Secrets Untold – By Laney S

Setting: Salem University Hospital –

 

(It is Friday, 5:30p.m. Marlena has just finished with her last patient. It has been a very long day. She came in at 7:00 am this morning and worked straight through lunch. Having decided to keep all of her secrets about Kristen to herself, she has had little contact with John. Work and her children have been her life for the past three weeks, and she has seen John only in passing. He has been playing the role of devoted Daddy and hubby, and much to her dismay, he seems to be doing a very good job of it. She can’t remember the last time she’s had a good heart-to-heart with him. Oh well, those are the breaks. He made his decision and she has made hers, and unfortunately, their lives don’t seem to be coinciding. In fact, if it weren’t for Belle, she wonders if she’d even see him at all. Having been cooped up in the hospital, she decides to step out on the balcony for some fresh air. Meanwhile, John walks into her office asking her receptionist if she’s in. She tells him Mrs. Evans has stepped out on the balcony. John walks out there to find her deep in thought. Even from behind, she still manages to take his breath away. Marlena, thinking she is alone, allows herself to travel back to the day, 3 weeks ago, when he asked her in this very spot, what her true feelings for him were. She remembers the pleading look in his eyes and the sadness in his voice and allows herself to let go, giving in for the first time in weeks to the pain and loneliness in her heart. John watches as the love of his life stands before him, staring out over the city. He secretly admires the suit she is wearing, a white linen short skirt and matching jacket. His eyes follow her ankles up to the backs of her thighs and he allows himself to remember a time long ago, when they were married, and he would have been free to sneak up on her from behind and slowly undress her beautiful body. But he is brought back to the present as he hears her sigh and is forced to listen to the sound of her soft crying. Immediately, he walks up to her, responding instinctually from his heart.)

 

JOHN: Sweetheart, what’s wrong.

 

(Marlena jumps from shock as she hears the voice of her dreams, and feels his hand on her shoulder. She shakes her head no, covering her face with her hands, knowing if he sees her tears or hears the sadness in her voice, he will demand to know the reason for it.)

 

JOHN: Doc?

 

(She wipes the tears from her face, clears her voice, and puts on her best voice.)

 

MARLENA: Nothing John. I’m just getting some fresh air.

 

JOHN: Doc, you’re crying.

 

MARLENA: No I’m not.

 

(John moves in closer, and Marlena can feel the front of his body pressed against her back. She tries to catch her breath as it is knocked out of her from the intimacy of their position. John puts his hands on her shoulders and begins to massage her shoulders).

 

JOHN: Sweetheart, what is it? You can tell me.

(Marlena is melting to the feel of his firm hands on her shoulders.)

 

MARLENA: Nothing. Just a long day.

(John turns her around and sees her tearstained face and aches at the sight of the sadness he sees in her eyes.)

 

JOHN: Doc, we were married, remember. I saw you day in and day out, and never did I see you this upset by a hard day at work.

 

MARLENA: Well, that was a long time ago. Maybe I’ve changed since then.

(John stares at her intently.)

 

JOHN: Maybe you have, because the Marlena I remember could tell me anything.

 

MARLENA: Well, the Marlena you remember was your wife.

 

JOHN: So there are things you could tell me then that you can’t tell me now.

 

MARLENA: Of course, John. Thats only natural. Just like there were things you could tell me, that you can’t tell me now.

 

JOHN: No way, Doc. I could tell you anything.(There is a long pause.)

 

MARLENA: Well…(she exhales and then gives him that little-girl grin)maybe we should save this discussion for another time?

 

JOHN: Why? Oh…you have another patient?

 

MARLENA: (avoiding his eye)Uh, yes, yes, as a matter of fact I do have some things to take care of.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case, I’ll wait-

 

MARLENA: No, John, that won’t be necessary.

 

JOHN: Doc, I know it won’t be necessary but I want to wait-

 

MARLENA: John, really, don’t be stubborn. I have alot to do and I don’t know when I’ll be through here.

 

JOHN: Doc, if I didn’t know better I’d think you were trying to get rid of me.

 

MARLENA: John, don’t be silly. Of course not.(She walks by him and is attempting to leave the balcony to go back inside) I just have alot to — (Marlena stops in midsentence as John grabs her elbow and comes up behind her, causing her to her breath to catch for the second time in the past 2 minutes.)John…(She pulls her arm from him but he doesn’t let her go.) John, I have to go.

 

JOHN: (in a voice so soft she can barely hear him)I will let you go, for now. But I do have every intention of finishing this conversation. Tonight.

 

MARLENA: John,… I can’t tonight… I have plans. I’ll be at the Titan party.

 

JOHN: (Grinning)How convenient. So will I. We’ll talk then.

 

MARLENA: John, I really don’t-

 

JOHN: Doc, I WON’T take no for an answer. Now you’re the one being stubborn. (He moves in closer behind and manages to steal her breath once again.) We talk tonight or we talk right now.

 

MARLENA: (attempting to regain her composure before John realizes how affected she really is by the full impact of him standing behind her, whispering into her ear.)Tonight.

 

JOHN: Good. I’ll see you then.

 

(M jerks her arm away from him, making sure he is made aware of the fact that she does not like ultimatums. John fights back a grin as he is given a glimpse of her bad temper. Marlena sees the grin spreading over his face and it enrages her even further. She storms into the hospital and into her office, leaving John to ponder over just how sexy she can be when she is angry. Meanwhile, Marlena tells her secretary in passing to hold all of her calls. She slams the door to her office, in a much worse mood than when she was before.)

JOHN: Hey Partner.

 

ABE:Hey John. Good to see you here.

 

JOHN: Pretty happening party, huh?

 

ABE:Yeah, you can say that again. Where is Kristen?

 

JOHN: She is at home with the baby. She hasn’t been feeling too well today. So I insisted that she stay home and get some sleep. She’s just been so distracted lately, even strange at times.

 

ABE: What do you mean by strange.

 

JOHN: I don’t know, just strange. Different.

 

ABE:Well, you know, it could have something to do with being a first-time mother.

 

JOHN: Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. Listen, have you seen Doc.

 

ABE:As a matter of fact, I have. And the best advice I can give you is to stay as far away as possible, pal. First of all(Abe grins), she looks incredible. (John’s smile spreads across his face.)

 

JOHN: Well, I’m used to that, Abe. She always looks incredible.

 

ABE: Well, this is something extra.

 

JOHN: Oh, c’mon Abe, its okay for me to look. Theres no harm done there.

 

ABE: Just don’t touch. And I can tell you you’ll be tempted to. Especially when you see her on the arms of another man. (John’s jaw drops and he is immediately overcome with possessiveness and jealousy.)

 

JOHN: Who?

 

ABE: John, I’d advise you to get that jealous look out of your eye. I’m sure Marlena wouldn’t appreciate it, and neither would your wife.

 

JOHN: Yeah, I’m sorry Abe. I just didn’t know she was seeing someone. You kinda caught me off guard.

 

ABE:Well, to be honest, it caught me offguard too. But she seems to be enjoying herself.

 

JOHN: Really. I’m surprised. I saw her earlier today and she was pretty upset.

 

ABE: Did she say what about.

 

JOHN: No, but I sure as hell intend to find out. Tonight.

 

ABE:John, maybe that’s not such a good idea.

 

JOHN: What do you mean, Abe? Marlena is my best friend and if something is upsetting her that badly, I want to know about it.

 

ABE:(looking up and over John at Marlena standing at the bar)Well, whatever it was, she seems o.k. now. (John turns in time to see a man he’d never seen before come up behind Marlena and offer her a glass of champagne. John just stares for a moment, absolutely breathless at the image of her. She is wearing a long , sleek black dress that is slit up the side. The front is cut low enough to give a good hint at what lay beneath. Her hair is piled upon her head, with little stray tendrils falling around her face. Then he watches her turn around to face this mystery date of hers and John’s breath is literally knocked out of him. The back is cut out of her dress. He feels his knees go weak as he watches her from behind, and he attempts to brace the onslaught of passionate memories that come rushing back to him. He realizes that there is no way he can face her right now, without touching her, or kissing her her, or busting the face of this blonde-haired, blue-eyed pretty boy who now had his hand on her bare back, gesturing for her to walk in his direction. So he turns around and downs several gin and tonics from a nearby tray. Then he turns around to see if she is still standing there. Marlena makes eye-contact with John from across the room, and stares into his soul. John can’t even move, he is trapped in this one position with her slowly making her way to him, guided by this stranger who still has his hand on her back.)

 

JOHN: (silently, to himself)C’mon man. Whoever you are, let go of her. She can walk by herself. (He never breaks eye contact with her as they make their way across the room and come to a standstill directly in front of him. Marlena gives him a heaven-scent smile. John just stands there, too confused by the strength of his emotions to open his mouth.)

 

MARLENA: John, I would like you to meet Paul Copeland, Salem University Hospital’s newest resident surgeon.(John watches as Paul extends his left hand for a handshake while his right hand still remains on Marlena’s back. John suddenly feels very sick. He takes a step back and inhales deeply. Marlena tilts her head and makes eye contact with him, questioning what’s wrong as Paul begins some introduction speech that has something to do with how glad he is to be in Salem and how much he enjoys his new job…etc.,etc. Paul is completely unaware of the non-verbal conversation that is taking place between John and Marlena. Marlena is silently asking John what is wrong. John looks into her eyes and sees the worry and concern sketched across his face. But he also keeps picturing this stranger’s hands on her bare back, then her stomach, then her legs, and he feels dizzy and nauseous. He steps back again, and comes close to falling. He loses his balance, and Marlena is immediately by his side.She takes him by the arm and places her other hand on his forehead to see if he is runnung a fever. John is mesmerized by the gesture and stares at her with a blank expression on his face.)

 

MARLENA: John, talk to me. What’s going on. Are you ill?

 

JOHN: I don’t know, I just…

 

MARLENA: Here, why don’t we sit down for a second. (Marlena leads John out of the ballroom and into the lobby where she helps him to sit on the sofa. John sits and Marlena kneels down in front of him. From the angle he is sitting, he has a perfect view down the front of her dress. But all he can picure is her friend Paul staring down the front of her dress, touching her there and kissing her there. He is attacked by another wave of nausea and he bends over and puts his head between his knees. Paul reaches out and places a hand on John’s shoulder, the same hand that was on Marlena’s back and John immediately jerks away, standing up and moving away as he spits out the words:Don’t touch me!! Paul immediately retreats and as he does, his beeper goes off. Paul looks at Marlena and then at John. He checks his beeper and looks back at Marlena.)

 

PAUL: It’s the hospital. I’m going to go check in with them. I’ll be right back.

 

MARLENA: I’ll be waiting. (She waits for Paul to leave and sits down on the couch next to John. She puts her hand on his face and looks at him.)

 

MARLENA: Are you sick?

 

JOHN: No.

 

MARLENA: Then what just happened here.

 

JOHN: Nothing, Doc…(silence) I just need to talk to you…alone.

 

MARLENA: Well why didn’t you just say so? There’s no need to worry me by pretending to be sick if all you wanted was to talk, John.

 

JOHN: I wasn’t pretending, Doc. I don’t know what happened in there. I felt like I was going to blank out or something.I got dizzy and nauseous and felt like I was spinning.

 

MARLENA: Have you been drinking.

 

JOHN: Yep.

 

MARLENA: Alot?

 

JOHN: Yep.

 

MARLENA: Hmmh…Care to tell me why?

 

(They are interrupted by Paul. He walks up and Marlena immediately stands. Paul places his hand upon her back and frowns.)

 

PAUL: Listen, Marlena, I’m afraid I’ve been called in to work so we’re going to have to call it a night.

 

MARLENA: That’s quite alright.

 

PAUL: No, it’s not. This is the third time this has happened. I can’t tell you how sorry I am.

 

MARLENA: (smiling at him)Well, I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it up to me.

 

PAUL: You can count on it… Look, why don’t I go get your coat and drop you off at home.

 

MARLENA: Well, sure, that would be great, if you have time to-

 

JOHN: Paul, that won’t be necessary, but thanks anyway. I’ll take her home.(He attempts to stand and once again sees the floor spin out from under him)

 

PAUL: No offense, Pal, but you don’t look like you’re in any condition to drive.

 

JOHN: (John jumps up) You listen here, “Pal”, I-

 

MARLENA: John, really, it’s not a big deal. I’m tired anyway-

 

JOHN: Doc, I said I’d take you home.

 

MARLENA: John-

 

PAUL: “Doc”?

 

MARLENA: (distracted)That’s just a nickname of mine.

 

JOHN: C’mon, Doc, you don’t have to explain our relationship to him.

 

MARLENA: John!

 

PAUL: Your “relationship”?

 

JOHN: You heard me, Pal.

 

MARLENA: Wait a minute, both of you. This is ridiculous. We’re getting upset over how I am going to get home when I have a room full of friends and family here. Carrie will take me home and that’s the end of the story. Now, John, you wait here. Paul, I’ll walk you out.(He leads her to off to a corner for some privacy. )

 

PAUL: That won’t be necessary. It’s raining… So, should I even ask what kind of “deal” you have with this guy.

 

MARLENA: I think we better discuss that later. Right now you have patients that are waiting for you.(Paul sees John watching them and decides to show him exactly who it was that Dr. Evans came with. He puts his arms around her and kisses her softly on the lips.John stands up and makes a run for the nearest bathroom as he feels his dinner coming up along with many gin and tonics…Marlena pulls back and smiles).

 

MARLENA: Your patients are waiting.(Paul smiles and walks out. Marlena turns to confront John but sees he’s gone. But she doesn’t have to look to far for him. She takes a wild guess that the heaving sound coming from the bathroom is probably him, and walks in.)

Marlena heads into the bathroom. John is on the floor in one of the cubicles emptying the contents of his stomach. Marlena immediately goes to the sink and and grabs some paper towels. She turns the faucet on and dampens the paper towels, then carries them into the stall. She takes her heels off and places them on the ground, then kneels down behind him, removing his tux jacket so that it doesn’t get in his way. She then places a damp paper towel on his forehead, whispering soothing words all the time. John remains motionless on the floor. When it appears that he is somewhat better, Marlena reaches up and flushes the toilet. She takes a damp paper towel and places it on the back of his neck. John spits into the toilet and Marlena hands him a paper towel to wipe his mouth with. He wipes his mouth and drops it in the toilet. She flushes it again for him. Then she places her hands on his shoulder and smiles, then speaks to him in the most soothing voice imaginable.

 

MARLENA: Feel any better?

 

JOHN: Yeah, much… But I can’t imagine that you feel that great after seeing that.

 

MARLENA: Don’t worry about me, John. I feel fine. Tell you what, you wait here, and I’ll get you some ice water. How’s that sound.(John spits into the toilet again.)

 

JOHN: That sounds great, but it’s not really necessary, you know.

 

MARLENA: Tell you what, why don’t you wash up and I’ll see what I can do.

 

JOHN: Sounds like a plan.(John has yet to look at her during this entire conversation. Marlena picks up on this and touches him under the chin with her finger.)

 

MARLENA: Hey, you can look at me, you know.

 

JOHN: This is probably going to sound really stupid but I just feel…ashamed for some reason.

 

MARLENA: John, this is me you’re talking to…Marlena…your best friend. You know that you don’t ever have to be ashamed of anything with me.

 

JOHN: It’s just that this is probably the last place you want to be right now.

 

MARLENA: (teasing him)What, are you kidding? Sitting on cold tiles in the bathroom at Titan Publishing helping you throw up? I can’t imagine anyplace I’d rather be.(She is laughing and it is infectious, he begins laughing too.)Be back shortly.(She exits the bathroom and runs into Kate, who is on her way in.)

 

MARLENA: Kate!

 

KATE:Marlena, you look great. But what happened to your shoes?

 

MARLENA: Oh… in the bathroom.

 

KATE: You left them in there?

 

MARLENA: Yes, but I’m coming back…(smiling)John’s in there. He’ll watch them.(She laughs)

 

KATE:Maybe I shouldn’t go in, then?

 

MARLENA: Maybe you shouldn’t. It might embarass him.

 

KATE:”Him”? It might embarass me.

 

MARLENA: You?

 

KATE:Me.

 

MARLENA: Listen, Kate, while I’m here, do you know where I can find a toothbrush and toothpaste?

 

KATE:You need to brush your teeth?

 

MARLENA: No, but I’m sure John would appreciate one about now.

 

KATE:Marlena, what is going on here?

 

MARLENA: What do you mean?

 

KATE:Have you and John been…uhh..

 

MARLENA(instantly blushing)KATE!

 

KATE:Well, call me stupid, but you came out of the bathroom without your shoes, then you tell me that John is in there waiting for you and he’ll watch your shoes. But you threw me for a loop when you asked for the toothbrush for John.

 

MARLENA: (who is now beside herself with laughter)Kate, he’s sick. He had too much to drink.

 

KATE:John, having too much to drink? That’s a bit unusual, isn’t it?

 

MARLENA: Very unusual.

 

KATE: Well, I tell you what. There is a storage room on the 2nd floor that the janitors keep all kinds of supplies in. With all of the workaholics here that sleep in their offices, the need for toiletries has increased. You should be able to find anything you need in there.

 

MARLENA: Great! Thanks, Kate.

 

KATE: Anytime.(Kate starts to go into the bathroom, thinks better of it, and walks down the hall to find another one. Marlena heads to the elevator to find a toothbush for John. On the way up, she contemplates over the change in John tonight. Not 6 hours ago, he was at the hospital issuing her ultimatums. And tonight, at the party, he had seemed so different, so vulnerable. The alcohol must have had something to do with the change in him, but she had seen him drunk before and if anything, he became more confident and overbearing. Tonight, he seemed so down, so hurt. And in all the years she had known John, she had never known him to have a sensitive stomache. No matter how much he drank, he could always handle his liquor.Or at least he used to be able to. Oh, well, perhaps something is bothering him. She makes a decision then and there to find out what led him to consume enough alcohol to make him sick. Then she gets off at the 2nd floor to look for a toothbrush. Meanwhile, John comes wandering out of the bathroom looking for Marlena. His hair is wet from where he stuck it under the sink. His shirt is unbuttoned several buttons and his jacket was draped over one arm. Marlena’s heels are dangling off the fingers of his other hand. He sees that the lobby is empty and that the noises from the ballroom don’t seem to be as loud as before. The party is probably winding down. Kate comes walking down the hall and smiles.)

 

KATE:Hi, John.

 

JOHN: Kate.

 

KATE: I heard you weren’t feeling too well.

 

JOHN: Please don’t tell me that there were actually witnesses.(He smiles)

 

KATE: No, not at all. I spoke with Marlena.

 

JOHN: AAhhh…I see. Well, do you think you might could give me a hint as to where she might be.

 

KATE: 2nd Floor.

 

JOHN: Thanks, Kate.

 

KATE: No problem. Hope you feel better.

 

JOHN: I already do. (John heads up the stairway. Meanwhile, Marlena has found a new toothbrush, and a sample tube of toothpaste.She has also gone to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of ice water and some Saltine Crackers. She walks down the hall towards the elevator, and hears a sound coming from one of the conference rooms. Peeking through the door, she sees John standing there, looking out the window. She would have to be blind not to recognize the significance of this room. It was the room they where they made love on that night so long ago, a night just like tonight. She takes a deep breath and enters the room.)

 

MARLENA: John.

 

JOHN: (startled)Doc!

 

MARLENA: I didn’t mean to to startle you.

 

JOHN: I was looking for you.

 

MARLENA: In here?

 

JOHN: Yeah, I didn’t see you anywhere else so I thought maybe you had come in here.

 

MARLENA: (Somewhat defensive)Well, I didn’t.

 

JOHN: Yeah, I know that now.(Long and uncomfortable silence)

 

MARLENA: Oh! I have pesents for you.(She smiles, trying to ease the tension that just being in this room has created)

 

JOHN: (smiling)Presents?(He turns and walks toward her.)

 

MARLENA: Lets see…I have a glass of water for you, and some Saltine crackers, and..(she opens her other hand)some toothpaste and a toothbrush.

 

JOHN: Doc, you’re a lifesaver.(Marlena beams.)What would I do without you?

 

MARLENA: Well, you’d …(laughing)probably die.

 

JOHN: (laughing)You’re probably right.(He grabs the toothpaste and tooth brush and goes into the bathroom attached to the conference room.)Be right back.(He leaves Marlena alone in the room. She stares at the desk and provocative images of her on the desk with John on top of her come back to haunt her. She can hear his breathing and can see the glazed look in his eyes. It is as if she is standing on the outside looking in, and the image of them together on the desk is almost her undoing. John walks in from the bathroom, and watches her from behind. He sees her standing there, staring at the desk, and knows exactly what she is remembering. She is replaying the scene in her head, the same scene he has dreamed about night after night, causing him to wake up in a sweat. The vision of her standing there remembering it is too much. He walks up behind her and places his hand on her shoulder. (She jumps.)

 

MARLENA: Jesus…John, you scared me to death.

 

JOHN: Oops.

 

MARLENA: This is the second time today that you’ve almost given me a heart attack! Why do you keep sneaking up on me?

 

JOHN: I didn’t know I was sneaking up on you.

 

MARLENA: Well, that’s what it felt like to me.

 

JOHN: Listen, Doc, its not my fault you are so preoccupied lately.

 

MARLENA: What do you mean, preoccupied?

 

JOHN: Well, you were so zoned out just then that I could have screamed “FIRE” and you wouldn’t have heard me.

 

MARLENA: Oh…(Turning back towards the desk)Well, in that case, I am sorry.

 

JOHN: Care to tell me where you were?

 

MARLENA: Huh?

 

JOHN: Just now.

 

MARLENA: Nowhere. I was just thinking.

 

JOHN: Huh, that’s strange, because it looked alot to me like you were taking a stroll down memory lane. (Marlena gasps.)

 

JOHN: Doc, it’s okay to remember you know. (He places his hand on her back and she immediately jerks at the response of his hand touching her bare back. Shivers run down her spine and her stomache does several flip-flops. She catches her breath and tries to compose herself but it’s too late. John has noticed. He squeezes the hand he just touched her with into a tight fist, trying to control the rage he felt. He just keeps seeing Paul’s hand so comfortably placed on her back, to the point where she wasn’t even aware of it. Yet I can’t even touch her without her recoiling in disgust, he thinks to himself. He looks to Marlena and sees her leaning over the desk, breathing slowly and deeply. Please don’t let him touch me again, she thinks, because if he does, I won’t be able to stop there. She says a silent prayer in her head that John will keep his hands to himself. But at the same time, her body is betraying her with a prayer for the exact opposite. John sees her having a silent struggle of some sort, and wants to help her, even though that’s probably the last thing she wants right now.)

 

JOHN: Doc…(he takes a step closer to her and she feels the warmth of his body only inches away from her back)

 

MARLENA: John…please…

 

JOHN: Please what?(There is a long silence and John watches as Marlena continues to struggle with something.)

 

MARLENA: Please…just leave me alone for a minute.

 

JOHN: No way. Not until you talk to me.

 

MARLENA: I can’t. Not this time.

 

JOHN: Honey, that’s what you told me this afternoon. That excuse isn’t going to fly twice with me.

 

MARLENA: (turns around and he sees the glaze in her eyes as she storms off)Well, it’ll have “fly” because it’s the only excuse you’re going to get.

 

JOHN: Marlena, where are you going?

 

MARLENA: To get my coat.

 

JOHN: We were in the middle of a conversation here.

 

MARLENA: A conversation that I just ended.

 

JOHN: Marlena, I’m talking to you.

 

(He grabs her shoes and follows her out the door.)

 

JOHN: I guess this means we’re going home?

 

MARLENA: I’m going home. You can stay here and finish your drinking fest for all I care.

 

JOHN: Doc, wait.

 

(He touches her back again and she freaks out, telling him not to touch her. He grabs for her arm and she screams, throwing John off-guard and allowing her to pull her arm loose. She runs down the hall to the elevator, gets in, and attempts to push the button to close the door, but John manages to get his foot in the door and stop it. He prys the doors open and walks inside. Marlena attempts to get back out of the elevator but he pulls her back in, and pushes her against the wall. Marlena is shocked from the urgency and force of his grip.)

 

JOHN: Don’t walk away from me when I’m talking to you. What is wrong, Doc?

 

MARLENA: (visibly shaken)John, please…

 

JOHN: There you go again, Doc. “Please”,”please”, PLEASE what, Doc?

 

(He is holding on to her upper arms and squeezing her and she is crying)

 

MARLENA: Please let me go. Please don’t touch me anymore. Just don’t touch me. I can’t pretend….I’m tired of pretending…I just can’t do it anymore…

 

JOHN: Do what, Marlena? Talk to me, sweetheart.

 

MARLENA: NO!

 

(She breaks away from him and begins frantically pushing buttons, trying desperately to get the elevator doors to open.)

 

John, please, help me. I need to get out of here. I can’t breathe in here.

 

(She is pretty hysterical by now. John reaches out to touch her.)

 

JOHN: Calm down, Doc.

 

(He whispers to her, attempting to soothe her. She drops her head into her face and sobs softly. John comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her, coaxing her to relax and breathe with soft words, cajoling her to open up to him, to trust him.)

 

It’s okay, I’m here, all right?

 

MARLENA: (in a soft and faraway voice)John?

 

JOHN: What is it?

 

MARLENA: I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I just lost it.

 

JOHN: (As he puts his chin down on her head, she smiles.)Yeah…

 

(John pushes the open button on the elevator. He is a bit shaken by Marlena’s outburst.)

 

What do you say I get you home?

 

MARLENA: (wiping her tears away)I think that sounds like a good idea.

 

JOHN: Me too.(He puts his arm around her and walks to the door, where he goes down on his knees and slips one shoe then the other one on her. Then the two of them walk to his Jeep together.)

John walked over to the passenger side of his Jeep and opened the door for Marlena, staring at the slit in the side of her dress as she climbed into the Jeep. He was given a lovely shot of her leg all the way up to her mid-thigh. Then he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side where he got into the car. He started the car and they drove the first few minutes in silence. Strangely enough, after all that had happened, it was a very comfortable silence. John didn’t want to break this silence. Neither did Marlena. So the silence continued. Until finally John spoke up.

 

JOHN: So, what’s new in the personal life of Dr. Marlena Evans?

 

MARLENA: Hmmhh?

 

JOHN: Your personal life. What have you been up to lately. Besides being Supermom and going to work. I feel like I haven’t really talked to you in a month.

 

MARLENA: Nothing new and exiting. You know, same old same old…

 

JOHN: How’s work?

 

MARLENA: Fine.

 

JOHN: Love life?

 

MARLENA: Fine.

 

JOHN: So you’re going to make me work for this, aren’t you?

 

MARLENA: Work for what?

 

JOHN: Who was this mystery escort of yours?

 

MARLENA: (smiling)He isn’t a mystery, John.

 

JOHN: Well, I’ve never even heard you say his name.

 

MARLENA: Well, like you said, we haven’t talked in a month.

 

JOHN: Better late than never, right?

 

MARLENA: You bet.

 

JOHN: So catch me up.

 

MARLENA: What do you mean?

 

JOHN: Just what I said. Catch me up. Tell me what I’ve missed.

 

MARLENA: Well, I’m not exactly sure where to start.

 

JOHN: How did you meet?

 

MARLENA: In the hospital.

 

JOHN: Not where, Doc. How?

 

MARLENA: Well, I uh, I just kind-of ran into him at a staff meeting. He was formally introduced and I walked up to him after the staff meeing and welcomed him on board.

 

JOHN: And?

 

MARLENA: And what? That’s it. I told him I would be glad to show him around or help him out in any way I could. And he took me up on my offer.

 

JOHN: I bet he did.

 

MARLENA: (trying hard not to laugh b/c she knows what he is getting at.)John, whatever do you mean.

 

JOHN: (trying to sound very mature and objective)Doc, we’ve been through alot together.And I feel like we’re at a level where we can discuss things like this and even help each other out, from time to time.

 

MARLENA: John, I’m not sure I follow you.

 

JOHN: Perhaps it would be better if I just came right out and said it.

 

(By this point, Marlena is looking out her window trying desperately not to laugh, b/c she knew it would probably hurt John’s feelings. Poor baby, he was trying so hard to appear calm and mature about this.)

 

MARLENA: Perhaps you should.

 

JOHN: Well, in order for me to come to an accurate opinion, I need to know if the two of you have been …intimate with one another.

 

MARLENA: John!

 

JOHN: Doc, just let me explain-

 

MARLENA: (openly laughing now)John Black, that is absolutely none of your business.

 

(She takes her fist and hits him in the shoulder. He pulls back and smiles at her reaction.)

 

JOHN: What’s so funny, Doc?(She can’t answer him b/c she’s trying desperately not to laugh)I’m being serious, here. C’mon, Doc. We can discuss this like two rational adults. Okay?

 

MARLENA: (laughing so hard her she is almost crying)I’m trying, John.

 

JOHN: No, you’re being silly.(As he says this, he ruffles her hair.) Now, I want you to tell me exactly how intimate the two of you have been.

 

MARLENA: Why, John?

 

JOHN: Because I don’t get a good feeling about him, that’s all.

 

MARLENA: John, you don’t even know him

 

JOHN: I’ve known him long enough to establish my opinion.

 

MARLENA: 5 minutes? John, that’s hardly enough time to-

 

JOHN: Doc, I know what I’m talking about.

 

MARLENA: Would you like to clue me in?

 

JOHN: He wants you.

 

MARLENA: He what???

 

JOHN: You heard me. He wants you.

 

MARLENA: What does that have to do with anything?

 

JOHN: It has alot to do with everything. That’s why I wanted to know exactly what the two…of you…may or may not…have done together.

 

MARLENA: Why?

 

JOHN: Because if… you haven’t…done anything yet…, then I feel that I am obligated to warn you against it.

 

MARLENA: And if we have?

 

(Marlena, seeing exactly where this conversation is leading, decides to play with him a little. A little jealousy never hurt anyone. And he definitely was jealous. He was just trying to disguise it as honest concern. Well, perhaps it was time she taught him a little lesson of his own.)

 

JOHN: You have?

 

MARLENA: No, I said “IF we have”.

 

JOHN: Well, if you have, then you should stop before it goes any farther.

 

MARLENA: Well, hypothetically speaking, what if it’s too late to stop it.

 

JOHN: (immediately pulls his Jeep off to the side of the road and turns the ignition off.)You slept with him, Doc?!!???

 

MARLENA: (seeing how upset he is getting decides to ease up on him bit.)Hypothetically speaking, John. I said “hypothetically”.

 

JOHN: I don’t want to talk hypothetically, Doc. I want reality. I wants facts. I want details.

 

MARLENA:(teasing him)Well, that’s just too bad, honey, because I’ve never been one to kiss and tell…But I don’t have to remind you of that, do I, John.

 

(Marlena watched John’s eyes widen in response to her last comment. She really didn’t know what came over her. She had been teasing him and he kept falling for it, and before she knew it, she’d dug herself into a hole. Now she had to get out. She looked up at John and he had readjusted in his seat so that he was facing her.He is grinning at her.)

 

JOHN: No, you most definitely do not, Doc.

 

(There is a long silence as they sit in the Jeep staring at each other, both of them waiting for the other one to break this magical web that had been weaved around them. John breaks it first.)

 

JOHN: Okay, Doc. Here it is. The bottom line. I get the impression that he is very career-oriented and that family and long-term relationships are not very important to him right now.

 

MARLENA: O.k. You could be right.

 

JOHN: And I think he may put pressure on you to do something you aren’t ready to do.

 

MARLENA: What kind of pressure?

 

JOHN: Well, he could seduce you or something.

 

MARLENA: John, it’s not like you’re talking to a virgin, here.

 

JOHN: Believe me, I know that… all too well… But after all that has happened as of late, maybe you should hold off before getting too involved-

 

MARLENA: (taking his hands in hers)John, you wanted me to be honest with you. Well here it goes. I am not a child, and I know exactly what I’m doing. And I am very ready for an intimate relationship. It’s just easier said than done.

 

JOHN: Why is that?

 

MARLENA: Well, as you have so cleverly pointed out, I don’t know Paul that well. And, as you also pointed out, his lifestyle and interests may be very different than mine are.

 

JOHN: I’m sure they are. And the entire time he is with you tonight, he couldn’t keep his hands off of you. It was like he was claiming his territory or something.(Marlena chuckles)

 

MARLENA: John, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were jealous.

 

JOHN: Not jealous, Doc. Just attentive. I know you better than anyone. I know what you need, and he’s not it…And besides, you’ve only been on what, 3 dates I think he said, and you’re already being dishonest with him.

 

MARLENA: About what?

 

JOHN: About me, Doc. Something tells me he doesn’t have a clue as to the depth of our friendship.

 

MARLENA: No, you’re right. He doesn’t. Or at least he didn’t until tonight. (She looks at him as if to scold him.) You know, you didn’t have to be that obnoxious, John.

 

JOHN: He was being a snob.

 

MARLENA: How was he being a snob?

 

JOHN: He repeated the word “Doc” as if it were a childish nickname of some sort.

 

MARLENA: He’d never heard anyone call me that, John.

 

JOHN: Why are you defending this punk, Marlena?

 

MARLENA: First of all, he is not a punk. And I’m defending him b/c he hasn’t done anything wrong. And while we’re on the subject, Mr. Black, there was absolutely no reason whatsoever for you to blurt out that I didn’t have to explain “our relationship” to him. What were you trying to do, sabotage any interest he had in me?

 

JOHN: (grinning)Pretty much, yeah.

 

MARLENA: Well, thank you for being concerned, but I can take care of myself. I’m not angry with you because I know you only have my best interests at heart, but, come on, John. Let’s be honest with each other. You know the kind of woman I am. I can’t go on forever without a man to share my life with, my hopes and dreams with.

 

JOHN: Honey, I know that. But this Paul guy, he’s not the one.

 

MARLENA: How do you know that?

 

JOHN: I just know that.

 

MARLENA: Well, thank you for your opinion, and your concern, but I think that this is one thing that you can’t protect me from. I’m going to have to find out for myself.

 

JOHN: If he ever hurts you-

 

MARLENA: John, just listen to what you’re saying. He’s not a bad guy. He’s not Stefano. He’s just a polite, dedicated, friendly, handsome Surgeon who I happen to be dating. That’s all.

 

JOHN: You don’t really think he’s all that handsome, do you?

 

MARLENA: Yes, I do.

 

JOHN: Well, don’t let that rush or sway your decision of whether not to-

 

MARLENA: John. Enough’s enough. C’mon. Why don’t you drive me home, now? It is way past my bedtime. And Kristen’s probably worried sick about you.

 

JOHN: Yeah.(He starts the car and for the remainder of the drive to Marlena’s penthouse they are silent.They arrive at the penthouse and Marlena turns to him and places a hand on his arm.)

 

MARLENA: Thank you, John, for a wonderful evening…despite everything that happened.

 

JOHN: Your welcome, Marlena. And thank you for your assistance in the bathroom.

 

MARLENA: Your very welcome.

 

JOHN: Doc, I didn’t bring this up on the way home, because I didn’t want to upset you anymore. But I haven’t forgotten about this afternoon, on the balcony, and I also haven’t forgotten about what happened in the elevator, either. You are hiding something from me, and it’s eating you alive. You may not want to tell me, but sooner or later, we will discuss it. I will find out what is tormenting you so. And all I can say is that I hope that it isn’t a person causing you this pain, because if it is, I’ll find out who. And I will make them pay for every tear that you have shed… I just hope this person is worth it.

 

MARLENA: (looking at him with glassy eyes.)I understand that you’re only trying to help, but you’re only going to make things worse, if you continue to push this. Can’t you just trust me enough to let it go…please, just forget about it…for me.

 

JOHN: I can’t forget about it. I can’t forget about anything that causes you pain. (He reaches up and wipes a tear off her cheek. The gesture is so full of love and kindness that Marlena has to stop herself from falling into his arms and telling him everything. She takes a quick breath, nods, and turns to get out of the jeep. John immediately responds by jumping out of his seat and running to her door. He opens the door for her and she smiles up at him and climbs out of the car. John is once again mesmerized by the flash of leg she gives him as she steps out of the car.)

 

MARLENA: Goodnight, John. Drive home safe.

 

JOHN: I will.Goodnight, Doc.(Then he whispers in a voice only he can hear:Sweet dreams, my beautiful angel.)(He watches the love of his life walking inside, and wishes with all his heart that he was going in with her.)

The next morning John woke up to the sound of his alarm clock at 7:00am. Surprisingly enough, he didn’t feel the least bit hungover. He turned the alarm clock off and turned over to see that Kristen was already up. Walking into the bahtroom, he found a note left for him on the table.

 

JOHN,

I HAD SOME ERRANDS TO RUN. I TOOK J.J. WITH ME. I THOUGHT YOU COULD USE THE REST. I’M HAVING LUNCH WITH JENNIFER SO I’LL PROBABLY BE HOME LATE THIS AFTERNOON. HAVE A RELAXING DAY. I’LL CALL YOU LATER.

KRISTEN

 

John immediately knew what he was going to do. He called Caroline.

 

CAROLINE: Hello.

 

JOHN: Good Morning.

 

CAROLINE: Well, good morning to you John. You sure sound awfully chipper this morning.

 

JOHN: Well, I am. I am.Listen, has Doc picked up the two munchkins yet.

 

CAROLINE: No. I think she was planning to sleep a little late this morning. She’s been working alot lately.

 

JOHN: Yeah, I know. Listen, I’ll be over in 20 minutes to have some breakfast with them.

 

CAROLINE: Well, you can try, but I don’t know how much success you’ll have. They are glued to the television. It’s Saturday, you know.

 

JOHN: Oh yeah, Cartoon Day.

 

CAROLINE: But Brady is making his entrance into the kitchen now, so I suppose he’s hungry.

 

JOHN: Tell him to hold off for a few minutes and Daddy will be there to eat Fruit Loops with him.

 

CAROLINE: I will do that. Bye John.

 

CAROLINE: Thanks, Caroline. Bye.(He hangs up the phone and heads straight for the shower. He can’t help but rush. He is very excited about a day with Belle and Brady. J.J. has been taking up most of his time and he doesn’t want them to feel neglected. He hurries through the ritual of shaving, throws on some shorts and a shirt, and is out the door in a record 7 minutes. Meanwhile, Marlena is having an absolutely delicous dream in which John is reacquainting her with conference room they were in last night. The phone rings, slowly pulling her out of her fantasy. She puts the pillow over her head, trying to block out the obtrusive ringing, but it’s too late. Somehow the ringing has found its way into the conference room, and she can’t get away from it. She finally lifts her head and looks at the clock. It is 7:15. She is a bit perturbed that someone would call her at 7:15 on a Saturday morning, especially considering that she didn’t get home until 2:00 this morning. She smiles as she thinks back to the pleasant ride home she and John managed to have, despite her blowing up on him and his throwing up. She picks up the phone in a somewhat groogy voice.)

 

MARLENA: Dr. Evans speaking.

 

PAUL: Well, Hello there, Dr. Evans. This is Dr. Copeland.How are you on this lovely Saturday morning.

 

MARLENA: Well, I don’t know yet. I was asleep actually.

 

PAUL: Oh, I see. You’re being lazy this morning.

 

MARLENA: (wincing)Well, it’s 7:15.I would hardly call sleeping past then on a Saturday morning being lazy.

 

PAUL: A little testy, aren’t we.

 

MARLENA: “We” are always a little testy when “we” don’t get enough sleep.

 

PAUL: Oh, so you got in late last night.

 

MARLENA: I didn’t say that.

 

PAUL: But you don’t have to. I called your house several times last night from the hospital.

 

MARLENA: I checked my messages. There weren’t any from you.

 

PAUL: I didn’t leave any messages.

 

MARLENA: Oh?

 

PAUL: I just wanted to see if you were home.

 

MARLENA: Well, I guess you got your answer, didn’t you.(Marlena realizes that she is getting extremely upset by Paul’s attitude. She silently chides herself for letting her discussion with John last night affect the way she was treating Paul this morning.)Listen, Paul, I’m sorry for being a little moody. It isn’t intentional. I was sound asleep when you called.

 

PAUL: No problem at all. I’m sorry for waking you up.

 

MARLENA: No problem there, either.

 

PAUL: Why don’t you just give me a beep when you get in to the hospital this morning and we’ll grab some breakfast.

 

MARLENA: This morning? Paul, it’s Saturday.

 

PAUL: And your point?

 

MARLENA: Well, I don’t normally work on the weekends, unless it is an emergency. I like to save the weekends for my children.

 

PAUL: Oh, I see.

 

MARLENA: But I appreciate the offer.

 

PAUL: Yeah, of course. Well, listen, I’ve got some rounds to make so why don’t I catch up with you later.

 

MARLENA: Sounds great. But Paul, if I don’t answer the phone, try leaving a message this time. That usually works.(She is smiling)

 

PAUL: If you insist. Talk to you later.

 

MARLENA: Goodbye.(She hangs up the phone, crawls out of bed, and heads to the shower.) MEANWHILE:(John is in the Brady Pub tying Belle’s shoelaces while Brady frantically circles them with a toy airplane. John picks Belle up, grabs Brady’s hand, and bends over the table, allowing Belle to reach out and grab her teddybear.)

 

JOHN: Okay, kiddos, lets hit the road.

 

BRADY: Where are we going, Daddy.

 

JOHN: We are going to get Mommy out of bed.

 

BELLE: Den we go to beach like you said, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Den we go to beach, Belle.(He smiles at her and gives her a tiny kiss on her nose. She grins back and kisses him on his nose. John’s heart melts at this tiny gesture that is so Marlena-like. Belle seems to be looking more like her every day. John is pulled out of his contemplation when Brady begans tugging at John’s arm, screaming:)

 

BRADY: C’mon Daddy. Let’s go already!(Belle looks up at John with her big beautiful eyes and laughs.)

 

BELLE: Bwady is in-pwatient.

 

JOHN: (looking at Belle in surprise)Belle, you are absolutely right. But where did you hear that?

 

BELLE: Mommy. She said,”Bwady, I swear, you’re so in-pwatient! Just wike your Daddy!”

 

JOHN: Oh, she did, did she?(John laughs)

 

BELLE: Mommy is funny.(She covers her mouth and giggles. John laughs as too as he walks out the door with them.)

 

MEANWHILE:Susan is driving along in her car with Elvis.Kristen is following her like a bat out of hell. She grabs her cellphone and frantically dials a number. Vivianne’s answering machine picks up and Kristen leaves a message.

 

KRISTEN: Vivianne, it’s me. Where are you. We have a major problem. Susan has JJ and she’s headed out of Salem. I’m following her but I don’t know where she is heading or which one of us will run out of gas first. Call me!!!!!

 

(John walks to Marlena’s door, unlocks it , and opens it. The kids go tearing in, up the stairs into Marlena’s room. John follows them at a much slower pace. Marlena walks out of the bathroom wearing a towel and is greeted by Belle and Brady frantically running in.)

 

MARLENA: Brady? Belle? How did you get here?

 

(They are way too excited to answer her. They give her instructions before running to their room.)

 

BRADY: Hurry up and get dressed.

 

BELLE: Yeah, you gotta hu-wee.

 

BRADY: We’ll go get our stuff.

 

BELLE: Yeah.

 

(Brady tears out of her bedroom, Belle close behind him. She notices her Mother is just standing there.She turns around to face Marlena and places her hand on her hips, scolding her.)

 

BELLE: Huwee up, Mommy!

 

(She turns around and goes tearing out the door, only to run straight into John. John steps aside, allowing her to tear by him, screaming “Bwady,Bwady,Huwee!” all the way. John looks up at Marlena to find her standing there wearing only a towel.)

 

MARLENA: John!

 

JOHN: Whoa Doc. I’m sorry. I uhh…Oops.

 

MARLENA: No it’s o.k. Could you just hand me my robe.

 

(John is to busy staring at her. She points toward the bed which he is standing by and he turns to see the robe lying there. He picks it up and walks over to her, handing her the robe. She takes the robe with one hand, while holding the towel to her with the other.Then she turns to go into the bathroom, blushing all the way down to her toes.)

 

MARLENA: Be right back.

 

(John is left alone in her bedroom for a moment. He sits down on her bed, and his senses are immediately assaulted by the familiar scent of her. He picks up a pillow of hers and brings it to his face, breathing in the heavenly scent: a mixture of her shampoo, her perfume, and her soap. He thinks to himself,”Is there anything about this woman that doesn’t drive me crazy!” Marlena walks in, wearing her robe now, and sees John sitting on her bed.It warms every nerve ending in her body.)

 

MARLENA: Good morning.

 

JOHN: Same to you.

 

MARLENA: How’d you sleep.

 

JOHN: Good. And you?

 

MARLENA: Good.

 

JOHN: Well, I hope you don’t mind. I had breakfast with the kids and brought them over.

 

MARLENA: Yeah, I saw that. Care to let me in on these big important plans they have for me?

 

JOHN: Oh…right.Well if its okay with you, I thought we could take them to the beach?

 

MARLENA: The beach?

 

JOHN: Yeah..the beach. It’s fairly warm outside. They haven’t been since last year. And besides all that, they’re really really excited…But if you’re not up to it-

 

MARLENA: I think that spending the day at the beach with you and Brady and Belle sounds like the most fun I’ve had in ages!!!(John looks at her to see her beaming with excitement.)

 

JOHN: Well, Great. I knew you’d say that so I had Caroline pack us up some sandwiches and chips and the kids are getting their swimsuits out. So all we need now is for you to get dressed…and we’re off!

 

MARLENA: Well, in that case, give me ten minutes and I’ll be dressed and ready to go.

 

JOHN: Need any help with anything?

 

MARLENA: No, John,last time I checked, I knew how to dress myself.(She grins at him and he blushes)

 

JOHN: What I meant was do you need any help with anything else.

 

MARLENA: I know what you meant, John. I was teasing you.

 

JOHN: Yeah. I realize that now. (grinning)That’s your problem, Doc. You’re always a tease.

 

MARLENA: John! I did not find that amusing.(She is smiling despite his remark.)

 

JOHN: I did.

 

MARLENA: Okay, we’re even now. Well, I’m going to get dressed. Why don’t you go into the kitchen and put some ice in the coller – it should be in the pantry-and then grab some sodas out of the fridge.

 

JOHN: Consider it done, Doc.(John goes downstairs to the kitchen and packs a cooler. Marlena throws on some shorts and a shirt and grabs a duffel bag. She begins packing it. Suddenly she hears a large crash,coming from Brady’s room. She immediately goes tearing out of her room. John goes running up the stairs and the meet in the doorway of Brady’s room to find Brady sitting on the floor next to an overturned bookshelf. Belle is standing on Brady’s bed. The two children are looking up at their parents as if they are in very bad trouble. Marlena reacts instantly, going to Brady and picking him up to examine for any wounds. )

 

MARLENA: Brady, honey, what happened.(Brady hears the soft, mothering tone she is using and his bottom lip begins to tremble.John sees this and goes over to him.)

 

BRADY: My shelf fell down.

 

JOHN: Do you know why it fell down.(Brady drops his head and shakes his head No)

 

BELLE: I know why, Daddy.

 

MARLENA: I’m sure you do sweetie, but why don’t we let Brady tell us.

 

BRADY: (Looking up at Marlena with big eyes, eyes that are the mirror image of his Daddy.)I’m sorry, Mommy. I made it fall. I climbed on it.

 

BELLE: He kwimed all du way to du top, wike Spiduh-Man.

 

JOHN: What was at the top that you couldn’t ask me or Mommy to get.

 

BRADY: My seashell collection. I hid them up there from Belle.

 

BELLE: He hid dem from me.

 

JOHN: I see.

 

MARLENA: Well, Brady, I’ll tell you a secret.(She leans in to Brady and whispers in his ear.)Tonight, when Belle is asleep, we’re going to come in here and I’m going to show you the best hiding spot ever. But it will be one that you can reach without climbing. Okay?

 

(Brady looks at Belle then back at Marlena. He grins and nods his head in approval of her idea. John watches, touched by how absolutely wonderful Marlena was with his son. But that moment didn’t last very long. Belle demanded attention.)

 

BELLE: Mommy’s being bad, Daddy. She not spose to keep sekwits from Belle.

 

(John walks over and grabs Belle off the bed, lifting her up in the air then bringing her back down to tickle her. Soon all of them are laughing. Then the phone rings. Belle scrambles out of John’s arm, screaming, “I get it!” Brady scrambles out of Marlena’s arms screaming “No, it’s my turn to get it!” )

 

JOHN: (laughing)And they’re off!!

 

(He goes to Marlena who has knelt down to begin picking up some of the hundreds of books and toys that are scattered across the floor.)

 

JOHN: Hey, why don’t we get this later, when we come back from the beach. I’ve got my toolkit in the car. I’d like to put a couple of screws into it, just to be on the safe side.

 

MARLENA: I think that’s a great idea. He could have really been hurt.

 

JOHN: Naah, that was all an act. He just likes it when you take care of him.

 

MARLENA: Well, good, because I love taking care of him.

 

JOHN: I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you being there for him-

 

MARLENA: (Putting her hand to his mouth.)No, John. I don’t want to hear it. I love him just as much as I love all of my children. You know that. You don’t ever have to thank me for that. Just like you don’t ever thank me for loving Belle. It is a given.

 

JOHN: Well, then, in that case, I won’t.So what do you think? Are we finally Beach bound!

 

MARLENA: You bet!(They head downstairs to find the kids who are sitting down in the middle of the floor, surrounded by 2 beachballs, 2 floats, 2 sand buckets, and several other toys.)

 

JOHN: Wow!

 

MARLENA: Wow is right! This is alot of stuff!

 

BELLE: (looking up at her Mommy with big wide eyes.)Do ya think we can fit it all in Daddy’s twuck?

 

MARLENA: (laughing)I don’t know, Daddy, what do you think.

 

JOHN: I think we can manage.(Marlena begins picking a float up when she sees the phone off the hook.)

 

MARLENA: Belle, honey, did you answer the phone?

 

BELLE: Yep.

 

MARLENA: Who was it?

 

BELLE: It was Spiduh-man.

 

MARLENA: What did Spiderman want?

 

BELLE: To spweak wid you, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: What did you say?

 

BELLE: I said you wur wid Daddy. Den I let him speak wid Bwady.

 

MARLENA: Brady, did you talk to Spider man, too?

 

BRADY: It wasn’t really Spiderman. Belle has a very active imagination. Daddy says she gets it from you.

 

(Brady and Belle walk out the door on that note, leaving Marlena staring at John with her mouth wide open in shock.)

 

MARLENA: What is that supposed to mean, John Black?(John gives her his best smile, grabs the remaining stuff, and tears out the door, with a laughing Marlena close behind.)

Finally, after an hour of listening to those same 4 words,”Daddy, how much longer?”, John pulled his Jeep into a tiny alcove surrounded by trees that shielded the private beach from the overpopulated public beach. He looked at Marlena and grinned.

 

JOHN: Well, I am pleased to announce that we have finally arrived!!! (Brady and Belle immediately begin squirming in their seats, trying to get out of the car. Marlena turns around and releases Belle from her carseat and helps Brady out of his seatbelt as well. John gets out and opens the back up, unloading the cooler, picnic basket, and all of the children’s necessities. They each take something, and begin their hike down to the beach. Belle lags behind, and John grabs her and puts her on his shoulders. She claps her shovels together in excitement. They pick out their spot on the desolate beach, and Marlena begins laying out the blanket. John unfolds the umbrella and sticks it in the sand. Marlena takes Belles sandals off and begins putting sunscreen on Belle and Brady. John watches in silence, admiring her way with the children only for the hundreth time today. Belle pulls out her floaties and gives them to John, who blows them up and walks down to the shore to wet them before slipping them on her. Belle holds her hands up for John to pull her t-shirt and shorts off, then John slips her floaties on. Belle, clad in her favorite polka-dot swimsuit, goes tearing into the ocean without a fear in the world. Marlena jumps up to go after her, but John beats her to it. He shreds his t-shirt and goes after his baby girl who is already laughing and singing with some imaginary dolphins she has found. When John comes close to her, she splashes the water in his face.)

 

BELLE: I swim by self, Daddy!(John, wiping the salt from his eyes,, laughs at her then grabs her into his arms.)

 

JOHN: Not yet, you don’t, Miss Independent.

 

BELLE: But I swim by myself in de swimming pool wif my fwoaties on, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Yes, you do, but the ocean is a little bit different, Belle.

 

BELLE: Why?

 

JOHN: Because it is more dangerous.

 

BELLE: Why?

 

JOHN: (John laughs, amazed at how inquisitive she is.)Well, because a big giant fish could come up and grab your toes and pull you under.

 

(To demonstrate, he lets her go, reaches under, and grabs her foot, tugging her under. She comes up sputtering, wiping the water from her eyes, giggling.)

 

BELLE: A fishy got my toe.(John grabs the other one, repeating the action)Anuder fishy got my uder toe. No fishies got your toe, Daddy?

 

(John ducks under water and stays there. Belle sicks her face in the water to see him. She comes up, wiping the salt from her eyes and screaming for help.

 

BELLE: Mommy, a big fishie got Daddy and swam away wid him!(John, frum underneath the water , tugs at Belles toes, pulling her under, and he comes up with her in his arms. She hits her palm against his chest.)

 

JOHN: Daddy, dat was you, not a fishy!(Marlena, who is holding a float and making her way out to them, sees their interaction and it warms her heart.John notices that Marlena has shed her shorts and t-shirt, and is wearing a one-pice black suit, which only seems to enhance her absolutely knockout figure. John groans and wonders how on earth he is going to keep his hands to himself today. Marlena and Brady venture further out, to where John is standing with Belle.)

 

JOHN: Belle, it looks to me like Mommy is only wet from the waist down.

 

BELLE: (smiling)Mommy no like to get hair wet like me.

 

MARLENA: (looking at John, warning him not to start this.)Belle, I just don’t like to get the salt in my eyes.

 

BELLE: It buwns you eyes, Mommy?

 

MARLENA: Uh-huh.

 

JOHN: Brady, what do you think we should do about that?

 

BRADY: (putting his finger to his mouth to think)Ummm…I think maybe we should dunk her.

 

MARLENA: Brady!

 

BRADY: (grinning)I mean…I think maybe you should dunk her, Daddy.

 

MARLENA: (seeing the grin in John’s eye, begins to get nervous. She starts to back up and John takes 2 steps closer to her.) No, John, wait a minute, let’s negotiate, here. C’mon, John, I really don’t want to get my hair wet, please John-

 

JOHN: Ooohh, Doc, I love it when you beg.

 

MARLENA: John, I mean it! Don’t dunk me.(John begins moving towards her at a much faster pace)Brady, Belle, help me, tell Daddy to stop, John, Nooo-

 

(Marlena’s screams are cut off as she is submersed in the water. After he dunks her he doesn’t wait for her to come up. He immediately starts swimming back to shore at a very past pace. Marlena comes up spitting out the salt water to find Brady giggling and Belle bobbing up and down in the waves, wearing a huge grin. John is no where in sight.)

 

BELLE: Mommy go unduh de watuh!

 

MARLENA: Brady, where is your father.(Brady points to the shore, to see John sitting in the lounge chair, sipping a soda.)John Black, get your butt out here now!!!!!

 

JOHN: Language, language, Doc.

 

MARLENA: John, I am serious. Come here!!!

 

JOHN: What? And face your wrath? Not on your life, Doc.

 

(Marlena then begins imitating a chicken and Belle and Brady join in. John watches his son, his daughter, and Marlena standing in the ocean making chicken noises and egging him own, and realizes that never before has he felt as part of a real family than at this very moment. ‘His’ family. His precious, loving family. Then reality dawned on him and he remembered Kristen and the note she had left early this morning. He grabbed his watch from Marlena’s duffel bag and checked the time – 10:30a.m. She was probably still out running errands. He retrieved his phone from Marlena’s bag and dialed her cell phone.A frantic Kristen answered the phone.)

 

KRISTEN: Well, it’s about time!!!

 

JOHN: Kristen?

 

KRISTEN: John!

 

JOHN: Is everything okay?

 

KRISTEN: Fine. Great. Everything is great. I’m having a wonderful day shopping. How about you?

 

JOHN: Well, I’m having a great day too. I’m at the beach with the kids, actually.

 

KRISTEN: Ohhh, how sweet. You’re such a great Daddy. I’m sure they’re having the best time!

 

JOHN: You got that right. How’s J.J.?

 

KRISTEN: J.J. is…absolutely beautiful…just like his Daddy.

 

JOHN: Well, thank you…Kristen, are you sure everything is all right?

 

KRISTEN: Of course. Why do you ask?

 

JOHN: Well, you just seem nervous, I guess.

 

KRISTEN: Well, you know, I just don’t like driving and talking at the same time. Especially with J.J. in the car.

 

JOHN: I see. Well, I won’t keep you. Call me later?

 

KRISTEN: Of course. Goodbye.

 

(John puts his phone back in Marlena’s bag. He turns to see Marlena holding on to side of the float with Belle and Brady both lying atop the float. They are all 3 looking out towards the horizon. John figures they must have given up on him and forgotten all about the his dunking of Marlena. He quietly sneaked into the water, and swam to them underwater. He jerked Marlena’s legs pulling her under. Belle and Brady heard her yelp and both turned to see their Daddy. John quickly grabbed the float and begin swimming away with them.)

 

JOHN: Now I got you two. (Marlena came up sputtering for air, and screaming John’s name.)

 

MARLENA: John! (She sees him swimming towards the shore with Belle and Brady and the float)You BETTER run, John!!! (She swims to the shore. Brady jumps off the float and Bell follows. John has to go back to grab Belle and Brady. By the time he has them safely to the shore Marlena reaches the shore as well. John sees Marlena walking towards him and he slowly starts backing up. Belle stands in the sand, cheering her Mother on.)

 

BELLE: Get im, Mommy! (Marlena takes a step towards John and drops into the surf, crying in pain. John immediately goes to her, pulling her ankle out of the water. Marlena’s plan works perfectly. From her sitting position, she pushes with all of her weight against his chest with the foot he is inspecting for damages. A brief look of surprise registers on his face before he goes falling backwards into the sand and suds. Right after he lands, a wave breaks on top of him, covering him in sea foam. Belle brings her hands to her mouth, giggling at her Daddy as he picks himself up. Brady runs up to Marlena and holds out his hand for a high five, which Marlena returns. The three of them walk back to the blanket, leaving John to fend for himself. Marlena opens the cooler, pulling out 3 sodas for them. John walks up, holding his chest where Marlena kicked him.)

 

MARLENA: If you’re looking for pity, John, you’ve come to the wrong place.

 

JOHN: C’mon Doc. Whaddya say…Are we evn?

 

MARLENA: Not yet, we’re not. If I remember correctly, you dunked me twice.

 

BRADY: She’s right, Dad. You did dunk her twice.

 

BELLE: (holding up two little fingers)You wuh bad two times, Daddy. That means you get two shpankings.

 

JOHN: All right, all right. I get the point.

 

MARLENA: You can sit, John. You’re safe, for now.

 

JOHN: Does this mean you’re going to warn me before I am not safe.

 

MARLENA: I don’t think so, John (A drenched Belle mimics her Mother, “I don’t think so, John.” John turns to look at his mischievous little girl and picks her up above his head.)

 

JOHN: Okay, who brought the parrot?(Belle giggles)

 

BELLE: I no pear-witt, Daddy!(Brady sits his soda down and grabs his shovel and sand bucket. He goes to find a spot to build his sandcastle. Belle sees this and begins squirming to get loose.)

 

BELLE: I want to go wid Bwady, Daddy!

 

JOHN: Okay, okay…(He puts Belle down and she grabs her shovel and goes tearing after him.)

 

BELLE: Bwady, wait fuh meeee!!!

 

(Brady stops and waits for her to catch up. When she does, he points out the magical spot for their castle then takes her hand and the two walk to the spot, chattering all the way.)

 

MARLENA: (as she watches them playing)I dread the day Brady outgrows her because she will be one devastated little girl.

 

JOHN: What, are you kidding? Brady outgrow Belle? Not in this lifetime. Those two kids are bonded for life. They’ve spent more time together than they have apart. Brady will always be as kind and gentle with her as he is now. Just last week, I was over at the pub eating lunch with them, and Brady reminded Caroline to give Belle her medicine so she wouldn’t get another runny noise.

 

MARLENA: I’m sure Belle loved him for that.

 

JOHN: Yeah, she looked like she was going to knock his lights out.

 

MARLENA: (laughing)She really hates taking her medicine. She must get that from you. Thank goodness she finally finished it all.(Marlena is lying down on the huge picnic blanket, facing the children. She is totally at peace with everything. John watches her as she drifts off into another reality, and rolls his shirt up into the shape of a pillow. He lifts her head and places it under her, remembering how she hates for her head to be absolutely flat when she sleeps. He remembers how she used to get cricks in her neck from sleeping with so many pillows. He wonders if she still gets them. He is suddenly saddened by the fact that if she does still get stiff necks, he is not there to massage the kinks out. He watches her drift off into dreamland, then looks over to see Belle chasing Brady with a plastic cup full of water. Belle trips and falls in the sand. Brady picks her up and brushes her face off. The two go back to their castle and resume building. John lies beside the love of his life, watching his two beautiful children, and once again is reminded of what it feels like to have a real family. He questions why it doesn’t feel that way when he’s with Kristen. But right now, he is too content to plague himself with those doubts. He just wants to be continue to feel the wonderful peace within that he feels being with Marlena, Belle, and Brady. Even if it is only for a day…)

Marlena was in the most relaxing place she had been in years. She was lying on on the beach and John was lying next to her. He was on his side watching their children and every once in a while he would laugh at their antics. Occasionally the wind would blow her hair into her face, and John, totally attuned to her comfort, would brush her hair out of her face, placing it behind her ear. Marlena sighed deeply, in her half conscious state, knowing she could stay here forever. She was so at peace. Suddenly she heard the soft pitterpat of wet feet on sand, and knew Belle was heading her way. She heard her baby girl’s voice from far away.

 

BELLE: Daddy, my tummy is hung-wee. (John looked at her little belly poking out of her baby bikini.Belle took her finger and pointd to her bellybutton.)See?

 

JOHN: (laughing)Oh it is, is it. How do you know?

 

BELLE: It tode me it was hung-wee.

 

JOHN: What did it say, Belle?

 

BELLE: (making the face of a monster)It sed “GGrrrrr”.

 

JOHN: You tummy growled.

 

BELLE: Uh-huh, Daddy. It did. (From where Belle is standing, she is dripping onto Marlena’s legs. John sees Marlena, in her sleep, attempt to move her legs from the dripping water.)

 

JOHN: Belle, honey, you’re dripping on Mommy.

 

BELLE: (grinning)I know.(covering her mouth with her hands as she giggles.)Belle funny. I goin to pway joke on Mommy, kay Daddy?

 

(And with that she went running towards the shore with her sandbucket to fill it with water. John brushes the water off Marlena’s legs and is immediately aware of the feel of his hands against Marlena’s bare legs. So is Marlena. She wakes up immediately to see John with his hand against her bere thigh. He looks up and the two of them make eye contact. Marlena takes a deep breath and John immediately goes into an explanation. However they are interrupted by Belle and Brady who are running towards them with a gleam in their eyes, both carrying sandbuckets full of water. John and Marlena both immediately know their intention and get up from the blanket. Belle and Brady follow them.)

 

MARLENA: Belle, Brady, sweeties, not on the blanket. Don’t get the blanket wet.

 

) (John and Marlena run away from the blanket. Belle and Brady begin to empty the contents of their buckets onto John and Marlena, but at the last minute Marlena jumps behind John, holding on to his forearms and using him as a shield against the water. A soaked John turns around to a very dry Marlena, laughing at her little trick.)

 

JOHN: Now, wait just a minute here.

 

MARLENA: John, I’m hungry. What do you think, Brady? Is it lunchtime?

 

BRADY: It’s lunchtime!!

 

BELLE: My tummy is hung-wee, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: Mine too, Belle. Let’s eat!(Marlena goes over to the picnic basket and begins to unload it but John stops her.)

 

JOHN: Whoa. Wait just one minute, here. You don’t think that little stunt you pulled is going to go unpunished, do you.

 

MARLENA: John, c’mon, the kids are hungry.

 

JOHN: Kids, eat some chips.(He opens the bag of chips and tosses it to them. Then pointing towards Marlena, he says:)You are coming with me.

 

MARLENA: No, John, we’re even. Remember? I owed you one.

 

JOHN: Funny, I don’t remember that.

 

MARLENA: John, no fair. You’re cheating.(John picks her up and carries her to the ocean, listening to her beg and plead all the way. He walks straight into the water with her and continues deeper and deeper until most of her body is soaked. He notices how she unconsciously squeezes in towards his chest because the water is so cold. She pouts.)

 

JOHN: Oh, poor baby. What’s the matter.

 

MARLENA: Now I’m all wet.

 

JOHN: No. Not completely. (He bends his knees and drops below the surface of the water, taking her with him. They come back up and John wipes the strands of wet hair from her face.)

 

JOHN: Now you’re all wet.(John had noticed that Marlena had quit fighting back several minutes ago, but he continued to hold her, reminiscing, feeling her wrapped in his arms, holding on to him the way she used to years ago, when he carried her to bed. He looked into her eyes and saw such love and trust there. She smiled up at him.)

 

MARLENA: Wow, the temperature of the water has really dropped. It’s cold in here.

 

JOHN: Yeah.

 

MARLENA: So, is this my punishment?

 

JOHN: Huh?

 

MARLENA: Are you going to just stand in the ocean with me until I freeze to death?

 

JOHN: No…not that long.

 

MARLENA: How long?

 

JOHN: Just long enough to tell you how much this day has meant to me…how much you mean to me. I honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve had this much fun, or when I’ve felt this carefree and relaxed. Being with you…and the kids helps me put everything back in perspective. This is what life’s all about.

 

MARLENA: (staring up at him with tears in her eyes)I couldn’t have put it better myself.

 

BELLE: Mommy, my tumme is hungwee for more dan dese chips, pweese.

 

JOHN: You heard her, Mommy. Her tummy is hungwee for more than just chips.

 

MARLENA: (laughing)When did she get to be so demanding, John.

 

JOHN: Umm, I think it was around the time she was born, probably.(They laugh and John starts walking back to the shore, still holding Marlena in his arms.He carries her all the way to the blanket, grabs a towel, and wraps it around her. Then he grabs 2 more and puts them around Belle and Brady before wrapping himself in one. Then, the four of them sit down on the picnic blanket and have their lunch. They are all starved and eat everything in the basket. When they are done, Brady and John go looking for seashells to add to his collection. Marlena sits under the umbrella , with Belle in her lap, and the two watch the porpoises play with their binoculars. Before long, Belle is sound asleep. John comes jogging back to the blanket. His breath is taken away when he sees his beatful little girl sleeping soundly in her mother’s arms.)

 

JOHN: Well, don’t the two of you make a lovely picture.(Marlena smiles adoringly at him.)

 

MARLENA: Did you lose Brady?

 

JOHN: No, I was sent back to retrieve Belle’s sandbucket so we can pick her out some seashells, too.

 

MARLENA: Sounds like fun. Wanna trade.

 

JOHN: I think that’s the best idea you’ve had all day.(Marlena stands up and transfer’s Belle into her Daddy’s arms.)

 

MARLENA: She’s getting so big, I just can’t believe it. It seems like just yesterday that she was an tiny little baby.

 

JOHN: Yeah. Time doesn’t wait for anyone or anything. I think we both learned that the hard way.

 

MARLENA: Yes…Well, I better go help Brady.

 

JOHN: Yeah…We’ll be right here waiting.(John sits down on the blanket with Belle, silently appreciating the view from behind as he watches Marlena bend over to pick up Belle’s sandbucket. Soon after that, he stretches out on ther blanket and, with Belle in his arms, falls asleep. Marlena and Brady spend the next hour walking the shore, looking for shells. When the sun starts setting, Marlena decides to head back to their spot. As much as she hates to see it come to an end, this beautiful magical day is almost ever. She and Brady turn around and start heading back.)

 

BRADY: I wish we didn’t have to ever go back. (Marlena immediately notices the sadness in his voice and recognizes his need to talk about it.)

 

MARLENA: Why don’t you want to go back home, Brady?

 

BRADY: Because it isn’t as fun.

 

MARLENA: I agree.

 

BRADY: You do?

 

MARLENA: I certainly do. But you know what? If you came here every single day, it wouldn’t be very much fun after a while. You’d probably even get bored.

 

BRADY: I guess you’re right.

 

MARLENA: But the important thing is you had fun today, right.

 

BRADY: Today was the best day I’ve ever had.

 

MARLENA: Well, good. I’m awfully glad to have shared it with you.

 

BRADY: I’m awfully glad you did, too. Because if Kristen would have been here and not you, I would not have had very much fun. Belle wouldn’t have been allowed to come and Daddy would have been in a serious mood all day.(Marlena is somewhat shocked and doesn’t know exactly how to handle this.)You never make Daddy be serious. He always laughs and plays more when he is with you. He’s not like that when he is with Kristen. When I grow up, I’m going to marry someone like you, who likes to laugh and have fun. Not someone like Kristen.

 

MARLENA: (completely amazed at his insight into the situation, tries to figure out exactly how to respond to this.)Well, Brady, that’s what is so wonderful about life. You choose who you want to spend time with and how you want to live your life. Nobody can take those choices away from you.

 

BRADY: Is that why Daddy said I could stay with you.

 

MARLENA: It sure is. And if you decide to live with your Daddy, that is o.k. too. You can tell me, I won’t be upset. You can always come to me when you have a problem, or if you just want to talk. I love you very much, Brady.

 

BRADY: I love you too.(She holds his little hand in hers and they walk up to the blanket to find Belle and John asleep on the blanket.)

 

MARLENA: Brady, it looks like you were the only one here that didn’t have a nap today.

 

BRADY: I don’t need naps. Naps are for babies. I only sleep at nightime.

 

MARLENA: Speaking of night time, it’s going to be dark soon. We better start getting our things together.

 

BRADY: I’ll get Belle’s stuff and mine, too.

 

MARLENA: You do that. And I’ll get my stuff and your Daddy’s.(The two of them gather all of their belongings and put them in a stack next to the blanket. Then Marlena leans down on the blanket and whispers for John to wake up, being very careful not to wake up Belle. John opens his eyes to see Marlena smiling down at him.)

 

MARLENA: Hiyah sleepyhead.

 

JOHN: (smiling lazily)Good morning.

 

MARLENA: Try again.

 

JOHN: Good afternoon?

 

MARLENA: Wrong again.

 

JOHN: Good evening?

 

MARLENA: Bingo.

 

JOHN: And what a good evening it is, Dr. Evans.

 

MARLENA: And why is that, Mr. Black.

 

JOHN: Because I wake up from a truly spectacular dream to find you smiling down on me.

 

MARLENA: Ummm. Care to tell me about that truly spectacular dream?

 

JOHN: I plan on making it home in one piece, Doc.(She laughs)

 

MARLENA: Well put.

 

JOHN: So, are you two ready to head out?(Brady kicks his foot in the sand.)I guess that’s a no, Brady.

 

BRADY: Can we come back next Saturday?

 

JOHN: Well, I don’t know. I’d have to ask Kristen.

 

BRADY: Why do you have to ask HER. I don’t want her to come.

 

JOHN: Brady, I don’t think Kristen would appreciate that very much. It would make her very sad.

 

BRADY: Well, that’s her fault. She makes you sad. She always ruins everything. And when I grow up, I’m not going to marry someone like her. Mom said I didn’t have to. She said I could marry whoever I wanted.(And with that, he runs off to the Jeep, but not before picking up his and Belle’s belongings.)

 

JOHN: Was it something I said?

 

MARLENA: No, he’s just growing up, that’s all. Forming his own opinions, testing the boundaries. We had a little talk while we were searching for seashells.

 

JOHN: Wanna talk about it. (Marlena sees Brady waiting by the car.)

 

MARLENA: Later…It’s been a long day. Lets get these kids home.

 

JOHN: Whatever you say.

 

MARLENA: I’ll help Brady get his stuff in the car.Why don’t you attempt to get your little girl dressed without waking her, because I don’t think you want to drive home with a cranky little girl.

 

JOHN: And she does know how to give new meaning to the word ‘cranky’.

 

MARLENA: Yes, she definitely does.(Marlena pulls her shorts on over her bathing siut, slips her sandals on, and puts her shirt on. She grabs the umbrella and cooler and packs them in the back of the Jeep, along with Brady and Belle’s things. Brady pulls on his tshirt and gets into the backseat. Marlena helps him with his seatbelt and as she is closing the door, he stops her.)

 

BRADY: Momma?(The despair in his voice stopped her dead in the tracks.)

 

MARLENA: Yes, sweetheart?

 

BRADY: Are you mad at me?

 

MARLENA: Of course I’m not mad at you.

 

BRADY: Something made you sad.

 

MARLENA: Well…you’re right.I am a little sad.

 

BRADY: You can talk about it with me, if you want to.

 

MARLENA: I guess I wish we could stay here a little longer, too.

 

BRADY: Daddy won’t let us, will he?

 

MARLENA: I think your Daddy would like to stay too, but he has to get home to take care of your baby brother.

 

BRADY: Yeah.

 

MARLENA: Brady, I want you to know that your Daddy loves you very much.

 

BRADY: I know that.

 

MARLENA: And if something is bothering you, talk to him about it.

 

BRADY: I don’t want him to get mad at me.

 

MARLENA: I can promise you that wouldn’t happen.

 

BRADY: But Mom, it already did happen.

 

MARLENA: Your Father got mad at you for talking to him about a problem.

 

BRADY: No, but he must be mad at all of us for something.

 

MARLENA: Why do you think that.

 

BRADY: Because he lives with Kristen and the new baby and not with you and me and Belle.

 

MARLENA: Brady, who your Daddy lives with doesn’t have anything to do with who he loves more. You of all people should know that. You live with me and Belle. Does that mean you don’t love your Daddy?

 

BRADY: No way!

 

MARLENA: You see my point, then.

 

BRADY: I see your point, Mom.

 

MARLENA: Well, good. In that case, whaddaya say, we head home.

 

BRADY: Okay.(Marlena kisses Brady’s forehead and shuts his door. John walks up to the car with a sleeping Belle and an their remaining belongings.)

 

MARLENA: Ohh. Looks like you need some help. She takes the picnic basket, her duffel bag, and the folded blanket from him and puts them in the car. John puts Belle into her carseat and then pulls his tshirt on. Marlena watches in silent admiration as the muscles in his back ripple, thinking that it’s probably a good thing that he is putting his shirt on. They get in the car to begin their drive home. Brady is sound asleep before John gets the key in the ignition.

 

JOHN: (looking in his rearview mirror)Well, it looks to me like we have two absolutely exhausted children back there.

 

MARLENA: And two absolutely exhausted adults up here.

 

JOHN: No argument there.

 

MARLENA: I talked to Brady a little bit while you were dressing Belle.

 

JOHN: And?

 

MARLENA: He misses you. Being with you today made him realize just how much.

 

JOHN: So do you think letting him stay with you for awhile wasn’t a good idea?

 

MARLENA: No, I think that the best thing for him right now is to keep from throwing him anymore curveballs.

 

JOHN: Well said.

 

MARLENA: And some more quality time with you couldn’t hurt.

 

JOHN: Well, I think that’s a great idea. Maybe Brady was right – maybe the four of us should come back here next Saturday.

 

MARLENA: That is probably not a good idea, John.

 

JOHN: Why?

 

MARLENA: Because… well, your Brady’s father. And he thinks of me as his mother.

 

JOHN: Your point?

 

MARLENA: Well, Brady is just like all children. He wants his Mother and Father to be together.

 

JOHN: And what’s wrong with that?

 

MARLENA: John, I don’t know if you noticed or not, but Brady has a little bit of…resentment towards Kristen.

 

JOHN: A little, Doc?

 

MARLENA: Okay, alot. And he’s only going to resent her more if he continues to spend time with us – together.

 

JOHN: But Doc, we’re the closest thing he has to a real family.

 

MARLENA: Exactly. So why give him false hope?

 

JOHN: Is that what you saw today as? False hope?

 

MARLENA: John!No. Don’t be ridiculous. You know me well enough to know I had an absolutely wonderful time today.(she is beginning to lose her patience)

 

JOHN: Then what’s the problem, here? You had a wonderful time, I had a wonderful time, and the kids had a wonderful time.

 

MARLENA: The problem is that your son thinks that you don’t love him as much as his baby brother. The problem is that he thinks you are mad at him and Belle and me and that is why we don’t live together. And then there’s the problem of him wanting desperately for you to be happy. You see, he doesn’t really believe that you are happy with Kristen. He believes that you are only happy when you’re with me. Now, you may say, “What’s the problem?” But I see that as a pretty big problem. Adults can live with problems like that. Children can’t, John. Brady shouldn’t have to be concerned with your happiness. He shouldn’t be worrying himself sick about your welfare.(looking at him sleeping) He’s just a baby, for heaven’s sake. Only 6 years old and he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

 

JOHN: I guess I’ve been wearing some pretty thick blinders lately, huh?

 

MARLENA: That’s not important. What’s important is that you are seeing things clearly, now.

 

JOHN: Oh, you can count on that, Marlena. You see, this problem with Brady is not the first rude awakening I’ve had this weekend.

 

MARLENA: What do you mean?

 

JOHN: Brady’s right. I haven’t been happy lately. I’ve been cutting myself off from the people that mean the most to me. But no more. I’m going to be there for Brady, whenever he needs me. And Belle. And you.

 

MARLENA: John, I’m the last person you need to worry about.

 

JOHN: That’s where you’re wrong. Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me that you don’t need me.(long pause)Finally, the Doctor has run out of things to say. You’re great at satisfying everyone else’s needs, but when it comes to your own, you have a few things to learn, don’t you.

 

MARLENA: If you’re waiting for me to say that I need a man around to take care of me, then you’re going to wait an awfully long time, John.

 

JOHN: I didn’t say anything about being taken care of. And I also didn’t say anything about any other man.

 

MARLENA: I know what you said, John.

 

JOHN: You just chose to ignore it.

 

MARLENA: No.I just would rather not discuss it right now.

 

JOHN: What is so difficult about saying you need me?

 

MARLENA: (with tears in her eyes)Please, don’t do this now.

 

JOHN: When, Doc? When is an okay time to talk to me about your feelings.Yesterday afternoon on the balcony wasn’t a good time. Last night in the conference room was not a good time. And today isn’t a good time either. When did you decide that there wasn’t ever a good time to confide in me?

 

MARLENA: Probably around the same time you decided to wear those thick blinders.

 

JOHN: (after an uncomfortable silence)Ouch. Point made. I deserved that. I did. But my blinders are off now. And I intend to find out what has happened to make you so scared of talking to me.(They pull into the parking lot at the penthouse. Marlena takes Belle and John takes Brady into the penthouse. But they don’t get any farther than the door. The place has been ransacked!)

Marlena, holding a sleeping Belle, stands in the doorway in absolute shock. The penthouse is in shambles! She starts to take a step in and John places his hand on her shoulder, stopping her from going in.

 

JOHN: Doc, don’t go in. (She looks up at, then covers her mouth with her hands.) I tell you what, why don’t we go back down to the car and call Abe.

 

(Marlena stands there, in shock, until John takes an arm and guides her forward. They walk out to John’s jeep and put Brady and Belle back in the car. John calls Abe while Marlena calls Caroline. Marlena tells Caroline what has happened, and asks her to take the kids for a little while so that they don’t wake up and see their home in such a mess. Caroline tells Marlena she will be over shortly. Abe tells John the same thing. John leaves Marlena with the kids, and goes to check the place out. As he walks in to the penthouse, his first impression is that this was an act done out of anger. Pillows are ripped open, pictures torn in half. Nothing valuable seems to be taken. Just destroyed. This was an act of agression. And the culprit knows Marlena. Of that, John is sure. He goes upstairs to examine her bedroom. There is glass everywhere from where her vanity is shattered. Her lingerie is pulled out of her drawers and thrown all over the room. It is a disaster area, pure and simple. And John knows with every fibre of his being that Marlena is in danger once again. But this time, he vows, it will be different. No one is going to hurt his precious Doc. Abe walks in, surveying the situation.)

 

ABE:What do you think? Stefano?

 

JOHN: I don’t know, Abe. This doesn’t look look Stefano’s work to me. Too messy.

 

ABE:Yeah. I was thinking the same thing. But whoever it was, they were pretty angry when they did this.

 

JOHN: Violent.

 

ABE:Exactly. It is a good thing Marlena and the kids weren’t here.

 

JOHN: My thoughts exactly.

 

ABE:Well, we’re going to get this place fingerprinted. Why don’t you go check on Marlena.

 

JOHN: Yeah. Good idea, Abe.

 

(John leaves Abe to go about the formal investigation. As he is walking downstairs, he sees Marlena surveying the living room. She is very distraught. He goes to her and puts his arm around her.)

 

JOHN: You okay?

 

MARLENA: I guess so. I’m just so thankful we weren’t in the house today.

 

JOHN: Yeah, me too, Doc. Listen, why don’t we go outside.

 

MARLENA: No, I want to see the rest of it.

 

JOHN: No you don’t.Trust me on this one, Doc.(She looks up at him with eyes full of fear. He runs his fingertip along her jawline and Marlena shivers from the contact. Abe walks downstairs and sees this exchange.)

 

ABE:(walking down the stairs)Are the kids alone?

 

MARLENA: No. Sean and Caroline took them with her for a little while. She’s going to get them cleaned up and fed.

 

ABE:And then?

 

MARLENA: What do you mean?

 

ABE:Well, you don’t plan on coming back here tonight, do you?

 

MARLENA: Well, I hadn’t really thought much about it-

 

JOHN: No, Abe, Marlena and the kids will be staying with me tonight.

 

MARLENA: I beg your pardon, John?

 

JOHN: I said you would be staying with me.

 

MARLENA: That’s what I thought you said.

 

JOHN: Is there a problem with that?

 

MARLENA: Yeah, as a matter of fact there is, John.You forgot to consult with me.

 

JOHN: What’s there to consult with you about. Your entire home was severeley vandalized and your certainly not going to stay here-

 

MARLENA: I didn’t say I was going to stay-

 

JOHN: So it’s settled.

 

MARLENA: No, John, it’s not settled. I don’t want to stay with you and Kristen.

 

JOHN: Why?

 

MARLENA: Because, I just don’t.

 

JOHN: Doc, if you’re worried about imposing, don’t.

 

MARLENA: It doesn’t have anything to do with imposing, John-

 

JOHN: Doc, just listen to me for a minute-

 

MARLENA: No, John, you listen to me for a minute-

 

ABE:How about the both of you listening to me for a minute. If our primary concern here is finding a place for Marlena and the children to stay temporarily, then let’s do it. Arguing is not going to solve anything.

 

JOHN: But,Abe-

 

ABE:Marlena, could you excuse us for a moment.(Abe and John walk in to the kitchen to talk alone.)

 

ABE:John, man, what the hell is going on, here?

 

JOHN: Nothing is going on here, Abe. I just want her to realize that I can’t fully protect her unless she is under my roof.

 

ABE:But, John, she doesn’t want to be under your roof.

 

JOHN: And dammit, I want to know why.(John begins to go into the living room but Abe grabs him)

 

ABE: Man, stop for a minute and listen to yourself. Why are you so angry?

 

JOHN: I’m not angry, Abraham. I just want Doc to be straight with me.

 

ABE:Well, what about what she wants, John? She just came home to find her home and the home of her children practically demolished. Do you have any idea what she is feeling right now?

 

JOHN: Probably pretty damned frightened.

 

ABE:Exactly. The last thing she probably wants is to have an argument with you. She’s emotional enough as it is.

 

JOHN: Abe, she’s been emotional for the past two days.

 

ABE:Well, that’s all the more reason not to push her. If she doesn’t want to stay at your house, then she shouldn’t. And if she doesn’t feel like telling you why right now, then you shouldn’t force her. You’re only going to push her further away. And if I know you, that’s the last thing you want to happen.

 

JOHN: You’re right,Abe. You’re right. It’s just that I worry about her so much.And now this on top of everything else.

 

ABE:Well, she’s been through alot worse than this, John.

 

JOHN: Yeah, but how do we know this is the end of it. How do we know that whoever did this-

 

ABE:We can’t worry about that right now. We’re going to take every precaution necessary to make sure that nothing happens to her or the children. Until then, she needs a place to stay that she’ll feel comfortable at- and the children as well.

 

JOHN: Why didn’t I think of it before?

 

ABE:Where?

 

JOHN: The loft. She loves the loft. That’s one of the reasons I haven’t gotten rid of it. And Brady loves it too.

 

ABE:That sounds like a great idea.

 

JOHN: Yeah. I’m going to go tell her now.(John starts to walk out. Abe stops him.)

 

ABE:John?

 

JOHN: Yeah, Abe

 

ABE:This isn’t Kristen you’re dealing with.

 

JOHN: What do you mean?

 

ABE:I just think maybe you better try asking her instead of telling her.

 

JOHN: (grinning)Yeah. Thanks for the pointer, Abe.

 

(John walks into the living room and sees Marlena picking up a broken picture frame. The photograph that was inside the picture is lying next to it. Marlena picks up the remains of the photograph and gasps at what she sees. The photograph has been ripped down the center: John and Brady on one side, Marlena and Belle on the other. Tears run down her face as she is overwhelmed by a deep fear for John and her children’s future. John watches her in silence, then walks up behind her, enveloping her in his arms. Marlena resists at first, but the warmth and prtection his arms are offering soon wears her down, allowing her to relax completely in his embrace. Abe walks in and sees them in this tender moment, and decides to give them some time alone. He gestures to John that he’ll be waiting outside, and leaves the penthouse.)

 

JOHN: Listen, Doc, I know you’re scared right now. And I know you’re confused. But I want you to know that I will find out who did this. And this peson will be locked away where he can’t hurt you.

 

MARLENA: (nodding her head, as she fights against the tears that are threatening to take her over.)I know.

 

JOHN: Tell you what. I had a brainstorm when I was in the kitchen with Abe. How about I run it by you and you tell me what you think.

 

MARLENA: Okay.

 

JOHN: I think I know the perfect place for you to stay for a little while.

 

MARLENA: (wiping the tears from her face)Where’s that?

 

JOHN: The loft.

 

MARLENA: (a subtle smile beginning to spread)The loft?

 

JOHN: My loft. I figured, its not being used right now. And I know you always felt so comfortable and at peace when you were there.

 

MARLENA: (smiling fully now as she turns to face him. He keeps his arms around her.)I do. I love the loft. I think it’s a wonderful place to stay. And Brady will be so happy. John, thank you so much. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

 

JOHN: (remembering her response when he’d said those very words to her last night at the Titan party, he mimmicks her.)Well, you’d probably die.

 

MARLENA: (laughing at him)You’re probably right.

 

JOHN: You ready to go?

 

MARLENA: I’m ready.(John puts his arm around her shoulder and they walk out the door, having temporarily forgotten the person out there that has gone to such extreme measures to make their point known. Abe is waiting for them outside.)

 

ABE:Listen, I’ve got to get some paperwork done at the station. You guys want to meet me down there.(John feel the tension resurface in Marlena’s body.)

 

JOHN: Look, Abe. Marlena’s had a really long day. How about I run her by the loft, get her settled in, and then I’ll come up to the station and take care of that for her.

 

ABE:Sure, John. That sounds fine.

 

JOHN: Alright. I’ll see you in about an hour.

 

ABE:See you then.(Abe watches as John helps Marlena in the car, silently hoping that if anything good can come out of this latest threat to Marlena’s safety, it will be that John and her are finally forced to confront their feelings for one another. Those feelings that they hide so well from one another, but that everyone else in Salem can read like an open book. (John and Marlena ride to the loft in silence, both replaying in their minds the events that had transpired today. When they arrive, John unlocks te door, turns on the light, and a smile immediately spreads across her face.)

 

MARLENA: Wow. This place looks great.

 

JOHN: Yeah, I never could get around to giving this place up. It just didn’t feel right.

 

MARLENA: Then maybe you should never give it up. Maybe one day, Brady can live here. Or Belle.

 

JOHN: Can you imagine Brady or Belle being old enough to have a place of their own?

 

MARLENA: Never.

 

JOHN: Doc, what is it about this place that is so special to you?

 

MARLENA: I’m not sure. I guess it’s just because it reminds me so much of you.

 

JOHN: Well, that’s as good a reason as any. In fact, that’s why I like your penthouse so much – it’s so very “you”.(John notices immediately the change in Marlena when he mentions the penthouse.)Hey, Doc, as soon as they finish investigating, I’ll have it fixed up in no time – to look just the way it was.

 

MARLENA: John, you don’t have to do that.

 

JOHN: I am going to do that. When I first saw the penthouse, I knew it was perfect for you and Belle. And just because some sicko out there tried to destroy that place, that doesn’t mean you can’t go back there. It will be as good as new in a week or so. I promise you that.

 

MARLENA: Thank you.

 

JOHN: Don’t thank me. For anything. I owe you this…and more.

 

MARLENA: For what, John?

 

JOHN: For everything. For just being here. For loving me and befriending me, and inspiring me, and risking your life for me. Hell, Doc, just for being you.

 

MARLENA: (who is truly touched by this)Do you have any idea how much I…care… for you.

 

JOHN: (noticing she has used the word care instead of love)No, but I’d be willing to bet it isn’t half as much as I…”care”…for you.

 

MARLENA: (teasing him)Would you be willing to put your money where your mouth is?

 

JOHN: Oh yeah, you just name the price.

 

MARLENA: OOOhhh, I like this game.

 

JOHN: (smiling)Me too.(Marlena walks around the loft, smiling in approval.)

 

MARLENA: I’m amazed at how clean and comfy this place still looks. As if you still lived here.

 

JOHN: Well, the maid still comes in here to clean once a week. All the power is still hooked up. All we need to do is stock the fridge and you’ll be set.

 

MARLENA: Actually, what I would die for is a nice, long, hot shower.(John stares at her, his mind conjuring up images of her standing in the shower, and starts to enjoy that little fantasy way too much.)John…earth to John-come in.

 

JOHN: Doc?

 

MARLENA: Do you mind?

 

JOHN: Do I mind?

 

MARLENA: If I have that shower now?

 

JOHN: No, not at all. In fact, I think I’ll take one as well…upstairs.

 

MARLENA: (becoming a little uncomfortable with the temperature in the room that seems to have suddenly skyrocketed.)Alright then…I guess I’ll see you when I get out.

 

JOHN: I guess you will.

 

(Marlena heads to the main bathroom as quickly as possible, anxious to get away from the pictures appearing in her mind, of the two of them sharing their shower. John goes upstairs to the guest bedroom where he turns his water on. Trough the pipes, he could hear the water in the other bathroom running as well. He closed his eyes, envisioning her washing the sand and salt off from the beach. Then he pictured himself joining her, as he used to do every morning so many years ago. John turned the warm water in his shower off, letting the cold water work its magic on him, calming him down and cooling him off. After washing his hair and ridding himself of any leftover beach remnants, he grabbed a towel, wrapped it around his waist, and realized the clothes he left here were still in his master bedroom. He goes in there to get them, and finds Marlena walking out of the shower, clad only in a towel herself.)

 

MARLENA: John!

 

JOHN: Awww, man, Doc. I did it again.

 

MARLENA: It’s o.k., John.

 

JOHN: I just realized, after my shower, that my clothes are still in here.

 

MARLENA: Well, I just realized, after my showers, that I don’t have any clothes.

 

JOHN: Ahhh….I see…(teasing her)Well now, does this mean you need to borrow some of my old clothes.

 

MARLENA: (laughing)Either that or I walk around in my birthday suit all night.

 

JOHN: (raising his eyebrows)By all means, have at it. I won’t tell if you won’t tell.

 

MARLENA: I was only teasing, John.

 

JOHN: Maybe you should tease me more often…

 

MARLENA: John!

 

JOHN: But only when you’re in your birhday suit.

 

MARLENA: Okay, okay, I set myself up for that one…Now can I have some clothes, please?

 

JOHN: Can you say pretty please?(John knew he was being way too obvious about his desire for her, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. She was there, in his old bedroom, wearing only a towel, wearing the most enticing glow and for a moment – it was just like old times. He could almost see that old glimmer in her eyes, the one that appeared when she wanted him. Maybe his mind was playing tricks on him but he had to know for certain. He had to find out.)

 

MARLENA: (looks up at him, uncertain how to react, but at the same time curious to know just how far he would be willing to take this game of cat and mouse.)Pretty please, John.

 

JOHN: With sugar on top?

 

MARLENA: How about with strawberries and cream on top?(John’s jaw drops at her blatant reference to one of their past bedroom activities. He thinks to himself, “Is it just me or is Doc flirting with me?”)What’s the matter John, cat got your tongue?

 

JOHN: Not a cat, just the image of you in your birthday suit feeding me strawberries with creme on top.

 

MARLENA: Ahhh, I see. Looks to me like you’ve been strolling down memory lane yourself?

 

JOHN: Care to join me?

 

(The two of them make eye contact and stare at one another in silence. Neither one of them wants to make the first move. The clock ticks loudly in the room, almost as if to hurry them along. Marlena turns around suddenly, scared that if she looks into his eyes any more, she’ll be lost. They’ll be lost. That same loss of control that caused so much trouble before. It was back, in this very room, threatening to sweep them up in a whirlwind of passion that destroys anything in its way. John sensed the moment she got scared. It was as if, for the first time since Aremid, they were connected again. He could read her mind verbatim, just as she could his. She took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm going on inside her. Then John was there, behind her. His warmth permeated through to her very soul. His fingertips slide across her neck, moving her wet hair away from her neck. He whispers in her ear:)

 

JOHN: Doc, I don’t mean to scare you. And you know I’d never hurt you. But you need me. In every sense of the word. You can deny it to the day you die, if it will make you feel any better. But this thing, this attraction, this magnet that destroyed your marriage with Roman, it’s here and its threatening to destroy my marriage to Kristen.You see, I know from past experience that I’m not strong enough to fight it. Hell, I don’t even want to fight it. I never acted upon my feelings before, because you told me you cared for me only as a friend. That’s not the case right now, is it. (Silence)That’s okay, Marlena. You don’t have to answer. I feel it. I sense it. And there is no doubt in my mind, that if you would have taken a step towards me just now, instead of turning away from you, we would have been in a whole hell of alot of trouble right now. I’m just glad you have more control than I do. You see, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I want you, Marlena. I never stopped wanting you. And I never will. So I just hope, for both of our sakes, that I’m not around you ever again when your just wearing a towel, or your body is flushed from a hot shower, or your eyes or glazed with the passion that coats them right now, because when it comes to your passions and desires, I am powerless. I have no restraint whatsoever. And if you were willing, I would have you again Doc, no matter what the cost.(Marlena holds her breath, scared to move a muscle, scared to make a sound, for fear her body would betray her. John walks over to the dresser, pulls out some faded bluejeans, a shirt, and some boxers.)I’m going to go change. Fell free to put on anything in that dresser that you want. There’s some sweats in the bottom drawer, they’ll probably be the most comfortable.

 

MARLENA: Thank you.

 

JOHN: I need to get out of here for a minute. I’m going to go grab some food, pick up the kids, and run by the station. I’ll be back shortly.

 

MARLENA: Okay.(John leaves the room and Marlena lets out a sigh of relief. She places her hand on the wall, attempting to steady her nerves. She walks in to the bathroom, closes the door, lock it, and falls to the floor where she proceeds to cry silent tears. She hears the door to the loft slam shut and knows that John is gone. She doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.)

John drove to the station, his mind running a mile a minute. How could he have been so blind? Marlena wanted him. He knew that without a doubt. He had seen that look in here eyes too many times before when they were married. She couldn’t hide it. His heart skipped a beat as he suddenly realized that he might be able to hold her in his arms again, to hear her impassioned pleas, to feel her breath coming in short gasps against his neck, to once again know the unity and completion with another soul that only Marlena can give him. The it hit him, like a bucket full of cold water – Kristen. He hadn’t thought about her all day, since he spoke with her this morning at the beach. She was probably worried sick. He was about to turn the Jeep around and head home when he remembered his closing words to her this morning: “Call me”. He pulled his cellphone out of his jacket to make sure that it was on. It was, so he calls the house. No answer. He checks his watch – 8:45pm. He decides to check in at the house after going by the station. When he gets to the station, Abe has already left, but there is a stack of papers left for John to sign. John fills out all the necessary forms and heads to his house to explain to Kristen where he has been. When he pulls in the driveway, he notices that her car isn’t there, nor is the nanny’s car. He goes into the house to find it exactly the way he left it. He checks the messages and is relieved to hear Kristen’s voice on the machine: “Hi John. It’s me. Kristen. Listen, I’m afraid something’s come up and I won’t be home tonight. I don’t want you to worry. Nothing’s wrong. J.J. is fine. We are at a hotel room outside of Salem. I’ll explain everything to you tomorrow when we get home. And don’t worry. Like I said, everything’s fine. I just had something I had to take care of. I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you. Kristen.” John rewinded the message and listened to it again, listening for some hint as to what was going on. But she sounded fine. Still, worry got the best of him and he called her cell phone. Kristen answered in a sleepy voice after 10 rings.

 

KRISTEN: Hello.

 

JOHN: Kristen, what the hell is going on?

 

KRISTEN: John, you didn’t get my message?

 

JOHN: Yes, I got your message, but I want an explanation.

 

KRISTEN: I will explain everything when I get home.

 

JOHN: Kristen, what’s going on.

 

KRISTEN: John, it’s private.

 

JOHN: Kristen, we’re married. You shouldn’t keep secrets from me.

 

KRISTEN: It isn’t a secret. I would just rather talk to you about it face to face. Please, trust me on this one.

 

JOHN: Okay. But you better have a damned good explanation.

 

KRISTEN: I do.

 

JOHN: Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.

 

(John hangs up the phone and goes into the kitchen. He raids the refrigerator and cabintes for all of the necessities that Belle, Brady, and Marlena will need. Then he leaves to go pick up the kids. Meanwhile, Marlena has changed into some sweats and a tshirt. She puts some Noxema on her pink nose and cheeks, then goes into the den. She tries to get her mind off of all that John said, but it won’t go away. Her mind is racing with the knowledge that John knew part of her secret. He knew she still desired him. And if he knew that much, it wouldn’t be long until he figured out the rest. She laid down on the couch, but her head was pounding with a monster headache. She tried to relax, and pretty soon she fell asleep, a deep sleep where only John and her existed.)

 

***

 

John drove away from the Brady’s a little disappointed. The kids were so exhausted that after eating and bathing, they fell asleep. John checked on them and they were sleeping so soundly that he didn’t have the heart to wake them. He pulled in at the loft and unloaded the groceries from his Jeep, including some leftovers that Caroline had sent for them to have for dinner. He opened the door to the loft and saw Marlena asleep on the couch. He unloaded the groceries and went over to the couch to check on her. Sitting beside her on the couch, he was reminded of all of the times while they were married that he would come home late from an assignment to find Marlena asleep on the couch. Then he would carry her to bed, undress her, and make slow passionate love to her. He smiled as he remembered how much Marlena used to love to be woke up with soft kises and caresses. Then he realized that he could do that now, and she would probably not offer any resistance. That knowledge almost ripped his heart to pieces. He was so tempted to run his fingers across her collarbone, and to brush his lips against hers. The temtation was beginning to cause him serious pain, and he knew he had to get away from her.

 

MARLENA: (in a sleepy voice)Hi.

 

JOHN: Hi.(John watches as she blinks her eyes to adjust to the light, then looks around for the evidence of the kids.)

 

MARLENA: Are Belle and Brady in bed?

 

JOHN: Yeah..at Sean and Caroline’s. I went to pick them up but they were sound asleep and I didn’t have the heart to wake them up and move them again. Caroline said that Belle fell asleep at the table in mid-bite.

 

MARLENA: Ohhh…She must have been exhausted. Poor baby.

 

JOHN: Hey, it’s not like she won’t be fully recovered and raring to go tomorrow morning.

 

MARLENA: True…How’s J.J.

 

JOHN: Huh?

 

MARLENA: Well, I haven’t heard you mention him all day.

 

JOHN: Well, I haven’t seen him all day. Kristen was gone with him before I woke up this morning.

 

MARLENA: Well, for goodness sake, go home. I bet he’s missed you.

 

JOHN: Well, I went home already. They’re not home yet.

 

MARLENA: Goodness. Do you think they’re all right?

 

JOHN: Yeah. I talked to Kristen. She said they’re fine. They’re not coming home tonight.

 

MARLENA: John…what’s going on?

 

JOHN: I don’t know, Doc. She said she’d explain everything when she got home.

 

MARLENA: Where is she?

 

JOHN: In a hotel somewhere outside of Salem.

 

MARLENA: Outside of Salem??

 

JOHN: Look, Doc. I’ve told you all that I know. She said everything was fine and not to worry.

 

MARLENA: But aren’t you even curious as to where your …wife…and baby are?

 

JOHN: I am. But hopefully she will explain everything tomorrow. And until then, there’s really nothing that I can do except…

 

MARLENA: Except wait.

 

JOHN: Exactly.

 

MARLENA: It just seems so strange.

 

JOHN: You’re right. But the way Kristen has been acting lately, this is just par for the course.

 

MARLENA: What do you mean?

 

JOHN: Doc, nothing personal, but I really don’t want to talk about Kristen right now. I’m just going to get angry and frustrated at her not being straight with me. And I have already had enough frustration for one day.

 

MARLENA: I see.

 

JOHN: How about you, are you okay?

 

MARLENA: Fine. Why

 

JOHN: You don’t look fine. Your foreheaded is wrinkled into a grimace. One of your monster headaches, huh?

 

MARLENA: Yeah.

 

JOHN: Did you take anything?

 

MARLENA: No, I didn’t feel right going through your cabinets.

 

JOHN: Doc, I have no secrets from you. Consider them your cabinets as well. Okay?

 

MARLENA: Okay. (The two of them smile and for a moment, the tension from earlier in the evening is gone. Then John makes the mistake of looking down and seeing her in his sweats and tshirt. There was something about seeing her in his sweats that drove him crazy. He immediately got up, and went to the kitchen to unload the groceries.)

 

JOHN: Well, I got the basic necessities for you and the kids. Tomorrow we can go to the grocery store and get you anything else you’ll need. Marlena grins as she watches John pull out 3 bags of chips. John catches her smiling at him and stops what he is doing.

 

JOHN: Something amusing?

 

MARLENA: Just the fact that you consider chips a necessity.

 

JOHN: Me? No, I just know what it’s like to live with you. And for you, chips are as necessary as breathing.

 

MARLENA: (laughing)I’m not that bad!

 

JOHN: Not that bad? Doc, c’mon. I remember one night specifically after we were first married. We had just had great …uh…

 

MARLENA: It’s okay, John. You can say it. Lightning won’t strike you dead.

 

JOHN: We had just had phenomenal sex and you announced you wanted some chips. So I went downstairs to get some and remembered I had eaten the last of them that afternoon. So, at midnight, I put my clothes on and went out in the rain to buy a bag of chips.

 

MARLENA: John, I didn’t ask you to do that-

 

JOHN: I know, I know. I wanted to do that. Point being – I learned my lesson.

 

MARLENA: Which was?

 

JOHN: Never run out of chips.(Then he tosses the bag of chips to Marlena who opens them and begins munching on them.John notices she is frowning again.)

 

JOHN: That headache must be pretty bad.

 

MARLENA: Yeah.

 

JOHN: Lets see what we can find.(He rummages through the cabinet and finds an old prescription of his for migraines.)Well, what do you know? You prescribed me these. It must have been right after Isabella died.(He takes one out and pours her a glass of water to take it with.)I don’t suppose these go bad, do they? (Marlena nods her head no and takes the pill.) You hungry?

 

MARLENA: A little.

 

JOHN: Good, because I am famished. And Caroline sent over some leftover chicken that they had for dinner.

 

(He gets up and puts the chicken in the oven to reheat it. Then he walks back to the couch. Marlena is sitting on the couch with her hand in her heads.)

 

JOHN: Doc, is there anything I can do to help?

 

MARLENA: Unfortunately, no. Hopefully, that medicine will help soon.

 

JOHN: Well, it will definitely knock you out of commission. That’s for sure. (John walks behind the sofa and begins rubbing Marlena’s shoulders. Marlena immediately pulls away from him and he grabs her by the shoulders and pulls her back.)Doc, I won’t bite. I promise. Just sit back and try to relax. Your neck feels like it is wound tight as a knot.(Marlena attempts to pull away again but his hands are already working their magic. She feels her tension slowly dissolving and melts into his massage. John reaches down her lower back and feels her wince in pain.)Honey, you’ve got a knot the size of my fist here.

 

MARLENA: That would explain the pain, then. Can you get it out?

 

JOHN: Yeah, but you’ll have to lie down. (Marlena lies down on the couch and he places his hand on her back. She immediately tenses in pain, causing John to pull back.)Look, Doc. I have a better idea. Why don’t we wait half an hour until that muscle relaxer helps, then hopefully it won’t hurt as bad.

 

MARLENA: Good idea. (smiling as she sits up)Spoken like a true Doctor.

 

JOHN: I learned from the best.(He gets up and retrieves the chicken, placing it on two plates. Then he pours two glasses of soda and brings them over to the couch.)

 

MARLENA: Wow, aren’t I getting the royal treatment?

 

JOHN: You deserve it. Listen, about earlier – in the bedroom – I-

 

MARLENA: Listen, John. I’ve already forgotten it. It never happened.

 

JOHN: Oh, it happened alright. I wasn’t going to say I’d like to forget it. I just wanted to apologize. I had no right to say the things I said to you.

 

MARLENA: Did you mean them?

 

JOHN: Every last one of them.

 

MARLENA: Then you had every right to say them.

 

JOHN: Yeah, but you know as well as I do that feeling something an acting upon it are two entirely different things.

 

MARLENA: I agree. But you didn’t act upon them.

 

JOHN: But I would have. If I hadn’t noticed how frightened you were of what was about to happen.

 

MARLENA: John, I was just shocked, that’s all.

 

JOHN: Marlena – I know what you look like when you are shocked. I also know what you look like when you are frightened. And to put it bluntly, I will never forget the way you look when you are aroused. (Marlena takes a sharp intake of breath.)You were frightened and you were aroused. Shocked you were not.

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: Doc, don’t you see? You don’t have to explain anything to me. I’m not here to judge you. Maybe what happened earlier was just a freak thing where you got caught up in the past and it merged into the present. Or maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you’ve always felt that way and I’ve just been to blind to notice. Either way, it doesn’t matter. It isn’t going to make me respect or admire you any less. And if you don’t want me to know the truth, I’m not going to demand it. Maybe the truth is too much for us to handle right now. I don’t know. I can’t be in your head. And I’m not going to force you to let me in. But I just don’t want to be dishonest with you anymore. I can’t hide my attraction to you. I’m tired of trying. I think it’s better that you know. That way, you’ll know not to tease me or flirt with me anymore…unless you are willing to accept my responses. And for the record, Marlena – I will respond.(Silence. Marlena picks up her soda and drains her glass.John grabs the glass and gets up to pour her some more.)Doc, eat something, please.(Marlena picks her plate up and begins eating. John joins her and they eat in silence.)

 

MEANWHILE : In a hotel several hours from Salem, Stefano nudges Kristen to wake up.

 

STEFANO:Kristen. Wake up.

 

KRISTEN: You found her?

 

STEFANO:She ran out of gas approximately 60 miles North of us. She got gas and has stopped at a hotel for the night. We can be there in an hour, before she ever wakes up.

 

KRISTEN: Let’s go then. (They leave their room and get in the car, driving North towards Susan and John Jr.)

 

Meanwhile, back at the loft, John cleans off their dishes and puts them in the washing machine. Marlena’s giggles draw his attention

 

JOHN: (walking towards the couch)Doc, did I miss something funny?

 

MARLENA: No, I was just picturing Belle falling asleep in the middle of eating dinner.

 

JOHN: (smiling as he notices how relaxed she suddenly seems and how her eyes have a glassy look to them.)Well, I guess that pill must have done the job. You’re not frowning anymore.

 

MARLENA: Well, I feel much better.

 

JOHN: Good. Ready for my magic hands?

 

MARLENA: Huh?

 

JOHN: Your massage, Doc.

 

MARLENA: Oh…Sure.

 

JOHN: Why don’t you lie down on the floor. I’ll grab you some pillows and a blanket.(John makes her a pallet on the floor, and Marlena giggles the entire time.)

 

JOHN: Care to let me in on the joke?

 

MARLENA: No joke.

 

JOHN: Then why are you giggling?

 

MARLENA: Because I am excited.

 

JOHN: And what, pray tell, has the lovely Dr. Evans sooo excited?

 

MARLENA: Because I haven’t had anyone give me a real massage in years.

 

JOHN: (stares at her in fascination, amazed at how unaware she was of her effect on him. He imagines doing a lot more than massaging her as he watches her sit down on the floor next to him)

 

MARLENA: Do you have any lotion?

 

JOHN: (clearing his throat)Lotion?

 

MARLENA: Or oil?(John is amazed at how innocently she is looking at him)

 

JOHN: Yeah, Doc, but that would mean I would have to touch you?

 

MARLENA: John, how were you possibly planning on massaging me without touching me?(She laughs and for a moment, he feels as if he is having a conversation with Belle.)

 

JOHN: You know, you are absolutely right. I’ll get something. (As he is leaving he turns to ask her if she has a preference. She is lying on the pallet waiting for him, seemingly oblivious to the world. Once again, he feels his heart beating double time as he goes to get some lotion. He reminds himself to keep his hormones in check and that she has absolutely no tolerance to muscle relaxers whatsoever. He is well aware that anything he does to her besides giving her a massage will be taking advantage of her. But he also realizes that this was as good a time as any to examine her response to his touch and to find out just how much she wants him. She never could hide that very well, and under the influence of this medication, she wouldn’t even try to. John smiles to himself as he decides that this headache of hers may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He returns with the lotion and sits beside her on the floor. He pulls her shirt up halfway and groans inwardly at the sight of her bare back. This was going to be more difficult than he thought. He places some lotion on her back and she squirms.)

 

MARLENA: John, honey, that’s cold.(John is mesmerized by the way she’d unconsciously called him ‘honey’. He puts some lotion on his hands and rubs them together until they are warm. Then he slowly places his palms on her lower back, and begins to knead the stiff muscles that years of unresolved tension had caused. He listens to her every breath, and when she moans in pleasure, it takes every ounce of strength and will he has not to ravish her then and there.)

 

MARLENA: John, that feels so heavenly. You have no idea…

 

JOHN: Yeah, Doc, I think I do.

 

(He grits his teeth as he watches his hands span the surface of her back and when she arches her back in pleasure, he is completely lost. He moves his hands higher up, to where her t-shirt is, and pulls it up. Marlena, lost in the feeling of his hands on her back, sighs as his hands reach higher up under her shirt. He tries to get to her neck, but the t-shirt becomes an obstacle. Not being one for obstacles, John decides to remove it.)

 

JOHN: Doc, lift up for a second.

 

(She complies and he pulls the shirt off her body. The gesture of undressing her brings back a hundred and one flashbacks of him doing the very same thing, while they were married. These flashbacks assault him, wearing down his will power and composure. John’s breathing becomes shallow and he fights off the compelling urge to turn her over and worship her body in a much more intimate way. Instead, he pushes her back to the floor and rubs her upper back and neck, paying special attention to her stiff shoulders. Knowing that she was lying there, without her shirt, completely trusting, sent his hormomes raging for a release. Sweat beads begin to form on his brow and he had to concentrate just to take a breath. His muscles begin to quiver, and in that moment he knew he was a fool to ever think he could control the desires he had for this woman. He quickly removed his hands, but all thoughts but one disappeared from his mind when Marlena reached out for him, whispering in a raspy voice that he remembered all too well.)

 

MARLENA: John, don’t stop.

 

(He knew then that he was in over his head. He was powerless to her charms – her every wish becoming his one desire. He set astride her back, and begin massaging her again, this time much slower and more sensual. He let his hands dance across her soft skin, letting the warmth of his body soak into her skin. Then he let his hands stray, brushing the sides of her back and the teasing her, coaxing her, his fingers begging her to ask for more. And finally his prayers were answered when her muffled voice whispered the three most beautiful words he could have ever hoped to hear.)

 

MARLENA: I need you.

 

JOHN: Oh baby, I need you too.

 

MARLENA: John, I need you so badly.(Tears of joy mix with his sweat as they slide down his cheeks. He places a single kiss upon her back. Marlena lets out a sigh of pleasure, giving John all the encouragement he needed to continue. He pressed his face against her neck, breathing in her scent and tasting the tears that were sliding down her cheek.)

 

JOHN: Turn over, Marlena.

 

MARLENA: John, wait…

 

JOHN: Wait? Doc, I thought you wanted this?

 

MARLENA: I do, but…

 

JOHN: But what…

 

MARLENA: I thought I could do this but I can’t.

 

JOHN: (trying another tactic)C’mon, Doc. You do this better than anyone I’ve ever known.(He runs his mouth down the centre of her spine, watching as goosebumps appear all over her body.Marlena moans in response.)

 

JOHN: I know what you’re feeling, Doc. Don’t fight it.

 

MARLENA: I have to.

 

JOHN: Let me give you pleasure.

 

MARLENA: You already have.

 

JOHN: I want more.

 

MARLENA: Me too.

 

JOHN: Then turn over, Doc.

 

(John takes his shirt off and lies down, allowing his chest to press against her back.Marlena is obviously affected by this but still refuses to turn over. John, at his breaking point, decides to take matters into his own hands. He jerks her around and falls on top of her, smothering her with kisses and shattering every bit of resolve she had left. She grabs his face and returns his kisses, equaling his passion kiss for kiss. John grabs her shirt, which is in between the two of them, and jerks it out, finally feeling the bliss of her skin against his. They both exhale loudly as this physical contact jolts them into a higher level, leaving reality far behind them. It is at this point that the soft knocking at the door begins to get louder, and slowly develops into a banging. In the back of their minds, John and Marlena both hear the loud noise, but neither one of them wants to leave their altered reality. Then a voice, Abe’s voice calls out to them, slowing them down, pulling them back down to earth. Marlena realizes what almost happened, and pulls away, using her t-shirt to cover herself. John looks down at her, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he attempts to regain control.)

 

ABE: JOHN! MARLENA! OPEN UP. NOW! IT’S AN EMERGENCY!!! DAMMIT, WAKE UP AND OPEN THE DOOR!!!

 

(John recognizes the sound of his voice, and jumps up to open the door.Marlena pulls her t=shirt on and jumps up as well, running to the door. They get to the door and open it to see a frantic Abe grabbing at their arms, screaming at them to hurry up. Not knowing what is going on, they follow Abe, leaving the loft behind. John grabs Marlena’s arm and pulls her, urging her to run faster. They follow Abe to the parking lot, both terrified but having know idea why. Then, they hear a loud explosion and turn to see the loft go up in flames.)

John and Marlena stared at the remains of the loft, both amazed that they were that close to death and didn’t know it. Smoke and debris filled the air, making it hard for them to breathe. Marlena, visibly shaken from this latest travesty, begins to sway. John suspects she is about to faint and picks her up, carrying her to Abe’s squad car. Abe is leaning on it, trying to catch his breath. John opens the back door and places Marlena in the car.

 

JOHN: What the hell??!!?

 

ABE:That was close.

 

JOHN: Too damn close. Abe, Marlena and I were this close to being blown to bits and pieces and we didn’t even know it. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you got here in time.

 

ABE:Well, I almost had a heart attack when I couldn’t get you to the door. I didn’t know how much time I had left. I just kept banging away, hoping you would wake up in time.

 

JOHN: (winces, knowing they weren’t asleep.)Yeah, well thank God we did.

 

(John turns to see Marlena, her head in her lap, trying to catch her breath. Tears are running down her face, leaving wet streaks on the layer of smoke and dust that has settled upon her face and arms.John walks over to her and kneels down, lifting her face up to make eye contact with her.)

 

JOHN: Hey. You okay.(Marlena nods her head, trying not to cry, but not being very successful at it. )Doc, it’s okay. We’re alright. (She nods her head again, and John is amazed at how vulnerable she is right now. His urge to protect her becomes an obsession when he sees just how fragile she is right now.)

 

MARLENA: (speaking in a very soft and faraway voice)What happened?

 

JOHN: Someone blew up the loft, honey.

 

MARLENA: I know that. I mean, how? Why? Who?

 

ABE:That, I can’t tell you. I don’t know.

 

MARLENA: Alright. What do you know?(Marlena sees John and Abe make eye contact and gets out of the car.)I want the whole story. Everything you know. So don’t even think about giving me a few generalizations then going off for a pow-pow with John to discuss details and leads, Abe.

 

JOHN: You heard the woman, Abe. Tell all.

 

ABE:Well, I was filling out paperwork at the station when I began to wonder what we had missed at the penthouse. I mean, this person that destroyed the penthouse had a message, a point to make. He was trying to tell us something.

 

JOHN: Yeah?

 

ABE:We never found out his point. I mean, all we knew was that he demolished the place. We don’t know why.

 

JOHN: So you went back to the penthouse for a clue. That’s why you weren’t at the station when I went by to fill out the paperwork.

 

MARLENA: Did you find anything else?

 

ABE:Not at first. But I saw Marlena’s mail key lying in the middle of the bed.

 

MARLENA: My mail key? I keep that on my key ring.

 

ABE:Well, did you have a duplicate?

 

MARLENA: Not that I was aware of, no.

 

ABE:Well, this mail key fit your mail box.(Abe pulls out the key from his pocket. It is in a plastic bag. Marlena looks at it and frowns.)

 

MARLENA: That is my key. It has mailbox number imprinted on it.

 

ABE:Yeah. That’s how I found your mailbox.

 

JOHN: What was in it.

 

ABE:A message warning Marlena not to go to John’s loft unless she wanted to die there.(Marlena gasps in shock)

 

JOHN: How would he have known that she would have gone to the loft?

 

ABE:I don’t know, unless he overheard our discussion about where she was to stay.

 

MARLENA: But that would have meant he was in the house when we were there, Abe.

 

ABE:That is the only thing I can come up with right now.

 

JOHN: Look, why don’t we get the hell out of here. Whoever it is could be watching or listening.(Fear covers Marlena’s face.)

 

ABE:John’s right. If this person planted a bomb, odds are that he wanted to see the fireworks.So he may be somewhere close by. Lets go.(The three of them get in the car and Abe drives off, John watching the rearview mirror all the while for signs of someone following them.)

 

MARLENA: I need to see the children.

 

JOHN: Doc, it’s 1:00am. Why don’t we just call and check on them.

 

MARLENA: I need to see them!!!

 

JOHN: Abe, lets go to Sean and Caroline’s place. When they pull up, the lights in the house are all on. Marlena, from the back seat, panics when she sees the house lit up at this time of the night.

 

MARLENA: My God!! Something’s wrong, John!(John and Marlena throw open their doors just in time to see Bo running out of the house. Bo sees them and stops dead in his tracks, overcome with relief that they are here.)

 

BO:John!Marlena! You’re here!

 

JOHN: What’s going on, Bo?

 

BO:It’s Belle.(Marlena throws her hands up, crying hysterically)

 

MARLENA: MY BABY?!!?? MY GOD, WHERE IS SHE!!! IS SHE HURT??!?(Marlena goes running to the door, screaming “Belle, it’s okay. Mommy’s here. I’m coming.” Bo grabs her before she gets in and she gets hysterical, screaming and lashing out at him. )

 

MARLENA: I HAVE TO SEE HER. LET ME GO, BO. I HAVE TO HELP HER.(John is at her side trying to calm her down)

 

JOHN: BO, C’MON MAN.WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON??!?!!

 

BO:Marlena, John, just listen to me for a second. Belle is fine.

 

JOHN: (overcome with relief)Did you hear that, Doc? Belle is fine.

 

BO:She’s just a little scared and upset. Nothing else is wrong with her. She just wants to see her Mommy and Daddy.

 

JOHN: Then what are we doing standing here.

 

ABE:Because she is frightened and upset and she doesn’t need two hysterical parents screaming and crying around her.

 

JOHN: What happened.

 

ABE:I can’t get many details from Belle. She doesn’t want to talk about it. Basically, she says that spiderman came and told her he was going to hurt you two.

 

JOHN: What?

 

BO:Spiderman.

 

MARLENA: Where is she?

 

BO:Inside.(Handing her a handkerchief)Here. Wipe your face first. You two look like death warmed over.What happened?

 

JOHN: Someone blew up the loft. Abe got us out just in time.(Marlena wipes her face and hands the handkerchief to John to do the same. Then they hurry in to see Belle. They find her sitting in a chair in Caroline’s lap, with Sean, Hope, and Brady surrounding her. Marlena runs to her, arms outstretched.)

 

MARLENA: Belle!

 

BELLE: (with tears rolling down her face)Mommy!(Marlena picks her up, soothing her with word of love.)

 

MARLENA: It’s okay. Mommy’s here.

 

BELLE: Daddy?

 

JOHN: (who is standing behind her)I’m right here, Belle.(Belle turns her head around to make sure he’s really there.She sees him and her eyes light up. She reaches her arms out to him and he takes her, smoothing her hair back and placing kisses on her forehead.)You okay?

 

BELLE: Uh-huh.

 

JOHN: You wanna tell Daddy what happened.(Big tears immediately from in her eyes and she shakes her head ‘no’. John looks down to see her tiny fists squeezed tight.)

 

BELLE: Belle no talk bout it no more.

 

(John gives Marlena a frustrated look. Marlena smiles at him.)

 

MARLENA: I’m kind of thirsty. Belle, would you like something to drink.(Belle nods.)Why don’t you come with me and help me pour it?

 

BELLE: I fink I need a cookie too, Momma.

 

MARLENA: That sounds like a good idea. Let’s go. (Marlena takes Belle into the kitchen. John puts his arm around Brady. Brady looks up at John confused.)

 

BRADY: Daddy, why aren’t you wearing a shirt?

 

JOHN: (attempting to ease his concern and lighten the mood)Well, I was in such a hurry I forgot to put one on.(Brady smiles.)

 

BRADY: Why are you and Mommy all dusty?

 

JOHN: Well, we were involved in an accident.

 

SEAN:What kind of accident, son?

 

JOHN: We kind of witnessed an explosion. But we were far enough away that we didn’t get hurt.

 

SEAN:An explosion?

 

BRADY: Belle was right, then.

 

JOHN: (going down on one knee to talk to Brady)What do you mean, Brady.

 

BRADY: When Belle was crying, she kept saying to me that the bad guys were going to blow you and mommy up.

 

JOHN: Blow us up?

 

BRADY: Yeah, with a bomb, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Sean?

 

SEAN:John, she never said anything like that to us. All she kept saying was that Spiderman tried to take her away.

 

JOHN: What exactly happened?

 

CAROLINE: Everyone was asleep. Then we heard Belle screaming. We went to her room and she wasn’t there. We found her outside. Brady was pulling her inside, telling her that everything would be okay.

 

JOHN: Brady?

 

BRADY: I was in my room asleep, Daddy. I didn’t do anything wrong.

 

JOHN: I know you didn’t do anything wrong, son. I just want you to tell me what happened.

 

BRADY: I woke up because I heard something. I opened my eyes and Belle was standing by my bed smiling. I told her to go back to sleep and that I would play with her in the morning. She said she wanted to play now. That Spiderman was waiting for her outside. She said he knocked on the window and asked her to come outside. I told her that Spiderman wasn’t a real person and to go back to sleep. She got mad at me and ran out of the room. I waited for a long time and she never came back so I went and looked out the window. I didn’t see nothing so I turned on the light in my room. Then I went to look for her and I turned on all the lights in the house cause I thought she was hiding from me. Then I heard her scream. She screamed loud about 5 or 6 times. I ran outside to find her and she was in the grass crying really bad, Daddy. She kept saying “We gotta save Mommy and Daddy”. I tried to get her inside but she kept running away from me. She said that Spiderman was going to blow Mommy and you up with a bomb and we had to save you. I kept trying to pull her in but she wouldn’t come. She just kept screaming and crying really loud, Daddy. She was scared real bad. Then Grandma and Grandpa came out and got us and brought us inside.

 

CAROLINE: We tried to call you at the loft but the line was dead. Then I called Bo while Sean went to get your cell phone number from his wallet. (Bo has been listening all this time.)

 

BO:Brady, did you ever see the man that scared Belle.

 

BRADY: No but when Belle was crying she kept pointing towards the woods.

 

(Bo and Abe immediately head to the woods, grabbing two flashlights on the way out.John picks Brady up and carries him into the kitchen.)

 

JOHN: Brady, you are one tough guy, you know that. Belle is so lucky to have you for a big brother.

 

BRADY: I just hated to see her so sad. She just kept crying so loud and she wouldn’t stop, and I kept trying to pull her inside and she wouldn’t listen to me. She was so scared, Daddy.

 

JOHN: I know, baby. Mommy gets like that to sometimes. But you did the right thing. In fact, I bet when you turned all the lights on inside the house, you scared him away.

 

BRADY: I hope I scared him away. I don’t want him to scare Belle like that again.

 

JOHN: He won’t. I promise you that. You want to join me for a glass of water?

 

BRADY: Do I get a cookie too?

 

JOHN: (tickling him)Do you get a cookie too??Of course you get a cookie too! (Brady giggles, eager for a break from all of the serious conversations.)John grabs a cookie for him and puts him down, filling a cup with water for Brady then pouring himself one as well. Brady walks into the den and John follows him, more than eager to sit down for a minute. He walks in and sees Marlena in the rocking chair, with Belle in her lap. Marlena is humming a lullaby and Belle’s head is on her shoulder, her heavy eyelids slowly dropping until they are closed. Brady turns around and motions for John to be quiet so he doesn’t wake Belle, then he sits down very quietly on the floor next to Marlena and ate his cookie and drank his water. John walked up behind Marlena, placing his hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him and smiled.

 

MARLENA: Did you find out anything?

 

JOHN: Yeah. (He takes Belle from her and lies her on the sofa, pulling a comforter up over her.Then he takes her hand and walks with her to the corner of the room.)

 

JOHN: Brady said Belle woke him up, asking him to come outside and play with Spiderman, who knocked on the window. Brady told her to go back to sleep and she got mad and ran out. She never came back, he went to check on her. He turned the lights on in the house to look for her, which was probably what scared this freak away. Then Brady heard her screaming and ran outside. She was pretty scared. Brady said that Spiderman told Belle that he was going to blow us up with a bomb.

 

MARLENA: John, that means that-

 

JOHN: That he was here.(Marlena brings her hands to her mouth in fear.)Hey, don’t you worry. We’re all here. We’re safe. And I’m not going to let anything happen to you, or Belle, or Brady. We just have to be more careful until we find out some more information on this nut.I just wish Belle would tell us what he looked like. Anything besides Spiderman. I mean, she calls everyone male Spiderman. She calls me Spiderman, Bo, Abe, every male in her life.

 

BRADY: (whispering)She even calls me Spiderman.(Marlena smiles at him.)

 

MARLENA: Actually, I did ask her about that. I asked her what color Spiderman’s hair was. She said he didn’t have any hair.

 

JOHN: He was bald?

 

MARLENA: That’s what I asked her. But she said, “Spi-duh man don’t have no hair, Mommy.” But then I asked her if she remembered when Brady was crawling on his bookshelf and it fell. She said yes so I asked her if he was being Spiderman. She said yes so I asked her what color Spiderman’s hair was then. Guess what she said.

 

JOHN: “Spi-duh man don’t have no hair, Mommy”

 

MARLENA: (smiling)No. She said his hair was brown. Which means that yesterday, she was only associating Brady with Spiderman, so she understood when I asked her for the color of his hair.

 

JOHN: But she couldn’t do that tonight.

 

MARLENA: Maybe there’s a reason for that. Maybe he was dressed as Spiderman.

 

JOHN: Doc, you don’t really believe he was dressed as Spiderman, do you.

 

MARLENA: I’m just offering it as a possibility. I’m the first to admit that Belle likes to pretend and has a very active imagination. That’s normal, John. But she knows the difference between reality and fantasy.

 

BRADY: (whispers)She does Dad. She likes to pretend, but if I ever ask her to tell me the truth, she always does. And she swears she saw Spiderman. I think Momma’s right. I think someone impersonated Spiderman-

 

JOHN: Impersonated???

 

MARLENA: Impersonated, honey.

 

JOHN: Where the hell did he pick up that word.(Marlena nudges John, giving him a warning look to watch his language around Brady)

 

MARLENA: From me. You were saying, Brady?

 

BRADY: I was saying that someone inpersnated Spiderman to get her to come outside. I mean, everybody knows how much Belle love Spiderman, right?

 

MARLENA: You know, Brady, I believe you are exactly right.(John stares at the two of them in shock that they are carrying on a conversation at this level of intellect.)

 

BRADY: I think I’ll go check on Grandma and Grandpa.

 

JOHN: Okay, kiddo.(Brady exits.Marlena, seeking comfort, falls into John’s arms.He wraps his arms around her and smooths out her hair. Abe walks in.)

 

ABE:Well, someone was definitely out there. There is footprints that lead all the way out to some tire tracks in the woods. We followed them all the way out to the highway.

 

JOHN: Okay. First things first, Abe. What do you think is our top priority here.

 

ABE:Honestly?

 

JOHN: Yep.

 

ABE:Getting you and Marlena and the kids somewhere this creep can’t find you. That will buy us some time to come up with leads. I mean, John, we have no leads. Nothing. And we can’t focus on finding anything out until we have the four of you somewhere safe. No one can no where you are. I mean, of course, you’ll have to tell Kristen, but no one else.

 

(Marlena’s eyes widen as she remembers the last time Kristen was let in on their secret plan to keep Marlena safe from Stefano.Then she begins to think about Kristen’s disappearance and panics, because Kristen may have had something to do with all of this. )

 

MARLENA: Wait! No, Kristen can’t know.

 

JOHN: Doc, she has to know.(Marlena suddenly has flashbacks of the cage and Stefano telling her she’ll never see Belle again.)

 

MARLENA: No, John, please,please don’t tell her.

 

JOHN: Doc, why are you begging me not to tell her. What is going on here?

 

MARLENA: Please promise me you won’t tell her where we are. Promise me.

 

JOHN: (seeing how distraught she is, realizes she has had enough emotional trauma for one day.)Okay Doc. I promise you that for now, we won’t tell her. Hell, I don’t even know where she is myself. But eventually, I either tell Kristen where we are staying, or you tell me why I shouldn’t.(That answer satisfies Marlena for the time being. She knows that if John promises her something, he won’t break it. Not without talking to her first.)

 

ABE:Okay, so what we need to do now is get you packed up with plenty of neccessities, clothing, food. Bo has a couple of ideas of places for you to stay, that are a little ways out but close enough for us to get in touch with you if an emergency arose.He’s working on a map now. As soon as he’s done, memorize the map, then burn it.(John goes to find Bo.)

 

ABE:How are you holding up?

 

MARLENA: I’m hanging in there.

 

ABE:Good. That’s all we can ask of you.(He puts his arm around her, offering support.(Bo and John walk in.)

 

BO:Okay. Here’s the plan. You guys leave in my truck, so it will appear as if I’m leaving, in case anyone’s watching. I’ll stay here for the night. You’re going to be staying in a cabin about 20 miles from here. Security has already been dispatched to the area. There is a fence surrounding the premises. At not time during your stay are Belle and Brady to go beyond that fence. All security have been hand-picked by myself and Abe, so we know they’re the best and the most reliable. Sean and Caroline are getting some food together. We’ll have someone bring you two some clothes tomorrow. Brady is throwing some clothes together him and Belle right now.

 

JOHN: (smiling with the pride of a father for his son)’Throwing’ being the key word there.(Everyone in the room bursts into laughter, needing a release from the tension permeating the air. Sean and Carline enter with several bags of food and toiletries.Brady enters behind them with 2 duffel bags stuffed with clothes)

 

JOHN: So, are we ready?

 

BO:Yea, the truck’s out back. Abe and I will follow you for a little while to make sure no one else is following. Then we’ll turn and head back. A security guard will be there to meet you and let you in. They have strict orders to let no one else in unless otherwise instructed by me or Abe. Other than that, drive safe and I’ll see you tomorrow.(Abe and Bo follow John and Brady out. Marlena picks up Belle from the sofa, keeping her wrapped in the blanket. Outside, John takes Belle from Marlena, placing her gently in a car set Bo had put in there for her. Marlena gets in the passenger side, with Brady on her lap. John gets in and they drive towards this cabin, that is supposed to protect them from the danger that has invaded their lives in the past 12 hours. On the way there, silence and an overall fear of the unknown fills their thougts, making casual conversation impossible. Marlena is wide-eyed and alert, as is John, constantly checking the rear-view mirrors for signs of other cars folloing them. Finally, after passing through several security checkpoints, they arrived at the property they were to be staying at temporarily. After several twists and turns into the woods, they arrived at a beautiful little wooden cottage. John got out of the truck and walked over to Marlena’s side, lifting a sleeping Brady off her lap and carrying him inside. A security guard posted at the door let them in, Marlena following him with Belle fast asleep in her arms. They carry the children into a tiny room with two twin beds, and tuck them in. After they unload the rest of the truck, they check out the rest of the cabin. There is a beautiful little den with a fireplace, a large master bedroom with a fireplace in it as well, a kitchen, and a bathroom.)

 

MARLENA: It’s a precious little house.

 

JOHN: Yeah, but kind-of small.

 

MARLENA: That’s okay. We’ll make do.

 

JOHN: Yeah.

 

MARLENA: I think I’m going to take a shower. I’m rather filthy. Do you think you can wash our clothes so we can out them back on to sleep in?

 

JOHN: Yeah. In fact, I’ll do that while you’re showering. Why don’t you leave your clothes in here when you take them off, and I’ll go make me a pallet in the den to sleep on.

 

MARLENA: John, you shouldn’t have to sleep on the floor.

 

JOHN: Doc, it’s either that or sleep with you – and after this evening, I have proven that I’m still not capable of being that close to you without seducing you.

 

MARLENA: John, that wasn’t all your fault. I mean, you didn’t have to work that hard on seducing me. I was just as much at fault as you were.

 

JOHN: Doc, you were pretty blitzed off of that muscle relaxer and I knew that.

 

MARLENA: John, the muscle relaxer didn’t make me want you. It just allowed me to act on those desires.

 

JOHN: Well, I wasn’t on any medication. I took advantage of you. And it almost killed us.

 

MARLENA: John, that has nothing to do-

 

JOHN: Marlena. Please. Lets not argue about this. We are both exhausted and emotional right now. Let’s just get cleaned up and try to get some sleep.

 

MARLENA: Okay. (John leaves Marlena to undress. When he hears the water running, he takes her clothes and puts them in the washer, along with his jeans. Clad only in a pair of black jockey shorts, he goes into the bedroom to retrieve a pillow from Marlena’s bed. As he stretches across the bed to get the pillow, he is amazed at how inviting the warm, soft bed feels. He lies there for a second, resting his body while he goes over in his mind the events that have unfolded in the past twenty-four hours. He thinks back to when him and Marlena were at the beach with the children, the waves hypnotizing him and washing away all of his troubles. He reminds himself that he has to get up and go to the pallet in a little while. Then he closes his eyes and within seconds, falls into a deep sleep, the pallet only a fleeting memory.)

Marlena stands in the shower, enjoying the feel of the hot water washing all of this terrible evening away. She turns the water off, wraps one towel around her hair and the other around her body. Cracking the door open, she calls John’s name. He doesn’t answer, so she steps into the room, figuring he has already seen her in a towel twice this weekend. What difference will one more time make? She stops in her tracks when she sees him passed out on the bed with a pillow in his hand. Her breath catches in her lungs as her eyes travel the length of his body. Smiling, she thinks to herself that John in those black jockeye shorts is definitely an image that should be outlawed. He looks deliciously sensual, lying there sound asleep atop snow white sheets, his lips seemingly pleading for a kiss. Marlena goes to the washing machine and sees that their clothes were washed, but not dried. She laughs to herself as she remembers how John always used to annoy her when he would leave clothes in the washer, forgetting to dry them. “Oh well”, she thinks, “I guess some things never change”. She puts their clothes in the drier and sees John’s half-made pallet on the floor. She hates to think of him having to sleep on the floor tonight, after the day they have both had. She picks up his sheet off the floor and wraps it around her, then goes in to check on the children. They are sleeping like two little angels. Then she returns to the bedroom and sits on the other side of the bed, her muscles begging her for a rest from the strain of the past two days. John flinches in his sleep, and he calls out to her from his dreamland. He pleads with some unknown figure in his dream,”Please don’t hurt her.Please don’t hurt my baby girl”. Marlena’s heart breaks at the helplessness he must be feeling. John jerks in his sleep, and a tear rolls down his face. Marlena reaches out and holds his face in her hands. She places a kiss on his cheek where the tear has fallen, and whispers loving words to him, softly encouraging him to relax.

 

MARLENA: Ssshh, honey. It’s alright, baby, I’m here. Belle is fine. Her and Brady are sound asleep in the next room. Everything is going to be okay.

 

JOHN: (whispering in his sleep)Doc?

 

MARLENA: It’s me, baby.I’m right here.

 

JOHN: Doc, I was so scared.

 

MARLENA: I know, honey. Me too.

 

(John pulls her into his arms. Marlena lies her head on his chest, amazed that even in his sleep he tries to protect and comfort her. A shiver runs through her as she revels, for the first time in years, at how wonderful it feels to lie in bed with him. John, even in his sleep, is attuned to her needs. He feels her shiver and pulls the comforter up over her, thinking she is cold. Marlena falls asleep in his arms with a smile on her face. About two hours later, around 4:30 in the morning, John’s dream begins. He is lying on the beach and the kids are no longer there. He props up on his elbows and watches as Marlena walks out of the ocean. She walks toward him, their eyes meet, and, without ever taking her eyes off of him, she reaches back behind her and unties her bathing suit top, dropping it on the wet sand for the waves to wash away. She continues her approach on him, and when she reaches him, she crawls atop him. John moans in his sleep, and calls out her name. Marlena, meanwhile, is having her own sweet dream where she is showering when John joins her, helping her wash the soap off her body. In her sleep, she answers his moan with one of her own, and runs her fingers down his chest. John responds by rolling her over and lying atop her where he then begins to kiss her into oblivion. Their two dreams merge into one, and John reaches between them to pull the sheet off of her. When his hands span her ribcage, he opens his eyes to look at her. He awakens from his dream to find her asleep, her naked body beneath him, her eyes closed, her lips in a pout – eager for his kisses.)

 

JOHN: Doc-

 

MARLENA: John, I want you.(John grimaces in pain as he fights for the control to keep his hands to herself. He reminds herself that she is only dreaming, and if he takes her now, she will only regret it. But his body is begging for a release of this torture. His arms and legs shake from the intense desire that is racking his body. He tries to pull away from her, trying to think of Kristen and John Jr. and anything else to distract him from the body that has haunted his fantasies for years. But she reaches out to him, pleading with him to finish this dream and sate her desires. John grits his teeth together, wanting to please Marlena but knowing how ashamed and guilty they would both feel in the morning. Marlena turns his face to the side, licking his ear as she whispers in it:)

 

MARLENA: John, don’t you want me?

 

JOHN: Baby, you know I do. Can’t you feel how much?

 

MARLENA: Uh-huh.(She slowly slides her hand downward, kissing his neck and his chest.John begins to lose his battle as she encourages him to touch her, to kiss her. Finally, he gives in to their desires and when he rewards her with a very hot kiss, she exhales loudly.)

 

MARLENA: Oh John, this is the hottest, most delicous dream I’ve ever had.(John’s hands and mouth cease their movement as she once again reminds him of her dreamstate. He realizes that no matter how bad he wants her, no matter how willing she is, no matter how desperately she pleads with him; he absolutely CAN NOT take her without her conscious consent. It is wrong. So, he takes the sheet and wraps it around her, lies down behind her, and talks to her.)

 

JOHN: Honey, I love you so much.

 

MARLENA: I love you too.

 

(John inhales deeply, his breath knocked out of him at the sound of those three words. His mind reels with the knowledge that his one beloved soulmate loves him too. But for whatever reason, she wasn’t ready to tell him yet. Well, he wouldn’t force it out of her. He would just wait…for however long it took her. And then when she did, if she did, he would do everything in his power to make her happy. He smiles as he thinks of how much fun they used to have together.)

 

JOHN: Soon, Doc, real soon….

 

MARLENA: Honey…

 

JOHN: Yeah?

 

MARLENA: That was so incredible…

 

JOHN: Yeah…

 

(John smiles, realizing her dream must have left her more satisfied than he was now. He tries to will himself to sleep, but with her in his arms, his body will not relent. He can not cool down, despite the fact that Marlena is sound asleep. He wants her, and he can’t be this close to her without suffering the consequences. So he gets up and shreds his shorts, going into the bathroom to take yet another cold shower. As the ice cold pellets beat down on his back, he sighs, thinking that this is going to be a very long and frustrating night. After he manages to get his body temperature down, he towels off and pulls his shorts back on. As he is leaving to go to his pallet, Marlena calls out to him.)

 

MARLENA: John, don’t leave me please.

 

JOHN: Doc, I-

 

MARLENA: I need you here with me.

 

(John’s heart melts at the sound of her simple plea. He crawls back into bed with her and their bodies naturally arrange themselves into a spoon position, the way they slept together so many years before. Marlena sighs in her sleep-induced state.)

 

MARLENA: Oh,honey.This feels so good. I’ve missed you so much.(John smiles, thinking that he could definitely get use to her sleepy admissions and confessions. But then Marlena snuggles up against him, causing John to groan aloud at the sensations she has created in his lower frontal region.)

 

JOHN: Ohh, Doc, I swear, you’re going to be the death of me.

 

(He reaches out and runs his fingers through her hair, and Marlena sighs as she drifts back off to sleep. Unfortunately, for John, it isn’t that easy. He lies there in his aroused state for quite sometime. He even considers jumping back in the shower, but he knows that will only be a temporary fix. As soon as he get back in bed with her, he will be in the same place he started. So he takes a deep breath, and tries to think of other thoughts. After a while, his body finally relaxes and he drifts off sleep.) Several hours later, the sun rises on the little cabin in the woods, sending morning rays through the bedroom where John and Marlena lay sleeping. The sun shines through their window, spilling bright rays of light on Marlena’s eye lids. Not ready to wake up, Marlena turns into John’s arms, burying her head in his pillow. John wraps his arms around her, pulling her closer. Then a very loud bird finds a seat on the windowsill and begins chirping. Marlena pulls the comforter up over her face, determined to steal another few minutes of sleep. John begins to wake up and a smile spreads across his face as he watches Marlena, burying her head in the sheets, trying to get away from the bright light. She streches against him and likes what she feels, causing her to get closer. John gasps for air as he feels Marlena’s legs intertwine with his, causing his body temperature to skyrocket within a mere seconds. Marlena runs her fingers through the hair on his chest, and John firmly grabs hold of her hands, jerking them away. Marlena wakes up suddenly, to find John gripping her hands, with a pained expression on his face. Her legs are intertwined with his. She looks up at him with wide-eyes, quite surprised to find them in this position. John, unaware that Marlena has awakened, is laying his head against her forehead.

 

JOHN: C’mon, Doc. Enough is enough. Are you trying to torture me to death, here?

 

MARLENA: Not intentionally, no.(John looks down to see Marlena wide awake, staring up at him rather confused. He smiles down at her.)

 

JOHN: Good morning, Doc.

 

MARLENA: John, why are you squeezing my hands?(The sound of Marlena’s raspy voice in the mornings always used to dirve John crazy and this morning is no different.)

 

JOHN: Honestly? Because you were running your nails across my chest and it was turning me on.(Marlena’s mouth drops in shock)I’m serious, Doc. Not only were your fingers being friendly, but your legs as well.(Then John begins to pull his right leg out from in between Marlena’s.)Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely no qualms against you wrapping your legs around me as long as your not sound asleep when you do it.(Marlena blushes and begins to laugh, rather embarrassed at how active she must have been while she was sleeping.)

 

MARLENA: John, I’m sorry.

 

JOHN: Doc, to be honest, it’s a little late for that.

 

(Marlena doesn’t have to think too hard to figure out exactly what he is talking about. She starts to sit up but the sheet she slept in slides down to her waist, leaving little to John’s imagination. John stares at her, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.)

 

JOHN: Doc, you’re so beautiful. (Marlena reaches to pull the sheets back up but John reaches out, holding the sheet down so that she can’t cover herself.)

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: Please, Doc. I just want to touch you.

 

MARLENA: John, wait-

 

JOHN: Please let me touch you.(He reaches out and runs his thumb against her lips, then moves his hand to her chest. He places his hand in the hollow between her breasts. Marlena gasps.)

 

JOHN: Doc, Do you want me to stop?

 

MARLENA: John…

 

JOHN: Answer me, Marlena. Do you want me to stop?

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: Ohhh, honey.(He turns her over onto her back and begins to kiss her neck, causing her to run her nails down his back in delight. John tilts her head back and begins a slow and erotic kiss that soon builds into an extremely passionate one. They spend the next few minutes exploring each other’s mouths. Then Marlena begins to grow impatient. She wants to feel his entire body against hers. She begins to fumble with his jeans, and John pulls the covers up over them. He pulls away only for a moment, to remove his shorts. Marlena feels the cool morning air against her skin, and grows more impatient, desperate for John’s warmth. She reaches down to help him, encouraging him the entire time. John can hardly breathe, he is so excited and eager to be with her in every sense of the word.)

 

MARLENA: (breathless)John, please hurry baby.

 

BELLE: Yeah, Daddy, huwee up and git dwessed. We gotta go outside and pway!!! (John and Marlena both nearly jump out of bed, completely shocked at the sound of Belle’s voice. Marlena peers over John’s shoulder to see Belle standing in their doorway, holding her bunny by the ears.)

 

MARLENA: Belle, honey, why don’t you go back to your room and wake Brady up.

 

BELLE: Okay, Mommy.(Belle notices that her Daddy is being very quiet.)Daddy, you not feel verwee good?(Marlena looks down at John, who is attempting to breathe, very slowly and carefully. He can’t even answer. Marlena smiles, secretly touched that she still has this much of an effect on him.)

 

MARLENA: Daddy’s fine, honey. He’s just tired. That’s all.

 

BELLE: Okay. (Belle leaves to wake Brady up. As soon as John hears her walk out, he lets out a deep breath and places his naked body against Marlena’s.)

 

MARLENA: John, c’mon, the kids will be back in here any minute.

 

JOHN: Doc, I’ve never wanted someone so badly in my entire life.

 

MARLENA: (smiling)Well, I’m sure it won’t kill you to want me a little more.

 

JOHN: I don’t think that’s possible.(He presses his body against her to prove his point. Marlena decides to prove her point as well.)

 

MARLENA: Oh, I am quite sure that’s possible.(And she very gracefully eases John on his back, and whispers in his ear.)I am going to go take a… very… hot… shower.(Belle’s voice echoes through the tiny cabin)

 

BELLE: Daddy, huwee up. My tummee is hungwee and it needs some Fwuit Loops.

 

MARLENA: You heard your daughter. Hurry up. She’s hungry.

 

JOHN: Doc, I can’t go out there right now. I can’t even see straight, much less walk straight.

 

MARLENA: (Gesturing for him to follow her)Come here, honey. I think I might can help you out.(John jumps up, thinking Marlena is going to invite him into her nice…hot….shower. He follows her into the bathroom, where she gestures for him to step into the shower. Then, before John has a chance to guess her intentions, Marlena turns the shower handle up and all the way to the right, soaking him with ice cold water. Marlena waits five seconds, then shuts the water off. John stands before her, completely drenched…and cold.)

 

MARLENA: (smiling up at him)Feel better, darling?

 

JOHN: Much.(He grins at her) Thank you.

 

MARLENA: Your welcome. Now, if you’ll excuse me, John…(she steps into the shower and places a wet kiss on his lips) I am ready for my shower, now.

 

JOHN: I swear, Marlena, when I finally get you alone, you are going to rue the day you ever teased me so mercilessly.(Then as he is getting out of the shower, he turns the cold water on again, blasting Marlena with ice cold pellets as she screams out his name in shock.)

(John hurried to the dryer to retrieve his jeans. He laughed as he visualized the look on Marlena’s face when he turned the cold water on and soaked her the same way she soaked him. After pulling his dry jeans on, he went in to the children’s room. Belle was bouncing up and down on Brady’s bed, trying everything in her power to wake him up. John saw her and immediately frowned.)

 

JOHN: Belle, honey, what has Daddy told you about jumping on beds.

 

BELLE: You tode me it was dangewus, Daddy.

 

JOHN: That’s exactly right. And what did I tell you would happen if I caught you doing it again?

 

BELLE: You shed you wud gif me shpankings, Daddy. (Her lip portrudes and tears begin to form in her eyes.)Belle no want no shpankings, Daddy. I sor-wee.

 

JOHN: Alright. I’ll let it go this time, but if I catch you doing it again, you will be in very bad trouble.

 

BELLE: I no jump no more, Daddy.

 

(She holds up her hands for John to pick her up. John grabs her and carries her into the kitchen, where he pours her a cup of juice and and a bowl of cereal. Brady comes stumbling in to the kitchen rubbing his eyes.)

 

JOHN: Well, good morning sleepyhead.

 

BRADY: Good Morning.

 

JOHN: Hungry?

 

BRADY: Yep.

 

JOHN: Good. Take a seat with Belle here. (Then he pours Brady some juice and some cereal.)Now as soon as you kiddos eat and get dressed, we’ve got some exploring to do.(Brady’s eyes light up.)

 

BRADY: Exploring, Daddy?

 

JOHN: You bet. We are in the middle of the woods. I bet there’s all kinds of neat stuff out there.

 

BELLE: I go sporing too, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Yep. As long as I don’t catch you jumping on the bed between now and then.

 

BELLE: I no jump no more, Daddy. I was ve-wee bad. I be a good girl now. Kay, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Okay, Belle. (John pours himself a glass of orange juice and downs the entire glass.)

 

BELLE: Daddy, you dwink faster dan me.

 

JOHN: That’s cause I’m bigger than you.

 

BELLE: Mommy bigger dan me and she no drink dat fast.

 

BRADY: I can drink that fast. See.(He begins gulping his orange juice while John enjoys their antics.)

 

MARLENA: John, can you bring me my clothes out of the dryer?

 

(Belle covers her mouth with her hand, giggling.)

 

BELLE: Mommy no wear no clothes.

 

JOHN: Be right there, Doc…You two, stay right here. I’ll be right back.

 

(John grabs her sweats out of the dryer and her tshirt and carries them into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. Marlena is standing in the bathroom, brushing her hair out. She is wearing a towel wrapped around her. John smiles as he realizes how comfortable they have gotten with one another in a matter of days. He remembers the day on the balcony and can hardly believe that was Friday and today is Sunday. This weekend has been never-ending. But he wouldn’t trade it for the world. He watches Marlena fixing her face in the mirror and longs to pick her up and swing her around the room and tell her he loves her but he knows he can’t do that. He has a wife and a newborn child and until he can talk to Kristen and sort things out, he can’t promise Marlena anything.

 

MARLENA: Hey there.

 

JOHN: Hey there yourself.

 

MARLENA: I don’t know about you, but I sure do hope that Abe or Bo gets hear soon with some clothes for us to wear.

 

JOHN: What – your tired of wearing my sweatpants already?

 

MARLENA: No – but I’ll be glad when you get a shirt on.

 

JOHN: Why’s that.

 

MARLENA: So that I will have something else to stare at besides your chest.

 

JOHN: What’s wrong with my chest, Doc?

 

MARLENA: Nothings wrong with it. But how would you feel if I pranced around all day and night without a shirt.(A huge smile spreads across John’s face.)

 

JOHN: I would be in absolute heaven!

 

MARLENA: (Laughing)Okay, I asked for that one. Did you bring me my clothes?

 

JOHN: I did.

 

MARLENA: May I have them?

 

JOHN: Maybe.

 

MARLENA: Maybe?

 

JOHN: Maybe. It depends on how badly you want them.

 

MARLENA: John, c’mon, I don’t have anything else to wear.

 

JOHN: I am aware of that.

 

MARLENA: So, give me my clothes.

 

JOHN: Kiss me first.

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: No?

 

MARLENA: No, John. We have been getting way out of hand with that. We can’t just keep pretending that we are…together…you now? We’re not. Now give me my clothes.

 

JOHN: Give me my kiss, Marlena.

 

MARLENA: John, didn’t you hear what I just said?

 

JOHN: Didn’t you hear what I just said?

 

MARLENA: John, I mean it-

 

JOHN: So do I, Doc.

 

(John slowly approaches her from behind. He places a kiss on her neck and then pulls her hair up with one hand. With the other, he traces his finger along the edge of the towel, finding the spot where the end of the towel is tucked under. He pulls the end out, causing the towel to slide off. Marlena leans against him, looking up at him.)

 

MARLENA: John, we really have to talk about this. We can’t keep pretending-

 

JOHN: PLease kiss me, Doc.

 

(Marlena stops in midsentence, her whole body tingling at the sound of that simple plea. She turns around, wraps her arms around his neck, and begins to kiss him the way she has been dying to since he first sauntered into the room. She pulls away from him for a breath and then begins to kiss him again, pressing her body against him this time in a very suggestive manner. John places an arm on each of her shoulders, and slowly pushes her away. Then he pulls her tshirt over her head. He then kneels down, and very slowly pulls her sweat pants up over her long legs.)

 

JOHN: Thank you.

 

MARLENA: (a little shaken by that kiss)Your welcome, John. But I am serious. We do have to talk about this.

 

JOHN: About what?

 

MARLENA: About this…About us.

 

JOHN: I agree. But I think we get alot more taken care of when we don’t talk. Just one of your kisses and I feel like you’ve told me everything I need to know.(He begins to walk out.)

 

MARLENA: But I don’t feel as though you’ve told me everything I need to know. (John stops dead in his tracks. He turns around and approaches her from behind.)

 

JOHN: Doc, I just want you to know that the time we have spent together this weekend has meant more to me than you could ever imagine. You’ve given me hope. I didn’t have that before.

 

MARLENA: But what good is hope when you’re married to another woman.

 

JOHN: I don’t know yet. I guess that remains to be seen. But there is one thing I do know. And that is that tonight, after the kids are in bed, I intend to make love you. And I don’t intend to stop until the sun comes up tomorrow.

 

MARLENA: John, that isn’t going to solve anything.

 

JOHN: True…but I’ve been pretending for so long, Doc, that I just don’t care any more. I am sick of all the lies. And believe me, there have been plenty. Between you and me, between me and Kristen. I’m not stupid. I am very aware of the fact that you don’t trust Kristen. You wouldn’t stay in our house-

 

MARLENA: John, that had nothing-

 

JOHN: And you were terrified when I mentioned telling Kristen where I was.

 

MARLENA: John, I wish you’d just let it go!

 

JOHN: I can’t let it go, Doc.I have to know the truth. And if you can’t give it to me, then I will have to see to it that Kristen does. If she ever comes back to town, that is!(John turns Marlena around to find that she is crying.)

 

JOHN: Why is is that every time I try to get you to open up to me, you start crying. What are you afraid of, Doc.

 

MARLENA: Nothing, John.

 

JOHN: You know that every tear you shed breaks my heart into. And it only makes me more determined to find out the truth. And I will find it out – everything. It’s only a matter of time.(Brady and Belle are heard arguing over the prize in the bottom of the cereal box)

 

BELLE: I WANT IT!!!

 

BRADY: No, you got the last one. It’s my turn.

 

BELLE: MOMMY!!!!

 

(Marlena looks up at John, frowning, then rushes into the kitchen, glad to get away from John and all of his questions for a moment.She walks in to find Belle chasing Brady around the table. Brady is holding the cereal box up so that Belle can’t reach it. Belle drops to her knees and grabs Brady’s leg, biting it with all her might. Brady screams and Marlena comes running over, picking Belle up from the floor.)

 

MARLENA: BELLE!!!

(She pops Belle’s behind and scolds her. Belle erupts into a fit of tears, crying at the top of her lungs, screaming for her Daddy. John comes running in and takes Belle from Marlena. She throws her tiny arms around him, and soaks his chest with her crocodile tears.)

 

JOHN: What happened?

 

BELLE: (in between gulps of air)Mommy shpanked me, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Why?

 

BELLE: I di’nt jump on no beds, Daddy. I pwomise.(John sees Brady sitting on the floor checking out his wounds. Marlena is kneeling on the floor next to him, picking up the all of the cereal that Brady dropped all over the floor.)

 

JOHN: Belle, what did you do?

 

BELLE: (Belle looks up at her Daddy, her lips puckered in a pout.)Pweese don’t give me no time-out, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Belle, what did you do?

 

BELLE: (being very melodramatic for her young age, places a hand on her forehead in shame.)I bit Bwady, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Belle!

 

BELLE: I sorwee, Daddy. Pweese don’t be mad at me.

 

JOHN: Why did you bite Brady. You know better than that.

 

BELLE: Cuz he hurt me.

 

JOHN: Brady, did you hit Belle?

 

BRADY: No!

 

JOHN: Belle, Brady says he didn’t hit you.

 

BELLE: I don’t fink he did, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Well, Belle, how did he hurt you.

 

BELLE: He hurt my fee-wings.

 

JOHN: Belle, that is no excuse and you know it. You do not bite people. You know how upset Mommy and I get when you bite people.

 

BELLE: I know.

 

JOHN: Then why do you do it.

 

BELLE: I dunno.

 

JOHN: You know what this means, don’t you?

 

BELLE: It means I have to git a time-out.

 

JOHN: Yep.

 

BELLE: I sor-wee, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Brady is the one you should be apologizing to, not me.

 

(John puts Belle down and she walks over to Brady.)

 

BELLE: I sor-wee, Bwady. (She gives him a hug and a kiss, then turns her attention towards her Mommy. Standing before Marlena, Belle hangs her head in shame.)

 

BELLE: I sor-wee, Mommy. I goin to my woom now for time-out.(Belle then walks into her room where she crawls atop her bed and lies face-down, on the sheets. Brady begins to help Marlena pick up the cereal. John stops him.)

 

JOHN: Brady, why don’t you go get dressed and then we’ll go outside and play.

 

BRADY: But Belle is in my room, Daddy.

 

JOHN: You can change in our room.(Brady mopes out of the room.John kneels down behind Marlena, who is still cleaning up the mess.)

 

JOHN: I hope you didn’t have your heart set on Fruit Loops for breakfast.

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: (placing his hand on her shoulder)You okay?

 

MARLENA: I am. I’m just worried about Belle’s temper. It’s really getting out of hand.

 

JOHN: Doc, she’s still a baby. She is learning the art of compromise and she doesn’t like it very much.

 

MARLENA: To say the least.

 

JOHN: She’s fine. Wait until she’s four. She’ll be much better.

 

MARLENA: That’s what you said when she was turning three. And she took a turn for the worse.

 

JOHN: Well, Doc, what do you expect. She is our child, and we both have been known to have a pretty nasty temper on occasion.

 

MARLENA: True. And I think that we’re all used to a little more space than we have here.

 

JOHN: You’re probably right. Why don’t we take the kids outside for a walk. I told them we could explore some.

 

MARLENA: Okay.

 

JOHN: Hey. You can’t get stressed out on me yet. We’ve got a long day ahead of us….And a long night.

 

MARLENA: John don’t keep talking about that.

 

JOHN: Doc, I can’t help it. It’s all I can think about. I have waited so long to hold you in my arms…

 

MARLENA: John, please-

 

JOHN: and stare into your eyes as our two bodies become one-

 

MARLENA: John!

 

JOHN: (barley above a whisper)I can’t wait to be inside you, Marlena.

 

(Marlena lets out a rush of breath as John stares intensely into her eyes. He places his hand under her chin. Then, as if drawn by a magnet, Marlena eases into him, offering her mouth up to his, as she is once again swept up in the love that they share. It is like this that Abe finds them, both of them oblivious to the world as they share a slow and tender kiss on the floor in the kitchen amidst dozens of little Fruit Loops. After knocking lightly on the door and getting no answer, Abe had creeped in softly, hoping not to wake them. But when he walked in the last thing he expected to find was John and Marlena on the floor engaged in a kiss. He cleared his throat, and they separated immediately. Marlena immediately went back to cleaning up the Fruit Loops, blushing beet red the entire time. John immediately stood up and went to Abe’s side.)

 

JOHN: Abe. How’s it going, man.

 

ABE: Fine. I am sorry to interrupt. I knocked on the door for a while. No one answered, so I came on in. I thought maybe you guys were still sleeping.

 

JOHN: No, no, we were cleaning up cereal. Belle had a temper tantrum and bit Brady. We probably just didn’t hear you because of her crying.

 

ABE:I see. Well, I’ve got some extra food and clothes in the car. Bo and I went to the penthouse to get some of Marlena’s clothes. They have most of the place cleaned up and I believe they will be starting on the renovations tomorrow.

 

JOHN: Good. I want Marlena’s home to be perfect when she goes back to Salem.

 

ABE:It will be. John, you want to help me unload the car.

 

JOHN: Sure, Abe. (turning to Marlena)Doc, I’ll be right back, okay.(Marlena nods, too embarrassed to look at them. Abe leaves the 2 bags of clothes he carried in on the floor in the hallway.)

 

ABE:Marlena, I’m just going to leave your clothes here.(Marlena nods, keeping her head down. John and Abe walk outside to talk in private.)

 

JOHN: What’s up, Abe.

 

ABE:Well, actually, it’s about Kristen. While I was at your house getting your clothes, she called and left a message on your machine saying she would be home late tonight and was ready to explain everything.

 

JOHN: Well, I guess we’ll have to put that conversation on hold until I get back to Salem.

 

ABE:Are you sure that’s a good idea, John?

 

JOHN: What else can I do?

 

ABE:Go home and find out where your wife has been for the past 2 days.

 

JOHN: Abe, she told me everything was fine.

 

ABE:And you believe her?

 

JOHN: Why shouldn’t I?

 

ABE:I don’t know…I just wander what would cause her to pick up and leave town with a one-month-old baby without telling you where or why she was leaving.

 

JOHN: Your guess is as good as mine, Partner. But to be honest, it doesn’t surprise me. Kristen has been acting so strange lately that this is just par for the course. We’ll just have to have a long talk when I get back.

 

ABE:John, why don’t you let me stay here tonight with Marlena and the kids. That way you can go home and get this whole mess straightened out.

 

JOHN: I can’t, Abe.

 

ABE:Care to tell me why.

 

JOHN: They need me here. If something happened and I wasn’t here to protect them, I’d never forgive myself.

 

ABE:I know that, John, but nothing is going to happen. I can assure you of that. And I can’t help but wonder if that is the only reason you don’t want to leave tonight.

 

JOHN: What do you mean, Abe.

 

ABE:I’m not blind, John. I saw you two kissing on the floor. Care to explain that one?

 

JOHN: Nothing to explain. It just happened.

 

ABE:It just happened, out of the blue.

 

JOHN: No, not out of the blue. It’s happened several times. In fact, what you walked in on was quite innocent, compared to the other times.

 

ABE:John, you two haven’t-

 

JOHN: No…not yet, at least.

 

ABE:John, I don’t have to remind you of what happened the last time you two gave in to your feelings-

 

JOHN: No, Abe, you don’t.

 

ABE:Then why are you allowing yourself to make the same mistake twice.

 

JOHN: I can’t help it, Abe. I want her so badly.

 

ABE:Yes, you can help it, John. Just don’t allow yourself to be alone with her anymore.

 

JOHN: Easier said than done, Abe.

 

ABE:I know it’s not going to be easy, but for every one’s sake, don’t let your passion for Marlena blind you.

 

JOHN: It already has, Abe.

 

(Marlena walks out with Brady and Belle on either side of her. They are dressed in shorts and tennis shoes, and Marlena has changed into a pair of shorts and a matching shirt. John smiles at the image of his two children and Marlena standing there, holding hands.)

 

ABE:Well, I’ve got some stuff to take care of back in town. Call me if you need anything. I’ll update you on any news or information.

 

JOHN: You do that. Talk to ya later, Abe.

 

ABE:Yeah.(He gets into the car and drives away.)

 

JOHN: Well, it looks like you three are ready for some fun.

 

BRADY: Yeah, we want to go exploring!

 

BELLE: I not gonna be bad no more today, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Okay. Well, then, I’m going to run inside and throw some shorts on, and I’ll be right back.

 

BRADY: We’ll wait right out here, Daddy.

 

(John goes inside to change clothes. Brady begins scouting out the surrounding area. Marlena sits down on a nearby tree stump and Belle follows her, and sits on the grass beside her.)

 

BELLE: Mommy, you shtill mad at me?

 

MARLENA: Of course not, baby girl.

 

BELLE: Why you sho quiet?

 

MARLENA: Just thinking.

 

BELLE: Daddy be mean to you?

 

MARLENA: No, sweetheart. Daddy’s never mean to me.

 

BELLE: Why you sho shad, Mommy?(Marlena picks up Belle and begins tickling her.)

 

MARLENA: Why do you ask so many questions, huh??(Belle’s laughter is infectious and soon Marlena is laughing just as loudly. She goes down on the grass and continues to tickle Belle.)

 

BELLE: Bwady help me. Pweese help me.

 

(Brady runs over and begins tickling Marlena and before long Marlena has the two of them on the ground, tickling them both with one hand each. John walks out and finds them like this. Brady hears him approaching and calls out to him for reinforcements.)

 

BRADY: Daddy, HELP!!!(John runs up behind Marlena and pulls her away from them.)

 

JOHN: Don’t worry kids. I got her now.(John pushes Marlena down on her back and straddles her, tickling her mercilessly. She is laughing hysterically, pleading with him to stop.)

 

JOHN: Okay kids, nows your chance. Get her!!!

 

(Brady and Belle run over and begin tickling her while John holds her hands to the ground. They are all laughing hysterically be now, Marlena begging for mercy in between laughs. A security guard walks over to find out what all the commotion is about. His dog, who is on a leash, begins barking, eager to get in on all of the fun. Brady and Belle hear the dog and immediately run over to play with him. John stays exactly where he is, watching Marlena take in huge gasps of air now that the tickling has stopped. John stares down at her and is mezmerized by the image of her lying on the grass, her face flushed and her eyes glimmering with laughter. He smirks.)

 

JOHN: Well, well, well, Marlena. It looks like I’ve got you right where I want you.

 

MARLENA: John, let me up.(John flashes her a devilish grin and his eyes get that little gleam that Marlena has come to know so well.)C’mon, John, not in front of the children.

 

JOHN: (innocently)What did I do?

 

MARLENA: Nothing, but I know you, and I know you were about to do something.

 

JOHN: Yeah? Well, I know you to, and I know that you seem to be a little nervous, Doc.(He smiles, teasing her)What’s the matter? Are you just a little anxious about tonight?(He smiles, tracing the line of her collarbone and Marlena’s mouth drops as she watches him watching her.)

 

MARLENA: John, let me up please.

 

JOHN: As you wish, Marlena.

 

(John stands up, and holds out his hand for Marlena to stand as well. She takes his hand, and as she’s standing, jerks hard on his hand, causing him to fall forward. He calls out in shock as he lands on his face in the grass. )

 

MARLENA: Well, Mr. Black, now it looks like I’ve got you right where I want you, doesn’t it.

 

JOHN: Face down in the dirt???

 

(Marlena walks off laughing, and joins her children who are making friends with the dog. John joins them, and a short while later the 4 of them embark on an exploration of the woods surrounding their cottage, Belle and Brady chattering all the way.)

John and Marlena return from their day in the woods in high spirits. The kids had a blast, running around, climbing trees, following animal tracks. Marlena sees a new and touching side to John as he shows his children the beauties of nature. When they return, John grabs two old fishing rods that he found in the garage. He walks out to the pond, with Brady by his side and Belle on his shoulders, determined to catch a fish for dinner. Marlena goes inside and fixes some ice-cold lemonade for them, and carries it out to the pond. She arrives just in time to see her little Belle catch her first fish. Belle panics, screaming when she feels the heavy pull on her pole, and John continues to remind her not to let go of the pole. He goes up behind her and holds the pole steady while Belle slowly reels it in, Brady giving her pointers all the while. When her and John get the fish close enough in, Brady grabs the line and pulls the fish out of the water, holding it up for Belle to see. Belle screams with excitement, clapping her hands and smiling from ear to ear. Brady takes the fish off the hook and hands it to Belle who attempts to hold it but it flops out of her hand. It lands at Marlena’s feet.

 

BELLE: Get im Mommy.

 

MARLENA: Umm, Brady, why don’t you come pick him up.(Brady runs over and picks him up, then carries him to the cooler where they are keeping their other fish. Belle follows him, opening the cooler after Brady closes it.)

 

BELLE: (pointing to her fish with a gleam of pride in her eyes)Dat’s my fishy, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Yep, it is. And I’ve got to tell you that you handled that like an old pro, Belle. You were awsome.

 

BELLE: Yeah, I wuz aw-shum!

 

BRADY: Yeah, but next time, don’t scream so loud. You probably scared all of the fish away.

 

BELLE: I did not, Bwady!

 

BRADY: You did too.

 

BELLE: NO!!!Bad Bwady!!(Belle balls her tiny hand into a first and rares back, preparing to hit him. John grabs her first and picks her up.)

 

JOHN: Belle!!(Belle hears the change in her Daddy’s tone of voice, and knows she’s about to get in trouble. She buries her head in John’s chest, and erupts into a fit of tears.)

 

MARLENA: Well, I think that it’s somebody’s nap time.

 

BELLE: I no want no nap, Mommy!!

 

MARLENA: I know you don’t honey, but you need one.

 

BELLE: Pweeese, no naps, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: (as she takes Belle from John)How about if I lay down with you and we read a story?

 

BELLE: (Belle thinks about this for a moment)You wead me two stor-wees, Mommy?

 

MARLENA: (smiling at her daughter)I’ll read you two stories.(Marlena carries Belle inside and cleans her hands and face before lying on the bed with her. Marlena lies down on the tiny twin bed with Belle and reads her a story. Belle falls asleep halfway into the first one. Marlena dozes off as well. John and Brady try for a few more fish but to no avail. Belle’s cries had served as a warning to all the other fishes in the lake, and they simply were not biting anymore.)

 

JOHN: Well, whaddya say we call it quits.We’ve got enough here to eat for dinner.

 

BRADY: Okay. I’ll put the fishing poles back up.

 

JOHN: Alright. I’m going to get started on cleaning these fish.(Brady heads off to the garage with the two fishing poles, and John goes into the house to look for something to clean the fish with. He finds a fish scale in a kitchen cabinet, and on the way out, he peeks in the bedroom to check on Belle and Marlena. They are cuddled together in a little ball on Belle’s bed. John stops for a second just to watch them sleeping, and is absolutely overwhelmed with love for them. Being with Marlena and the children has reminded him of what it feels like to be a family. And he has never felt that way with Kristen. His heart aches with the knowledge that he has caused Marlena so much pain. But at the same time, it is becoming more and more difficult for him to to live his life as a charade, pretending that he doesn’t want Marlena with every fibre of his being. If only she would be honest with him and tell him how she really feels. Marlena begins to shift in her sleep, and slowly begins to wake up. She looks up to see John looking down at her. She smiles.)

 

MARLENA: What’s wrong?

 

JOHN: Wrong? Why should anything be wrong?

 

MARLENA: Well, you just looked so serious.

 

JOHN: Just thinking, that’s all.

 

MARLENA: Of what?

 

JOHN: How it is possible that you still take my breath away after all these years.

 

MARLENA: John…you shouldn’t be saying things like that…

 

JOHN: You asked me what I was thinking.

 

MARLENA: I know, but you shouldn’t be thinking things like that.(She gets up, careful not to disturb Belle.)

 

JOHN: Doc, I can’t help what I feel.

 

MARLENA: I know that, John, but it really doesn’t make any difference.

 

JOHN: What do you mean? My feelings don’t make a difference to you, Doc?

 

MARLENA: Yes, John, but-(By this time they are both upset and have raised their voices to a much louder level)

 

JOHN: HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT????

 

MARLENA: BECAUSE YOU’RE MARRIED, DAMMIT! That’s how I can say that. You’re married and the last time I checked, I wasn’t your wife. Your wife is with your newborn child, and that is where you belong; not out here in the woods playing house with me and Belle and Brady!(She starts to walk outside when John grabs her arm and spins her back around)

 

JOHN: Now you just wait one minute, Doc. If I recall, you have not had any complaints until today. In fact, just last night-

 

MARLENA: John, it isn’t last night anymore. It is today. And I will admit that last night, when we were back at the loft, I was just as much at fault as you were. I wanted you – badly – and I wanted you just as badly this morning, when we were in bed. And to be quite honest, I probably want you even worse right now! But John, c’mon. We’re not children. We know the difference between right and wrong. We learned our lesson the first time, and we have payed dearly. But it is over. We can’t keep letting the past ruin the present. It’s wrong.

 

JOHN: How can you say that “it”, that ‘we’ are wrong. Can you honestly tell me that this is wrong?

 

MARLENA: JOHN, YOU MARRIED ANOTHER WOMAN!!! You did that, not me. You made arrangements for a wedding in the hospital and you didn’t even ask me to be there!! You were a coward! You couldn’t even take the time to let me know that you were going to marry Kristen. I was in the same building and you deliberately hid that from me. THAT was wrong.(By this time tears are pouring down her face. She is crying hysterically.) And I don’t know if I will ever be able to understand why you chose to do that. I don’t know if I will ever be able to comprehend what must have going through your mind!

 

JOHN: (who is in tears by now)I wanted to do something right for a change. Kristen was preparing to give birth to my child. What else was I supposed to do? I couldn’t marry you when you were having Belle. You hadn’t even told me she was mine. And then, when I did find out, you wanted no part of me, Doc. All you cared about was Roman, how Roman felt, how good of a father Roman could have been to Belle. Well, what about me, dammit. What about what I wanted. What about what you wanted. What about what Belle needed. She was only a baby, but she needed her father, Doc. She needed me.

 

MARLENA: I know she did, John.

 

JOHN: And this baby, Kristen’s and mine, he needs a father too. And I can be that. I’M A DAMNED GOOD FATHER…

 

MARLENA: I know that, John. I never said you weren’t!

 

JOHN: And a lousy husband…

 

MARLENA: John, don’t say that. You were a wonderful husband.

 

JOHN: “WAS”, Doc. That’s the problem. I was a good husband. When I was with you. Not with Kristen.

 

MARLENA: Then, for God’s sake, why did you marry her?

 

JOHN: What other choice did I have. You had only told me a couple hundred times that you only thought of me as a friend.

 

MARLENA: But, John-

 

JOHN: When did that change, Doc. I’m just curious. When did your feelings towards me changed?

 

MARLENA: They never changed, John.

 

JOHN: Then how do you explain last night, and this morning, how do you explain those feelings of desire?

 

MARLENA: Because I wanted you today and I wanted you last night the same way I wanted you when we were married, and the same way I wanted you when we had the affair. I’ve always wanted you, John. And I’ve always loved you. I never stopped. That’s how I explain last night and this morning. That’s what I mean when I say my feelings never changed. I’ve always loved you , and I always will.

 

(John stares there staring at Marlena wit his mouth wide-open in shock. There is a long silence as they stare at each other, tears running down both of their faces.Finally, after several minutes, John speaks)

 

JOHN: Why did you lie to me?

 

MARLENA: To protect you. I didn’t want to hurt you. I never wanted to hurt you.

 

JOHN: But, Marlena, don’t you know how much more it hurt to hear from you over and over again that what we had was in the past. That you only though of me as a friend.

 

MARLENA: Yes, John, I do. I know exactly what it felt like. I know exactly how painful it was. I know because I watched you and Kristen, day in and day out, behave like lovers, while I watched. I know because I heard you tell me over and over again, how happy you were with Kristen and the new baby. I know because I cried myself to sleep every night for months while I lay in bed alone, haunted by images of the two of you having sex!!! So don’t ask me if I know how it felt to be in pain, because I lived in that pain for months!!!I sacrificed everything for you, just so that I could watch you marry another woman and have her child, John!! So don’t even think about trying to make me feel guilty for WHAT I DIDN’T TELL YOU. I had a reason for every secret I ever withheld from you!!!

 

JOHN: So there are more?

 

MARLENA: What do you mean?

 

JOHN: You said “every secret”, Doc. Plural. What are they?(Marlena tkes a deep breath and looks at him coldly)

 

MARLENA: You want to talk about secrets??? Go talk to your precious loving wife. She knows all there is to know in that subject!!!

 

JOHN: I want you to tell me.

 

MARLENA: Well, that’s just too bad, John. Because its not my place to tell you. I’m not your wife. And I refuse to be your mistress!!

 

JOHN: Well, then, I guess I’ll have to go talk to my wife.

 

MARLENA: Well, good luck. Because I can promise you one thing – she is not going to willingly tell you the truth.

 

JOHN: Why wouldn’t she?

 

MARLENA: Because she is Stefano’s child, John. And I only pray that you get the truth out of her now, because if she has any kind of influence over your newborn child, I pity you…and the child…I really do.(Marlena turns around and sees Brady standing in the doorway.)

 

BRADY: You were fighting.

 

MARLENA: Yes, Brady. Your father and I were fighting.

 

BRADY: Does this mean you’re going to leave now, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Of course not, Son. Of course not. Actually, I’m kind of hungry. I think I’ll start cleaning the fish so we can eat soon.

 

(John goes to pick up the fish scaler and drops it on the floor. He bends down to get it and slowly walks outside. The tension in the room is extremely thick. Brady follows John outside and Marlena goes in to check on Belle. Her head is under the covers. Marlena pulls the covers down to check on her. She has her hands over her ears.)

 

MARLENA: Belle, sweety, what’s the matter?

 

BELLE: I was shked, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: You heard me and Daddy fighting?(Belle nods, sticking her thumb in her mouth.)Well, I am very sorry for that. We didn’t mean to wake you up, or to frighten you. You know that, don’t you. (Belle nods)

 

BELLE: I know dat.

 

MARLENA: Oh, baby girl, your Daddy and I love you so much. We would never, ever do anything to hurt you.

 

BELLE: I know dat too, Momma.

 

MARLENA: Good. And don’t you ever forget that.

 

BELLE: Is Daddy goin to weave us now?(Belle’s simple question broke Marlena’s heart and she had to fight to keep from breaking down in front of Belle. She took a deep breath and concentrated on keeping the sobs in her throat from coming out. She swallowed hard, and grabbed Belle, squeezing her hard.)

 

MARLENA: Daddy would never leave you and Brady. He will always be there for you. He will always love you.(Marlena stretched out on the bed with Belle, and played with her hair. And for a long time, Belle was content to just lie there in her Mother’s arms. It was as if, even at such a young age, she knew what was going on. Or at least sensed it. Meanwhile, out on the patio, Brady and John were sharing a moment of silence as well. John sat cleaning the fish while Brady watched. Brady had so many questions running through his head. But he didn’t voice any of them. He was too afraid of what might happen, too afraid of making his Daddy any sadder than he already appeared. When John finishes cleaning the fish, he puts them on the grill. And he sits and waits as they cook. Marlena eventually gets up and goes into the kitchen with Belle, where she starts putting together a salad, and puts some bread in the oven. John walks in, and puts four baked potatoes in the microwave. Belle sees that Brady is not with him, so she goes outside to look for him. Brady, sensing that Belle too was troubled by her parents argument, wanted to cheer her up. So he grabs a ball and begins to play with Belle, trying desperately to bring a smile to his little sister’s face. In the kitchen, John and Marlena prepare dinner in silence, each of them too caught up in their emotions and anger to speak up. Finally, after an entire hour of silence, dinner is served. The four of them sit down to dinner; the scraping of forks and plates filling the terrible silence. Belle smiles as she takes a bit of her fishie, and Brady, from across the table, can’t help but grin as he watches his little sister make faces at her fishie before she pops it in her mouth. But Brady and Belle are the only two people at the table who are smiling. John and Marlena are a million miles away. They eat their dinner for appearances sake only, trying to maintain some sort of semblance for the childrens’ sakes. But inside, food was the farthest thing from their minds. They finished their meal in silence, and after clearing the table, Marlena retired to the den with Belle and Brady where she turned the television on and popped in a movie. The children climbed on the couch with her, and the three of them lay there, welcoming the sounds from the television to fill this horrible silence that had enveloped their tiny cabin in the woods. In the kitchen, John pulled his cellphone out and dialed Abe.)

 

ABE:Hello.

 

JOHN: Abe, it’s me.

 

ABE:John, is something wrong?

 

JOHN: I need to come back to Salem tonight. I have something I need to take care of. Do you think you or Bo could come out here, just so Marlena and the kids won’t feel alone?

 

ABE:Sure. I’ll be right there. John, is everything alright?

 

JOHN: Yeah…I just have something I need to get straightened out.(John hangs up and goes into the den.) Guys, I’m going to have to go out for a little while. Abe is on his way out here. He’s going to stay here tonight…in case you need anything.(Marlena continues to stare straight ahead at the t.v., as if she doesn’t even hear him. But a single tears rolls down her cheek as she listen to him shut the door. She listens as he drives away, and says a silent prayer that he will come back to her. But she knows in her heart that he won’t. If he does get the truth out of Kristen, he will be devastated. And if he doesn’t find out the truth, then any hope there may have been for a future with him will be lost forever.)

John drives back to Salem, replaying his argument with Doc over and over again in his head. He can’t help but be angry with Marlena for not telling him how she really felt. He just keeps thinking that if she would have told him, he wouldn’t be in the situation he was in right now. He wouldn’t be married to a woman that he merely cared for, and she wouldn’t have had to go through the pain of seeing him with someone else. But she was right about one thing – she deserved more. She deserves more than being the other woman in his life. He cringes as he hears her screaming the words over and over again that she would never be his mistress. Maybe not…but one thing was for certain – he had never before and will never again love anyone the way he loves Marlena Evans. It was as if it was written in the stars. He knew it the minute he laid eyes on her – she was his soul mate. And he was hers. Why couldn’t they have just admitted that back in Aremid. Why couldn’t they just be together? The answer comes to him before he even asks himself the question. STEFANO DIMERA. Then he remembers what Marlena told him about Kristen. “She is Stefano’s child”. A chill runs down John’s spine as he pictures the look in Marlena’s eyes when she told him that. There was no friendship in her eyes, no understanding, just disgust. He gives the truck a little more gas as he approaches Salem City Limits. He arrives at the mansion a short time after that.But he stops when he sees the commotion in the front yard. He turns his lights on and parks the car away from the house. Then he approaches the driveway on foot, curious as to what is going on. He sees Kristen walking into the house with John Jr. He begins to call out to her when he sees that she is being escorted in by another woman who is holding a gun to Kristen’s back. John’s old police instincts start coming back to him and he is about to make a move when the woman with the gun turns in his general direction to make sure no one sees her. He crouches behind the bushes so as not to be seen, but from his hiding place, he can see her perfectly. SHE IS KRISTEN!!!John rubs his eyes thinking he must surely be seeing things, but it is really happening. He is watching Kristen escort another Kristen into the house!!! He wanted to save his Kristen but he doesn’t know whether she is the one that needs saving, or if she is the one with the gun. They look just alike!! He swallows hard, trying to clear his head and figure out what the hell is going on. But it is too late. They have already gone inside. John decides he will just have to sneak into the house and find out who is who before he acts. He sneaks around to the back door, and stands behind the glass doors. From where he is standing, he can see everything without being seen, but he can’t hear anything. He watches as the Kristen holding the gun lays it aside, and takes John Jr. out of the other Kristen’s arms, then turns around and places the baby into the arms of a male figure that is sitting in the chair in the corner. John can’t see that far into the room without making himself visible through the glass doors, so he stays where he is, hoping the person will reveal them self before too much longer. Then he watches as the second Kristen, who is holding the gun, rips a wig off the first Kristen, and John stands watching in amazement as he realizes that the first Kristen is none other than John Jr.’s nurse!!! He is about to go tearing in, demanding an answer, when the male figure stand up and walks over to say something to Kristen. Chills of hatred run down John’s spine as he recognizes the man – it is Stefano!!! John crouches down lower to ensure that Stefano can’t see him. He watches as Stefano takes John Jr. upstairs. John watches, unsure about what to do next, when an idea suddenly comes to him. He pulls out his cell phone and calls Kristen. He watches as Kristen pulls out her cell phone and answers.

 

JOHN: Hi.

 

KRISTEN: John?

 

JOHN: Of course it’s me. Where are you honey?

 

KRISTEN: Where are you?

 

JOHN: I asked you first. (John tries o lighten his mood so she won’t be aware of his suspicions.)

 

KRISTEN: Well, honey, I’m at home of course.(John listens to the cheerful tone of her voice and is amazed at how she can sound so calm when she is holding a gun to Susan’s head.)Where are you?

 

JOHN: Actually, that is what I’m calling about. Some freak out there has been doing a lot of vandalizing and even blowing up buildings. I’m working with Abe on trying to nail this guy, so I don’t know when I’ll be in.

 

KRISTEN: Oh, that’s fine, honey. You come home as soon as you can.(John grimaces as he hears the loving sound of her voice, and can’t help but wonder how long she has been hiding things from him. He is about to hang up when Susan starts screaming for help in the background.)

 

SUSAN:John, it’s me. Susan. I’m ya baby’s real momma. You hear that. Little Elvis is in trouble. He needs you baby.

 

KRISTEN: John, are you there?I can’t hear you. I’ve got the t.v on too loud. Hold on. (John watches as Kristen walks up closer to Susan and places the gun against her temple, silencing her.)There, sweety, that’s much better. Listen honey, it’s about dinner time and John Jr. is hungry so I’m going to go feed him. Do you know when you’ll be home?

 

JOHN: No, actually I don’t. It looks like me and Abe are going to be up all night trying to chase down this freak. Tell you what, I’ll call you later if we make any progress. Then maybe we can sit down and have that discussion you promised.

 

KRISTEN: What discussion is that, sweetheart?

 

JOHN: Well, for starters, why you left with the baby and where you’ve been all this time.

 

KRISTEN: Oh…yes…of course.

 

JOHN: We’ll talk later, okay?

 

KRISTEN: Okay honey. I love you.(John feels a wave of nausea attack his body as her words echo through the phone.)

 

JOHN: Yeah. Bye. (Kristen frowns at the tone of his voice when he hangs up. He is unhappy with her, she thinks. But she would rather have him unhappy with her than to hate her, and that is exactly how he would feel if he knew all of her secrets. John watches as Kristen leaves to go upstairs. John watches, wondering why Kristen is leaving her alone and he sits their even more amazed at the fact that Susan sits there perfectly still, not even trying to escape. Then he sees Kristen’s cell phone on the table. He calls it again, hoping Kristin and Stefano do not hear it from upstairs. The phone rings once, and Susan stares at it. It rings a second time and she grabs it and opens it, too hesitant to say anything at first for fear that Kristen will hear her. John speaks softly into the phone.)

 

JOHN: Don’t hang up. I am outside the house and I can see you.(He watches as Susan starts to get up and come towards the door.)No, no, no. Don’t come this way. Just stay seated. I’m here to help you.

 

SUSAN:Is this John?

 

JOHN: Yeah.

 

SUSAN:Oh, John, I knew you’d come save me from Kristen. She wants to take our baby, ya know.

 

JOHN: Our baby?

 

SUSAN:Our baby Elvis.

 

JOHN: Okay…Listen, I want to help you get out of there.

 

SUSAN:Not without my baby, John.

 

JOHN: They plan on killing you. You do realize that, don’t you.

 

SUSAN:I can’t leave our baby, John.

 

JOHN: Kristen would never hurt that baby, Susan.

 

SUSAN:Elvis needs his momma.

 

JOHN: It’s okay. Calm down, okay. Just relax and listen to what I say. You need to get out of the house. I’ll get John Jr.

 

SUSAN:You promise me, John. You promise me you’ll save our baby?

 

JOHN: I will get John Jr. You just go out the front door and to the side of the house. A truck is out there. The keys are in the ignition. I want you to drive the car to the police station and wait there for me. Go to Abe carver’s office. Tell them I sent you. Then wait in his office. He won’t be there but a fellow by the name of Bo will meet you there. He will tell you what to do. I will call you in about 20 minutes to make sure you got there, okay?

 

SUSAN:Okay, John. I’m going to go right now. You gonna bring me my Elvis.

 

JOHN: Yeah, I’ll bring you your Elvis. Now hang up and get out of there while you still have a chance.(Susan hangs up the phone and puts it back on the table where she found it. John then calls Bo and tells him he sent a woman to Abe’s office at the police station. Not wanting to volunteer any information until he finds out the whole story, he tells Bo that he found her and she was in trouble, and asks him to meet her there and watch over her. John gets off the phone and waits. He hears the ignition to the truck start up and knows Susan is on her way to the police station. He then calls the mansion number, and waits for Kristen to answer. She doesn’t so he leaves a message.)

 

JOHN: Hey beautiful. It’s me. Listen, I’ve really missed you and I see you, at least for a little while. I thought I’d swing by the house and have dinner with you and John Jr. before settling in for an all-nighter at the station. So, I should be there in about 5 minutes…and counting. I love you.(Kristen smiles at the tenderness in his voice as she listens to his sweet message. Then reality sets in and she panics. John is on his way home! She turns to Stefano, who calmly tells her to get Susan and the two of them will stay out of sight in the secret room she built. Kristen breathes a sigh of relief and goes downstairs to fetch Susan, followed by Stefano. She totally freaks out when she doesn’t see Susan. She starts running through the house, screaming out Susan’s name. Stefano grabs her, silencing her.)

 

STEFANO:Kristen. Calm down. She couldn’t have gone that far. She has no vehicle. And she would never leave her baby. You know that. Now I’ll go and find her and sneak her into the secret room from the outside entrance. John will never know that anything is amiss. Trust me on this one, Kristen. (She nods, agreeing and follows him to the front door.)

 

KRISTEN: Stefano, what do I tell John about where I’ve been?

 

STEFANO:Don’t tell him anything. Seduce him. Then by the time he is ready to talk again, it will be time for him to leave again. He did say he only had a little while, didn’t he?

 

KRISTEN: Yeah, he did.

 

STEFANO:Then everything is fine. Just let me know when he is gone.

 

KRISTIN:I will…Find Susan, please.

 

STEFANO:Susan is the least of my worries.(Stefano confidently goes walking out the door. John doesn’t want to risk running into Stefano in the front yard, so he comes in through the glass doors.)

 

JOHN: Honey, I’m home.(Kristen comes walking in with the den with a smile plastered on her face. John finds himself being disgusted by her facade and those words Marlena said about her echo through is body. “She is Stefano’s child”. He feels an overwhelming urge to tell her he is on to her, but knows it is too soon. He has to make sure that John Jr. is safe. He smiles as hard as he can at her, hoping to cover up the repulsion he feels. Kristen embraces him, smothering him with kisses.)

 

KRISTEN: Oh, baby, I’ve missed you so much.

 

JOHN: I’ve missed you too. And our beautiful son. Lets go see him.

 

(John heads upstairs, Kristen close behind. They go into the nursery and look in on their sleeping son. John picks him up and carries him around, hoping that will keep Kristen away from him. John sits in the rocker, staring at his son, trying to put the puzzle pieces together. Why does Susan think this child is hers? Why does she call him Elvis? Questions like this keep running through his head, and he is not doing a very good job of covering them up. Kristin sees the concern and confusion etched across his face.)

 

KRISTIN:John, honey, what is it?

 

JOHN: Huh?

 

KRISTIN: I don’t know. You just looked sad, for a moment.

 

JOHN: Not sad. Just relieved. That you and John Jr. are okay. I was really worried about the two of you.

 

KRISTEN: John, we’re fine. You see.

 

JOHN: Yeah. Well, listen, I know it has been a short visit but I really need to get back with Abe. He is eating dinner at the Pub. I was going to join him. Do you want to join us?

 

KRISTEN: Actually, I am pretty exhausted. I think I’ll stay home and get some sleep.

 

JOHN: You know, I have a great idea. Why don’t I take John Jr. with me. Sean and Caroline have been begging me to bring him by. And you could get some much-needed sleep.(John places a kiss on her forehead and begins to pack a diaper bag for John Jr. Kristen voices no objection, obviously realizing that John Jr. would be much safer at the Brady’s and she wouldn’t have to worry about Susan stealing him again if he wasn’t here. Kristen smiles at John.

 

KRISTEN: You know, honey, I think that is a great idea. I’m really tired and-

 

JOHN: Why don’t you get his bottles out of the fridge. I’ll grab him a couple of diapers.

 

(Kristin leaves and John throws several outfits and plenty of other necessities into the bag, and throws his diaper bag in as well. Kristen brings him the bottles, and as John is leaving, he remembers Susan took the truck.)

 

JOHN: Kristen, honey, I forgot that Abe dropped me off. Do you think you could take me over there?

 

KRISTEN: Sure. No problem.

 

(They walk out to the car, and Kristen drives him to the Brady’s. John makes sure that he keeps the conversation focused on John Jr. They pull into the driveway, and Kristen kisses John goodbye. John cuts the kiss short, feeling nauseous when he remembers all the times he willingly kissed her back. He gets out of the car, and waves goodbye as she speeds off. Then he goes into the Brady pub and calls the police station. He dials in Abe’s extension. Bo answers the phone.)

 

JOHN: Bo, it’s me.

 

BO:Yeah.

 

JOHN: Did the fruitcake show up?

 

ABE:Oh yeah, and let me tell you, she does not like your wife very much. And she seems to believe that Elvis is alive and in Salem and you are going to bring him to her.

 

JOHN: Yeah, she’s kind-of out there.

 

BO:Kind of?

 

JOHN: Yeah, listen to me, Bo. Stefano is alive. He is here in Salem.

 

BO:You’re kidding me. How do you know? Where is he?

 

JOHN: At the mansion. With Kristen.

 

BO: WITH KRISTEN???John, what the hell is going on here.

 

JOHN: I don’t know. I saw them through my window. They had a gun to the the nanny’s head. That is who is with you – J.J.’s nurse. I helped her escape and then got John Jr out. He’s here with me now, at the pub. Kristen doesn’t know I saw anything. She thinks I’m helping Abe with a case. She just dropped me off here. I need to get John Jr. away from Stefano and Kristen until I find out what’s going on. I’m going to take him to Marlena.

 

BO:Is she still-

 

JOHN: Yeah, she’s still there with Belle and Brady and Abe.

 

BO:Good, because she needs to stay there. With Stefano alive-

 

JOHN: I know…I know…she’s in alot of danger.

 

BO:So are you, John.

 

JOHN: We all are, Bo.

 

BO:Yeah…well what do you want me to do with you-know-who?

 

SUSAN:Is that John? Excuse me, Mister, but is that my hero? Did he save my Elvis?

 

JOHN: Put her on the phone, Bo.

 

BO:(smiling)She’s all yours, John.

 

SUSAN:Hey there, John. It’s me, Susan. Susan Banks. Did you get my Elvis?

 

JOHN: I have John Jr. with me now. He’s safe now.

 

SUSAN:I NEED TO SEE HIM, JOHN.

 

JOHN: (sensing her genuine worry)He is with me now. I’m his Daddy. You know I would do anything to protect him, don’t you?

 

SUSAN:Well…yeah…of course I do. You big strong man. He’s gonna grow up to be just like you, John Black. Just like his Daddy…and Elvis too. Has anyone ever told you that you look like Elvis Pres-

 

JOHN: Susan, I have to go now. I’m going to put John Jr. down for the night. I am going to take him somewhere where no one can hurt him. I will call you later. You stay with Bo. He’ll protect you. He’s a police officer.

 

SUSAN:A police officer…well,well,well,…why ain’t he got no uniform on?

 

JOHN: Because he is undercover.

 

SUSAN:Well, I see. Well, well, well,thank you John. Thank you very much. I can’t tell you how much this means-

 

JOHN: Susan, can you put Bo back on the phone.

 

SUSAN:Oh sure, John. You give Elvis a kiss for me. And you give yourself one too. I love you so much, John Black, and when we are together again with our baby, I intend to show you how much.(John gets a little queasy at the though of this, and waits while Susan hands the phone back to Bo.)

 

BO:Yeah.

 

JOHN: Listen, Bo, I need you to do me a favor…

 

BO:Oh no you don’t, John. You’re not about to suggest that-

 

JOHN: I need you to keep Susan with you.

 

BO:John, c’mon, you’re not serious, are you?

 

JOHN: Very serious. Listen to me, Bo. Stefano is after this woman. She is in extreme danger.

 

BO:Then why don’t you take her with you?

 

JOHN: Because she’s too unstable. With Stefano out there, Marlena is in danger. I can’t take Susan – she’s too much of a risk-factor.

 

BO:Yeah,yeah, yeah, I know, I know…alright. Call me when you get there.

 

JOHN: I will. Thanks, Bo.

 

BO:You owe me John…Big Time!!

 

JOHN: Yeah, I know, I know.(John hangs up his phone and turns around to see Sean walking in.)

 

JOHN: Sean-

 

SEAN:John, what are you doing here with J.J. I thought you were supposed to be-

 

JOHN: I am. Listen, I need a favor. I don’t have a car. I need you to get me out of town as quickly as possible.

 

SEAN:Where do you need to go?

 

JOHN: Back to the hideout.

 

SEAN:Do ya remember how to get there, son?

 

JOHN: You bet I do.

 

SEAN:Well, then, let’s get outa here.

 

JOHN: Sean, you have an extra playpen for J.J. here to borrow.

 

SEAN:Only about 3 or 4, son. In the closet to your left.(Sean grabs his key and goes out to the car, helping with JJ’s bags. John meets him outside with the folded-up playpen. Sean starts the car and they are well on their way to the cabin within minutes. John Jr. begins to cry and John grabs a bottle out of the diaper bag and feeds him. Sean allows him the luxury of silence most of the way there, which is something John is very grateful for.

 

Meanwhile, at the cabin, Marlena lies on the couch, wishing she had never said those horrible things to John. It isn’t his fault Kristen is so evil. She remembers the pain in his eyes as she relives their terrible argument. Why did she say those things to him. Tears roll down her cheek as she cries herself to sleep. From outside, on the porch, Abe watches Marlena as she wakes up, looking for John. She finally lays down and goes back to sleep, but Abe can tell she is very upset. When he arrived earlier in the evening, the children were cuddled up on the couch with her, sound asleep. Marlena was staring at the cartoon on the screen, but her thoughts were a million miles away. Abe had helped her get the children in bed, and she had thanked him for coming, but that was the extent of their conversation. He knew her well enough to know when she needed to be alone, and this was one of those times. He spends most of the evening talking to the other officers around, and is beginning to doze off in a hammock when the headlights of a car blind him. He gets up and sees John getting out of the passenger seat of the car. Abe walks over to find Sean in the driver’s seat.

 

ABE:Where’s Bo’s truck?

 

JOHN: At the police station, where he is.

 

ABE:Now?

 

JOHN: Yeah.

 

ABE:What’s going on?

 

JOHN: Let Bo fill you in, Abe. It’s been a rough night.(Abe sees John Jr. in the back seat)

 

ABE:Kristen came back?

 

JOHN: Yep.(He takes J.J. and the car seat out of the back seat.)

 

ABE: Is everything alright?

 

JOHN: No…but she doesn’t know that.

 

ABE:Why not?

 

JOHN: Because I went to the house and found her holding John Jr.s nurse at gunpoint.(Sean and Abe’s mouths drop open at this newest piece of information.)

 

ABE:Well, what happened?

 

JOHN: I got the nurse out of the house and sent her to the police station to stay with Abe. Then I came home, played the part of the loving husband, and told her I was working on a case with you.

 

ABE:And you took John Jr. with you?

 

JOHN: Yeah…I told her I was taking him to see Sean and Caroline while we had dinner at the pub.

 

ABE:John…are you alright?

 

JOHN: Yeah…just confused…and hurt. Nothing I won’t get over.

 

ABE:Well, listen, why don’t I leave with Sean. Then you’ll have my car if you need it.

 

JOHN: Yeah…that’ll be fine.(Abe gets in the car, handing John his car keys. John puts them in his pocket and then grabs J.J.’s diaper bags and playpen. As Sean and Abe are pulling out, John taps on the window. Abe rolls it down and John looks at him in a humiliated way.)

 

JOHN: Listen, Abe, be careful. Stefano is alive and in Salem.

 

ABE:John, how do you know that?

 

JOHN: I just saw him…at my house…holding my child…while my wife held another woman at gunpoint.(Abe stares at John, amazed at the turn of events. Now it all made sense to Sean and Abe, now they knew why John was so quiet and withdrawn. They drove away in silence, and a beaten John quietly walks into the cabin. He takes the playpen into the bedroom and unfolds it, placing some blankets in it. He then lies his sleeping son in the playpen very gently. He sheds his shorts and t-shirt and goes into the bathroom where he takes a shower. Then he throws some Jockey shorts on and walks into the den where he finally stops for a moment to breathe. He looks at Marlena, watching her sleeping form and his heart breaks when he sees her tear-stained cheeks, and realizes she must have cried herself to sleep. John picks her up and carries her into the bedroom where he lies her on the sheets. He then crawls into the bed and lies down behind her, feeling how perfectly she fits against him. Wrapping his arms around her, he kisses her softly on the cheek. Marlena mumbles John’s name in her sleep.)

 

JOHN: It’s me. I’m here honey. (Marlena, in her sleep, reaches behind her for his hand. She grabs hold of it and John joins her in her deep sleep, putting off all of his questions and fears until tomorrow. He is safe now, and she is safe, and his beautiful children are safe. He can relax, for now….)

Marlena slowly wakes up, confused as to where she is. She keeps hearing a baby crying softly. She calls Belle’s name, and starts to get out of bed when she feels an arm around her – an arm she would know anywhere. She turns around and comes face to face with John. He is sound asleep, but even so, worry lines are etched across his brow. He grits his teeth in his sleep, muttering the word “Why” over and over again. She hears the baby crying softly in the same room with her but the room is so dark that she can’t see. She gets out of bed and walks toward the sound. The moonlight from the window is shining down on John Jr.’s playpen. She looks in and sees John’s tiny baby boy staring up at her with a frown covering his little face.

 

MARLENA: Well, what have we here? Hello there. How are you?(As Marlena talks to him, he cheers up, kicking his tiny feet as he smiles.)I believe you just wanted a little attention, didn’t you.(Marlena reaches in and lifts J.J. out of the playpen. He lays his head on her soft nightgown and drools, instinctively finding her breast)Oh, you’re hungry, are you? Well, let’s see what we can do about that.(Marlena carries him into the kitchen where she opens the fridge, taking out one of his bottles. She warms his milk and tests the temperature on her wrist, then eases the bottle into his mouth. J.J begins drinking it hungrily, barely taking time to breathe.)

 

MARLENA: Wow, you are one hungry fellow, aren’t you? Yeah. That’s one huge appetite you got there, huh? Just like your Daddy.(Marlena carries J.J. back into the bedroom, and sits down in the rocking chair with him, smiling as she watches him hungrily lapping up the milk. With the moonlight shining through the window behind her, Marlena creates a perfect picture of motherhood. This beautiful image is the first thing John sees when he opens his eyes. At first he thinks he is dreaming, and he lies there staring at this beautiful vision of Marlena, lit by moonlight alone, rocking their child to sleep. His heart literally expands in his chest as he is filled with overwhelming love for this woman. Then he hears Marlena whispering to the baby, encouraging him to burp. The baby lets out a loud burp.)

 

MARLENA: Good boy…yes what a big boy you are J.J. I’m so proud of you… (Then John remembers all of the events that transpired this evening. He remembers the fight with Marlena and sneaking Susan out of the house and Kristin and Stefano. He lets out an involuntary sigh and Marlena looks over at him. Their eyes meet, and John sees the uncertainty in her eyes.)

 

JOHN: Doc-

 

MARLENA: John, I didn’t hear you come in earlier.

 

JOHN: Yeah, you were asleep so I didn’t want to wake you up.

 

MARLENA: I see.

 

JOHN: The couch didn’t look that comfortable so I carried you in here to sleep…

 

MARLENA: With you…

 

JOHN: With…me. Listen Doc, there’s something I have to tell you.

 

MARLENA: Well, there’s something I have to tell you too.(Marlena looks down at J.J. who has fallen back to sleep. She places back in the playpen, wrapping the blankets around him. She then walks over to the bed and sits down. John stares at her in awe, amazed at how beautiful she looks in her soft blue lace nightgown, bathed by the glow of the moon.)It’s about all of those things I said to you earlier, when we were fighting. They were wrong and I shouldn’t have said them. I just got so upset and emotional and I didn’t think before I spoke. I hurt your feelings and I am sorry. It was very wrong of me.

 

JOHN: Did you mean what you said?

 

MARLENA: To be quite honest, I don’t even remember half of what I said. I just got so angry-

 

JOHN: You said that Kristen was Stefano’s child-

 

MARLENA: I shouldn’t have-

 

JOHN: And I couldn’t figure out why you would have said that so I went home for some answers. I saw Kristen-

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: And when I saw her I understood. Everything you said suddenly rang true and as painful as it was, I realized what I had done. I realized that marrying Kristen was the biggest mistake of my life. She is Stefano’s child, Doc, you were right. You were so right.(Marlena becomes very concerned about John as he is talking to her. He is extremely detached yet she can see the pain in his eyes. She turns to face him, offering all of the support and warmth he needs.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, what happened?

 

JOHN: I saw her in our house. Stefano was in there too.

 

MARLENA: Honey, Stefano is dead.

 

JOHN: No, honey, he is not. He is at home, in my house, with my wife, making plans.

 

MARLENA: What kind of plans, John? Are you sure it is him.

 

JOHN: I saw him. He was holding my son in his arms.(A tear rolls down John’s cheek as he says this and Marlena reaches out to him, offering comfort.)He held my son while my wife held a gun to the head of our baby nurse.

 

MARLENA: Your baby nurse??? Why would Kristen-

 

JOHN: I don’t know, Doc. I don’t know. This is all new to me. I don’t understand any of it.

 

MARLENA: You want to tell me what happened.

 

JOHN: Kristen pulled the wig off the baby nurse. She went upstairs and I helped get the poor crazy woman out. Then I went home and acted as if everything was fine. I told her I wanted to take J.J. over to see Sean and Caroline. Then I came here and went to sleep.

 

MARLENA: Did Stefano see you?

 

JOHN: No, neither of them have any idea that I know anything.

 

MARLENA: I can’t believe he is alive…

 

JOHN: And in my home.

 

MARLENA: Yeah…John, honey, I know this is probably lousy timing, but there are some things I have to tell you…

 

JOHN: About Kristen…

 

MARLENA: About Kristen…

 

JOHN: Go right ahead, baby. I doubt there’s anything you can say that could make me feel any worse.

 

MARLENA: I’m not so sure about that…John, remember when Stefano found out which plane I was on and you couldn’t figure out how he knew?

 

JOHN: Yeah?

 

MARLENA: Well, that’s was Kristen who told him.(Marlena sees the pain this information causes him but knows that she has to keep going.)And also, when he had me in Paris, well Kristen knew, I mean she saw me at the ball – she wouldn’t help, she wanted me out of your life forever.

 

JOHN: My God, all this time, Doc. All this time I have been living with that woman, sharing her bed, and I never had any idea. Not even the slightest suspicion.

 

MARLENA: I’m so sorry, honey.

 

JOHN: Why didn’t you tell me?

 

MARLENA: Well, I was going to tell you. In fact, I had decided to tell you the day that Kristen announced she was pregnant. And she talked about how fragile the pregnancy was and how the Doctor said any stress could be harmful to the baby.

 

JOHN: Oh, Doc-

 

MARLENA: John, I didn’t want anything to happen to that baby. I knew how much you would love this child, and if Kristen would have lost the baby, I knew I would never be able to forgive myself. So I waited. You see, I had made up my mind to tell you as soon as the baby was born. But then you married Kristen and it was too late. I couldn’t tell you then. You were so happy and I didn’t want to hurt you…I would never hurt you John.(By this point they are both crying. John takes Marlena in his arms and holds her, smoothing back her hair.)

 

JOHN: I know, baby, I know…(John tilts her chin up and kisses her softly on the lips. Marlena instantly responds, placing her hands on each side of his face.)

 

MARLENA: I just wanted you to be happy. You have to believe that.

 

JOHN: I do. I do. I just feel so confused and disgusted. I’m just sick to death of lies and deceptions. I just want to forget about it right now. I don’t want to talk about Kristen or Stefano anymore tonight.

 

MARLENA: Okay…What do you want to talk about?

 

JOHN: Nothing.

 

MARLENA: You want to go back to sleep?

 

JOHN: What I’d really like to do is rip that nightgown off of you and listen to you beg me not to stop-

 

MARLENA: John!

 

JOHN: (smiling for the first time all night)But I won’t. Not yet, anyway.

 

MARLENA: (staring at John, her breathing affected by the mere image he suggested) I see.

 

JOHN: You want me, don’t you?

 

MARLENA: Huh?

 

JOHN: (Rubbing his thumb softly against her lower lip)I said you want me…right now.

 

MARLENA: Yes.(A single tear runs down her cheek.)

 

JOHN: It’s okay, sweetheart. That isn’t something you need to be ashamed of.

 

MARLENA: I know.

 

JOHN: I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. You are the only woman that has ever truly satisfied me in every way. No one else can make me as happy as you do. You know that, don’t you?

 

MARLENA: Uh-huh.

 

JOHN: Good. And don’t you forget it. EVER.(Marlena leans into his chest and sighs. Her mouth comes in contact with his chest and he groans at the sensations he is feeling all because her breath fell on his chest. She kisses his chest and moans his name softly.)

 

JOHN: Oh, baby, that feels so good.(Marlena, lost in the moment, traces a path down to his lower stomach with the tip of her tongue. John exhales loudly, absolutely lost in Marlena’s slow sweet seduction.)Marlena, don’t stop…please don’t stop…(John reaches down, forcefully grabbing her head. He runs his fingers through her short hair and groans in ecstasy as he feels the warmth of her breath against his lower abdomen. John Jr. chooses this precise moment to let his presence known. He lets out a huge wail, hungry for attention. Marlena looks up at John who is oblivious to anything but her.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, I think your son is lonley over there.

 

JOHN: Huh?(Marlena looks up at his passion-glazed eyes and she whispers in his ear.)

 

MARLENA: Hold that thought.(She gets up and walks over to the playpen, picking J.J. up and carrying him over to the bed.)Awake again, are you? I know you can’t be hungry already. And your diaper is dry, so what is it? Did your Daddy wake you up?

 

JOHN: (leaning over, he places his head on Marlena’s shoulder.)Son, I think we’re going to have to work on your sense of timing.(Marlena burts into laughter and John joins her. Their laughter is contagious and before long, J.J. smiles as well.)Did you see that, Doc. He smiled at us.

 

MARLENA: Yes he did. Did you think that was funny? Huh?

 

(Marlena places a kiss on his forehead, then cradles him in her arms, all the while whispering soft and gentle words of love.John watches her, absolutely entranced by the maternal nurturing side of her.)

 

JOHN: You know that one of the things I regret the most in my life is not being there for you and Belle.

 

MARLENA: Oh, honey, don’t say that. You were always there for both of us. Belle absolutely adores you.

 

JOHN: I know that, but I wan’t there when she was little and woke up crying in the night. I wasn’t there to watch you hold her and rock her back to sleep. I wish I could have been right by your side, every step of the way.

 

MARLENA: John, that wasn’t your fault. I chose to do that alone. I was the one who wanted to salvage my relationship with Roman.

 

JOHN: But then he left, and I still wasn’t there.

 

MARLENA: You were wih Kristen, then.

 

JOHN: But I didn’t have to be. Nobody put a gun to my head and forced me to stay with her.

 

MARLENA: True…but we both were so consumed with guilt at the time. We didn’t truly understand the depth of our feelings. We tried to run from them.

 

JOHN: And failed miserably, didn’t we?

 

MARLENA: Yeah, pretty much.

 

JOHN: So, where do we go from here?

 

MARLENA: I think that remains to be seen.

 

JOHN: So you think we should wait…after all these years of pretending, you want me to just keep pretending.

 

MARLENA: John, you don’t ever have to pretend with me. But despite everything that has happened, Kristen is still your…wife. And this little one is her child. You still have a lot of things to work through.

 

JOHN: I know you’re not hinting that I should forgive her for staying in contact with Stefano.

 

MARLENA: I’m not hinting at anything, John. I’m just saying that you need to follow your heart.(John smiles, remembering the day when he gave John Jr. that exact same advice.)

 

JOHN: My heart is with you.(John places his hand on her heart. This gesture brings tears to Marlena’s eyes.)It always has been, and it always will be.

 

MARLENA: Then you just need to work through all of the lies and deceit that Kristin has supplied you with, and hopefully, some day soon, you will get to the bottom of everything.

 

JOHN: And if I don’t?

 

MARLENA: You will. I know you better than you know yourself John. And I know that you will find a way to get through this mess. And I will be with you every step of the way.

 

JOHN: You know, I’m not so sure I really want to get to the bottom of this.

 

MARLENA: Why would you say that?

 

JOHN: Just intuition. I have this funny feeling that there is a lot more left to be uncovered.

 

MARLENA: Such as…

 

JOHN: Well, the baby nurse, for example. What threat could she possibly be to Kristen?

 

MARLENA: Maybe just the simple fact that she knows about Kristen and Stefano.

 

JOHN: Maybe. But I just get the feeling there is more there. I mean, Kristen hired her for some reason. I sure as hell didn’t want her taking care of the baby. She’s so unstable…

 

MARLENA: Unstable?

 

JOHN: Yeah, unstable. And when I was trying to rescue her , she kept referring to the baby as hers. In fact, several times she referred to it as “our baby”.

 

MARLENA: Hmmmh.

 

JOHN: Oh, well, I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough. But until then, Doc, what are we going to do?

 

MARLENA: What do you mean?

 

JOHN: Just what I said. “We”, as in the two of us, as in me and you-

 

MARLENA: Okay, John, I understand. I think that, for now at least, there can’t be any “us”.

 

JOHN: Why?

 

MARLENA: John, c’mon, with all you have to deal with in the coming days and weeks, our relationship is the last thing you need to be thinking about.

 

JOHN: I can’t help but think about you, Doc.

 

MARLENA: It’s okay to think about me, John. God knows I think about you enough. And I will be there for you anytime, day or night. That hasn’t changed.

 

JOHN: Then what has?

 

MARLENA: Well, the past few days we have been getting a little carried away. And I am as much to blame as you are. I mean, just 10 minutes ago, I was seducing you with my mouth alone.

 

JOHN: And I was loving every minute of it-

 

MARLENA: But-

 

JOHN: Aww, I knew a “but” was coming.

 

MARLENA: (laughing at his comments in-spite of what she has to say)But I think that the argument we had earlier proves that we still have a tremendous amount of unresolved anger and hurt locked inside, and we have to deal with that, John. We can’t just throw caution to the wind and have sex when we feel like it. We did that before and the results were disastrous. I can’t take that risk again, John.

 

JOHN: Well, I have to admit that sex on the conference room table was a bit risky, but-

 

MARLENA: John, c’mon, you know what I mean.

 

JOHN: I do. And I am willing to do anything to make you happy.

 

MARLENA: Then you deal with Kristen and your marriage problems first. When you have come to some sort of resolution, we’ll talk. Who knows, maybe we can even start dating again. (John notices the twinkle in her eye when she says this and smiles at her.)

 

JOHN: Oooohh, was that a hint?(Marlena smiles, a little embarrassed)

 

MARLENA: Maybe…

 

JOHN: So the lady wants to be wined and dined and sixty-nined?(John looks up at her grinning)

 

MARLENA: Maybe…I guess you’ll find out, won’t you?(She looks back at him, her eyes sparkling with laughter)

 

JOHN: Because, you know, Doc, if you want, we could always switch the order around and start with the last item on the agenda.

 

MARLENA: What, and ruin the suspense? Not on your life!! I’m going to make you work for this.

 

JOHN: Oh, c’mon, honey, play fair!

 

MARLENA: Oh, I intend to. Don’t you worry about that.(Marlena lies J.J. on the bed between them.)And don’t you try any funny stuff, or J.J. here will wake up and start crying again.

 

JOHN: So I guess this means you are ready for bed.(Marlena decides to tease him a little more before going back to sleep.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, with you in the room, I’m always ready for bed.

 

JOHN: Wait just a minute, here! I thought you said you were going to play fair.

 

MARLENA: I didn’t touch you, did I?

 

JOHN: No, but when you talk to me that way, the effect is the same.

 

MARLENA: Oh, I’m not so sure about that. (She reaches over J.J., and wraps her arms around John’s neck, giving him a long slow kiss.)

 

JOHN: What was that?

 

MARLENA: Just a taste…(John grins at her choice of words)…of what’s to come.

 

JOHN: Can I have another…taste?

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: C’mon, Doc, play nice.

 

MARLENA: I am playing nice. I let you stay in my bed, didn’t I?

 

JOHN: Your bed???

 

MARLENA: My bed!

 

JOHN: Try “OUR BED”.

 

MARLENA: You know, I think I like the sound of that.

 

JOHN: Me too.(They lie down on their sides, facing each other, with John Jr. between them.)I love you, Marlena.

 

MARLENA: I love you, John.

 

JOHN: Doesn’t it feel incredible to say that?

 

MARLENA: Yeah, pretty incredible.

 

JOHN: You make me so happy. I can’t imagine the type of person I would be if I had never met you.

 

MARLENA: Well, oddly enough, we have Stefano to think for that.

 

JOHN: He probably regrets that more than anything he’s ever done.

 

MARLENA: I don’t think that man is capable of regret. He has no conscience, John.

 

JOHN: True, but he is obsessed with you. And he knows that I will do anything to protect you from him.(Marlena’s eyes widen in fear as she thinks back to the last time Stefano kidnapped her.)Hey there, he’s not going to get near you. You hear me?

 

MARLENA: I hear you. Loud and clear. (She smiles at him, her eyes filled with all of the love she feels for him. She reaches out to him and he grabs her hand, squeezing it tightly.)Goodnight, John.

 

JOHN: Goodnight, my beautiful angel. See you in my dreams.

 

MARLENA: Always…(John watches as she drifts off to sleep, her body curved around J.J., who snuggles closer against her for warmth. For several minutes, John just watches her sleep. Tears slide down his face as he thanks God for bringing them together. Then John slowly begins to drift off as well, and before too long he does just as he promised – he joins her in ‘their dreams’.)

The next morning Marlena awakes in a panic. She doesn’t hear anything, and after being a mother to several children, she is used to waking up to the sounds of their voices. She turns over to see that the other side of the bed is empty, and she jumps out of the bed , running over to J.J.’s playpen to find it empty also. She runs into the children’s room and the kids are nowhere to be found. Marlena panics, remembering her conversation with John late last night about Stefano being alive. She immediately fears the worst, and runs outside to alert security. It is then that she sees a blanket laid out on the ground. John is lying on the ground, on his side, with J.J.lying next to him. Belle is rummaging through J.J.’s diaper bag and Brady is sitting on the blanket on the other side of J.J., laughing at the infant’s expressions. Belle pulls out a tiny baseball cap, and runs over to J.J., trying to place the cap on J.J.’s head. He begins to whimper, and John tries to assist Belle.

 

BELLE: I kin do it by my-shef, Daddy!!!

 

(John laughs at her scolding tone, and looks up to see Marlena standing on the porch, staring out at them. His breath catches at the sight of her standing there, in her blue lace nightgown. The sun shines down on her, making her gown appear transparent in the light of day. He clears his throat, and whistles loudly. Marlena sighs in relief to see that they are all ok, and she silently chides herself for panicking so quickly.)

 

JOHN: Doc, whaddya say you get dressed and join us out here?(Belle pulls J.J.’s baby bottle out of the diaper bag, and tries to feed J.J. He begins to fuss when she continues to push the bottle into his mouth, after he has spit it out several times.) Belle, honey, he’s not hungry right now.

 

BELLE: I need to feed da baby, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Belle, he’s already eaten.

 

BELLE: But he needs to dwink his milk, Daddy.(John takes the bottle from Belle and holds it up high where she can’t reach it. Belle begins climbing up John’s lap, scolding him as she reaches up for the bottle.)

 

BELLE: Daddy, dis is not pwaytime. I got to feed da baby.(Marlena laughs at Belle’s antics, and hurries inside to shower and dress, excited about the prospect of spending another fun day with John and the children. She is showered and clothed in ten minutes flat. This time when she walks outside, Belle and Brady have grown tired of watching the baby. Brady’s patience is wearing thin as he tries to teach Belle how to throw a frisbee correctly. John is sitting on the blanket, watching Belle and Brady play. Marlena sneaks up behind them and is only a few inches away from John’s back when he senses her presence. So before she can even surprise him, he reaches behind him, grabs her ankles and pulls them, causing Marlena to fall backwards onto the soft grass. She screams in surprise then immediately after landing, her scream turns into laughter. (John lays down atop her, gloating.)

 

MARLENA: (still laughing)How did you know I was there?

 

JOHN: I sensed you.

 

MARLENA: Seriously, John.

 

JOHN: I smelled you, and believe me, I love the way you smell…(John buries his nose and mouth in her neck, breathing deeply.)Ahhh, you smell delicious, honey.

 

MARLENA: (a bit too affected already by his affection)John, honey, c’mon, not around the kids.

 

JOHN: Doc, it’s a sight they’re going to have to get used to.

 

MARLENA: Not yet, it isn’t. Come on, I’m very serious. We don’t want to confuse them. You are still married to Kristen.

 

JOHN: Alright.(pulling away) Whatever you wish, Doc.(Marlena instantly picks up on his mood swing.)

 

MARLENA: John, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, sweetheart. It’s just that the children are very impressionable right now. I don’t want them to grow up thinking that it is okay for us to behave this way, even though you are married to Kristen.

 

JOHN: Doc, I have been in your presence this morning for a matter of minutes, and you have reminded me, not once, but twice, that I am married to Kristen. Don’t you think I know that by now?

 

MARLENA: Wait just one minute, John. First of all, I am not reminding you – I am simply stating the facts. But the way you are acting this morning makes me wonder if you aren’t trying to conveniently forget.

 

JOHN: The way I am acting? Doc, I saw that gleam in your eye just now when I had you under me.

 

MARLENA: John, I’m not denying that I like the way you feel on top of me..or under me, or anywhere around me, for that matter. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. But that doesn’t make it right. If you behave in a suggestive manner, I will react. I can’t help that, I’m human.

 

JOHN: So am I, Doc.

 

MARLENA: So all we have to do is make sure we don’t encourage each other to behave this way.(Trying to lighten the mood)Besides, you’re a big boy. You can control yourself.

 

JOHN: No, I don’t think I can. I want to be with you so badly. And now that I know that you want me too, it’s makes it all the more harder to resist you.

 

MARLENA: Well, the way I see it, you really don’t have a choice. There is no other option, John. I refuse to be the other woman. I refuse to be the catalyst for yet another divorce. We’ve been through this before, John. We already know the ending, and it isn’t a happy one.

 

JOHN: Doc, our feelings will in no way, shape, or form be the cause of my divorcing Kristen. She lied to me, deceived me, manipulated me, and put your life in jeopardy. End of story.

 

MARLENA: Speaking of Kristen, did you call her?

 

JOHN: Yes.

 

MARLENA: And?

 

JOHN: I told her the truth; that I had to leave town and get you and the kids out of danger because of the lunatic that is threatening your life.

 

MARLENA: You didn’t tell her where we-

 

JOHN: No, Doc. I have played the fool once with her, but never again.

 

MARLENA: So, what’s the plan?

 

JOHN: The plan?

 

MARLENA: Yeah, what are you going to do?

 

JOHN: I don’t know yet. It’s difficult because J.J. is her child and I want to make sure I have enough proof of all of her wrongdoings to see to it that she doesn’t have a chance in hell to get custody of him.

 

MARLENA: John, she is the baby’s mother. That weighs pretty heavily in a court of law.

 

JOHN: Exactly. That’s why I have to find out the details around her actions. You see, if Stefano is involved, then she is up to some evil. She held a gun to Susan’s head, so that in itself should-

 

MARLENA: Susan?

 

JOHN: Yeah, that’s what she said her name is. Of course, considering how loony she is, that doesn’t mean a whole hell of alot.

 

MARLENA: Your baby nurse is named Susan?

 

JOHN: Yeah, Doc, what’s the big deal?

 

MARLENA: Nothing. I am just curious, that’s all. Does this Susan have a last name?

 

JOHN: Banks, I think. But Doc, I don’t see what the…(John notices the shock that is slowly registering on Marlena’s face.)Honey, what is it? (Marlena can not even speak. She is too busy trying to put the puzzle pieces together.)Marlena, what is it?(silence)Do you know this lady.(Marlena nods slowly as reality starts slapping her in the face. Tears form in her eyes as she remembers all that Susan told her in their sessions. She remembers when Susan talked about the family who had her baby, and how happy Susan was when she told her she was living with the family and their child. Her heart aches for John as she realizes that there is a very good chance that John Jr. isn’t even his. Tears roll down her cheeks as it slowly dawns on her that she can’t even tell John what she knows due to the fact that Susan is a patient of hers.)

 

JOHN: Honey, what is it? Talk to me baby. What’s the matter.

 

MARLENA: (still in shock, talks to him barely above a whisper)I know her.

 

JOHN: So?

 

MARLENA: She is a…patient of mine.

 

JOHN: And?

 

MARLENA: I can’t tell you anymore.

 

JOHN: Why the hell not?

 

MARLENA: John, she told me things in confidence.

 

JOHN: So, tell them to me in confidence.

 

MARLENA: John, I am being serious, here.

 

JOHN: So am I, Marlena. Very serious. This is my life we’re talking about here.

 

MARLENA: This is my career, John. I love my job and my patients very much. I would never betray the trust I have with any of them.

 

JOHN: Marlena, just listen to me-

 

MARLENA: No you listen to me, John. Each and every one of my patients comes to me in need of help and guidance. What kind of Doctor would I be if I let them down.

 

JOHN: Not all of them, just one of them-

 

MARLENA: What kind of person would I be? Obviously not the person you fell in love with.(This last statement stops John in midsentence.)

 

JOHN: What do you mean?

 

MARLENA: Well, why do you love me, John? Why do you respect me?

 

JOHN: Honey, that would take me forever to tell you all the reasons.

 

MARLENA: But you’ve told me before how much you respect my integrity and my dedication to my job. How much integrity would I have if I completely disregarded a patient’s feelings and well-being because of my personal life.

 

JOHN: You’re not going to change your mind on this one, huh.

 

MARLENA: No. I’m sorry, John, but I can’t.

 

JOHN: Then what do you suggest.

 

MARLENA: I suggest you go talk to Susan.

 

JOHN: Doc, I don’t know if that is going to work-

 

MARLENA: John, it has to work.

 

JOHN: Yeah…It’s just that she seems to have developed a slight crush on me.

 

MARLENA: A crush?

 

JOHN: Yeah, she seems to be living in this fantasy world where J.J. is named Baby Elvis and she and I are his parents.

 

MARLENA: (smiling despite herself)Baby Elvis?

 

JOHN: Yeah…How important is it that I talk to this fruitcake.

 

MARLENA: First of all, she is not a fruitcake. And I think that it is extremely important that you talk to her. Did you notice that I stressed “extremely”.

 

JOHN: Yeah…I noticed.(John looks up at her with uncertain eyes)Why do I feel so frightened of the truth? You would think I would be happy to hear it.

 

MARLENA: (nodding her head no with understanding.)Not necessarily. Not when people’s hearts and emotions are at stake. It seems safer to stick with what you know and you’re familiar with. But you deserve the truth.

 

JOHN: We all do.

 

MARLENA: We all do.(Marlena places her hands on John’s face, staring deep into his eyes.)I am going to be here for you through all of this.

 

JOHN: C’mon, Doc, you’re scaring me…How bad can it be?

 

MARLENA: (as a tear rolls down her cheek, she aches inside for the pain John is going to go through.)Very bad…Worse than I thought Kristen was capable of…

 

JOHN: Okay. Well, I think I’m going to have Bo bring Susan out here and we can sort this whole mess out, once and for all.(John gets up and puls his cellphone out of his pocket, dialing Bo’s number.)

 

BO:Hello.

 

JOHN: Bo, it’s me, John.

 

BO:Well, it is about time, man!!!

 

JOHN: Bo, listen, I need you to bring Susan out here.

 

BO:No argument here. This chic is out there! I thought you’d never call. And just a word of advice, Do not tell her that ELVIS IS DEAD!!!She went ballistic on me when I told her that.

 

JOHN: How soon can you get here out here?

 

BO:Man, I can be there in 10 minutes flat!!!

 

JOHN: Bo, c’mon, there’s no reason to drive that fast.

 

BO:The hell there isn’t. You didn’t spend the last 10 hours with her. You can’t even begin to imagine-

 

JOHN: Alright, alright, just get her here.

 

BO:I’m on my way.(John hangs up and walks back over to Marlena, who is feeding J.J. his bottle. Belle notices this, and immediately runs over.

 

BELLE: I wanna feed da baby, Momma.

 

(Marlena lifts J.J. up so that Belle can crawl into her lap. Then she cradles T.J. in front of Belle, allowing Belle to hold the bottle to his mouth. Belle watches in amazement.)

 

BELLE: He’s ve-wee firsty, Momma. He dwinks fwast, wike Daddy.

 

MARLENA: He sure does, sweety.(John watches their interaction and becomes even more determined than ever to find the truth out. He wants his family together. He wants Marlena as his wife. And without a doubt, he wants Marlena raising his child and not Kristen.)

 

JOHN: I just called Bo. He’s on his way now.

 

MARLENA(looking up at him from the ground)Good. I’m glad.

 

JOHN: Do you have any suggestions as to how to approach her with this.

 

MARLENA: Well, I know she feels very comfortable with me. If you want, I can talk to her a little. Make her feel at home, ya know.

 

JOHN: Sure. You can take her inside. I will wait out here with the children.

 

BRADY: Daddy, come throw the frisbee with me please.(John goes over and joins Brady on the grass. The next 5 minutes are spent in silence. John and Marlena try to behave normally for the childrens’ sakes, but both of them are very nervous and worried about what is to come.)

 

(Bo’s truck pulls into the driveway.)

 

MARLENA: Wow! That was fast.

 

JOHN: I think Bo has had his fill of Susan.

 

MARLENA: (smiling at him)Remember, no matter what happens, I am here for you. That’s a promise.

 

JOHN: I know that. I’ve always known that. (They hug, holding each other a little longer than necessary. Marlena pulls away and goes to greet Susan as she is getting out of the car.)

 

SUSAN: Well, my goodness, Dr. Evans, what in the world are you doing here?

 

MARLENA: Well, I’d like to talk to you, Susan, if that’s okay.

 

SUSAN: I would love to talk to you, Dr. Evans. I am just so surprised that your here. This policeman over here sure did not tell me you were gonna be here, cuz that is not something I would forget.

 

MARLENA: Well, maybe he didn’t know I was here. (Marlena smiles at Susan, and opens the door to the house for her.)Why don’t we go inside where we can talk?

 

SUSAN: Well, I would just love that.(They walk into the den and Marlena gestures for Susan to sit on the sofa.)

 

MARLENA: Would you like something to drink…some lemonade, perhaps?

 

SUSAN: Well, aren’t you just the sweetest thing, yes you are! Lemonade sounds lovely, my throat is a bit parched, you see. That policeman that does not wear his uniform, what’s his name?

 

MARLENA: Bo.

 

SUSAN: Yes, Bo. Well, just between you and me, he could use a few lessons in manners.(Marlena hands Susan the lemonade and sits next to her on the sofa)

 

MARLENA: (a little amused)Is that so?

 

SUSAN: It sure is. Dr. Evans, I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are here. I have so much to tell you.

 

MARLENA: Actually, I have something to talk to you about as well.

 

SUSAN: Oh, well, you just open your heart and tell me all. You can talk to me about anything. I am a real good listener, honest I am.

 

MARLENA: I am sure you are, Susan, but what I want to talk about has to do with John.

 

SUSAN: John Black?

 

MARLENA: Yes.

 

SUSAN: How do you know John Black.

 

MARLENA: Well, John and I are very close friends.

 

SUSAN: Well, isn’t this a itty bitty world. All this time, I never knew that you knew him. How long have you two been friends?

 

MARLENA: Somewhere in the vicinity of ten years.

 

SUSAN: TEN YEARS?!? Wowee!! Well, John Black is lucky to have someone like you as his friend for that long.

 

MARLENA: Well, thank you but I feel just as blessed to have had him as my friend.

 

SUSAN: Of course you do! John Black is such a good man.

 

MARLENA: He is. He is. But he is not very happy right now.

 

SUSAN: Why not?

 

MARLENA: Well, he has discovered that his wife, Kristen, is not a very nice person…Do you know Kristen, Susan?

 

SUSAN: I do.

 

MARLENA: And do you know what I am referring to when I say she is not very nice.

 

SUSAN: Yeah…She is a mean old woman and I don’t like her one bit, Dr. Evans, not one itty little bit.

 

MARLENA: Is she the mean old woman you referred to in our previous talks.

 

SUSAN: Yes, she is. She and her Daddy tried to kill me last night. John Black saved my life and I can’t wait to tell him how thankful I am. He was so brave, like a knight in shining armor.

 

MARLENA: Well, he isn’t feeling to brave right now, just very confused. He wants to know the truth, Susan.

 

SUSAN: What truth?

 

MARLENA: The truth about J.J….He is your son, isn’t he?

 

SUSAN: He is…and I love my baby so much, Dr. Evans. I can be a real good mommy.

 

MARLENA: I don’t doubt it. Now, I haven’t told John anything about our conversations. I have respected your privacy as my patient, and I will keep it that way. But John does deserve to know, Susan. And you are the only one who can tell him.

 

SUSAN: I can’t tell him, Dr. Evans.

 

MARLENA: It is your decision, Susan. I will respect that. But if you want to rid your life, and your son’s life, of people like Kristen, you are going to have to come clean eventually. The truth has to come out. You know that, don’t you?

 

SUSAN: I know, Dr. Evans, but I’m just so scared.

 

MARLENA: What are you afraid of, Susan.

 

SUSAN: I don’t want John Black to hate me.

 

MARLENA: I can assure you he won’t hate you. He will be very angry at first, but after he has had time to cool off, he will be be grateful to you for giving him the truth. I’m sure of it.

 

SUSAN: It’s just that..he thinks my baby boy is his. He will be heartbroken. I just can’t do that to him now, after he saved my life and rescued my baby Elvis from Kristen.

 

MARLENA: He will be heartbroken, but the longer you wait, the more painful it is going to be for everyone involved.

 

SUSAN: You are right, Dr. Evans. You are just as right as rain. I gotta tell John Black the truth. Right this very minute.

 

MARLENA: I’ll go get him.(Susan panics when Marlena goes to leave.)

 

SUSAN: Dr. Evans, please come back with him. I just don’t think I can face him alone.

 

MARLENA: Okay. I’ll be right back.(Marlena puts her hand on Susan’s shoulder.)Susan, what you are about to do is very courageous and honorable. I am very proud of you.(A tear slides down Susan’s cheek)

 

SUSAN: Oh, Dr. Evans, I just love you so much. I don’t know what I would do without you. You’re just the very best friend I have, yes you are.(Susan embraces Marlena, squeezing the breath out of her. John walks up to the door, looking in through the window. Marlena gestures for him to come in.)

 

JOHN: I left the kids out there with Bo.(Marlena nods and the walks over to John’s side).

 

MARLENA: John, I think Susan has something to tell you.

 

JOHN: Fire away, Susan.(Susan shyly looks up at John and Marlena. Marlena smiles at her, silently encouraging her.)

 

SUSAN: Well, I’m not sure where to start.

 

JOHN: How about from the beginning.

 

SUSAN: Well, it goes like this, John. You ain’t married to Kristen. You are married to me.(This bit of information comes as a huge to shock to Marlena and John.)

 

JOHN: Susan, that’s impossible. I married Kristen in the delivery room when she was giving birth to our son.

 

SUSAN: Well, that was me. You see, Kristen had me dress up and pretend I was her. I had to go to all her checkups and make believe like I was Kristen.

 

JOHN: What in the hell are you talking about?

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: Tell me more, Susan.

 

SUSAN: Well, what happened was that Kristen gave me a wig and some fake teeth. She got matching clothes so I could pass as her. She didn’t expect you to decide to marry her in the delivery room. That was me you married. Then, she thought she could get rid of me, but little Elvis got sick and needed my blood. Then after the surgery, the Doctor said to nurse the baby. Well, Kristen didn’t have no milk in her since she never had a baby in her, so I had to nurse Baby Elvis. Kristen hired me as a baby nurse so I could be there to feed him whenever he is hungry. But I heard her talking to her Daddy on the phone, and she told him I was goin to have to be killed after Elvis started drinking formula. Well, I got scared and I didn’t know what to do. I panicked and I left with Elvis on Saturday morning, but Kristen saw me leaving and followed me. She must have run out of gas before I did, because I lost her. But it got real late and Elvis was hungry and I didn’t want to fall asleep at the wheel so me and Elvis stopped at a little motel for the night. Kristen and her Daddy found us and brought us back last night. Then you came and saved us, John Black.(A pause follows as John slowly digests all of this information.)

 

JOHN: When did you come to Salem?

 

SUSAN: Around the time Kristen had to start goin to checkups.

 

JOHN: So, how did she meet you?

 

SUSAN: Her Daddy sent me here. She asked him for help and he came up with the plan for me to be her.

 

JOHN: Her Daddy bein Stefano?

 

SUSAN: Yes, and let me tell you, he is a mean old man. Just as mean as she is. He would have killed me if you hadn’t showed up.

 

JOHN: So, if all that you say is true, then J.J. is not my son.

 

SUSAN: Oh, John Black, don’t you say that. Of course he is your son. He loves you so much-

 

JOHN: Susan, who is J.J.’s real father?

 

SUSAN: You are the closest thing to a father that Elvis has ever had,-

 

JOHN: DAMMIT SUSAN, LISTEN TO ME!!!!!

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: WHO IS THAT BABY’S FATHER???!!?(A long silence follows then Susan drops her head as answers him in a voice barely above a whisper.)

 

SUSAN: Kristen’s Daddy.(Marlena gasps for air at this shocking piece of information. Susan falls at John’s feet begging him for forgiveness. John jerks his feet away from her and storms out of the house. Marlena places a hand on Susan to reassure her everything will be okay. She hears John slam the door to Bo’s truck and runs outside to see him peeling out of the driveway in a mad fury. Marlena runs back inside to get the keys to the car Abe left for them, and goes running out to the car. Bo meets her at the driveway with J.J., Belle, and Brady. From inside the house, Susan’s loud wails can be heard.)

 

SUSAN: Elvis, I need my Elvis….Elvis baby, where are you…

 

BO:What the hell is going on.(J.J. begins screaming at the top of his lungs.)

 

MARLENA: I don’t have time to explain. I have to catch John. Bo, I need you to stay here and watch the children.

 

BO:Marlena, you can’t leave here. John would be furious with-

 

MARLENA: Bo, I have to go after him. He needs me. There is no telling what he’ll do if I don’t stop him. (She gets in the car and peels out of the driveway, screaming out the window as she drives off.)And watch Susan with J.J. She is very unstable right now…

 

BO:Yeah, yeah, I know, I know, unstable.(He opens the door for Brady and Belle and follows them into the house, muttering under his breath all the while.)

 

BO:What in the HELL did I do to deserve this??(Belle turns to Bo, frowning at him with disapproval. She places her hands on her hips and scolds him harshly.)

 

BELLE: You shed a bad word, Unca Bo. You need a time-out!

 

(Belle takes her foot and stomps on Bo’s shoe, then runs into the den to antagonize the strange woman crying for Elvis.)

 

BO:This is great…just great…

(Marlena pushes the gas pedal down as far as it will go, frantic with worry for John. As she twists and turns down the winding dirt road, it begins to rain. She turns the windshield wipers on, cursing the weather for interfering with her driving. She knows that anything that John does right now will be out of instinctual hatred for Stefano and his entire family. She recognized the blind rage in his eyes as he stormed out of the cabin. She has seen it consume him on several occasions, and she knows that when it comes to Stefano, John is capable of just about anything. The bottom of the sky seems to fall out as Marlena continues to fly down the dusty road. The sudden downpour of rain only serves as an additional warning to Marlena; an omen of what is to come. Tears roll down her face as she desperately tries to make up for the time and distance John has on her.)

 

MARLENA: Please John, don’t do anything stupid!!!(Marlena squints, trying to see through the rain, but it is useless. The sky has turned black, and the sun seems to have vanished from the sky. Suddenly, she slams on her breaks as she notices a truck on the side of the road. She pulls over onto the grass and jumps out of the car. Marlena is instantly soaked by the rain, but this does not phase her. She can see the color and make of the truck – it is Bo’s truck that John drove off in! Fearing the worst, she takes off running toward the car, her imagination creating terrible visions of what may have happened to him. She gets closer and can hear him using all sorts of profanity. She breathes a sigh of relief that he is not hurt. She approaches the truck and sees him kicking the front tire with all of his might. He, like her, is soaked from one end to the other.)

 

MARLENA: JOHN!!

 

JOHN: DOC! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE? ARE YOU CRAZY?

 

MARLENA: John, I was so worried about you.(Marlena stops directly in front of him, trying to stand still against the onslaught of wind and rain. Lightning strikes a nearby tree, causing several limbs to splinter and come crashing down. Marlena jumps into John’s arms, frightened by the ferocious storm that seems to be getting worse.)

 

JOHN: (holding onto Marlena)Doc, you know better than to leave the cabin. With Stefano roaming around, not to mention that other lunatic after you.

 

MARLENA: John, I know that, but you were so upset and angry, I couldn’t let you go off by yourself. I love you so much. (Marlena is crying and John holds her hard against him, as the rain pours down around them.)

 

JOHN: Honey, I’m okay. Really I am.

 

MARLENA: No, you’re not, John. You’re not. I saw how hurt and upset you were. I saw that look in your eyes that you get when you are so angry. You don’t have to hide that from me. You never have to hide from me.

 

JOHN: Doc, I’m taking you back to the cabin-

 

MARLENA: No. I don’t want to go back there yet. Not yet.(Marlena looks into John’s eyes, and sees the worry and concern for her in his eyes.)

 

JOHN: C’mon, Doc. I am serious. I am taking you back.

 

MARLENA: (pulling away from him)No.

 

JOHN: MARLENA, DAMMIT, LISTEN TO ME,… I need some time alone.

 

MARLENA: I can’t leave you alone.

 

JOHN: Well, you don’t have much of a choice anymore.(John picks Marlena up and carries her to the car. He puts her in the passenger seat and goes around to the drivers seat to get in the car. While he is running around to the driver’s side, Marlena pulls the keys out of the ignition and tries to scramble out of the car. John grabs her arm, but they are both soaking wet, and she slides her arm right out of his grasp, running away from him. John approaches her, furious at her childish behavior.)

 

JOHN: Give me the keys, Doc.

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: I said Give Me Those KEYS.

 

MARLENA: And I said NO.

 

JOHN: DAMNIT, DOC, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TRYING TO PROVE HERE????

 

MARLENA: I’M NOT TRYING TO PROVE ANYTHING, JOHN.

 

JOHN: Then give me the keys and let me take you back there.

 

MARLENA: Are you going to stay there?

 

JOHN: No.

 

MARLENA: Then I can’t do it. I can’t leave you alone like this. I’m scared of what you might do.

 

JOHN: You can leave me alone. And you will, even if I have to tie you up and deliver you to the doorstep.(He approaches her quickly, and Malena panics and starts to run towards the woods. John catches up to her and grabs the back of her shirt, causing it to rip. Marlena takes the keys and throws them as hard as she can into the stormy night.)

 

JOHN: MARLENA, ARE YOU CRAZY??!?? THAT WAS OUR ONLY WAY BACK!!!

 

MARLENA: I warned you, John. You shouldn’t have pushed me.

 

JOHN: You better start looking for those keys or we are have a long walk ahead of us.

 

MARLENA: Please, John. If worse comes to worse, you can always call Abe on your cell phone.

 

JOHN: (mimicking Marlena’s voice)No, I can’t call anyone on my cellphone.

 

MARLENA: What do you mean?

 

JOHN: I threw it out the window while I was driving.

 

MARLENA: YOU DID WHAT?????

 

JOHN: I threw it out the window.

 

MARLENA: And you just called ME CRAZY.

 

JOHN: When I left the cabin and started driving, I was upset, the phone kept ringing, I didn’t answer it but it wouldn’t stop ringing. I got pissed off and chunked it out the window.(He gets irritated at the way Marlena is staring at his every movement. He feels like she is psychoanalyzing him.)Marlena, little did I know that 5 seconds later, the truck I was driving would break down and then you would drive up after me and throw the keys into the woods.

 

MARLENA: Okay. I made a mistake. I’m sorry for that. But I’m not backing down on this one, John. I want to go through this with you.

 

JOHN: Honey, c’mon!!! Be rational for a second.

 

MARLENA: I am being rational. You’re the one who’s not being rational.

 

JOHN: I’M the one? I’m the one who’s not being rational?-

 

MARLENA: Look, just forget it. Fighting isn’t going to help anything.

 

JOHN: No, but it sure as hell makes me feel better?

 

MARLENA: Is that a fact?

 

JOHN: Damn right, it is!

 

MARLENA: Well, then, by all means, SCREAM AT ME!! YELL AT ME TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT. Tell me I’m stupid and crazy and irrational, tell me anything you want, just don’t shut me out.

 

JOHN: Would you stop doing that? Would you please stop treating me like some deranged patient of yours.(Marlena, furious by now, throws her hands in the air and begins walking into the woods.)Doc, I am talking to you. Don’t just walk away from me when I am talking to you.

 

MARLENA: (as she is walking towards the woods, with her back to him)You weren’t talking to me, you were yelling at me!

 

JOHN: YOU JUST TOLD ME TO YELL AT YOU!!!

 

MARLENA: John, I’m not your enemy!

 

JOHN: And I am not yours. I AM TRYING TO PROTECT YOU.

 

MARLENA: From who? You?

 

JOHN: No, from Stefano.

 

MARLENA: John, we are in the middle of nowhere. Stefano has no idea where I am. You’re just using that as an excuse.

 

JOHN: An excuse?

 

MARLENA: An excuse…so you don’t have to be around me. I’ve seen you do this before John. You get so angry at Stefano that it scares you. And you don’t trust yourself to be with anyone. You call it protecting us but it is really just to protect yourself…from being hurt.

 

JOHN: And how much will that analysis cost me, Dr. Evans?(Marlena realizes she is not getting any closer to getting through to him. He is too angry, too vulnerable. So she decides to try another tactic.)

 

MARLENA: A kiss.

 

JOHN: What are you talking about now?

 

MARLENA: You asked me how much I was going to charge you for that analysis. It will cost you a kiss.

 

JOHN: Marlena, get in the car.

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: You’re going to get sick. Get in the car while I look for the keys. (He starts searching the muddy ground for the keys.)

 

MARLENA: Why don’t you look for them over here John.(John looks up to find her holding her ripped shirt in her hand. His mouth drops open. Marlena drops the shirt and slowly approaches him.)You owe me a kiss and I intend to take it.(John stands there in a daze as she approaches him. She stands directly in front of him, and places her hands on his waist. She looks up at him and he is closing his eyes, trying not to succumb to her latest ploy to distract him from going after Stefano. Unfortunately, John underestimates the power Marlena has over his body. She slowly unbuttons his shirt and takes it off. John sucks in a jagged breath as he fights to regain control over the situation. But then Marlena places her mouth on his chest, placing soft wet kisses all over his already-wet skin.)

 

JOHN: Honey, please don’t do this…(Marlena places her lips against his neck, and softly nips him, getting the exact reaction she wanted. John instantly grabs her and jerks her up against him. Marlena lets out a gasp, knowing John is close to surrendering completely to her seduction. She wraps her arms around his neck, offering her mouth up to his. John grabs the back of Marlena’s neck, urgently pulling her towards him and kissing her unmercifully. Marlena pulls away, gasping for air, as John reaches around behind her , unsnapping her bra. Marlena assists him in pulling it off of her, then John pulls her back against him, burying his open-mouth in her neck. Marlena moans in response and this only fuels John’s fire, causing him to slip deeper into the sexual ecstasy that only Marlena can carry him to. John reaches to her waist, unbuttoning her pants and pulling them off. Marlena eagerly steps out of her pants, then returns the favor by unbuttoning John’s jeans. Marlena tries to pull them off, but John’s jeans are soaking wet, so she begins to pull frantically at them, desperate for the warmth of his skin. John reaches down, stripping his jeans off and his shoes as well. When he is finished, he grabs Marlena and carries her under the nearest tree, where he lies down beside her. Then John proceeds to worship Marlena’s body with his mouth, remembering instantly all of her pleasure points. Marlena reaches out for him, grabbing his hair and pulling him up to her level.)

 

MARLENA: John, I want this so badly. I want to have you inside of me…right now…please.

 

(John lets out an involuntary groan at the sound of Marlena’s pleading. He lays atop her and shudders as he feels her instinctively wrap her legs around him.)

 

JOHN: Honey, I wanted this time to be special.

 

MARLENA: (barely above a breathless whisper)It is special. It’s perfect. I have never in my life wanted you so badly.

 

JOHN: Oh, sweetheart, me neither.(John runs his fingers through her wet and tangled hair, positioning her mouth so that he has perfect access to it. He kisses her hard on the mouth, then pulls back and stares at her for several seconds, giving her the opportunity to stop or slow down if she wants to. Instead of doing either, Marlena seizes the opportunity to reach down between them and place her hands on the waistband of his Jockey shorts, and pull them down. John feels chills run down his spine as her nails scrape softly against his lower abdomen. He rids himself of his shorts, then practically rips hers off. Marlena gasps and John tries to catch his breath, knowing he should slow down and regain a little control but not having an ounce of strength left to fight with. This war, between his mind and his heart, was finally over. After all these years, he is finally doing exactly what he wants to do with the only person that could ever make him feel this out-of-control. Marlena wraps her legs around him again, and the rain on their bodies mix with their sweat as they finally become one in every sense of the word.)

John and Marlena lie on the grass, the soft rain cleansing their sweat-soaked bodies, and neither one of them can say a word. They are both caught up in the moment, too moved for words. Marlena lets out an unconscious sigh as she feels her heart rate slowing back down to normal. John is lying atop her still, and she can feel his heart beating loudly against her chest. His eyes are closed, and she knows he is slowly coming back down to earth. Marlena unwraps her legs and instantly draws John’s attention. He opens his eyes and stares deep into hers, straight into her soul. Marlena’s breath shortness as she sees all of the naked vulnerability in his eyes. Tears form in his eyes and he places the most gentle kiss on her lips.

 

JOHN: (whispers)Please don’t leave me this time.(A tear rolls down Marlena’s cheek)

 

MARLENA: I’m never going to leave you. I love you so much. I don’t think that I’ve ever felt closer to you than right now.

 

JOHN: Yeah. I wish we had somewhere where we could go and just shut everyone and everything out for several hours. Then I would just lie next to you and look at you for hours and thank God for blessing me with your presence.

 

MARLENA: (smiling, her eyes aglow)Oh, honey…(John places an angel kiss on each of her eyelids, then kisses away a tear that is sliding down her face.)

 

JOHN: Do you know that I have never in my life experienced something as passionate and overpowering as making love to you. You are incredible, you know that?

 

MARLENA: I feel exactly the same way about you. It’s as if our bodies as well as our souls were made for one another.(John places a tender kiss on Marlena’s swollen lips, the runs his finger across her lower lip.)

 

JOHN: I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have fantasized about being with you like this.

 

MARLENA: You don’t have to tell me, I already know. I’ve had my fair share of fantasies involving you over the past few years. I think, for a long time, I thought fantasies was all I would ever have. Then you approached me on the balcony last week, and turned my life upside down all over again.

 

JOHN: I can’t believe that was only last week. It seems like weeks ago.

 

MARLENA: And now look where we are.

 

JOHN: Lying naked in the middle of the woods?? Pretty sexy, huh?(Marlena, laughing at John, balls her hand into a fist and punches his arm.)

 

MARLENA: I’m serious, John.

 

JOHN: So am I…(He buries her head in her neck, nibbling on her skin. Marlena’s breath catches and John moves down lower to her chest. He takes her hands and moves them above her head, holding them there while he continues his oral exploration of her body. Suddenly, John hears Marlena start to giggle and lifts his head up to look at her.)

 

JOHN: (grinning)Honey, I was expecting several responses from you, but amusement was definitely not one of them.

 

MARLENA: (giggling hysterically as she lifts one of her hands up from the grass where John had placed it. John sees the cause for her her amusement as she offers her hand to him – the missing keys are there!)

 

MARLENA: I found my keys!

 

JOHN: Yeah, but your timing sucks, Doc. (Marlena smiles at him as she kisses him on the mouth. Just then, the sky opens up and thunder cracks loudly above them. Marlena instinctively leans against John for protection, and his heart melts at this gesture.)

 

JOHN: Well, I think someone up there is trying to tell us something. We better get back. This weather is way too unpredictable for us to be out in it.(John stands up, then reaches out for Marlena, helping her up. Then the two of them scurry around trying to get their clothes on as the rain continues to come down harder and harder. They hurry over to the car and Marlena scoots over to the passenger seat, letting John drive them back. Then they slowly drive back to the house, trying to see through the second downpour of the night. But the rain is too thick and John begins to fear for their safety, so they pull over on the side of the road to wait for the rain to slack off a little.)

 

JOHN: Some storm, huh?

 

MARLENA: Yeah, I’ll bet Belle is pretty scared about now. She hates storms.

 

JOHN: Well, if this rain would just let off a little bit, we could get home to her.

 

MARLENA: It doesn’t look like it is going to slack off any time soon, honey. Why don’t you turn on the radio – maybe we can catch a weather report.

 

JOHN: Good idea. (John turns the radio on and begins scanning the stations, but all he can find is static. He turns it back off then turns towards Marlena, only to find her staring out the window with a worried expression stretched across her face.)

 

JOHN: Hey there…(Marlena turns to look at him)Belle is the last person you should be worried about right now, She is inside a warm, safe house with Bo watching her every move.

 

MARLENA: I know, but I just know how scared she gets when it storms. I hate not being there when she needs me.

 

JOHN: Well, I have an idea but you might not like it very much.

 

MARLENA: What’s that?

 

JOHN: We could get out and run the rest of the way. It’s only about a half a mile away from us. I figure if we go through the woods, we can make it in about 10 minutes. Unless, of course, you decide to seduce me again. If that happens, well then, it will probably add another hour onto the-

 

MARLENA: (laughing at him)Just shut up and lets make a run for it.

 

JOHN: Your wish is my command, Marlena.

 

MARLENA: Oohhh, I’ll have to remember that later tonight.

 

JOHN: You do that.(He reaches over to kiss her, and their kiss quickly turns passionate. John leans over towards Marlena, pulling her closer to him and runs his mouth along her neck and jawline.)Honey…

 

MARLENA: Hmmmmm…

 

JOHN: I want you again.

 

MARLENA: Right now, sweetheart?

 

JOHN: Uh-huhhh…

 

MARLENA: In the car?(John starts to unbutton her shirt)

 

JOHN: It’s not like we haven’t done it before in a vehicle. In fact, if my memory serves me correctly, it was in your car. We were on the way home from a dinner party when you jumped my bones…

 

MARLENA: No, no, no, John. Your memory is definitely failing you in your older years. We were on the way TO a dinner party, you were driving, and you pulled the car over and jumped MY bones.(John starts laughing as he places kisses along her jawline)

 

JOHN: I don’t know, Doc. I distinctly remember-(They are interrupted by a series of gigantic claps of thunder which cause a terrified Marlena to jump into John’s lap.)

 

JOHN: Now THAT’S the way I remember it!!!(John starts laughing and Marlena punches him in the arm.)

 

MARLENA: That isn’t funny, John. I was scared.

 

JOHN: I know, honey, I shouldn’t be teasing you at a time like this. Now I see where Belle gets her fear of storms from – her Mommy.

 

MARLENA: I know, but I can’t help it, John. I just don’t like bad weather.

 

JOHN: Well, then, whaddya say we make a mad dash for it.

 

MARLENA: Now?

 

JOHN: From the looks of this storm; the later we wait, the worse it gets.

 

MARLENA: (grinning)So, I don’t get to jump your bones again??

 

JOHN: Not yet,-Wait just one minute. You said “again”.

 

MARLENA: (laughing)I didn’t say “again”, did I?

 

JOHN: Yes you did, you said, and I quote, “So I don’t get to jump your bones again?”. (Marlena looks up at him in feigned innocence)

 

MARLENA: Well, I guess I did say that.(She flashes him her little-girl smile and John grins back. For a moment, they just sit in the car smiling at each other.)

 

JOHN: This feels so good. Being able to laugh and joke with you like this…it feels just like old-times.

 

MARLENA: It feels even better than old-times.(John grabs her hand, intertwining her fingers with his.)

 

JOHN: Are you ready to get soaked again?

 

MARLENA: I’m ready!

 

JOHN: Alright, then. Lets do it!(John gets out of the car, pulling Marlena behind him, and they take off running. Marlena squeals as she is instantly soaked and John pulls her along, running through the woods. They make it to the cabin in about 10 minutes. By the time they arrive, Marlena is shivering and her lips have turned blue. They run up to the house and the security guard posted at the door lets them in. As they enter the house, Susan’s voice can be heard crooning to Belle who is screaming for her Mommy and Daddy.)

 

BELLE: Oh, you sweet baby girl, I don’t know who your Mommy is…You just come to Auntie Susan. I’ll take care of you.(Belle latches onto Bo’s legs, her face red and tear-stained. Bo, who is holding a screaming J.J., tries to give the infant over to Susan. But Belle is holding onto his legs too tightly and Bo can’t move without stepping on her.)

 

BO:Belle, just let go for a second and I’ll be right-(Bo is interrupted by the sound of Marlena and John coming in.)

 

SUSAN: Oh, my stars!! Dr. Evans, what in the world happened to you. And John! Ya’ll are soaking wet, yes you are. You just wait one minute and let me get the two of you a towel.(Susan runs off, and comes back within seconds carrying two fluffy white towels. John takes one from her without making eye contact. Susan takes the other one and wraps it around Marlena. Marlena turns towards Belle)

 

MARLENA: Belle, baby, Momma’s here. I’m here.(Belle comes running to her Mommy, seeking comfort.)

 

BELLE: Momma, dat tunder was ve-wee loud. Belle was sked.

 

MARLENA: I know you were, baby girl. Momma was scared too.(Brady gets up from the sofa where he was sitting to inspect John and Marlena.)

 

BRADY: Are you okay, Momma?

 

MARLENA: Oh sweety, I’m just fine. Just a little wet.

 

BRADY: It looks to me like you are alot wet.

 

MARLENA: Brady, I think you are right. I am going to go get out of these clothes.

 

(Belle lays her head on Marlena’s wet shoulder.)Belle, I take it that means you want to come with Mommy?(Belle nods her head yes then lays it back down on Marlena’s shoulder. Marlena carries Belle into the bedroom with her. John watches them go. He pulls off his drenched tshirt and takes it into the laundry room where he drops it into the washing machine. He takes his towel and dries off his hair.)

 

BO:What happened, man?

 

JOHN: We got stranded in the rain.

 

BO:Yeah, I can see that much. Was the rain too thick to drive in?

 

JOHN: Yeah. And while I’m thinking about it, I think I owe you a couple of new tires.

 

BO:A couple of new – Oh ,man John, what did you do to my truck?

 

JOHN: Well, I’m not sure, exactly. But if I had to guess, I would have to say the tires were blown. Of course, that doesn’t explain why it wouldn’t start.

 

BO:What do you mean, it wouldn’t start?? What the hell did you do to my truck, John.(Brady puts his hands to his mouth, trying to hide his laughter. John sees this and starts to chuckle.)

 

JOHN: Brady, what are you laughing at?

 

BRADY: You, Daddy!

 

JOHN: Why are you laughing at me, son?

 

BRADY: Cause you wrecked Uncle Bo’s truck, Daddy. (John starts to laugh with Brady and Bo tries to be angry but he isn’t very successful at it.)

 

BO:Oh man, John, this is not funny. You wrecked my truck?

 

JOHN: Pretty much, yeah. I am very sorry about it but I will pay for all the damages, I swear I will. BO:Yeah, yeah, I hear you.

 

(Bo and John share a laugh over a hot cup of coffee while Brady sits with them and has a cup of hot chocolate. Meanwhile Susan, feeling a little neglected, decides to go check on Marlena. She goes to the bedroom door and knocks softly, waiting for an answer. Belle walks over to the door and opens it. After seeing Susan, she shuts it again. Marlena, coming out of the shower, sees Belle shutting the door.)

 

MARLENA: Sweety, who was that the door? (Belle looks up at her guiltily, shrugging her shoulders. Marlena frowns at Belle.)

 

MARLENA: Belle, did you just shut the door in some one’s face. (Belle nods.)Who? (Belle shrugs. Marlena puts her robe on and goes to the door. Susan is standing there.)

 

MARLENA: Susan! Did you just knock?

 

SUSAN: Yes, I sure did, Dr. Evans. I don’t think your little girl wanted me to come in here, now,(turning to Belle)Did ya, you cute little thing you!

 

MARLENA: Actually, I just got out of the shower. Did you need something?

 

SUSAN: Well, I just felt kinda lonely in there with those men. And Elvis here is asleep, I thought I might put him to bed in here.

 

MARLENA: Well, actually, his playpen is in here.(Susan walks over to the playpen, placing J.J. in it.)

 

SUSAN: There you go, Baby. You sleep tight. Momma’s right here if you need me.

 

(Belle watches the strange woman that talks funny as she places the baby in the playpen.Susan notices Belle watching her and looks at her)

 

SUSAN: What a sweet little thing you are. And the most precious little voice. You’re just like a little angel, yes you are. Dr. Evans, how come you never told me about this cute little thing?

 

MARLENA: Well, I guess I never got around to it.(Belle walks over to the playpen and peeks in on the baby. Susan follows her.)

 

SUSAN: You peekin at my baby Elvis over there?

 

BELLE: Dat’s John-John. He MY baby bwudder.

 

SUSAN: Well, now, I’m not so sure about-

 

MARLENA: Susan, there is a reason why she thinks that. You see-

 

BELLE: Dis is MY DADDY’S bebby, not YER bebby.

 

SUSAN: Why what a strange thing to say-

 

MARLENA: Susan, John is her father. That’s why she refers JohnJohn as her brother.

 

SUSAN: Oh, I see, I see, I didn’t uh…I didn’t mean to pry, it’s just that-

 

MARLENA: Susan, its okay. It’s not a secret or anything.(She laughs and goes over to Belle, picking her up and cuddling her.)In fact, she is putting on quite a show of showing you just how much she can be like her Daddy – she gets her crankiness from him, I swear.(Belle pulls her shy tactic, burying her head in her mother’s chest.)I tell you what…Why don’t you go tell Daddy that Mommy’s out of the shower now if he needs to use it.? Okay?

 

BELLE: I go git Daddy, Momma.(Belle hops out of Marlena’s arms and goes running out of the bedroom.)

 

MARLENA: Susan, I am sorry if she seemed a little rude towards you. To be so young, she is extremely protective of me and John and Brady. And even John-John, I guess. Thanks to Stefano, John and I haven’t been there for her as much as we should have. She is not very open just yet to strangers…but we’re working on that.

 

SUSAN: Welll, I’m sure she’ll be just fine with parents like you and John Black, I am sure she will turn out to be just like her Momma. I just have to tell you, Dr. Evans, how shocked I am that you and John share a child together. I just never imagined in my wildest dreams, I mean, what happened? Did ya’ll get a divorce or something?

 

MARLENA: No, no, nothing like that, Susan. We weren’t married when Belle was conceived.

 

SUSAN: Oh, I see, well , that’s perfectly alright. And I bet mean old Kristen kept yall from bein together back then, huh?

 

MARLENA: No, I was the one who kept John and I from marrying back then. You see, I was already married…to someone else. And Kristen had not yet become the evil person she is today.

 

SUSAN: So you and John Black had an affair?

 

MARLENA: Yes, we did.

 

SUSAN: And after all that, you are still friends?

 

MARLENA: Most definitely. He is my very best friend.

 

SUSAN: Then why ain’t the two of you together?

 

MARLENA: Well, quite frankly Susan, because of Kristen.

 

SUSAN: So you mean to tell me that Kristen is as mean and evil to you as she is to me?

 

MARLENA: Yes, even more so probably.(John walks into the bedroom with Belle tagging along with her bunny. John is holding a cup of coffee. He is still wearing his wet pants, but does not have his shirt on. His towel is wrapped around his neck.)

 

JOHN: I brought you a hot cup of coffee, Doc. I thought it might help take the chill off. Looks like the storm has died down – for now, at least. Hope is on her way out here to pick up Bo…

 

BELLE: (pulling on his leg)Hode me, Daddy. (John bends down and picks up Belle, then walks into the bathroom to take a shower. Marlena follows him in there and retrieves a very sleepy and cranky Belle.)

 

JOHN: Honey, I know she’s a patient of yours and all, but I would really rather not have her around the children.

 

MARLENA: John, she’s not dangerous. She’s just a very lonely woman who needs a friend.

 

JOHN: And let me guess: you intend to be that friend. Am I right?

 

MARLENA: I would like to be, yes.

 

JOHN: Why?? After all she’s done to me-

 

MARLENA: Wait a minute, John. She hasn’t done anything to intentionally hurt you. She was manipulated, threatened, and blackmailed by Kristen and Stefano.

 

JOHN: Look, Doc, I know that in my heart. But I still can’t help but see her and get a sick feeling in my stomache. When I think about her being dressed up as Kristen, and all the times I could have been with her and not known it…It’s just really weird and-

 

MARLENA: I understand, John. You don’t have to explain any further.

 

JOHN: Good, because when I get out of this shower, explaining is the Last thing I intend to do to you.(Marlena’s mouth drops open at John’s blatant insinuation. John smiles at her.)Why don’t you put the kids to bed?

 

MARLENA: I think that is a good idea.

 

BELLE: Belle no sweepy.

 

MARLENA: Well, why don’t we just lie down for a little while. Mommy will read you and Brady a story, okay?(Belle nods her head and lays it back down on Marlena’s shoulder. Marlena walks back into the bedroom.)Susan, I am going to read Brady and Belle a story. I think there’s a fresh pot of coffee in the kitchen if you’d like a cup.

 

SUSAN: Well, I think that sounds absolutely delicious, Dr. Evans. I believe I will have one right this minute.

 

MARLENA: Good. (Marlena takes her cup with her and carries Belle into the kitchen. Brady is sitting at the table armwrestling with Bo.)Well, well, well, what have we here?

 

BRADY: Uncle Bo is teaching me how to cheat at armwrestling.

 

MARLENA: How to cheat?!? Bo!!!

 

BO:I was teaching him how to play, Marlena. Not how to cheat.(Bo winks at Brady.)

 

MARLENA: I see. Well, Brady why don’t you and Belle go pick out a story for Momma to read you tonight?

 

BRADY: Okay. C’mon, Belle. (Belle reluctantly gets down and follows Brady to get a book.)

 

BO:Belle doesn’t seem to be in the best of moods.

 

MARLENA: No, she doesn’t.

 

BO:How about you? Are you okay?

 

MARLENA: I’m fine…now.

 

BO:How’s John handling all this?

 

MARLENA: Well, I’m not sure yet. He was in a mad rage when I found him. Then he got furious at me for coming after him. Now I think he is feeling a bit numb.

 

BO:I’m just glad you damaged to stop him before he could get to Salem and attempt to wring Kristen’s neck.

 

MARLENA: Me too.

 

BO:Not that she doesn’t deserve that…and more.

 

MARLENA: Well, hopefully a jury will get to decide her punishment.

 

BO:Yeah…her and Stefano both.

 

MARLENA: Speaking of which, has Abe started looking for him yet?

 

BO:Of course, but with no luck.He seems to have disappeared again.

 

MARLENA: Well, that’s what he does best.

 

BO:Yep.(There is a knock on the door. Marlena goes to open it. Hope is standing there.)

 

MARLENA: Hello there!

 

HOPE:Hi! This place is just adorable from the outside.

 

MARLENA: Yeah. It’s a little small, but it’s cozy.

 

HOPE:Well, I would love to stay and visit but it seems like we are in store for another flash flood. So, Bo and I probably need to be getting back.

 

MARLENA: Okay.

 

BO:Abe said that he had made arrangements for Susan to stay with Sean and Caroline tonight.(Looking towards Susan)He is hoping you will be making your statement tomorrow morning at the station.

 

SUSAN: Well, I will. I will. I’m gonna do anything I can to make up for all the pain I have caused John Black. I swear, I never meant for none of this to happen, I just can’t tell you how bad I feel-

 

MARLENA: Susan, it’s okay. Why don’t you go on back to Salem with Bo and Hope. They’ll drop you off at Sean and Caroline’s. You can stay there for the night and tomorrow morning Abe will take you to the station and get your statement.

 

SUSAN: Alright, Dr. Evans.

 

MARLENA: You call me if you need anything.

 

SUSAN: I will. You take real good care of Elvis.

 

MARLENA: Of course.(Bo, Hope, and Susan leave. Marlena goes into the bedroom to check on JohnJohn. Belle follows her, still dragging along her bunny.)

 

BELLE: Hode me, Momma.

 

MARLENA: Hode you? Hode you? I think those are the only two words you know tonight, Belle.

 

(She picks Belle up and carries her onto the bed. Brady joins them and they snuggle together while Marlena reads them a story. Brady and Belle are down for the count within minutes. Marlena watches her babies sleep, overwhelmed with love for them. John walks out of the bathroom in a clean white pair of jockeye shorts and a plain white t-shirt. He smiles as he sees Marlena bundeled up with the kids.)

 

JOHN: Very cute, but not exactly what I was expecting, honey.

 

MARLENA: I know. I was reading them their bedtime story and they fell asleep.

 

JOHN: Ahhh, I see. Did Hope get here?

 

MARLENA: Yes, she did. Her and Bo took Susan with them. She is going to the police station to make a statement tomorrow.

 

JOHN: Good. Now, why don’t I take Belle and Brady to bed, and move the playpen into the den. Then you and I can get a little private time, okay?(John carries Brady to bed, then comes back for Belle. He has to unwrap her fingers from Marlena’s hand, and evevn in her sleep, she clings to her Marlena. He takes Belle to bed, then returns to get the playpen and J.J., then he places the playpen in the den and lies the sleeping infant back down. John pulls the baby moniter out of the bag of things Bo brought earlier that day, and sets it up next to J.J.’s playpen, then brings the other one into the bedroom. He shuts the door behind him.)

 

JOHN: Finally…(He crawls into bed with Marlena and notices she still has her bathrobe on.)Honey, why don’t we take this off.(He unties the bathrobe to reveal Marlena’s long white negligee.)Ummmm…I think I like this alot better than that big fuzzy bathrobe.(He runs his hands across her stomach, then reaches under her gown to run his hands across her bare legs.)A whole lot better….(John ducks under the covers to go exploring and comes back up with Belle and Brady’s stoybook in one hand and Belle’s bunny in the other.)This is definitely NOT what I was looking for!(Marlena laughs and places her hands on either side of his face.)

 

MARLENA: Are you okay?(John smiles sweetly)

 

JOHN: Sweetheart, are you kidding me? I am in bed with you, and I’m thinking that I just might get lucky. Trust me – I am better than I have been in years.

 

MARLENA: Get lucky! You? With me?? NEVER!!

 

JOHN: You don’t think so?

 

MARLENA: No way!

 

JOHN: Well, then, maybe I’ll just have to change your mind…(John runs his finger across Marlena’s bottom lip. She smiles. John bends over and starts to kiss her, but pulls back at the last minute, teasing her. He goes in to kiss her again, and this time Marlena grabs hold of his neck, making sure he doesn’t get away. She takes the initiative, turning the gentle kiss into a much more passionate one.)

 

JOHN: (In between hungry kisses)You changed your mind??

 

MARLENA: No….I think maybe it’s time I got lucky.(She rolls John onto his back and straddles him.)

 

JOHN: (as he runs his hands along Marlena’s thighs) Well in that case, let me know if I can be of any assistance.

 

MARLENA: Don’t worry….I will….(John sits up and wraps his arms around her, and kisses her hard on the mouth. John’s hands find the bottom of her gown, and he is in the process of pulling it off when there is a knock on the door. Marlena instantly pulls her gown back down. John groans several choice words, frustrated at the interruption. Marlena gets off of John and sits on the bed next to him.)

 

MARLENA: Yes? (The door opens up and Belle is standing in the doorway.)Belle, aren’t you supposed to be in bed?

 

BELLE: I wost my bunny.(John reaches underneath him and pulls the bunny out. Belle walks over to the bed takes the bunny from John. She looks up at him curiously.)

 

BELLE: Daddy, why you shweep wid Mommy?

 

JOHN: Because there aren’t any more beds, sweetheart.

 

BELLE: I want to shweep wid Mommy.

 

MARLENA: Sweetheart, you have a bed.

 

BELLE: Daddy kin shweep in my bed. I shweep wid you, Mommy.(Belle crawls onto the bed and into her Mommy’s lap, dragging her Bunny behind her.)

 

JOHN: Belle, honey, your a big girl now. You can sleep by yourself.(Belle frowns at John, scolding him with her finger.)

 

BELLE: You a big boy, Daddy. You kin shweep by yur-shef!(Then Belle crawls under the covers, her back facing John, and closes her eyes.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, I think your daughter just told you off.

 

JOHN: I think you are right. So whaddya suggest we do now?

 

MARLENA: Well, you could take Belle’s suggestion and sleep in her bed.(John raises his eyebrows and looks at Marlena like she has lost her mind. Marlena leans over and whispers in John’s ear.)Or you could stay in here and wait for your daughter to fall asleep, then take her back to her bed.

 

JOHN: I think I’ll stay here and wait.

 

MARLENA: I thought that’s what you’d say. (Marlena turns around, and pulls Belle into her arms. John stretches out against Marlena, and starts playing with her hair. He sees a shadow against the wall and turns to find Brady standing in the doorway.)

 

JOHN: Climb on up, Brady.(Brady crawls into the bed and squeezes in between John and Marlena. Just as John is about to get comfortable, JJ makes his presence known as his cries echo through the baby monitor. Marlena starts giggling and John groans as he gets up to check on J.J. Several minutes later John brings the baby into the room with a bottle in his other hand. He lies down with the infant and Marlena turns to face him. John makes a place for him in between himself and Brady, and lies him on the bed, holding the bottle up to his mouth. Marlena turns to watch John feed JohnJohn.

 

JOHN: Marlena, I think this is going to be a very long night.(Marlena smiles, and winks at him.)

(John lies in bed watching J.J. sleep. It breaks his heart to know that this beautiful baby boy is not his, and he makes a silent vow to do everything he can to protect the child from Stefano’s evil influence. John’s attention is drawn to Marlena, as she moves in her sleep, trying to pull her arm out from under Brady. John picks Brady up and carries him to bed, then comes back for J.J., softly placing him in the playpen and kissing him on the cheek. Then John returns for Belle, knowing he has to be extra careful not to wake her. He carefully picks his baby girl up and quietly carries her to her bed, making sure to take her bunny as well. Then he places her in bed, pulling the covers up around her, and places Bunny next to her. After kissing her softly on her cheek, John heads back to the bedroom and crawls back into bed with Marlena, wrapping his arms around her. His body immediately responds to hers, and he breaks out in a sweat. He reminds himself that she is exhausted and has been through a lot the past few days, and needs her sleep. But his body cannot ignore the close proximity of her warm skin, and before long he finds himself flashing back to earlier that evening in the woods, when she took her shirt off and demanded a kiss. Then he remembers later, when the were in bed and she straddled him, telling him it was time for her to get lucky. His body demands a release, but John does not want to be selfish and wake her up for that purpose only. He knows how badly she needs to rest, so he takes a deep breath and decides to take a cold shower. He has waited this long, one more night won’t kill him. He gets out of bed and walks to the bathroom. Right before he enters it, Marlena’s sleepy voice stops him.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, what’s wrong.

 

JOHN: Nothing.

 

MARLENA: I must have fallen asleep…

 

JOHN: Yep, Belle went down first, then you, then Brady, and J.J. last.

 

MARLENA: What about you?

 

JOHN: Can’t sleep…

 

MARLENA: You must have a lot on your mind..

 

JOHN: I guess you could say that…yeah.

 

MARLENA: Care to talk about it?

 

JOHN: It’s late, Doc. Why don’t you go to bed.

 

MARLENA: I can’t go back to sleep now.

 

JOHN: Why not?

 

MARLENA: Because I know that you are awake.

 

JOHN: Honey-

 

MARLENA: Do you have to go to the bathroom?

 

JOHN: Nope.

 

MARLENA: Then why are you standing next to the bathroom?

 

JOHN: Because I was going to take a shower.

 

MARLENA: Now?

 

JOHN: Now’s as good a time as any I figure.

 

MARLENA: Honey, you’ve already taken a shower tonight.

 

JOHN: (a little defensiveness)Well, can’t I take two?

 

MARLENA: Sure…if you want to…but I sure would like to have you lying in bed next to me…please.

 

JOHN: Honey-

 

MARLENA: John, is something wrong?

 

JOHN: (seeing that she is worried about him, he crawls into bed with her, wrapping his arms around her.)No, honey, not at all-

 

MARLENA: Because you know that there isn’t anything at all that you can’t talk to me about-

 

JOHN: Doc-

 

MARLENA: No, John. I mean it-

 

JOHN: (pulling Marlena up against him)Honey, trust me. There isn’t anything wrong with me that a cold shower can’t cure.

 

MARLENA: A cold shower?

 

JOHN: (pressing his torso intimately against hers)I am just very aroused, sweetheart.

 

MARLENA: (smiling)Well, honey, why didn’t you wake me?

 

JOHN: Because I didn’t want to be selfish and I knew how tired you were.

 

MARLENA: (smiling)That never stopped you before. I remember when we were married and you would come in late from a stakeout or something, and you would be so exhausted. But you would crawl in bed and slowly rouse me from my sleep, touching and kissing me softly and whispering words of love in my ear. I would wake up, thinking I was having this really delicious dream, and you would be there, we would make love for hours, and watch the sun come up. Oh, honey, we were so close.

 

JOHN: (placing his hands on each side of her face)God, I loved being married to you.

 

MARLENA: You know, I still feel as close to you now as I did then. Isn’t that amazing, after all we’ve been through?

 

JOHN: Pretty amazing.(Marlena places a soft tender kiss on John’s lips, and she feels his immediate response as his breath catches in his throat.)

 

MARLENA: You know, nothings really changed since then.

 

JOHN: Huh?

 

MARLENA: Well, why don’t I show you. (She turns over, her back to John, and cuddles up against him in a very intimate spoon position.)Night, sweetheart…(Marlena closes her eyes.)

 

JOHN: Doc?(She doesn’t answer)Doc, c’mon, I know you can’t be asleep already…Answer me, please…(Still no answer.)Doc?(John runs his thumb down her forearm and watches as tiny little goosebumps appear all up and down her arm. He smiles, pleased with her body’s immediate reaction to his touch. Then he decides to take this little game of hers a little further. He places tiny kisses all along her shoulders.)Have I ever told you how beautiful your shoulders are? They are so elegant, perfectly formed as if they were sculpted by some incredible artist. (Then John buries his head in her hair.)And your hair – my god! It smeels so good. It drives me crazy. Your scent follows me everywhere, you know that. The sweetest, most sensual scent I have ever been around.(Then John places his mouth on her neck, biting softly on her tender nape. Marlena’s breathing immediately begins to quicken in response.)And your neck…I think what draws me to your neck is how much you love it when I kiss you there. I know exactly how you like to be kissed there, exactly how to drive you crazy with desire…(John proceeds to tease her by demonstrating his ability to do just that before reaching downward towards her legs. He finds the end of her gown and slowly pulls it up to her knees, then he reaches down and places his hand at the bottom of her leg, running it all the way up to her mid thigh.)And you have the sexiest legs I have ever seen. Every time I look at them I can’t help but feel them wrapped around me…(Both John’s and Marlena’s breathing by now has become very shallow and raspy. John pulls Marlena’s head towards him, kissing her forcefully on the mouth. Marlena instantly responds, kissing him back with an equal amount of passion and force. John places his hands on both sides of her face and stares down at her.)Open your eyes Marlena.(Marlena looks up at him.)I love your eyes. I love the way they look when you want me. They shine with desire.

 

MARLENA: For you. Desire for you. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you, John.(Marlena reaches out for John, pulling him on top of her. John buries his head in her neck, exciting Marlena further by running his tongue along her collarbone. Then he fumbles with the buttons on her gown, trying desperately to undo them. Marlena gets impatient and helps him by pulling the gown over her head. John groans as her sees her body lit by the glow of the moon. She whispers words of love as she runs her finger down his chest, making a path that she retraces with her mouth.)

 

JOHN: Honey, I want you so badly…(John pulls her head back and begins kissing her mouth again. Marlena moans as John’s hands drive her even further towards the brink. John separates his body for only a few seconds to remove his shorts. Marlena pulls John back to him, desperate for the satisfaction only he can give her. Their bodies intertwine and for the second time in years, they join in body and soul, desperate for a release from the all-consuming passion that plagues their everyday lives.)

 

***

 

John falls onto his back, his breathing heavy and his body drenched in sweat.

 

JOHN: WOW!!!

 

MARLENA: That was amazing!

 

JOHN: Yeah…I just hope we didn’t wake up the kids.

 

MARLENA: I don’t know…they’re pretty heavy sleepers once they finally fall asleep.

 

JOHN: I am amazed at how incredible you are in bed. How do you do that to me?

 

MARLENA: Do what?

 

JOHN: Drive me crazy like that…No one has ever been able to turn me on the point of forgetting where I am and why I’m there…Until you. All you have to do is look at me a certain way and I feel like ripping your clothes off and having my way with you right then and there.

 

MARLENA: Well, if it’s any consolation, I feel the same way about you.

 

JOHN: You mean, sometimes you feel like ripping my clothes off and having your way with me…

 

MARLENA: That about sums it up, yep.(Marlena giggles. John turns on his side to look at her.)You’re all sweaty.

 

JOHN: Now, I wonder whose fault that is? Huh?(Marlena smiles and wraps her arms around John.)

 

MARLENA: Well, I guess I’m partly to blame…

 

JOHN: Partly?? C’mon, Doc…I thimk it’s more like entirely to blame.

 

MARLENA: You think so?

 

JOHN: I know so.(He places a kiss on her forehead.)

 

MARLENA: Nice form but your aim is a little off…

 

JOHN: Is that so?(John places a kiss on her nose.)How’s that?

 

MARLENA: You’re a high shot.

 

JOHN: Well, Dr. Evans, if you’re such an expert, why don’t you give me a couple of pointers?

 

MARLENA: How about a demonstration?

 

JOHN: Knock yourself out.

 

MARLENA: I will.(Marlena places her mouth directly on his, and proceeds to give him a very hot and wet kiss. After several minuetes of this, John groans and pulls Marlena atop him. She straddles him, running her mouth all over his body.

 

JOHN: (in a raspy voice)Ready for Round Two?

 

MARLENA: (she stops what she is doing only to look up at him with a provocative grin.)Always…(She continues her slow sweet seduction of John, driving him mad with desire. John and Marlena spend the next few hours getting reacquainted with one another’s bodies, and finally, just before sunrise, they fall into an exhausted slumber. When the sun rises, it shines brightly through their bedroom window, illuminating their intertwined bodies. They sleep well into the morning, both completely wiped out from their glorious night of lovemaking. John wakes up to the sound of Looney Tunes coming from the den. He lies still for a moment, Marlena cuddled in his arms, and listens to the sounds of Belle and Brady’s laughter coming from the den. He smiles to himself, his mind recreating images of his wonderful night in bed with Marlena. Then Belles voice draws him back to reality.)

 

BELLE: I feed da baby now, Bwady!

 

BRADY: Belle, you’re not old enough to feed him. I have to feed him. (John jumps out of bed, pulls on some sweatpants, and walks out of the bedroom. He quietly shuts the door to the bedroom, not wanting to wake Marlena. When he walks into the den, he is surprised to see Brady leaning over the playpen feeding John Jr. a bottle. Belle is sitting on the sofa pouting.)

 

JOHN: Well, good morning, kiddos!

 

BELLE: Daddy!!(Belle jumps up and runs to John, holding her arms up to him.)Hode me, pwease…(John lifts Belle up high and brings her down to his face, kissing her belly and causing Belle to squirm with giggles.)

 

JOHN: Now, what were you pouting about, huh?

 

BELLE: Bwady no wet me feed da baby…He shed I no old enuff…(Her bottom lip portrudes and starts to quiver and John can’t help but laugh at how aware she is of the effect her tears have on him.)

 

JOHN: I tell you what, Belle. When he gets hungry for his lunch, you can feed him. How does that sound?

 

BELLE: Dat shounds much bettuh, Daddy.(She gives him an impish grin and squirms out of his arm, taking a seat in front of the TV to watch Looney Tunes. John goes over to Brady who is still watching over J.J.)

 

JOHN: Hey there. Looks like this little guy was hungry.

 

BRADY: Yeah. He was crying a little when I woke up, so I got a bottle out to feed him. (smiling proudly)I put some juice in it.

 

JOHN: Well, it looks like you are getting pretty good at this big brother thing. First Belle and now J.J.

 

BRADY: Yep. I will be glad when he gets bigger and can play more. Belle isn’t a very good sport when it comes to playing with balls and stuff.

 

JOHN: Well, since you’ve got everything under control here, I think I’ll run jump in the shower.

 

BRADY: Okay, Daddy.(Brady takes the bottle and carries it to the kitchen. John watches J.J. for a minute, watching him drift off to sleep.)

 

BELLE: Is da baby wedy for wunch now, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Not yet, Belle. I’ll let you know though. Looks like he’s taking a nap right now.

 

BELLE: Da baby shweeps too much Daddy. I bettuh wake him up.(Belle gets up and starts walking towards the playpen. John scoops her up and carries her back to the couch.)

 

JOHN: Belle, the baby needs his sleep. We don’t need to wake him up.

 

BELLE: But he shweeps too much, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Not really. When you were little, you slept that much too. Babies need a whole lot of sleep so they can grow big and strong like you and Brady are.

 

BELLE: I shtwong, Daddy!(Belle puts her arm up and flexes, showing John her muscle.)

 

JOHN: Wow, Belle! Your muscle is almost bigger than mine is!

 

BELLE: Uh-huh, Daddy. Cause I big and shtwong and I could beat shumbody up!

 

JOHN: Belle…you know that is not a very nice thing to say. I don’t want to hear you talking about beating anybody up, you hear me? You know how your mother feels about that. She would not be very happy if she heard you say that, would she?

 

BELLE: (visibly ashamed)No.(John watches as big tears form in her eyes)Pwease don’t tell her Daddy. I shorwee. I don’t wike it when Mommee is mad at me.

 

JOHN: Me neither, sweetheart. I tell you what, why don’t you promise not to say things like that again, and we will forget it ever happened. Okay?

 

MARLENA: Forget WHAT happened?(John and Belle both turn to find Marlena standing in the doorway. John’s breath catches at the sight of her. She is wearing her robe, but her lips are swollen from their night of passion and her face is flushed. Belle looks up at John, waiting for his response.)

 

JOHN: Huh?

 

MARLENA: What is it that you’re going to forget happened?

 

JOHN: (winking at Belle)Well, ya know, Doc, I would tell you, but I forgot already. Oh well!(Belle grins at John for saving her.)

 

MARLENA: A secret, huh?

 

BELLE: Me and Dddy’s se-kwut, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: I see, Belle… Well, if you’re not going to tell me the secret, the least you could do is come over here and give me a kiss.(John walks over to Marlena, carrying Belle. She immediately goes to Marlena and gives her a kiss.)

 

JOHN: Wait just a minute, here…Where’s mine?

 

BELLE: You no get a kiss, Daddy. On-wee Me!(Brady walks in from the kitchen carrying J.J.’s pacifier. He goes over to the playpen and lies it down next to J.J.)

 

MARLENA: Brady, have you been taking care of JohnJohn?

 

BRADY: Uh-huh. I fed him some juice and he went back to sleep.

 

MARLENA: Well, he sure is lucky to have you around.

 

BRADY: Yep. I like having a baby brother.(Marlena and John make eye contact, both concerned as to how they are ever going to explain to the children that their baby brother really isn’t their baby brother.)

 

MARLENA: Well, I think I’ll go make some coffee. Belle, you want some juice?

 

BELLE: Uh-huh. Daddy shed I kin feed da baby wif him when it is wunch-time. Is it wunch-time yet?

 

MARLENA: No, not yet.But I am starved. How about some breakfast?

 

BELLE: Bwady gave me a doughnut.

 

MARLENA: A doughnut?

 

BELLE: Uh-huh.

 

MARLENA: Well, why don’t we go see what else there is in the kitchen to eat?

 

BELLE: Kay, Mommy. (Marlena carries Belle into the kitchen. As they pass John, he grins at Marlena.)

 

JOHN: Hungry, Doc?

 

MARLENA: Starved.

 

JOHN: Hmmm, you must have really worked up an appetite last night…(He grins at Marlena and she grins back, giving him a warning look with her eyes.)

 

MARLENA: John, I suggest you shut your mouth before I have to shut it for you.

 

JOHN: Now, now, temper, temper,…

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: I think I’m going to go take a shower.

 

MARLENA: I think you better run, before Belle and I decide to put you in your place.

 

(John walks out, laughing. Marlena and Belle sit down for breakfast. Brady comes in and joins them. They enjoy a nice breakfast together, then Belle and Brady go outside to play. Marlena goes into the bedroom, and picks out an outfit to where. She knocks on the bathroom door, and John opens it. He is standing in front of the sink. Marlena stands in in the doorway for a moment, admiring the way he looks with just a white towel wrapped around his waist.)

 

MARLENA: Good morning.

 

JOHN: Do I get my good morning kiss now?

 

MARLENA: Only if I get mine first.(John smiles, takes her in his arms, and kisses her good morning.)

 

JOHN: Last night was wonderful.

 

MARLENA: You were wonderful.

 

JOHN: You were more wonderful.(They embrace and start to kiss again. Marlena wraps her arms around John, running her hands down his back and along his firm behind.)

 

MARLENA: Ummmm, I love the way you look in a towel.(Belle walks into the bedroom, calling for Marlena.)

 

BELLE: Mommy….I need shum hep.

 

JOHN: You heard your daughter. She needs your help.(Marlena opens the bathroom door, and walks out to find Belle standing in their bedroom, holding her shorts and her shirt.)

 

MARLENA: Belle, mommy is going to take a shower. Why don’t you let Daddy dress you and brush your hair.

 

BELLE: Kay, Mommy. I go get my shoes and shocks.(Belle runs out, and Marlena goes back into the bathroom. John is shaving.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, I’m going to go take a shower. Belle needs help getting dressed.

 

JOHN: Okay.

 

MARLENA: And don’t let her talk you out of brushing her hair.

 

JOHN: Yes maam!(John watches from the mirror as Marlena turns the shower on, removes her robe, and steps into the bathtub. John considers taking his towel off and joining her but Belle runs back into the bedroom, calling for her Daddy. John washes his face off and goes into the bedroom. He tells Belle to wait for him in the den, and throws some clothes on. He dresses Belle and brushes her hair, much to her dismay. Then he laughs as she flies out of the house in search of Brady. John goes back into the bedroom to find Marlena already dressed and made up. He walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist.)

 

JOHN: Ummm, you smell delicious.

 

MARLENA: (turning in his arms to face him)So do you.(Marlena offers him her lips and John kisses her tenderly on the lips. The kiss soon turns passionate and John is seriously considering undressing Marlena and jumping back into the shower with her when Abe appears at the bedroom door.)

 

ABE:Knock, knock, knock…(Marlena practically jumps out of John’s arms. Her face turns red with embarassment.)Sorry about that. I would have knocked but the front door was open…So was the bedroom door.

 

JOHN: What’s up, partner?

 

ABE:Well, I’ve got good news for both of you.

 

MARLENA: What’s my good news?

 

ABE:We have the man in custody that blew up the loft.

 

MARLENA: You’re kidding?

 

ABE:Nope, I wouldn’t joke about something like that.

 

JOHN: Who is he?

 

ABE:I don’t know…He came in and confessed to everything. His fingerprints match those found in the penthouse. We think maybe he’s just some loner that met Marlena somewhere and started following her.

 

JOHN: Maybe he was a patient of hers.

 

ABE:Yeah. We’re looking into that. Either way, he is in police custody.

 

JOHN: Well, great. Now, if we could only get Stephano behind bars, we could get you back home, Doc.

 

ABE:Well, that was part of your good news, John.

 

JOHN: What?

 

ABE:Susan made her statement at six o’clock this morning. An hour later Stefano and Kristen were caught and arrested for attempted manslaughter on Susan. We are holding them at the station.

 

JOHN: Man, Abe, that is the best news I have heard in a long time.

 

MARLENA: You mean, we can go home?

 

ABE:I mean you can go home!

 

MARLENA: Oh boy! I’m so glad. I can’t wait to go back to my…my house…John, I don’t have any where to go home to.

 

ABE:Actually, you do. John has had a crew in the penthouse working around the clock. He wanted that place as good as new for when you were able to go back.

 

MARLENA: So, I can go back there today?

 

JOHN: Today’s as good a day as any.

 

MARLENA: And I can maybe go back to work?

 

ABE:You can definitely go back to work. In fact, we can be back in Salem in an hour if you move fast enough.

 

MARLENA: Well, what are we waiting on? Let’s go back home!

 

JOHN: I’ll gather our stuff together. Why don’t you get the kids and their stuff?

 

MARLENA: Okay!(Marlena runs outside to tell the children. John watches her leave, a huge smile spread across his face.)

 

ABE:Marlena sure is happy to be going back home.

 

JOHN: Yeah…She really misses her work.

 

ABE:Seems like the two of you have finally opened up to each other.

 

JOHN: Yeah. I can’t tell you how good it feels to be honest about my feelings for a change.

 

ABE:Well, it’s going to be a little harder to be that honest and open in Salem than it is out here in the middle of nowhere.

 

JOHN: True, but I don’t think that anything can keep us apart now, Abe.

 

ABE:Ahhh, famous last words.

 

JOHN: I mean it this time, Abe.

 

ABE:You meant it last time.

 

JOHN: This time is different, Abe. Trust me on this one.

 

ABE:Always, partner.(Marlena, Belle, and Brady come into the house. They are all three very excited about going back home.)

 

JOHN: Hey kiddos, you ready to go back home?

 

BRADY: Yeah!

 

BELLE: I wedy too Daddy.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case, lets pack up and head out!(The tiny little cabin is alive with energy and activity as they all run around, grabbing all of their things, each anxious for their lives to return to some form of normalcy.)

John, Marlena, and the children arrived at the penthouse around lunchtime. John was anxious to get to the station with Abe while Marlena was worried about her patients and wanted to get to the hospital to check on her patients. So they unpack and Marlena thanks John several hundred times for fixing the penthouse up.

 

MARLENA: Sweatheart, I just can’t tell you how wonderful this place looks – as good as new. I really appreciate it.

 

JOHN: Okay, Doc. Enough is enough. I wanted to do it. And besides, you don’t have to start repaying me for this until tonight.

 

MARLENA: Tonight?

 

JOHN: Yes. Tonight. Dinner. Me, you, and the kids. What do you say?

 

MARLENA: Well…sure. That sounds good.

 

JOHN: Great. I’ll make the reservations.

 

MARLENA: Where are we dining.

 

JOHN: That, my dear, is a surprise.

 

MARLENA: (sarcastically)Great. You know how much I just love surprises.(Brady and Belle walk downstairs.)

 

JOHN: Hey kids. You got all your stuff put away.

 

BRADY: Yep. I helped Belle with hers.

 

BELLE: Yeah, Daddy. Bwady hepped me wif my shtuff.

 

JOHN: In that case, I think Sean and Caroline would love to see you two and the baby.

 

BELLE: Dey pwobwee mished us a whole bunch!

 

MARLENA: They sure did. You ready to go visit them?

 

BELLE: You go wid us, Momma?

 

MARLENA: Actually, Daddy was going to run you by there. I need to go to work sweetheart.

 

BELLE: But I want you to kum wid us.(Belle’s bottom lip begins to quiver and Marlena picks her up.)

 

MARLENA: I tell you what. How about we compromise?

 

BELLE: Kompwomize?

 

MARLENA: I’m going to run upstairs and change for work. Then Daddy can take us all over there to eat lunch together. Then I’ll go to work for a little while while you stay and visit. How’s that sound?

 

BELLE: Dat sounds bedduh.

 

MARLENA: In that case, I’m going to run upstairs and change for work.

 

BELLE: I chandge wid you, Mama.

 

MARLENA: Belle, baby, you don’t have to change clothes. You look precious already.

 

BELLE: You wook pweshus too Momma.

 

JOHN: She sure does.

 

MARLENA: (grinning)Well, thank you both, but I need to put on something a little more professional.

 

BELLE: Me too, Mamma.(Marlena looks at John who is smiling back at her, and shrugs her shoulders.)

 

MARLENA: Okay, Belle. Lets go get dressed. John, I’ll be just a minute.

 

BELLE: (imitating Marlena)I be just a mint, too, Daddy.

 

JOHN: (laughing at his precious little girl.)I’ll be waiting.

 

BRADY: (looking up at John and rolling his eyes.)Women!

 

MARLENA: (from upstairs)I heard that, Brady.(Brady and John wait in the den while Marlena changes clothes upstairs. After Marlena changes clothes, she changes Belle’s clothes as well then they join John and Brady downstairs.)

 

MARLENA: (as she is walking down the stairs)Okay, guys. Are we ready?

 

JOHN: Yep. Let’s go. I am starved!

 

MARLENA: Me too!

 

BELLE: My tummy is vewee hungwee too, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case, what are waiting for?

 

MARLENA: I’ll get John-John. Brady, you think you could grab his diaper bag for me?(John runs upstairs to get the keys.)

 

BRADY: Yes.(Brady grabs the diaper bag and Belle follows her Mommy, pouting while Marlena takes John-John out of the playpen.)

 

BELLE: Hode me, Momma.

 

MARLENA: SweetyPie, I can’t hold you and the baby.(Belle holds her arms up, and big crocodile tears begin to trickle down her cheeks.)

 

BELLE: Mamma, hode me, pwease.

 

BRADY: Stop acting like a baby, Belle.(Belle gets upset and balls her hand in a tiny fist.)

 

BELLE: Bwadee bad! Bwady mean to Belle.(John comes running down the stairs just in time to intervene. He scoops Belle up into his arms.)

 

JOHN: Hey there. What is this all about. Why are you crying?

 

BELLE: Mommy hode da baby and not me. Den Bwadee be mean to me.

 

JOHN: Well sweetheart, Mommy is going to have to hold the baby. He can’t walk yet.(Belle buries her head in John’s shirt and they all leave the penthouse together, and pile into John’s Jeep. On the way over there, Belle gets upset again and starts to cry. From her carseat, she holds her arms up to her Mommy in the front seat.)

 

MARLENA: Mommy, hode me pwease.

 

MARLENA: Belle, sweety, you know that when we are in the car, you have to stay in the carseat.

 

BELLE: Bwady no sit in kar-sheet.

 

MARLENA: That’s because Brady is older than you are.

 

BELLE: I ode too, Momma. (John can see that Marlena is beginning to get a little unnerved from Belle’s constant whining.)

 

JOHN: Belle, I tell you what. Either you stop crying or you take a nap when we get to Sean and Caroline’s. Which would you rather do?(Belle’s cries immediately stop. She wipes the tears from her face.)

 

BELLE: I shtop kwying, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Thank you, Belle.

 

BELLE: You wekum, Daddy.(They arrive at Sean and Caroline’s and Belle and Brady go tearing into the restaurant, anxious to see their grandparents. John gets the diaper bag from the car, and Marlena gets JJ from his carseat.)

 

JOHN: You okay?

 

MARLENA: Yeah. I guess I’m just a little worried about Belle.

 

JOHN: Baby, she’s barely three years old.

 

MARLENA: I know, but her “terrible two” temper tantrums are still here and getting worse. I just can’t help but think that Stefano and his evil ways have influenced her too. She cries at the drop of a hat these days.

 

JOHN: Well, she’s sensitive. She takes after you, honey. And I think that J.J. is a lot of the cause for her temper tantrums. This baby brother thing is new to her. She is used to being the baby.

 

MARLENA: Yeah…I hope you’re right.

 

JOHN: I know I am. She’s just a little spoiled. She is used to only having to share your attention with Brady. Now she is sharing it with Brady, JJ, and me.

 

MARLENA: I know that. I just hate to see her so upset.

 

JOHN: Well, you saw how fast she quit crying when I told her she was going to have to take a nap. A lot of those tears are for attention.

 

MARLENA: I know – Attention I should be giving her.

 

JOHN: Baby, you can only do so much.

 

MARLENA: You’re right. I know that you are. I guess I just worry too much.

 

JOHN: Yep. But I love you anyway.(John leans in to kiss her and she pulls away.)

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: What is it honey?

 

MARLENA: Nothing…

 

JOHN: Well, if there’s nothing wrong, why did you just pull away from me?

 

MARLENA: Because we’re in public. And you are a married man.

 

JOHN: Doc, Kristen is is jail.

 

MARLENA: But she is still your wife, John.

 

JOHN: Not for long. I am going to meet with Mickey and file for that anullment.

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: Listen to me. I married her under false pretenses. It wasn’t even her I married. So she is not my wife. I’m not married to anyone.

 

MARLENA: Yes…I know that….Why don’t we go inside?

 

JOHN: You sure your alright?

 

MARLENA: I’m hungry.

 

JOHN: Me too. Let’s go eat. (They go inside and grab a booth. Sean walks out of the kitchen with Belle in his arms. Caroline and Brady follow them.)

 

CAROLINE: Well now, where’s that new grandson of mine?(Marlena hands JJ up to Caroline and Belle immediately climbs into Marlena’s lap. Brady climbs into the booth next to John. John orders their lunch from their waitress while Marlena talks to Caroline.)

 

MARLENA: Caroline, I have to go to the hospital for a couple of hours and John has several things to take care of as well. Do you think you could watch the children for the rest of the afternoon?

 

SEAN:It would be our pleasure. We have missed you kids.

 

CAROLINE: Do we get to keep the little one too?

 

JOHN: If it’s not too much for you to handle.

 

SEAN:Too much!?! Of course not. We live for this, son. Now why don’t I go put a rush on those cheeseburgers?(Sean goes back to the kitchen and comes back with cheeseburgers, fries, and Cokes for them all. They immediately dig in, and have a wonderful time eating lunch together. Marlena tries to relax, but is a little preoccupied with the image they must present to everyone there. They finish their meal and Marlena and John prepare to leave.)

 

MARLENA: Kids, be good. Daddy will be by later on to pick you up.

 

BELLE: I go wif you, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: Sweety, Mommy has to go to work.

 

BELLE: I kin go wif you to wuk.

 

MARLENA: Baby, I’m sorry but you’ll have to wait here.

 

BELLE: I dwessed in wook kwoze Mommy. I kin go wid you. Pweez!

 

JOHN: Belle, honey, you’re going to have to stay here.(A big tear rolls down her cheek.)

 

BELLE: I need to go wid Mommy to wook, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Belle, Mommy needs for you to stay here. And as soon as she gets done taking care of her patients, she will be back here to get you and take you back home.

 

BELLE: Pweese don’t weeve me here to sweep, Momma. Spiduh-man might come back and git me.

 

MARLENA: Oh baby girl, is that why you don’t want to stay here?(Belle nods.)

 

JOHN: Well, sweetheart, that mean man that scared you so much is in jail and he won’t come back here. I promise you that.

 

MARLENA: And I promise you that as soon as I get done at work, I will be back here. We will go home and you will sleep in your own bed tonight. Okay?

 

BELLE: Belle sweep in Mommy’s bed tonight. You no sweep wid Mommy tonight Daddy.(John and Marlena’s mouths both drop in shock. An uncomfortable silence follows.)

 

SEAN:Well, kids, whaddya say we go back into the kitchen and make some ice cream sundaes?

 

BELLE: I kin make dem, Poppa.

 

BRADY: I can make mine.(Brady and Belle run towards the kitchen area. Caroline grins at Marlena and walks towards the kitchen with J.J.)

 

JOHN: I can not believe your daughter just said that.

 

MARLENA: She’s your daughter too.

 

JOHN: It’s okay, Doc. You can stop blushing now.

 

MARLENA: Get me out of here, please.(John laughs as he places his arm around her and escorts her to the car. He once again feels her pull away from him as they are walking out.)

 

JOHN: Honey, why do you keep doing that.

 

MARLENA: Doing what?

 

JOHN: Pulling away from me like that.

 

MARLENA: John, I told you before, I don’t like being seen in public with you. You are a married man.

 

JOHN: It’s not like you weren’t seen with me before. Honey, I have always been affectionate with you. That isn’t anything people haven’t seen before.

 

MARLENA: I know that but-

 

JOHN: Your sleeping with me now. Is that it? You think these people can sense that?

 

MARLENA: Look, I really need to get to work. Can we talk about this later.

 

JOHN: Sure.(John opens the door for Marlena and she gets in. He gets in the drivers seat and heads toward the hospital. They drive for several minutes in silence.)

 

JOHN: Honey, whatever it is that is bothering you, just tell me and I will fix it.

 

MARLENA: I think I’m just a little stressed out, that’s all.

 

JOHN: You promise?

 

MARLENA: Well, I’m not exactly sure what is bothering me. I think I just need to get back to work. I’m worried about my patients.(John places his hand on Marlena’s knee, and they drive some more in silence. John looks over at Marlena and she smiles back at him.)

 

MARLENA: I love you.

 

JOHN: I love you…and I love this suit you’re wearing. Peach is probably one of my favorite colors on you. I do think this skirt might be a little short.

 

MARLENA: John, please!

 

JOHN: I’m serious, Doc. It shows too much of your legs.

 

MARLENA: And your point.

 

JOHN: How do you expect me to keep my hands off you?

 

MARLENA: I don’t.

 

(John takes her cue and runs his hands higher up her thigh, underneath her skirt. Marlena gasps at the sensations he has created in her with a simple touch. John pulls into a parking place several feet from the entrance to the hospital.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, you can just drop me off up front.

 

JOHN: I will, after I kiss you goodbye, in private.

 

MARLENA: Well, in that case, kiss away.(John leans over to kiss her and she is surprised by how passionate he is. His hand runs higher up her thigh and Marlena moans.)

 

MARLENA: John, please…

 

JOHN: Please what?

 

MARLENA: Please don’t start something you can’t finish.

 

JOHN: Oh, I can finish it alright. (Marlena runs her hand up John’s thigh and feels his muscles tighten underneath her hand.)

 

MARLENA: In your car in the hospital parking lot?

 

JOHN: I’m sure we can find a more discreet parking place.(John takes his other hand and brushes it against her breast. She gasps in response and grips his thigh hard with her hand.)Ummm….Honey…(She kisses him hard on the mouth.)

 

MARLENA: (breathlessly)Why are you doing this to me?

 

JOHN: Beacuse I want you so badly I am tempted to strip that suit off of you and have you right here and now.)

 

MARLENA: John, this is ridiculous. We are in a public place.

 

JOHN: So, lets go somewhere more private.

 

MARLENA: I can’t. I need to get some work done.

 

JOHN: So go.(John gives her his most charming smile and Marlena feels her heart do a somersault.)

 

MARLENA: You are impossible, you know that?

 

JOHN: Of course.(Marlena kisses him softly on the lips.)

 

MARLENA: So, I guess I’ll see you tonight.

 

JOHN: Without a doubt. Why don’t I swing by here and pick you up later this afternoon.

 

MARLENA: Sounds good. I’ll see you then.

 

(Marlena grabs her purse and briefcase and gets out of the car. John watches in silent admiration as she walks into hospital. Then he heads toward the police station. When Marlena walks into her office, she is greeted with a barrage of messages from patients and fellow associates. She spends the first hour with her receptionist, attempting to reschedule all of her missed appointments. Then she goes into her office to get organized. When she opens the door, there are several bouqets of flowers. She reads the cards and they are all from Paul Copeland, her Doctor friend. She thinks back to the last time she spoke with him, the morning before she left to go to the beach with John and the children. Marlena makes a mental note to catch up with him and explain everything later on. Then she begins making her rounds, checking up on all of her hospitalized patients. Before she can even stop to catch her breath, it is 5:30. She gets back to her office and finds Paul waiting in the lobby.)

 

PAUL: Was it something I said? (Paul flashes her a charming smile and Marlena giggles.)

 

MARLENA: No, of course not.

 

PAUL: Where the hell did you disappear to?

 

MARLENA: Well, it’s a pretty long story, Paul.

 

PAUL: I’ve got time.

 

MARLENA: Well, in that case, step into my office.

 

PAUL: Ummm, I love it when you talk professional to me.(Marlena laughs at his remark, and he follows her into her office.)

 

MARLENA: Basically, I left to go to the beach with the children the morning I spoke with you. That night, when we came back, my house and been broken into. It was pretty heavily vandalized and lots of things were even destroyed.

 

PAUL: You’re kidding!

 

MARLENA: Unfortunately, no. So then I went to stay at John’s loft for the night-

 

PAUL: John Black?

 

MARLENA: Yes, you met him at the Titan party-

 

PAUL: I know who he is.

 

MARLENA: Well, anyway, while we there-

 

PAUL: He stayed there overnight?

 

MARLENA: No, I mean, he was planning on going back to the mansion to stay with his wife but he hadn’t left yet.

 

PAUL: What happened?

 

MARLENA: Well, Abe came to the door screaming for us to get out. We got out of the loft only a few seconds before it was blown to a million pieces.

 

PAUL: My God!

 

MARLENA: Yeah, so anyway, we went to Sean and Carolines to check on the children and someone had just been there and scared Belle very badly.

 

PAUL: Belle’s your daughter, right?

 

MARLENA: Yes.So, John and Abe thought it would be best if we left town until they apprehended the person who did all this. So John and I took the children and left town.

 

PAUL: And did they catch this creep?

 

MARLENA: They did. So…I’m back.

 

PAUL: And looking more beautiful than ever.

 

MARLENA: Thank you. And thank you for all of these flowers. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to let you know what was going on. Everything just got so chaotic so fast. I was so scared for Belle and Brady. All I could think about was getting them away from danger.

 

PAUL: Well, they’re very lucky to have a mother like you.

 

MARLENA: Thank you…again.

 

PAUL: If it isn’t too personal, where was there father during all of this.

 

MARLENA: He was with us…Actually, I’m glad you brought that up-

 

PAUL: He was with you?

 

MARLENA: Yes, you see-

 

PAUL: John Black is the father of your children?

 

MARLENA: Well, not all of them. Just two-

 

PAUL: Just two? I didn’t even know you were married to him…

 

MARLENA: Well, we were. It was many many years ago and-

 

PAUL: But I thought you told me Belle was three.

 

MARLENA: She is…John and I weren’t married when Belle was conceived.

 

JOHN: I see…And the other kid?(Marlena winces at the way he refers to Brady as “the other kid”)

 

MARLENA: Well, the other kid, as you call him, has a name. Brady. And he is five.

 

PAUL: So you were married to John when you had him.

 

MARLENA: No…no…actually we weren’t. John and I were married ten years ago. And Brady is his son from a more recent marriage.

 

PAUL: So Brady isn’t even yours?

 

MARLENA: Well, he is my son. I am raising him as my own.

 

PAUL: I see…

 

MARLENA: Look, Paul, I know I probably should have told you this a long time ago, but-(Marlena is interrupted by a knock on the door. Thankful for the interruption, she excuses herself and goes to the door. A flower delivery man is standing there with a huge bouqet of lilacs. Marlena gives Paul her most dazzling smile.)

 

MARLENA: Paul, how did you know that lilacs are my favorite.

 

PAUL: I didn’t. I’m afraid those aren’t from me.

 

MARLENA: Oh.(Marlena then realizes that there is only one man that has a history of surprising her with lilacs. John. She carries the vase of flowers to her desk and takes a seat.)Now, where were we?

 

PAUL: Aren’t you going to open the card up.

 

MARLENA: Well…

 

PAUL: Don’t you want to know who it’s from?

 

MARLENA: Okay. I’ll read the card.(Marlena opens the card and reads it to herself.

 

Just a little reminder that I love you

and I can’t wait to ravish you tonight.

John.

 

(Marlena reads the card and immediately melts. Her eyes sparkle and she blushes in spite of herself. Paul clears his throat, gaining her attention.)

 

PAUL: From a secret admirer?

 

MARLENA: Hmmm?

 

PAUL: The flowers?

 

MARLENA: Oh. no. I just love lilacs, that’s all.

 

PAUL: Well, in that case, I’ll start sending you lilacs instead of roses.

 

MARLENA: Oh no. I love roses too. Your flowers are beautiful…I love them…I really do.

 

PAUL: Okay. Well, I’ve got rounds to make, so I guess I’ll catch up with you later.

 

MARLENA: Okay.

 

PAUL: I know it’s late notice but how does dinner for two sound tonight.

 

MARLENA: Uh, well, tonight I have prior engagements, but I appreciate the offer.

 

PAUL: Are your prior engagements with your secret admirer?

 

MARLENA: I beg your pardon…

 

PAUL: Tonight. Are you going to be with the man that sent you the lilacs?

 

MARLENA: Actually, John and I are taking the children to dinner tonight.

 

PAUL: Okay. Well, in that case, have fun.

 

MARLENA: You too.

 

PAUL: I’d have more fun if I had you on my arm.

 

MARLENA: I really am sorry.

 

PAUL: Like I said, it was late notice. I understand.

 

MARLENA: Thank you.

 

PAUL: No, thank you.(Paul gets up and Marlena gets up to walk her out the door. When they walk out into the lobby, John is waiting there for here. He stands at the sight of her, but a frown appears on his face when Paul walks out behind her. He immediately covers his frown with a polite smile and extends his hand.)

 

JOHN: Hi, Paul. I believe we’ve met before.

 

PAUL: Yes. I remember. At the party at Titan. You were drunk.

 

JOHN: As a matter of fact, I was slightly inebriated.

 

PAUL: Well, hate to run, but I’ve got patients to see.(He turns to Marlena, and the tension in the room catapults as Paul places a quick peck on her mouth. Marlena steps back and shows him out the door, hoping that John will behave.)

 

MARLENA: See you tomorrow, Paul.

 

PAUL: Not if I see you first.(He grins at her and leaves. Marlena walks back into the lobby and John is standing there, visibly upset. Marlena continues to walk straight into her office, and John follows her in, locking the door behind him.)

 

JOHN: What a prick!

 

MARLENA: John!

 

JOHN: C’mon, Doc. He’s a loser.

 

MARLENA: He’s a respectable surgeon and a perfect gentleman. I hardly think he can be described as a loser.

 

JOHN: He called me a drunk!

 

MARLENA: John, he did not call you a drunk. He simply commented on the fact that you were drunk the night he met you.

 

JOHN: Same thing.

 

MARLENA: That is not the same thing. You WERE drunk the night he met you.

 

JOHN: Marlena, he just kissed you in front of me.

 

MARLENA: He doesn’t think there is any reason why he shouldn’t. I was seeing him pretty regularly until we left town.

 

JOHN: So he was kissing you on a regular basis…Is that what you mean?

 

MARLENA: No, that’s not what I mean…Look, lets not argue about this, okay?

 

(Marlena starts filing her paperwork and preparing to leave.)

 

JOHN: Well, did you tell him it was over?

 

MARLENA: Hmmm?

 

JOHN: You heard me. Did you tell him it was over?

 

MARLENA: John, why would I do that?

 

JOHN: BECAUSE YOU ARE SLEEPING WITH ME!!!

 

MARLENA: John, I really don’t see what you are so upset about. Just calm down and stop shouting, please.

 

JOHN: Then make me understand what exactly is going on here.

 

MARLENA: Nothing is going on. End of story.

 

JOHN: But Doc-

 

MARLENA: John, just let it go. Please.(She grabs her purse and briefcase and starts to leave.)Can we go now?(There is a long silence that follows.)

 

JOHN: What did you do, rob a flower store or something?

 

MARLENA: No. They were here when I got here. Paul sent them all. And before you say anything, he didn’t know where I was or why I wasn’t returning his calls. He thought he had upset me in some way. I explained the situation to him, though. And, in case you’re interested, I received your flowers also. I was touched. I loved them. They are beautiful.(She smiles at him and his anger fades away.)Thank you.

 

JOHN: Did you read the card?

 

MARLENA: I did.

 

JOHN: And?

 

MARLENA: And…I can’t wait to ravish you either.(Marlena winks at him. John smiles at her and stretches out in the chair he is seated in.)

 

JOHN: Is that so?

 

MARLENA: That is so.

 

JOHN: Why don’t you come over here and sit with me for a little while.(Marlena saunters over to John and sits in his lap. He reaches up and touches her hair.) I missed you today.

 

MARLENA: Yeah?

 

JOHN: Yeah. I went to the station. Kristen was there…in a cell.

 

MARLENA: Did you talk to her.

 

JOHN: I went in there but I just couldn’t think of anything to say to her. When I walked in, she started begging my forgiveness and crying hysterically. It was pathetic.

 

MARLENA: I’m so sorry you had to go through that.

 

JOHN: Well, it’s all in the past now. I also talked to Mickey. The marriage was all a sham, so getting an annulment won’t be any problem at all.

 

MARLENA: Well, that’s good news.

 

JOHN: Yeah. I also called Caroline and she’s going to have the kids dressed and ready in half an hour. I made our reservations for 7:00.

 

MARLENA: What time is it now?

 

JOHN: Six.

 

MARLENA: Well, since we have a little time, we could go back by the house and I could change.

 

JOHN: Honey, we only have 30 minutes. Be realistic.(Marlena punches him in the arm for that comment.)Besides, you look very sexy in this suit.

 

MARLENA: Oh, yeah?

 

JOHN: Umm-hmm…(John runs his hand along her knee, then slowly slides it up under her skirt. Marlena’s breathing quickens as he begins to nibble on her neck.)

 

MARLENA: John – someone could come in.

 

JOHN: I locked your door.

 

MARLENA: But John-

 

JOHN: SShhhh…(He silences her with a very tender kiss. She responds, and before long, their tender kiss has become extremely passionate.)

 

MARLENA: John…I want you so badly…

 

JOHN: Here?

 

MARLENA: Here…Now…

 

(John lifts Marlena off his lap, and lays her down on the carpet. He joins her there, and quickly removes her clothing. Marlena frantically unbuttons his jeans, and they both take a quick trip to paradise and back. Afterwards, they gather their clothing together and dress in a hurry. They spent a little too long in their private paradise, and are running several minutes late. Once they are in the car and speeding over to Sean and Caroline’s to pick up their children, Marlena has the chance to breathe again. She exhales loudly and John looks over at her, absolutely entranced with the way she looks with a slight afterglow from lovemaking.)

 

MARLENA: That was incredible!

 

JOHN: Mind blowing!

 

MARLENA: I can’t wait until tonight.

 

JOHN: Me neither.

 

MARLENA: I am starving!

 

JOHN: You worked up quite an appetite, huh?

 

(John grins at Marlena and she grins back. They pick up the kids and drive towards the restaurant, while Belle and Brady entertain them with jokes Knock-Knock jokes in the backseat. All in all, their first day back in Salem has been pretty fantastic.

John and Marlena arrive at the restaurant with their children. They are a few minutes late for their reservation, but the glow on both of their faces leaves little doubt as to what had caused their delay. They take a seat at their table, and place their orders.

 

BRADY: I want chicken fingers, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Chicken fingers it is, son.

 

BELLE: Daddy, I have fwench fwies, pwease.

 

MARLENA: Belle, honey, what do you want to go with your French fries?

 

BELLE: Nuffing.

 

JOHN: Nothing??

 

MARLENA: Sweety, you have to have something. How about a grill cheese?

 

BELLE: No!

 

JOHN: Well, they do have hot dogs, but usually only give them to good girls that behave themselves…

 

BELLE: I bave myshef, Daddy.

 

JOHN: You bathe yourself?

 

BELLE: No, I bave myshef.

 

BRADY: She means to say that she behaves herself.

 

BELLE: I shed dat, Bwady.

 

JOHN: Well, if you really think you can behave yourself, they just might let you have a hot dog.

 

BELLE: I kin, Daddy…I pwomise I kin.

 

JOHN: Okay…and what would the lovely Dr. Evans like to feast on tonight?

 

MARLENA: (grinning at John’s play on words.)I think I’ll have the lobster.

 

JOHN: Lobster. Lovely choice, if I do say so myself.

 

BELLE: I have wobster too, Mommy?

 

JOHN: Belle, sweety, I’m not sure if you’ll like it.

 

BELLE: I wuv it, Daddy.

 

MARLENA: Belle, sweety, why don’t you share with me.

 

BELLE: Kay, Mommy. And I share my hot dog wif you…But onwee if you bave yourshef.(John and Brady and Marlena all laugh at Belle and she begins to giggle too, very pleased with her joke.)I funny, Momma.

 

MARLENA: Yes you are, Belle. Too funny for your own good.(Marlena takes Belle from her chair and holds her in her lap.)

 

BELLE: I gotta go potty, Momma.

 

MARLENA: Well, in that case, lets go. If you boys will excuse us…(Marlena looks up at John and winks, then carries Belle to the ladies room. John places their orders, pleading with the lady at the gourmet seafood restaurant to find a hot dog somewhere. She insists that there are absolutely none in stock, and John doesn’t want to disappoint his little girl, so he decides to go get her a hot dog.. He leaves a note for Marlena, telling her that he and Brady will be back in five minutes, and they make a mad dash to a nearby grocery store to buy Belle a pack of Oscar Meyers. Marlena and Belle return to their table to find it empty. Marlena picks up the note and wonders where John and Brady have gone. All the note says is: “Brady and I will be right back!.” While Marlena and Belle are waiting, Marlena feels a familiar hand on her shoulder. She turns to see Paul Copeland standing behind her.)

 

MARLENA: Well, hello there.

 

PAUL: Hi, Marlena. (looking at Belle) You must be Belle.(Belle scrutinizes Paul, then goes back to coloring her child’s menu.)

 

MARLENA: I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.

 

PAUL: Well, I’m here. I am having dinner with some friends of mine.

 

MARLENA: Well, I don’t want to keep you from them.

 

PAUL: Don’t be ridiculous, Marlena. I’d much rather be talking to you…(Paul sits down in an empty chair)I thought you were having dinner with John tonight.

 

MARLENA: Well, I am…He had an errand to run.

 

PAUL: In the middle of dinner?

 

MARLENA: In the middle of dinner. He should be back any second now.

 

PAUL: I see….And what are you coloring, sweetheart?(Belle looks up at Paul and frowns.)

 

BELLE: Dat’s my Daddy’s seat.

 

PAUL: Well, I am sorry. I didn’t realize that. Why don’t I move over here? (Paul starts to slide into the seat next to Belle but she scrambles into it before he can.)

 

BELLE: Dis Bwadee’s seat, not yurs!(Marlena’s mouth falls open in shock at Belle’s rudeness.)

 

MARLENA: Belle! Behave yourself.(Belle instantly recognizes the scolding tone in her mother’s voice and tears fall down her face. She looks meanly at Paul and points her finger at him.)

 

BELLE: You started it.

 

MARLENA: Belle!!

 

BELLE: GO WAY!!!(Marlena pulls a crying Belle out of her chair to take her back to the restroom.)

 

MARLENA: Excuse us, Paul.(Marlena starts to carry Belle towards the restroom to have a little talk with her when John and Brady walk back to the table.)

 

JOHN: (immediately seeing Paul at their table)What happened here?

 

MARLENA: Belle’s having another one of her temper tantrums.(Belle sees John and starts screaming for him. John takes her from Marlena and sits her back in her chair. He kneels down on the floor in front of her.)

 

JOHN: (firmly)Belle, stop crying right now or I will take you home.(Belle looks up at John and immediately, her crying stops. Her bottom lip continues to quiver though, and her tiny hands are balled up in tight little fists. As soon as John sees this, his heart swells with love for his baby girl. He instantly picks her up and the tone of his voice softens as he tenderly comforts her.)

 

JOHN: Baby, are you scared.(Belle nods and a tear rolls down her cheek. John carries her off to a corner and wipes the tear off her cheek.)

 

JOHN: Tell Daddy what scared you?

 

BELLE: Dat man sked me, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Mommy’s friend?(Belle nods her head)Sweetheart, what did he do to scare you?(Belle shrugs her shoulders.)You don’t know?(Belle nods her head.)Well, if you remember, you let me know, ok?

 

BELLE: Kay, Daddy.(John carries Belle back to her chair and bends down to sit her in her seat. She clings to him tightly.)Hode me, Daddy. Pwease…(John stands by his chair, politely waiting for Paul to move so that he can sit down. Paul remains seated in John’s chair and continues his conversation with Marlena. Marlena looks up to where John is standing and smiles.)

 

MARLENA: Is everything alright?

 

JOHN: Yeah, every thing’s fine. Belle and I had a little talk.

 

MARLENA: I see. (smiling at Belle)Well, in that case, what is taking our order so long.

 

JOHN: I think I know the holdup. I’ve got to make a trip to the kitchen. Be right back.(John takes his grocery bag from Brady and bends over to sit Belle down. Belle squeezes John tightly.)

 

BELLE: No, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Belle, why don’t you wait here with Mommy?

 

BELLE: I go wif you Daddy.

 

JOHN: Well, if you insist. (Smiling at Marlena)We’ll be right back.

 

MARLENA: Brady, what is your father up to?

 

BRADY: He had to take some hot dogs to the kitchen.

 

MARLENA: What?

 

BRADY: When he ordered Belle a hot dog, they said they didn’t have any. So Daddy and me went to the store and got some so they could cook it for her.(Marlena’s face beams as Brady tells her this story.)

 

MARLENA: Well, that was very sweet and thoughtful of him.(John returns with Belle and he is followed by a waitress carrying their salads.)

 

JOHN: Okay, dinner should be ready any second now. (The waitress places a salad in front of Marlena.)Paul, if you’ll excuse me, I’m kinda hungry and I’d like to sit down.

 

PAUL: Oh…sure, I apologize…I don’t know what I was thinking…I was just so entranced with Marlena here that-

 

JOHN: Yeah, I’m sure you were. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’d like to have our dinner.

 

PAUL: Sure. I didn’t mean to keep you from your dinner.(Paul stands and goes over to Marlena. He places his hand on her shoulder.)I will see you tomorrow, Marlena.

 

MARLENA: Goodbye, Paul.(Paul saunters towards his table and John watches him leave.)It’s okay, John. He’s gone now. You can breathe.

 

BELLE: Go git him Daddy.(Belle balls her fist up and gestures it towards Paul’s table.John and Brady both look down so Marlena won’t see them laughing at Belle.)

 

MARLENA: Belle!

 

BELLE: Daddy no wike him, Mommy!

 

MARLENA: Belle, Daddy has nothing against that man and neither should you. He was very polite and sincere and you did not treat him very nice. I am very disappointed in you.(Belle frowns.)

 

BELLE: I no wike him, Mommy!

 

MARLENA: Yes, I could tell and so could he. You probably hurt his feelings. You should be ashamed of yourself.

 

BELLE: I no shamed, Mommy. He bad!

 

MARLENA: Belle, we will discuss this later.

 

(Marlena picks up her salad fork and begins eating her salad. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees John trying desperately to hide his grin, but not succeeding. She gives him a warning look and goes back to her salad. The waitress brings out an order of cheesesticks and places them in the center of the table. Belle immediately claps her hands and smiles.)

 

BELLE: Cheese shtiks, Daddy!

 

JOHN: Dig in!(Belle reaches for one and so does Brady. The eagerly munch away on their cheese stick. Marlena watches them for a little while and John catches her.)You know, Doc, if you ask really nicely, I’m sure Brady and Belle will allow you to eat one of their cheese sticks.(Marlena grins at John and takes one, popping it into her mouth. John decides to have a little fun with her. He slips his shoe off, and stretches his leg out under the table. He finds her foot and runs his foot up her calf. Marlena’s eyes pop open and she stares across the table at John. He grins at her and winks, then his leg moves further up her calf. Marlena’s face turns pink and she gives him a warning look. John slides his foot higher up, placing it on the edge of her seat. Marlena’s breath quickens despite herself, and she clears her throat giving John another warning look. When Marlena sees that John is not going to relent, she decides to get even. After taking a sip of water, she holds several pieces in her mouth, then discreetly removes them, placing them in her napkin. After placing the napkin in her lap, she places her hands on John’s socked foot. His eyes gleam with excitement as he gives her a questioning look, silently asking her how far she is willing to take this. Marlena winks at John, then slides one of her hands into the bottom of his trousers, softly rubbing his calf. John settles back into his seat and is thrown completely offguard when Marlena empties the napkin full of ice down his pants. The cold ice slides against John’s legs, and John jerks his leg back in shock. He mutters several obscenities and stands up immediately, shaking his leg to try to get the ice out of his pants. By this point, Marlena is laughing so hard she is crying. Several waitresses have come running to their table to find out what all of the commotion is about. Belle and Brady are giggling at their Daddy who is causing such a scene. Finally, John gets the ice out of his pants and apologizes to the waitress for causing a scene. Embarrassed, he blushes as he tries to explain to them that he had a cramp in his leg. After things have settled down again, John takes his seat, eyeing Marlena who has tears running down her face from laughing so hard. This time, it is John’s turn to give Marlena the warning look. The waitress brings their main course out, and they dig in. By the time they have finished their meal, John is practically trembling with desire for Marlena. She has teased him through the entire meal, as he has had to watch her eat her lobster in a very sensual manner. Several times during dinner, he has had to excuse himself after watching her stare at him while devouring a piece of lobster dripping with melted butter. John pays the bill and escorts Marlena and his children out of the restaurant. It is raining slightly so John runs out to the jeep, and drives back around to the entrance to pick them up. They all pile into the car to head home.)

 

MARLENA: That was absolutely delicious.

 

JOHN: It sure was.

 

MARLENA: I am so full!

 

JOHN: Listen, it’s getting pretty late. Why don’t I drop you off at the penthouse and you can go ahead and get the kids in bed. I’ll swing by Sean and Caroline’s and pick up J.J.

 

MARLENA: Are you sure?

 

JOHN: Yeah. The kids are tired. Put them to bed, take a nice hot shower…(John lowers his voice as he whispers the rest of his thought.)…and crawl into bed and wait for me.(Marlena leans against him.)

 

MARLENA: Ummm…that sounds like a heavenly idea.

 

JOHN: Good. I’ll be joining you very soon. (John pulls up to the entrance of the penthouse, and leans back to undo Belle’s carseat.)Don’t fall asleep.

 

MARLENA: I wouldn’t dream of it.

 

(Marlena gets out of the car after giving John a quick peck on the lips. She opens the door to the backseat, and Belle and Brady scoot out. John watches them go in and drives over to Sean and Caroline’s to pick up J.J. Marlena sends Brady to take a bath and brush his teeth then takes Belle to her bathroom where she bathes her and blow-dries her hair. She watches while Belle brushes her teeth, then carries her to her bedroom where she puts a nightgown on her. When she goes to tuck Belle in, the excuses start.)

 

BELLE: Mommy, I kint go to shweep wite now.

 

MARLENA: Why not, baby girl?

 

BELLE: I hungwee.

 

MARLENA: Belle, there is no possible way you can be hungry after that huge dinner you ate.

 

BELLE: I did eat a wot, Mommy. Daddy shed if I eat awot, I gwoe up big and shtwong wike you, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: Well, he’s right. But it is also important thing is to get plenty of sleep.

 

BELLE: I kin shweep wif you, Mommy?

 

MARLENA: No, sweety, I want you to start trying to sleep by yourself. You’re a big girl now.

 

BELLE: But I wike to shweep wid you, Mommy. Why kint I shweep wid you no more?

 

MARLENA: I tell you what. You try to sleep in here, and if you absolutely positively cannot go to sleep, then you let me know.

 

BELLE: Kay, Mommy. I come wet you know.

 

MARLENA: Good deal. Now, what story are we going to read tonight?

 

BELLE: It’s Bwadee’s turn to pik da stor-wee.

 

MARLENA: You know, I think you’re right. Why don’t I run jump in the shower, and you and Brady can decide what story we will read tonight. Okay?

 

BELLE: Kay, Mommy.

 

(Belle jumps out of bed, eager for the opportunity to postpone bedtime. Belle runs to Brady’s room and Marlena goes to her room and steps into the shower. John arrives to find the house quite except for the water running in Marlena’s bathroom. He carries J.J. into the guest bedroom and places him in Belle’s old bassinet. Then he decides to peek in on Belle and Brady to kiss them goodnight. He goes to Brady’s room to find it empty. He then checks Belle’s room to find it empty as well. He walks into Marlena’s bedroom at the same time that Marlena comes out of the bathroom.)

 

JOHN: Doc, where are the kids?

 

MARLENA: (looking at her bed with a grin)Check under the covers.(John lifts the covers to find Belle and Brady giggling under the covers.)

 

JOHN: Well, well, well, look what I found.(Belle’s face lights up when she sees John)

 

BELLE: Daddy, why you here?

 

JOHN: Well, I had to tell you two munchkins goodnight.

 

BELLE: You goin to pway wif us, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Belle, it is way past your bedtime. How about if you go to sleep and I will play with you and Brady tomorrow.

 

BELLE: Kay, Daddy.(Belle rolls over and curls up in a ball as if to go to sleep.)

 

JOHN: Wait one minute, here. This is Mommy’s bed, not yours.

 

BELLE: Mommy shed I kud shweep wif her.(John looks at Marlena questioningly.)

 

MARLENA: Belle, are you sure about that?

 

BELLE: Momma, I just kidding wif Daddy.

 

JOHN: Just kidding with me??!!? Just kidding??!!?? (John falls on the bed and reaches for Belle and Brady. They both squirm out of his reach, and run off to hide, both giggling as they run for cover. John picks up their book and follows them.)I am going to attempt to put these monsters to sleep. Why don’t you lay down and relax.

 

MARLENA: You can try, honey. But Belle is pretty picky about that. She may insist that I read her bedtime story.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case, why don’t you come with me?

(They drag Belle and Brady out of hiding. They pile into Belle’s tiny bed and John and Marlena take turns reading a story each to Belle and Brady. After nearly an hour, they finally fall asleep and John carefully picks Brady up and carries him to his bed. He follows Marlena into her bedroom and stops in her doorway, watching silently as she slowly removes her cream-colored silk robe to reveal a matching silk nightie. John’s breath catches in his throat as he watches her from behind. He slowly approaches her and stands close behind her. Marlena sighs as she feels John standing so close behind her. John places his hands on her neck, and begins to massage her. He feels her body let go, and lean into him. He places his lips by her ear.)

 

JOHN: (barely above a whisper))Hi there.

 

MARLENA: Hi. Honey, that feels so good…

 

JOHN: I tell you what. Why don’t I put on some relaxing music, and grab us a bottle of wine? Then I will give you the most heavenly massage you have ever received.(John softly kisses her neck.)Does that sound good to you?

 

MARLENA: Ummm…that sounds wonderful. But I do have one request…

 

JOHN: What’s that?

 

MARLENA: Kiss me first.(John turns Marlena around and plants a very passionate kiss on her. Marlena instantly responds, kissing him back with years of unrequited passion.)

 

JOHN: Honey, you keep kissing me like that and I’m never going get out of this room.

 

MARLENA: (as she slowly unbuttons his shirt)Who says you have to leave this room?

 

JOHN: Well, I was going to get us some wine…Oh, honey, that feels so good…

 

MARLENA: (as she kisses his bare chest)Why don’t we take a rain-check on that glass of wine?

 

JOHN: You sure?(Marlena removes John’s already-unbuttoned shirt.)

 

MARLENA: Oh yeah, I am definitely sure…(Marlena runs her hand along the waist of John’s pants. John’s breathing quickens and he starts to feel light-headed as Marlena begins to slowly unzip his pants.)

 

JOHN: Oh, honey…don’t stop…(Marlena pushes John backwards towards the bed and he sits down. Then she lays him down and removes his pants. John buries his hands in her hair, thinking surely he has died and gone to heaven. Marlena continues to drive John further towards the brink as she explores his body with her mouth.)

 

JOHN: Honey…baby, wait…please…(Marlena listens as John tries to stop her from giving him pleasure.)

 

MARLENA: Sweetheart, what is it?(John looks at Marlena’s passion-glazed eyes and gets lost in them.)

 

JOHN: (trying to bring Marlena up to his level) Honey, please, let me pleasure you…

 

MARLENA: John. I want to do this. I need to do this.

 

(Marlena pushes John back down on his back, covering his body with sweet kisses. John begins to let go, throwing any sense of control out the window. He lets Marlena take him on an erotic journey. Belle’s piercing scream immediately jerks Marlena and John back down to earth, and Marlena scrambles out of bed, running to her baby girl’s room. John is right behind her, tripping over his pants as he attempts to pull them up while running. Marlena enters the room to find Belle’s room empty. She panics, and starts screaming Belle’s name. Brady’s soft voice can barely be heard above Marlena’s screams.)

 

BRADY: Belle’s in my room, Mommy.(Marlena tears into Brady’s room to find Belle curled under the covers sleeping restlessly. Marlena runs over to the bed, picking Belle up and cradling her in her arms. Belle instinctively curves into Marlena’s body, but continues to sleep. Marlena places her hand on Belle’s forehead to check for a temperature, but there isn’t one.)

 

MARLENA: Brady, honey, what happened?

 

BRADY: Nothing happened. She came in her to sleep in my bed. Then she just screamed in the middle of sleeping. She must have had a bad dream or something.

 

MARLENA: Yeah…I guess so…

 

(Marlena continues to hold Belle, more as reassurance for herself than for Belle. She brushes the hair out of her baby girl’s face, then picks her up, carrying her to the rocking chair. John and Brady watch as Marlena rocks Belle as if she were a tiny baby, humming a lullaby softly. Even in her sleep, Belle is comforted by her mother’s attention as her restlessness begins to disappear and she falls into a deep sleep. Brady crawls back into bed and he too is quickly put back to sleep by the sound of Marlena’s voice. As John watches this beautiful moment, he is suddenly overwhelmed with sadness. It breaks his heart that Marlena has been the one to deal with all of the tiny little crises involving his children. He does not want her to be alone ever again, and he silently vows to make sure she never has to be. John leaves Marlena with the children and goes downstairs to get a glass of water, and pours Marlena one as well. When he returns, Marlena has not only put the children to sleep, but herself as well. John takes Belle out of her arms and places her next to Brady in Brady’s bed. Then he lifts Marlena out of the rocking chair and carries her to her bed. He laughs to himself as he realizes Marlena ran out of the room with her short nightie on, and thinks to himself that it is a good thing the children aren’t any older than they are, otherwise that could have been pretty embarrassing. He lies in bed beside Marlena, and kisses her softly on the mouth. Marlena’s eyes instantly open.)

 

JOHN: Sleeping Beauty awakes.

 

MARLENA: Did I fall asleep?

 

JOHN: In the rocking chair.

 

MARLENA: Is Belle okay?

 

JOHN: Sound asleep. I put her back in Brady’s bed.

 

MARLENA: Good. She isn’t used to sleeping by herself.

 

JOHN: No?

 

MARLENA: Well, for so long, it’s just been Belle and Brady and I. Most nights, we would just lie in here talking or watching TV or reading stories until we fell asleep. Then on the few nights that I came home late, Belle would always sleep in Brady’s bed. God, she loves him so much.

 

JOHN: Yeah…he’s pretty crazy about her.

 

MARLENA: He sure is. I just wish I knew what it was that scared her so badly in her dreams.

 

JOHN: Honey, it could be anything…A scary movie she may have watched with Brady…anything. You know how active children’s imaginations are.

 

MARLENA: I know that…but most children haven’t had a madmen terrorizing their parents like Stefano has. I can’t help but think that all of this is going to take a toll on Belle and Brady both.

 

JOHN: We won’t let it.

 

MARLENA: John, we may not have a choice.

 

JOHN: Sure we do. We just provide them with all of the security and love they need. They are very happy children.

 

MARLENA: On the surface, John. But how do we know what goes on in their heads. How do we know that Belle wasn’t having a nightmare that Stefano took me away from her again. And how do we know that Brady’s overwhelming need to protect Belle doesn’t come from the fear that Stefano might come after her, or you, or me again.

 

JOHN: We don’t know that. And if Stefano has effected their lives, there isn’t anything we can do about it now. We have to look towards their future. We have to reassure them every chance we get that we will always be there for them.

 

MARLENA: But how can we reassure them of something that we aren’t even sure of.

 

JOHN: What do you mean by that?

 

MARLENA: John, I don’t mean to upset you, but we have to face the truth. If Stefano is still set on having me as his own, nothing will stop him.

 

JOHN: Doc, he’s in jail.

 

MARLENA: He’s been in jail before. That didn’t stop him. Nothing stops him from taking what he wants. It’s only a matter of time before he tries again.

 

JOHN: Well, he can try a thousand times for all I care. He will never take you away from me again. Do you hear me?!!?? I’d kill him before he ever got the chance.(Marlena’s breath catches in his throat when she sees the look of pure hatred in John’s eyes.)NOBODY will ever take you away from me. We belong together, Doc. And I won’t let anyone come between us ever again. I can promise you that.(John grabs Marlena’s face in his hands firmly, staring past her eyes into her soul. There was something almost frightening to Marlena about the naked look in John’s eyes and the feel of his hands on her face – a fierce determination, a possessiveness that bordered on obsession. Marlena almost stops him, but decides against it. She wants him badly, she wants him to make her forget all about Stefano and the past. John kisses her hard on the mouth, and Marlena kisses him back. John pulls back for a second as he realizes he needs to gain a little control over his emotions, but Marlena pulls him up against her, pleading with him not to stop.)

 

MARLENA: Baby, please, make love to me right now…(John rips her gown off and she jerks his pants downward as the two of them desperately run from their fears, hungry for that sacred place that is theirs alone. Marlena’s nails run down John’s back as he forcefully erases all of her doubts and worries about the future. For tomorrow is another day, and they both no they have no control over fate’s often-cruel hands. But tonight, they are together. Tonight, they are one)

John wakes up to the sounds of Belle’s laughter in his ears. He opens his eyes to see Belle standing beside the bed, a smile on her face.

 

BELLE: Daddy…wake up and kum pway wif me, pwease. (Belle takes hold of his hand and tugs at it. John takes hold of her waist and pulls him onto the bed with him.)

 

JOHN: Good morning, angel.

 

BELLE: Daddy, why you shweeping in Mommy’s bed?

 

JOHN: Well…(John winces, trying to decide how to approach this topic with his baby girl. He looks over to Marlena for help, to find her side of the bed empty.)

 

JOHN: Speaking of Mommy, where is she?

 

BELLE: Shweeping wif da baby.

 

JOHN: Huh?

 

BELLE: Mommy is in my woom in da wocking chair wif da baby. She’s sweeping, Daddy.

 

JOHN: I see. Where’s Brady?

 

BELLE: He shtill shweeping, Daddy. (John looks at the clock beside Marlena’s bed and it is 6:00am.)

 

JOHN: Belle, honey, why are you up so early?

 

BELLE: Cause you tode me wast night dat we kin pway today.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case, I will take a shower and get dressed. Why don’t you go downstairs and have Chelsea make you some breakfast?

 

BELLE: Kay. Pwease huwee.

 

(Belle gives John a kiss, hops off the bed, and goes downstairs. John gets up and pulls his jeans on, then walks into Belle’s room. Marlena is asleep in the rocking chair with J.J. nestled in her arms, sleeping soundly. John takes the bottle from Marlena’s hand and sits it on the bedside table. He takes J.J. and puts him back in the bed. Then he returns to Marlena, lifts her out of the rocking chair, and carries her back to her bed. She wakes up as John is laying her down in the bed.)

 

MARLENA: Good morning, handsome.

 

JOHN: Good morning to you.

 

MARLENA: What time is it?

 

JOHN: A little after six.

 

MARLENA: What are you doing up so early?

 

JOHN: Our daughter woke me up to play.

 

MARLENA: Oh, no, she didn’t!

 

JOHN: Yep. She is eating breakfast right now. I have to tell you, Doc. She is very curious as to why I am sleeping with you.

 

MARLENA: She brought it up again?

 

JOHN: Yes, she did. If I recall, her exact words were, “Why you shweeping in Mommy’s bed?”

 

MARLENA: And what was your answer to that?

 

JOHN: I didn’t give her an answer. I asked her where you where. Then I went and found you asleep in the rocking chair with J.J.

 

MARLENA: Yes, I’m surprised he didn’t wake you up this morning. He was screaming to be fed at 4:00 this morning.

 

JOHN: You should have woke me up. I would have taken care of that.

 

MARLENA: John, you know me well enough to know that it doesn’t take much to persuade me to take care of a baby.

 

JOHN: True…So, what are your plans for today.

 

MARLENA: Work, work, and more work. I have a lot of catching up to do.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case, you better hurry up and get showered and dressed.

 

MARLENA: Am I imagining things or was that just an attempt to get rid of me?

 

JOHN: Get rid of you? Not a chance. It was actually an attempt to get you into that shower before our daughter comes looking for her Mommy and asking why Daddy is showering with Mommy too?

 

MARLENA: Very true…We better hurry!

 

(Marlena runs into the bathroom with John hot on her heels. She turns the shower on and removes her robe and nightie. John steps out of his jeans and joins Marlena in the shower. The temperature in the bathroom rises quickly as John and Marlena explore each other’s bodies in the shower for the first time in many years. Marlena gives John a sensual treat, slowly lathering his entire body in soap suds. John returns the favor and they wash each other’s hair. John knows that Marlena is in a hurry, but he does not want to let her leave the shower just yet. John traces his tongue down the side of her neck, and Marlena’s breath comes in gasps as John’s tongue travels farther down her body. He continues to make love to her with his mouth, and Marlena quickly reaches her peak, and travels over it. It isn’t until she is floating back down to earth that she realizes how cold the tiles are against her back. She shivers and John pulls her up against him, then reaches for a towel for Marlena to dry off with. Marlena, however, has another idea in mind. She drops down to her knees in the shower, and lovingly returns the favor, worshipping his body with her mouth. John leans against the tiles for support, and eventually is so overcome that he falls to his knees in ecstasy. They remain there for several minutes, silently staring into each other’s eyes, both overcome with love for one another. Finally, John speaks.)

 

JOHN: I love you so much, Marlena.

 

MARLENA: And I love you.(There is a knock on the door. John and Marlena look towards the bathroom door.)

 

BELLE: Daddy, you in dere?(Marlena looks at John with wide eyes.)

 

MARLENA: Please, God, tell me you locked the door.

 

JOHN: I locked the door.

 

MARLENA: You did?

 

JOHN: No.

 

MARLENA: Then why did you just say that you did.

 

JOHN: Because you told me too.

 

(The doorknob slowly turns and John jumps out of the shower, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around him. He holds the door closed, only allowing Belle to open it slightly. Belle peeks through the crack of the door.)

 

JOHN: Belle, sweety, I’ll be out in a minute.

 

BELLE: Where’s Mommy?

 

JOHN: I don’t know, sweety. Maybe she is in Brady’s room.

 

BELLE: She no in dere. I wooked.

 

JOHN: Maybe she went downstairs, Belle.

 

BELLE: I no see her down dere eeder, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Well, look again, sweety. I’m sure she’s here. Maybe she is hiding from you.

 

BELLE: I go find her, Daddy.(Belle runs off to look for Marlena. Marlena stands up and grabs a towel, wrapping it around her.)

 

MARLENA: I can’t believe you didn’t lock the door, John. Really!

 

(She rolls her eyes at him and walks into the bedroom. She locks the bedroom door and starts getting dressed. John, with his towel wrapped around his waist, leans against the wall as he watches Marlena dress. Marlena dresses then fixes her hair. She puts her makeup on and her perfume, then turns to see John still leaning against the towel, silently watching her change.)

 

MARLENA: What’s the matter, handsome? Cat got your tongue?

 

JOHN: Hmmm?

 

MARLENA: You’re so quiet.

 

JOHN: Just watching you get dressed.

 

MARLENA: Ahaa…(teasing him)I always thought there was a bit of a voyeur lurking in you somewhere.(Marlena, dressed and ready for work, slips her heels on and saunters over to John.)

 

JOHN: You may be right, because I have no doubt that I could watch you do just about anything and find it sexy. (Marlena laughs at John. His eyes sparkle.) Do you have any idea how good it feels to hear your laughter again. It gives me goosebumps! (Marlena looks up at John mischievously as she presses her body against his.)

 

MARLENA: Oh, is that what that is? A goosebump? (She giggles and he catches her mouth with his, kissing her passionately on the mouth.)You are insatiable, you know that.

 

JOHN: I didn’t hear you complaining last night.

 

MARLENA: You are correct, I was not complaining last night and I am not complaining right now.

 

JOHN: No?

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case…(John begins to kiss Marlena’s neck and she squirms out of John’s embrace.)

 

MARLENA: John, I said I wasn’t complaining. I didn’t say to seduce me again!

 

JOHN: Can’t blame a man for trying.

 

MARLENA: Very true…Well, I’m going to go downstairs and have a cup of coffee before I leave for work. Care to join me?

 

JOHN: Of course. You go on, I’m going to throw some clothes on and check in on J.J.(Marlena goes downstairs and finds Belle and a half-asleep Brady sitting at the table having breakfast. When Marlena walks in, Belle immediately scrambles out of her chair and runs over to greet her.)

 

MARLENA: Good morning, sweeties.

 

BELLE: Momma, where you go? I wook for you ev-wee where.(Marlena picks Belle up and brushes the hair out of her eyes.)

 

MARLENA: Well, you must not have looked hard enough. I was here, sweety.

 

BELLE: Daddy shweep wif you wast night, Mommy?

 

MARLENA: (obviously changing the subject)Brady, honey, did you sleep well?(Brady looks at Marlena and nods his head no.)

 

MARLENA: No? Why not, sweetheart? What’s wrong?

 

BRADY: My throat hurts.

 

MARLENA: Your throat again. Well, let me see, sweetheart.(Marlena puts Belle down and kneels on the floor in front of Brady’s chair.)Open your mouth Brady. (Brady opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue.)Brady, honey, when did your throat start hurting?

 

BRADY: Since last night.

 

MARLENA: Why didn’t you tell me?

 

BRADY: Because it didn’t start hurting until after I went to sleep. I kept waking up in the middle of the night and it was hurting me then.

 

MARLENA: Well, honey, you should have come and got me. Why don’t you come into the den and lie down on the couch.

 

(Marlena takes Brady’s hand and walks with him to the couch. She lays him down and pulls a blanket up over him. Chelsea brings a thermometer to Marlena and she puts it under Brady’s tongue, and sits beside him on the couch waiting for the thermometer to read. John comes down the stairs and Belle greets him.)

 

BELLE: Daddy, Bwady sick.

 

JOHN: Brady’s sick? (John picks Belle up and carries her over to the couch where Marlena is sitting with Brady.) Hey, buddy. What’s the matter?

 

BRADY: My throat hurts.

 

MARLENA: His throat is very red and irritated. His tonsils are swollen. And…(as she takes the thermometer out of his mouth)…if my suspicions are correct, he is running a low-grade fever.(Marlena holds the thermometer up to the light.)Well, Brady, it looks like you might have to go see the Doctor today.

 

BRADY: I don’t want to.

 

MARLENA: Honey, we need to get you some medicine.

 

BRADY: Why can’t you give me the medicine. You’re a Doctor.

 

MARLENA: But I am not that kind of Doctor, sweety. You’ll be fine. Daddy can take you to the Doctor.

 

BRADY: Can’t you take me, Momma?(Marlena’s heart melts at Brady’s simple request.)

 

MARLENA: Well…of course. I tell you what – I’m going to call him right now and see when he can fit you in. John, why don’t you get Brady some juice? (John goes to the kitchen to get Brady some juice while Marlena calls the children’s pediatrician to schedule an appointment. She comes back to the sofa with a smile on her face.)Well, Dr. Nolan says he can squeeze you in, but only if we go right now. So, lets get some clothes on you.(Marlena picks Brady up and carries him to his room. John takes Belle to the kitchen with him while he pours himself a cup of coffee. Much to John’s dismay, Belle once again brings up John’s sleeping arrangements over coffee.)

 

BELLE: Daddy, why you sweep wif Mommy wast night?

 

JOHN: Because I wanted to, Belle. How’s that for an answer, Miss Inquisitive?

 

BELLE: Why you want to shweep wid Mommy, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Belle, why don’t we go see if Mommy needs any help getting Brady ready.

 

BELLE: Kay, Daddy. (Belle and John go back into the den. Marlena is grabbing her purse.)

 

MARLENA: Ok…it looks like we are ready, Brady. John I am going to take Brady with me. You think you could swing by my office in about an hour and pick him up?

 

JOHN: Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you then. Belle, it looks like you and I are going to get to spend the morning together. You want to help me get J.J. dressed?

 

BELLE: I go wif Mommy, Daddy.

 

MARLENA: Belle, sweety, I think it would be better if you stay with Daddy.

 

BELLE: Why Bwadee kin go wif you and I kint, Momma?

 

MARLENA: Baby, Brady is sick. I have to take him to the Doctor.

 

BELLE: I shik too, Momma.

 

MARLENA: Oh, you are, huh?

 

BELLE: Yeah. I feel ve-wee bad, Momma. I need you to take me to da Doctuh too.

 

MARLENA: I don’t know, Belle. You know what happened last time you went to the Doctor…

 

BELLE: (Her eyes widen with fear.)He give me a shot!

 

MARLENA: Are you sure that you’re sick?

 

BELLE: I no shik no more, Momma. I shtay wif Daddy.(Belle runs over to John and he scoops her up in his arms.)

 

JOHN: OK, Belle, whadda ya say we go get you and JJ dressed?

 

BELLE: I go get dwesses, Daddy. (Belle runs up the stairs. John walks over to Marlena and places his hands on her shoulders.)

 

JOHN: Well, I guess I’ll see you in an hour. I’ll miss you.

 

MARLENA: (smiling up at him) I’ll miss you too. (John starts to give her a kiss, but Marlena places her hands on her chest, stopping him.) John-

 

JOHN: Honey, what is it?

 

MARLENA: (whispering)Not in front of Brady, please.

 

JOHN: Doc, are you serious?

 

MARLENA: Very serious.

 

JOHN: But-

 

MARLENA: John, please. I need to get going.

 

JOHN: We’ll talk about this later.

 

MARLENA: Yeah…sure. That sounds fine. I’ll see you later.

 

JOHN: In an hour.

 

MARLENA: Yeah…I’ll see you then. Brady, honey, come here.

 

(Marlena picks Brady up and John opens the door for her. As John watches Marlena leave, he realizes that even though they are sleeping together, there problems are far from over. She is holding back, and he isn’t sure why. As he tries to figure out what to do about it, Belle comes running downstairs in a fairy princess costume. John sees her and laughs.)

 

JOHN: Sweetheart, that is not what I meant when I asked you to get dressed.

 

BELLE: I wear dis, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Baby, I think you better put on some real clothes.

 

BELLE: Dese are real kwose, Daddy.

 

JOHN: How about I make you a deal?

 

BELLE: Kay, Daddy.

 

JOHN: If you put on your nice clothes, I will take you by Mommy’s work to see her.

 

BELLE: Okay, Daddy! I go put on my wuk kwose. Kin you hep me?

 

JOHN: Of course. C’mon, kiddo!(John picks Belle up and holds her over his head as he ascends the stairs with her.)

 

MEANWHILE – At the hospital Marlena carries Brady into the Doctor’s office. Dr. Nolan greets them.

 

1. NOLAN: Well, hello there, Brady.

 

BRADY: Hi.

 

1. NOLAN: I hear you aren’t feeling very well this morning.

 

BRADY: No sir.

 

1. NOLAN: What seems to be the problem?

 

BRADY: My throat burns really bad.

 

1. NOLAN: Well, why don’t you climb up on my table here, and let me take a look.

 

(Brady climbs up on the table with Marlena’s help, and Dr. Nolan proceeds to examine him. After about 10 minutes of prodding and poking, Dr. Nolan has a diagnosis.) DR. NOLAN: Strep throat.

 

MARLENA: Again?

 

1. NOLAN: I’m afraid so… Brady, why don’t you let the nurse take you over to the nurses station so that you can pick out a surprise?(Brady looks up at Marlena for her approval. She places her hand on his shoulder.)

 

MARLENA: Go ahead, sweetheart. Mommy will be there in a minute.(Marlena watches Brady leave with the nurse. She turns to his Doctor.)Just out of curiosity, is there a reason why Brady keeps getting Strep throat?

 

1. NOLAN: There isn’t really a way to prevent it, if that’s what you’re wondering. Of course, there are options. You could save Brady a lot of pain and let me take his tonsils out.

 

MARLENA: How necessary is that?

 

1. NOLAN: Well, it isn’t a necessity. Brady isn’t any danger. He just happens to have a bad set of tonsils. You can either have them removed or leave them there. It isn’t a decision that has to be made right away. The procedure is very easy. I don’t have to tell you how many children’s get their tonsils taken out every day.

 

MARLENA: I know…I guess it’s different when the child is your own. But if you believe it is necessary, then I’ll talk to his father about it today.

 

1. NOLAN: Good. Call me later and let me know what you think. And go ahead and get his prescription filled. And as always, keep a close eye on him and monitor his temperature.

 

MARLENA: Of course. Thanks again for seeing him on such short notice.

 

(Marlena goes to get Brady and they head back to her office. Marlena checks in with her secretary. As she is unlocking her office door, Paul walks up behind her. He takes out a single red rose and holds it in front of her face. Marlena turns around and practically jumps when she sees Paul standing there.)

 

MARLENA: Paul!

 

PAUL: Good morning, Marlena.(Marlena takes the rose out of his hand.)

 

MARLENA: Well, thank you very much.

 

PAUL: You are welcome very much.(Brady coughs and draws Marlena’s attention. She unlocks the door to her office.)

 

BRADY: Momma, I have to go to the bathroom.

 

MARLENA: Go right ahead, sweetheart.(Brady walks into the bathroom in Marlena’s office.)

 

PAUL: You brought Brady to work with you?

 

MARLENA: Well, he had a Dr.’s appointment so I brought him. John should be here any minute to pick him up.

 

PAUL: Well, I have to finish up my rounds. I just wanted to stop by and say hello.

 

MARLENA: Well, Paul, I appreciate that. I really do.

 

PAUL: How about dinner tonight?

 

MARLENA: Dinner? Tonight?

 

PAUL: Try not to sound so excited.

 

MARLENA: No, Paul. It’s not that. It’s just that…well…

 

(Marlena briefly considers telling Paul about her relationship with John, but decides that it isn’t the time. Paul sees her struggling with something, and decides to reassure her. He leans over her desk and kisses her forcefully on the mouth. Marlena instantly places her hands on Paul’s chest to push him away, but not before John walks into her office with Belle. Marlena pushes Paul backwards, but it is too late. John and Belle are both staring at her in shock. There is a long uncomfortable silence, and finally Marlena speaks.)

 

MARLENA: Paul-

 

PAUL: Why don’t I catch up with you later?

 

MARLENA: (Marlena, who is still staring at John, answers Paul without even looking at him.)That sounds fine.

 

PAUL: Goodbye.(Paul leaves. Marlena looks down at the red rose in her hand and drops it in the trash can. Brady comes out of the bathroom and smiles up at John.)

 

BRADY: Are we ready to go, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Yes, we are kiddo. Let’s go.(John takes Brady’s hand and they start to leave. He doesn’t even say goodbye.)

 

MARLENA: John, wait…please. I need to talk to you.

 

JOHN: Now isn’t a good time, Marlena.(Marlena’s heart melts as Belle lays her head on John’s shoulder.)

 

MARLENA: John, it’s about Brady’s medicine. I need you to pick it up.

 

JOHN: Consider it done. (John starts to leave again but Marlena stands up from her desk and catches him at the door. She looks at him pleadingly.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, please…It is important.(John lets Belle down and takes her into Marlena’s waiting room where Brady is sitting on the couch. Marlena asks her secretary to watch them for a second and then she goes back into her office, John close behind.)

 

JOHN: Is Brady ok?

 

MARLENA: Well, he has Strep throat.

 

JOHN: Again?

 

MARLENA: That’s exactly what I said to his pediatrician.

 

JOHN: So what did he say

 

MARLENA: Well, he suggested that we have Brady’s tonsils taken out.

 

JOHN: For real?

 

MARLENA: For real.

 

JOHN: Poor kid.

 

MARLENA: But Dr. Nolan also pointed out how many children have their tonsils taken out every day.

 

JOHN: True. But Brady – well, he’s not “other children”. He’s my son.(Marlena looks up at him with a huge smile.)What?

 

MARLENA: Well, that is exactly what I said to Dr. Nolan.

 

JOHN: That he was my son?

 

MARLENA: No, that he was mine.

 

(There is a long pause. John is very touched by Marlena’s comment. Marlena instantly sees John soften for the first time since he came into her office and found Paul kissing her. She reaches up and places her hand on his cheek. John takes a step towards her but suddenly the image of Paul kissing her while she held that damn red rose in her hand comes back to haunt him. He flinches and Marlena notices the change.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, what is it?

 

JOHN: Nothing.(John takes a step backwards and looks down at the floor.)Listen, I have to go.

 

MARLENA: Okay. I guess I’ll see you later.

 

JOHN: Sure.

 

MARLENA: Maybe we can talk?

 

JOHN: Whatever…

 

MARLENA: John-

 

JOHN: Doc, please-

 

MARLENA: Please what, honey?

 

JOHN: Don’t do this with me. Don’t play me like this.

 

MARLENA: John, I’m not playing you anyway, John. I’m just trying to talk to you, trying to figure out what is going on and that head of yours. But you won’t let me in.

 

JOHN: Well, I guess you can see how I have been feeling lately.

 

MARLENA: What’s happening here?

 

JOHN: I don’t know…Why don’t you tell me?

 

(The bitterness in John’s voice and the sadness in his eyes shocks Marlena, and she brings her hand to her mouth in shock. Tears threaten to spill down her face, and instead of going to him, she turns away, giving him her back. After an uncomfortable silence, Marlena’s phone rings. Grateful for the intrusion, Marlena immediately goes to her desk and answers it.)

 

MARLENA: Dr. Evans speaking.(It is Marlena’s secretary. John watches as Marlena smiles and says, “Tell her I’ll be right there. She hangs up the phone and stares at John’s feet, unable to bring herself to see the pain in his eyes.)John, one of my patients is waiting is waiting outside. I’d better-

 

JOHN: (abruptly cutting her off)Yeah. I know the drill. See ya.

 

(Marlena’s heart breaks as she John walk out of her office looking very defeated. Knowing she cannot possibly face her patient in this state, she runs into the bathroom and locks the door behind her. As the tears pour down her face, she slides down the bathroom door onto the floor, her heart breaking into. John realizes he left Brady’s prescription in Marlena’s office. He turns around and goes back into her office. He hears her muffled cries coming from the bathroom. It breaks his heart. He knocks on the door, desperate to put an end to her suffering.)

 

JOHN: Baby, it’s me. Are you alright?

 

MARLENA: (After a long pause, Marlena finally speaks.)I’m fine, John.

 

JOHN: Then why are you crying?

 

MARLENA: I’m just a little emotional right now. I think it’s pms, that’s all.

 

JOHN: Well, why don’t you let me come in there and see you.

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: Baby, please-

 

MARLENA: John, I’m fine. My patient is waiting for me. I need to calm down and I can’t do that with you here…Please, go. I’ll call you later…I promise.

 

JOHN: All right…If you insist…(John starts to leave and then turns back around, touching the door softly with his hand.)Honey, are you sure there’s nothing I can do?

 

MARLENA: I’m sure, John. Please, just go.

 

(John slowly walks out of Marlena’s office. He takes Brady’s hand and Belle’s hand and side-by-side, they walk out to his Jeep together. John doesn’t say a word, and neither do the children. They are both wise enough to know that something is very, very wrong. As they drive home, silence permeates the car and Belle and Brady both watch their father cry for the first time in their young lives.)

John impatiently watches the clock. It is 6:30 and he still hasn’t heard from Marlena. He thinks back to when he left this morning, when he left her crying in the bathroom at her office. How could things have taken such a quick turn for the worse. Everything was fine this morning. He remembers their hot lovemaking in the shower and his body responds to the mere memory alone. John picks up the phone and starts to call Marlena at her office, but decides not to. She probably needs a little breathing space, he thinks. John makes up his mind that if he hasn’t heard from her by seven, he will call her. He goes and lays down on the couch with Brady and Belle, who are absolutely enthralled in their movie, “SpaceJam”.

 

MEANWHILE – At the hospital

 

(Marlena is getting ready to leave for the day. She takes a deep breath, trying to relieve some of the tension that has developed in her neck and back today. She lays her head on her desk, desperate for some sort of escape from the stress she is under. As she flashes back to the look in John’s eyes earlier this morning, tears once again threaten to overtake her. There is a knock at the door. She lifts her head up and makes a silent request that whoever it is will just go away. No such luck. The knocking continues.)

 

MARLENA: Come in. (The door opens and a hand appears holding a bouquet of balloons. Marlena smiles, touched at John’s thoughtfulness. Then Paul steps in and Marlena instantly sits straight up.)

 

MARLENA: Paul.

 

PAUL: I figured that flowers have probably lost their effect on you by now, so I decided to try balloons.

 

MARLENA: I see.

 

PAUL: May I come in?

 

MARLENA: Sure.

 

PAUL: So, I heard through the grapevine that your day has been pretty terrible.

 

MARLENA: That is the understatement of the year.

 

PAUL: (Paul sits on her sofa, and pats the empty spot next to him.)Care to talk about.

 

MARLENA: Not really. I’d rather just go to bed and forget this day ever happened.

 

PAUL: Well, I can assure you, if you come home and go to bed with me tonight, today will only be a distant memory.(Marlena’s mouth drops open at his blatant insinuation.)

 

MARLENA: Paul, listen-

 

PAUL: Uh-oh. Did I just overstep my boundaries?

 

MARLENA: Oh no, of course not. There isn’t anything wrong with what you just said.

 

PAUL: There is a “but” coming up, isn’t there?

 

MARLENA: Yes, I’m afraid so.

 

PAUL: Alright then, let’s hear it.

 

MARLENA: Well, I’m…gosh, this is hard…I am kind-of involved with someone else right now.

 

PAUL: Whoa!

 

MARLENA: Yeah.

 

PAUL: That sure as hell came out of the blue.

 

MARLENA: I know. And I’m sorry, I really am. I know I should have told you sooner, but I just couldn’t find the right time, or the right way to tell you.

 

PAUL: I see.

 

MARLENA: Paul, I know that you have been trying really hard, and I do appreciate that, I really do, I can’t tell you how flattered I am, but-

 

PAUL: Who?

 

MARLENA: Excuse me?

 

PAUL: Who is it. Who is the other person?

 

MARLENA: Paul-

 

PAUL: Oh, c’mon, Marlena. I have been a really good sport about this, haven’t I? The least you can do is let me know who beat me out.

 

MARLENA: Nobody “beat you out”, Paul.

 

PAUL: No, no, you’re wrong. Obviously someone did.

 

MARLENA: Paul-

 

PAUL: Marlena, just let me finish my sentence, please.(Marlena sits up straight, taken aback by the anger in his voice.)As I was saying, someone beat me out. We were seeing each other and things were going pretty well, weren’t they.(There is a silence.) Weren’t they?

 

MARLENA: I wasn’t aware that I was allowed to speak now.

 

PAUL: Cut the sarcasm, please. If you don’t want to answer, I will answer for you. Things were going pretty damn well, and then boom! You disappear for several days and when you come back, we’re history. Am I right?(Before Marlena gets a chance to reply, Paul starts talking again.)So obviously, when compared to me, someone else was more appealing to you. I came up lacking and someone else beat me out. Am I right?(Silence)Are you going to answer me?

 

MARLENA: Oh, I don’t know, you seem to be doing a fine job of carrying on this conversation by yourself.

 

PAUL: Dammit, Marlena, I am trying to make sense of this.(He suddenly stands up and leans over her desk to get his point across.)I can do without your being a smart ass.(He stares straight into her eyes and for a very brief moment, cold fear runs down Marlena’s spine. The phone rings loudly in her office, and Paul instantly steps away from his desk. He jerks his hands away from Marlena, fearful of his own capabilities. Marlena instantly reaches for the phone and grabs it.)

 

MARLENA: Hello.

 

JOHN: Hi.

 

MARLENA: John.

 

JOHN: Are you okay, sweetheart?

 

MARLENA: (The tenderness in his voce melts her, making her want to curl up in the shelter of his arms.)Uh-huh.

 

JOHN: Baby, what is it?

 

MARLENA: I’ve just had a very bad day, that’s all.

 

JOHN: Well, why don’t you come on home.

 

MARLENA: Are you there?

 

JOHN: Of course…You didn’t think I’d let you off the hook that easily, did you?

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: Are you alone?

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: Are you with a patient?

 

MARLENA: No.

 

JOHN: Are you with Paul?

 

MARLENA: (hesitates slightly before answering)Yes, but it’s not-

 

JOHN: Doc, really, no explanations are necessary. I have to go. Belle is attempting to fly down the stairs.

 

MARLENA: What?

 

JOHN: We watched Space Jam.

 

MARLENA: Again?

 

JOHN: Yeah. Bye.

 

MARLENA: John, wait-(Marlena hears him hang up. She slowly puts her phone back down.)

 

PAUL: John Black.

 

MARLENA: (still distracted by John’s abruptness on the phone) Huh?

 

PAUL: John Black?

 

MARLENA: Yes, he is watching the children.

 

PAUL: Oh, I see. For a minute there, I thought you were going to tell me that he was the one that came between us.(Marlena winces at the words he has chosen, because she knows that no one came between them. Paul just didn’t stand a chance against her feelings for John. He was the only one she had wanted to be with.)

 

MARLENA: Paul, look, I know this is difficult, not to mention awkward, and I am very sorry that I waited to tell you, but now that I have, I really hope that we can-

 

PAUL: Still be friends…right?(Marlena winces at how stereotypical she must have sounded to him.)

 

MARLENA: Well…it’s true.

 

PAUL: Yeah, right.

 

MARLENA: Look, Paul, I really have to get home. John has had the children all day and poor Brady is sick.(Marlena starts gathering her things together. Paul helps her.)

 

PAUL: How about if I walk you to your car.

 

MARLENA: (grateful that he is being such a good sport)Well, thank you. That would be wonderful.

 

(Marlena and Paul walk to her car. Paul opens Marlena’s car door for her and leaves her with a dazzling smile. Marlena catches herself thinking that his smile is truly beautiful, but just doesn’t have the same effect on her as John’s. A smile from John and her heart starts doing somersaults. Marlena remembers John’s hasty goodbye on the phone earlier and begins to drive a little faster, anxious to explain the incident that happened earlier in her office. When she arrives home, she is surprised to find the house dark and eerily quiet. She looks around for a note, but doesn’t see one anywhere. Marlena takes a deep breath, telling herself that they probably just went out for ice-cream. She goes upstairs to her bedroom and starts to take her heels off when her cellphone rings. She answers it.)

 

MARLENA: Dr. Evans speaking.

 

JOHN: Doc, it’s me.

 

MARLENA: John, where are you?

 

JOHN: I’m at the hospital looking for you. Where are you?

 

MARLENA: (grinning)At home waiting for you.

 

JOHN: Well, I think you better come back up here. I was hoping I could catch you before you left.

 

MARLENA: Honey, what is it?

 

JOHN: It’s Brady.(Marlena’s breath catches in her throat and she panics. John instinctively knows how she is going to react so he immediately starts reassuring her.)Honey, he’s fine. His fever just went up pretty high. I didn’t want to take any chances so I brought him in.

 

MARLENA: I’ll be right there, John.

 

(Marlena puts he heels back on and goes running out the penthouse door. She makes it to the hospital in a record ten minutes. She walks into the waiting room and John is sitting on the couch with Belle. Marlena instantly rushes to John’s side.)

 

MARLENA: John, honey, how’s Brady?

 

JOHN: I don’t know. They took him back to a room to check him out. I just wish they’d tell me something.

 

BELLE: Bwady bad sick, Momma.

 

MARLENA: I know, sweety girl, but the Doctor is with him now. He’s going to be just fine.(Belle’s eyes widen in fear and tears threaten to spill over the lids.)

 

BELLE: I no wike it when Bwadee feel bad, Mommy.(Marlena scoops Belle up into her arms.)

 

MARLENA: I know, sweety girl. Mommy doesn’t like it either. I tell you what…why don’t you stay out here and take care of Daddy and I’m going to go back there and check on him. Okay.

 

BELLE: Kay, Mommy. You kin till him I shed to get betteuh vewee shoon.

 

MARLENA: I will, baby girl.

 

(Marlena kisses Belle’s forehead and places her on John’s lap. She takes her hospital id card out and swipes it over the magnetic strip. The doors to the emergency room swing open and Marlena goes off in search of Brady. Sean and Caroline enter the waiting room. John places Belle on the couch and stands up, walking towards them.)

 

JOHN: Sean, Caroline, I’m so glad you’re here.

 

CAROLINE: Well, of course we’re here, John. Any news?

 

JOHN: Not yet. I’m sure everything is fine though. It was just a high fever. But Marlena has trained me well – I know how dangerous high fever’s can be so I brought him in just in case.

 

SEAN: Well, I’m glad you did, son. Better safe than sorry.

 

JOHN: You got that right.(John sits back down on the couch and Belle crawls back into his lap, trying to get comfortable.)

 

SEAN: It looks like you’ve got one sleepy little girl there.

 

CAROLINE: Where’s the baby?

 

JOHN: Carrie took him for a little walk. He’s pretty peeved about being woke up.

 

CAROLINE: Well, why don’t Sean and I take him back to the house with us. You can call us as soon as you hear something.

 

JOHN: Caroline, really, that’s not necessary.

 

SEAN: Well, of course it’s not necessary, but we want to.

 

CAROLINE: Sean, let’s see if we can find him.

 

(Sean and Caroline go off to look for Carrie and JohnJr. while John anxiously awaits to hear about Brady’s condition. Belle starts to drift off to sleep in John’s arms and he runs his fingers through her hair, knowing that Marlena always does that to Belle to help her fall asleep. He checks his watch and is surprised too see that it is only 9:oopm. Meanwhile, in the emergency room, Marlena finds Brady and immediately goes to his side. His eyes are wide with fear and his tiny face is flushed from the fever.)

 

MARLENA: Hi, sweetheart.

 

BRADY: Mommy.(Marlena is instantly alarmed by how vulnerable Brady appears to be, lying in the bed alone. She sits on his bedside, as she brushes his bangs out of his eyes.)

 

MARLENA: Hi, sweety. How ya feeling?

 

BRADY: Bad. I want to go back home. Can you take me back home now?

 

MARLENA: Oh, sweety, I wish I could. But the doctors want to keep you here until your fever goes down.

 

BRADY: To monitor me?(Marlena smiles adoringly at him, amazed at the extent of his vocabulary at such a young age.)

 

MARLENA: Yes, Baby, to monitor you.

 

BRADY: Can’t you monitor me at home?

 

MARLENA: Well, I think that I could, and probably will, after tonight, but for right now, since you have such a high fever, it’s best if you stay right here.

 

BRADY: Until my fever goes away?

 

MARLENA: Yes, sweety, just until your fever goes down…So, why don’t you try to get a little sleep.

 

BRADY: I don’t like to sleep in strange places, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: Oh, baby, neither do I, but could you try…for me?

 

BRADY: Could you stay here with me…while I’m sleeping?

 

MARLENA: Of course I will….In fact (Marlena lifts her legs onto Brady’s bed, and pulls him into her arms, cradling him)I just might go to sleep too.

 

(She places a kiss upon his forehead, and whispers soothing words to him, coaxing him to surrender to sleep. She watches as he drifts off into dreamland, and says a silent prayer that his fever will drop soon. As she lies the with him, she begins to drift off to sleep, but doesn’t quite make it to dreamland. She is startled as she hears Belle’s piercing scream echo through the walls of the hospitals. John’s scolding voice overrides Belle’s screams, and Marlena thanks God that finally, John is around to discipline her daughter. Belle’s cries soon soften, and several minutes later, John appears in the doorway. For several seconds, he watches as Marlena cradles Brady’s sleeping form, to her. He clears his throat and Marlena looks up.)

 

JOHN: How’s he feeling?

 

MARLENA: Well, he’s sleeping now. His fever seems to have dropped. His body temperature feels like it’s about down to normal now.

 

JOHN: Good, good…He gave me quite a scare.

 

MARLENA: I’ll bet he did. But you did the right thing. You reacted immediately and got him to the hospital. (She smiles up at him, melting John’s heart with the admiration in her eyes.)I’m proud of you.

 

JOHN: Yeah…(John looks away, uncomfortable with how easily she can erase all of his anger and make him feel like mush.)So, can we take him home now?

 

MARLENA: We should be able to. I’m just waiting on the word from Mike.

 

JOHN: Alright then. I guess I’ll wait outside then.(He starts to leave.)

 

MARLENA: John, wait-

 

JOHN: Yeah?(There is an uncomfortable silence. Marlena stutters then comes up with something to say.)

 

MARLENA: I heard Belle screaming earlier. Is she alright?

 

JOHN: Of course. Just another temper tantrum.(Marlena tries to keep the conversation going, not yet ready for him to leave.)

 

MARLENA: And what, pray tell, was this tantrum concerning?

 

BELLE: She was a little confused. When you left to come back here and see Brady, you told her to take care of me. So I tried to leave her with Carrie so that I could come back here to check on Brady. She went into hysterics, insisting that she had to come too, because she was supposed to be taking care of me.

 

MARLENA: Oh, my sweet baby girl.

 

JOHN: Well, sweet isn’t exactly the word I would use to describe her right now. More like “Furious”.

 

MARLENA: Well, I can’t really blame her for this tantrum. I did tell her to take care of you. She has this huge soft spot for you. I can’t possibly imagine where she got it from. (John begins to smile but when he looks at Marlena, he sees her in the arms of Paul Copeland. His smile turns to a frown before John’s eyes and he turns and turns to walk out of the room. A tear rolls down Marlena’s cheek as she watches him start to leave.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, please…don’t go. Please talk to me.

 

JOHN: (with his back to her)Doc, I’m not so sure this is the time or the place.

 

MARLENA: But if I could just explain to you exactly what happened.

 

JOHN: Honey, there isn’t anything to explain. I saw it – with my own two eyes. I saw that jerk kissing you.(She gets off the bed.)

 

MARLENA: John, wait a minute. What you saw and what actually happened are two entirely different things.

 

JOHN: I’m going to go check on Belle.

 

MARLENA: John, you never used to make it a habit of walking away from me.

 

JOHN: Yeah, well you never made a habit of kissing other men when you were involved with ME.

 

MARLENA: Dammit, John, would you stop being so stubborn and listen to me!(The door opens and Mike walks in. The tension in the room is apparent.)

 

MIKE: Whoa, I am sorry if I interrupted something.

 

MARLENA: (instantly recovering and presenting Mike with a smile.)Not at all, Mike…Not at all. We were anxiously awaiting some good news.

 

MIKE: Well, good news I can give you. The tests we ran didn’t indicate anything serious. I spoke with Brady’s pediatrician, he said that he recommended taking Brady’s tonsils out.

 

MARLENA: He did.

 

MIKE: That’s probably a good idea.

 

MARLENA: Well, I think John and I were planning on talking to Brady about it as soon as he started feeling a little better.

 

MIKE: Good. Other than that, just make sure to monitor his temperature pretty regularly, and if it starts to skyrocket again, get him up here ASAP.

 

JOHN: So we can take him home?

 

MIKE: You can take him home. And don’t forget that little pistol of yours out in the lobby. I think she probably has Carrie pulling her hair out by now.

 

JOHN: I’ll get her.

 

MARLENA: Is John-John still here?

 

JOHN: No. Sean and Caroline took him to their place for the night.

 

MARLENA: In that case, why don’t I go find our daughter?

 

JOHN: Ok. I’ll take Brady.

 

MARLENA: So, I guess I’ll see you at home.

 

JOHN: Okay. See ya later. (Marlena watches John go to Brady, then she leaves to look for Belle. She finds Carrie chasing a very feisty Belle down the hall.)

 

MARLENA: Belle. Lets go.(Belle runs to Marlena and holds her arms up.)

 

BELLE: Hode me, Momma.(Marlena picks Belle up and frowns at her.)

 

MARLENA: Mommy heard you have been giving Daddy and Carrie a hard time.

 

BELLE: Daddy bad, Momma! He in twubbel!

 

MARLENA: Why is Daddy in trouble, Belle?

 

BELLE: He no mind you, Momma. He not wet Belle tek care of him. You shed for me too, but he no wet me.

 

MARLENA: Well, Belle, what I meant was –

 

BELLE: Daddy need a shpankin. I give him wun when we get home.

 

MARLENA: Speaking of home, I think it’s time we went. It is way past your bed time, little one.

 

BELLE: I shweep wif you tonight, Mommy?

 

MARLENA: We’ll talk about it at home, sweetheart.(Marlena goes over to Carrie who is sitting down, looking a bit out of breath.) Carrie, are you ok?

 

CARRIE: I think so. Belle gave me a workout.

 

MARLENA: She’s good at that.

 

CARRIE: You think you could give me a ride home?

 

MARLENA: Of course. C’mon.

 

(They walk to the car and Marlena drives Carrie home. When she finally pulls up at the penthouse, Belle is sound asleep. She carries her inside and notices that John has fallen asleep on the couch. She takes Belle upstairs and changes her clothes, then tucks her into bed. Marlena then goes in to check on Brady and is happy to see him sound asleep, his temperature back to normal. She then goes back downstairs to talk to John. She sits on the sofa and is content to watch him sleep for a few minutes. She tries to rouse him.)

 

MARLENA: John, sweetheart, why don’t you come to bed.

 

JOHN: (half-asleep) I’m just going to sleep here tonight, Doc.

 

MARLENA: No you are not.

 

JOHN: (getting a little irritated.)Baby, I’m tired.

 

MARLENA: So am I, but we have a strict philosophy that I don’t intend to start breaking now. We NEVER go to bed angry.(John opens his eyes and looks up at her.)

 

JOHN: I’m not angry.

 

MARLENA: No?

 

JOHN: No.

 

MARLENA: Then make love to me.

 

JOHN: Doc-

 

MARLENA: No excuses. You either come upstairs and go to bed with me or talk to me.

 

JOHN: Honey, I’m tired.(Marlena lifts his t-shirt up, exposing his chest to her view. Before John can protest, she starts to kiss his chest. John tries to stop her, but to no avail. She is on a mission.)

 

JOHN: Marlena, please…(As Marlena kisses his chest, she whispers against his skin, “Don’t you want me, John?” John’s breathing quickens, despite his struggle to ignore her seduction.)

 

MARLENA: (As she unbuckles his jeans)If you aren’t going to talk to me, then I’ll just have to do all the talking. You see, I understand that you are upset. And with good reason. But if you just talked to me about it, you would see how wrong you are about this. I know that you saw Paul kiss me. But what you didn’t see was what was going on the second before you walked into my office.(She slides his jeans down to his knees.)Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You see, the only thing that happened today was a case of very bad timing.(Marlena runs her hands along his torso.) He decided to kiss me in the exact moment that you walked in. Period. End of story. I immediately pulled away, and that is exactly what I would have done if you hadn’t come in. I mean, John, c’mon…(She runs her tongue along the waistline of his boxer shorts.)…Why would I want him, when I could have you? You are the sexiest, kindest, most passionate man I have ever known and there is absolutely no one on this earth that I would rather be with than you.(Marlena pulls his shorts off and stretches out on top of him.)

 

JOHN: Oh, honey…

 

MARLENA: (as she pulls the quilt over the two of them)Now, if you insist on sleeping down here, then I guess I’ll just have to sleep down here with you… (John grabs hold of Marlena’s face and stares directly into her eyes..)

 

JOHN: I have one question.

 

MARLENA: What?

 

JOHN: Is that the only time he has ever kissed you since we came back to Salem?

 

MARLENA: Yes….When you called this evening and I told you he was in my office, the reason I was there so late with him was to tell him that my interest in him was strictly as a friend…Nothing more…You are the only man that I want, John Black…(A tear slides down her cheek and John reaches his finger up to catch the tear as it rolls down her face.)Please, John, it’s been a really long day and all I want, more than anything in the world right now, is for you to make love to me.

 

JOHN: (grinning)Well, I’ve never been one to refuse a damsel in distress, especially one that looks as good as you and has just spent the past five minutes undressing me.(Marlena grins down at him.)

 

MARLENA: So, what do you say we spend the next five minutes undressing me?

 

JOHN: Five minutes! Doc, you underestimate me. Try two minutes…tops.

 

(John slides her skirt up to her waist and pulls her hose down, removing her heels in the process. Marlena’s breath catches in her throat as John places hot kisses all along her belly. He practically rips her jacket off, then quickly does away with her bra as well. John groans as he smothers her chest with kisses, causing Marlena to gasp with pleasure.)

 

JOHN: Baby, I love you so much…

 

MARLENA: Oh, I love you.(Their passion quickly escalates to the boiling point. John frantically lifts his body up, allowing her to lay on the couch. Then he moves atop her and the two desperate lovers soon find their peak together, then very slowly float back down to earth. Many moments later, John rises and carries his precious Marlena to bed. They curl up under the covers and finally drift off to sleep.)

Marlena awakens several hours later to find herself intimately entangled with John’s limbs. She smiles and a warm blush covers her body as she thinks back to their passionate little encounter downstairs, silently thankful that the children didn’t wander downstairs to find their parents in such a frenzy. She untangles herself from John’s arms and notices a frown appear upon his face. In his sleep, John moans softly and reaches towards the warmth of her body. She kisses him tenderly, and whispers softly in his ear:

 

MARLENA: I’ll be right back. I want to check on Brady.(She kisses him again on the forehead.)Go back to sleep, baby.

 

(Marlena wraps the sheet around her and quietly goes into Brady’s room where she is surprised to find Belle curled up in her blankey on the floor next to Brady’s bed. Marlena steps over Belle to get to Brady, placing her forehand against his forehead to check his temperature. She is pleasantly relieved when her hand comes in contact with the cool temperature of his skin.)

 

BRADY: Momma?

 

MARLENA: Oh, sweety, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up. I just wanted to make sure your fever wasn’t up again.

 

BRADY: I don’t feel very hot right now.

 

MARLENA: No, you don’t, and I’m so pleased. You’ll be all better before you know it.

 

BRADY: Did you see Belle down there?

 

MARLENA: I did. I almost stepped on her. Why is she sleeping on the floor?

 

BRADY: Cause she didn’t want to sleep by herself but I thought she might get sick if she slept in my bed.

 

MARLENA: Well, that was very smart of you. I’m glad you did that. I sure don’t want two sick babies, now, do I?

 

BRADY: I’m not a baby, Momma.

 

MARLENA: No, you’re not. Oops. Sorry about that…won’t happen again…Scout’s honor.

 

BRADY: That’s ok. (smiling up at her)I’ll forgive you.

 

MARLENA: (touched by Brady’s sensitivity and tenderness)Oh my, but if you aren’t you’re Daddy made over! (She kisses his forehead.)Night, sweety…You come let me know if you wake up at all and feel hot. Okay?

 

BRADY: I know, I know, I know.

 

MARLENA: And I am going to take this little bedbug back to her bed. Okay?

 

BRADY: She’s just going to wake up and come back in here.

 

MARLENA: True…but we’re trying to teach her to sleep in her own bed now.

 

BRADY: So that you and Daddy can sleep in your bed?(Marlena’s eyes widen at Brady’s question)

 

MARLENA: Well, Daddy and I don’t get to spend much time together during the day, and, you know, Belle’s a big girl now. She should be sleeping in her own bed now, and well…uh, well, I … Brady?

 

(Marlena sees that Brady has fallen asleep with a smile on his face. She giggles to herself then steps off the bed, careful to step around Belle. She bends down and carefully picks Belle up then carries her back to bed. After tucking Belle in bed, Marlena tiptoes to the door. As she reaches the door, Belles voice stops her.)

 

BELLE: I no shweep no moh, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: Belle, honey, it’s late.

 

BELLE: You no want to pway wif me?

 

MARLENA: Belle, sweety, it is way past your bedtime.

 

BELLE: I no tell Daddy. Pwease.(Marlena walks over to Belle’s bedside, still holding the sheet around her.)Mommy, why you dweshed in a bwankey?(Marlena giggles at Belle’s question, then stretches out in Belle’s bed, wrapping her arms around her baby girl.)

 

MARLENA: There…is that better?

 

BELLE: I fink you shud shweep wif me, pwease.

 

MARLENA: Belle, sweety, your a big girl now. You need to sleep by yourself.

 

BELLE: You a big gul and you no shweep by yuh-shef no more. You shweep wif Daddy now. (Marlena rolls her eyes, wondering how she keeps managing to end up in conversations with her children about her sleeping arrangements.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, when Mommy’s and Daddy’s love each other like your Daddy and I do, they like to be with each other – even when they are asleep.

 

BELLE: Why you and Daddy no shweep wif each udder before, Mommy?

 

MARLENA: Well, your Daddy and I, well, we made some mistakes in the past. And it took us a long time to find our way back. But we did, and we are very happy now.

 

BELLE: And you gonna shweep wif Daddy for-evuh now?

 

MARLENA: Oh, I hope so, baby girl. I sure do hope so.

 

(Marlena starts playing with Belle’s hair, and watches as her beautiful baby girl’s eyes slowly start to close. She stays in Belle’s room for some time, simply thanking God for blessing her with Belle and Brady…and John, of course. Thoughts of John tug at her heart, causing her to rise from Belle’s bed and go to him. She walks into her room to find her bed empty.)

 

MARLENA: Honey?

 

JOHN: I’m out here.(Marlena walks out to the balcony.)

 

MARLENA: I thought you would be asleep.

 

JOHN: Nope…Can’t seem to sleep without you anymore.(John steps up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. He places his chin on her shoulder.)How’s Brady?

 

MARLENA: Fine. No fever.

 

JOHN: That’s good.

 

MARLENA: I actually had a very nice chat with your son…(She smiles.)

 

JOHN: Oh?

 

MARLENA: I love him so much. (John senses that Marlena is upset and turns her around to face him. He is correct – tears are welling up in her eyes.)

 

JOHN: Oh, honey, baby, what’s the matter?

 

MARLENA: Nothing is the matter. (She wipes her tears away.)I don’t know why I am crying. I just love Belle and Brady so much…I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost either one of them.

 

JOHN: Sweetheart, that isn’t going to happen. They’re not going anywhere.

 

MARLENA: Oh, I know that, I know that. But, well you know, things happen.

 

JOHN: What do you mean, “things”, Doc?

 

MARLENA: I don’t know, just things…weird unpredictable, uncontrollable things.

 

JOHN: I see. Honey, you know that if they are uncontrollable and unpredictable, then worrying about them isn’t going to change anything.

 

MARLENA: I know…Like I said, I just love them so much…I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost them.

 

JOHN: Honey, is this about Stefano?

 

MARLENA: Maybe, I don’t know. Maybe not. I guess I just had some poignant moments with our children and began to get a little emotional because of it. I’m okay now, I promise.

 

JOHN: Hmmm…poignant moments with our children, and I missed it?

 

MARLENA: Well, I’m kinda glad you did, actually. First Brady brought up the fact that we were sleeping together, and then, if that wasn’t bad enough, I was tucking Belle into bed, explaining to her why she should sleep in her bed, being that she is a big girl and all…

 

JOHN: She didn’t buy it?

 

MARLENA: Buy it? Not even close. She wanted to know why I slept with you because I was a big girl too!(They both laugh and Marlena throws her arms around John in the process. She buries her head in his chest and John shivers as her open mouth comes in contact with his skin. She continues to giggle, sending chills down John’s spine when he feels her warm breath against his chest. Marlena instantly senses the change in John without even looking up. His body suddenly seems to be on fire, his breathing ragged. She opens her mouth again, breathing softly against him as she gently nips at his skin with her teeth, causing John to groan with desire.)

 

MARLENA: (in a raspy voice)Honey…

 

(John grabs the top of her forearms, squeezing tighter than usual. Marlena runs her long nails delicately through the hair on John’s chest, causing chillbumps to suddenly cover his body. He wraps his arms around Marlena, and runs his hands down her spine. Then John takes one hand and firmly grabs hold of her hair, tugging it gently. Marlena’s lets her head relax as John pulls it back slowly, revealing her neck. He then passionately devours Marlena’s bare neck, causing her to gasp with pleasure. John’s hands span the lenth of her bare back, and he grips the sheet she is wearing tightly in his hands.)

 

JOHN: (breathless)Honey, I better get you inside.(Marlena, her face flushed with desire, looks up at John confused.)Otherwise, all of Salem will be seeing Dr. Marlena Evans Brady’s lovely derriere, in all it’s glory…(Marlena grins with embarrassment and kisses him slowly on the mouth.)

 

MARLENA: Well, in that case, take me to bed, please.

 

JOHN: (grinning his boyish grin)Oh, I’ll take you to bed alright. (John quickly grabs Marlena and throws her over his shoulder, causing her to yelp in surprise. John carries her over to the bed, where he drops her, falling down atop her.)

 

MARLENA: Well, that was definitely one of your more enthusiastic approaches to getting me into bed with you.

 

JOHN: You think so?

 

MARLENA: Uh-huh. I know so.(Marlena wraps her arms around John, placing her hands on John’s bare back and lightly running her fingertips up and down his spine.)

 

JOHN: Mmmm, you feel so good, honey.

 

MARLENA: So do you. Absolutely delicious.

 

(Marlena runs her tongue along the side of John’s neck, then along his ear, causing John’s breath to accelerate quickly. Marlena notices that John is very close to the brink of losing control, but he seems to be fighting it. She runs her fingers along his now sweat-soaked brow. His eyes are closed, and Marlena lifts his chin up to her level.)

 

MARLENA: Baby, look at me please.(John opens his eyes, and Marlena’s stomach drops at the naked vulnerability staring back at her.)

 

JOHN: Why’d you stop?

 

MARLENA: Because I wasn’t sure you were with me…

 

JOHN: Baby, that is one thing you will never have to worry about…when you are making love to me, I am ALWAYS with you…ALWAYS.

 

MARLENA: Then how come you seemed to be holding back?(John’s mouth drops, amazed at the depth of their connection.)

 

JOHN: I can’t hide anything from you, can I?

 

MARLENA: Nope.(John props himself up on his elbows, and stares down at the love of his life, lying beneath him naked, looking up at him with all of the love and tenderness in the world.)

 

JOHN: Because, sometimes, I get scared by my reaction to you. I love you and want you so fiercely that it scares me sometimes. And if I am scaring myself, that means I could scare you too.(John’s eyes are now filled with unshed tears. Marlena, completely taken by John’s admission, places her hands on either side of his face, and stares deeply into his eyes.)I don’t ever want to scare you, Doc.

 

MARLENA: Oh, baby…

 

JOHN: Doc, when I saw you with Paul, his mouth on yours, the rage I felt, it was over-powering. I was so angry, and if the children hadn’t been with me, I don’t even want to think about what I might have done.(A tear slides down John’s cheek, and Marlena wipes it away.)I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost you again.

 

MARLENA: You don’t have to think about that, sweety. It is not gonna happen.

 

JOHN: But we don’t know that for sure, Doc. How do I know that you won’t wake up one morning and decide you don’t want to be with me anymore? How do I live with that chance, no matter how small of a chance it may be.

 

MARLENA: The same way we live with the chance that something may happen to Belle or to Brady. We do our best to prevent it from happening, and live everyday as though it was our last.

 

JOHN: Yeah, I guess your right. But I am serious, Doc. If I ever thought I might be losing you to somebody else, I can’t even imagine my reaction-

 

MARLENA: Sweetheart, since I fell in love with you for the very first time, I never stopped loving you. I never fell out of love with you.

 

JOHN: But…

 

MARLENA: But I left you for Roman…(There is silence.) That’s what you were thinking, weren’t you?

 

JOHN: Yes.

 

MARLENA: Only because he was my husband…Only because I thought I was doing the right thing…not because I didn’t love you anymore…Never because of that.(She wipes his tears away then presses her forehead against his.) I can’t even remember what it feels like not to love you. And I have no desire to ever feel that way again – EVER.(Marlena pulls John’s face down to hers, and kisses him hard on the mouth. Desperate for his unleashed passion, Marlena sets her mind to seducing him beyond comprehension or control. She pushes him onto his back, and pulls his jeans down to his knees. She straddles John and he moans loudly in response.)Do you have any idea how many times I dreamed of the night we could finally be together. How many times I fantasized of making love to you just one more time…feeling that passion, that loss of control, that only you can make me feel.

 

JOHN: (having a hard time breathing straight)Probably as often as I did. NOBODY has ever made me feel the way you do. NOBODY…

 

(Marlena runs her tongue along his jawline, then along his lips, teasing him, provoking him to let go, to trust himself and her. John’s breath becomes more and more ragged and he suddenly grabs her forearms, and flips her over, his mouth coming down against hers hard and relentless. The temperature in the room skyrockets as John and Marlena fervently grasp at one another, desperate to wipe out the past and all of the tragedy that has surrounded them in recent years. Marlena’s legs wrap around John’s as she desperately kicks downward against his jeans, trying to remove them. John reaches down and removes his jeans and boxers in one quick tug, coming back to her with no barriers between her warm skin and his. In the privacy of Marlena’s bedroom, they lose themselves in each other.

 

Meanwhile, downstairs, a lone car sits parked along the side of the road. Inside, Salem’s newest resident surgeon sits, a pair of binoculars practically glued to his face.)

 

PAUL: Well, well, well, I guess those nurses at the hospital were right. John Black is screwing the lovely Dr. Evans. Enjoy it while it lasts, Black. Because after tomorrow, your going to have to learn to share.

 

(An evil grin spreads across his face, and he heads toward the Cheatin’ Heart, his blood on fire from the sneak peak he had of his lovely Dr. Evans on the balcony wearing only a sheet.

 

In Marlena’s bedroom, John lies amidst the rumpled sheets, watching Marlena sleep. He runs his fingertip along her lips, swollen from his kisses. It strikes him as odd how vulnerable she seems to appear, lying there, sound asleep, her skin still flushed from their lovemaking. He wraps his arms around her tightly as cold fear slides down his spine. John tries to ignore the nagging insecurities he has about her safety, but decides against it. He has learned from past experiences that, when Marlena’s safety is at stake, it is always better to be safe than sorry. He kisses her forehead gently, vowing that NO ONE will ever hurt her again and live to tell about it.)

Marlena stretches languidly, her limbs a little tight from the previous night’s lovemaking. She slowly opens her eyes and is disappointed to see that John’s side of the bed is empty. Fearing the worst, she throws her robe on and runs to Brady’s room, silently praying his fever has not risen again. She walks into the room to find it empty, and immediately assumes John’s taken him to the hospital without her. She goes tearing down the stairs, calling John’s name in a panic. When she reaches the den, she hears muffled whispers and shuffling coming from the kitchen. The kitchen door cracks open and John’s head peeks out.

 

JOHN: Doc, what are you doing up so early?

 

MARLENA: Well, I woke up and you weren’t there. I thought maybe Brady’s fever had resurfaced then I went to his room and he was gone and well, uh…(She takes note of John’s amused grin and the twinkle in his eye)Well…I guess I overreacted, huh?

 

JOHN: Uh-huh. But that’s okay. Let’s just pretend it never happened. You just march yourself up to bed and crawl back under the covers and go right back to sleep.

 

MARLENA: Well, I can’t go back to sleep now. I’m already awake.

 

JOHN: Aw…sure ya can, Doc. (He winks at her.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, is everything okay in there?

 

JOHN: Everything’s fine. I was just…feeding the kids some breakfast. (He winks again.)

 

MARLENA: And you want me to go back to bed?

 

JOHN: If you don’t mind.

 

MARLENA: For how long?

 

JOHN: Oh…(John takes a quick peak into the kitchen and sticks his head back out.)I’d say about ten minutes.

 

BRADY: (from within the kitchen)Fifteen! (Marlena smiles up at John.)

 

MARLENA: Well, I guess your son is feeling much better this morning.

 

BELLE: (from within the kitchen) Bwady, gib me dat wite dis minute!

 

JOHN: Not half as well as your daughter seems to be feeling. (Marlena giggles and turns to go upstairs. John reaches out and grabs the back of Marlena’s robe, pulling her backwards.)

 

JOHN: Whoa, whoa, not so fast. Where’s my morning kiss?

 

MARLENA: Mmm, you only get that when we’re in bed.

 

JOHN: But honey, c’mon, the kids wanted to make you-

 

BRADY/BELLE: Daddy!!!!!

 

BELLE: Daddy, das a see-kwit!

 

JOHN: Ooops.

 

MARLENA: You know, I’m so sleepy all of a sudden. (She feigns a very loud yawn for Belle and Brady’s benefit.) I think I’m going to go back to bed for a little while if you’ve got everything under control down here.

 

JOHN: Of course I do. (A loud crash sounds in the kitchen.)

 

BRADY: Belle, I told you to let me do it. Now look what you did. We have to start over! (Belle burst into tears.) Daddy. Come get Belle. She’s in my way and she won’t stop crying!

 

BELLE: Bwady MEAN!

 

MARLENA: Goodness…I think you better go in there now John…Belle’s about to take a swing at him.(John quickly enters the kitchen and grabs Belle up just as she is raring back to hit Brady.)

 

JOHN: Whoa, just wait one minute here. I thought you two wanted to surprise Mommy with breakfast, not upset her by fighting.

 

BRADY: Well, Belle, dropped the plate of fruit all over the floor.

 

BELLE: I wuz twying to hep you Bwady.

 

BRADY: But I told you to let me do it!

 

BELLE: Bwady no wet me hep him, Daddy. (A fresh set of tears erupts as Belle buries her head in John’s T-shirt. )

 

JOHN: Belle, stop crying.

 

BELLE: I kint, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Try, sweety.

 

BELLE: Okay, I twy for you. (Her bottom lip quivers as she tries to control her tears.)

 

JOHN: Good girl. Now, why don’t you help me squeeze these oranges?

 

BELLE: Why you gonna skweeze dose oinges?

 

JOHN: To make orange juice. We are going to squeeze the juice out of them to make real orange juice.

 

BELLE: Why you not just buy da juice in da store, huh?

 

JOHN: Because it tastes better this way.

 

BRADY: Daddy likes to do it this way because he thinks it’s more romantic. Mommy likes it when he does that kinda stuff.

 

BELLE: Yeah.

 

(John is amazed by their wonderful perception of things. Outside, Marlena leans against the door closer, her heart warmed by the children’s comments. She slowly slides down to a comfortable position on the floor where she listens, to her heart’s content, as John and her children make breakfast. Tears slide down her cheeks as she thanks God for blessing her with the gift of their love. When she hears them discussing how to arrange the food on the tray, she decides not to push her luck and quickly sneaks back upstairs and crawls back into bed, pretending to be asleep. Minutes later, John, Belle, and Brady appear in the doorway as if on cue. Belle crawls onto the bed and places a big kiss on her Mommy.)

 

BELLE: Mommy, wake up. Is time for bwekfast. (Marlena stretches and opens her eyes. Brady is standing by her bedside holding a tray of food.)

 

MARLENA: Oh goodness! Aren’t you two the sweetest angels in the world1 How did you do all this?

 

BRADY: Daddy helped us a little but I did most of it.

 

BELLE: Me too, Mamma.

 

BRADY: Belle helped Daddy make the orange juice.

 

BELLE: Uh-huh, Mamma. I skweezhed da juice. Is more womantic dat way.

 

MARLENA: I see. (She looks up at John and he winks at her, a smile spread across his entire face.) Well, I think that I must be the luckiest lady in the world to have three wonderful chefs bringing me breakfast in bed. (Belle snuggles up next to Marlena and Brady sits on her other side. Together, they quickly put away all of the breakfast, as John watches from the doorway.)

 

MARLENA: So, Brady, judging from the return of your appetite, I’d say you are feeling much better this morning.

 

BRADY: I am, Momma. My throat doesn’t hurt at all. (Marlena looks up at John, silently questioning him as to whether or not to bring it up now. John nods his head, silently encouraging her.)

 

MARLENA: Well, sweety, in that case, your Daddy and I have something to talk to you about.

 

BRADY: Uh-oh…Am I in trouble?

 

BELLE: Bwady, you in bad twubble!

 

MARLENA: Of course not sweety. Actually, what your Daddy and I wanted to talk to you about was a meeting that we had with Dr. Nolan.

 

BRADY: Uh-huh.

 

MARLENA: He thinks that you are having too many sore throats and he believes that he may have a way to solve that.

 

BRADY: He wants to take my tonsils out, doesn’t he?

 

MARLENA: (shocked by Brady’s response) Well…yes…as a matter of fact, he does.

 

BRADY: I thought so.

 

MARLENA: Well, honey, what do you think?

 

BRADY: I think it’s cool. They put me to sleep, then when I wake up, I get to eat lots of ice cream and jello and get all kinds of special treatment.

 

JOHN: So you’re okay with this?

 

BRADY: Sure.

 

BELLE: I want my tonshus to go away too, Mamma.

 

MARLENA: Well, in that case, I’ll call Dr. Nolan right now.

 

JOHN: Kids, you better get your shoes on and I’ll walk you over to Matthew’s.

 

MARLENA: Oh, that’s right. Matthew’s birthday party is today, isn’t it?

 

BELLE: Yeah. We goin to his pahtee wight now. We can walk ovuh dere by our-shef, Daddy. (Belle darts out of the room to get her shoes. Brady rolls his eyes.)

 

BRADY: I hope Belle behaves herself today. She always acts like a show-off every time we go over to Matthew’s house.

 

MARLENA: Well, I think it was sweet of him to invite her. And if she doesn’t behave herself, you send her back home to me.

 

BRADY: Okay. (Marlena kisses Brady’s forehead.)

 

MARLENA: Try not to overdo it, Brady. You were very sick yesterday and I don’t want you to get too hot or tired.

 

BRADY: I won’t. Bye!

 

(Brady runs downstairs where Belle and John are waiting for him. He pulls his tennis shoes on and takes the wrapped birthday present off the table. Belle grabs the remaining birthday present off the table and starts to unwrap it. John quickly takes the present away.)

 

JOHN: Wait a minute. This is not for you to open. It’s Matthew’s.

 

BELLE: Maffew don need dis pwesent. He got wots uv toys alweddy. I need dis one, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Belle, I’m not going to argue with you this morning. Either you carry this to Matthew’s house for him to open up or you stay here with me and Brady takes your present for you.

 

BELLE: I take dis pwesent to Maffew, Daddy.

 

JOHN: That’s my girl. (John picks Belle up and heads to the front door.) Brady, you ready?

 

BRADY: Dad, all we have to do is take the elevator up one floor.

 

JOHN: In other words, you want to go by yourself?

 

BRADY: If that’s okay with you.

 

JOHN: Sure, sure. Of course. Be my guest.

 

(John watches them walk to the elevator, then runs to the phone to call Matthew’s mother and let her know they are on their way. After hearing from her end that they have safely arrived, he hangs up the phone and rushes upstairs to have a little private time with Marlena. He walks in and finds the bed empty. He listens as she turns the shower off and lies on the bed, waiting for her to come out. He hears her turn the blow dryer on and begins to get impatient. He yells over the humming of the blow dryer to get her attention.)

 

JOHN: Hey DOC!

 

MARLENA: (over the humming of the blowdryer) In here, John.

 

JOHN: Honey, could you come here a second…I need your help. (The bathroom door opens and Marlena walks out with a towel wrapped around her. She sees John lying face down on the covers.)

 

MARLENA: What is it?

 

JOHN: I don’t know. I think I threw my back out…

 

MARLENA: You did what?

 

JOHN: Well, I came in here to lie down for a minute and then when I tried to get up, I couldn’t.

 

MARLENA: Does it hurt?

 

JOHN: Yeah, pretty bad.

 

MARLENA: Oh, honey, let me see. (Marlena walks over to the bed, a worried frown stretched across her forehead. She sits on the side of the bed, and places her hands on the middle of his back.)Does this hurt?

 

JOHN: Not really.

 

MARLENA: (moving her hands to the right side of his back.)Well, how about here?

 

JOHN: No, that’s not it.

 

MARLENA: (moving to the left side of his back) Here?

 

JOHN: Nope.

 

MARLENA: Honey, I’m going to try and take your shirt off hurting your back, okay?

 

JOHN: Okay. Here…let me help-

 

MARLENA: No, no, I don’t want you to move. You might hurt yourself. Just let me help you. (Marlena makes several attempts at pulling John’s T-shirt off, but to no avail.)Honey, how much do you like this T-shirt?

 

JOHN: Well, it’s just a plain white T-shirt. I’ve probably got ten more just like it.

 

MARLENA: Good. Then I think I can make this very simple. (She opens the drawer to her bedside table and pulls out a tiny pair of scissors.)

 

JOHN: Honey, should I ask what you’re about to do?

 

MARLENA: Probably not.

 

JOHN: Alright. May I just ask that you are very careful with whatever that is in your hands?

 

MARLENA: Honey, c’mon. Just trust me.

 

JOHN: Famous last words…

 

MARLENA: (Marlena slowly cuts away until there is nothing left of his shirt.) There we go. Now, does this hurt? (Marlena puts pressure on John’s right shoulder.)

 

JOHN: No…go lower..

 

(Marlena runs her hands down his spine and has to remind herself that now would probably not be a good time to take advantage of John. She slides her hands to her lower back, playfully letting her nails lightly scrape against his skin out of habit. John groans instantly at the sensations her nails are creating against his skin. Marlena mistakes the groaning for pain. )

 

MARLENA: Baby, c’mon, I hardly even touched you.

 

JOHN: Honey, that was not a moan of pain.

 

MARLENA: (smiling as she realizes what he means.) Oh, baby, I’m sorry. (She giggles.)

 

JOHN: Sweetheart, do me a favor. Never, EVER, apologize for turning me on.

 

MARLENA: Okay then, I’m not sorry. (Marlena returns to the task at hand, trying to locate the general vicinity of the pain in John’s back.)

 

JOHN: Whoa, whoa, what happened?

 

MARLENA: Huh?

 

JOHN: You turned back into Dr. Evans.

 

MARLENA: As opposed to ???

 

JOHN: As opposed to the woman who was running her nails down my spine about ten seconds ago.

 

MARLENA: (grinning)Honey, I can’t get you all excited now…

 

JOHN: Why not?

 

MARLENA: Well, because you’re uh…well, you’re uh…you’re hurt.

 

JOHN: So make me feel better.

 

MARLENA: Baby, your back’s out. You can’t move…

 

JOHN: I don’t need to move. I just like the way your nails feel.

 

MARLENA: Okay…If you say so.

 

(Marlena slowly scratches her nails down his spine and John groans softly in response. She repeats this several times and finds herself getting quite excited by her own actions. Feeling a little frustrated, she stops.)

 

JOHN: Baby, why’d you stop?

 

MARLENA: Because.

 

JOHN: Because why?

 

MARLENA: Because it’s turning ME on.

 

JOHN: Since when is that a bad thing?

 

MARLENA: Since you are lying on the bed face down and you can’t move.

 

JOHN: And you’re afraid I will leave you unsatisfied?

 

MARLENA: Well- (John grabs her hand and pulls her down flat against his bare back. With her face a mere inches from the back of his head, he turns his head to the side and whispers in her hear.)

 

JOHN: Have I ever left unsatisfied? (A slow, seductive smile spreads across Marlena’s face.)

 

MARLENA: Nope.

 

JOHN: Well, then, I think you better stop worrying and start rubbing my back.

 

MARLENA: (smiling) Okay…If you say so.

 

(Marlena decides to go all the way with her little massage, straddling John’s bare back, and sensuously rubbing his back. John’s body instantly reacts to the feel of Marlena’s bare thighs against the sides of his back. He places his hands on her legs and slowly begins a massage of his own, his hands straying dangerously closer to where the edge of her towel touches her skin. Marlena takes a deep breath as the touch of John’s hands sets her nerve endings on fire. She bends over slightly to whisper in his hear.)

 

MARLENA: (so soft John can barely make out her words.) How does this feel?

 

JOHN: Heavenly…(Then John runs his hands up under her towel.) How does THIS feel? (Marlena’s mouth drops open as John’s hands brush softly against her inner thighs.) Honey, I can’t hear you…

 

MARLENA: (clearing her throat as her desire threatens to take over her ability to speak clearly.) Good…(Her breathing becomes very shallow as Johns fingertips trace tiny paths all along the inside of her legs.)

 

JOHN: Just “good” ?

 

(John’s hands become firmer and more aggressive, slightly squeezing her legs. Marlena gasps with pleasure, causing John’s resolve to weaken instantly. Marlena lays down flat against John’s back, causing John to groan with the satisfaction of feeling her against his bare back. He reaches backward, pulling the towel out from between them, and is hit by a rush of primal desire when he feels her still-damp, flushed bare skin against his own. Marlena is now lost in the overwhelming passion that never fails to consume her when she makes love with John. With her mouth, she retraces the path her hands just took while she was massaging him. She works her way up to his neck, now damp with perspiration, and then to his ear, teasing him into a frenzy as her tongue plays hide and seek in his ear.)

 

MARLENA: (she whispers seductively into his ear) John…I want you so badly…(This is John’s undoing. In one quick motion, he jerks her down onto the bed, turns over, and immediately throws himself on top of the woman he loves more than life itself. Marlena’s eyes fly open in surprise , shocked by the agile movements of a man whose back was thrown out only moments ago. John quickly replaces her shock with delight as he plunges forward, making them one, taking her to dizzying heights that only he can take her. They find their release together as the soar to the stars and back. Then all that is left in the room is silence, and the sound of ragged breathing as they lie absolutely still, both overcome with exhaustion and satisfaction. Finally, after catching her breath, Marlena speaks in a voice still hoarse from her earlier cries of passion.)

 

MARLENA: How’s your back? (John looks at her, and the room is instantly filled with their heavy laughter. After several seconds of laughter and the after-chase of silly giggles, John speaks.)

 

JOHN: Surprisingly enough, it feels great.

 

MARLENA: (beginning to get a little suspicious)Great, huh?

 

JOHN: Yeah. No pain at all.

 

MARLENA: None at all?

 

JOHN: No. It feels better than ever.

 

MARLENA: You little sneak…You tricked me! (She watches as John prepares to scramble his way out of this one, then punches him hard on the arm.)

 

JOHN: Ouch honey! That hurt.

 

MARLENA: Well, good, you deserve it honey.

 

JOHN: You’re not really mad, are you? I just wanted a little-

 

MARLENA: A little what?(John grins for a split-second and is about to answer her question bluntly, but realizes he is already treading on thin ice and better be nice.)

 

JOHN: I just wanted a little…attention.

 

MARLENA: “Attention”

 

JOHN:(John answers in a pitiful voice.) Yeah.

 

MARLENA: So you faked being hurt to get it?

 

JOHN: Why not. Belle does it.

 

MARLENA: Honey, Belle’s a child.

 

JOHN: I know, but I just wanted your undivided attention and I thought that would get it. And from the looks of things, it did.

 

MARLENA: Well, honey, just a friendly word of advice. In the future, if you want something from me, just ask for it. (She playfully balls up her fist.) Or else…

 

JOHN: Or else what?

 

MARLENA: Or else, you’ll have to face my wrath.

 

JOHN: Mmmm, that sounds a little exciting. If it’s anything like what you I faced a couple of minutes ago, I just might like it. (He buries his head under the sheets and begins biting her skin softly.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, that was supposed to be a threat. Not a come-on.

 

JOHN: Well, whatever it was, it worked.(Marlena burst out in giggles as John continues to tickle her neck with tiny nibbles.)

 

MARLENA: Honey…enough. I have to go to work.

 

JOHN: So…be late.

 

MARLENA: I was late an hour ago. C’mon…please, don’t get me all worked up again.(John reacts with feigned dismay)

 

JOHN: ME??!? Get you all worked up AGAIN??! Honey, I’m hurt.

 

MARLENA: You are, are you?

 

JOHN: Yes, I am.

 

MARLENA: Well, you should be. Thanks to you, I have to take my shower all over again. (John’s eyes immediately light up at the mere mentioning of Marlena naked in the shower. She recognizes the gleam in his eyes and starts to get up.) Oh no you don’t. You are not getting into that shower with me.

 

JOHN: Wanna bet?!? (John instantly jumps out of the bed, picks her up, throws her over his shoulder, and starts making his way to the bathroom with her.)

 

MARLENA: (In between spurts of laughter) Honey, no…PUT ME DOWN THIS MINUTE…I mean it, John Black, let me go!

 

JOHN: Not on your life, Dr. Evans. (He reaches the bathroom, turns the shower on, and puts her in. She is instantly drenched with cold water. She screams rather loudly.)

 

MARLENA: IT’S COLD!!! (John steps into the shower, quickly turning the nozzle towards the warm side.)

 

JOHN: Well, c’mon, honey, I didn’t want to burn you.

 

(Marlena’s body betrays her, responding instantly to the sight of John’s beautiful body. She becomes hypnotized by the sight of the water rivulets sliding down his chest. John picks up the bar of soup and starts to lather it up. Marlena practically jerks it out of his hands.)

 

MARLENA: Let me do that. (She runs the bar of soup up and down his chest.)

 

JOHN: Honey, if I didn’t know better, I would think you were actually enjoying yourself…

 

MARLENA: Who me?

 

JOHN: Yeah…in fact, I might even go so far as to assume you might be grateful to me for carrying you in here…(Marlena takes a break from lathering John’s chest to capture his lips.)

 

MARLENA: I don’t know, John…Grateful is an awfully big word. (John picks Marlena up, and she instinctively wraps her legs around his waist.)

 

JOHN: Well, I’m an awfully big man. (Marlena bursts into giggles.)

 

MARLENA: Oh that you definitely are.(Marlena’s giggles are contagious, and John joins her in carefree laughter. He positions her back against the wall and Marlena gasps at the combination of the cold tiles against her back and his warm, wet skin against hers.) Ummm, you know what? (John lifts his head from the crook of her neck.)

 

JOHN: What?

 

MARLENA: I think I just might be eternally grateful for this last little stunt you pulled.

 

JOHN: (grinning) “Eternally grateful”. Not bad, Doc. That’s two big words.

 

MARLENA: How about you stop talking and start earning some brownie points…

 

JOHN: Not a problem. (John moves his head back to her neck, while his hands stray downward to her lower abdomen. Marlena gasps loudly at the sensations his hands are creating.) Ummm, I think I might have found a brownie point…(He grins devilishly.)

 

MARLENA: breathlessly) I think you might have found three or four. (This erupts another giggle from John and he playfully nips at her nose. Marlena impatiently grabs his behind.) Ummm, honey, playtime’s over.

 

JOHN: Yeah, I think you’re right. (John kisses Marlena hard on the mouth, and she returns it with equal fervor. And for the second time this morning, John and Marlena travel to heaven and back.)

(Marlena speeds into her parking space at University Hospital, then quickly grabs her briefcase and purse, and jogs to the elevator, trying to make up for some of the time she spent with John in the shower. The elevator bell goes off, and she steps in, jabbing at the elevator button as if to hurry it up. She laughs at herself as she remembers how many times she has tried to explain to Belle and Brady that there is no need to push elevator buttons more than one time. She arrives at her floor and quickly walks into her office where her secretary is busy manning the fort. She briefly gets her messages and hurries into her office. She smiles to herself as she realizes she has made it in record time and still has 3 minutes to spare before her next patient arrives. Just as she is about to go over her notes on her first patient, her cell phone rings.)

 

MARLENA: Dr Evans here.

 

JOHN: Good morning, Dr. Evans. How are you this morning?

 

MARLENA: Well, other than being thoroughly exhausted when it is only 9:00am, I guess you’d say I’m doing wonderful. I made it to work with 3 whole minutes to spare.

 

JOHN: Three whole minutes…You see! I told you to stay a little longer.

 

MARLENA: John, there is no way I could have possibly made it to work on time if –

 

JOHN: (cutting her off) Mmmm, but Doc, just think about all that we could have done in those three wasted minutes…(Marlena’s breath catches in her throat and her heart begins to beat a little faster, despite the fact that she left the house only fifteen minutes ago, completely satisfied.)

 

MARLENA: (her voice already becoming a little shallow and breathy) John, please…

 

JOHN: Mmmm, I love it when you say please.

 

MARLENA: I have to go, John.

 

JOHN: (laughing) But Doc, I-

 

MARLENA: Now, John…

 

JOHN: Did I mention that I love it when you say “Now, John” also?

 

MARLENA: John Black, I am going to hang up on you right this minute!

 

JOHN:No, no, no, wait one second. (He pauses briefly and does not hear the sound of her disconnecting.) I have a purpose for calling.

 

MARLENA: What’s that?

 

JOHN: I wanted to ask you out on a date. (Marlena pauses briefly, not exactly sure what John is up to.)

 

MARLENA: A date?

 

JOHN: Yeah, a date. You know, I pick you up at your house, we go out to dinner, I charm your pants off, the whole nine yards, and then I bring you back home and take you to bed.

 

MARLENA: Wait a minute, here. If you are in fact serious about this date, and you do intend to behave yourself, then I’m afraid I can’t allow you to take me to bed.

 

JOHN:(instantly)Why not?

 

MARLENA:(trying hard not to laugh at his schoolboy whining)Because this will be our first real date. It’s too soon.

 

JOHN: First date, my ass

 

MARLENA: Careful, careful, your language isn’t very charming right now.

 

JOHN: Neither is my lover.

 

MARLENA:John!

 

JOHN: I’ll pick you up at your place at 7:00.

 

MARLENA: Well, I’m going to have to take the kids over to-

 

JOHN: Not a problem. I’ll take care of everything. You just be ready at 7 sharp.

 

MARLENA: Well, honey, what should I wear?

 

JOHN: Surprise me.

 

MARLENA: Okay, I’ll do that. I will.

 

JOHN: Good. See you at seven.

 

MARLENA: I love you.

 

JOHN: I love you more.

 

MARLENA: Bye. (She kisses into the phone.)

 

JOHN: Bye, honey. (Marlena takes a deep breath and smiles, wondering what tricks John will have up his sleeve tonight. She decides to play along with his dating game, and to have a little fun with her adorable charmer. Marlena calls her secretary, and tells her to send her first patient in. Marlena looks up and is surprised to see Paul at the door.)

 

MARLENA:Paul?

 

PAUL:Dr. Evans…

 

MARLENA: Listen, I would really love to chat with you but I’m afraid I have a patient waiting.

 

PAUL: I know.

 

MARLENA: You do?

 

PAUL: Yeah. I’m the patient.

 

MARLENA: What?

 

PAUL: You heard me…I’m the patient.

 

MARLENA: Is this is a joke?

 

PAUL: Do I look like I’m joking.

 

MARLENA: No.

 

PAUL: Well, then, please. Let’s get to work. These sessions with you don’t come cheap.

 

MARLENA: Paul, I’m not exactly sure what’s going on here.

 

PAUL: Well, in that case, perhaps I should explain?

 

MARLENA: Please do.

 

PAUL:Well, I just transferred to a new job, which is highly demanding, and I seem to be battling a bout of homesick blues. (Marlena smiles at the honesty of his admission.)

 

MARLENA: Is that so?

 

PAUL: That is so.

 

MARLENA: In that case, how can I help you?

 

PAUL: Well, you can start by going out to dinner with me tonight.

 

MARLENA: Not possible.

 

PAUL: What do you mean. “not possible”? Anything is possible if you just put your mind to it.

 

MARLENA: Well, perhaps I chose the wrong words. It is possible, but I won’ t be putting my mind to it.

 

PAUL: Why not?

 

MARLENA: Because I already have plans.

 

PAUL: With John Black?

 

MARLENA: (a little shocked that he picked up on this) Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I do have plans with John tonight.

 

PAUL: So cancel them.

 

MARLENA: No can do.

 

PAUL: I see. Big family dinner planned with the kids tonight?

 

MARLENA: (hesitant) Actually, the children will not be attending tonight.

 

PAUL: Oh, I see, you have a date with John.

 

MARLENA: (smiling at the sound of that.) Yes, I do.

 

PAUL: So, how about tomorrow night?

 

MARLENA: Paul, look. I really do enjoy your friendship. But-

 

PAUL: But what?

 

MARLENA: But I am involved with John right now.

 

PAUL: And John won’t allow you to have dinner with a man whose friendship you enjoy?

 

MARLENA: (irritated) That isn’t what I said at all.

 

PAUL: But that’s what you meant.

 

MARLENA: (growing angrier by the second) No, that’s not what I meant! First of all, I usually don’t have a problem with saying what I mean. If I need you to interpret my statements for me, I ‘ll let you know. Until then, you can pretty much take what I say at face value. Secondly, I am not a child and John doesn’t “allow” me to do anything. His judgement is not superior to mine in any way, shape, or form. So if I wanted to go out to dinner with a friend of mine who just so happened to be a male, then I would do it. Period. Whether someone “allowed” me to or not.

 

PAUL:Whew! Looks like I hit a nerve.

 

MARLENA: To be honest, Paul, you hit a nerve when you walked into my office.

 

PAUL:How’s that?

 

MARLENA: I don’t appreciate you scheduling a session with me under another name so that you can simply come into my office and ask me out on a date. My time here at work is very valuable, and I don’t like to waste it.

 

PAUL: Well, that’s kinda hypocritical coming from a woman who rolled into work at 8:57 this morning, sparing only a mere three minutes to prepare for her first patient.

 

MARLENA:(now furious, she stands up, placing her hands on her desk as she leans over it.)Now you listen here, Paul. When I come in to work, and how long I take to prepare is absolutely no concern of yours. And who the hell are you to question my schedule when you are wasting my time, your time, and your patients time by coming into my office under false pretenses just so that you can get a date with me. Now, if you don’t mind, I have things to do, and I would appreciate it if you could leave. (He doesn’t move.) Now! (Paul gets up and leaves her office, but not before blowing her a kiss. Marlena fumes at the nerve of this man. As he leaves, she casually delivers another verbal blow to his ego.)For future reference, keep your personal business out of my office.(After Paul has left, Marlena walks out of her office, and engages in a heated discussion with her secretary about security measures to keep unwanted guests out of her office. She then walks outside to the balcony to get a little fresh air and cool off before her next patient. After walking outside, she realizes that this is the first time she has come out here since that afternoon, week ago, when John confronted her about her feelings. She smiles at the memory of him later that same evening when he was drunk and mouthing off to Paul. Then she flashes back to this morning in the shower, and an onslaught of desire takes over her, causing her breathing to become shallow and her face to flush with warmth. She mutters to herself.)

 

MARLENA: John Black, I swear, you haunt me 24 hours a day. (She goes back inside, feeling much better, all thoughts of Paul left outside to be carried away with the wind. She returns to her office and prepares for her first “real” patient of the day. For a brief moment, a devilish grin covers her face as she realizes that John was right; she could have spent several more minutes in the shower with him this morning. She grows impatient and wonders when 7:00pm will finally arrive.)

 

MEANWHILE:

 

John picks the children up from the birthday party, and surprises them with a trip to the park. Afterwards, he buys them all a soda, and picks out a shady spot under a tree for them all to sit.

 

JOHN: Hey kids, sit down for a second. I need to talk to you about something.

 

BRADY: (eyeing his Dad cautiously) Sounds serious.

 

JOHN: It is.

 

BELLE: I din’t do it, Daddy. I pwomise.

 

JOHN: (grinning at his mischevious little girl.) Baby, you’re not in trouble.

 

BELLE: Is Bwady?

 

JOHN: Nope. Neither of you are.

 

BRADY: Then why do we have to talk about serious stuff.

 

JOHN: Well, because we’re a family, and families sometimes have to talk about things.

 

BELLE: (growing more concerned by the second.) Ish Mommy in twubble agin?

 

JOHN: No sweetheart, Mommy is just fine.

 

BRADY: (growing a little concerned as well.)Then where is she?

 

JOHN: Brady, she’s at work. She is just fine. I talked to her a little while ago.

 

BRADY: But if we are going to have a serious talk, shouldn’t Mommy be here?

 

JOHN: Kids, that’s what I want to talk to you about. You see, I need your help. I’m going to ask Mommy to marry me tonight, and so I need to be alone with her. I just wanted to see if it was okay with you two if we went away tonight.

 

BRADY: You and Mommy are going to get married tonight!

 

JOHN: Well, no son. Not tonight. I just want to ask her tonight. If she says yes, then we will have to decide on a wedding day.

 

BELLE: I wike Shatuday. Is vewy fun. Wets have da wedding on Shatuday.

 

JOHN: Well, I’ll let Mommy know that you vote for Saturday. How about you, Brady…any thoughts on the issue.

 

BRADY: You really want to marry my Momma? (John’s heart melted at the possessive tone in his innocent question.)

 

JOHN: Yes, I do, but I wanted to talk to the two of you about it first, so if you got something on your mind, buddy, spit it out. I’m all ears.

 

BRADY: (tenderly) Well, I just don’t want you to hurt her?

 

JOHN: Huh?

 

BRADY: When you married Kristen in the hospital, Momma came home and cried for a long time. She told me it was because she had a bad day, but I heard her talking on the phone to Laura, and she was really crying because you married Kristen.

 

JOHN: Well, Brady, I’m glad that you brought that up. I made a very big mistake when I married Kristen. We all know that she isn’t a very nice person. But luckily, Marlena has forgiven me for that. And I hope that the two of you will too.

 

BELLE: I fugive you, Daddy. (Belle crawls into John’s lap, and John kisses her softly on the cheek, wishing that Brady and Marlena would accept his apology as readily as his baby girl had.)

 

BRADY: Daddy, I just don’t like to see Mommy cry, and she used to cry all the time about you. It made me feel so mad at you for leaving me and Belle and Mommy all by ourselves, and sometimes I would wish that something bad would happen to Kristen and your new baby so that you would come back and love us again. (John’s heart breaks at Brady’s shameful admission.)

 

JOHN: Brady, you look at me. (John lifts Brady’s chin up and looks him squarely in the eyes.) I never, ever stopped loving you, or Belle, or Brady. I only wanted what was best for all of you, and that is why I stayed away. I was very confused, and I didn’t know how Mommy felt about me.

 

BELLE:(hugging his neck tightly) She wikes you a whole bunch, Daddy. (John squeezes his Belle baby tightly in his arms. Belle squirms.) Don’t squish me, Daddy.

 

JOHN: But now I know.

 

BRADY: How come it took you so long to figure it out, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Well, because…I …well, I guess the problem was I didn’t listen to my heart. Deep down, my heart kept telling me to tell Mommy the truth, to tell her that I loved her and I wanted to be with her and with you and Belle

 

BRADY: Then why didn’t you listen to your heart?

 

JOHN: Because I was scared too. I was afraid.

 

BRADY: (confused) Of your own heart?

 

JOHN: Pretty much, yeah. (A smile spreads across Brady’s face.)

 

BRADY: That’s pretty silly, Daddy.

 

JOHN: (laughing with Brady) Yeah, you’re right. It was pretty silly of me.

 

BRADY: You should have talked to me before when you were afraid. Then I could have told you how silly you were being, and you wouldn’t have had to be away from us for so long.

 

JOHN: You are absolutely right, son. And the next time I feel afraid, I will come to you and tell you so you can tell me just how silly I am behaving.

 

BRADY: (extending his hand to shake) It’s a deal, Daddy. (John reaches out to shake Brady’s hand, and pulls him into a huge bear hug. Brady squirms loose, and attempts to run loose, but John chases after him and, with Belle in his arms, they all three fall to the ground and find themselves in one vicious huge tickling match. It is like this that Marlena finds them. She had finished with all of her patients, and come home at 5:30 to find the house empty. Anxious as she was to see John, she decided to take a relaxing walk in the nearby park before changing. Purely coincidentally, she had wandered across John, Belle, and Brady spending a little quality time together in the grass. Her heart stops at the beautiful sight of her babies laughing and giggling as they attempt to tickle their father to death. Without warning, tears start rolling down her cheeks, tears of uninhibited, unconditional love for the man lying several feet way from her on the grass. Marlena, acting purely on her impulses, drops her coat and her purse on the grass, and runs over to where they are. John is face down in the grass when he suddenly hears the delighted cries of his children. Moments later, her lilac scent surrounds him, and within seconds he hears her laughter as she joins them in the grass.

 

BELLE: Mommy, watch dish. (Belle carelessly throws herself into a somersault, without aiming, and rolls right into Brady, who had managed to squirm loose from John’s grasp. Belle then jumps into Marlena’s lap with such force that Marlena falls flat on her back. John sits up with a brilliant idea.)

 

JOHN: Okay, kids, who wants ice cream? (Brady and Belle both respond instantly. John pulls two dollar bills out of his wallet, and gives Brady and Belle each a dollar. They both take off running towards the ice cream truck, and John instantly slides up next to Marlena, who is still lying on the ground.)

 

JOHN: Hello.

 

MARLENA: Hello yourself.

 

JOHN: Have been following me?

 

MARLENA: Who me? Never!! (She laughs and John instinctively buries his head in her neck, thirsty for the smell of her sweet perfume.) Actually, I happened across the three of you accidentally.

 

JOHN: Oh?

 

MARLENA: Umm-hmm. I got home from work and the house was empty, so I decided to get a little fresh air before my hot date tonight.

 

JOHN: Hot date. I like the sound of that.

 

MARLENA: So, are you going to actually kiss me, or are you just teasing me to death by running your lips against my neck.

 

JOHN: I’m not teasing you. I’m smelling you.

 

MARLENA: Oh, so that’s why you’re hiding your face in my neck.

 

JOHN: Well, I can think of other places I’d like to hide my face right now, but if I attempted to do that here in the park, I think I’d end up with a black eye or a broken nose one.

 

MARLENA: Can’t argue with you there. But if you don’t come out of hiding and kiss me very soon, you may still end up with some broken bones.

 

JOHN: In that case, I think I’ll settle for kissing you.

 

MARLENA: I’ll show you settling. (She pulls John’s face down to hers, and treats him to a very sexy kiss. John’s libido jump starts, as he responds instantly to the wickedly delicious dance her tongue is doing with his. John groans, and moves directly on top of her, eliciting a soft whimper from Marlena.

 

MARLENA: (in between breathless whimpers)…John…

 

JOHN: You started this, Doc.

 

MARLENA: So do me a big favor and finish it, please.

 

JOHN:I will. Tonight.

 

MARLENA: I don’t want to wait until tonight. (as she runs her mouth across his jaw, traveling towards his neck.) I want you to come with me to my bedroom, and…(her tongue travels towards John’s ear, causing another groan to escape from his wet lips.)…let me help you with this …(her hand discreetly travels below his belt.)…predicament you seem to have gotten yourself into…(John’s breathing is now harsh. Marlena tenderly runs her finger across his sensual lips.) I have an idea.

 

JOHN: Somehow, I just knew you were about to say that.

 

MARLENA: Why don’t you drop the kids off at Sean and Caroline’s, then come back to my place.

 

JOHN: What about our date?

 

MARLENA: Change the reservations. Tell them we’ll be late…Very late. (She follows this statement with another very hot kiss. John’s desire for her is beginning to get out of control.)

 

JOHN: I never said that we had dinner reservations.

 

MARLENA: No?

 

JOHN: (nodding his head)Uh-huh…Nope. I’m positive.

 

MARLENA: Well, wherever it is you are taking me, I don’t think it would make a whole lot of difference if we were a little late…(She kisses him sensually on the mouth, sucking his bottom lip and teasing him with her tongue.)

 

JOHN: Baby, you kiss me like that again, and we may never make it out of this park. (John struggles to calm his desire, when Marlena looks deeply into his eyes, her own eyes shining with desire as strong as his own.)

 

MARLENA: Honey…I think that-(Brady and Belle come crashing down on their little lovefest, and Marlena tries to catch her breath as a splat of ice cream trickles down her arm.)

 

MARLENA: Belle, sweety, be careful with your ice cream honey.

 

BELLE: I finished wif dis eye-sh kweam, Mommy. I want to pway wif you and Daddy shum more. (Marlena’s eyes dance with laughter as she slowly stands up, brushing the grass off of her suit.)

 

MARLENA: Sweety, I think your Daddy and I have had all of the playtime we can handle right now.

 

JOHN: I think your mother is right, Belle. What do you say we let her go home and get changed.

 

BELLE: I go wif her, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Baby, I think you should come with me and Brady.

 

BRADY: C’mon, Belle, we gotta go to Grandma and Grandpa Brady’s.

 

BELLE: (putting her foot down) No! I go wif Mommy.

 

MARLENA: John, why don’t I just-

 

JOHN: Marlena, Brady and Belle and I have already discussed this. They are going over to Sean and Caroline’s tonight. Carrie is going to pick them up and take them to the movies. You go on home. I’ll take care of this.

 

MARLENA: Are you sure?

 

JOHN: Positive. I’ll see you at seven.

 

MARLENA: (looking a little disappointed) But honey, I though you were going to come over a little early to “visit”. (The look Marlena gives John as she says the word “visit” leaves little to be imagined. His heart speeds up a little, and he is tempted to say “Be there in ten”, but knows that he is barely going to have time to get dressed and showered as it is.)

 

JOHN: All in good time, Marlena. All in good time. (He smiles mysteriously at Marlena, then picks his pouting daughter up. Marlena gives Belle a kiss goodbye, and squeezes Brady tight as she hugs him goodbye. She looks at John seductively, and kisses him on the cheek.)

 

MARLENA: I will see YOU later.

 

JOHN: You bet. (John heads toward the car with the kids, and Marlena hurries back to the penthouse, anxious for 7:00 to finally arrive.)

Marlena anxiously looks at the clock on her bedside table, and is disappointed to see that it is already 6:55, and John did not come by early. She knows that he has never been one to pass up her flirtations, so she is pretty sure that he must have made some arranged for a very special evening. She looks in the mirror, giving herself last-minute beauty touches. Then she runs down to the kitchen to check on the bottle of wine she left chilling while she was dressing. Satisfied that the wine is cold, she looks at her watch. Just as the shorthand reaches the top of the hour, the doorbell rings. Marlena smoothes out her dress, and opens the door. Her mouth drops wide open when she sees John standing on the other side of the door wearing a tuxedo, and holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand. John’s mouth drops open as well when she answers the door, looking more radiant than he has ever seen her. She is dressed in the same dress she wore to Titan on the night he got so foolishly drunk. He smiles as he remembers that on that night, when he drove her home. It was on that night that they made their first steps toward repairing all of the damage that had been done to their relationship. For a brief second, he flashes on the image of Paul Copeland’s hand on her bare back, but he quickly dismisses the thought.

 

JOHN: Wow! Doc, you look great!!

 

MARLENA: So do you, handsome. I wasn’t expecting you to be dressed up so. But I have to admit, I love the sight of you in a monkey suit.

 

JOHN: Is that so? (A grinning Marlena nods her head enthusiastically.)Well, are you going turn around and model the back of that dress for me, or am I going to have to come up with an excuse to stand behind you? (Marlena eyes him seductively and slowly turns around. After coming full circle, she looks up into his eyes and winks.)

 

MARLENA: I was wondering if you would remember this dress?

 

JOHN: How could I forget it? That night, when I drove you home, I felt like a fumbling teenager. I wanted you so badly I thought I would die from it.

 

( He laughs, and she joins him in laughter.)

 

JOHN: So, are you going to invite me in?

 

MARLENA: I’m going to do more than that. (Marlena takes a step towards him, and wraps her arms around his waist, tilting her head upward and offering her mouth to his. John kisses her briefly on the lips, then pats her behind before walking in.)

 

JOHN: Are you ready to go?

 

MARLENA: (still standing at the door where he left her) Honey, what was that? (John grins) Baby , that is definitely not the way I taught you to kiss me! (John smiles at her, falling deeper in love with her by the minute.)

 

JOHN: Baby, with you looking as sexy as you do right now, there is no way that I am going to be able to kiss you just once.

 

MARLENA: Then kiss me more than once. (She grins innocently at John.)

 

JOHN: And you wonder where Belle gets her unique powers of persuasion…(John pats her again on the behind, then gives her a peck on the lips.)C’mon, let’s go.

 

MARLENA: Where are we going?

 

JOHN: I’ll give you a hint…You’ll know where we are when…we get there.

 

( Marlena punches him lightly on the arm.)

 

MARLENA: You meanie!

 

JOHN: Doc, you know me well enough to know that I never divulge my secrets.

 

MARLENA: Oh, I don’t know about that. I don’t think it would be too hard for me to get a couple of secrets out of you. (She looks at John with bedroom eyes. John’s heart pitapats against his chest.)

 

JOHN: I don’t doubt that…but, right now, we gotta go.

 

MARLENA: But honey, I have a bottle of wine chilled for us. I thought maybe we could share a glass before we leave.

 

JOHN: This isn’t another tactic to get me to take you upstairs and ravish you before we leave?

 

MARLENA: (looking at him with wide, innocent eyes.)On a first date??? Never! What kinda girl do you take me for? (John grins wickedly for a second, then comes up with an idea.)

 

JOHN: I have an idea.

 

MARLENA: I was hoping you’d say that.

 

JOHN: Seriously, Doc. Lets take that wine. We can have a glass on the way.

 

MARLENA: (casually, almost disinterested) On the way where?

 

JOHN: Oh no you don’t, Doc. You’re going to work harder than that to get me to reveal my secrets.

 

MARLENA: Well, you know me…I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge. (John’s eyes smolder as she brushes up against him while going to get the wine. She comes back with the wine and 2 glasses. John takes the glasses and the bottle from her, and after retrieving her purse, they leave. In the elevator on the way down, John breaks the silence.)

 

JOHN: So, did you just have a mood swing, or are you planning something.

 

MARLENA: Hmmm?

 

JOHN: You’re so quite all of a sudden.

 

MARLENA: I was just trying to figure out what you have up your sleeve.

 

JOHN: Why don’t you just relax and enjoy the suspense.

 

MARLENA: Because with me, enjoyment and suspense are not two words that I normally pair together.

 

JOHN: Well, I can promise you that after tonight, you may not feel the same way.

 

MARLENA: Is that so?

 

JOHN: That, Marlena, is so! (He takes her hand and leads her out the elevator, through the door, and right up to an awaiting limo.)

 

MARLENA: Oh my, a limo?!?

 

JOHN: C;mon, Doc, how do you expect me to charm your pants off if I have to drive.

 

MARLENA: Well, honey, you could have charmed my pants off without ever leaving the house. You know that.

 

JOHN: But tonight, I am going to treat you like a queen. (The minute the word comes out of his mouth, he regrets it. Marlena’s face instantly pales at the word “queen”, a word that Sefano Dimera had turned into a curse. John goes to her side instantly, and softly runs his thumb up under her chin, tilting her head up to meet his probing eyes. He grins tenderly, and Marlena responds by half-heartedly smiling back.)

 

JOHN: Did I say queen? Silly me, you’re much too radiant to be a queen. I meant a “princess”.

 

( Marlena smiles sweetly at his attempts to erase the last 5 seconds time.)

 

MARLENA: Well, I believe I’m much too old to be a princess.

 

JOHN: “Too old to be a princess” What, are you kidding me. Why just the other day I saw a princess walking down the street and SHE was eighty-two years old. (Marlena starts laughing at John as he expands on his tall tale, describing her hair and her face and her clothes.)

 

MARLENA: (laughing very hard by now)Okay, okay, you’ve made your point. Shut up already.

 

JOHN: Shut up? You want me to shut up.

 

MARLENA: Uh-huh.

 

JOHN: Why?

 

MARLENA: Because I have other plans in mind for your mouth, and they do not involve talking. (John’s eyes light up, and he takes a step closer to bridge the gap between them. )

 

JOHN: You mean you want a kiss from me?

 

MARLENA: I mean I want a hot, wet, steamy kiss from you and not one of those kisses like you gave me in the penthouse.

 

JOHN: I see. Well, I think I can manage that. (John pushes Marlena against the limo, and leans into her, fitting his body intimately against hers. Just the delicious feel of John’s body pressed against her own elicits a shudder from Marlena. Then he places his lips softly against her lips, teasing her at first, forcing her to crave a deeper, more satisfying kiss. John feels his body temperature instantly rise, and he presses harder into her as he deepens their kiss. Marlena wraps her arms around John, and tilts her head at an angle, giving John better access to her mouth. She moans softly as John’s tongue explores the deepest recesses of her mouth. John runs his fingers through her hair, roughly and impatiently pulling her head back to gain full access to her neck. Marlena’s fingers wrap around his tuxedo jacket, pulling him as close as she possibly can while his mouth drives her wild. His tongue traces a narrow, winding path down her collarbone. John, desperate for her touch on his bare skin, takes her hand and places it on his neck. Marlena anxiously tugs at his shirt, hoping to get a couple of buttons loose so that she can touch his hot skin. She desperately pulls at his collar, but to no avail. She cannot get his shirt off. She starts getting frustrated and whimpers softly as she tries another route. She starts tugging at the bottom of his shirt, eventually untucking it. She cries in delight as she slides her hands down and under his shirt, finally coming in contact with his chest, which is now damp with sweat. John groans loudly the instant her long fingers run through the tangled hairs on his chest. He instantly loses any sense of time or place or control, and lifts her up onto the hood of the limo, spreading her legs so that he can stand between them. Marlena gasps in shock and delight as John buries his head in the crook of her shoulder, nipping at the soft skin on her neck. He reaches down and starts sliding the bottom of her dress up to her knees. Marlena places her lips beside his right ear and whispers in a breathless and raspy voice.)

 

MARLENA: Baby, what do you say we go back upstairs and finish this.

 

( Suddenly John remembers where they are and what could have almost happened in this public parking lot . His sudden awareness acts like a cold shower, rousing him from his blind desire and reminding him of their plans for the evening. He blushes with embarrassment.)

 

JOHN: Honey, I’m sorry. (He takes a step backwards, much to Marlena’s dismay.) I guess I got a little carried away. (John then grabs Marlena by the waist and gently places her back on the ground.)

 

MARLENA: I think we both did.

 

JOHN: Well, I apologize. (Marlena is confused by his change in attitude.)

 

MARLENA: Baby, you don’t have to apologize to me. You know that.

 

JOHN: (growing more frustrated by the minute) Dammit, I was supposed to treat you like a princess. Not try to have my way with you in a public parking lot up against a car.

 

MARLENA: (a little amused by how serious he is taking this evening) Well, at least it was a limo, and not an old beat-up pickup truck… Right? (She giggles at her own joke, but stops when she sees how disappointed John is in himself.) Come here. (She holds her arms out and John reluctantly walks into her arms.) Sweetheart, what happened just now is nothing to be ashamed of.

 

JOHN: I just got so out of control, Doc. I don’t know what happened. If you wouldn’t have said something, I guess I would have just proceeded to rip your clothes off right here.

 

MARLENA: John, this self-pity trip is ridiculous. Stop being so hard on yourself. We both got a little carried away. It’s not anything we haven’t done a hundred times before and will probably do a thousand more times together…I hope.(She smiles sweetly and squeezes him tight.)

 

JOHN: I just wanted tonight to be special.

 

MARLENA: It is special. And it will continue to be special. Don’t you see? Every second that I spend with you is special. Every kiss that I share with you is special. And to be quite honest, I don’t think this evening would be half as special if that hadn’t happened just now.

 

JOHN: Now I know you’re just trying to make me feel better.

 

MARLENA: Nope. Like I said, I am being very honest here. I LOVE the fact that we still can’t get enough of each other. I love the fact that all you have to do is look at me a certain way and my insides turn to mush. And I absolutely adore the fact that you can lose control like that in a public place; that you can be that blind with desire for me that you lose track of time and place. That indestructible passion is what separates you from every man I’ve ever known. You alone can make me feel that wild, that desperate, that crazed for your touch. (Marlena tilts John’s head up so that he is looking into her eyes again.) I’m serious here, John. I don’t want you to feel ashamed about that. You should be proud.

 

JOHN: (smiling at her) Proud?

 

MARLENA: Yeah, proud.

 

JOHN: So let me get this straight, Marlena. You want me to feel proud that I almost stripped you down and made love to you on a limo in the parking lot of your penthouse. Is that correct?

 

MARLENA: That is correct.

 

JOHN: Okay. Deal. (John opens the door to the limo.) Your chariot awaits, my dear.

 

MARLENA: Gimme a kiss first.

 

JOHN: Oh no you don’t! That’s what started this whole thing in the first place! (Marlena gives him a pouty look.) Dr. Evans, get your butt in this car right now!

 

MARLENA: Yes sir! (She practically jumps into the car and John slides in next to her. He shuts the door and the limo driver starts driving. In the back, John and Marlena open their bottle of wine, and share a toast. As the limo pulls out of the parking lot, they never notice the man dressed in black that gets into his car and pulls out behind them. They never notice the fact that he has a small video camera in his hand, just like they never noticed that he was standing off to the side filming their passionate interlude that took place only moments ago. They share their glass of wine in silence, both enjoying the silent company.)

 

MARLENA: You know, with the kids around and our lives as busy as they are, I don’t think we get to spend enough time together like this.

 

JOHN: Like this?

 

MARLENA: Yeah. Just enjoying the peace and quiet.

 

JOHN: Yep. Belle and Brady aren’t really into the “peace and quite” thing yet.

 

MARLENA: You can say that again!

 

JOHN: Yep. Belle and Brady aren’t really into the “peace and quiet” thing yet. (Marlena lets out a peal of laughter before punching John in the arm.) C’mon , Doc, you set yourself up for that one.

 

MARLENA: Maybe. But I think you have been listening to too many of the kids corny jokes. You are starting to sound like them. (Marlena shivers a little and John puts his arm around her. She instantly leans into him, melting in his arms.)

 

JOHN: You cold, baby?

 

MARLENA: Not anymore, now that I’m in your arms. (John wraps his arms around her even tighter, and leans his head on the top of hers, burying his nose in her hair.)

 

JOHN: God, you smell so sweet, Doc.

 

MARLENA: Thank you…(They ride in silence for a little while.) So, honey, you plan on telling me our destination any time soon.

 

JOHN: Uhhhh…no, I better not.

 

MARLENA: Why not?

 

JOHN: Because I don’t want to blow the surprise.

 

MARLENA: What surprise is that?

 

JOHN: Now, if I told you that, it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore, would it?

 

MARLENA: I could pretend to be surprised.

 

JOHN: That’s no fun!

 

MARLENA: I could make it fun. (She looks at him seductively and he grins in return.)

 

JOHN: I don’t doubt that for a minute. But I’m afraid I can’t give in. This is one surprise that you are going to have to wait for.

 

MARLENA: You are being mean, you know that.

 

JOHN: Not mean…just persistent.

 

MARLENA: Well…I don’t like it when you are persistent. (John puts his mouth right up against her ear as he replies in a low, seductive voice.)

 

JOHN: I’ll remember that in bed tonight when you are begging me not to stop. (Marlena’s mouth drops open in shock. He starts to laugh.) Oh, c’mon honey, you left yourself wide open for that one.

 

MARLENA: No, that one was out of line, John Black.

 

JOHN: Out of line?!?

 

MARLENA: Yes, out of line. How can you say I left myself wide open for that one. I was talking about being persistent. How was I supposed to know that your mind was in the gutter.

 

JOHN: Baby, my mind is always in the gutter when I’m with you.

 

MARLENA: Well, get it out.

 

JOHN: I got a better idea.

 

MARLENA: What’s that?

 

JOHN: How about I stay in the gutter and you come join me here. (Marlena giggles.) What’s so funny?

 

MARLENA: I’m afraid I have a confession to make.

 

JOHN: I’m all ears.

 

MARLENA: My mind has been frequenting that gutter enough already lately.

 

JOHN: Is that so.

 

MARLENA: Uh-huh.

 

JOHN: Well, I don’t think that is a bad thing necessarily.

 

MARLENA: It is when I can’t concentrate on work because I’d rather be at home in bed with you. I find myself fantasizing about you all day long. I tried to seduce you into coming to my house early for a quickie, and then I seduced you for a second time outside.

 

JOHN: Well, I gotta be honest with you, Doc…I kinda like it…a lot.

 

( Marlena starts giggling again but this time she doesn’t stop.) Hey, what’s so funny? (Marlena shakes her head to indicate she doesn’t know.) Well, I know how to get you stop. (He tilts her head up and leans down for a kiss. Marlena continues to giggle.) Honey, what are you laughing at?!?

 

MARLENA: (in between laughter) I…don’t know…I can’t stop…laughing.

 

JOHN: You got a case of the giggles, huh? (John reaches down and starts ticking her ribs, and Marlena erupts into uncontrollable laughter. John starts laughing with her.)I Is that better, huh??? Huh??? (He continues to tickle her.)

 

MARLENA: No…John…Please…Honey,I can’t b…br…breathe…John..I..( Marlena is saved by the limo pulling to a stop. John stops tickling Marlena and she gasps for air. He grins.)

 

JOHN: Sorry about that, Doc. I guess my hands got a little carried away there.

 

MARLENA: (as she wipes the tears away) Oh my God. I’m going to kill you for that!!!

 

JOHN: I doubt that.

 

MARLENA: Now I’m all wrinkled, honey.

 

JOHN: Awww, poor baby. (He gives her his best impression of her pouty look.) I’m so sorry.

 

MARLENA: One of these days, John, I am going to knock your lights out for your endless and merciless teasing of me.

 

JOHN: If you say so, Doc.

 

MARLENA: (balling up her fist and waving it playfully at his face.) I say so alright.

 

JOHN: So, are we going to sit here talking all night or are we going to get out of the car.

 

MARLENA: We’re going to get out of the car, of course. (And as she finishes that statement, Marlena throws the door on her side of the car open and scrambles out of the car before John can grab her.)

 

JOHN: Doc, wait, you’ll ruin the surprise. (Marlena stops dead in her tracks, amazed at what she sees.)

 

MARLENA: Oh my God. (John crawls out of the car behind her.)

 

JOHN: I guess that means you like it… huh?

(Marlena looked out in shocked delight at the beautiful sight that lay before her. John had brought her to the same private little beach that they had come to with Belle and Brady only weeks before. On the sand lay a beautiful tent draped with chiffon that was blowing in the wind. Outside the tent, a man stood playing his solo saxophone. Directly in front of him, a tiny little stage was built up from the sand. It was only raised a mere inches from the sand, and faced the ocean. Marlena realized instantly that it was for them to dance on. John cleared his throat behind her, anxiously awaiting her response. She turned around to face him, her eyes shimmering with love.)

 

MARLENA: Oh, honey…(She turns back around to look again. John walks up behind her and puts his arms around her waist.)

 

JOHN: You like?

 

MARLENA: I like…(She turns around in his arms.) I definitely like…

 

JOHN: Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go eat! (John starts walking towards the tent, holding Marlena’s hand as he pulls her along. They enter the tent and Marlena’s stomach drops at the vision before her. The entire room is filled with candles and roses. The ground below them is completely covered in rose petals. The slow, sensual sounds of the saxophone creep into the tent as the wind gently sneaks in through the opening. Marlena sighs at the beauty of John’s latest romantic gesture, and leans back into his arms. He wraps his arms around her, and places an angel kiss on her right temple. He leads her to a tiny table set for two, and a waiter immaculately dressed in a tuxedo appears before them. He pours them both a glass of champagne, and brings out their appetizers, shrimp cocktail.)

 

MARLENA: Oh sweetie, I think you have outdone yourself this time.

 

JOHN: You think so?

 

MARLENA: Uh-huh.

 

JOHN: Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet, sweetheart. (And he raises his glass for a toast. They link arms and John toasts to their future together. several courses later, a very full Marlena moans softly.)

 

JOHN: I hope that little sound you just made does not mean that you are full.

 

MARLENA: I’m afraid so.

 

JOHN: Well, you may want to try and find a little more room because dessert has not been served yet.

 

MARLENA: Dessert? Hmmm…I guess that I might could find a little room, but only if it is a dessert that I really really like, and more importantly, really really like to share with you.

 

JOHN: Awww, c’mon Doc, you’re no fun!

 

MARLENA: Where are my strawberries and cream?!?

 

JOHN: Coming right up! Waiter! This lady is ready for dessert. (The waiter reenters with their dessert. He sets the tray on the table and leaves again. John picks up a ripe red strawberry and swirls it around in cream before holding it to Marlena’s lips.) Now, tell me how this tastes to you.

 

MARLENA: Wonderful. (John grins.)

 

JOHN: Baby, you haven’t even tasted it yet.

 

MARLENA: I have a very detailed memory.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case, you probably don’t even need to- (Marlena cuts him off by taking his hand and pulling it towards her mouth. She takes a bite of the strawberry as she stares directly into his eyes. )

 

MARLENA: Mmmmm…

 

JOHN: I take it your memory served you correctly.

 

MARLENA: Somewhat. I think these are even yummier than the last batch we had.

 

JOHN: Well, in that case, I better try one before you eat them all. (Marlena takes a strawberry and slowly swirls it around in cream before holding it up to his mouth.)

 

MARLENA: Open wide… (John opens wide and Marlena purposely steers a little low, causing some of the cream to collide with his lower lip. John smiles at her “accident”) Ooops. I made a mess.

 

JOHN: Um-huh. (John goes for his napkin but Marlena stops him by laying her hand over his.)

 

MARLENA: I think it’s only fair that I clean up my own mess…Don’t you? (Marlena stands up and leans over the table, then slowly and tantalizingly removes the cream from John’s lips with her mouth. John’s breathing becomes shallow as Marlena continues the task long after the cream is gone. He places his hands on her shoulders and gently pushes her back. Marlena looks up at him, disappointment written all over her face.)

 

MARLENA: I must be losing my touch.

 

JOHN: Just the opposite actually. It’s getting harder and harder to resist you.

 

MARLENA: Then why resist?

 

JOHN: Because I have other plans for you tonight.

 

MARLENA: For me? You do? What?

 

JOHN: I can’t tell you. If I did, it wouldn’t be a surprise , would it?

 

MARLENA: Well, I think surprises are overrated.

 

JOHN: That’s too bad because you are in for several more before I’m trough with you tonight.

 

MARLENA: Several more??

 

JOHN: Umm-hmmm

 

MARLENA: Honey, tell me please.

 

JOHN: No can do.

 

MARLENA: Then give me a little hint please.

 

JOHN: No hints allowed. Now, come over here and let me feed you some strawberries. (Marlena jumps out of her seat and finds a home on John’s lap. They spend the next few minutes feeding each other strawberries, and before long, they both become very frustrated.)

 

JOHN: Honey, I am burning up.

 

MARLENA: Why don’t you let me take that tie off?

 

JOHN: Good idea. (Marlena unties John’s bowtie and unbuttons the top two buttons of his tuxedo shirt, releasing a sigh of relief from John.) That feels much better.

 

MARLENA: It sure does. (A mischievous grin spreads across her face as she slides her right hand into his shirt.)

 

JOHN: Ummm, that feels even better.

 

MARLENA: Mmm-hmmmm…much. (Marlena bends her head and places angel kisses along his newly exposed collarbone. John groans softly and considers making love to her here, but decides against it. He reminds himself that no matter how badly he may want her, he must exercise control and continue with his plans. He wipes the sweat off of his forehead and clears his throat. Marlena looks up at him.)

 

JOHN: Wanna dance?

 

MARLENA: Now?

 

JOHN: Now.

 

MARLENA: Honey, I think you’re being a tease.

 

JOHN: Me??!? I think you are the one who has been doing most of the teasing tonight, sweetheart.

 

MARLENA: (feigned shock) Who me???

 

JOHN: Yeah you. (He places a tender kiss on her nose.) I love you.

 

MARLENA: I love you. (Marlena wraps her arms around his neck.) And I can’t imagine anyplace in the world that I’d rather be right now than here on this private little beach with the man of my dreams.

 

JOHN: Is that a fact?

 

MARLENA: (doing her best imitation of John) That’s a fact, partner. (John starts laughing and suddenly stands up, taking Marlena with her.) Whoa, honey!! Are we…uh…going somewhere.

 

JOHN: As a matter of fact we are. (He carries her outside to the wooden platform and sets her in the center of it.) May I have this dance?

 

MARLENA: You can have this dance, and the next dance, and every single dance after that.

 

JOHN: Good. I love a generous woman. (They fall into a slow sensual dance within seconds. Marlena lays her head on John’s shoulder, and sighs. )

 

MARLENA: What a wonderful surprise this was. You have got to be the most romantic man that ever walked this earth.

 

JOHN: No, just the luckiest. Because I am with the most perfect woman ever created. (They cease conversation for a moment, both trying to savor this perfect moment. The saxophone sounds weave a magical web around them, transporting them to a tiny haven where they alone exist. They watch the waves crash against the shore only a few feet away, and dance to their heart’s content under the glow of the moon. The temperature slowly starts dropping, and John feels Marlena shiver in his arms.)

 

JOHN: Baby, are you cold.

 

MARLENA: A little…but I don’t want to leave yet.

 

JOHN: In that case, why don’t I get you a blanket.

 

MARLENA: Okay.

 

JOHN: Be right back. (John goes into the tent and comes back out with a warm fuzzy blanket. He wraps it around Marlena.) Feel better?

 

MARLENA: Um-hmmm. (They slow dance the night away, until John feels Marlena drifting off to sleep against his chest.)

 

JOHN: Honey…

 

MARLENA: Hmmm?

 

JOHN: You aren’t falling asleep, are you?

 

MARLENA: Uh-huh.

 

JOHN: C’mon, let’s go.

 

MARLENA: I don’t want to go.

 

JOHN: Honey, it’s almost midnight and we have been dancing for the past 2 hours I think. You can hardly stand up.

 

MARLENA: I know but I thought we could maybe go back into the tent and cuddle for a little while.

 

JOHN: Cuddle?

 

MARLENA: Yeah…(Marlena snuggles up closer to him, and John has to use every ounce of control he has to keep from carrying her into the tent and making slow sweet lover to her. )

 

JOHN: Baby, I would love to…I really would…but we have one more stop to go before we head home.

 

MARLENA: My other surprise, huh?

 

JOHN: You bet.

 

MARLENA: Well, all I can say is, it better be worth it. (Then she walks toward the limo, leaving John standing there. He watches her walk away, wrapped in the big fluffy blanket and smiles as he says to himself:)

 

JOHN: Oh, it will be worth it alright. I can guarantee that it will be worth it. (John runs back to the limo and climbs into the car with her. The limo driver takes off and Marlena settles in against John, snuggling in the blanket to keep warm. She lays her head in his lap and spreads out across the seat of the limo, her eyes heavy with sleep. John’s eyes tear up at how vulnerable and young she seems. He runs his finger softly down her cheek and then over her bottom lip, causing it to quiver in response. She sighs softly and John places a sweet butterfly kiss on each eyelid.)

 

JOHN: Baby, why don’t you close your eyes and relax for a few minutes.

 

MARLENA: If I do that, I’ll fall asleep!

 

JOHN: Is that a bad thing?

 

MARLENA: It is if I miss your surprise.

 

JOHN: I see…The truth comes out, Dr. Evans. You are actually looking forward to your surprise?

 

MARLENA: Well, I know you…and I know that if you have been going to such great lengths to keep me happy tonight, then t can only get better.

 

JOHN: That’s right.

 

MARLENA: Honey, I really appreciate all that you are doing to surprise me and romance me. I really do. I just hope that you realize that you don’t have to do all this.

 

JOHN: Whoa-wait just a minute there. I like …no, I love doing things like this for you. You are the most important thing in the world to me and you deserve to be treated that way, Doc. I know that I’ve made some mistakes in the past, some big mistakes, but never again will I make the mistake of trying to live my life without you in it. I will win back every single ounce of love and devotion and trust you have in that incredible body of yours – and that is a promise.

 

MARLENA: (sitting up and looking at him) Honey, don’t you see? You don’t have to win back anything. You never lost it in the first place. I have always loved you and trusted you. Even in the worst times of my life, those feelings never faltered. They never swayed. I may have denied those feelings or ran from them, but that…that was just out of fear…and guilt. But never out of a lack of love. (They both have tears in their eyes.)

 

JOHN: Well…that’s…that’s good to know. But that doesn’t take away all of the pain that I have caused you-

 

MARLENA: John, you haven’t-

 

JOHN: Baby, I married another woman when I was in love with you. I didn’t even have the strength or dignity to have you present. I lied to myself and to friends and to family, and worst of all I lied to you. I pretended that what we had was over, just because I thought you felt the same. When in reality, my feelings for you were never “over”, they just kept getting stronger and stronger. Now they are uncontrollable. I could never hide or deny my feelings for you again. Never.

 

MARLENA: You won’t have to. I promise you that. (Marlena reaches up and brushes a tear away from his cheek, then kisses him softly. The limo slows down just as a large crack of thunder fills the sky, followed by several more. Suddenly the bottom falls out of the sky as sheets of rain come driving down from the starts. Marlena casts a worried glance in John’s direction, only to find him smiling.) Honey, care to let me in on your little secret?

 

JOHN: Hmmm?

 

MARLENA: Well, from the looks of it, this storm has suddenly lifted your spirits.

 

JOHN: You could say that.

 

MARLENA: Why is that?

 

JOHN:: Because I love storms. They remind me of you.

 

MARLENA: Of me?

 

JOHN: Mmm-hmmm MARLENA: I’m not so sure that is a good thing.

 

JOHN: It’s not – it’s a great thing!

 

MARLENA: A great thing? (She giggles at his sudden change in mood. He looks back at her with a boyish grin and a mischievous gleam in his eyes.) Uh-oh, honey. I know that look?

 

JOHN: (playing innocent) What look?

 

MARLENA: That look in your eyes – the same look Brady gets when he is up to no good. (John joins Marlena in laughter.)

 

JOHN: Actually, I was just smiling because I can not believe how well this evening is going. I couldn’t hope for better results so far.

 

MARLENA: Results?? You mean you want it to storm?

 

JOHN: I most certainly do.

 

MARLENA: How come?

 

JOHN: Now, if I told you that, I just might ruin the surprise.

 

MARLENA: (grinning) That’s okay. I’ll forgive you.

 

JOHN: I bet you would. (The limo comes to a complete stop, and Marlena looks up at him expectantly.)

 

MARLENA: Well, aren’t you going to open the door?

 

JOHN: In a second…but first, I need to do this. (He pulls out a black silk scarf and proceeds to blindfold her with it.)

 

MARLENA: Oh my! You really are going all out for this one, aren’t you.

 

JOHN: Nothing is too good for you, Doc. (John opens the back door to the limo and helps Marlena out. She is instantly soaked from the pouring rain.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, I hope that this surprise doesn’t take place outside.

 

JOHN: It doesn’t.

 

MARLENA: Did you bring an umbrella?

 

JOHN: I did but we won’t be needing it.

 

MARLENA: What do you mean, we won’t be needing it? I am soaked through and through here.

 

JOHN: C’mon, let’s make a run for it!

 

MARLENA: Honey, asking the woman you just blindfolded to make a run for it is not a good idea! (John takes a hold of her hand and pulls her with him as he runs toward their destination. Marlena hears the sounds of planes landing and taking off. She yells out to John.)

 

MARLENA: Ummm, honey, is there something that you forgot to mention?

 

JOHN: (yelling above the storm and the roaring of planes.) What do you mean.

 

MARLENA: Well, I just assumed that wherever you were taking me, it was going to be in this state.

 

JOHN: It is.

 

MARLENA: How about this city?

 

JOHN: Right again, Dr. Evans. (They slow down, and Marlena waits as John opens a door of some sort. Then he takes her hand and they walk in. Marlena cannot see a thing through the black scarf, so she tries out her other senses for a hint of some sort. The only sounds she can hear are the crashes of thunder and the muffled sounds of airplane engines. She inhales deeply, trying to pick up a familiar smell. There isn’t any particular scent that stands out. Yet, somehow, she senses that the room she is in is vaguely familiar. A strong sense of deja-vu assaults her as she feels her wet clothes brushing against her skin.)

 

MARLENA: Honey, can I peek?

 

JOHN: Not yet. First, I want to play a little game with you.

 

MARLENA: Okay. I’m all yours.

 

JOHN: First I want to thank you for being such a good sport tonight. I know you aren’t very fond of surprises, but you played along. And that means a lot to me.

 

MARLENA: Well, your very welcome. I agree with you entirely, surprises aren’t usually my cup of tea. But whenever you are involved, I just never seem to be able to behave the way I normally do. I just keep throwing caution to the winds and going along with whatever you come up with. I guess you bring out the wild side in me. (She giggles.) So, what type of game do you have in mind. Does it involve kissing me any time soon.

 

JOHN: As a matter of fact, it does.

 

(John reaches out and grabs her dress, slowly pulling her close to him. Once again, Marlena is struck by the odd familiarity of her wet clothes against her damp skin, but when he pulls her closer, all of her thoughts become focused on his mouth which is playing havoc on her senses. His soft lips brush softly against hers, then leave, only to reappear at her earlobe, teasing her, enticing her…Her hands reach up and find his face as she attempts to pull him back to her mouth. But John is focused on another task now – her neck. Marlena gasps as John sucks gently, then nibbles his way over to her collarbone. His fingers retrace the path while his mouth moves down to her shoulder…Marlena’s stomach drops as John slowly unfastens her dress and lets it slide down to the floor. He picks her up and carries her over to a couch of some sort, and Marlena instantly flashes back to the night so long ago, the stormy night when their illustrious affair began…the night they created their daughter. She gasps at the sensations this memory causes within her, and John instantly knows what she is thinking about. She reaches her left hand out to brace herself from the passion and emotions threatening to overtake her, and her hand comes in contact with the cold damp glass of a windowpane. Then it hits her. She knows exactly where she is. She jerks the silk scarf off and John’s brilliant blue eyes are staring straight into hers…probing her soul…brimming with all of the same passions and emotions that were taking her over.)

 

MARLENA: (breathlessly) John!

 

JOHN: I love you so much. (Tears threaten to spill over John’s eyelids as he grabs her hands and holds them above her head.)

 

MARLENA: I love you…(John sits up on his haunches as he shreds his jacket. Marlena’s mouth drops open as she stares at him openly and guilt-free, her eyes speaking volumes of love, and desire, and passion. She reaches up and jerks him down to her in an action reminiscent of their first romantic interlude on this plane. John impatiently removes her slip and fumbles with the clasp on her bra. After an attempt at patience, Marlena intervenes.)

 

MARLENA: Let me help you with that, honey. (She deftly removes her bra and John helps rid her of her remaining clothes. Marlena frantically tears John’s shirt off, ripping a sleeve in the process. Then she reaches down to unfasten his pants, eliciting a sharp groan from John in the process. Now it is her turn to fumble as she whimpers in frustration when his pants do not instantly slide off. John lifts himself up and hurriedly removes the rest of his clothing before rejoining her on the seat. Both in the throes of passion, they lose track of time and place and revisit a time in their lives when absolutely nothing else mattered but there love for another, their need for one another, and their undeniable desire for one another. Marlena clenches tightly to John, her nails digging into his back as he takes her with him on a trip to heaven and back.)

 

*********Later – (John and Marlena lie in each other’s arms, both too moved to speak. John grabs a nearby blanket and pulls it up and over them both, kissing her softly on the shoulder. She looks up at him and bestows him with one of the most tender, loving, sensual smiles ever known to man. He smiles back in response. Finally, Marlena speaks, her voice barely above a whisper.)

 

MARLENA: Why here?

 

JOHN: Hmm?

 

MARLENA: Why did you bring me back here.

 

JOHN: Because last time we were here, we made a few mistakes. We didn’t leave together. And both of us left with our heads hanging low from shame. Never, EVER again will I be ashamed of this.

 

MARLENA: You touch me so. (She raises her hand up and cups John’s cheek.) No man has ever made me feel as whole and as complete as I feel with you.

 

JOHN: Good. I’m glad. Because I have something to ask you. I want to make sure that this evening ends a lot better than the last evening we spent together on this plane. So…(John reaches for his pants and pulls a small box out of the pocket. He opens the pocket and a sparkling engagement ring is inside.) Dr. Marlena Evans…will you marry me?

 

MARLENA: Oh honey…O baby…of course I’ll marry you. I’ve never wanted anything more in my whole life than to be your wife. (John slides the ring on her finger, then looks deep into her eyes, staring into her soul.) This time its forever.

 

MARLENA: (with tears in her eyes) You can count on it, John Black. (She wraps her arms around him tightly, her tears of joy mingling with his as they seal their new commitment with a kiss.)

JOHN: (whispering) Sweetheart, hold your arm up for me. (Marlena frowns in her sleep as John tries unsuccessfully to put her still-damp clothes back on. Marlena, even in her sleep, has no problems letting John know of her annoyance.)

 

MARLENA: (sleepily) Honey that’s cold.

 

JOHN: I know that baby but I can’t very well carry a beautiful naked sleeping woman to my limo without attracting some attention. (Marlena does not respond as she has fallen asleep again. John tries once more to slide her damp shirt on, eliciting a drowsy whimper from his fiancée.) That does it, Doc… Don’t say I didn’t warn you. (John reaches overhead and pulls out an extra blanket from the overhead compartment. After wrapping it around her, he finishes dressing himself in his own damp clothes. Then he picks Marlena up and carries her back to the limo. As the limo driver starts to pull out of the parking lot, John raises the privacy glass so that no one but him can have the luxury of staring at the lovely lady wrapped in a blanket on the seat beside him. He pulls her into his lap, and smiles as she places her graceful hand on his chest. The diamond on her engagement ring sparkles and John is struck with an overwhelming sense of possessiveness. He tenderly pushes her bangs out of her eyes, being extra careful not to wake her. Marlena, even deep in her sleep, feels his warm touch on her brow. She slowly opens her eyes to find brilliant blue eyes staring back at her.)

 

MARLENA: (still groggy) Is it morning yet?

 

JOHN: Nope. The night is still young…it’s only 3 am.

 

MARLENA: Wow. I can’t remember the last time I stayed out so late.

 

JOHN: Yep…I’d say you definitely missed your curfew tonight.

 

MARLENA: Good thing the kids aren’t home to scold me…

 

JOHN: Yep…

 

MARLENA: Speaking of the kids not being home, it isn’t very often that we have the whole house to ourselves…

 

JOHN:(grinning at her) You got a plan?

 

MARLENA: I’ve got several “plans”.

 

JOHN: “Several”? Hmmm…I like the sound of that.

 

MARLENA: I bet you do. (Marlena turns in towards John’s chest seeking warmth, and is disappointed to come in contact with John’s damp clothes.) Honey, you’re all wet…

 

JOHN: Well, the only thing I forgot to plan for was us getting soaked by the rain. Sooo…I had to put my wet clothes back on. (Marlena gets a confused look then looks down at the airplane blanket wrapped around her.)

 

MARLENA: Honey…where…are..my…cl-(She looks up at him in shock.) I’m not wearing any clothes, John!(John starts laughing at her obvious distress.) John, this isn’t funny! What if we get in an accident? How am I going to explain this one???

 

JOHN: (trying to recover from laughter) Baby, you were sound asleep. I tried to dress you but you wouldn’t wake up.

 

MARLENA: (looking toward the glass) Can he see-

 

JOHN: He can’t see a thing, baby. I promise.

 

MARLENA: You better not be lying, John Black, or I swear I’ll-

 

JOHN: You’ll what?

 

MARLENA: –uh, I-I-

 

JOHN:(teasing her) C’mon, Doc, spit it out-

 

MARLENA: I’ll…I’ll…(John notices the instance that Marlena comes up with her plan. He has no idea what it is but he has no doubt that she obviously likes the plan. Her eyes sparkle with mischief and a mischievous smile spreads slowly across her beautiful face.)

 

JOHN: Oh no you don’t…

 

MARLENA: (innocently) What?

 

JOHN: I see that look? What are you up to?

 

MARLENA: Not a thing…(She smiles sweetly and John notices a flash of desire in her eyes.) Actually…I was just thinking…

 

JOHN: Yeah?

 

MARLENA: I was thinking that it is a shame that you have to wear those damp, cold, clothes while I get to wear this warm, dry blanket…(She seductively slides her hand along the blanket wrapped around her. John’s eyes instantly darken at the sensual image of her wrapped in a blanket, sitting on his lap.)

 

JOHN: Why don’t you tell me what you got on your mind, baby?

 

MARLENA: I was just thinking how much warmer you would be if you were snuggled in this blanket with me.

 

JOHN: That blanket isn’t big enough for the both of us, sweetheart.

 

MARLENA: Well…(Marlena slowly unbuttons his shirt) you, sir, are in luck, because I just happen to have this extra blanket here.(Marlena reaches across the seat and takes hold of the big fuzzy blanket that John gave her at the beach.)

 

JOHN: Honey, why don’t we wait until we get home to get me out of these clothes.

 

MARLENA: (Staring at him with bedroom eyes and pouty lips) I don’t want to wait, John. I want to undress you here.(She places a tender wet kiss on his chest then proceeds to remove his unbuttoned shirt.)

 

JOHN: Oh, doc…(John’s breathing picks up pace as Marlena’s graceful hands work their way down to his pants, her eyes meeting his eyes boldly as she slowly unzips his pants. John gasps as his mind flashes on images of Marlena, hundreds and thousands of separate mental pictures he’s taken through the years, pictures of her that only he has seen, that only he will ever see…)Oh, baby…Doc…(John grabs the back of Marlena’s neck, forcefully pulling her closer. Warm desire spreads through Marlena as John’s mouth works magic on her neck. Her breathing quickens in anticipation as she feels his tongue tracing a path towards her ear. With Marlena on his lap, John lifts up off the seat then slides his pants down. Anxious to get back to the matter at hand, he begins to kiss her mouth. Marlena pulls back and moves away from a now-impatient John, her mind now set on removing his pants entirely. This only fuels John’s desire, and he helps her as she hurriedly rids him of his shirt and boxers. Once she has him completely undressed, she moves back to his lap, and they immediately pick up where they left off. Beads of moisture trail down Marlena’s back as the temperature in the back seat of the limo quickly escalates. John watches in awe as Marlena’s glazed eyes slowly close, he holds back, waiting for his beautiful fiancée to join him on the brink. He grabs her face in his hands, staring straight into her soul. Marlena whimpers slightly then her head falls back and she falls into complete oblivion.

 

Several minutes pass as John holds Marlena tightly against her. He shivers as he feels her heart pounding against his own. They listen to the sounds of their own ragged breathing, which gradually slows down, and Marlena sighs softly.)

 

JOHN:(in a low, deep, breathy voice)Wow….

 

MARLENA:(her voice soft and sedated) My sentiments exactly.

 

JOHN: I think you outdid yourself that time, honey.

 

MARLENA: (smiling tenderly at him) You think so?

 

JOHN: Mmm-Hmmm… (They enjoy the moment a little longer, then Marlena feels John’s arms loosen their embrace. The limo has come to a stop. Marlena watches in silence as John reaches for his pants.)

 

MARLENA: (her voice full of disappointment) Oh no, don’t put those on yet.

 

JOHN: Baby, I think we are home.

 

MARLENA: (A devilish twinkle in her eyes)In that case, let me help you.

 

JOHN: Be my guest. (John doesn’t even have time to react as Marlena, in an instant, manages to wrap her blanket tightly around her, grab his pants and shirt, open the door, and run quickly towards the elevator.)

 

JOHN:Doc-Wait-I-(Marlena’s laughter rings out as she reaches the elevator.) Doc, WHAT THE HELL – ARE YOU CRAZY? HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO GET INSIDE?

 

MARLENA:(grinning mischievously at him as she waves goodbye.) Paybacks are hell, aren’t they? (The elevator doors close, and now that she is safely inside, Marlena lets out a sigh of relief, thankful that all of the other residents are in bed at this time. John sits in the limo, realizing just how badly he has been duped. He looks over at the blanket, frowning when he realizes Marlena left him the smaller blanket. Wrapping the blanket around him, he begins to make a run for it.)

 

Safe and sound inside the penthouse, Marlena heads straight for the shower. Shedding her blanket, she eagerly steps in and gasps as the warm water pelts down on her back. John, after being totally humiliated when he passed a security guard while making a break towards the elevator, enters the penthouse and locks the door behind him. He quickly runs up the stairs, his body chilled by the temperature outside. He slowly opens the door to Marlena’s bathroom, and his mouth drops at the sensual sight of Marlena in the shower. Aroused yet again, he joins her in the shower much to Marlena’s delight. She turns to face him and smiles sweetly at him, turning his insides to mush.)

 

MARLENA: You’re not too mad at me, are you?

 

JOHN:(His mind already preoccupied with bigger and better things, like her soft, smooth, wet body) A little…(He takes his hands and, with a bar of soap, begins to lather her shoulders and arms.)

 

MARLENA: Do you think you might find it in your heart to forgive me?

 

JOHN: I don’t know, Doc. (He turns her around and starts lathering her back.) That was a pretty rotten thing to do.

 

MARLENA: (relaxing into his hands) I know it was. I don’t know what came over me. I guess it was all the excitement tonight, and your proposal, the beach, the plane…I guess everything just got to me and I went a little crazy…(John’s hand’s move lower and they both gasp at the instant pleasure when his hands come in contact with her bottom.)

 

JOHN: A little crazy, huh?

 

MARLENA: (Her mind now on other things, she tries hard to appear interested in this conversation.) Yeah…

 

JOHN: You mean to tell me that little stunt you pulled wasn’t planned at all?

 

MARLENA: Of course not…

 

JOHN: So, you had no idea when you took my pants off that I was not going to be putting those pants back on? (His hands wrap around her waist, pulling her back tightly against his body.)

 

MARLENA: No, no idea at all. (John’s hands rub soap against her belly, causing Marlena’s knees to buckle.)

 

JOHN: Truthfully? (His hands move higher and he smiles as he hears Marlena’s sharp intake of breath.)

 

MARLENA:(her voice shaky) Like I said before, I just got a little crazy, that’s all. I…Uh..I didn’t…Umm..John, honey…Oh, that feels…(John’s wandering hands drive any thoughts of coherent conversation out of Marlena’s mind.)

 

JOHN: You were saying, Doc?

 

MARLENA: Hmmm?

 

JOHN: About my pants?

 

MARLENA: Your pants? Oh, your pants….Like I was saying, I – (Marlena gasps as John’s soapy hands move lower, tickling her belly with desire.) John, honey, please…

 

JOHN: Please what, Doc?

 

MARLENA: Please stop talking to me and make love to me… (John needs no further urging. He quickly turns her around, pushing her back against the cold tiles. Together, they travel to heaven and back.

 

Afterwards, John picks Marlena up and carries her to bed. He crawls in behind her, wrapping his arms around her, whispering his love for her in her ear. Spooned together, their passions spent, Marlena and John fall asleep, their dreams carrying them far away to the most picture-perfect wedding imaginable.

 

Several hours later, the sun rises on the city of Salem. Marlena and John still lay sleeping, their bodies intertwined intimately. Downstairs, Caroline pulls at the hands of one sleepy little boy and one cranky little girl. They catch the elevator and ride up to their mother’s penthouse in silence. Caroline arrives at the door and rings the doorbell. Upstairs, John groans as the doorbell invades his dreams, interrupting his fairy-tale wedding to Marlena. Marlena tugs on his hand, silently urging him to get up. John gets out of bed and pulls on a pair of sweats. He goes downstairs and opens the door, surprised to find Caroline standing there with the children.

 

CAROLINE: John, I’m sorry to wake you, but I needed to bring the children back early.

 

JOHN: That’s no problem at all, Caroline. Is something wrong?

 

CAROLINE: No, in fact, for the first time in a long time, something is very right.

 

JOHN: What do you mean?

 

CAROLINE: Well, Roman is finally returning to us. Sean got a call from him last night. It appears that his ISA mission is finally over, and he should be arriving in Salem today. I hope you don’t mind. We’re going to pick him up at the airport in an hour. Sean and I wanted a little time with him to ourselves, you understand.

 

JOHN: Of course I understand. That’s great. I’m so happy for you both. I bet Sean is thrilled.

 

CAROLINE: He is beside himself, running around the pub, trying to get things in order.

 

JOHN: I’ll bet…(Caroline didn’t miss the concern and worry in John’s eyes when she mentioned Roman. He seemed genuinely happy that Roman was alive and well, but at the same time, Caroline was no fool. She knew fear when she saw it. And John’s fear was evident, it was painted all over his face. She had the sudden urge to reassure him that the return of her son would have no effect whatsoever on his recent reunion with Marlena, but she thought better of it. Who was she to say what the future holds. Instead, she just watched as John took hold of the children’s things, and took them upstairs. She let herself out, anxious to get back to the pub and finally see her son who had been away for so long. John picks up Belle and carries her back to bed, Brady following close behind. After putting the children back to bed, he slowly walks back to the bedroom and crawls back into bed where Marlena is fast asleep. He stares at her beautiful face, hesitant to wake her. He knows that Marlena will be relieved to know that Roman is alive and well. But he wonders if her feelings will run deeper than relief. He shudders at the thought of losing her to Roman again. She smiles in her sleep and John relaxes, knowing that for the moment, her dreams are only of him. He touches her face, and whispers in her ear.)

 

JOHN: Baby…

 

MARLENA: Hmmm?

 

JOHN: Sweety, wake up. (Marlena’s eyes pop open in fear.)

 

MARLENA: What’s wrong?

 

JOHN: Nothing….

 

MARLENA: Who was at the door?

 

JOHN: Caroline…She was dropping the kids off.

 

MARLENA: At six o’clock in the morning?

 

JOHN: Well, she was expecting company.

 

MARLENA: That’s odd.

 

JOHN: Actually, she is expecting Roman…

 

MARLENA: Roman?

 

JOHN: Yeah. Apparently, he called last night to let them know he was alive and healthy and has just finished his secret assignment. He is arriving in Salem this morning.

 

MARLENA: Wow! (John notices a brief light in her eyes.) John, that’s wonderful news! I am so glad he is ok. We hadn’t heard from him in so long…I was beginning to fear the worst.

 

JOHN: Well, you can set your fears to rest now. He will be home soon. (Marlena notices an insecurity in John’s eyes that wasn’t there before.)

 

MARLENA: You ok?

 

JOHN: Great.

 

MARLENA: Then why do your eyes seem sad.

 

JOHN: Not sad…Maybe just a little nervous.

 

MARLENA: Why?

 

JOHN: Because I know that there is a lot of unfinished business between you and Roman. I know how much you care about him, and I know that you two were very much in love at one time.

 

MARLENA: But you also know that whatever happened between Roman and I is in the past. My heart belongs to you, John. I don’t want you to doubt that.

 

JOHN: I don’t. But I can’t help but remember a time when you decided that what we had was in the past and that you’re heart belonged to Roman. Then one wonderful night, everything changed when we made mad passionate love on my plane. And you left to go home to Roman. (Marlena’s eyes tear up at the memory.) I know that you don’t want to hear it, but it’s the truth, Doc. I don’t want to lose you again. Not now…not after all we-

 

MARLENA: You listen to me, John. YOU are the only man that I want to be with, YOU are the only man that I want to marry. I have loved you for so long, and nothing, or no one, is ever going to change that. I have every intention of marrying you and spending the rest of my life with you. And that is the truth. (She grins sweetly at her adorable fiancee.) Have I made myself clear, Mr. Black?

 

JOHN:Absolutely. (John breathes a little deeper, but can’t seem to shake the thought that they are a long way away from being “happily ever after”. He smiles anyway, hoping to reassure Marlena of his faith. She senses that his smile was more for her benefit, but decides to let it go for now.)

 

MARLENA: Are the kids asleep?

 

JOHN:Yeah…I doubt they will be asleep for long though.

 

MARLENA: In that case, we better get started…

 

JOHN: Get started?

 

MARLENA: You heard me…(She trails her finger down his chest) You do plan on starting this day off correctly, don’t you?

 

JOHN: Well, Dr. Evans, that depends on what you define as “correctly”?

 

MARLENA: Making love to your fiancée, of course.

 

JOHN: I don’t know, Doc…(He feigns a yawn) I’m awfully tired.(His grin turns into laughter as he watches Marlena turn over and pull the covers over her head.) What’s the matter, baby? Can’t you take a joke? (From under the covers he hears a snore.) Giving up that easily? I’m disappointed in you, Doc. (Another snore erupts from the covers.) Oh, I see, you expect me to believe that you actually fell asleep in 1 second flat and have also suddenly developed a terrible, obnoxious-sounding snore…(Silence) Well, if that’s the case, I better wake you up because I, for one, do not intend to waste another minute teasing you when I could be doing something more like…this- (He ducks under the cover and kisses her softly on her back)…or this (his hands start wandering as his mouth moves closer to her neck)…or this maybe…(He flicks his tongue against her neck just as his hands wander lower. Marlena gasps and John quickly flips her over, his mouth instantly coming in contact with hers. She moans softly, amazed at how quickly he manages to arouse her. She reaches down, her nails tickling his belly just before reaching his-

 

BELLE: MOMMY!!! (John and Marlena both jump at the sound of their daughter’s voice. John quickly rolls over and pulls the sheet up to their necks, just before Belle hops up on the bed. Belle holds her arms up to Marlena, eager for her Mother’s affection.)I misshed you wast night, Mommy.

 

MARLENA: (still tying to recover) I missed you too, sweety.

 

BELLE: I kin shweep wif you for a wittle while, pwease?

 

MARLENA: Of course you can, Belle. She pulls the comforter up over Belle, making sure the sheet is still pulled up firmly over her and John. It is at this point that John and Marlena both realize that their robes are all the way across the room. They both lie back, hoping their daughter will fall asleep soon. But after listening to 15 minutes of Belle’s endless chatter, John grows restless and decides to get up and fix breakfast.)

 

JOHN:Who wants pancakes?

 

BELLE: ME! I want shtwah-berwee pancakes wike you eat, Daddy.

 

JOHN: Strawberry pancakes it is, then…Why don’t you go wake your brother up?

 

BELLE:(She folds her arms across her chest and gives John a scolding look.)No…I no wake him up…He tode me nevuh to wake him up. I woke him up wast night cuz I wanted to pway and he said I kin never wake him up any more or he would be verwee mean to me. I no wake Bwady up no more! (Marlena starts laughing, and the sound of her laughter sends chills down John’s spine.)

 

MARLENA: Sweety, why don’t you bring Daddy his robe so he can go fix breakfast. (Belle hops up off the bed and retrieves his robe. She watches suspiciously as John wraps the robe around him. John gets Marlena’s robe and drops it on the bed beside her. Belle watches curiously as John goes into the walk-in closet and grabs some clothes.)

 

JOHN: Ladies, if you will excuse me, I’m gonna take a quick shower first. (John doesn’t miss the twinkle in Marlena’s eyes as he looks at her. He turns to go into the bathroom and just before he makes it inside, Belle’s curiosity gets the best of her.)

 

BELLE: Daddy?

 

JOHN: Hmmm?

 

BELLE:Why you no wear no kwose?

 

JOHN: (hoping he did not hear her correctly.) What, sweety?

 

BELLE: Why you no shweep in kwose? (Marlena, fighting a smile, decides to rescue John, sensing how uncomfortable and nervous he has suddenly become.)

 

MARLENA: Daddy’s clothes got wet, sweety. We got caught in the rain.

 

BELLE:You no wear no kwose eeder, Mommy. How come?

 

MARLENA: Because my clothes got wet also.

 

BELLE: Why you no put on shum dwy kwose, Mommy? (John, longing for the day when Belle will grow out of the age of endless questions, decides to end this line of questioning once and for all.)

 

JOHN:Okay, Belle, if you want to go to the grocery store with me to buy the strawberries, you’d better be dressed by the time I get out of this shower. (Belle’s eyes grow wide with excitement.)

 

BELLE: Kin we buy me a suh-pwise, Daddy?

 

JOHN: Only if you are dressed and ready to go in 5 minutes…

 

BELLE: I be wedy, Daddy. I kin get dwessed real fast! (Belle dashes out of the room, and Marlena giggles, knowing that Belle is not very good at color-coordinating her outfits yet.)

 

MARLENA:(stepping out from under the sheets and putting her robe on.) I think I better go help our daughter get dressed. (John grabs her as she is on her way out.)

 

JOHN: Not so fast, Doc. (He turns her towards him and kisses her softly on the lips. Belle’s voice interrupts them once again.)

 

BELLE: Mommy, I need yur help, pwease!

 

JOHN: You heard her, Mommy…She needs your help.

 

MARLENA: I’m going…I’m going…(John spanks her softly on the behind as she walks out the bedroom door. He goes into the bathroom and steps into the shower, and is instantly reminded of several hours ago when Marlena was in the shower with him. In an instant, he begins to feel aroused, and turns the knob to the right, wincing as the water turns from warm to cold. As his body temperature cools down, he turns the water off and grabs a towel to dry himself off. As he opens the bedroom door, Belle and Marlena’s laughter ring in his ears, and he suddenly remembers his conversation with Caroline this morning. Images of Roman and Marlena come crashing down on him, ruining his good mood and taunting his faith in his engagement to Marlena. Tears form in his eyes as he flashes back to several years ago, when Marlena told him that her life was with Roman…her future was with Roman. All of his doubts and insecurities resurface, and he is so engrossed in the bad memories that he doesn’t even notice when Marlena enters the room. He doesn’t even hear her when she says his name. And when she walks up behind him and wraps he arms around his waist, he doesn’t even respond. Marlena lays her forehead on his back, silently comforting him because she knows that words of reassurance won’t do the trick this time. Promises of love won’t erase the pain of the past. She silently vows to herself that this time will be different…This time John won’t be left alone to pick up the pieces…This time she will stay with him long after their ever-present desire is curbed. John removes her arms and steps away. Marlena watches in silent as he pulls his boxers on, then his jeans. A lonely tear slides down her cheek as he buttons his shirt. As he puts his shoes and socks on, she sits on the bed. Then he walks over to her and gives her a quick peck on her forehead.)

 

JOHN: Be back soon. (Marlena nods as she watches the love of her life walk out the door. She reminds herself that he is only going to the grocery store with Belle, and will be back shortly to make pancakes. And she knows John well enough to know that when he returns, everything will be fine. He will be smiling and joking like everything is normal. But everything isn’t normal. Because until now, Marlena never realized just how insecure and afraid John was. Until now, Marlena never realized how badly John was hurt when she chose Roman over him. She gets up and goes to the shower, now more determined than ever to prove to John just how much he really means to her…)

Marlena sighs impatiently as the minutes on the clock tick by. After showering and dressing, she goes downstairs and is disappointed to find that John and Belle still aren’t back from the grocery store. Frowning, she goes back upstairs to find Brady dressed and in the process of tying his laces. She watches him in silence for a little while, content just to be in his presence. Her heart swells with pride as she watches him finish tying his shoes and start brushing his hair.

 

MARLENA: You look awfully handsome this morning Brady.

 

BRADY: (grinning from ear-to-ear with a smile that mirrors his fathers) Morning, momma.

 

MARLENA: You look like you’ve got a pretty big day ahead of you. You’re all dressed up and ready to go.

 

BRADY: Daddy’s taking me and Belle somewhere in a little while. He told me to get dressed and be ready.

 

MARLENA: Where’s Daddy taking you?

 

BRADY: I don’t know yet. He said it was a surprise.

 

MARLENA: Was Daddy here while I was in the shower.

 

BRADY: Nope. He called on the phone.

 

MARLENA: Did he leave a message for you to give me.

 

BRADY: Nuh-uh. He said you had some important business to take care of today so you couldn’t go.

 

MARLENA: He did, did he? Did Daddy happen to say what business I had, because I seemed to have forgotten.

 

BRADY: Just some personal stuff he said. Maybe you needed to go to the doctor or the dentist or something.

 

MARLENA: (smiling at Brady’s attempt to help her remember her important business)No, no, I would have remembered if I had to do something as yucky as going to the doctor. (She reaches out for Brady and pulls him into her arms, smothering him with kisses.)

 

BRADY: Me too. I never forget when I have to go to the Doctor. It’s awful. I hate it.

 

MARLENA: Well, lucky for you, after your tonsils are gone, you won’t have to go to the doctor near as often as you do now.

 

BRADY: I hope you’re right. (John’s voice calls up from the stairs and Marlena watches as Brady tears out of her arms, calling out to her on the way downstairs.) Bye Momma. Love you.(Marlena hurries down after only to find John attempting to make a hasty exit out the door. She places a hand on his shoulder just as he grabs for the doorknob.)

 

MARLENA: Not so fast Buster…(John turns to Marlena, a look of guilt plastered across his face.)Where are you off to in such a hurry?

 

JOHN:(As always, John’s breath catches at the sight of her.)I thought I might do you a favor and get the kids out of your hair today.

 

MARLENA: Is that so?

 

JOHN:(looking out the door)That’s so…Brady, Belle, don’t get on that elevator without me.

 

BELLE: Daddy, da ewuvator is waiting on ush. We gotta huwee.

 

BRADY: We have to wait on the next one Belle. Daddy’s not ready yet.

 

BELLE: I wanna take dis ewuvatuh. I wike it bettuh.

 

MARLENA: Look, John, I appreciate your being so thoughtful but I haven’t seen much of you or the kids this week, and to be perfectly honest, I’d rather have them “in” my hair today. It’s Saturday and we don’t have to work. I kinda thought we were all going to spend the day together. (Belle and Brady’s voices grow louder and John looks out the door to check on the status of their impending fight.)

 

BELLE: I push da button, Bwady.

 

BRADY: Belle, you already pushed the button once. You aren’t supposed to push it again.

 

BELLE: Dat is not twu Bwady!! Daddy tode me I sposed to push it free times. (She holds up three fingers to emphasize her point.) Wun, two, free, Bwady. Free times. (Marlena takes her hand and places it on John’s cheek, nudging him to look at her.)

 

MARLENA: Hey you. (John briefly makes contact with Marlena’s eyes and then looks down at the floor, not wanting to lose himself in her loving gaze.)You okay?

 

JOHN: Fine, Doc. Why do you ask?

 

MARLENA: Well, for starters, I waited an hour for my breakfast of strawberry pancakes, and I am guessing that if I wouldn’t have caught you before you darted out that door, I would probably still be waiting.

 

JOHN: Oh that. Well, Belle and I ended up grabbing something while we were out and …

 

MARLENA: And you didn’t think that maybe I would like to know of your sudden change in plans.

 

JOHN: I’m sorry Doc. Really I didn’t even think you’d notice. I wasn’t aware that it was such a big deal. (Marlena notices his defensiveness immediately.)

 

MARLENA: It’s not a big deal, really. I just wasn’t sure why you changed your mind. That’s all. But no since in worrying about it now I guess. I think I’d like to go with you and the children today. And I’m all dressed and ready…you don’t even have to wait on me.

 

JOHN: Doc, that isn’t necessary.

 

MARLENA: I know it isn’t necessary John. I want to go…if that’s okay.

 

JOHN: I know you’ve got a lot on your mind lately, and I’m sure there are other places you’d rather be right now than on your way to the park with me and the kids.

 

MARLENA: Actually, I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be -(The sound of the phone rings, jolting Marlena and John from their present conversation. As Marlena goes to answer it, John steps outside to mediate the war that has just begun over the elevator buttons. John calms the children down and steps back inside to see Marlena jotting down something on a notepad. He listens as she tells the caller she’ll be right there.)Honey…I’m sorry but I-

 

JOHN: Something come up?

 

MARLENA: Yeah…A new patient actually…

 

JOHN: No problem. I understand.

 

MARLENA: Well, this is an emergency but it shouldn’t take all day, by any means. I’ll call you as soon as I’m finished and meet you and the children later. In fact…why don’t we just schedule a time to meet for lunch-

 

JOHN: Doc, it’s not a problem, really-

 

MARLENA: I know it’s not a problem but I-

 

JOHN:Just give me a call whenever you get finished and we’ll go from there-

 

MARLENA: But John, I-

 

JOHN:(As John is walking out the door)Don’t worry about it, Marlena. Like I said, I-

 

MARLENA: But John-

 

JOHN: Doc,-

 

MARLENA: (finally losing all patience as the door slowly closes shut)JOHN!!@!!(Marlena’s screaming voice echoes through the hall, instantly grabbing Belle, Brady, and John’s immediate attention. John throws the door open to find a very ruffled and infuriated Marlena standing on the other side.)

 

JOHN:(calmly and quietly)Yes?

 

MARLENA:(taking a deep breath before speaking in a soft, sweet voice)Don’t I get a kiss goodbye? (John’s senses come alive as her seductive and innocent questions slides down every nerve ending in his body. He takes a deep breath and reminds himself not to let his guards down. He takes a step closer and is reminded, as if he could forget, of the ever-present desire that threatens to take him over every time he gets within a one-mile radius if Marlena. He takes a steadying breath as Marlena wraps her arms around his neck. He looks into her eyes to find heavy-lidded aroused eyes looking back at him.)I’ll miss you.

 

JOHN: I’ll miss you too.

 

MARLENA: Will you really?

 

JOHN: Of course I will.

 

MARLENA: I’m being silly, aren’t I?

 

JOHN: Umm-hmmm. (The downcast direction of John’s eyes doesn’t go unnoticed by Marlena.)

 

MARLENA: Because I can’t seem to shake the feeling that something’s wrong…and that maybe…maybe you didn’t want me to go with you and the children today.

 

JOHN: Of course not, Marlena. I just know how important your job is to you and I don’t want you to feel pressured to spend time with me and the kids when your patients need you.

 

MARLENA: Honey, my family is more important to me than any job. You know that. Ands I would never feel pressured to spend time with you and Belle and Brady. I WANT to spend time with you. It isn’t “pressure” at all. (Belle pokes her head in the door to survey the scene.)

 

BELLE: You okay, Momma?

 

MARLENA: I sure am, sweety girl. (She opens her arms to Belle.)How about yourself? You doing okay today?

 

BELLE: (stepping into her mother’s warm embrace.)Umm-hmm. Dat was funny when you skweemed Daddy’s name so woud. It sked me but den I knew you were pwaying and it made me waf.(Her impish grin causes Marlena to squeeze her even harder.)

 

MARLENA: Oh, Momma loves you so much, baby girl.

 

BELLE: You gonna go to da park wid us?

 

MARLENA: I can’t but I do promise you that I will meet you and Daddy and Brady for lunch. (Brady is now standing in the doorway listening.)

 

BRADY: You remembered your important business you gotta take care of?

 

MARLENA: As a matter of fact, I do have some important business to take care of but I will see you all very soon. I promise. (Brady looks up at Marlena and holds out his pinky. She wraps her pinky around his and they shake on it.)

 

BRADY: Now you gotta meet us later cause you did a pinky swear.

 

BELLE: I want a pinky sweh.

 

MARLENA: You want a pinky swear too? (She tickles Belle before engaging her with a pinky swear.)

 

JOHN: Okay, kids, we gotta go. Momma’s got a sick patient waiting on her at the hospital and we have a BIG HUGE PARK waiting on us.(Belle jumps out of Marlena’s arms and runs out the door towards the elevator.)

 

BELLE: I push da button. (Brady follows her out there.)

 

BRADY: Belle, don’t push it a thousand hundred times. Only push it one time.

 

BELLE: I push it seben times. Daddy said I kin push it seben more times.(Marlena’s eyes grow wide in amusement as she looks at John.)

 

MARLENA: My! Seven times! You better hurry, Daddy. Her number seems to be growing by the minute.

 

JOHN: (Smiling back at her.) Yeah. (He starts to leave. Marlena places a hand on his shoulder to stop him.)

 

MARLENA: I think you forgot my kiss goodbye. (John opens his mouth to speak and Marlena silences him with an open-mouthed, very promising kiss. John’s stomach drops as Marlena’s tongue slowly and softly traces the edges of his lips before sliding into his mouth. Marlena whimpers softly as she feels the tip of John’s tongue dart out to meet hers. Marlena reaches up and runs her fingers through his hair, and John’s breathing quickens in response. Belle sticks her head through the door and stomps her foot.)

 

BELLE: Daddy, how minny mor minuds fore we weave??? I tide of pushin dose ewuvatuh buttons. (John pulls away, amazed at how easily Marlena had stripped down his guards. He sweeps Belle into the air and plants her firmly on his shoulders.)

 

JOHN: No more minutes, young lady. Let’s hit the road.

 

BELLE: Wet’s hit it, Daddy!!

 

JOHN: Doc, you on the way out?

 

MARLENA: I most certainly am. Can I get an escort to my car?

 

BELLE: We esh-kote you Momma. (Marlena locks the door and joins Brady at the elevator. John, with Belle on his shoulders, follows behind. When they arrive at their cars, Marlena watches as John helps the children in his jeep and drives away. She flashes back to the scene in the penthouse just moments ago, and how distracted John seemed. She drives to the hospital, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of how to reassure John of her love. When she arrives at her office, Dr. Copeland is waiting for her.)

 

PAUL: Marlena.

 

MARLENA: (short but polite)Good morning, Paul.

 

PAUL: What’s the occasion?

 

MARLENA: Excuse me?

 

PAUL: It’s Saturday. If I remember correctly, you usually reserve weekends for your family.

 

MARLENA: You are correct. However, I got a call from the answering service this morning. A new patient of Dr. Calloway’s – he thinks I’ll be able to help.

 

PAUL:I see…Since you’re here and your weekends are usually reserved for family, then I feel obligated to take advantage of these circumstances and invite you to the Caf for some coffee.

 

MARLENA: I appreciate the offer, really, I do, but I kind of planned on getting in and out as quickly as possible.

 

PAUL: Kids waiting in car outside?

 

MARLENA:(stifling a laugh)Good heavens, no, nothing as drastic as that. But they are waiting, none the less.

 

PAUL: In that case, don’t let me keep you.

 

MARLENA: Thanks Paul.

 

PAUL:I expect a raincheck on that coffee…

 

(Marlena smiles at him and nods then goes into her office, closing the door behind her. She quickly brings up her computer and begins doing some research on her new patient. His files had been emailed to her earlier that morning, so after printing out his records and reviewing all of the available information, she hurries off to meet with him. Two hours later, after meeting with him and documenting her findings, she shuts down her computer and picks up her phone to call John, anxious to join him and the children. She calls his cellphone and is disappointed to find that it is forwarded to his answering service. She leaves a message, then grabs her keys and heads out the door, hoping to catch them at the park. When she arrives at the park, she looks around and doesn’t find them anywhere. She begins to get a little upset with John for not keeping his cellphone on when she distinctly told him she would call him when she finished her business at the hospital. Her watch lets her know that it is 11:30, and she figures they probably left to go to lunch. She drives to several of John’s favorite places but doesn’t find him anywhere. After trying a few of the children’s favorite places, she goes back to the park to see if they went back there after eating. She calls John’s cell phone for the umpteenth time and leaves her last in a series of messages)

 

MARLENA: John, it’s me again. It is 3:15 and I am still looking for you and the children. I have been looking for you all for the past 4 hours. I would REALLY appreciate it if you could call me please and let me know where the hell you are. Bye. (She hangs the phone up and sits down on a park bench, very frustrated and angry. A warm hand lands on her shoulder and she looks up to find Roman Brady staring down at her.)

 

ROMAN: Hell Doc.

 

MARLENA: Roman…How are you.

 

ROMAN: I’m doing great actually. It’s wonderful to be back and I can’t wait to see Carrie and Sammie and Eric. I’m on my way to the Pub now. C’mon, walk with me. We’ We’ll play catch up.

 

MARLENA: (wincing at the casual tome he used) Well, I hardly think that a five-minute conversation on the way to the pub could ever catch you up on what’s happened in my life and the kid’s lives for the last 5 years.

 

ROMAN: (taken aback by her statement.) I’m sorry. I realize now how terrible that probably sounded. I guess I’m just so excited to be back that I was trying to focus on the present now and not the past. (He smiles sweetly at her and Marlena softens.)

 

MARLENA: You know what…Now that you mention it, I think that is a great idea.

 

ROMAN: You do?

 

MARLENA: I do. The past is in the past. You’re right. I guess I’m just not having a very good day. And I saw you and instead of hugging your neck and welcoming you back Salem-style, I bit your head off.

 

ROMAN: I wouldn’t go that far. And I deserve worse punishment than that for leaving you and the children for so long. I got in a little over my head with this last assignment and before I knew it, five years had flown by.

 

MARLENA: I understand.

 

ROMAN: So, in that case, where’s that Salem welcome I’ve been holding out for. (Roman opens his arm and grins, and Marlena walks directly into his embrace, squeezing him tight.)

 

MARLENA: Oh, Roman, it’s so good to have you back.

 

ROMAN: It’s good to be back. (Marlena steps back and flashes him her award-winning smile.) So, you got lunch plans?

 

MARLENA: Well, I did. I seem to have missed them though.

 

ROMAN: Care to join me in what is going to be a very mushy, sentimental reunion with my children.

 

MARLENA: I’d love to.

 

ROMAN: In that case, let’s go. (Roman places his arm around Marlena’s neck, and they walk towards the Pub. When John pulls up at the Pub with the children several minutes later, he watches in silence as Roman Brady enters the pub with his arm casually draped around Marlena. His insides boil as he watches Roman escort Marlena into the Pub. John goes absolutely still, his mind going back to the time when Marlena chose Roman over him. His eyes glaze over with fear, jealousy, and anger. Belle finally breaks the silence.)

 

BELLE: Daddy, are we gonna shtay in yuh twuck for-eber? (John turns to the backseat to find Belle’s mischievous grin and twinkling eyes staring back at him.)

 

JOHN: Nahhh. I thought we’d just stay here until next week.

 

BELLE: We kint shtay in da twuck til next week, Daddy.

 

JOHN: No? You don’t think so, huh?

 

BRADY: Can I get out of the truck now?

 

BELLE: You shposed to say “May I git out uv da twuck now?” Dat’s how Mommy shez we have ta shay it.

 

JOHN: Alright,kids, tell you what. Dad’s got a few quick errands to run so why don’t you run inside and find Mommy and tell her I’ll be home later. Okay?

 

BRADY: I’ll go tell her Daddy. (Belle goes ballistic in her car seat, squirming and pulling with all of her might, trying desperately to get out of the truck.)

 

BELLE: Bwady, wait. I wanna tell Momma. BWADY!!!!(John releases her from her carseat and she flies out of the car and towards the door, screaming all the way. John waits until she is safely inside and drives away, terrified to go in for fear of what me might see. Inside the Pub, Marlena’s face lights up as Brady walks up to her and gives her a hug. Several seconds after that, one screaming little Belle comes tearing through he Pub, intent on seeing her Mother first. Marlena’s eyes open in surprise as Belle launches herself into her Mother’s arm, pushing Brady out of the way.)

 

MARLENA: Hi there.

 

BELLE: Daddy shed we gotta shtay wif you cuz hez gotta do shum eh-wunds, Momma.

 

MARLENA: Sweety, Momma’s going to be right back. I want to try and catch Daddy before he leaves. (Marlena runs to the door and out into the parking lot only to catch a glimpse of John driving away. She sighs in frustration. John watches her run out of the Pub through his rear view mirror but doesn’t stop to see what she wants. Marlena goes into the Pub, her temper reaching a boiling point as she thinks back to the numerous instances today where John has left her high and dry. Roman watches her walk in almost immediately after she ran out, and forms the correct conclusion.)

 

ROMAN: I guess you missed him.

 

MARLENA: Yes. He must have been in a hurry. (Roman nods his head in agreement and Marlena takes her seat again and for a little while, amidst all of the Bradys, she begins to relax and enjoy herself. But as the minutes turn into hours, John’s behavior begins to nag at her again. When Caroline mentions serving dinner soon, Marlena realizes that she has spent the entire afternoon here and hasn’t heard a word from John. She takes her cell phone out and dials his number, only to be greeted once again by his answering service. Frustrated and confused, she hangs up on the poor lady on the other end. She excuses herself from the festivities and steps outside. Roman notices her quietly excuse herself and follows her outside.)

 

ROMAN: Problem?

 

MARLENA: No, of course not. I was just a little worried about John.

 

ROMAN: I guess it’s safe to assume that the two of you are still together?

 

MARLENA: Yes…yes, we are. I don’t know if “still” is the correct word though. We have only been together for a few weeks now.

 

ROMAN: Yeah. I heard about his marriage to Kristen.

 

MARLENA: Well, he didn’t actually marry Kristen. It was all a big-

 

ROMAN: Mistake…Yeah, Mom and Pops filled me in on what all Kristen did to John…and to you. Sounds like she had more in common with Stefano than any of us would have ever imagined.

 

MARLENA: You’re definitely right about that…

 

ROMAN: But everything is okay now, right?

 

MARLENA: Hmmm?

 

ROMAN: Doc, you seem a little distracted…You sure everything is okay?

 

MARLENA: Yes, Roman, everything is fine…

 

ROMAN: Because I would hate to see my return to Salem screw up your-

 

MARLENA: Roman, the only complaint I have about your return to Salem is that it was long overdue. I’m thrilled that your back and the children can hardly contain themselves.

 

ROMAN: Yeah…tell me about it. It was a wonderful homecoming. I think I’ve been hugged and kissed more today than I have been in the past five years.

 

MARLENA: Well, nobody ever said that the Brady family lacked for affection. (They both laugh and for a moment, they enjoy the silence.)

 

ROMAN: By that delicious smell coming from he Pub, I’d say that dinner was ready.

 

MARLENA: Yeah…I’d say you were right. (Roman notices she is distracted again.)

 

ROMAN: Why don’t you and Belle and Brady stay for dinner.

 

MARLENA: Actually, I think I’m going to have to take a rain check on that. The kids have been out with John all day and are cranky and exhausted. I think I’m going to pick up a pizza on the way home and eat in tonight. But thanks for the offer. I appreciate it.

 

ROMAN: Don’t worry about it. There are going to be a lot more offers to come. (Marlena looks up at Roman with a worried expression.)Don’t get all stressed out Doc. I don’t intend to start chasing after you again. You are with John now and I respect that. But I do still love you and care about you very much. And I intend to start making up for some lost time with my family. And whether you are engaged to someone else or not, I still consider you my family. I always will.

 

MARLENA: (looking up at Roman with tear-filled eyes.) Me too Roman. (She hugs him tightly.) It’s good to have you back. (Roman squeezes Marlena a little tighter than necessary, wishing for a moment that he was taking her and the children home for pizza tonight…and that he would be the one taking her to bed that night. Marlena pulls away from Roman and wipes the tears from her face.)

 

MARLENA: I better go get my babies and take them home. (She walks inside and Roman unconsciously winces at her referral to Brady as one of her babies. He shrugs it off and silently chastises himself for still having those feelings of bitterness and regret. Then he takes a deep breath and goes back inside. He watches in silence as Marlena picks up Belle and takes Brady’s hand. As they are leaving, he walks her out.)

 

ROMAN: Is your car in the park?

 

MARLENA: It is…

 

ROMAN: I’ll take you.

 

MARLENA: That’s awfully sweet of you Roman but it’s such a nice night out, I think we’ll walk.

 

ROMAN: Then I’ll walk you to your car.

 

MARLENA: If you insist. (Roman walks Marlena and the children to her car, and when they approach the car, he watches as she helps Belle into her car seat, then helps Brady into his seat belt. She walks around to the other side of the car where Roman is standing, waiting for her. She opens the door and gets in the car, then smiles sweetly at Roman, mouthing the words ‘Thank You’ as she drives away. Roman stands still for several minutes, replaying the days events in his head. And more than anything in the world, he feels a sudden, tremendous pain of regret for leaving her all those years ago. Nearby, on a park bench, unnoticed by anyone, John sits in silence too, his mind replaying the days events as well. Only his memories of today aren’t so fond. For he was without Marlena, all day long. He reminds himself that it was his doing, and that Marlena wanted to spend the day with him and the children. He rams his fist into a nearby tree, cursing himself for his fears and insecurities. Deep down he knows that Marlena’s love for him is true. Yet he still can’t seem to forget the past. And unfortunately, when Stefano’s hands are involved, the past always comes back to destroy the present, leaving the future bleak and uncertain. After John watches Roman leave, he turns and heads into the other direction. He knows that Marlena is home now, anxiously awaiting his return. He feels her…knows that she is concerned right now. But instead of going home to her, instead of returning to the precious arms of the woman he loves more than life itself…he goes to the pier. And it is there that he sits for hours on end, letting his doubts and insecurities play on him. Meanwhile, at the penthouse, Marlena sits and waits…wondering where John is…and why he has avoided her all day. At 2:00am, Marlena decides to take matters into her own hand. Tired, angry, and worried, she throws her clothes on and is on her way out the door when John finally decides to come home…)

Marlena storms out of the penthouse, furious with this latest stunt. All day long he had been distant, intent on neglecting her and leaving her out of his plans. The more Marlena thinks about it, the angrier she gets. She had not seen him in the 20 hours and not once had he called her to tell her where he was. As she slams the door behind her, she doesn’t even see John standing two inches in front of her until it’s too late. John grabs her by the shoulders, securing her so that she doesn’t fall. The second their eyes meet, John seriously considers running for cover. The glare in her eyes makes it difficult for him to swallow. He knows that look. He’s seen it before. Marlena is ready for battle. She takes a deep breath to settle herself and John prepares himself for the onslaught. He winces as the first words come out of her mouth in a heated whisper.

 

MARLENA: Where the hell have you been?

 

JOHN: Out.

 

MARLENA: “Out??” Sorry John, but that’s not going to fly. What’s going on?

 

JOHN: Nothings going on Marlena. I just had a lot of errand to do.

 

MARLENA: “Errands?? At three o’clock in the morning”? Strike two John. Try again.

 

JOHN: I had a lot of business to take care of too.

 

MARLENA: Oh, so you’re working again?

 

JOHN: What the hell is that supposed to mean?

 

MARLENA: It isn’t supposed to mean anything. It was a question? You see, being your fiancee and all, I and living in the same house with you, I pretty much know your schedule. So I know that you haven’t worked more than ten hours in the past two weeks.

 

JOHN: Exactly! Didn’t you know that eventually it was all going to catch up with me? I mean, I do have some responsibilities besides spending every waking moment with you and the children.

 

MARLENA: John, I’m not criticizing the fact that you were working late. I just don’t understand why you never picked up the phone to call me. I must have left you ten messages today.

 

JOHN: Well, I was just really busy and I had a lot on my mind. I’m sorry if I upset you.

 

MARLENA: Well, unfortunately, it wasn’t just me that you upset. Brady and Belle were expecting to spend the day with me too, you know. (

 

John watches a tear slide down Marlena’s cheek and her lower lip starts to tremble.) You made me break my pinky swear. That’s pretty serious stuff…

 

(John’s heart breaks at the sight of her tears and, with a will of its own, John’s right hand reaches out to Marlena’s cheek, his thumb brushing a crocodile tear away. )

 

MARLENA: (Staring into the depths of John’s very soul) What’s the matter baby. (John remains silent, his hand dropping back down to his side) It’s me sweetie. You can talk to me about anything.

 

JOHN: I don’t know Doc. I guess I just hadn’t had any time alone in the past few weeks and I just needed to do a little digesting, ya know. I just felt like I needed to think through some things, that’s all.

 

MARLENA: Did you come up with the answers you needed?

 

JOHN: I don’t know that I really needed any answers…just needed some time alone.

 

MARLENA: So you lied to me about where you were tonight…

 

JOHN: Huh?

 

MARLENA: Well, I know that if you needed time alone to think, the last place you would ever go is to your office. You would go to the pier.

 

JOHN: I was at the pier. But I did go to my office earlier.

 

MARLENA: Why didn’t you just tell me you were at the pier?

 

JOHN: I didn’t want you to worry. Usually when I go the pier it’s because I’m upset and I knew you would worry if you thought I was upset about something.

 

MARLENA: Are you? Upset about something?

 

JOHN: No. Like I said before, I just needed some time alone.

 

MARLENA: Would you tell me if you were? Upset, I mean.

 

JOHN: Yeah.

 

MARLENA: Okay. In that case, what do you say we put this day behind us then.

 

JOHN: I say that’s a pretty good idea.

 

MARLENA: But you have to promise you will-

 

JOHN: I know, I know. I promise I will call next time if I am going to be late.

 

MARLENA: You got it.

 

JOHN: So you wanna go inside now.

 

MARLENA: Yeah.

 

(Marlena’s head naturally falls onto John’s shoulder as John’s arm naturally wraps around her back. They enter the penthouse and slowly ascend the stairs as one. John stops to peek in on the children. When he enters the bedroom, Marlena is already under the covers, her body curled into a tight ball. John winces at the sight, knowing that she only sleeps that way when something or someone is bothering her. He wants to go to her, pull her into his arms, and promise never to neglect her or lie to her again. But then his mind creeps back to earlier at the Pub, remembering how Roman’s arm was draped casually around her the same way his often is. He grits his teeth and stands there trying to forget the image, But others start floating into his conscience as well, images of years past, images whose central focus stayed the same…Roman and Marlena. Marlena doesn’t even have to open her eyes to sense that John is in the room. She knows he is standing over her, watching her in silence. She also knows that he is fighting a few demons and, for whatever reason, he doesn’t feel like he can talk to her about it just yet. Luckily for John, Marlena knows that patience is what he needs. Patience and constant reassurance. She is going to let him carry what seems to be the weight of the world on his shoulders while she waits patiently for him to come to her for help. He always does, and she knows without a shadow of a doubt that this time will be no different.)

 

MARLENA: Honey?

 

JOHN: Hmmh?

 

MARLENA: Something wrong?

 

JOHN: Hmmh?

 

MARLENA: Well baby, you’ve been standing there watching me sleep for the better part of five minutes now.

 

JOHN: No, nothing wrong, just watching you sleep.

 

MARLENA: Kids okay?

 

JOHN: Sleeping like angels.

 

MARLENA: Sounds like a good idea….actually going to sleep.

 

JOHN: Yeah…it’s been a long day.

 

MARLENA: So come get under these covers and we’ll snuggle til we are sleeping like angels.

 

JOHN: (Smiling) I think I can manage that…(He slowly peels his shirt and jeans off and crawls into bed. Instinctively, their bodies find each other and within seconds they are snuggled together under the covers.)

 

MARLENA: Ummmm.,,You feel so good. I haven’t felt your arms around me in a whole day.

 

JOHN: Going through a little withdrawal?

 

MARLENA: Ummm-hmmmm…Not now though. Now I feel perfect.

 

JOHN: (As his hand reaches around to her back and pulls her closer) Can’t argue with ya there, Doc. You definitely do feel perfect.

 

MARLENA: (Her voice drifting off to sleep) Only with you, my love…(John melts at the endearing term she uses so freely with him. His hands continue to rub her back, knowing that it always puts her right to sleep.) Ummm, honey, that feels heavenly.

 

JOHN: Ssshhhhh…Just go to sleep baby.

 

MARLENA: Already?

 

JOHN: (grinning) What do you mean, “already?” It’s almost 4 am baby.

 

MARLENA: I know that. But you know, tomorrow is Sunday. And I’m thinking that maybe we could skip church and let Caroline take the children. Then we could sleep late and have the whole morning to ourselves.

 

JOHN: I think I could definitely deal with that.

 

MARLENA: Then its settled. We’re playing hooky.

 

JOHN: So now will you try to get some sleep.

 

MARLENA: Well since we have all morning long to sleep, I don’t see why we couldn’t stay up a little while longer…

 

JOHN: I just know how cranky you are going to be tomorrow. Belle’s temper tantrums don’t even compare to the ones you will be having if you don’t get your beauty sleep, baby.

 

MARLENA: I can assure you baby that regardless of how much beauty sleep I get…the temper tantrums will be coming from lack of private time with you…(As Marlena says this, her hand comes in contact with John’s chest, and the sensation of her nails softly sliding around on his chest sends tingles down his spine. His response to her is immediate. Marlena smiles as John sighs in pleasure. Her fingertips trace imaginary lines on his chest, as they slowly move lover to his abdomen. As Marlena’s nails lightly scrape against him, he groans in pleasure.)

 

MARLENA: Feel good?

 

JOHN: (He grins at her, his eyes are glazed over with desire.) Yummy. (Marlena giggles, not expecting to hear him use one of her words….John smiles at her reaction.) Did I sound like Belle and Brady when I said that?

 

MARLENA: I was thinking that you sounded like me. (John places his hands on Marlena’s shoulders and starts applying firm pressure as he massages her shoulders and her neck. ) Umm. I feel yummy too now.

 

JOHN: You most certainly do. (John wraps his arms around Marlena, his hands drifting down to her backside. He pulls her tightly against him, the evidence of his desire causing Marlena’s stomach to drop and a slow, sultry smile to spread across her face.)

 

JOHN: Something amusing ma’am?

 

MARLENA: Nuh-huh. Just happy.

 

JOHN: (After pulling her tightly against him, John’s right hand slides down the length of Marlena’s leg, stopping on her thigh to tease her some.)Happy about what?

 

MARLENA: (Already being affected by John’s wandering hands, Marlena’s voice comes out in a hoarse, breathless whisper.) Happy that I don’t have to wait until tomorrow to make love to you.(Marlena’s honest admission unleashes the tight reins John was holding on his desire. He wanted to make slow sweet lover to her until the sun came up, but when she talks to him like that, he loses all his control. He rolls over onto Marlena and immediately goes for her neck, Marlena gasps at the urgency of his response to her. )

 

MARLENA: John!

 

JOHN: (John smiles.) Did I scare you baby? (For a brief moment time stands still as Marlena tenderly whispers in his ear.)

 

MARLENA: You never scare me John Black. (Then the moment is saved in time as John’s mouth tenderly brushes against Marlena’s lips. Her mouth opens, hungry for the contact but John pulled away, kissing the side of her face and her forehead before coming in for another kiss. His lips softly brush against hers, and she holds the back of his head, pulling him closer. Her mouth opens on his and she briefly feels the tip of his tongue in her mouth, then he pulls away again, teasing her mercilessly.)

 

MARLENA: Baby, you don’t play fair.

 

JOHN: Ummm, I don’t?

 

MARLENA: Gimme your mouth. (John’s mouth opens over hers and Marlena gets her wish as his tongue winds around hers, eliciting a moan of gratitude from Marlena. Her hands come up to frame his face, holding him there, keeping his mouth on hers. John’s hands reach down to the bottom of her sexy white gown and with one hard tug the gown rips apart, baring Marlena’s flushed skin. John’s eyes take in every inch of her creamy flesh)

 

MARLENA: (Her voice is barely a whisper) I don’t want you to stop kissing me John. (Her hands start roaming lower, searching for the evidence of his desire. John groans as her hands find their intended destination.)

 

JOHN: Baby…

 

(His mouth opens over hers and she receives his kiss with uncontrolled desire, her response unleashing the same uncontrolled desire within him. And without warning, without any further pleas, the fevered couple finally find their solace. Their impassioned pleas build as John loves her thoroughly…relentlessly…bringing her to the brink several times before finally pushing her over. John shudders, crying out loud as he then finds his own glorious release. Marlena squeezes him tight, and she tenderly kisses his sweat-drenched face. Their bodies entwined, they close their eyes and venture off to dreamland together. But just before they give in to the much needed sleep threatening to claim them, John lays his head on Marlena’s chest. And as the sun creeps up over a new day in Salem, John and Marlena kiss goodnight.)

 

JOHN: I love you. Marlena.

 

MARLENA: I love you John. Goodnight.

 

JOHN: Night.

 

And their labored breathing finally starts slowing down to regular pace. Sleep claims them both and within seconds, they meet in their dreams.