Her black hair made her face look deathly pale as she remembered her past. Everything had happened so fast. One minute she was a happy young girl loving life and the next she was as cold as ice, rebelling against everybody who offered help. She had always loved her mother, but hated her father. She blamed him for everything… for raping her when she was only 13 years old and killing her own mother in front of her.
Ever since, she had been a pure rebel… dying her hair black, wearing make-up as if to cover her pain, and isolating herself from the world. She had been adopted by an abusive family and hated the world, and she wanted to simply fade away.
As if to help cope with the pain she had started slicing her wrists from time to time. It wasn’t until one day, when her teacher noticed the cuts that adorned her wrists, that she had to have sessions with the school’s psychologist who didn’t necessarily helped things.
She stopped slicing her writs but moved to her legs so that people wouldn’t notice. She was let go from the psychologist and continued living her misery. The day of her 15th birthday she made a wish on a candle she found on the streets, and she was going to fulfill that wish tonight. She picked up her adoptive parent’s pills and went outside.
Taking one for each birthday she had, she then swallowed. The last she remembered before the darkness took her was seeing a blonde woman running towards her trying to stop her.
“Last thing I remember was seeing some blonde woman, Ididn’t get to see her face though… now because of her I’m probably gonna end up in the stupid cuckoo club, oh just great,” said Shana to herself when she opened her eyes to see that she was in a hospital bed. “Oh well I wonder where my dear parents are. Aha as if they care, they probably celebrated yesterday.”“I’m sure they’re not. They must be worried sick about you. You gave me one big fright there little lady,” said Marlena, entering the room to sit next to her.
Shana looked at her wide-eyed when she figured out that this woman had been the one who had been running towards her before she passed out. “My name’s Marlena, what’s yours?” asked Marlena, extending her hand, and she couldn’t help but notice that if it weren’t for her black hair the girl looked a lot like herself when she was younger. Shana couldn’t help but feel comfortable with the woman, although she was the reason she was lying in a hospital bed. She couldn’t quite put a finger on it, but she knew she had already seen this woman somewhere before. “Shana,” she replied. Shana met Marlena’s eyes but quickly looked away, scared to see such worry and concern pouring from them.
Suddenly, Shana remembered what she was doing here and what this woman did to her. “What the hell are you doing here anyway? Thanks to you, I’m probably gonna end up with some of those dumb shrinks who think they can make me feel better about myself and all that mumbo jumbo,” shot Shana angrily.“I’m going to be your so called dumb shrink who knows she can help you feel better,” said Marlena confident that she could make her open up, with time. Shana stared at her wide-eyed and shocked. “WHAT?! You’ve got to be kidding me,” she spoke angrily. Marlena looked at Shana’s arms and was filled with a feeling of responsibility and love for the girl. Her wrists were covered with scars and fresh cuts. Shana saw what Marlena was looking at, so she pulled her arm to herself, making sure to cover her scars.
Marlena took her arm gently and looked at Shana’s wounds, and Shana winced at her touch but didn’t move. It was as if she was frozen there and couldn’t move. Marlena sensed how lonely Shana was feeling, when she noticed she was looking away. It made her determined to help her in the best way that she possibly could. “How old are you Shana?” asked Marlena, letting go of her arms. “15,” she said pulling her arms closer to herself while staring blankly at the wall. She was remembering what caused those scars and reminding herself not to trust anybody, not even Marlena, though she had never felt more comfortable with anybody since her dad had raped her.
“You will shut up or else I will kill you,” said her father, running away from her naked form on the floor. Such a gentle soul had
burned to ashes. As soon as he left her lying there in the middle of the woods she started crying heavy sobs. The rain started
pouring and mixed with her tears. “I’ll never trust anybody ever again. I hate him, I hate him… I HATE HIM” she cried through
the forest just before fainting.
“Shana… Shana are you alright?” asked Marlena worriedly when Shana didn’t show a hint of emotion on her face. It was if she was frozen, as pale as her bed sheets and her eyes were dark without the slightest sparkle. “Yeah sure, I’ve never felt better. My parents are dead and my adoptive parents couldn’t give the slightest crap if I were dead. Yup, I’m just happy as can be, and you call yourself a shrink… my parents could help me more than you can, and they’re DEAD,” replied Shana angrily, staring at Marlena. “Shana, I want to help you. I’m not here to cause you any harm, I just want to be someone who you can talk to and trust,” she replied gently. “I’m going to have to get going for today, but I’ll be sure to see you tomorrow Shana. Goodbye,” said Marlena while getting out.
While heading for her car, her phone rang, so she picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Remember me?” an evil voice replied, making Marlena shudder.
“Who’s this?”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get to know me sooner than you think
Marlena.” Before she could reply, the person hung up.
Marlena was a bit scared. He knew who she was and something in that voice made her shiver to the bone. She ran to her car and
was off home to Belle and Brady. She needed some well deserved sleep, trying to forget her anonymous call. On her way home, she thought about her past with John. How she missed him and still loved him, but she couldn’t say anything to him because of Kristen. “When did things go wrong?” she asked herself. “If only he knew how much of a manipulator Kristen really is, he would be so much happier. I know I couldn’t be the woman for him, he told me himself how much he appreciated our friendship. I know he only wants me as a friend, but it’s so hard. I love him so much. Thank god I have Belle and Brady to keep me sane. I don’t know what I’d do without them right now.” When she got home she noticed that a light was on in the penthouse. “Chelsea probably forgot to turn out the lights again,” she said to herself as she walked in. She screamed when she saw a man standing in front of her with an icy smile. “Why hello Marlena…”
**********
“I don’t know what to do anymore Abe. I love her so much but I know she doesn’t feel the same. She only wants to be my friend, I know it. Plus I have Kristen and JJ… my life’s such a mess right now. I married one woman but I love another,” said John, while burying his face in his hands as he poured his heart out to his good friend Abe. “You have to stop living a lie John. Don’t you want to feel happy? Go and tell Marlena that you love her. If you don’t, it’s just going to keep on breaking you up on the inside,” said Abe, convinced that if John would let himself tell Marlena that he loved her, everything would work out. “It’s just that… ah man, I don’t know, I’m afraid she doesn’t feel the same,” he replied. Soon John sensed something wrong. He knew that Marlena was in danger… he could feel it. “Abe I’ve gotta go, now,” said John rushing off to the penthouse.
**********
“That woman… I’ve seen her somewhere I’m sure. She looks oddly familiar but I can’t seem to place her in my mind,” said Shana to herself. She remembered how Marlena’s eyes were filled with worry and concern, and it freaked her out to think about it. Nobody ever cared for her. She was an independent loner, caring for nobody but herself ever since her mother died and her father… her father whom she hated with a passion now, was probably off running and trying to screw everything that moved. “I’ve gotta find him, and when I do, I’ll kill him.” She got up from the bed with a lot of effort and she slipped out of the hospital careful not to be seen…
“Who are you?!” she asked, trying to control her emotions.
“You mean you don’t remember me? Oh, but Marlena, how I remember you. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Who wouldn’t want to have you all to themselves to enjoy?” he said, while walking towards her. Marlena backed up. She was scared. “There’s no use resisting me, I know you want me too,” he said, while moving closer to her. “Get out of here NOW!” she screamed, as she slapped him hard across his face.
As soon as she saw the look he gave her, she regretted it. “Oh, so the woman is feisty, huh?” Grabbing her arms tightly, he pushed her against the wall. “That game can be played by two,” he taunted nastily. “Let go of me,” she replied, trying to fight him off, but it didn’t work. He had too strong a grip on her and her wrists were hurting. He ripped off her shirt and started kissing her brutally, not caring if she was in pain. She tried to scream,
but his hand covered her mouth before she was able to. “If you scream I’ll kill you.” With tears running down her face, she tried to escape his grasp. but he was just too strong. Finally she gave up fighting, and just stood there, crying, pleading with him to stop.
He was scratching her skin, and she was sure she was bleeding. Closing her eyes, she tried to make the pain go away by thinking about something else. “Let her go or else I will kill you with my very own bare hands.” John was there, and he had been right… Marlena had been in danger. He ran to her attacker and punched him as hard as he could, before the man even had the time to react. Marlena fainted and would have fallen to the floor if it hadn’t been for John. The man who had been raping Marlena was lying on the floor unconscious. “DOC!!” John cried, when he saw her ripped shirt. “Wake up baby, you’re going to be alright. I’m here, nothing bad’s gonna happen now, I’m here.” Tears were streaming down his face as he embraced Marlena’s fragile body. He backed away just so he could see her face, and suddenly her eyes started to open. “John?” she whispered, tears flowing down her face. “Oh my god, Doc!” He hugged her tightly, afraid that she might slip away. “He… he tried to… ra… rape me,” she cried when she felt his strong arms around her. She felt so dirty. “I’m here for you doc, I care for you so much,” said John, holding her tightly. She hung to him like an anchor and starting sobbing uncontrollably, soaking his shirt with her salty tears. John rocked her back and forth, rubbing her back and touching her hair to comfort her. He hated seeing her in so much pain. Her touch sent him to another place he had almost forgotten about. After what seemed like an hour, Marlena’s breathing started returning to normal, but they stayed in their embrace for a while longer. Marlena opened her eyes slowly and looked over John’s shoulder. Her rapist was gone.
*********
‘Why in the world didn’t I think about bringing my CLOTHES?’ thought Shana, when she was out of the hospital.“I’ll just sneak into the house and pack some clothes. My loveable family should either be asleep or on a hangover… either way they won’t be able to do much.” Once she arrived at the old apartment she sneaked in quietly and made her way to the attic: her bedroom. Once she finished packing, she made her way out of the house, making sure to bring the stuff she absolutely needed, her guitar among other things. Looking back and saying goodbye to that hell-hole wasn’t exactly the hardest thing ever. It probably was the best. “I’ll figure out just who that Marlena really is, and in the meantime, if I find my father… he won’t live to tell the tale.”
“Oh my god, he’s gone,” said Marlena, holding tighter to John to feel safe. John turned around quickly and saw that the man was gone. “Damnit!!! Doc, I have to go find him again before he strikes back.” He started running out the penthouse but Marlena stopped him before he got out. “I’m going with you, and don’t even try to change my mind.” John looked at her and saw the determination in her eyes. Soon he noticed her shirt was gone and he turned beet red. “Um, doc… I think it would be a good idea to um, put a shirt on…” Marlena’s eye got wide and she blushed from head to toe, as she realized that he had comforted her for more than an hour when she didn’t even have a shirt on. She quickly ran upstairs and put a shirt on in a haste. “Oh my god, that was embarrassing…” Quickly she realized that she didn’t call John or anyone else to tell him that she was in danger… it was as if he had sensed it. “How could he have sensed that I was in danger, could it be possible that we still have that connection?”
She came downstairs and he was waiting for her eagerly, ready to go. “C’mon let’s go, and I’m not letting you go of my sight until we get back.” He took her hand and guided her outside where they started to run. John felt an immense feeling of love when he was holding her hand. He had to tell her that he loved her… not right now, but soon… Similar thoughts were running through Marlena’s head. Suddenly she started hearing music in the streets. It was a girl singing and she could hear guitar playing in the background. She stopped John and made him listen. The girl had the voice of an angel and the melody was just beautiful. They walked closer to where the music was coming from. They saw a girl sitting on her guitar case playing, she was dressed in black and her hair covered her face. Marlena felt a strange feeling wash over her, she knew that girl, she was sure of it.
Have you ever seen an angel’s wing
That’s fluttering in the wind
It looks perfect until you look closely and see
That there are still scars trying to heal
Have you ever seen a cold person
In which everything seems to be a burden
But look closely and see
That a friend is all they need
Nothing’s perfect
But you can make it so much better
Nobody’s perfect
If you think you are, try walking on water
Have you ever seen someone who’s soul is lost
Who lost their hearts because of the dark
Look closely and see
That the light’s trying to break free
Nothing’s perfect
But you can make it so much better
Nobody’s perfect
If you think you are, try walking on water
Have you ever seen a small child
Who isn’t scared of speaking its mind
Look closely and see
What a beautiful life they can lead
Nothing’s perfect
But you can make it so much better
Nobody’s perfect
If you think you are, try walking on water
Nothing’s perfect
But you can make it so much better
Nobody’s perfect
If you think you are, try walking on water…
As the final notes from her song faded into the wind, the girl lifted her head slowly with tears in her eyes. Immediately, Marlena recognized her. It was Shana, the girl she met in the hospital… the girl she felt so different with and felt such worry for. What in the world was she doing out this late at night… out of the hospital?
Shana felt a weird feeling all of a sudden, and looking to her sides, she saw her. She immediately wiped her tears, trying to erase any signs that she had been crying. Marlena started walking towards her, so she packed up her things hastily and started running out of fear that Marlena would bring her back to the hospital. “Shana, don’t run away from me!” cried out Marlena, trying to catch up with her, leaving John clueless. Shana was running as fast as she could with her guitar on her back, but soon she met a dead end. “Oh, I’m in deep shit,” she murmured to herself. “Shana, what are you doing here, I thought you were supposed to be in the hospital?” said Marlena when she caught up to her.
Shana was cornered and quickly saw John catching up to Marlena. Immediately Shana saw the bruises on Marlena’s arm and saw one that caught her attention. It was shaped as an ‘M’. “Where the hell is he?” asked Shana, as she pointed to Marlena’s bruise. “You got raped and I can tell it hasn’t been long. Now tell me where the hell he is now… I have some unfinished business with the bastard,” said Shana whose eyes had turned black and icy. Marlena was shocked at how direct she was. Memories starting flooding her brain, as she tried blocking them out to no avail. A lone tear made its way down her face. She wanted to run away, yet she wanted to learn more about the girl. “Who are you talking about?” she asked, trying not to cry as the pictures invaded her mind. “You know exactly who I mean, the moron who just raped you,” said Shana icily.“Why do you want to see him anyway?” asked Marlena. She wanted to figure things out about Shana even though she herself was hurting.
“That’s absolutely none of your business, now just tell me.”
“It’s not safe for you to go after a rapist. I forbid you to go after
him… you should go home,” said Marlena. She was scared for this girl, and she wanted to know her better. She could have sworn that she had seen that girl somewhere before. Shana was beyond pissed off at them, so she tried running through them, but John quickly caught her before she could run away. “Let me go you freak!” she screamed in John’s ears.“Shana, where do you live? We’re taking you home,” said Marlena. “You can’t bring me home. I don’t have a damn home!” she screamed. “Fine, then you’ll come stay with me for a while.” John gave Marlena a look that said she should think about this before she made any decisions. Shana looked at Marlena in disbelief. Nobody had ever asked her such a thing, and she had just met her too. “It’s either me, or the hospital, take your pick…” After a while of fighting, Shana finally gave in. “Fine,” she answered blankly. Marlena ignored the looks John was giving her and decided to give up her search for her rapist before Shana had another outburst.
**********
Reaching the penthouse with Shana was a bit difficult since she tried to run away a couple of times, but John always caught her on time. Once inside, Shana was shocked at how beautiful it was. It was nothing like the house she used to live in. “Welcome to my home Shana.”“Eh, cool,” was all she replied. “Now, don’t even try to run away because it’ll do you no good and we’ll just find you again,” said Marlena. John looked at his watch and noticed it was really late.
“Doc, I’m sorry, but I have to go. It’s late and I’m sure Kristen’s worried. Before you even ask, I called Chelsea and she took the kids away for a while. They’re safe,” said John, not wanting to leave Marlena alone with that girl. Marlena had some explaining to do. Marlena walked up to John and gave him a hug and thanked him for everything. “It’s alright Doc, I just wish I could’ve been here sooner.” Marlena silenced him and thanked him for saving her. John looked at her one last time and wished she could be his forever, but he reminded himself that she only wanted to be friends. “Goodbye Doc,” he said stepping out from the penthouse. “Goodbye John.” She closed the door slowly.“So, why aren’t you two lovebirds together anyway?”
“Pardon me?” said Marlena making sure she heard the girl right. “You heard me, why aren’t you two lovebirds together anyway? I mean, it’s so obvious you love him and he loves you, but you aren’t together anyway,” said Shana, sitting down on the couch. Marlena’s curiosity had just been peaked. “What do you mean it’s so obvious and how in the world did youknow?…” Marlena was confused by the girl; did she know her already or was she just trying to play with her mind? “It’s obvious. I’ve always had this special gift to be able to read people’s feelings and it’s just too obvious that you two are in loooooooooove,” said Shana teasingly.
She didn’t know why, but she really did feel comfortable with this woman and there was just something special about her. Her heart seemed so pure that Shana couldn’t help but soften up with her. Marlena blushed at how this girl had read her feelings about John when she had only met her today. All of the sudden it hit her like a brick; she said John loved her, could it be true?
“What do you mean by John loves me?” Shana couldn’t help but laugh at how dumb love could make people. “Well duh, it’s too obvious when he looks at you; I could almost hear him say I wish I didn’t have to go to that other Kristen person. Anyway can we just stop talking about love, it makes me want to gag anyway,” said Shana. She just got scared at how openly she talked with Marlena and wanted to stop talking. “Alright Shana. Well I’ll show you the penthouse and I’ll show you where you can sleep for now,” said Marlena getting up.
She showed the penthouse to Shana and told her that it was Belle’s room that she was going to sleep in. Shana didn’t say much but she was amazed at how neat and clean everything was. Her “home” was always messy and disgusting. Her parents would never clean and she often found herself having to clean by herself or else she was going to gag. “Um, do you have any paper I could use?” asked Shana.
She completely forgot to bring paper to write some lyrics and poems. “Yeah sure, what for?” asked Marlena. “To write stuff,” said Shana. She didn’t like people messing around with her personal space and Marlena was starting to scare her because she was breaking down the wall she had built over the years. “Shana, can I ask you something?” asked Marlena. “Yeah,” was all she replied.“How come you knew I almost got raped?” She wasn’t sure why she asked the question, but she had to know. “Oh… The ‘M’ mark on your neck.
He always leaves his mark when he touches his victim, that’s how I knew, and I also told you I was able to read emotions. I saw the hidden fear and I also saw how much you were trying to not to cry in front of me because you feel as if you need to be strong for me. I don’t know why you’re wasting your time like this, I always took care of myself and I’m doing okay,” said Shana, trying to convince herself the same.“Shana I care for you and I don’t want anything to happen to you. I know you’re not okay because if I remember clearly I was the one who saw you trying to take away your own life… you can’t even try to tell me you’re okay. I can see it in your eyes how lonely you are and you need somebody to trust. I’ve told you already,
you can trust me. Think of me as your friend and not the dumb shrink you described earlier,” said Marlena.
Shana was speechless. Never had anybody ever cared for her, not since her mom had died and her dad was on the run. Everybody blamed her for her mother’s death, and her adoptive parents weren’t any better either. She wasn’t ready to open up to anybody at the moment though. “Think about it. Now I’m going to go get some paper and your guitar… I’ll be back in a sec,” said Marlena, walking out the room to get Shana’s things. She was curious to see the scar on her neck, she hadn’t had the chance to see it and she wanted to know how Shana knew about it. Getting her things she got back to the room. Shana was still in the exact same position and didn’t move. “Here are your things Sh-”
That’s when Marlena saw it, and soon everything fell into place… why Shana knew about the ‘M’ mark on her neck was because she had one of her own. “Oh my god, Shana!” said Marlena dropping the things on the bed. She sat in front of Shana and made her look her in the eyes. Shana was confused as to why she just freaked but she figured it out as soon as she saw what Marlena was looking at. Raising Shana’s hair slowly to see the complete mark, she gasped when she saw it. “Shana please tell me who did this? It’s very serious and if we find out we’ll be able to stop him from attacking other victims.” Shana didn’t answer. “Please, Shana? This is for your own good. I don’t want him to come after you again and I don’t want anybody else attacked… I’m sure you want the same.” Shana still didn’t answer, she only looked blankly into Marlena’s eyes. “Shana, please, answer me please?” pleaded Marlena. “…Dad,” was all she answered before she fainted.
“Oh my god, Shana!!!” cried out Marlena. “Wake up Shana. I’m so sorry I pushed you into telling me… I’m so sorry Shana,” said Marlena. Tears were streaming down her face; she blamed herself for what just happened. She started talking to her and shaking her a bit so she could wake up. When she didn’t wake up, Marlena started getting scared for the girl. “I have to get her to a hospital.” She ran to the phone and called 911. When she hung up the phone, she returned to Shana who still wasn’t awake, sitting beside her. She drew her in her arms and held onto her fragile body while praying to god she was going to make it.
**********
John tried entering the house as quietly as he could, so that he wouldn’t wake Kristen. To his surprise, she was waiting for him at the door. “Honey, where were you? I was getting worried,” asked Kristen, trying to sound as sweet as possible while rubbing her fake pregnancy padding. “I’m sorry Kristen, I was with Abe,” he lied. “Oh,” was all she replied. Suddenly John got an unshakable feeling that something was wrong yet again. “Oh, man Kristen, I totally forgot something at my office and I just had some clue about the case we’re doing. I’m gonna call Abe and I probably won’t be here until tomorrow. Ehh, I have to get going now… it might be crucial to the case,” he lied again and made his way to his car before Kristen was able to say anything.“Something’s wrong with Doc, I know it. Please god let her be alright,” he prayed.
**********
After what seemed like an eternity, the ambulance finally arrived. Marlena let go of Shana so they could take her to the hospital. The ambulance left for the hospital just as Marlena quickly realized that Carrie had taken her car. “Oh, SHOOT, why didn’t I think about that? I have to get the hospital now!” she started to panic. Sami hated her and Carrie was away with Austin. “What do you mean you need to get to the hospital right now?” asked John, surprising Marlena. “John!” Marlena ran into his arms and thanked god he was here. “Doc, what’s wrong why do you need to get to a hospital? Are you alright? Did anything happen to that girl?” said John letting go of her so he could see if she was alright. “John, can you please take me to the hospital? It’s Shana, she just… she just fainted.” Marlena brought her hands to her face and started crying. John enveloped his arms around her body and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of his arms around her; he always hated seeing her cry. “C’mon Doc, it wasn’t your fault, now let’s go, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Marlena was silent all the way to the hospital, praying that Shana was okay. When they got there Marlena found Mike and asked him about Shana. “I didn’t get their names but I know there’s been two patients brought in from the emergency room in the last fifteen minutes. Unfortunately one of them didn’t make it,” said Mike sadly. Marlena’s eyes turned wide with fear. “Mike, please you have to tell me Shana’s alright. She can’t have died… please tell me she’s alright?” Tears were filling her hazel eyes and she was having a hard time keep them at bay. “Marlena, I’ll be right back and I’ll go check,” said Mike rushing off to get the names of the two that had come into the emergency room. Marlena couldn’t take it any longer and broke down. Before she could sink to the ground.
John’s strong arms enveloped her weeping body. She held onto him as tightly as she possibly could, and he rocked her back and forth, running his hands through her hair and rubbing her back and trying to comfort her the best way he could. “This is all my fault… it’s all my fault,” she kept on repeating.“Doc, honey, you know that’s not true. You couldn’t be responsible for thi… look, let’s go into your office,” said John still holding her. He told a nurse to tell Mike where they were. Marlena tried to walk, but her legs were too wobbly and she almost fell to the ground, so John picked her up and held her until they got in her office. When they got in, John tried to settle her down on the couch but she didn’t let go, so he sat down with her half sitting on his lap, her face buried in his chest. “This has to be my fault.I made her tell me who the rapist was. I forced her to tell me. She didn’t want to, but I begged her to tell me because I didn’t want other people getting hurt by him. She has been raped, raped by the exact same person who tried to rape me,” cried Marlena.“Doc, this isn’t your fault, please believe that.” He paused, then prepared himself for a question that he knew was going to be hard on her. “I know this is hard for you, but could you please tell me if she told you who the rapist was, and if so who was it?” Marlena tensed at his words and held on to him tightly before answering. “The last thing she said… was dad.”
John was shocked to what Marlena just said; he couldn’t believe anybody could be so sick as to rape their own daughter. “Doc, how did she know you… you almost got…?” He couldn’t say the dreadful words; he tightened his grip on her. Marlena got up and raised her hair, so John could see the ‘M’ mark on her neck; she explained everything that she knew about the mark to him. John got up and gently brushed his fingers over the mark. Marlena closed her eyes and flinched, now remembering how the scar was made. Tears filled her hazel eyes and made their way down her face silently. She was sick of crying but she couldn’t help it when she remembered what happened. John immediately noticed her tears and gently wiped them away with the pad of his thumb. He took her in his arms and rocked her back and forth, as she silently cried. “Doc, please know that I’m here for you and I’m not letting you go. You’re my best friend and I care so much for you. I just don’t want you to keep this inside of you, please promise me that?” said John, pulling back so he could see her beautiful hazel eyes. Their gazes locked for what seemed like an eternity. “Thank you so much. I… I don’t know what I would do without you.You’ve saved me two times already, just today. Thank you so much,” said Marlena.
A sudden knock on the door jolted them back into reality. John released Marlena, and opened the door to see Mike standing there. “Marlena, could I talk to you for a second?” Marlena looked over at John who made his way outside her office. “Marlena, isn’t Shana the girl who was here just today in the psych ward?” asked Mike. Marlena looked down and didn’t know what to say. “Marlena, you’re the one who brought her in, aren’t you?” asked Mike. “Mike, can I just know if she’s alright?” asked Marlena tear threatening to spill. “Yes, Shana’s alright. I’m sorry I gave you such a scare,” said Mike. He still had questions for Marlena. “Marlena, do you know her parents?” asked Mike.“No Mike, I was thinking about that and maybe we should try to find them so they can see her,” said Marlena.“I’ll go do that right now. If you can stay here I’ll try to get a hold of them,” said Mike. He got up and made his way to the door. “Mike… could I please see her?” she asked gently.
Mike smiled softly and told her directions to where she was. Marlena thanked Mike, who walked out of her office. She lay on the couch exhausted from the long day. She heard the clicking of the door and knew it was John, but she was just too exhausted to get up. “Hey Doc, what’s going on? Is she alright?” asked John sitting beside her. “She’s alright apparently; actually I was going to go see her soon,” said Marlena sitting up beside him and smiling for the first time in what seemed like forever. “You’re beautiful when you smile Doc,” blurted out John.
Marlena blushed and turned her head so he couldn’t see how much he was affecting her. The tension in the room could have been cut with a knife. John tried to change the subject, so the awkward silence would go away. “Doc, please tell me about this girl and why she’s so important to you?” asked John.“There’s something special about her. I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere and she’s so lonely John. Her dad raped her, her mother died and apparently she doesn’t like her adoptive parents at all. She told me they couldn’t care less if she was dead, so by the looks of it she lives in an abusive family,” said Marlena sadly. “Is she a patient of yours Doc?” asked John. He was shocked as to how much this girl was going through. “John, when I saw her for the first time, I… I saved her life,” said Marlena.
She took a deep breath when she saw John’s confused look. “When I saw her, she was outside and she tried committing suicide… When I got there, she collapsed. I brought her to the hospital immediately. When she woke up she was angry at me for saving her, but I could feel that she still trusted me. I want her to trust me and I want her to open up to me. I just don’t want anything bad to happen to her,” said Marlena. She closed her eyes to stop her tears from falling. She was sick of crying and she was sure John was too.
John took a moment to let it sink in. “Why was she out when we saw her?” asked John.“She ran away from the hospital. That’s when we saw her and I brought her home. I wanted her to feel safe, even though I knew I would’ve had to give her up to her parents again,” said Marlena while a lone tear made its way down her cheeks. John couldn’t stand seeing her cry so he brought her into his arms. “Thank you for listening and putting up with me. I’m so sorry I can’t stop crying,” she said with a half laugh. He let her go for a minute so he could look into her eyes. “Never apologize to me about something like that. You’ve been through HELL today and I don’t blame you for anything. I told you I’d be here for you and if you ever need to talk I’ll always listen,” said John softly, while stroking her hair. “Now, how’s about we go see her?” said John, taking Marlena’s hand and directing her to the door. She let out a small thank you and they made their way to Shana’s room. Little did they know this girl was going to change their lives forever
Shana was still asleep when John and Marlena got to her room. When they entered, Marlena gasped, seeing Shana’s pale body hooked up to machines. They both sat down in chairs and were silent for long minutes. The only sound that could be heard was the heart monitor’s beeping. When Marlena looked at Shana’s sleeping form she was surprised to see how at peace she looked in her own dreamland where there was no pain.
**********
The phone rang and Edmond lazily got up and picked it up. “Can’t you see I’ve got a damn hangover, you bunch of morons?” he spat nastily at whoever was calling. “Well I’m very sorry sir, but I was calling to inform you that your daughter is in the hospital. Actually, she almost died, but now she’s alright. Now, I just wanted to inform you that she is in the hospital and I strongly suggest you’d go see her,” said Mike, trying to regain calm or else he was going to scream into the phone after that warm hello from the man. “You talking about Shana?” asked the man.“Yes, I am sir,” replied Mike after a few breaths.
“Who cares, it’s not the first time she’s almost died and damn it’s about time she does,” replied the man, so coldly that it gave Mike goose bumps. “Sir, we at least need your signature for the release forms,” said Mike blankly.
“Well, can’t you just frigin’ kill her? I mean it’s not as if we care.I’m not getting out of bed just to sign something that’ll release that stupid…” Mike didn’t even give the man the time to finish. He had had enough. He was shaken by the phone call and decided that he had to talk to Marlena about it. He tried the house again just to make sure he had got the right number and had the same response from the man.
**********
“Who was that dear?” asked Roseanne, while drinking another beer. “The hospital. They told me that Shana almost died and they expect me to go over there and sign some PAPERS just to release her. I mean why the hell would I do that? I mean it’s not like she’s any use to us anyways and I couldn’t care less if she died,” he said with a laugh, while drinking his beer and he almost choked on it. “Good job. I don’t wanna hear about that stupid girl anyways. She was just getting to be trouble with her stupid guitar. We must’ve been wrecked beyond our minds when we adopted her.” She started laughing uncontrollably and her husband did too.
**********
“Marlena, I need to talk to you right away,” said Mike seriously as soon as he entered the room. Marlena followed him and he brought her to his office. “What is it Mike?” she asked when she closed the door behind her. “Marlena, I just called Shana’s parents and well, by the looks of it, they wanted her dead,” said Mike seriously. He knew this was going to affect Marlena. Marlena gasped. “You must be mistaken. Did you call the right number?” Mike told Marlena everything the man said and Marlena was shocked. “If this is true we have to report them to the police, I don’t want Shana to go to a home a family that wants her dead!” said Marlena. She was very angry at those people. “Marlena, she’s going to have to stay in the hospital for a long while and she might have to go to an orphanage since she’s only 15,” said Mike.
“Mike, we will deal with that when it comes. I’m going to talk to John right away to see what he can do about those people, and I will do everything in my power to stop them from ever abusing any other children,” said Marlena, with a fierce determination in her eyes. “I hope we can do something about this Marlena. Well I’m sorry but I have to get going, I have to meet a patient and I’m already late,” said Mike. Marlena couldn’t believe what she’d just heard from Mike, Shana wasn’t lying about her family. She walked out of her office fast… she needed to talk to John. When she got out she banged into somebody. “Oh I’m so sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was go…“ she stopped her phrase mid sentence when she saw the man she’d just hit. Letting out a sharp cry, she fainted.
“Oh shit, I have to get the hell out of here,” said the man as soon as he saw Marlena hit the floor. Nobody knew what to do, so they all stood there with their eyes wide. A few people watched him curiously, so he tried walking past them as normally as possible. “IT’S YOU, YOU BASTARD, COME BACK HERE!” screamed John at the man. “Shit, shit, shit, I gotta run.” Without a second thought he started running as fast as he could. He wasn’t going to get caught anytime soon, he had to get Marlena first. John started running towards him, but he quickly lost him when he disappeared into the crowd. “Damn, damn, DAMN!!” shouted John. His thoughts turned quickly to Marlena. He gave one last look to make sure he wasn’t there and quickly made his way back to Marlena who was still lying unconscious on the floor.
**********
Shana opened her eyes and they immediately turned cold. “He’s here, I can feel it,” she thought to herself, when a cold unexplainable feeling hit her. She tried to get up but she couldn’t. Her body was too weak. “Damn… Marlena said she ALMOST got raped, she’s in the deepest shit ever now. He won’t stop until he finishes what he started, the damn asshole. I have to do something. Wait a minute, why do I care so much about her anyway? Oh, the hell with it, she’s saved my life and she offered me a place to stay for a while, even though she knew she’d probably have to give me back to my so called family. Why do people try to hide what they’re feeling? I can read emotions anyway. If only she knew about my parents and how useless it is to even try to get them to accept me back into their house. They hate me and I despise them. Well, Marlena has helped me and I have to pay her back, now if only I could get up,” she thought to herself, while examining the room. She quickly realized she was hooked up to machines and she couldn’t move. She was angry, and she felt helpless and she knew her father was close. After a while she gave up trying to get up, she was too weak.“Please, don’t let him hurt anybody else. I’m sick and tired of hearing about it and I want him dead.”
**********
“Doc! Doc! Please, you have to wake up. He’s gone Doc,you’re safe now. I’m here for you and I’m not letting you go,” said John, sitting next to Marlena. He cupped her face gently, hoping she would wake up. “Don’t just stand there, make yourselves useful and go get a doctor!” said John, getting a bit irritated by everybody who was staring at him. “John, what the hell happened!?” asked Mike, when he got there. “I’ll tell you later Mike, just please bring her back!” said John. He was getting a bit worried. Suddenly Marlena’s eyes fluttered open and in an instant John hugged her tight. “John, what just happened?” asked Marlena confused. “Last thing I remember was… oh my god,” she said with fear. “Doc, I want to have you checked. I don’t want anything to be wrong with you,” said John seriously.“Well, hell… I think it’s very clear as to why I fainted for god sakes John! Can we please go somewhere more private?” she asked, when she noticed everybody looking at her. John and Mike agreed. They helped Marlena up to her feet and made their way to her office.
**********
“What the hell do you mean, Marlena saved Shana’s life? She wasn’t supposed to meet her, EVER!!!” snorted Kristen, at the man standing next to her. “I’m very sorry Kristen, but they’ve met and I’m pretty sure Marlena’s determined to help her,” replied the man. He never did like Kristen but he was paid very well by her father. “I told those morons to keep her in their damn house, I even payed them to do it! The first ones we took were good, why did the moronhave to kill his own wife? Now he’s on the run, stupid bunch of morons. I can’t risk John and Marlena knowing about Shana. Why didn’t my father just kill the girl instead of risking everything for what he calls his little plan that he doesn’t even want to tell me about? And that Marlena, she’s gonna ruin all my plans if I don’t do something about her… she’s planning on telling John everything about me after my baby is born. It’s kind of funny because it’s not even my baby!” replied Kristen, laughing like somebody gone mad. “It’s kinda funny to think that Marlena loves John, but he loves me. It’s the ultimate torture for her, which I absolutely adore seeing. As long as they don’t find out anything about Shana, I’ll be good,” smiled Kristen.
Once in Marlena’s office, Marlena explained to Mike the reason she’d fainted and also explained the situation about Shana’s parents to John. “I don’t want a check up right now. It’s useless.” After a small silence Mike remembered he had another appointment with a patient. “I’m sorry guys, I have to go for now. Maybe you should go visit Shana for a while, maybe she’s awake,” said Mike, before closing the door behind him. “He’s right John, I need to see Shana,” said Marlena. They both got up and headed for Shana’s room.
**********
“Holy shit, that is what I like to call too close for comfort,” said the man, while walking down the deserted street. “That stupid moron John, why did he have to ruin my plans? If it weren’t for him, Marlena would be another one of my victims. I won’t stop until I have her, not until I can proudly say I fucked the dear Dr. Evans.” He licked his lips in anticipation and started making plans for his next attack on her.
**********
Shana heard the door open slowly and she knew it was John and Marlena. She opened her eyes and looked at them. “I wonder why they’re not together, it’s too easy to see they love each other. Heck, anybody could see it,” she thought to herself, before saying anything. Shana made eye contact with the two and hesitated a bit before talking. She didn’t know what to say. “Hi Shana, I’m so glad you’re awake, are you feeling any better?” asked Marlena relieved to see that she was awake. “Eh, yeah, I’m feeling a lot better I guess. Do you know when I’ll be able to get out of here?” asked Shana, she was already bored of this place and she wanted to play her guitar. “Shana, I need to talk to you about something,” said Marlena. She didn’t know how to say it to her.
Shana could see Marlena was struggling and quickly guessed it was about her so called family. “Let me guess, it’s about my “family?” Shana rolled her eyes. Marlena was shocked but quickly remembered what she had said about reading people’s emotions. Apparently she hadn’t been lying. “Yes, actually, it is. My friend Mike called your parents to tell them you were here and they acted as if… as if they didn’t care if you didn’t make it. I’m really sorry Shana, but I have to take action whenever something like this happens, after all I am a psychiatrist. I don’t want you with an abusive family, but the thing is, we’ll have to find you another family because you’re only 15,” said Marlena.
She was very sad and she didn’t want Shana to hate her. Shana wasn’t surprised and actually found herself happy for a short moment, but it quickly faded away when she saw the sad look in Marlena’s eyes. “It’s not as if that surprises me, it was about time somebody realized my adoptive family were a bunch of nutcases, but why are you so sad Marlena?” asked Shana. She was surprised she actually asked something like that.“Shana, you might have to go to an orphanage.”“It’s not as if I care, it’s better than having a bunch of nutcases for a family,” replied Shana. She was starting back at square one, and all of a sudden. S sense of loneliness overtook her, she brought her knees close to her, trying to comfort herself from the sense of emptiness filling her whole body. “Oh Shana… I’m so sorry,” said Marlena fighting back tears. If only she could break through her shell. Without thinking
Marlena walked over to her and brought her into her arms. For the first time ever, since the day she got raped, Shana started crying heavy tears. Marlena never released her grip on her and whispered words of comfort in her ear. This girl was so special and she didn’t want anything bad to happen to her. She needed a loving family, and she was determined to help her through these tough times. “No matter what happens Shana, know that I’ll always be here for you as long as you let me.” Shana was still crying and Marlena knew it was going to take a while, so she continued comforting her until her breathing came back to normal. John stood there and watched them for a moment, he was filled with love for the two and all of a sudden he noticed that if it weren’t for her black hair, Shana booked so much like Marlena it was unbelievable. “I have to tell her that I love her… I also have to protect her from that bastard before he tries anything else.”
Time passed and John realized both Shana and Marlena had fallen asleep. Shana’s head lay against her chest, and her breathing was back to normal and her eyes were closed. They both looked so peaceful. John couldn’t help but smile at the two and he was transported to a place in time where Marlena was holding a sleeping Belle in her arms just like that for the very first time. He snapped out of his day dream when he saw Marlena’s eyes opening slowly. She looked at him for a moment and she could have sworn she saw love in his eyes. “Damn, she’s so beautiful, I wish she were mine forever,” he thought to himself.
Their gazes locked and Marlena was transported back in time to where they were married and were holding Sami and Eric one morning. Lost in the moment, Marlena closed her eyes and sighed. When she opened her eyes again John was standing next to her. “Doc, would you like me to take you home? It’s 2 in the afternoon and you two fell asleep for a couple of hours and I’m sure you could use something to eat right now. You must be starving,” whispered John. He didn’t want to wake Shana up. As if on cue Marlena’s stomach started growling.
John started laughing, trying not to make too much noise so he wouldn’t wake Shana up. John’s laughter was infectious and she couldn’t hold back her laughter. “What a great wake-up call you guys!” laughed Shana when she finally woke up from their laughter and she stuffed her face in her pillow. “Oh, I’m sorry for waking you up Shana, but you can get your head out of the pillow now!” laughed Marlena. “Waking up a teenager when she’s sleeping is like a death threat you know!” joked Shana, sticking out her tongue at them.“Well, seeing that you two ladies are wide awake, I’m going to get you something to eat. I’ll be right back.” John made his way out the door and stopped to look at the two laughing. “I’m so happy to see they BOTH have a smile on their faces,” he thought, then left to get some food for them.
**********
When John left, Shana saw Marlena sigh and smile. “So, you still haven’t told me why you two lovebirds aren’t together,” said Shana looking at Marlena with a smile. “You weren’t kidding me when you told me you could read people’s emotions, were you?” said Marlena. “It’s a very long story with a very complicated situation Shana, one I’m not even sure you would understand,” said Marlena sadly. Why was she saying these things to this girl anyway? “Marlena, he loves you and you love him, I can read emotions remember? I remember getting a strong feeling though, the other day. There’s something about a woman named Kristen isn’t there?” she asked.
Marlena was shocked by Shana’s answer. “Actually… how… wow,” was all Marlena could say. She was amazed by this girl’s gift, how else would she have known all this other stuff? “Please don’t talk to this about anybody, I don’t feel like being looked at like some freak. I’ve been looked at that way far too much thank you,” said Shana.“My lips are sealed, can you please tell me more about your gift?” said Marlena.
“It kinda feels weird talking about it, but here goes! I’ve had this gift ever since I can remember, I can also feel certain people when they’re around. I feel a cold and dark feeling whenever people who’ve left negative scars on me are around, and I feel a warm and happier feeling when people I love are around. The thing is it has to be a very strong emotion for the person for me to feel them. There’s only one single person who I’ve ever felt a strong feeling, that I knew I met her before but couldn’t recall it,” said Shana. Curious to know Marlena had to ask. “Can I know who it was?” Shana paused a minute.“You.”
“Me?” Marlena was shocked by Shana’s words. “Yeah, I know I’ve somehow met you somewhere. Your face is so familiar but I can’t seem to place you.” Shana was finally starting to open up to her, she had never talked about this to anybody ever before. “Actually, Shana, I was thinking the exact same thing. My memory is a little fuzzy but I know I’ve met you somewhere before, but do you mean you can sense whenever I’m around?” asked Marlena. “Yes I can, do you remember when you caught me the second time? I was playing my guitar and I was singing?” Marlena nodded. “Well I didn’t know it was you. At first I thought you were my mother. For a minute I let myself believe it was her and she would find me if she would follow my voice, but reality struck me when I saw you and John.” Shana paused a while and took a deep breath before continuing, “The song you heard me sing, was a song my mother used to sing to me when I was younger. She always told me itwas for the angel who gave me to her.” Marlena took a minute for all of this to sink in. “Shana, could you sing the song to me please?” Curious to know, she had to ask. Now that she thought about it the song did sound familiar and she needed to hear it. Shana looked at her as if she was crazy. “Eh no, I don’t have my guitar and I never did sing in front of anybody before.” Shana was still a bit surprised by her question. “Could you please sing it for me Shana? You have a beautiful voice and I’d really love hearing it. The title seems so familiar and I don’t remember it from when I heard you the first time, please?” Marlena really wanted to hear this song, there was something special about it and she knew it. After a long silence Shana took a deep breath and started singing the song.
Have you ever seen an angel’s wing That’s fluttering in the wind It looks perfect until you look closely and see That there are still scars trying to heal
Have you ever seen a cold person In which everything seems to be a burden But look closely and see That a friend is all they need
Nothing’s perfect But you can make it so much better Nobody’s perfect If you think you are, try walking on water
Have you ever seen someone who’s soul is lost Who lost their hearts because of the dark Look closely and see That the light’s trying to break free
Nothing’s perfect But you can make it so much better Nobody’s perfectIf you think you are, try walking on water
Have you ever seen a small child Who isn’t scared of speaking its mind Look closely and seeWhat a beautiful life they can lead
Nothing’s perfectBut you can make it so much better Nobody’s perfectIf you think you are, try walking on water…
Marlena stood frozen and wide eyed as the final notes of the song faded. Soon memories started flashing right before her eyes.
“Stefano, how could you be so cruel as to take me hostage and keep my baby from its father? You are nothing but a cold hearted bastard!!”
“Oh my goodness, she’s beautiful… welcome to the world my beautiful Shana.”
“You have your father’s beautiful blue eyes my little girl, I love you now and I’ll love you forever sweet girl.”
“Shana, my little girl I wrote this song for you when you weren’t even born yet, I used to sing it to you when you were still in my tummy and I still do, I hope you remember it as you grow up.”
“No don’t take her away from me, she’s all I have!!” cried Marlena holding a little girl in her arms, but the evil figures managed to take the small child from her arms and take her away, leaving a sobbing Marlena behind.
“Marlena, Marlena! Please snap out of it, you’re scaring me!” Shana grabbed a hold of Marlena’s hand and squeezed it tightly. Marlena barely looked at Shana and fainted.
“Oh my god, Marlena!!!” gasped Shana as she rushed, ignoring the pain that coursed through her because of the machines, to grab her before she fell off the bed. “C’mon Marlena wake up, my singing can’t be that bad!!” said Shana half joking. She held Marlena in her arms and prayed to God she was alright. She had no idea what to do, things like this never happened to her. John entered the room, only to see an unconscious Marlena lying in Shana’s arms. “Shana, what happened to Marlena?!?” asked John running towards the two. “John, she asked me to sing the song I sang when you first saw me. She really wanted to hear it, so after a while I finally gave up and sang it to her. Right after I finished she just fainted!” cried Shana. She didn’t know what to do, she didn’t want John to blame her. Seeing Shana was really worried for Marlena, he decided to trust her. It wasn’t until Marlena started mumbling and tossing and turning around that John knew she must be dreaming.
**********
Endless flashbacks flashed through Marlena’s mind…. things she thought she’d never remember.
“I can’t believe it, I’m pregnant… with John’s baby! I’ll do whatever it takes to bring us back where we belong.”
“I wish I could have his strong arms around me, I miss him so much and I wish he was here for us both,” said Marlena, cradling her slightly swollen stomach.
“You’re so sick as to think I’ll ever be able to love you Stefano. I hate you and keeping me from my husband will only make me hate you even more.”
“I’m going to make sure you’re never going to remember this Marlena. It would be too risky. After all, you will fall in love with me and you won’t even remember what I did to you and your family in the past,” said Stefano coldly.
“Shana will be safe with some other people, they already seem to like her and it’s not as if she’ll ever remember you anyway.” Stephano’s cold laugh made her shudder and she couldn’t help but cry.
**********
Like a jolt, Marlena’s eyes opened and she found herself lying on the hospital bed in John and Shana’s presence. “Oh thank god you’re awake Marlena,” said the two in unison. “You scared the crap out of us you know,” said Shana hugging her tightly. When Shana pulled back, she saw Marlena’s eyes flooding with tears. Slowly Marlena’s hand caressed Shana’s face softly. “Shana, oh my goodness, it’s you!” Marlena couldn’t stand it any longer and pulled her into her arms for a fierce hug. After a long silence, Shana sensed something she never sensed before. Pulling back, she looked in Marlena’s eyes and understood why she was acting differently. Her hand flew to her mouth and she stayed there wide eyed and speechless. It couldn’t be possible, how could this have happened? There were so many questions running through her mind. “M… Mom?” asked Shana, almost inaudibly. Her blue eyes flowed with tears, this couldn’t be happening. John stood there with his jaw opened in shock of Shana’s words. Had she just called Marlena her mom? Marlena gathered Shana in her arms and rocked her crying form until her unsteady and shaky breathing was replaced by steady breaths. After long moments Shana fell asleep in her true mother’s arms, Marlena kissed her hair softly and looked up at John. “We have so much to talk about.”
“Doc, I’m not sure I understand, why did Shana call you her mother?” asked John in a whisper. He didn’t want to wake Shana up. A knock on the door interrupted Marlena before she was able to say anything. “I’ll go get it.” John sat up and opened the door. When he opened the door he saw his fiancé standing there. A sudden feeling of guilt hit him when he saw Kristen’s swollen stomach and the engagement ring on her finger. Kristen saw Marlena with the girl, but she didn’t know what was going on. The thought of the girl being Shana never even crossed her mind.
Once she saw the disappointment on Marlena’s face when she entered the room, Kristen decided she was going to rub her relationship with John in her face. “Hi Kristen, what brings you here?” asked John a bit nervously. “Honey, I was on my way to my appointment today and I heard somebody say you were in the hospital. I just wanted to see my wonderful fiancé and soon to be daddy before I went,” said Kristen sweetly. What she said was partly true, her father’s men had told her John was in the hospital with Marlena… but she didn’t have an appointment. Marlena’s gaze went to the ground and Kristen knew she was getting to her. “Honey, I thought you were supposed to be working on a case, what are you doing here?” asked Kristen curiously. “I am working on a case, but you know I can’t tell you anything Kristen,” said John. He was getting more irritated with her by the second. “It’s alright John, I was just curious. Well I should get going now, I have an appointment to go to. Please come home soon honey. I missed so you much last night. I love you,” said Kristen with a seductive smile, before kissing him. When she was out, she couldn’t help but laugh quietly when she saw Marlena’s face. It was priceless. “Now I just have to get that bitch out of our lives forever.”
**********
“Today will be the day I finally get to have Marlena to myself. She won’t even know what hit her. Damn that woman is hot,” said the man looking at Marlena’s picture. “I heard that Stefano held her in a cage. What a good idea, just thinking about it makes me horny. I just need to get her alone, and then the rest is history.”
**********
“What the hell do you mean you’re arresting me?” asked Edmond, trying to fight off the cops. “You and you’re wife have been a part of child abuse and we’re arresting you. You have the right to remain silent,” said the cop who was struggling with the big man. “Quiet my ass, that stupid girl only caused us trouble. She deserves to die,” screamed Roseanne, hitting one of the cops with an empty beer bottle. All of a sudden she felt herself being transported by somebody to a police car alongside her husband.
**********
An awkward silence fell upon the two. “So that was your fiancé, huh?” asked Shana who was now awake. “Shana, you’re awake!” said a surprised Marlena, letting go of her. “Eh, duh! So, hey John, you didn’t answer my question, that’s your fiancé isn’t it?” asked Shana. “Yes, she is,” was all John could say as he looked down at the floor, unable to meet Marlena or Shana’s gaze. Shana saw Marlena’s gaze follow John’s to the floor. “So, why don’t you love her?
Both taken by surprise, John and Marlena just stared at Shana wide-eyed. John couldn’t believe his ears. A sudden feeling of guilt hit him. “What about my child? Kristen even named him already. She loves me with all her heart, but she’s been acting so strangely lately, especially when Doc’s around. She never lets me touch her stomach, and she never touches me either. Except when Marlena’s there and all of the sudden she’s all over me. I’m not even comfortable with her anymore. I love Marlena for goodness sakes… I don’t know what to do anymore, the baby keeps me from telling Doc the truth. I feel as if she’s hiding something big from me, both Marlena and Kristen. And then there’s Shana, there’s something about her, why did she call Doc her mother and why did she just tell me what I’ve been trying to deny every since Roman left Marlena?… I love Marlena, not Kristen,” Shana interrupted John’s thoughts after what seemed like 5 minutes. “John, you didn’t answer my question, why are you with Kristen when you don’t even love her?” asked Shana. She was determined to make these two admit their feelings for each other. After all she wanted to somehow repay Marlena for everything she had done. She was so happy she had found her again. John was speechless. He tried to come up with some excuse, but no sound came from his mouth when he tried to speak. He looked over to Marlena and saw the confusion in her eyes. He couldn’t stand it, but just as he was about to get up and escape the room, a knock on the door interrupted him.
Mike entered the room. “Hi guys, I just wanted to let Shana know that her parents have just been arrested today for child abuse. Marlena was very concerned about it so we decided to let the police check things out. They found files containing proof that you weren’t the first who’d been abused. They’ve adopted eight children and they killed them all without anybody knowing…Abe wanted to let you know that he wanted to ask you some questions to help them,” said Mike.“Oh and before I forget, John, you have a telephone call. It’s Abe,” said Mike before leaving again. John was somehow thankful for the interruption and followed Mike out of the room.
**********
“Shana, what the hell were you thinking?!” asked Marlena, still shocked from Shana’s earlier words. “What do you mean? I know he doesn’t love her, it’s too obvious!” exclaimed Shana. “Shana, I know you say you can read feelings but I don’t want you to mess around with mine or John’s head alright?” said Marlena. “You’re blind if you can’t see that he loves you. It’s so obvious and I’m sure if you’d ask anybody they’d agree with me. If you can’t see that, you’re blind. You have to tell him you love him. I know the guy loves you and there’s something about him that I like. He’s not a jerk and he really cares,” said Shana. She was determined to bring these two together, no matter what.
“Shana… John is your father,” said Marlena. Shana’s jaw dropped at her words, tears filled her eyes and she looked to the floor and into Marlena’s eyes. “Wh-what?” Her voice was a bit shaky.
Marlena immediately gathered her into her arms. “John is your father Shana. I haven’t told him yet. You also have a baby sister called Isabella, Belle for short, John’s son Brady, and Eric and Sami, who’re a bit older than you are. They’re with their nanny, Chelsea, right now,” said Marlena stroking Shana’s hair. Shana couldn’t believe her ears. She had a family, a real family, a mother who loved her, a father who seemed to care a lot, and brother’s and sisters. Another knock on the door interrupted the two.
Mike entered the room only to see the two in each other’s embrace. “I’m sorry to interrupt you two, but Shana, I’m very sorry to say this but you’re going to have to go to an orphanage,” said Mike sadly. Before Mike could say anything else Marlena told Mike that Shana was her daughter, and explained everything. “Marlena, we’ll have to take tests to prove that, but they shouldn’t take too long. We just need to borrow Shana from you for a while. I strongly suggest you go home and get some rest, you really need some after everything that’s happened today,” said Mike.
Shana looked over at Marlena, “Yeah, you definitely need some rest, don’t worry about me I’ll be fine,” said Shana. “But I shouldn’t be leaving you alone now, I can wait until you can get out,” said Marlena.“Mom, get some rest, you need it. I’m probably going to get some for a while too anyway,” said Shana.“Alright fine, but I’ll be back soon. I need to talk to your father,” whispered Marlena in Shana’s ear, before kissing her forehead. “I love you my sweet girl” said Marlena as she left the room. “How did I get so lucky?”
***********
Sneaking into the penthouse had been a very difficult task but he managed to do it. The man made his way up the stairs into Marlena’s bedroom. He saw a bunch of pictures of what seemed to be her children. “So the lovely Dr. Evans has children,” said the man, grinning at how this could give him a big advantage in his plan. Once inside her bedroom he hid in her closet and awaited her arrival. “She’ll never know what hit her.”
“John, there’s been no sign of Marlena’s rapist. We searched everywhere. My guess is that he probably ran away from here when he saw Marlena in the hospital,” said Abe from the other end of the phone. John ran his hand through his hair. “Abe, there must be some clue as to where the bastard is right now. I’ve got a bad feeling about this. He’s a rapist for goodness sakes, I don’t want him to attack anybody else,” said John.“We’ll find him John. We’re still looking for clues and I’ll let you know if I hear anything about it. In the meantime you should definitely be there for Marlena. I’m sure she’s in desperate need of comfort at the moment.” Abe hung up before John could even reply.
He hung up the phone and turned around to see the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. Her blonde hair was messy and she looked tired, but she still looked beautiful. “Hi John, Shana practically ordered me to get some rest, but first we really need to talk,” said Marlena. When she looked around she saw lots of people staring at the two. “Could we please go somewhere, well more private?” “How’s about I get you home? you’ll be able to explain this crazy situation to me and then you’ll be able to get some rest,” said John. Marlena agreed and John led her to his car.
***********
“What the hell was he doing with that bitch in the hospital anyway?” snorted Kristen at one of her father’s men.“I heard that Dr. Evans almost got raped and it’s your husband that saved her,” said the man, unaware that Kristen was going to freak out. “WHAT?!?” screamed Kristen.“What the hell was he doing there anyway? Don’t tell me it’s that feeling he gets when she’s in trouble, you know like the time he just wouldn’t believe she was dead…. and unfortunately she wasn’t… when my father had her prisoner. I wish I could just kill that bitch and get her out of our lives before she decides to tell John anything.” Suddenly she had an idea. “I’ll just tell him I want to get married right away!”
**********
The ride to the penthouse had been silent almost all the way. John sensed she was hiding something from him, something important and it was clearly upsetting her. When they got to the penthouse Marlena closed the door behind her and took a deep breath, nervous about what was going to happen next. “Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink, anything?” she asked as he sat down on the couch. “No thanks Doc, I’m fine.” He decided this was a good time to ask her about Shana. “Doc, why did Shana call you her mother?” Marlena sat beside him and prepared herself for what she was about to say. “John, do you remember when I came back after Stefano had held me hostage all those years?” said Marlena, getting lost in his blue eyes.
John nodded, holding back tears. “I didn’t tell anybody, but I was having weird dreams. It was the same one over and over. I was holding a child in my arms and somebody came and took it away saying I’d never remember her. I still have that dream once in a while. When I fainted, it was like I was having the dream again, only this time I was able to see the faces and I remember lots of things. When Shana sang that song we heard her sing, it felt sort of familiar to me. I asked her to sing it when we alone in the hospital room, and when she did flashbacks started just invading my mind and then I fainted once again,” said Marlena.“What kind of flashbacks Doc?” asked John.“I was pregnant when they I got kidnapped John, I used to sing that song to her when she wasn’t born yet, and when she was born I sang it to her all the time as a lullaby. Stefano took her away from me after a while. He said he was going to make me forget everything and he vowed he was going to make me love him. He’s more delusional than I thought.”
Marlena couldn’t hold back her tears and broke down. John gathered her in his arms and rocked her crying form until her body stopped shivering. John was silent but his mind was racing, he had so many unanswered questions. Was Shana his daughter? As if reading his thoughts Marlena lifted her head so she could see his face. “John, Shana is our child.”
John couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Marlena took his hand in her trembling one. Nothing but silence could be heard for long minutes as John just stared at the wall wide-eyed. Marlena took this as a sign that he wasn’t happy. She lowered her head and held back tears. John snapped out of his thoughts when he sensed something wrong with Marlena. Suddenly it hit him. He really was Shana’s father, and he had another beautiful child with the love of his life. “Shana is ours,” he kept on repeating it with a huge smile on his face. Marlena smiled back at his reaction and quickly started laughing as he jumped off the couch and grabbed her in a bear hug and swung her around the room. When he put her down, she was smiling at him and he was filled with immense love for this woman. He pulled her in his arms again as they both cried happy tears.
**********
The man heard voices coming from downstairs. “Shit, somebody’s here with her, what if it’s the cops?” thought the man to himself, panicking because he didn’t have any back up plan. “I’ll just have to wait until she’s alone. It better be fast, I’m losing my patience here.” He smiled maliciously as he thought it would be worth the wait.
**********
“Doc, I really want to be an active part of Shana’s life. She’s been through so much, and she needs a family that loves her and that’ll be there for her whenever she needs,” said John while still holding Marlena. “John, what about your child and Kristen?” As much as she loved him, she couldn’t tell him because of his child. She wished he could see through Kristen’s lies, but she couldn’t tell him until the baby was born. She pulled away from his embrace and turned around, afraid he’d see the tears in her eyes.
John immediately knew something was wrong with her. John gently touched her shoulders and made her turn around so he could look into her eyes. “Doc, Shana is my daughter and I love her already. I promise I will be there for her as much as I possibly can,” said John. How he wanted to tell her how he felt. Marlena swore she saw love in his eyes but dismissed the thought. “Thank you John, you’ve been such a wonderful father to Belle and Brady,” said Marlena with a small smile.
Suddenly John saw bruises on both her arms. “Oh my god, Doc,” he said, his voice filled with concern as he took her arm gently and examined the bruise with his feather light touch. This made Marlena shiver and she closed her eyes trying to block out the images of the rapist from running through her head. “Doc, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I should have been there to stop him,” said John guiltily. He began feeling as if he didn’t deserve this woman to be anything more than a friend, as the guilt overtook him. Marlena saw his change of attitude and hushed him. “Stop blaming yourself for this, you couldn’t have known about him. I’m just happy you arrived when you did, or else I might have… I might…” She couldn’t say it, as tears took over her and her body was shaking at the thought of the rapist’s hands on her body.
She held her head with her hands and would have fallen to the floor if it weren’t for John. He wrapped his strong arms around her trembling body for long minutes as he whispered soft words of comfort in her ear until her body stopped shaking. Her head was resting against his chest as he stroked her hair and felt his shirt getting soaked. John decided he wasn’t going to tell her he loved her today. She was too vulnerable and she was still trying to cope with the fact that she almost got raped by some sick bastard.
John knew she was tired so he picked her up in his arms and walked towards her bedroom slowly, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. Her arms wrapped around him and her head rested against his neck, and he had to fight the urge to kiss her. He brought her to her bedroom and laid her down on the bed gently. This was almost too much for him, so he decided to leave the room but he felt a strange feeling that stopped him dead in his tracks. He looked over at Marlena who was sitting on the bed, with tears in her eyes. “Please don’t leave me,” her simple plea was filled with fear. John walked over to her and held her. Marlena held onto him tightly, afraid that if she let go he was going to disappear. “Marlena, I’m here, and I’m not leaving you, you’re safe now, I won’t let anything happen to you.” Before he knew it, Marlena had fallen asleep in his arms. Laying down on the bed slowly, he made sure not to wake her up. Soon he joined her in dreamland, a place where they loved each other openly.
“The fucker, why did he have to interfere with my plans again? If she would’ve just shut up, I could’ve had her all to myself again. I have get away from here before they find me, cause if they do, John will kill me with his bare hands, I know it,” thought the man. As quietly as he could, he left the bedroom but stopped to look at Marlena before he took off. She looked so peaceful in John’s arms and he could have sworn that she had a smile on her face, but he wasn’t sure. If it wouldn’t have been for the moonlight, he would’ve tripped and fallen a million times. Silently he made his way out the door, vowing to himself that he was going to fuck the lovely Dr. Evans if it was the last thing he did.
**********
John woke up when he felt Marlena tossing and turning, obviously having a bad dream. He reached out to touch her, but she pulled away, and told him to stop it and to let her go. He figured she was probably dreaming about the rapist. “Doc, I’m here. It’s John, nothing’s going to happen, you’re safe,” said John, hoping it would help her calm down. It worked and Marlena stopped tossing and turning. Filled with love, John kissed her forehead. “I love you Doc,” he whispered. Nothing would have prepared him for the next words she was going to say. “I love you too John, so very much.” If John had been standing he would have fallen to the ground, that much he knew. John thought he was going crazy. He couldn’t have heard right? “Doc, you love me?” he had to ask. Tears were making their way down his face.“I always have, and I always will,” said Marlena who was now awake. “Oh my god!” said John as he threw his arms around her. He couldn’t believe it was happening. “I love you so much Marlena, I love you so much, I never want to let you go!” They both had tears running down their faces as they parted to look at each other. John cupped her cheek lovingly and their eyes met. John slowly bent his head towards hers until their lips touched. What started out as an innocent kiss, became more heated by the second.
**********
John woke up to a still sleeping Marlena. It had been nothing but a dream. “I want to tell her I love her so badly, but when the opportunity comes I always back out. I want us to be a family once again… I wish I could kiss her when I wanted… I wish she’d be my loving fiancé waiting for me when I come home from work. I wish I could make love to her. She’s so beautiful and I wish she loved me,” thought John to himself. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t notice Marlena was awake. She thought she was dreaming. It was like all those years ago, waking up with the strong arms of the one she loved around her. She turned around to see him awake and staring at the ceiling, and he seemed so lost in thought. She knew she was going to have to get up soon, even though she didn’t want to.
**********
“I wonder what my parents are doing? Mom must’ve been terribly tired… it’s almost morning, and she left yesterday, in the afternoon!” said Shana to herself. All of a sudden she felt a cold shiver travel up her spine, her eyes turned cold and she knew it was that woman, Kristen. “There must be a good reason I feel this way about her. If only I could see her, I should try to ask her questions about my mother and John to see her reaction, and to see what she’s planning. Something tells me I shouldn’t tell her who I am though. I wonder why?”
She closed her eyes to savor the moment, before having to face reality. A strange feeling that something was wrong with Brady hit her, but she dismissed it. “Belle and Brady are with Shawn and Caroline. John asked if they could sleep over there and they were glad to… they’re probably just eating breakfast or something,”thought Marlena to herself. “Hi sleepyhead,” said John teasingly, while playing with her hair. Marlena’s breath caught in her throat and she pulled back, afraid to show her feelings. “Oh, so I’m a sleepyhead? You probably just woke up too!” Marlena slapped him playfully on the arm. He couldn’t help but laugh. “You started sleeping yesterday afternoon Doc. Shana’s going to ask you what the hell you were doing!” Marlena smiled at the thought of Shana being her daughter and was filled with love. “John…” Her voice was barely audible but he heard her. “What is it Doc?” asked John. “Thank you… for staying with me last night. You’ve been so great to me, and I’m sorry I’ve been such a mess,” said Marlena. She was thankful for his caring, and she wanted to tell him that she loved him, but held back, afraid of being rejected and losing the friendship they shared. “Doc, I’ll be here for you whenever you need me. I care for you so much, you’re my best friend and I would do anything for you.” John had to hold back tears as he used the word ‘care’ instead of ‘love’. He missed waking up with her like this and holding her like when they were married. “I’ve missed talking to you John,” said Marlena. John smiled at the amazing woman in front of him. Their gazes met and out of instinct John leaned forward slowly, towards her face. The electricity between them filled the room. Marlena closed her eyes and felt herself give in. Their lips met in a soft kiss.
Suddenly, John realized what he was doing and pulled back. He felt as if he was taking advantage of her. “Marlena, I’m so sorry.I… eh… I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry…” said John, not quite sure what he was talking about. He was still lost in the sensation of his lips on hers. Marlena was speechless after that kiss, but she managed to get some words out. “It’s alright John, no hard feelings. We were married once,” she said anything that made a bit of sense. John decided he needed to put some distance between them for a minute or else he was going to lose control of his emotions. “I’m going to go make us breakfast, you really need to eat.”
**********
“So the lovely doctor has children… this could definitely work to my advantage. So many people to kill, so little time! I just need to her to feel so much pain she’ll want to die, like I have so many times. She should’ve known what was in for her when she didn’t let me rape her. I’ll make her scream my name so loud, and that way all of Salem will hear her as I take her again and again.” The man smiled a smile so cold it could have frozen lava. “Belle, Brady, Eric, Samantha and Carrie. Oh the decisions in life are so hard sometimes!” He laughed maliciously by himself, as he planned everything.
**********
Kristen entered Shana’s room, expecting to find her asleep but she was surprised to see that she was wide-awake.“Oh well if it isn’t Kristen,” said Shana as she eyed her coldly. “Who are you anyway you little brat, and why the hell were John and Marlena with you?” asked Kristen rudely.“Watch your attitude Krissy,” said Shana with a smirk on her face. “You should watch yours, you little brat!” snorted Kristen.“Yeah, you should too. Too bad you don’t have a brain to go with it,” said Shana.“Tell me why the hell John and Marlena were here, you brat?” Kristen was getting angry at the girl.“They were planning on an invasion of Mars and they needed my help to take off.” Shana could see Kristen was getting pissed off and she had to force herself not to laugh at her. “Tell me why John was here, NOW!” Kristen wanted to squeeze this girls guts out. “Getting away from you. Don’t you find it weird that he always tenses up when you’re around Krissy?” She knew she was going to hit her. Kristen had never even thought about that.“It’s because of our baby, he’s probably scared to hurt me or something.” She said the first thing that passed through her mind.
This girl was driving her nuts. Shana sensed her insecurity and smiled. “So, is this your first baby together?” asked Shana, her voice softer. Kristen was taken by surprise by her sudden change of attitude. “Probably just one of Marlena’s schizophrenic patient or something,” she thought. When she saw Kristen nod she knew she was on the right track so she kept asking questions to figure out what she was hiding. “So what is it you have against Marlena anyway?”
Kristen couldn’t help herself and started bitching against Marlena non-stop, telling Shana she was trying to steal John away from her. “Why do you think she’s trying to steal him from you?” asked Shana, and there it was, what she had been waiting to read. “She loves him, and she says I’ve done all this nasty stuff that I couldn’t even think about doing to John and her,” said Kristen, trying to act as if she was sad. “What does she accuse you of?” She had to figure this thing out. “Horrible things. She says I’m evil and I’ve manipulated John into getting me pregnant, helped Stefano kidnap her, all sorts of crazy things!” Kristen continued her rambling. Shana had heard enough bullshit from this woman. “So I was right, you are nothing but a lying bitch.”
Kristen was taken by surprise by Shana’s reply. “Marlena would never accuse anybody of doing something so damn stupid unless she was 100% sure they did.” Shana was angry at Kristen more than she should have been. “Oh, so she’s brainwashed you too? Watch yourself she’s not what she seems,” said Kristen with a smirk on her face before leaving Shana alone in the room. Shana knew she had been lying about something big but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Whatever it was, she was desperate to keep John to herself, that much she knew. “She looked uncomfortable and changed the subject so fast when I mentioned her pregnancy…” Suddenly it hit her. “She isn’t pregnant!”
**********
When John left the room, Marlena let herself fall on the bed. She closed her eyes and touched her lips, almost as if she could still feel the sweet kiss they had just shared. Shana’s words crossed her mind. Could she have been right after all? “Does John really love me like she says he does? What if it’s true?”
**********
When John closed the door, he slid down on the floor and took deep breaths. He still felt his lips on hers and the effect it had on him. He touched his lips and relived the magical moment they had just shared. “Maybe Abe was right, I should tell her I love her as soon as possible. I can’t stand acting as if I’m not crazy in love with her. I love Kristen but just not in the same way. I love Marlena with all my heart and soul. I’d die without her. She gives me hope to live when I feel like it’s useless.” John decided he was going to tell her after breakfast. He lifted himself off the floor and walked to the kitchen with a big smile on his face. The telephone rang and John answered it.
“Hi dad” said Shana from the other end of the line. His heart leaped with joy as he heard his precious daughter’s voice. “Hi Shana, how are you feeling this morning?” he asked sweetly. “I’m alright, but I’d really like to talk to you as soon as possible,” said Shana. She was going to tell him what she thought of Kristen and her secrets. “Alright honey. I’m making your mom some breakfast… she hasn’t been eating for the past 2 days and she was extremely tired. We’ll go as soon as she is ready, alright?” Shana sighed. “Yup. That’ll be great, the doctors said I could get out of here today!” said Shana excitedly.“That’s great news Shana!” said John with a big smile on his face. “Alright well I’m gonna go for now. Bye Dad.” Shana smiled when referring to John as her dad. “Bye bye Shana.”
**********
When Belle and Brady were finished eating breakfast and watched their Saturday morning cartoons, Caroline interrupted them and asked if they wanted to go to the park. They both jumped and got changed. It was a nice day outside and Caroline wanted to take advantage of it. When Belle and Brady were ready, they headed for the park.
***********
The man watched as Belle and Brady were playing in the sandbox. “I just need to distract Belle and somehow get Brady to get over here,” thought the man to himself. Just when he was about to give up trying to figure this thing out, Brady’s ball landed right next to him in the bush. When he came to get it, the man grabbed him and put a hand on his mouth to stop him from screaming. Brady was fighting, kicking and trying to scream but to no avail. The man reached in his pocket and found a knife. “If you continue, I’ll kill you,” said the man with a cold look. Brady stopped moving, he only looked at the man with fear in his eyes afraid of getting hurt by him. “Oh by the way, the name’s Kevin. Now you’ll be living with me for a while until I get what I want.” He smiled coldly as he thought of how well this was going. “Perfect.”
Kevin left a small note for Marlena; he knew they were going to search the place everywhere, so he left it there. Brady was crying silently as he was being kidnapped. He couldn’t talk or else the evil man would kill him, so he had to follow him. They got to his car and Brady got in without saying a word, trying to find a plan so he could get out. Kevin started his car and sped out of Salem.
**********
Marlena felt weird all of a sudden, a creepy feeling that something was horribly wrong with one of her children and she couldn’t dismiss it. She looked at herself and realized she was still in the clothes that she had on yesterday. She got up and got changed into a comfortable t-shirt and loose pair of jeans. She ran downstairs to find John hanging up the phone. “Who was that?” she asked. John smiled and turned around, his breath catching in his throat as he saw her looking beautiful in a simplet-shirt and jeans. “It was Shana. She wanted to talk to me after I make you breakfast,” said John. As he turned around to get the things he needed for breakfast, a sudden creepy feeling stopped him dead in his tracks. Something was wrong.“You feel it too don’t you?” asked Marlena worried. John was shocked by how easily she had read him. “I just talked to Shana, and she’s alright. I’m going to call the pub to make sure Belle and Brady are alright,” said John picking up the phone and dialing the Brady’s Pub number.
***********
When Caroline saw that Brady wasn’t moving back from the bushes, she started getting worried. She got up and searched everywhere and couldn’t find Brady. “Brady! C’mon Brady this isn’t a joke. If you don’t come out of your hiding place I’ll have to call Mom or Dad,” said Caroline. When she didn’t hear or see anything she really started to worry about him. “Oh my god, where are you Brady?” said Caroline once again, hoping he would just pop up out of nowhere and say he got her, but she didn’t see him anywhere.
She got scared. The sky was turning darker and she knew it was going to rain soon. “Belle could you pick up your things and help me find Brady? I think he’s playing hide and seek and I can’t find him alone,” said Caroline. After half an hour of searching, Belle started crying that she wanted to go home. Caroline was worried about Brady. “Belle, I’m going to take you home and I’m going to call Mommy and Daddy okay?” said Caroline as she carried a tired Belle to the pub.
Once inside the pub, Belle had fallen asleep in Caroline’s arms. Caroline brought her to her bedroom and laid her down on the bed. Quietly she got out of the room, careful not to wake her up.
The phone rang so she got it. “Hi Mom, how are the kids?” asked a slightly nervous John. “John, thank god you called. I can’t find Brady, we looked for him for half an hour!” Caroline had tears flowing down her cheeks out of fear for Brady. “I knew something was wrong. Crap! Marlena and I will be there in 5 to 10 minutes,” said John as he hung up. Marlena was scared to ask what was wrong. “They can’t find Brady, they looked for him for about half an hour. We have to go there now,” said John. Marlena was filled with worry and fear for Brady. “Alright, let’s go,” said Marlena taking a deep breath, trying to prepare herself for whatever happened next. John took her hand and they both ran to his car.
When they got the pub, Caroline was waiting for them. “Oh my goodness, thank God you’re here John and Marlena! Belle’s sleeping right now. She was awfully tired when I got back… but there’s still no sign of Brady,” said Caroline.“What happened Mom?” asked John. After all these years he was so grateful that both Caroline and Shawn treated him like their son. “He was playing with his ball and it landed in the bushes. He went to go get it but he didn’t come back. After a while I started getting worried so I started looking for him, but after half an hour, I still didn’t find him and Belle was tired and crying. I’m so sorry son, I did the best I could,” said Caroline wiping tears from her eyes. John gave her a hug and told her not to worry. “We’ll find him Caroline. I’d like to go check at the park for any clues as to where he is,” said John.
“I’m going with you John, and don’t even try to stop me,” said Marlena with a fierce determination in her eyes. “Is Belle alright?” asked Marlena before going with John. “She’s sleeping right now, and it wouldn’t’ be wise to wake her up,” said Caroline with a wink. “Thanks Caroline, we’ll be back,” said John before taking Marlena’s hand and running to the park. “Will those two ever realize how much in love they both are?”
***********
Sami was walking in the streets of Salem when she saw her mother and John running towards the park, while holding hands. When she saw them she saw a mixture of fear and worry on their faces, and she wondered what was wrong with them. Suddenly she realized that she was wondering if they were alright and she pushed her anger back up. She wasn’t about to forgive her Mom and John for what they did to their Dad any time soon. Now he was risking his life for the ISA because of them. “It’s all their fault that the family fell apart,” said Sami to herself. “No it’s not. You just say it’s their fault and blame them because you know it isn’t true,” said Carrie who had heard Sami.“Oh shut up Carrie, you know as much as I do that it’s their fault, and I’ll make them pay for all the pain they caused me,” said Sami angrily.
Carrie had had enough of Sami’s self pity and anger towards everybody. Before Sami knew it, Carrie slapped her across the face. Sami stared at her wide-eyed as she brought her hand to where Carrie had slapped her. “Don’t you get it, you’re the one who’s making yourself miserable? John was more of a father than Roman ever was. He raised us and loved us every day and he was crushed when Roman came back. He lost everything when he came back, Sami. He lost Isabella shortly after and Mom was the only one who could break through to him. He fell in love with her again, and so did she. They couldn’t hide their feelings forever Sami, don’t you get that? Imagine loving somebody but having to stay with somebody else because of your children,” said Carrie. Sami let it all sink in and looked at her sister with tears in her eyes. “But why did he have to leave us?” Carrie closed her eyes and sighed. “He didn’t have a choice, he loved us but he knew Roman wouldn’t let him be a part of our lives. He really did love us Sami,” said Carrie.“I think I’m starting to understand why they did it, but I still can’t help but feel anger towards them you know,” said Sami to her sister. She never knew they would be talking without fighting. “Sami, it’s alright. I don’t blame you but you need to stop blaming them for breaking up the family. You just need to open up more about your true feelings, and I’m here. After all, you are my sister aren’t you?” said Carrie giving Sami a wink. For the first time in a while, Sami smiled at her sister with tears on the verge of falling.Carrie gave her a big hug and smiled. “Thanks sis.”“Anytime Sami, anytime.”
Both John and Marlena decided to split up so they could cover more ground. While searching around the bushes, a folded piece of paper caught her attention. She unfolded it and read what was written on it.
I knew you’d go out and try to find Brady as soon as you heard about his sudden disappearance. You honestly didn’t know what you were getting yourself into when you didn’t let me fuck you like the little whore you are. Now what are you going to do? I have Brady and since you didn’t do what I wanted you to do, he’s going to pay the consequences for you. I always wanted a human puppet and whenever I get angry I can just beat the little brat to a pulp, sounds like a good plan don’t you think? Watch yourself Doc, one by one I’ll take your little brats away from you until you have nothing left. Oh, and don’t even bother telling your knight in shining armor about this letter, he won’t be able to find me. I’ll keep in touch sexy. Kevin
“That fucking bastard!” Marlena re-read the letter over and over so she could see anything that would give her any clues as to where he was. “Why couldn’t he just leave Brady alone, why couldn’t he just take me and let my children alone.” She let herself fall down on her knees and pounded the ground as hard as she could, wanting to let out some anger or else she would blow. She was so angry that she didn’t even notice John kneeling beside her. “Doc, DOC!” John touched her arm so she would stop. His touch stopped her actions as she was jolted back into reality. Looking at her fists she saw they were bleeding. “Oh, eh… oops,” said Marlena embarrassed he found her like that. He took her hands gently and examined the bruises. His touch caused goose bumps to surface and she forgot what she had been doing before.
When their gazes met, Marlena snapped out of it and pulled her hand away. “What happened Marlena, does it hurt?” asked John worriedly. “John for god sakes stop, it’s not like it’s going to kill me or anything, they’re just bruises, they hardly even hurt,” bit back Marlena. “Alright, I’m sorry if I upset you, but what happened?” asked John in a soft tone. Marlena sighed and knew she would have to show him the letter. She picked up the letter from the ground and showed it to him. When he read it he thought he would explode. “The fucking bastard, where the hell is he? I’ll kill him!!!” John was angry beyond words, he could have killed him right then and there. He stood up but before he could go run somewhere
Marlena touched his shoulders. “John, there is nothing we can do but call Abe right now, we’ve searched everywhere and you can’t just go running after him. He probably had a car, please John you have to calm down.” Marlena knew that John had to calm down or else he wasn’t going to think logically. John knew she was right so he took deep breaths. “I’m going to call Abe right now.” John picked up his phone and called Abe to let him know of the situation, meanwhile Marlena prayed Brady was going to be alright.
***********
“Where in the world could John be, and why was he with that psycho patient or Marlena anyway?” asked Kristen to herself when she got home. Then suddenly it hit her like a ton of bricks. “Oh my god, Marlena saved Shana when she was trying to commit suicide. Knowing Marlena, she probably wanted to help her. Oh crap this can’t be happening, I can’t let them know.” Kristen was freaking out. “I need a drink, I need to think of something,” said Kristen. She poured herself a drink with shaking hands and sat down. Suddenly an idea came to her. She smiled coldly as she drank her glass of vodka. “Stefano”
**********
Shana was feeling a chill down her spine and she knew something was horribly wrong. “What’s happening, come on, where are you John and Marlena? Somebody’s in danger, and that bastard has something to do with it.” Shana looked around her and saw some clean clothes next to the bed. She slowly got up, afraid she would fall down like the last time she had tried, but was surprised to see that she never felt better than she did right now. “Cool, I can stand up now, amazing what some sleep can do to somebody”. She looked around the room and stretched herself before changing.
***********
“Hey Carrie, do you think Mom and John will ever get together again?” asked Sami curiously. “Honestly, I sure hope they will,” said Carrie with a smile. “I can’t believe I’m actually saying this to you, but I really wish they would, I mean Mom has been so lonely lately and John makes her so happy. Not to mention I can’t stand Kristen either,” said Sami with a small laugh. “Poor John, I hope he doesn’t make the biggest mistake in his life by marrying her.” Carrie lowered her head. “Mom and John are so in love with each other and they don’t even know it.” Carrie noticed the huge grin on Sami’s face. “Sami! We couldn’t, could we?” asked Carrie whose grin was as big as Sami’s. “And now, my partner in crime, now where do we start?”
“Welcome to my home Brady” said Kevin while dragging Brady in the house. Brady showed no sign of stopping his struggling so Kevin punched him. “Look you brat, if you don’t work with me on this you’re just going to get hurt. If you try to escape I won’t have a choice but to kill you.” Said Kevin coldly. Brady was scared to death, but he wasn’t going to let him know how scared he was. “There we go, do you want to know why you’re here Brady?” asked Kevin. Brady managed to nod. “Well, I think you’re mother is one hell of a hot lady, and I want something from her, you see it’s like this, I didn’t finish what I started with her, because your daddy got in the way, but this time I’m going to finish the business I started and then you’ll be able to go home.” Said Kevin. Brady looked around the house and thought it was disgusting; it looked as if it had been abandoned a long time ago. He was worried about his mommy and he wondered what he meant by the business he didn’t finish.
***
“Damn! There’s no answer.” Exclaimed Kristen when she hung up for what seemed like the 5th time. “I wonder where the hell he is?” she asked herself. “Well, I have to get to John before anything happens; I have to convince him to marry me before they figure anything out. I’ll go check around Salem for him” she got up, put on her coat and started to look for him.
***
“Abe, thanks god you’re there. Look I need the most help I can get right now, Brady has been kidnapped by what seems to be Marlena’s…rapist” said John wincing at the words. “Oh my god, John I’m going to do every possible thing I can to assure you this guy is caught. Come to the station and give us any amount of information you have, I know this will be hard for Marlena, but she has to come to, she’s the only one who’s seen him, and she has to give us the information we need so we can get this guy behind bars for her, well…almost rape.” Said Abe seriously, he didn’t want to put Marlena through this but he didn’t have a choice. John sighed, “Alright, well I’ll meet you at the station soon, Bye”
John hang up the phone and ran his hand through his hair in a frustrated motion. “So, what’s happening John?” asked a worried Marlena. “We have to go to the station Doc, and well…” there was a long pause before John could muster the words he needed to tell her “Abe needs information about this guy, and what happened when he tried to rape you” said John looking at her.
She struggled to keep her tears away when the brutal images kept invading her mind. “C’mon get a freakin’ hold of yourself Marlena” she thought to herself, after a few deep breaths she managed to start talking. “Fine, let’s go” was all she replied; she lowered her head and started walking towards the Brady pub. John grabbed her arm and turned her around making her look at him “Alright let’s go Doc, but after I get you home I want you to talk to me, this is obviously bothering you terribly.” Said John. “John, I just need to see my children as soon as possible.” Said Marlena with worry and desperation in her voice. He hugged her and assured her he would bring her to her children. “Thank you John, you’ve been nothing but wonderful to me the past few days” said Marlena pulling out of his embrace. “Anytime Doc, anytime, now let’s go to the station, we’ll find Brady I’ll make sure of it.” he was determined to find him. They both ran to the pub and Marlena asked to see Belle even though she was asleep, she needed to have a sense of security knowing Belle was alright. When Marlena entered the room she saw a sleeping Belle who was curled up in a tiny ball on the bed. The soft sound of her breathing brought comfort to Marlena’s heart.
She walked quietly to her and knelt beside the bed. She stroked her hair gently, careful not to wake her and kissed her forehead. “I love you baby girl” whispered Marlena tears assaulting her vision. That’s when she sensed him, she smiled and turned around to see him walking towards the bed. He knelt down beside her and lay a tiny kiss on Belle’s forehead. Marlena smiled at him and slowly got up and left the room so he could have some time alone with her. John was thankful Marlena had given him some time alone with his daughter, it helped him cope with Brady’s disappearance. He looked up and whispered a small prayer to God and left the room quietly. After closing the door he turned around to see Marlena, he managed to give her a weak smile. Before he knew it Marlena’s arms enveloped him in a comforting hug. He gave in to her embrace and buried his head in her shoulder like a small child would. “Thank you Doc, for everything” said John as he pulled back and smiled at her before he was interrupted by Kristen’s voice. He pulled back immediately from Marlena as an enormous feeling of guilt filled him.
***
Kristen had seen everything; she had followed John and Marlena to the pub and entered shortly after making small talk with Caroline and waiting until the perfect time to go talk to John. Caroline hesitated to tell Kristen where John was, she didn’t want her to interrupt John and Marlena but realized she didn’t have much of a choice. “Well they’re currently with Belle right now, poor girl she was pooped from her day at the park!” Caroline decided she wouldn’t tell Kristen about Brady, it was John’s responsibility to do so. “I’m sure they’ll be back I a few.” Said Caroline. “Well I’ll go see them then” said Kristen smiling sweetly back at Caroline. She slowly got up and started walking towards the hall where Marlena was. When she saw John come out of the room and hug Marlena her blood started to boil. “That bitch!” she thought. She stepped up and decided to make her presence known. “Hi John” she said trying her best to sound sweet and understanding. When she saw the shock on Marlena’s face as John quickly pulled away from her she couldn’t help but smile.
“Hi John, I was wondering where you were” smiled Kristen sweetly. Marlena was taken by surprise when she heard Kristen, even though she hated the woman, she felt terribly guilty to love John while he was engaged to another woman who was pregnant with his child. Marlena bowed her head in shame “I’ll leave you two alone” she started walking fast to get out of there, careful not to make any eye contact. John felt guilty standing there looking at his fiancé whom he didn’t even love, but she was carrying his child, what was he going to do?
***
Marlena was walking fast and looking at the floor, she didn’t even notice Caroline until she bumped into her. “Oh I’m so sorry Caroline!” apologized Marlena. “Marlena dear, what’s wrong, you seem upset” asked Caroline, inside she knew what was wrong with Marlena, it was John and Kristen. It was so obvious John and Marlena loved each other very deeply but she didn’t know if they would ever confess their feelings to each other. Marlena tried to smile but failed “I’ll be fine Caroline, I just really wish we could find Brady, and I want to be with my family right now, that’s all” Marlena closed her eyes and sighed. Caroline gave Marlena a hug “Would you like me to call the family, it would be nice to have everybody here” said Caroline with a small smile.
Marlena smiled at her thoughtfulness “Thank you very much Caroline I appreciate it, but it’s alright, I’ll call Carrie, we still have to pick Shana up from the hospital, Belle’s sleeping like a little angel right now, Eric’s gone to Colorado and Sami…well Sami still hates me” said Marlena bowing her head once again. “Marlena, I’m sure you two could work this together, Sami doesn’t hate you, trust me, she just doesn’t know how to forgive you because she always pushed you away, and you know hoe stubborn Sami is, she won’t go to you and apologize you have to go to her and talk. You two used to be so close, you still can be if you work at it dear” smiled Caroline. Marlena smiled back, she always admired Caroline; she had been a mother to her even when Roman had left. “Thank you Caroline, I will talk to her sometime, I just don’t know when” said Marlena. “The time will come Marlena, whenever you’re ready”. Suddenly it hit Caroline, Marlena had mentioned a Shana person, she was curious now. “Marlena dear, who is this Shana you talked about earlier?” Marlena smiled with happiness filling her soul.“She’s my daughter Caroline”
***
“What in the world is UP with them? They’re sooooo slow!!! There’s something wrong with somebody and I can’t do anything” Shana closed her eyes and tried to concentrate so she would somehow get some kind of small vision as to who was in danger. After a few minutes silence fell upon the room and a vision assaulted her senses.
He was holding a gun to Brady’s head and his hands were on the trigger. “Please stop, I’ll so anything you want, anything, please just let him go, don’t hurt him please!!!” cried Marlena who was scared to death for Brady. Brady had his eyes closed and tried to be strong but she could see small tears running down his cheeks. Kevin brutally pushed Brady to the ground. “Now that was what I wanted to hear” Kevin eyed her coldly, before tying Brady to a small poll so he wouldn’t run away. “Now Brady you’ll get to see what the unfinished business with your mom was” He walked towards Marlena and licked his lips. “I won’t do it in front of him” said Marlena sternly; she wasn’t going to let Brady get scarred for the rest of his life even if it killed her. “Last time I checked I was the one who called the commands lady” said Kevin; he placed his gun to the ground and made his way towards Marlena. “I’m serious Kevin, I don’t care what you say, I won’t let Brady see this” said Marlena with a determination in her voice. “I’m sorry but did you forget I have a gun and you should know I’m crazy and not afraid to use it on him” said Kevin losing his patience. Marlena was angry, she couldn’t do anything, she looked over to Brady and saw him wide-eyed and scared. When he started walking towards her once again she backed up and tears started filling her eyes. When she backed into the wall she let out a gasp, it was all over for her now.
Shana jolted out of the hospital bed and gasped. “Holy SHIT!!!” said Shana wide-eyed. “I can’t let this happen to my own mother, I just can’t I’ll kill him if he touched her again, I’ll kill him!!!” Shana couldn’t’ wait any longer, she got up and started running out of the hospital, but she was stopped by Mike who happened to be near. “SHAHA! What the hell do you think you’re doing!?!” asked Mike when she dodged him and continued running. Mike ran towards her and eventually caught up with her, he grabbed her form and stopped her from doing anything stupid. “What are you doing Shana??” asked Mike who was trying to catch his breath. “Where’s Marlena, where is she? She’s in danger, I have to find her!!!” screamed Shana. “Shana, John and Marlena should be here anytime now, you don’t know where she is right now, she’s ok, would you like me to call her on her cell phone?” asked Mike, hoping it would somehow calm Shana. “Yes, please, please call her, I need to talk to her” said Shana hysterically. “Alright, come with me Shana” Shana followed Mike to his office and hoped to God her mother was alright.
***
“Kristen! What are you doing here?” asked John. “Well I heard you were around and I haven’t seen you much lately and I miss you a lot honey” said Kristen sweetly’ she was still boiling after Marlena, but that look on her face had made everything worth it. “Honey, I’ve been working on a case, I’m really busy. I have to talk to you about something important Kristen” said John seriously. “What is it honey?” asked Kristen. John suddenly felt an uneasy feeling about Shana. “Um, sorry Kristen but I cant tell you right now I have to go, well, bye” said John, leaving a frowning Kristen standing there.
“It’s quite a long story Caroline” said Marlena. Caroline motioned her to sit down, Marlena told Caroline everything about Shana. “Marlena, I’m so happy for you, now I can’t wait to meet the young lady” Caroline smiled sweetly. Marlena’s phone started ringing so she picked it up. “Hello Marlena, it’s Mike here, I just wanted to let you know that Shana is ready to get out of the hospital” he looked at Shana who sighed a breath of relief. “Oh, hi Mike, I’ll go pick her up as fast as I can alright, I’m sorry it took so long” said Marlena guiltily, Caroline decided to give her some privacy and headed for the kitchen.. Mike looked over to Shana again who was now pacing the room with a worried look on her face. “I do believe she’d like to speak with you, just hold on a minute” Mike handed Shana the phone who grabbed it. “Marlena?” asked Shana. “Hi Shana, I’m so sorry it’s taking so long, Ill let you know all about it later, I’ll go pick you up as soon as I can” said Marlena. “Mom” Shana tried to get a hold of herself and took a deep breath . “I need to talk to you, please hurry, it’s extremely important.” Marlena knew something was wrong “honey is something wrong?” she asked worriedly. “Never mind that, please just hurry and I’ll tell you when you get here.” Said Shana. “Alright, I’ll be right there, Bye” Marlena hung up the phone and decided she would have to find another way to get to the hospital than John. “Besides, he’s with Kristen and he doesn’t want anything to do with me, I don’t need him, I survive without him” she tried desperately to convince herself that, but found it useless. Just as she was about to go crazy John arrived apparently looking in a hurry. “Doc, maybe we should go get Shana, I mean, I feel like something’s wrong.” He didn’t want to scare Marlena or anything but he was worried for Shana and wanted to see her. “Yes, actually, she just called me and she sounded scared of something, she asked me to get there as soon as I could; something’s wrong and I need to find out what it is” said Marlena. “Alright, well let’s go now” said John without hesitating one second.
***
Mike directed Shana to her room. When he left Shana sat down on the bed. Shivers started running down her spine for no apparent reason. “What in the world is wrong with me?” she asked herself while she looked at her trembling hands. Suddenly everything turned black.
Brady still had his eyes closed and refused to open them until his mommy told him it was ok. Kevin grabbed Marlena’s arms tightly making sure she’d be bruised when he was over with her. Marlena closed her eyes shut tightly praying John or anybody could save her; but when Kevin slammed her against the wall she knew nobody could save her. As much as she didn’t want to, tears started staining her cheeks while he was attacking her neck and scratching her skin. She was helpless, she couldn’t do this, but if she didn’t, Brady would die. His hands were roaming her body and she thought she was going to be sick. He smiled when he heard her soft sobbing. He stopped what he was doing to look at her. Her fists were clenched tightly. Right then and there, she wished she could simply die.
“Shana, SHANA!! Wake up Shana you’re scaring us” both John and Marlena were scared at what was happening to their daughter, she was trembling and wouldn’t’ wake up. All of a sudden Shana opened her eyes and saw two concerned faces looking back at her. She realized it was John and Marlena and threw herself in Marlena’s arms. She knew she was in grave danger and she had to do something about it. “Shana, what’s going on, are you alright?!” asked John and Marlena worriedly.
There was a long silence and Shana took a deep breath “I’ve been having these screwed up visions of some sorts” she said finally. John stood there silently. “I mean, I’ve been able to see things from the future if I concentrate really hard. Well, I knew something was wrong and I wanted to know what it was or what could happen. I saw ‘him’” Shana paused “He was about to rape you and he threatened that if you didn’t obey him he was going to kill Brady, he had a gun and he wasn’t afraid to use it. Brady was tied to some sort of post, you tried convincing ‘him’ that Brady shouldn’t see what he was going to do, but he didn’t listen he only told you that he had a gun and he wasn’t scared to use it. You backed up when he started moving towards you and you hit a wall.” Shana paused once again. “You made Brady promise not to open his eyes until she told him it was ok. That’s when he ‘he’ got to you, and…”
Shana couldn’t continue, the picture of Kevin about to rape Marlena was too much for her. John and Marlena were both left speechless. Marlena’s eyes grew with fear and she hugged Shana tightly, she was scared too. John stood there dumbfounded, he couldn’t believe what Shana had just told them, he wouldn’t let anything happen to Marlena even if it killed him. He moved towards Marlena and Shana, he could sense their fear, heck he was scared too. He enveloped both of them in a hug. When Shana looked at John he spoke “Shana, I won’t let anything happen to your mother, I don’t care what I have to do, that bastard isn’t even going to come close to either you or your mother.” said John firmly. Marlena closed her eyes and tried to dismiss the thought of the man without success. “What am I going to do?”
Kristen was angry as hell when she got back home. “What the hell does he think he’s doing, leaving in the middle of a conversation?” snorted Kristen. She poured herself a drink to steady her nerve. Sitting down she started thinking of some kind of plan she could use to make John marry her before he realized Shana was their daughter. Suddenly an idea came to her, she smiled coldly and laughed aloud. “This has to work, if it doesn’t I don’t know what else will!”
***
Shana was frustrated at herself for crying in front of people, she pulled back from her mother and father’s embrace and wiped her tears from her cheeks. Marlena reached out and cupped Shana’s cheek sweetly. “Shana, it’s alright if you need to cry, you’ve been through so much just these past few days, what do you say we go home?” Marlena asked softly. Shana looked over to John who looked really concerned for her. She looked over to Marlena and back at John. “Can dad come too?” asked Shana innocently. Both John and Marlena were surprised by Shana’s question. They were speechless for a moment but Marlena found her voice. “Honey, John doesn’t live with me, he lives with Kristen” Marlena forced herself not to look hurt, but John saw it, he felt really guilty. “Just for tonight? Please?” Shana asked, secretly she wished John and Marlena could be there with her because she had never felt any love from her adoptive parents, and she wanted John and Marlena to be alone together so they could finally admit their obvious feelings for each other. Marlena looked at John then back at Shana “Shana, I’m sure John’s busy tonight” she didn’t really know what to say. “No!” John said almost too fast. “I mean, I, eh, well I should take a break from work and I’d like to be there tonight, well that is, if it’s ok with your Doc” said John. Marlena’s heart swelled at his words “Of course you can come if you’d like, you’re more than welcomed” suddenly it hit her, “John, what about Kristen?” asked Marlena. “I’ll take care of it, I’ll just call her and tell her I’ll be home late, that’s all” John paused a few seconds “I just need to be around my family, she should understand after all” he bowed his head. All of a sudden he felt Marlena arms envelop him in a comforting embrace as if she could sense how scared and hurt he was for Brady. “Don’t worry John, we’ll find Brady and we’ll bring him home to his family, you have to believe that” Marlena said softly. Shana followed and wrapped her arms around both her parents. “Thanks you two, I know we’ll find him, he’ll be safe with us where he belongs” John sighed. He slowly got away from the embrace “Now, what do you say we get out of here and off to the penthouse?” asked John. Shana and Marlena both nodded “Good idea, I’m going crazy without my guitar” said Shana with a wide smile. They all laughed and headed towards the penthouse.
***
“Well, well, well, the lovely Dr. Evans doesn’t work for two days. What a perfect opportunity, I’ll be able to give her my small message just in time!” Kevin thought to himself. “Now for my ultimate plan” he lifted up from his chair and looked at Brady who was sleeping. He walked in the cellar and got a small velvet box. He opened and there stood a necklace. It was a tribal design and in the middle stood a small purple orb. He admired it a few seconds and closed the box carefully. He entered the room where Brady lay once again and walked silently towards him. “Hey, Brady, wake up I’ve got something for you” he said. Brady slowly got up and stared at him in wonder, then he saw the velvet box “What’s that?” he asked curiously. “This is your mother’s, and since you’ve been a good boy, I’ll let you wear it. He opened the box and handed it to Brady and watched in satisfaction as he wrapped it around his neck. Suddenly Brady’s eyes turned cold and he fell to the floor. “Perfect”
***
John, Marlena and Shana all arrived to the penthouse a few minutes later. Marlena showed Shana her room and she almost ran to get her guitar. John and Marlena gave a little laugh. Shana looked at them with a grin “What!? I’m in love with my guitar, I go crazy if I can’t play it!” said Shana. “Well as you might have seen, this will be your room for now, I’ll go get you some clothes, be right back!” and with that she left to get Shana some clean pajamas. John sat next to Shana on the bed and listened to guitar, he thought she was amazing. She looked at him “Any requests?” she asked. “Oh me, I don’t listen to that much music to tell you the truth.” Said John shyly. Shana looked at him as if he was insane. “You’re kidding right? You have to have a favorite band at least!!” she couldn’t believe what he was saying. John thought about it for a while “Well I used to have a small thing for Aerosmith” said John. “You’re kidding, that’s one of my favorite bands! They’re awesome. Finally I’m making some progress, now what’s your favorite song?” asked Shana in anticipation. John hesitated a bit before answering because he knew the next song meant a lot to him. “Angel” he said. “Dude!!! You rock!! It’s my favorite one I learned it a while ago.” Shana grinned. Before John could help himself he spoke “Can you sing it?” he was taken by surprise when he saw Marlena enter the room “Sing what?” asked Marlena curiously.
Knowing this could be a great opportunity for them to get closer, Shana nodded. “I was able to learn that my dad’s favorite Aerosmith song is the same as mine and he wants me to sing it” Shana grinned at her mother. “What’s the song?” asked Marlena curiously. “Angel”. At those words Marlena froze, she always loved that song but it reminded her of John so much and she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to take it. She decided to be brave and ask Shana to sing because she wanted to hear her voice again. “Why don’t you sing it Shana, it’s a really beautiful song.” Replied Marlena attempting a smile. “This just might work” thought Shana. She took a deep breath “Well, here goes”
I’m alone
Yeah, I don’t know if I can face the night
I’m in tears and the cryin’ that I do is for you
I want your love – Let’s break the walls between us
Don’t make it tough – I’ll put away my pride
Enough’s enough I’ve suffered and I’ve seen the light
Baby
You’re my angel
Come and save me tonight
You’re my angel
Come and make it all right
Don’t know what I’m gonna do
About this feeling inside
Yes it’s true – Loneliness took me for a ride
Without your love – I’m nothing but a beggar
Without your love – a dog without a bone
What can I do I’m sleeping in this bed alone
Baby
You’re my angel
Come and save me tonight
You’re my angel
Come and make it all right
Come and save me tonight
You’re the reason I live
You’re the reason I die
You’re the reason I give
When I break down and cry
Don’t need no reason why
Baby , Baby
Baby
You’re my angel
Come and save me tonight
You’re my angel
Come and make it all right
You’re my angel
Come and save me tonight
you’re my angel
Come and take me alright
Come and save me tonight,
Come and save me tonight,
Come and save me tonight,
Come and save me tonight,
Come and save me tonight…
Marlena had tears in her eyes and so did John. Shana knew she had done her part and decided to keep quiet. She hoped things would turn out for the better.
Silence filled the room after Shana’s song. Marlena was speechless, Shana’s voice had fit the song perfectly and it was beautiful. After a few moments John and Marlena couldn’t take the silence anymore and spoke at the time “That was beautiful
Shana, you’re amazing!” they were both amazed. “Ehm, Thank you” said Shana shyly.
All of a sudden John thought about Kristen, she didn’t know he was here. “Hey, I’ll be right back, I need to call Kristen and let her know I’ll be home later” with that John left the room. “So, when are you going to admit you still love each other?” asked Shana when John was left. Marlena looked at Shana wide-eyed. “Shana!!! John and I aren’t in love, we’re your parents and we’re friends, that’s all there is to it” Marlena didn’t know who she was trying to convince Shana or herself, whichever she knew it wasn’t working. “That’s such bull, why don’t you just tell him before he does that mistake of marrying that lying bitch Kristen.” Said Shana seriously. “Shana, don’t say that” said Marlena in a warning tone. “Oh yeah, I didn’t tell you, she came to visit me at the hospital, asked me what the hell was going on between you and John, I told her nothing was going. She started bitching about you and told me you accused her of manipulating John into getting her pregnant and all sorts of stupid things, anyways, as you already know, I can read emotions, and she was lying about the manipulating John into getting her pregnant” Shana paused and took a deep breath “Mom, Kristen isn’t pregnant and I know it, I just know that has to be it”
Marlena stared at her daughter in pure shock. “Shana, I know Kristen is evil…but fake a pregnancy?! That’s a bit much, even for her” Marlena was still wide-eyed and considered the possibility that it might actually be true, after all she never let anybody touch her stomach “Why didn’t I think about this before!?” Marlena buried her head in her hands. “Mom you couldn’t have known, but we need proof, by seeing her I knew she was going to stop at nothing to marry John, she’s crazy you know” said Shana. Marlena’s head snapped up “Oh my god, I have a patient who’s pregnant and she said she was being manipulated by an evil blonde woman who was so evil that she would fake a whole pregnancy just to be able to marry the man she loved” Marlena couldn’t believe this, it was all making sense. “I can’t believe she could do anything so evil, she’s almost as worse as her father” said Marlena angrily. “Mom, we have to find something to prove that she’s up to no good before she does something like brainwash John into marrying her. She definitely doesn’t know I’m your daughter because she would’ve somehow done something to keep me from you two, she just thought I was some weird freaky patient of yours”
Shana rolled her eyes. “Which you are not” said Marlena sternly. “Yeah, yeah mom but that’s beside the point, we need to find someway to find proof that she isn’t pregnant. Do you have the telephone numbers of your patients or something?” asked Shana trying to formulate a plan. “Yeah I do” she thought for a moment “I could always call her to ask the name of the evil woman she described… Shana you’re a genius! Do you mind staying here for a moment I’m going to go call her, that way we’ll know” Marlena got up and practically ran towards her files so she could get the woman’s number, if it was true and Kristen really did fake the pregnancy, she might actually have a small chance with John” she smiled at the thought of it “She’s going to get what she deserves”
***
After telling Kristen he wouldn’t’ be home tonight because he wanted to work on a case, he hung up and sighed. “Something’s wrong here, I can’t even tell my own fiancé that my son has been kidnapped by a madman who’s after Marlena and the why the hell can’t I be honest with myself for a change and tell Marlena I love her, not Kristen.” John sighed “What am I going to do, I can’t marry her”
***
“Oh, why hello Dr. Evans! How are you this evening?” asked the woman. “I’m doing fine thank you very much Susan, and you?” asked Marlena. “I’m going alright thanks!” said Susan joyously. “Susan, could I ask a question?” she asked a bit nervously. “Yes Dr. Evans, anything” Marlena took a deep breath “I was wondering if you could please tell me the name of the evil woman you were talking about, it’s because she’s committing a terrible crime and I wouldn’t want you to get caught up in it” said Marlena calmly. “Oh” Susan paused “Well, I can’t because she said she would kill me if I told anybody her name!!!” Susan was scared. “That’s the thing Susan, if you do tell me who she is, we can have her in jail and she’ll never be able to hurt you” Marlena hoped she would get through to her. “Are you sure nothing bad can happen” asked Susan who talking in a quivering voice. “Yes, I’m positive” said Marlena.
Susan took a minute before answering “Alright…her name is Kristen Dimera and she wanted me to give up my baby for her, she disguised me and I looked just like her. She wants to take away my baby and I don’t want her to. You see she lost her baby and she wanted to marry her fiancé at all costs” Susan was hysterical by now. Marlena knew the possibilities that it was Kristen, but she never thought she could have been capable of something so evil. “Susan, calm down, I want you to stay calm, breathe in and out deeply alright” Marlena still couldn’t believe the lengths that Kristen had went to so she could keep John for herself. After a while Susan calmed down “Ok, thank you Dr. Evans, I feel a lot better now.” Said Susan. “Susan, is it ok if I talk to John about this? I don’t want to betray your trust or anything and he really needs to know before he does the mistake of marrying Kristen. Susan hesitated for a bit “Alright, but please don’t let her hurt me” she sounded like a small child. “Don’t worry I won’t, I’m going to call the station and let them know you need protection for a little while. I’m going to tell them about Kristen, but they’ll have to question you a bit so they know for sure. I’m going to find a way to prove that Kristen lied and I’m going to do it soon.” Said Marlena, she was determined to prove that Kristen was a lying bitch. “Thank you, I mean it, thank you very much, you don’t know hoe much this means to me”
Susan smiled through her own tears. “I’m glad I could help Susan, now I’m going to call the station right now so don’t panic alright”. “Ok” replied Susan “Bye Dr. Evans” “Bye Susan”. When Marlena hung up she immediately called the station and let Abe in on the news, he told her that they were going to ask Susan questions and they would have to find proof that Kristen actually was guilty. Marlena hung up with Abe and sighed, “How am I supposed to tell this to John?”
***
John entered Shana’s room and saw that Marlena wasn’t there. “Where’s your mom?” he asked. Marlena smiled “You still love her don’t you” Taken aback by surprise John didn’t know what to say to her. “Admit it, I can see it, when are you two going to admit you still love each other, I mean it’s so obvious to the whole world except you two just how much you guys are in love.” Shana looked at him but when he didn’t answer, she continued “Are you marrying Kristen just because of your child?” asked Shana, she already knew the answer.
John couldn’t take it “Why couldn’t I just be honest with my feelings for her before this whole mess started with. I don’t love Kristen, not like Marlena anyways, and yes you could say I am marrying her just because of our child” John forced himself not to cry. “John, talk to Marlena, if you don’t’ it could be the biggest mistake of your life” Shana’s words shook him to the core, he looked helpless. Marlena entered he room and saw John’s dejected form, she looked at Shana, who got up and left the room “I’ll leave you two alone, you need to talk” she walked away and closed the door behind her.
Shana” Marlena tried to stop her, all of sudden she was scared to face John. Shana stopped in her tracks “I’ll be sleeping on the couch and don’t even try to stop me, you two need to talk” Shana took her guitar, closed the door behind her and sighed. She walked down the stairs slowly, taking in the views of the penthouse. She sat down at the bottom of the staircase and rested her head against the wall; she started playing Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and just sang her whole heart out.
**********
“I’m such a genius I tell you!” exclaimed Kevin proudly. “After all these years of hard work, this device or whatever you want to call it has worked!” he was practically leaping from joy as Brady lay still on the floor. “One down, and a bunch of other kids to go!” Kevin thought for a minute. “Hmmm…who could be next? There are so many to choose from, maybe I can use little Brady here to help me” he smiled coldly. “Hey Brady, wake up and tell me how you like your new boss” Like a robot, Brady got up and looked at him, his eyes were as cold as ice, they had no life in them. “Kevin’s the best boss ever, I can even help him torture Marlena Evans” Kevin laughed “So, does that mean you’re going to help me on my quest to fuck that little whore?” said Kevin. Brady nodded blankly.
************
An awkward silence filled the room as soon as Shana left. John was fighting to compose himself the best he could and Marlena was scared to death. Her hands were shaking from her nervous state and she didn’t know what to do or what to say. John couldn’t believe the opportunity was actually there, he could tell Marlena right this instant how much he loves her and wants her, but whenever he tries to picture them happy together he sees Kristen and a small child both crying alone. He wanted to be with Marlena but Kristen made him feel so guilty whenever he was with her and he knew he’d have to face her, what was he supposed to do?
John finally raised his head and looked at Marlena, she was so beautiful in her long sweatshirt and pajamas, to a stranger she looked so carefree and happy, but John knew she was very worried and nervous about something. Their gazes met and neither of them said anything, each waiting for the other to make the first move. John had all he could take he stepped forward and enveloped Marlena in his arms in a fierce hug. She eased into him and rested her head on his shoulder. They started to hear Shana’s music; John pulled back and stared into her eyes “Dance with me?” He was rewarded by a smile that lit up her features.
He linked his hand with hers and placed it on his chest; he then wrapped his other arm around her waist. It was Marlena’s sharp intake of breath that made him think twice about Shana’s words, did she really love him? Her body’s reaction at his presence was still the same as it was when they were married. Marlena eased her head on his shoulder and he smiled. John tightened his grip on her and buried his face in her soft blonde hair. They were both so lost in the moment they never even realized the music had stopped. John’s hand was traveling up and down her back causing goose bumps to rise on her skin. “I must be in heaven” Marlena muttered, her eyes were closed and didn’t want to open them, too scared that she would wake up from a dream alone. John pulled back and touched her face with a feather light touch. “Doc, open your eyes” said John softly but Marlena shook her head no “I don’t want this dream to be over”. “Please, Marlena, I’m real, this isn’t a dream” he paused “Please, I need you to look at me when I say this” Marlena slowly opened her eyes and saw his ocean blue eyes piercing through her soul, he cupped her cheek sweetly. “I’m in love with you Marlena”
“I’m in love with you Doc” Marlena let a sharp intake of breath and her hand covered her mouth in shock. Tears were threatening to fall on her slightly pale cheeks. After everything they went through, the moment was finally here, but why couldn’t she move? John felt the need to continue. “I have always loved you Doc, after all these years, I’ve tried and I’ve tried over and over again and I’ve never been able to get over you”. Marlena did the first thing that popped up in her mind, without really thinking she opened her arms and walked right into his. Her gesture shocked John, but they held each other tight as anchors.
They stayed that way for a while before John noticed his shirt was getting damp, Marlena was crying. He backed up a little and raised her chin with his finger so she could look at him. “Marlena, I’m sorry, please don’t cry. This time I’ll do whatever you want me to do, I’ll leave if you need me to, anything I swear” He was silenced by Marlena who hushed him using her finger. “I don’t want you to leave John, I love you…I have always loved you ever since I met you”. It was John’s turn to be in shock. He couldn’t believe his ears. Marlena had just mustered the most beautiful words he always dreamt of hearing. “Oh God Doc” both of them had tears in their eyes. “John, we have so much to talk about”
Marlena stared in his eyes. “I know we do” John paused. He gently pushed away the hair that fell on her face ever so gently and kissed her forehead. Marlena’s heart melted at his sweet gesture. He brought her in his arms once again and kissed her hair. “I’ve missed being with you like this, it feels just like when we were married” John smiled at the memories surfacing in his mind of their beautiful wedding. “I can’t believe this, I’ve waited so long. I never thought the moment would ever come” Marlena closed her eyes and relished the feeling of being in his arms. “Me neither Doc, me neither”.
They separated and gazed in each others eyes, all of a sudden, time seemed to sit still, that’s when he saw it, she was wearing his old shirt! “Hey Doc, are you aware just how gorgeous you are in MY old shirt?” teased John. Marlena looked down at the shirt and laughed. “Well, I wasn’t going to throw it out, it was such a great reminder of the fun we had”
Marlena smiled at the memories of their tickle sessions. John was thinking about the same thing, he grinned at her. She instantly caught on. “John, please, don’t -” John grabbed her and started tickling without any mercy. Marlena was laughing so hard she was crying. “John I can’t breathe, you have to sto-” before she could finish her sentence she tripped and fell to the floor bringing him down with her.
The fit of laughter continued on for a while. John was on top of Marlena and after a few moments stopped tickling her and was quiet. Marlena opened her eyes and saw his eyes gazing into hers. It was as if time stood still for the two of them. “Marlena…can I kiss you?” asked John his voice was full of lust and desire for her. As much as she wanted to, Marlena knew they couldn’t do that. “John, we can’t, you’re engaged and there are so many things you need to know before you make the biggest mistake of your life.” He got up and helped her get up also.
She sat down on the bed and he sat next to her. “What are you talking about Marlena?” he asked confused. “Kristen is evil John, she has been lying about so many things for too long.” She looked at him “She is the one who told Stephano which plane I was on before he kidnapped me.” With a sheer determination she was going to tell him everything. “She also knew where I was being held captive by Stephano, she was hell bent on staying with you.” John looked very confused, but she continued, needing to finish. “She’s the one who locked me up in that room” she summoned up all the courage she had left and spoke “John, Kristen isn’t pregnant” she was scared of what this could do to him. “What?”
John got up and stepped back from the bed, not believing his ears, nothing could have prepared him for that. “John, I know it’s hard to believe but please believe me. Shana knows about Kristen, from the very first time she saw her she knew something was wrong. Don’t you find it weird that Kristen never lets you touch her stomach? Or how sometimes she isn’t going to be like herself at all” She paused to take a much needed breath.
She watched John carefully as he seemed lost. “Doc, if there’s one person in the world I trust, it’s you, but why would Kristen do such a thing just to keep me?” his voice was filled with desperation, could this really be true? He knew Kristen had been acting strangely, but to do something like this? Marlena was filled with deep sorrow for John a she watched him, she didn’t know what to say. John bowed his head and squeezed his fists. “Why would she do something so fucking cruel?!” asked John angrily. Marlena felt so helpless, she got up and stood next to him hoping to offer some type of comfort. “I have to talk to her, I’m ending this damn engagement to her” John was angry and he started walking towards the door but Marlena stopped him. “Marlena, get out of my way, I need to do this now, and I want the DAMN truth from her!”
John tried to get past through Marlena but she didn’t want to let him out. “What the hell are you doing Marlena!?” John wanted to talk to Kristen right now, not tomorrow, right now, he was angry as hell and he wanted to have a talk with her, figure out what exactly was she bullshitting him about. “I can’t let you go right now. I know you John, you’re going to do something you’ll regret later. You need to calm down first, let the news sink in at least.”
Marlena was worried sick for him. What in the world had he done to deserve this? “What the hell?! Marlena, get out of the way.” John was beyond angry and he didn’t want to deal with her right now, he needed to know what was true and what was not. “John, listen to me, I know you; you’re just trying to run away like you do whenever something bad happens! Please stay here, we can work this out together!” Marlena pleaded with him. John hated that she could read him so well, but what the hell was going on with Kristen? Was it really true? He had to know, but he was too tired to do anything.
Like a ton of bricks, all of the stress and fatigue that had started to take its toll on him bounced back, he started falling forwards but fortunately for him Marlena realized what was happening and supported him and sat him down on the bed. “Hey Doc?” said John, his voice was so childlike that Marlena just wanted to hold him. “When will all of this end?” he asked the hurt and pain evident in his voice. “I don’t know to be honest with you, but hopefully it’ll be very soon” said Marlena, who sat next to him. She laid her head on his shoulder. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. “How’s about we both get some sleep? We both need it, I can just go in the other room and you can stay he-” John interrupted her “No please, stay with me Doc, please?” John silently pleaded with her. She smiled and bent down to meet his lips for a small tender kiss.
The Jarlena Journal 