldn’t get over his feelings for Marlena …

“Besides,” Brady said, “it’s not like he’s got feelings for someone else.”

Carlotta bit down on her tongue, trying her best not to laugh. Brady was so very wrong, though she expected him to be. He knew nothing of John’s past in Salem … especially about his precious Marlena and long lost daughter, Belle. It was better off staying that way, too.

“You better go now,” Carlotta suggested. “If you’re right, your dad should be here any minute now.”

Brady rose from his seat and lovingly embraced Carlotta.

“You’re such a good young man,” Carlotta said adoringly.

Brady smiled. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, honey.”

When Brady was gone, Carlotta grew panicky. She knew John was going to be furious … especially over the fact that Brady was helping her with her schemes.

“I pray that everything goes well today,” Carlotta said to herself, crossing her fingers.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted him. He was walking straight towards the Java Cafe, thinking he was going to meet his son for an early breakfast … Little did he know how wrong he was.

“Hi, John!” Carlotta called out bravely.

John looked over at Carlotta. His mouth nearly dropped to the ground due to the shock. All at once he knew everything. Brady had tricked him into coming to Salem Place so he could see Carlotta.

“What are you up to now, Carlotta?” John asked seriously. “I see now that you’ve recruited my son to help with your schemes.”

Carlotta gasped. “John, I would never …”

“Carlotta, do me a favor and be quiet,” John snapped. “I don’t feel up to listening to your lies today, okay?”

Carlotta nodded and quickly silenced herself. John rolled his eyes and sat down next to her.

“I don’t blame you for being mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you. How could I be?”

Carlotta laughed. “Because I’m always trying to get you back in my life, even though you’ve told me countless times to move on.”

“Carlotta, I’ve put you through a lot this past year.”

“An emotional roller coaster ride, actually,” Carlotta said sadly.

“I’m so sorry for hurting you,” he said apologetically, with tears in his eyes.

“Don’t be,” she insisted, trying to make him feel even more guilty. “It’s not your fault that you can’t get over your darling Marlena.”

“I was always honest with you about Marlena. You knew from the beginning of our relationship that I loved her.”

“I know that. But I thought that you had moved on and forgotten about her. I thought that you were one hundred percent mine …”

“I should’ve been more open and honest with you,” John scolded himself, “but I can’t change the past. I can’t change the way things are.”

Carlotta looked at John, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I have a feeling that you have something to ask me …”

“Yes,” Carlotta said, “I do.”

“What is it?”

Carlotta hesitated for a moment, and asked, “Did you ever love me, John?”

John sighed and didn’t know how to respond …

“Good morning, darling.”

Marlena shrieked and turned away from the window. But it was only Grant. He had awoken from his deep sleep.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” Grant said apologetically.

Marlena forced a smile to her face. “I’m just not used to having you back home yet. You’ve been gone so long.”

“I hope that’s not a bad thing …”

“No!” Marlena cried. “It’s not bad at all. Having you back in my life is the only thing I’ve ever wanted.”

Grant smiled. “Come back to bed, sweetie.”

She hesitated for a moment, and finally made herself climb back into bed with him. She remembered the many times when she loved going to bed with him … and lying safely in his arms for hours upon hours. But now things had changed. She wanted to be with John.

Grant wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him. It felt so good holding Marlena in his arms, even though she wasn’t his beloved Hope …

“I never thought that we’d get back together,” Marlena said honestly as she gazed into his face.

Grant smiled and caressed her cheek. “Our divorce not being officially finalized is a sign that we are truly meant to be, my love.”

Marlena nodded.

“I can’t wait to see the look on Zachary’s face when he sees us together again.”

Marlena giggled. “Yes, me, too. He is going to be so thrilled. He’s missed us being together very much.”

“I’m sure Belle won’t share our joy though,” Grant said ominously.

Marlena sighed. “Belle will be okay. I’m sure she will.”

“I hope so,” Grant said. “I know she’s never liked me much. I just pray that there will be no tension once she learns the news.”

“Belle will understand, Grant. Trust me.”

Grant smiled. “I’m sure you’re right. You’re always right about everything.”

Marlena blushed. “You’re such a charmer.”

“I love you,” Grant whispered tenderly.

Marlena touched his face. “I love you, too.”

He pressed his lips gently against hers, and soon they were making love …

“Have you ever really loved me, John?” Carlotta asked again, desperately wanting to know the truth.

John didn’t want to hurt her. He didn’t know what to say.

“John, tell me the truth,” Carlotta pleaded. “I need to know.”

Finally, John said, “Yes, I did love you … but not the same way I love Marlena. I’m sorry, Carlotta. Marlena is the woman I love eternally.” “I see how it is,” Carlotta said, tears pouring out of her eyes. “I have to go.” “No, please stay and talk with me about this.” “No,” Carlotta cried, “I can’t. It hurts too much, John. I gave myself to you for six long years. Now I know it never meant anything to you.”

“You’re wrong, Carlotta!”

“I have to go!” Carlotta wailed. Frantically she stormed out of Salem Place, leaving John behind in a pool of sorrow and pain.

“I’m so sorry for ever hurting you, Carlotta,” John said sadly. “But now I know what I must do …” Quickly, John paid his bill and headed to Marlena’s mansion …
Page 18 of 39Marlena smiled warmly as she watched her son and husband play in the living room of their lavish estate. Her heart soared at the sight of their happiness, and was thrilled to see Zachary joyful once again.

My happiness means nothing to me compared to Zachary’s, Marlena thought to herself. She didn’t want to be with Grant, but the thought of her darling son growing up without both of his parents in the same home horrified her. She had made that mistake with Sami and Eric when her marriage to Roman dissolved … And, since her divorce to Grant wasn’t final, she knew she had to take a chance … at least for her son.

“I’m so happy that you and mommy are back together,” Zachary squealed, his eyes glowing as bright as the sun.

Grant embraced his son, pretending to share his joy. He loved seeing little Zachary so thrilled and excited over their reunion, but inside it did nothing for him. He longed for the love of his life … his darling, Hope.

“I’m happy, too,” Grant said, as he flashed a loving glance to Marlena. “Now we’re officially a family again.”

“Nothing will separate us,” Zachary stated seriously. “Right, Daddy?”

Grant smiled. “No, I promise. We’ll be together forever.”

“Yippee!” Zachary exclaimed. He affectionately flung his arms around his father, and said, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Grant replied, holding his tiny body in his arms.

Marlena continued to gaze in adoration at her son and husband, bonding more and more as time passed by. But, her heart began to race a mile a minute once Belle walked into the living room. She had woken up.

Belle was instantly horrified at the sight of Grant, and cast him a cold and stony glance. “May I ask why he is here?” Belle asked angrily.

Grant looked over at Marlena, and noticed that her eyes showed severe signs of nervousness and panic. It was obvious that Belle wasn’t going to like hearing the news of their reunion. Not one single bit.

Marlena looked at Grant. “Honey, could I speak to Belle alone for a little bit?”

“Sure,” Grant said, taking Zachary by the hand. “Come on, son.”

“Okay, daddy!”

Once they were gone, Belle stared at her mother … completely baffled over what she just saw, but mostly over what her mother said. “Why did you call him *honey*?” Belle demanded.

Marlena reached out to touch her. “Sweetie, give me a minute to explain.”

“You went back to him! Didn’t you?!” Belle screamed.

“Yes, I did, sweetheart,” Marlena said calmly. “But there is more behind it than you know. Please, let me make it clear to you.”

Belle laughed hysterically. She couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of her mother’s mouth. She thought that her mother had learned once and for all that Grant Valentine was a major piece of slime. But, obviously she hadn’t figured that out. “Nothing you can say will make me accept this!” Belle shot back. “This is appalling! I’m so disappointed in you, mother! You deserve so much better than that scum!”

“Belle, don’t talk like that. It’s not like you to talk like that.”

“What do you expect?” Belle asked. “I’m very angry! This is the most disgusting and horrible news I’ve ever heard!”

“Honey, please calm down.”

“No!” Belle cried. “I don’t understand this one bit. You just got divorced from that jerk, and now you’re back together!”

Marlena sighed. “Belle, that’s the thing.”

“What?”

“We’re really not divorced, sweetheart. Our divorce was never officially finalized by the courts. So, Grant and I are still legally married …”

Belle gasped in horror. “You’re lying to me! I know you’ve got to be making this up!”

“Why would I make something up like that?! It’s the truth, Belle! You’re going to have to accept it whether you like it or not!”

“Never!” Belle screamed devilishly. “I’d rather burn in Hell than accept your joke of a marriage to Grant!”

“Belle!”

“It’s enough that you and Daddy aren’t together, though I don’t know why. No one has ever told me anything of your breakup. But at least he is a decent man! It’s a shame how you fell so low, mother … Going from such a wonderful man like my father to that bastard, Grant!”

Marlena took Belle into her arms, and looked viciously into her eyes. “Well, if you don’t like it, I’ll gladly call Roman! You can live with him for all I care!”

“Fine!” Belle roared. “I’d be better off living with daddy, anyway!”

In a flood of tears, Belle flew out of the mansion, vanishing from sight while her mother fell onto the sofa … sobbing uncontrollably and feeling ever so guilty.

***
John kept a careful eye on the road as he drove to Marlena’s mansion. Once and for all he was going to find out her true feelings for him, even if he had to force it out of her. He had hurt too many people because of his love for her, especially Carlotta and Brady. Now, he was going to stop at nothing to set things straight. “You have to open up to me, Marlena,” John said to himself. “These games have to end now.”

Finally, after what seemed like endless hours of driving, he caught a glimpse of her luxurious mansion. He was growing closer … closer and closer to finding out where he stood with her … and if they truly did share a future together.

He had finally reached the house, and was ready to turn on to the long and winding driveway until a blonde haired girl jumped out in front of his vehicle. John slammed on his breaks immediately, nearly scaring the girl half to death. The distraught girl made eye contact with John after overcoming the shock of nearly being hit, and then she quickly ran off down the road.

Once he regained his composure, he started his way down the long driveway, and eventually parked his car in front of the large house. He was determined to shake the truth out of her at any cost … All he wanted was for her to be honest with him.

John stood in front of the front door while he repeatedly buzzed the doorbell. Finally, a teary eyed Marlena opened the door. “Oh my goodness!” Marlena cried at the sight of him. “What are you doing here? No, you can’t be here now! You must go!”

John stood his ground. “No, Marlena. I’m not leaving here until things are settled between us once and for all.”

Quickly, Marlena tried to slam the door in his face, but he pushed back.

“Please! All I want to do is talk!” John cried, trying to keep her from closing the door.

“I’m sorry,” Marlena sobbed, “but I can’t now! Go away!”

But, Marlena’s strength was no match for John’s. He finally managed to push the door open in its entirety and entered the mansion. “I want you out of here!” Marlena demanded.

John shook his head. “No! Not until we talk.”

“What is going on in here?!”

Marlena gasped and looked across the foyer. It was Grant. She began to panic …. The last thing she wanted to deal with was telling John that she and Grant were back together.

“Nothing, Grant,” Marlena said, changing her attitude in a blink of an eye. “Go back with Zachary.”

“I will most definitely not,” he replied. “Who the heck is this guy? And why is he in my house?!”

Feeling torn, Marlena glanced back and forth between Grant and John … not knowing what to say …
Page 19 of 39″Marlena,” Grant said forcefully, “who is this guy? Is he causing you any problems?”

Marlena’s heart raced a mile a minute. She didn’t know what to say or do … Things had grown out of control and she no longer knew how to handle the situation. Desperate for words, she continuously glanced back and forth between John and Grant, both with looks of confusion and anger upon their faces.

Finally, she managed to speak. “Grant, I would like you to meet John Black.”

Stunned, he stared at John with wide eyes. “You mean the man that took over Roman’s life years back?”

John’s face turned red with anger. He knew Grant Valentine had a reputation for being a rotten snob, but he never expected him to be so bold with his rudeness. But what shocked him the most was how Grant assumed control over Marlena even though they were divorced …

“That wasn’t his fault,” Marlena said in John’s defense. “Stefano DiMera was behind all of that. John, like me and countless other people, were victims of that wicked man.”

Grant nodded, remembering her explanation of the mysterious John Black. He knew so little of him, except of how he took over Roman’s life. But, Marlena told him that Stefano DiMera had brainwashed him and lead him to believe that he was truly Roman …

“So you’re the famous John Black,” Grant said with a cocky smile. “What brings you back to Salem? From what I’ve heard you left years ago without a trace!”

John felt he owed Grant no explanation, but he did so anyway. “I felt like visiting old friends. Salem was my home for many years … I figured it was time to come back and see how things were going.”

Grant nodded, but didn’t find his statement truthful. There was something more behind Mr. Black’s return. He could see it in his eyes …

“That sounds very nice, but that doesn’t explain your barging in here against my wife’s wishes,” Grant said, taking Marlena into his arms.

John felt his heart skip a beat. Obviously he had heard Grant wrong … He and Marlena were divorced. But, he knew something strange was going on, because they were embracing each other right in front of him …

Marlena could see the look of surprise on John’s face, and she expected it completely. She gazed up at Grant, and said warmly, “The only reason I tried to force him away was because I wanted to spend time alone with you, Grant. That’s the reason I was being so forceful.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason?” Grant asked, casting John a weary eye of distrust.

Marlena nodded. “Yes, I am. But, now I feel I should at least talk to Mr. Black, so could I have a moment to speak with him alone?”

Grant thought for moment, wondering if it was smart to leave her with a strange man, but finally he accepted her wish and left the room. Marlena quickly took John by the arm and they went outside.

“I have no idea what just happened in there!” John said with a laugh. “I hope you plan on explaining this to me because I’m really confused.”

Marlena sighed. “John, I don’t know any other way to tell you this …”

“Tell me what, Marlena?”

With tears forming in her eyes, she said, “I’m still married to Grant …”

***
Belle sobbed upsettingly as she sat on the swing at Salem Park. She couldn’t believe that her mother went back to Grant. After all the pain he had caused her and the family … she decided to take him back. She didn’t understand, nor did she want to.

“Why does she have to be so stupid?” Belle asked herself, as warm tears trickled down her cheeks.

“Are you okay?”

Belle shrieked, and nearly fell off the swing at the sound of the strange voice. But, when she saw who it was, she became instantly overjoyed … It was Brady.

“Gosh,” Belle cried, “you scared me half to death!”

Brady laughed, and sat down on the swing beside her. “I didn’t mean to.”

Belle smiled through her tears. “I know you didn’t.”

“So, what’s bothering you? Why is such a beautiful girl like you crying?”

Belle blushed, feeling wonderful inside because he had called her *beautiful*. “Nothing, really. I’m just having some problems with my mother.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?” Brady asked with concern.

Belle shook her head. “No, I really don’t feel like it. I wouldn’t want to bore you.”

Brady laughed. “Trust me, Belle. You wouldn’t bore me a bit. Besides, I’m having some trouble with my stubborn dad at the moment, too.”

“I guess we’re on the same boat then,” Belle joked.

“Yep.”

Forgetting about her problems with Marlena, Belle asked Brady, “How about we go do something? You know, go to the movies or something.”

Brady beamed. “Sure! I’d love to!”

“Okay,” Belle squealed as she jumped off the swing. “Let’s go!”

Brady followed her, and then he decided to play a little joke on her. He scooped up a handful of snow off of the ground, and rolled it into a ball. Belle turned around and saw what he was doing.

“You put that down right now, Brady!” Belle cried.

Brady shook his head, and flashed her a mischievous grin. “Nope. Sorry, but I can’t.”

Belle screamed and started to run like the wind. Brady chased after her, and grew closer to her with every stride he took. Finally, he caught her, and together they fell into the snow … laughing hysterically.

“You’re such a pest, Brady,” Belle joked, as they lied together in the soft and fluffy snow.

Brady giggled. “Yeah, I think I’ve been called that before.”

Something changed quickly in their attitudes. Things grew serious … Their eyes gazed at each other’s adoringly, reading each other completely. It felt so wonderful and magical lying in the snow … holding each other so tightly.

“I think we should get to the theater,” Belle shot out nervously, panicked by their sudden closeness.

Brady covered up his feelings, and nodded. “Yeah, lets get out of here.”

Belle smiled at him, and they started to walk arm in arm to the theater …

***
“You’re still married to him?” John asked. “But how can that be?”

Marlena fought hard to remain strong in front of him, but it was so difficult. She longed to be in his safe and secure arms … to feel his soft and gentle hand caress her cheek … to have him love her beyond all compare. But it was impossible. Her marriage to Grant was still alive, and she had to try her best to keep it thriving … for her son’s sake.

“Something went wrong with our divorce,” Marlena explained. “The courts never truly finalized it, so obviously we’re still man and wife.”

“I can’t believe it,” John moaned, as tears of rage and sadness began to well in his eyes.

“It’s true, John.”

“And you went back to him? Even after all of the horrible things he did to you?”

“I owe it to my son to make this marriage work …”

“Marlena, he cheated on you! He admitted to you that there was another woman in his life! How could you take him back after that?!”

“John, we worked past that. He is no longer involved with her … He wants to start over with Zachary and I … Having our family together is what he wants, just like I do.”

John laughed. “I bet you don’t even know who the other woman is! I bet he never even told you!”

Marlena sighed. “No, he didn’t — but it doesn’t matter! I don’t want to know, John!”

“So how can you be sure he’s not still involved with her?!” John asked.

“Damn it, John! He’s no longer with her! He’s come back to me … He’s more dedicated to Zachary and I now than he ever was …”

John flung his arms in the air. “I’ve had it, Marlena. For years I’ve pined over you, dreaming that someday we could retrieve what we once had … but now I see that will never happen.”

“What are you going to do?” Marlena asked fearfully.

John took a deep breath, and answered painfully, “I’m going to do what I should’ve done years ago … move on.” He looked at her one last time, his eyes filled with love and compassion … then he got into his car, and sped quickly down the driveway and out of sight …

Marlena fell to the ground, her heart filled with despair … She had torn his heart to shreds, and he was hurting more than ever. “I love you, John,” Marlena whispered sadly, “but you’re better off without me … you truly are, my love …”
Page 20 of 39A heavenly scent of ginger fluttered through the air in Alice Horton’s home. All day long she had baked her world famous gingerbread cookies for Christmas. Everyone in the family seemed to never get enough of them. Year after year they begged her to make them — and being the sweet, lovable person she was — she always gave in to their pleas.

“All finished,” Alice said happily, as she wrapped up her last batch of cookies. “I’m sure John and Brady will want to dig right into these when they get home.”

At that moment, she could hear the sound of the front door open and close. Alice knew it had to be either Brady or John. She waited patiently in the kitchen, smiling mischievously … She knew their little noses would pick up the scent of the cookies and send them directly into the kitchen.

“Hey, Alice!” John said, as he entered the kitchen, sniffing the air. “I see that you’ve been baking cookies …”

Alice laughed. “Yes,” she said, “just like I always do for the holidays.”

“May I have one?” John asked politely, flashing her a childish grin.

Alice reached into one of her batches, and pulled out a cookie for him. John giggled, and gave her a hug. “Thank you,” John said. “You’re such a sweetheart.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, as they both sat down at the kitchen table.

“So,” John said, while nibbling on his cookie, “how was your day?”

She sighed. “It was fine. I spent the majority of it in the kitchen, if you couldn’t tell already.”

John glanced at the heap of cookies she baked once again, and laughed. “Yes, I absolutely can.”

“How was your day?” she asked in return.

John shrugged. “It was okay, I suppose …”

Alice frowned. “Suppose? Something happen to you, dear?”

John moaned. “Yes. But I really don’t want to talk about it.”

“Does it have to do with Marlena?” Alice asked, being the omniscient psychic.

John laughed. “Is it that obvious?”

Alice nodded, and reached for his hand. “Tell me what happened.”

John took a deep breath, and began to tell her everything…

***
“Yes,” Belle squealed, “I got another strike!”

Brady smiled as he put her score into the computer. He loved being around her. She had a certain aura about her that made it impossible not to like her… It was like Heaven when he spent time with Belle Brady, and he loved it.

“You’re kicking my butt,” Brady joked. “I guess I’m not that good a bowler as I thought.”

Belle giggled, and sat next to him by the computer. “Oh, stop whining! It’s your turn.”

Brady rose from his seat and got his ball. He looked pensively down the lane and at the pins … He hadn’t gotten a strike all evening, and it was obvious why… He was too distracted by Belle.

“Go, Brady!” Belle cried, laughing playfully. “You can do it!”

Brady laughed, and released the ball… and watched it go down the gutter. He rolled his eyes, and shrugged. “I think I’m in a pattern I can’t get out of.”

“You’re thinking too much,” Belle said. “Just let it flow, and then you’ll do well!”

“How do you know I’m thinking too much?”

“I can tell.”

“Are you a palm reader or something?”

“Nope.”

Brady laughed. “I’m not convinced then. Unless you can read the future or something, don’t say you can tell what I’m thinking.”

Belle gasped. “You’re a little snappy, aren’t you!”

Brady shrugged, joking around with her.

“Well,” Belle said, “it’s not hard to read someone’s thoughts, Brady… Not at all.”

“How can that be?” Brady asked.

Belle sighed. “It’s never hard, especially when you’re in love with the person you’re reading…”

“What?”

Belle, realizing she said too much, turned away from Brady…

***
“I can’t believe it,” Alice said. “Grant and Marlena … back together?”

John nodded sadly. “Yes, that’s what it looks like.”

“Oh, honey,” she began, “I’m so sorry. It must’ve been hard for you… seeing her with him.”

“It felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest,” John replied, with tears burning in his eyes. “I don’t know, Alice… I’ve tried for so long to get over her, but I never could — no matter how hard I tried! Now, I know there is no chance for us whatsoever … I guess there never was, actually…”

“What are you going to do now?”

John wiped the tears from his cheeks. “I have to move on, Alice. I don’t know how, but it has to be done… I need to stop living in a fantasy world, and start facing reality.”

“Do you think that Carlotta Ramello may be *your reality*?” Alice asked.

John sighed frustratingly. “I don’t know, Alice… I think she doesn’t want any part of me now, also.”

“Why is that?”

“Oh, I saw her at Salem Place this morning. She tried getting me back, but once again I told her about my love for Marlena… Only this time she became furious and stormed away!”

“I’m so sorry, darling,” Alice said. “I really wish you weren’t going through this mess.”

“Yeah,” John replied, “neither do I.”

Alice rose from her seat, and touched John’s cheek adoringly. “One thing I do know is that you will find true happiness, John… It may not be now, or right around the bend. But, trust me — you will, sweetheart.”

John smiled. “Thank you, Alice. You’re always right when it comes to things like that, so I guess love will be in my future … Someday, at least.”

***
“You love me?” Brady asked seriously.

Belle continued to look the other way. She had really blown it. It was obvious that he was attracted to her, but he definitely wasn’t in love with her…

He placed his hands upon her shoulders, and whispered into her ear, “Belle, you don’t need to feel uncomfortable … Just tell me if that is what you said.” She quivered nervously, afraid that repeating it would only scare him away. But she had to … There was no escaping it, and no turning away at all.

Finally, giving into her fears, she turned and looked at him. “Yes, I do love you, Brady … I love you very much.” She continued to gaze into his eyes … and waited anxiously for his response…
Page 21 of 39″I’m stunned, Belle,” Brady replied, his eyes wide with surprise, while his soul bounced with joy. She had just told him that she loved him … He never imagined that her feelings for him were that strong. He thought it was merely an attraction, something she’d get over in a blink of an eye. But, she shared the same emotions and feelings he did … for he loved her, too. “You know this changes things between us, don’t you?”

Belle fidgeted nervously. “Brady, you don’t need to play around with me — I’m not some fragile piece of glass or something.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked, sensing her fear of his rejection. “Belle, if you’re scared that I’ll run away, don’t be.”

“Why shouldn’t I be?” Belle asked loudly, grabbing everyone’s attention in the bowling alley. “I just dropped a bomb on our relationship — It’s apparent that you don’t feel the same way as I do, Brady.”

Brady laughed, realizing how stupid he had been. She didn’t know how he felt…

“Why are you laughing?” she asked defensively. “This isn’t funny, Brady!”

Brady silenced himself, and pulled her into his arms. “Oh, Belle, of course it isn’t… I just finally realized why you’re so upset… and I feel horrible because of it.” Adoringly, he held her face in his hands, and said affectionately, “Belle Brady, you’re the most astoundingly, wonderful woman that I’ve ever known. You can’t even begin to realize how close I hold you to my heart…”

“What are you saying, Brady?” Belle asked.

Brady sighed, and caressed her cheeks with his warm hands. “I love you, too, Belle.”

Spellbound by his words, Belle nearly fainted, but Brady held her securely… For the longest time, they gazed into each other’s eyes, unable to speak. They were lost in the moment, and desperately didn’t want to be found…

***
Soft music flowed from the piano. It was a busy night at the Tuscany. Practically all of Salem’s finest citizens could be found there, dressed to the nines and having a splendid time dancing on the dance floor and drinking champagne. The only ones there not enjoying themselves were Marlena and Grant. Marlena sat miserably in her seat, wanting to enjoy herself… but was only blessed with the sight of Grant speaking to one of his clients on the cell phone.

“Are you almost done?” she asked him impatiently.

Grant smiled at her, and nodded. “I’ll be finished in a moment.”

Marlena sighed, and tried to remain patient. Sitting at the table only made her think, and that definitely wasn’t what she wanted to do. Her mind kept replaying her horrid confrontation with Belle earlier in the day. She had expected it to be bad, but not as severe as it was… Also, she couldn’t stop thinking about John… and how she broke his heart into millions of pieces.

Finally, Grant ended his everlasting phone session, and apologized to Marlena. “It was really important, my dear,” Grant said. “I hope you can forgive me.”

Marlena moaned. “It doesn’t matter now, Grant. We really should be heading home. I don’t feel right being here — not when Belle has run off and disappeared.”

“Marlena, don’t let it worry you,” Grant groaned. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

“How can you be sure of that?” she asked. “We haven’t seen her for hours! God forbid if something bad happened to her.”

Grant reached for her hand, trying to soothe her worries. “Honey, please… Why must you always think the worst of things? Belle is most likely with one of her friend’s… Maybe she is at Gabby’s house!”

Marlena nodded. “Yes, maybe you’re right. Still, I’d like to know for sure…”

Grant smiled, and handed his cell phone over to her. “Call Gabby’s. I bet she is hiding out there.”

Marlena dialed Gabby’s phone number, hoping that Grant was right…

***
The winter air was cold, but neither Brady nor Belle were affected by it… The love that soared between the two of them supplied them with all the warmth they could possibly need. Honesty had brought them together, and there were no longer any secrets between them.

“This is your house?” Brady asked, as he gawked at the luxurious mansion at where she resided.

Belle giggled, and took him by the arm. “Yep, this is where I live.”

“It’s really big,” Brady commented. “I bet getting lost in there is pretty easy to do.”

Belle laughed. “If you don’t know where you’re going, of course.”

Lovingly, he held her in his arms, never wanting to let her go. “Gosh, I hate having to leave you now.”

“You’ll see me tomorrow at school,” Belle teased. She snickered at the displeased look upon his face. Obviously that wasn’t good enough for him.

Brady nodded, knowing it was going to be pure agony being separated from her. All he wanted was to be with her… to be near her. “Okay, but I’m gonna miss you like crazy.”

“I’ll think of you all night,” Belle said, her face shining brightly.

“You will?” he asked.

“Duh!” she cried playfully, pinching him on the cheek. “I can’t do anything but think of you, Brady Black… You mean so much to me.”

Brady blushed. For the first time in his life, he knew what it felt like to be in love with someone. He never expected it to be so magical… so wonderful.

“Will you think of me?” Belle asked.

Brady nodded fiercely. “Are you kidding? How could I possibly think — or dream — about anything else?”

Belle sighed, and gently kissed his cheek… She touched his face, allowing her fingers to cherish the smoothness of his skin. “I love you, Brady,” Belle declared.

“I love you, too, Belle,” Brady replied instantly, enjoying saying it whenever he could. He could never get enough of telling her how much he loved her… And, before he saw her to the door, he repeated it once again… with all the power and strength his soul could muster…

***
“Is she there?” Grant asked, pretending to worried. In actuality, he didn’t give a damn where Belle was… But, to remain on Marlena’s good side, he had to play the role as the caring step-father.

Marlena frowned upsettingly. “No, she isn’t. I think we should head on home, Grant… I’m worried about her.”

“No!” Grant cried. “We’re not leaving.”

Marlena gasped. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Grant, my daughter might be in trouble! We’ve got to leave and try to find her.”

“Marlena,” Grant said, “she has tons of friends in Salem. If she’s not at Gabby’s, then surely she’s at someone else’s house. Please, stop overreacting… We’re supposed to be celebrating our reunion.”

Giving into defeat, Marlena accepted Grant’s theory. “Well, I suppose you’re right… but something keeps telling me otherwise. I have such a strange feeling… like something disastrous is occurring, and there is no way to stop it…”

Grant rolled his eyes, and rose from his seat. “It’s probably just your imagination playing tricks on you.”

“Where are you going?”

“Nowhere,” Grant said, reaching out his hand, “I just want to take my lovely wife for a whirl on the dance floor. That’s all.”

Marlena grinned, and pushed aside her worries for the moment. She hadn’t had any fun for a real long time… and Grant was probably right about Belle, she thought. So, she willingly held out her hand, and within moments they were slow dancing on the dance floor.

“I’ve missed this,” Grant said, combing her hair with his fingers… imagining she were someone else.

Marlena smiled, envisioning that she were dancing with John, in stead of with her husband. “Me, too.”

“I promise we’ll be together forever, Marlena,” Grant declared, staring into her eyes. “Nothing will ever tear us apart again… Nothing.”

“I believe you, Grant,” Marlena replied, as she held onto him tightly… not able to push John’s heavenly face out of her mind.

Grant smiled. “I love you, Marlena,” he said. And, just as he said those sacred words to her… in walked the true love of his life, Hope Williams. Their eyes locked instantly once they caught hold of each other… “Hope!” he cried.

“What about her?” Marlena asked, “is she here?” She turned and looked towards the door way as well, and was thrilled to see her best friend in the entire world. “Oh, she is here!”

“Marlena,” Grant demanded nervously, “we mustn’t bother her… She is probably meeting someone here.”

“Nonsense!” Marlena cried, starting to walk away from him. “I have to tell her our good news… She is going to be so happy for us!”

Grant panicked and tried to stop her… but it couldn’t be done. Within a matter of seconds, Hope knew the truth… and needless to say the sheer look of happiness upon her face was completely artificial…
Page 22 of 39″I can’t believe it,” Hope declared, after she had heard Grant and Marlena’s tale. “Your divorce had a technicality … I suppose it was fate.” She smiled exuberantly, putting on a stellar performance, despite the fact her heart was breaking in two … True, she wanted Marlena to be happy, and that was one of the reasons why she broke off the affair with Grant … But, seeing them together again sent horrific chills down her spine, and filled her soul with insane jealousy … “It’s feels so good … seeing you both … together again as man and wife.”

Marlena smiled joyfully, and pulled an uncomfortable Grant into her arms. “Grant and I have promised each other that we’d never part again. Right, honey?”

Grant’s face turned beet red, and a few moments later he replied nervously, “Yes … never again …” He gazed at Hope, and saw how excited she was for them. But, he could see behind her mask, and uncovered her true feelings. She was beyond devastated … Her feelings for him were as strong as ever.

“Well, I need to go and freshen up in the rest room,” Marlena said. “Do you want to come with me, Hope?”

Hope shook her head. “No, I’ll stay here and wait for you.”

Marlena nodded. “Okay. I’ll be right back.” After she had disappeared from sight, Grant immediately tried to explain the situation to Hope, but she wouldn’t listen to a single word.

“Don’t bother telling me your side of the story, Grant,” Hope cried sadly. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I’m the one who put an end to our affair, and it’s because of me you are once again with Marlena … I suppose it is for the best. After all, Marlena’s happiness is what I care most about …”

“Oh, Hope,” Grant said, wanting to reach out and touch her cheek, “I’m so sorry … I can see how much I’ve hurt you. Trust me, darling, I didn’t want to go back to her, but it was better than living alone without you, or fleeing the country with Zachary … I had no other choice!”

“I understand, Grant,” Hope said bravely, “but it’s still hard … I would very much like to accept this, but my heart just won’t let me. I still yearn for you, my love.”

Grant sighed adoringly. “I wish things didn’t have to be this way. I’d give anything to be with you now, living the happy life that we both deserve.”

Tears formed in her eyes. “That’s impossible now, Grant. You’re still married to Marlena, and you’ve recommitted to your family … How could you possibly walk out on her now?”

Instantly, he forgot about Marlena, and all the promises he had made to her and their son. Seeing Hope again brought back so many memories of their love and the good times they had shared … It was then that he decided he wanted her back … once and for all. “Hope,” Grant stated seriously, “I want you back in my life so badly … Please, let us give our love another chance, baby. We can make it work … I know we can!”

“Grant,” Hope said, “we can’t. You’ve gone back to Marlena, and leaving her again would only hurt her more … Honey, you must realize that.”

Grant sighed frustratingly. “I don’t know about that, Hope,” Grant said suspiciously. “For some strange reason, I feel Marlena’s not too happy about our reunion. In my opinion, she only went back to me because of Zachary … not because she loves me.” Suddenly, Hope’s eyes lit up. She remembered something very important … Marlena told her she had fallen in love with John again, and that she no longer had feelings for Grant … “Hope, what are you thinking?”

Hope smiled, and decided to keep the secret to herself. “I can’t tell you everything, sweetheart, but trust me … Marlena wouldn’t care one bit if you left her now. True, she may be upset for a while over the collapse of your family … but, believe me when I say she’ll get over it quicker than you think.”

“What do you mean, Hope?” Grant asked confusingly. “Has Marlena told you something that I don’t know?”

Hope nodded mischievously. “Yes, but don’t worry about that now. I’ve got a plan for us, so listen carefully.” Grant nodded as she began to whisper in his ear …

***
John smiled warmly as he sat in the cozy living room with Alice. His soul felt so at ease and at peace with life. His plaguing thoughts of Marlena had barely crossed his mind. Finally, he was going to start a new life, and put his impossible hopes and dreams on the shelf. It was time to face reality …

“Brady should be getting home soon,” Alice said, as she knitted a new afghan. “He’s been gone all day.”

John nodded, and checked his watch. “I told him to be home around eight o’clock. It’s about seven thirty now.”

Alice smiled. “I wonder what he did all day. Probably had fun with his friends … He seems to have adjusted well here.”

“Yeah, he has,” John said. “For a while, I thought he wouldn’t. He was so set on returning to California. But, it appears Salem has grown on him. Now, he won’t even mention California.” Just then, the sound of the door bell chimed all throughout the house.

“I wonder who that is?” Alice asked.

John giggled. “Maybe Brady forgot his key and can’t get in.” He smiled as he went to the door, expecting it to be his son … but, it was someone totally different. “Carlotta!” John cried. “What are you doing here?”

Carlotta smiled at John, and asked, “Is it okay that I come in? We really need to talk …” John hesitated for a moment, and finally decided to allow her inside.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I just wanted to say sorry,” Carlotta apologized.

“Sorry for what?” John asked.

Carlotta sighed. “I’m sorry for continuously throwing myself at you, and for the way I acted at Salem Place earlier today.”

“Carlotta, you don’t need to apologize,” John said sincerely.

She shook her head. “No, I have to do this. You don’t love me, and most likely you never did … So, I’m going to be a grown up and leave you alone. I’m going to move on, John … I’ll never bother you again.” She was about to walk out the door until John stopped her … “What are you doing?” she asked. “I thought this is what you wanted?” John smiled at her, and from out of nowhere, he pressed his lips against hers … and kissed her tenderly…
Page 23 of 39It was eight o’clock in the evening by the time Marlena arrived back at her house. She felt relieved to be back, since she wanted to find out what had happened to Belle, but … something bothered her, and it had to do with Grant. At the Tuscany, after speaking to Hope, she went to the restroom to freshen herself up a bit. But, when she returned, Grant had vanished! Only Hope was there, and she told her that he received an emergency phone call from one of his clients … and had to leave right away. And, since he took their car, she had to take a taxi back to their house …

“He should’ve at least waited for me to come back,” Marlena said bitterly to herself, flinging her coat down on the sofa in the living room. “What the heck is wrong with him anyway?” But, realizing she had more important things to deal with, she quickly cast thoughts of Grant aside. Belle was her main concern, and she desperately wanted to know if she was okay. “I pray she is home,” Marlena said hopefully, as she climbed the stairs and headed towards her room. Luckily, she could see a tiny amount of light peeking out from underneath her bedroom door. She smiled thankfully, and knocked.

“Who is it?” Belle asked from inside the room.

Marlena smiled, hoping that she would no longer be angry. “Honey … it’s me. May I come in?” There was a brief silence, but eventually Belle gave in and invited her mother inside. “How are you, angel?”

Belle shrugged as she lied peacefully on her bed. “I’m okay, I guess. I was just doing some homework in here.”

Marlena nodded. “Where were you today? I was worried sick about you …”

Belle sighed, annoyed by where the conversation was leading to. “Here and there. I went to a lot of places today, mostly with my friends,” Belle lied, wanting to keep her date with Brady a secret. “I just needed some time to myself to sort things out …”

“I understand,” Marlena said, as she sat down on the bed beside her. “I know you’re not happy about Grant and I, but I hope you will at least try to understand. You know, meet me half way or something …”

“Mother,” Belle said, “Grant is slime. You deserve so much better than him! You’re a beautiful, loving, and caring woman … I’d rather see you with someone who loves you unconditionally and cherishes you beyond measure.”

Marlena laughed. “Honey, that’s a sweet thing for you to say, but I have a son with Grant. You know, your little brother … Zachary? He needs us all together … as a family. It would be unfair to him having his parents split apart. And, since Grant and I were never officially divorced, we see this as a second chance to do things right …”

Belle sighed. “Mama, Zachary would be okay … Take me for instance! I’ve done perfectly well in life, and you and daddy broke up shortly after I was born. I’m serious, mother! Things would definitely be better if it were just the three of us without Grant.”

“Don’t you even consider the fact that I love him very much?” Marlena asked seriously.

“I don’t believe that for one-second,” Belle replied, making her mother’s face turn white with surprise. “I can tell by the look in your eyes that you are no longer in love with him … and I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled that makes me.”

“You’re wrong!” Marlena protested, but lied completely … “I do love Grant. He means more to me than you could possibly know.”

Belle giggled. “Mama, I’m only gonna say this once, but you’re a horrible liar. Nothing you say is going to convince me otherwise.”

Marlena moaned and headed for the door. “I can’t deal with this anymore. No matter what, there is always some kind of turmoil in my life … I’m getting sick and tired of it, too.”

Belle smiled, and said slyly, “Tell Grant I said have a nice night.”

Marlena shook her head. “I can’t. He is working late, but like you really care …”

“That’s right,” Belle said, “I don’t. But I bet you he is not working.”

“Oh?”

“Yes,” Belle replied. “I’m sure he is with his mistress.”

With tears in her eyes, Marlena snapped at her, “You can be so cold sometimes, Belle.” Angrily, she left her room … leaving Belle in a pool of regret over how she acted …

***
“No,” Carlotta cried, tearing her lips away from John’s. It was everything she ever wanted, having John kiss her tenderly … She had been dreaming of it since the days of their breakup. But, for some strange reason, it didn’t feel right to her. Instead of making her heart soar with joy, the kiss seemed to empty out her soul … and left her hollow inside. “We can’t do this, John … I deserve more … Yes, I deserve more than this!”

“What do you mean, Carlotta?” John asked, confused by her actions. “Earlier today you practically threw yourself at me and wanted to regain what we once had … What’s changed?”

“I’ve changed, John!” Carlotta cried. “I did a lot of thinking today about what you said to me before … I clearly remember you telling me I deserved a man who’d love me completely … who would make me his world.”

John nodded. “Yes, Carlotta. You definitely deserve that … and more.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” she said. “I still love you very much, and it may take a while for me to get over you … but I plan on finding true, pure love one day, John. I want to share my life with someone who loves me … for me.”

“We can try again, Carlotta,” he whispered. “This time … we’ll make it right.”

“No,” Carlotta said boldly. “You’re only being this way because you can’t have Marlena. I heard about her and Grant getting back together, so I know how brokenhearted you must be.”

Shamefully, John turned away from her. He felt horrible for what he did to her … and wished he could turn back time. All he wanted was for her to not feel any pain. “I’m so sorry, Carlotta. It’s just so hard …”

“I know,” she said, placing a hand upon his shoulder. “I know how it feels … The way you’re feeling for Marlena is the way I’m feeling for you … We’re kinda in the same boat, actually.”

John turned to look at her, with tears streaming down his cheeks. “I hope you can forgive me, Carlotta … I’ve hurt you so much, and I’m so sorry … Please, believe me …”

Carlotta sighed, and took him into her arms. “Don’t be sad, John … I believe you. And, don’t worry … everything is going to be okay … Trust me.” She held him comfortingly in her arms, wanting so much for him to love her, but knew it could never be. His heart belonged to Marlena, and because of that, he was being dealt so much pain, heartache, and despair … Carlotta’s eyes narrowed viciously, and realized that Marlena had to pay for destroying John’s life … and hers …
Page 24 of 39″Where is Grant?” Marlena asked herself curiously. It was the morning after their dinner date at the Tuscany. From what Hope had told her, it appeared he was going to have to work pretty late into the night. But, strangely, he never returned home, which left Marlena greatly concerned. “I’m surprised he hasn’t called me. I pray nothing bad has happened..”

“Good morning, Mommy!” a squeaky voice exclaimed. Marlena smiled and turned to see her beautiful little boy bouncing into the kitchen. “I’m so happy you are up,” he cried ecstatically as Marlena took him cherishingly into her arms.

Marlena smiled and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. “Oh, you are such a sweetie! Did you have a nice sleep?”

Zachary nodded. “Yep, I sure did. I dreamt about Christmas all night. I can’t wait until Santa Claus comes!”

Marlena laughed. “He’ll be here in a few weeks, honey. Just be patient.”

“I will be,” he said, then asked, “Mommy, where is daddy at? Why isn’t he here?”

Marlena sighed. She wanted to know the same exact thing. “I think he is at work, darling. I really don’t know.”

“Do you think he’s okay?” Zachary asked nervously.

Marlena nodded surely. “Oh, I’m sure he is, Zachary. He is just very busy right now. Actually, I think he’ll be home very soon.” Zachary smiled contentedly, and laid his head gently against her chest. Marlena grinned, but couldn’t help but wonder about Grant and what he was up to …

***
Belle hummed softly as she strode peacefully on a sidewalk on the outskirts of Salem Park. It was early in the morning and the air was chilled, but she didn’t mind. She needed to feel refreshed and nothing felt better than walking on a bright, winter morning. “I hope mom doesn’t get angry,” Belle said to herself quietly. “I didn’t even leave a note to let her know I left the house. Maybe I should start heading back …”

Tiny snow flakes began to fall from the sky as Belle prepared to travel back to the house. She smiled exuberantly at the powdery flakes trickling everywhere. She neared the center of town, and within seconds she approached Hope William’s apartment building. She looked up into the sky and all the way to the top of the building. It was large and elegant … As she proceeded, she came to a sudden and shocking stop near the entrance to the building. For a second she felt her eyes were playing tricks on her, but she finally realized they weren’t. Not too far from her were Grant and Hope … kissing passionately …

***
“I’m glad that you decided to have breakfast with me,” John said contentedly to Carlotta at the same diner where he and Marlena met not too long before.

Carlotta smiled. “We can still be friends, John. Just because we aren’t together as a couple doesn’t mean we can’t keep each other company.”

John nodded and took a sip from a mug of coffee. “I’m happy you feel that way. I don’t know how I’d get by without you in my life, even if not as my lover … I appreciate your willingness to try and become friends.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Carlotta said difficultly. She realized it was going to be harder spending time with John than she previously thought. She loved him so much, but she knew it would be impossible to win him back completely … His heart belonged to Marlena. “Now, lets find something to talk about. How about Brady … Is he doing doing good? Did he get home okay last night?”

John nodded. “Yes, he did. He was a little late, but I let it go. Gave him a break, you could say.”

“He is such a good boy,” Carlotta said sweetly. “Brady is like my son. He holds a very special place in my heart.”

“I know,” John said, “and you can see him whenever you want, Carlotta. I know you both are very close.”

Tears formed in her eyes, and she replied, “Thank you, John. That means more to me than you could possibly know.” After a few moments had passed, she asked carefully, “I know you don’t like talking about this much, but are you planning on seeing Belle anytime soon? I know you want to …”

John vigorously shook his head. “No. That’s something I’ve come to realize I shouldn’t do.”

“Why?” she asked seriously. “You’ve been wanting to see her for years. It’s not like you have to tell her the story of your true relation. Nothing has to be revealed.”

“I appreciate your concern, Carlotta, but I don’t think going to see her is the best of things to do,” John replied. “First of all, she believes Roman Brady is her father, and that is all because of Marlena and I. Also, it would only make me feel worse. In my opinion, I should keep my distance and forget about her …”

Carlotta sighed. “John, she is your daughter. How could you possibly do that.”

“I don’t know,” John said confusingly, “but it is what I have to do. It’s the only way.”

Carlotta nodded and touched his hand. “I admire your strength, John. I don’t think I could ever be as strong as you.”

“It’s not strength, Carlotta,” John said. “Keeping Belle protected is the key thing. That’s all I care about … “

***
A horrified Belle entered her house … shocked and disgusted over what she had seen and learned. She knew her mother would never believe her story, so she decided to investigate and gain proof of Hope and Grant’s affair. After Hope and Grant had left the entrance to her apartment building, Belle daringly broke into Hope’s apartment, in hopes of finding some concrete evidence of an on-going romance between them. Luckily, she found a diary hidden under Hope’s bed … and it revealed everything about her affair with Grant.

As if she were a zombie, Belle walked into the living room … She looked at the diary in her hands and wanted to burn it to a crisp. There were so many hidden secrets in it … “Once and for all Grant will be out of our lives,” Belle said viciously. “But, if everything in this diary is true … Roman Brady isn’t my real father then, and some man named John Black really is …” And, after a few minutes, she added with a hysterical and frightened cry, “… and Brady … oh, sweet, Brady … you may possibly be my brother!”
Page 25 of 39Time traveled slowly as Belle waited impatiently for her mother to return home. She had no idea where she could be … From what she knew, she and Zachary were home when she left for her morning walk, but they were still sleeping at the time … It was wrong for her to leave without permission, but in the end she was thrilled she had decided to go.

She finally learned the truth about Grant and his mistress, Hope … her mother’s best friend in the world. “I know breaking into Hope’s apartment wasn’t a wise thing to do,” she said to herself, recalling how she snuck into Hope’s and found the diary, “but I needed to find proof that she and Grant were having an affair … Mom wouldn’t have believed me if I told her I saw her and Grant kissing.”

As she tried to remain happy in her world of triumph over Grant, she couldn’t forget the other haunting passages in the diary … Many entries dealt with secrets Marlena told Hope in confidence, and a majority were about Belle and the fact Roman wasn’t her biological father. She shook her head, figuring it had to be something Hope fabricated and made up for her own personal reasons … Yet, she still couldn’t shake the feeling that it may be true …

Nervously, Belle sat on the sofa and tried to collect her thoughts. “Hope obviously lied in her diary,” she tried to convince herself, realizing at the same time how strange and unrealistic that sounded. “Mom would never lie to me about something like that. She loves me …” She nodded, wanting to believe in her mother’s honest nature … and then her mind would drift off into a world of doubt. There were so many entries and secrets she didn’t know about, and at the same time she didn’t know if they were true or not … “John Black is not my father, and Brady is not my brother. I refuse to believe it … I am Roman Brady’s daughter, and Brady Black is my boyfriend … That’s the way it is.”

Tears began to form in her eyes. The thought of Roman not being her father left her horrified and in a world of total despair. Deep inside she knew the entries in the diary were true; she just didn’t want to face it … Her precious father wasn’t really hers … The man she loved, respected, and looked up to was nothing but a fabrication … a myth that was concocted by her mother and biological father, a man she never knew or met … “Damn you, mother,” Belle cried viciously through her tears. “How could you do this to me … and to daddy?! I swear you’re going to pay for this …”

As she continued to sob uncontrollably, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the mansion. It took Belle a few moments to regain her composure. She went to answer the door, and screamed in sheer joy … and terror … once she saw who it was. “Oh my goodness!” Belle gasped, as tears began to flow out of her eyes once again. “I can’t believe this … Daddy, you’re here!”

***
“Mommy, when are we going home?”

Marlena sighed as she drove, carefully examining everywhere she looked. She had to find Belle. It wasn’t like her to leave so early in the morning without telling her first. “Not until we find your sister, sweetheart,” Marlena said with worry.

Zachary nodded. “I don’t understand why she would go somewhere without asking permission. That’s a bad thing to do.”

“Well, we will find her eventually,” Marlena said. “I just hope she is okay and not in trouble …” She continued to drive around town, and finally stopped once she reached Alice Horton’s house. She knew John was staying there, and the last thing she needed was another encounter with him … but she needed help.

“Mommy, why are we stopping at Mrs. Horton’s house?” Zachary asked curiously.

Marlena parked the car in front of the house. “Do you remember that nice guy we met at the diner not too long ago?”

Zachary nodded.

“I’m gonna ask him for help.”

“For what?” he asked. “To find Belle?”

Marlena nodded and touched his cheek gently. “Yes, and you’re gonna stay here with Mrs. Horton while we go to find her … Now, lets go inside.”

***
“Daddy, I’m so happy to see you!” Belle cried. She pulled him tightly into her arms as tears poured uncontrollably out of her eyes. The last thing she wanted was to let him go …

Roman laughed, overjoyed to be with his lovely daughter again. “I thought you’d be surprised! You didn’t think I’d come back for Christmas, did you!”

Belle looked into his eyes, and nodded honestly. “I figured you’d be too busy in Europe to come back to the States. But I’m so happy you you’re here.” She invited him inside, and all at once she pushed the horrible occurrences of the past couple hours out of her mind and focused on her darling father … “So, how have you been?”

Roman looked at her lovingly. “I’ve been well. Work has been tough lately, though.”

“Have you caught any bad guys?” Belle asked jokingly.

Roman pinched her cheek softly. “Yes, pumpkin. Actually, I’ve caught a lot of bad guys lately. My partner and I managed to bring down a whole drug organization in Spain.”

Belle clapped happily. “That’s great, daddy! I’m so proud of you.”

“Have you been fine here?” Roman asked curiously. “Do you have any regrets about leaving the boarding school?”

Belle shook her head. “No, I have no regrets. I didn’t like it there. I definitely prefer being here.”

Roman nodded. “How has your mother been? Well, I hope.”

“I don’t want to talk about her!” Belle snapped angrily, instantly recalling the diary entries … and the horrific truth concerning her paternity …

Startled by her sudden outburst, Roman’s eyes widened in shock. Never before had Belle been so angry. He could tell something was tormenting her soul, but he had no clue what it was … Knowing Belle as well as he did, he knew he’d never get a straight answer if he asked what was bothering her. So, he remained calm, and hoped she’d tell him about her troubles … “Okay, we don’t have to talk about your mother,” Roman said, casting her a warm smile. “How about we go do something? You know, go to the mall or something … I could really use some ideas on what I should get you for Christmas.”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Belle said.

“Should we leave a note for your Mom?” Roman asked. “I wouldn’t want her to worry about you.”

She shook her head. “Don’t bother. The only thing I care about right now is you.”

Roman sighed, and took his daughter by the arm. “I’ve missed you so much, sweetie.”

Belle giggled. “I’ve missed you, too.” She hugged him adoringly, and then they quickly left the mansion … Little did Belle know, she forgot to hide Hope’s diary and left it sitting on the coffee table … so anyone could find it …

***
“The police will find her, Doc,” John said to her, as they walked back into her mansion after a long and difficult day of searching for their daughter. “I know in my heart they will …”

Marlena moaned upsettingly, and together they sat on the sofa in the living room. She looked at him warmly and felt so thankful for having him there with her. He had been by her side the entire day looking for Belle … and she loved him even more for that. “My head is spinning in all directions … The only thing I can think about is how angry she was with me. She hated the fact Grant and I got back together … John, what if she ran away?”

John touched her cheek … and caressed her soft, milky skin. He loved her so much, and he hated seeing her in so much pain. “Everything is going to be okay, Marlena. Belle would never do that to you … She loves you way too much to hurt you like that.”

“John, you don’t understand … She was furious with me. I’ve never seen her get so angry with me before. The hate she feels for Grant is horrifying …”

Unwilling to hold back his emotion any longer, he pulled her precious form into his safe and secure arms … She held onto him tightly as she wept silently … her tears dripping softly on his shoulder. She hadn’t felt so cared for in ages … But, she knew it wasn’t right. She was a married woman … and had rededicated herself to her marriage. Forcefully, she burst out of his arms, leaving John confused … “Did I do something wrong, Marlena?”

“No, you did nothing wrong,” Marlena said. “It’s me … So many things are going through my mind, John. It’s like a hurricane of thoughts whirling around in my head … I feel so lost and out of control …” She gazed around the room, her face miserable with despair. Her eyes turned down to the coffee table, and something strange was there … a thing she had never seen before. She picked it up and examined the highly decorated cover. “This is strange …”

“What is it?” John asked.

Marlena shrugged. “I don’t know, but it kinda looks like a diary or address book …”

“Take a look and find out,” John said.

“No,” Marlena said. “It may be Belle’s. I don’t want to pry or snoop into her personal business …”

“Doc, it may help shed some light on where she may be,” John proposed. “You never know …” Nervously, Marlena looked back and forth at John and the little book … She felt torn. “Marlena, you’ve got to open it,” John persisted. Finally, after moments of everlasting hesitation, Marlena gave in … and opened it. Immediately she began to read the first page … “So, what is it, Marlena?”

Marlena stared at the page strangely. “John, this is definitely a journal … but it is not Belle’s.”

“Whose is it?” he asked.

She looked him in the eyes. “It is Hope’s …”

“Are you serious?” he asked. “Why is it here?” Marlena paid no attention to John’s comment and continued to flip through the diary. She was stunned by all the pages pertaining to her and all the secrets she had told Hope through the years … “Marlena, are you going to answer me?”

“Hold on a second, John,” Marlena shot out quickly. She kept on leafing through the book … until she stopped on a page that had been written on over a year ago. Her face turned white with terror … and her gorgeous, hazel eyes narrowed viciously. Pure anger flooded her body and soul, and in a sudden fit of a rage, she flung the diary violently across the room with all the strength she could gather …

“Marlena!” John cried. “What is wrong?”

Marlena turned to John, her eyes resembling some tortuous demon’s … “It appears Hope is my husband’s mistress, John …” Just as she said those hurtful words, Grant walked into the room …
Page 26 of 39Tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks … Marlena stared at Grant, her eyes filled with anger, confusion, and fury. Nothing had struck her this hard in years. An ultimate betrayal had been committed, and there was no denying it … Her greatest friend in the world, Hope, and the man she married over eight years before … were lovers.

“What is going on here?” Grant asked, as he looked rudely at John. “Marlena, I see that you’re upset. Did Mr. Black hurt you in some way?” He reached out his hand to touch her affectionately, but Marlena shoved it out of her way … The thought of him placing his hand upon her cheek appalled her, since he obviously caressed Hope the same exact way …

“You bastard!” Marlena screamed angrily, her eyes blazing like a roaring inferno. “There are no more lies between us, Grant. I know the truth about you, so don’t put on one of your famous acts for me.”

He gasped. “What the hell are you blabbing about?”

“Tell me where you were last night!” Marlena demanded, knowing he was with Hope. “I waited all night for you to come back home, and you weren’t even considerate enough to give me a call! Tell me … what important court case occupied you this time, Grant?”

“Marlena,” he began, “I was too busy with my client … I do apologize for leaving you at the Tuscany all alone, and hopefully Hope told you about my sudden business call. Did she not?”

She laughed madly. “Grant, in the past, I may have believed your silly and ridiculous lies … but I’m no longer your fool. I know everything about your sudden appointments and trips out of town.”

Grant rolled his eyes and sighed. “You don’t know how crazy you sound …”

“Crazy?” Marlena cried, her face beet red with hostility and rage. She picked up the diary and shoved it in his face. “Don’t you dare make it appear I’m a lunatic! This diary tells me everything, Grant!”

“Tells you what?” he asked nervously. He recognized the diary, but didn’t know from where. All he knew was that he had seen it before …

Marlena held it firmly, and said coldly, “That you’ve been messing around with my best friend, Grant …” Grant’s eyes nearly fell to the floor … His worst dream had come true, and there was obviously no going back … Marlena knew the truth about his and Hope’s affair.

“How did you get that?” Grant asked, admitting his guilt. “I assume that is Hope’s journal?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing,” Marlena snapped. “I found it on the coffee table. Obviously you or your little slut left it here!”

Grant moaned. “That’s not possible, Marlena … Hope and I have never been here together. Someone else must have brought it here.”

She annoyingly rolled her eyes. She didn’t care one way or another … All that mattered was the truth had finally come out. “Well, at least I’m no longer in the dark about you and her,” Marlena said wisely. “I figure you know what’s going to happen now, Grant.”

“I have a pretty good idea,” Grant replied sarcastically.

Marlena smiled bitterly. “I want you out of my life. This time it is for good!” In the distance, everyone heard the ringing of the phone.

“I’ll get that,” Grant said, desperately wanting to get away from her.

“No!” Marlena yelled. “I will.” She quickly left the room to answer the phone. Grant panicked, for he didn’t want to be alone with John … He didn’t know the full extent of his relationship with Marlena …

“So,” Grant began carefully, “did you enjoy that little spat? Surely you could’ve had the decency to allow my wife and I some time alone to speak.”

John walked up to Grant, and looked him boldly in the eye. “Listen, pal … I don’t know you well, but I do know that you’re a rotten son-of-a-bitch. What you did to Marlena is disgusting … How in the world could you hurt such a wonderful person like that?”

“Let me remind you that you’re standing in my house,” Grant replied cockily. “I could throw your ass out of here right now if I wanted.”

John gritted his teeth … He desperately wanted to let Grant have it, and he did everything possible to keep from beating him to a bloody pulp. If it weren’t for his undying love for Marlena, he probably would’ve been lying dead on the ground.

A few moments later, she came back into the room … only this time, John noticed a sense of relief occupied her beautiful face. Ignoring Grant, she said, “John, I’ve got some great news …”

“What?” he asked.

She smiled brightly. “I just spoke to Belle on the phone. It appears Roman is back in town for the holidays. She has been with him all this time!”

John breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness. Is she staying with him?”

Marlena nodded. “Yes, she wants to spend some quality time with her father.”

Grant moaned and interrupted. “That reminds me … Where is my son?”

Marlena looked at him, and said in her calmest voice, “He is with Alice Horton. I couldn’t find Belle today, and I left him with her while John and I went to find her …”

“Okay,” Grant said.

“Now, the best thing you could do for all of us is to leave,” Marlena stated triumphantly. “Surely it is what you want … I know you long to be with Hope.”

He smiled arrogantly. “I think you’ve got it wrong,” he said. “This is my house, and I say who goes. So, darling … get out of my house … now.”

“I hope you rot in Hell!” she screamed, and then she wickedly cracked him in the face. She held the diary close to her, and turned to John. “Come on, John. Lets get out of here.” She took him by the hand, and quickly they stormed out of the mansion …

***
“Are you okay, sweetie?”

Belle looked up from the sink filled with dishes. She had been lost in a world of daydreams, thinking about the horrid truth … “Yes,” she answered kindly, “I’m fine, daddy. Why do you ask?”

“I don’t know,” Roman said, as he dried plates that Belle had washed. “You just don’t seem like your normal self.”

She laughed, working hard to cover the truth. “Oh, you’re just imagining things,” she said playfully. “I’ve never felt better. Your being here means so much to me … I’ve missed you very much.”

Roman blushed. He adoringly pinched her cheek. “You’re a real doll, honey. I love you more than anything in this world.”

She grinned. “Well, I’m sure Grandpa Shawn needs some more help in the Pub,” she said. “I’ll be back in a little bit.”

“Okay, honey,” Roman said. He watched her go through the doors of the kitchen and into the restaurant area. Deep in his soul, he knew something was bothering her severely … One way or another, he was going to find out what it was.

***
“I’m so sorry about what happened,” John said with care, as they stood together on Alice Horton’s porch in the cold night. “I can only imagine the pain you are feeling at this moment …”

Marlena smiled. “Don’t feel sorry for me, John. It doesn’t matter anyway …”

“Of course it does!” he cried. “Grant’s your husband, and he falsely led you on … Made you believe he wanted to rekindle your relationship! Surely you’re upset …”

She sighed. “I’m upset, but not for the reasons you may believe … The only thing I can’t get over is how Hope betrayed me. She was my best friend, or so I believed …”

“Alice is going to be horrified over this,” John said sadly. “She loves her so much … I hope she doesn’t take the news too badly.”

Marlena frowned. “Me neither …” Her eyes gazed at him and savored the handsomeness of his face, glowing in the moonlight. “John, I have to tell you something …”

He looked at her. “What, Marlena?”

She sighed, and took him by the hand. “The only reason I went back to Grant was because I had found out our divorce wasn’t finalized … I didn’t go back to him for love.”

John nodded. “You were sacrificing yourself for your son. Am I right?”

“Yes,” she replied, “I put aside my own needs and feelings for his …”

“I understand,” he said.

“There is one thing I’ve learned, too,” Marlena said, her voice trembling slightly … “and I constantly tried to deny it … but I never could … no matter how hard I tried.”

John nodded, wanting to hear more … He loved hearing her speak. “What did you learn, Doc?” Her hands began to shake, and the hair on the back of her neck stood up … She knew it had to be done. She was finally liberated from Grant … Nothing was holding her back from expressing her true feelings …

“I learned,” she said softly, “… that I’m in love with you, John. It took me a long time to realize it, but now I know it is true … I love you so much …” John gasped, not knowing if he had heard her correctly … He believed he was hearing things.

“I think I misinterpreted what you said,” John said with a laugh.

She shook her head. “No!” she cried. “It’s true, John … I’m in love with you. I think I’ve always been … I just didn’t know it …”

“… Am I really hearing this?” John asked her, his eyes glowing brighter than the stars … “You … love me?”

“Yes!” she called out cherishingly. “I love you, John!”

John cried out in joy, and lovingly scooped her radiant form up into his strong arms. Finally, his dreams were coming true … after years of endless hoping and praying! Marlena loved him … and he loved her more than life itself … “I’ve been wanting this to happen for ages,” John cried out, his face beaming more than ever. “Now that it has finally happened, I don’t know what to say …”

She touched his lips. “Don’t say anything,” she said lovingly. “Just kiss me, John …” He looked down at her face, and gently his lips approached her own … They crept closer and closer together … until they finally met. Their smooth lips softly brushed against one another, and as the seconds passed, it grew stronger and more powerful … The kiss seemed to last forever, and as it did … they became lost in a garden of everlasting love and passion …
Page 27 of 39A frosty wind blew gently around them as they sat on the porch, holding each other tightly … Marlena smiled warmly at John, ever so happy that she finally told him her true feelings. His eyes gazed at her adoringly … He couldn’t help but be stunned. Just hours before he felt there was no chance at all for them … but a heavenly miracle occurred, and once again they were back together …

“I haven’t felt this content in years,” Marlena whispered lightly.

He sighed softly, and lovingly he began to caress her rosy cheek. “I still believe I am dreaming … For years I wanted this very night to become a reality, but it never happened. What if I’m just stuck in one my fantasy worlds again?”

She grinned. “John, you’re not dreaming. This is reality … We are honestly here … together. Fate has reunited us, sweetheart.” She touched his lips with her tiny fingers, and then she kissed him tenderly … catching him by surprise.

“You’re such a beautiful person,” he said. “I don’t know how I ever made it without you.”

Cherishingly, she ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair … “Don’t worry about that anymore, my love,” she said. “I promise we’ll never part again … This time, we’re together forever …”

“As one,” he added.

She giggled. “Oh, I love you so much, John Black,” she cried. Once again, their lips met for a passionate and enduring kiss … and it seemed as if they’d never part.

***
“How in the world did she get that diary?” Grant asked himself furiously. The mansion seemed to shake violently as he paced back and forth, pondering over how the journal got into Marlena’s hands. Now that she knew the truth, everything was destined to go up in smoke … He’d never be able to be with his son again, for he knew darn well Marlena would sue for sole custody. His life was over …

Grant sighed and flung himself down on the couch. “One thing I do know is Marlena found the diary here, so she obviously isn’t the person who left it here,” Grant said. “Hope and I have never been here together, and besides … she hasn’t been here to visit Marlena for a long time. Someone else brought it here … but who?”

Minutes passed slowly, and still he couldn’t figure out who did it … But from out of nowhere, it occurred to him who the culprit was. Someone who despised him, hated him beyond compare … “I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before,” Grant shot out angrily. “Belle did this …” He growled devilishly … “You’re going to pay, my darling stepdaughter. In the worst way possible …”

***
“Do you need anymore help, Grandpa Shawn?” Belle asked him.

Shawn laughed out loud, and gently patted his granddaughter on the head. “No, darling. You’ve done enough. I can handle it from now on.”

“Are you sure?” she asked. “The Pub is still pretty crowded …”

“You’re such a sweetheart, Belle,” he said, “but I’ll be okay. Go spend time with your daddy.”

She smiled adoringly at him. “Thank you, Grandpa Shawn. You’re the best!” She embraced him lovingly, and quickly she ran off to see her father. She was almost in the kitchen until she heard a voice call out her name. She turned towards the entrance of the restaurant, and her face turned a clammy white at the site of him … It was Brady.

“Hey, Belle!” Brady cried happily, thrilled to see her again.

She tensed up. “Hi … How did you know I was here?”

He laughed. “I didn’t, actually. I was just walking by, and then I saw your gorgeous face through the window. I had to come in and see you.”

“You didn’t have to,” she said nervously. It felt so strange being around him. Before it was like Heaven … His charming personality and extremely good looks made her heart soar like a kite. Now, the very sight of him disgusted her. He was her half-brother … and that was the horrid truth …

“Why’d you say that?” Brady asked. “Did I upset you by coming in here?”

She sighed, and slowly shook her head. “No, but my grandparents own this place, and my dad is here on vacation … It’s very important we spend some quality time together without any distractions.”

“Oh,” he said sadly, “… I see. I guess I’ll leave you alone then.” Tears formed in his eyes and quickly he stormed out of the restaurant. Feeling guilty, Belle ran after him … but little did she know … someone was following her …

***
“Should we go inside?” John asked Marlena. “I’m sure your little boy wants to see you …”

Marlena nodded. “Yes, but …”

John kissed her on the forehead, and asked, “Is something wrong?”

She hesitated for a moment, and finally she asked him, “What are we going to tell Alice? She is going to be devastated about Hope … I don’t want to hurt her with this news.”

John sighed and held her tightly in his arms. “We have to tell her, Doc. It’s better she hear it from us than someone else.”

“Do you think she’ll be okay?” she asked nervously.

“Yes,” he stated positively. “Alice is a very strong woman. She’s gone through a lot of things in life, bad and good … We’ll just tell her nice and easy.”

Marlena nodded. “Well, we better go inside and tell her.” They rose to their feet, and were just about to walk in until Marlena’s beeper went off. She frowned and checked it …

“Who is it?” John asked, still holding her securely in his arms …

She moaned. “It is one of my patients.”

“Do you need to go?”

“They never beep me unless there is an emergency,” Marlena said. “I really should go check on her …” She looked into his tantalizing eyes. The last thing she wanted was to leave him, especially right after they declared their undying love for each other … “I’m so sorry, my love.”

John laughed. “Don’t be, Doc. Go and check on your patient. I’ll go inside, and when you get back, we’ll talk to Alice … Okay?”

“That sounds fine,” she said. “I love you so much …”

“I love you, too,” he replied seriously. He held her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly … “Hurry back.”

She patted his cheek. “I will.” Seconds later she drove away in her car.

“Thank you, God,” John said gratefully, with tears forming in his eyes. “Marlena and I are together again, just as we always should’ve been … Oh, Doc … I promise nothing will keep us apart or get in the way of our love … never again …”
Page 28 of 39″Brady!” Belle cried out to him. “Hold on! Stop running from me!” She strained to breathe… Running had stolen all the energy inside of her. She glanced at her surroundings and found she was at the pier.

Brady sighed sadly and stopped once he reached the edge. “Belle, I know you don’t want to be around me. I’ll be okay. Just leave me be.”

“No,” she said. She stood next to him and looked at his face. “You’re wrong. I do want to be around you… it’s just…”

“Just what?” he asked.

“Never mind,” she said. She didn’t want to tell him the truth… She knew it would destroy him.

He laughed. “Whatever… I can tell by your actions that you’re uncomfortable around me. I guess you don’t share the same feelings I do after all.”

She sighed with despair. She wished she knew what to do… but she didn’t. “I’m sorry, Brady,” she said. “We just can’t go any further than we have…”

“So our getting together was a mistake?” he asked angrily.

She hesitated, for deep down she cared for him very much… but they were brother and sister. Nothing could change that. “We just can’t go out any more,” she said sadly.

He nodded. “I see. Well, it was nice, Belle… I thought you were different from other people, but now I see was wrong…” Quickly he ran into the night. She cried out his name… but he was gone. She had broken his heart into pieces. Tears began to form in her eyes…

“I’m so sorry, Brady,” Belle sobbed. “I wished it didn’t have to be this way, but it must… Oh, I’m so, so sorry…” As she cried, a figure in the dark emerged… carrying a sharp and deadly knife…

***
Marlena smiled exuberantly as she strolled along the docks of the Salem Pier. She had finished up with her patient, which proved to be a very hectic meeting… But she couldn’t help but feel happy and alive. John was back in her life… and once again they were together.

“I’ve dreamt of getting back together with you for years, my love,” Marlena whispered softly to herself. “Admitting that to myself took a very long time, but now I know. You’re the only man I’ll ever or want to love…”

She realized that if it weren’t for Grant and Hope’s betrayal, she may never have found the way back into his arms. She wanted to remain true to her marriage with Grant, but… she couldn’t help but feel relief. She was no longer in a loveless marriage or bound to a womanizing husband. She was free… Free to be with the man she loved and adored. John…

The night grew darker. Marlena checked her watch and decided it was time to go back to Alice’s. She couldn’t wait to see her sweet, little boy… and John. “I’m on my way, boys,” she said cheerfully. She giggled, and then something in the distance caught her eye… Something was lying on the far end of the docks. She carefully approached the object…

“What is that?” she asked herself. She grew closer… and finally she saw it was a person. Blood could be found everywhere… and lying next to the face-down corpse was a dagger. “Oh my goodness… who is this?” She quickly turned the slain person over and screamed in terror… “Oh, God… It’s Grant!”
Page 29 of 39A light snow gently fell from the ebony sky. John watched the tiny, white flakes descend to the ground. He had never felt so content and exhilarated in all his life. He and Marlena were together again… After years of separation, they wound up back in each other’s loving arms. Only this time, nothing was going to break them apart… not even Grant and Hope’s lies and betrayal.

“You seem so at peace with the world, John.”

He smiled, and turned to see Alice standing behind him. He had just finished telling her of his reunion with Marlena… and needless to say she was thrilled. Despite her marriage to Grant, she always knew they belonged together, and now their dreams were going to come true.

“I can’t help but feel peace and joy in my heart, Alice,” he declared warmly. “For years I’ve fantasized of this day. Now it is actually happening… Marlena and I are finally back together.”

She grinned. “I’m so happy for you both. Her marriage to Grant was based on nothing but lies and deceit… He did nothing but hurt her… and so did my darling Hope… her *supposed* best friend.”

John looked at her sadly. He promised Marlena that he’d wait to tell Alice the horrid truth about her granddaughter, but he felt too guilty keeping her in the dark.

“I’m so sorry I had to be the one to break it to you about Hope and Grant’s affair, Alice,” he said apologetically. “But I’ve never kept anything from you in the past… and I’m not going to start doing so now. You mean far too much to me…”

Alice smiled and covered up her grief. “It will be okay, John. I’ll speak to Hope… and, with any lucky, I will get through to her.”

He nodded and looked back out the window at the beautiful night. “I hope Marlena gets back soon,” John said impatiently.

Alice laughed. “You and Zachary both! He’s been wanting his mother for a while now.”

“Well, I’m sure she’s on her way home now… even as we speak.” He flashed her a grin, and eagerly started to count the seconds…

***
Panic flowed through her veins as she stared at Grant’s stony corpse. She couldn’t believe her eyes, nor did she want to. Her husband was lying dead on the docks, obviously stabbed brutally to death. Marlena fell to her knees and burst into tears…

“Grant, who did this to you?” she cried angrily. “God, I know you weren’t a terrific person… and you hurt me very much! But you didn’t deserve this… not at all!” She gazed at his frozen, expressionless face… All she could think of was Zachary… How was he going to deal with this? How would he cope with the loss of his father?

Marlena sighed and reached for the dagger. She looked at it… not knowing how someone could have done such a horrific deed. She didn’t understand crime and hate. The world was filled with it… She hated it so very much. “Why can’t there just be peace in the world? Why does there have to be hate?”

“DROP THE KNIFE, LADY!!!!”

Marlena screamed at the shouting voice! She dropped the dagger to the ground. As she rose to her feet, she saw a police officer… and he was holding her at gun point!

“Put your hands in the air!” the officer ordered. “Now!”

She shook her head, knowing full well he believed she was the killer. “Officer, I didn’t do this.”

“Can it, lady!” he yelled. “I don’t wanna hear it.”

She trembled with fear, as the officer called in for back-up… and proceeded to place her under arrest…
Page 30 of 39″I can’t believe this is happening to me,” Marlena whispered to herself. She examined her surroundings. The Salem Police Department, a place she had made visits to many times before… Now, she was mistakenly considered a suspect in a murder. Never in her life had she been accused of such a horrific act. She had no control over the situation at all… and by the looks of everything, hope seemed very dismal…

She sat impatiently in a chair until a detective approached her. He gazed into her eyes, apparently trying to read or see through her… She only replied with a look of despair and pain.

“Are you Mrs. Marlena Valentine?” he asked her.

She nodded. “Yes, I am…”

He flipped through a few pieces of paper he had in his hands. “The man they found on the docks was your husband, Grant Valentine… Hmm, this doesn’t look too good for you, ma’am. Did you guys get into an argument or something? Is that why you stabbed him to death?”

She refused to answer him. “I won’t say anything without my attorney present.”

“Well, I guess you’re gonna have to get one then,” he said. “All the evidence found at the crime scene points to one person only. That’s you.”

Ignoring him completely, she asked, “May I make a phone call? There is someone I need to get a hold of.”

“Sure,” he said, handing her a phone on a nearby desk. “Make it short.”

She nodded, and began to dial Alice’s number… John had to know…

***
All was silent at the Brady Pub. Belle held her breath as she entered the dark restaurant. She tip-toed gently on the floor, not wanting to make any noise. Finally, she made it into the restroom… The sight she saw in the mirror frightened her to death…

“I’m covered in blood,” she said. Immediately she splashed water on herself, desperately wanting to remove the blood… She wanted to forget everything that had happened on the docks… Block it totally from her memory…

“Grant is dead,” she said to herself, trying to push the thoughts out of her mind… “I’m responsible… He’s dead because of me…”

“What did you just say?”

Belle screamed. She saw Roman’s reflection in the mirror. He had caught her and heard everything she said…

“Daddy, I… uh… oh…,” she stuttered. “Please, don’t… be… mad… at me.”

His face turned white. “Is it true… what you just said? You killed Grant?”

Tears formed in her eyes. Painfully, she nodded.

Roman gasped, and instantly took her by the hand. “Hurry, Belle. You’re coming with me!”

“Daddy!” she cried. “What are you doing?!”

“I’m getting you out of here, Belle,” Roman said quickly. “I will not let anything happen to you!”

She shook her head. “No! Daddy! You can’t bail me out of this one! You of all people know this is wrong… Capturing killers and criminals is your job! I can’t let you do this. I won’t let you!”

He took her face into his hands. “I don’t care. You’re my daughter… When it comes to you, nothing else matters in my heart. Now get ready. We’re leaving here tonight!”

***
A breath of fresh air seemed to rush into the police department with John’s presence. He ran to Marlena and took her heavenly body into his arms… Instantly he began to plant kisses all over her face. He was so happy to be with her… but couldn’t help but feel frightened… and scared…

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here!” Marlena cried. She was so afraid minutes before, but everything changed with John coming to her side… All of a sudden things felt more calm and peaceful.

John looked into her eyes. “There is no where else I’d rather be.”

“How is my son? Is he okay?” she asked with worry.

“Zachary is fine,” he said. “Alice is taking care of him… Don’t worry.”

She sighed. “John, what am I going to do? I didn’t kill Grant… That’s the truth.”

He kissed her reassuringly. “I believe you, sweetheart. You don’t have to convince me.”

“How am I going to get out of this?”

He touched her face. He just got her back and wasn’t going to lose her again. He was sure of that… “I’ll get you the best attorney there is,” he said optimistically. “I know plenty that could help us out.”

She nodded. “I still can’t believe this is happening…”

John took her into his arms. “I know, my love. Neither can I… but I promise you things will work out fine. You’ll be home with me sooner than you know it. Then we can be together…”

“That sounds so nice, but what if it doesn’t happen now? What if I get sent to jail?”

He shook his head. “It won’t happen. I’ll make sure of it.”

“I love you, John,” she said softly.

John held her tighter… “I love you, too.” They both held onto each other in the police station… afraid that if they’d let go, chances of having a life together would go up in smoke…
Page 31 of 39″Daddy, this is wrong,” Belle cried. “I need to face what I’ve done. You can’t rescue me every time I get in trouble!”

Despite her pleas, Roman remained unmoved. He kept his eyes on the road as he drove wickedly through the night, eager to get as far away from Salem as he could. Nothing she could say would change his mind… Belle was his daughter. He wasn’t about to let her go down for murdering someone, especially a slime ball like Grant Valentine. His sole duty was to protect her and keep her safe.

“Daddy, say something now! I can’t stand this anymore!” she hollered frustratingly.

Finally, Roman cracked. “Listen to me, darling. I know what you did is bothering you, but you’ve gotta trust me. Everything is going to be fine. We’ll be far away from here soon. No one will ever find us… no one.”

“Why won’t you listen to me?” she asked. “I killed a man. I need to face the consequences of my actions…”

“You killed him in self-defense, Belle!” he snapped. “That man was hurting you. You had no other choice. So I don’t wanna hear it!”

“But somebody else is going to pay for what I did!” she sobbed. “I couldn’t live with myself if someone got into trouble for something I did… It’s wrong! That’s why we have to go back!”

He shook his head. “Never. Pretty soon we’ll be gone. No one will ever find us.”

“Where do you intend on taking me? Against my will, actually..”

He smiled. “We’re going to Canada. Once we’re across the border, you can say goodbye to the United States for good… You’ll never be coming back.”

Tears formed in her eyes. Angrily she turned away from him and looked out the passenger window… out into the darkness. She knew he was wrong, but he wouldn’t see it… Everything was out of her hands.

***
The jail cell was damp and cold… Marlena sighed sadly as she gazed out past the bars that were holding her captive. It was still hard to believe that Grant was dead. Despite the horrible things he did to her, she never wanted something so horrific to happen to him.

Miserably she paced around the tiny room that was her temporary home. She checked her watch. It was late… She wanted to be with John so much. He had been so sweet, staying with her for a while. But of course they made him leave after a certain time.

As she went to lie down, she heard a door open and close in the distance. She rose back to her feet. Someone was coming to see her… and a stunned look of surprise came upon her face. It was John… and he had Zachary with him!

“Oh my goodness!” she cried, running to the bars. She gazed at her son while John held him in his arms. She could see in his eyes he wanted her desperately… Oh how she wanted to hold her little boy in her arms.

A guard followed behind them and unlocked the door. “You’re lucky you were allowed in. You’ve got fifteen minutes, so don’t get too attached.” John came in with Zachary and the guard locked them in with Marlena. Immediately the little boy flew into his mother’s arms.

“Oh, Mommy! Why are you in here?” he asked frighteningly, as his little arms held onto her tightly… and his precious face laid gently on her shoulder.

John smiled at them. “He couldn’t sleep. I know bringing him here isn’t probably the best thing to do, but he wanted you so much… I couldn’t hurt him.”

She smiled lovingly at him, assuring him that it was okay. “Thank you for bringing him here. It means so much to me.”

“I wish you could come home,” Zachary sobbed. “I don’t want you here.”

“Honey, I’ll be out of here as soon as I can,” she said, looking into his eyes. “I’m sure it’ll be only for a little while.”

“Do you promise?” he asked.

She smiled warmly at him. “I promise.”

John watched them and asked, “Have you heard from Belle by any chance? I know she’s staying with Roman since he’s spending some time in town…”

She shook her head. “No. I called the Pub. I got a hold of Caroline but she said Belle and Roman were gone… I guess they went somewhere.”

“Yeah, spending some quality time with her father,” John said sadly. It still hurt him severely, not being able to claim Belle as his own. But they had to live with the decision they had made. She was never to know the truth, neither was Roman…

Marlena looked at him sympathetically. “I know what you’re thinking, John… and I’m so sorry… I wish we would’ve decided upon something different. Maybe we were never supposed to keep the secret…”

“It’s okay,” he said. “Right now we need to worry about you… nothing else.”

Marlena sighed, and held Zachary a little closer. She never wanted to let him go… now that she was the only thing he had left…

***
The car was nearly on empty when Roman pulled up at a deserted gas station. He and Belle both stepped out of the car and looked around. Nobody was there… Nothing but trees and darkness surrounding them.

“I don’t like it here,” Belle said. “I want to go home and tell the truth!”

Roman groaned annoying. “Damn it, Belle. I told you that we’re never going back. So can it!”

“God, I hate you for this!” she screamed. Viciously she went back into the car and slammed the door. “I don’t understand her,” he said to himself. He went into the gas station and picked up some food and pre-paid the teller for the gas… But, when he came back outside… the car was gone!

“Oh my God! I left the damn keys in the car!” Angrily he threw the stuff he bought on the ground and began to panic… “Belle, where are you?!”

***
Belle smiled triumphantly as she drove back towards Salem. She was going to do the right thing and come clean. Hopefully the police would believe her side of the story. Grant had attacked her, and if it weren’t for her killing him… she would’ve been the one dead.

“I’ll make them believe me,” she said to herself. “Daddy just doesn’t understand… I can’t let this go unsettled.” She started to drive faster… eager to get back home… Her speed had reached ninety miles an hour by the time she had made it to a bridge… But, lying ahead of her was an ominous sheet of black ice… Everything happened in a blink of an eye. The car lost control and careened off the bridge… into the darkness below…
Page 32 of 39Belle’s eyes slowly opened. A massive pain throbbed in her head… It hurt obscenely. She carefully felt the top of her head. It was covered in blood. She couldn’t remember much. Only that she had been speeding down the highway, desperate to return to Salem… Everything else was a blur.

“I have to get out of this car,” she said to herself. “I need to get some help… and tell the truth…”

She clumsily fumbled with the door. The door finally budged after a few moments, and carefully she freed herself from the badly beaten car. Her body hurt all over. Slowly she walked through the snow, feeling more and more faint with each passing second. Her head was gushing out blood… If she didn’t get some help soon surely she’d black out… or even die…

“So, where do you think she took off to?”

Roman stared out the passenger window, hoping he’d find any sign of Belle. The person who had allowed him to catch a ride with was friendly, but annoyed him completely. His daughter disappeared, and all this guy could do was add more tension with his stupid questions.

“Never mind that,” Roman said frustratingly. “Just keep driving. Hopefully we’ll find her soon.”

“You know I didn’t have to do this,” the driver said upsettingly. “I could’ve just as easily left your butt back at the gas station.”

Roman sighed. “Look, I’m sorry. But I can’t think of anything else. My daughter is gone… I need to find her!”

The driver nodded. “Okay, I understand. I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Thank you,” he replied thankfully. They continued to drive…

A breathless and lifeless Belle finally managed to make it to the highway. Her body was saturated in blood… Weakness had consumed her. She could barely control herself… Desperate for help, she tried to call out, but her voice didn’t even make a peep. Not a sound could be discerned…

In the distance, there was nothing… until two headlights became visible. Her eyes glimmered with hope. Finally someone was going to help her. She struggled to stay on her feet. They grew closer and closer… closer and closer… until the car came to a screeching stop! Belle moaned when she saw her father burst out of the vehicle.

“Belle! Oh, baby! What has happened to you?!” Roman took her into his arms, wanting to make everything right. He examined her head. It was bleeding badly. She needed medical assistance right away…

“Sweetheart, don’t worry. Everything is going to be fine. Daddy is here.”

Out of nowhere, Belle began to laugh. She gazed into her supposed father’s eyes. Her voice managed to choke out the words, “No… he… isn’t…”

Roman looked at her strangely. He didn’t understand what she meant… Obviously she was delirious from the head wound and the loss of blood.

“Don’t be silly, baby,” he said soothingly. “Daddy is right here with you. I’m gonna make everything better.”

She grinned at him, her eyes barely able to stay open. “You… are… not… my… my… fa… father…”

Roman ignored her comment. “I can’t worry about this now. In the car you go. This nice man is going to take us to the hospital.” He carefully laid Belle in the back seat.

“Where is the nearest hospital?” the driver asked.

Roman frowned. “The closest one from here is University Hospital in Salem. We need to get there right away.” There was no other choice, he thought. Belle had to go back. She was in bad shape. He wanted to shield her from the crime she had committed, but her life itself mattered more…

As they drove, Belle lied in the back seat, barely clinging to life… All she could think of was the pain and how she wanted it to go away…
Page 33 of 39″Mrs. Valentine! Please! You must wake up!”

Marlena’s eyes opened quickly to the loud, frantic voice. She rose from her bed in the jail cell. The guard was standing at the bars, eager to tell her something.

“What is it?” she asked fearfully. “Is something wrong?”

The guard nodded. “Yes, ma’am. It’s your daughter.”

“Belle?” she gasped. “Oh my… what happened?!”

“She was involved in a real serious automobile accident. Her father had her rushed to University Hospital.”

Tears immediately burst out of her eyes. An overwhelming pain poisoned her soul… Her baby girl… she was in danger…

“I need to be with her!” Marlena cried crazily, desperate to be with her child. “You have to let me out of here. Please! My daughter needs me!”

The guard nodded. “The chief has already authorized your release. You must be escorted by an officer, though.”

Marlena smiled through her tears. “Thank you so much!” Within moments, she was released from her cell… The only thing she had to do was break the news to John…

Roman paced nervously back in forth outside the intensive care unit. The doctors were trying their best to help Belle… but things looked very bad. She had lost a large amount of blood and had suffered from severe head trauma… He prayed his daughter would be all right.

“Honey, you have to make it,” Roman prayed. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to you once you get over this. You’ll never go to jail for killing Grant… I’ll see to it, baby!”

He sighed and sat on the floor. Minutes seemed to pass like hours… It seemed he was never going to find out anything…

“Roman, is that you?”

He looked up. A look of shock occupied his face… It was Hope.

“Hope,” he said. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

She nodded. “Yes, the same here. I didn’t know you were back in town.”

“I came back to visit Belle,” he said. “Something bad happened tonight. She was involved in a real serious car wreck.”

She gasped. “Oh, Roman! I’m so sorry!”

At that moment, a doctor came bursting out of Belle’s room. “Mr. Brady! I need to speak with your right away.” Roman left Hope to hear what the doctor had to say.

Hope grinned. She looked into her purse. Inside was a video… She knew Grant was dead and how Marlena was incarcerated for his murder. The video didn’t serve as concrete proof, but it did shed some light on the true situation…

“You should’ve been more careful, Belle,” Hope said, gazing down at the video. “I know you broke into my apartment and stole my diary. This surveillance video shows me everything… You know the entire truth now. My affair with Grant, your true paternity… I know damn well that you are the one who killed Grant. Your mother could never commit such a heinous deed! But that’s okay. You won’t survive the night. I’ll make sure of it… While you’re dead, your dear mother will spend the rest of her life rotting in jail for a murder she didn’t commit.”

Hope smiled wickedly, and walked down the corridor…

John and Marlena stormed through the hallways of the hospital, eager to get to the intensive care department. Their hands held on to each others tightly as they ran with all the strength they had in their bodies… They needed to be with their precious angel…

After what seemed like an eternity, they finally reached the ICU. Marlena ran to the nurses’ desk and demanded assistance.

“Where is my daughter?” Marlena asked frantically. “Her name is Belle Brady!”

The nurse looked at the chart. “She is in room number five. No one can go inside, ma’am. It is important that you wait out here in the lobby.”

Together they darted to room number five. Standing outside the door was a doctor and Roman… They were speaking. Marlena ran up to them. John lingered behind, not wanting to intrude. It pained him, not being recognized as Belle’s true father… but Roman and everyone else believed otherwise. He stood out of the way, trying to console himself and maintain his sadness…

“Marlena!” Roman cried. “You’re finally here! Where have you been?”

She shook her head. “Don’t worry about that.” She looked at the doctor. “Sir, how is my daughter? Is she going to be okay?”

He sighed. “It is too early to tell. She has lost a lot of blood…”

“But, in your honest opinion… do you think she is going to come out of this?” she asked fearfully.

“I honestly don’t know,” he said. “I wish I could tell you otherwise. I’m sorry.” The doctor turned and went back into Belle’s room.

Roman looked at Marlena. “Where in the hell have you been? I’ve been trying to get a hold of you!”

Marlena rolled her eyes annoyingly. “Roman, I was in jail…”

“For what?!” he asked.

She looked to the floor. “Grant was killed tonight, and I was taken in for his murder… I swear to you I didn’t do it.”

Roman gasped. “I’m so sorry, Marlena,” he said sympathetically.

“But that doesn’t matter right now,” Marlena snapped at him. “I want to know how you allowed this to happen! You better tell me the whole truth now, Roman! Don’t even think about leaving anything out!”

Roman panicked, and began to tell her the entire truth…
Page 34 of 39″No, you’ve gotta be crazy,” Marlena said fearfully, after she had listened to Roman’s story. She was completely stunned… She couldn’t, nor did she want to, believe that Belle was Grant’s true killer. Her precious baby girl murdered her estranged husband. In her mind, she kept repeating to herself that Roman didn’t know what he was talking about… that he was a fool! “Belle would never do such a thing.”

Roman sighed upsettingly. “I’m sorry, Marlena, but she did. Grant was hurting her. She had no other choice.”

Marlena held her face in her hands, trying her best not to panic. “I can’t believe this is happening… Belle killed Grant and you forced her into some crazy attempt to flee the country. Damn it, Roman! Your stupid idea to hit the road may end up causing our daughter to die!!”

“Marlena, this was never my intention! You know that!” he cried. “Besides, I didn’t even know you were arrested for his murder. If I would have known I wouldn’t have tried to get her away from here.”

She laughed. “I don’t believe you. You would have let me rot in jail to save our daughter. But she has to face what has happened. She can’t run away from it. The police will believe her story. All she has to do is get better and tell them.”

Roman looked towards Belle’s room. “As long as she’s in a coma, there is no way to clear your name, as well. Without our daughter’s admittance, no one would believe our story. The police would think we were just fabricating it.”

“I know,” Marlena said. “Lord knows I would sacrifice anything for Belle. But I have a son who needs me. His father is gone, and he can’t lose his mother, too… He just can’t…”

Out of nowhere, John came up from behind Marlena and wrapped his arms around her. Marlena nearly shrieked at his presence. She looked at Roman to examine his reaction, and needless to say he was absolutely horrified. He hadn’t seen John in years… ever since the affair…

He could barely believe his eyes. “Oh my goodness. Am I hallucinating? Is that really… John?”

Marlena nodded. “Yes… he’s been back in town for quite a while now.”

“You disappeared for years!” Roman nearly screamed. “It should’ve stayed that way. Salem doesn’t need an extra piece of scum like you on its streets…”

John only smiled. “Roman, I don’t feel like arguing with you. I left that all in the past.”

Roman laughed. “Whatever.” He continued looking at them with confusion… His arms were wrapped around her body so affectionately. “Is it me… or are you both holding onto each other as if you were lovers?”

John and Marlena gazed at each other. They needed to tell him. “Yes,” Marlena said strongly. “John and I… we’ve reunited. We’re back together.”

Roman’s mouth nearly dropped to the floor. “Ha! Goodness, Marlena! It doesn’t take you long to jump into another man’s bed. Heck, your husband was just murdered earlier today! But hey… you’re a well known slut. Look at how you cheated on me with this piece of filth!”

John growled and nearly tackled him to the floor, but Marlena restrained him.

“I left town so you and Marlena could work things out,” John snapped at him viciously, no longer able to control his anger. “But you dismissed her every time. You didn’t want to try and get through your problems. Don’t blame me for your stubbornness!”

Roman got up in John’s face. “I didn’t want to work things out with this tramp. Got it? She was unfaithful… a dirty little whore! She ruined a perfectly good marriage. If you would’ve stayed in town a little bit longer, you could’ve claimed her as your own. I didn’t want her.”

John’s face grew beet red. He grabbed Roman by the collar of his shirt and slammed his body hard against the wall. He sacrificed so much for him… Gave up Marlena, allowed him to believe that Belle was truly his daughter. He couldn’t take it anymore. The lies had to stop once and for all…

“You rotten son-of-a-bitch!” John screamed. “I gave up so much for you! And this is how I get repaid?”

Marlena gazed on at them, tears burning in her eyes. She knew the truth was going to come out, and there was no stopping it… She stood, shivering, waiting for John to drop the bomb on Roman…

“What the hell are you talking about?” Roman asked as John held him fiercely against the wall. “You gave up Marlena… an adulteress whore!”

John laughed. “That’s not all, Roman… I gave up my rights to someone just so you wouldn’t feel anymore hurt and pain. I let you live in a world of happiness and joy… and it killed me, knowing for years you were experiencing what I truly should have!”

All at once, Roman knew everything… His face grew a sickly white. He began to shake his head fiercely back and forth as tears welled up in his eyes. “No… no! It’s impossible! You’re LYING! You bastard… You’re nothing but a damn LIAR!!!”

“I’m sorry, Roman,” John said sadly, softening up at the sight of his pain. “We can no longer go on living in a false and disillusioned world… Belle is my daughter.”

Devastatingly, Roman sank to the floor, sobbing hysterically… unable to believe what he had just heard. He had been smacked in the face with a horrific revelation… His heart felt as if it were being smashed to pieces over and over and over again… His baby girl… she was never really his. Belle wasn’t his daughter…
Page 35 of 39Marlena stared at John in total disbelief. Her mind spun in all kinds of directions… She couldn’t get her thoughts in order. The last few moments had been life changing ones. Lives had been forever altered… and someone was hurting dearly because of it…

“I can’t believe you told Roman our secret,” she said angrily. “We agreed that he would never know that you’re Belle’s real father… Why did you do it? John, you just ruined that poor man’s life!”

John touched her cheek softly, trying his best to make her feel some reassurance. “Doc, I had to. I couldn’t stand the lies and secrecy any longer… I’m so very sorry.”

“What are we going to do now?” she sobbed. “Belle is going to be so upset when she finds out the truth. How do you intend on telling her?”

“I feel we both should tell her,” he said.

“She doesn’t even know you,” Marlena said with a nervous laugh. “Belle will never understand.”

John took her into his arms. “She will, Doc. We’ll help her to understand. I know it’s going to be hard for her at first. She probably won’t want to accept the truth… and I’ll fully understand if she dismisses me! But the lies couldn’t go on any longer. They’ve been tormenting our souls for years.”

“Well, because of our sudden bout of honesty,” Marlena snapped at him, “two lives are going to be completely turned upside down. She worships Roman. It’s going to kill her once she finds out the truth!”

John sighed and held onto her tightly. “It’ll be okay, my love. Trust me.”

“I hope I can,” Marlena said unknowingly, as she sought comfort in his loving embrace.

Tears poured down his cheeks as he gazed at his unconscious daughter lying on a bed in the ICU room. She was barely alive… It looked as if she’d never come out of her coma. He couldn’t help but blame himself. If it weren’t for his trying to take her out of the country she would’ve never ended up in this situation.

Roman took her hand into his, and looked at her adoringly. “I can’t believe that you’re not my daughter, sweet pea. I’m not the man who fathered you… I’m not the cause of your creation… God, I don’t want to accept it… But, I still love you, sugar. No matter what you’ll always be my baby girl. You need to come back to us. Nothing else matters but that. Just come back to the people who love you.”

He was about to give up, until he felt her hand twitch in his. He stared in amazement at her slightly moving hand. He smiled and kissed it tenderly.

“Oh, you’re coming back! Baby, open your eyes!” Roman cried. “I know you want to get out of this. You’re a strong, young lady. You can defeat anything… I just know it! Open your eyes, honey.”

Hope smiled mischievously. She spied on John and Marlena as they sought solace and comfort in each other’s arms. She was stunned over the showdown between John and Roman. Never did she believe the truth would come out like that… It thrilled her to see Marlena wallowing in a world of pain and suffering.

“Hopefully, Belle will be dead shortly,” she whispered to herself, “and Marlena will be heading back to jail. Without Belle’s admittance, Marlena will have no choice but to serve time for a murder she didn’t commit. She deserves to pay — both of them do. If not, Grant’s murder will never truly be avenged.”

She looked into her purse, just so she could see the video tape again. Her grin grew larger at the sight of the pistol at the bottom of her bag…

“If anything should go wrong,” Hope said viciously, “I’ll make damn sure it ends up going right.”

“Do you want anything?” John asked Marlena. “Some coffee? Something to eat?”

Marlena shook her head. “No, I’m fine. I just want to be here for Belle. That’s all I need.”

He nodded. “Well, I think we should go find the doctor. It’s time we got some answers.”

“I agree,” Marlena said.

They were about to head to the doctor’s office until they saw a young man come charging into the ICU area.

“It’s Brady!” John cried in surprise. He ran over to his son immediately. “Brady, what are you doing here?”

Brady looked at him strangely. “I’d like to ask you the same thing!”

“Son, why are you here?” John demanded.

“I’m here to see someone,” Brady cried. “I just found out she was in an accident… I really need to see her!”

“Okay, calm down,” John replied soothingly. “What’s her name?”

“Belle Brady,” he said.

Marlena gasped. She and John shared an uncertain glance. Their children knew each other… and they never knew. Obviously they didn’t know the truth.

“How do you know her?” John asked, trying to hide his shock.

He rolled his eyes. “From school! Now I need to find her!”

“She’s in this room over here,” Marlena said, “but someone is with her right now.”

Brady looked at Marlena. “You’re the woman I saw crying at Salem Place a while back. How do you know Belle?”

Marlena frantically looked at John, and said, “She’s my daughter.”

John took a deep breath, and said, “Mine, too, Brady… Belle is my daughter, too.”

Brady stared at his father, not knowing what to say…
Page 36 of 39Brady stared into his father’s eyes. He didn’t know how to respond to the horrifying news… There were so many things he wanted to say, wanted to do, but he couldn’t. The revelation had completely shocked his soul… left him numb. Belle was his half sister. He didn’t want to believe it. He loved her so much already, but not in that way… He felt for her much more than that… He cherished and adored her! She was the woman he felt a connection with. He was in love with her.

“Brady, is something wrong?” John asked with worry. He didn’t know the whole story, so he didn’t understand the true nature of Brady’s shock.

Tears formed in his eyes. “Yes, something is wrong! How could you keep something like this from me?”

“I’m sorry, son,” John apologized sincerely. “The last thing I wanted was for you to get hurt by this… I never wanted it to come out for the longest time, but it had to. I’ve lied far too long concerning this. The truth needed to come out.”

He held his trembling face in his hands. “Gosh, you don’t understand… neither one of you do…”

Marlena stood behind John, letting John deal with Brady on his own. She felt it was for the best.

“What don’t I understand, son?” John asked. “You told me you and Belle are friends. That’s not hard to understand. You both went to the same school. It’s not hard to believe at all.”

He shook his head. “No! It was more than that. Far more than that!”

Marlena finally stepped forward. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, trying his best to control his sadness. “Belle and I… we’re in love!”

Marlena gasped, and fainted into John’s arms…

Belle’s eyes fluttered open gently. She gazed around the room… It seemed familiar, but she didn’t know where she was. All she knew was her head hurt severely. She moaned gently, and then she felt a gentle touch upon her hand. She looked and saw her father, or at least she believed for so many years to be her father… Roman. She slowly smiled, happy to see him.

“Daddy,” she said very weakly at first, “where am I? What happened?”

Roman was beaming, thrilled that she had come to. “You’re in the hospital, honey. There was an accident and you got hurt pretty badly.”

She nodded gently, and stopped when she felt a throbbing pain in her neck. “Now I remember. I was trying to get away from you… I needed to get back… and tell the police the truth about Grant.”

Roman nodded. “Yes, but don’t you worry about that right now. Just worry about your recovery.”

But she persisted. “Do you know if anyone got in trouble for Grant’s killing? Daddy, tell me if you know.”

He twitched nervously. “Sweetheart, don’t worry about it.”

Belle coughed, causing a massive pain to flow through her chest. “Daddy, you have to tell me. Did anyone get in trouble for what I did?”

Finally, he sighed and nodded.

“Who?” she asked.

He hesitated for a moment before saying, “Your mother, Belle. Your mother was taken in for his murder.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “No, that can’t be. She didn’t do anything to him…”

“It’s true, Belle,” Roman said.

She coughed again. “I need to tell the police. Daddy, you need to get them here right away… I can’t let her get in trouble… Please, get them now!”

“Are you okay, Marlena?” John asked, as he looked into her face.

She nodded slightly. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

He held onto her tightly, holding her body firmly against his. He was her support… It was obvious the news of Brady and Belle’s relationship was too much for her to deal with. As for John, he couldn’t believe it…

“You and Belle,” John began, not wanting to continue.

“You both were… dating one another?”

Brady sobbed. “Yes! And if it weren’t for your lies and secrecy none of this would have ever happened! Belle and I would have never fallen for one another!”

John asked Brady, “Son, you have to tell me. How far did you both go?”

He stared at his father in total disbelief. “What kind of person do you think I am? In answer to your question, no dad, we never had sex! We never would have either!”

A sense of pure relief flowed through John and Marlena’s souls. It was bad enough that they had become romantically involved, but if sexual relations had occurred… things would’ve been more catastrophic and horrific. If only they had never lied about her true paternity. No one would have gotten hurt.

“Brady, I’m so sorry,” John said sadly. “Please, don’t be angry with me. What am I saying? I’m sure you hate me for this…”

Brady ignored his comment and turned the other way. “Just leave me alone.”

Marlena sighed. “I need to take a walk.”

“I’ll come with you,” John insisted.

She touched his face gently, and shook her head. “No, you have to stay with Brady.”

John gazed at her lovingly. He caressed her cheek softly. “I love you, Marlena. I always have.”

She smiled through her despair and sadness. “I love you, too.” They kissed each other gently, and then she started to walk away.

John rested his hands on Brady’s shoulders. “Son, I never would have kept this from you or anybody if I knew it would later have these effects on so many people. That was never my intention.”

“Too late to feel sorry,” Brady shot at him. John turned him around so they looked face to face.

“I don’t know how to fix this,” he said. “I really need your help right now, Brady. I know I’ve hurt you terribly, but please… try to forgive me. I love you so much. This was never my intention, son… You’ve got to believe me.”

Brady crumbled in, and plunged into his father’s arms. Both of them cried what seemed like endless amounts of tears…

“I’m so sorry, Brady,” John cried into his shoulder.

“It’s okay, Dad,” he replied. “I forgive you…”

“Did you get the police man?” Belle asked when Roman came back into the room.

Roman shook his head. “I couldn’t find him, sweetheart. I know your mother needed an escort to come here. I saw him earlier… but I don’t know where he went off to.”

She moaned, wanting desperately to disconnect herself from the wires and tubes and find him herself. “Dad, then call them on the phone. I need to tell them right away. I have a strange feeling mom is in some kind of danger…”

Marlena sighed sadly when she stepped out onto the terrace of the hospital. She gazed out into the sky. Everything had completely spun out of control. First, Roman found out the truth about Belle, which was agonizing enough… Then, they learned the horrible facts about Belle and Brady’s love…

“Oh, John, look at the mess we’ve created,” she said angrily to herself. “We’ve hurt so many people. We say we did the things we did because we wanted to keep them from hurting… I think it’s because we were cowards. We didn’t want to face the truth…”

She began to sob again, and crumbled to the ground. She gazed at her dark surroundings with her blurry eyes. She was alone, or at least she believed she was… A figure in the dark started to come near her. She rose to her feet, and gasped once she saw who it was… Hope…

“What are you doing here?” Marlena cried, as Hope stared at her viciously.

She pulled the gun out of her purse and aimed it at her. “Don’t say anything, buddy. I have a few things to say.”

Marlena trembled with fear as she stared at the pistol, pointing towards her body…
Page 37 of 39A beaming smile occupied Roman’s face as he left Belle’s room. She was finally awake, and it appeared things were going to be okay. She was coherent and understanding of her surroundings… The only thing he needed to do was call the police. As much as it hurt him to do so, it was what Belle wanted… She felt a need in her soul to confess and clear her mother’s name. He walked down the hall to use the pay phone, and near it was John, sitting alone on a chair…

“Belle is awake,” Roman said coldly to him. John’s face rose out of his hands. Roman could see the sense of relief twinkle in his eyes.

John nodded. “Thank you for telling me.”

“I need to call the police,” Roman told him. “Belle wants to tell the truth now. After what you and Marlena did, I’d rather see you and her pay for this… but my little girl wants to do the right thing. So I’m going to honor her wishes.”

John rose from the bench, and asked, “Is she alone right now?”

Roman nodded. “Yes, she is.”

“Is it okay if I go see her?” John asked, practically begging. He had never met Belle… For once he wanted to look into his daughter’s face and see just how beautiful and wonderful a person she was. Still, he needed Roman’s permission, because deep down he was really her father…

Tears formed in his eyes as the painful truth reentered his mind. “Go and see her. It’s okay.”

John smiled thankfully. “Thank you, Roman.” John headed towards her room, while Roman called the police on the pay phone…

***
“Hope, just put the gun down,” Marlena tried to say calmly, as she stared at the pistol, aiming towards her chest. “I know you don’t want to do this.”

Hope laughed wickedly, and violently shook her head. “You’re wrong! For once I feel as if I’m doing something right. If it weren’t for you and that meddling daughter of yours, Grant would be alive today…”

“Do you actually think I would’ve wanted Grant dead?” Marlena cried. “Hope, now that he’s gone, Zachary — our little boy — will never grow up to know his father. Don’t you know how much that hurts? I would never put my little son through something like that!”

Hope growled and pinned Marlena against the ledge of the balcony.

“I know you didn’t kill him, Marlena,” Hope said seriously. “I know who really did… Belle killed him. That brat daughter of yours killed the man I loved.”

Marlena nodded. “I know she did, Hope. But it was in self-defense. Grant attacked her on the docks… She had to defend herself!”

“I don’t want to hear it! She broke into my apartment and stole my diary! There is a surveillance camera outside my room, and the video caught it all! She found out the truth about our affair… and other things!!”

Marlena suddenly remembered the diary she found in her house. She thought Hope or Grant had left it there, but actually it was Belle… “I can’t believe this. What else did you have written in that diary?”

“Everything!” Hope cried devilishly. “Every single secret of my life… and yours! Belle discovered all our secrets!”

Marlena gasped. “Did you write about John and me in your diary? Damn it, Hope! Tell me!”

“Of course I did!” she screamed at her, pointing the gun at her face. “Everything from your sordid affair with John to you and him covering up the truth of her paternity! Belle knows everything.”

Marlena began to cry. “She must know the truth already. She probably knows John is really her father. She even knew about it before Roman…”

Hope giggled. “Well, it had to come out some time.”

Marlena growled and went after Hope…

***
“I can do this,” John said to himself. He held the doorknob in his hand for the longest time, and finally he made himself turn it. He entered the room bravely and closed the door behind him.

Belle was alert and rose up in the bed. She looked at John strangely. She had no idea who he was… For a moment she wondered if he were the police man who was going to take her statement, but she realized he couldn’t have been. So, she asked, “Who are you?”

John couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was even more beautiful than he had imagined…

“Hello? Are you okay?” she asked strangely.

John snapped out of his solitary world. “Oh, I’m sorry… “

“Who are you?” she asked again.

He took a deep breath, and walked to the end of her bed. “My name is John Black. You don’t know me, but…”

Belle’s mouth seemed to drop to the floor. “Did you just say you are John Black?”

“Yes, I did,” he said.

She laughed. “I guess that means… you are my… you’re my…” She didn’t want to say it, but she had to face the truth. “You’re my… father.”

John stared at her in shock. “How did you know?”

“No, I think the correct phrase is *how did I find out*!” Belle hollered at him. “What are you doing here?”

John gulped nervously. He felt as if he were going to breakdown at any given second. This was by far the hardest thing he had ever done. “I wanted to see you, Belle. I heard about your accident… I needed to know if you were all right.”

“Why bother?” she asked angrily. “You never cared about me before. Not once were you a part of my life in the past.”

John looked to the floor in shame. “I know I failed you. A lot of things influenced my absence in your life, Belle…”

“I know all about it,” she snapped at him. “I read all about your affair with my mother and keeping the truth about my paternity from my dad… It was all in Hope’s diary. I know everything, so don’t think there are any secrets between us.”

Heavy, guilt ridden tears fell from his eyes. “Belle, I’m so sorry for abandoning you… I know that doesn’t seem like much, especially for all that I’ve done. I honestly felt I was doing the right thing for you, your mother, and for Roman…”

She shook her head. “I refuse to listen to anymore of this garbage. Please leave me alone! I don’t even know you! And, as far as I’m concerned, my only father is Roman Brady!”

“He knows the truth, too, Belle,” John admitted shamefully. “He just found out not too long ago.”

“WHAT?!” she screamed. “Just get out of here! I don’t want to see your face again! Leave me be! Just like you always have! Stay out of my life!!!”

John nodded sadly, accepting her reaction, and left the room. Belle tried to remain angry, but all she felt was guilt…

“I didn’t even give him a chance,” Belle said regretfully, and buried her face into her pillow. She heard the door to her room open again. She looked to see who it was, only this time… she saw Brady…

“Hi, Belle,” Brady said sadly, as he went and sat with her on the bed. “How are you feeling?”

She could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew the truth. “You know the truth, don’t you,” she said to him. He nodded, and together they fell into an emotional embrace.

“How are we going to deal with this, Belle?” Brady asked sadly. “We have such strong feelings for one another, but we’re brother and sister…”

“I know,” she said. “Don’t worry, Brady. We’ll find a way to deal with our feelings… Somehow… I know we will.”

Agonizingly, they sobbed in each other’s arms…

***
“Give me the gun, Hope!” Marlena cried, as they struggled over who gained control of the pistol.

Hope slapped Marlena in the face. “You’re finished, Marlena!” The two continued to battle ferociously until Marlena lost control and fell to the ground…

“Hope, you can’t do this! Please, no!” Marlena begged, as Hope aimed the gun straight at her and prepared to shoot.

“I’m sorry, Marlena. We used to be such good friends, but this is how it has to be,” Hope growled. She pulled the trigger, and a life shattering scream echoed throughout the night…
Page 38 of 39Everything in the world seemed to stop the very moment after the deafening sound of the gun subsided. Marlena stared devastatingly at the man who took the bullet for her… The man who came out of nowhere and gambled his life for her sake. She screamed a heart wrenching cry and took his bloody body into her arms… John had saved her from the deadly demise Hope had planned for her…

“John!” Marlena cried, as she cradled his limp body in her arms. She panicked severely… She gazed into his face, desperately seeking for any sign of life… She couldn’t believe what was happening. This couldn’t be happening, she thought continuously. She and John were finally reunited after so many years of being apart. They had finally given into their true feelings for one another, and for once they were going to do something they felt was right… start a life together… “Baby, focus on me! Hold on, John! Don’t you leave me!”

Immediately doctors came running out onto the terrace. They heard the gunshot from inside and came to investigate. They practically shoved Marlena out of the way to work on John…

“Somebody get a gurney out here now!” one of the doctors yelled frantically. “We need to get this man to the ER right away!”

Marlena sobbed burning tears of sadness. She was powerless… There was nothing she could do for him. She could only love him with all her heart and soul. The rest was in God’s hands…

She looked around at the crowd of physicians and saw Hope crying in a corner. Marlena walked up to one of the doctors and said, “The woman in the corner… She shot him! She shot John!” The doctor nodded, grabbed Hope and dragged her away…

Marlena ran her hands through her hair, trying to maintain her composure… Her mind hadn’t absorbed anything. She couldn’t believe John had been shot… It was unimaginable…

Moments later, Belle and Brady were standing in the doorway to the terrace. His arms held her tightly, for she needed support due to her weakness. The news had flown through the hospital like a wild fire, and they desperately wanted to be there…

“Brady, I didn’t even give our father a chance,” Belle cried, feeling more guilty than ever. “He was trying to explain… trying to make me understand… but I pushed him away! I wouldn’t listen to him!”

Brady held her close to him. He needed her just as much as she needed him. She may not have known John at all, but still… just knowing that he was her father made her care about his well-being so very much. He knew she was angry with him, but she didn’t want something horrible to happen to him. Deep within her soul, there was a part of her that wanted to resolve things… so she could have a relationship with the father she never knew… She prayed that they would still have a chance…

“Kids!” Marlena cried, running to Brady and Belle. “John is hurt severely.”

Belle took Marlena by the hand. She looked deep into her eyes. “Mama, I know the entire truth…”

“Belle, I’m so sorry…,” Marlena cried.

“It’s okay, mama,” Belle assured her soothingly, taking her into her arms. “Everything will be okay… I know you love him. He’ll be fine… We’ll work things out, and then we can start our lives together as a family…”

Marlena gazed at her in amazement, and touched her cheek softly. “Do you mean that, Belle? Do you honestly mean that?”

She nodded. “Yes. In my heart, Roman will always be my father… but there is a place reserved for John. I want him to be a part of my life. I mean that, mother.”

A doctor came running up to Marlena. “Ma’am, we’re taking him down to the emergency room now.”

“We’re coming, too,” Marlena said. Quickly the three of them followed the fleet of doctors down to the emergency room area…

***
Hours had passed… Marlena sighed as she sat in a chair, holding Zachary lovingly in her arms. John needed to be all right, she kept saying to herself. Yet there was no news… nothing. The only thing anyone could do was wait…

“Mama, do you think John will be okay?” Zachary asked hopefully.

She touched her son’s cheek. “I hope so, my love. I really do.”

At that moment, a doctor emerged from the operating room. Everyone in the room stood up… Marlena, Zachary, Brady, Belle, Alice, Mickey, Maggie, and all the Brady family… Almost everyone had come to support John and his recovery…

“Doctor, how is he? Is he going to be all right?” Marlena asked fearfully.

The doctor sighed, and slowly shook his head. “Mrs. Valentine, I’m so very sorry… Mr. Black has lost a lot of blood due to massive internal bleeding.”

Marlena’s hope disappeared. “What are you saying? Is he going to make it or not?”

“There is nothing we can do,” the doctor said. “We’ve done all we can.”

Marlena nodded bravely as Brady and Belle held onto her… “What do we do now?”

“Mr. Black is very weak, but he has asked to see you and the children,” the doctor informed them. “I think it would be best if you go and see him now. I’m afraid there isn’t much time left…”

She nodded again, trying her best to remain strong… even though it took all the energy and emotion her body contained… She took a deep breath, and said to the kids, “Come on. Lets go in and see John…”

***
The sounds of machines echoed throughout John’s room. Marlena, Belle, Brady, and Zachary walked slowly into the room… All gazed at the weak, palish John lying on the bed, barely clinging to life… Marlena bit her tongue to control her sobs… Goodness, she loved him so very much. The thought of losing him was unacceptable… He had to get well! He just had to, she thought over and over again!

Brady and Belle walked over to John. Belle stared down at her father, and for the first time she got a real look at his face… He was such a beautiful person. Slowly, she reached out her hand and touched his cheek gently… Tears trickled out her eyes as she did so. John’s eyes cracked open to the soft touch of her hand… His tired eyes looked up, and a tiny smile formed upon his lips when he saw Belle, gazing down at him so lovingly…

“I’m so sorry, daddy,” she said sadly. “I should have given you a chance to talk to me… I feel so horrible…”

John shook his head very slowly. With a whisper, he said, “Don’t… be… sorry, angel… I’m.. the..one… who…. hurt you so… so much…” Belle let out a cry, and embraced his hurting body ever so gently.

“You’re… even… more… beautiful than… I ever imagined… you’d be,” he managed to say, as he gazed at his daughter so lovingly. He never thought he’d make it to the day where he’d share such a sweet and tender moment with Belle… He loved his daughter so much, and if he could do it all again, he would’ve claimed her as his own. There wouldn’t have been any lost time or pain…

“I love you, daddy,” she said truthfully. “I know we haven’t had much time together… but I do love you… I hope you know that…”

John nodded, feeling so pleased that Belle had accepted him into her heart. “I know… Belle… I love you… too.”

Marlena held onto Zachary for dear life, not knowing how much more pain she could take. Seeing John in such a state tore her heart to shreds… To think earlier they were planning on spending the rest of their lives together… Now, they were being torn apart, just as they always had been… She continued to watch as he shared tender and loving moments with Belle and Brady…

“Okay… kids,” John said breathlessly, “I… really… need to… speak with… Marlena. If… that’s okay…”

Belle and Brady both nodded with tears flowing from their eyes. “We love you, dad,” they both said simultaneously.

“I want you to go with Brady and Belle for a little bit while I speak with John,” Marlena told Zachary. He nodded, and then Brady and Belle both took him by the hand and walked out of the room. Marlena looked at John, his eyes gazing at her sadly… She went to him, and wrapped her loving arms around his body…

“There, there, Doc… It’s… going to be… okay,” John said to her, as she sobbed hysterically. She shook her head as she held onto his body… She never wanted to let him go. She wasn’t going to let him go, not without a fight… They had just gotten back together. Nothing was going to keep them apart… Not a stupid bullet — not even God!

“You can’t leave me, John!” Marlena cried, tears raging out of her blood shot eyes… her nose running uncontrollably. “I need you here, with me… I can’t survive without you! I can’t!”

John kissed her softly on the lips, and touched them gently with his fingers. “Listen, Doc… you’re… the strongest… person… I know. You’ve gotten through… some… serious stuff… in your life. I know in my heart… that you’re going… to be okay…”

“No!” she hollered, her heart breaking into millions of pieces. “I can’t get through this! John, I just got you back… I can’t lose you again! I love you so much! I need you in my life…”

John smiled at her through his pain. He knew it was the end for him, and he accepted it… Lord knows he wanted to stay and live a life with her, the woman he loved the most in the entire world… but it obviously wasn’t in the cards. It wasn’t meant to be… He was meant to go on without her… on to a different world…

“We’ll never… be apart,” John said softly, as he ran his fingers through her long, silky hair. “You’re… the best… thing that ever… happened to me…”

“You have to keep fighting, John,” she demanded, as she held onto his hand tightly.

“Doc, I’m going… to die,” he said seriously. “I know… it… hurts… my love. But it’s going… to happen… Honey, please… try and accept it… please, my love… please…”

Marlena moaned agonizingly, and delicately laid herself next to him. “John, I love you so much… What am I going to do without you? How will I go on in the world without you by my side?”

John laughed weakly, as he looked into her hazel eyes. “You’ll have… the children… your friends… So many people… love you, Doc. You’re going to be… fine… I know you… will. Just remember to… believe in our love… Never let go of… the memories…”

She kissed his hand. “I won’t, darling. I promise…”

John smiled lovingly at her. “I love you… Marlena… I love you… so very much…”

“I love you, too,” she cried. She kissed him gently, and held his body in her loving arms… She began to sing him a lullaby. By the time the melody was finished… John was gone…
Page 39 of 39A scream of terror flew out of Marlena’s mouth. She looked around herself frantically, not wanting to believe what had happened… but she wasn’t where she was before. She was in a luxurious bedroom, lying in a bed of silk… not in the hospital…

“Where am I?” she asked herself fearfully. The only thing she could remember was cradling John’s lifeless body in her arms… where he died peacefully, surrounded by her love… She began to cry, sobbing tears of pure agony and despair. The man she loved the most in the world was gone… out of her life…

Suddenly, out of nowhere, the door to the beautiful room flew open quickly… Marlena’s face was buried into a silky pillow, crying her heart and soul out… A set of hands rested affectionately upon her shivering shoulders…

“Who are you? What do you want?” Marlena asked as she looked up at the figure… Her eyes widened in surprise… glowed heavenly at the majestic person… “John… oh my… Is it really you?”

He touched her face lovingly and laughed. “Of course, sweetheart! Who else would it be?”

Marlena sat up. She was totally confused… completely shocked. John was dead. Hope had shot and killed him… How could he be with her, gazing into her eyes, caring for her tenderly?

“I must be going insane,” she said. “You’re dead… I must be seeing things.”

John looked at her strangely. “What? Marlena, is something wrong?”

“Hope shot and killed you!” Marlena cried. “You’re not alive… I’m imagining things!”

John held her face in his hands. “Doc, snap out of it! You’re having one of those terror dreams again… Please, babe, come out of it…”

She continuously shook her head. “I’m not seeing you… I’m imagining things! You died! You’re not here!”

Finally, John ran out of options… He took her body into his arms… and pressed his lips firmly against hers, kissing her passionately…

“Are you okay now?” he asked, hoping that it would knock her back into reality. “Doc, I’m not dead… Don’t you remember? I survived… I didn’t die that night…”

Marlena continued to stare at him as if he were a ghost until it all started coming back to her… Yes, it was true, she remembered. John didn’t die the night Hope shot him… He survived… He came back to her, and to their family!

“Oh, I’m sorry, John!” Marlena cried, as she threw her arms lovingly around him. “I’m back… Oh honey, I’m back… I’m so sorry for scaring you again!”

John kissed her tenderly as they held onto each other. “This has been happening too much lately,” he said with worry in his voice. “These nightmares have to stop…”

She didn’t care about the nightmares… She was too overjoyed and thrilled to worry about them. The only thing that mattered was John, and that he was there with her… “I know,” Marlena said, “but that’s the least of my worries… You’re here with me, holding onto me. That’s all I care about, John Black. Nothing else…”

John nuzzled his nose against hers. “Are you going to be okay, cupcake? I’ll call the doctor if you want…”

She shook her head. “No, you’re the only doctor I need, Mr. Black,” she said jokingly. “I love you so much… “

He giggled. “I love you, too, angel.”

She sighed. “I was so scared that I had lost you. I don’t know why I keep having those dreams… You would think that I would’ve gotten past it already. It was months ago…”

“It’ll be okay,” John said assuringly. “We’ll get past those dreams, Doc. Don’t let it worry you. Just remember I am here with you…”

She massaged his cheek… “What if you did die that night, John? What if I had lost you?”

John put his finger upon her lips. “Don’t even think about it, Doc. You DIDN’T lose me… You never will. I pulled through. I recovered… That’s all that matters.”

She nodded, and together they lied down on the bed, caressing each other only as lovers do… “I want to be with you, my love… I love you so much.”

John kissed her lips softly. He said playfully, “I’m sure that could be arranged. But we can’t play all day… We have to go to the Horton cabin with Belle, Brady, and Zachary later on. Remember?”

She smiled and nodded. Everything had ended up perfect for all of them. The family was reunited, Belle was exonerated from Grant’s murder… The defense was able to prove she had killed him in self-defense. Now, she and John had a loving relationship… the most wondrous bond a father and daughter could share… Their family was complete.

She sat on top of him, and looked into his baby-blue eyes. He was so beautiful… an extraordinary man. She was so blessed to have him in her life. She silently thanked God for keeping him on Earth with her and the family.

“I know everything is going to be fine for us, John,” she vowed with tears in her eyes. “We’ve conquered so much for this. Our love will keep us together forever.”

John smiled, and started to tickle her playfully. Marlena laughed out loud, letting him have his way with her… She loved the way he teased and poked fun with her. It was just one of the many things that made him so very special…

“I feel like making love to you, Doc,” John said, as he rolled on top of her and planted kisses all over her body…

She giggled giddily. “Don’t worry. I won’t protest to that,” she said naughtily as she savored being with him…

John flashed her his gorgeous smile, and once again… planted a heavenly kiss on her sweet, delicious lips. Their lips seemed to make love with every movement…

“I love you, John,” Marlena said…

John’s cheek rubbed against hers softly. “I love you, too, Doc… Our life together is just beginning.” They both chuckled like children, and then they started to make precious love…


fin.