She sat in her room at the Salem Inn, staring around her in disbelief. She was usually stuck in seedy, run-down motels, and compared to the last few, the Inn was as good as the Ritz. She still couldn’t believe her luck! She had won enough money with the instant-win lottery ticket to make it all the way to L.A. without any more stops and singing gigs on the way. But something in her gut told her that she just had to keep the job in Salem.
She glanced at the clock and realized that she only had a few hours before she was to be onstage at Alice’s bar, and she had a lot to do to get ready.
As she got dressed, she realized that for the first time in a long, long time she was nervous about this gig. She had been singing in public since she was eight years old, and at twenty-three, she was past the nerves. But she just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen to her in Salem. Something big.
**********
“C’mon, Doc! I’d like to get there tonight!” John sat on the couch in his western gear, waiting for his beloved wife to get dressed and ready for their night out at Alice’s. Usually their taste was more towards the Penthouse Grill, or Chez Rouge, but tonight they were breaking from the norm. He still wasn’t sure exactly why Marlena had insisted on their going to a bar tonight.
“I’ll be there in just a minute!” Marlena couldn’t explain herself why she had this urge to go to Alice’s tonight. All she knew was that for some reason, she just had to be there. She put in her earrings, gave herself one more look in the mirror, and headed out the bedroom door.
John caught sight of her about halfway down the stairs, and realized she was definitely worth the wait. She looked incredible in her red top, white jacket, skin-tight jeans and western boots. All he could say was “Wow!”
“You’re not so bad yourself, there, Cowboy.” He never failed to make her heart skip a beat, and tonight was no exception. He looked devastating in a look that lived up to his name: all black, from his boots and jeans to his hair. “You ready? Let’s go.”
“I still don’t get why you want to go to Alice’s of all places.”
“I don’t know John. I just know that I have to be there. Besides, Alice’s isn’t all that bad. Jack and Jen go all the time, they love it!”
“Alright, alright. Let’s hit the road then. You know,” he said, watching her walk to the door, “there’s a definite upside to this evening.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “And what is that?”
“That I get to look at you in those painted-on jeans all night long.”
Laughing, she gave him a playful punch. “John Black, you are just terrible! Gorgeous, sexy and terrible!”
“Let’s get out of here before I show you just how terrible I can be.” He pulled her into a long, deep kiss.
She pulled away with a sigh. “Do that again and we‘ll never get out of here.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
*********
After she finished her sound check with the house band she headed straight for the dressing room in the back. Not two minutes after she had gotten settled in the plush, comfy chair in the corner of the room there was a knock at the door. She opened it to find the bar’s proprietor, Bonnie Lockhart, standing there with two bottles of beer and a smile. She still wasn’t too sure of the spitfire blonde who ran the place, but she figured maybe a smiling face and kind ear could calm her nerves. And the alcohol wouldn’t hurt either.
“Hey there, Sugar. I just thought I’d give you a proper welcome before your first set tonight.”
“Thanks, Ms. Lockhart. Come on in.”
“Bonnie, please.” She came right in and plopped down on the small sofa opposite the chair. “Now. Tell me all about yourself. Where do you come from, where are you going, where’s your family?”
She tried to wrap her mind around the rapid-fire questions Bonnie shot at her. “Well, Bonnie, I was raised in New Orleans by my adoptive father.” She tried to hide her disgust at the thought of the man she had run away from only a few months before. “And I’m on my way to L.A. As for family, I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? What does that mean? Isn’t your father still in New Orleans?”
This one doesn’t miss a trick, does she, she thought. Although she had promised herself that she wouldn’t tell anyone about her life or the man who had played such a big part in it, she just couldn’t stop herself. She had to say it out loud. “I ran away from the man who raised me. I found out that he’d lied to me my entire life. All along I was raised to believe he was my father, and I was his “Princess.” That’s what he always called me. One night, I went to talk to him in his study. When I got to the door I heard him talking to someone on the phone. I turned to go, but then I caught some of what he was saying.” She could still hear his raspy, accented voice and the crackling of the fire, smell the cigar smoke. “I peaked through the door and saw him looking at a picture as he said `My little Princess has no idea who she really is. I hate to hurt her like this, but the end justifies the means. When the time is right, I’ll take her home to meet her real parents…and she’ll help me destroy them.’ I hid in the shadows when he hung up and left the study. I was in shock. My entire life had been a lie. I pulled myself together as best as I could, snuck into the study and found the picture. I took it, packed a small bag, and snuck out. Honestly, I’m surprised he hasn’t found me yet.” It felt so good to say it out loud to someone. For the first time since she started talking, she looked at Bonnie. The other woman had downed both beers and was staring at her like she had two heads.
“Whoa. Maybe you oughta stay in Salem, girl. Your story sounds like something that would have happened here.” Just then the clock chimed 6:45. “Oh! You’ve gotta get dressed, Sugar. You’re on in 15!” With that, Bonnie was out the door. “I sure hope that girl gets famous. That little story she just told me would fetch a pretty penny from The Enquirer.”
Alone again, she pulled out the picture, her only link to her parents. She looked at it one more time, re-memorizing the dark hair of her father and the amazing hazel eyes of her mother, both of which she shared. “Well, the show must go on.”
******
John and Marlena sat at a table in the corner, thankful that they hadn’t been intercepted by Bonnie Lockhart. She was nowhere to be seen, which was unusual. Marlena touched John’s hand to get his attention over the loud music and the cheers as some brave soul took a turn on the mechanical bull. He turned to her and chuckled. “Maybe I should give that a try.”
“Don’t you dare, Cowboy! I don’t feel like scraping your butt off the floor. Besides, you might hurt your back again.”
“Mmm. Always the voice of reason, my lovely psychiatrist.”
“And don’t you forget it! I wonder why Bonnie’s not around.”
“Doc, what is it they say about gift horses?”
She laughed, having a pretty good idea where he was going with this. “Don’t look them in the mouth?”
“Exactly. And speaking of mouths…” He leaned across the table and drew her into a long, steamy kiss.
“Whoa! Why don’t you two get a room?” Jack Deveraux gave John a playful slap on the back while Jennifer hugged Marlena.
“Hey there! What a surprise running into you guys here!”
Marlena shrugged. “I felt like a change of pace. Won’t you join us?”
Jack laughed as they sat down. “Well, you’ll definitely find it here. We always have a blast. And there’s a guest singer tonight, too. Jen, what was her name?”
“You know, I can’t remember. It was unique…oh, what was it?”
Just then, Bonnie appeared onstage. “Ladies and gentlemen, please give a big ole Alice’s welcome to Miss Aurora Lynn!”
The young girl stepped onstage and Marlena felt like she’d been hit by a brick. She was sure she’d never seen this girl before, but she could feel some sort of connection. John noticed her reaction and took her hand. “You alright, Doc?”
“What? Oh, yes. I uh…there’s something about that girl. Aurora.”
“What is it Marlena? Do you know her?” Jennifer asked.
John shook his head. “No, she couldn’t possibly. Right, Doc?”
“Yes, of course. I mean, I couldn’t know her. But…I feel a connection somehow.”
“Tell you what, Doc. When she’s done singing we’ll go meet her, ok? Maybe talking to her face to face will help you understand why you feel this way.”
“Yes, of course. Well, everyone, let’s just enjoy the music, shall we?”
Jack smiled. “Sounds good to me.”
******
Aurora could feel it in the air. There was a sort of electricity in the air as she began to sing. She tried to ignore it as she sang what she’d come to think of as her anthem, of sorts.
They say, this town
The stars stay up all night
Well I don’t know
Can’t see ‘em
For the glow of the neon lights
And it’s a long way from here
To the place where the home fires burn
Well it’s 2000 miles and one left turn
Dear Mom and Dad,
Please send money
I’m so broke that it ain’t funny
Well, I don’t need much, just enough to get me through
Please don’t worry cause I’m alright
See I’m playing here at the bar tonight
This time I’m gonna make our dreams come true
Well, I love you more than anything in the world
Love, your Baby Girl
Although she didn’t know her Mom and Dad, she was determined to get to L.A. and be famous. And, hopefully, once she had herself settled in her new life she would find them and they could have a relationship.
She couldn’t wait to know them. No one with as much love and kindness in their eyes as these two had could possibly be anything less than incredible. Her father was so handsome, fierce, yet tender at the same time. And her mother…beauty and grace radiated from even just her photograph.
She was so caught up in her own thoughts she barely noticed that she’d finished singing and the crowd was cheering wildly. With a smile on her face she finished her set.
*******
When the applause died down at the end of Aurora’s last song, Jack and Jen left the dance floor to return to where John and Marlena sat. They hadn’t moved since Aurora took the stage. Jen looked at her friends with a concern that came so naturally to her. “Marlena, are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yes, yes. I promise I’m fine. But I’ll be even better once we’ve spoken with Aurora.”
John raised an eyebrow in his trademark expression. “You know, Doc? The longer we sat and listened to her, the more I felt that you’re right: There’s something very familiar about her.”
“Sweetheart, I’m so glad you feel it, too. Let’s go. Jack, Jen, we’ll see you later.” They left the table and headed for the backstage door. Marlena grabbed John’s hand and squeezed as he knocked on the dressing room door. After a moment, Aurora opened the door, looked at them, and fainted. “Oh, John!”
John caught her before she hit the floor and carried her over to the sofa. Marlena, stunned, was still standing in the doorway. She glanced down and saw that Aurora had dropped something. Closing the door, she stooped to pick it up, and gasped. She was looking at a photograph of John and herself. “John. Look at this.”
“Where did this come from?”
“Aurora dropped it when she fainted. John, why on earth would she have a picture of us?”
“I don’t know, Doc. Let’s stick around and find out.”
*******
John paced the room as he had for the last fifteen minutes. Marlena sat in the chair across from Aurora, watching her intently. Finally, the girl began to stir. “John!” Marlena leaned down next to the girl and brushed the hair from her face. “Aurora? Are you ok?”
As the girl woke up, Marlena found herself staring at her own eyes. The girl said one word: “Mom.”
***********
Marlena looked at Aurora, whose eyes were welling up with tears. “Uh…sweetie, maybe you hit your head. We’ve never met before.” Even as she said it, Marlena didn’t really believe it. She looked at John, who was watching Aurora with a confused and suspicious look on his face.
Aurora shook her head. “I know that. I mean…we have, sort of. I, uh…” As her hand went automatically to her back pocket, she began to panic. “Where’s my picture?”
John quickly came to the sofa and gently took Aurora by the shoulders. “Take it easy, now. I have it.” He started to hand her the picture, then stopped himself. “Just how did you get this picture?”
But Aurora didn’t hear him. In fact, she hadn’t even noticed him until he had touched her. But now that she saw him, saw his handsome face, his deep blue eyes, his black hair – her black hair – she had the sensation that her world had been turned upside-down. She began to sob. “You…you’re my father!”
John looked at his wife, who was also tearing up. “Doc.” She tore her gaze from the sobbing girl to her husband, who motioned for her to follow him to the other side of the room. When she joined him, he took her face in his hands. “Now, Doc, obviously there’s something going on with this girl. We can’t jump to conclusions, though, one way or the other. We don’t know anything about her. She could be ill, she could work for Stefano…”
“John! Don’t say that! She’s just a child. But John, she… she has your hair…”
“Lot’s of people have dark hair, Doc.”
“She has my eyes, John. You didn’t see that, did you? What are the odds that she would have your hair and my eyes?”
“I…don’t know. Let’s just try and calm her down and get some answers. I’ll ask her…”
“No.”
“Doc?”
“John, I’m the psychiatrist. Let me talk to her.”
“Are you sure you can handle it?”
“Sweetheart, it’s my job. Besides, I’ll be able to tell if she’s sincere, or if she has some sort of mental health problem.”
He started to argue, but she had a look of pure determination on her lovely face that he knew he couldn’t get through. “Alright. Let’s get back over there.” He took her hand and let her back to the sofa. She squeezed his hand and walked back around to the chair. As she sat down, John laid a strong and comforting hand on her shoulder and handed her the photo of the two of them.
“Aurora. Can you calm down for me, please?” She waited until the girl composed herself and made eye contact, then handed her the picture. “Ok. First, can you tell me why you think we’re your parents?” Marlena found herself holding her breath in anticipation of the girl’s answer.
What Aurora had so easily told Bonnie she now found so difficult to say. She looked from her father’s eyes to her mother’s. Those hazel eyes she knew so well were brimming with tears and eagerness for the story. She couldn’t deny her mother. My mother… “Wait. I don’t even know your names!”
John raised an eyebrow. “You don’t? Then how did you find us?”
“I didn’t. I just know I had to be in Salem. Please, just tell me your names and I’ll start at the beginning.”
“Alright. I’m John Black, and this is my wife Dr. Marlena Evans Black.”
“Doctor?”
Marlena smiled. “Yes. I’m a psychiatrist.”
“Wow.” She took a deep breath and just as she started to tell them the story there was a know at the dressing room door.
“I’ll get it.” John opened the door to find Bonnie standing there. “Bonnie. What can I do for you?”
“Mr. Black. I, uh…what are you doing here?”
“Well, Marlena and I are having a little chat with Aurora.”
“Speaking of Aurora, she’s due for her next set.”
Aurora’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh!” She had no idea how much she sounded like Marlena when she said that. “I completely lost track of time! But…I don’t know if I can sing now…”
Marlena shook her head. “No, I don’t think it would be a good idea, either, with you fainting like that.”
“But I paid her in advance. What about my money?” Bonnie put her hands on her hips, ready for a fight. Marlena gave John a pleading look. He knew exactly what she meant and took Bonnie by the arm.
“I’m sure we can work something out,” John said as he closed the door behind them.
Once they were alone, Marlena turned Aurora’s face toward her own. She studied the girl’s features, a perfect mix of her and John’s. She looked deeply into the hazel eyes. “Tell me, Aurora.” Aurora nodded, took a deep breath, and began the story. John returned not long after. He was going to ask Aurora to start again, but the look on Marlena’s face told him he should stay quiet.
Before Aurora was half-way through her tale, they both knew exactly who her “adoptive father” was. But they both managed to stay calm and quiet, holding each other’s hands, as she finished. After a moment of silence, Marlena asked a question to which she already knew the answer. “Sweetie, what was your f-…the man’s name?”
“Stefano DiMera.”
****************
Aurora stared wide-eyed as John stormed around the room in a rage. “That bastard! How much can he screw with our lives before it’s enough?”
Marlena, while she remained seated, had begun to shake with a mix of fear and anger. “I thought we were through with him! He was dead! Of course, we should know better. And he had the nerve to call her ‘Princess!’”
Aurora looked at her mother. “What do you mean?”
Before Marlena could answer, John took charge. “That…man…has made our lives a living hell for decades. He’s completely obsessed with Doc. He’s held her captive several times. The reason he called you ‘Princess’ is that he calls Marlena his ‘Queen of the Night.’”
Aurora looked to Marlena, who nodded. “It’s true.”
“Oh my gosh. I knew he’d lied to me, but I never dreamed it was that bad.”
“You have no idea. But that’s not the point right now.”
John nodded. “Right, Doc. First, we have to find out if this is true, and that means a DNA test. You up for it, Aurora?”
“Absolutely, if it means I’ll know the truth. What time are we going to meet tomorrow?”
“We’re not.”
“What?”
“Doc?”
“Right. I’ll pull a few strings at the hospital. Let’s go right now.”
***************
Two hours later, the trio was sitting in Marlena’s office at Salem University Hospital waiting on the test results. After several moments of nervous silence, Aurora finally spoke. “Dr. Evans, your office is beautiful.” She imagined the serenely elegant office reflected the lovely psychiatrist’s tastes perfectly.
“Thank you, Aurora. Please, call me M…Marlena for now.” She had desperately wanted to say “Mom,” not “Marlena,” but the fear that it wasn’t true was overpowering. How could this be happening? Her children had suffered so much, and now here was this girl, this young woman, who might be her daughter, and whom she didn’t even know. It wasn’t fair.
Even as Marlena thought it, Aurora said it. “It’s not fair, you know? I mean, I was raised well, and I had a pretty good childhood. But there was always something missing. Now I know what was missing: You!” John started to say something, but she put her hands up to stop him. “I know we don’t know for sure, but I can just feel it. Can’t you two?”
John was first to speak. “Look, I admit Doc and I did feel a connection to you when you stepped onto that stage tonight; we can’t deny that. But I don’t trust anything to do with DiMera without absolute proof.”
“No, I imagine you wouldn’t. I’m sorry, I uh…” She felt herself begin to choke up. “I shouldn’t have asked you to.” As the tears started to fall down her face, she hid her face in her hands.
Marlena felt her own tears begin to fall. She moved to the sofa and, ignoring John, took Aurora in her arms and began to rock her back and forth. “Sshhh, Sweetie. John didn’t mean anything by that. It’s just that…Stefano has put us all through such hell.” She stroked the girl’s hair, then gently lifted her head until the girl looked at her. “Aurora. My Aurora.” Aurora looked at her in surprise. “Yes, my Aurora. I don’t need a DNA test to tell me what my heart already knows: You are my daughter.” She turned her gaze to John, whose face had softened. “Our daughter.”
John, never one to hide his emotions, allowed his own tears to fall as he nodded his agreement and knelt in front of Aurora. “I am so sorry if I hurt your feelings. I don’t ever want to hurt you.”
She flashed Marlena’s smile at him, effectively melting his heart and convincing his it did have to be true. He reached out his arms and encompassed his wife and daughter in a hug.
As she sat wrapped in the arms of her mother and father, Aurora felt something she’d never felt before – she was right where she belonged.
Marlena sat at her dressing table brushing her hair. This evening’s turn of events was so amazing it seemed unreal. A few minutes after she and John had bonded with Aurora the lab called her office to confirm what they had known all along: biologically, Aurora was their daughter.
John walked into their bedroom to find his wife staring into space, a beautiful, serene smile on her face. “Hey, Lady. Been some day, hasn’t it?”
She smiled at him. “Mmm…yes, it has.” She laid the hairbrush down and walked across the room. They wrapped their arms around each other and John pulled her into a deep, steamy kiss. After they broke the kiss, they stayed in each other’s arms. Marlena gazed into John’s eyes. “I just love you.”
“And I love you, Doc.”
“Listen. About Aurora-“
He put his finger to her lips. “Sshh. There’s too much to talk about for tonight. Let’s leave it until the morning.”
“And just what else did you have in mind for tonight, Mr. Black?”
“Oh, a little of this, a little of that. Mostly that.” He fell to the bed, taking her with him.
She laughed and rolled on top of him. “Why, Mr. Black, I like the way you think.” She leaned over him and left a trail of kisses up his chest and neck.
“Thank you, Mrs. Black.” He pulled her into a long, deep kiss. “I want to make love to you all night long,” he said between kisses, “and watch the sun come up with you in my arms.”
“Hey, hey hey. A little less talk, a lot more action.”
“Yes, ma’am!” He rolled her under him, and got exactly what he wanted.
**********
Not long after they watched the sunrise they fell asleep in each other’s arms. They were awakened at 11:00am by the phone ringing. Marlena grabbed for the phone without opening her eyes. After some fumbling, she managed a muffled “Hello?”
“Mom? Are you still in bed?”
“Belle! How are you, Sweet Girl?” Marlena looked over at John, who had put his pillow over his head and was trying to go back to sleep.
“I’m fine. How are you and Dad?” Marlena grabbed the pillow, threw it across the room, and gave John a smart smack on his behind. He was up like a shot and into the bathroom with mock-angry yells of “I’m up! I’m up!”
“We’re just wonderful. We just had a long night, is all.”
“Oh, that’s right! Did you have a good time at Alice’s? I still can’t believe you and Dad went there!”
Just then, John walked out of the bathroom. She looked at him imploringly. “Did we have fun at Alice’s?” John’s eyes widened, but he shrugged and nodded, whispering “We have to tell her sometime.” Marlena nodded. “Uh, yeah, we had fun. It was an… interesting night. Listen, Sweetie, could you come over this afternoon? Your Daddy and I want to talk to you.”
“Sure, Mom. What time?”
“Um…how about 4 o’clock?”
“Ok. See you then!”
“Bye-bye, Sweet Girl.” She replaced the phone in the cradle. She looked at John. “I hadn’t even thought about how we’re going to tell the children. Four o’clock should give us enough time to gather our thoughts, don’t you think?”
“Well, we’ll find out. You know, we haven’t even told Aurora about her sisters and brothers.”
“Oh my gosh. This is going to be difficult. I hope they’re all willing to form a relationship. I just couldn’t bear it if this hurt our family.”
At the worried look in Marlena’s eyes, John took her in his arms. “Don’t worry, Doc. You and I did nothing wrong, and neither did Aurora. I’m sure the kids will understand that.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I just can’t help but think that everything Stefano does seems to hurt our family.”
“Well, we just have to turn this around and let it make us stronger. I just don’t understand how Stefano thought he could destroy us by having us find out we have another child.”
“I don’t know either, but I’m sure he had…no, has some sort of devious plan. We still have to be guard. He’s out there somewhere, John.”
He tilted her chin up and looked into her tear-filled hazel eyes. “Let’s not think about that now. Let’s think about expanding our family.”
She smiled. “Yes. I’ll call Aurora at the hotel and ask her to come over. Oh! I know – why don’t we order in some lunch, and you can go pick it up and drop by the hotel and get Aurora.”
“Sounds good. You call her and order the food, I’ll get dressed.”
“I’ll call Sami, too. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.”
**********
An hour later, John, Marlena and Aurora were almost through their meal. Since it was such a beautiful day, Marlena had set up lunch on the terrace. Aurora looked at her mother, who was looking at John with worry on her face. “Uh, you two have been awfully quiet. Is something wrong?”
Marlena placed her hand over her daughter’s. “No, Sweetie, nothing’s wrong. We’re just…trying to figure out how to tell you…”
“Tell me what?”
John gave his head a nod toward the door. Marlena nodded in return. Aurora got very nervous. Marlena reached for her hand. “Come with me to the piano.”
Marlena led her inside. She still couldn’t get over the beauty of the penthouse. Like Marlena’s office, it was a testament to her mother’s tastes and personality. Her gaze fell onto the piano, and the wealth of pictures there. She noticed one of her parents in wedding attire that was obviously dated to the 80’s. She was about to comment on it when she noticed another wedding picture, this one much more recent. “Just how many weddings have you two had?” She asked as she picked up the second picture. They looked so perfect, so…happy.
John chuckled. “That’s a whole other story onto itself.”
Marlena agreed. “Yes. But don’t worry; you’ll get to hear all of it in time.” She reached for a couple of photographs in the middle of the piano. She looked at them and hugged them to her chest, smiling. “These are what I want you to see. These…are your brothers and sisters.”
Aurora’s breath caught and she found herself fighting back tears. “I…have brothers and sisters?”
Marlena nodded and handed her the first picture. Fighting her own tears she said “Yes. This is your brother Eric and your sister Samantha – Sami. They’re twins.”
John handed her another picture. “And this is Brady and Belle.”
Aurora laughed with joy. “I can’t believe it! Do I get to meet them?”
“Of course! Belle and Sami are coming by this afternoon.”
“What about my brothers?”
Marlena picked up another picture as she sat the first few down. “Well, that will take a little more time; Eric lives in Colorado with my parents, Frank and Martha Evans. This is the three of them together.”
“Grandparents! I can’t even tell you how excited I am!”
John picked up one more picture. “This is Brady with his new wife, Chloe. They’re on their honeymoon now. Actually, Sami just got married, too. You’ll meet her husband, Lucas, later. And your nephew, Will.”
“I have a nephew? Just think, I was worried you were going to give me bad news!” She went over and sat on the sofa, overcome at the thought that in under twenty-four hours she’d gone from being alone in the world to having a huge family!
Marlena sat down with John across from Aurora. “We’re so excited for you, too, Aurora, but there is something you have to understand.” Aurora’s eyes widened. “Oh, no! Please don’t worry! I’m just saying, the girls are coming over, but they don’t know why. I just told them we’d like to talk to them. It’s going to be a major shock for them to find out about you.”
Aurora nodded. “Yeah, I imagine it will. What can I do to make it easier on them?”
John and Marlena looked at each other, both overcome by the compassion of their new daughter. John spoke. “Well, if it’s alright with you, we were thinking you could hang out in the kitchen, or upstairs until we break it to them. Then, we’ll bring you out to meet them.”
“I don’t want to be negative, but what if their reactions are…less than happy?”
“I hope we don’t have to worry about that. They know the havoc that DiMera’s caused in our lives – they’ve lived through it, Sami especially.” At her questioning look, John added, “We’ll explain it all in time. Is that plan ok with you?”
Aurora looked to her mother and couldn’t resist the hopeful look on her face. “Of course. Just show me the way.”
“Well,” Marlena said, glancing at the clock, “we have some more time before they come. Why don’t we call Colorado, and you can say ‘hello’ to your brother and grandparents?”
“Sounds good to me!”
***********
At 3:58pm, Aurora was attempting to relax in the guest bedroom while John and Marlena sat, silent, in the living room, staring nervously at the door. Seconds passed, minutes. The clock chimed 4 o’clock. “They’re late!” Marlena shouted at 4:02.
“Calm down, Doc. They’ll be here any minute!”
“I know, I know. I’m just really nervous.”
He took her hands just as the doorbell rang. Before he realized what was going on, she was across the room at the door. He would have commented on her haste, but he realized he was standing next to her. They opened the door to Sami, who was followed by Belle. Sami hugged her mother. “Hi, Mom! I’m so glad you called! Hey, John!” She hugged him as well.
John said a silent prayer of thanks, as he did every time he was around Sami, that the daughter of his heart had mellowed significantly since her wedding to Lucas. She was finally happy and content. “Hey, there. How are Will and Lucas?”
“They’re great!”
Belle, who was hugging her mother, said “Speaking of the happy family, don’t you have something for Mom and Dad, Sami?” She smiled and waved at her father. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Hi, Izzy B.”
Marlena asked Sami: “What do you have for us, Baby?”
She dug into her purse. “We had some family photos taken. They just came in today. I think they turned out well. I brought a wallet-size for each of you, and this, too.” She handed Marlena a box they hadn’t even noticed she’d been holding. Marlena opened it. It was a framed 5×7 of Will and Lucas in suits and Sami in a lovely evening dress.
“Oh, I love it! And the frame is just lovely.” She took it straight over to the piano. Sami smiled. It meant more to her than Marlena could possibly know that her family portrait was on the piano.
“Those are great pictures Sami. I just can’t get over how old Will is getting! I still want to think of him as a baby sometimes.” Belle put her arm around her big sister’s shoulder.
“How do you think I feel? I dread his next birthday – he’ll be driving soon!”
John cleared his throat. “Well, I hate to break this up, but let’s go sit down. Your mother and I have to talk to you.” He led them over to the sofas and assumed the same position as they had with Aurora earlier – he and Marlena, hands clenched, facing Sami and Belle. Marlena squeezed his hand. They gave each other a nervous look.
Belle reached for Sami’s hand. “What is it, Mom? Is something wrong?”
“No, Sweetheart, nothing’s wrong. We, uh…oh, where do I begin?” She decided the abbreviated version was best for now. “When John and I were at Alice’s last night there was a guest singer there. Her name is Aurora Lynn. She came out to sing, and we felt…a connection to her. So, after her performance we went back to meet her and talk to her.” She felt herself start to choke up, so she took a deep breath.
Sami chose that moment to interrupt. “Why is this so important? Why are you so upset, Mom? Did this singer do something to you?”
John answered for her. “We’re getting to that, Samantha.” He addressed his wife. “Do you want me to keep going?”
“No, I’m alright.” Sami’s inquiry had given her a minute to steady herself. “Where was I?”
“You and Dad were going to talk to this Aurora person.”
“Thank you, Belle. Well, we knocked on her dressing room door, she opened it, and fainted on the spot! John caught her and laid her down on the sofa. Then I noticed she’d dropped something. I picked it up, and it was a picture of us!” She pointed to herself and John.
Sami was about to interrupt again, sure that this girl had to be trouble. However, John seemed to be able to read her reactions and he put his hand up to stop her. “Obviously, we were a little shocked. To make a long story short, we got some information from Aurora when she woke up as to why she had our picture. She…uh…” Suddenly at a loss for words, he looked to Marlena.
She squeezed his hand. “She…Aurora…is our daughter.” The silence that followed that statement was thunderous. Belle and Sami sat slack-jawed, staring at them. “Girls?”
Sami and Belle turned their heads and looked at each other, both of them barely able to process what they had heard. Belle looked back at her parents. “I don’t understand. This girl is your daughter – my sister?”
Sami found her voice. “But, how is that even possible? I mean, it’s impossible. Isn’t it?”
“DiMera,” John said through clenched teeth.
“What?” Sami and Belle asked in unison.
“Stefano DiMera.” John said, as if the name were explanation enough. He realized, though, from the blank looks both girls were giving him that perhaps it wasn’t. He looked to Marlena, who raised her eyebrows and nodded in an “it’s all yours” gesture. “It is possible, because DiMera’s had her in his custody. He raised her.”
At this Sami stood up, her anger getting the better of her. “She’s a DiMera?”
“No,” John said, “she’s a Black.”
“How can you even think of believing anything she says? What if he sent her? How do you know-“
Marlena cut her off. “We know,” she began, her voice calm and even in a complete foil of her oldest daughter, “because after she told us her story we went to the hospital and had a blood test run. She’s ours, Sami.”
Belle looked to her mother. “And you didn’t know about her? Mom, how could you not know?”
“You know, I hadn’t even given it that much thought. After all that’s happened with Stefano, I just take for granted that he’s capable of anything.” She stood up and walked around the sofa, giving the subject her full attention for the first time. She stopped and looked at John. “You know, we’re going to have to go after him. We’re going to have to get these answers.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Whoa, you two. I know you guys are going to have to sort all of this out, but can we get back to the matter at hand? You just dropped a major bombshell on us.” Sami didn’t quite know how she felt about this news yet, but she was surprised at a particular emotion she didn’t feel: anger. She sat down, wondering how the rest of her siblings would react. Her thoughts wandered to her twin. “How do you think Eric will take this?”
Marlena smiled. “Well, it took him a few minutes, but I think he’s kind of excited. He might even come for a visit soon.”
“What do you mean, ‘took’? Does he already know?
“Actually, yes. So do Grandma and Grandpa Evans. We called them this afternoon. They all seemed quite taken with her, from what I could tell.”
Belle finally spoke. “They talked to her?” John and Marlena both nodded. “Then, does that mean she was here?”
John shook his head. “No, not ‘was.’ Is.”
Sami stood up again. “She’s here now? Where?”
“Whoa, just a minute. Doc?”
“She’s upstairs waiting to meet you two. Are you up for it?” Both girls looked at each other and, to Marlena’s relief, smiled and nodded. “Ok. Before we call her down, please understand: she is just as shocked as you are. But, at the same time, she is absolutely thrilled that she has this family. Sami, you should have seen her face when we told her about Will. She can’t wait to meet him!”
“Well, Mom we can’t wait to meet her! So, can we get to it?”
John headed for the stairs. “I’ll bring her down.”
As he headed up, Marlena looked at her two beautiful daughters. Holding out her arms to them she said, “I love you, my girls, and I am so proud of the way you are handling this.”
They both moved into their mother’s embrace as Belle said, “C’mon, Mom. You know how I’ve always wanted another sister!”
“Thanks Squirt.” Sami gave her baby sister a playful punch.
“Oh, you know what I mean.”
The sound of John’s voice broke the hug apart. “Here she is.” He moved aside, and Sami and Belle caught their first sight of Aurora.
The three sisters stared at each other in amazement from across the room. If Sami and Belle had any doubts about the story they’d just been told, they were squashed when they looked at Aurora. The resemblance to John and Marlena was absolutely undeniable.
Sami looked from Aurora to Belle. She had always thought Belle was a perfect mix of her parents, and, looking at Aurora, so was she. Yet, somehow, they didn’t look all that much alike. In fact, they were sort of opposites: Belle had her mother’s hair and her father’s eyes. Aurora had John’s hair and Marlena’s eyes. Belle was fair-skinned where Aurora had a darker complexion. Interesting, Sami thought. They’re like day and night, but they’re both undeniably Mom and John’s children.
Marlena’s voice broke the seemingly endless silence. She and John had been watching all three girls as intently as they were looking at each other. “Uh, I’m sorry. Girls, this is Aurora. Aurora, this is-”
“Please, let me.” She looked at Sami. “You’re Samantha – Sami, and you,” she turned to her other sister, “are Belle. Am I right?”
“You’re right!” Sami moved across the room to stand a few feet from Aurora. She held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” As Aurora took her hand, she decided to take it a step further and hugged her new sister, to the surprise of everyone in the room, including herself. “Welcome to the family.”
Belle joined them. “Yes, welcome. I’m so glad you’re here!” She, too, hugged Aurora.
John and Marlena watched the scene with their arms around each other. John wore a smile from ear to ear. Marlena smiled, too, and wiped a tear from her cheek. My girls, she thought. This is more than I could have hoped for. They’ve accepted her without a second thought.
Sami looked at her watch. “Oh my gosh! It’s almost 6:00! I’ve got to meet Lucas and Will for dinner!” At Aurora’s slightly crestfallen look, she made a quick decision. “I know – let’s all go. It’ll be fun, and you’d get to meet Lucas and Will, Aurora!”
“I’m game,” Belle said.
“Me, too!” added Aurora. All three turned to John and Marlena.
John laughed. “Now, how could we refuse three such gorgeous young ladies, Doc?”
“We couldn’t possibly! I’ll get my purse.”Anyone who saw the Black/Roberts family at the Penthouse Grille that night could never have guessed that one of its members had been so for less than a day. The evening was filled with fun and laughter, of reminiscing, and hopes for the future.
Lucas and Will were as taken with Aurora as the rest of the family. In fact, in a mere two hours, Will was asking Aurora if he could call her “Aunt Aurora,” to which she tearfully replied “of course you can!” Lucas had tried to get Sami to tell him just where Aurora had come from, but she was having too much fun with her new sister to spoil the mood. “I’ll tell you later,” she had told him.
As Belle, Will, and Aurora were having their dessert, John and Marlena and Lucas and Sami headed for the dance floor. Marlena watched Sami and Lucas fall easily into each other’s arms. “They just look so right together, don’t they?”
John smiled. “Yeah, they do. It’s great to see her so happy. She’s finally content.” And she doesn’t seem to hate me anymore.
She looked in his eyes, and could practically read his mind. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Not fighting with her all of the time. Things are almost like they used to be.”
“Well, almost. Things will never be the same, Doc.”
“I know. Aurora.” She paused, thoughtfully. “John? We can’t let her keep living at the hotel now that we know. What do you think of letting her move into the penthouse with us?”
“I think we could do that. She could have the guest bedroom. When do you want to ask her?”
“Well, I know it’s short notice, but we could ask her tonight. Then, if she says yes, we could move her in tomorrow.”
“Don’t you work tomorrow, Doc?”
“Actually, I only have one patient tomorrow, and she rescheduled, so I’m free! What about you?”
“Well, I have a few meetings, but I can reschedule.”
“Are you sure?”
“Definitely. Being a CEO definitely has its perks.”
“Mmm. You do know I only married you for your power, right?”
“Doc! I’m hurt.” He grinned. “What about the money?”
She laughed. “Oh, the money was definitely a deciding factor. Well, that, and you’re a fabulous kisser.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and let him guide her through a long, sensuous kiss. “Yeah,” she said when she regained her breath. “That’s the clincher”
“Would you two please get a room?” Sami asked with a laugh. She and Lucas had danced their way over, unnoticed.
“Oh, ha ha. Oh! We’ve decided to ask Aurora to move into the penthouse.”
“Already? Are you sure, Mom?”
“Yes, I think we are. And I was hoping I could count on your support.”
“Absolutely. Whatever you guys need.”
“Well, I would actually like Lucas to lend a hand.”
“Me?” Lucas looked a little nervous. “Uh, sure Dr. Evans. What can I do?”
************
Aurora was having a wonderful time. Between talking with her sister and nephew and watching her parents, so much in love, she was practically on cloud nine. “So, Will. How do you like high school?”
“It’s ok, I guess. I do ok.”
“Ok? Aurora, he’s being modest. He’s on the honor roll and everything.” Belle ruffled his hair.
“Oh, so we’ve got a smart cookie here, do we?”
The three of them laughed as the dancers approached the table. Lucas spoke. “Excuse me. Aurora, would you like to dance?”
“Me? Are you sure?” The question was directed as much at Sami as it was at Lucas.
Sami smiled and nodded as Lucas spoke. “Of course! C’mon!” He held out his hand. Aurora hesitated, then took it.
As Lucas led Aurora to the dance floor, John, Marlena, and Sami sat down. John took the floor. “Izzy, Will, we made a decision, and we wanted to let you know. We want to ask Aurora to move in to the penthouse. That way, we can really get to know her, and it’ll be easier to fill her in on our history.”
“I think it’s a great idea! It’ll be easy to see Aunt Aurora if she’s living with you.” Will was so excited.
Marlena gave Will a hug. “Thanks, Baby.” She looked to Belle, who was silent. “Belle?”
“Uh, yeah, Mom. Go for it. She needs this.”
Marlena touched her daughter’s cheek. “I love you, Sweet Girl.” She smiled at her for a moment. “Ok. When Lucas brings Aurora back we’ll ask her.”
“You’re a terrific dancer, Aurora.”
“Thank you, Lucas. You’re not so bad yourself.”
He gave her a little dip. “Thank you.” He smiled at her burst of laughter. “So, where did you learn?”
Her laughter died away as she remembered her dance lessons from the man who had claimed to be her father. Knowing what she did now, even though it wasn’t much, the memory of Stefano DiMera guiding her around the ballroom of his mansion, instructing her in his basso profundo, made her nauseous. “1,2,3,1,2,3… that’s it! You’re doing splendidly, Aurora! You most certainly inherited you mother’s dancing ability.”
She shuddered, as Lucas’ voice brought her back to the present. “Aurora? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No, no it’s ok. I’m sure you’re curious about where I came from.” She giggled a little bit at his sheepish grin. “Of course you are. Honestly, I’m amazed how well everyone is taking this. I mean, it’s not every day that a perfect stranger shows up and says ‘I’m your daughter,’ or ‘I’m you sister.’”
“Well, stranger things have happened in Salem.”
“That’s what I hear. And, according to what I’ve been told, Stefano DiMera was behind a lot of it.”
“Yeah, that bastard. He has some sort of vendetta against the people of Salem. A lot of us don’t even know why. I just thank God that he’s dead.”
“He’s not.” She blurted it our before she even realized what she saying.
“What?”
“Don’t get upset! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to just lay that on you. Stefano is still alive. In fact, he’s the reason I just showed up; he raised me.”
“What in the hell are you talking about? Does Dr. Evans have any idea-
“Yes, they all know. Look, it’s a long, long story. Sami knows some of it, she can fill you in. I…really don’t want to talk about it right now.”
His first instinct was to reject her, to not trust her. But he just coulnd’t believe this sweet girl he was dancing with was anything like DiMera. Besides, if John and Marlena know and they had accepted her, what right did he have? “Ok. Let’s go back, alright?” He asked as the song ended. Aurora nodded her agreement and they headed for the table.
As they approached to table, Aurora noticed her entire family was watching her intently. “What?”
Marlena reached for her hand. “Your father and I want to ask you something.”
“Alright. Go ahead.” She looked at John, then back to Marlena.
“We were hoping…that you’d come and live with us at the penthouse. At least for awhile. I understand if you don’t want to-”
“Don’t want to? Of course I want to! Oh my gosh! This is so incredible. Are you sure?”
John patted her arm. “Aurora, we wouldn’t ask if we weren’t. What do you think of moving in tomorrow?”
“I, uh…I think I should get back to the hotel and pack!”
************
Later the next evening, Aurora was sitting on her bed in the middle of her new room. She looked thoughtfully around the room at some of her new belongings. Her gaze fell to her desk and the photo of John and Marlena that had found its home there. The picture now rested in a beautiful silver frame inset with marcasite. She had purchased the frame that afternoon at Salem Place.
When John had picked her up at the hotel that morning and taken her to the penthouse she realized just how much of her life she had left behind when she ran away. She actually had very few belongings now. For the most part, she had some clothes and her picture.
“Well, we’ll just have to fix that, won’t we?” Marlena had said when Aurora had pointed that out. “I’ll tell John we’re leaving.”
“Where are we going?”
“Salem Place. You and I are going to have girls’ day out. We’re going shopping!”
Aurora and Marlena had spent most of the day shopping, laughing and talking. By the time they were done, Aurora had a closet full of clothes and shoes, new bedding, and some new décor for her room. Marlena had even picked up a few new outfits for herself.
Aurora had to laugh when she thought of her father’s reaction when they had returned and her mother had handed him a very large stack of receipts. He had feigned chest pain and claimed they had broken the bank.
Throughout the day, she had repeatedly told Marlena that none of this was necessary. “Really, you’re spending too much on me. I-”
“Sweetheart, please don’t worry about it. John and I aren’t exactly hurting in the way of money. I promise, it’s alright. Besides, you need these things.” She gave Aurora a reassuring hug.
Although she did feel guilty, Aurora had to admit that it felt great to be spoiled. Stefano hadn’t exactly kept her in a cave or anything, but this was different somehow. It felt different…she felt cared for and loved. And not just when they were buying her things. Whenever they looked at her she felt it; this incredible, tangible love. Growing up she had always believed that Stefano had loved her, but she knew differently now. After two days with her mother and father, she knew that what Stefano did was not love.
A knock at her open door brought her back from her own dreamy thoughts. She looked up to see Marlena standing there holding two steaming mugs. “Hi, Mom! Come in!”
Marlena smiled as she crossed the room. She handed one of the mugs to Aurora. “Here you go, Sweetheart. I made us some tea.” She pulled out the desk chair and sat.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Sweetie. Your room looks beautiful. You really picked out some lovely things today.”
“Well, I must have inherited my mother’s good taste.”
“That you did, Aurora,” John said from the door. He gave Marlena a smile full of all the love in the world. “Doc, Belle’s on the phone.”
“Oh, I didn’t even hear it ring.” She glanced at Aurora. “Could you tell her I’ll call her back? Aurora and I are having some tea and some girl talk. Which means you have to leave.” She laughed as he pouted. “Go on! Get out!”
“Alright, alright. I’ll tell Belle you’ll call her later.” He shut the door behind him to the sound of his wife and daughter laughing.
“You could have taken Belle’s call,” Aurora said breathlessly.
“No, it’s ok. I’ll call her back. I wanted to talk with you. I had a wonderful time this afternoon.”
“So did I. Salem really is a wonderful town.” Marlena nodded and took a sip of her tea. “Mom? I have a few questions.”
“Well, we’re on the same wavelength. I was going to ask if you wanted to get a short history lesson. Ask away.”
“Ok. First, why does Sami call Dad ‘John?’”
Well we might as well jump right into it, Marlena thought. “Because John isn’t Sami and Eric’s father.” She watched Aurora closely to gauge her reaction, and she was impressed.
Aurora simply nodded. “Who is, then?”
“Roman Brady. I was married to him before John.”
“So Belle is Dad’s, and the twins are from your first marriage.”
“Uh, no.”
“No? Ok, now I’m confused.”
“Roman was my second husband. I was married to a man named Don Craig when I was very young.”
“So…do I have any other siblings I don’t know about?”
“Don and I had a son, DJ, but…he died of SIDS when he was just a few months old.”
“Oh, Mom. I’m so sorry!” The tears in Marlena’s eyes broke Aurora’s heart. “I feel like such an ass. I didn’t mean to-”
“It’s ok, Aurora, really. It is confusing, I know. And I might as well tell you that Brady isn’t my biological son. His mother, Isabella, died when he was a few months old. But, I’ve raised him with John, so I’m the only mother he’s ever known.”
“Isabella? Isn’t that Be-”
“Belle’s name? Yes. She’s named for Isabella.”
“Ok. I think I’m starting to get this.”
“Oh, Aurora, you must think I’m horrible to go through these men…”
“No, Mom! I love you! Nothing could make me feel that way. But, I can see how you could land so many men: You’re gorgeous, Mom!”
Marlena blushed. “Stop, stop-”
“No, really! I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful as you, inside and out. I’d feel blessed to get just a little of that from you.”
“Well, don’t worry. I think you got more than just a little.” She came to the bed and took Aurora in her arms. “And how you managed to turn out so wonderfully when such a horrible man raised you is amazing to me.”
“I guess it’s a testament to the unbreakable bond of a mother and daughter.” She looked Marlena in the eye. “I can’t believe I found you.”
Marlena stroked Aurora’s hair. “Believe it, Sweetheart. And also believe that I’m never going to let you go.” She hugged her again. “Aurora? I have a question of my own.”
“What is it, Mom?”
“What did Stefano tell you about your mother? I mean, if he claimed to be your father, and you hadn’t seen John or I before, who did he say she was?”
“Well, he didn’t like to talk about it very much. I mean, he wouldn’t answer any of my questions. But he did say that she died in childbirth. He said her name was Lee. I don’t understand, though. Did she not even exist?”
“She very well may have. I was thinking about this earlier. I was trying to figure out just how I could not know about you.”
“Do you have any idea?”
“I’ll have to explain this a little bit. Several years ago, a man named Orpheus tried to kidnap me to get revenge on Roman. He got me on a plane, and it crashed. John saw it go down, and everyone thought I was dead. But I had survived, obviously, and somehow Stefano managed to rescue me. He held me captive for five years, during most of which I was kept in a drug-induced coma.”
“Mom, oh my gosh!” I’m so sorry you went through all of that!”
“Thank you, Sweetie, but it’s in the past now. Anyway, my first idea was that maybe I was pregnant with you when Stefano got ahold of me, and I just didn’t know about it yet.”
“Well, that makes sense…”
“It would, except that I had Belle after I came back, and you’re younger than she is.”
“Oh, I am?”
“Yes, by a few years. In fact, you would have been born about the time…” Marlena’s eyes went wide.
“What? What is it?”
“Maison Blanche.”
“You…you know Maison Blanche?”
“Yes, a little too well, in fact. How do you know it?”
“It’s where I grew up. What do you mean, ‘a little too well,’ Mom?”
“I, uh,…I don’t know if I should say.” She turned to look out the window.
“Mom. Look at me.” She put her hand on Marlena’s.
Marlena thought back to those horrible days she had spent in the company of Stefano…and her poor John, chained in the dungeon, willing to let his mind be wiped clean to save her…and to what she had had to do to free him..
She turned back to face Aurora.
“Mom, tell me. I can handle it.”
Looking in Aurora’s eyes, Marlena could see a solid strength there, and knew that she was right. “Stefano held both your father and I captive there. He…tried to erase your father’s memory and…seduce me.”
Aurora tried to wrap her mind around what she had just heard. How was it possible for such a demented, desperate man to put on a face of normalcy long enough to raise a child? Of course, the fact that the child in question was Marlena’s probably had something to do with it. Her dad did say that Stefano was completely obsessed with her.
How was it possible for Marlena, a woman who had obviously been put through such a ridiculous amount of hell in her life, to be such a loving, caring, beautiful person? Aurora met her mother’s eyes, and grabbed her in a fierce hug.
With her arms still wrapped around her mother’s neck, Aurora told her mother “You are amazing.”
“What?” She pulled out of the hug so she could look at Aurora.
“Well, I guess what we were saying earlier about a mother-daughter bond is true. I mean, you asked me how I could turn out the way I did, but you…with what he’s put you through, and I’m sure I don’t even know the half of it, you should be a bitter, cold woman. But instead, you’re warm and caring and loving – so loving. You’re amazing!”
Marlena had tears streaming down her face now. “I thought I was the psychiatrist in the family. Thank you, Sweetheart. That means so much to me. I don’t like to talk about what’s happened, but you seem to just understand in a way nobody else does, except for maybe John.” She touched her daughter’s face. “Well, I think we’ve gone deep enough for tonight. Why don’t we go downstairs and get some dinner?”
“Sounds good to me. I’m starving!” She hugged her mother again, then they stood up and, taking the forgotten tea with them, headed for the stairs.Aurora’s first few weeks of living with her parents were spent getting to know each other. She spent each evening talking and laughing with them, even playing cards and board games. She learned about her mother’s childhood, and her twin sister Samantha, how she came to Salem, her first two husbands, and, finally, how she and John had met. It was an incredible story to hear, and she was amazed at how big a part Stefano had played in it all.
She had wanted to learn about her father’s life and was saddened to hear that Stefano had taken it from him; he didn’t remember a bit of it before he came to Salem.
However, she was thrilled to hear his take on the matter; he had smiled, put his arm around Marlena, and said “This wonderful, gorgeous lady is my whole life. She’s my beginning, and she’ll be my ending.” He’d gazed into her eyes for a moment then turned back to Aurora. “My children are a pretty good bit of it, too,” he said with a wink.
“I hope I can find a love like yours one day,” she told them.
“Yes, we’re very blessed.” Marlena patted John’s knee. “But I’m certain you will my Sweet Girl. You have a beautiful heart, Aurora.”
Aurora’s days were spent in the penthouse alone, at first. She looked at photographs and thought of questions for her parents. She even watched talk shows and some of those silly daytime dramas.
But, after about a week, she grew tired of that. She talked to her parents and decided to get a job. John and Marlena had both insisted she didn’t need to do that, but she wanted to get out and meet people.
“Well, let’s see. I’m sure Maggie would love to have you at Chez Rouge…” Marlena began.
“Or,” John interjected, “you could come work at Basic Black with Belle and me.”
“That would be fabulous! But, would anyone have a problem with that? Since I’m you daughter, I mean?”
“Well, I’m not going to put you in charge of a division or anything, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”
“Ok. I’d love it then!”
**************
So, week four saw Aurora beginning her new job at Basic Black. She got up extra early on her first day, showered, and dressed in a smart grey suit with blue pinstripes.
She made her way down to the kitchen, where Marlena was already sitting with a cup of coffee. Aurora let out a small chuckle when she noticed that her mother was also in a grey suit, but with pink pinstripes. “Gee, Mom,” she joked, “you have great taste in clothes!”
Marlena looked up and let out a laugh of her own. “I could say the same for you! You look wonderful! Are you excited for your first day?” she asked as she poured a cup of coffee for Aurora.
“Yes, but I’m nervous, too. Dad basically handed me a job, and I don’t want to screw it up. Where is Dad, anyway?” She sat across from Marlena and peeled herself a banana.
“He’ll be down shortly. He was in the shower when I came down.” Marlena didn’t add that she’d contemplated joining him, but had opted to have some breakfast with Aurora. She heard a clicking sound from below the table and realized that Aurora was bouncing her leg up and down in a classic nervous gesture. She reached across the table and took Aurora’s hand in her own. “Sweetheart, don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll be terrific at whatever you Dad finds for you to do.”
The sympathy and love in her mother’s eyes put her at ease. “I’m sorry. I’ve been given such a gift in you and Dad, and the rest of the family. I still worry that I’ll wake up and it’ll all have been a dream.”
“Aurora, don’t ever apologize for your feelings. I tell my patients that all the time. It’s perfectly natural for you to feel anxious at a new beginning like this. But I’ll promise you something: your Daddy won’t make you do anything you’re not comfortable with.”
“She’s absolutely right.” John stood in the kitchen doorway. “In face, I think I have just the job for you.”
“Really? What is it?”
“Well, for a couple of weeks, you’ll work very closely with Belle under Kate Brady – Lucas’ mother. Belle’s designing an advertising campaign for Countess Wilhelmina Cosmetics. I thought you could kind of be Belle’s apprentice for now.”
“Advertising…could be cool. Plus, I’d love to work with Belle! It could be some really nice bonding time for the two of us.”
Marlena smiled at her daughter. “I was just thinking the same thing. You and Belle can really get to know each other. John, what did Belle have to say about the idea?”
“Well, nothing…yet.”
“She doesn’t know yet?” Marlena asked.
“Well, no, but I think she’ll be happy.”
“Are you sure, Daddy? I don’t want to step on her toes.”
John couldn’t help but smile at hearing Aurora call him “Daddy.” “I’m sure. This is the biggest project Belle’s ever been given. She’s been pretty nervous about getting it going on her own. I think she’ll welcome the help, especially from her sister.”
“Ok. I’ll take your word for it. I’m going to run upstairs and get my purse.”
As she watched Aurora head up to her bedroom, Marlena spoke to John in hushed tones. “Sweetheart, promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t want another Sami/Carrie rivalry to crop up.”
“Doc, c’mon. Are these two anything like Sami and Carrie were? I’ll answer that for you: no. They get along great, and I don’t think that’ll change.”
“Just promise that you’ll keep your eye on them, ok?” She batted her eyelashes at him and made a pouty face. “Please?”
He laughed as he pulled her into his arms. “Alright, alright. I promise. I’ll baby-sit our girls.” Before she could comment, he silenced her with a steamy kiss.
“Hey now! Break it up, you two. I wanna get to work!” Aurora stood on the bottom stair with her hands on her hips.
Reluctantly, Marlena broke apart from John. She turned towards Aurora, expecting an admonishing glare. To her surprise, she was met with a huge smile and realized that Aurora had been joking. “Oh, you! Unfortunately for me, I’m pretty sure you inherited your father’s sense of humor!”
“Hey! Are we gonna take that, Aurora?”
“You’re on your own there, Dad. Are you ready to go?” She started towards the door, only to be halted by her mother’s voice.
“Uh, excuse me? What is this? No ‘goodbye,’ no hug? I see where I rate!”
“Sorry Mom! I guess I’m just excited.” She rand into her mother’s waiting arms. “I love you!”
“I love you, too, Sweet Girl. And before you go, I have something for you.” She went to the desk and reached for a package she had placed below it.
“Mom! You and Dad have given me so much already, and now you get me another present? It’s too much!”
“Oh, don’t be silly. Besides, I couldn’t very well let you go off to your new high-end job without one of these!” She handed Aurora the package, and she watched, excited, as her daughter ripped it open.
Aurora held in her hands a buttery-soft leather briefcase that matched her mother’s. “Oh, Mom, it’s beautiful! And it’s just like yours!”
“Well, not quite. There’s a plaque at the top, near the handle.” She pointed it out to Aurora.
“You had it engraved? Oh, Mom. ‘A.L.B.’ My initials, but…”
“But nothing – Aurora Lynn Black. That’s you!”
Fighting back tears, Aurora gave her mother a tight, heart-felt hug. “Thank you, for everything.”
John watched the two women, amazed at how alike they were. He glanced at his watch. “Whoa! Ok, ladies. We’ve got to hit the road. I have a meeting.”
Marlena stepped back and wiped the tears form Aurora’s face. “Yes, I’d better get to work, too. You have a good day, my girl.”
“I will. Thanks again, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Bye, Doc. I’ll call you later.” He gave her a quick kiss and headed out the door, Aurora right behind him.
*************
Belle sat in the small conference room next to her father’s office at Basic Black. She had a portfolio for Countess Wilhelmina spread before her, along with several samples of their new line. She had several ideas of where to begin, and her meeting with Billie Reed later in the morning would decide which route to take.
“Good morning, Belle. You’re here early.” Kate had noticed the light in the conference room on her way to her own office.
“Hi, Kate. Yes, I wanted to be completely prepared for my meeting with Billie.”
“Oh, Sweetie, I’m sure you’ll be fine. Billie’s really looking forward to this project. She wants to ‘restore Countess Wilhelmina to her former glory,’ as she says.”
“And I want to help her do it. It was lucky that Dad decided to go into advertising at the same time, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was,” Kate didn’t add that she’d put the idea into John’s head when Billie had mentioned the new product line. “And I’m sure you’re the right person for the job.”
“Thank you, Kate. You are coming to the meeting, right?”
“Yes, I’ll be there. I’ll see you in a bit, Belle.” She left the conference room, headed in the direction of her office, and ran straight into someone she’d never seen before. “Oh! I’m sorry!”
“No, no, it’s my fault. I should’ve been more careful.” Aurora had been so caught up in looking around she hadn’t seen this woman come out of the open door.
Kate looked the girl up and down, taking in her suit and briefcase. At first, she though the girl was looking for a job. She was about to send her down to personnel when her gaze made its way to the girl’s eyes. They were very familiar…like “Marlena.” She said her friend’s name out loud.
Aurora didn’t know what to say to the woman, but, luckily, John walked in at just the right time. “Oh, Kate, Aurora. I see you two have met.” He came to stand next to Aurora and put his hand on her shoulder.
“Uh, not exactly,” Kate said, still looking into Aurora’s familiar hazel eyes. “Who are you?”
“Kate Brady, Aurora Black. Aurora Black, Kate Brady – your new boss.” John concluded his abbreviated introduction.
“Her new boss? John, I didn’t hire any new – wait. Did you say Aurora Black?”
“Yes. Kate, this is Doc’s and my daughter, Aurora.” He saw Kate’s perplexed look and cut her off before she could speak. “I’ll explain it all to you in awhile.”
Still skeptical, she nodded. “Ok. Well, Aurora, like John said, I’m Kate.” She held out her hand.
Aurora took it. “It’s very nice to meet you. I got to meet you son, Lucas, a few weeks ago.”
“Oh, you did? He didn’t mention it.” She made a mental note to bring it up to him later. “So, you’ll be working here now?”
“Yes, I’ll be working with Belle on the advertising campaign.”
“Oh, Countess Wilhelmina. You’ll meet my daughter, Billie, today then. She owns the company.”
“Wow. Salem sure is a small world isn’t it? I mean, it seems as if everyone’s connected to everyone else in one way or another. So, your last name is Brady, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So, does that mean you’re related to Sami and Eric?”
“Well, sort of. I’m married to their father, Roman.”
“You’re married to my mom’s ex-husband? And the world keeps shrinking…” Seriously, she thought, one way or another, I’m probably related to everyone in Salem!
“Yes, well, I’ve got to get ready for the meeting. John? Could I talk to you in my office, please?”
“Uh, sure. Aurora, why don’t you wait in my office? It’s the door across the lobby there.” He pointed.
“You mean the one that says ‘John Black, CEO?” She said, sarcasm dripping from her voice.
“You know, Smart Alec,” he said, grabbing her in a hug, “you’re more like your mother than either of you realize.” He gave her a playful shove in the direction of his office, and followed Kate toward hers.
Kate walked across the room and leaned against her desk as John closed the door behind him. “Well?” she asked, folding her arms across her chest.
“Well what?” John returned.
“Well, are you going to tell me what the hell is going on here? Who is this Aurora?”
“I already told you that – she’s my daughter.”
Kate wasn’t sure if he was being so oblivious on purpose or if it actually didn’t occur to him that this situation was odd. “Your daughter?” He nodded. “With Marlena?” He nodded again. “Gee, maybe I missed a few years, but I don’t remember the two of you having any more children!” She was getting rather frustrated with him now.
“No, Kate, you didn’t miss anything. We only found out about Aurora a month ago.”
“What do you mean ‘found out?’ Hold on – a month? She’s been here a month and you didn’t say anything? Well, this explains your shortened hours and your rush to get out of here in the evening.”
“Alright, calm down Kate. Sit down, and I’ll tell you everything.”
Aurora had been sitting in John’s office for a few minutes when Belle came in. “Dad, I – Aurora? What are you doing here?” She asked as she gave her sister a hug.
“Hi Belle! I’m going to work here now.”
“You are? That’s so exciting! What will you be doing?”
“Well, uh…Dad says I’ll be helping you with the Countess Wilhelmina campaign. Is that alright with you, Belle?”
“Sure, why wouldn’t it be? I could use the help, and I’d love to spend the time with you.”
“Oh, Belle! Thank you!” She gave her sister another hug. “So, when do we start?”
Belle glanced at the clock. “Billie Reed will be her in half an hour. I just wanted to a few numbers with Dad. Where is he?”
“He’s in Kate’s office. She seemed pretty shocked when she met me.”
“Oh. Kate can get pretty fired up, but don’t worry; Dad will calm her down. Tell you what: I’ve got everything laid out in the conference room. Why don’t I run over everything with you?”
“Sounds great. So, what exac-” She stopped dead in her tracks, face-to-face with Kate in the doorway. She saw that Kate had tears in her eyes.
Kate looked deep into Aurora’s eyes and knew that everything John had said was true. She grabbed Aurora and hugged her. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I doubted at first, and I’m sorry that you were raised by that evil bastard.”
Aurora looked to her father, who was standing behind Kate. He simply smiled and nodded.
“Thank you, Kate, but I don’t want to think about that anymore. Let’s forget it, and get to work, alright?”
Kate let her go and nodded. “You’re right.” Shaking her head, she added, “You are so like Marlena it’s eerie.” With that, she headed back to the conference room.
“You told her the whole story?” Aurora asked her father.
“Yes. She wouldn’t take any less. Belle – what do you think of your new assistant?” He moved to stand next to his oldest daughter.
“Mmm…I’ll let you know in a week.” She laughed.
Father and daughters made their way to the conference room in high spirits, ready to begin the day.
******************
Marlena sat at her desk that afternoon making notes on her last patient. It had been a long morning. She was tired, and she felt rather guilty; she had been distracted throughout all of her appointments, her mind preoccupied with worry over how Aurora’s first day was going and if she was getting along with Kate.
She knew her friend could be a lot to handle at first. She didn’t think Kate would be outwardly mean to Aurora or anything, but she did have a knack for rubbing people the wrong way.
She closed her notebook and put it in her drawer. She stretched her arms above her head and let out a yawn. As she stood and went to retrieve her coat her intercom buzzed. She hurried back to her desk and pressed the button to talk. “Yes?”
“Dr. Evans, there’s a delivery for you. Shall I bring it in?”
“Yes, that would be fine, Ashley.” I’m not expecting anything, Marlena thought. I wonder what it could be.
Ashley opened the door and carried in a huge vase full of red roses. Marlena gasped. There had to be at least two dozen roses there. “Oh, John. My husband is so sweet. Thank you, Ashley,” she said as her receptionist placed the vase on the desk.
“You’re welcome, Dr. Evans. If I may say so, you are one lucky lady.”
“Yes, I am. Ashley, you can go on home now. I’ll be leaving in a few minutes myself.” She ran her hand over one of the buds.
“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye,” Marlena said distractedly, looking for a card. She found it thoroughly hidden in the middle of the massive bouquet. “Ouch!” She looked down at the blood on her finger. “That’s odd. John usually had the thorns removed.”
She grabbed a tissue and wrapped it around her finger, then opened the card.
My dearest Marlena,
I hope you are enjoying your time with our daughter. You met sooner than I had planned, but it is no matter. Soon, I will have my Princess back and, along with her, my Queen of the Night. I look forward to our life together as a family, my fair Queen. I will see you soon,
Stefano
The card slipped to the floor as Marlena fainted.
John stepped off the elevator, prepared to surprise his wife and take her home. He had actually come earlier and drove Aurora home in Marlena’s car and taken a cab back to the hospital.
As he neared her door, he saw that her receptionist was already gone. He hid the bouquet of wildflowers behind his back and opened the door.
“Doc?” he said as he poked his head in. He scanned the room and saw the roses on the desk. “What the-” he began, but stopped short when he spotted Marlena on the floor. “Doc!”
He sprinted to her side and lifted her into his arms. Once he was satisfied she was breathing he set about waking her up. He lightly slapped her face. “Marlena, come on. Wake up, Doc.” He bent down and kissed her head. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw her eyes flutter.
“John?” She immediately began to cry, throwing her arms around him.
“Doc, what happened? What’s the matter Sweetheart?”
She let go of him and searched for the card. Finding it, she handed it to her husband and said “This.” She put her hand to her mouth as she continued to cry.
“Son of a bitch. Don’t worry, Doc. I won’t let him get you. Either of you.”
“Where is Aurora?”
“At the penthouse.”
“Let’s go.”
“Whoa, Doc. Are you gonna be alright? Maybe we should get you checked out,” he said as he touched her head. When she winced, he said “That’s what I thought. No protesting, now. I’ll call Roman and send him over to keep an eye on Aurora. You’re getting that head checked.”
“Alright.” She started to follow him out, then abruptly stopped and grabbed her arm. “John, he’s coming for her.”
He looked at the tears in his wife’s eyes, touched by the fact that she would be thinking only of Aurora’s safety and not her own. He knew Stefano wanted Marlena as much, probably more, than Aurora. The thought of DiMera getting his hands on his daughter and his wife, again, struck fear into his heart. He tried to not let it show as he took Marlena’s hands and looked deep in her eyes. “I won’t let him. I’ll kill him with my bare hands if I have to, but I will stop him.”
John took Marlena in his arms until she calmed down a bit, then led her from the room and down the hall to get the bump on her head checked, all the while her hand never leaving his.
The Jarlena Journal 