Realizations
Marlena felt a wave of relief wash over her when she saw John walk into the church. She had been trying to get a hold of him for the past few days and had really begun to worry. He felt so guilty over Kristen’s death, even though he had no reason to, that she wasn’t sure he would even come to the funeral.
Roman’s look of annoyance was not well hidden when Marlena left her seat next to him to go to John. Marlena walked slowly to John and tentatively placed her hand on his shoulder. John’s gaze pulled away from the casket at the front of the church to look at Marlena. She was so beautiful, his very own angel, and so different from Kristen. He gave her a sad smile and touched her cheek as he walked toward the front of the church. It was going to be harder than he thought to do what he was about to do but he knew he had to.
“Excuse me folks but if you would bare with me for a few moments I have something I would like to say. These past few days I have been thinking about my life here in Salem and all the wonderful things that have happened to me and I realized that I have caused nothing but heartache to the people I love. I ruined at least two marriages, broke who knows how many hearts, completely alienated two children that I once thought were my own, and now this woman has taken her life because of me. You folks are the best thing that ever happened to me and I have given you nothing in return. In fact, I dare say the only good things I did here was to help create Brady and Belle. They are the light of my life and I trust you, Doc, with their lives. Having said all of this I now tell you goodbye. John Black will not burden you any longer because I am leaving town.”
“John, son, NO!”
“I’m sorry Shawn I have to do this.” And with that he walked down the aisle and out the doors of the church.
Marlena sat in stunned silence as the church buzzed around her. Then as if lightening had hit her she grabbed her purse and headed out of the church. She was almost to her car when someone grabbed her from behind and wheeled her around.
“Damn it Doc, where the hell are you going?”
“I have to stop him from leaving, Roman. Now let go of me.”
“Leave him alone Doc. Maybe this is what’s best for him.”
“What about what is best for Brady and Belle…. and me?”
“Didn’t you hear a word he said, Doc? He has caused us all so much pain but most of all you.”
“You know something Roman? In the split second it took me to decide I had to stop John I realized something. It’s true John has caused me pain but guess what, so did you Roman. The only difference is that Stefano played a big role in John hurting me and you hurt me all by yourself.”
“What are you saying, Doc?”
“Roman, I am saying it is over between us. I might have loved you once and you will always hold a special place in my heart because of Sami and Eric but I am IN LOVE with John. He’s my soulmate and Belle and Brady deserve to grow up with both their parents. Now if you will kindly let go of my arm I have to keep the love of my life from leaving my life forever.” She pulled her arm from Roman’s grasp, got in the car, and headed for the airport. “Please God, don’t let me be to late. Don’t let me loose him again.”
Roman slammed the doors of the church as he came back in. It was painfully visible to everyone there that things had not gone well in the parking lot between he and Marlena. Caroline gave Shawn a wary look before approaching her son. Susan followed her and stood far enough away as not to appear suspicious but close enough to overhear Roman and Caroline’s conversation.
“Roman, son, where’s Marlena?”
“Damn it, Ma, she’s gone.”
“Gone?”
“Yeah, she went after John. She just told me it was over between the two of us. She said she would always care for me because of the kids but she’s in love with him. She’s gone to the airport to stop him. It’s over.”
Susan’s face was horror striken and before she realized what she was doing her voice could be heard over the crowd. “NOOOOOOOOOO, John!”
The crowd became silent as the stared at Susan. Roman approached her and asked her gently, “Are you o.k. Susan?”
“Oh yes, Captain Brady. I’m just very, very, very upset that Mr. John Black is leaving and I guess it just got to me.”
“Well if you’re sure you’re o.k.”
“I’m sure.” Whew, Kristen thought, I almost gave myself away. I have to be more careful if I am going to pull this off. No one can know I’m not really Susan. When Edmund placed a comforting arm around her Kristen smiled and forced her lurching stomach to calm.
John sat on the Kiriakis jet drinking vodka shots and looking at a picture of Doc, Belle, Brady and himself from Christmas the year before. They looked like the typical American family and John had even had hopes for that for awhile but now all of his hopes were gone. Half of him wanted her to come and stop him like she had all those years ago but the other half of him knew she wouldn’t.
“Mr. Black, we are cleared for take off when ever you are ready.”
“Great, let’s get out of here.” Tears blurred his eyes as he looked at the stars through the window. “Time to start a new life, John. Without Doc, no matter how impossible that might seem.”
Marlena ran onto the airfield just as John’s plane lifted off at the end of the runway. Tears filled her eyes as she slid down the wall into a sitting position on the ground. “No John. This is not over. I will never let you out of my life. I don’t care if I have to go to every corner of the globe. I will search for you until my final breath. And i will find you. You can count on that.”
Love Is On The Way
“Marlena?”
“Hhm?” Marlena looked up from her book and into the face of the sweetest little boy she had ever known. He looked so much like his Dad, especially if you looked into his sparkling blue eyes. Overtime she looked at little Brady her heart ached for John.
“When will Daddy be home? I miss him.”
It had been almost six months since John had left. She hadn’t had the heart to tell her children that their father might never be coming back so she told them that he had gone on an extended business trip. She had never stopped searching for him but up until a few days ago she had had no luck. Now she had a strong lead that he was living in Venice, Italy.
“Oh baby, soon. I hope. It should be very soon but until he does come back I hope you know that I am here for you.”
“I know and I love you but I miss Daddy”
“I know buddy. I miss him too.” She took the boy into her arms and prayed that they would both be in John’s arms soon.
For the past six months John’s life had basically ceased to exist. His daily routine was to travel from bar to bar and stare at his one remaining picture of his family. His drinking had caused him to grow thin, pale, and tired.
Since he never expected anyone to look for him much less find him he hadn’t noticed the man following him. The man was the private detective Marlena had hired to find him. He had spoken to her a few days earlier to tell her he thought he had found John but was not positive. Now that he was positive it was time to tell her and leave the rest up to fate.
Marlena hadn’t been gone for twenty minutes before Kristen was relaxing on the couch. It had been hell Trying to pretend to be Susan for the past six months. It seemed as if John’s precious Doc wasn’t as smart as everyone thought she was. After all Kristen had managed to dupe dear old Doc for the past six months. All those months of Marlena searching for John had given her a chance to come up with a plan to not only get out of town with her precious John Jr. but to also win back John’s love and trust. Now that Marlena had gone to get John she could put her plan into action. As she headed upstairs to pack she smiled at her own cunningness.
Marlena’s stomach was in knots as the Titan jet landed in Venice. Not only was she nervous about seeing John but she was worried about the children. Now that she was making her final approach she regretted not bringing them along. She had an eerie feeling that something terrible might happen to them since she wasn’t there but she had left them behind because she knew John would never agree to go back to Salem if they were already there. She convinced herself that the children would be fine and concentrated on John. She had a feeling that getting him home would be more difficult than she had expected.
She met the private detective she had hired at a sidewalk cafe across the street from John’s apartment building. “He went upstairs almost three hours ago and hasn’t been down since.”
“Well I guess now is as good a time as any to shock some life back into John.” Marlena went across the street and found John’s apartment with the door slightly open. She knocked and when there was no answer after a few moments she stuck her head inside. “John?”
It did not take her long to find him. He was passed out drunk on his couch, shirtless, and still holding a shot glass. Marlena’s breath caught in her throat when she saw him. Even though he was extremely thin he was still the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. She walked over to the couch and shook him lightly.
“John? John, sweetheart wake up.” When he still didn’t wake Marlena knew she had to play dirty. She knew she was going to have to pull out all of her guns if she was going to get him to wake up. She started placing feather kisses on his lips and chest. She knew it was working when a moan escaped from his lips.
“Doc, I love you so much. I wish you were with me, baby.” Her kisses had woken him but he had just assumed he was dreaming. Besides, even if she had found him she probably would have hated him too much to care.
“I love you so much too, John. And I am here with you.” When he heard these words his eyes flew open. As Marlena continued to kiss John’s chest she didn’t notice him staring at her in amazed silence.
“Doc? Is that really you? What are you doing here? How did you find me?” John grabbed her face so he could look into her eyes as he sat up. He was soon reminded of his drinking earlier in the day when a splitting headache crashed down around him. For a moment he forgot about Marlena as he placed his head in his hands in an effort to keep the room from spinning.
“John, sweety, are you ok? Can I get you something?”
“No Doc, I’m fine. Just a little hung over. Besides you haven’t answered my questions yet.”
“Well, I’ve been looking for you since you left. I hired a private detective to search for you. He called me a few days ago to tell me he had found you.”
“Why?”
“Why did I search for you? Because John, after you left the church that day I followed you to the airport. I had to find some way to stop you. For Brady, for Belle, and for me. I got there just after you took off and then and there I made a vow to search for you until my dying breath. That’s how much I need you John.”
“What are you telling me, Doc?” His heart was racing and just being in the same room with her made him ache with desire. He had forgotten the sweet smell of her perfume, the feel of her body close to his, and the way her hazel eyes could look right into his soul. He did not know if he would be able to make it through the conversation without making love to her right there on the couch.
“I’m telling you that I love you, you idiot. I love you, I need you, I want you, and if I have to I am going to DRAG you back to Salem.”
“Why would you want me Doc? After all the pain I’ve caused you?”
“I’ll tell you what I told Roman the day you left. I admit that I have been hurt by the both of you. But you were a victim of circumstance when you hurt me. Roman hurt me by his own volition. I will always love him because of the kids but you are my soul mate. I love you because of Belle and Brady but I love you in other ways too. I just want to be near you, that’s what I’ve missed most. You holding me, catching you watching me, playing with the kids together. I want you sexually too. You don’t know how many times I’ve dreamt of us making passionate love in the past six months. I just want us to be together.”
“Doc, what about Roman? When I left I thought you two were….”
“Oh John. Roman and I were never together. I was just so confused when he came back. I felt I owed him something because of our children. Although, I do think you leaving was good because made me realize you were the one I wanted. The only one I wanted. I told Roman it would never work because you are the man I was in love with. The man I will always be in love with.”
“Oh Doc, I love you too. I can’t believe this is happening. It is like all of my dreams are coming true.”
“Mine too John. Now why don’t you shut up and kiss me.” She flashed him a brilliant smile that made John’s heart skip a beat. He took her face in his hands and slowly placed his lips on hers. Soon tender kisses turned passionate. “Make love to me John.”
John pulled away. “I’m sorry Doc, but I can’t yet. Don’t get me wrong. I want nothing more that to make love to you right now but considering everything we’ve been through maybe we should start over.”
“What do you mean John?”
“I want to wine you and dine you. Shower you with gifts. I want it to be like our first time all over again. Can you understand that?”
“I suppose so. Besides it might be nice to have you pamper me.”
“Oh it will Doc. I promise it won’t be long.” Marlena then leaned over and gave John a spine tingling kiss. “Besides if you keep doing that I don’t know how much longer I can resist.”
Hopes of Things To Come
Marlena had just stepped out of the shower when she heard someone knocking on her hotel room door. She quickly slipped on her black silk robe and ran to the door. When she opened the door a messenger was standing there holding two large boxes in his arms.
“Dr. Evans?”
“Yes, may I help you?”
“I have a delivery for you.”
“Oh thank you.” Marlena took the packages and laid them on the bed. She grabbed her purse and headed back to the door. When she returned to the door she pulled out some money to tip the man with.
“Don’t worry about that Dr. Evans it has been taken care of.”
“Thank you very much.” She closed the door and walked over to the boxes on her bed. She sat down and reached for the first box. She gasped at what she saw. It contained the most roses she had ever seen. She opened the card anxiously and teared up at the words.
Doc, There are exactly sixteen dozen roses in this box. One for everyday I thought of you while we were apart. If I calculated correctly there should be 182 roses. One for every day starting the day I left until yesterday when you found me. I was such a fool for leaving you but now that I have you back I am going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. All oh my love, John
P.S. Now open the other one!!!
As tempted as Marlena was to just tear open the second package she resisted the urge. First she called the front desk and asked them to send something up to put her flowers in. Her anxiousness built up inside of her as she placed her flowers around the room and she eventually returned to open her second gift.
She anxiously ripped off the wrapping to reveal a fitted, black, sleeveless pant suit with a long sleeved, sequined, waist length jacket to go over it. It was stunning and Marlena was impressed with John’s taste in women’s clothing. She assumed that she was supposed to wear this for their date tonight. She opened the card and hoped it would give her a clue as to John’s plans for the evening.
Doc, An outfit appropriate for all occasions. For part of our date the jacket will not be needed but the other parts it will be necessary. See you in an hour and a half! Love from your Good Guy with a capital G, John
P.S. Have you figured out where we are going yet?
Marlena rolled her eyes. “John Black you are such an exasperating man but I sure do love you! I’m sure tonight will be one we both remember.” Then, she returned to the bathroom to make herself beautiful for her good guy.
So far Kristen’s plan had gone off without a hitch. She had her baby, her money, and was in possession of something of John’s that she was sure would lure him to her. She had placed a note revealing her whereabouts and stipulating what he needed to do to get back what he wanted in the perfect place. Now the only thing left to do was to convince John that she was only doing this for them and that she was still the trustworthy, loving woman that he fell in love with. She got her “precious cargo” settled on the plane and prepared for take off. Her plan was going to work perfectly.
John looked up just as Marlena walked out of the elevator and had to brace himself on the wall to keep his legs from collapsing beneath him. She was the most breathtaking woman he had ever seen. She had accesorized the outfit he had given her with a simple diamond necklace and matching earrings that had been a wedding gift from her parents when they got married while everyone thought he was Roman. She had pulled her hair up into a simple French twist. She smiled at his reaction as she approached him.
“Doc, I believe you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You look great.”
“Well thank you. You don’t look to shabby yourself.” John had gone out and bought new clothes for the date because he had in his closet were jeans and t-shirts. He was wearing an Armani black suit with a white shirt and tie. He looked very handsome and powerful.
“Yeah, maybe, but I’m surprised you made it downstairs without some strange man ravishing you.”
“I would have fought them off because I knew you were waiting down here for me. Besides, you are the only man I want ravishing me.” To prove her point she gave John a slow, sensual kiss.
John immediately felt his temperature rise. It was amazing what one touch of her lips, the sound of her laughter, or the smell of her perfume could do to him. He placed his finger between his neck and collar loosening it just a bit hoping to release some of the heat rising up in him. “Uh, Doc, is it just me or is it getting hot in here?”
Marlena smiled at the affect she had on him. She raised up on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear making sure her breath tickled his neck and face on the way. “You know John we could just go upstairs and I could remedy that problem of yours very easily.”
“You don’t know how tempting that offer is but I’m afraid I can’t be persuaded that easily. You’ll just have to wait Doc because I’m determined to do this right. Besides the longer we wait the better it will be.”
Miles To Go
John and Marlena walked arm in arm out of the hotel to the awaiting horse and carriage John had arranged. They rode through the streets of Venice in companionable silence, a lightweight blanket draped over their legs, and holding hands for nearly thirty minutes. Finally Marlena leaned back on John’s chest and sighed. “It is so wonderful feeling you next to me. I love you and all the surprises you have given me so far today but why don’t you tell me where we are going.”
John closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of Marlena’s hair. He felt like a totally different man than he had been just a day before. It was as if she had single-handedly lifted the world off of his shoulders by finding him and telling him he was the one she wanted. “Doc, I would love to tell you but I can’t. I mean, it is very important that you enjoy this evening to it’s fullest. Besides, we’re almost ready to make our first stop.”
They rounded the corner and found an awaiting gondola prepared to take them through the legendary canals of Venice. John had rented the gondola for their private use and had decorated it to the nines. To Marlena it looked as if John had bought every rose in town, between the ones in her room and the ones he had decorated the gondola with. John was pleased with the look of utter happiness that showed on Marlena’s face.
“John, you didn’t, it’s too much!”
“Nothing is too much for you my darling. I did all of this because I want the first night of the rest of our lives to be perfect.”
“So far so good sweetheart.”
The carriage came to a stop and John stepped out and offered his hand to Marlena. She smiled, took his hand, and stepped out of the carriage onto the cobblestone road. John placed an arm around her waist and led her to the gondola. He stepped in, balanced himself, and then helped Marlena into the gondola. They sat down and Marlena reclined on several overstuffed pillows as John poured two glasses of the champagne that had been chilling nearby. As the gondola launched a violinist who had been sitting at the back began to play.
“I would like to propose a toast to you Doc. I am the luckiest man in the world to have a woman like you in my life. You are smart, beautiful, caring, and you have the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. I thank God that you didn’t give up on me, that you found me, and that you made me come to my senses. I love you Doc and I don’t deserve you but since I have you I am never letting you go again.”
Marlena felt the tears on her face as she took a drink of her champagne. “You know I am going to hold you to that promise. And the same holds true for me also. Now that I’ve got you I’m not letting you out of my clutches.”
John smiled at her and leaned over to kiss her. They had been kissing for several moments before they realized the gondola wasn’t moving any longer. John laughed and Marlena blushed when they realized the gondola driver and violinist were staring at them.
“It seems we have reached our final destination my darling.”
They were at small cafe that Marlena had heard was the best food in town. She had also heard it was nearly impossible to get in because it was such a small family owned establishment but tonight it looked deserted. Marlena gasped as they walked inside. Looking around she was fairly certain John had something to do with the place being deserted. There was a single table set for two in the middle of the room, there were hundreds of candles to provide light, and even more flowers to decorate the room.
“John you must have spent a fortune this evening. I don’t deserve all of this.”
“You, my love, deserve only the best. So enjoy it.”
He led her to the table and they enjoyed a lovely dinner of authentic Italian cuisine. After the meal John was happy to see the contented look on Marlena’s face. John got up from the table and went to a nearby CD player. He put on some music and held out a hand for Marlena. She took his hand and he led them out to the dance floor and they danced to the strains of Celine Dion.
I would walk to the edge of the universe for you Paint you a crimson sunset over sheltering skies I could learn all the world dialects for you Whisper sonnets in your ear discovering truth I could never worship pagan gods around me I will only follow the path that leads me to you baby…always Every step I take for you I will always defend, never pretend That every breath I take for love I could never be wrong, the journey is long With miles to go before I sleep, miles to go before I sleep… I would carry the rock of Gibraltar just for you Lifted like a pebble from the beach to the skies I can build a bridge that spans the ocean wide But the greatest gift I give you would be to stand by your side Some can criticize and sit in judgement of us But they can’t take away the love that lives inside us always Every step I take for you I will always defend, never pretend That every breath I take for love I could never be wrong, the journey is long With miles to go before I sleep, miles to go before I sleep… I won’t run from the changing signs along the highway Let the rivers flow to the highest ground created
As the next song began to play and John and Marlena continued to dance John took a box out of his jacket pocket. “Uh Doc, that song we just danced to is very important to me. It symbolizes the way I feel for you. I would do anything for you and I wanted to give you something to symbolize our commitment.” He opened the box to reveal two perfectly rounded bracelets, one slightly larger than the other. “I had these made for us Doc. They are identical in every way except one. The inscription in mine says M.E. forever. The inscription in yours says J.B. Always. I want these bracelets to be like wedding rings. Once we put them on we never take them off. Are you up for that?”
Marlena took the smaller of the two bracelets and put it on her wrist. “Always. And you?”
John smiled and placed the bracelet on his wrist. “Forever, Doc, forever.”
They continued to dance for a few more songs and then they embarked on the short walk back to the hotel where John had arranged for a dessert of strawberries and cream to be waiting in Marlena’s suite. The whole way back John had been trying to figure out a way to get Marlena to invite him upstairs. As they walked through the lobby John prepared to launch his argument when Marlena stopped dead in her tracks. Her next words caused his stomach to turn over.
“Oh God, John, it’s Abe….”
Abe could see the panic stricken looks on his faces as they approached him. He was not looking forward to telling his two best friends the news. He smiled as they approached and tried to lighten the mood.
“Hey buddy, it’s good to see you. We’ve been missing you back in Salem.”
“Hey pard, I’ve been missing you also.”
“Abe, something is wrong isn’t it? It must be bad for you to have come all the way here to tell us.”
“Well, Marlena, you’re right. Something has happened.”
“Is everyone alright? Is it one of the children?”
“Well guys, I have the Titan jet ready and waiting because I knew you would want to get back to Salem as soon as possible. I’ll give you all the details on the way home.”
“What is it Abe?” Marlena asked impatiently.
“It’s Brady. He’s been kidnapped.”
Kristen carried the tray of food into the small room she had been keeping Brady in for the past few days. She set the tray of food in front of him and waited. Brady looked at Kristen then at the food and threw it on the floor.
“Brady, why do you keep doing that? You need to eat.”
“My daddy taught me to never take food from strangers or people I don’t trust. I don’t trust you.”
“Don’t you want to be strong for daddy when he comes so you, him, me, and John Jr. can be a family?”
“Daddy is going to come and get me and we will be a family! Just me, him, Belle, and Mommy. You can’t be a part of our family.”
“Brady that is impossible your Mommy is dead remember?”
“Not my Angel-Mommy my other Mommy. Mine and Belle’s.”
“Sorry Brady but that won’t happen either because your Daddy loves me and once we get back together I will be your mommy. Eventually you will forget her.” Kristen smiled and turned to leave.
“You will never be my mommy because my daddy could never love you more than her. Besides Momma won’t let you take me and Daddy away from her again.”
Beginning of A Nightmare
John sat on one of the couches of the jet sideways looking out the window into the night. Marlena looked at Abe and walked over, sat behind John and placed a hand on his shoulder. Abe got up and headed to one of the private rooms in the back of the plane so John and Marlena could be alone. Marlena’s eyes thanked him as he passed. With Abe gone maybe she could get John to talk.
“Tell me how you are sweetie.”
“I’m ok Doc. I’m just worried about him. I mean he is out there somewhere without us to protect him. I can only pray that IzzyB is watching over him.”
“I’m sure she is John. I feel responsible for this. I should have known that she was Kristen and not Susan. I should have brought the children with me.”
“Don’t do this to yourself Marlena. Kristen fooled everyone.”
“Yeah, but, she lived in my house for six months. You’d think she would have slipped up and hinted that she wasn’t Susan. I do think Belle knew though. She kept calling her “mean girl” but I just thought she was confused.”
“I don’t get it Doc. Why did Kristen take Brady and not Belle? Why not take them both?”
“I think this note answers that question.” Marlena picked up the piece of paper. The day Kristen took Brady she had volunteered to take him and Belle to school so Chelsea could go to the market. Chelsea, thinking she was Susan and that it would be ok, agreed. Kristen had dropped Belle off at school and gave the note to her telling her to give it to John. Brady never made it to school. Abe had found the note in Belle’s lunchbox.
“What do you mean Doc?”
“Well John she has made it clear you are supposed to come to get Brady alone. My guess is that she took Brady to lure you to her and then once you came she was going to try winning you back. She probably figured having Belle around would remind you too much of me.”
“You are the smartest person I know Doc.” John smiled and kissed Marlena. “We have to get him back Doc. We just have to.”
“Don’t worry baby, we will. I promise.”
Kristen fell back on her bed in the room across from Brady’s exhausted. She had finally convinced him to eat after an hour of begging and then spent two hours trying to get him to stop crying about how much he missed John and that damn woman and her daughter.
“Forget about her Kristen.” she said out loud. “The longer you hang on to her memory the longer John and Brady will. If you forget about her eventually they will too. Someday you will be the only mother and the only lover Brady or John remembers. And dear ole Doc will be gone forever.”
Marlena had carried a sleeping Belle upstairs to her bed. She had insisted that they go get her from the Pub just so she could make sure for herself that her baby was ok. John had stepped out on the balcony and Abe took the opportunity to talk to him without Marlena around.
“Hey partner, what are you planning on doing about all of this?”
“What choice do I have Abe?”
“Well you could go up there by yourself and walk right into the trap we all know Kristen has set for you. Or you could take Marlena with you to put a wrench in her plans but then you put not only yourself in potential danger but Marlena and Brady also. Finally, you could do the smart thing and leave this up to my guys.”
“Normally I would agree with you Abe, but I don’t even know what Kristen is capable of anymore. I think I had better follow Kristen’s orders and meet her in Toronto alone. I need you to do me a favor while I’m gone though.”
“Anything you say.”
“Take care of Doc and Belle for me. I can’t let anything happen to them. Please promise me.”
“Sure thing buddy. With my life. Now I better go to the station to implement a plan for protecting them. Good luck and be careful.”
John thanked his best friend, aside from Marlena, as he walked him to the front door. After he was gone John leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. When he opened them a few moments later he saw Marlena struggling to carry a large duffel bag downstairs. He reached her quickly and helped her carry it down.
“What’s this for Doc?” he asked.
“I’m going with you to get our boy back.”
“No Doc. You can’t come with me.”
“Why not John are you afraid I’ll hold you back?”
“No Doc, I don’t. In all honesty I wish you could go with me but Kristen left specific instructions for me to come alone. I don’t know what she might do if you showed up. Besides someone needs to be here for Belle.”
“John, I’m scared. What if you never come back? What if I never see you again?”
John wiped the tears from her face gently and kissed her lips tenderly. “Doc, I don’t care if I have to walk on hot coals or swim in hot tar I will be coming back to you. We have waited too long to be together to let Kristen tear us apart again. I will bring Brady home safely, I promise. We have just discovered each other again and we will not let anything deny our love again.”
Questions Unanswered
Marlena had felt like her heart had been ripped out when she and John had said goodbye and then she had watched the elevator doors close behind him. She sat looking at a picture of them with the children in the gardens at the DiMiera mansion. They had been so happy that day and Marlena had actually been hopeful that someday they would be a real family. Damn Kristen! They had been so close and she found a way to ruin it again.
“Mommy, where is Daddy?”
Marlena started at the sound of her baby girl’s voice behind her. “Daddy had to go find Brady remember? Why are you up baby girl?”
“I had a bad dweam. Can I sweep wif you tonight, Mommy?”
“Sure but tell me about your dream first.”
“I dweamt Daddy and Bwady never came home. They are coming home aren’t they, Mommy? Daddy wouldn’t weave us here awone, would he?”
“No baby he wouldn’t. Daddy and Brady will both be home very soon. I promise. Now let’s go to bed.” As Marlena carried Belle upstairs she tried to tell herself that she was right. John and Brady would be home safely soon. Somewhere deep inside, though, she had a nagging feeling she might never see them again.
John sat in a dingy little diner in Toronto staring at his watch. He was beginning to get worried and irritated. Kristen was supposed to meet him there fifteen minutes ago so they could discuss what he would have to do to get Brady back. He hoped things would go smoothly as possible so he and Brady could get back to Marlena and Belle.
“Excuse me sir, but a woman just asked me to give this to you.”
John took the note from the shy waitress and opened it.
Meet me in the alley NOW!
John immediately searched the room for a familiar face.
“Can you tell me what the woman looked like?”
“Well, she was 5’7″-8″, blonde, very pretty.”
“Thanks. Listen is there any way I could use your back door?” After receiving a nod of permission from the waitress John paid his check and headed for the back door.
“Damn it Kristen, what are you up to?” He said as he entered the alley. Before he had a chance to look around someone covered his mouth and nose with a rag and everything went black around him.
Marlena bolted up in her bed, sweat pouring off her forehead. After several hours of tossing and turning she had fallen into a fitful slumber before being awoken by the nightmare. She had been dreaming about the cage Stefano had kept her in Paris only there was something different about it. She concentrated hard trying to remember the details and then suddenly they all came crashing down around her.
This time it was John in the cage and Kristen was looking in. She was there also but no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t get to John. Kristen had him tied to the bed and was forcing him to say how much he loved her and hated Marlena. Marlena let out a sob at the thought. She laid back down and hugged her pillow. “Please God, let John and Brady be safe. Bring them home to me soon.”
So far Kristen’s plan had gone perfectly. She had lured John to her and now she had set the rest of her plan in motion. Now all she had to do was sit back and watch John and Marlena’s lives fall apart around them and then she would be ready to help John pick up the pieces. She looked through the bars of the cage and smiled at the image of John on the bed sleeping with a smile on his face. She began to imagine what he was dreaming of.
They were standing next to a bed in a room full of candles and flowers. He was wearing black silk pajama bottoms and she was wearing a satin and lace white negligee. John took her champagne glass and placed it on the bedside table. Then he turned and began to remove the spaghetti straps of her negligee and then watched as the silky material fall down around her ankles. Soon they were on the bed in the throes of passion and John began calling out her name.
“Oh God, Marlena, you are beautiful.”
Kristen was ripped out of her dream state and back into reality. Damn that woman for ruining yet another potentially great moment in her life. Somehow she would have to get John to think only of her and not Marlena.
Let the Search Begin
John lay on his bed in the cage Kristen was holding him in, exhausted. It had been an interesting six weeks since he had last seen his beloved Marlena and Belle. He hadn’t slept much because he was convinced if he concentrated hard enough Marlena would realize something was wrong other than what Kristen wanted everyone to think.
Kristen had threatened to hurt Brady if John did not pen a letter to Marlena stating that he was back with Kristen and that he and Brady would not be returning to Salem. Then she had them pose for to what most people would look like a happy family portrait. John knew she would be making her next move soon and he could only hope he could find a way to get himself and Brady out or that Marlena would figure out his clues and send help before Kristen got her chance.
Marlena felt as if she had been crying for days but it had only been a few hours. Belle had left for school that morning and Marlena was prepared to leave for work when her secretary called to inform her that her first two patients had canceled. Marlena took the time to get some work done around the house. While filing some papers she came across a photo album of pictures of her life with John. Since that point all thoughts of work had left her mind and John was all that remained.
She had just decided it was time to freshen up and head to work when the doorbell rang. She quickly wiped her tears and straightened her dress before answering. It was a messenger delivering a letter. She signed for it and tipped the messenger quickly and closed the door. Her heart soared when she saw the handwriting on the envelope. It was John’s! After six weeks she was finally hearing from him. She tore open the envelope and a picture fell to the floor. Marlena knelt to pick it up and upon seeing the image fell back against the couch. The image of John and Kristen with John Jr. and Brady looking like one big happy family almost made her physically ill.
Dear Marlena,
I am so sorry for having to do this to you this way but there is no other way to tell you. Kristen and I have decided to try and reconcile. I hope that you and I can remain friends for Belle and Brady’s sake. Please don’t try to win me back because Kristen and I are back together for good. We have just discovered each other again and we will not let anything deny our love again.
J.B. Always
Marlena threw the letter across the room and headed upstairs in a rage. “That bastard! How could he?” were the only thoughts going through her mind. She had no choice but to remove every reminder of him from her life. She never wanted to see the man again. Soon two boxes of John’s clothes, pictures, and anything else that reminded her of her life with John sat at the front door. As she picked one up to carry it outside she caught sight of the silver bracelet around her wrist. She sat the box down and removed the bracelet.
“What a joke. A sign of our commitment.” She held the bracelet up to the light and read the inscription. “J.B. Always. Why are you always so easy to fool Marlena? J.B. Always or at least until… J.B. Always…J.B. Always?”
Marlena rushed over and picked up the letter she had thrown across the room nearly forty-five minutes earlier. There it was! J.B. Always. He had signed the letter J.B. Always. Was it merely coincidence or did it really mean something? Marlena reread the letter twice before anything jumped out at her. Then as if someone had highlighted it the last line caught her attention. We have just discovered each other again and we will not let anything deny our love again. Those were the exact words he had said to her the day he left.
Marlena decided to have a second look at the picture. Upon further inspection John and Brady’s smiles looked forced and they both seemed pale and thin. Then she saw it and she knew. John was still wearing his bracelet. She picked up the phone and quickly dialed a number.
“Hello, Abe? This is Marlena. John’s in trouble.”
Abe reread the letter John had sent Marlena and then looked at Marlena sitting on her couch desperately clutching a photo of her and John in Venice. He wanted to believe with all of my heart that his best friend had been kidnapped. More and more over the past month Abe believed John had turned into a monumental jerk and in the process had hurt Marlena very badly by going back to the Dragon Lady. Now Marlena had invested herself in the fact that John was somehow being forced to stay with Kristen. No matter how hard he tried he could not see that happening and somehow he had to get Marlena to face the fact that her proof wasn’t that strong. That maybe it should just be taken at face value.
Abe sat down on the couch next to Marlena searching for the right words to explain his doubts. “Marlena, I don’t know how to say this so I will just say it. I don’t think it is good for you to get so invested in hoping John is in trouble and can’t get back. Maybe this Dear Marlena letter is just that. John’s cowardly attempt to let you down easy.”
“No Abe. First of all, he would never go back to that woman. Secondly, even if he did he would never keep Brady from me and Belle. I mean Belle is his sister and I might as well be his mother. Finally, John could never stay away from Belle. She means too much to him. So if you won’t help me I’ll find someone who will. And if no one will help me I’ll do it myself. I’ve found him before, I’ll do it again.”
“Ok Marlena I’ll help you. I just hope you are not disappointed.”
“I won’t be. John loves me. I know that like I know my own name. We are soulmates. I know it, John knows it, and after we find him and we are back together so will everyone in Salem.”
Help From the Strangest Sources
Marlena paced back and forth waiting for the phone to ring. Abe had told Marlena he would get in touch with her as soon as he and a team of volunteers were ready to leave for Toronto. Marlena was quickly becoming impatient. Every minute they wasted the further she could feel John and Brady slipping away.
Abe had assembled the group of volunteers in his office and given them a briefing on the situation at hand. The group he had gathered consisted of Bo, Mike, Jack, Austin, Eric, himself, and Shane was planning on meeting them in Toronto. They would make a good strong team and with Marlena’s sixth sense about John to find him if he was out there and wanted to be found. Things had to run smoothly for this operation to work and that was why he had to ask his next question.
“Ok guys, you know the situation. What I need to know from you now is if you are in or out. I need to know if each of you can put your personal feelings aside and work together to find our friend. So how about it Bo?”
“I’m there Abe. No question. John is like a brother to me and if he needs my help I’ll do whatever I can.”
“Good. How about you Mike?”
“Well, even though John and I aren’t very close he has been a very good friend to my family, especially my grandmother, so I am in. Besides who knows what condition he is in. You might need my medical experience.”
“Glad to hear it. Jack?”
“Oh, I’m definitely in. How could I not be? I know John would do it for me. God knows he’s done it before. I owe him.”
“Ok who’s next? Austin?”
“How can I possibly say no? My wife thinks of John as a father figure. She’d never forgive me if I had the chance to help him and I didn’t. I’m in.”
“Great. Eric, what about you? I know you’ve had you differences with John. I really want you to go but if there is any chance your judgement is going to be affected I have to ask you to stay behind.”
“No Abe, I want to go. I know at one time I was very angry at John for stealing my Dad’s life. I realize now it wasn’t his fault and that even though he loved my mother and my sisters and I he backed off to give my Dad a chance. I know that he and my mother belong together and that he deserves the same respect from me that a son gives a father. John is like a father to me and I can’t stand to lose him again or watch my mother lose him again. I want to go Abe, I need to go.”
Abe couldn’t contain his smile. “That’s great, Eric. I know it will help Marlena to have you there also. So that makes the five of you guys plus Marlena, Shane, and myself. Is there anyone else that you guys can think of that can help us without becoming to emotionally involved?”
Mike was the first to speak up. “What about Lexie, Abe? I know she is your wife but she is also Marlena’s friend and if John is in really bad shape I could always use her help.”
“I’ve thought about that Mike. I’ll ask her and see what she says. Anyone else?”
“Well Abe, what about Hope? She and Marlena are good friends so if Marlena needed someone to talk to she could be there for her. Not to mention she has the nind of a cop and could be a real asset.”
“I agree Bo. I’ll leave it up to you to fill her in on the details. Who else?”
“I think Jennifer should go too. She and Kristen used to be close friends. Maybe she’ll be able to reach her on a level none of us can.”
“Ok Jack, Jen is in. Now everyone you have two hours to pack and be ready to go. We’ll meet at Marlena’s penthouse and go together from there to the airport where the Titan jet will be waiting. Now be on time and don’t tell anyone else about this. Our crowd is big enough as it is. We don’t want any people who mean well to give us away.”
“What about me?” All eyes turned to the figure standing in the doorway. “How can I help?”
The Jarlena Journal 