Sanity of Secrets – By Kris

“Dad- I’ve messed everything up. Shawn and Phillip hate me-” Rolling her eyes at herself, “As they should but I don’t know what to do. Everything is just so wrong right now and I can’t figure out how to put it right.”

 

John’s heart breaks as his little girl begins to gear up for another round of berating herself, for something that she had no control over, “Izzy B- they love you. They both do. That’s the problem and you did what you thought was right. What you thought was best. Nobody can hate you for that.”

 

Her hand comes up to wipe away a strand of tears that fall down her cheek. John’s heart skips a beat at the familiar image. So much like her mother, he can’t help but remember a time when Marlena was in a similar situation. His heart broke then to watch Marlena be torn apart and it does the same for his little girl as she forces out, “I didn’t know she was Shawn’s- honest – I didn’t know.”

 

“Belle-“ Both turn at the voice and see Marlena moving towards them, “Of course you didn’t know. Nobody is blaming you-“

 

“Everybody is! Everybody already has blamed me and they should. Shawn blames me. Philip. Kate. Mimi. And soon everybody else will to. They are saying I did this on purpose. But why would I hurt them?”

 

“You love them both.” Marlena smiles softly at her daughter and moves towards her as she attempts to explain, “You love them both so no, you didn’t do it on purpose. Your daddy is right, you did what you thought was best. Tests were done and something went wrong, so how were you to know? You did what you thought best so don’t listen to Kate or to Mimi. They are mad and they will get over it. Things will work out.”

 

“Your mom is right. There were other people trying to keep the information from getting out, that’s not your fault. And Shawn knows that you would never keep this from him if you had known. He isn’t mad- trust me. If anything, he might be hopeful.”

 

“Hopeful? Dad, how can you say that? I married Philip. I kept his daughter from him for so long. All that time in the hospital, praying together for Claire to be okay and we never knew. He never knew. He’s planning a life with Mimi and now he suddenly has a daughter. And Philip… he’s just so angry right now. So hurt and I don’t know how to make it okay. How to apologize.”

 

“Belle, you need to calm down, okay?” Marlena takes her daughter’s shoulders and forces Belle to focus on her, “Everything has a way of working itself out right now. You will know who the right man is for you and for Claire because it’s the man who will stand beside you through all of this. Yes, there is hurt and yes there will be a lot of anger, but if they truly love you, deep down inside, they will stand beside you and help you through this.”

 

“You should have seen Philip’s face. The way he looked at me when he found out.” Belle is searching her parents’ faces for answers, “He couldn’t even look me in the eye! He practically hates me and I don’t know how to fix that. I don’t know what to do.” Her blue eyes meet her father’s and for a moment she feels that there is some sort of hope, “Dad, you understand, perhaps you can talk to him.” Her plea is soft as she touches upon a part of his life that he rarely mentions.

 

John closes his eyes in an attempt to shield himself from the desperation that his little girl is feeling. Opening his eyes, he sees an emotion within Marlena’s eyes that he just cannot register. She smiles softly at him and reaches out a comforting hand towards him, but he simply stares as confusion overtakes him. Not looking away at first, “I… I…” He swallows and forces himself to focus on Belle, as he attempts to push all the messy feelings back down inside of him. “Sweetheart- I don’t know if I’m the right man-“

 

“Dad, Philip respects you and through no fault of his own, he thinks that he is losing his daughter and I don’t know what to say to him.”

 

Marlena’s voice interrupts the tense moment and John has never been so thankful in his life, “Is he losing Claire? Is that what you have decided?”

 

“I don’t seem to be deciding anything. It’s my fault; I can’t exactly dictate terms now, can I? Philip is just so hurt and so angry, I can’t even get in the room to speak to him. I tried and he leaves. I don’t know what to do.” Rolling her eyes at her pitiful tone, “I seem to be repeating myself but…”

 

“I understand. We both do. But you need to decide what you want too, Belle. You can’t let Shawn and Philip be the only voice in all of this. You have to decide if you are going to fight to save your marriage or not.”

 

“There doesn’t seem to be much hope there.”

 

“Belle, your mother is right. You have to make a decision. You have to figure out what you want in life- for you and for Claire.”

 

Belle turns away from her parents and John and Marlena share a helpless look. This discussion is a painful one and he hates to see him daughter in so much pain, but nobody can truly help her but herself. But as he watches his wife, he can’t help but send up another hopeless prayer that she receives back her memory. A part of him is even curious what his Marlena would be handing out for advice right now.

 

As the thought filters through his mind, his eyes go wide as he hears Marlena speak softly to their daughter, “This is the true test and the only advice I can give you is to follow your heart and not your head. Everything seems wrong right now and everything seems hopeless, but its not. You need to figure out what is the best for you and what is the best for that beautiful baby of yours. Doing what you think is right or best, may not be the correct choice so think about this carefully.”

 

“Sounds like you are speaking from experience there Doc.”

 

Marlena turns and can’t help the gentle smile that crosses her lips, “I just might be.”

 

“But dad, you’ll speak to Philip for me? You’ll try?”

 

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he closes his eyes and shakes his head, “I can’t Belle. I can’t help you there, but if you… but… I mean I can help if you…”

 

“Dad,” Belle puts a gentle hand on her father’s arm and searches his face, “I’m not a little girl anymore. Say what you are thinking. It won’t hurt me and it might just help.”

 

A smile takes over his features as he pulls her into his arms, “There was a time when I could just hug and tickle away your pain. A hug and a good fairytale was the key to everything bad.” Pulling back slightly, but holding onto her face, “I can’t help Philip because I was never in his place.”

 

“You were too. When Roman came back and took Sami and Eric and Carrie away from you.”

 

The pain flashes through his eyes, but he tries to just nod it away, “Okay. You win there. But I was also the man who had an affair with your mother and tried to get her to leave Roman. I don’t know what to say to Philip. Shawn however, I would have something to say.”

 

The look in Belle’s eyes is curious but before she can say anything, Marlena steps in, “This is what I was talking about Belle. You need to decide. This is similar to what happened to your daddy and I. I made a choice, a made a couple of choices that were very hard and in ways they were the wrong choices. Tell Shawn exactly how you feel. Whether you are in love with him or not, lay it out there for the both of you and then decide what happens next. You need to be honest with everybody. I fought it and I hurt a lot of people, including myself for a long time. But your daddy and I worked it out. Probably shouldn’t have taken quite so long.” Kissing her daughter’s cheek, Marlena smiles an encouraging smile, “I know you can do it. You are strong so decide what you truly want- deep down- and go for it. Try for it because until you try, you will always live what the ‘what ifs’ and you will never be able to forgive yourself.”

 

John moves to rub the sides of his daughter’s arms and rests his chin on her head. His eyes meet Marlena’s over for a moment before he moves to kiss Belle’s hair, “That’s good advice. Be honest with yourself- completely honest. And when you make a choice, go for it. Perhaps it won’t work out, but its better to know for sure than to spend years in limbo. Learn from your parents. Learn from our mistakes.”

 

The young woman leans back into her father’s embrace for a moment before saying a soft ‘thank you’ and moving forward into her mother’s arms. A fresh wave of tears begin to fall to mirror Marlena’s, as Belle whispers, “I’ll try.”

 

“Oh baby girl- everything will be okay.”

 

Burying her face in her mother’s shoulder, “Sometimes I just don’t know.”

 

“I know, so just trust me. And trust your daddy.”

 

Belle nods and pulls back, wiping her eyes and nose. “Thank you mom-dad. I love you both.”

 

“And we love you.”

 

“That’s a fact. And we’re here for you, no matter what.”

 

“I should-“ She points towards the door, “get going. I promised-“

 

“Go.”

 

Both parents watch her walk the short distance out of the office and towards the door. “She’s been through so much.”

 

“But she’s strong and stubborn- just like her mother.”

 

Marlena smiles and looks down at the tiles on this floor, “I should get going as well. Thank you for lunch and for helping me help her.”

 

“She’s our little girl.” John watches Marlena closely. His gaze is curious and when Marlena meets his eyes, she quickly looks away and begins to move. Her ‘We’ll talk soon’ is hurried, as is her movements. John rubs the back of his neck as he watches her go. Finally he groans in confusion and begins to walk after her. Breaking into a jog, in order to catch up to her, he attempts not to make a scene as he calls out, “Doc- wait.” She slows as she reaches the door, but continues outside and down the street. Shaking his head, he jogs out the door and moves down the street.

 

“Doc- come on wait up.” Again she slows as he touches her arm to turn her around. They stare at each other and neither makes the first attempt to speak. John continues to search for something but is having a hard time getting Marlena to look at him. Gently guiding her over to a corner of Salem Place, John pleads, “Marlena… look at me.” Their eyes meet and Marlena remains silent. It is then the expression on John’s face changes, as he finally puts together what it is he has been searching for. The blood seems to drain from his face and he closes his eyes briefly as he asks, “When were you going to tell me?”

 

“John, I-“

 

“When?”

 

Seemingly defeated, “Soon- I didn’t know how.”

 

He steps back as emotions take over. It should be a happy moment but hurt, bitterness, and betrayal seem to take him over. “A simple sentence would-“ He cuts off his own bitter statement, “Sorry-just- why? I’ve thought about this moment for so long and… why?”

 

“You don’t think that I haven’t?”

 

“Then why?”

 

“John- could we talk somewhere else?”

 

She seems almost desperate to escape, yet at the same time doesn’t want to leave. “We can, after you tell me why.”

 

“Not here. Please.”

 

The feelings inside him keep flipping as the rage comes and goes. He doesn’t understand what is happening before him and that makes him uncomfortable. He’s scared that what he has been thinking all along will truly happen, he will actually lose her in the end, no matter what. “Not here? Not now? Why- what- God damnit Doc. Its like you didn’t want me to find out. Didn’t want me to know.” Their eyes meet and the truth of his statement turns his blood cold, “Doc- I can’t believe this. You didn’t want me to know. I… I can’t win.” Closing his eyes, he turns from her, “What, having too much fun? Liking your new life so much better? Less stressful this way?”

 

Tears fall as she shakes her head. John moves away from her, almost like he is giving up. “John-“

 

He stops but does not turn back around, “Then tell me why.”

 

“Because I didn’t know how to face you yet.”

 

“Face me?”

 

Her voice is soft and unsure and he can feel that she is right behind him, “Yes.”

 

“Cause you liked your new life?”

 

“No!” Grabbing onto his arm, Marlena turns him back around, “No! That’s not why at all.”

 

“Then tell me why, please. I need to understand why you wouldn’t come running to me and tell me. Why were you hiding this? Something everybody has been waiting for, what I have been waiting for.”

 

“I wasn’t hiding. I was just- I just- I couldn’t”

 

The words seem to be caught in her throat and any other time, John would have taken pity on her, but not this time. Not when he is so close to finding some answers, “Couldn’t what Doc?” He stares straight at her, so she can see all the pain and sorrow in his features, “Please.”

 

Her voice catches and between sobs, she chokes out, “I couldn’t face you.”

 

“Face me? Why? What did I do?”

 

She shakes her head as the tears continue to flow, “Not- not you.” She takes in a deep breath and John gives her a moment to find her words. She practically whispers, “After everything that I’ve done.”

 

Her words are too quiet for him to make out and the pain filters into his eyes as tears begin to fall, “Marlena, I need you to tell me. Please. I need to know.” He grips her shoulders and stares down into her hazel eyes, “Tell me why. Make me understand.” She stays quiet and looks back down at the sidewalk. “Damnit Marlena! Help me here.”

 

“I couldn’t look you in the eye! I didn’t know what to say and I wasn’t ready.” The outburst seems to surprise her as her eyes fly up to meet his troubled blue ones, “There-that’s the truth. I wasn’t ready or strong enough yet to deal with everything that has happened. Everything that I have done.” She wipes her eyes and turns her back to him, “There is just so much. So much to deal with.”

 

“So you decided to just keep quiet? To pretend?”

 

There is silence but then a strong voice fills their conversation, “Yes.” She turns back, “Yes, I did. And I am sorry but as soon as I admitted that my memory is back, then I would have to deal with the island and begin pregnant and losing the baby and kicking you out of our home and allowing Alex into our life and-“ Her facial features melt as she looks up at him with a love that he had not seen in almost a year, “Being so cruel to you. Not loving you and pulling away from you. Making you deal with all of this and always making it seem like it was your fault, because it wasn’t. None of this was your fault, John.”

 

“Of course it is. Some of this is. I couldn’t help you and I didn’t help-“ Holding up his hands, he stops.

 

She moves towards him and caresses his cheek, “There is just such a mess because of me. So much hurt because of what I have done and I just didn’t want to deal with it yet. I wanted… I want.” His cold expression causes her to stop, but she gathers up some strands of strength to continue. “I wanted to try to fix some of this before I let people know. I didn’t want you to hate me and I didn’t want you to think- I don’t know what I wanted or what I was thinking!” Her emotions are running the gamut and she can’t seem to control her tears, her anger and her nervous feelings. “I got my memory back just a little while ago, John. Not long. Just, I needed to sort myself out and figure out all the damage I have caused before throwing everybody’s life back into hell. I’ve caused so much pain to everybody that I love and I don’t even know why any of this happened! I don’t know why! And I just couldn’t deal with it. I’m just not that strong-“

 

Her rant continues until finally John pulls her into his strong embrace and rocks her, as they both cry out all of their fears, frustration and pain. Soothing her hair, “Shh… okay… its going to be okay Doc… everything is just going to be fine…” He buries his nose into her neck and breaths in her scent and her warmth. The two stand there rocking each other as their tears continue to flow onto each other’s coats and the pain starts to melt away.

Marlena stares at the grand piano, noticing the dust that seems to be piling up on the slick material. Her gaze doesn’t falter as she hears his light footsteps move closer to her. She can hear the movement of the cushions as he leans against the back of the couch. It is a natural movement for her hands to move up and take the warm mug that is currently hovering over her shoulder. He stays put and watches as she takes a delicate sip, “Hmm.”

 

“Kind of low on hot chocolate in there.”

 

“Yeah, haven’t bought much lately. Al-“ She stops her sentence there and mumbles, “You know what I mean.”

 

“Yeah.” He nods and lifts his own mug to his lips.

 

Marlena leans back and allows her body to relax back into the cushions. Hazel eyes close as a strong hand begins to kneed the muscles of her left shoulder. She can feel the heat from his own mug next to her cheek, “I’ve missed this. I’ve missed so much, but its this that I miss most.”

 

“Hot chocolate without anything in it?”

 

“Sorry, really need to go shopping, don’t I?” As her sentence finishes, she shakes her head to answer the question, “Its all the little things I miss most. Things you don’t realize you love until they are gone. You standing there- so many conversations we’ve had this way.”

 

Leaning down to kiss her neck, “So much has begun this way.” A giggle leaves her lips as he lightly bites down on the skin, “I love you.”

 

“I love you too… so much.” The constant tear slides down her cheek, as she angrily bats it away, “I am so sick and tired of crying. I want this all to end.”

 

“Me too baby. Me too.” He squeezes her shoulder one more time before moving around and sitting besides her. John pulls her close and kisses the top of her head, “We’ll fix this. Now that you have your memory back, we can fix this. I promise you.”

 

“Are you sure? I have made such a mess of everything. Belle has needed me so much. I tried to council her on how to deal with her feelings for both Phillip and Shawn, but it had to be hard for her. To know that her mother wasn’t really here for her.”

 

“Doc, you have been here for Belle. Everyday, you have been there and been strong for her. Nobody can ask for anything more.”

 

“But I couldn’t remember I was just… just… going with the flow. Spouting off all this bull that I wasn’t even listening to. Here I was telling her to follow her heart and figure out which man she wanted to spend her life with, and here I was planning a wedding with Alex. It is just all so messed up.” John begins to speak again but she puts her hand up to stop him, “Please don’t patronize me in this John. Doesn’t matter if I did the best that I could, because it wasn’t good enough. And granted, I was there for Belle often, but my family is larger than just her.”

 

“Fine, you don’t want me to patronize you?” He sees her shakes her head, “And you want the truth- you were there for Belle. There for her a lot and some of the other kids might be hurt by that. I’m not sure. Sami is so involved with her problems- with Lucus and Austin and Carrie back in town. She was just plainly happy to see you away from me.” John laughs harshly at the irony of the statement, “That girl never seems to get to win, does she?”

 

“No. No she doesn’t. But then again, she doesn’t give herself much of a chance.”

 

“So that’s the truth. Sami may have needed you, yet we all know Sami and if she wanted something badly enough, she would have kicked down your door.” Turning towards the door and pointing quickly, “And its still standing.” Marlena laughs lightly at the stupid comment, but stays silent. “What?”

 

“Wasn’t there for Sami when her wedding all fell apart.”

 

“As you said, she never makes it easy on herself.”

 

She stares into her dark liquid and whispers out, “Brady…”

 

“You were there. That is what is important. He had us both there.”

 

“But its not the same. He must be so crushed and hurt.”

 

“He would have if you hadn’t have come. But you did. The rest he can forgive.” John doesn’t falter as he receives her fierce glare, “I’m not patronizing. He wouldn’t have forgiven you, to some extent if you hadn’t shown up. But you did, the rest you can make up for. Its okay.”

 

“He… John…” Marlena wipes the tears off her cheeks and allows her hand to quickly wipe at the tip of her nose, “John our boy got married and I wasn’t there. I mean I was there but wasn’t. Neither of his mothers were there. That’s not fair. His wedding should have been perfect. He deserved that.”

 

John allows his hand to slide behind her neck to caress the tight nerves, “It was perfect and both of his mothers were there. In his heart, just like you taught him.”

 

“God…” Marlena allows her head to fall and her fingers run through her bangs, “My life is just so messed up. It has been for years now. When do I get a chance to breath? John, when do we get a chance to be happy? Can you remember a time when we were truly happy?”

 

He looks at her seriously, “Yes. Yes I do, Doc. I remember times all the time and we will get back to that.”

 

“How? Not with my life so screwed up. All the mistakes that I have made, seem to make it all impossible. Like I will never tred water again.”

 

“And Alex…”

 

Marlena groans and refuses to answer immediately as she focuses on her drink, “I don’t know what to do. Is he… were you… urgh.”

 

He kisses her head again and tells her to calm down, “Do I still think I am right about Alex? Yes. I am still worried about you. I don’t know what he will do when he finds out we’ve won.”

 

“So you honestly think that he has something to do with my amnesia?”

 

“I know it. I don’t think he caused it, but I think he kept your memories hidden and in some cases, I think messed with some of them.”

 

“Oh God…”

 

“Hey… hey Doc. No more tears, remember? Its going to be okay. But we will have to figure something out because I won’t let you stay here with Alex any longer. Its not gunna happen, Doc.”

 

Marlena’s hand reaches up to smooth out the tight muscles in his arms, “Now who needs to calm down? What do you suggest?”

 

“I am suggesting that you need to take a vacation. You, Belle and perhaps Claire should take a short trip.”

 

“But how… when…”

 

“Right now.”

 

Marlena sits up and faces him, “John I can’t just leave.”

 

“Yes, you can. And I need you to because then I will know you are safe. And you and Belle need time away to catch up. Invite Sami and Carrie too, if you’d like. But more importantly, it will allow me to figure out what that monster is up to. Marlena, he is up to something and it isn’t anything good. I may sound crazy but he wants to hurt you and I need time to figure out why. Also, I need to prove that I am right.”

 

Her eyebrow rises in question, “How caveman of you.”

 

His eyebrow rises to match her own, before a smile spreads across his face, “I need to prove that I am right to protect you.”

 

“Not for your ego?”

 

Leaning forward, John kisses her nose, “Ego has been a little bruised lately.”

 

“Yeah,” Her eyes drop down to her lap as the playfulness disappears from the air.

 

Using the tip of his fingers, he lifts her chin until her sad hazel eyes meet up with his own blue ones, “We’ll fix this. I promise. Together we will begin to heal-“ He taps a finger across her lips to keep her from talking, “I swear to you Doc, that we will fix all of this. We have a lot to talk about and a lot to work through and it won’t happen over night.”

 

“No, it won’t. But we’ll do it together, right?”

 

“And that’s a fact. You and I will be better and stronger than ever but…”

 

Her eyes search his own, “What John?”

 

“We need to solve this Alex thing first. We can’t heal or put our life back together until we figure out what his agenda is. He’s out to hurt you, Doc and I need to know why. And that’s why you need to go away.”

 

“But how will that help?”

 

“If it all works out the way I hope, you’ll be gone and Alex will do something stupid. He’ll mess up. He likes you here, with him, so that he can control you. He needs to know what is happening at all times, so if you are away with Belle, that will unnerve him. And our good ol’ Doctor North may make a mistake. I’m counting on it.”

 

“So you want me to go away.”

 

John takes her mug from her hands and sets it down in front of them. “Look at me,” He waits for her to turn towards him and look him straight in the eyes, “I want you safe. I don’t want you away from me for another second but we can’t just tell North you are cured, I’m moving back in and life is dandy. There is something wrong. There is something from your past that you don’t remember yet but Alex does and we need to figure out what it is.”

 

“Do you…” Marlena searches John’s face for answers before finishing her question, “Do you still think he was abusive or… or do you think we were never married at all?”

 

“I don’t know. I honestly dunno Doc. You want honesty?” At her nod, John takes in a deep breath, “He has me confused. He has been drugging you and trying to force you to forget, but I don’t know why. I don’t know what his agenda is. Did he really know you in school? Were you two really married? Did he hurt you and is now here to finish the job? I dunno. I just don’t know and I need to figure it out!”

 

Marlena places a gentle finger on his lips to not only quiet him, but soothe him. “Okay, I’ll go. I’ll leave Alex a note that I am going away with Belle for a girl’s weekend to help her sort out life. I’ll tell him that I have my medicines and that I will call and let him know where I am at.” She takes in a slow deep breath, “And then I won’t call. But, what if he comes after me? I don’t want Belle or Claire put in danger.”

 

“I’ll have protection for you ladies.” Putting a hand up in defense, “Just in the hotel or something. Not playing your shadow, honest. And I will be here with both eyes and ears on North at all times.”

 

“Okay, the not calling, if he is out to control and hurt me, should set him over the edge.”

 

A slight smile glimpses his lips, “Just like old times, huh?”

 

“Yeah.” Her smile drops suddenly as her chin dips low again. She doesn’t neeed him to ask what is wrong, “Will you come visit?”

 

“I can’t. Be too much of a risk.”

 

“If I have to stay away a long time, will you find a way to visit? We’ve been apart far too long already John.”

 

John leans down to kiss her lips gently. Pulling away, he stares at her and can’t help himself as he leans back down to capture her lips one more time. He allows his body to relax, as his arms slip around her shoulders and pulls her closer to him. As he pulls away, he lightly bites her lower lip before kissing the injured area, “I’ll take care of it all.”

 

Marlena’s mouth opens to comment further but a sound from the hallway causes them to break apart as John leans over to reclaim his hot chocolate. Just as he begins to take a sip, Alex opens the door and walks in. John can hear the man’s footsteps stop and knows that he must be staring at him.

 

“Welcome back. Did you have a good day shopping?”

 

“Yes, I did.”

 

“Did you get us bread?”

 

Alex face drops slightly as he continues to eye the scene before him, “No. No, I didn’t. John, what are you doing here?”

 

Marlena, not allowing John to step in, stands up and moves towards her coat, “Oh no problem, I’ll grab some on my way home.” At Alex’s questioning look, “John came over to update me on Belle and seems my little girl needs a good shoulder to cry on. So I have to go over there to see if I can help.”

 

“But Marlena, its late.”

 

“Yeah but I won’t be able to sleep knowing that she can’t.” Kissing his cheek, “I won’t be long. Goodnight. Goodnight John.”

 

Marlena exits the room quickly before Alex has time to come up with anymore questions. Instead, he turns towards John, “This is all your doing, isn’t it? Have to use your own daughter to get some time with Marlena.”

 

“Belle needs her mother so I came here to get her. Nothing more. Now if you’ll excuse me Doctor. I have somewhere I need to be.”

John slips through the door and waits until it closes firmly behind him before moving towards the elevator. A whisper of his name causes him to stop and turn, “Doc? Come on-“ he grabs her upper arm firmly and shields her body as they enter the elevator, as he quickly glances over his shoulder to make sure that Alex did not open the door. Once the door slides shut, “Sorry, just thought you would be gone. What if he saw?”

 

“Then I forgot something- John- where was I suppose to go exactly?”

 

He can’t help but smile as she rolls her eyes at his overprotective nature, “Sorry again. Okay, I think we’ll both head over… no wait. I think you should head over to Belle’s and let her know what is up. I kind of mentioned something to her about it already. I’m going to hang out around here.”

 

“And then what?” The two exit the elevator, but John stops suddenly. “John- what is it?”

 

He pulls her close to him as his eyes move over the ceiling, “The cameras.”

 

“John there have always been cameras down here.”

 

“Yes, and from your TV you can watch the people wandering around down here. Its how Brady always played all those tricks on people with his buddies.”

 

Laughing slightly, Marlena moves a piece of bangs out of her eyes, “God those boys gave me grey hairs.”

 

“My point here is that our good Dr. North could be watching and I don’t want him to see us together. So… you my lady will exit here. Take your time, chat with some people.” John moves them slightly as another load of people attempt to exit the elevator. “I’m going through the back. Go to Belle, let her know what is happening and then the two of you- bring Claire and Philip if possible, come back here. Actually, I’d rather that you brought them. Say Philip is driving you. I dunno. But never be alone with Alex. Never.”

 

“Philip isn’t at the loft anymore, remember?”

 

“Shit. Okay, Belle will come with you. I dunno. Ask anyone.” He stares at her, making sure that she understands the danger of the situation, “Please, promise me that you will always be in the room with somebody else, you won’t let him get you alone. Have Belle help you pack.”

 

“If he is so dangerous, why would you want to include our daughter and granddaughter into this?”

 

The accusations in her tone cause his expression to fall. Rubbing the back of his neck, John looks at the ground, “You know what, perhaps, yeah forget about it. You should probably go, visit Belle for a little bit. I’ll figure something else out.”

 

“John,” She places a gentle hand under his chin to lift his eyes up to her own, “I’m sorry. But I am curious.”

 

“As long as Alex doesn’t aspect that you have your memory back, he won’t do anything in front of Belle or Claire or Philip for that matter. He’ll play the loving and caring asshole that he has been. It is what he does behind your back and when you are gone that will be most helpful.” He can still see the worry in her eyes. John pulls her to him and holds her tightly as he says gently into her hair, “I am glad that you are now starting to believe that Alex is dangerous. But we’ll do this-“ He pulls back slightly so that he can see her, “Walk out of here, but stop at the front desk and write a note to Alex that says that you are going away for a bit. Leave it there and I’ll pick it up and slip it into the house later. Then go to Belle’s and I’ll meet you there.”

 

“You sure?”

 

“Yes, trust me. I’ll take care of it all. Oh there is- what’s her name?”

 

“Denise?”

 

They both watch a heavy set lady exit the elevator, “Hey Denise- got a moment?”

 

Marlena turns towards her husband and whispers, “John what are you doing?”

 

“Talk with her, make it look like you were held up and that’s why it took so long.”

 

The lady approaches and both smile, “John, its so good to see you around here again.”

 

“Just came to pass on some news to Marlena about our daughter. But I better get moving or I’ll be late.”

 

Marlena’s eyes plead with him to stay and explain some more, but he simply smiles at her, leaving her only the option of mouthing a ‘Be careful’ before he disappears around the corner. Turning back to Denise, “Hey, sorry that we haven’t chatted lately. I am in a rush but I heard through the grapevine that you just bought new furniture from Leanna Graham-”

 

“I did. Expensive but it truly is worth it. Looks like leather, feels like satin. Gorgeous.”

 

Marlena moves with her through the lobby of the hotel. “Sounds it. I was wondering, whenever you have a spare moment, if you would be so kind to write down their address and the person who took care of you so that I can check them out. Thinking its time to redecorate.”

 

“John doesn’t mind?”

 

Swallowing harshly, “Um, he… no.”

 

“Oh, that’s right. I’m so sorry. I saw your engagement announcement. How silly of me.” She pats Marlena’s hand, almost in sympathy, “Congratulations and I will drop that by your place later this week.”

 

Marlena adjusts her purse and smiles appreciatively, “Thank you so much. That would be lovely. I won’t keep you- need to drop a note. Thanks again ” She moves towards the front desk, desperately trying not to look up at the cameras and asks for a notepaper. Quickly she jots down a note and leaves it for John before making her way out of her building and down into the parking garage.

“So what do we do now, mom? I can go with you to pack if you need me to.”

 

Marlena shakes her head, but smiles appreciatively at her daughter, “No Belle, your dad said to stay here. I don’t know exactly what John is up to at the moment but… so we’ll just have to wait it out.”

 

“I hate waiting.”

 

Sitting next to her daughter, Marlena bumps into Belle’s arm playfully, “Me too. Think you get that from me. But don’t tell your dad that. Took me a long time to convince him that all of your bad habits came from him and not me. Like sitting on the kitchen counter.”

 

“But you do that all the time ”

 

“Never when he is around.” They share a small laugh before Belle lays her head down on her mother’s shoulder. Marlena hugs her tightly and kisses the side of her head, “I’ve missed you so much baby girl. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t here for you the way you needed me to be.”

 

“You did the best that you could. I always knew how much you loved me, I never doubted that. I’m just so happy that you are finally remembering dad and your life together. Now you both can make things right.”

 

Kissing her forehead, Marlena allows her own head to rest upon Belle’s blonde curls as her eyes close and the memories fill her mind, “I will baby girl. I promise I’ll fix everything.”

 

“Dad must be so thrilled. How did you tell him? Did he jump up and down like a little kid? I bet you he did. Swing you around and shout it out to the world? Like when you two got engaged. I’ve never forgotten that. One of the happiest days in my life. That, my dress for the wedding, getting my Princess Barbie Doll and the first time I got to see my precious little girl’s face.” Her eyes fade in memory but her smile never falters as she thinks through the happy moments in her life, “Its so great to finally be happy again. But tell me…” Belle jumps up slightly and repositions herself on the couch to be better facing her mother, “how did you tell him? And when did it come back? How did it? Were you looking at a picture or sleeping or…”

 

“Shh… Belle… honey slow down. Its, to be totally honest with you, its been back for a little while now. Not very long but a little while. I had to deal with all the confusion and emotions before adding more with announcing it to everybody.”

 

Recognition filters through her facial features, “That’s why things changed so much lately. It all felt so different. Your advice and even your hugs were more natural. Like old times.”

 

Smiling at her daughter, Marlena attempts to blink away the tears, “I am sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner, but I-”

 

“Its okay mom. I understand. What about dad?”

 

“Well-“ Marlena looks down at her folded hands, as she attempts to figure out how to tell this portion of the story.

 

Jumping in for her mom, “You didn’t tell him, did you? He knows now, right? Obviously with everything you are planning but…”

 

Again, Marlena quiets her daughter, “He figured it out. Before, last night, when I was giving you the advice about having two men who love you… your daddy figured out that it was me talking. That I couldn’t give out that kind of information if I didn’t remember both the events and the emotions of that time.” She reaches out to gently stroke her daughter’s cheek, “And I meant every word I said, Belle. You need to focus on you and choose for you because you are the one that has to live with the decision.” She readjusts herself and watches as the emotions run through Belle’s eyes, “So he figured it out and he confronted me and he was… well naturally upset. But I explained why and I think… I think he understands my side. I understand his as well.”

 

“So, you two are okay? I know dad understands. He remembers what it is like to get his memories back and have to deal with everything. He’ll understand.”

 

“I think he does understand. I know he does.” A tear slips down Marlena’s cheek, but she does not make any motions to remove it, “We are okay. Well, we will be. So don’t you worry about us baby girl.”

 

“He was so lost without you mom.”

 

“I know.” More tears begin to fall, “I know and I was lost without him as well.” Leaning over, Marlena brushes away stray tears from her daughter’s cheek, “We will be okay, so please don’t worry. Your daddy and I have a lot to talk about and work out. Its been a long couple of years, a lot has happened but we will work on it one step at a time.”

 

“And your mother is right-” Both girls turn towards the intruding voice. John smiles as both women call out his name, “Well that’s quite a welcome. How are my two beautiful gals doing?”

 

“John, what happened?”

 

“Dad, what are we doing?”

 

Holding up his hands, “Woo, slow down. First Izzy B, your mom and I will be just fine. We need to deal with Dr. North and then we can work on us. Or perhaps, we can do both at the same time. Ready for an adventure Doc?”

 

Her confused look is shared with Belle, as finally the young lady speaks up, “What do you mean dad?”

 

John moves further into the room, but does not begin to take his jacket off, “Well, we need to get moving so Belle, why don’t you go get Claire ready to rock and roll.”

 

“Mom and I already packed for her, but I’ll go get her coat on if we’re leaving.”

 

“That will be great. Thanks sweetie. Come here-“ He gestures for Belle to come to him and hugs his daughter tightly. He kisses the top of her head and whispers in her ear, “Thank you.” He waits for Belle to disappear upstairs before looking at Marlena.

 

She immediately gets up and moves towards him, “John, what’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing. Nothing. I just want us to get moving. North left so I slipped the note in but I don’t want to be here if he comes looking. So we’re hitting the road. I even took the liberty to pack some stuff for you.”

 

“Clothes right?”

 

“Opposed to?”

 

“Last trip you packed for, I had a bathing suit and underwear.”

 

His grin turns into a smirk as his eyes run over her body, “And boy, that was a great vacation. But no,” He taps her nose playfully, “I packed clothes. Warm ones.”

 

“John, what did you mean by adventure?”

 

“A blast from our past Doc.” He smiles as she continues to look at him as though he has lost his mind, “We are going camping.”

 

“John I don’t camp and neither does Belle and I’m sure Claire won’t be too thrilled either.”

 

“Training this girl early. Think about it Doc, forest, cabin, creek and perhaps even a cave.”

 

He stares at her, waiting for her to catch the hint and finally her eyes light up, “Virginia We’re going to Virginia?”

 

“Its warming up some and I thought the fresh air would do us all some good and its far away. Secluded and… thought we would check it out for a few days.”

 

Marlena sits on the edge of the couch and looks up at her husband, “I am not quite understanding here. How can you keep an eye on North if you are in Virginia with us?”

 

“Well… I won’t be there the whole time. But thought I could join in for a day or two. I just made sure that the good Dr. North overheard my travel plans and my plane did take off with people aboard. And I have Abe watching him right now. So soon, he will find your note and Abe will keep me in touch. I just figured we could use just one day to be a family and take a deep breath and then go back to work.” Waving his hands to end the conversation, “Nuff about that for right now. Belle ” Moving towards the steps, “Come on girl We need to hit the road.”

 

“John… I still don’t…”

 

John moves over to his wife and kisses her gently, “I’ll explain everything later. Right now its taken care of. But to help you out, we can’t come up with a plan until we know North’s next move.” Marlena nods and steps into his open arms. Relaxing against his chest, “You okay?”

 

“Yeah, I am now.” As soon as her eyes close, a yawn overtakes her lips. She smiles as she feels his lips on her head, “I didn’t realize I was so tired.”

 

“Are you going to be able to drive? I don’t want us all to leave together.”

 

“I can drive.” John looks up at his daughter and can’t help but be amazed as he sees the carrier in her hand. Marlena does not move from his embrace but turns her head to look at Belle. “Its okay mom. Claire and I had a nap, so I’m fine driving.” Gently putting the carrier down, Belle checks on Claire before letting out a content sigh, “It is so very good to see you two together again.”

 

The parents hug each other tightly, as John places another kiss on her forehead, “Yes, it is. You ready?”

 

“We are ready. Dad, would you mind grabbing the suitcase. Its right at the top of the stairs.”

 

“I got that. Doc, why don’t you guys get going. I’ll bring the suitcase with me. Directions are in your car, Doc. And I’ll call you shortly to let you know where we should meet up. Okay?”

 

“Okay.” Marlena moves towards her coat, but stops and turns back towards her husband, “I’ll see you soon, right?”

 

“You betcha. And I have a surprise for you.”

 

Raising her eyebrow in surprise, “Really? What is it?”

 

John leans down and captures her lips in a tender smile, “You two better hit the road. Answer your phone when North calls. I have you two booked at a spa- all that information is in the car. Hopefully everything is covered and I will see you two in about an hour.” Moving over towards his daughter, “Take care of your mom for me, kay?”

 

“You betcha.”

 

Smiling at her, John kisses her cheek and bends over to stare at his sleeping grandbaby, “You too little one. Take care of your grandma. Love you.” He strokes her cheek before straightening back up and moving towards the steps. “Love you both. Now get moving ” He takes two steps at a time and stops quickly to finish, “Oh yeah, candy and chips and other unhealthy food is found in a paper bag in the back of the car.” For the first time in months, a true laugh leaves his lips as he hears two female voices chime together, “We love you ”

John looks over at his wife and can’t help himself as his hand glides over to gently remove a piece of hair from her eyes. His eyes move from the road to her peaceful face, “Everything will be alright Doc.” He slows his truck and makes an easy right hand turn, but does not accelerate until he sees Belle’s SUV do the same. His eyes check the road ahead of them, before grabbing his phone and pushing send.

 

“Yes father?”

 

“Don’t mock me. Just checking in on how you are doing. Need a rest?”

 

“No, we’re good. Claire and I are just singing. How’s mom?”

 

He quickly glances back over to his right, “Sleeping still. We don’t have too much further to go- you are using speaker phone right?”

 

“Yes, dad. Both of my hands are on the wheel.”

 

“Just checking. So are you good for about another thirty or so minutes?”

 

“Pearl Jam time- so we’re just fine. Talk to you again in ten minutes?”

 

“Ha ha… drive safely and call if you need something.”

 

“Got Pearl and twizzlers so I’m good. But the same goes for you, keep your eyes on the road.”

 

John tells his baby girl goodbye and hangs up the phone. His hand moves towards the radio, but stops as he hears, “How’s Belle doing? Does she need me to wake up?”

 

“No, she is just fine. Go back to sleep.”

 

Marlena sits up, stretching and letting a tired groan escape her lips, “No, I’m good now.” Letting out another yawn, she looks at the scenery around her, “Where are we?”

 

“We just entered the grounds, so we’ve got about twenty or thirty minutes to the cabin.”

 

Turning around to see Belle’s car, “Are you sure she’s okay? Its so dark out.”

 

“You may call her if you’d like to, but she is sick of hearing from me.” John pats his wife’s thigh to get her to turn back around, “She is just fine. We’re going slow, I’ll even slow down a bit more and we are almost there.”

 

“Okay… okay. I’m just nervous.”

 

“Don’t be please.” He makes eye contact with her briefly, “Right now nobody is worrying. I’ll let you know when to start again.”

 

“You know…” Her statement dies out as quickly as it had begun. He cocks an eyebrow at her and waits for her to continue.

 

When she doesn’t, John collects her hand in his own and squeezes it, “Doc, your hand is freezing. Are you cold?” He drops her hand for a moment to reach over and turn up the heat, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.” Grabbing her hand again, he pulls it over to his leg and begins to rub it gently between the material of his jeans and his hand. “What were you going to say before?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

“Doc…”

 

She smiles up at him, “It was nothing, really.”

 

“I know that isn’t true, so why don’t you tell me what you were thinking.”

 

“I’m just so very happy right now. Which is horrible to say because my life, our lives are so out of control right now but I finally feel that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

 

“Me too. But there is something more.”

 

Marlena sighs and looks out the window at the passing trees, “You know me too well and I love that. Thank god.” She stays silent as she thinks through her jumbled thoughts, “I am just happy that you keep saying ‘we’ and ‘us’ and not you.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“You aren’t cutting me out of all of this. This chaos. Everything with Alex. I still don’t know if he is as evil as you think, but I can see why you think it and I am ready to help you figure this all out. I’m just glad that you aren’t trying to shove me in a closet and leave me there while you save the world.”

 

“Not the whole world… just mine.” He quickly steals a glance from her, “Just saving my world. And no, I have learned over the years, learned the hard way actually, that I don’t leave you out. Actually, we seem to get in more trouble when I do, because you tend to do your own thing and come after me.” John smiles as he hears her slight laugh and can’t wait to finally be free from all the stress and fear, so that they both can share just one truly happy laugh again. “I will, of course, be focused on keeping you safe. And you will, of course, agree to listen to what I say and not go running off, like you like to do. Hey now…”

 

Marlena repeats her disinterested sound, while readjusting her feet so that one comes up and tucks underneath her thigh, “I am not a dog, John. I won’t sit when told to.”

 

“Even for a treat?”

 

Pushing on his arm, “Don’t you dare, John Black. Don’t even…”

 

“I gotcha. No direct orders. But promise that you won’t go off by yourself, for any reason. We’ll do this together. Work together here, but I need you to trust me. I won’t smother you, but I won’t leave you unprotected either.”

 

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

 

“Promise me.”

 

Marlena turns and smiles gently, “I promise. You keep me involved, no secrets, and I won’t do anything that you’ll hate.”

 

“Fair enough.”

 

Their ride continues in relative silence. Another call into Belle to check on her alertness allows both parents to breath easier. Marlena has not uttered another word since her promise, as her eyes focus on the passing trees. She stares, fixated on the blurry scenery and occasionally her tired mind creates images out of those dark branches. She thinks of nothing in particular, but allows her mind to take its own journey through once forgotten memories. So many images of kids playing at the park, the woods surrounding their games of soccer and tag.

 

These particular trees, she knows, holds their own memories of two friends turned enemies turned lovers. She sees herself, that pink jacket so worn out and torn. She sees herself limping through the trees, tripping over fallen branches and uprooted roots. But just as quickly, she sees herself walking out of those trees, tucked securely underneath a protective arm.

 

Not caring if the words that are about to slip through her lips are allowed or not, Marlena asks, “Do you ever think about what might have happened if we didn’t come here?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Have you ever wondered what might of happened to us if we had never come here the first time around?”

 

“Uh…” She waits, knowing that he is tossing that question around in his brain, “No, I guess not. Guess I always figured that somehow we would of ended up here.”

 

“Really? If we hadn’t tried to figure out your past by coming here, we would never have found out that you were Roman… well… you know what I mean.”

 

“You don’t think we would have stumbled upon that at some point? Plus, I had everybody on my ass, trying to kill me at that point.”

 

“True. But if we handled it all in Salem…”

 

“What are you truly tossing around that mind of yours Doc? You have something burning a hole.”

 

“Just thinking about the past. Choices that I have made. Ones that I might take back, if ever given the opportunity. But was thinking about you and… well us and” She talks fast, so that John will not interrupt her and take them on a different verbal path, “if we never ended up here, never found out that you were Roman… what would have happened to us. If you had always been John Black.”

 

“I wouldn’t have lost you.”

 

Marlena makes a sound that signals her confusion, but she goes silent when she sees the absolute certainty upon his face, “You have thought about this before.”

 

“Well, have always wondered what would be different if I had never been labeled as Roman Brady- sure. I have thought about it.”

 

“Then what do you mean you would never have lost me?”

 

“If I was never Roman, Orpheus would never had a reason to take you. You would never have been taken. I would never had to have mourned and you would never have lost those years.”

 

The force of his voice surprises her, but she keeps her voice even, wanting to continue this conversation, “There is more to it. More to your statement of lost.”

 

His jaw tightens and for a moment, Marlena thinks he will back off the conversation. He takes in a deep breath, but before she can change the subject, his voice fills the car once again, “The way I see it is, I was attracted to you. Infatuated actually and fell in love with you before I knew I was Roman. I wanted you in my life. And I think the John Black charm was working on you.”

 

“Boy was it.”

 

John throws her a lopsided grin and continues, “So if no Roman or West Virginia, I figure that you would have continued to help me find my past and I would keep trying to make you live your life. So together, we would have filled that empty spot in our lives and hearts. Gotten together, gotten married, had a baby or two and if Roman ever did come back, I wouldn’t have lost you or my family to him.”

 

“A perfect life.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“But think of all of the things that would be different, no Brady. No Belle.”

 

“See, that’s where the what if game is not fair. If we had lived that life, I wouldn’t have known anything about the possibility of Brady or Belle… we would have had other children together and that would have been awesome. But me saying this, doesn’t mean I would willingly sacrifice Belle and Brady or our memories together for it. When talking what ifs, you can’t bring reality into it, its just not fair.”

 

They share a smile, as Marlena nods her agreement. “Its probably the one thing I have wondered about the most over the years…”

 

“What?”

 

“How long it would have taken me to drop my defenses and dated you and how far, how outrageous would you have been to get me to go out with you. Sign-in and sign-out sheet and all.”

 

Joining in her hearty laugh, “Hey, I still stand by that thing. Kept you alive.”

 

“Only because you kept coming after me to get me to sign it and then happened to be there to protect me. Not because the system worked.”

 

“It worked in its own little way.”

 

“Yeah, whatever.”

 

“That system was remarkable and once I got it all in place it started to-“ His voice fades off as his eyes catch on the building in front of him, “There it is. Call Belle and let her know, if you would please.”

 

He can’t help but smile as he listens to her voice and pulls along side a small cabin that is to become home to the four of them for the next couple of days.

Smiling, John lifts a hand to his chin and rubs a hand over his tired face. His fingers move over the rough skin, across his eyes and pinch the bridge of his nose tightly. Letting out a deep yawn, John shakes himself out of his stupor and pushes himself away from the wall.

 

He moves quietly along the wood floor boards and peeks around the couch to see the baby sleeping peacefully on the quilt, before looking at his daughter. Carefully, he pulls a blanket up and over Belle’s shoulders, before leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Sleep well baby girl.”

 

Heading to the door, he opens it and steps outside into the crisp air. He stands just outside of the cabin, breathing in the air and allowing himself, for the first time in a while, to settle down.

 

John watches Marlena’s shoulders move slightly with her breathing. He takes in her posture, her folded arms, and the slight tilt in her chin to show that she is studying something far off in the distance. No words are said and John isn’t exactly sure she knows that he is out here with her.

 

He stands still and scans the woods around them. He can remember so much that had happened here, far within the woods. Two lost souls, finding a connection and for the first of many times, learning how to help each other survive. John can see her eyes, how scared they were, yet determined. The pink jacket that she refused to throw away. So much began here, but at the same time, so much ended here.

 

“Are you just going to stand there all night by yourself?”

 

“Well, I could say the same for you.”

 

Marlena’s head dips slightly and turns, but not far enough to look at him, “True, but you are the one who came out here, not me. Come join me.”

 

Silently, he moves towards her and stands right behind her. He slowly moves his arms to her side, but does not immediately touch her. He waits for some sign from her that she doesn’t mind the contact. It is the movement of her upper body, as she leans slightly back towards him that allows him to comfortably step closer and wrap his arms around her waist. She rests perfectly on his chest, as his chin comes to rest upon her blonde hair.

 

“What are you thinking about?”

 

“Nothing really.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Honestly.” Marlena rests her arms upon his and breaths in his scent, “I’m just looking at the view. Not really thinking about anything in particular. How are the girls?”

 

“Passed out. It’s so cute. Claire sleeps just like her mom use to. Remember how Belle would pass out on floor or in her crib, with both arms up and over her head? Claire is in there the same way. It’s amazing how similar she is to Belle.”

 

“That’s all you. The hands over your head. You always would do that and still do when you are overtired.”

 

“Do I?”

 

“Yeah. God, I remember how you always wanted to tickle Belle.”

 

“Well, can you blame me?” He laughs lightly into her hair, “Especially in the summer, when her pudgy belly would be hanging out there, how could I not tickle it?”

 

“You were to be a father who wanted to keep his daughter sleeping, not constantly waking her up.”

 

“Nah, miss too much if they sleep all day.”

 

“And boy, we have missed so much.”

 

“Doc…” He leaves his plea right there. A simple statement of her name to know that she does not need to go down that path right now.

 

However, Marlena pays little attention to him, “It’s true. No reason to hide that fact and no, I’m not just talking about the last year or the last three years. The both of us have been away from our loved ones too much. What other parents have chunks of their child’s lives missing from their memory?”

 

“I dunno. I’ve never quite figured out why us. Why everything seems to focus in on us. But if it wasn’t our lives the universe was messing with, we never would have met. So in a way, some things just work out.”

 

“We wouldn’t have met, you really believe that?”

 

“Yeah, I do.” He runs his hands up and down her arms in an attempt to warm her up, “Because why else would I have ended up in Salem if I wasn’t being screwed with? There was a purpose. We were just meant to intertwine. Sometimes I just…” John breaks off and allows the words to be carried away with the wind. He wraps his arms around her shoulders and kisses the top of her head.

 

“What do you wish?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“You said sometimes I just… and I assume the next word was wish. I’d like to hear what is on your mind.”

 

“Oh it’s nothing really. Just being on that sentimental wavelength, I can’t help but look over these woods and the cabin and remember so many good and so many horrible things.”

 

“We have a lot of memories about this place. Was a… a confusing time and rather scary. But we got through it all together. In some ways we found each other out here.”

 

“Found out that I was supposedly Roman.”

 

Marlena sighs and she smiles lightly as she feels him do the same. She is about to talk but she feels his breathing skip a beat and she knows that he is attempting to hold back in a yawn. “You probably should go to bed.”

 

“Nah, I’m fine.”

 

“Yeah right.” Silence overtakes them again, as Marlena’s mind works at the current conversation, trying to decide where to take the next portion of their chat. “We… we did find out that you were… well we were lead to believe that you were Roman here. It’s where it all began.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

With no help from him, Marlena continues, “So how are you feeling? Being back here?”

 

“Honestly? I’m bitter.”

 

“Bitter?”

 

“Yeah, bitter. I’m bitter that we have to be hiding out here at all and even more so, I’m bitter that we ever came here in the first place.”

 

Marlena turns in his arms. She holds on tightly to his hands, but looks him straight in the eyes, “Why?”

 

“Because, if we had stayed in Salem, I never would have become Roman. I would have been John Black from beginning to end.”

 

“How do you know that? We don’t know that.” He opens his mouth to respond but Marlena stops him, “We don’t know what would have happened if we hadn’t come here. Victor might have come after us in Salem, or the KGB. Anything is possible.”

 

“Yes, but I would still have been John Black. Clueless John Black who was falling in love with his doctor. It would have been easier. It would have saved so much hurt.”

 

She cups his cheeks and forces him to look at her. Together, they study each other’s eyes, as Marlena attempts to follow his current line of thinking. “John, what is this about? Just say it.”

 

“I dunno Doc.” Grabbing her hands from his face, John kisses her knuckles and covers them with his own hands, “I just look at this place and hate it. I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I look out at these trees or stand in the kitchen. I see flashes of what happened here. I blame here… I blame this cabin and these woods for everything and I know that sounds ridiculous, but I have never been able to figure out who to blame. For fourteen years I have looked for someone or something to blame and frankly, Stefano just isn’t good enough anymore.”

 

“Blame for what John?”

 

“For that… for my identity. For everything. For all the hurt and confusion and problems. I became Roman here and I thought that was the best thing that would ever happen to me in my life and man, I was wrong. If I had just been John Black, we could have gotten married, been happy. Would have saved Carrie some pain, kept Orpheus from taking you away, and when it was all said and done and if Roman ever returned, I would have been John Black and I would have had a place in everybody’s lives to stake claim to. I wouldn’t have lost.”

 

“Oh baby…” Marlena pulls him towards her and kisses his wet eyes, his cheeks and gently wipes away a stray tear. Kissing his lips lightly, she apologizes to him and tells him that everything will be okay. “I always thought I understood, but I don’t think I ever have. That I ever can truly understand.”

 

John captures her lips in one more brief kiss before pulling back. He strokes the side of her face, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize…” He waves his hand to show that he doesn’t really know what he means.

 

“You didn’t realize how this place would affect you. That’s understandable. How would you know until you got here? But remember, you are the one who always says that everything happens for a reason, right?”

 

“Yeah, but sometimes I wonder.” He looks down and apologizes again, “I’m sorry. I’m tired and it’s been a long few months here. Hell, a few long years and I’m so out of it. I question everything and I have so much rage built up inside that I tend to lash out at anything- at random things.”

 

“Honey, it makes sense. I honestly understand. Things have been very hard, on all of us and right now you are back at a place that began it all. In your mind, this was the beginning of a lot of happiness and a lot of pain.” She moves up to her tip toes to kiss him lightly on his chin. “What is the plan for tomorrow?”

 

“I thought hiking perhaps.”

 

Cocking a confused eyebrow at him, “Hiking?”

 

“Yeah. Thought about taking Belle out hiking in the morning, give you some time with the baby, if that’s alright with you?”

 

Marlena’s features brighten into a beautiful smile at the idea of some one-on-one time with her little granddaughter, “I would love that.”

 

“Then a picnic for us all and we can follow that up with…” Waving his arms up on either side, “I don’t know. Anything I guess.”

 

“The overall plan? I know, you’re tired… sorry for all the questions.”

 

“Never apologize sweetheart. I was thinking two days here. Maybe three and then you and the girls are going to go on another little vacation and I’m going to go to work.”

 

“John…”

 

“I have backup Doc. Honestly, it will be okay. Don’t worry.” Pouting slightly, she giggles as John leans down and nips lightly at her full bottom lip. “Don’t pout.”

 

As a yawn interrupts John’s no-nonsense stare, Marlena can’t hold back the strong laugh. “Bedtime Mister.”

 

Together they move back into the cabin. John sends Marlena ahead to change and goes back over towards the couch. He is about to sit down on the couch, but instead moves back towards the bedroom door. His hands lay flat on either side of the door, as he leans in, “Doc?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I was planning on Belle sleeping in here with you, but I hate to risk waking her. Think she’ll be okay on the couch?” Before Marlena has a chance to process the question, “Nevermind. She’ll be more comfortable on the bed.”

 

He moves back towards the couch, not listening to Marlena’s soft protests. Moving towards Claire, John slowly and firmly slides his hands under the baby’s back and lifts her into his arms. “Shhh…” He hums softly to her, as he walks towards the playpen. “Goodnight sweetie.”

 

John watches her for a moment, making sure that she has settled herself back down before moving over to his baby girl. He turns slightly and then straightens back up again as he attempts to figure out how to do about his task. He moves around the couch and leans over the low cut back of the couch. Awkwardly, he bends and attempts to scoop her into his arms. Lifting her over the couch and cradling her into his arms, he can’t help but laugh as his solid sleeper of a daughter doesn’t bat an eye at the movement.

 

He returns to the bedroom and lays her down gently on the bed, as Marlena helps cover her up. “She is one hard sleeper. A gift from her mother.”

 

“Well, in her old age, she better not snore like her father.”

 

“I don’t snore.”

 

“Oh no? Ha.” Marlena moves over to John and hands him a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. She finishes straightening up as he strips and changes clothes. She walks up to him and trails her fingers up his bare back, “Room on that couch for two?”

 

“Always, but not sure Claire would appreciate it.” Smiling, he pulls his shirt over his head and grabs Marlena. She laughs as she falls against his chest and welcomes his warm lips.

 

“Oh my.” She attempts to hold in her emotions, but they come shining through as she whispers “I love you” into his ear.

 

“I love you too. Sleep tight.”

 

With one final kiss, John takes the spare blanket for him and moves into the other room. Picking up the pillow, he fluffs it out before dropping it back into place. It takes mere moments for him to fall asleep, after he finally allows his exhausted eyes to close.

Picking up the little girl, Marlena cooes at her gently as she lifts her up to her shoulder. Patting her back, she attempts to sooth her slightly fussy granddaughter. “Now now… its okay. Your mommy just went for a walk with… well little one, what is he going to be called huh?” Looking down at her, Marlena smiles and attempts to make the baby laugh, “Is he a grandpa? Cause that would make me a grandma. I’m okay with that, but what about… hmm… he would be a cute papa, don’t you think?”

 

At Claire’s laugh, Marlena lets out one of her own, “You are a precious little thing, aren’t you? So why don’t we try out papa today and see how it goes. We’ll decide who I am later. Oh baby girl…” She cradles her close to her chest and breaths in deeply, “I love you so much and I am so… so very sorry that I haven’t been here like I should have been. You had us all scared there for so long and both you and your mommy needed me, but I’m here now and forever.” Stroking her cheek, Marlena runs a finger from her cheek up to her forehead and then back down to her chin. Running her finger back and forth just under her bottom lip, she waits for a smile, “You are stuck with me. You have such a great life ahead of you, little one. What do you say that we go- -“

 

Marlena cuts off abruptly when she hears a shriek of laughter from outside. Looking at Claire, “And what on earth do you think those two are doing out there, hm?”

 

Walking towards the window, Marlena boosts Claire up on her hip, to allow the baby to see outside. A smile immediately appears on her face as she sees John running after Belle. A quick step by the father, allows him to grab a hold of his daughter and throw her over his shoulder. Marlena and Claire simply watch in silence as John spins and then allows her to fall from his shoulder into his arms before he nearly drops her to her butt. Both females let out a snort sounding laugh at the scene, causing Marlena to look quickly at Claire and laugh happily at the similar action.

 

John continues to laugh at his daughter, but as he moves away from her, Belle stands up and runs to jump on his back. “Oh no… Belle is in trouble now. You’re poor mommy.” Just as Marlena says this, John uses Belle’s momentum to flip her over his shoulder. He bends so that she doesn’t hit the ground too hard, but she doesn’t let go of him and John loses his balance and tumbles to the ground in a hard heap.

 

“You know, baby girl, your mommy and papa and have playing like this all her life. I always thought that they would outgrow it but I am so glad that they haven’t. She is very special to him, as are you. Know that your papa will do anything for you, even when you don’t want him to. He’ll protect you, but he will also make you smile so many times.” She glances back out at the two rolling on the ground, but notices that Claire is still looking at her, as if she is waiting for her to continue the story. “My favourite memory of the two of them was when your mommy was just a little bit older than you are. Papa would take her down to the lake to feed the duckies. She would get up on- -“

 

Five year old Belle climbs up on the park bench and waits for her father to bend down in front of her. John squats down and the little blonde haired girl puts up leg over his shoulder, followed by the other. “Okay, hang on.”

 

“My crackers!”

 

“I’ll get them for you when we are standing, hanging on?”

 

“Yep!”

 

“Okay, up we go.” John slowly stands up, making sure that his daughter is properly balanced on his shoulders. Leaning over slightly, he picks up the roll of crackers. Taking out one, he holds it up to Belle, “One for Belle, one for daddy. Ooo… Belle, see all the boats? Look at the one with the big sail.”

 

“Daddy… I want a boat!”

 

“You want a boat?”

 

“Yep.”

 

“What colour boat?”

 

She takes a bite of her cracker, “Pink!”

 

Rolling his eyes, “She have guessed. Okay, we will ask mommy if we can get a pink boat. Who is going to sail it?”

 

“You silly!”

 

“But I don’t know how to sail a boat.” He lifts another cracker up to her, “One for you. One for the ducks. One for daddy.” He slips the cracker into his mouth just as Belle tosses the cracker as close as she can to the ducks.

 

“Look at the duckies run daddy! Look at them run! They go quack quack quack. Oh no… that one stole the cracker!” She giggles out a “That isn’t nice!”

 

Laughing with her, “If that isn’t nice, then why are you laughing Belle?”

 

“Because he walks funny!” She starts to tip side to side on his shoulders singing, “Waddle waddle waddle…”

 

John reaches up quickly to hold onto her butt and keep her from falling backwards, “Careful there girl. Cracker for you. One for the ducks. One for daddy.” He crunches down on another cracker as he watches, with his daughter, the ducks run towards the fallen cracker and fight over it.

 

“Another one daddy!”

 

“What do you say?”

 

“Another one please daddy!”

 

“One for you. One for the ducks.” He watches the cracker float to the ground and takes a step back as the ducks run towards them to attack it.

 

“One for you daddy!”

 

Putting another one into his mouth, he mumbles, “And one for daddy.” Her high pitch giggle causes a smile to naturally appear on his face. “I like the little guy over here… see the small duck? Think mommy would let us bring him home?”

 

“Where would he sleep?”

 

“In the bathroom. One for you. One for the ducks. And one for me.”

 

“In whose bathroom?”

 

“Well yours and Brady’s of course.”

 

“I don’t want him in my bathtub! He’ll see me naked daddy!”

 

John laughs quietly, “Okay, he can sleep in mommy’s bathtub and he can see her naked.”

 

Her giggle warms his heart and he steadies himself as she bends over, in an attempt to look him in the face. Instead she whispers in his ear, “Mommy would be very angry with you daddy if a duck sees her naked in her bathtub.”

 

“You think so?”

 

“Yeah, that’s a fact.”

 

“Is it?”

 

“Uh huh… it is. Cracker please.”

 

Holding one up, “One for you. One for the ducks. Two for daddy.”

 

Belle attempts to bend over and keep him from eating both crackers at once, “No daddy! Only one cracker…” Her constant giggles and his deep belly laughs causes him to drop both crackers…

 

Marlena looks down and realizes that her story has lulled her granddaughter back to sleep. “Shh… naptime and we’ll go for a walk later.” Kissing her forehead, Marlena lays her down and kisses her forehead gently. Walking out of the bedroom, Marlena glances out the window once more to see the empty field, before she goes to the kitchen to make herself a sandwich and clean up the breakfast leftovers.

“So how is mom doing?” She senses her father’s confusion, “You can read her better than anyone. She seems to be adjusting okay, but is she really?”

 

“Um…” John rubs the back of his neck and moves to walk around a fallen tree, “She’s doing okay right now. I don’t know what may happen or what set-backs are in front of us, but it will be okay.”

 

“Dad, I’m not a little girl okay, I realize, now more than ever before, that life is never truly okay. You just have to be happy no matter what happens.”

 

John stops and stares at his daughter in awe, “You are so grown-up Izzy B. I sometimes forget that.”

 

“I’ll always be your little girl dad. But now you have another little one to look out for.”

 

He watches as she passes him. Belle hooks her arm around a tree and spins around to face him as he replies, “Claire is one beautiful little baby. Looks just like you.”

 

“I can see Shawn in her. I think I always could… I just didn’t want to.”

 

Grabbing her hand, he pulls her along the path, “I did the same with you. I helped bring you into this world, I was the first to hold you and I never wanted to let you go. I felt that you were mine, but I convinced myself… your mom convinced me too, that it was just wishful thinking. I wanted your mom, I wanted you. I was able to come to grips with the fact that you were Roman’s, but I could see myself in how you looked, how you slept… I was a part of you. I just knew it.”

 

“It’s always weird to think that I had another father for the first few months of my life. Just can’t image it and now, I’ve done it to my own daughter.”

 

“Watch your step.” They move over unsteady ground. “Want to climb up or go around?”

 

“What is it that we are looking for?”

 

“Huh?”

 

Belle looks up at her father and walks over to the hill before them and uses a fallen tree branch to help pull herself up the first step. Leaning forward, she takes a few more steps and laughs happily as she slips back about one and a half. Belle secures her footing and looks over her shoulder, “Coming?” She watches as he quickly fills in the gap between her and him, “Stop.” Blocking his way, “What is it that we are trying to find here?”

 

“What makes you think that we are trying to find anything?”

 

“Well, your lip just twitched there and that is always a dead give-away for mom and me.” He nods, but lets her continue, “And we aren’t just hiking here, you have been pretty set on our path and direction here, so what’s up?”

 

He rubs the back of his neck and gestures for them to continue, “Come on.” John moves besides his daughter and moves slowly, keeping one eye on the ground below him and one on his daughter’s progress. “Looking for a Ranger’s cabin. Just a little curious if its still around here.”

 

“Ranger’s cabin?”

 

“Yeah. Remember all those adventure stories I told you about when you were little?”

 

“About the prince and princess?” Not waiting for his confirmation, “God, I loved those stories. Made you tell them to me every night… that was probably my favorite part of the times that we all lived together, easier to get you to tell them.”

 

He laughs and can’t help but picture his daughter young, with blonde hair all wavy from being taken out of her braid, and thumb in mouth wanting her story. “And you figured out that they were about your mom and me.”

 

“Of course dad.”

 

“Well, this is the Black Forest and we are now searching for the Cabin of Secrets. Just figured since we are here, I might as well see what has been done with it.”

 

Belle grabs onto her father’s arm to help pull herself up over a steep portion of he climb, “Oo help please.”

 

John steps over a fallen log, turns and pulls Belle up and over it herself, before putting her in front of him and giving her a boost up the last portion of the climb. Standing, she turns and offers a helpful hand to her father, “Got it.”

 

She brushes off her hands and turns to look around at the new scenery. Looking out over the open meadow, she can smell water nearby. “Oh! Are we near the Emperor’s stream?”

 

“Um, we must be.” John looks around and attempts to recall images that he has tried never to forget. “Yeah, it’s got to be over there.”

 

Barely paying attention, Belle takes off over the meadow, yelling “Come on then!” John responds quickly and takes after his daughter.

 

Finally catching up, “God, I’ve forgotten how fast you can be when you’re excited. Oh wow… look at that. Come on.” Together, they carefully climb down the rocks and step towards the water. “Careful… not warm enough out here to get wet. Have a seat.”

 

Belle looks around and finds a semi flat and semi dry rock to sit upon. “So this is where you washed up?”

 

“Um, no that was down further. Probably a good hundred yards down that way… if you listen, I think we can hear the rapids hitting the rocks. What a ride that was.”

 

“Scared you didn’t it?” Belle watches her father. She sees a different man staring out from his blue eyes. A man that once was and has been long forgotten by some.

 

“The whole thing scared me. Was an adrenaline rush, but then your mom got hurt and…”

 

“It’s why you would never take Brady and I… why you were so mad when Brady went with Billy and Chris.”

 

“Yeah,” He shrugs at her and turns to look in the other direction, “old feelings and worries die hard. Right about here… perhaps a little ways down there…” He continues to talk to himself and he moves slowly down the rocky beach. “Yeah…” He laughs, as Belle continues to watch him closely, “This is where we had our first kiss. Well, actually, we had our first one up there somewhere in the meadow and then she slapped me.” Rubbing his cheek in memory, “She hit good.”

 

“The story says that that was the moment the prince and princess finally admitted that they loved each other.”

 

“In a manner of speaking, yes. But things were so confusing and so very wrong.”

 

Moving towards her father, she wraps her arms around him, “But it shows just how you two are meant to be together. She loved you even when she thought you were Stefano, her worse enemy. That’s powerful.”

 

“But then I lost her.”

 

“But you got her back.”

 

“Is that all that matters?”

 

Belle squeezes him a little tighter, “Yeah, it is. My story says so and there is nothing more truer than my story. Pure and powerful love. The wise King tells the prince that everything happens for a reason, we just have to learn the lessons being taught and grow from it. Find the happiness within it.”

 

“It’s very good advice.” Turning, he cups Belle’s cheeks and kisses her forehead, “And you my dear, should listen to it as well. I’m kind of hoping that this little trip, however inconvenient it may be, will help both of my girls. Hopefully you and your mom can talk honestly about everything and help each.”

 

“We’ve always managed before… but you need to talk with her too.”

 

“And you need to talk to both Shawn and Philip.” She looks down at his pointed stare, but she nods. “Take time, figure out what you want and don’t be scared to go after it like I was. I’ll let you in on a secret.” He waits for her to look up at him before continuing, “I should have fought harder. Should have fought harder when your mom first came back to me and should have fought a hell of a lot harder when you were born. Don’t make the same mistake. If you want Philip, make him forgive you. If you want Shawn, then get him.”

 

Belle lets out a soft, but serious laugh, “How caveman of you.”

 

“Sometimes you need to be.” Smirking at his daughter, he leans over and picks up a flat rock and flips it between his fingers, “I’ve used it once or twice… always worked for me.”

 

Belle blushes, groans, cringes, and smiles all in the same action as she looks anywhere but at her father, “Unnecessary information.”

 

Laughing loudly, “I’ll never fully understand you sweetie. You are our strongest supporter and love the stories of our adventures and love, but then-“

 

Interrupting him, “Love the love story, like the details of adventure and defeats, just don’t need all the mushy… well sex stuff. Edit those parts out for me, and” She points a finger at her father, “and especially for Claire.” Covering her face, “I can’t believe I am having this conversation with you!”

 

“You have it with your mother all the time.”

 

“Yeah well… well that’s mom and it’s different. Sorry, but it is. You’re my daddy.”

 

He smiles at her and nods his head, as he throws the rock and watches it skip across the stream. Another soon follows and as he winds up for another one, he asks, “How are you handling this all?”

 

“Fine. Have some stuff to figure out, of course.”

 

“Fine? Your mother forgets who you are, your daughter almost dies, and then you find out that Shawn is her father and you are fine?”

 

With a deep sigh, “Dad…”

 

“No Belle, this all has hit you hard and I would like to know how you are handling this. Is it all too much? Am I asking too much of you?”

 

She looks up at him and sees him looking straight at her, causing her to look away, “With all that has happened, I am doing okay. I had it easy. Mom still wanted me around. It was all so hard, very stressful and the fear…” wiping at a tear, Belle continues, “The fear of losing my baby girl was just too much. At times I thought I was going insane. I couldn’t lose you guys and my baby, I honestly didn’t know how to handle all of that. But…” A deep breath is taken in and she rubs her wet cheeks with both of her hands, “But Claire got better and mom started to remember and now we’re here. It is all working out. I’m tired dad, but I have a little bit more in me to help you. Honest.”

 

“Honest?”

 

“I want to help. And in the end, I may be helped more than mom. You know how good she is at that.” She stands up and moves towards her father. Pulling at his arm, she wraps herself around him. Looking up from his chest, she asks, “Have I ever lied to you?”

 

“Since you were five? No.”

 

“Okay, then trust me now.”

 

“I will. I am. You are so much like your mom.”

 

Laughing and holding him tighter, “Funny… mom always says that I am you with her good looks.”

 

He laughs right along with her, “Come on. Let’s get walking.”

“Okay…” Marlena adjusts Claire so that she is on her hands and knees, “We’re getting closer here. Yes… rock back and forth… rock rock rock. Yeah sweetie girl, you are a pro at that! Now we need you to move.” She pushes on her butt lightly, in an attempt to get her granddaughter to make the first move at crawling, but shakes her head as nothing happens. “Oh come on Claire… we have been practicing. Remember? One hand, one knee, one hand, one knee. Its easy… watch me.” Marlena crawls a couple of steps and then turns back to see the baby smiling happily up at her. “Now you. Come on!”

 

Claire giggles and the proud grandmother can’t help but laugh along with her. “I’m gunna get you! A… boo… A… boo.” Claire continues to laugh loudly at Marlena, as she moves closer to the baby. Rubbing noses with her, Marlena lays flat on the ground and stares straight into her blue eyes, “Now it’s your turn.”

 

Moving to the side, Marlena moves Claire’s arms and legs in an attempt to help her crawl across the grass. “No no… don’t eat the grass. Crawl over it. Come on baby girl. You do it.” She begins to move her own hands and knees, “Follow me. One then the other. One hand or a knee… anything.” Sighing, Marlena lets out a laugh and a shake of the head as she falls to her side, “Okay or just stay right like that.”

 

She watches adoringly as Claire sits herself back up and joins the little one in clapping at the accomplishment, “Yeah… good job! Here give me that.” Taking a piece of grass from her, Marlena tickles her chin and then her belly, as the little girl attempts to push her hand away. “No you don’t. I’m gunna get you… lets see. Are you ticklish here? Oh yeah! How about here?” She smiles as the baby lets out a loud giggle, “Your mommy is ticklish right under here… oh! But you’re not. Where else, huh? Hmm… Papa is ticklish right behind his knee… and… ut-oh… so is Ms. Claire.” Laughing, Marlena continues to tickle her granddaughter behind the backs of her knees.

 

“Kiss?” She pauses to let the baby breath and leans forward, “I think I need a kiss.” She leans forward a bit more and can’t keep back a huge smile as Claire does the same and gives her grandmother a sloppy kiss. “Thank you sweetie.” Tapping her nose, “I love you so much.” Claire spreads her arms out, “Yeah so much! You are so smart. And so beautiful.”

 

“Just like her grandmother.”

 

Marlena jumps at the voice and rolls onto her back to see her husband and daughter walk towards them. “Hey you two. Have a good walk?” Their hesitation and the looks that run through his eyes concern her. Looking at Claire, she sits up and focuses on her husband, “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing. We had a great walk.”

 

Belle sits down next to the two females and smiles at her daughter, “Hey baby girl. How are you doing? Having fun playing?” She kisses her head and strokes her cheek, “Mom we had a great time. I got to see places from my fairy tale.”

 

At Marlena’s confused look, “I took her for a walk down memory lane. Our cave is still there. Somebody took our firewood though.”

 

“Shame.” Silence fills the air, but Marlena fills it, “And the ranger’s cabin? Still there?”

 

“How did…” John breaks off and simply shakes his head, “Well, you are truly back with us, that’s for sure.”

 

“Yes, I can still read you like an open book. So is it?”

 

“It is.” Is Belle’s reply.

 

“Yeah, we found it.”

 

Looking between the two, “What am I missing here?”

 

“Um.” Belle looks up at her dad, but continues for him, “We found the cabin and something inside it.”

 

“John, what did you find?”

 

“Just some photographs. They seem to have been there for quite sometime.” He hands them over to her without any further argument.

 

Marlena looks them over and attempts not to show her reaction, “You think they have been there… not recently planted?”

 

“I can’t tell for sure, but seemed that way.”

 

“So what does this mean?” Her hand moves over to stroke Claire’s hair as she drops the photographs onto the ground beside her. “What’s next?”

 

“I dunno.” He rubs the back of his neck and looks out over the meadow. His shoulders tense momentarily, but quickly relax as Marlena begins to kneed his muscles, “I dunno Doc. I guess I need to get Abe and the guys at the lab to figure out exactly when these were taken or if they were falsified and then go from there. I don’t know what to think right now.”

 

“Don’t worry about it. He can’t hurt us.”

 

“Isn’t that my line?”

 

“I’m borrowing it.” She hugs him to her chest and kisses his shoulder, “We can figure this out together.”

 

John leans back into his wife and cups her hands tightly in his own, “How are you being so calm, aren’t you worried at all?”

 

“Sure I am. But I’m done being scared. I’m done being the victim. And I have faith that we’ll figure it out. We always do, don’t we?”

 

“Yes, we do.” Turning, John cups her cheeks and looks at her seriously, “We do Doc, but I get a little nervous sometimes that our luck will run out.”

 

“Our luck will never run out, John because of our love. Our love is never ending and that is what gets us through everything. So believe in it.”

 

“I do. I always have.” He leans down to brush her lips, “And I always will.” His lips capture hers in a soft kiss. They seem to pause, not wanting to push the intimacy any further, yet not wanting to let go either. Finally they pull back slightly, John kisses her forehead before tucking her head underneath his chin, “We’ll be just fine.”

 

“But you want us to leave here.”

 

“Yes, I do.”

 

“And me saying that I would like to see our cave won’t make much of a difference, right?”

 

“Right.”

 

“Even though we have no idea when those pictures were put there, how old they are, if they are real, or why they are there.”

 

“Exactly. I don’t think we were meant to find them… at least not yet. But I don’t like the idea, Doc and I need to get you guys somewhere safe.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Okay?”

 

Looking up at him, Marlena smiles, “Yes, just okay.” She kisses him again quickly before turning back towards her daughter and granddaughter, “Come on Claire, let’s show mommy and papa what you’ve learned.” Claire leans towards her, “Oh a kiss…” The over exaggerated smacking of the lips causes all the adults to ‘awe’ at the little one, “Thank you baby girl. Now come on… ready?” Marlena sits Claire up away from Belle and then proceeds to get on her hands and knees, “Follow me… go get mommy. Come on.”

 

Claire watches each one of the adults and simply smiles at them all. “Does my little pumpkin have stage fright?” John walks closer to the blanket, squats down, and holds out his arms to her, “Come here sweetheart.”

 

The baby smiles up at him, looks at Marlena and then throws herself forward. Awkwardly, she gets to her hands and knees and begins to rock back and forth, “There you go. Now remember, one hand and one knee. One hand… one knee. This is your knee.”

 

Belle laughs happily watching her daughter and parents and it soon turns into a squeal of surprise when Claire moves both hands and then fixes herself by moving one knee and then the other. Using her momentum from rocking back and forth, she throws her hands out again, and moves her legs to catch up with the rest of her body.

 

“Yeah Claire!”

 

“Good girl!”

 

“That’s it!” John picks up the little girl and tosses her gently into the air. Kissing her cheeks loudly, Claire squeals and John belts out a very proud, “That’s my girl! You’ll be walking in no time.”

 

“Whoa… dad… lets keep her slow and close to the ground for a few days, okay? I’m not ready for that kind of movement yet.”

 

Smiling at his daughter, he nods, “Okay.”

 

“I’ve been trying all day to get her to move and all papa does is say ‘come here’ and she jumps. I’ve now got a daddy’s little girl and a papa’s little girl… there is no hope for me.” Marlena sighs dramatically, “If we are heading out of here, then Belle you should get the babies stuff ready. I never unpacked, so John if you can keep an eye on Claire, I’ll make us up some lunches.”

 

He nods as both women begin to move towards the cabin. “Doc, could you toss me my cell? It should be on the counter charging.” John stands back and watches Claire play with a random weed, but turns at the sound of Marlena’s voice. Bending slightly, he catches his phone, “Thanks. I’m going to make a few calls, then I’ll be ready and we can have a chat about this papa thing.”

 

“What about it? Claire likes it.”

 

“So does that make you nana?”

 

Shrugging honestly, “I don’t know. Grandma maybe. Nana… we’ll figure it out. We should be ready in about twenty minutes.”

Walking through the double doors, John pays little attention to the bustle around him as he moves straight through the police station and into Abe’s office. Without pausing, “So what do we have partner?”

 

“Well… I have a bunch of news that you won’t care for and very little that will help.”

 

John puts his hands down on the desk to support his partial weight, “What do you have?”

 

“Pretty much nothing.” Tossing a stabled pack of papers at his friend, Abe leans back and sighs deeply, “We can’t tell much about them. As far as we can tell, they are real but we haven’t exactly been able to prove that. I sent two of my best men out to look over the place and so far they have turned up nothing as well. It all seems normal. No set ups, no planted evidence… do you really think that North would have known about the Ranger’s station? He would have to be teamed up with – “

 

Interrupting, John finishes, “With Dimera. I know. I have been tossing this around in my head. The fact that those pictures were there, planted or otherwise means that he is paired up with the old man. Now I just need to know if Alex North and Marlena have some kind of history or if Dimera has put him up to this.”

 

“We’re working on it and we will figure it out.” Abe moves around the desk and pats John on the back, “Honest, we will get to the bottom of this.”

 

“We have no choice. I need to know so that I can be sure Marlena is safe.”

 

“And is she?”

 

“What?”

 

Abe looks around and asks again quietly, “How is she doing?”

 

Smiling slightly, “What makes you think I know?”

 

“I’m sorry partner. Just assumed.” Moving over to his door, Abe hands a document out the door to an officer. As he steps in, “So how are you holding up?”

 

“Well buddy, I’ve been better.” Laughing tiredly, “Though I have been much worse as well. I just want to figure this damn thing out so that I can bring my family home safely and… and get my life back.”

 

“I want that for you as well.”

 

John pats his back, before continuing to pace the office, “I just… just” Slamming his hand down on a table, he watches the vase of flowers tip slightly towards the edge as his outburst bubbles over, “I’m just so fed up with all of this and so damn tired. We deserve a break. Marlena deserves one… hell man, she has been through so much this past year, past three years and all I want is to end it for her. To protect her, but I can’t figure out what the hell this is about. Is North just a sick fuck working all by himself? Does he work with Dimera? Was Doc ever married to him? Was she really abused, because I’m not sure I can handle that one. And if this is a Dimera plot, how long has this all been being pieced together?” Turning towards Abe, John sucks in a very deep breath and with a bitter humor asks, “So how are you?”

 

“It will be okay, John. Marlena is safe and you will figure this out. We will figure out what North is up to. He wants to file a missing persons report and, obviously, wants us to follow you, but we can’t.”

 

Lifting an eyebrow at Abe, “Why not? She’s been gone for more than twenty-four hours.”

 

“True, but as always, you covered your tracks.” Seeing that his friend isn’t catching on, “The note. Marlena made sure that the clerk at your front desk saw the note and overheard her travel plans, so therefore, she left willingly on a trip. No kidnapping there. Though Dr. North seems to have a hard time understanding that a woman is legally allowed to go on a vacation without her husband’s permission. Bad for the marriage but…” His arms move out, as he shrugs an ‘oh well’ to complete his statement.

 

Nodding, “That’s good. So he has to look himself. What makes this all so hard is that I don’t know if Dimera is involved. Makes things much more difficult and demanding if he is, yet more familiar. I know how Dimera does his bidding, but not Alex North. So not sure which I want running after me.” A cellphone beep is heard and John quickly pulls his phone out of his pocket and checks the message, “Sorry partner, I have to run.” Holding up the papers, “Thanks for your help and please, let me know if you find anything new in those pictures. I know the answers are there.”

 

“Will do. We should have the copies for you tomorrow, if you care to swing by. You’re welcome to visit my men out at the ranger’s station, but I will continue to do what I can here. Just take care of your family.”

 

“I will. Same to you.”

 

Abe pats John’s shoulder as they both step out into the bullpen. One stops and looks around at the commotion, while the other one moves with a purpose towards the double doors and out to his car.

“No trace? What do you mean no trace? I know that she didn’t go on any god-damn vacation! But there has to be a trail, John Black isn’t as smart as he thinks he is.” As he hears the familiar warning not to underestimate John Black, Alex North nearly throws the phone against the wall. Refusing to take a breath to calm down, he hisses into the phone, “Just figure out where he took her.”

 

Flipping the phone closed, Alex moves down Salem Place and turns the corner quickly. Slamming right into somebody, the person nearly drops their shopping bags and goes to apologize when Alex snaps out, “Watch it.” Dark eyes meet blue ones and both men stop. “John Black, just the man I’ve been looking for.”

 

John leans over, attempting to right his bags and put some off the fallen items back in, “Why is that?”

 

“Where’s my wife?”

 

“Lost her again, have you North? You know, I’m beginning to think that she doesn’t like you very much.”

 

Stepping closer to the tall man, Alex attempts to intimidate him through proximity, “Where is she?”

 

“I don’t know. Belle said that she is taking a needed vacation.”

 

“And I am to believe that?”

 

Shrugging, John begins to walk around Alex, “I don’t give a damn what you believe.”

 

“Where is Marlena?” John continues to walk away, but Alex stops him by forcibly pushing him into the wall, “I’m not playing around Black.”

 

“And I’m not threatened by you North. She and Belle left together.”

 

“Then where are they?”

 

“I don’t know.”

 

“You’re telling me that you have no idea where your daughter and granddaughter are?”

 

His eyes narrow at the mention of Claire, “What makes you think the baby went with them?”

 

“My sources say they were all together. And I know you wouldn’t allow them all to just simply disappear.”

 

“You’re right.” Pushing away from Alex, John moves past him, “Belle and Claire are currently at a beach resort resting, if you must know.”

 

“And my wife?”

 

Alex smirks at the darkness that clouds John’s features, “I don’t know. And I wouldn’t have to tell you, if I knew.” He begins to walk away, but then turns back and blows up at the good doctor, “You know what I hate the most about you? The most… is that you come here, not only take over my life, control my wife, but then come bitching at me when she doesn’t do exactly what you want her to do. I know you are controlling her and once I figure out how, I’ll make you pay. So, Doctor, it’s not my fault you can’t keep a proper eye on her.” He goes to leave, but takes in another deep breath and turns again for one final message, “And it’s bad enough that you have turned Marlena against me, but her daughter too? My Marlena would never hurt Belle the way she has, she would never just ditch her. Okay? The real Marlena doesn’t just up and leave her daughter in a hotel without a goodbye. That’s not her. But I can promise you, that I will find Doc and bring her home. And I can promise that I’ll keep her away from you.”

 

Watching the man carefully, Alex attempts to keep his smile to a minimum, as he tries to get more information from John. “What makes you think that I believe that?”

 

“I don’t get a damn what you believe.”

 

“And I’m sure that’s true. So-” Pointing to the shopping bags in his hands, “Do you always shop for random female clothes when you are… distraught?”

 

“God man, you are so paranoid. If Marlena is so in love with you, why do you fear me so much?”

 

“I don’t, as you say, fear you. But I certainly don’t trust you.”

 

“Oh, is that it? Well then, please let me show you…” John reaches down and opens up the dusty brown bag and pulls out a pale pink t-shirt and white overalls, “Think she’ll fit? I know she has been losing weight and all-” Alex’s snarl cuts off John’s sentence and allows his smile to grow. Putting Claire’s new outfit back into the bag, he pulls out another article of clothing, “And what about this one? Think she’ll like the ‘Hot Buns’ comment on the butt? Very sophisticated, dontcha think?” Shoving the small cotton shorts back into the bag, John’s lack of attention and caring mounts, “I bought my daughter and granddaughter a couple of gifts for Claire’s half birthday party. Since you came to town, we, as a family, could use something pointless to care about. Get our minds off of something. So if you’ll excuse me, I have balloons to buy.”

 

Moving quickly around the corner, John barely bites back a laugh and quickly steps around an advancing couple, “Excuse me.”

John moves around a beach chair and down the row of sun tanners. Stepping over a fallen towel and around a couple pairs of shoes, John stops next to his two bathing beauties. As the shadow casts itself over her body, Belle looks up and waves lightly at her father, but makes no other movements.

 

Smiling himself, he moves over to his wife and leans down. Cupping his hands on the sides of her face to block her view, “Guess who?”

 

“Oh Jeffrey… you’re back. Did you bring my drink?”

 

Cocking an unimpressed eyebrow, “Jeffrey huh?” John leans down and lightly blows on her neck, watching as the goosebumps form on her shoulders. His eyes shift quickly to the side and as her moan of approval leaves her lips, a devilish grin finds its way across his own. Reaching towards the table, John picks up the glass of water and holds it above her body, “Just so happens, m’lady, that I have it right here for you.”

 

As the last word leaves his lips, John allows a small stream of water pour from the glass and onto her back. Her back immediately tenses as a shriek of unhappy surprise leaves her lips. In a mere second, the glass straightens, the flow of water halts, Marlena grabs at her towel and instinctively turns to shield herself from the onslaught of water.

 

With his eyebrow up, he asks sweetly, “Water?”

 

“Don’t you dare, John Black!”

 

“Oh so now you know my name, huh?”

 

“I was just playing around!”

 

“And now I am just playing around.” The soft giggle to his left, causes him to look over at his daughter.

 

This small distraction allows Marlena to reach up and grab at the glass of water. The small uncoordinated struggle causes the glass to splash up at John and fall down on her exposed stomach. “Now we both look like we’ve been playing.”

 

“I think somebody needs to go for a swim.” John leans down to scoop Marlena up into his arms. She immediately begins to protest and push against his attempts. Her protests are firm, but her laughter begins to overshadow them, as finally she manages to throw John off balanced. His hands grab for the chair, his knee finds the ground and he lets out a low “Oww.” A deep breath and a small attempt to hold back some of the laughter fails miserably as he attempts to utter, “I think you’ve gained a little there Doc, because that use to be so much easier.” His sentence is complete, but the look of utter shock at his arrogance and rudeness causes another fit of laughter to leave both himself and Belle.

 

“John Black! That is the meanest thing you’ve ever said to me!”

 

“Can’t be! No… no!” His protests are short-lived as Marlena’s fingers dig into his sides and make a quick attack of his hips, finding his infamous tickle spots. “I give!” He attempts to squirm away from her, but the position of his knee on the ground and his arm tangled within her own does not allow him much ability to stand, nor escape. Doing what any desperate man would do in his hour of need, John takes in a deep breath, attempts to ignore the cruel attack on his body and leans down to kiss her neck.

 

His lips easily find the sensitive patch of skin just below her collarbone. As his lips descend upon the area, his tongue circles the spot before he gently sucks in the area of skin. Not wishing to mark her, he moves upward slowly, showing amble consideration to multiple areas on her left shoulder blade. Her attack lightens as he feels a breath being sucked into her lungs.

 

Nails leave his sides and begin to lazily move up and down his back, tracing the curve of his spine, each stroke moving further down. John lifts his head and stares straight into her hazel eyes. No words are necessary as they share a gentle and playful smile. He leans down, two sets of eyes close, as their lips meet in a tender kiss.

 

A soft apology is whispered into her ear, “I’m sorry I got you wet.”

 

“No you aren’t.”

 

“Okay, I’m not. But that is the polite thing to say. Besides, you started it.”

 

“And I will end it as well.”

 

“Oo oo… big bad promise there, Doc.” Her hand slides behind his head and pulls him back down to meet her. Lips crash together, as her tongue makes quick work of the barriers between them. Once granted access, the battle slows to a playful game, as both simply take their time exploring one another’s mouth. It has been so long since they have been able to truly relax, embrace, and be completely carefree with each other.

 

Her fingers tighten and pull him even closer. John readjusts himself, attempting to relieve some of the pressure that has fallen upon his knee. He leans into her, skillfully captures her bottom lip between his teeth before capturing her mouth fully once again. They fall into a rhythm of small, tender kisses followed by one deeper one.

 

Together, they pull back. Each turns their heads so that they can bury their noses into each other’s shoulder. Simultaneous breaths are taken in and slowly released. As a ring interrupts their moment together, neither rushes to release the other, but at the same time, neither tenses in worry of who or what news may be on the other line.

 

John pulls back and moves himself into a sitting position on the ground, next to Marlena’s chair. She readjusts herself and easily slips back into sun tanning as he answers his phone.

 

“John Black.”

 

“Hey John, it’s me. We believe we have proven that the photographs are real.”

 

“Well that’s great partner.”

 

“But we also found something within them, that you need to see.”

 

Shifting his weight, John takes a quick peek up at his girls before responding, “What did you find?”

 

“I think you need to see it for yourself. You should head back immediately.”

 

“Uh..” A soft sigh leaves his lips. A hand moves to rub the back of his neck, as he nods to nobody in particular, “Yeah… okay. I can be back in Salem in a couple of-” He breaks off as he looks up once again. Neither female seems to be paying him a bit of attention, as they both seem completely relaxed and captivated by the sun. For a moment, his concentration is lost within the sight of his wife, stretched out, clad in very little material, and seeming for the first time in a while completely at ease within her skin. Not looking away, “You know what Abe, I’ll be back there sometime on Thursday to take a look.”

 

“Are you sure? John, this is pretty big.”

 

“But it will keep, right?”

 

“Well, yeah.”

 

“Then I’ll see you Thursday.”

 

“Okay. If that is your decision, I’ll see you Thursday.”

 

“Thanks for everything, partner.”

 

“Anytime.”

 

John clicks the phone shut. Though his wife seemed to be paying no attention to his conversation, the small smile playing across her lips tells him otherwise. Standing back up, John pulls off his polo shirt and quickly steps out of his kaki shorts. Adjusting the string on his swim trunks, he moves along side Marlena’s body and quickly scoops her up into his arms.

 

“John!”

 

“Too much sun is bad for a person, didn’t you know that doctor?”

 

Without giving her a moment to reply, John releases her into the deep end of the pool. As soon as he hears the splash, he turns and jogs back towards their spot and quickly scoops up his unsuspecting daughter. She barely has a moment to register what is happening to her and where her mother has vanished to, before John dumps her unceremoniously into the pool and quickly jumps in after them.

 

The picture for any passer-bier is of a family that shows no strain, no trauma, no stress, and no worries. Instead, their bodies shine with laughter, fun, and contentment in the world. They’d see a wife use her seductive skills to lure in her husband for a gentle kiss, while their daughter swims up behind her father, ready to pounce. As the kiss comes to an end, she pushes her husband back, as the daughter leaps and dunks him under, just to be pulled down under by him mere seconds later.

“Goodnight sweetheart.” The door closes soundly behind the couple as they move across the hall. Marlena pulls John’s arm around her shoulders and stops just before their door to look out the large bay window. “Simply gorgeous.”

 

“Hun, we have the same scenery from our room. Right there, beyond that door.”

 

“No, it’s not the same. It’s beautiful too, but this… you can see the beach and the ice cream shop right down there. You can’t see that from our room and… I dunno. I think I just like watching the people, the families, the couples, well the children…” She sighs contently, as John pulls her closer to him and kisses her forehead.

 

“Come’on.” Hands on her hips, he helps steer her towards their suite’s door. Sliding the key in, “Ugh. Why couldn’t they just stick with real keys. Metal, like car keys. They work.”

 

Grabbing his hand, “Give me it. Hang on, hang on…” A nice smooth motion allows them entrance into their place. Arms move above her head, as she stretches out her tired muscles, “I’m so tired!”

 

“Hard lying around all day, isn’t it?”

 

She smiles, but her reply is paused as she is drawn towards their own wall length window, “Was a completely relaxing day until this person showed up and created chaos. Then I had to swim, jump, splash, run… all that energy makes a girl tired.”

 

“Well then…” John steps up behind her and begins to rub her shoulders and back. Looking out over the ocean, “You’re right, the ice cream stand is much cooler than the sunset.”

 

Elbowing him, “Don’t mock me, John Black.”

 

“Ms. Claire seemed to enjoy her day.”

 

“Yeah. Yes, she did. At first it was me convincing Belle she would be okay and then when we went to drop her off, I wouldn’t let her go. So it was Belle convincing me it was fine, but yeah. They have a great daycare, as you saw. I’m thinking that maybe this will change Belle’s mind.”

 

“Change it to what?”

 

Her head rests back on his shoulder, as they watch the waves crash up on the rocks, “We’ve been talking about Claire going to a daycare for a couple of hours a week. Give Belle some time for herself, she could go back to school or come back to work at the hospital.”

 

“This wouldn’t be an attempt to get your daughter closer to you? So you can keep an eye on her?”

 

“Of course not! I would have offered her and Claire, Belle’s old room at the Penthouse if I wanted to do that. What, you don’t think it’s a good idea that Belle get some time to herself?”

 

“Well, yes, I do. Especially now. Give her time to adjust, get her life organized and we don’t know what is going to happen with Philip or with Shawn…”

 

“It would give her time.”

 

“But there is always Maggie or Caroline… you know they love watching Claire.”

 

Marlena shakes her head and attempts to step forward, but John keeps her tightly in his grasp. His arms slide down from her shoulders, to cross her chest and hold her securely against him. Her hands reach up to lock onto his wrists, as she continues, “It’s not the same. I know they love to help, as would I. It’s more… I don’t know how to explain it. That would be family obligation. A daycare would be a schedule and it would allow Claire to have a few hours a week meeting new kids.”

 

“Well, when we get back to Salem, you two should work on that. I think you’re right, Claire is getting older and she’ll be walking in no time, so she needs some friends. Somebody else to boss around than papa.”

 

Laughing, Marlena steps out of his embrace and pulls her sweatshirt off over her head. Fixing her tank top, she drops the heavy material on the chair and grabs his hand, “I think its time for bed.”

 

“I couldn’t agree more.” John moves behind her and gently guides her to the door. Reaching in front of her, he slides the door open and allows her to step into the room. Until the moment that he rolls back on his heels, John had not realized just how excited and nervous he has been about this moment. Standing in the doorway, he rubs his hands together and waits for her reaction.

 

A breath is sucked in, as an “Oh my” is released. Her fingers reach out and gently caress the petals of a red rose, as her other hand covers her mouth in surprise. “Beautiful… when…” She takes in another breath in an attempt to calm her nerves, “When did you do this?”

 

“I just mentioned that we were newlyweds and I wanted a special night.”

 

“But…” Smiling at him, “You lied.”

 

“A tiny one.”

 

Moving over to him, John softly wipes away her tears and leans down to kiss her. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

 

“A perfect ending to a perfect day.”

 

“I’ve missed you.”

 

“Missed you more.”

 

“Don’t compete, just shut up and love me.”

 

John can’t hold back his grin, as he bends over to kiss her again. Cupping her cheeks between his hands, he whispers “I love you” before moving away from her. “Got something for you.”

 

“John?”

 

“Figured it’s been so long and this night couldn’t be complete without one thing in particular…”

 

He smiles at her questioning look, but as he bends over and picks up a small silver tray, her gasp fills the room. “You didn’t… strawberries… with-“

 

“Whipped cream just for you. Now get over here and try one out.” He places the tray down on the dresser and skillfully picks up a small strawberry and twirls it in the cream. Holding it out to her, “For you.” He can’t hold back his smile as Marlena walks over to him and without hesitation, rests her fingers on his wrist and guides his hand to her mouth. Refusing to blink, she watches his reaction as her lips surround the fruit and her teeth gently bite through it.

 

“Mmm… definitely a good strawberry.” She takes one more step and stands in front of the dresser. Reaching down, she takes another strawberry in her hand and glides it through the white cream. He stands ready for his taste, but quickly realizes that she has no intention on sharing. Again, John is the watcher as Marlena enjoys her second piece of dessert, followed by a third. “These are amazing. So ripe… and juicy. Don’t taste out of season at all.”

 

As another one is about to reach her lips, John steps in and grabs her wrist, “Well, I wouldn’t know.” Without giving her a moment to respond, he bites down on the fruit, leaving barely the stem left between her fingers. Licking his lips, he smiles at his wife, “Yes… those are quite good.”

 

“Yes, they are. Oh, but it would seem that-” Marlena takes a step towards him, leaving very little space between their bodies and moves up onto her toes. “that you were a little messy.” Slipping a hand into his short hair, she pulls his mouth down to her level, “Let me help you.” Her tongue darts out and gently slides across his lower lip, followed by his upper and a smile naturally plays across Marlena’s lips as John impatiently slides his tongue out to meet hers.

 

She kisses the corner of his mouth to remove the final bit of whipped cream and doesn’t hold back the girlish giggle as his fingers tickle the centre of her back. Her lips move over his own playfully, before finally opening up and allowing his tongue to enter. The kiss is slow, neither willing to rush the other or the moment, as both simply enjoy their time together.

 

Their lips break contact for a mere moment, as John lifts his shirt up and over his head. As the fabric finds the floor, Marlena’s hand once again finds its way into the short hairs on the back of his neck. Her fingers idly play with short layers, as their mouths move together instinctively.

 

John continues his assault on her mouth, as his fingers lift up the side of her tank top and slides in between the built-in bra and her bikini top. With his fingers secure, he attempts to slide it up and over her head as easily as possible. With a little assistance, the white tank joins his t-shirt on the floor.

 

His lips bring exploration on the newly bared skin. His fingers untie her suit, as his mouth gently sucks on a sensitive patch of skin. Moving from her shoulder to her shoulder blade, back to her neck, John removes her bikini top and exposes her breasts to the room’s cool temperature.

 

Tilting her head slightly, she brings John’s lips back up to her own, as he gently caresses the skin in between her breasts. His fingers move slowly up and down and she attempts to stifle a moan as they tickle the soft skin underneath before finally cupping them fully.

 

He takes his time, exploring her upper body with both his fingers and mouth, remembering every curve and every scar. As his lip sucks on a patch of skin, Marlena’s hands move up his chest and around his shoulders. She molds and kneads the muscles in his neck and shoulders, her nails digging in more than she intended, as his mouth surrounds a sensitive nipple.

 

“Mmm…” She quickly sucks in a breath as teeth replace his gentle lips. Her head tilts down to rest on his shoulder, as they simply take in the moment. A tender embrace as both take in steady breaths to slow their systems. Whispering in his ear, “I think my body is on overload… it’s been so long.”

 

“Too long. You okay?” He kisses her forehead and waits for her reply.

 

Marlena takes in another soothing breath and nods at her husband. Resting her forehead against his own, she whispers again, “I love you. I hope you never doubted that and I’ve missed you so.”

 

“I know you have… no more about the past… only the future.”

 

Smiling up at him, “Our future?”

 

“You betcha.” His grin turns teasing as he adds, “And I have not only missed you, but your body as well.” It doesn’t take him long to undo the buttons of her capris and pull them down. He helps her step out, before removing his own. As John finishes undressing, Marlena moves herself to the bed and begins to slide back towards the headboard, but is soon followed by John, “Get back here.”

 

Curving her finger, she gestures for him to follow, “Come here sailor.”

 

“And what if I don’t want to?”

 

Looking him up and down, she smiles back, “You may not want to, but I’m positive your body does.”

 

John walks over to the side of the bed. One knee finds the fabric as he leans over to silence her with his mouth, “Shh…” Their tongues play a coy game of cat and mouse while John adjusts himself more comfortably on the bed. Refusing to break contact, he moves slowly but deliberately, pushing her further down into the pillows and allowing his body to hover over her own.

 

Releasing her mouth, he immediately follows the path he had begun earlier down her neck and to her chest. He pauses briefly at her breasts, causing her to take in a quick breath, before continuing on down to her stomach. One hand finds his shoulder, while the other barely touches his ear, wanting to guide him on his quest, but also wanting to leave him to his own ideas. As he nips at a ticklish part of her hip, Marlena slides her body to the left and instinctively moves to push him away. John merely laughs and attempts to go after the area one more time, but a firm, “John no” causes him to stop short.

 

“Fine, no tickling.”

 

At his words, her body immediately relaxes as he continues his exploration of her stomach. His tongue traces a light scar just above her belly button – a mark that had found its way onto her white flesh during her years on the island. It’s the only physical sign of her years of being taken away from him. His heart beats quickly and his nerves are surprisingly active and for a moment, John rests his forehead on her stomach and breaths in a soothing breath.

 

Marlena looks down her body and watches him, understanding fully just how emotional this all is for him. She waits patiently and tries not to move as he takes a moment to collect his thoughts. The moment ends quickly as she feels his fingertips teasingly move up and down her thigh. A smile plays on her lips, as John’s mouth leans down to claim hers.

 

As the intensity of the kiss rises, John slides his hand alongside her body. Keeping her occupied with his tongue, his fingers search through the maze of curls for her opening. Finding what he is looking for, he quickly rotates his hand so that his thumb is making contact with her clit.

 

The moment his skin touches her sensitive flesh, he feels her reaction of surprise and smiles into the kiss. He applies pressure to it and can’t help his surprise at how quickly it becomes swollen, as wetness begins to pool around his fingers.

 

Marlena allows her head to fall back into the pillows and arch her lower body more firmly into his hand. Her response is John’s invitation to press his lips against the sensitive spot at the nape of her neck. Hearing a moan of approval, he presses harder with his fingers and sucks on the skin, making certain to leave his mark.

 

He continues to press tiny circles into her and enjoys watching the range of emotions that ripple across her face. Each moan causes him to open his circle a little wider and press just slightly harder. “Too fast? Too slow?” is quietly asked against her neck.

 

Not opening her eyes, “What you’re doing is just… fine.” Her ‘fine’ turns into a deep moan, as he locates a sensitive spot. Her back arches slightly at the shock and John slows down his movements to allow her the chance to relax. As he feels her instinctively grind down on his hand, he pulls her closer to him and increases the pressure once again. All it takes is his name slowly rolling off her tongue to inform him of just how close she is and with practiced skill, John increases his pressure and speeds up the movement of his fingers until finally she calls out his name. As the orgasm hits her, Marlena arches towards his hand and just as quickly lifts her shoulders up to relieve some of the pressure that his touch is creating. She continues to move in a similar way, as she rides it out.

 

John kisses her shoulder and watches her chest rise and fall, as she desperately attempts to slow her breathing. Gently and protectively he places soft kisses all over the top half of her body as he waits for her to settle. Neither feels the need to rush things, as both enjoy the simple task of kissing and lightly touching each other in such an intimate way.

 

Moving above her, John whispers, “Ready?”

 

He receives at first a nod, then a kiss and finally the word he needed to hear, “Yes.” Marlena meets him half way as they share a tender kiss. As the pull apart, she eyes him suspiciously and asks, “What is that smile all about?”

 

“I’m a little worried I’ve forgotten how to do this.”

 

Instead of laughing at the light comment, Marlena’s eyes mist over slightly as she understands fully what he means by it. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

 

“Since we’ve been this comfortable and relaxed? I can’t even remember…”

 

“Me either.” She strokes his cheek, surprised at the moisture she feels there, “You always said instinct will lead the way. So lead on.”

 

Kissing her once again, John slowly enters her, mumbling in her ear, “Yes ma’am.”

 

As he begins to move within her, she allows a moan to slide between her lips and softly states, “I’ve missed you.” Her eyes become mesmerized by his tongue, as he begins to trace her collarbone.

 

John nips at her shoulder and mumbles against her skin, “I think it’s rather obvious how much I’ve missed you.”

 

“You do seem a bit… hard.”

 

“That’s an understatement.”

 

Her giggle warms his heart, but its cut short as he thrusts up into her. Blue eyes watch, as hers close, but only for a moment. Taking in a soothing breath, Marlena opens her eyes to meet his own. Her hand finds the back of his head and directs him back down to her. Taking command, she kisses him fully before ending the kiss with a series of tender ones. She lingers a moment at the corner of his mouth, then travels sideways over his cheek to his ear and then to the side of his neck. Her mouth attacks the skin before her, as she attempts to keep up with his movements.

 

Fingernails move from his hair to the sides of his face and over his shoulders, as she attempts to pull his body closer to her. Looking down at their entwined bodies, Marlena runs a finger from his chin down the middle of his chest to his belly button and back up his side. Feeling his shiver of response, she smiles into his shoulder. Her random path of touching and caressing continues until her finger graces the indented scar on his upper arm. Her eyes move over to it and she slides her body slightly under his own so that she can kiss the mark that represents their turbulent past.

 

She is concentrating so hard on the scar that she does not realize at first that John’s movements have stopped. As the realization hits her, Marlena looks up into his eyes and smiles. He knows what she is thinking. It is the same thoughts he has every time he sees her own collection of marks and scars. Their past has not been a smooth one, but for now, Marlena refuses to concentrate on that. Instead, she thrusts her hips up into his own, telling him to continue. “Please…” is all that is whispered.

 

As their bodies find a similar rhythm again, both concentrate solely on touching skin. Their hands moves over each others’ bodies, as their mouths desperately attempt to follow along. He groans, she moans, as both attempt to get closer and to taste more.

 

Marlena has missed how he feels up against her, how he feels inside her, how he tastes, and how he sounds when he is aroused. Those sounds that currently fill the room, so uniquely John, never cease to cause a marvelous feeling in the pit of her stomach.

 

She bites down on her lip, her hands find John’s hips, and he nips at her neck, as their pace increases. He can tell that she is close and he is using every ounce of his strength to not let go just yet, but as the sweat moves down his forehead, he knows he is losing his inner battle.

 

As if she can read his thoughts, Marlena kisses the tender flesh under his chin and whispers, “Let go… don’t hold back.”

 

“I can’t, not yet.”

 

Pulling him down for another kiss, Marlena nips at his lower lip before moaning into his mouth, “Yes, you can.” Surrendering the battle, John gives in, taking her mouth fully with his own. His tongue dances with hers, as his hips thrust into her own quickly. He attempts to keep each thrust hard, but smooth and not topple over into roughness, however, as his last shred of control is broken, he gives fully into the moment.

 

Breaking from his mouth, Marlena tilts her head back and sucks in a deep breath. Her moan vibrates against his lips, as her fingernails dig into his lower back. She begins to tumble over the edge and John helps her along by rolling a hard nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Her back arches up, her muscles clamp down around him and together, they hit the edge of their orgasm together. John’s release of her name is filters by her skin, but as Marlena hits the most powerful part of the wave, his name slips freely and loudly from her lips.

 

Names turn to moans. Moans turn to loud ragged breaths. Both don’t even attempt to slow their breathing, instead they enjoy the sign that they are both alive with beating hearts. A simple “Wow” is whispered in his ear as her world finally returns to earth.

 

John’s arms give out and he turns slightly to lie half on his side, half on her and can’t help the chuckle that leaves his lips as Marlena buries her face in his shoulder. Her hair falls perfectly, sticking to the correct portions of her face to hide it completely from view. “Now, now Dr. Evans, don’t go all innocent school-girl on me now.”

 

“It’s Mrs. Black to you.” He feels her take in a deep breath before raising her head and blinking away a couple strands of hair. Gazing into his spellbindingly blue eyes, a slow and sexy smile spreads across her lips, “I would never dream of it.” She leans towards him and kisses him sweetly. “Thank you.”

 

Smiling back, “The pleasure was all mine, Mrs. Black.” He breaths in her and holds her closely, not ready to let her go, “I’ve missed you so much. I just want you to know that.”

 

“Mm… me too. I’ve missed you, I’ve missed this.” They go quiet, both simply enjoying their time together. Marlena idly runs her fingers up his arm and shoulder, but stops short of her destination as she comes across a bright purple bruise. Touching it gently, she sees the slight wince in his face, “John…”

 

Not opening his eyes, “Mm?”

 

“Where did you get this bruise?”

 

“Oh, about four minutes ago when a beautiful blonde clawed me.”

 

“No, that beautiful blonde left her mark a little lower… this one on your shoulder. Looks recent and nasty.”

 

“Basketball game.”

 

“Basketball?”

 

“Played yesterday with the guys at the cop shop. I was tossing around ideas and we decided to do it on the court.”

 

Leaning down to kiss it, “Isn’t that suppose to be friendly play?”

 

“Was friendly, until the end. It’s fine.”

 

“It will be, because I kissed it and made it all better.”

 

One eye opens and his eyebrow rises, “Is that so?”

 

“Is so.” His look is unbelieving and he goes to refute her, but is stopped by fingernails dangerously close to his most ticklish spot. Giving him a warning look, “Am I right?”

 

Barely able to get his “No” out before his laughing begins, Marlena attacks the skin just above his hip and uses her other one to keep his hands off of her as best as possible. Her battle turns into an all-out war, as John uses a pillow to lightly hit her and allow himself to get out of the bed. She grabs onto his shoulder, knowing that tracing his tattoo will cause him a momentary pause, long enough for her to attack both hips.

 

“Doc…” His sides begin to hurt from the laughing and lack of oxygen, “stop… come on… stop… Marlena…”

 

“Say you’re sorry.”

 

“For what?”

 

“For insulting…” Her sentence breaks off as laughter takes over her own system, “For insulting my doctoring skills.”

 

“What doctoring skills?”

 

His question causes her to gasp, giving him just enough time to turn around and push her back onto the bed. Climbing over her, he grabs both of her hands and kisses her belly button to watch her squirm. With her hands in his own, he gently pulls her arms over her head and looks directly into her hazel eyes, “I love you. And I love your doctoring skills. Every last one of them.”

 

Her smile is all he needs to know that he is the luckiest man in the world and that all the past months and years of pain is worth every second and every tear, because of moments like this.

 

The wind whistles through the trees. John listens and prepares himself for the abrupt hit. The force of it touches him, moves his button down shirt and causes a shiver to run down his spine. His eyes look up at the darkening sky and a low whistle escapes his lips.

 

Blue eyes search the crowded Plaza and his hands slide their way into his jean pockets, just as Abe comes into view. Moving towards him, John shakes his outstretched hand and pats his arm, “Hey partner. How are things?”

 

“Things could be better.”

 

“I see, no improvement with Lexi?”

 

“You know John, right now, I just don’t give a damn. I try- I should want to but right now, I just don’t.” His friend nods and offers a few heartfelt words of encouragement but Abe just shrugs them off, “Plus I have Alex chewing out my ass for not finding his ‘wife’ and bringing her back and right now, Roman is no better.”

 

“Roman thinks I kidnapped Marlena against her will?”

 

“I don’t know buddy. I use to think I knew everything about that man, but… honestly? Since all the shit that has gone on over the past few years, I honestly don’t know anybody anymore. The only person acting slightly normal is you and your gallant efforts to protect Marlena. Otherwise, this town has gone to hell… or the luni-bin. I would just recommend that you steer clear of both Alex and Roman.”

 

Moving over towards the Jave café window, John nods appreciatively, “I will do just that.” He lifts two fingers up to the teenage girl and mouths a barely audible ‘two’ before leaning against the small ledge and turning back towards Abe, “No other news?”

 

“Well, I think both Shawn and Philip wouldn’t mind being able to talk to Belle, yet I don’t recommend that either.”

 

“What is their temperatures?”

 

“I’m shocked that they are both still alive right now, honestly John.” He watches as John slides a hand into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet. It opens and a couple of bills are placed on the ledge. “This town is seriously falling apart. Nobody is acting logical, everybody is out for their own personal gain, which is usually at the expense of somebody else.”

 

Collecting his change, he thanks the girl and allows Abe to reach out to take his coffee cup, before the two men move through the crowd towards an empty table. “Well, sorry that I am missing it. And I’m sorry that I am causing some of the problems, but Belle… well she still needs time. She is as shocked as everybody else… as damaged as Doc would say. And Marlena… I dunno. We haven’t talked too much about it. We talk in little bits about everything.”

 

Abe takes a sip of his coffee and nods his understanding, “Don’t rush them. Everybody here needs time to cool off and refocus their lives. I don’t know what it is about your women John, but all of them are causing such headaches. Sami and Carrie are no better.” A quirked eyebrow pushes Abe to explain, “It seems that Carrie is with Lucas right now and Sami with Austin. Just like old times, huh?”

 

“Yeah, and I do believe that those old times ended in disaster.” Shaking his head, he blows on the liquid in his cup before gently sipping it, “I don’t know either, partner. I’ve got the best bunch of girls there are, but for some reason, none of us can seem to do the right thing… the thing to make them happy. But I’m hoping to fix that, one female at a time.”

 

“Good luck with them.”

 

Pushing back on his chair, John watches his friend closely, “So, why did we have to meet no only in person, but out here?”

 

“North seems to be checking with our progress about every thirty minutes or so, it seems. And I am not totally convinced he doesn’t have some eyes and ears within my department. So I wanted to do all things out in the open, where its just two good friends sharing coffee and their woes.”

 

“Agreed.” Both men take a needed drink of their coffee and carefully scan the crowds of people around them. “So what did you find out?”

 

“Well, we found something.” Abe reaches into his coat pocket and slides an small envelop across the table. “I haven’t been able to figure out what this means yet.”

 

John looks at his friend curiously and slowly opens the envelop and peeks inside. Seeing a stack of photos, John dumps them out into his hand and flips through a couple of the pictures, “Uh, Abe… I’ve seen these before. Remember? I gave them to you.”

 

Rolling his eyes, “I know that. We found something within the photographs. Not only are they real, but…” he moves his cup out of his way and reaches across the table. He pushes the pictures around under he finds one that he is looking for. “Look right… here.” Abe points to a spot within the blackened area of the picture. “See that?”

 

“It looks like a person. So?”

 

“Well… it’s not just a person.” Abe reaches into his pocket and produces a small stack of folded up papers. Opening them up, he lays them flat on the table and thumbs through them looking for the one that matches the print. Flipping it over for John to see, “See. Here is the picture blown up and the person in the background is… you.”

“What the hell? Can’t be. These are from the seventies. Abe I didn’t know Marlena then, I wasn’t anywhere near here.”

 

“You don’t know that. And Marlena didn’t go to school here, she was in Colorado.” Watching his friend closely, he passes over the other magnifies prints, “And do you know where you were in the seventies?”

 

“No, but I can only assume I was under Stefano’s control, why?”

 

“Meaning you could have been anywhere… including on campus following the future Dr. Marlena Evans. The possibilities are endless, aren’t they? You could have been following her for Stefano. Bumped into her at the mall and wanted her phone number. You two may have been classmates before Stefano grabbed you.” Abe watches his friend closely, knowing that this information will not only be hard to understand by digest. “I know thinking about your past is hard on you John and I wouldn’t have brought this up if I wasn’t nearly positive. Look at 14B. It’s a good one of the side of your face and you can see the same skin discolourment that you have right next to your left ear.”

 

“What the hell does this mean Abe?”

 

“Well, from the way you are looking in most of the pictures, it would seem that you are watching her. So it can explain why you are so in love with her or why you are so damn protective of her… it stems from much further back than we knew about.”

 

“God damnit Abe! More questions. Was I a friend? A stalker? A killer? I’m so sick of all of this! Are you sure these pictures are real? Not tampered with? Not made?”

 

Abe leans over to look John straight in the eyes, “As far as we can tell and trust me, I have had them run every test possible in three separate labs… they are real. You weren’t meant to find them, as far as we can tell. I don’t know anything beyond that. What we do know is, Marlena and Alex knew each other. So we need to start there, at the college and work from there. Find out if they were married, if he was abusive. And if you existed.”

 

“Great, just great. Am I to walk around with our pictures saying, ‘Hey do you know this woman? Marlena Evans? She was a student here in the early seventies. What about him? Name might be Alex North, he may have beat the shit out of her. Oh and do you know me? Not sure what my name might have been but John seems to work for me.”

 

“Well, if you find somebody that can answer those questions, we would be in excellent shape.” Looking at his watch, Abe takes a quick gulp of his coffee, stands, and pats John on the shoulder, “Sorry man, but thought you would want to know. I have copies so take those and study them. Show them to Marlena. But I’ve got to get back, have a meeting this afternoon. I figure you can do you own research on this and I will do one from the professional side and we can compare later.”

 

John nods, “Thanks Abe. I do appreciate it. Just be careful, I don’t want Alex to know we are poking around his college years until we find what we are looking for.”

 

“Promise to do my best.”

 

“Wouldn’t dream of asking for anything more.”

Moving though the hotel lobby, John sidesteps a clueless couple and stops at the front desk. “Hey Greg, any messages?”

 

“None sir. But there was a guy here asking about you.”

 

“A guy? What did he want?”

 

The tired desk clerk rubs his eyes and tries to stifle a yawn, “I apologize Mr. Black. We had people call in sick, that flu going around, so I’ve been here for over twenty hours now. He just wanted to know your room number.”

 

“And did you give it to him?”

 

“No sir. I did as instructed and informed him that I had no Mr. and Mrs. John Black staying with me. And that I haven’t recognized a blonde woman with her grown daughter and granddaughter. But I do think he was going to show her picture around.”

 

“Shit!” John rubs the back of his neck and looks around the lobby quickly, “How long ago was this?”

 

“He was here around noon maybe, so about three hours.”

 

“And you haven’t seen him again?” As he shakes his head no, John grabs a pad of paper and quickly jots down a number. “Here is my cell number, call me immediately, if you will, if you see him again. His name is Alex North and he’s dangerous.”

 

“Should I call security?”

 

“You can, but I’m not sure he will do anything that will stick to him. Maybe loitering. Um, you have my credit card number on file? I may have to disappear quickly, would you be able to check us out if need be? You can charge us for the rest of our stay.”

 

“That won’t be necessary. You are a valued guest of ours Mr. Black.”

 

Tabbing the counter, “Well make sure you charge us for tonight and if you could, call me a new car?”

 

“A new one? Then can I assume we may return the one you are currently using?”

 

“Oh yeah.” Taking the keys out of his pocket, John tosses them up on the counter. “I parked it in the temporary lot in front. It’s the black-“ but he is cut off.

 

“Yes, I am aware. I will have a new car here for you in about twenty minutes.”

 

Reaching out to shake his hand, John smiles despite his unsettledness, “You are the best.”

 

Quickly, John jogs outside and along the path towards his building and doesn’t wait for the elevator as he takes the steps two at a time. His left hand fumbles for his key, while his right hand knocks on his door. “Doc? Belle? Open up!”

 

His key enters the machine and quickly, he pushes open the door. Entering his room, he takes in the scene, noticing that nothing seems to be out of place and that their suitcases are still in their bedroom. He rushes into the room, thanks somebody above that they never got around to fully unpacking and locks each one of the suitcases.

 

Lining them up in the front room, John takes Marlena’s bathroom bag and just carelessly tosses everything that he can find into it. He knows that he will be in a lot of trouble when she opens the bag, but getting out of here is his major concern.

 

The room is packed in under five minutes and John calls the front desk to let his friend know that their bags need to be picked up and moved to the car immediately. And then he is out and moves onto his daughter’s room. He enters quickly, grabs his cell phone out of his pocket and dials Belle’s number, hoping that she has brought it with her, but as he hears the ring come from a random purse, he curses and looks around the room.

 

He lets out a deep sigh. Wanting to rush out and find them, but knowing their escape will be just as important, John goes to work tossing things into Belle’s and the baby’s suitcases as quickly as possible. He adds her bags to the others in his own room and quickly moves down the hall and down the steps.

 

Out to the pool and around the courtyard, John searches for his girls, desperate to get to them before Alex does.

 

As he jogs around the gardens, he spots two blonde sitting on a bench and yells, “Doc? Belle?” He yells again and finally the blondes turn and he lets out a deep breath. They are safe. Looking around to make sure that Alex isn’t lurking in the shadows, John runs up to them and immediately bear hugs the two. “God, my heart stopped for a minute there. You two are alright?”

 

“John, what’s wrong? Are you alright? You’re sweating.”

 

Laughing at his wife, “You run around here for twenty minutes looking for somebody and then see how good you look. I’m sorry ladies, but we’ve got to go.”

 

“Where daddy?”

 

“Away. Alex was spotted here earlier. He might be on the grounds searching for you right now. I packed out stuff and got a new car and it should be ready and waiting for us right now. Oh shit… crap I mean. I forgot about a car seat.”

 

“John, you need to take a deep breath please. Its okay, even if Alex finds us, what can he do? Its not like he can kidnap me with you right here or steal me. He has no claim on me. And I don’t think he cares to kill me, at least not yet. So please, calm down.”

 

He does as he is told and pulls his wife into his arms. “I’m sorry. I had planned for this problem, but when I heard he was around here, I just panicked. I don’t want to lose you again.”

 

“You won’t.” Marlena holds him tightly and kisses the side of his cheek. “We’re fine. We have you to protect us and we’ll leave. Why don’t you call the front desk, do you have their number?”

 

“No. I’ll just ask for a car seat when we get there. But I bet Greg thought ahead for me. He always does.”

 

“Oh! We have to check out, John.”

 

“Got it covered. Belle, I am thinking that maybe you and Ms. Claire should head home to Salem for a bit.”

 

The family begins to walk, as John leans over and takes Claire from her mother’s arms. He kisses her cheek and holds her tightly to his chest. “Why, we slowin’ ya down dad?”

 

Her smile shows her teasing nature, but John answers seriously, “No, of course not.”

 

“Do you think it’s safer for them in Salem?”

 

“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know. I like having them here, where I know where they are and can keep an eye on them. I like having as all together, but at the same time, I fear putting them in danger.”

 

Marlena moves along the path, tripping slightly on a tree root and replies slightly distracted, “But what if Alex decides to use them against us. Aren’t they sitting targets in Salem?”

 

“Mom, dad, the ‘we’ are present and last I checked, I am an adult.”

 

John pulls Belle closer to him for a short hug as they turn towards the main building, “I know you are sweetheart. And Doc, you are right. But he could have used Sami or Will or Brady for that matter to get us back. I don’t know. He might think Belle is the link, rather than others. He might not go after them at all. It may be just you or me and you he wants.”

 

“Well, may I jump in?” She doesn’t wait for her parents to respond, “I’ve been having a blast, as has Claire but she needs to get home to her crib and a routine for a bit. So I think its best if the two of us head back to Salem. At least for awhile. I’ll be careful, I won’t stay alone and I’ll ask Abe to watch out for me. Okay?”

 

All parties agree to the plan and before John and Claire head inside to grab the keys to the new car and check on a car seat, John kisses her forehead, “You are amazing. I love you, sweetheart.”

 

“And what about me?”

 

Turning towards his wife, he kisses her lightly on the lips and whispers, “I love you more than anything.”

 

“I thought so.”

 

Turning to his grandbaby, John speaks to her softly as they move inside, “And I love you too baby girl. Yes, Papa loves Claire and now we need to get some keys from the nice man. Yes, right over…”

 

His voice trails off as Marlena and Belle smile after them. The two begin light conversation, but Marlena can’t help but scan the area with her eyes, just to make sure that a particular doctor isn’t walking by.