John Black sat in the middle of a boring meeting and checked his watch for the tenth time. He began to doodle on his notepad and wondered how in the world he could discreetly leave this meeting.
“Damn it Austin, this is YOUR baby. Why me?”
Suddenly his cell phone rang. With reflexes that hadn’t lost their speed from years on the force, he grabbed it out of his attaché case and answered “Hello Black here.”
The voice on the other end was seductive and full of hidden promises. “Hi it’s Me…I miss you and was wondering what you were doing for lunch today…” John smiled and thanked his lucky stars for sending him his legitimate reason to chuck this boring excuse of a meeting. “If you can’t reach them well then yes you should have called. I’m glad that you did as that has been a special concern of mine.”
Marlena laughed. They had been married only a couple of months and yet they still acted as if their splashy and elegant ceremony at St. Luke’s was only the other day. “So do you want to meet me at the usual place.” John smiled at the director of marketing, who asked “Is everything ok there John?”
He nodded back a yes and continued the conversation. “Yes that would be good for me. I can be there in 15 minutes.” Marlena hung up with a “I’m waiting for you in a very hot and very slippery and bubbly bath. John it is so lonely here without you .” John blinked and smiled at the image of his lovely bride sitting amid bubbles “Make that 5 minutes…”
John drove home and marveled at how life had come so far forward for he and Marlena in the months since Kristen and all of her schemes had come to light and ended with Kristen in jail for at least 45 years.
It had been a hard fought battle to get them back to where their love was once upon a time before Kristen and her family came in and tried to totally obliterate it.
He looked down and dialed the familiar number and smiled when HER voice came over the line. “Hi you’ve reached the BBC Detective Agency. I’m sorry that there is no one here at this time but you wish to leave a message for John Black, Bo Brady or Abraham Carver…wait for the beep.”
He hung up and smiled as he realized that even though it was only the answering machine in their new offices in the Toscano Foundation Building, it was a start of a dream for three friends….
Victor Kiriakis was a man on a mission. It was a rather simple one that many other men have had and completely successfully over hundreds of years. He was trying to get out of work in order to go home to his wife and child.
Finally he was greeted by a small 2-year old bundle of energy known affectionately to his family and friends as Pips. Officially on his birth certificate it stated that his name was Phillip Alexander Victor Kiriakis. His nephew Brady Black coined the nickname when he was unable to say Phillip..
Victor scooped up his son and smiled at the child’s mother who stood in the doorway. “I’m leaving now honestly Kate.” Kate Roberts, soon to be Kiriakis smiled and looked at her watch. “We promised Austin and Carrie that we would be there for their housewarming. We are now an hour late.” He leaned over and kissed his lady on the lips. “Who told me once that it is important for the mother of the groom to be fashionably late to her son’s housewarming.”
Kate rolled her eyes as she began to laugh “I guess that the romance is truly over. You’re throwing things I’ve said back at me.”
The Man worked quickly to finish the job as he heard the elevator make its way down to the parking facility. He tightened the caps and set the timer for 1:00. He ran and hid just mere seconds before the couple and their son came over to their car.
Victor usually rode in the limousine but today he had given Franklin the afternoon off and drove his Mercedes in to work. He got in and waited on starting the car while Kate strapped in their son in his car seat. Once she was in, He leaned over to kiss her. Surprised, Kate asked what that was for.
“I just realized how truly lovely you are. As soon as I get the divorce papers from Mickey, how about you and I and our son go to Nafpilon and get married?”
Before Kate could respond, Victor slid the keys into the ignition and the timer began…
They got as far as the underground parking exit when the explosion rocked the building and shook the windows at Salem Place.
John heard the phone ringing while listening to the children play outside in the fort that Bo had built for them. He looked outside to see Marlena sitting on the swing watching them while talking to Carrie. Austin was swinging Will in the baby swing.
“Hello John Black here.” He smiled at the voice on the other end. “Hey Partner how are ya.” He listened silently as he quickly came to the understanding that this wasn’t going to be a social call. Horror and shock played across John’s face as he nodded. “Thanks for the call Abe. Let me know if you need my help and I’ll tell Bo, Austin and the rest of the family.”
John stood at the big picture window and smiled as he watched his happy family. He replayed in his mind what Abe had told him. But no matter how many times he did that or how hard he tried to comprehend the scope of the magnitude of it, the fact still remained. Someone had planted a bomb that had killed Victor, Kate and Little Phillip….
He was just finalizing the tightening of security on HIS family when the sound of laughter came floating into the room in the forms of Brady and his tiny sister Belle. “Daddy…Mom said that its time to go to Grandpa’s for Dinner.” John took both of his kids on his lap. “Yes it is. Slugger can you go get Mommy, Carrie and Austin for Me..”
As if on cue, Marlena stuck her head in the door. John smiled at her but she could tell that there was something horribly wrong as she studied his brilliant blue eyes. Carrie and Austin came in after her.
“I have something to tell you all. I don’t really know where to begin.” Austin smiled and tried to joke him out of the mood that he was in. “Try the beginning…works for most folks.”
John didn’t even crack a smile. “Your right. Ok….I just had a phone call from Abe. Apparently there was a bombing at the Titan Building.” The shock played on their faces to varying degrees. Marlena found her voice first as she asked the one question that the three were thinking. “Was anyone hurt?” John nodded “Yes. According to Abe there were three fatalities. He studied the faces of the three children in the room for a brief second before asking the children’s au-pair Emily to come and take them into their playroom. Once they were gone, John continued. “Victor, Kate and Phillip were in the car that exploded. From the preliminary reports they died immediately…”
Austin was out of there like a cannon shot. “Austin wait!” Carrie shook her head sadly “Thank you for telling us John. I’m sure that Austin knows that it was better for you to have told us than having heard it from the media. It’s just the shock.” Marlena hugged her step-daughter. “Do you want me to prescribe something to help you both to sleep?” Carrie nodded “No thank you though Marlena. I’ll call you if Austin needs something.” As the two women said their good-byes and promised to call each other later, Carrie then hugged John “Thank you for telling us John.” He kissed her “Im so sorry Carrie. I can only hope that Austin realizes that he has an immense family support network to turn to when the shock of all this wears off.” Carrie nodded. “You too.”
When the girl left, Marlena slid her arms around him. “She is right. I’m here if you need to talk. I know how close you and Victor had become.” He studied her delicate features before bringing her hand to his mouth for a kiss. “You too. I know that your friendship with Kate had been a long one too.” Marlena nodded. “I didn’t really like the way that it was going but She was Carrie’s mother in law and so there’s some degree of loyalty there.”
Later on, John woke up and couldn’t get the feeling out of his mind that something was wrong within his little world. He checked on Marlena and she was sound asleep curled up on her side. He slid out of the bed and went to check on the children.
Brady was asleep in his room with all the covers kicked off. John reached down and retucked him into bed. “Sweet Dreams Slugger.” He kissed his soft cheek and went to the window and asked a certain Star in the heavens to watch over that little boy.
As he came quietly into little Belle’s room, he saw that his sweet little girl was curled up on her tummy and her face was flushed and to her proud daddy, Belle never looked so absolutely angelic. He brushed the hair off of her face and kissed her, murmuring “Its truly amazing all of those ties that bind.”
John sat in the window seat and stared into space. So many thoughts were swirling around in his head and were threatening to cause a massive migraine. Who was capable of such violence that they would take out not only Victor but Kate and Phillip as well…
No matter how hard that he tried, he couldn’t escape thinking of the nightmare that had woken him up. It had him in the position of Victor with Marlena and the children…
“Daddy help.” With his daughter’s heart stopping scream, John was off the window seat like a bat out of hell and headed for Belle’s room. He didn’t notice that their bed was empty and that the other occupant of the room was nowhere in sight.
Once he had Belle calmed enough that she would fall asleep. John went downstairs to get a drink. He thought that Brandy would hit the spot.
When he arrived, he was surprised to see Marlena sitting on the sofa with her head in her hand and a far away look in her eyes. The traces of tears were evidence that she had done some serious thinking.
“Doc? Baby I thought that you were in bed.” She looked up and shook her head. “I was until the nightmares started. I woke up and you were still sleeping and after the restless night that you had had, I couldn’t wake you with this.” John came and sat down with her. “Baby, you should know by now that you could come to me with anything. You can’t fight the demons all alone. You’re strong but you’re not THAT strong. Doc what’s the matter.” She hesitated before telling him. “I dreamt of all of the times that I thought that the children and I were secure and how many times I was proven wrong. John, I cant live like this. Not knowing if there is someone out there now who would be willing to take us or god forbid one of the children out on the whim of some other higher authority. John this is a warning. Maybe you shouldn’t have gone back to taking a more hands on approach to your companies.”
John looked at her and guessed that it was the fear talking. Ever since the children had come into their lives, they both were afraid of some wacko coming after them since they had Parents that were wealthy and known in the Public Eye. With this bombing, No one was sure of anything. They didn’t know if it was a warning gone wrong for Victor, or if it was a warning allowing the Kiriakis Industries Personnel know that there was a reign of terror beginning and it was to be aimed at them.
He took her in his arms and kissed her. “Doc, I can’t promise that the kids would be safe. To do that, I would have to stick them and You in a plastic bubble. If it meant that it would keep you all from harm, I would give the money all away. But I cant. Isabella left money for Brady and I did promise her that I would watch over his investments until he turned 21. Doc, all we can do is love them and protect our little ones as best as we can. Nothing is ever certain. What happened to Victor, Kate and Phillip is proof of that.”
Marlena nodded. “I know…It’s just that I can’t imagine who in the world would plant a bomb in a car, knowing that a small child would be riding in it. When I see our children it just tears me up John.” He just held onto her even tighter and then tapped her on the tip of her nose. “Doc, We should go back to
bed and try to sleep. The Funeral is later this morning and we have to be there. Mickey said that he was going to read the will after the ceremony and apparently there is going to be some requests that involve us and of course the children.” Marlena only nodded and allowed him to lead her off to bed….
The Morning of the funeral was wet and grey. In the interest of safety, Marlena decided to keep the children plus Will home with the Nanny. John told her only that since it was miserable out that they were to stay in. Since Brady was beginning to have the flu, Alison agreed. “We’ll make some popcorn and watch some Disney films. Nice and Quiet.”
At the cemetery, Marlena stood quietly by John’s side until she saw Austin turn away from Carrie and walked alone back to the limo. “Oh Marlena, what do I do. How can I pierce through his grief?” Marlena felt useless as she shrugged her shoulders, “As a Psychiatrist? Carrie I can tell you all sorts of things to do. But as a Mother and Friend? Sweetie just love him and give him time and some space.”
Marlena stood at the window in the Boardroom and listened to the people who had gathered there wonder over what Victor had bequeathed to them. “Why are you all alone. Come and sit with Maggie and me. ” She shrugged him off. “Marlena?” She looked at him. “I can’t stay here.” John gestured to Mickey who was pulling out the will and other papers from his attaché case. “He is just about to read it. Your named in the will Doc, you have to stay.”
Despite her better judgement she did. They had just begun to read when with a flourish Vivian stormed in followed as usual by Ivan..
“Why wasn’t I told of this? I’m Victor’s widow and deserved to be here when I was told of being left everything….” Marlena nearly caused Maggie to choke on her tea when she said “If we didn’t think the funeral was a three ring circus with the press there…Viv just proved us all wrong. All we need now is
for Ivan to shoot himself from a cannon.”
Mickey didn’t even look at her when he said “I don’t even know why you’re here Viv. The new and LEGAL will that Victor left with me after signing it just a couple of days ago, states that You are not to be left a dime. The Bulk of his fortune is to be left to Brady and Shawn Douglas and to Belle as his grandchildren. They come into their fortunes upon their 21st birthdays.”
As Vivian flounced out of the boardroom. Promising to sick her lawyers on the will, Marlena looked at John and smiled with a trace of humor sparkling in her hazel eyes… “Well its another fine mess you’ve gotten me into there Ollie..” John agreed as he said the understatement of the year. “We’re about to enter the fight of our lives.”
Marlena sat in her office staring at the computer for what was close to an hour. Finally realizing that there was no way that she was going to get any work done, she made plans to head out for home…
Her gaze fell on the photo of Brady and Belle. At the ages of 3 and almost 5, her children were richer than Donald Trump. Between them, Victor had given them close to 15 million dollars. It was a truly generous gift for her daughter in that Belle wasn’t technically Victor’s Grandchild.
But he wrote in a letter addressed to Marlena why he did it. Mickey gave it to her after revealing at the will reading that John was to be the acting head of all the Kiriakis Companies until Brady and Belle hit their 21st birthdays…
John and Marlena,
I know that you both are sitting there and asking why I have done it. Brady’s inheritance is understandable as he is my last link to his mother. But Belle by virtue of your recent marriage has become as dear to me as her older brother and so I decided and Kate agreed that it would only be fair that we treat them as equals and give them both a chunk of money. I can only hope that you accept it in the spirit that I am bequeathing it to them..
Victor
Bo and John sat in the offices of BBC and discussed the turn of events and also of what evidence was there concerning the bombing. Bo sensed that John’s heart wasn’t in it and asked him what was wrong.
How do I go about keeping that money from tainting the kids. Bo, my children now have more money than they will ever be able to spend in a lifetime.” Bo smiled. “Speaking as the father of a fellow Millionaire. Hope and I are going to do the same things that we have done with Shawn-D all of his life. John as long as you love a child and don’t change things, there is every likelihood that the child can remain fairly stable. Brady and Belle have everything that money can buy BUT they also have two parents who adore them and a large family to keep them stable.”
John smiled. “Yes they do. Marlena said that what we should also do is teach them that despite all the money we should make sure that they know that they can use it to help others.” He looked at his watch, “I hate to do this but the investigation is going to shut down for tonight. If I miss Storytime for Brady and Belle for a Second Night, Belle will never forgive me.” Bo smiled “Belle sure does love having her daddy read her bedtime stories.” John put on his leather coat and laughed at that comment. “Not half as much as her Daddy does Bro. Talk to you tomorrow.”
The two men left the offices and a man tailing John spoke quickly into his cell phone. “Yes Sir, Mr. Black is on his way home. Should I continue to tail him?”
He nodded as if the man on the other end could see him as he was told that it wouldn’t be necessary for him to…
John arrived home just in time to say goodbye to the children’s nanny who was going to go on a vacation to visit her parents in Toronto. He headed up to the children’s rooms and stopped to listen as they all were laughing and giggling.
He found the answer to all the giggles soon enough. He peeked into the bathroom and found Brady sitting on Marlena’s lap while she tried to tame his unruly cowlick while Belle in an exact replica of her mother right down to her hair all being pinned up was enjoying her bubble bath. Marlena had an eye on her water baby while she was whispering something in Brady’s ear that was making him laugh and squirm in his mother’s lap. He soon spotted his father and leaped off. “Daddy help meeee!!”
He ran and hid behind his father’s legs as if he was a fortress in which Brady could hide and nothing or no one could harm him…. John smiled at his small son’s adoration of him and felt his heart become overwhelmed at the thought that if something should happen to another member of his family….
Marlena smiled as John picked up his lookalike up and scooped him up. “Daddy your hugging me too tight…” He allowed Brady to get down and as the little boy
scamped off to his room, John turned his attentions to the two main ladies in his life. He leaned over to kiss Marlena and smilingly asked Belle how long she was going to stay in there. Marlena shook her head when John asked her when Belle went in the tub. She looked at her watch. “Playtime started 2 hours ago.” John started to laugh as he reached for a towel. “Times up. Everyone out of the pool.” He wrapped her up in a fluffy white towel and made Belle laugh as he whispered silly little sayings into her ear. “Doc, I will handle story time, you go and relax.” Marlena raised her eyebrow. “Do you really want to?”
He shooed her off and took his little package into her room while Marlena went to answer the phone.
Marlena sat on the sofa in a state of happy shock. The call had been from Mike. She hadn’t been feeling well after yet another stressfilled board meeting which had been called for arranging the upcoming fundraiser for the new wing and had asked her old friend if she could come and see him for a checkup.
What he had told her was simple. She didn’t have the flu and it wasn’t exhaustion. What it was was something that was old as time and that the condition would clear itself up in normal cases after 9 months. In her case, it would clear up in 7. It took her only a heartbeat to clue in… SHE WAS PREGNANT!!!!!!
Once she hung up after promising him that she would come and see him later in the week for a more through check up, Marlena smiled as she realized that John got his way after all. He had hoped that she would get pregnant on their honeymoon. They were lying in bed after having just made love and there was something shining in John’s eyes that had made her laugh. “My dear husband, if I didn’t know you to be the fine upstanding citizen that you are, I would swear that your trying to get me pregnant.” John had the decency to look offended as he ran his hand along the delicate swell of one of her breasts.
“Would that be a crime Doc?”
She shook her head as despite her happiness, she suddenly had a thought that this couldn’t of come at a worse time. How could they bring an innocent and trusting child into the mess that the family had now gotten themselves into?
She went to stand on their deck and stared at the stars trying to gather some sort of wisdom to try and to help her find peace with this…. She was still there when John came out an hour later………..
He slid behind her and wrapped his hands around her waist. “Want to tell me what has you looking so absolutely lost in your thoughts?” She tilted her head and looked at him from the corner of one sparkling hazel eye. How couldn’t she tell him about this most amazing of gifts. She had promised herself that she would never deny him that chance to go through a pregnancy with her the way he couldn’t with Belle.
She turned around and smiled. To John once again, his heart was lost.
“I had a checkup with Mike the other day. I hadn’t been feeling well and thought it was from the stress of planning the fundraiser and coming down from the wedding hoopla.” John felt a sudden pang of fear as he made the solemn vow that he would do whatever he could to make sure that he didn’t lose another love. “What did he say Doc?”
Marlena started to feel the mother of all laughs start in the pit of her stomach as if it was a untapped spring bubbling up. To the end of their life together, she would never forget the look on his dear face as she told him that they would be parents at Christmas.
“ANOTHER BABY!!!!!!!”
He scooped her up and spun her around. Then suddenly mindful of her delicate condition, he put her down as if she was a piece of Dresden china.
“John, honey I wont break. Im just pregnant.” John grew solemn for a second. “This couldn’t of come at a better time. There has been so much heartache, this can help begin to heal the loss of Kate, Victor and Phillip.” Marlena went into his arms and silently hoped that all the members of the family would see it that way….
“How is he?” The doctor finished writing in his file. “The child is beginning to show signs of improvement. The burns are healing nicely. He may need to have some plastic surgery from the glass exploding. But first he needs to wake up.”
The nurse lost her heart at the sight of the angelic looking little boy covered in bandages almost as big as he was and hooked up to monitors that had a strong beep coming from them. It was such a sad loss that his mother and father had died. But at least he had his Uncle to take care of him…
John sat at his desk at Titan and tried to focus on his papers. His thoughts were all in a jumble as much to his surprise, Mickey had left a message and asked to see him the moment that he had come in this morning. John had agreed to see his pal and was honored to learn that the Board was unanimous in wanting him to step in and accept the reins of power for the best interests of the company and its now major shareholders…Brady, Belle and Shawn-Douglas.
John smiled at Mickey. “And of course the all mighty dollar has NOTHING whatsoever to do with it huh?” Mickey rolled his eyes and chuckled then suddenly grew serious. “You do realize that your Aunt will have something to say about your stepping into the power position dont you?” John nodded grimly. He knew from their previous run-ins that Vivian sure as hell didn’t play fair. But this time was different. He had his children’s best interests to protect. John glanced at the photos that he kept on his desk. They had both
been taken on their wedding day. She was finally his and the look on his face was one of sheer pride as he held her tenderly close to him at St Lukes.
The second was of the children. It also had been taken at the ceremony. Brady looked so grown up in his tiny suit. He had been proudly boasting that he looked just like Daddy. Belle was dressed in yellow satin and white lace and looked positively angelic. John called her his littlest angel.
Everyone at the reception knew that John’s big angel was never far from his sight that day. He had had the look of someone who had something that was so infinitely precious to him finally returned to him after years of searching. But Laura had been tinkering with the camera during the reception to create an album of casual shots as another wedding present for them when they came home from their honeymoon and had snapped the shot he was looking at. It was of their two sleeping angels. They had fallen asleep on a bench. Belle had slumped over and had her head on Brady’s lap and his head was on the armrest.
The precious shot had earned a chorus of “awwww’s” from the guests.
He glanced at his watch and wondered if she was at her desk….
Marlena was hard at work when the phone rang. “Hello Dr Evans-Black here.” The voice on the other end made her smile. “Hi Honey….where’s Heidi?” Brady glanced at the Nanny who was fixing their Lunch. “Belle doesn’t like crusts Momma.” Marlena started to laugh. “She’s making your Lunch sweetheart?”
Brady smiled. “You coming home for Lunch Momma?” Marlena groaned. Since they had moved into the new house before the wedding, Marlena had made it a habit to come home and have lunch with the kids. But the Hospital’s new owner had made that impossible for this day. He had requested that She had all of the paperwork ready for him to see concerning the new Psychiatric Wing. So she was going to work through Lunch. “Not today honey. But Momma will be home early so she can spend alot of time with you and Belle before dinner.” Brady started to laugh which made Marlena smile. “You can tell me all about what the two of you and Heidi did today ok?” Brady heard Heidi calling for him so he said his quick good-byes. “Love you momma.” Marlena laughed. “Love you too and tell Belle that I love her too ok?”
Brady’s last comment was a hurried “OK.”
Once she hung up, there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” The door opened and a bouquet of peach tea roses appeared. She smiled and came over. As she smelled it. A second bouquet surfaced, this one was Lilacs. Marlena was curious and opened the door to see the deliveryman….
John stood there with a huge smile. “Did they met with your approval my love?” She came and hugged him. “Thank you. You know just how to make a really rotten day feel so much better.” John glanced at her desk and made a mental note to ask why the man would want her to have paper work done that she didn’t need to be doing. “Doc remember, you are pregnant…Dont do your usual and take on more than you need to, ok?” Marlena smiled. “Dont worry John. Im pregnant not sick. Dont fuss over me so much honey. Im not a china doll, I wont break.”
The muffled grumbling that came from her stomach made John remember why he had come over to the hospital in the first place. “Doc since you told me that you wouldn’t be able to come out for Lunch, I brought Lunch to you.” With a flourish, John reached behind him on the floor to produce a picnic basket. “Ta-dah!”
“Have you told Dr Evans that she is to have all of the reports that I requested ready for me to read by 5 this afternoon?” Janice nodded. “Yes sir. She has said that she will be ready by 4.” He reclined back in his chair and tapped his fingers together. “Oh we’ll see about that. The amount of work that has to go into these preliminary reports has ensured that they WONT be ready. Certainly not be 4.”
Without warning, the door opened and in stormed a dervish that normally answered to the name of John Black. “May I help you?” John shook his head. “No I dont think so. Im here to speak to your boss.” The man in question turned his chair around. “Well Black you’ve found me.” John’s eyes grew huge. When Marlena had told him of what the new owner, Rex Stanton was like. He had some investigation done on him. Basically he was told that the man was richer than Donald Trump and had holdings practically everywhere in the world and that University Hospital was the first purchase for his Medical subsidiary.
What the P.I hadn’t told him and what John knew would set his wife into a tizzy was that Rex had a connection to someone who had once had a claim on her heart before dying way before his time…
Rex was the spitting image of Roman Brady.
“Well, what can I do for you Mr Black? Come on tell me. I dont have all day.” John shook himself and silently berated himself for allowing his surprise to be written all over his face.
“I dont appreciate what your doing to my wife. What in the hell do you think your doing piling on all the work for the new wing on her? Im sure that you have tons of lackeys who can do that for you. She doesn’t need all of that added stress. Especially now.” Rex sat back in his chair and folded his hands. “Why now John…I can call you John, Cant I?” John shrugged his shoulders. “That is my name…Go right ahead.”
“So are you going to tell me why Im not to get my employee to do the work that Ive asked her to do? Im not psychic, so any help that you would want to give me in your little guessing game would be appreciated.”
Before John could answer, Stanton’s secretary Heather knocked at the door. “Yes?” She smiled. “Dr Evans is here. She has the reports done that you asked her for.” Rex smiled. “Now I finally get to meet the famous Doctor. All this time and have never seen each other face to face. Oh John, this is quite an honor for me. I have you AND your wife together. If she’s as angry with me as you obviously are. Dont think she’ll be too happy to see me?”
John said a quick prayer that his wife wouldn’t freak. He knew that she had fought so hard to work through her guilt over what had happened to Roman. To see this man who looked exactly like the man who she loved and lost..Well John could only imagine a worse case scenario for what she would do..
He got his answer when Marlena appeared not quite 5 seconds later. She was stunned to see John standing there. “I thought that I told you to leave it alone. I could handle this on my own. Damn it John. Im not Belle.” A discreet cough silenced the couple. “Dr Evans..This lovers quarrel isnt something that I would really like to know about. Heather said that you have the reports. I’d like to see them. NOW if possible.”
Marlena froze and shot John a glance that ensured that the discussion would
continue at home. She turned around and let out a gasp..
Rex raised an eyebrow at her reaction. “Do I have something stuck in my
teeth.” Marlena shakily whispered to John. “Roman..He looks just like him”
Suddenly it all proved too much and her eyes rolled into her head. John caught
her just in time and laid her on the couch.
“Doc come on and wake up sweetheart.” Rex came over and with genuine concern
asked if there was anything he could do. “No there isnt. She’s pregnant.” The revelation of Doc’s pregnancy stunned Rex. “She’s Pregnant…” It was the way that he said pregnant that caused John to look at him in puzzlement and wonder what was wrong with him.
Marlena woke up and with the help of John sat up on the couch. “Wha..what happend?” He brushed the hair off of her face. “You fainted.” She seemed stunned. “I dont faint.” He smiled “Yes you did.” She suddenly seemed uncertain. “Where am I?” Rex spoke. “Your in My office Dr Evans. Do you remember coming here to drop off the reports I asked you for?”
She looked up. “You look like Roman.” He nodded. “So you have said. Who is this Roman?” She looked at John who answered for her. “He was Marlena’s ex-husband. He passed away not that long ago.You look exactly like him.” Rex knelt down in front of her. “Im so sorry. No wonder then why you fainted. I would too if some man who looks exactly like someone you lost came into your life.”
She stood up. “Im sorry to collapsed like that. I usually dont get this flustered.” He smiled and took her hand in his. “Dont worry. Pregnant ladies are allowed to be emotional. Your husband explained that all to me. Congrats. You must both be so happy…”
He escorted them to the door. John turned and in the same condescending tone replied “We are, thank you Rex. It is okay that I call you that?”
Rex smiled “Oh yeah it is.”
Later Marlena sat and watched John. Finally having enough of her silent treatment, he finally let it all out. “Why are you so mad? What did I do that was so wrong?” Marlena kept staring at him for what seemed like an eternity then stood up.
“You really want to know? Im not a child. I assume that when I make a request that it would be honored. I asked you not to interfere and you run right to him. John please, Im pregnant not sick. I am going to be around and you dont have to fuss over me…”
He came over to her and tried to put his arms around her. She brushed him off. “No…I told you on Our Wedding Day that you and I were a team. We would back each other up. I dont remember saying that I would allow you to pack me up in cotton and only bring me out when the going was good. John, promise me that you will loosen the strings?”
John smiled and seemed to resemble his small son. “I can try. Doc its just that I waited to have you back in my life. For so long I didnt feel that I was worthy of what you represented to me…Marlena I never meant to hurt you. Do you forgive me?”
Marlena stood up and came over to him. Wrapping her arms around him and putting all her weight against him, she whispered something while beginning to undo the buttons of his shirt.
As she slid it off his shoulders, he leaned in to kiss her. “Doc what did you say?” She looked up at him, her eyes drowsy with desire. “I said that there is nothing to forgive. I kinda like having you to fuss over me….” She pulled away. “But there is a difference between fussing and overprotecting..Got it?”
He scooped her up and brought her over to the bed.
Before he could continue, the phone rang..She put both hands on his face and forced him with the softest of kisses to listen to her. “Dont answer it…John please.” He looked away to the phone. “It could be the service. They may need us.” She rolled him over and landed on top of him as she whispered in a voice that could make an angel fall from grace… “But I NEED you..All of you..”
With a groan, John fell under her spell and let the phone ring…
“Say hello Daddy…” He could remember touching her stomach in wonder as the
baby moved inside of her. He then looked up at his wife and smiled at her
madonna like glow. “Adrianna…” She leaned in to kiss him. “Just think
sweetheart. In just a few months..This little one will be born..”
Sadly that child was never born. In one horror filled night that still caused him to wake up in a cold sweat, all that he loved was taken from him….
A night for which he held his new acquaintance John Black very responsible for. It was that hatred that sent him on the path that he was now on. For what he lost that night of stolen faith, he would now take from John…
The phone rang and he reached for it. His nightmare had ensured that there was going to be no sleep yet again in his cards. It was the Doctor from the clinic. “Damn it, I dont want to hear that there is no change. Phone me when there is…”
He slammed the phone down and opened his nightstand drawer. Her photo was
lying there like a medallion that ancient soldiers would take into battle. He pulled it out and stared at her…
She had the beauty inside and out that would make people stare. Rex thought
that he would never see another like his beloved Adrianna until that afternoon. Not only did he find one who was just like her but also was a dead ringer!!!
He slid out of bed and went to the window. Tapping the frame against his chin, he said to himself. “Oh John, you made this so very much more interesting….”
“HELP ME!” Rex woke up in a cold sweat. Staring vacantly around the room, Rex focused on the clock on his side of the bed. He saw that for yet another night, he had only got close to 2 hours sleep. “Will these nightmares ever leave me alone?” Reaching to the foot of the bed, he grabbed his robe and padded out of the room.
Coming downstairs, he flicked on some lights and went to sit in front of the computer. Punching in a few codes, he began to check on the progress of his plan. Checking the time and figuring out the time difference between the clinic, Rex grabbed the cell phone. “Hello Dr Mitchell please, Its Mr. Stanton, I’m calling for an update on a patient of hers.”
“DADDY WOOK!” John doubled over upon seeing Belle. He promised Marlena that he would watch over their youngest while she ran Brady over to His friend Finn’s house for their first sleep over. Finn’s Mom Susan was a colleague of Marlena’s and the Black Children referred to her as Auntie Susan. To keep Belle occupied, Marlena allowed her to have a couple of her little friends over to stay. So she asked her friend Alexandra,
known to the neighborhood as Lexie and also a little girl whom John had not met yet but had heard lots about, Erin Rosie Welter, or as Belle referred to her as: Ewin Rosy.
So while they were waiting for the other little girls to arrive, Belle took it upon herself to get ready to welcome them. She was standing in the middle of her parents bed wearing her “Pwincess” Dress. Which was actually the yellow dress that she had worn for their wedding. The dress was nowhere as bad as what Belle had climbed up on to the dresser to get. She had gotten into her mom’s costume jewelry drawers and was wearing all of her necklaces.
“Smart little thing.” Was all that her father said as he took in the fact that Belle had opened the drawers in such a way that she was able to climb up them to get to Marlena’s cosmetics. His daughter’s peaches and cream complexion at that moment resembled a Circus clown wannabe.
Belle smiled at her daddy and asked him a question he swore that he hoped he would never hear from her lips as he heard it so many times from her Mommy. “Don’t I wook pwetty Daddy?”
John rolled his eyes and smiled. “You look…” Seeing his little daughter’s eager face before him, John smiled. “You look lovely Punkin but you have to get ready for Lexie and Erin Rosie.” The mention of Erin was enough to get her off the bed. He ran her into the bathroom and had just enough time to get her bathed and changed into a pair of jeans and a sweater before the doorbell rang.
Belle let out a war whoop of “Door Daddy!” and shot her adoring father’s image of her being a delicate little girl out the window. When he got there, Belle was doing her impersonation of “Lord of the Dance” in front of the door as she hopped from one foot to another.
John scooped her up and opened the door. He saw a young woman holding onto the hand of a little blonde who was dressed in a pair of delicate pink overalls and a white T-shirt. Her blonde hair was in two ponytails. Belle held out her hands “EWIN WOSIE!!” She began to wiggle so badly that John put her down.
Belle started to tell Erin bout what they would do when John knelt to Erin’s eye level. “Hi Erin, I’m Belle’s daddy.” Erin quickly scooted behind her escort’s leg and peered around it.
John looked at his fellow Grown up for assistance. Who rolled her eyes at having yet again to unattach herself from the clinging Erin plant. “Honey this is Belle’s Daddy. He is going to take care of you till Sunday Morning. Then I have to come and take you to Dance Class. That is if they will let me readmit you for another semester.” She then focused on John. “Hi I’m Erin Rosie’s Aunt Romy.” John marveled at how comfortable he was already with the young woman who he remembered Marlena saying that she was an illustrator. He smiled at the sparkle in her eyes that the wire glasses couldn’t disguise.
“I should be here to pick her up by 9 or 10 at the latest. Her dance class is at 10:30.” John shook his head. “That’s alright. Belle is starting dance class the same time so we could take her if you want.” Romy shook her head. “I dunno. Erin Rosie is kinda shy with new people. I mean she knows Marlena but..”
Romy’s comment was cut short by an earpercing war whoop. They turned around in time to see the girls sliding down the stairs. John turned to Romy and saw that she was trying not to laugh. Studying her shoes way too intently. “Romy?” She looked at her watch. “Would you look at that. I have to meet with Cheryl Johnson. She is working on a project with me. It was nice to meet you John.” She glanced over at her niece. “Bye Erin Rosie.” Erin was so engrossed with Belle’s extensive Barbie collection that she only said “Bye Bye Romy.” John glanced over at Romy who had a strange look on her face. “That was way too easy.”
John checked his watch and wondered where Marlena was briefly before being drawn into playing with Barbie’s dream castle with the two tiny girls.
Marlena had just dropped Brady off to Finn’s Mom Kim and had greeted Brady’s other friend and Finn’s cousin Zack before leaving. She stopped at Salem Place to pick up The Sleeping Beauty and Mary Poppins Videos for the girls to watch.
She was coming out of Blockbuster when she ran smack dab into Rex.
“Hello Doctor Evans.” She smiled and held out her hand. “Hello Mr. Stanton how are you?” He took in her Jeans, Cardigan and button down shirt. “You should wear casual clothes more often. They become you very well.” Vaguely troubled by that innocent comment, Marlena smiled and said thank you. He looked at the videos in her hand. “Sleeping Beauty and Mary Poppins. Aren’t you a little old for those films?” She looked at him and smiled. “Your never too old for Disney Mr Stanton. Actually these are for my daughter. She is having a sleep over and I thought that I would get these to add to her video collection.” Finding herself irrationally annoyed that he would be that nosey, She glanced at her watch. “Oh I’m later than I thought. I left John alone with Belle and her friends. Not a good move on my part to leave him alone with 3 under 5’s Excuse me.”
As she drove away, Rex watched for a moment before smiling and reaching inside his pocket pulled out his cell phone. “I want to see you NOW!” He hung up and walked the short distance to his car whistling “Whistle while you work.”
Marlena came into the house and wondered over the silence in what should of been one filled with the sounds of giggling little girls. Coming further into the house, Marlena found her nanny Farnaz, known to Brady and Belle as Farnie doubled over with laughter standing just outside of the family room. “Farnie, I thought you were taking today off. What happened?”
The young woman unable to speak from laughing so hard pointed to the room. Curious Marlena went to take a peek. What she saw made her ask Farnie to get the Polaroid Camera from the study.
“Hi Erin Rosie and hey Lex.” Belle turned around. “Isn’t Daddy pwetty Momma?”
Marlena choked back a giggle. “Oh honey..Pretty is one word for it.”
Farnie brought her the camera. Asking Farnie to take the little girls up to the playroom, Marlena aimed the camera and shot off several pictures. The third flash woke John up. “Doc what’s with the camera?” He looked sleepily around. “Where are Farnie and the girls?” She clucked at him. “I cant believe that you would call Farnie back so you could go and catch a catnap.” John hung his head in shame. That was when he caught sight of Belle’s dress up feather boa. “What in the world??????” Marlena handed him Belle’s mirror “SURPRISE..Guess Halloween came early to the Black House this year.”
Belle got back into the makeup and had with a little help from Lexie and Erin had decided to practise on Daddy. To her credit, Belle had not made herself look as funny as she had did John. To top it off, Erin and Lexie went into the dress up trunk and got out the feather boa and the big floppy hat that Carrie had worn to a costume party as Scarlett.
Watching her manly husband gallumping around the living room, Marlena choked back her laugh. “Well Honey I did tell you not to fall asleep especially when the girls want to play dress up.” John held out the feather boa. “Well how was I to know that they would want to practise on me!” Watching the expression on his face as he held out the boa made
Marlena smile. But what sent her over was Abe who Farnie showed in. Upon seeing his friend, Abe could only say “Nice colour John, Matches your eyes.” The next sound was Marlena falling to the floor laughing….
Rex was looking at his watch for what seemed to be the umpteenth time and wondering where in the hell she was when the door opened and in came Vivian. “You rang your highness?” He glanced at her in such a way that if like the saying went, Looks could kill, Salem would be short one less Alamain. “I have heard through the grapevine that your very unhappy bout how your nephew has now got control of Kiriakis Industries.” Vivian
shrugged her shoulders. “This isn’t recent news. What do you want and why did you summon me here?” He leaned across his desk. “I am going to suggest a small merger. You help me and I will help you get what you so rightly deserve.”
Later on, he went to his safe and pulled out a folder. “I promise you Adrianna, for what they did to you and I. They will pay for this.” He shut the folder back up in the safe and went back to his reading.
He glanced at the photo that had come with the information. It showed The Police Commander, Dr Marlena Evans and her husband.
John sat going over the latest information on Victor’s bombing and was drawing blanks. “Who would it be who wanted you dead?” His gaze fell on the photo on his desk. It was of him and Marlena and it had been taken at a charity gala and Marlena was dressed elegantly in a black strapless taffeta gown. They posed in each other’s arms and were wearing huge smiles.
He blushed to himself as he remembered that soon after they had left the gala, that gown was soon gone and Marlena was wearing only her pearl necklace and Chanel No. 5 and one HUGE smile.
John checked his watch and remembered what time it was. He knew that Belle’s dancing recital was in an hour and he had one special stop to make. So telling Hayley he was going. John headed off to the florist when a wee whimper had him on his knees looking for the creator of the noise.
He soon found it near his jeep. A tiny face greeted him behind his front left tire. Coaxing the sad soul out with a cookie that Belle had left in his jacket, he was soon delighted with a tiny pink lick on his nose. Judging by the feminine features, he smiled and whispered. “Hello there wee lady.”
He knew that there was a vet and groomers in Salem Place. So he decided to stop in to take care of the puppy. But by the way that the puppy’s eyes caught his heart, John decided to take her home to the children. Brady and Belle would adore her.
While waiting for the young lady at the groomers. John reached Marlena. “I have a surprise for the kids. Care to meet me at Salem Place?”
Upon her arrival, Marlena was introduced to a wee lady with long ears and eyes that were framed by lashes that any human woman would sell her soul for. “Doc, say hello to Zoey.”
****
Marlena soon learnt that Zoey was shy and part shih-tzu part poodle. She was well mannered and nosy as she peeked over the window in the Jeep. She stole Marlena’s heart and made her laugh by letting out yips and yaps upon seeing children and other dogs. But she seemed very anxious to be near John. Marlena watched with some amusment. “What is it about you that has all women anxious to be near you?” John pulled into the pet
shop parking lot and held out his hands so that Zoey would be easy to grab. “Must be my cologne. Doc if you don’t know by now. Then I give up.”
Zoey was settled into the back of the jeep with a blanket to lay on and various treats. She settled down to wait for her master and mistress. “John, I think that Belle and Brady will adore her. How did you settle on Zoey?” John smiled. “She just seemed to be a Zoey. I wanted something unique and different for her.” Marlena looked curiously at him.
“Ok Doc, The Vet’s name is Zoey.”
Well the recital was a success and while John carried the sleeping tiny prima ballerina and Marlena carried her bouqets of flowers. Brady danced ahead and stopped upon seeing a tiny curly haired face peeking up at him. “OOOOOOOOOOOOO” was all that the little boy could say before begging to see the puppy. Laughing John handed Belle to Marlena and told Brady to be gentle.
No sooner did Brady promise to be very gentle, But then Zoey launched herself into the little boy’s arms. With a look of delighted wonder, Brady squealed. “HE LIKES ME!” John smiled. “It’s a she slugger.” Brady smiled. “SHE LIKES ME!!”
Well watching Brady and Zoey sound asleep. Marlena turned her attention to John. “You do realize what this means. One has a dog. The other is most certainly going to want one. Are you up to having three small kids and two small dogs?”
John shrugged his shoulders. “Piece of cake.”
Later, when the newer arrival made his prescence felt, John could have kicked himself for being that blindly naive. How something that small could create that much havoc blew his mind.
The next day, Belle was listless. Didn’t want to play, didn’t want to read or watch one of her disney videos didn’t want anything. Watching her lying limply on the couch, John came over to the tiny girl. “Hey Punkin what is the matter?” She shook her head. “Nuthing Daddy.” He kissed her tiny hand. “Awww tell me honey.” She turned a tiny tear
stained face. “Daddy could I have a puppy too?”
John sat on the sofa and took her in his arms. “Do you want a puppy?” Belle nodded. “Like Ewin Rosie’s.” Marlena who was coming in from a meeting and had heard what her tiny girl had said mouthed the words to John “TOLD YOU SO!” and then explained to John’s question that was in his eyes. “Erin has a shih-tzu named Tigger.”
John bounced his daughter on his knee. “Tell you what. Let mommy and Daddy see Erin’s mommy and Daddy to find out where they got the puppy and maybe we can go over after lunch and your nap. Alright?” Belle’s eyes shone brightly “Ohhh boy!”
Belle shot off the couch and ran off to check on lunch. Marlena danced with mischief. “What?” Marlena nodded. “Erin also has a cat named Rosie.” John shook his head and growlled “NOOOO CATS!” then stamped off to the study while Marlena went to check on Brady and the other little girl in the house.
After making sure that Brady and Zoey were happily settled in the backyard with a watching Farnie. Marlena and John packed Belle into the Jeep and they were off to the breeders where Erin’s Tigger was found.
Well it hadn’t taken long before Belle was swamped with Puppies who were eager to dance attendance on a person of their height. Marlena could see that while she played with them all, none had captured Belle’s heart as Zoey had Brady’s.
Then HE waddled in and John’s orderly world went to hell.
“Ohhh Daddy look!” By the time John was able to spot Belle, she seemed to have chosen a cross between an ewok from The Return of the Jedi and one of those Magwais from The movie Gremlins. The puppy was fat and seemingly fascinated by Belle’s pigtails.
The Breeder smiled. “That is the family favorite that your girl has there Mr. Black. We all love him.” John nodded. “What’s his name?” The Breeder smiled as Belle’s giggles began to ring through the house. “His name is Paco Magpie.” Belle, without turning around replied. “No…Tack.” Marlena looked over to Belle. “Tack?” Belle moved so that
the puppy couldn’t kiss her. “No Zack.” John nodded. “Zack and Zoey? Doc
what do you think?”
Smiling at the delight that she had seen in her girl’s eyes. Marlena smiled. “Doesn’t matter what we think. From what Belle is doing, Our approval is just a formality.” John and the breeder came to see. Belle had fallen asleep with the fat baby puppy sprawled out on her stomach. They both were snoring.
John handed over the check. “Guess you’ve got yourself a sale.”
The breeder took two polaroid pictures of the sweet scene and gave one to John and Marlena. It would be a photo that John would soon use to remind himself of what it was like in Peace time.
So with happiness seeming to be reigning in the Black household, Marlena left John in charge of their menagerie so she could return to work for a full afternoon of meetings. While there, she had begun again to have pains, Not really noticeable ones but enough to cause discomfort. So as she was reaching for the phone, Rex came to the open door. “Doctor Evans, we need to discuss the psychiatric wing being way over budget.”
Marlena looked at him as if he had three heads. She stood up and quickly doubled over. Rex ran to her side. “Doctor Evans?” She shook her head. “Get away. I’m fine.” Rex saw Adrianna on the night she was lost to him and said “No I am not leaving you. Your obviously in great distress.”
She threw up a hand as if to ward him off and she said weakily as another pain ripped into her. “I’m tired and sick.” She stood up and tried to balance herself while a pain like a hot knife hit her. “and I need a glass of water.” She attempted to get it when Rex saw her eyes roll up and she began to crumble into his arms. Rex, surprised by what was happening, nearly fell with the precious bundle in his arms. Looking at an unconscious Marlena for a moment, Rex brushed a kiss on her forehead. “You WILL be alright.” Taking her to the couch, Rex reached for the phone. “Dr. Horton please. Its Rex Stanton and tell him to hurry to Dr.Evans’s office and to hurry.”
John was chasing Zack around in the vain attempt to get the remote control so that he could see the football game. But the puppy decided that his owner was putting on way too funny a show to allow that mortal to have the remote back and so they were playing crash in to the furniture.
The Phone rang and John glared at the puppy. “Don’t you think that your getting away with this. I will be getting my remote back. And that is a fact.” He went to answer it, smiling to himself as he heard Belle crooning to her puppy. “Aw did Daddy bug you Bubba. Dat’s alright. Let’s go and get you a treat.”
John mouthed silently to himself. “BUBBA?” then answered. “Hello John Black here.”
“John hi, its Mike.” John sat down. “Hey Mike what’s up.” Mike stared at a sleeping Marlena. “John Marlena is in the E.R. she’s been having cramps. I think that you should be here.”
Yelling for Farnie to watch the children. John promised that he would indeed be there shortly.
****
Getting there, he was met by Rex. “Where have you been?” John moved past
him. “If that was my wife in there carrying MY child, I would be here as soon as possible.” John turned to stare at Stanton. “You may be my wife’s boss but I dont have to answer to you.” Rex shot him a disgusted glance. “She is pregnant and should be treated with respect. Not lying alone in a hospital bed wondering where YOU are while she is fighting for your child’s safety.”
John looked close to blowing his top from fear for Marlena and aggravation, from listening to this pompous know it all. “Listen here Rexy. I didn’t know until a half an hour ago when Mike phoned me to tell me. If YOU knew why didn’t YOU phone?” John saw Mike approaching and so went to talk to him but pausing to turn and shout “Hey by the way Stanton. She is MY wife not YOURS.”
As he watched John go to Mike. Rex smiled mysteriously. “Oh who knows what the past and future hold for anyone John.”
****
The family was told that Marlena was suffering from stress and was to take it easy. Mike looked at John and Rex who was standing close by. “No more scenes..get it?” Rex shrugged his shoulders. “I’m only worried for one of my employees. I will behave. It’s her husband you should worry about.”
John shot a disgusted look back. “Mike KNOWS that I wouldn’t do a thing to harm Doc or hinder her recovery. Its common knowledge that all of this stress seemed to have its start when YOU showed up Stanton?” Sensing another blow up, Caroline coaxed John into telling them about the newest additions to the family.
Watching this, Rex wondered why watching Caroline comforting John bothered him so much.
Marlena was asleep when John came into her room. He sat down and took her hand in his. “I love you. Doc you and the baby have to be alright.” The beeps were the only sound which was like music to John as at least as long as they did that, then all was well.
Rex watched from the window in the door for a moment and then walked
away.
****
A couple of days later, Rex was reading over papers when the phone rang. “Hello?” He listened intently to the other end and then simply said “Thank you.” and hung it up. Staring at the papers, he smiled. “This is for you Adrianna.”
He hit the intercom. “Drea honey, could you come in here for a moment Please?”
Glancing at Dr.Evans’s file, He smiled. “I think she will love a party. It is for a good cause.”
Marlena came home into total and utterly happy chaos. Brady still adored Zoey and Belle worshipped Zack but the truce between John and Zack ended when the teething puppy got ahold of John’s prized Cal Ripken card. Marlena shook her head. “Don’t you even THINK of punishing the puppy.” John shook his head. “But he RUINED it Doc.” Marlena raised an eyebrow. “Somehow I would believe this grief if I didn’t know that you have a
duplicate kicking around in the safety deposit box.” She turned around and went to check on the fool proof dinner. Leaving John open mouthed. “But Doc!”
Laughing, Marlena came into the kitchen in time to hear the phone ring. Picking it up, she smiled. “Hello Mr. Stanton.” Rex shook his head. “What have I told you. Please call me Rex.” Marlena laughed and glanced at Belle who was trying to teach Zack how to beg. “Ok Rex.”
John came into the kitchen in time to see his wife sitting crosslegged on the floor with Belle and Zack in her lap. The puppy was trying to prove to them that he could indeed kiss them both. “Mommyyyy.” Was all that Belle could say amidst kisses. Marlena smiled and looked up at John. “Can you get Brady and Zoey. Dinner is ready.” John looked
skeptical to which Marlena laughed. “Farnie made it before leaving. Go get our son PLEASE!” She pointed and he left.
Looking at her girl, Marlena rolled her eyes as Zack decided washing his wee mistress’s face was enough of a time waster and flopped his way over to his puppy bed where he soon landed on his back, sucking on a stuffed animal’s ear and soon began snoring.
Getting up to stir the spaghetti sauce. Marlena started to laugh.
“Aint that just like a man. Kisses and plays with ya and then soon takes off to his bed and goes to sleep.” John crept up behind her. “But at least I don’t snore Doc.” Marlena turned around and tapped his nose. “I am grateful for that. If you did snore, I think that it would be safe to say you’d be sharing the bed with Bubba. Who like all small kids, doesn’t believe in sharing.” Looking to where Zack was trying to keep Zoey from getting into the bed, John looked heavenwards.
“Why?”
Marlena turned around to finish the spaghetti. “The Lord only gives us only as much as he knows that you can endure.” John set the table. “Then he thinks I have the shoulders of Hercules.”
****
The next day, Rex met with Marlena about setting up a tribute for Tom and watching the way that she moved and the gentle swell that was just perceptible under her floral dress. “How are you? You arent overdoing are you?” Marlena smiled at his concern, remembering for some unknown reason how concerned Roman used to be over her when she was carrying the twins.
Rex remembered teasing Adrianna over drinking milk when she was pregnant. How she wrapped her arms around him and laughingly told him if she had any more milk, she would moo. Then to show no hard feelings she would kiss and tease him until he smiled again. Arguing with her in a cab, and playing in the hot tub after skiing…
“Rex? I have to go now. If you want to get ahold of me, I should be in the office after lunch. I have to run Brady to the Doctor for a checkup.” He smiled and watched her go. He had been having more and more unknown memories to him. He remembered what the doctor had said, that they would come back and not to fear them. But it was like being trapped in a never ending play back loop.
He went to stand at the window and asked himself in a whisper. “Who are you?”
“Come ON Doc.” John looked at his watch and grimaced. If she didn’t hurry up, the fundraising tribute for Tom would never get their hostess. “Marlena.”
“I am NOT going anywhere.”
She came out and looked as grumpy as Belle did when she was woken up too soon. John choked on his glass of water. “Pardon me?” She raised an eyebrow. “Going deaf?” He shook his head. “No. But I can’t have heard you right. Why aren’t you going to this function that you are hosting?” Marlena smiled. “Because I’m FAT.”
She turned around to look in the full length mirror. “I feel so awful.”
John came over and draped an arm around her. “You look incredible.” His hand slid down and rested on her stomach. “You are carrying my child. A new life inside you, a child created from such an incredible love.” He nibbled on her ear. “I love you now and always will.”
She started to laugh. “Your just saying this so I’ll get dressed.” He nodded. “Well there IS that.”
Laughing, they stood silently together. Hands intertwined on her stomach.
She studied their reflection for a moment. “Though, it would be really nice to stay in.” She turned around and undid her robe, allowing it to pool on the floor. John grimaced and closed his eyes, doing an impression of Superman being weakened by Kryptonite.
“Must..fight..temptation.”
At his wife’s bewildered look, John smiled and kissed her. “I’m holding you to this very tempting offer later. YOU have to get dressed so that you can dazzle the guests.”
Marlena started laughing. “Cheeken.”
John stood with Abe and Lexie, watching as Rex monopolized his wife, showing her off to the various donors.
“The pregnancy agrees with her.” John smiled as he looked over at Marlena with her hair piled up, dressed in an ice blue maternity gown with jeweled spaghetti straps. Looking as serene as any Princess. The only jewellery was her diamond studs, bracelet and her wedding rings.
“Yes, yes it does.” He smiled. “If you would excuse me, I’m going to steal her away from the dark knight.” He left and walked towards the couple.
“Hey Pretty Lady.” She turned and smiled. “Hi there.” He smiled at the look on Rex’s face. “If you’ll excuse us. I would love to have one dance with my wife.” Before Rex could answer, John escorted Marlena to the dance floor.
“That wasn’t very nice.” She started to laugh. “I don’t care. YOUR pregnant, just got out of the hospital and he’s treating you like a show toy.” Marlena searched his eyes. “John. Its just for a couple of hours.” John shook his head. “I don’t care. He comes to town, starts acting as if he’s in charge of everyone and the way he bosses YOU around.”
Marlena silenced him with a kiss. “YOUR all that I need. He’s just my boss.”
Rex watched the twosome with a feeling close to pure hatred. John had showed him up again and it was eating at him. Without a word, he stormed off.
From over Marlena’s shoulder, John watched him leave. Once he was gone, John planted a kiss on Marlena’s cheek.
“What was that for?” John smiled as she lifted her head to look at him. “That was for simply being you.”
“I don’t care. I need to have this done and I “NEED” it now.” Rex practically screamed into the cell phone. “This has to be done so that I can get HIM out of my hair.” He turned and froze at the sight before him.
Marlena was talking to Mickey and Maggie Horton, while John was standing beside her. His hand wrapped protectively around her waist. They were laughing at something that Maggie had said, when suddenly John nuzzled his head against the side of Marlena’s neck.
That small intimate gesture sent Rex into overdrive. “We’re not finished yet Black.”
“So have you two started talking about names for this little one?” Maggie rested a hand on Marlena’s stomach. “Belle wants Elmo. That’s the only certain thing out of this.” John smiled. “I like the name Victoria Katherine for a girl.” Everyone agreed. “That would be a nice tribute for a girl.”
Marlena noticed that Alice was waving at her to come over. “Duty calls. Excuse me.”
John watched with a smile as first one pump and then the mate went flying across the room. “Your aim is getting better.” Marlena smiled and came to join him on the couch. “Promise me that until the baby is born that our social life will be non-exsistent.”
He put her head on his shoulder and lightly pressed his lips to hers. “I promise that for the foreseeable future, the social life of the Blacks will be based within these four walls.” At that moment, a 14 pd weight came flying across the room and landed in John’s lap.
“Unless HE decides to make friends.” Marlena lifted her head. “Hello sweet boy.” Zack rewarded her with a kiss on the hand and Marlena fell back asleep.
John smiled. “Great, the babe falls asleep and I get Belle’s babe. Lucky me.”
John woke up to hear the sounds of a baby spice girl bopping around in the playroom. Rolling over, he found Marlena nowhere to be seen. Getting dressed, he found Marlena and Brady watching a show that Belle was putting on.
Zoey came dancing over to him and he scooped her up. “Daddy your WATE!” Belle stopped mid dance and put her hands on her hips. “Sorry Punkin.”
She grinned and went back to dancing to the song.
“God she is JUST like you.” He leaned over to kiss Marlena, who smiled back. “She dances like you. Two left feet.”
Before John could respond, the phone rang outside in the hall. John left to answer it.
“Hello.” Marlena came out into the hallway a few moments later and found John’s face as white as a sheet. “What is it?” John turned around and hung up the phone.
“That was Abe. Apparently a lead that we had in switzerland panned out.” Marlena smiled. “That’s WONDERFUL!” John turned around and shook his head. “No it isn’t.” He turned around. “The fellow who could have helped us, killed himself as the ISA men were closing in.”
Marlena stepped away. “I’m sorry John.” She went and shut the children’s playroom door, to spare them from hearing this. “So what does this mean?” John glanced up from the phone. “It means that our investigation is back to square one.”
The phone rang again and John shook his head. “It never rains but it pours.” Marlena turned to walk away and was about to walk back into the children’s room when she heard him cry out. Coming back to him, she heard him say. “Are you TOTALLY sure?”
She waited until he hung up the phone. “What happened?”
John shook his head and smiled. “I don’t know all the details, but Phillip is alive!”
The Jarlena Journal 