INT. TOWNHOUSE – EARLY JANUARY
[Marlena opens the front door. She sees him.]
Marlena: John …
[Pause.]
John: May I … please come in?
Marlena: No. Now’s not a good time. You should go see Brady. He should know you’re back in town.
John: I’ve tried, he won’t see me.
Marlena: Well … that’s for you and him to work out. Now, I have to go get ready, I have morning appointments, I’m late.
[She tries to close the door. He stops it.]
John: Please, Doc.
[Pause.]
Marlena: You can’t just walk out for six months and then come back and expect me to throw my arms around you –
John: – that’s not what I expect –
Marlena: – you abandoned your son! First, you nearly destroyed him, with your crazy plan to sleep with her, and then you abandon him! Do you know I had to team up with Nicole? And Victor? Of all people? No one else was here to help him!
John: – I didn’t know you did that –
Marlena: – no, you didn’t know, because you weren’t here! John Black, you NEVER abandon your family. I still can’t fathom that you did that. It’s not in you. Who have you become?
[Pause.]
John: I don’t know. Just when I think I know who I am, there’s a new part of me that takes it all away. Something I don’t understand, something I can’t control, it always always hurts the people I love the most and I HATE it! [He can’t stop crying.] I don’t know why I did this, you gotta believe me, I don’t know, I don’t know why I feel … about her, why I did what I did to you, I … I don’t know!
Marlena: You need to find out. You need to see someone and get clear on it. I can’t … help this time. I’m too close to it, I’m too hurt, and I’m still working out my own feelings.
John: See someone with me.
[Pause.]
John: I broke this. I broke us. I can’t leave it broken.
Marlena: You did leave it broken! You left!
John: I left because I thought you wanted me to go! If I’d known what was happening, with Brady, with Eric, my god –
Marlena: – you didn’t even call to find out! –
John: – I would have been back in a heartbeat! You know that.
Marlena: I don’t know that. Not anymore. I don’t know you.
John: I’ve put that in your heart. That loss. I wouldn’t want you carrying that for the world, and I will do whatever I have to to take it out, and heal this. Whatever I have to. I don’t want you, or the counselor, to let me off the hook for a second. I … at the end of all of it … if you still want me to leave this marriage … I will do it. Because I want you to be happy. I want you to have everything you deserve. And you do not deserve the man I’ve been to you.
[He takes her hand. It’s clenched. She steps back from him, but doesn’t let go. She looks at him. He asks permission with his eyes. She grants it with hers. He wipes the tears from her face, and wraps his arms around her. They hold each other.]
Marlena: Whenever you hold me, I feel safer than safe.
John: But you’re trembling.
Marlena: You are, too.
[Pause.]
John: I’ve never been this scared of losing you.
Marlena: Me neither.
[Pause.]
John: We’re gonna be okay, Doc. I’m gonna make this okay.
Page 2 of 54
INT. TOWNHOUSE BEDROOM – EARLY MORNING
[Marlena is curled up on the bed, on top of the covers, facing away from John’s side. Her cell phone rings. She stares at it a long while, then answers.]
John: (voiceover) … Doc? …. Doc, you there? … You okay? … Doc, please answer me.
Marlena: I’m here.
EXT. OUTDOOR WALL, CLOSEUP ON JOHN
[He shivers in the January air.]
John: I was scared for a second.
CAMERA CUTS BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THEM
Marlena: John, it’s six forty five in the morning. Why are you calling me? (sits bolt upright) Is something wrong? Is it Brady?
John: No, no, everything’s fine. I just … I remembered you have early appointments on Thursdays. This is when you get up. Isn’t it? Still?
Marlena: (scoffs) Yes! I do. But why on earth –
John: – I wanted to wake up with you.
[She closes her eyes and catches a sob with her hand. She presses her hand to her mouth, and drops the phone into her lap.]
John: Doc? … Doc? ….
(She picks back up the phone.)
John: I said the wrong thing, I upset you, I’m sorry –
Marlena: – John, I can’t … talk to you until we’re in a session. Okay? I’m waiting for Dr. Foster to return my call, once we have our first appointment set up, I will phone you, but until then, just … please don’t contact me. That’s what I need. All right?
[Tears fall down John’s face.]
John: Okay.
[Pause.]
Marlena: You’re not hanging up.
John: I want to make sure you’re all right.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I’m in our bed. It doesn’t feel like our bed. I hadn’t slept here since you moved out. I tried last night. But I didn’t, I didn’t sleep at all.
[Pause.]
John: I wish I could hold you.
Marlena: John!
John: I’m sorry, I know that’s the worst thing for you to hear, I just … I want to hold you ’til you feel better. I can’t. ‘Cause I caused it. It kills me you’re hurting this much.
Off Stage Voice: Hey, hey, buddy, come on, come on! Out of the way!
Marlena: What’s that shouting? Where are you?
John: It’s okay, it’s nothing, it’s just fishermen. I’m in their way.
Marlena: Fisher – ?
[She hears boat whistles. And gasps.]
Marlena: You’re there?
[Camera pans back to show John at THE PIER.]
John: I was walking last night and just wound up here. I’m still here, I couldn’t leave.
Marlena: You’ve been out all night in the cold? John Black!
John: I’m okay. I needed to think anyway. I’m standing … I’m standing on the spot where you came back to me. I turned my head and there you were. My whole world came back … I don’t know how I could have thrown all this away …
[Pause.]
Marlena: John, we have to stop, I can’t –
John: – I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I know. I’ll stop talking. ‘Til our session. I promise. I’m hanging up the phone now –
Marlena: – John?
John: Yeah.
Marlena: Please sleep tonight. Indoors, where it’s warm. Promise me you’ll do that.
John: Only if I know you’re sleeping.
Marlena: Neither of us will sleep then.
John: Guess not.
Marlena: Just don’t be out in the cold.
John: I love you.
[Pause.]
John: You don’t have to say it back. I just wanted you to hear it from me.
Marlena: (can barely speak) I’ll call you soon.
John: K.
Marlena: … Bye.
Page 3 of 54
INT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
[Marlena and John sit on opposite ends of a couch. Dr. Foster sits back in her armchair and smiles warmly.]
Dr. Foster: Who would like to start?
[Long. Awkward. Beat.]
John: I’m here because – Marlena: Well, the reason-
John: Go, go ahead, Doc.
Marlena: No, that’s all right, you go first.
John: I don’t have to.
Marlena: Go.
Dr. Foster: … John?
[Pause.]
John: I am here … because I want to do whatever I can to heal the pain I’ve caused my wife. I betrayed her. I was dishonest … I was cruel … I was unfaithful to her with another woman.
[Pause.]
Marlena: (to John) Well, not … you need to tell her the circumstances. (to Dr. Foster) He – this isn’t a typical infidelity situation, he didn’t do it intentionally, he’s not even sure why he did it, he was under duress –
John: – Doc, what are you doing?
Marlena: What –
John: – why are you defending me?
Marlena: You’re making sweeping generalizations about yourself that aren’t fair. Or accurate. (to Dr. Foster) The woman he slept with, Kristie DiMera, she’s a sociopath, she’s targeted our family for years –
John: – Doc –
Marlena: – she went after his son, Brady, she seduced him to the point of complete codependency –
John: – would you stop –
Marlena: – we didn’t know how she’d endanger him, we were beside ourselves –
John: – stop it! –
Marlena: – John had to do something drastic –
John: – Doc! –
Marlena: – WHAT?!
[Marlena looks away from him. Puts a hand to her mouth.]
Dr. Foster: Marlena. What are you feeling right now?
[Marlena stares at the floor.]
Marlena: I am frustrated at how this is beginning. We need to be accurate and specific if we’re going to work through this. That is what I am trying to do. I am trying to start with specificity.
Dr. Foster: All right. What are you specifically feeling?
[Pause.]
John: Please tell me, Doc.
Marlena: (to John) I just told her! (to Dr. Foster) Look, John is distressed, he doesn’t know why he did what he did, I don’t want him feeling that way, I don’t want him … feeling shame. Or confusion. I want him to get to the bottom of it so he can forgive himself.
Dr. Foster: (gently) But why are YOU here?
[Marlena’s hands pull into fists in her lap. She can’t speak.]
Dr. Foster: John. I’d like you to go sit in the lobby for a few minutes. I’d like to speak with Marlena privately.
John: No. She’s scared. I don’t want to leave her alone.
Dr. Foster: John. It’s all right. Just for a few minutes.
(Marlena, eyes still on the floor, nods and waves him away. John leaves the room.)
(Long. Awkward. Pause.)
Dr. Foster: What are you feeling now?
Marlena: Candice, if you want a patient, in couples therapy, to tell you what they’re feeling, using humiliation, singling them out in front of the other, is not the way to do it.
Dr. Foster: Do you feel humiliated? Do you think I’m singling you out?
Marlena: I am stating this is not how to conduct a first session for a couple.
Dr. Foster: Are you trying to conduct this session?
Marlena: Absolutely not!
Dr. Foster: Are you sure?
[Marlena scoffs. Then realizes. Stares in horror.]
Marlena: Oh my god. I am, aren’t I?
[Dr. Foster smiles. Nods. Marlena covers her eyes.]
Marlena: Oh! God. I told you how to begin, I redirected twice, just now I scolded you.
Dr. Foster: (amused) It’s all right, Marlena.
Marlena: No, it’s not! I’m so sorry.
Dr. Foster: I’ve done the same thing when I’m in therapy. Sometimes it’s easier to slip into doctor mode. Objectivity. When things get a little too scary.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I do want him to forgive himself.
Dr. Foster: Of course you do. But, Marlena, if I ask you how you feel, and I hear back – albeit very compassionate – objective “good doctor” answers for John’s benefit … how is that ever going to help you? When you phoned me and asked me for an appointment, I asked you why. I heard you mention John. What he did. Then I heard you suddenly talk about Brady. And Eric. And Sami. And Will. And Ariana.
Marlena: You remember all their names? That’s impressive.
Dr. Foster: I heard you tell me all about their worries. And your worry for them. And two things were apparent to me, right off the bat. First, your heart is your family. You are there for them, anytime, anywhere. Second … worrying about them … proved a pretty great distraction from feeling what you’re feeling right now.
Marlena: I don’t use my family to avoid my feelings.
Dr. Foster: No, no, no. That’s not what I’m saying. Not at all. I’m saying it just so happened … that their stressful circumstances served as a distraction. Now, you’re in this room. Now, John is here. You’re feeling your pain. It’s been delayed. And that … can sometimes make it feel scarier.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I can’t believe we’re in couples therapy. Not John.
Dr. Foster: Why?
Marlena: Because I know him. I know him better than I know myself. He wouldn’t do what he did. He wouldn’t do that to Brady. He wouldn’t do that to me. He just wouldn’t.
Dr. Foster: (gently) But he did.
Marlena: Well, then … there has to be something … going on, in his unconscious, something he hasn’t felt or dealt with, or … maybe he is being manipulated, maybe –
Dr. Foster: – Marlena. Who’s responsibility is it to figure that out? Is it your responsibility? Is it?
Marlena: I know his past. I know his mind. You don’t know the half of it.
Dr. Foster: I’ve read his file.
Marlena: But I’m always his safe place to fall when he does something he doesn’t understand, we figure it out together, we have a way of figuring it out, we have a history of that –
Dr. Foster: Are you his doctor? Or his wife? In this room.
[Pause.]
Marlena: (whispers) His wife.
Dr. Foster: Right. So who’s responsibility is it, to figure out his actions?
Marlena: … John’s.
Dr. Foster: Right. And he’s here. He’s ready to do that. Why are you … here?
[Pause.]
Marlena: John asked me to be here.
Dr. Foster: You made the call, Marlena. Why did you call me?
[Pause.]
Marlena: I don’t want John … to be like Roman. I don’t want John to be like Don. I don’t want him … to be a close friend I can never be married to again … because of that pain … that betrayal …
Dr. Foster: You had previous marriages that ended because of infidelity?
[Marlena nods.]
Marlena: Each case was complicated … we forgave each other … we’re still … part of each other’s lives, but that pain is still there, that wall … they can’t ever be my husband again and I can’t ever be their wife. I couldn’t bear that to happen with John. Not my John …
Dr. Foster: Marlena … are you here because you want to save your marriage?
[Marlena nods.]
Marlena: (crying) But I’m scared. I’m so scared!
Dr. Foster: That’s okay.
[Marlena can’t stop crying. Dr. Foster hands her a Kleenex box. Marlena presses a Kleenex to her face. Blows her nose. Takes deep breaths.]
Dr. Foster: (gently) You did it. You arrived. Well done.
Marlena: I always tell my patients … they have to … bring in their feelings. It’s just harder when it’s you.
Dr. Foster: Right?
[They both chuckle.]
Dr. Foster: Now. Raise your right hand.
Marlena: … What?
Dr. Foster: Your right hand. Raise it. Like an oath.
[Marlena does.]
Dr. Foster: Repeat after me: “I resign as doctor in this room.”
Marlena: Oh, Candice!
Dr. Foster: Say it.
[Marlena takes a deep breath.]
Marlena: I resign as doctor … in this room.
Dr. Foster: Good. Now. I am going to go get John. Is that all right with you? You ready?
[Marlena takes another deep breath. And nods.]
Page 4 of 54
INT. – DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
[Dr. Foster opens the door. Leans out.]
Dr. Foster: John? You can come back in now.
[John enters. Dr. Foster closes the door behind him. He sees Marlena’s state.]
John: (to Dr. Foster) Dammit, what did you say to her?
Marlena: Don’t attack her, John!
Dr. Foster (sitting): You can sit back down. It’s all right. Please.
[Agitated, John does. He watches Marlena.]
Dr. Foster: Marlena, feel free to say whatever comes up for you. Take your time.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I had to … h-hear it …
Dr. Foster: Try looking at John when you speak.
[Marlena takes a deep breath. Looks in John’s eyes.]
Marlena: I had to hear about it … from her. Her. In HIS house. We were standing … almost on the very spot where she tried to kill me. We were … feet from that room! Do you know what that did to me?
John: (tears in his eyes) … Tell me.
Marlena: … She finally pulled the trigger. She finally did it. She ripped twenty five years out of my hands. I’ve never felt so alone. I’ve never felt so sick.
John: I never would have wanted you find out that way –
Marlena: – well, what did you expect? Did you expect she’d just keep it to herself? That she wouldn’t DELIGHT … in telling me, the minute she could, going over every h-horrifying … detail … with a Mona Lisa smile! Were YOU ever going to tell me? Had you even planned that far? Or were you just going to throw me to the wolf?
John: I convinced myself it wouldn’t matter.
Marlena: WOULDN’T MATTER?
John: I thought I’d already lost you.
Marlena: How many more ways could I have chased after you, telling you I wanted to make things right?!
John: I saw what it did to you when she came back, the day she came back, you walked in my office shaking, it’d traumatized you all over again just to SEE her! I couldn’t tell you how it made ME feel, to see her. I couldn’t do that to you!
Marlena: So you … pushed me away … you acted cold … you left me … you made believe that you hated me …
John: Doc –
Marlena: – and then you slept with her. To NOT hurt me. That doesn’t make any sense, John. [She slugs him in the arm.] It doesn’t make any sense!
Dr. Foster: (gently) Marlena. If you feel a need to hit something, hit one of the couch pillows. Take the one behind you. Take it, please.
[Marlena does. She squeezes it to her chest.]
Dr. Foster: Good. John? What did you feel, when you saw Kristin? When she returned to Salem?
[Pause.]
John: It was before that.
[Marlena stares at him in horror.]
Marlena: Before?
John: There was a night … last fall … you remember that nightmare I had? I woke up and had to take a walk?
Marlena: I had to go looking for you, I was worried. You wouldn’t tell me what the dream was.
[John looks at her. He can’t speak.]
Marlena: You were dreaming about … Kristin?
[John nods.]
Dr. Foster: Tell me what you can remember about the dream, John.
John: I … was asleep in bed. I woke up from a nightmare, and … a hand squeezed my shoulder and asked if I was all right. I looked over and … you weren’t there … it was her. It was her. Like she was my wife.
[Marlena lets out a cry and presses a hand to her mouth.]
John: It made me so sick. I didn’t know how to tell you.
Dr. Foster: John, had you ever had that dream before?
[Marlena looks at John. Waits.]
John: I don’t know. I lost a lot of … a few years ago, I was abducted … Stefano rewired my brain again … I got my memory back, but … some parts of some years are still fuzzy. I might have dreamed that, I might not have … after we thought Kristin died. That seems right.
Dr. Foster: And you didn’t tell Marlena about them?
[Marlena shakes her head.]
John: I don’t know if I dreamed it, I might not have. I probably didn’t.
Dr. Foster: Why didn’t you tell her about the most recent dream?
Marlena: (to Dr. Foster) Because that’s what he does. Every time. EVERY time, you’re afraid of hurting me, you hold back telling me something. How many times do I have to tell you, THAT’S what hurts me.
John: I’m supposed to protect you.
Marlena: I’m not a child! I’m your wife. We tell each other everything. I can handle it. You know what I’m made of!
John: Yes, I do! You’ve been through six times as much hell as any woman should have to go through, most of it you’ve been through because of me, and I’m not gonna add to it!
Dr. Foster: John, what are you afraid of telling Marlena? About Kristin? Look Marlena in the eye.
[Slowly, John does.]
Dr. Foster: Say whatever comes up.
John: …. I can’t.
Dr. Foster: Yes, you can.
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: John, I want you and Marlena to try something. I want you to join hands. Join hands, please.
[They do.]
Dr. Foster: Whatever you do, don’t let go. Now, John. Tell Marlena what you’ve been afraid to say about Kristin.
[Pause.]
John: She was person. She was a person … who came into this world good. And that monster poisoned her. I know, I agree with you, with every ounce of my bones, she’s a monster herself, but dammit, she was a person.
Marlena: She tried to kill me!
John: Yes, she did, and do you remember, how you told Abe and Roman not to press charges? We were standing in that living room, and that’s what you said. You and I both saw her pain, we saw she had a goodness in her –
Marlena: – so you love her. That’s what you’re saying. Let’s just forget what she did. You love her.
John: LOVED. I loved her. Because I thought I couldn’t love you. I thought you were lost to me. So I opened my heart to her, who I thought she was, I opened my heart to having a child with her. And then she put you through hell, right under my roof, and I wasn’t there to stop it. ‘Til it was almost too late. And when everything came out, all I wanted to do was comfort you. And be with you. And move on. I stuffed down every feeling … because … I just wanted you to be okay. And safe.
Marlena: John Black, you didn’t grieve?
John: … No.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I should have made sure you did.
John: No. No.
Marlena: I should have, like with Isabella, I should have known you were going to push those feelings down –
John: – Doc, it’s not your job to make sure I grieve.
Marlena: I should have given you space. I should have had us wait to be together. ‘Til you grieved all that … You’d lost your child …. I just wanted to be with you so much. I’d waited so long. I was so selfish!
John: Stop, stop.
Marlena: I’m so sorry!
[John wraps his arms around her. She lets him hold her.]
John: This is not your fault. You hear me? None of it was your fault. I proposed, remember? I pushed us forward like lightning. Not you. Remember all the things Kristin pulled next? One thing after another? You were the one who was taking your time. I wasn’t.
Dr. Foster: John, when you saw Kristin this past fall, when she returned to Salem, did you experience any of those ungrieved feelings?
John: All of ’em. They hit me like a ton of bricks. I didn’t know what to do.
Dr. Foster: What did you do?
[Marlena pulls away from him.]
John: Everything wrong. That’s what I did.
[Pause.]
[Dr. Foster looks at the clock.]
Dr. Foster: We have about three minutes left. We need to stop for today. I have two things I’d like both of you to do.
John: Name it.
Dr. Foster: First, and Marlena I know you know this already, whatever is said in here needs to stay in here, between the two of you. As painful things come up, you may be tempted to seek support from friends or family and talk about it, but if healing is really to happen, you must keep whatever is said private, between the two of you. If you need support, at any time, call me.
John: Done. What’s the other thing?
Dr. Foster: I’d like you both to write down, and bring in next week, the moment you knew you wanted to be married to the other. And why.
Marlena: Oh! Man.
Dr. Foster: What is it, Marlena?
Marlena: … You’ve just never … ever … ever … heard a courtship story … like ours. It’s a whole other plane of … unusual.
John: That’s a fact.
Dr. Foster: Well, lucky for you, I give out a prize at the end of the year for “most unusual courtship story”.
John: Great! We’ll win a cruise.
[They all laugh.]
Dr. Foster: Marlena, would you like some water?
Marlena: … Yes, I would –
[John hops to his feet and pours her a glass. Sits. Gently hands it to her. Marlena drinks.]
Dr. Foster: You both did outstanding in here today. Really outstanding. I’ll see you next week.
CUT TO – DR. FOSTER’S RECEPTION OFFICE DOOR
[Marlena buttons up her coat. Puts on her gloves. John watches her, hands in his pockets.]
John: So, I’ll see ya. Next week.
Marlena: Um hmm.
John: K.
[She buttons her purse, turns, exits out the door. John can’t move. He leans against the wall. Closes his eyes. The door opens – Marlena flings her arms around him. They hold each other.]
Page 5 of 54
INT. – TOWNHOUSE BEDROOM
(Marlena lay in bed asleep. A single lilac brushes gently across her face. She stirs. Opens her eyes. Sees him.)
Marlena: … John?
(He lay next to her. Runs his fingertips across her cheek.)
Marlena: You’re back? Oh! (crying) You’re back!
(She pulls him to her. He cradles her head. Buries his face into her neck.)
Marlena: It was a dream! It was all just a dream! Oh, thank god!
(He cups her face in his hand. They linger, nose to nose, beaming at each other. Breathing together. Their lips touch. Open. Melt into each others’. Marlena lets out a cry.)
(She startles awake to the sound of her alarm clock. Stares at it, disoriented, distressed. Sits up. Wipes tears from her face. Looks at the alarm clock again. Slams it to silence. Slumps bitterly. Looks over at John’s empty side of the bed. Her cell phone rings.)
EXT. BRADY’S PUB
(John shivers, cell phone up to his ear. Waits. He hears her pick up.)
John: Doc? …. Did I remember right? Wednesdays, eight a.m.? … Doc?
CAMERA ALTERNATES BETWEEN THEM
John: You know, you’re really making a habit of this slow hello thing.
Marlena: (tries to smile) I’m here.
John: What is it? You sound upset.
[Pause.]
Marlena: (whispers) Just had a bad dream.
John: … That’s all?
Marlena: Where are you?
John: I’m … at Brady’s Pub. Waiting for my son.
(Marlena sits bolt upright.)
Marlena: He – he said he’d see you?
John: We’re gonna have breakfast. In about ten minutes.
Marlena: Oh! Oh! … I’m so happy! …. Now, don’t, don’t be nervous. Just be there. Say what’s on your heart. Just listen to him. … John?
John: He’s not gonna forgive me. Not ever.
Marlena: Give it time. It won’t all be healed in one conversation, you know that. He’s missed you so much. He won’t tell you that, but I’ve seen it. You’re his whole world.
[Pause.]
John: I don’t know where he’d be if you hadn’t been there. I walked away. You took her on. Everything she’d put you through, you took her on for my son.
Marlena: Well … (blinking back tears) … I did have help. Unorthodox help.
John: You didn’t have to put yourself through that.
Marlena: … He’s mine, too, you know … he’s my little boy … always will be … And I know the two of you will be just fine. Take it day by day.
[Pause.]
John: I shouldn’t have called you like this.
Marlena: What? What do you mean?
John: For support, like this, it’s not right, with everything you’re working out. I should’ve just called Dr. Foster.
Marlena: No, John –
John: – I’m sorry –
Marlena: – I’m glad you called me. I’m so so glad.
(Marlena hears a car horn.)
Marlena: Oh my gosh, John … are you OUTSIDE again? All this time? It’s not even twenty degrees! Why aren’t you indoors finding a table, for heaven’s sake?
John: … Eh ….
Marlena: What, “eh”?
John: Abe’s in there. He’s havin’ coffee with Roman. Caroline’s behind the bar.
Marlena: So?
John: So, I … I don’t know if they’d want to see me.
Marlena: John Black, you are not going to hide away from everyone, or lurk in the cold, with your head hung low. If you’re home, be home. Do you hear me?
John: I didn’t just fail you, I failed them.
Marlena: Well, they need you. And they love you. You’re going to have to face them sooner or later. Don’t make me put sign in sheets all over town to prove you’ve seen people.
(John smiles.)
John: Sign in sheets? I thought you hated sign in sheets.
(Marlena smiles.)
Marlena: I detest them. But you’ll be signing them, not me.
John: Giving orders, are ya?
Marlena: Doctor’s orders.
John: Oh, you’re my doctor now?
Marlena: Don’t you forget it, big fella.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Get out of the cold. I’m not going to tell you again.
John: All right, all right.
Marlena: While I’m on the phone with you. Go inside.
John: Okay –
(John opens the pub door …)
INT. BRADY’S PUB
(… and shuts it behind him.)
John: Happy now? I’m inside.
Marlena: Good. Now, find a table out of the draft.
John: Anything else?
Marlena: Yes.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Thank you. For this. I’ve missed this. It feels like how we used to talk.
[Pause.]
John: We’ll get there again, Doc. I promise you we will.
(Marlena smiles through tears.)
John: I see Brady. I gotta go.
Marlena: Oh – okay –
John: – look outside the door.
Marlena: Huh?
John: The front door, there’s something there.
Marlena: What?
John: I love you –
Marlena: – what are?
(He’s hung up. She stares at the phone.)
CUT TO: TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(Marlena opens the front door. Looks down. Sees a delivered bouquet of lilacs. She presses her fingers to her lips. Takes a moment. Scoops up the bouquet. Buries her face in the blooms and takes a deep breath. Sees a card poking out from the leaves. Pulls it from its holder and reads it:
CLOSE UP ON CARD
“Thank you for giving me time.
All my love,
JB”
(Tears tumble down Marlena’s cheeks. She smiles.)
Page 6 of 54
INT. – DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
(Marlena enters the room, notebook in hand – then stops short when she sees him. John is already seated on the couch. He can’t look her in the eye. He’s about to explode.)
Dr. Foster: Come on in, Marlena. Have a seat. John just got here.
(Eyes on John, Marlena walks cautiously toward the couch. Sits at the opposite end.)
Marlena: (to John) What happened? What happened with Brady?
Dr. Foster: John, you’ve spoken to your son?
Marlena: (to Dr. Foster) They had breakfast this morning.
Dr. Foster: Would you like to tell us about that conversation?
[Long. Terrible. Pause.]
Marlena: John …
(Marlena reaches for his hand. He jerks it away. She gasps.)
Dr. Foster: John, did your conversation with Brady upset you? …. Are you upset with Marlena? … I’d like you to look at Marlena. Look at her, please.
(John does.)
Dr. Foster: Say whatever comes up.
(John stares into Marlena’s eyes for a long moment.)
Marlena: (whispers) What?
John: … Why didn’t you tell me?
Marlena: … Tell you?
John: She died … She’s been dead since November … Why didn’t you tell me?
(Marlena puts a hand to her mouth.)
Dr. Foster: John, are you talking about Kristin?
Marlena: I thought you knew.
John: How the hell would I know that? How the hell would I know that, Doc?
Marlena: I – I … at … my door, the day you came back, you said, “if I’d known”, I thought you meant –
John: – I said about Brady, I said about Eric, I didn’t say Kristin.
Marlena: Well, at – you – in – in here, you talked about her in the past tense, I thought –
John: – you didn’t think it might be smart to make sure I knew, I don’t know, ten minutes before I saw my grieving son? Or maybe, hey, right after she died, so I could come home and be there for him?
Marlena: It was almost Thanksgiving, I thought you would come home, I thought you’d be home and I’d tell you then.
John: And when I didn’t come home, it didn’t occur to you to reach out –
Marlena: – you were supposed to come home! I never EVER asked you to stay away from your family. You did that. YU did that! I had two sons, TWO sons, shattered by her. That’s what I was busy doing! I was spending every waking minute I could comforting Brady.
John: Oh, yeah, you did really good job.
Marlena: … What does that mean?
John: You want to know how he showed up today? I could smell the alcohol from the front door. He couldn’t even walk straight.
Marlena: … No …
John: That’s the stellar job you did making sure my son’s okay.
(Marlena puts a hand to her mouth, cut to the bone.)
Dr. Foster: John, I want you to stop right now. Take a breath. Take a breath.
(John does.)
Dr. Foster: Again.
(John does.)
Dr. Foster: Who are you really angry with? Look at Marlena.
(John does.)
Dr. Foster: Who are you really angry with, John?
(Tears well up in John’s eyes. He looks away.)
Dr. Foster: No. Look at her.
(Marlena reaches out and squeezes his hand. He drops his head. Looks at her. His face is drenched.)
John: I’m sorry, Doc … I’m sorry …
Dr. Foster: Who are you really angry with, John?
John: Myself. I’m angry with myself.
Dr. Foster: Okay. So let’s focus on you. While you were away, what did you do to check in on your family?
John: … I didn’t … Brady called me … in August or something … he told me he and Kristin were back together, and I just … gave up. I told him to do what he wanted, I couldn’t stop him.
Dr. Foster: And that was the last you spoke with your family?
(John nods. He pulls his hand away from Marlena.)
John: How can you want to touch me?
(Marlena takes his hand again. He pulls it away again.)
Dr. Foster: John. How did you learn what happened to your family?
John: I called Victor … before I came back in town … he told me how you and him and Nicole had exposed her. He told me how Brady took it. What Kristin did to … Eric …
(Marlena catches a sob with her hand.)
John: But he didn’t say … he just said, when I asked about Kristin, he just said, “don’t worry about her, she’s history”.
Marlena: Oh, god …
John: I thought she was in jail, I thought you’d run her out of town, or … I never thought …
Dr. Foster: So you learned about Kristin’s death this morning? From Brady?
(John nods. Marlena touches his shoulder. He lets her.)
Dr. Foster: Tell us how the conversation went.
[Pause.]
John: It didn’t. He walked in drunk, I called him on it, he got defensive, threw over a chair, tore the hell outta there, I went after him. I was all ready to apologize for one thing, come to find out, he was angry at me for a whole other thing I didn’t even know about … he’d lost the third love of his life, he’s lost three … (blinks back tears) … and I wasn’t there. He told me she was dead and I just stood there … I stood there and I couldn’t say a thing … and then I saw his face change, and I knew he was thinking I was quiet ’cause I didn’t care … then I couldn’t get him to listen at all. It finally took Abe, Roman, AND me to calm him down …
Marlena: Oh, Brady …
John: Abe took him back into the pub to sober him up. Roman told me to take a walk. I know he loved that.
Marlena: John. He was helping.
John: Oh, yeah. Sure.
Dr. Foster: John, let’s focus on you and Brady. Has Brady … I’m sensing from what you’ve said … he’s struggled with alcohol before?
(Marlena nods.)
John: I never should have left. I knew she was gonna do that to him, I knew she was gonna shatter him, he was gonna go right back –
Marlena: – John, listen to me, listen. Maggie and I have been watching him like a hawk. He hasn’t had a drop of alcohol until you saw him.
John: Are you sure? Can you be positively sure? You know how good he is at hiding it.
Marlena: But he didn’t hide it from you. That says something. You know him. He lashes out when he’s too scared to say he wants to talk. He wanted to talk to you.
(John runs his fingers through his hair.)
Dr. Foster: John. Do you know why you couldn’t react when Brady told you Kristin was dead?
[Pause.]
John: I … I don’t know it was … it’s like I left my body.
Dr. Foster: Did you feel anything?
John: … No. No, I didn’t feel anything.
Dr. Foster: Would you like to know how Kristin passed away?
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: You don’t have to say “yes”. But would you like to know? Right now?
[Pause.]
John: … Yeah. Yes.
Dr. Foster: Marlena. Can you tell John how Kristin passed away?
(Marlena sharply inhales.)
Dr. Foster: Do you feel comfortable doing that?
(Marlena looks at John. Nods. Takes his hand.)
Marlena: Victor told you … how we exposed her? How she admitted everything?
John: … At the wedding.
Marlena: Yeah. I felt so … sick for Brady. There was no way for us to do it … that wouldn’t hurt him. He was just … I looked at his face, I saw you twenty years ago. The day you found out –
John: – how did she die, Doc? Just tell me.
(Marlena takes a deep breath.)
Marlena: Abe and Roman … took her into custody. The wedding, everything broke up after that. I tried to go after Brady, Nicole tried to go after him, Victor tried to go after him –
John: – How. Did she. Die?
[Pause.]
Marlena: We didn’t know she was pregnant. She’d worked with a fertility specialist … she’d only told Dan and Jennifer. She was going to s – … she was going to surprise Brady with the news at the wedding …
John: (whispers) … And she lost it? She lost the baby?
Marlena: … It was the stress … of the moment …
John: So, you’re telling me Abe and Roman had a woman miscarrying right in front of them and they just ignored it, they didn’t take her to a hospital, they just took her on –
Marlena: – No! No. That’s not what happened.
John: Then what did happen?!
Marlena: She had a missed miscarriage. The tissue … it stays inside the body. It’s asymptomatic, she didn’t know, nobody knew.
John: … Then, what happened?
(Marlena takes another deep breath.)
Marlena: She developed sepsis … it … it just spread too fast.
John: (whispers) … Nobody noticed? A woman dying? Abe, Roman, none of them over there?!
Marlena: Most people don’t know the symptoms of sepsis, John, she didn’t know – she didn’t know. She never asked for a doctor.
[Pause.]
John: How fast?
Marlena: (swallows back tears) Two days. They found her in cell –
(John puts his head in his hands.)
John: Oh my god … my god …
(Marlena rubs his shoulders.)
Marlena: Abe called me right away, I went straight over to Victor’s and I told Brady. I stayed with him, John, I stayed with him all that week. He was … he was so …
(John thrashes him arm across the coffee table, sending magazines into the air. Dr. Foster and Marlena bolt to standing.)
Dr. Foster: John. Stand up. Right now.
(John stands up.)
Marlena: John –
(Dr. Foster directs him to behind the couch.)
Dr. Foster: Take a walk back here. Walk back and forth. Breathe.
(John walks like he’s about to yell the earth apart. Marlena watches him.)
Dr. Foster: John, breathe.
(He inhales sharply. Bends over.)
Marlena: Breathe, baby.
(He hits the wall.)
Dr. Foster: John. Keep walking it out. Keep walking.
(He turns from the wall, and Marlena is there. She clasps his hands in hers. He looks at her. Tries to breathe. His face contorts. She slides her hand down his cheek.)
Dr. Foster: Say what you’re afraid of.
[Pause.]
John: I can’t, I can’t feel this in front of Doc. It’s gonna hurt her …
Dr. Foster: What else are you afraid of? Say it to her.
[Pause.]
John: I’m afraid … you’ll hear it … and then look at me … and say “I’m done” again …
(Tears tumble down Marlena’s cheeks.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena? What are you afraid of?
[Pause.]
Marlena: That you blame me … That you miss her … That you’ll hate me for being afraid that you miss her … That you’ll close up and never me let me in again …
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: John. Would you be willing to have extra sessions with me each week? To work through your grief?
[Pause.]
John: I don’t want to keep anything from my wife.
Dr. Foster: I’m not asking you to. I see that you’re resisting your grief because you’re afraid it will hurt Marlena. And the fact is, because of where you two are right now, it probably will hurt Marlena. She’s not ready for all of it. But if you resist grieving … that hurts you. And that hurts her more. If you work through your grief, in a safe space, with me, then when you bring it back in here … it’ll be easier to talk about. And clearer. You’ll both be ready for it. Would you be willing to do that with me?
[Pause.]
John: Yes. I’ll do it.
(Marlena’s eyes fill with pain.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena, what are you feeling about that?
Marlena: … I think it’s a good thing. The doctor in me says it’s the right thing … I just … hate he’ll have to feel all that without me there to hold him …
Dr. Foster: Would you like to hold him now?
(Marlena nods. She wraps her arms around his neck. He rests his face in her hair. She folds into his body. He hugs her.)
John: (crying) I’m sorry about Eric, Doc, I’m so sorry!
(Marlena squeezes him tighter.)
Marlena: He’ll be okay … He’ll be okay … He’s strong.
John: … Like you.
(She nuzzles her face in his shoulder.)
(Dr. Foster watches in silence. And smiles.)
Page 7 of 54
EXT. PIER – LATE NIGHT
(Marlena pulls her scarf tighter around her neck. Gazes out at the water, lost in thought. She hears something. Turns her head. Sees someone in the shadows. Backs away.)
Marlena: You stay away from me. You turn around. Right now. Get out of here.
(The shadow walks closer.)
Marlena: I said, GO AWAY!
(She dives her hand into her purse. Pulls out mace. )
John: (from the dark) Doc?
Marlena: Oh! John …
(John steps out from the shadows.)
John: What the hell are you doing out here this late?
Marlena: Why didn’t you tell me it was you?
John: I had to get close enough to see it was you.
Marlena: Oh … GOSH!
(She throws the mace back in her purse. Slams her purse down on a bench.)
John: Hey, hey ….
(He takes her by the shoulders.)
John: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.
Marlena: I’m all right.
John: No, you’re not, you’re shaking like a leaf.
Marlena: I’m cold.
(He holds up her clenched fists.)
John: No, you’re not.
(Marlena pulls her hands away.)
John: What are you doing here?
Marlena: I – … (pulls her coat closer) … was just walking. I was hoping I’d run into you.
John: Well. You could have called me, you could have come by my hotel room, it’d be safer –
Marlena: – I knew you’d be here.
John: How the hell’d you know that?
Marlena: Because you never do what I tell you to do. Until I follow you. And make you. You’re out in the cold again.
(She smiles slyly at him. He smiles back.)
Marlena: I wanted to see you. I wanted to touch you. (Pause.) Are you all right?
(John lets out a long sigh.)
John: Now, I have never had an easy answer for that question, have I?
(They both chuckle.)
Marlena: No …
[They stare at each other.]
Marlena: I’m so sorry about you and Brady today. I’m sorry you found out about Kristin the way you did. (crying) I’m sorry I can’t handle your grief …
John: Doc …
Marlena: I’m sorry! …
(John pulls her into a hug.)
John: Hey … It’s not yours to handle.
Marlena: But I want to help you …
John: You’re not my doctor, this time, baby … you gotta let her do her job … I’ll work through it, I want you to focus on your heart … I’ve put it through hell … please, focus on your heart … promise me you’ll do that.
(She nods into his shoulder.)
[Pause.]
Marlena: It feels so good to hold you.
(John squeezes her tighter.)
Marlena: Can we do this every night? While we’re working through everything? Can we come here? Since I know you’ll be here anyway, and I’ll have to come yell at you?
(They burst into laughter. John leans her face back and beams at her.)
John: Only if I can escort you.
(Marlena beams back.)
Marlena: It’s a date. John Black.
(John runs the blade of his finger across her cheek. Catches a tear. She lays her face in his hand. They gaze up at the moon.)
Page 8 of 54
INT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE – DAY
(Marlena and John sit on the couch, holding hands. Dr. Foster smiles.)
Dr. Foster: I notice you two are sitting closer. And holding hands.
John: That’s a fact.
Dr. Foster: Have you been sexually intimate this week?
(They look at each other.)
Marlena: No. Not … (blushes, looks back to Dr. Foster) … no.
Dr. Foster: Have you kissed?
Marlena: … Not quite.
John: Almost.
Marlena: (closes her eyes) We’ve been um … (can’t stop grinning) … meeting each other. Every night. Talking. Touching. Again.
Dr. Foster: Where have you been meeting each other?
John: The pier.
Dr. Foster: Does the pier hold significance for the two of you?
(They both laugh.)
John: You want the list?
Dr. Foster: The list of what?
(John and Marlena struggle to find words. Laugh even more.)
Marlena: Moments! Turning points. We’ve had so many … (thinks a minute) … turning points in our relationship have happened right on that pier.
(Marlena looks at John.)
Dr. Foster: What kind of turning points?
(John doesn’t break his gaze.)
John: Points that brought us back together.
Dr. Foster: Is that why you both went there? You wanted that sort of turning point?
[Pause.]
Marlena: John went there first. Before we started seeing you. He called me from there. He was in the cold all by himself. I didn’t want him to be alone, not after last week, after we’d … touched … (blinks back tears) I couldn’t just talk to him on a phone anymore …
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: What do you talk about at the pier?
Marlena & John: Brady.
(Marlena and John laugh.)
Marlena: Oh …
John: Maggie has him on lockdown.
Marlena: Not lockdown, John –
John: – lockdown. That kid can’t walk from his bedroom to the kitchen without her asking why. I’ve been telling her all week, she keeps pushing him like that, he’s gonna bust out of there, and then who the hell knows where he’s gonna disappear to –
Marlena: – (to John) all right, all right.
John: I can’t believe Victor hasn’t already kicked him out.
Marlena: (to Dr. Foster) He won’t go back to AA. (shrugs, wipes tears from her eyes) He won’t see John. Now he won’t see me, now that he knows I’m … we’re … it hurts him.
John: You’re not hurting him, Doc.
Marlena: He’s hurt. He’s not grieving. (to Dr. Foster) I keep encouraging him to see you. I don’t think he’s ever … I don’t think he’s really ever grieved anybody he’s lost. Not really.
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: John … do Brady’s actions feel familiar to you at all?
John: You mean, has he done it before?
Dr. Foster: Perhaps I should rephrase the question. I’m hearing that … Brady struggles to deal with grief … so he channels it into destructive behavior. For him, it’s drinking too much alcohol. Can you relate to that?
(John stares blankly.)
Dr. Foster: Can you relate to … ignoring grief? Channeling it into something destructive? SomeONE destructive? Do you see yourself in Brady?
John: All the damn time.
Dr. Foster: Are you maybe helping Brady to avoid helping the same struggle in yourself?
John: My son needs me, I’m not walking away from him.
Dr. Foster: I’m not asking you to. I’m asking how are you helping yourself? John, does Marlena know you missed your appointment in here with me?
(Marlena stares at him, mouth agape.)
John: I … apologized, I explained that.
Marlena: You didn’t explain it to me.
John: I … thought this was supposed to be private.
Marlena: Your sessions are supposed to be, not your commitment to them, that’s – this is part of what we’re doing, this is us! John, you missed it?
John: I was at Victor’s house, I was at the door with Brady, I was THIS close to getting him to let me in, I lost track of time, okay?
Marlena: Oh my gosh! John! You didn’t tell me that, either! All this week, ALL this week, every night, we’ve been putting our heads together to help Brady. I THOUGHT. And you don’t tell me this? When did it happen? (slugs his arm) WHEN?
Dr. Foster: (gently) Marlena.
(On instinct, Marlena pulls a couch pillow to her chest.)
John: I didn’t think telling you would matter because he didn’t let me in.
Marlena: It matters because we’re helping him together. We’re a team! You should tell me because we’re a team!
(Marlena turns her face away. Catches a sob in her hand.)
Dr. Foster: What is it, Marlena?
(Marlena shakes her head. John reaches for her. She scoots away.)
Marlena: (crying) We’ve had this kind of argument over and over … and OVER … I’m so … TIRED of it! … it makes me feel like you take me for granted … and we’ve argued about it over and over, so maybe, maybe you’ve always taken me for granted … maybe …. you’ve always taken me for granted, and sleeping with Kristin, maybe that was the next step!
John: … Doc …
Marlena: (can’t stop crying) I’m sorry, I’m sorry to say that, I know it isn’t true, I know it’s not! … It just feels true! … I’m so sorry! I don’t know why, I don’t know where this is coming from …
(Marlena covers her face. Dr. Foster hands her a Kleenex. She takes it.)
John: What can I do? Tell me what I can do, please –
(He tries to wipe the tears from her face. She turns her face away again.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena … I heard you mention … feeling taken for granted … and John sleeping with Kristin … in the same sentence. Say more about that. Say it to John.
(Marlena tries to look at him. Can’t. Tries again. Locks eyes with him.)
Marlena: I know … you’ve always said … you’ve kept things from me to protect me. You didn’t want me hurt. But now, I’m afraid … (starts crying full force again) I’m afraid it’s because you don’t care at all. That’s why you slept with her.
John: Doc … (crying) oh god …
(He takes her face in his hands.)
Marlena: I know it’s not true, it’s your grieving, I’m not being fair, I’m so sorry! –
(He holds her still.)
John: – Doc. If you feel it. It’s true.
(Tears tumble down his face.)
John: I am so sorry … if I ever made you feel that way … if what I did with Kristin made you feel … I care so – I can’t even put into words how much I care …
Marlena: I know … I know …
(Their foreheads touch.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena. Do you feel you can trust John?
(Marlena locks eyes with John. She knows the answer, but can’t say it. She puts a hand to her mouth. John stares at her, terrified.)
Dr. Foster: John. Do you know why you didn’t tell Marlena? About seeing Brady? Missing your session? Are you afraid you can’t be trusted?
(John’s face contorts.)
Marlena: … Oh, John …
Dr. Foster: When the two of you were at the Pier, did you talk about your marriage? Or did you just talk about Brady?
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: You think you might have some more to work on?
Marlena: … I do.
John: Hey … (takes her chin in his hand) … don’t take all the credit.
(Marlena tries to smile. John can’t either.)
Dr. Foster: John. Which should be your priority? Saving Brady or saving your marriage?
John: I … both. They’re my life.
Dr. Foster: Of course they are. I can see that all over your face. But which. Should be. Your first. Priority? (Pause.) Is Brady a boy or is Brady a man?
Marlena: Oh!
(Dr. Foster smiles.)
Dr. Foster: Not what you THINK of him as. What he is. He’s a man, isn’t he? So who’s responsible for saving him?
John: I can’t just leave him right now.
Dr. Foster: I’m not asking you to. But can you be there for him right now? As a team? With your marriage as it is? With you as you are?
[Pause.]
John: (whispers) No.
Dr. Foster: No. So what’s the best way to be there for your son? Right now?
(John pulls Marlena to him. They’re nose to nose. She strokes his face. They breathe together)
Dr. Foster: What’s your first priority, John?
John: This. Us. Always. I am gonna make a pledge to you right now. I will never … ever … take you for granted. I don’t want you feeling that way again. Not for one more minute.
(He wipes the tears from her face. She rests her face in his hand.)
John: You hear me?
(Marlena nods.)
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: I want you both to do something. I’d asked you, awhile back – Marlena I’d guess you were carrying it with you in a notebook at our last session – I’d asked you to write down the moment you knew you wanted to be married to the other. And why. Tonight, when you go to the pier, I want you to share that with each other. Find a secluded spot. Don’t talk about Brady, don’t talk about anything or anyone else. Just. That. And every night after that. See what it brings up. And we’ll talk about it at our next session. Okay?
(Marlena and John nod. John hands Marlena a Kleenex. Rubs her shoulder.)
Dr. Foster: John, where are you gonna be Friday at noon?
John: Here. I am going to be here. No matter what. I promise.
Marlena: Don’t make me follow you. I will, you know.
John: Oh, I know. (Pause.) Don’t ever stop.
Page 9 of 54
THE PIER – NIGHT
(Marlena and John sit side by side on a bench, under the glow of a lamppost. Marlena smooths the pages of her notebook with her gloved hand.)
John: That your memory?
Marlena: Umm hmm.
(She shivers. John rubs her shoulders.)
Marlena: No, I’m not cold, I’m –
(She holds up her clenched fists.)
Marlena: I don’t know why.
John: … How about I go first?
Marlena: Okay. Where’s your … didn’t you write it down?
John: Nope.
Marlena: No?
(John reaches in his pocket and pulls out a tiny wrapped box.)
John: It’s in here.
Marlena: … Oh … John, I –
John: – open it. Please.
(Marlena takes it, places it in her lap. Stares at it. Him. Takes off her gloves, one at a time. Unwraps it. Opens it. Gasps.)
Marlena: Oh my …
(John holds it up. A dainty, shimmering gold bracelet, with a single charm.)
Marlena: Oh! There’s a diamond, too! Oh!
(A tiny diamond sparkles from the center of the charm.)
Marlena: John, it’s beautiful.
(Marlena takes it in her hands. Turns it over and over. Squints. Holds it up to the lamplight.)
Marlena: I still can’t … see what the charm is.
John: The diamond’s in the mouth of it.
Marlena: … Mouth?
(He takes it. Turns it under the lamplight until it’s clear.)
John: It’s a cave.
(Marlena stares at him, breathless.)
John: That’s where I knew. That night in the cave. It was dark. Like here. It was just about as cold as tonight. I was … just about as scared and sad as I am tonight. Only thirstier. (laughs nervously) You were scared of me. You were shaking. That broke my heart. I’d put you through so much. I was so scared you were gonna freeze to death and you wouldn’t let me hold ya. You finally did. Shaking. Then, you fell asleep. I looked at ya. It was so quiet. So peaceful. It was just you and me. And when I looked at your face … in that millisecond, everything … just left, all the … running and the terror and KGB and Victor and the … “Am I a bad guy or a good guy? WHO am I? Marlena, she’s so sick, how am I gonna get her out of here? Who’s after us? Are we gonna die? When are we gonna eat again?”, all of it … it just left. And my head … my head had never been clearer. I had the clearest feeling I’d ever known. In my bones. I knew I wanted to be next to you for the rest of my life. I wanted to marry you. Right then. Right there. But … you hated me. I was Stefano. It’d never happen. So … I leaned over … and I kissed you. On your forehead. I know I shouldn’t have, I shouldn’t have without asking, but dammit …. (beams) … you smiled in your sleep. You smiled. I just about jumped like a firecracker. I came this close. But I didn’t want to wake you up. Or scare you. Again. So, I just rolled over. But your skin was still so cold. I was worried. So … I put my arms around you again. And you … (swallows back a sob) … you squeezed them. You stayed like that, in my arms. You were in my arms. And I told myself, I could always remember this. For this one moment, I was yours. You were mine. We were married.
[Pause.]
(Marlena can’t speak. She slides her notebook across the bench. John picks it up. Reads.)
John: (squinting) I can’t … (another nervous laugh) …
(He holds the notebook up under the lamplight. Reads. His jaw drops. He looks at her.)
John: You weren’t asleep?
(Tears tumble down Marlena’s cheeks. She shakes her head.)
John: Why … why didn’t you open your eyes? … Why didn’t you say?
Marlena: I was scared of what I was feeling. You were Stefano. I was your hostage. Not that I didn’t scare you plenty; I tried to kill you twice. (smiles wryly) But then you kissed me like that … and it was you. I could feel your heart, on my skin. That beautiful, brave, gentle heart. I was so … scared, I was confused, I was mad, you were Stefano … but I smiled because … I knew that heart. I felt like I’d always known it. I knew I could never walk away from it. (whispers) I loved it … When you put your arms around me, I just … squeezed them right back. For the first time, in so long … I didn’t miss Roman. I didn’t feel like half my limbs were missing when I laid down to sleep at night. I felt like I was home again. In your arms. I never wanted to leave.
[Pause.]
John: You never told me about –
Marlena: – you never told me.
John: Well … the next day was pretty …
Marlena: … tumultuous?
John: That’s one word for it.
(They chuckle.)
Marlena: But I think we both knew. That was the first day we really kissed each other.
John: By the river.
Marlena: Yeah. (Pause.) OH, we smelled so terrible.
(John bursts out laughing. Marlena joins him.)
Marlena: Do you remember that? Oh! My … my eyes are still stinging.
John: I smelled way worse than you.
Marlena: Ohhhh, I was so self conscious, and you tried to be so polite, “hey, it’s natural, natural”, but you couldn’t keep it going –
Marlena & John: – “okay, so you’re a little dirty.”
(Marlena throws back her head and guffaws.)
John: God, it’s so good to hear you laugh again.
(Marlena beams.)
Marlena: Smelly or not, I still wanted to kiss you.
John: I wanted to kiss you.
(Their stare at each other. John strokes her face.)
Marlena: I wanted to marry you. Lucky for me, I found out … we were. Or we thought so at the time. You were Roman.
John: I married you again anyway.
Marlena: And again.
John: And again.
(Their faces inch closer.)
Marlena: … again …
John: … again ….
(Their noses touch. Marlena closes her eyes.)
Marlena: We’re still married. (tears fall) We’re still married!
(They brush their noses against each other, back and forth, back and forth. John leans her head back. Strokes her cheek with his finger. Breathes her in. She exhales to him. He opens his mouth, leans toward hers. She gasps, turns, bolts away.)
John: Doc!
(He runs after her.)
John: Marlena! Don’t, not toward the water, it’s too dark, baby, you can’t see!
(She stops. Pulls her coat to her. Covers her face with her hand. He catches up to her. Watches for a long moment. Touches her shoulder. Turns her toward him.)
John: What is it? Please. Baby, please tell me.
[Pause.]
Marlena: What did it feel like when you kissed her? When you touched her? … I’m sorry, if I’m overstepping what you’re processing with Dr. Foster, I just –
John: – it’s okay –
Marlena: – I need to know! –
John: – it’s okay.
(John pulls her into a hug. Rocks her. Slowly.)
John: I will tell you. What you want to know.
Marlena: Look at me.
(John takes a deep breath. Breaks the embrace. Looks her dead in the eye.
Marlena: How did it feel?
John: … Hollow. Sad. Like I was staring into the end of my life.
(Marlena swallows hard.)
John: Then she … stopped it. I found out she was playing me like I was playing her. Brady was gonna get hurt either way. You were. It hit me right in the stomach, I thought, “my god, I am her.” When you said I was worse than her –
Marlena: – oh, John, no –
John: – you were right. You were right. I’d turned myself into her. To be able to do what I’d done. It made me sick.
[Pause.]
Marlena: How far were you planning to go? How far did you?
John: Oh, Doc.
Marlena: How far?
John: … She didn’t tell you?
Marlena: She implied. I need to hear it from you.
(John can’t speak. Marlena looks back out at the water.)
Marlena: Did – … were – … (blinks back a sob) … were you inside her –
(John gently covers her mouth. She closes her eyes.)
John: No. No.
(She leans her face against his hand. Pulls back.)
John: I’d planned it … so Brady would show up before anything happened. Before we even got in bed –
Marlena: Oh!
(She turns from him.)
John: Oh, god, I’m sorry, Doc, that’s not how I meant it to –
(He turns her toward him.)
John: It was supposed to be kissing. Just kissing.
Marlena: Just?!
(She bats at him.)
John: I’m sorry – dammit, I’m saying this all wrong. Doc –
(He stops her hands. Wipes the tears from her face.)
John: Nothing was supposed to happen. Nothing.
Marlena: But something. Enough of something so that Brady would think … he didn’t show up, John. He wouldn’t have. At all. He’d left his phone behind, remember? What then? If she hadn’t stopped it, would you have? Would you?
(Marlena searches his eyes. Her face floods with pain.)
Marlena: You don’t know, do you? You don’t know what you were planning that night, do you? Because you didn’t know what you were feeling. You still don’t. (looks out at the water again) I really can’t handle your grief, can I?
(John wraps his arms around her from the back. Opens her hand, places the charm bracelet in her palm, closes her hand in both of his. Leans his face against her hair.)
John: You. Are my life. I will say that. As many times as you need to hear it. I will do anything. Anything. So you’ll never doubt it again.
(He nuzzles her hair. She closes her eyes. She turns the charm bracelet over and over in her hand. )
John: Doc, you’re shaking. What can I do? What can I do?
(John turns her toward him. Takes her face in his hands. He places his lips against her forehead. Stays. Her body melts. Her hands slide down his arms. She squeezes back. Everything goes away. Just her. And him. And the pier.)
Page 10 of 54
EXT. JOHN’S HOTEL ROOM DOOR – NIGHT
(Marlena, distressed, approaches it. Starts to knock. Stops herself. She hears John, behind the door, sobbing uncontrollably. It stops her heart. She closes her eyes. Leans in to the door.)
Marlena: John? …. Honey? …
(His sobbing stops.)
Marlena: Please open the door … John, please.
[Pause.]
(John does. He’s absolutely shattered.)
Marlena: (whispers) Oh … baby …
(A dam breaks. John’s sobs begin again. He collapses into her arms.)
Marlena: Oh! … John! … I’ve got you, I’ve got you …
(She holds him up. Rubs his back.)
Marlena: … I’m right here … I’ve got you …
(John suddenly pulls away. She gasps. He rubs his hand over his face, reaches behind him into the HOTEL ROOM, grabs his coat. Marlena steps closer to him.)
Marlena: No, no. No. Stop. You’re not going anywhere.
John: I just made you worry three hours. We’re going.
Marlena: John. I don’t need us to go tonight. It’s all right.
John: It’s not all right, dammit!
Marlena: (whispers) John, people are sleeping!
(She grabs his coat from him.)
John: Marlena!
(She walks into
INT. JOHN’S HOTEL ROOM
(and puts the coat on his desk. He follows her.)
John: I don’t want you coming in h –
(Marlena sees the state of the room. Everything’s been thrown everywhere. John looks at her, mortified. She takes a breath. Shuts the door behind them.)
Marlena: Listen to me. It’s all right. I knew you wouldn’t go to the pier without me. I knew you saw Dr. Foster today. I knew it might trigger something … I know you just lost track of the time. I’m here to see you’re all right. That’s all.
John: It scared you. When I didn’t pick you up. When I didn’t answer your calls. I can see it on your face. That’s why you’re here.
[Pause.]
(Marlena blinks back tears.)
Marlena: I thought … I thought you might have left me again.
John: Oh, Doc …
(John pulls her into an embrace. Tears tumble down her cheeks.)
Marlena: I don’t mean to be so insecure … I just …
John: I am so sorry.
Marlena: I know, I know. I’m all right. I’m really all right …
John: I tried to pick up the phone –
Marlena: – I know –
John: – I just, I couldn’t even talk! –
Marlena: I know, I know …
(John squeezes her tight. She squeezes back.)
John: I am gonna stand right here and hold you like this until you feel better, okay? I’m not gonna let you go, sweetheart. Not for a second.
[She melts into him. They stand stiller than still.]
[Pause.]
Marlena: John. We can’t do this. I have to leave you alone.
John: No.
Marlena: John. I have to. You’re not going to finish the grieving you’ve started if I’m here.
John: You’re not going until you feel better.
Marlena: Don’t throw yourself into comforting me.
(She tries to pull back.)
Marlena: Let go. John, let me go.
(He breaks the embrace slightly. Their foreheads touch.)
Marlena: John. I’ve interrupted something important. You have to keep going. Without me here. Remember? That’s what Dr. Foster said? Just for now.
(He leans back and takes her face in his hands. She holds onto his wrists.)
Marlena: You can do it. I know you can do it. I’ll be all right.
(He sees the charm bracelet on her wrist. Runs his thumb over it. Presses his lips to her forehead. She closes her eyes.)
Marlena: (crying) Don’t forget to call me tomorrow? So I can wake up with you?
(John cups the back of her head, presses his cheek against hers.)
John: I wouldn’t forget that for the world.
(She smiles. He pulls her closer. She burrows her face into his shoulder.)
(His lips find their way to her neck. They rest there.)
(Neither of them can move.)
Marlena: (breathless) John … let me go, now … please …
(He does. She pulls back from him. Steadies herself against the door. Can’t take his gaze. Looks away. Wipes the tears from her face. Takes a deep breath. Turns toward the door, grasps the doorknob – he takes her arm and whirls her around. She gasps.)
(Long. Electric. Pause.)
(He asks permission with his eyes. Hers say “yes”. He lets go of her arm. Steps toward her. They stand nose to nose. He runs both hands along the buttons of her coat, toward her stomach. She shivers. He stops. Unbuttons upward. One. By One. By One. Slides the coat onto the floor. He unwraps her silk scarf, slowly. Pulls its tail across the back of her neck, lets it graze against her cheek, and drops it to the floor. He takes her in, as if discovering a holy relic. She glows. He touches her cheek. Strokes it, one finger at a time. She closes her eyes. He nuzzles his nose against her nose. Nuzzles his nose against her lips. Breathes her in. She melts to him, leans forward, opens her lips to his. Their lips meet. Marlena lets out a muffled cry. She pulls him to her and thrusts her hips against his. Their mouths open, close, open, close, breath together. John leans back her head, goes up and down her neck with his lips, his tongue, his teeth. Marlena smiles. Then, her face contorts. She pulls away and hits John square across the face.)
(Both stare in horror. Marlena claps a hand to her mouth.)
(She turns away from him.)
(He reaches for her. She steps away.)
[Pause.]
John: My god. Did I hurt you?
(She shakes her head.)
[Pause.]
John: Did I pressure you? Did you feel like I –
(She shakes her head.)
[Pause.]
John: Then what happened? Baby, can you look at me?
(She shakes her head.)
[Pause.]
Marlena: It’s been a year. It’s been a year since we just kissed. Just that. All I’ve wanted, all that time, is to be with you again. It’s killed me. I thought … I thought once it happened, I’d be so happy. But all I feel is this … just …
John: What? What do you feel?
[Pause.]
Marlena: This isn’t the right time. For me to talk about this. You need to be left alone.
John: Doc –
Marlena: – I’ll talk about it in therapy. We’ll just see each other … at our next session. And I will talk about it. All right?
(Marlena opens the door. John shuts it.)
John: No. Not all right.
Marlena: John! –
John: – Tell me what you’re feeling.
Marlena: I don’t want to right now.
John: You need to say it.
Marlena: I said I don’t WANT to, just –
(John takes her by the shoulders. She explodes like a beehive.)
Marlena: I’M ANGRY!!!!!
(The force of it frightens her. She shakes. Clenches her fists in front of her mouth. Steps away from him.)
John: What else? Come on, Doc. I can take it. What else?
Marlena: I – …. I want to …
John: What do you want to do? What? What do you want to do to me?
(He takes her wrists. She gasps.)
John: What do you wanna do?!
Marlena: I want to pick you up and throw you across the room, across the world, I want to throw you as far away from me as you can go, until you don’t exist! I want to hit you, I want to hit you over and over and over and over until you feel like I do! … (can’t stop crying) I HATE it, I HATE feeling this way, it’s terrible, I’m terrible, I don’t want to hurt you! How could I ever want to hurt you?
(John embraces her. She tries to pull back, but he holds her tight.)
Marlena: I don’t know what to do with how angry I am, I don’t know what to do with it … I just want to take it out and have it go away … John … it’s eating me alive …
(John rocks her.)
[Pause.]
John: (whispers) I don’t think it is anymore …
INT. JOHN’S HOTEL ROOM – THE NEXT MORNING
(Sunbeams shine through the window. John and Marlena lay on the couch, asleep, in each other’s arms. They rouse. Look at each other. Realize
Page 11 of 54
INT. – DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
(Dr. Foster waits. John watches Marlena. She sits at the opposite end of the couch, away from him, hunched over crossed arms.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena? Do you feel uncomfortable that John’s here? That I asked him to come to this session?
Marlena: You told me he was going to be here.
Dr. Foster: I did. After what you told me on the phone, I felt it was important for him to be here.
Marlena: I know. You told me that, too. It’s fine.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I’m sorry I asked you to meet at such short notice. I shouldn’t have. It’s not an emergency. I’m inconveniencing both of you.
Dr. Foster: … You think you’re all right? … You’re not upset by what happened in John’s hotel room last night?
[Pause.]
(John reaches for Marlena’s hand. She pulls hers away like a poisonous snake. Covers her mouth. Closes her eyes.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena, can you look at John?
(Tears stream down her cheeks. She shakes her head.)
John: Baby, please look at me. Please.
(Marlena turns her face away from him.)
John: You were smiling. When we woke up together. When I had you in my arms. Then, you ran out of the room. Why?
(Marlena bolts to standing. Crosses to the window. Looks out.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena, can you look at John and answer his question?
(Marlena doesn’t move. John stands. Dr. Foster gestures for him to stay put.)
Dr. Foster: Do you know why you can’t look at John? Tell him why.
Marlena: (crying) … I’m scared to.
Dr. Foster: Why are you scared? Tell him.
[Pause.]
Marlena: … I’m remembering … the look on your face when I said … all those terrible things …
John: Doc –
(John starts to cross towards Marlena. Dr. Foster gestures for him to stay put.)
Dr. Foster: What terrible things did you say? Look at John, Marlena.
(Marlena finally does.)
Marlena: I hijacked your grief for my anger.
John: … You did not –
Marlena: – I said things you would never ever say to me, no matter how angry you were. (crying) I am a terrible, terrible, TERRIBLE person!
John: Doc, stop –
(He crosses to her. She holds out her hands.)
Marlena: No, DON’T touch me! You’re going to reach out and you’re going to be tender to me, I’m going to turn around and act like a monster to you! I’m not putting you through that again! You should just never – DON’T TOUCH ME AGAIN!
(John reaches into the air, desperate to cradle her face.)
John (crying): God, don’t say that … Please don’t say that …
Marlena: … I’m doing it again, look at your face! …
John: Why are you so hard on yourself? Why?
Dr. Foster: Marlena, I hear you say, “I don’t have a right to feel THIS angry.” Tell me what “this angry” means.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Hurting him. Saying I want to hurt him. That’s what I said last night.
Dr. Foster: Do you want to hurt John?
Marlena: (gasps) No! God, no! No. I’d never want to do that. Never. It’s just, we touched … we started to … the words just exploded out … it was wrong, he was in the middle of grieving, I was wrong!
John: I ASKED you to tell me what you were feeling. Remember? I wouldn’t even let you leave the room.
Marlena: You were distracting yourself. So you wouldn’t have to grieve. THAT’S why you had me stay.
John: Is that what you think you are to me? A distraction? So I won’t have to grieve Kristin?
(He searches her eyes. Horror fills his face.)
Marlena: (crying) Wasn’t I the first time? … Back then? …
(He takes her face in his hands.)
John: Doc. You really think that?
Marlena: No! … No … Most of me doesn’t think that. But part of me does. I don’t know why. I’m having so many feelings, I can’t keep track, they’re too big, they’re too … confusing, I don’t, I, I, I don’t know how we’re supposed to both feel everything we feel at the same time!
(She pulls away from him.)
Marlena: We’re STUCK!
Dr. Foster: You think you’re stuck?
Marlena: Yes! We’re stuck. We have always been able to get through anything, ANYTHING together. But WE can’t. Not this. His grief sets off my … cauldron … and he sees my feelings and he stops grieving! How are we supposed to process anything, heal anything? We can’t both feel in the same room!
John: Oh, yes, we can.
Marlena: No, we CAN’T, John!
John: Yes. We can.
Marlena: No, we! –
(John pulls her into a kiss, nearly picking her up off the floor. Wraps his arm around the back of her head, pressing his lips harder. She melts, and opens to him. Their mouths relax, and meet, and open and close, open and close. They stop, panting. John doesn’t break the embrace. He presses his forehead to hers.)
John: You’re mad as hell. I’m sad as hell. This – (touches both their lips) – this is in the center of it, right here. This is what we come back to. Every time. Baby, we have been through … dungeons … and dark pits … and violence … and death and loss … we have stared down the devil himself … nothing, none of that, could break this. This situation’s a walk in the park.
Marlena: I’m a bigger monster than any of it. If I can’t forgive you. What if I can never forgive you? What if you can never let go of her?
Dr. Foster: What if you can’t? … What then? … Marlena, do you think forgiveness exists on a timetable?
(Marlena shakes her head.)
Dr. Foster: John? Do you think grief exists on a timetable?
John: … I wish it did. I want it to.
Dr. Foster: Both of you have been through a tremendous amount of trauma in your life. Has that trauma ever adhered to a timetable?
(John and Marlena chuckle in spite of themselves.)
Marlena: It’s had impeccable timing more than once.
John: Especially Stefano.
Dr. Foster: Have you ever been able to predict it?
Marlena: John likes to think he can predict Stefano.
John: That’s the Roman in me.
(Marlena beams at him.)
Dr. Foster: I’d like both of you to join hands. Keep looking in each other’s eyes.
(They do.)
Dr. Foster: Now. You’re both right to feel so; this new phase is tricky. You’re both uncovering a lot of feelings. Feelings you NEED to tell the other. But feelings that … run into and overlap and ignite the other’s feelings. How do you do this delicate dance? Can you? Together? Did you start, last night? John. Would you, say, a week ago, have felt safe enough to cry in Marlena’s arms the way you did last night?
[Pause.]
John: (whispers) No.
Dr. Foster: Marlena. Would you have felt safe enough to tell John how angry you are?
(Marlena shakes her head.)
Dr. Foster: But last night … you both felt that safety. You dipped your toes in the water. And after you shared those feelings … even when they ran into each other … did you touch?
(Marlena and John nod.)
Dr. Foster: Did you leave the room or did you stay?
John: Stayed.
Marlena: I left.
Dr. Foster: Let’s stick to last night first.
Marlena: … I stayed. He held me while I cried. Until I fell asleep.
Dr. Foster: And when you woke up, were you still together or were you apart?
[Pause.]
John and Marlena: Still together.
Marlena: But then I left.
Dr. Foster: And then what did you do?
[Pause.]
Marlena: I called you.
Dr. Foster: To come in here with …
Marlena: … John.
Dr. Foster: And?
Marlena: … Talk about it.
Dr. Foster: … So you didn’t completely leave the room, did you?
(John caresses Marlena’s face. She leans into it. Smiles in relief.)
John: (whispers) Told you not to be so hard on yourself.
Dr. Foster: So. Are you stuck?
(Marlena shakes her head.)
Marlena: No.
John: Hell. No.
(Marlena beams at him.)
Dr. Foster: Are you moving forward?
Marlena: Yeah.
John: That’s a fact.
Dr. Foster: Why? Why do you think you feel this new safety? To share these feelings?
(They both know.)
John: The cave.
Marlena: The cave. The memory. You told us to write down.
Dr. Foster: You shared it with each other?
(Marlena nods. John cups his hands over her charm bracelet.)
Dr. Foster: What did sharing that memory bring up for you?
[Pause.]
Marlena: We both knew in the same moment. That we wanted to be married. The same silent moment. We’d never told each other that.
(Dr. Foster smiles.)
Dr. Foster: How did you feel about that discovery?
(Tears tumble down Marlena’s cheeks.)
Marlena: It was proof.
Dr. Foster: Proof of what?
Marlena: That we’re connected so.
(John gently runs his thumb under Marlena’s eyes.)
Marlena: No matter what we’re surrounded by, no matter how things seem. There’s always that connection. Our love, it transcends anything. It always has.
Dr. Foster: Even hard feelings? … Even grief? … Even rage? … Even a woman who tried to destroy you?
(John takes Marlena’s face in his hands. Leans into her nose. She closes her eyes.)
John: (whispers) Even that.
Marlena: (whispers) Even that.
[Pause.]
Marlena: … I love you.
John: (sobbing) Doc!
(He pulls her to him. She throws her arms about his neck.)
Marlena: I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you! …
(She squeezes him tighter.)
Marlena: I love you so! …
(He buries his face in her hair. They rock back and forth.)
(Dr. Foster looks at the clock. Twenty minutes left. She sits back, quietly, and says nothing more. She gives them the time.)
Page 12 of 54
EXT. THE PIER – THAT SAME NIGHT
(John and Marlena sit close together on a bench, his arm around her, her head nuzzled into his neck. They stare at the water.)
John: You okay?
[Pause.]
Marlena: Uh huh. You?
John: Hanging in there.
[Pause.]
Marlena: All right, I’m not really – John: I could be better –
[They both laugh.]
John: So, we’re both a wreck.
Marlena: Looks that way.
John: But we’re wrecks together.
(Marlena stills. He caresses her cheek.)
John: Hey. Together?
[Pause.]
(She nods.)
Marlena: I just still don’t know how we’re supposed to work through all –
(He puts a finger to her lips.)
John: The way we did last night. Whatever comes out, comes out. We stay connected. We listen. We get through it. We call her in for help if we need it. Like this morning.
(Marlena stands. Pulls her scarf around her neck.)
Marlena: I don’t want to trouble her for last minute sessions every other day, John. We didn’t come up with a game plan, for the two of us, before we left her office, we should have –
(He walks a few steps to her, takes her face in his hands.)
John: This wasn’t a game plan?
(He looks deep into her eyes. She melts.)
Marlena: I’m trying to be the doctor again, aren’t I? … I know it’s going to be messy. I know we’re going to have to figure a lot of out in the moment. I don’t feel intimidated when my patients’ lives are messy and in the moment, it’s just … when it’s mine …
(John smiles. Brushes his fingers across her face.)
Marlena: You’ll have a lot to tell me, you know. When we reach that point. A lot to tell me about Kristin. What you’re grieving. And I’m just … I’m just going to get angrier –
(He presses his lips to her forehead. She closes her eyes.)
Marlena: … I’m going to get angrier …
(He kisses her right eyelid.)
Marlena: (whispers) and angrier …
(Her left eyelid.)
Marlena: (breathing hard) I’m going to be so angry –
(He pulls her into a deep, long kiss. She moans. Sighs. John pulls back from the kiss, presses his cheek against hers.)
John: You be. As angry as you want. For as long as you want. You hear me? I mean, you let me have it. I’ll take every bit of it. I deserve to.
(Marlena pulls away from him.)
Marlena: Don’t talk like that, John, don’t talk about what you deserve, I don’t want you to feel like –
(He pulls her into a another kiss. She pulls away.)
Marlena: Are you going to let me get a word in edgewise?
John: No. See, I get distracted. By your mouth. When your lips move. Or when they don’t. Just in general.
(She gives him a wry grin.)
John: I do deserve your anger, Doc. And you deserve … (he caresses her hair) … to be cherished … (she closes her eyes) … so much that you can’t stand it. Don’t you ever forget that.
(She gazes into his eyes. Her face washes over with concern.)
Marlena: You look so tired. Grieving her’s taking such a toll on you.
John: I’m all right.
Marlena: No, don’t … DO that! Don’t be brave with me.
(He raises an eyebrow. She lays her elbows on top of his arms.)
Marlena: I mean … you know … still be my shadow (grins) … just DON’T be brave about your feelings. Show those to me, all of them. About her. I’ll be all right. Promise me you’ll do that.
[Pause.]
John: (whispers) It’s a deal.
(Marlena smiles. Shivers.)
John: You cold? You wanna go?
Marlena: No. No. I don’t want to yet.
John: It’s getting awful late.
Marlena: You want me to go?
(John caresses the back of her head.)
John: That’s not what I mean. But you’re falling asleep on your feet, sweetheart.
[Pause.]
(Marlena looks out at the water. Blinks back tears.)
Marlena: I don’t want to sleep alone.
(She looks back to him.)
Marlena: I don’t want to wake up alone. I want you.
John: … Doc …
(He pulls her into an embrace.)
Marlena: I want you! …
(She returns the embrace, squeezing as hard as she can.)
[Pause.]
John: Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure?
Marlena: I’m sure … I’m sure …
(Marlena pulls back. John wipes the tears from her face.)
Marlena: But … I –
John: – what?
Marlena: … I –
John: – what?
(She lets out an embittered yell and turns away from him.)
John: What is it?
[Pause.]
Marlena: I don’t know … where we can go … I can’t be in your hotel room again. It’s not right.
John: Doc –
Marlena: – you can’t talk to me about what you’re feeling if you don’t have a safe place to work through it first.
John: That’s what Dr. Foster’s office is for.
Marlena: You need a private safe space of your own. Without me there. That hotel room is for you. I’ve had the townhouse for my …
(She puts her fingers to her lips. She turns toward him, but can’t look at him.)
Marlena: I don’t feel ready for you to come home just yet.
John: … That’s okay.
Marlena: (crying) I’m sorry!
John: It’s okay, Doc …
Marlena: … But I don’t want to be alone. But I can’t be in your space, you can’t be in mine, I don’t know where we’re supposed to – …
(Marlena looks back out at the water. John cautiously wraps his arms around her from behind. She leans her head back.)
John: (whispers) I have an idea. A place we can go. That we’ll both love. A place that’s safe.
(Marlena turns toward his embrace. Searches his eyes.)
Marlena: Where?
(He takes a deep breath.)
John: If you … can wait a week … I need a week to finish putting it together.
(Marlena blinks.)
Marlena: Finish? … You’ve been putting something together right along?
(John nods.)
Marlena: Oh! What? For what?
John: For next Friday.
(Marlena gasps, then glows like the sun.)
Marlena: … For Valentine’s?
(John nods again. His lips tremble.)
John: I’ve been working on it since I got back. I didn’t know if we’d be together now or not. I wanted to do it for you anyway. I know last year’s Valentine’s was …
(Her eyes fill with pain. He takes them in.)
John: (crying) Baby, I’m so sorry …
(Marlena shrugs. Tears tumble down her cheeks.)
Marlena: I kept thinking you were going to come home, at least by then. We’d talk. We’d make up. But you didn’t. I didn’t even hear your voice. You didn’t even call me –
(John pulls her into an embrace.)
John: I’m so sorry … it was heartless, it was cruel, I am so so SO sorry …
(She breaks the embrace.)
Marlena: Well, don’t … I don’t want you to plan something out of obligation or out of guilt. I don’t want that.
John: I’m planning it because I love you. Plain and simple. If you don’t like what I’ve put together, you don’t like it, I’ll chuck it, I’ll throw it out, I’ll do whatever you want. The night’s yours.
Marlena: It’s yours, too …
[Pause.]
Marlena: But we have to wait a week?
John: The night’s in a week.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Can you tell me what you’re planning? Just so I know what to wear? Just a hint? A little hint?
(John playfully smirks at her.)
Marlena: I know you’re not going to tell me, but I’m going to keep trying.
John: Oh, I know. (leans into her nose) I’m good at this … I’m good, I’m good …
(Marlena lets out a guffaw and wraps her arms around the back of his head.)
John: As for tonight. I say we go back to my car. Turn on the heater. Watch the sun rise. Together.
Marlena: … Ohhh, John, that’s such a terrible waste of gasoline.
John: … It is not –
Marlena: – it IS, it is, and it pollutes so much, and plus, it’s not safe to sit in a closed car with the heater running for a long amount of time, I read that –
(He holds up his watch. She squints at it.)
Marlena: What?
John: The sun’s coming up in ten minutes.
(Her eyes widen.)
Marlena: … It is?
John: Yup.
Marlena: … Oh. I didn’t … realize how late it was. Good thing I don’t have patients tomorrow. Today. It is Sunday, isn’t it?
John: It’s Sunday.
(A slow grin crosses Marlena’s face.)
Marlena: I guess I didn’t spent the night alone.
John: Nope. You won’t spend any of it alone.
(He gathers her legs off the ground. She gasps. He picks her up as though she’s a feather. She clasps her hands behind his neck, steadying herself.)
John: I’m taking you. To my car.
Marlena: … You’re carrying me off?
John: Whether you like it or not.
Marlena: … Shall I yell for help?
John: You won’t get a chance.
(He leans in and kisses her. She sighs and lets her head cascade down onto his shoulder.)
John: Off we go.
(He starts climbing them up the pier stairs.)
Marlena: Ooh, now, there’s ice here sometimes, be careful.
John: Oh, but falling’s fun.
(He pretends to trip.)
Marlena: Oh! John, don’t tease me about that, come on …
(He laughs.)
Marlena: You …
Page 13 of 54
INT. – DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
(Marlena and John sit close together on the couch. Marlena yawns. Chuckles.)
Marlena: Oh, gosh. Excuse me.
John: We haven’t gotten much sleep this week.
Dr. Foster: Why is that?
Marlena: We’ve been staying up each night to watch the sunrise. Or. Well. (points at John) HE has. I fall asleep on his shoulder.
John: You saw it the first night.
Marlena: … I did.
(Marlena blushes.)
Dr. Foster: Where have you been watching the sunrise each night?
John: My car – Marlena: The pier –
(They chuckle.)
Marlena: Both.
John: From my car. At the pier.
Marlena: I don’t why it never occurred to us before. We’re still AT the pier. It’s much warmer to sit in the car. Especially in winter.
John: I told ya.
Marlena: But I still say it’s a terrible waste of gasoline. It IS.
John: You’re right.
(John squeezes Marlena’s thigh. She blushes again.)
Marlena: Excuse us.
Dr. Foster: For what?
(Marlena grins. Says nothing.)
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: Have you two been intimate this week?
John: … Yes – Marlena: … No –
(They look at each other. John winks.)
Marlena: Not … we only get so far. Then, I stop it.
John: And she’s feeling guilty about it, I won’t let her.
(Marlena scoots away from him in a huff.)
Dr. Foster: How far do you get?
Marlena: Oh, Candice, do we have to talk about –
Dr. Foster: Yes, Marlena, we do. You know we do.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Well, part of it is that we’re in a car. I mean … god forbid one of the Salem PD walks by on their rounds, and then there we are.
John: They’d give us a thumbs up.
Marlena: John!
John: The windows are blacked out, you can’t see a thing through ’em, I’ve got ’em rolled up, nobody’ll notice the steam! –
Marlena: – this isn’t a JOKE!
(Marlena starts to shake. Tears fill her eyes. She puts a trembling hand to her mouth. John caresses her hair.)
John: (whispers) I’m sorry. I don’t think it’s a joke, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to make you feel that way.
(Marlena suddenly yawns. A sob leaks out. She yawns again. Pulls away from John. Tries to collect herself. He hands her a tissue. She blows her nose.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena, have you been able to sleep this week at all?
(John rubs her back.)
Marlena: Well … when I get home, the sun’s usually up, I have a lot of early patients, so I just go ahead and get ready, I mean, I – I try and lay down a bit before, I do … I’ve slept in the car for awhile …
John: She means “no”.
Dr. Foster: You haven’t had a full night’s sleep all week?
(Marlena shakes her head.)
John: I try to get her to go home, she keeps wanting to stay in car.
Marlena: (can’t stop crying) I don’t want you to want me to go home! I don’t want to sleep alone, but I can’t … I can’t be anywhere with you where there’s a b-bed …
(Marlena turns her face from him.)
Dr. Foster: Why can’t you be anywhere where there’s a bed?
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: Let’s go back to my earlier question. How far do you both get, intimately? … At what point do you stop it? … Be specific.
Marlena: … It’s only happened twice.
Dr. Foster: Okay. Twice. Did you stop it at the same point each time?
(Marlena nods.)
Dr. Foster: What point?
Marlena: … It’s so pathetic!
Dr. Foster: What’s pathetic?
John: Hey … (caresses her cheek) … I’ve told you it’s not.
Marlena: You’ve said that over and over, and it’s sweet, but it’s not helping. I’m still pathetic!
Dr. Foster: Why are you pathetic?
Marlena: I CAN’T UNDRESS! Undressing. THAT’S as far as we get. Because of me. That’s our sex life.
(She bats John away.)
Marlena: Don’t … COMFORT me right now.
(John watches her. She crosses her arms and can’t stop trembling.)
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: What about undressing makes you anxious?
[Pause.]
John: I make her anxious.
Marlena: No. NO. It’s not you.
Dr. Foster: Is it you?
[Pause.]
Marlena: It’s just been so long … since he’s …
Dr. Foster: Say it to John.
(Marlena tries to look at him. Can’t. He squeezes her hand.)
Marlena: It’s been so long since you’ve seen me. (Pause.) I don’t know, all of a sudden I’m … realizing how old I am. How much older I’m going to get. How different I’m going to look …
John: Oh, Doc.
Marlena: You chose now. NOW to be with somebody else. When I’m a great grandmother. What does that tell me?
John: My god … you think it was because of? –
Marlena: NO, I don’t! I don’t think it, I FEEL it! And I don’t know why I feel it! I’ll just tack it on to the rest of my irrational list.
Dr. Foster: You think your feelings are irrational?
Marlen: It’s ridiculous I should be having these insecurities, yes!
Dr. Foster: Why is it ridiculous?
Marlena: Because! – … I’ve been down this road before. With Don. With … (looks at John) … Hope … (looks back at the floor) I know what to expect. I’ve gotten through these feelings before. I’ve moved past them. I’ve counseled numerous patients through them, it’s … I should be handling this better!
Dr. Foster: How should you be handling it? … What’s “better”? … Can you handle what you SHOULD be feeling? Or can you handle what you ARE feeling? Which feeling is present?
(Marlena sighs.)
Marlena: … What I am feeling.
Dr. Foster: Can’t you only handle the feelings that are present?
[Pause.]
Marlena: Valentine’s Day is in two days, I can’t even undress in front of my husband. I’m going to ruin it, I’m going to ruin the night!
John: Doc.
Marlena: Don’t TELL me I’m being to hard on myself! I know you’re going to say it. (points at him) Don’t!
(John grabs her hand. It clenches into a fist.)
John: What are you afraid’s gonna happen? How could you possibly ruin the night?
(Her hand clenches tighter. He massages it.)
John: Come on. Get it out. I don’t want you carrying this kind of worry Friday night. I want you to have fun. I want you to feel relaxed, I want you to feel loved –
(She tries to pull her fist away.)
Marlena: – how can I feel relaxed and loved when we haven’t resolved everything? We can’t have Valentine’s Day now, John! It’s too soon!
John: I don’t expect you to do anything. We don’t have to do anything –
Marlena: – YES, we do, it’s Valentine’s Day! (crying) You’re planning something so special –
(He takes her face in his hands.)
John: We don’t. Have. To. Do. Anything. My god, after everything I’ve put you through. You think I expect -? …
Marlena: I think you’re hoping.
[Pause.]
John: I’m hoping because I miss you.
(He rests his right hand against her cheek. Gently caresses it with his thumb. Her face relaxes. She closes her eyes.)
Marlena: (whispers) I miss you …
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: What are you afraid of, Marlena?
John: (whispers) Hey.
(She opens her eyes. Looks at him for a long moment.)
Marlena: My anger. It’s just too big. It feels like a monster inside me. It takes my breath away and I just start shaking. I feel it in my stomach and in my bones. And my skin. I’m afraid when you see me that’s all you’ll see. And you’ll hate it. And if you touch it … if you (crying) touch me … if you get that close … it’ll just … unleash and devour both of us and I’ll say something so so horrible it’ll break everything and it’ll be our very last Valentine’s Day! –
(John pulls her to him.)
John: Oh, god … honey …
(She cries against his shoulder.)
Marlena: And I’ll scare you away, I’ll scare you back into yourself, and you’ll never grieve! …
John: Marlena … look at me … look at me.
(She does.)
John: I’ve stared down a monster inside you before. Remember?
(Moved, Marlena looks away.)
John: Hey –
(He turns her face back to him.)
John: Did it scare me away? Did it?
[Pause.]
(Marlena shakes her head.)
John: I am not leaving, Doc. I am NOT. Leaving.
(He wipes the tears from her face.)
John: The night will be what it is. Our messy feelings and all. I just want to love you.
Marlena: … But it’s on a Friday. You’re in here with her in the afternoon, I’m afraid you’re going to need time to yourself after –
John: – Doc –
Marlena: – but I KNOW you, you’ll stuff it down, you’ll be all wrapped up in romancing me –
John: – Doc –
Marlena: – I’ll be worried you’re not processing your session.
Dr. Foster: John. Have you told Marlena how you’ve rearranged your schedule?
John: (to Dr. Foster) I’m trying. (to Marlena) I’m seeing her tomorrow.
Marlena: … You’re having your session tomorrow?
John: Yup.
Dr. Foster: He asked me to switch his time. To hopefully give him an extra day to process things if they come up, and … it also gives him the whole day on Friday to prepare what he’s … preparing.
(Marlena looks to Dr. Foster. To John. Back to Dr. Foster.)
Marlena: He’s told you what it is, hasn’t he?
Dr. Foster: (smiling) Umm-hmm.
John: (to Marlena) I’ve called her. Couple times. To talk about it.
Dr. Foster: (gently) He’s having some anxiety about Valentine’s Day, too.
Marlena: Honey. You haven’t told me that.
John: Well, you’ve been asleep.
Marlena: Oh!
(She bats at him. He chuckles. Stills. She looks deep into his eyes. His lips tremble.)
John: I just really want you to like it. What I’ve put together. (crying) I’m scared … it won’t be enough …
Marlena: John … (runs her hands up and down his shoulders) I will love it. You’ll be there. (presses her forehead against his) You’re everything.
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: When the two of you shared your memory with each other … did you share the second part?
(John and Marlena look to her with furrowed brows.)
Dr. Foster: I’d originally asked you to share the moment you knew you wanted to be married to the other. I’d also originally asked you to share WHY. Have you told each other why you’re married to the other?
(Marlena looks at John. LIfts her shoulders.)
John: Don’t … think we got to that part.
Dr. Foster: I think Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to get to that part. At the start of your evening, I want you both to sit down, in a position you’re comfortable, join hands, look in each other’s eyes. One at a time, say to the other, “I’m married to you because …” and share the reason.
(John sighs. Looks at the floor. Marlena bristles.)
Dr. Foster: John? What’s wrong?
John: … I can’t …
(Marlena searches his eyes, trembling.)
John: I can’t just say one reason.
(Marlena inhales sharply. Blinks back tears.)
Dr. Foster: Then tell her all of them. Tell her every single one.
(John gazes at Marlena. They both glow.)
Dr. Foster: And breathe. Don’t forget to breathe.
(They chuckle.)
Dr. Foster: Wine also helps.
John: Ohhh, they’ll be plenty of that.
(Marlena playfully gasps.)
Marlena: (to Dr. Foster) Oh, THANK you! I got a hint out of him!
Dr. Foster: Whatever you do, though … don’t drink so much that you’re not present with each other. Stay present.
John: (to Dr. Foster) Oh, you got that.
Dr. Foster: That includes sleep, Marlena. Get sleep the next two nights. All right?
Marlena: Can it be on his shoulder?
(He runs the blade of his finger across her eyebrow.)
John: Always.
Page 14 of 54
Valentines Day Part 1
EXT. TOWNHOUSE
(Marlena, a vision in a deep blue evening gown, answers the door. John, in a full tux, presents a rose. Seeing her, his eyes light up as if he’s discovered a new heaven.)
John: … Hey there, pretty lady.
(She beams back.)
Marlena: Hi.
(John hands her the rose. She takes in the aroma. Glows. He kisses her hand. Blinks back tears. She follows suit.)
Marlena: Oh! We’re both crying already.
(She delicately wipes his tears with her thumb. He kisses her palm.)
Marlena: Please tell me that you slept last night.
John: Doc –
Marlena: – tell me.
(He outlines her face with the blade of his finger.)
John: Not a lot. I was worried you were worrying about me.
Marlena: But how were YOU feeling?
John: And you just made my point.
Marlena: Tell me the truth.
[Pause.]
John: Bad. Really bad. Session hurt like hell.
Marlena: … Oh, honey …
(She caresses his face. He massages her wrists.)
John: Did YOU sleep last night?
Marlena: No. I was worrying about you.
John: Dammit, Doc, I never should have agreed to skipping the pier –
Marlena: – John –
John: – you told me you’d sleep, I KNEW you wouldn’t –
Marlena: – John. You’d had your session, I wanted to give you space, a night, I wanted you to have that. Don’t feel guilty that you had that.
[Pause.]
John: I missed you.
Marlena: … I missed you …
(He pulls her into an embrace. They hold each other.)
Marlena: … If I could spend … every Valentine’s Day … just like this … just in your arms … that’d be all I’d ever need …
(John pulls back.)
John: Whatever you say. I’ll just make a quick phone call, cancel our –
Marlena: – NO, no, no, don’t cancel it!
(He chuckles.)
Marlena: OH! (bats at his arm) Don’t TEASE me like that!
(He takes her hands in his, rests them under his chin.)
John: You know I wouldn’t cancel it.
(She grins.)
Marlena: Where are we going?
(John raises an eyebrow.)
Marlena: Oh! John, we’re on our way there; you have to tell me now.
(John reaches in his pocket. Pulls out a silk scarf.)
John: Not. Just. Yet.
INT. ?
(John opens a door and leads a blindfolded Marlena into a dimly lit room. Candlelight illuminates them both.)
Marlena: Are we there? Now? John?
John: Just a few more steps.
Marlena: You said that five minutes ago.
(John places her.)
John: Stay right here. Don’t move.
Marlena: Wha –
(John shuts the door behind them.)
Marlena: All right, I know we’re not at the airport. I know we’re indoors somewhere because we were in an elevator.
(John lights a few candles.)
John: Whip smart, as always.
Marlena: … John, what are you doing?
John: I’m almost done.
(Marlena sighs.)
Marlena: I’m taking this off myself if you don’t hurry up!
(He wraps his arms around her from the back. She gasps. Blushes.)
John: (whispers in her ear) Ready now.
Marlena: … This is the place?
John: This is the place.
(Marlena cocks her head. Stills.)
John: What’s the matter?
Marlena: That’s so strange. The air. It feels familiar. Like it has memory in it.
John: … It does.
(John reaches to untie the blindfold. His hands shake. Marlena touches them.)
Marlena: Honey! Oh! You’re as nervous as I am! Don’t be. Please.
(He leans against her hair.)
John: I am.
(She squeezes his hands.)
Marlena: Well then … kiss me. It’ll help.
John: … You think?
Marlena: … I do.
(John stands in front of her. Leans in. Nuzzles her nose. Kisses her, gently. Pulls back. Unties the blindfold. Takes it into his hands, brushing it across her collarbone. She opens her eyes, stares into his for a long moment. He grins. Steps back. She takes in the room. Gasps a sound three times the size of herself.)
(The lights are soft. Lit candles are everywhere. In the alcove near the stairway, beside a gleaming silver tapestry, a table is ornately set for two, with fine china, flowers, candles, and chilling champagne. Beyond that –
INT. PENTHOUSE
– stares back at her, exactly as it was. Every. Single. Detail.)
(Marlena, hands over her mouth, takes in every inch of the space. John watches her. Finally, she bursts into tears. Turns to him.)
Marlena: How did you?! … How in the world did you?! …
(John pulls her into a deep kiss. She opens her mouth to his. Throws her arm around his neck, pulling them tighter together. He grasps the back of her hair. She pulls back.)
Marlena: John – … John – … How in the world did the owner let you do this? ALL this? It’s impossible! You would have had to –
(John places the keys in her palm. Squeezes his hands over hers.)
John: Happy Valentine’s Day.
(Marlena stares at him, mouth agape. She can’t speak.)
John: (crying) It’s yours. Again. If you want it.
(Marlena stares at him. The keys. Him. The keys. Cascades into his arms. Faints.)
John: Whoah, Doc!
CUT TO
(Marlena lay on the far couch opposite the french doors, unconscious. Covered in John’s tux jacket. He sits next to her, dipping a rag into a bowl of water and gently sponging her face. His collar and bow tie are undone, and his forehead is drenched in a distressed sweat.)
John: Honey? … Can you hear me? … Doc? Open your eyes honey, come on … DOC!
(She startles awake. John lets out a relieved sigh.)
Marlena: (terrified) Oh! What? –
John: I’m sorry if I scared ya, it’s okay, it’s okay –
(He rubs her arms.)
Marlena: (disoriented) What? – Where am I?
John: Everything’s okay, we’re at the penthouse, we just arrived, I surprised you. You fainted.
Marlena: I … WHAT?… (winces) (remembers) Ohhh … (starts to cry) I’m sorry! …
(He chuckles.)
John: It’s okay, honey …
Marlena: It’s NOT okay! You doing something like this, and I FAINT? I should have said –
John: – Marlena –
Marlena: – I wanted to say so much, I just, I, I didn’t know WHAT to say –
(He holds her face.)
John: – it’s ALL RIGHT.
(She stills.)
John: You’ve been through about a year of hell, thanks to me.
Marlena: … John, don’t –
John: – you HAVE. And you haven’t gotten much sleep on top of that. It’s no wonder you fainted.
(He strokes her hair. Marlena looks down at the keys in her hand.)
Marlena: My gosh. It’s real. You really did this.
John: … I’d give you the world if I could.
(She looks back up at him.)
Marlena: (crying) You have …
(He leans forward and touches his forehead to hers. She strokes the back of his neck. Closes her eyes.)
[Pause.]
Marlena: Lie next to me.
[Pause.]
John: … Are you sure?
(Marlena nods. John slips off his shoes. Slides himself between the sofa back and her body, and wraps his arms around her. Nuzzles his face into her hair, relieved. They both sigh. Marlena runs the back of her hand against the fabric of the couch.)
Marlena: You leaned right up against here. When you sat on the floor and I fed you marshmallows. You remember that?
(John beams.)
John: How could I not remember that?
(She turns around to face him. They snuggle together, nose to nose.)
Marlena: How many times have I stared at you just like this? Lying right here, on this couch?
John: Thousands and thousands.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Interrupted by toddlers.
(They both chuckle.)
John: Then teenagers.
Marlena: The phone always ringing for Belle.
John: Or for you.
Marlena: Or YOU. Stefano, disaster –
John: – death, destruction –
Marlena: – just your average distractions.
(They both laugh. Snuggle closer.)
Marlena: But it was always all right in the end. No matter what, I could home here to you, and I knew I’d be safe.
(John strokes her hair.)
John: (whispers) … That’s a fact …
[Pause.]
Marlena: I’ll never forget this. I’ll never forget that you did this for us.
John: I’ll never forget that you let me.
[Pause.]
Marlena (crying) We’re home.
(John lets out a sob, and pulls her into an embrace. She squeezes him tighter.)
John (crying) Yeah … we’re home …
Page 15 of 54
Valentines Day Part 2
INT. PENTHOUSE
(Marlena and John sit at the ornate table, wining and dining on champagne and a sprawling array of – familiar looking – comfort food. Marlena brings a spoon to her lips, closes her eyes, and sighs with happiness.)
Marlena: Every time I eat Caroline’s chowder … it just feels like I’m … being wrapped up in a blanket. Or Christmas! I’m being wrapped up in Christmas! That’s what it is. Was our menu her idea or yours?
John: Mmm … both.
Marlena: How’s that?
John: Worked up the courage today. Finally went to see her.
Marlena: You did? What happened?
John: Well … first she REALLY let me have it.
Marlena: She’s good at that.
John: Oh, yeah. But then she … wrapped her arms around me … she said, “I know you can make this right because I know who you are. You’re my son. I love you.”
(Marlena beams at him, moved.)
John: Then she proceeded to cook us half the pub menu.
(Marlena throws her head back and laughs.)
John: She insisted. What could I do?
Marlena: I’m so glad she did.
John: I am, too. I kind of … feel like I have her blessing now.
Marlena: You always have.
John: She’s a hell of a Mom.
Marlena: Yes, she is. How did we get so lucky to call her ours?
(John holds up his champagne glass.)
John: To Caroline.
(Marlena follows suit.)
Marlena: To Caroline. AND Shawn. Rest his soul.
John: And. Shawn.
(They toast. Drink.)
John: Speaking of family …
(John takes both of their glasses, sets them on the table. Takes Marlena’s hand. Stands her up.)
Marlena: What? What now?
(He looks her up and down. Considers.)
John: Hang on a minute.
(Picks her up off the floor. She gasps, holds onto his neck.)
John: Just in case you faint again, I’ve already caught you.
(Marlena giggles. John carries her across the floor, spins her around in a whirlwind. She screams with delight.)
Marlena: JOHN! Oh my gosh! Stop! Stop! I just ate, for heaven’s sake!
(He stops them.)
John: Notice anything different?
Marlena: Other than the room spinning?
(He winks toward the piano.)
John: Over there.
(Marlena catches her breath. Looks. Notices. Gasps.)
Marlena: The pictures. They’re –
John: – new.
Marlena: Oh!
(She tries to get down. John holds her tight.)
John: Hey, wait, we’re not there yet.
(She grins at him. Blushes. Nose to nose, he walks them … ever … so … slowly … to the piano. Sets her down. Stands behind her. Puts his hands on her shoulders.)
John: See?
(Aroused, Marlena takes a deep breath in, lets it out.)
Marlena: I do …
(John holds up a framed photo.)
John: Sami just had these taken.
Marlena: Oh! Oh, look at them. Johnny’s little suit. Ali was NOT that tall two weeks ago.
John: I know.
Marlena: Two WEEKS ago, John!
John: I know.
(He holds up another.)
John: Will and Sonny sent this one over. Ariana.
Marlena: Oh! I bought that bow! I bought that! Oh! She’s getting hair. Look at that. Little curlies. Those cheeks. Just like her Daddy’s. Oh my gosh, Will’s a Daddy. I still can’t wrap my brain around it.
John: And Belle … mailed this to us.
(He holds up another. Marlena gasps. Beams. It’s a photo of Shawn, Belle, and Claire, aboard the Fancy Face 4, making goofy faces under a piercing blue sky. Marlena looks up at John, blinking back tears.)
Marlena: Our baby’s baby. Isn’t a baby anymore. Look at her. How on earth is she eight? When did that happen?
John: About … 5 months ago?
Marlena: Oh! You.
(John chuckles.)
John: There’s more to this photo, by the way.
Marlena: Hmm?
(John points to a button at the bottom of the picture frame. Presses it. A recording plays.)
Claire (recording): Hi, Pop Pop! Hi, Grandma!
(Marlena lets out a squeal. Jumps up and down.)
Belle (whispers): Say “Happy Valentine’s Day”.
Claire: Huh?
Belle: Say “Happy Valentine’s Day”.
Claire: It’s not Valentine’s Day yet.
Belle: It’ll be Valentine’s Day once they get this.
Claire: … Whatever.
(Marlena and John chuckle.)
Claire: Happy Valentine’s Day, even though it’s NOT Valentine’s Day …
Belle: (whispers) “And we love you …”
Claire: I KNOW, I’m not done yet!
(Marlena can’t stop chuckling.)
Claire: And Happy old New Year’s and old Christmas and every holiday all over the world and every holiday we haven’t had yet –
(Marlena leans her head on John’s shoulder.)
Claire: – aaaaand … a zillion hugs and a zillion kisses … aaaaaand … I’m done.
Belle: And “we love you”.
Claire: I know! Oh. WE LOVE YOU!
(Marlena howls with laughter.)
Belle (holding back laughter): Happy Valentine’s Day, you guys. We love you. So so much. Talk to you soon. Bye.
(The recording stops. Marlena clasps her hands under her chin. Turns to John, shining like the sun.)
Marlena: Can we listen to that every day?
John: That’s my plan.
Marlena: Oh!
(Marlena holds the picture to her chest, grinning ear to ear. Places it lovingly on the piano. Gazes over the rest of the photos surrounding it. Familar shots of Sami, Eric, Brady, Belle. She and John, their children and grandchildren, over the years. Group shots of the extended Brady family. Isabella. Marlena sees another photo and stills. She picks it up. Runs her fingers across it. John watches her.)
John: I thought about puttin’ all of ’em there. All our wedding photos. But this one. ’99. It just always felt like our official start.
[Pause.]
Marlena (quietly): After Kristen.
John: After Kristen.
(John wraps his arms around Marlena. Rests his chin on her shoulder.)
John: After that wedding … no matter what tried to keep us apart … we just on kept getting back together, didn’t we?
Marlena: Umm – hmm …
(He gently takes the photo from her hands and places it on the piano. She turns to him. Stares deeply into his eyes.)
John: (whispers) There’s something else that’s new.
(He backs away from her, stops in the open center of the living room. Takes a remote out of his pocket. Presses a button. All room lights fade to black, save the candlelight. John presses another button. A single spotlight shines on him. Marlena gasps. He grins.)
John: Made a few upgrades.
(Presses another button. Music plays. “If It Wasn’t For Your Love”. Marlena exhales sharply. Blinks back a sob. John puts the remote back in his pocket. Extends his hand.)
John: Dance with me?
(Marlena puts a hand to her mouth. Places her other hand in his. Steps into the spotlight with him. Their melt together. They dance, slowly, in a circle, gaze to gaze, body to body.)
John: Marlena Evans Black … I am married to you because … there’s not a kinder soul on this planet. No one is more selfless. Or humble. Or strong. Nothing defeats you. Nothing. No one. You’re brave. You’re brave enough to be vulnerable. You teach me every day how to do that. You’re always right. Even when I think I’m right, I THINK I’ve won an argument, nope, turns out in the end, you were actually right. (Malena smiles.) You’ve got the wisdom of the world in that mind. You’re an artist of a doctor. If you weren’t, I wouldn’t be standing here with the life I have. I love watching you help people. I love watching you love people. You’re an incredible mother. I know you’re hard on yourself, you don’t think you are, but you ARE. You’re an incredible grandma, an incredible great-grandma. You’re warm. You’re passionate. You’re funny. I love your laugh. Or your squeal. Both. It’s kinda both. I love your runny omelets. Your … creative … other recipes. (She giggles.) You’re adorably hot-headed. More hot-headed than me. You’re powerful. You’re sexy. One touch, one look from you and I’m done in. You’d do anything for your family. You’d do anything for me. You have. No matter how empty I feel, you see something there. You see something good. And you never run away. You’re my best friend. You’re my partner. You’re my lover. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.
(Tears tumble down Marlena’s cheeks. She’s overwhelmed. She wraps her arms around him and buries her face in the nape of his neck. He holds her.)
John: (crying) I love you …
(She squeezes him tighter. The song swells. Marlena leans her head on his shoulder. Peace fills her face. John strokes the back of her hair.)
(The song ends. A new one begins. “Unchained Melody”. They turn slower. Slower. They stop turning. Marlena leans back. They stare into each other’s eyes. Lean forward. Nose to nose. Nuzzle the other’s face, slowly. John runs his hand up Marlena’s arm, her shoulder, her neck, over her lips. Grasps the back of her hair. Their mouths open and meet. Marlena pulls him closer. His mouth descends across her chin, down her neck, to her collarbone.)
Marlena: John –
(He retreats in a flash, worried.)
Marlena: No! Don’t stop. That wasn’t why … it’s all right.
(He doesn’t move. Watches her.)
Marlena: I just wanted to tell you … it took some doing … rather a lot of doing, actually … but I uh … I wrote mine down. My reasons. (Pause.) I wrote them across my heart. For you to read.
(John stares at her, breathless.)
Marlena: I want you to see me.
[Pause.]
John: … Doc?
Marlena: It was a miracle. When I wrote down … all the reasons … the reasons that I love you, the reasons that I’m married to you … when I wrote them across my heart, against my skin … it just seemed to get rid of the monster. My skin wasn’t on guard anymore. It just wanted you.
(He strokes her face. His hands tremble.)
John: … Are you saying –
Marlena: – I’m furious. I’m still furious. I’ll be furious for a very, very long time. But my heart for you is bigger. I want to be with you! I just want to be with you!
(John pulls her into a tight embrace.)
John: Doc! …
Marlena: (crying) I want to be with you! …
(He pulls back.)
John: Now, wait. You listen to me. I don’t want you to feel pressured, tonight, I told you that. I want you to be absolutely sure this is what you want. At your pace. I –
(She places a finger over his lips.)
Marlena: Make love to me. Make love to me in our bed. In our room. In our home.
(She strokes his face. Nuzzles his nose.)
Marlena (whispers): Make love to your wife. Tonight.
(She pulls him into a long, deep kiss. He pulls her lips tighter to his. Leans her face back. Stares deep into her eyes, beside himself. She smiles. Drops into his arms as he picks her up off the floor. He carries her up the winding staircase as the song swells to its end.)
Page 16 of 54
Valentines Day Part 3
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM
(Carrying Marlena in his arms, John stops in the doorway. She takes in the room. It, too, is exactly as it was, down to the finest detail. Aglow with a sea of candles. Rose petals adorn the bed. Champagne chills on the dresser, alongside two glasses and two tiny, ornate – covered – dishes. Marlena looks to John, beaming. His lips tremble.)
John: Had it all ready. Just in case.
(She buries her face in his shoulder. He buries his face in her hair. She squeezes him tighter.)
[Long Pause.]
Marlena: John … carry me in.
(John smiles. Slowly carries her into the room. Stops at the foot of the bed. Sets her down to standing. She wobbles a bit. He steadies her. Takes her face in his hands. She massages his wrists. They press their foreheads together. Nuzzle their faces against the other. John presses his cheek against hers. She pulls him into a tight embrace.)
John: Whatever you want, Doc. I’ll do whatever you want.
(She whispers in his ear.)
Marlena: Undress me.
(John leans back. Looks at her, eyes wide. She nods expectantly. Turns her back to him. Pulls her hair to one side. John delicately runs the back of his hand up and along the back of her neck … then rests his lips there. She closes her eyes, flushed. His fingers find the zipper of her evening gown. He unzips … slowly … kissing along her spine as he goes. Marlena leans her head back. John wraps his other arm around her waist to steady her. The evening gown slips onto to the floor.)
(Marlena turns to him. He takes her in.)
(They both blink back tears.)
John: You are more beautiful now … than you have ever been.
(Marlena looks away, moved.)
John: You believe me?
(Marlena can’t look back. Can’t speak. Tries to nod.)
(John steps closer to her. Sees the writing across her heart. Touches it. Marlena blinks back a sob. Pulls John into a long, deep kiss. John leans back. Checks in with his eyes. Marlena stills. Gives a peaceful smile.)
Marlena: Read them. Read my words.
(She surrenders her arms to her side. John looks at the words again. Squints. Pulls down part of the bodice of her slip to read them – stops himself.)
John: I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
Marlena: It’s all right, I want you to. Go on.
(Trying not to shake, John unlaces part of the bodice.
Stops. Looks at her. Looks at the words. Squints.)
John: Uh … (nervous laugh) … I think it’s too dark in here, Doc, I can’t –
Marlena: – it’s all right.
(She takes his hands in hers.)
Marlena: I’ve memorized them anyway.
(She places his hands over the words. Her hands over his. Takes a deep breath.)
Marlena: John Black … I’m married to you because … the most important thing in the world to you is doing what’s right. For the people you love. You’d go to the ends of the earth, you’d walk through hell itself, for the people you love. You have. Countless times over. I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be alive. If you hadn’t. You never think of yourself, you just jump in, “what can I do?”, you face anything. You’re brave. You’re strong. You’re sharp as a tack; nothing gets by you. You’re generous. You’re kind. You’re tender. You’re so romantic I can’t stand it. Not that I ever want you to stop. (They laugh.) You’re handsome, you’re passionate, you’re … (blushes) … I can’t resist you …
John: Really.
(He wraps his arms around her. Their bodies melt together. He grins.)
Marlena: Really.
[Pause.]
John: You fit all that across your heart?
(He leans down, nose to her chest. She giggles.)
Marlena: Part of it. Now that I’m going, I just … can’t seem to stop.
(He pulls her closer.)
John: That sounds familiar.
Marlena: There is more, though. John. I’d like to say it.
[Pause.]
(He runs his finger up her arm. Across her lips.)
John (whispers): Okay …
(Marlena closes her eyes. Takes a deep breath.)
Marlena: You’re my soul mate. You match me. In everything. In fights. Even though I usually win. (She smiles.) You help me let go when I’m too hard on myself. You push me when I’m tempted to give up. You cherish me. The way you speak of me to other people … to our children … it makes me feel … (cries) … like a queen … like I can do anything … like I’m beautiful! …
(He brushes his fingers across her face, catching her tears.)
Marlena: You’re a wonderful father. You’re such a good parent, you didn’t need me. Everything good … everything good in Carrie and Sami and Eric … that was you.
John: Oh, Doc –
Marlena: – that was YOU … (she strokes his face) … then you stepped aside … I know that KILLED you … you’ve lost so much because you’ve loved me, and still you stay, you stay and you fight for us …
(They stand, forehead to forehead.)
Marlena: You heart never stops hurting. That breaks mine. Because you don’t know all of your past. You still feel empty. But, listen to me … (she looks him dead in the eye) … there is not a single, empty part of you. You are the clearest, most whole, most real person I’ve ever known. You’re my John.
(John can’t stop crying. He pulls her into an embrace.)
Marlena: I love you … I love you, I love you, I love you! …
(He squeezes her tighter. She squeezes back. He buries his face in her hair. Her neck. Her shoulder. Stops. She doesn’t dare breathe. He doesn’t dare move.)
Marlena: John … I’m ready now.
CUT TO
(Marlena stands before the two tiny ornate covered dishes. John wraps his arms around her from the back. Rests his chin on her shoulder. Watches her. She reaches out … removes the lids … and beams with joy. Looks at John. He beams back.)
Marlena: I was hoping …
John: … I was, too.
(He reaches over her shoulder. Takes a strawberry. Places it before her lips. She touches his hand. Takes a delicate bite. Turns her head toward his. His lips meet the fruit between hers. Their tongues and teeth dance around it … chew it … open and close together. She pulls back. Takes the remaining half of strawberry in his hand. Dips it in whipped cream. Turns to face John. Brushes the berry across his lips, places the berry in his mouth. He chews it. Swallows. She wraps her arm around his neck. Leans in. Places her lips against his. Runs her tongue across his lips. Licks the cream. Kisses. Licks. Kisses. Licks. He grasps the back of her hair. She opens her mouth to meet his. Moans.)
CUT TO
(John lay Marlena across the bed. Unlaces the rest of the bodice of her slip. Parts it, exposing a 3 inch line of skin from her collar bone to between her breasts and down to her navel. He places her arms behind her head.)
John: Don’t move.
Marlena: … What are you going to –
(He puts a finger to her lips. Grins.)
John: Don’t. Move.
(Marlena trembles. Flushes. Watches him. The ornate dishes have been moved to the night stand next to them. He dips his fingers in the whipped cream. With his middle finger, John slowly swirls whipped cream around her navel. She shivers at the cold. He looks to her. She exhales. Smiles. Nods. He keeps going. With his forefinger, he draws a line of cream against her skin, up her stomach … between her breasts … Marlena bites her lip … with his other two fingers, across her left upper chest … across her right upper chest. John dips his fingers in the whipped cream again. With all five fingers, he massages and paints whipped cream along her collar bone … nearly to her breasts … she shivers again … then slowly up her neck … behind each of her ears. He leans into her face. They stare at each other, nose to nose. He presents his fingers. She licks off the cream … one … by one … by one … )
John (whispers) Now … brace yourself.
(Marlena starts to pant. Watches him. He leans down near her stomach. Runs his hands up and down and inside her thighs. Leans forward. Attacks her stomach with his mouth. Marlena gasps. Tries to move her legs. John holds them tight, massaging them … inside … outside … inside … outside … he moves his mouth up her stomach … to between her breasts. She lets out a cry. Brings her arms down to him. He puts them back behind her head. He moves his mouth up along her chest above her breasts … left … right … left … right …)
Marlena: Oh … god! …
(Marlena, panting, tries to move her arms, but he holds them fast … turns her face to the right with his other hand and moves his mouth up her neck … behind her left ear … )
Marlena (breathless) John! … John! …
( … behind her right ear … )
Marlena: Give me my arms back! Please! I can’t stand it!
(He releases her arms. Panting, she takes his face in her hands. Look at him. Bursts into wild laughter. His nose, lips, and chin are completely covered in whipped cream.)
John: Good look for me?
Marlena (beaming): Yes.
(She brings his face to hers. Slowly licks and kisses … and licks and kisses … every bit of whipped cream. He grasps her chin in one hand and pulls her into a long, deep kiss. She wraps her legs around the small of his back. He thrusts forward. Rolls them over. She screams with delight.)
CUT TO
(John and Marlena lay up against each other, nude, swathed in sheets, blissful smiles across their faces. Fruit and whipped cream are everywhere.)
Marlena: I am so … relaxed.
(John strokes her arm.)
John: Good … I covered everything then?
Marlena: Ohhh … I think you just about licked every single part of me. Twice.
(He grins.)
John: That was my plan.
Marlena: Your plan?
John: Well, you know. Just in case. We …
Marlena: UH huh. I see. You wanted to make me all sticky.
John: Yeah.
Marlena: Now, I’m sticky.
John: Uh huh.
Marlena: We’re stuck together.
John: Yup.
Marlena: I think my breast is literally stuck to your arm.
John: That was also part of my plan.
(Marlena howls with laughter. She bats at him.)
Marlena: You!
(She climbs atop his chest. Winces.)
Marlena: Ow! Ow …
(She bats at him again. They gaze at each other, giggling. They stop giggling. They grow still. Gaze. Tears fill John’s eyes.)
John: … Thank you …
(Marlena looks at him in love.)
Page 17 of 54
The Morning After Part 1
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM
(Sunlight cascades across Marlena’s cheek. She stirs. Squints in confusion. Takes in the bedroom. John’s arms around her. Remembers. She smiles. Buries her face in his chest. He strokes her hair.)
John (whispers): Good morning.
(Marlena can’t speak. John sees that she’s crying.)
John: Hey, hey …
(He slides down next to her. Looks at her in concern. Strokes her cheek.)
John: What is it? I say something? Did I upset you last night? Tell me, Doc, please.
(Marlena holds his hand to her cheek. Shakes her head.)
Marlena: No, no. It’s … the bed. Just now. (looks at him) I could smell us again. (Pause.) That, and … a whole lot of whipped cream. (Emotion releases on her laugh. John smiles in relief.) When you moved out … all those months ago … there were still two of your shirts in the laundry. I couldn’t bear to have them washed. Because then they wouldn’t smell like you. So I wore them. For a long time. When I’d sleep. Or … NOT sleep. I tried everything. I’d wrap them around me. The sleeves. I’d lay them across the couch. Across a pillow, next to my face. It never worked. I couldn’t … I couldn’t capture the scent, I couldn’t smell us. Then your scent started to leave your shirts. The sheets. The house. Everywhere. (crying) It was worse than you being dead! …
(John pulls her into his chest, rests his chin on her head. Wraps his arms around her.)
John (tearing up): I’m sorry I put you through that … Baby, I’m sorry …
[Pause.]
Marlena: I never thought I’d have another morning like this. With you. I never thought we’d wake up here. It’s like a dream!
(John holds her tighter.)
John: You’re my dream, Doc. You’re my life. You’ve given me a second chance … (crying) that I don’t deserve –
Marlena: – John, no, don’t say that, please –
(He puts a finger to her lips.)
John: I’m never gonna take it for granted. Not ever. I am gonna wake up next to you … right here … every morning … no matter what … for the rest of our lives.
(He outlines her face with his finger.)
John: And you’d better brace yourself … ’cause I am gonna romance you and spoil you and pamper you … I am gonna make sure … your first moment of every day … is love … from me.
Marlena: … Promise?
John: How ’bout I make good on that promise?
(She beams.)
Marlena: Yeah. Make some good.
John: You want some good?
Marlena: Yeah …
(She rolls over on her back. He follows, leaning against her chest.)
John: Where do you want it?
(She points to her lips.)
Marlena: Right here. Make some good right here …
(He smoothes her hair back, leans into her lips. She opens to him. He gives her a gentle, lingering kiss.)
Marlena: … That’s it?
John: Oh, you want some more?
Marlena: You bet I want some more. Come on, sailor.
(Taking hold of her chin with one hand, he pulls her into a deep, hard kiss. She lets out a muffled gasp. His hands run up and down the sheets on top of her body. Her hands run up and down his back; he pins them behind her head. She moans.)
CUT TO
(Late afternoon sun shines across the walls and furniture. John and Marlena lay up against each other, nose to nose. Gazing.)
Marlena: Oh my gosh. John. I think we’ve been here all day.
John: Probably.
Marlena: We should eat something, don’t you think?
John: I thought we were.
(He reaches under the covers. She squeals.)
Marlena: Oh! John! Now, wait, wait – (stops his hand) – I’m a great-grandmother now. I don’t have the stamina I used to.
John: Could have fooled me.
(He crawls on top of her.)
Marlena: I –
(He nibbles on her ear. She gasps.)
Marlena: Oh. My.
(He works his way down her neck. Reaches under the covers again.)
Marlena: Oh! … John … (moans) … (breathless) Honey, honey, really, though, I am … I’m really thirsty. Please?
(John hangs his head into her chest. Sighs. Marlena laughs. He gets out of bed. Marlena props herself up on her elbow and watches him walk. Cocks her head. Enjoys it. John pours them both a glass of water. Turns toward the bed. Spins around, as if dancing. Marlena laughs again. He sits next to her, extends a glass. She sits up, takes it, beaming.)
Marlena: Thank you.
(They both drink, eyes on each other.)
Marlena: Oh. Mmm.
John: Hits the spot.
Marlena: Umm hmm.
(He takes their glasses, sets them on the bedside table. Stares at her.)
Marlena: What?
John: Have I ever told you … (crawls back under the covers) … the prettiest you look is when you first wake up?
Marlena: About a hundred times. I never agree with you.
John: Well. You should.
(He tugs at her arm and pulls her onto her back. She squeals. Flushes. Grins. He rolls on top of her.)
John: I’m the first person in the world who gets to see your pretty eyes open. And I get to see all your freckles. I get to kiss … (he kisses her nose) … every … (her upper nose) … single … (between her eyebrows) one …
(She closes her eyes. Smiles. He gives her tiny, slow, kisses. Inch by inch. About the face.)
Marlena: Well … that may take you awhile. I have an awful lot of them.
John: Exactly.
(She giggles. He makes his way down her neck.)
Marlena: I seem to recall a night when you (gasps, aroused) … tried to kiss all my freckles … and it uh … (breathless) quickly moved us onto other things.
John: Would you like us to move onto other things?
Marlena: Oh my gosh, John! I’m gonna need an IV if we keep going like this!
(They both laugh. He strokes her cheek.)
John: I just love you …
(She beams at him. Then pain fills her eyes.)
Marlena: John … did you really mean what you said? About not deserving a second chance?
[Pause.]
(John pulls away and rolls onto his back. Fixes his gaze at the ceiling. Marlena leans into him.)
Marlena: Do you feel that way? Really? Do you think I want you to feel that way? Because of the terrible things I said?
(John looks away from her. His face contorts.)
Marlena: Oh, baby! …
(She leans forward, gently kissing his tears, one by one.)
Marlena: I’m sorry! … I don’t want you feeling that way, I don’t, I don’t! …
(John suddenly pushes her onto her back, holding her wrists. She gasps.)
Marlena: John! Wha –
John: I don’t ever want you to forgive me. Do you understand?
Marlena: … John, that’s not how I feel –
John: – it’s not a feeling, it’s a FACT. I don’t deserve to be forgiven for what I did, not ever. Don’t you forget that.
Marlena: John Black, let me go. Let Me. GO!
(He does. Marlena sits up. Bats her hair out of her eyes.)
Marlena: Now, you listen to me. You are not in charge of when I forgive or if I forgive. I’M in charge of that!
(His lips tremble.)
Marlena: Taking responsibility and feeling shame are two completely different things. I am not going to let you walk around ashamed of yourself. That doesn’t make anything better! … And I’m not going to forgive you.
(John looks up at her, horrified.)
Marlena: For you. I’m going to forgive you for myself. If I hold onto resentment … that’ll put up a wall between me and everyone I’ve ever loved. Between us. It’ll change who I am. And Kristen will have won. I have to forgive you, for myself. You have to forgive YOURSELF.
(John’s tears flow.)
John: I can’t … I can’t …
(She takes his face in her hands.)
Marlena: John …
John: You’re in so much pain! …
Marlena: PLEASE … forgive yourself. It’ll break my heart if you don’t.
(He runs his hands up and down her arms. She looks into his eyes.)
John: … I’m still working on it.
Marlena: … Me, too … We’ll have to work on forgiving together.
(He leans his face into one of her hands. Takes it. Kisses it.)
John: We are together, Doc. For life. That’s a fact.
(Marlena blinks back tears. Nods. He pulls her into an embrace. They lay down again, holding close.)
John: Marlena … I want you to know … everything I did last night … today, all of this … I didn’t do one bit of it out of shame. I did it because –
Marlena: – oh, baby, I know that, I know that.
(Marlena pulls him tighter. Nuzzles her nose into his neck.)
Marlena: I know. You did it out of love. Just love. And I feel that. I feel loved.
(John inhales back tears.)
John: … Good …
(He caresses her hair.)
[Pause.]
John: Sun’s going down.
Marlena: Mmm.
John: I’ll order us anything you like. If you’re hungry.
Marlena: Actually … I’d really love a shower.
(He looks at her. She looks up at him. Grins.)
Marlena: I mean, you have to admit, this stickiness is really getting out of control. We should take care of it. Together.
(John grins.)
Marlena: John? Yes or no?
(In one foul swoop, he gathers her up in the sheets, in his arms, and stands. She screams.)
John: I. Accept.
(He walks them toward the bathroom.)
Marlena: John! John! Not with the sheets!
John: They’re sticky, too. It’ll save time.
Marlena: Oh, no, no, NO!
(They can’t stop laughing.)
Page 18 of 54
The Morning After Part 2
INT. PENTHOUSE BATHROOM
(Water cascades in a steady stream from the shower head. In front of the sliding doors, with steam climbing between them, John and Marlena face each other. Slowly … John unwinds the sheets … from Marlena’s body. Drops them to the floor. Offers her his arm.)
INT. SHOWER
(Marlena lets the water run over her hands. John wraps his arms around her from behind, takes water in his hands, and wets her lower arms … upper arms … shoulders … chest … he runs his fingers across her faded writing. She turns her face toward his. They stand still, temple to temple. He wets his hands again, and runs them up her neck; she leans her back into his shoulder. Wetting his hands yet again, he reaches toward her stomach … lower … she moans.)
CUT TO
(Fully drenched and pressed together, John and Marlena hungrily kiss each other. The suds ease down their bodies like molasses. Steam dances around them as they breathe together. Marlena wraps a leg around John’s lower back. He thrusts toward her, tilting her head into the shower stream. Water cascades down her hair. As he presses his mouth to her neck, Marlena smiles in ecstasy. Looks up at the ceiling. Remembers.)
FLASHBACK: HOT SPRINGS 1993
(Nude, they dip and turn together in the water. Nuzzle their faces together. Marlena leans her head back, and John nuzzles his face into her neck, first her right side, then her left. She lets her head drop to his shoulder, exhales, then leans back again. They press their foreheads together. She runs her arm across the back of his drenched head, leans in, and they pull together in a long kiss.)
INT. SHOWER
John: Doc?
(Marlena jolts back to the present. Sees John’s concerned face.)
John: You okay? What are you thinking about?
(Marlena pants, overwhelmed. She beams.)
Marlena: Us. I was thinking about us.
(She wraps her arm around his neck and pulls his lips to hers.)
INT. J & M’S BEDROOM
(Arm in arm, John and Marlena exit the bathroom, wrapped in towels.)
Marlena: Mmm …
John: Not sticky anymore.
Marlena: Hmm-mmm.
(They face each other, arms around each other’s hips.)
Marlena: Guess that means we’ll have to get sticky all over again.
John: I always did like the way you think.
(Marlena giggles. John leans in to kiss her. She pulls back.)
Marlena: Oh! John! I just remembered! I don’t have any clothes here. Except my gown.
(John raises an eyebrow.)
John: That’s a problem WHY?
(She glares playfully at him. He holds up a finger.)
John: Taken care of.
(He disappears back toward the bathroom, then returns, carrying two silk white robes. Presents one to her.)
Marlena: Oh … you got me a robe.
(He pulls the robe back. Waits. She squints at him. Realizes. Smiles. Unwraps her towel. Drops it to the floor. He looks her up and down, grinning.)
Marlena: Down boy.
John: … Woof.
(Marlena laughs. John leans in and wraps the robe around her. She slides her arms into the sleeves as they stand, nose to nose.)
Marlena: What about yours?
John: You want it on or off?
Marlena: Hmm …
(She runs her hand up along chest. Bites her lip. Sees him holding the robe behind his back.)
Marlena: Off!
(She snatches the robe from him. Bolts toward the bathroom. He catches her; she screams. He throws her over his shoulder and tosses her onto the bed. She laughs, breathless, as he tickles her.)
INT. PENTHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(Robed, John and Marlena stand at the base of the stairs, taking in the room. A sea of candles again. A decadent picnic is laid out before them on the floor, complete with basket, blanket, silk pillows, fine china, chilling champagne, and a book of poetry holding a long stemmed rose.)
John: More of Caroline’s delicacies await.
Marlena: When … did you do this?
John: Little while ago. While you were asleep.
Marlena & John: Just in case.
(Marlena laughs. She lay her head on his shoulder. Her laugh soon fades. She realizes they’re standing at the base of the stairs. She looks down. Bristles.)
John: Doc?
(Marlena walks away from him. Stands at the edge of the picnic. Tries to brave a smile.)
Marlena: This really is beautiful, John. You never fail to surprise me.
John: What is it? What’s wrong?
Marlena: I’m just … surprised.
(Pause.)
John: You’re remembering your fall. Aren’t you?
(Marlena can’t look at him. Her face contorts. She nods. John pulls her into an embrace. She cries.)
John: I know that still hurts … I know …
Marlena: … It hurt you! …
(John squeezes her tighter. Rocks her back and forth, gently.)
Marlena: There aren’t just good memories here.
John: We’ll make new ones.
Marlena: What if we can’t? What if … when Monday morning hits, and we blow all the candles out and we’re back into our lives, back with Dr. Foster, we move into new territory and we just can’t handle it, being here together, it becomes a nightmare, we just come apart?
(John pulls her into a long, tender kiss. She whimpers. Pulls back.)
Marlena: John –
John: – how many times did you just say “we”?
(She stares into his eyes, surprised at herself. He slowly brushes his fingers across her face.)
John: You’re ready. So am I.
(Pause.)
(She looks back at the stairs. Tears return.)
Marlena (crying): I’m just scared all of a sudden!
(John takes her face in his hands.)
John: Listen. I won’t do anything. You don’t wanna do. We’ll move in here when you’re ready. Not a minute before.
(Moved, she rests her cheek in the palm of his hand.)
John: You just let me know …
(He strokes her cheek.)
John (whispers): … I’ll be here.
(They stare at each other for a long moment.)
(Marlena thinks. Makes a decision.)
(She walks to the table beside the front door, picks up the keys, then stands before John. He watches her, trembling. She places the keys in the palm of hand. Grief fills his face.)
(Marlena turns his hand over. Slides the key ring over his wedding ring. Puts his hand in hers. Beams at him.)
(Crying, John beams back.)
Page 19 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM
(The alarm blares. Marlena stirs. Squints at it. Shuts it off. Snuggles back down into the covers. John’s arms wrap around her from behind. He nuzzles his nose into her neck. She smiles.)
John: It’s Wednesday. 8 a.m.
Marlena: Mmm … does it have to be? Can’t we just turn back the clock and have it be Valentine’s Day all over again?
(She rolls over to face him. He lay smiling, with a lilac in his hand. She beams. Takes it. Takes in the scent.)
John: Every day is Valentine’s Day. With you.
Marlena (whispers): You, too.
(He cradles the back of her head. She leans in. He kisses her tenderly.)
John: I have another surprise.
Marlena: ANOTHER one? My gosh, John!
John: Stay right there.
(He turns away from her. Marlena sits up. John’s eyelids close half way. He cocks his head strangely.)
Marlena: … John?
(He runs his fingers along the base of his jaw. Digs in his nails. Tugs. Marlena’s eyes widen. She trembles.)
Marlena: John …. w-what are you doing? Wha – ?
(John peels plastic off and along the surface of his skin, up and up and up … slowly revealing another face … it turns around. Marlena sees it. Horror fills her eyes.)
Marlena: … No …
Stefano: Hello, Marlena.
Marlena: NO!!!
(She tries to jump up, but Stefano grabs her by the wrists. She falls down onto the bed; he climbs atop her. She scratches at his face, screaming. He pins her arms down and assaults her neck with his mouth. Marlena looks next to the bed … and sees John. He stands by, cold-faced, expressionless, with Kristen in his arms.)
Marlena: John! HELP! Stop him! Please!
(John doesn’t respond. Kristen smiles with glee. Leans her head on his chest.)
Marlena: John, how can you stand there? Can’t you see me? LOOK AT ME!
(Still no response. Stefano works his way down Marlena’s chest. They start sinking beneath the sheets.)
Marlena: Oh god! I’m leaving you! John! JOHNNNNNNN!
(Marlena bolts upright in bed, hysterical. Her hair is sopping wet. She can’t catch her breath. John touches her shoulder. She screams.)
John: You’re having a nightmare –
(He takes her face in his hands. She jumps.)
John: – it’s okay, it’s okay. You’re safe. I’m right here.
(Marlena runs trembling fingers across the surface of John’s face, checking. His eyes search hers. Satisfied, she sighs with relief, but can’t stop crying.)
John: Baby, my god … what did you dream about?
Marlena: Hold me. Hold me –
(She pulls him to her. He does.)
INT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
(Marlena sits on the couch, fists clenched in her lap. John sits next to her, holding her close.)
Marlena: It just doesn’t make sense. For me to dream something so horrible after something so wonderful.
Dr. Foster: Why doesn’t it makes sense?
Marlena: I just said. I’ve been so happy. Valentine’s Day was … (crying) … I can’t even put into words how wonderful it was … and I didn’t have any patients on Monday, so … Valentine’s Day just kept on going.
(She lets out a breathless laugh. John beams at her.)
Marlena: And yesterday … it was our first full, normal day living there, it went fine … I don’t know why I’d have such a nightmare all of a sudden.
John: Remember what you said Saturday night? At the foot of the stairs?
Marlena: That was a moment. I’m fine, now. I never mentioned it again, did I? See? You romanced the worry right out of me.
Dr. Foster: Is that why you had such an anxiety dream?
What did you tell John at the foot of the stairs?
Marlena: I – … told him I was worried about … us moving into the next phase of therapy. Talking about his grief. All that. And us living under the same roof. That’s all. I’m fine, I’m fine now.
John: Doc, you woke up hysterical.
Marlena: It was the dream, the dream was scary.
Dr. Foster: You felt fear in the dream?
Marlena: YES, I felt fear in the dream, I just said it was a scary dream!
Dr. Foster: What else did you feel?
Marlena: I … horrified, stunned, sick to my stomach … angry … (she closes her eyes) … trapped … powerless … (starts to cry) … I could see John but it was like he couldn’t see me … I was calling and calling and he wasn’t responding … and I could feel Stefano on me, I could … (whispers) I could smell him! …
(John cradles Marlena’s head and presses his cheek against hers.)
John: I’m right here, baby. You’re safe.
(Marlena pulls away.)
Marlena: It’s ridiculous. This dream. Stefano hasn’t tried to kidnap me in years. If he tried it now, all I’d have to do is trip him and his catheter would fall out.
John: Hey (takes her chin in his hand). Don’t shut down.
Dr. Foster: Marlena, let’s talk more about the situation of your dream. I’ve heard you hone in on three things: you’re trapped by Stefano, John is standing by with Kristen, you’re calling out to him but he can’t see or hear you. Did I describe that accurately?
(Marlena slowly nods.)
Dr. Foster: Do you feel as though you’re in that situation right now?
Marlena: No. No. God, no. How could I be? Kristen’s gone. I’m not with Stefano – (she shivers, John pulls her close) … I’m with John. Everything’s fine.
Dr. Foster: Okay. Have ever been in that situation before?
Marlena: … No.
Dr. Foster: Was the dream metaphoric for a situation you HAVE been in?
(Marlena furrows her brows.)
Dr. Foster: Was there ever a time, in your past, you were trapped by Stefano, John was with Kristen, and you were calling out to him but he couldn’t see or hear you?
(Marlena thinks. Sharply inhales. Catches a sob in her hand. John takes her other clenched fist in his hand. Trembles.)
John: I know what it is.
Dr. Foster: Let’s let her tell it, John. Marlena? What situation are you remembering?
(John gently pulls her hand away from her mouth. Kisses it. Leans his forehead against hers. She takes a deep breath. Another.)
Marlena (whispers): The Secret Room.
Dr. Foster: Where Kristen kept you after she kidnapped you?
(Marlena nods.)
Marlena: There was a monitor. I could see all the rooms in the house, I could see and hear John … and Kristen … (whispers) together … she wired it that way. I kept talking to John and calling out to him, but he didn’t know, he couldn’t hear me … then Kristen got stuck down there with me, that was … (crying) Stefano was there … to take me away, he was leering at me (shivers) from the other side of the door and Kristen was laughing in my ear –
(Marlena can’t stop crying. John pulls her close to him.)
Marlena: – I could see John on the monitor, I kept calling and calling and to him, but he couldn’t hear me … the door was stuck, that’s the only thing that stopped Stefano … John never came …
(John’s face contorts. He strokes her hair. Marlena cries in his arms. Dr. Foster gives them a long moment.)
Dr. Foster (gently): Marlena … that moment Stefano was at the door … you had all the feelings you had in your dream?
(Marlena nods.)
Marlena: But I couldn’t fall apart, I had to … I had to keep my wits about me.
Dr. Foster: After it was over, did you let yourself fall apart?
John: About what FIRST? She’d been through nineteen different kinds of hell by that point. It didn’t stop. Stefano kept trying to kidnap her, Kristen pulled one thing after another, I kept rushing us into marriage.
Marlena: John, YOU didn’t keep me from anything.
John: I kept romancing your worry away, right?
(She looks at him in love. Strokes his face.)
Marlena: Yes. That meant everything.
John: It was the wrong thing.
Marlena: No.
John: You needed time. And space. To heal from everything she’d done to you.
Marlena: So did you! I didn’t give that to you, either!
Dr. Foster: Isn’t that why we’re here now?
[Pause.]
Marlena: My god. That’s why I had the dream. I don’t just need to forgive you, I need to forgive her. I need to grieve her, too. I’m terrified I can’t do it. I don’t feel like I have the right.
John: … The right?
Marlena: You were in love with her. You had a child together. She wasn’t any of that to me, she was, she was just –
Dr. Foster: What was she to you, Marlena?
Marlena: My friend. She was there when Belle was born. I don’t know what I would have done if she hadn’t been there. She brought Belle home to me … (crying) … she and John found Belle and brought her home, I’ve never forgotten that. If Kristen hadn’t insisted, over and over, John never would have known I was possessed, he never would have been able to save me, I owed her my life … she saved my life, she … she stood up to Stefano once when he tried to take me away … and then she turned, she suddenly turned, it was … the heartbreak took my breath away. She became a monster. My friend became a monster. Like her father.
(Marlena looks deeply into John’s eyes. Strokes his face.)
Marlena: And she hurt you … and Brady. Eric. Oh, Eric! …
(John wraps his arms around her.)
[Long. Pause.]
(Dr. Foster pours a glass of water. Places it before Marlena on the coffee table.)
Dr. Foster: We’ve got about five minutes left. Marlena, here’s some water if you need it.
(John hands it to her. Marlena takes a calming breath, takes a Kleenex, blows her nose, then takes the water. She sips it, slowly.)
Dr. Foster: I need to ask you both to do something, now that you’re living together again. For the next month, let the Penthouse be just yours. Don’t have guests over.
(Marlena winces.)
Marlena: Oh! …
Dr. Foster: It may feel difficult.
John: (nods toward Marlena, to Dr. Foster) You don’t know what you’re asking.
Marlena: John redid Belle and Brady’s rooms for our grandkids, the guest room’s a nursery for Ariana, I can’t WAIT to see the looks on their little faces, it’s STUNNING what he did, it’s so them!
John: She shopped for more stuffed toys last night.
Marlena: I can’t wait a month to have them over, I –
(Dr. Foster stares calmly at Marlena.)
Marlena: All right. All right. Fine.
(John rubs her shoulders. She wipes her nose with the Kleenex again.)
Marlena: I hate not being the doctor in here.
(Dr. Foster grins.)
Dr. Foster: Now that you both have trust reestablished, you can take this time to reestablish your home. And, in that space, you can work through your grief together. You’re ready for that.
(John and Marlena look at each other for a long moment.)
Marlena: I’m so sorry I made this session all about me.
John: Doc!
Marlena: I just kept going on and on, you didn’t even have a chance to talk about your –
(John pulls her into an aggressive kiss. Marlena lets out a yelp as she falls backward on the couch, him on top. She melts, moans, then bats at him and pulls away.)
Marlena: John! John! Not in front of Dr. Foster! We can’t!
John (to Dr. Foster): Pardon the PDA.
Dr. Foster: Actually … I have some filing to do, before my next patient. So, I will leave you both to get ready to go.
(Dr. Foster rises with her files – grins to herself – and exits the room, closing the door behind her. John pulls Marlena’s lips to his again.)
Marlena (muffled): John! John! We can’t do this in here.
(Lips still pressed to hers, John glances up at the clock.)
John (muffled): We’ve still got four minutes.
(He runs his hand down her shoulder, slipping off part of her shirt with it … runs his hand down along her breast … hip … grabs her ass. She moans. Wraps her leg around the small of his back. Arches hers. He pulls away for a moment.)
Marlena (breathless): Oh! What! You get me all wound up and then –
John: – why didn’t you tell her about the first part of the dream?
Marelna (still panting): … What?
John: About me turning into Stefano. Why didn’t you tell her?
[Pause.]
Marlena (shrugging): Slipped my mind?
(John raises an eyebrow. Marlena looks down at the floor. John touches her hand. It’s clenched again. He presses it to his lips.)
John: I’m not leavin’ you, Doc.
(Still looking at the floor, Marlena nods.)
Marlena (tearing up): I know … I know …
(John grasps her chin in one hand. Meets her eyes to his. Nuzzles her nose.)
John (whispers): Not. Ever.
(She beams. Opens her lips. He meets them. Wraps his arm around the back of her head and pulls her into a deep, hard kiss. She lets out a muffled gasp, and tries to tilt her gaze back toward the clock. He gazes for them.)
John (muffled): Still got two minutes.
Marlena (muffled): Oh good.
(They keep at it, blissfully.)
Page 20 of 54
NT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM – THAT NIGHT
(Marlena and John lay across their bed, clothed, cuddling. Marlena snuggles her face against John’s chest. John strokes her hair.)
John: We can still go to the Pier if you want.
Marlena: No, no. This is fine. It’s warmer.
John: That’s a fact.
(She looks up at him.)
Marlena: Unless you wanted to go to the Pier.
John: Nah.
(He strokes her cheek.)
John: This is my favorite view.
(She beams at him. He tenderly kisses her forehead. She snuggles against his chest once more.)
Marlena: Oh, John. What am I going to do with all the stuffed toys I bought?
John: Just tell ’em not to open the closets.
Marlena: What, to avoid the avalanche?
John: Exactly.
(They laugh. Marlena squeals.)
Marlena: Ugh, I can’t wait! I can’t wait to show them their rooms. Hear their little feet running around, their little voices. Have them tumble into bed with us.
John: Get kicked in the face.
Marlena: They always kick you, never me. Why is that?
John: Doctor, if you could solve that mystery, I would be much obliged. Especially my jaw.
(Marlena lets out a giant laugh. He squeezes her tighter.)
Marlena: Oh, I can’t wait a month. I can’t do it.
John: We’ll make it.
Marlena: But I love this. Having this time. We’re together. We’re home. Everything’s finally going to be all right.
(Pain crosses John’s face. Marlena senses his expression. Props herself up on his chest. Searches his eyes.)
Marlena: John? What’s wrong?
John: … It’s late. You should sleep.
Marlena: No. Don’t you do that. I can see in your face, something’s wrong. What is it?
John: Now isn’t the time.
Marlena: Now is exactly the time. Tell me.
John: … I wanted to say it in therapy, but we ended before I could. And you were so upset, I just wanted to focus on making you feel better –
Marlena: – John. Just say it.
[Pause.]
John: It’s about the Secret Room.
(Marlena stares at him, stunned. Then gasps. Strokes his face.)
Marlena: Oh, baby. Did my dream upset you? I’m so sorry. I – I didn’t even give you a chance to ask you how it made YOU feel –
John: – that’s not it. There’s something I haven’t told you.
(He sits up. She follows suite. He takes a deep breath.)
John: I went there.
(She squints.)
Marlena: … You went … ?
John: Back. To the Secret Room.
Marlena: … What do you mean, you went –
John: – in May. While we were apart.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I don’t … understand, how did you – … Who am I talking to? Of course, you broke in.
John: I breached the security system, and I –
Marlena: – why, WHY? Why would ever go back to that room?
(He can’t look at her.)
Marlena: John?
John: I met Kristen there.
(All breath leaves her body. She trembles.)
Marlena: You m- ….
(She backs away on the bed. He takes her hand. She numbly stares at the floor.)
John: Doc, listen to me. We. Just. Talked. That’s all that happened. I went there because –
Marlena: Why, WHY would you do that?
John: I’m explaining –
Marlena: – how could you be with her, how could you be with her in THAT PLACE? –
John: – just let me tell you –
Marlena: – while you were away from me, while you were acting like I was NOTHING to you?! How could you do that me? –
John: – Doc, LISTEN, please.
(He reaches for her.)
Marlena: DON’T TOUCH ME!
(She bolts off the bed and across the room. John stands, arms up in surrender.)
John: Baby, please. Please don’t back away. Let me explain.
Marlena: I’ve trusted you again. I’m back in your bed again. And here’s another thing, another thing about Kristen you weren’t honest with me about. You’re doing this to me again?!
John: It’s not like that.
Marlena: Then WHAT’S IT LIKE?!
John: I had to get clear on this before I could talk to you about it! I’ve gone over and over it with Dr. Foster, it’s killed me that I couldn’t tell you! She called me after today’s session, she apologized that she had to cut us off when she did, because RIGHT THEN was when I should have shared this. It was time. So, I’m sharing it now.
Marlena: Well, then, I’d like to request that you just share everything. Get it all out. Give me one terrible three hour monologue of your grief!
(John flinches. His lips tremble. Marlena puts a hand to her mouth.)
Marlena (whispers): Oh god! I’m sorry.
John (crying): I’m doing the best I can …
Marlena: I’m so sorry! …
(Horrified, she puts her hands over her face.)
[Pause.]
Marlena: John … it’s just … this unraveling. Things are fine and then … I get hit in the stomach all over again with something new. Some new feeling, some new terrible detail. I’m not doing well with this at all.
John: That’s ironic. I’ve always been the one who hates digging in my past. Hating what I find. You’re always so calm about it. So eager. So open.
Marlena: This feels different.
John: Why?
Marlena: Because … what you’re discovering hurts me.
John: Like when you thought I was Stefano?
(He steps nearer to her.)
John: Is that why you dreamed I turned into him?
(She inhales sharply and looks away. He watches her. She takes calming breaths. Tries to smile.)
Marlena: What, you’re a doctor now?
(He tries to smile back. Reaches for her hand. She takes his. They sit on the edge of the bed.)
John: I’d been keeping tabs on Kristen. Looking for a way to outsmart her. Get her to expose herself. To Brady. I kept tabs on the mansion. Found out the Secret Room was different.
Marlena: Different how?
John: It wasn’t secret anymore. Kristen had … everything from our wedding stored there. Everything.
(Marlena exhales sharply, looks away from him.)
John: I wanted to catch her when she was vulnerable, and I knew that was the perfect place. When I saw her go in the room, I made my move, I followed her.
Marlena: John. Do you honestly think that wasn’t planned? The room was, all of a sudden, accessible? You happened to get in, she happened to be there, when none of Stefano’s henchmen were around to catch you, she happened to have all your wedding things there? All in that same moment? Honey, I know you’re a super spy, but come on. No DiMera is that unguarded. She was waiting for you. That’s the genius of her pathology; she’s always one step ahead.
John: I thought I could get inside her head.
Marlena: You thought? After how many decades of dealing with her family, you THOUGHT? She has no vulnerabilities, John, she’s a sociopath, that means she has no empathy, no conscience, NO vulnerabilities!
John: She has an ego. That’s her downfall. She’s built just like her Dad. I thought I could turn her ego against her. YOU tried that with Stefano over and over –
Marlena: – and I failed! I’m TRAINED for it, and I failed.
John: You didn’t fail completely. You’re still here.
[Pause.]
Marlena: What did you say to her?
John: I asked her a series of questions. Trying to get her to break. But the fact is, the whole time, it took everything in me not to strangle her. I could feel … (swallows back a sob) … I could feel you in the room.
(Marlena inhales sharply. Her face contorts.)
John (crying): I could feel all the days and nights you were in there. How terrified you were. How worried you must have been about Belle. Sami. Eric. Brady. Me. What you must have seen on that monitor…
(Marlena wipes the tears from John’s face.)
John: I did. I wanted to kill her. But I kept my cool. Somehow. Kept asking away.
[Pause.]
Marlena: It didn’t work, did it?
John: No. That was when I realized why I was really there.
(Marlena searches his eyes.)
John: I was there to make things right. I apologized.
Marlena: John Black, you APOLOGIZED to her?
John: I did.
Marlena: For god’s sake, for WHAT?
John: For the pain I caused her. For it being my fault.
Marlena: OH my god!
John: It was my fault, Doc.
Marlena: No. You listen to me. That is her manipulation.
John: Doc –
Marlena: – she got inside your head, she made you feel shame for HER actions, those are HER ACTIONS, John –
(John takes Marlena by the shoulders.)
John: LISTEN to me! I put you in that room. She didn’t.
(Marlena gapes at him, breathless.)
Marlena: What … are you talking about?
John: I acted like your husband. While I was engaged to her. The way I looked at you, the way I spoke to you. The way I touched you. I did all that in front of her. While she was carrying our child. Do you know how cold-hearted that is? And to you. To lead you on like that.
Marlena: John –
John: – it was wrong. Both of you went through hell because I couldn’t man up and be honest about how I felt.
Marlena: I wasn’t honest with you, either; you thought I just wanted to be friends. Kristen was carrying your baby; you were doing the decent thing by marrying her.
John: Whether you returned my feelings or not, that wasn’t the point. The point is, I should have said mine. If I had … look it … I would have been with you. Stefano wouldn’t have been able to get close enough to take you away –
Marlena: – John. You don’t know that –
John: – Kristen wouldn’t have followed us, she wouldn’t have lost our child –
Marlena: – John –
John: She never would have hurt Susan, she never would have hurt Laura, she never would have put you in that room.
Marlena: You don’t know that!
John: She wouldn’t have tried to kill you, she wouldn’t have tried to destroy our sons! It’s all my fault, don’t you see that?
Marlena: Don’t do this. Don’t do this to yourself.
John: When I asked her, on our wedding day, why she kept the miscarriage from me, she told me … she knew she’d lose me. That’s how deeply I’d broken our relationship.
Marlena: John!
John: I was so emotionally unavailable … she couldn’t even feel safe … to grieve with me. Over our child. She had to carry that grief all by herself. While I was throwing myself into YOUR arms. I had to apologize for that, I had to.
(Marlena strokes his face. Cradles the back of his head.)
Marlena: What happened when you did?
John: … For a split second … she became a real person. I reached her. I could see that hurt, that … terrible, terrible … old … hurt. It’d never gone away. It’d never healed. I did that.
(Marlena gently takes his face in her hands.)
Marlena: You listen to me. Kristen was obsessed with you. Just like Stefano was with me. He knew EXACTLY how I felt about him; I told him over and over, it didn’t make one bit of difference. Whether you’d been honest or not, she would have gone to any destructive length to have you. None of it, NONE of it, is your fault.
[Pause.]
John: I know that in my head. My heart says something else.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Well, I have your heart. Can’t you take into account what I’m saying, too?
(He looks at the floor.)
John: I slept with Kristen two weeks later.
(Marlena grows pale.)
Marlena: The night … in her hotel room?
(John nods. Marlena swallows hard.)
Marlena: Do you … know now why you did that?
[Pause.]
John: I knew it wouldn’t work. Unconsciously, I knew. She’d find some way to turn it around in her favor. Brady’d be destroyed anyway, somehow. I knew you’d find out. I knew I was throwing away the most precious person in my life. But I’d taken a look in the mirror, see, and I’d seen how I’d caused all of what Kristen had done, and I’d realized … I’m not a good man. Not at all.
Marlena (crying): Oh, John! …
John: I’m more DiMera than a Brady, always will be. And I knew you, I knew you wouldn’t let me go, you wouldn’t walk away, unless I showed you, I showed you how much of a cold monster I am.
(Marlena presses her hand to her mouth, horrified.)
John: So, I gave in. I did it. Me. My brain, my free will. To give you a reason. To go find the man you finally deserve.
(Marlena shakes her head. She can’t stop crying.)
Marlena: I can’t bear that you feel this way about yourself! I can’t! I can’t!
John: I do.
Marlena: So, you’re saying … you slept with her to punish yourself, is that it?
(John’s face contorts.)
John: Yes. That’s exactly what I did.
Marlena: But you punished ME! You punished me, too! What did I ever do to deserve that?
John (crying): Nothing. Oh god! Nothing.
(Marlena can’t look at him. She gets up, crosses to the french doors. Looks out at the night sky.)
[Pause.]
Marlena: This is where I threw Stefano over the balcony. All those years ago. Then, I … threw myself into helping him get well. I befriended him. That hurt you. You didn’t understand why I’d feel that kind of guilt, that kind of obligation. After all he’d done to me. To you. To our family. But I did. I felt guilty about hurting Stefano DiMera. That’s what the DiMeras do. They get inside you. Before you know it, you’re doing things you never thought you’d do, you’re hurting people you never thought you’d hurt. You can’t remember where your mind begins and their manipulation ends. You’re just a shell. Picking up the pieces.
(John slowly crosses to her. Touches her shoulder. Her tears come full force again. He turns her around to face him.)
John (whispers): I’m so sorry … Doc … I’m –
Marlena: – I know. I know …
[Pause.]
John: I’ll go. If you want that. I’ll leave, I can –
Marlena: – No! No! –
(She wraps her arms around him. He returns the embrace, relieved.)
Marlena: We’re picking up the pieces, that’s all. I won’t do that without you.
(They stand, in each other’s arms, stiller than still.)
[Pause.]
(Marlena pulls back. Looks him dead in the eye.)
Marlena: But I want you to stop wallowing in shame over this. Do you understand me? If we’re ever gonna move past it –
John: – Doc. How many times have I tried to talk you out of shame for things you’ve done? You felt it anyway. It’s where I’m at. It’s where I’m gonna be for awhile. I need the space to feel it. Please.
(Marlena takes a deep breath. Nods. Reaches for his collar, unbuttons it. Reaches for the next button. He bristles. Stops her hands.)
Marlena: I’d like to do something, please. Let me?
(John relaxes. Rests his hands on her shoulders. Marlena unbuttons his shirt, slowly. Lets it drop to the floor. Walks around him. Leans her face against his back. Runs her fingers across his Phoenix tattoo. Kisses it, tenderly.)
Marlena: It doesn’t matter what you do. Or how you feel about yourself. I know who you are. You’re a good man, John Black.
(John drops his head. Turns, grabs Marlena up in his arms. They hold each other. He cries.)
Page 21 of 54
INT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
(Marlena sits on the couch, alone, trembling. Dr. Foster hands her a cup of tea. Marlena takes it, the cup rattles against the saucer; she rests all in her lap. Dr. Foster sits opposite her.)
Dr. Foster: You want to try a couple sips?
Marlena: If I can manage to hold it.
Dr. Foster: Take your time.
(Marlena draws the trembling china to her lips. Slowly sips. Closes her eyes. Takes a deep breath in, lets it out. Her trembles lessen slightly.)
Marlena (whispers): Thank you.
(She places the tea cup and saucer on the coffee table. Looks at the clock.)
Marlena: Look, Candice, I know that, uh … you have a giant patient load, I don’t want you to feel as though John and I are taking over, what with both of us weekly, John weekly, now ME –
Dr. Foster: Marlena. I told you if you needed extra support, I’d give it. You called me. What do you need?
(Marlena looks at the floor.)
Marlena: On Friday … did John tell you I’d had the nightmare again?
Dr. Foster: He did.
Marlena: Did he tell you everything else we’d been talking about? The Secret Room and … why … he slept with …?
Dr. Foster: Umm-hmm. How are you feeling about all that?
Marlena (holding back sobs): I can’t stop having my nightmare. I’ve had it every night this week. I’m terrified to sleep. John’s terrified for me to sleep. I don’t know what to do!
(Marlena’s tears come full force. Dr. Foster hands her Kleenex. Moves to a closer chair.)
Dr. Foster (gently): Okay. Okay. Let’s figure it out. Tell me how the dream occurs: what precedes it, its occurrence, what happens after.
(Marlena takes deep breaths through her sobs.)
Marlena: I fall asleep in John’s arms. That’s instant. I’m very relaxed. But then, a few hours later, I start screaming. It wakes John up. He wakes me up. I’m shaking, I’m drenched. He tries to comfort me. Then, he starts feeling shame. That I’m dealing with all this. That breaks MY heart, I try to comfort him. Then, we’re both just wrecks. The sun comes up, neither of us have gotten any sleep. I have to figure this out before our session, I have to, otherwise we’re just going to yawn and scream and talk in circles in here!
Dr. Foster: Marlena, take a breath.
(Marlena does. Lets it out.)
Dr. Foster: Good. Another.
(Marlena does. Calms. Blows her nose.)
Dr. Foster: Good. Let’s unpack this. I hear you say … the dream wakes John up before it wakes you up. Is that right?
Marlena: Yes. I scream, it wakes him up. Then, he wakes me.
Dr. Foster: Does he wake you at the same moment in your dream each time?
Marlena: … Yes.
Dr. Foster: So, you scream at the same moment in your dream each time?
Marlena: … Yes.
Dr. Foster: Describe that moment.
(Marlena’s face contorts. She can’t speak.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena? Can you tell me the moment?
Marlena: That’s what really scares me. It’s a moment you haven’t heard before; the dream’s changed from the original.
Dr. Foster: Tell me how it’s changed.
(Marlena tries to take calming breaths.)
Dr. Foster: Take your time.
Marlena: It’s exactly … the same … until I sink through the sheets.
Dr. Foster: That was the END of your original dream. When YOU woke up. Now, you’re saying, you stay asleep, and the dream continues? That’s what’s different?
(Marlena nods.)
Dr. Foster: Okay. Tell me what happens next in the dream.
Marlena: I’m sinking through the sheets. I look up … Stefano is (shivers) gone, John is gone, I just see Kristen. Only she doesn’t have a face (shivers again). I sink all the way through the bed, the mattress turns on its side, I slide down onto a floor. Soon enough, I’m standing on a solid floor and the mattress is up against the wall. All four walls surrounding me are lined with mattresses. And then Kristen is there, in the room with me, c-close to me.
Dr. Foster: Still without a face?
Marlena: Yes! But I can feel her staring at me. As if she’s trying to … take my face as her own. Consume me completely. I try to scream for help – that’s when I scream – but no sound will come out in the dream. But I AM screaming at that point, in real life, because that’s what wakes John up.
Dr. Foster: That’s the moment you scream and the moment he wakes you?
Marlena: Every night.
(Dr. Foster thinks.)
Marlena: I’ve analyzed it from every angle. John and I have talked it to death. Last night, he thought perhaps it was us in the bed that was triggering it, he offered for us to sleep downstairs on the couch, I told him that was ridiculous, I wanted him to get good sleep, HE could sleep on the bed, I could sleep on the couch. The look on his face … (crying) … he’s so frightened I want him to go away because he’s feeling so much shame, I … I don’t want this dream to push him away, I have to figure this out, it’s hurting him so much!
Dr. Foster: Just him? It’s not hurting you?
Marlena: I can’t figure it out! I don’t know what’s wrong with me!
(Dr. Foster takes Marlena’s hand.)
Dr. Foster: Take another breath.
(Marlena sharply inhales.)
Dr. Foster: Slowly. Let it out.
(Marlena does.)
Dr. Foster: You know you’re safe in here.
(Marlena pulls her hand away. Tries to sit up straight.)
Marlena: I don’t know why I can’t figure this dream out. This is my specialty, for goodness sakes.
Dr. Foster: Marlena. We’ll figure it out. Let’s keep going. When you scream, Kristen – without a face – is standing close to you, staring at you, and you’re both in the mattress lined room.
Marlena: Yes, I said that already.
Dr. Foster: Are you able to leave the room?
Marlena: … No.
Dr. Foster: There isn’t a door?
Marlena: … It’s behind Kristen.
Dr. Foster: Does the room look like The Secret Room?
Marlena: No. Not at all. No. It’s just a mattress lined room.
Dr. Foster: Is there anything else in the room? Objects? Furniture?
Marlena: Some nights I can … spot something behind Kristen, but I can’t make it out. Some sort of … it almost looks like a machine.
Dr. Foster: An ECT machine?
(Marlena bristles. Her eyes widen. She can’t breathe.)
[Pause.]
Marlena: Kristin never had electroconvulsive therapy. Not that I’m aware of. I certainly never supervised it.
Dr. Foster: But you have supervised it with patients. Dozens of times.
Marlena: Of course I have! So have you! Why are talking psychiatry all of a sudden?
Dr. Foster: What if it’s administered to someone who doesn’t need it?
Marlena: I would never DO that! It’s a procedure of last resort! You have to be VERY sure that the patient –
Dr. Foster: – it’s been done to you. Hasn’t it?
(Marlena gapes at her, breathless.)
Dr. Foster (gently): Weren’t you put in a room, eventually a padded room, that you couldn’t leave? Weren’t you trapped there by a blonde who tried to take your face? Which was easy, because she already had your face? Who signed the order for unneeded ECT therapy? A blonde you trusted far deeper than Kristen?
[Marlena’s eyes go blank. Her face freezes like steel. She rises like a cold statute. Crosses behind the couch.
Marlena: Candice … the fact that you’ve gone this far back in my file … is thorough and commendable, but … you are really, REALLY going down a rabbit hole here.
Dr. Foster: What are you feeling right now, Marlena?
Marlena: I am feeling we have gone WAY off base from what this part of the dream is about. This part of the dream is about me and Kristen, it is some sort of metaphor … about my psyche. That’s all it is!
Dr. Foster: You’ve figured it out? Why are you here?
Marlena: I don’t know what the metaphor is!
(Alarmed at herself, Marlena looks around the room for anything, anything at all, to distract herself. Turns her back to Dr. Foster.)
Dr. Foster: Marlena, come sit down. I want us to try something.
(Marlena looks up at the clock.)
Marlena: We don’t even have ten minutes left.
Dr. Foster: This won’t take long. You’re my last patient of the day. Sit?
Marlena: I’d rather just leave.
Dr. Foster: Then, why haven’t you? Sit? Please?
(Marlena slowly inches around from behind the couch. Sits. Draws a cushion to her chest.)
Dr. Foster: Close your eyes.
(Marlena does. Dr. Foster dims the lights. Sits at the other end of the couch.)
Dr. Foster: Let the air come in and out of your body, naturally. In and out. Good.
Marlena: Are we doing hypnosis?
Dr. Foster: A visualization.
Marlena: What kind?
Dr. Foster: Marlena.
Marlena: … Sorry.
Dr. Foster: Just breathe in and out. In. Out. In. Out.
(Dr. Foster watches as Marlena’s breathing grows relaxed, then very relaxed, then deep.)
Dr. Foster: Good. I want you to visualize the moment you first met Kristen. When you first met. Can you see that moment?
(Marlena slowly nods.)
Dr. Foster: Where are you?
Marlena: At our – … the old house. Roman’s and mine. It’s night. Tom and Alice are there. Kim’s there. Sami. I’m pregnant with Belle.
Dr. Foster: Where’s Kristen?
Marlena: She … she’s just been mugged, John’s saved her. I’m bandaging up … I’m on the couch, I’m bandaging up his arm.
Dr. Foster: Let’s stick with Kristen. Remember the first moment you interacted with her? Can you see her face?
Marlena: John’s arm was bleeding so badly.
Dr. Foster: Look at Kristen’s face, Marlena. Can you see it?
(Marlena nods.)
Dr. Foster: What do you feel when you see her face?
Marlena: Concern. She’s been mugged.
Dr. Foster: What emotion do you feel? What’s right there? Say it, don’t think.
Marlena: Fear.
(Marlena inhales sharply. Shakes her head.)
Marlena: No, no. That doesn’t make sense. That’s not right.
Dr. Foster: You feel fear?
Marlena: But I swallow it away, it doesn’t make sense to feel fear, she’s so sweet. Everybody likes her, everybody’s concerned, everybody’s helping her.
Dr. Foster: You swallow down the fear?
Marlena: Yes.
Dr. Foster: What else do you swallow down?
Marlena: I don’t trust her. I don’t trust her sweetness. I’ve seen that, I’ve seen that before.
Dr. Foster: Where have you seen it?
Marlena: I know that it’s an act. She’ll be sweet and loved and popular, but then her mask’ll come off.
Dr. Foster: Who’s mask?
Marlena: She’ll do terrible, terrible things to me, it won’t matter who I tell, she’ll lie and manipulate her way out of it, every time, EVERY single time!
Dr. Foster: Who will do that?
Marlena: SAM!
(Marlena puts her hands to her mouth. Opens her eyes wide. Looks away from Dr. Foster. Shakes her head.)
Dr. Foster (gently): Kristen reminded you of Sam? The part of Sam you maybe didn’t want to remember? So you swallowed it all down?
(Marlena bolts to behind the couch yet again.)
Marlena: Candice … I dealt with all this. Decades ago. Sam and I reconciled. After she died, I had extensive – you have my file! – EXTENSIVE therapy. I dealt with unfinished business, I dealt with the trauma, I dealt with all that!
Dr. Foster: How often do you talk about her? … Do you have pictures of her in your home? … Your office? … Wallet? Anywhere?
Marlena: I don’t need a picture. All I have to do is look in the mirror. That’s better. It’s private. It’s private how twins relate. Even when one of them is – (Marlena catches a sob in her hand) … I don’t know how. I don’t know how to function with her as a memory. When my twin’s just … not. I don’t know what kind of memory of her I’m supposed to have.
Dr. Foster: Do you think it’s time you found out?
(Marlena tries to wipe her tears, but they tumble too fast. She can’t catch her breath. Then, she does. It’s an embittered yell.)
Marlena: The DiMeras have, they really have, they’ve taken over every single corner of my life!
Dr. Foster: … Have you?
EXT. THE PIER – LATER THAT NIGHT
(John and Marlena huddle together on a bench. He holds her close. She rests her head on his shoulder, exhausted, red-faced from sobbing.)
Marlena: I never saw that connection in myself. Not ever.
(He strokes her hair.)
John: How could you?
Marlena: I’m a psychiatrist, John!
John: You’re human.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Here I am, angry at you for not dealing with buried grief, I haven’t even dealt with my own.
John: Now, stop. Right. There. You didn’t do what I did. There’s no excuse for what I did.
Marlena: No, I but understand it better. Kristen found a way … she found these deep, unresolved places in both of us, and just … got her hooks in. It’s why neither of us can let her go.
John: She’s her father’s daughter. And I think you’re being too hard on yourself. You DID deal with Sam’s death.
Marlena: Not enough, apparently.
John: I remember –
(She scoots away from him.)
Marlena: – you remember what Roman remembers. You didn’t know me then. You didn’t know Sam. You weren’t here.
John: … I wish I had been.
(Marlena drops her head. Cries. John pulls her back to him. She hugs his neck.)
Marlena: I wish you had been, too.
[Pause.]
John: I never pushed you to talk about her. I should have.
Marlena: John –
John: When we got all those boxes from your parents’ place, after your Dad passed –
(Marlena pulls away from him.)
John: – all those boxes and boxes of pictures … pictures of you and Sam … you wanted me to put ’em in storage, I never asked you why, I never pushed you to –
(Marlena stands. Walks away from him. Pretends to look out at the water.)
Marlena: John. I don’t want to talk about Sam anymore tonight, all right? I covered it with Dr. Foster, I’ll talk about it with her again. Later.
(John rises and joins her.)
John: “It”?
Marlena: Sam, I meant. I’ll talk about Sam.
(John stands between her and the water.)
John: You talk about everybody you love. Alive or dead. Why don’t you talk about her?
Marlena: I DO! When it’s … relevant.
John: “Relevant”? Doc, since when has family been just “relevant” to you?
(Marlena turns her back to him again. He takes hold of her shoulders and turns her back.)
John: She’s your twin. She’s part of you.
(She bats his hands away.)
Marlena: We’re very different.
John: Sami’s different! BRADY’S different. He’s been a nightmare to you, most of his adult life, BOTH of them have! You talk about them! All the damn time! Why won’t you talk about Sam?
Marlena: I gave Sami her name.
John: Oh, so you wouldn’t have to talk about her?
(Marlena gapes at him, cut to the bone.)
Marlena: So that I could say her name again! So that her name could be alive! So that she could – be …
(Marlena covers her face. Turns back toward the water.)
(John watches her for a long moment. Gently wraps his arms around her.)
John (whispers): … So that she could be alive?
Marlena (crying): That sounds like I’m using Sami!
(John holds her closer.)
John: No, it doesn’t.
Marlena: It DOES! It’s why I crumble when I talk to her, it’s why I give in, it’s why I can’t stick to a boundary, I’m so scared of losing her all the time! … I see Sam when I look at her because that’s what I want to see!
(John turns Marlena towards him, pulls her into a tight hug.)
Marlena: I’ve cursed Sami, I’ve cursed her by giving her Sam’s name …
John: Stop.
Marlena: Look at her life!
(John takes Marlena’s face in his hands.)
John: Doc. We’ve been over this and over this. Sami’s pain. Is not your fault. Sami’s pain and Sami’s actions are on Sami. She’s an adult.
Marlena: Sam was an adult. And I made her unhappy. She resented me just like Sami still does. There’s a calm with both of them, you think you’ve reconciled, and then it explodes all over again. It won’t matter if I go through those boxes and pull out pictures because I know … not one of them represents a happy memory, John! I can only count … on one hand … happy memories with Sam. And I don’t even know if those memories were real, they were probably just calm before the next storm.
John: At least you’ve got memories.
(Marlena gasps. Takes in his eyes, his history. Strokes his face. Rests her forehead on his shoulder.)
[Pause.]
John: Come on.
Marlena: John, no … I don’t want to go home just yet.
John: We’re not. I am taking you to our storage unit, we’re gonna go through those boxes, we’re not gonna stop until we find a picture of a true happy memory –
Marlena: – Oh! JOHN –
John: – we’re gonna put that picture, or however many you find, on our piano. Tonight.
Marlena: No. No.
John: I’m not takin’ “no” for an answer, Doc.
Marlena: Well, too bad. We’re not going. I don’t feel comfortable –
John: – okay, that’s okay. I’ll wait in the car. You go in, by yourself, take all the time you need –
Marlena: – I can’t do that, either!
John: Doc. You need to do this.
Marlena: You still have my key!
(Grief washes over Jon’s face. His eyes drift far away.)
John: That’s right. I do.
(Marlena winces. Takes her face in his hands.)
Marlena: John. John, look at me. I know where your mind is going, I know what exchange you’re thinking of, and in a minute you’re gonna start feeling ashamed for it and that’s going to break my heart and I’m going to comfort you, then more terrible things will come up and you’re going to comfort my explosion and feel more shame, and we’re both going to be wrecks all over again, so can we please, PLEASE, just stop talking and thinking about our problems? Just for tonight?
(She presses her body up against his. He laces his fingers into hers against his cheek.)
John: We shouldn’t shut this down, Doc. You know that.
Marlena: I’m just so tired. I’m tired, John. I don’t want us to hurt. Just for one night, please? It’ll all be here in the morning.
(He strokes his fingers across her face. Blinks back tears.)
John: You’re gonna have your nightmare again.
Marlena: Probably! Just, tell me something happy right now, just for right now. Give me happy news. (nuzzles his face) Hmm? I’ll dream about that.
John: … Happy news?
(Marlena wraps her arm around the back of his neck.)
Marlena: Yes.
John: … I …
(He smiles in spite of himself.)
Marlena: You do! You do have happy news. What is it?
John: Don’t think I should tell you yet.
Marlena: No, NOW! You need to tell me now.
John: I wanted to wait ’til all the parties were here.
Marlena: Apologize to them. I need to hear it now. Please?
(He gazes at her. Outlines her face with his finger. She opens her lips to his. They breathe each other in, meet. John pulls back. Lifts Marlena’s chin. She beams.)
John: Okay. Just this once. I will surrender my genius at keeping surprises from you.
Marlena: Oh! It was a surprise?
(John reaches into his coat, pulls out a folded piece of paper, hands it to her. She looks at it, wrinkles her eyebrows, looks at him.)
John: It’s happy news. About the townhouse.
(Her countenance falls.)
Marlena: Oh! John! I don’t want to talk about the townhouse tonight!
John: You’ll wanna read this. Trust me.
Marlena: I DON’T want to read about realtors and paperwork and where to put our furniture, I’m stressed enough about all that as it is!
John: This will de-stress you. In five seconds flat.
Marlena: … Well, what IS it?
John: It’s an email. From … the couple moving in.
Marlena: Renters? We’re renting the townhouse, now? You didn’t discuss that with me. John!
(John goes for her lips. She pulls away.)
Marlena: DON’T! You dare try to distract me like that, I’m mad, I’m – !
(John leans his body up against hers, and grabs her ass. She flushes.)
John: This better?
(Marlena, aroused, sputters, but can’t speak.)
John: Hmm?
Marlena (breathless): Not working. I’m still mad.
John: Really.
Marlena: YES, really!
(He nuzzles his cheeks against hers, and whispers in her ear.)
John: You won’t be. Once you read. This.
(She closes her eyes. John pulls away slightly. Brushes the paper across her lips. She turns her head.)
Marlena: It’s too dark out to read.
John: Point taken.
(John gathers her up as if to dance. Nose to nose, eyes on each other, John slowly edges them underneath a lamplight. She smiles in spite of herself. Illuminated by light beams, John turns her around, wraps his arms about her chest, rests his chin on her shoulder.)
John: Now. Read.
Marlena: … I forgot my glasses this mor –
(He presents her reading glasses. She smirks, and takes them.)
Marlena: Thief.
(John winks. She puts her glasses on. Squints at the page. Turns it right side up. Reads. Her eyes grow wide. She gasps. Reads some more. Lets out an earth-shattering squeal. Turns to him, beaming.)
John: They only have one request. Claire wants her room purple.
(With another squeal, Marlena flings her arms around him. He spins her round and round, laughing.)
Page 22 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM – THAT SAME NIGHT
(John and Marlena lay in bed, nude, swathed in sheets, pressed against each other. Lit candles surround them.)
John: So?
Marlena: Mmm?
John: The happy news helped?
(Marlena lets out a long sigh.)
Marlena: Yes, it did.
(She nuzzles her face into his neck.)
Marlena (whispers): This helped, too.
(John grins.)
John: Thought it might.
(He lifts her chin to his. Their lips open, rest together in a long, tender kiss. He strokes her cheek with the blade of his finger. She smiles. Pulls away slightly.)
Marlena: You still haven’t answered my question, though.
John: Ahhhh, dammit.
Marlena: I’m going to keep right on asking.
(Marlena props herself on her side, resting her head on her hand.)
Marlena: HOW … did you convince Belle to move back to Salem?
John: I told you, it was her idea.
Marlena: Oh. She just decided, all of a sudden?
John: That’s right.
Marlena: For no particular reason?
John: No particular reason.
Marlena: John Black, may I remind you that your wife is a psychiatrist? I can tell when you’re fibbing. You’re fibbing. I am not going to let this rest until I get the truth out of you – (she reaches under the sheets) and as you know, I have ways – (leans in to his face, nose to nose) (whispers) of getting the truth out of you…
(Marlena climbs atop John. He puts his hands about her hips; she pins them back above his head. Leans forward. With her lips, teeth, tongue … works her way up the center of his chest … neck … right ear … gives his neck a slight bite. He winces, grins, smacks his lips. Marlena leans back.)
Marlena: Now. Let’s try this one more time. Why is Belle moving back to Salem?
(He grins again.)
John: … No particular reason.
(She bats at him, releasing his arms.)
Marlena: Oh! You just want me to keep trying.
John: Can ya blame me?
(He grabs her hips, and and rolls them over with him on top. Marlena squeals. He pins her arms above her head. Leans his cheek against hers. Breathes into her ear. She flushes. He attacks her neck with his mouth.)
Marlena: Oh! John. John. Listen to me for a second –
(He leans her head back with one hand, kisses her neck harder.)
Marlena: I’m being serious now! Please. Stop.
(John does. Lays his hand across her neck, stroking it. Sees her worried face. Matches it.)
John: … K.
Marlena: I really need to know why they’re moving back, it’s scaring me.
John: … You don’t need to be scared, Doc.
(Marlena grabs hold of his wrist.)
Marlena: Well, I am. They’ve been sailing around the world all this time, they’ve been happy. Why all of a sudden would they want to come home? Why now?
John: Don’t ya want them here?
(Marlena sits up.)
Marlena: Of course I want them here! If I had my way, Belle would stay six forever, she’d be tethered to my side. But … they’re coming home for a big reason. I can feel it. I’m frightened. I need to know what it is.
(John winces. Marlena watches him, trembling.)
John: Belle wanted to be the one to tell you.
Marlena: John, please! Please tell me. I won’t, I won’t able to rest until I –
John: – okay, okay.
(John runs his hands up and down her arms. Marlena calms slightly.)
John: Belle … thinks it’s time Claire went to school with other kids.
Marlena: I’ve been telling her that for four years. What’s the real reason? John? Tell me.
[Pause.]
John: Belle wants to be near you. Near … doctors. Near a hospital.
(Marlena nearly bolts to standing on the bed.)
Marlena: Oh, god. Oh, John, what’s wrong with her? What’s wrong with Belle?
(He tries to stroke her face.)
John: Nothing’s wrong.
Marlena: NOTHING?
(Marlena grabs hold of his shoulders.)
Marlena: John! You just said “doctors” and a “hospital”! That’s not nothing!
(John takes her face in his hands.)
John: Nothing that birth won’t fix.
(Her eyes widen. She searches his. He winks.)
Marlena: She … she’s ….?
John: Two months along.
Marlena: OH! Oh! (flings her arms about his neck, laughing) (slugs his arm) Why didn’t you tell me that the pier? (beams) (gasps) oh … (looks at him, wide-eyed) … oh, god … oh, GOD, John, is she feeling all right?
John: Said she’s feeling fine.
Marlena: She’s such high risk. She has to make sure she –
John: – that’s why they’re coming home.
(Marlena lets out a relieved sigh. Blinks back tears.)
Marlena: Another baby?
(John beams. Nods. Marlena lets out a squeal. Glows.)
John: This is when I love you the most. The way your face shines when you talk about our kids.
Marlena: Our grandkids.
John: Our great grandkids.
Marlena: … How did we get so lucky?
(John leans her back. Settles into her chest. Smooths back her hair. Strokes the front of her neck. Lifts her chin. Opens his lips. Hers open to his. She wraps her arms around the back of his head and pulls him closer. His hand slowly skims over the sheets, rounding her breast … over her stomach … under her ass … he wraps her leg around his lower back, thrusts forward. She whimpers. Pulls back.)
Marlena: Oh! John!
John (alarmed): What?
Marlena: We have so much to do! We have to redo Ariana’s nursery now!
(John lets out a sigh. Grins.)
John: We’ve got time.
(His mouth lands at the base of her neck.)
Marlena: Well, but, if the baby winds up being a boy, we’re going to have to redo an entire –
(She gasps as he moves up the other side of her neck.)
Marlena: – half of the room, we need to put another crib in there regardless –
(He puts a finger to her lips.)
John: – Doc. We’ve got months.
Marlena: But, they’re going to be here in three weeks, we’ve got to get Claire’s room ready –
(He lifts her chin and presses their lips together. Lifts her wrapped leg again to keep it in place. She opens her mouth and receives his tongue. Groans.)
Marlena (muffled): We’ve got to pick out … paint samples …
John (muffled): Later.
(She surrenders. Sighing. Kisses him more aggressively. Strokes the sides of his face. He grins. She squeezes her wrapped leg tighter into him. He massages her breasts. She drops her leg suddenly, pulls away.)
Marlena: Oh! You know what we should do?
John: Doc!
(She scoots upward, toward the headboard.)
Marlena: We should have Belle email us pictures of Claire’s favorite purple shirts, we’ll just match the wall shade to that.
John: Are you gonna focus here?
(Marlena grins sideways at him, panting.)
Marlena: Well, you can’t tell me news like this and expect me to focus on –
(He pins her arms above her head, presses his lips to hers, reaches underneath the sheets between her legs. She screams. Pants. Arches her back. He releases her lips, leans his nose against hers. They lock eyes. Under the sheets, he moves one hand down the inside her thigh … down the inside of the another … Marlena trembles. Her cheeks flush.)
John: You were saying?
(He releases her arms with his other hand. Traces her lips with his finger. Marlena tries to catch her breath. Then, does.)
Marlena: And we have to rip up that carpet, because it doesn’t go with purple at all –
(John covers her mouth. He raises an eyebrow, cocks his ear to the air. Pretends to hear nothing.)
John: Much better.
(Marlena can’t stop laughing. She tries to pull his hand away from her mouth, but it won’t budge. John goes up and down her neck. With his other hand, under the sheets, straight into her center. She lets out an aroused cry. He thrusts his hand, twists it, turns it, again and again. Marlena cranes her head back against the pillow. John removes his hand from her mouth. Listens to her pleasure. Watches her face. Beams.)
(Her panting slows. Calms. She looks at him.)
Marlena: For that, sir … YOU are going to help me paint.
(John lets out a groan and drops his head onto her chest.)
Marlena: I’m going to need a lot of help. Don’t you remember? Every time I paint, I get so … sweaty.
(John lifts his head. Looks at her. Grins. Pulls his hand back, slightly, underneath the sheets. She quivers. Smiles.)
John: You get hot?
Marlena: Oh yeah. I get hot. Before you know it … I’m just throwing clothes everywhere.
John: You need somebody to catch them?
Marlena: Yeah. And afterward.
John: What then?
Marlena: Well …
(He delicately nibbles on her ear.)
Marlena: I’ve got all that paint all over my skin. It’s … hardened. You know?
John: I do.
(Marlena leans her head back. John nibbles at her chest. Laces his fingers into hers.)
Marlena: I need somebody to help me rub it off. Somebody with strong hands.
(John lays his hands against her chest. Lifts the sheets. Looks her up and down. Smacks his lips. Marlena grins.)
John: That settles it. We’re redecorating every room.
(Marlena bursts into laughter. John pulls her to him in an embrace. Rolls them over. They melt together like butter.)
LATER
(Marlena lay across John’s chest. He delicately runs his fingers up and down her arm. Her eyes are sad.)
John: Where are you?
(Marlena startles. Tries to smile. Shrugs.)
John: No. Don’t shrug like that. Tell me.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I’ve nearly fallen asleep three times. Each time, I feel you … tense up, like you’re bracing yourself.
(She lifts her gaze to him.)
Marlena: You’re afraid I’m going to have the nightmare again, aren’t you?
(John can’t look at her. Marlena props herself closer.)
Marlena: John. You’ve given me the most wonderful news. I’m going to have happy dreams tonight. About Belle and Claire and Shawn.
John: Then, where were ya just now?
Marlena: … I –
John: Doc.
Marlena: I was just thinking … about Claire’s picture on the piano. How she presents her chin. In a particular way. When she smiles now. Strong, determined chin. It’s just that … it’s just … it’s very much like –
John: – yours?
[Pause.]
Marlena (quietly): Sam’s.
(John delicately strokes her cheek.)
John: Yours.
(Marlena shakes her head, pulls back.)
Marlena: No. Hers was stronger than mine.
John: Nobody’s stronger than you.
(Marlena looks at him in love. Exhales. Rests against him once more.)
Marlena: It’s remarkable, isn’t it? How children can take on characteristics of family they’ve never even met? It’s just in them, from the start?
(John pulls her close and kisses her forehead. Laces his hands with hers. Marlena stares hard at her fingers.)
Marlena: Sometimes … I’ll lace my fingers together. I’ll pretend I’m holding her hand. ‘Til I can’t stand it anymore. Then, I’ll let go. (Pause.) Our hands were so precise. So precisely alike. We’d get new freckles at the exact same moment. Only they’d be opposite. Because we’re mirror image twins. Sam’d get her new freckle on her right knuckle, I’d get it on my left. Once she … demanded we count the freckles on our hands to see who had more. I remember, she took markers and sectioned our hands off so we could count properly. Tally everything. It took us hours; I don’t know why I agreed to it. I counted a matching number. But Sam … she insisted she had eight more freckles than I did. I knew that was wrong, I … we fought about it … then she …
(Marlena shivers. John squeezes her shoulders.)
John (whispers): Then she what?
(Marlena closes her eyes. Swallows back a sob.)
Marlena: She pushed me down on my bed and put a pillow on my head and sat on it and wouldn’t move … until I agreed with h-her … (crying) … the way she sat on me, it pinched my airway, I couldn’t t-talk! …
(Horror fills John’s face.)
Marlena: … somehow I screeched it out before I lost all my air … but my jaw … it dislocated my jaw … and –
(John pulls her close.)
John (crying): God, baby, I didn’t know … I didn’t know it was that bad!
Marlena: I loved her so much! … I still love her …
(Marlena sobs. John rocks her.)
[Pause.]
John: I want you to tell me all of it. You hear me? I’m here, I’m going to listen to all of it.
Marlena: … You really want to hear what Kristen was like as a child?
(All air leaves John’s body. He grows pale. Marlena can’t meet his gaze. Neither can move. She focuses her eyes across the room.)
Marlena: Do you remember … how Belle’s hair smelled … when you held her … the night you knew she was yours? We were at Alice’s? I handed Belle to you? I remember. The look on your face. That wonder. That … love. That’s what I’m going to dream about. Right now. Our baby. (her eyes grow heavy) You … you … you …
(Marlena surrenders to sleep. John strokes her hair. Inhales sharply, looks up at ceiling. Blinks back tears. Reaches to the night stand, opens the drawer, slowly – eyes on Marlena – and pulls out a photo of he and Kristen, circa 1994. Stares at it. Bursts into tears. Turns his face away, trying to muffle the sound. Marlena sleeps on.)
Page 23 of 54
INT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
(Marlena and John sit, close against each other. Marlena is practically vibrating, running on adrenaline. John can hardly sit up from exhaustion.)
Marlena: So, it is ultimately my doing, the cancellations, and I apologize. I wrangled John into helping, and he … very sweetly gave up his sessions. Ours. We’ve just had so much to do. We had to get new furniture for Claire’s room, the furniture in there was for fifty some odd year olds, just … WRONG, we had to pick out paint samples, prime the walls, we had to add another crib to Ariana’s nursery for Belle’s new baby … while I was at it, I added a few other new things to the townhouse, you know. I couldn’t help myself. They’re here in five days! And then six days after that … we get to have guests in the penthouse. Finally!
John: She’s already planned three parties.
Marlena: Four! I would have everyone over on the same night, but you know … schedules, kids. And, of course, I want Claire, Belle and Shawn to have their OWN night, so –
Dr. Foster: – Marlena, excuse me for interrupting. Have you two spent any quiet time together these past two weeks?
Marlena: Oh, of course! Absolutely. We’re still visiting the pier, and … talking at home.
(She looks at John’s face. Watches it.)
Marlena: I’m afraid I’ve talked John’s ear off.
Dr. Foster: About what?
(John can’t take his eyes off the floor. Marlena trembles.)
Marlena: Sam. Now that I’m talking about her, I .. I just can’t seem to stop.
Dr. Foster: You’re eager to talk about her?
Marlena: I just … wind up talking about her. While we work. Remodel. It spills out of me. Nearly every minute.
Dr. Foster: What do you talk about?
(Marlena can’t bear to look at John. Looks back to Dr. Foster. Tries to shrug.)
Marlena: You know … memories. Moments I remember. Little details. I don’t uh … I don’t THINK … I might not have shared it all in past therapy. It was so long ago. I’d have to look at my file to know. Not that you’d allow me to.
(She tries to playfully glare. Fails. Dr. Foster smiles gently. Marlena blinks back tears.)
Dr. Foster: What are you feeling right now?
(Marlena looks at the floor.)
Marlena: That it’s overwhelming. Talking about her. I keep thinking it’ll feel easier if I keep talking, but … the more I share it just …
Dr. Foster: … feels easier to stay busy?
(More tears come, Marlena blinks faster.)
Marlena: It’s easier to blurt out the memories before I can feel them.
(Marlena looks at John. He finally meets her eyes.)
Marlena: (crying) I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have kept us from therapy, honey, I’m sorry! … I’ve exhausted you, I –
(John shakes his head, cradles her face in his hands, and gives her a tender kiss. She squeezes one of his hands. Tears tumble down her cheeks.)
Dr. Foster: How well have you both been sleeping? John?
(John releases Marlena but still holds onto her hand. Squeezes it.)
John: Not … I toss and turn.
Marlena: He braces himself every time the lights go out. He’s scared I’m going to start screaming again.
Dr. Foster: Is that why you toss and turn, John?
(John drops his eyes to the floor again. Marlena leans toward him to try and meet his gaze. Can’t.)
John: Mainly.
Dr. Foster: Any other reason?
John: … Well … excitement. My daughter and her family coming home. You know. That sort of thing.
Dr. Foster: What else?
(Marlena tucks her and John’s hand under her chin.)
John: Just … it’s … (clears his throat, blinks back tears) … it’s been hard to hear.
Dr. Foster: What’s been hard to hear?
(John takes a deep, quivering breath.)
John: … Turns out my wife has a –
Dr. Foster: – say it to Marlena.
[Pause.]
(John meets Marlena’s eyes again. He squints his tears back.)
John: It turns out you have this whole part of your history I don’t even know. This gut-wrenching pain. And you’ve been carrying it all by yourself. You’ve never shared it with me. Not once. All these years. You spend all this time uncovering me, but you don’t … (crying) I could have carried it with you. If I’d known about it.
Marlena (crying): … I didn’t know about it.
John: I understand that. God, I understand that. Better than anybody. I just … Doc, I don’t know how to help. It’s just so much pain.
Marlena: I shouldn’t have told it all to you!
John: God, no, no, that’s not what I meant. Please. I asked you to tell me everything. I want you to keep telling me everything. It’s just …
Dr. Foster: What is Marlena sharing that’s overwhelming you?
(Marlena strokes the tears from John’s face. He kisses her hands. Struggles to find the words.)
John: She … you … keep connecting Sam to Kristen. When that happens … I freeze up. I stop being present. It’s involuntary. I’m useless, I can’t help.
I’m not even listening. I’m pretending like I’m listening, I’m trying so hard to listen, but I’m …
(His face contorts. He turns away from her.)
Dr. Foster: John, when you freeze up … what are you feeling about Kristen?
(Marlena swallows hard.)
John: … It’s what I can’t feel.
Dr. Foster: What can’t you feel?
(John takes another deep breath.)
John: What we had … wasn’t real. It felt real to me, but it wasn’t real. Just like Doc doesn’t have one real happy memory of Sam. How the hell do you grieve a person who didn’t really exist? A relationship that didn’t really exist? I can’t let go of Kristen if I don’t feel my love for her. Who we were to each other. But that was all nothing. Do I just feel the nothing? I mean, how the hell do you do this?
[Pause.]
Dr. Foster: Marlena? How do you feel about what John just said?
(John lifts his eyes to Marlena’s, terrified.)
Marlena: I understand it. God, I understand it. I wish you’d said something. When I was going on and on about Sam.
You’re still, you’re STILL holding your grief back!
John: I’m trying to figure it out. We’re both trying to figure it out, Doc!
(They lock eyes with each other. Their gazes, history, connection all fuse. They speak without speaking.)
Dr. Foster: Good. Keep looking at each other, just like this. Marlena? Are you still having your nightmare?
(Marlena doesn’t break her gaze from John. She nods.)
Marlena: In bits and pieces. But it doesn’t wake me up any longer. I don’t scream in my sleep.
John (whispers): Thank god.
(Marlena smiles through tears. They still don’t break their gaze.)
Dr. Foster: Has the nightmare altered any?
Marlena: Sometimes … a Sam memory I’ve shared with John … will add itself into to the dream. But, no. It’s … primarily still the same dream.
Dr. Foster: Kristen’s still in the dream?
Marlena: Without a face. Yes. But that’s Sam, too.
Dr. Foster: Do you have feelings about Kristen and Sam both? When you’re staring at the face?
Marlena: I do. That’s what I’ve told John.
Dr. Foster: You’ve told John about the feelings?
(Marlena blinks rapidly. Her gaze wants to move, but she won’t let it.)
Marlena: The coorellation between … Sam and Kristen. Memories of Sam and how they connect to red flags about Kristen. Parallels of what they did. How they function. You know.
Dr. Foster: Marlena, have you told John your clinical opinion? Or your feelings?
(Marlena blinks back tears. Tears fill John’s eyes to match.)
Marlena: I’m afraid I’ve stayed too busy for my feelings.
Dr. Foster: So, I’ll ask you now. What do you feel … about Sam and Kristen … when you stare at the face?
(Marlena squeezes her eyes shut. Looks away from John. He turns her chin back to him. Strokes her cheek with his finger. She opens her eyes and meets his gaze again.)
Marlena: Rage. (horrified, chokes back a sob) I want to kill them. I want to kill them so I can get out. But I can’t bring myself to kill them. So I can’t get out.
(John cradles the back of her head. Tears tumble down both their cheeks.)
Marlena: I shouldn’t, I shouldn’t feel … I’m sorry!
(John pulls her into an embrace. She buries her face in his shoulder. He nuzzles his into her hair. Strokes the back of her head. She pulls him closer.)
Dr. Foster: Stay right as you are. Listen to my voice. I want to acknowledge something, in this moment. Three months ago … you both sat on opposite ends of that couch. John, you couldn’t begin to articulate your grief. Marlena, you couldn’t begin to tap into your rage. Now, here you are. In this moment. Speaking of both. The core of both. To each other. So clearly, so honestly. Look how connected you are. Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s shaming or blaming or raising their voice. Hitting. Marlena, you’re not even clutching a pillow. You are both on the precipice, right now. Of letting go. And truly moving on. Don’t sabotage it. Don’t. Miss. A session. Not now. It’ll be so tempting to get distracted. Kids coming home, hosting friends and family again, reconnecting with Brady, a new baby, all those things. You’ll think, “hey, we’ve got our intimacy back, our trust back, things are fine, we don’t need to dig any deeper.” You DO. This is the most important phase. Don’t sacrifice it for anything. John, where will you be on Friday?
John: Here.
Dr. Foster: Marlena, where will you be on Tuesday?
Marlena (muffled, in his shoulder): Here.
Dr. Foster: And where will you both be on Wednesday?
John and Marlena: Here.
Dr. Foster: Good. (glances at the clock) Now, go paint the town purple.
(John and Marlena laugh. They pull each other still closer. John leans back and whispers into her ear.)
John: I love you.
Marlena: I love you!
(They both lean back and melt into a long, tender kiss. Dr. Foster smiles.)
INT. TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM – FOUR DAYS LATER
(Marlena is dressed in a sweat suit, barefoot, hair atop her head, splatters of purple paint about her face and clothes. She stands on a step ladder in front of the fireplace and attempts to hang a giant handmade sign: “Welcome Home, Belle, Shawn, & Claire!” John enters the room, shirtless and barefoot, also splattered in purple paint, with his hands behind his back. Sees Marlena. Grins. Sneaks up behind her. Plants a giant purple hand print on her left ass cheek. She gasps. Turns around.)
Marlena: John Black!
(He laughs. Pauses. Looks at her sideways.)
John: You know, you’re right. That’s uneven.
(He plants a purple hand print on her right ass cheek. She screams. He pulls her off the ladder, into his arms, and swings her round and round.)
Marlena: John! Stop! Stop! You’re going to get paint on the carpet!
(John stops them.)
John: Don’t worry, I don’t have any on my feet.
Marlena: No? Well, what about my? –
(She cranes her neck to look at her ass.)
John: Your what?
(She playfully glares at him. He grins.)
Marlena: We are never going to get that room finished if you keep on –
John: – you’re the one who stopped painting to hang a sign!
Marlena: Because it’s getting late and I wanted to hang it before I get too covered in paint!
John: Uh huh.
(He shifts her in his arms, and draws their faces closer.)
Marlena: They arrive tomorrow, in case you’ve forgotten.
John: Haven’t.
(He shifts her again. They’re nose to nose. She blushes.)
Marlena: You’re ogling.
John: That’s a fact.
(They breathe each other in. Part their lips. Marlena cranes her neck back.)
Marlena: John, we have to leave enough time for the paint to dry, the trim to dry, then we have to move in her furniture –
(John’s mouth attacks her neck. She gasps. Leans her head further back … and back … he slowly dips her, tipping her head toward the floor …)
Marlena: Whoah! John! John!
(She raises her head to look at him, and he seizes her lips with his. She groans. Pulls her face away, dizzy, panting. John presses his forehead against hers.)
John (whispers): Paint’s getting hard.
Marlena: Honey … not yet, we … really have so much to –
(He seizes her lips again. Tips them back upright and uses the gravity to press Marlena’s carried body up against his chest, and her lips tighter to his. She surrenders. Sighs. Pulls back, dazed, beaming.)
Marlena (breathless): On second thought, you know … I’d hate for them to move in and … not have a workable shower, I mean, it’s been out of use for so long, I think we should … (runs her hands along his chest) … check it out …
John: My thoughts exactly.
(She giggles. He bolts them toward the bathroom.)
(The doorbell rings.)
(He stops.)
John: You have got to be kidding.
Marlena: It’s a mistake. They’ll go away.
(They wait. Smile. Bolt toward the bathroom.)
(The doorbell rings again.)
Marlena: Ugh!
John: We don’t even live here anymore! Seriously?
(John releases Marlena to standing. She pouts. He stomps toward the door.)
Marlena: Careful! Don’t track on the –
(He scowls at her. She grins. He looks her up and down. Winces. Opens the door. Two stone-faced men in black suits stare back at him.
Man #1: John Black?
John: … Who’s asking?
(Both men present badges from their breast pockets.)
Man #1: FBI. You’re the father of Brady Black, is that correct?
Marlena: Oh my god! What – what’s happened to Brady?
Man #2: Marlena Evans Black?
John Black: Yes! She is. What is this about my son?
Man #1: We’ll explain when you let us in.
(John raises an eyebrow. Stares them down.)
(Man #2 leans forward.)
Man #2: May we come in, sir?
(John still hesitates.)
Marlena: John, for heaven’s sake!
John: Show me your badges again.
Man #2: Mr. Black, time is of the essence for your son.
John: You’re not comin’ in ’til I clear your badges, pal!
(Both present their badges again. John turns them over and over in his hands, squints carefully at the detail, the binding. Nods. Hands them back.)
John: Okay. Come in.
(The men enter the room. Marlena steps forward anxiously. John closes the front door. Faces them. Crosses his arms.)
John: Now. What is this about Brady?
(Man #1 puts his badge back inside his breast pocket … pulls out a nozzled instrument and sprays John square in the face. John collapses to the ground, unconscious. Marlena screams.)
Marlena: JOHN!
(Man #1 and #2 look to Marlena. Trembling, she backs toward the fireplace. Plants her feet like a grizzly.)
Man #1: Now, just keep calm. This’ll be fast.
(He bolts toward her, nozzle raised. She grabs a fireplace poker and cracks it against his hand, sending the nozzled instrument flying. Man #1 howls in agony, grasping his wrist. Man #2 darts behind her and pins her arms; Marlena drops the poker in surprise. She growls, digging and stomping her feet into the floor, missing his toes each time.)
Man #2 (panting, dodging Marlena’s stomps): Would you put her out already?
(Man #1, whimpering, crawls along the floor, searching.)
Man #1: She hit it somewhere under the couch!
Marlena: HELP! SOMEBODY HELP! HELP US!
Man #1: Shut her up!
Man #2: I’m trying to avoid her feet!
Man #1: Oh, god dammit!
(With his good hand, Man #1 reaches in his breast pocket again, pulls out a cloth, finds an in at Marlena’s side, and presses the cloth up against her face. She screams. Tries to turn her face. Kicks. Leans her head back, arches her back, flings up her leg – and kicks him square in the balls. Man #1 drops the cloth, squeals like death, and bends over, prostrate on the floor. Marlena tries to struggle and yell again, but her eyes droop.)
Man #2: It’s okay, you got it, you got it!
(Marlena’s eyes droop more.)
Marlena (losing consciousness): John … John …
(Her head falls forward. Man #1 and Man #2 breathe a sigh of relief.)
Page 24 of 54
INT. UNDERGROUND ROOM – SEVERAL HOURS LATER
(Marlena lay on her back, unconscious, sprawled across a bed. A familiar hand delicately strokes her cheek. She rouses. Blinks, over and over. Startles alert. Screams, swinging her fists in front of her.)
John: Doc! Doc! Baby, it’s me. It’s okay. You all right?
(Marlena’s eyes focus on John, leaning across her chest. She bursts into tears.)
Marlena: OH! Oh!
(She flings her arms around his neck.)
Marlena (crying): Thank god! Oh, thank god! I was so afraid they’d –
John: – nothing happened to me, baby, I’m okay. I’m right here. I’m right here.
(Marlena can’t stop crying. She peppers his face with kisses. He meets her lips with his. Cups the back of her head with his hand. Presses his kiss deeper. She whimpers. Sighs. He leans her face back into her pillow.)
John: Let me look at you a second.
(He lay his hand across her neck. Strokes her chin. His eyes search her face. Hers glow with relief.)
John: Do you feel all right? Did they hurt you?
Marlena: No, no, they didn’t hurt me at all. I’m okay.
(She strokes his face.)
John: Are you sure?
Marlena: I’m all right.
(Marlena gasps. She sees John’s left arm in a sling, made from bed sheets.)
Marlena: Oh! John. What …
John: Don’t worry about it. I just jammed my shoulder.
Marlena: You jammed it? How?
John: I just fell on it when they put me out.
Marlena: You FELL on it?!
John: It’s nothing, Doc.
Marlena: I need to look at it.
John: I said it’s nothing –
(Marlena sits up in bed. Sharply inhales, and doubles over in pain.)
John: What? What? What is it?
Marlena: My back! My back! Oh, god! I pulled it.
John: Okay, don’t move. Sit real still.
Marlena: Oh, god, John, it hurts!
John: Which part of your back? Where does it hurt?
Marlena: My lower! My lower (points) right here!
John: Okay. Give me ten seconds. Don’t move.
(John reaches for the pillows with his good arm and tosses them onto the floor. Marlena sits like a wincing sphinx, squinting her eyes shut in agony.)
John: Okay. We’re gonna lay you down on your side and then onto your stomach. We’re gonna go real slow.
Marlena: No, no. I’m going to do it myself.
John: Honey, I need to help you.
Marlena: You’ve hurt your shoulder. Rest it. I can do this.
(Marlena winces. Tries to breathe. In slow motion, she extends her arm along the mattress, leans her side closer and closer to it, extends her legs … and cascades onto her back.)
Marlena: Oh, dammit!
(She tries to lift herself to roll onto her stomach. Can’t.)
John: Doc, DON’T move. Don’t. Stop. I got it.
(John dashes to the other side of the bed and sits behind her.)
John: I’m helping this time; don’t argue. You keep your back as relaxed as you can, up against me. I’ll lift you onto your side.
Marlena: … All right. Just go slow. Please.
John: I will.
(John stabilizes his own back up against hers. Slowly rolls her onto her side. She lets out a yell. In a flash, John turns and reaches both hands toward her. Howls.)
Marlena: Oh! What?
John: … Forgot I was wearing a sling.
Marlena: Oh! Honey.
John: I’m okay, I’m okay. Just hang on. Just a sec.
(John grits his teeth and readjusts his sling. Beads of sweat pour down his face.)
Marlena: Is it okay? Are you okay? I can’t see.
John: I’m just fine.
Marlena: You don’t sound it.
John: I’m FINE, Doc.
Marlena: … I’ll take it from here.
John: NO, dammit, I said I was helping!
(Marlena tries to lean forward, winces.)
John: Stop!
Marlena: All right. All right. Let’s just both … breathe for a minute.
John: Good idea.
(Both breathe in and out, slowly. John closes his eyes. More sweat pours down his face.)
Marlena: I think we’re officially too old for this.
(Both chuckle in spite of themselves.)
John: Nah.
Marlena: No, really. No more kidnappings after menopause. I can’t.
(John walks around the bed, kneels in front of her.)
John: Okay. Back to business.
Marlena: Oh! Honey, you’re drenched! You’re in more pain than you’re telling me.
John: I’m fine. Lean forward into me, I’ll set you down on your stomach. Okay? … Do it!
Marlena: All right! All right.
(He stabilizes his hand up against her chest. They lock eyes. He readjusts his hand. Lower. Marlena blushes in spite of herself. John notices. Grins.)
John: Been a while since we played doctor.
Marlena: Not funny.
(But she grins.)
John: Okay. One more move. Ready?
Marlena: Yeah.
John: One … two …
(Marlena leans into John’s hand and he gently lands on her stomach.)
John: Annnnd you did it!
Marlena: I did it! Oh! UGH. Just don’t ask me to move again.
(John chuckles. Pulls his good hand out from under her chest. Strokes her cheek. She squeezes reaches up and squeezes his hand. Kisses it.)
Marlena: Thank you.
John: I’m not done yet.
(John stands and carefully straddle sits over her calves. Rolls up her sweatshirt.)
Marlena: Oh! John. John. Don’t massage the area first, just put warmth on it –
John: – exactly what I’m doin’.
Marlena: Oh good.
(With his good arm, John delicately rests his palm across Marlena’s lower back.)
John: That pressure okay?
Marlena: Yeah. That’s good. That’s good. I AM looking at your shoulder, after I’m –
John: – it’s a deal. Just breathe.
(Marlena takes a deep, quivering breath. Lets it out. Another. Lets it out. Her body relaxes slightly.)
Marlena: John. Do you know where we are?
(John looks about the room. Besides their satin layered bed, the room is bare. The paneled walls are a dull yellow, padded. No windows. No doors. Hardly any light. But above them, opposite the bed, affixed to the wall, is a giant flat screen television.)
John: Just that we’re underground, that’s all I can tell. And the room’s soundproof.
Marlena: Let me guess. Cameras?
John: Oh yeah. Every corner.
Marlena: Can they hear us, too?
John: Wouldn’t doubt it.
Marlena: … Wonderful.
(John runs his thumb around in a circle on her back.)
Marlena: I take it they weren’t FBI?
John: Not sure yet.
Marlena: They’re crooked FBI?
John: Maybe.
Marlena: What they said about Brady, do you think that was true?
John: I think that was a line to get in the door.
Marlena: Oh, god, I hope so. I hope Brady’s all right.
(Marlena lets out a cry. John pulls his hand away.)
John: Sorry! Sorry. Not yet?
Marlena: No, it’s all right, it’s all right. Keep going, just … really soft. Please.
(John lightens his pressure.)
John: That good?
Marlena: … Softer.
(John lightens his pressure further.)
Marlena: Oh! Maybe … just stop for a minute. (crying) I’m sorry … it’s just really bad …
(John lay his palm across her back again. She squints her eyes shut and tries to breathe. John watches her face. Blinks back tears. Leans forward and kisses her pain. She reaches back and grabs hold of his wrist.)
Marlena: I know you’re blaming yourself. Stop it. You hear me? This isn’t your fault.
John: I never should have let ’em in.
Marlena: They had FBI badges. Why wouldn’t you?
John: I had an instinct, dammit, I shouldn’t have let ’em in!
Marlena: Honey, I’m all right. I’ve just pulled my back. That’s all.
John (crying): They could have done anything to you!
Marlena: Come on. Keep going. Massage my back again. Come on.
(John angrily wipes his face across his sleeve, and lightly circles his thumb across her skin yet again. Marlena winces. He freezes.)
Marlena: It’s all right. I’ll breathe through it. Go on.
(John resumes his massage, eyes on her wincing face. It kills him.)
Marlena: If it’s any consolation … (wince) … I don’t think … … one of them can walk now. That’s how I pulled this, I … (winces) hoisted my leg up and … kicked him right in the (winces again) …
John: Right in the … ?
(Marlena takes a deep wincing breath. Then smiles.)
Marlena: Yup. That and … I nearly took his hand off with a … fireplace poker.
(John raises an eyebrow. Grins.)
John: Damn, Doc.
(They both burst into laughter.)
Marlena: Well? What did he expect? He was threatening my husband. (winces from her laughter) Ow! Oh …
(John gently leans down and nuzzles his face against hers.)
John: You’re my lady in shining armor, you know that?
(Marlena beams. Leans her face upward. He kisses her cheek. Her eye catches the dried purple pain splattered across his chest. She looks to her hands. More dried purple paint. Horror fills her face.)
Marlena: No … oh no, no, no, this can’t happen tonight! Not tonight! John! They’re coming tomorrow! We have to get home! We have to get home!
(She tries to push herself up.)
John: Doc, no! Don’t move!
(He holds her down.)
Marlena: We have to be there when!-
John: – honey, you can’t!
(They struggle.)
Marlena: THEY WON’T KNOW WHERE WE ARE!
John: You’ll hurt yourself!
(Marlena sits up halfway and lets out a cry. Her body convulses in pain.)
John: Baby, STOP! Stop.
(Marlena surrenders back to her stomach. John drops to his knees next to her face. Strokes her hair. She can’t look at him. Her face contorts.)
Marlena (crying): I wanted to see my baby tomorrow … I wanted to see my baby! …
(Tears tumble down John’s cheeks. He brushes his fingers across her face. Presses his lips to her forehead.)
John (whispers): I know … I did, too …
(Marlena lets out a bitter cry. Reaches up and squeezes John’s hand.)
Marlena: She’s going to be so scared, John, she’s going to be so scared!
John: No, she won’t.
Marlena: The worry’ll be too much for the baby! She’ll –
John: Listen. Listen to me. Belle will be fine. She’s her mother’s daughter. Kayla’ll watch her like a hawk.
Marlena: Kayla’s not ME!
(John presses his lips to her forehead a second time. Leaves them there.)
Marlena: I’m sorry …
(John rests his forehead up against hers.)
John: Roman and Hope’ll find us. You know they will. If we don’t break outta here first. We’re old pros at this, remember? You just castrated and de-armed a guy, we’re gonna be fine.
(Marlena tries to chuckle. She squeezes his hand and rests in on her cheek.)
Marlena: How are they going to explain this to Claire without scaring her?
Stefano: I wouldn’t worry about Claire, Marlena.
(Marlena lets out a cry. Cranes her neck to see behind them. John’s horrified gaze is already there. A panel in the wall has opened. Stefano DiMera leers at them like a demented time bomb.]
Stefano: You won’t have to worry about Claire … or Belle … ever again.
Page 25 of 54
The Test Part 1
INT. UNDERGROUND ROOM
John (teeth gritted): Stefano.
(Stefano’s lips curl over his smile.)
Stefano: Pawn.
Marlena: What about Belle and Claire? What do you mean?
(Stefano cocks his head. Runs his eyes up and down her body.)
Stefano: Marlena. You aren’t even going to stand up to greet me?
John: No thanks to you, you bastard.
Stefano. Ah. John. No, no, no. Thanks to HER. Her journey here would have been easy and painless, but –
John: – you SON of a –
Marlena: – WHAT ABOUT Belle and Claire?!
(Stefano smiles again.)
Stefano: You know, I don’t think I have ever seen the two of you look more … what’s the word I’m thinking of? … PATHETIC. To trap you this easily? I used to have to go to much greater lengths. Eh, Marlena? You’re slipping, both of you. Of course, I suppose that happens when you’ve been slipping away from each other.
John: Oh, that’s original. Digs at our relationship. Ever thought of trying a new angle, old man?
Stefano: John. I have so many … unexpected … plans for the two of you.
John: There’s the grand statement that never delivers.
Marlena: Will both of you shut up? SHUT UP! Answer my question.
(Rage quivers through Stefano in a wave.)
Stefano: Are you making demands, Marlena?
(John plants his feet in front of the bed, blocking her.)
John: You just tell us what the game is this time. And what Belle and Claire have to do with it.
(Stefano locks eyes with John. Marlena. Smiles again. Takes a remote control out of his pocket, points it at the television screen, and pushes a button. John and Marlena watch, trembling.)
(ON SCREEN: In a lavishly decorated room, a worried Belle sits on a canopy bed, cradling Claire in her lap.)
John: What the hell is this?
(Pain forgotten, Marlena bolts to sitting.)
(ON SCREEN: Man #1 enters the room and sits down an ornate breakfast tray. Belle glares daggers at him.)
(Marlena bolts to standing.)
Marlena: NO!!!
Stefano: It really is amazing how many holes there still are in airport security.
(John holds Marlena back.)
Marlena (hysterical): How did you get them there?! Where’s Shawn?! What did you do to him?! Did you hurt him?!
John: Easy, easy.
Stefano: Calm yourself, Marlena. Shawn’s perfectly fine. He’s probably still at the airport, wondering how he misplaced them. Like luggage. He really is the dumbest Brady who ever lived.
John: Okay. All right. What are we watching? Where are you keepin’ ’em?
(Stefano scoffs.)
Stefano: Here, John. They’re here.
Marlena: Here?!
(John holds Marlena back again.)
John: Then, we wanna see ’em. NOW.
(Stefano laughs.)
Stefano: You’re not paying attention, John. You ARE seeing them.
Marlena; He means IN PERSON!
Stefano: This is a live feed.
John: Damn you, DiMera!
(Stefano’s face turns cold.)
Stefano: No. Damn YOU.
(He turns off the television.)
Marlena: OH! No! Turn it back on, Stefano, please!
Stefano: (to John) You toy with my daughter’s heart. After the hell you put her through. You accost her. (to Marlena) YOU humiliate her. You traumatize her. You leave her to die, alone, in a jail cell, her child inside her. DAMN! YOU!
John: So, this is revenge. Revenge ’cause you think we’re responsible –
Stefano: – YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!
Marlena: Stefano. Please. It was an accident. We never would have taken her to jail if we’d known. We didn’t know she had sepsis, SHE didn’t know, we didn’t know she was pregnant, no one knew she miscarried, we NEVER would have left her like –
Stefano: – LIES! She was your enemy; you would have LEFT her!
Marlena: NO! No. She had a child inside her. Stefano, you know me. You know I wouldn’t do that … to ANY woman … to their child. Please believe me. I’m sorry. I’m SO sorry! …
(Marlena clasps her hands in front of her. Her knuckles turn white. She looks to the television screen. At Stefano. The screen again. John pulls her close to him. Stefano shakes his head.)
Stefano: You’re saying this so that I’ll let them go.
Marlena: No! I mean my apology. Stefano, I MEAN it. From the bottom of my heart.
[Pause.]
Stefano: I’m not letting them go. Not ever.
(Marlena lets out a cry.)
John: What, you’re just gonna keep them?
Marlena: Stefano! Belle’s pregnant. Listen to me. She’s had a miscarriage before, this kind of stress could cause her to miscarry again. And Claire is just a child. Please, I’m begging you, don’t put them through this!
Stefano: Put them through what? They’re being given the finest of everything; you saw the screen, Marlena. They’re perfectly fine.
Marlena: Look! I’ll … stay with you, if you let Belle, Claire and John go –
John: – Doc, stop, stop, NO –
Marlena: – I’ll go with you anywhere, if you just –
John: – I said STOP it! –
Marlena: – no matter how long, I’m yours –
John: – STOP! –
Marlena: -that’s what you want, isn’t it? It’s what you’ve always wanted? You can take me! TAKE ME!
(John pulls her face into his shoulder. She stills. Tears tumble down her cheeks. John’s follow. He kisses her forehead. Stefano watches them. Sneers.)
Stefano: Marlena …
(She turns to face him. John plants his feet and wraps his arm around her chest.)
Stefano: That ship … has sailed. I gave you years. YEARS. To accept your destiny with me. I gave you islands. I gave you kingdoms. I gave you the finest of everything I had, and still you insisted on deluding yourself. You chose (points to John) this. You chose a creation. A shell. Not a real man.
(Marlena spits in Stefano’s face. Quivers. John pulls her closer. Eyes on Marlena, Stefano reaches his hand up to wipe his cheek. Chuckles. Brings his sleeve collar to his mouth. Whispers into it. Turns on the television.)
(ON SCREEN: Man #1 and Man #2 enter the room and pull Claire out of Belle’s lap. Both scream; Belle grips Claire to her like a cougar, and Claire kicks with all her might.)
Marlena: NO! CLAIRE! Where are they taking Claire?!
John: You touch one hair on her head, I swear to God, I’ll! –
Stefano: What? You’ll do what, John?
Marlena (hands to her mouth): Oh! Belle!
(ON SCREEN: Claire now gone, Belle pounds on the room’s single oak door, in hysterics. Strains every muscle in her body to open it. Yells from her toes. Cries. Stops. Sways on her feet. Turns a ghostly pale.)
Marlena: She’s going to lose it … she’s going to lose the baby! …
Stefano: See these cameras, John? They monitor every angle of this room. Every sound. Even a whisper. You raise even a finger to me, my men will appear. They’ll remove your brain with a spoon.
Marlena (sobbing hysterically) No! No … Stefano, please … for her health … Belle has to be kept calm.
Stefano: That is up to her.
Marlena: DON’T SEPARATE HER FROM HER CHILD! Keep them together! Please!
(Stefano cocks his head, amused.)
Stefano: Am I causing you pain, Marlena?
(Marlena reaches toward his neck with a bitter cry. He raises his shirt sleeve to his lips. She pulls back. John holds her up.)
Stefano: This pain, Marlena. It is the TIP of the iceberg.
(He turns off the television.)
Marlena: NO! BELLE! Stefano!
John: Baby, easy, easy.
Marlena: All right. All right. You want to keep them. Fine!
(John looks to Marlena, stunned. Marlena looks at the ground, gathers a breath.)
Marlena: But you’ll want them to be healthy, won’t you? You’ll want Belle’s new baby, your heir, to be healthy. Claire to be healthy. And happy. For that to happen, Claire and Belle need to be together and Belle needs to be monitored. I can do that. I can make sure the baby comes just fine, and I can make sure they all three make the transition with you willingly and happily and in good health. If you let John and I say goodbye to them. Let us do that for you. To make up for what we did to Kristen. Let us give our family to you.
(John watches Marlena’s face, Stefano’s eyes. He trembles.)
Stefano: Wrong.
John: Wrong what?
Stefano: Using the word “our”. They’re not yours, Marlena. Not anymore.
John: The hell do you mean by that?
Stefano: Your daughter and grandchild. For mine.
(Stefano steps into the shadows, and the wall closes behind him. Marlena and John stare after him, stunned. Marlena’s spine gives way, and she faints into John’s shoulder.)
CUT TO – LATER
(Marlena lay on her side, facing the still off television, trembling uncontrollably from the pain. John, drenched from his own, sits behind her, hand against her back.)
John: You never should have stood up.
Marlena: Yes, I should have.
[She winces from speaking.]
John: Baby … you gotta sleep.
Marlena: I won’t sleep ’til I know what’s happening to them. ‘Til I hold them in my arms.
(John leans down, with his last ounce of strength, and rests his lips against her cheek. She closes her eyes. Trembles less.)
Marlena: He said “tip of the iceberg”. What is he planning? If he wanted to take Claire and Belle, he’d just take them. Why are we here?
(Unable to sit back up, he rests his forehead against hers.)
John: Don’t think about it right now, baby. Sleep.
Marlena: What if he brainwashes them and make us watch? Or what if it’s something worse? What if he kills them and makes us watch?
John: Doc, stop. He won’t do that.
Marlena: What if it’s eye for an eye, he makes Belle lose her baby, and then he leaves them both to die and we have to watch?!
(He grasps her chin in his hand.)
John: STOP. None of that will happen. None of it. We are gonna figure out his game. We are going to get them out of here.
Marlena: How? We can’t even move!
(He pulls her lips to his. Presses hard. She whimpers. He pulls back, puts a finger to her lips.)
John: They’re gonna be all right. We’re gonna be all right.
Marlena: I have a sick feeling! I have such a sick feeling!
(He pets her face, catching her tears with his fingers. Presses his cheek against hers. She stills.)
Marlena: John. He has us together. Why? He doesn’t usually like to keep us together.
John: ‘Cause he knows, after all these years, he can’t keep us apart. That’s why.
[Pause.]
Marlena: What if he has us together because he knows we’re not together?
(All air leaves John’s body.)
John: What … did you just say?
[Pause.]
Marlena: We can’t help Claire and Belle if we don’t work together. He knows that. He knows we’re still healing things. What if he’s found something to stop it? What if … all this … his ultimate revenge … is to keep up in here and torture us with each other?
(In a flash, John slides to his knees in front of the bed, level with her face.)
John: You listen to me. Our love has prevailed through everything Stefano’s thrown at us. He’s never won. He can’t break us.
Marlena (crying): He broke me and Roman!
John: I’m not Roman, dammit! And he’s never broken you. He can’t. ‘Cause you’re YOU.
(He cups his hand around the back of her neck.)
John: Say you believe in us. SAY IT.
Marlena: … I believe in us.
John: Say it again!
Marlena: I believe in us! I believe in us.
(John buries his face in the nape of her neck and strokes the back of her head.)
Marlena: Say it to me? Please?
(John nuzzles his nose toward her ear. He whispers.)
John: I believe in us, every second of every minute of every hour of every day. Always.
(She nuzzles her face toward his. Their tears surrender to exhaustion.)
CUT TO – THE NEXT MORNING
(Marlena rouses. Her skin is pale and drenched. Deep, purple bags line her hazel eyes. She can barely move a muscle.)
Marlena: John? Are you awake?
(Slowly, she reaches her arm back.)
Marlena: Honey?
(John’s not there. She turns her head – WINCES – turns it back. Looks around with her eyes … no John … her eyes focus … on Stefano. He looms at the end of the bed, next to Man #1, Man #2, and a doctor in a white lab coat.)
Stefano: Good morning, Marlena.
Page 26 of 54
The Test Part 2
INT. UNDERGROUND ROOM
Marlena (hoarse): … Stefano?
Stefano: Where do you need her?
Doctor: On her stomach.
Marlena: Where’s John?
(Stefano snaps his fingers. Man #1 and Man #2 move to opposite sides of the bed. Man #1 wears a bandage about his hand.)
Marlena: Where’d you take him? (notices them) What -?
(Man #1 and #2 reach toward her.)
Marlena: No! NO! Get away from me!
(They take hold of her arms and legs and roughly flop her onto her stomach. She wails in pain. The Doctor rushes forward.)
Stefano: Gently! Gently!
Marlena (sobbing): Oh god … stop! Leave me alone!
(They hold her down. Man #1 leans in to her ear. She sees the bandage on his hand.)
Man #1: This’ll teach you not to kick me next time.
(Stefano smacks him upside the head.)
Stefano: Stop it!
(The Doctor cautiously rolls up Marlena’s shirt, exposing her lower back.)
Marlena: What is he doing? NO! I don’t want him touching me!
Stefano: Marlena, keep calm. He’s here to help you.
Marlena: I don’t want your doctors! KEEP THEM AWAY!
(She tries to struggle. Can’t. The Doctor feels along her back. Marlena wails again. Her body quivers uncontrollably.)
Stefano: Can you give her relief?
(The Doctor winces.)
Doctor: She did way more than pull it.
Stefano: I SAID. Can you give her relief?
Doctor: Well, initially, but she’s gonna need a lot of follow up.
Stefano: Just do what you can. Relieve her now.
(Marlena’s eye catches the Doctor’s gaze. Tears roll down her cheeks.)
Marlena: Don’t put me to sleep. Please …
Doctor: I need you to take a deep breath in, then exhale fast. After your exhale, I’m going to give you an adjustment. You’ll feel pressure for a few seconds, then you’ll feel relief. All right? Marlena, are you with me?
Marlena: Tell me where John is.
Stefano: How can you see John, or Belle, or Claire, if you cannot move? Hmm?
Marlena: I’ll see all three of them? … Stefano, will I?
(He leers at her.)
Marlena: ANSWER ME!
Stefano (to the Doctor): Just do it.
Doctor: Marlena? You ready?
(Marlena closes her eyes. Nods. The Doctor places his fingertips and the meat of his palm along her lower back.)
Doctor: Okay. Inhale.
(Marlena takes in a slow, quivering breath.)
Doctor: And – exhale.
(She does. He presses down, a series of cracks are heard, Marlena gasps – and then stills.)
Marlena: Ohhhh, thank you … (sobbing with relief) … oh, thank you! …
Doctor: Let’s gently roll her onto her back.
(Man #1 and Man #2 do so. Marlena lets them. The Doctor stands next to her head.)
Doctor: Okay. I’m just gonna give your neck a quick adjustment and then we’ll be done.
(Marlena grabs his hand. He smiles.)
Doctor: Feel better?
Marlena: Have you seen John? He’s in so much pain; he’s injured his shoulder. Please, you have to –
Doctor: – I’m helping him next.
(The Doctor feels around on Marlena’s neck.)
Marlena: Where did Stefano take him? Tell me.
(The Doctor cracks her neck. She gasps.)
Stefano: Be quiet, Marlena. Let him work.
Marlena: Do you know about Belle and Claire? Where are they are here? Is anyone monitoring Belle, is she all right? Please!
Stefano: He doesn’t know these answers, Marlena. I do.
(The Doctor cracks her neck again. Smiles.)
Doctor: She should relax and stay still for several minutes. She might fall asleep; that’s fine, too.
(Stefano snaps his fingers again. Man #1 holds Marlena’s ankles down. Man #2 ties them to the bed.)
Marlena: What – ? STOP!
(The Doctor gently holds her neck.)
Stefano: It’s to keep you still, Marlena. As the Doctor has ordered.
(Her ankles secured, Man #2 ties Marlena’s wrists to the bed. Marlena looks up pleadingly at the Doctor.)
Marlena (whispers): Call the Salem PD. Please. Tell them we’re being held here against our will. Ask for Roman Brady or Hope Williams Brady –
(The Doctor pats her head. Smiles. Walks toward Stefano.)
Marlena: No, please! LISTEN!
(Man #2 ties her wrist extra tight. She winces. Locks eyes with him. He and Man #1 join the Doctor as they all three exit through the opening in the wall. Stefano sees them out.)
(Then … he turns back.)
(He walks to the end of the bed. Leers.)
Stefano: You’re not going to thank me? For your relief?
(He waits. Steps closer. His kneecaps brush up against her feet. She trembles.)
Stefano: Why are you trembling, Marlena? Hmm? Ah … does this scenario, this room … possibly remind you of your nightmare? … I know all about your nightmare. I’ve listened in on all your sessions. Your good doctor friend has been a most – ignorant – accomplice. She still hasn’t noticed my listening devices in her office.
(He slowly walks along the side of the bed. Marlena strains against her bonds.)
Stefano: You’ve made so much progress, the two of you. And yet, last night, you said something to John that surprised me. You said … “we’re not together”. Could it be that, under pressure, the real truth came out? Are you having reservations about forgiveness? Hmm?
Marlena: You bastard.
(His face flushes with rage. He sits next to her. She turns her head away, trying to breathe.)
Stefano: Look at me, Marlena. (grits his teeth) Look. At. Me.
(Marlena swallows down her stomach. Turns her head. Locks eyes with him.)
Marlena: You said if I cooperated with the doctor I could see John and Belle and Claire.
Stefano: I never made you that promise.
Marlena: I have to know they’re all right! Please, let me see them. If it’s just on the screen, fine. But I need to see them.
(Stefano touches her face. She inhales sharply and closes her eyes. He wipes the tears under her eyes with his thumb. Runs his thumb across her lips. Runs a finger – slowly – up and down her cheek. She turns ashen sick.)
Stefano: I’ve missed your skin, Marlena. Your velvet skin. Your scent.
(He runs a finger – slowly – down her neck. She shivers.)
Stefano: All those years ago … when you put me in that coma … I swore you off. I declared you an enemy, I no longer loved you, I no longer wanted to pursue you. But that was a delusion, of course.
(His fingers tuck under the collar of her sweatshirt and continue across her chest.)
Stefano: I’ve had many women since then, Marlena. Many. But none of them make me happy. No woman ever will. Not unless she’s you.
(Marlena turns her face towards him.)
Marlena: Are you done boring me?
[Pause.]
(Stefano grabs her throat. She gasps.)
Stefano: Do you know what my daughter wanted to do to you? I ordered her not to hurt you. THAT is why she didn’t. I saved your life, Marlena. And how do you repay me? By taking hers!
Marlena: I TOLD you, I didn’t do that!
(He squeezes her neck tighter.)
Stefano (tears): No matter what I give you, what I sacrifice … still, STILL you despise me! You hurt me! You TAKE from me! What am I supposed to do? Tell me, what else can I do?
Marlena: Let us go.
Stefano: You’re MINE! You’ve always been mine!
Marlena: Claire and Belle aren’t yours, neither is John, NEITHER AM I!
(Stefano squeezes still tighter. Marlena gasps for air.)
Marlena: Stefano! … you’re squeezing … I can’t! …
Stefano: I’m giving you one last chance to tell me you love me. Say it to me.
Marlena: … No.
Stefano: SAY IT!
Marlena: NO!
(With a yell, Stefano releases her neck and bolts to standing. Marlena coughs and gulps as her air returns. Stefano furiously paces.)
Stefano: Do you not understand? I’m giving you a final chance! You have to take it, Marlena! Or else –
Marlena: – or else what? Are you going to force me, Stefano? After all these years? Is that your last wish before you shrivel up and keel over? Is that why I’m tied to the bed? For your convenience? For your lack of stamina? Go ahead! Climb on! I’ll be bored out of my goddamn mind.
(Stefano lunges forward. Marlena screams. He lands inches from her face. They lock eyes.)
Stefano: Tomorrow. I am taking Belle and Claire away from here. You will never see them again. I am going to give them the world you refused. I am going to give them everything. And once they receive the life I have given them, I will make sure they forget you, Marlena. They won’t have a shred of memory left when I’m through –
(With a primal yell, Marlena yanks one of her wrists free and scratches him deep across the face. Stunned, he stumbles backward away from the bed. Blood drips onto his lapel. He gapes at her.)
Marlena: Try and leave with them. Try it. I will claw through these walls and find you and kill you. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?
(The wall opens. Man #2 bolts to the bed with a set of handcuffs. Stefano laughs weakly.)
Stefano: You won’t, Marlena.
(Man #2 grabs Marlena’s free wrist and cuffs it to the bedpost. She growls at him like a wild animal. He looks to Stefano.)
Stefano: I’m fine, I’m fine. Go.
(Man #2 glares at Marlena. Exits.)
(Stefano rests the back of his hand against the scratch marks. Winces. Trudges to the end of the bed. Turns his back to Marlena and stares at the blank television screen.)
Marlena: Show them to me. I want to see all three of them.
Now.
Stefano: You don’t know what it’s done to me. Deciding your fate. It is a just fate. For what you’ve done. But it’s tortured me. You wouldn’t take your final chance. I must proceed.
Marlena: … What are you talking about?
(Stefano turns to her.)
Stefano: Your fate. Yours and John’s. Why you’re here. You’re going to die.
[Long. Pause.]
Marlena (breathless): What?
Stefano: After Claire and Belle and I leave. You’ll die in this room. You’ll die slowly. You’ll die of a broken heart, Marlena. I won’t break it. John will.
(The wall opens. Stefano turns on his heels.)
Marlena: Stefano, wait! What do you mean?
(Stefano vanishes through the opening.)
Marlena: STEFANO!
(The wall closes. He’s gone.)
CUT TO – LATER
(Marlena, bathed and in fresh clothes, paces. The wall opens. John, also bathed and in fresh clothes, is pushed through the opening, blindfolded.)
Marlena: JOHN!
John: Doc!
(The wall closes behind him. John rips off his blindfold, and Marlena races into his arms. He holds her tight.)
John: Oh, thank god, thank god! He made me watch the whole thing, I ripped the room apart trying to get out of there.
Marlena: Did he torture you? Did he – ?
John: No, no, baby, I’m all right, just let me hold you.
Marlena: You’re sure you’re all right? Your shoulder isn’t – ?
John: I told you I’m okay, they fixed my shoulder.
Marlena: You’re not in pain?
John: Doc, stop. Come on. You’re shaking like a leaf.
(She buries her face into his shoulder.)
Marlena (sobbing): … I was so scared!
(John holds her tighter. Tears fall down his face.)
John: I’m sorry I wasn’t here! … I’m sorry! … You did just fine. LIke you always do. I think you scared the old man to death. I saw your scratch maneuver.
Marlena: It was stupid! I provoked him!
John: You won’s what you did.
Marlena: Did you hear what he said afterward, about Belle and Claire?
(He breaks their embrace, and takes Marlena’s face between his hands.)
John: It’s not gonna happen. You listen to me. We’re gonna get to them first. We are going. To get to them. First. ‘Til then, I’m not leavin’ this room again, not unless it’s with you. I don’t care how many necks I have to break. You hear me?
(He catches her tears with his thumb.)
Marlena: He said you’re going to break my heart. That’s how I’ll die. What does he mean?
(John’s face grows pale.)
John: They’re words. They’re just part of his game.
Marlena: No. No, they’re not. He knows something. He has something up his sleeve, something awful. I can feel it.
(John pulls her into a kiss. Wraps his arm around the back of her head. Pulls her lips deeper. She opens her lips to his and surrenders. Stills. He releases her slightly. They stand, forehead to forehead, nose to nose.)
John (whispers): Did you feel that?
(Peace fills Marlena’s face. Then exhaustion. She loses her footing. John catches her.)
John: Whoah! Doc.
Marlena: I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m just … I think I’m a little dehydrated … we’ve been here … my god, nearly two days. Without food or water. (realizes) John. Is that how we’re going to -?
John: – come here.
(He picks her up off the floor.)
John: I’ve got ya.
Marlena: … You’ve got me?
(He nods. She strokes his face. He carries her to the bed.)
Page 27 of 54
The Test Part 3
INT. UNDERGROUND ROOM
(Marlena lay across John’s chest on the bed. He strokes her hair. Her brows are furrowed.)
John: Feelin’ less dizzy?
Marlena: I’ve figured it out. While you were gone, I had two ideas, I think the first one might work –
John (bristles): Don’t.
(She lifts her head, distressed.)
Marlena: Don’t? John! He’s leaving with them in the morning, we have to come up with a plan! Fast!
John (under his breath): Cameras.
(Marlena looks about the room. Remembers. Winces.)
John: They pick up everything, even whispers. We gotta figure out a way to plan so he won’t see or hear us.
Marlena: How? That – (gasps) Under the bed.
John: It’s solid wood all the way to the floor.
Marlena: Behind the frame.
John: Attached to the wall.
Marlena: … Sheets! Under the sheets!
John: Whispering, Doc.
(Marlena lets out an exasperated cry. He brings her head back to his chest. Strokes the back of her neck.)
John: We’ll figure something out. Just hang tight.
(The television monitor comes on. Marlena gasps.)
Marlena: Belle!
(In a flash, Marlena stands inches from the monitor, eyes wide. She weaves on her feet. John steadies her from the back.)
John: Easy, easy.
[ON SCREEN: Belle lay in bed in her ornate room. A half-eaten food tray sits next to her. Her face is deathly pale.]
Marlena (crying): Oh, John … Oh god, she looks so bad! …
(John pulls her closer in his arms.)
John: She’s doing the smart thing, she’s resting. She’s keeping calm.
(Marlena searches the screen, wildly.)
Marlena: Where’s Claire? Claire isn’t back in the room! Where’s Claire?!
(The image changes. John and Marlena jolt.)
[ON SCREEN: Claire and Stefano sit on high back chairs in yet another ornate room, a chess board between them. Claire has her knees pulled up to her chest, scowling. Stefano grins like a plotting Grinch, moves a chess piece, waits. She doesn’t comply. He grins again, lifts his posture and expounds a speech, gestating his arms like a magical ringmaster. Claire, against her will, is transfixed.]
John: Oh, baby, don’t listen to him. Don’t do that. Come on. Use your head.
Marlena: What’s he saying to her? What’s – Stefano! (pounds her hand against the screen) Where’s the sound?!
(Marlena weaves again into John’s arms.)
[ON SCREEN: Stefano rises, still gestating, and hovers about Claire like a smooth-talking ghost. Kneels down at her left, inches from her face. Leans in. Whispers. Her right hand, down at her side, pulls into a tight fist.]
Marlena (hysterical): Oh, Claire! He’s scaring her! John!
John: No, no, Doc, he’s not! Look.
(John points. He and Marlena stare, quivering, at Claire’s fist.)
[ON SCREEN: Her fist becomes solid, turns at the wrist, shoots up from the floor – BAM! – right into Stefano’s chin. He stumbles back nearly two feet.]
Marlena: OH!
John: YES! YES!
(Marlena bursts into tear-filled laughter.)
John: THAT’S our kid! RIGHT there!
(John wraps his arm around Marlena from the back and squeezes her with all of his might.)
[ON SCREEN: Claire stands, defiantly, on her chair, shouting at Stefano. He stumbles to standing. Leers at her.]
Marlena: Oh, god, he’s angry. John!
(John takes Marlena’s face in his hands. She can’t stop looking at the screen.)
John: He won’t do a thing. Listen to me. He just found out what Claire’s made of.
Marlena: But he looks so –
John: – Doc. We’re gonna get out of here. We’re all gonna get out of here.
(Tears fall down her cheeks. She nods. He pulls her to his chest. Looks at the television monitor. Locks eyes with Stefano, who glares … dead into the camera.)
LATER
(John and Marlena sit up in bed, nuzzled against each other, awash with relief. Opposite, them, on the wall:
[ON SCREEN: Claire is back with Belle. They nap together, peacefully.]
Marlena: She still looks so pale.
John: But they’re eating well. We watched that. That’s good.
Marlena (crying): … I want to hold them …
John (whispers): I know. I know. I do, too.
(John rests his lips on her forehead. Her face contorts. She bursts into uncontrollable sobs. He pulls her into a hug. Rocks her. Squeezes her. Suddenly, she breaks free, batting at him.)
Marlena: Stop, stop! I’m all right. I’m just hungry. It’s making me … raw, I can’t stop crying.
(John squints at her lips.)
John: Look at me.
Marlena: John, I said I’m all right.
(He pulls her chin towards him. Examines her lips.)
Marlena: I just need to pull myself together. We have to think. I’m okay.
(Runs his fingers over them. They’re severely chapped.)
Marlena: What is it?
(Worry fills his eyes.)
John: You’re gettin’ more dehydrated.
(She strokes his face.)
Marlena: So are you.
(He pulls her hands to his lips. Kisses them. Holds them to his chest.)
John: Listen to me. We have to conserve our energy. Especially since we haven’t had any water.
Marlena: I know. I know. John … I really do think he intends to take Belle and Claire and leave us here to starve.
(John grits his jaw. Blinks back tears.)
John: That’s not gonna happen. We still have all night. We have all night to come up with something. And we will.
Stefano: Wrong, John.
(Marlena gasps. They turn and look. Stefano stands in the opening. His face is bruised and bandaged. His expression is coldly calm.)
Stefano: We leave tonight.
Marlena: Tonight?!
John: Why, tonight?
(Stefano shrugs.)
Stefano: Change of plan.
Marlena: Stefano –
(Marlena scrambles to her feet, John fast behind her. She wills herself to stand upright.)
Marlena: Belle cannot travel. Not right now. She needs to be seen by a doctor. Please. Look! Look at her!
Stefano: She will be cared for by my personal physician, Marlena. The entire trip. I can assure you.
(Marlena grits her teeth and lets out a cry. John rubs her arms.)
John: No. You’re not even gonna make it outta here. You’re scramblin’ to leave early because somebody’s on the way here. Somebody’s onto you.
Stefano: Nobody’s onto me, John. No one could find this place if they tried. Not even the great Roman Brady.
(Marlena bolts forward.)
Marlena: But I can kill you.
(Stefano gapes at her. She locks eyes with him, nose to nose.)
Marlena: You have five seconds. To cancel the trip. Or I’ll make good on my threat.
(Long. Pause.)
Stefano: (scoffs) You can barely stand, Marlena. You really think you have that in you?
John: I’d say by the looks of your face, she does.
(Marlena doesn’t back down. Fear flashes in Stefano’s eyes for a brief moment. Then, he smiles. Presents his sleeve collar.)
Stefano. Remember this?
(He whispers into it.)
[ON SCREEN: Man #2 enters Claire and Belle’s room. Stands over them. Pulls out a gun.]
Marlena: OH god!
[ON SCREEN: He points the gun at their heads. They sleep on.]
Marlena: Stefano! Don’t!
Stefano: This is our final goodbye, you will both be cooperative. Or. No more Claire and Belle.
(Marlena nearly crumples to the floor. John catches her and pulls her away from Stefano.)
John: It’s a bluff. You don’t wanna kill ’em. You wanna take ’em.
Stefano: Don’t tell me what I WANT, Pawn!
Marlena: Stefano, we understand, we’ll cooperate with you. We will. Just please call your man away, I don’t want either of them to wake up to a gun. Please!
(Stefano’s eyes slowly travel down her body. Expressionless.)
Marlena: CALL HIM AWAY!
(Pause.)
Stefano: You both really must eat something. Hmm?
(Stefano snaps his fingers. Man #1 emerges through the wall opening with a lace clothed rolling cart. At its center, a covered tray. John raises an eyebrow.)
John: You’re feeding us?
Stefano: Of course. How many days have you gone without? Nearly three?
(Stefano shakes his head in mocking sympathy. Man #1 places the cart. Sneers. Exits. John watches Stefano like a hawk. Marlena keeps her eye on the screen, trembling.)
Stefano: I hope you both like what my chef has prepared. I told him the meal had to be … especially meaningful to the two of you. Since it is to be your last.
(Stefano leans forward, sneers, and lifts the tray lid to reveal … an ornate plate of strawberries and whipped cream. Marlena scoffs and looks away. John seethes.)
Stefano: Your favorite dish. No?
(John looks to his wife.)
Stefano: LOOK AT IT!
(John and Marlena obey.)
Stefano: Say “thank you”?
Marlena: … We need water, Stefano, not just food.
Stefano: Oh, my dear, the way you cry, there’ll be water enough for both of you.
John: You son of a –
(John bolts forward. Stefano holds up his sleeve collar.)
Stefano: ONE MOVE, he shoots them!
Marlena: JOHN, STOP!
(John stands stock-still. Holds up his hands. He and Stefano lock eyes.)
Stefano: Now. Move over there. Away from Marlena.
(John looks at her in alarm.)
John: Not on your life.
(Stefano brings the sleeve collar to his lips.)
Marlena: John, do it!
(Stefano nods his head. Neck muscles bristling, John slowly backs away to the far side of the room. Trembling, Marlena keeps her eyes on the screen.)
John: You touch her … I will rip you apart.
Stefano: EITHER of you move. I give the order to shoot. Understand?
(Beside herself, Marlena looks at John. He holds her with his eyes.)
Stefano: Good. Now. There is one more part to our final goodbye. I made it for you personally. It requires your full … divided … attention.
(Stefano pulls a remote from his lapel pocket. Presses a button. The television screen goes black.)
Marlena: Belle!
Stefano: Marlena. Attention.
(Stefano presses another button on the remote.)
[ON SCREEN: A new image. A familiar looking hotel room. A made bed, with a wedding dress sprawled across it. In the corner of the frame, Kristen Dimera sits, in a yellow dress, sipping wine.]
(Marlena gapes, incredulous.)
Marlena): Kristen? … She can’t be. She –
Stefano: Remember this dress, John?
[ON SCREEN: A knock at the door. Kristen rises, steps out of frame. A door opens. Kristen (off camera): What are you doing here? John (off camera): You know.]
(Horror slowly fills John’s face.)
Marlena (weakly): John, what is this? Why can I hear you?
Stefano: Guess.
[ON SCREEN: John steps into frame, behind Kristen. Looks her up and down. Kristen: GET OUT! John doesn’t budge.]
(Marlena lets out a cry and claps a hand to her mouth. She knows. John bolts forward, hands outstretched. Stefano holds up his sleeve collar.)
Stefano: ONE step, John, they’re shot!
(John stops. Kicks the ground with a yell. The video continues. Marlena can’t stop watching. She presses her hand harder to her mouth. Trembles.)
John: Baby, listen to me. He’s gonna doctor this, he’s gonna twist it all around. Don’t listen to him. You know the truth about that night, we talked about it.
Stefano: Pictures speak louder than words, John.
(He circles Marlena like a shark.)
John: You stay away from her! DAMMIT!
(Stefano leans in to Marlena’s face. Her eyes can’t move from the screen.)
Stefano: See the way he’s following her around the bed? My daughter, whom you were so convinced was after John. Look at the screen, Marlena. Who’s pursuing who?
John: Baby, don’t look at it. Look at me. Come on, look at me.
(Marlena can’t. Stefano draws closer to her face. John squats up and down on his legs in a fury.)
[ON SCREEN: Kristen: Doesn’t any of this bother you? Don’t you have a twinge of guilt? There’s just nothing? John doesn’t respond.]
Stefano: Look at that. Your husband has no conscience.
John: He’s EDITING this! He’s EDITING it, Marlena!
[ON SCREEN: Kristen: I’m not like you! I can’t just feel nothing! John: I never said I didn’t feel – His face fills with longing.]
(Stefano pauses it.)
Stefano: Huh. Look at that expression. Do you think … he’s thinking of you?
(Marlena closes her eyes. Her face contorts.)
John: Oh, GOD, Doc. Look at me! Look at me, please!
Stefano: I don’t think, in any of your sessions, he ever mentioned THIS …
[ON SCREEN: John and Kristen stand next to the bed. With tears in his eyes, he steps closer to her, speaks gently. John: I just thought … maybe we could start over… ]
(Marlena opens her eyes. Watches. Numb.)
[ON SCREEN: John: Isn’t that why you really came back to Salem? Isn’t that what we both need?]
(John watches Marlena. He can’t stop shaking.)
Stefano: He’d granted you a divorce right before this. Had he not?
(Her face is awash. It pales over.)
John: Don’t let him twist this. Don’t do it! You know I didn’t want to say “yes” to a divorce. You KNOW that!
(Stefano watches Marlena with a grin. Leans in. Whispers into her ear.)
Stefano: Can you guess … what comes next?
[ON SCREEN: John and Kristen fall down onto the bed.]
(Marlena lets out a cry the size of a canyon, turns away and covers her face. Stefano turns up the volume. Sounds of their lovemaking can be heard. John’s body explodes in place.]
John: YOU SICK SON OF A BITCH! MARLENA! DOC! DON’T LOOK AT IT! DON’T LOOK!
Stefano: Shall I show you who stopped the seduction? Or don’t you already know that part?
(Stefano pauses it yet again. ON SCREEN: John and Kristen’s bodies are half-clothed, pressed together.]
(Marlena is hunched over, eyes closed, weeping.)
Stefano: Hmm?
John (crying): You’re killing her … Stop this … Please …
Stefano: No, John. (grits his teeth) YOU’RE killing her.
(Stefano lifts Marlena to standing. She’s completely shattered. He holds her up. Strokes her hair.)
Stefano: It’s all right. It’s all right, my love.
(John reaches into the air to strangle him. Stefano presents sleeve collar yet again, with a fierce glare.)
Stefano: Don’t! … You did this, Pawn. You did this to your wife. To my daughter. My grandchild. YOU. Your mind. I taught my daughter well; always have a camera, always record. She wasn’t going to use this. I have. Now, she has retribution. And you … have torture you deserve.
(Marlena numbly stares at the floor. John watches her, tears pouring down his cheeks. Stefano holds her tighter. Leans his forehead up against hers. His cheek. Breathes her in. She’s no strength left to react.]
Stefano (whispers): I never would have betrayed you, my love. Never. He is the choice you made. He is the pain you chose. You will remember that pain, Marlena. You will remember it … as you watch this on the screen. Over and over and over. Until you both stop breathing.
(She turns her face to him, eyes wide. Quivers. He runs a finger down her cheek. Over her lips.)
Stefano: Goodbye, my love.
(Her brings her lips to his. She heaves. John leaps forward with a yell. Stefano disappears through the opening. John nearly runs up the wall, beating, clawing at it behind him. The screen on the wall goes black. Then … the video starts over. Marlena crumples to her feet. John bolts to his knees and pulls her face into his chest.
John: Don’t watch it! Don’t watch it! … Baby! …
(She wails. He pulls her tighter, holding on for dear life.)
*AUTHOR NOTE: John and Kristen dialogue taken from “Days of Our Lives” episode air date May 24, 2013*
Page 28 of 54
INT. UNDERGROUND ROOM – ONE DAY LATER
(The video plays on. Both Marlena and John are on the floor, the platter of strawberries next to them. Marlena lay in John’s lap, in and out of consciousness. She shakes uncontrollably. John holds a strawberry up to her lips. It takes nearly all his strength.)
John (hoarse): Come on, baby … just take a bite … one bite … please …
(Feverish, Marlena turns her head away.)
John: EAT THIS, DAMMIT!
(She convulses and smacks the strawberry out of his hand. He takes her face between his hands, leans forward, and his forehead collapses against hers.)
John: Doc, listen to me. Listen. We can still get outta here. We just gotta get … our strength up. We gotta get outta here for Belle and Claire. We gotta go after ’em.
(He starts to shake. He squeezes his eyes shut and wills it to stop. It won’t.)
Marlena: John? …
John: I’m right here. Baby, I’m right here.
Marlena: Where is she?
John: … Who?
Marlena: Sam. Where’s Sam?
John: … What are you sayin’?
(Marlena’s eyes open. Glazed, they search the room.)
Marlena: She’s always … she always comes for me. Why isn’t she here? (crying) John, why isn’t she here?
(John searches Marlena’s face. He stills his shaking hand on her cheek.)
John: Sam’s dead, baby.
(Marlena’s eyes meet John’s. She takes in his words. Her face contorts.)
Marlena: I dreamed it? … I dreamt it all those times, she never came …. She’d never … She didn’t love me! … (inconsolable) Oh, Sam! …
(Terrified, John lays his forehead against hers again.)
John: Honey, you’re safe, you’re with me, I love you. You hear me?
(He pulls back. Tries to wipe her tears away, but his shakes are worse.)
John: Look at me, please. Doc. Look at me.
(Marlena squints up at John.)
(Marlena’s POV: Tears clear. Sam, expressionless, against her face. Black. A blanket being pulled away. Kristen, cackling. Leaving through the door.)
(Marlena screams and claws at John.)
John: Doc! Whoah!
Marlena: YOU COME BACK! DON’T LEAVE ME HERE!
John: I’m not leavin’ you, honey, I’m right here!-
Marlena: – LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! –
John: – Doc, it’s me, I’m not gonna hurt you! –
(John grabs her hands. Her screams propel her up against his face.)
Marlena: I’LL KILL YOU, YOU HEAR ME? I HATE YOU!
(John, stunned, can’t speak. Tears tumble down his cheeks.)
Marlena: Why did you do this to me? … Why did you? … Why? …
(Marlena surrenders back to the floor. Closes her eyes. Loses consciousness.)
John: Doc. DOC!
(He grasps her chin. Shakes it.)
John: No, no, no, no, NO!
(He collapses forward. Listens to her chest. Stumbles forward on his knees. Frantically gives her CPR. Collapses prostrate on the floor. Can’t catch his breath. Grits his teeth, gathers strength. Gives her CPR again, faster. Listens to her chest. No improvement. He runs his fingers through his hair, hysterical. He looks about the room. Marlena. The screen.)
John: No, dammit … NO!
(He gathers Marlena in his arms. Rocks her.)
John: Your last moment is gonna be love. It’s gonna be me with my arms around you. I promise that, baby, I promise.
(He squeezes her tight. Looks at the screen again. Seethes.)
John: She’s NOT gonna hear you. DAMN YOU!
(He gently lay Marlena’s head on the floor. Crawls to the tray. With all his might, he hurls strawberries at the screen, one by one by one, then the tray with one giant whip of his arm. Stands, wobbles. Searches the screen with his hands for an “off” button, anywhere. Hits the wall with a yell. Turns, looks at his wife. Breathes in. Suddenly, a surge of strength seizes his body. He bolts across the room and, with a yell the size of the earth, rips a bedpost from the bed.)
John: I won’t DESTROY HER!
(He swings the bedpost against the screen, over and over and over and over. The screen goes black and comes off the wall. The mount comes off the wall. The screws and wires and padding come off the wall. Dust and sound settle. John pants. Squints. He sees he’s created a hole in the wall. On the other side of it, people are milling.)
Hope (peeking in): John?
(John bends over in relief. He can’t speak.)
Hope: ROMAN! They’re here! Here! John! Is Marlena with you?
(John nods. He still can’t speak.)
Roman (peeking in): My god, John! We’ve been looking all over this place for you two. He had you sealed up in there!
John (voiceless): Water.
Roman: Say again?
John (hoarse): Water! For Doc. I need water for –
Roman: We need water in here! Water!
Hope (peeking in again): John, we’ve got paramedics coming, Claire and Belle are already at the hospital, they’re gonna be okay. Guys, come ON! (passes a bottle through the hole) Here you go.
(John takes the water bottle and collapses to his knees in front of Marlena. Positions her face up across his lap.)
Roman (yelling through the hole): John, you and Marlena keep away from this side of the wall, we’re gonna unseal it. All right? Come on, let’s MOVE, let’s get ’em outta there!
(John tucks an arm behind Marlena’s head and puts the water bottle to her lips. She rouses slightly.)
John: Come on, baby. Drink the water, baby.
(Slowly, she does.)
John: That’s it … That’s it …
(He leans his head back against the wall, sobbing with relief. Marlena continues to drink. Crowbars and drills sound the wall.)
EXT. BELLE’S HOSPITAL ROOM
(Kayla stops John’s wheelchair in front of the door. He tries to jump up. She pushes him back down.)
Kayla: WAIT, I said.
John: I said I can walk.
Kayla: Hospital regulations say I ROLL you.
(Slowly, she releases his feet from their stays.)
John: Why didn’t you tell me Doc was already in here?
Kayla: Because I just took her in five seconds ago.
(He sighs with fury. She stands in front of him.)
Kayla: NOW. You may stand. Easy …
(He does, a bit wobbly. He takes her hands.)
Kayla: There. Got it? You can go on in, they’re waiting for you.
(She steps out of his way, rolls the chair back.)
Kayla: Hey.
(He turns.)
Kayla: I’m really glad you all got out of there.
(John smiles. Kisses her on the cheek.)
John: Thanks for taking care of my girls, sis.
Kayla: My pleasure.
(He tousles her hair. She playfully scoffs. Slugs his arm. He grins.)
John: I miss all that perm you used to have.
Kayla: None of us miss your mullet.
(He winks.)
INT. BELLE’S HOSPITAL ROOM
(Marlena stands next to the Belle’s bed with Belle wrapped in her arms. Her face, filled with peace, is nuzzled in Belle’s hair. Claire lay snuggled up against Belle. Hope stands nearby rubbing her back. John enters the room. Claire’s eyes light up.)
Claire: POP POP!
(Claire hops down off the bed. Belle beams at John.)
Belle: Dad …
John: Hey there –
(BOOM. Claire is in his arms.)
John: OH! There’s my kid.
(John lifts Claire off the ground and lands her in his arms.)
Claire: Did you hear I hit Stefano?
(The adults chuckle.)
John: I … did. And guess what?
(He looks toward Marlena. She can’t look him in the eye. He winces. Grins it away. Looks back at Claire.)
John: Your Grandma and I watched it.
Claire: You saw me? You saw me on that tv thing?
John: That’s a fact.
(She presents her fist, grinning.)
Claire: Did ya see my right hook?
Hope: That her father ONLY taught her for self defense.
Claire: When I grow up, I’m gonna be a super spy just like you.
Belle: Over my dead body. No offense, Dad.
John: None taken.
Claire: Or a marine biologist. Orrrrr a chef. Orrrrr a doctor.
Marlena: Doctor?
Claire: Orrrrr … a fisherman.
Belle: She’d sail the boat herself if Shawn would let her.
Claire: I CAN sail the boat myself.
John: Well, you also take real good care of your Mom. We watched that, too. We’re proud of ya.
(He kisses her on the forehead. Claire hops down to the floor and crawls back into bed with Belle. John walks over to Belle and Marlena.)
John: Can I cut in here?
(Marlena backs away, trying to hide her discomfort. John wraps his arms around Belle.)
John: Oh … (squeezes her tight) … I’m so glad you’re safe, Princess.
Belle (crying): I’m so glad we’re home …
(Marlena crosses away from John. Takes Hope’s hand.)
Marlena: Hope … I haven’t seen Roman yet, but … (tears) thank you so much to both of you for finding our girls.
Hope: I wish we could take credit. It was actually thanks to Claire.
(All eyes go to Claire. She grins.)
Claire: Stefano’s goons are stupid. They don’t think to search a kid.
Hope: She still had her cell phone with her.
(Claire pats her pocket-peppered cargo pants.)
Claire: Hidden compartment.
Marlena: … But … but, we were underground, sweetheart, how on earth did you –
Claire: – you guys were, we weren’t. When no one was looking, I reached in my pocket, had Google find our location, I texted the address to Dad. Easy.
(John and Marlena gape at her, incredulous.)
Claire: Told ya I’m a super spy.
(Marlena lets out a squeal and pulls Claire into her arms. Peppers her face with kisses.)
Claire: All right, all right, I know! I’m amazing. Thank you very much. Ugh.
(The adults laugh. Marlena beams at Claire in love. Kayla enters the room.)
Kayla: Me again.
(Marlena turns to Kayla, alarmed. Kayla takes her hands.)
Kayla: It’s good news. Belle, we’re gonna observe you one more night, just to be safe, but (to Marlena and John) you two, and (pecks Claire’s nose) this one … are free to go home. I just filled out your paperwork.
Claire: YES! No more hospital food! Yes! Yes!
Belle: Claire. What SHOULD you say to Great Aunt Kayla?
(Claire stills, takes a breath, clasps her hands in front of her.)
Claire: Thank you, Great Aunt Kayla, for taking such good care of us.
(Kayla smiles.)
Kayla: You’re very welcome, bug.
(The door opens. Shawn enters.)
Marlena: Oh, Shawn! Shawn! Oh!
(Marlena pulls him into a hug.)
Belle: Shawn Brady! I told you to go sleep.
Shawn: I did.
Belle: I meant a full night’s sleep! You’ve been up for three days!
(Shawn crosses to Belle.)
Shawn: ‘Scuse me, everybody.
Belle: Turn around. Right now. Go sleep.
(He leans in and kisses her. Long. Claire wrinkles her nose.)
Claire: Ugh.
(Shawn and Belle chuckle. Shawn turns to Claire, squats on his knees, level with her face.)
Shawn: Just for that …
(He pulls her close and tickles her. She squeals. Can’t stop laughing. Shawn pulls her tightly into a hug. Shakes with relief.)
Claire (muffled): Dad. I can’t breathe.
(The adults laugh. He releases her. Swats her on the behind. Turns back to Belle.)
Belle: I’m not gonna say it again. Go sleep.
Shawn: Whatever.
Belle: No, NOT whatever –
(Shawn leans her back and kisses her again. Crawls into bed next to her. Lips locked, she surrenders. Everyone stares, awkward, amused.)
Hope: Claire. How about you and I go pick up Ciara from school, and pick up a pizza, and … go have a painting party at your new house? How about that?
(Marlena gasps.)
Marlena: Painting! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Her room’s not done! We have to –
Hope: Marlena, Marlena. It’s okay. I’ve got it. We’ll finish it. You and John go home and rest.
Marlena (crying): But I … had a sign and I had –
(John rubs Marlena’s shoulders.)
John: Doc, she’s right, we need to take it easy.
(Marlena bristles and pulls away from him. Worry fills his face. She kneels down and pulls Claire into her arms.)
Claire: Grandma … you okay?
Marlena: I’m just so happy you’re home. Sweet girl.
(She kisses Claire on the cheek, lets her go. Smiles. Squeezes Hope’s hand.)
Claire: Bye, Pop Pop.
John: See ya, kiddo.
(Claire and Hope exit the room, followed by Kayla. Belle and Shawn lay nuzzled together in relief. He whispers into her hair.)
Shawn: I don’t know what I woulda done … I don’t know what I woulda done …
Belle: Shhh …
(Belle reaches up and strokes his face. John and Marlena watch them. John reaches for Marlena’s hand. It trembles and pulls back. Their eyes meet. His gaze says, “please … please talk to me.” Pain fills her face. Her eyes look away and she bolts from the room. John looks back to Belle. She lay in Shawn’s arms, beaming.)
John (mouths): We’ll be back.
Belle (mouths): Okay.
(John winks. Opens the door to follow his wife. His face is sickly pale. And determined.)
Page 29 of 54
INT. NURSE’S STATION
(John reties his robe around his hospital gown. His eyes dart all over, frantically. Marlena is nowhere to be found.)
John: Maxine.
(Maxine grins at him over a clipboard.)
Maxine: Hello, handsome. Nice to see you finally awake.
John: Did you see which direction my wife went?
(John trembles. Waits. Maxine squints her eyes, looks him up and down.)
John: Maxine, I can’t wait, come on.
Maxine: Have you screwed up again? You’re not outta DiMera’s five minutes, you got her mad at you all over again?
John: Have you SEEN her?
Maxine: I expect she went back to her room –
John: – room WHAT, what? –
Maxine: – 211 –
(John bolts away.)
Maxine: – to pack up since you’re bein’ discharged today, or were you NOT payin’ attention to your doctor?
John (over his shoulder): If she passes back by here, tell her to wait!
Maxine (calling after him): You’re welcome! ‘Bout time you two got back together!
(Maxine squints down at her paperwork.)
Maxine: Never seen so much mopin’ in my life. (to herself) People just need to shut the hell up and get in bed.
EXT. ROOM 211
(John bolts out of the empty room, worried.)
Roman (off camera): John! John, wait up a second!
(Roman appears, winded.)
John: Roman, I can’t right now, I gotta go find Doc.
Roman: She’s in the chapel, I just saw her go in.
(John bolts in that direction.)
Roman: Before you see her, it’s about Stefano!
(John trudges to a halt. Sighs. Turns to Roman.)
Roman: I wanted to make sure you and Doc were back on your feet before I told ya.
John: … Why don’t I like the sound of that?
(Roman gives John a familiar look.)
John: God DAMMIT!
Roman: Already gone by the time we stormed the place.
(John lets out a growl and hits the wall with his fist, repeatedly.)
Roman: Thankfully, he left Claire and Belle behind.
(Horror fills John’s face.)
John: Oh god. Oh god, Doc’s alone in that chapel, I can’t leave her alone!
Roman: One of my officers is outside the door, she’s okay.
(John looks toward the CHAPEL. Runs his fingers through his hair.)
Roman: Listen. John. You don’t need to worry. I got 24 hour police protection on you and Doc, Belle and Claire, ’til we find him, and we WILL find him.
John: … That we includes me.
Roman: No. No, John –
John: – YES, dammit, I’m helping!
Roman: John, you and Doc just near starved to death. You need to heal up, you need to take it easy. WE will handle this.
John: After what he did to her, I am NOT sitting back! What he did this time was worse than ANYTHING he’s ever! –
Roman: – I know what he did.
[Pause.]
John: You know?
Roman: When Doc woke up, I was there. I took her statement.
[Pause.]
John: You saw her when she woke up?
Roman: I happened to be there.
[Pause.]
John: She opened her eyes, you were there, not me.
Roman: John. You were still unconscious. She knew that.
John: Oh? How? Did ya tell her?
Roman: Kayla told her.
John: ‘Cause you wouldn’t have. Hell, you wouldn’t have mentioned me at all.
Roman: Oh, come on, John!
John: What’d you do, just lurk around? Just waiting for her to wake up, so you could finally sail in without me there?
Roman: John, DAMMIT! When Doc woke up, I told her if you hadn’t hit that hole in the wall, we never woulda found her. That’s the truth. If it was left up to me … she woulda died. She woulda died a death she didn’t deserve. She woulda died at the hands of that – …
(Roman looks at the ground. Blinks back tears.)
Roman: I have wanted to kill you. I mean, kill you. For hurtin’ her like you did. But now … I’m thankin’ ya. You saved her life, John.
(Shame fills John’s face.)
John: You shouldn’t thank me.
Roman: Like hell I should. It’s Doc.
(They lock eyes. Marlena’s presence fills the space. Them.)
Roman: What you did to save her life. That’s the John Black I know.
(Roman extends his hand.)
Roman: You’ve officially redeemed yourself.
(John can’t bring himself to return the handshake. Roman gives a peaceful smile. Places a set of keys in John’s palm.)
Roman: We had the locks changed for ya, on the penthouse and the townhouse. Gave the townhouse set to Hope since she was headed over there with Claire. I’m gonna go tell Shawn and Belle now.
(John stares at the keys, pale, lost in thought. Roman squeezes his shoulder.)
Roman: Hey.
(John slowly meets his eyes.)
Roman: Go take care of your wife. And yourself.
(Moved, John pats Roman’s hand.)
John: Thank you.
Roman: You’re welcome. But you hurt her again, I WILL have to kill you.
(John grins. Roman grins back.)
INT. HOSPITAL CHAPEL
(John enters – and runs straight into a wide eyed Marlena. She pulls the neck of her robe close, gathers her footing. Bolts toward the doorway. He blocks it. Trembling, she drops her eyes, turns her back, and bolts to the front pew. She collapses into it, huddles herself, puts a fist to her lips.)
(John looks around. They’re the only two in the room. He nods at the posted officer and closes the CHAPEL door. Takes a deep breath. Steps down the aisle towards her.)
Marlena: John, I don’t want to see you. I want you to leave me alone. Please.
(He stops.)
John: You can’t lie to me, Doc.
(Her face contorts. He senses it. Steps closer.)
Marlena: Don’t! Don’t come closer. Stay where you are.
John (blinking back tears): … Okay …
(He sits in a pew opposite hers. She turns her face away from him. He watches her.)
John: I just about tore out my IV’s tryin’ to come see ya. Think I drove Kayla up the wall. I wanted to be there when you opened your eyes. I wanted to have you in my arms, so you’d feel safe. So I could tell you you were safe. (tears) I missed it. I’m so sorry …
Marlena (still turned away): Have they caught him?
John: … Not yet.
(Marlena scoffs.)
John: You’re gonna be safe. There’s gonna be round the clock protection on Belle and Claire. And us. ‘Til we find him.
Marlena (bitterly): What else is new?
[Pause.]
John: Look at me, Doc.
[Pause.]
(He rises, crosses the aisle towards her.)
Marlena: I said, don’t!
(He stops. Crouches near her pew. Extends his hand.)
John: We’re going home. Let’s go home now. Marlena?
Marlena: I’m going to ask Kayla … if I can stay here tonight. I want to sit up with Belle.
John: … Shawn’s here.
Marlena: Then, I’ll be nearby. Just in case.
John: Honey, you need to sleep.
Marlena: I’ve slept for two days! I wanna be with her.
[Pause.]
John: Okay. Then, I’ll stay, too.
(She winces.)
Marlena: John –
John: I’ll stay, and when Belle’s discharged tomorrow, I’ll take us home.
(He extends his hand again.)
John: Doc.
(Marlena roughly wipes the tears from her face. She tries to stare at the altar.)
Marlena: I was thinking … you know, I haven’t seen them in so long … I want to make sure they get settled in all right … maybe … maybe I should … stay at the townhouse for a little while, just until –
(He takes her hand. With a cry, she pulls it into a fist. Her face contorts again. He won’t let go.)
John (crying): Why won’t you look at me?
(He reaches up her forearm.)
Marlena: John … stop –
(He pulls himself seated next to her.)
John: Look at me.
(She tries to scoot away. He takes her face between his hands. Presses his nose against hers.)
John: Look at me!
(Her eyes squeeze shut. He runs his thumbs over her lashes, catching tears.)
John: Baby, what is it? What is it?
(She opens her eyes. Slowly meets his. Grief fills her face. John almost can’t bear to look.)
Marlena: I can’t look at you … without seeing that … that …
(He pulls her to him. She sobs into his chest, clutching at his sleeves. It kills him. He nuzzles his face into her hair. Whispers into her ear.)
John: I would give anything … anything … to take back what you saw … (crying) I swear to God, I’d give my life for that.
(She pushes at him.)
Marlena: Don’t, don’t say that!
(She pulls away and stands up, wobbling on her feet. He stands, reaches for her. She holds up a hand. He stops. She wipes her face, eyes on the floor.)
John: You know he wants us to feel this shell shocked. That was his plan. That was HER plan, he just finished the job. That’s why she stopped us that night –
Marlena (hands over her eyes): – oh god, don’t talk about it, don’t! –
John: – it’s why she stood on that spot, dead on camera, and made that phony speech about forgiveness! It was all her sick plan, to edit that thing down to me as a villain to try and destroy us –
Marlena (gritting her teeth): I KNOW!
(They lock eyes. John trembles.)
John: But? … What?
[Pause.]
Marlena: You didn’t tell me what you said to her. You didn’t tell me how you looked at her. I had to see that. With no warning. With his h – … hands on me …
(John can’t speak. Tears tumble down his cheeks.)
Marlena: You told me it felt like you were staring into the end of your life that night.
John: That’s what it felt like.
Marlena: That’s not what it looked like. Edited or not, that’s not what it felt like. To me.
(He reaches for her. She steps back.)
John: We can’t let him win. That’s what’s happening right now. We can’t pull back from each other, Doc. Not now. Come on, baby, we’ve come too far.
Marlena: Have we?
(He searches her face.)
Marlena: If we’ve really come so far … if we really have resolved as much as we think we have … then why did I give up? (She shrugs.) I gave up in there. I gave up on us.
John: No.
Marlena: I did.
John: Baby, you were dying.
Marlena: That doesn’t matter! I can fight through anything, you know that. When I believe in something. I stopped fighting. I stopped believing. I saw that v – … (blinks back sobs) … he KNEW, he knew that’s how I really felt, he listened to all our sessions, all our “progress”, but he knew, all he had to do was play that, and I’d finally be honest –
(John puts his hand over her lips.)
John (gently): Stop.
(Tears tumble down her cheeks. She backs away slightly.)
Marlena: I can’t … I can’t keep pretending.
John: … Pretending?
Marlena: That I want to go further.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I need … I need to leave this marriage, John. I’m sorry …
(John gapes at her, horrified. Breathless, she turns toward the door. His hand grips her forearm. She can’t move.)
Marlena: You said you’d walk away. You promised. If I wanted it.
John: You don’t want it.
Marlena: Don’t tell me what I want!
John: I’m looking at your face!
(She covers her forehead with her hand. Slumps forward.)
John: Do you really want to leave me? Say it. Say it.
(He turns her to face him. Waits.)
Marlena (crying): No … no … but I can’t keep lying to you. I’ve been lying to you, I’ve been lying to myself. All this while. Because I wanted it so badly. Because I l – … I love you so. I’ve been telling myself we’re back, that things are fine, but they’re not.
John: That’s why Dr. Foster said we can’t stop now. Not now. We have to go deeper.
Marlena: I can’t go deeper! I can’t go further! This is my limit, the edge of myself, John, I’ve reached it! I can’t … forgive you. John, I can’t. Because it was HER. You can’t let Kristen go. I can’t live with that. I can’t let her go; I can’t unhook her from my life. I can’t do it.
John: … Because of Sam?
Marlena: Because of Sam, because of me, because … John, if I can’t forgive you … our trust won’t be the same. All that trust we’ve built. That connection. We’ll never be what we were.
[Pause.]
John: Then we’ll be something new.
(He reaches into his robe pocket.)
John: We were new once.
(Out of his hand, he presents her cave bracelet. She gasps.]
John: We were doomed. By our pain. So many reasons we couldn’t be together.
(He puts the bracelet in her hand. Squeezes it.)
John: Our love knocked every one of ’em down.
(She looks at him, moved. Opens her hand. Looks at the bracelet. Runs her thumb over the cave charm. He lifts her chin to him.)
John: I’m not letting you go.
(She drops her eyes. He lifts her chin to him again.)
John: Not. Ever.
[Pause.]
Marlena: So, what … I’m your hostage now?
(He looks at her in love.)
John (whispers): Some tough captor I turned out to be.
(He delicately runs a finger down her cheek. She flings her arms around him. He holds her tight. They cry with relief.)
Page 30 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE – A SHORT WHILE LATER
(The front door opens. The lights are turned on. Marlena steps through the doorway. As John speaks with the posted police officer, she enters the living room and takes in every inch of the space with her eyes, as if seeing it for the first time. Stops at the piano. Runs her fingers over picture frames. John closes the front door and walks to her. His hands touch her shoulders. She melts.)
Marlena: I never thought we’d make it home. I never thought I’d see these faces again.
(He wraps his arms around her. She squeezes his wrists.)
Marlena: Our whole family would have lost us, John, they never would have known where we went or what happened. (crying) I can’t bear the thought of that, of them going through that kind of pain.
(He squeezes her tighter.)
John: It didn’t happen. We’re safe. Belle and Claire are safe. We’re home. We’re home, Doc.
(She turns to him and buries her face in his shoulder. Moved at her trust, he blinks back tears and embraces her.)
John: I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.
(She trembles violently. Embraces him back and squeezes tight. Slowly … stills. He melts with relief. She suddenly pulls back.)
Marlena: Oh gosh! I’ve … I’ve got to call everyone –
(She dashes to the side table.)
John: Honey, Roman’ll let ’em know we’re okay.
Marlena: I want them to hear MY voice.
(She picks up the receiver.)
John: Doc – (takes it from her) – you’re tired.
Marlena (bursts): John, they visited us all those times, we never woke up, they’ve been scared to death, I want to call them!
John: Okay, okay. Okay.
(He surrenders the receiver, takes her face in his hands. Gently runs a thumb across her cheek.)
John: Just … pace yourself. Please?
(He pulls back his hands. Walks toward the stairs.)
Marlena (urgently): Where are you going? John.
John: I’ll be right back. I promise.
(He winks.)
LATER
(Marlena is hunched over the phone, anxiously dialing – again. John comes down the stairs, aglow with a mischievous grin.)
John: Reach everybody?
Marlena: No. I reached Caroline and Eric. Carrie was on a flight but I reached Austin. But I’ve tried Sami and Will, over and over, I just keep getting voice mail.
John: They’re probably on the phone with Roman. Or each other.
Marlena: I can reach Switzerland but I can’t reach my own in Salem?!
John: Doc –
(He gently takes the phone from her.)
John: They know now. From your voice.
(He hangs up the phone.)
John: You’ve left messages for every one of ’em.
Marlena: Not everyone. Brady.
(John bristles.)
Marlena: We have to call him, John. We need to do it together.
(His eyes fill with grief.)
Marlena: You know what Kayla said. He never came by. Not once.
John (whispers): … I know.
Marlena: That doesn’t make sense. I can understand him not wanting to see us, but Belle? Claire? He’d have been there in a heartbeat. Something isn’t right. We have to find out what’s going on with him. We have to call him.
(John takes a deep breath … takes Marlena’s hands in his.)
John: We will call him … when our month is up.
Marlena: JOHN!
John: Dr. Foster said we need to wait that month. ‘Til then, we stay back and we focus on us.
Marlena: This situation nullifies that!
John: No, it doesn’t.
Marlena: John, Belle is going to have to sit there, after all her trauma, heartbroken, wondering where her big brother is?!
John: Belle’s an adult, so’s Brady, it’s not our job to rescue them!
(Marlena gapes at him. He winces.)
John: I put him before you once, Doc. I’m not makin’ that mistake again.
(Her lips tremble.)
Marlena: But he’s your baby.
John: He’s not. He’s a man. His life is his.
(He takes her face in his hands.)
John: Your life, my life … that’s ours.
(Moved, she takes hold of his wrists. Searches his eyes.)
Marlena: But he’s so sick. The things Maggie’s been telling me, he’s spiraling worse than he ever has, I’m so scared.
John: I know, I know. I am, too.
Marlena: And with him not showing up for Belle or Claire, I thought, my god, NOW what’s happening with him, is he all right, is he? –
John (crying, pulls her close to him): I know, I know … but listen. Maggie’s watchin’ out for him. Roman and Abe are watchin’ out for him. Daniel. He’s got a support system all around him. The rest is up to him.
Marlena: … I can’t help it, he’s still that fragile little boy to me … my beautiful fragile boy … who shut himself up in his room with that box full of pictures … (crying) we tried to give him space and he thought it meant we didn’t care at all, we broke his heart! …
John: Hey, hey.
(He pulls back from her, takes her shoulders.)
John: I’m not gonna let you stand here feeling guilty about the people you love. You don’t have one reason to do that.
Marlena: Oh, John –
John: – Doc. You’re exhausted. You’ve been through hell. We’re here, we’re home, come on; it’s time to take care of YOU.
Marlena: … What about you?
John: No. You first. Just you. I am gonna take care of you. Right now.
(Marlena flushes slightly.)
Marlena: What are you going to do?
(John’s eyes glow. He extends his arm.)
John: Escort you. To a surprise.
(His eyes travel up the stairs. Her gaze follows. She gulps slightly, apprehensive. He notices.)
John: Don’t worry. It’s not that.
(She relaxes. But she winces, ashamed.)
John: Unless you want it to be.
(She bristles again. He gives a pained smile. She tries to laugh.)
Marlena: I don’t know what it is.
John: Something you’ll love. I promise. You won’t feel any pressure. None.
(Painful. Pause.)
(He extends his arm again.)
John: May I show you?
(She flushes again. Reaches out … and takes his arm. They beam at each other.)
INT. PENTHOUSE BATHROOM
(Marlena stands in the doorway with her eyes closed. John leads her a few steps into the room, places her.)
Marlena: Now?
(He hops further into the room, places himself.)
John: Now.
(Marlena opens her eyes. Gasps. John stands, beaming, next to the shower … and a new, giant whirpool tub, filled to the brim with steaming water and bubbles. Candles are lit all around. Luxurious towels, loofahs, lotions, and oils line the tub’s brim. As does a giant golden kettle of tea, with a steaming china cup beside it. Lilac blooms tumble from John’s hands and adorn the surface of the water.
(Marlena stumbles toward it, mouth agape.)
Marlena: What …. What did …
John: I take it you’re surprised?
(Marlena sputters.)
Marlena: … How?
John: Just moved a wall a bit. Now the doorway sits closer to the –
Marlena: I see THAT. When?
John: When I woke up yesterday, I made a call. Had a crew come in and do it.
Marlena (breathless): … In one day?
John: Half a day, actually. They were real fast. Thankfully, I had ’em come in before Roman changed the locks on us. (nervous laugh) I wanted this to be ready for ya.
(She stares deep into his eyes. Puts her fingers to her lips. Shakes her head.)
Marlena: You planned all this from a hospital bed? While you were still recovering?
(He shrugs. Blinks back tears.)
John: I love ya.
(Overwhelmed, Marlena extends her arms, walks to him. Wraps her arms about him and nuzzles her face into the crook of his neck. He gently strokes the back of her hair.)
John: You spend all the hours in here you want. Relax to your heart’s content.
(He gently pulls away. Keeps hold of her hand.)
John: And I … will be right outside if you need anything.
(He kisses her hand. Winks. Turns to leave.)
(She doesn’t let go of his hand.)
(He turns back. Looks at her. Raises an eyebrow.)
(She tugs.)
(He steps closer. They stand nose to nose.)
(She looks him up and down. Runs her hand upward against the buttons of his shirt, one by one … slips her hand through his open collar, under it, across his shoulder.)
John (worried): Doc –
Marlena: Shhh …
(She runs her hand along the back of his neck, gathers his hair in her fingers. Rubs her nose against his … very … slowly … meets his cheek with her lips. Moves her lips along his cheek … slowly … to his ear. Nibbles it. Breathes heat to it.)
(John grabs her shoulders, jolting her back from him.)
John: Doc.
(She gapes, alarmed.)
John: I want you … more than anything in the world. But I want to honor what you said. At the hospital. I want to honor where you are, what you feel. I don’t want you to be … pressured to pretend.
Marlena: I’m not pretending. Wanting to be with you, that’s never pretending. No matter what pain I’m in, or where we are. Even when I try and walk away from you, I can’t do it. You saw that on my face.
John: But if you need space from me, so you can process things, I wanna give you that, so you can go deeper.
Marlena: I can’t go deeper unless I feel safe. I don’t safe unless I’m in your arms.
(He looks at her in love. Strokes her face. She leans her cheek against it.)
Marlena: Be with me. (whispers) Please.
CUT TO
(Marlena, nude and bubble slathered, leans back against the edge of the tub, resting her drenched head against the wall. John approaches her through the water … inch … by inch … by inch … and he’s there. A small wave of bubbles calms between them, nearly exposing her breasts. He raises his hands …. and rests them against her chest. She locks eyes with him. Her face flushes.)
Marlena: Touch me.
(He leans forward. Rests his forehead against hers. Reaches down into the water. She waits …. quivering. Gasps and sits up in the water. He smiles. She calms. Waits … quivering … again. Gasps and sits up.
Marlena (breathless): I can’t see … what you’re doing through the … bubbles …
John (whispers): Exactly.
(He presses her head against the wall with his lips and reaches into the water. Deeper. Faster. Over. And over. And over. She lets out a muffled scream and takes his tongue. Shivers run through her in a wave. She moans. Stills. Shivers once more. He pulls back from her lips, grins. Then gasps – in one foul swoop, she wraps her arms about his neck, attacks his mouth with her own, and presses herself against him in his lap until he’s inside her. Water swirling, suds sliding, they breathe and ride the orgasm together. Their sounds meet. Marlena leans her head back. John supports it with his hand. Presses his forehead to her chest. Their bodies tremble more and more, then release, then grow stiller than still. Slowly, they settle into the water, back against the tub. Panting, John looks at his wife in awe. Marlena rests her head on his shoulder. John sees something shiny peeking through the bubbles. He reaches for it, lifts it out of the water. The cave charm bracelet adorns Marlena’s wrist.)
John: I never saw you put it back on.
Marlena: I think you were a little distracted.
(She grins at him seductively.)
John: If you’re not careful, Mrs. Black … I’m gonna get distracted again.
Marlena: You did say all the hours I want.
(He grins back.)
John: Brace yourself.
(He reaches under the water. She squeals with delight.)
Page 31 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM – SEVERAL HOURS LATER
(From the BATHROOM – sounds of water rushing, shuffling feet against tile, wincing. Then, John – a towel about his waist – carries Marlena – a towel wrapped around her knotted body. She clings to him, wincing.)
John: Almost there. Easy.
Marlena: I’m sorry!
John: Would ya stop apologizing?
Marlena: I can’t believe I did this!
John: For the hundredth time, it’s okay. Here we go, here we go –
(He gently lays her on the bed, on her side. She whimpers.)
John: Hang on, baby. Hang on. One more roll over. Ready?
(She nods. Stabilizing her with his hands at her chest, he slowly rolls her onto her stomach. She tries to exhale out, but can’t quite manage. He quickly straddles her legs. The bed quivers slightly; she whimpers again.)
John: Sorry! Sorry. (stills himself) Is it the same spot?
Marlena: Yeah. Right th – …
(He finds the spot with his hand. She winces. He gently massages it with his thumb. Watches her.)
John: You told Kayla what happened with this?
Marlena: YES, I told her, of course I told her. She referred me to a (winces) chiropractor, I’m calling him in the morning.
John: She didn’t even give you anything for this?
Marlena: I didn’t NEED anything for it when I saw her.
(She winces again. John hops up, walks to the side table.)
John: Well, I’m callin’ her.
Marlena: John, no. No. I just need to rest this a minute, that’s all.
(He straddles her legs again, cordless phone in hand.)
John: I’m calling her, I’m taking you back to that hospital, she’s givin’ you something.
Marlena: I said I just need to rest it, I’m home, I WANT TO BE HOME!
(She reaches back and snatches the phone out of his hand. Tosses it onto the bed.)
John: Okay. Okay. Okay …
(He gently lay his hand across her pain. Watches her concentrated, wincing face.)
John: This is my fault, I should have remembered your back. I never should have had us –
Marlena: Honey. I asked you to. Remember? I kept asking. This is my fault. (crying) I ruined our night …
John: What?
Marlena (sobbing): You did all for this for me and I … ruined it!
John: Marlena –
(Hand still on her back, he slides his body onto its side, next tot hers. Nuzzles her face with his.)
John: You haven’t ruined anything. Not anything. You hear me?
(He slowly strokes her cheek.)
Marlena: But I lied to you. My back hurt … when we started. I just didn’t tell you that.
John: You were in pain the whole time?
(She nods. Winces again.)
John: Honey! …. God, why didn’t you tell me, I could have really hurt you in there!
Marlena: I didn’t want us to stop. I felt so … relaxed and so safe. Like we’d shut out the world. Like we used to. I just wanted to stay that way. I didn’t ever want us to leave.
(John peers deep into her eyes.)
John (whispers): So we wouldn’t have to deal with reality?
(Grief fills her face. She drops her gaze from his. Closes her eyes, squeezes them shut. Tucks her chin down toward her pillow.)
John: You seeing the video again?
(She nods. Blinking back tears, John leans forward. With his free hand, he lifts her chin upward, and gently rests his lips against her eyelids, first her right eye, then her left. Repeats. Eyes still closed, she reaches up and strokes his face. Opens her eyes. Sees the charm bracelet dangling from her wrist. Lays the adorned arm between them. Doesn’t take her eyes off of it.)
Marlena: I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lost this.
(He wraps his hand around it.)
John: You didn’t lose it.
Marlena: Because you found it. I didn’t even notice it missing. How could I not notice?
John: Doc, my god. What you were going through in that room, come on –
Marlena: – you were going through the same thing.
John: I wasn’t. Not even close.
[They lock eyes. Tears fill them.]
Marlena: But you … fought for us. You found this. I gave up so badly I didn’t even notice it was gone.
John: That’s not what happened. Stop.
Marlena: If I hadn’t given up, I wouldn’t have let lost it, John –
John: – you didn’t DO that –
Marlena: – I would have FELT it if it was gone –
John: – I know you would! –
Marlena: – I never would have lost it! –
John: – you DIDN’T lost it. You had it on the whole time.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I did?
[John nods. Strokes her cheek.]
Marlena: Then, how … Stefano. Did Stefano take it? After I passed out? Did you fight him and get it back?
John: No.
Marlena: Then HOW? How did I lose it? John, where did you find it? Where in that room?
[He strokes her arm, up and down.]
John: We’ll talk about it later. You’re tired.
Marlena: No! Now. We’re talking about it now.
John: Doc. You’re exhausted, you’re in pain, I don’t wanna talk to you about the room.
[She grabs his wrist.]
Marlena: John, it’s going to rip me up until I know, I have to know how I lost it! Please.
John: Okay … okay …
[He lays his hand against her cheek. She squeezes his wrist tighter. Calms.]
John: I found the bracelet on the floor.
Marlena: On the floor where?
John: On …. the floor. Middle of the room.
Marlena: How did it get there?
John: When they were knocking down the wall for us, I … picked it up, put it in my pocket for safe keeping. Then I passed out along with ya. When I woke up in the hospital, I saw my clothes on the chair, fished in my pocket, thank god, I still had it. So. It was just on the floor.
Marlena: How did it get. On the floor.
(Pain fills John’s face. He rolls away from her onto his back. Fixes his eyes on the ceiling. Marlena leans toward his chest, winces.)
Marlena: John, you know. Tell me.
[Pause.]
John (quietly): You threw it.
Marlena: What?!
(Her back convulses again. She forces herself to sitting. He sits up toward her, concerned.)
John: Honey, lay back down, please. Come on.
Marlena: I threw this?!
John: Listen to me, listen. You were so in and out of consciousness, you didn’t know what you were doing, I know that.
Marlena: I did something? To hurt you? I see that on your face. My god, what did I do? It has something to do with the bracelet. Why I threw it.
John: … It’s okay.
Marlena: Tell me, what did I do?
John: They were just knockin’ down the wall, you didn’t know where you were, the sound, it just scared ya, you were confused.
Marlena: What did I do to you? … What did I say? … How did I throw the bracelet? … John.
(John blinks back tears, stares at the mattress between them. Marlena peers at his face, trembling.)
John: I was trying to give you food … water … Hope and Roman gave me water for you … you kept wakin’ back up and ya … kept askin’ where Sam was.
Marlena (breathless): … Sam?
John: You kept asking … why she wasn’t coming for you.
(Marlena presses a hand to her mouth.)
John: I didn’t know what you meant, I kept trying to comfort you, explain … You’d push the food away, the water away, I’d try and make you take it again … then they started with the wall. They were poundin’ at the wall over and over … you started … screamin’, you started clawin’ at me again.
Marlena (horrified): Again?
John (voice shaking): You told me I put you in the room. You told me you hated me. You told me you wanted me to die.
(Marlena lets out a cry.)
John: You just kept screaming that over and over and over. And then you threw the bracelet … Then, I couldn’t get you wake up. You just wouldn’t wake up. (can’t stop crying) I thought I’d done it, I thought I’d really killed you, I thought I’d broken your heart and killed you!
Marlena: Oh, honey!
(Marlena pulls John to her chest.)
Marlena: Oh, god! Oh, god! …
(Marlena holds onto him for dear life, cradling him. Bends down, kissing the tears from his face, over and over and over.)
John: Don’t … don’t make yourself kiss me.
Marlena: I’m not making myself
John: You shouldn’t want to touch me!
Marlena: DON’T say that! Stop, stop …
(Marlena pulls him into a long, desperate kiss. Wraps an arm around the back of his head. Digs her nails into his bare chest. He grasps the back of her hair and presses her lips deeper. Their tears run together.)
(The cordless rings next to them on the bed. Marlena startles. They pull apart slightly.)
John: We gotta get that.
Marlena: No. We’re not moving. Let the machine pick it up.
John: It could be about Belle.
(Worry flashes across Marlena’s eyes. She darts forward on her knees, wipes her hand over her face to compose herself, puts the cordless phone to her ear.)
Marlena (into phone): Hello? … ohhhh, Candice. Oh! Gosh. I’m … I’m so sorry, I … I hadn’t even thought to – … No, I … I know we don’t need to apologize, I just …
(She readjusts her towel around her. Winces.)
Marlena (into phone): Oh, bless your heart, she’s fine … she’s just fine. They’re observing her one more night to be safe. Claire’s already home, she’s okay.
(Marlena shifts herself, winces again. Rubs her lower back. Behind her, John places his hand on top of hers.)
Marlena (into phone): How are we? … Well …
(John squeezes her hand and leans against her hair. She closes her eyes.)
Marlena (into phone): We’re okay. We’re okay. We’re … alive. That’s the important thing. I have a … back injury I have to keep tending to but other than that I –
(She sees John’s hand wrap around her from the back and press against her chest. Stabilized, she’s lowered down on to the bed and onto her back, John’s hand between her and the mattress, massaging her.)
Marlena (into phone): Next week? ….
(He looks at her in love, inches from her face. She runs a finger down his cheek.)
Marlena (into phone): We can do that. Umm hmm. Our usual time is fine.
(They take each other in, running their hands and eyes over the surface of the other’s face.)
Marlena: Candice? I … I know it’s not our fault, but I really am sorry if it felt like we’d … bailed on our therapy or … for any worry you might have had, I’m sorry … I know, I know I don’t need to apologize, I just, I want to. Thank you so much for calling and checking on us … All righty. We’ll see you then. Bye.
(She hangs up the phone, sets it next to them on the bed. John lay his free hand across her neck, strokes it. She runs her hand up and down his wrist.)
John: How’s your back now?
Marlena: It hurts.
John (whispers): How’s your heart?
Marlena: … Hurts. How about yours?
John: Hurts like hell.
Marlena: … Good thing we made an appointment, then.
(They chuckle through tears.)
John: We did.
Marlena (whispers): WE did.
(He cups her chin with his hand, nuzzles his nose against hers, quickly, then slow, opens his lips and receives hers for a long, deep kiss. Pulls back, nuzzles his face into hers, then moves down, his mouth resting in the crook of her neck. She closes her eyes, and lets out a slow exhale. Beams in relief.)
(Suddenly, from downstairs – POUNDING ON THE FRONT DOOR. MANIACAL SCREAMING.)
(Marlena bolts upright to sitting.)
Marlena: John! John!
(John bolts to sitting, his arms around her. They wait, listen, stock still, quivering.)
(POUNDING AND SCREAMING AGAIN.)
(Marlena lets out a cry.)
John: Shh. Shh. Don’t move.
Marlena: Where are you going? John!
(Quick as a flash, John hops up with the cordless phone, locks their bedroom door and leans up against it, eyes on Marlena. He dials.)
John (into phone): Parker, this is John Black, what the hell’s going on down there?! You’re supposed to be at your post! You – … (winces) Oh.
(Marlena asks him everything with her eyes, trembling.)
John: No, no, he’s … he’s on the list, they were right to let him up. I’m sorry. It’s all right. Just … keep him calm, we’ll be right down. Thanks.
(He hangs up the phone.)
Marlena (terrified): John –
John: It’s not Stefano.
(He sits back on the bed, cradles her. She lets out a sigh into a sob. She can’t stop trembling.)
John: It’s not Stefano, or his men. It’s okay.
Marlena: Oh god, I got so scared …
John: I know …
(She squeezes him tighter. He winces again.)
John: It’s Brady.
Marlena: Brady. (pulls back) Brady’s here?
(He nods.)
Marlena: Well. What are we sitting here for then? John.
John: We just … got home. You’re in pain. The month’s not up yet, I just … I’m wondering if … maybe –
(She hands him his robe. Ties hers at her stomach. Drops her towel on the floor. Stiffly shuffles toward the door. Unlocks it.)
John (worried): Doc –
Marlena: We’re going.
(She exits the room.)
Page 32 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(John and Marlena reach the bottom of the staircase. Marlena leans on John, wincing. The front door suddenly flies into the room, off its hinges. Marlena screams. Brady barrels through the damaged doorway, rears back his fist, and punches John dead in the face.)
Marlena: JOHN!
(John stumbles back, stunned. In a flash, Roman appears. He and the posted officer pin Brady to the floor. Blood drips from John’s nose onto his hand.)
Marlena: God, you’re bleeding!
(Marlena dashes to the in table, grabs Kleenex. On the floor, Roman cuffs Brady’s hands behind his back.)
Roman: Brady Black, you have the right to remain silent –
John: – hey, hold on, HOLD on, we’re not pressin’ charges here. You let him be, we’re gonna handle this ourselves.
(Roman glares at John. Rummages in Brady’s back pockets. Brady growls.)
John: Dammit, Roman, I said let him alone!
(Roman pulls something from Brady’s inner pocket. A half used plastic bag of crack cocaine. John and Marlena stare in horror.)
Marlena: Oh my god …
Brady: He put that there. You put that in my pocket.
Roman: Oh, really? I’m a magician now?
(Brady struggles like a caged lion. They subdue him again.)
Roman. Brady. Stop it.
(Under their grasp, Brady panics.)
Brady: They’re trying to steal my legs! I need police in here! They’re taking my legs!
Roman: This crash is creative, I’ll give ya that. (to police officer) Read him his rights at the car.
(They stand him up. Marlena covers her mouth. John stares deeply into Brady’s dilated pupils.)
John: … Son? …
(Brady seethes. He stares into, through, past John.)
Brady: Mom hated you. HATED … you.
(The words pierce John right in the heart. Marlena watches him. Brady smiles. The officer pulls him out of the room. Eyes on John, Marlena rushes to John with the kleenex in her hand, gently blots his nose, leans his head back.)
Marlena: Keep leaning, like that.
Roman (into radio): Chris, I need you to send someone over here stat, put a new door in for the Blacks, they’ve gotta be secure tonight. (to John and Marlena) You two … just take it easy, I’ll be right back, okay?
Marlena: STOP right where you are.
(She hobbles forward. Sways.)
Roman: Doc, you all right?
(John rushes forward, head still leaned back, and lifts her up with his free arm.)
Marlena: There’s something you’re not telling us. What just happened here?
John (feeling her spine shake): Honey, take it easy.
Marlena: Answer me, Roman!
(John leans Marlena against the couch, steadies her. She bats at him.)
Roman: Brady … thought you’d kept it from him.
Marlena: Kept what from him?
Roman: He didn’t know … about Belle and Claire. He didn’t know Stefano had ’em, he didn’t know they were in the hospital … ’cause I didn’t tell him. I asked the rest of the family not to tell him, either.
John: … What?
Marlena: Why would you do that?
Roman: Somebody had to.
(John scoffs, looks away. Gathers the kleenex into a tight wad in his fist, throws it, barrels forward, and takes Roman by the collar. Marlena hobbles between them.)
Marlena: John, STOP it, stop it!
(She breaks them apart. Grabs fresh kleenex. Pushes John’s head back.)
Roman: Look, I know I should have consulted you both first, but ya gotta agree with me, ya just saw how he was –
Marlena: What the hell is wrong with you? You didn’t think to explain this to Belle? You were in her hospital room, Roman. MULTIPLE times.
Roman: She’d already been through enough.
Marlena: You added to it! He wasn’t there, and she didn’t know why. You saw how worried she was, how hurt she was, you saw how many times she tried to call him!
Roman: I wasn’t gonna let that volatile son of a bitch anywhere near her!
John: HEY!
Marlena: He’s her brother!
Roman: And I’m her fa – ….
(Roman stops himself. Squints back tears. Marlena covers her mouth. John stares at the floor.)
(Long. Terrible. Pause.)
Marlena: I know … you’ve been running all over taking care of us. Because we couldn’t. We’re grateful for that.
Roman: I should have consulted you first. It wasn’t my place. I’m sorry. John, I’m sorry.
John: I’d have done the same thing.
Marlena: John?
John: I wouldn’t have let him near her, Doc. Not like that.
Marlena: You would have lied to her about him?
John: We can’t stress her pregnancy any more than it already is.
(Marlena scoffs. Winces. Bends over. On instinct, they both rush to her. She bats them away.)
Marlena: Would you both stop fussing!
Roman: What is it?
John: It’s her back.
Marlena: I’m all right!
(Together, they lay her on the couch on her back. Marlena reaches for John’s face.)
Marlena: Would you keep tilting your head, please?
(John takes her hand in his. Roman hovers, worried. Marlena tries to take deep breaths.)
Marlena: Roman … how many months has Brady been on crack cocaine?
Roman: I really don’t know.
Marlena: He looked gaunt. Is he eating?
Roman: Probably not much.
Marlena: Maggie told me it was alcohol, the alcohol was getting out of control.
Roman: That’s what she thought. ‘Til she found his stash the other night. She tried to flush it down the toilet, he attacked her.
(Marlena tries to sit up.)
Marlena: What?!
Roman: She’s fine. She’s fine. Just damn near scared her to death.
(John lay her back down.)
John: She press charges?
Roman: Couldn’t get her to agree to it.
Marlena: She didn’t even mention that when I called her tonight, she! –
Roman: Doc, you two just got out of the hospital, come on.
(Marlena winces again. John stills her.)
John: Okay. You got him on possession. Anything else?
(Roman looks at the busted door, the room, John.)
John: We’re not gonna press charges for that, just –
Roman: Look, John, Marlena … we tried to do an intervention with him. Just a little awhile ago. Whole family.
(Pause.)
Marlena: That’s why I couldn’t reach Will or Sami. That’s why everyone cut our calls so short.
Roman: We were tryin’ to handle it so you wouldn’t have to worry about it.
John: What happened?
Roman: He showed up high. I tried to search him, he got volatile. We tried to calm him down, he started shoutin’ slurs at the family … and Sami lost her temper with him.
Marlena: Oh, god …
Roman: Blurted out the whole thing about Belle and Claire.
John: Sami, dammit!
Roman: Brady flew off the handle, came tearin’ over here. (Pause.) Look … he needs to go to an inpatient rehab, that’s all there is to it. We can’t get him to go. I know the timing is hell here, but … he needs you two. Now, I figure … we let you two rest, we leave him in a jail cell for a night … by morning, he’ll be begging to go.
Marlena: What, you’re going to torture him with detox, is that it?
Roman: What other choice have we got?
(Marlena shoots to standing. John reaches for her.)
John: Doc –
Marlena: You can’t have unsupervised detox, Roman! That’s reckless! That’s dangerous!
Roman: You know crack cocaine detox is more emotional than physical.
Marlena: Right, and when Brady tries to kill himself in his cell, what are your rookie cops going to do? Just rush in with guns and say “freeze”?!
(John bursts into tears. Turns away from them. Shakes. Horrified, Marlena throws her arms around him.)
Marlena: Oh, John! John! Honey, I’m sorry … (whispers into his ear) I shouldn’t have said it like that, I’m sorry …
(Suddenly, Marlena’s back convulses. She lets out a wail of pain.)
Roman: Doc!
John: Honey?
Marlena: It’s seizing up … the –
(With another cry, she collapses into John’s arms. He gently lay her flat on the floor.)
John (to Roman): Call us an ambulance.
Marlena: NO, John, I don’t need! –
John: Call an ambulance NOW!
INT. HOSPITAL EXAM ROOM – A FEW HOURS LATER
(Marlena sleeps peacefully on a small bed. John sits next to her, stroking her hair. The beginnings of a terrible bruise are forming around his nose. Marlena stirs.)
John (whispers): Hey …
(Her sleepy hazel eyes come into focus. She smiles.)
Marlena: Hi …
(She sees John’s nose. Worry fills her face. She reaches for it.)
Marlena: Oh, honey –
(He takes her hand in his.)
John: It’s fine. Kayla treated it. No more blood. Not broken.
Marlena: But it looks so painful.
John: It’s fine.
(He nuzzles his nose into her palm. Kisses it.)
John: See? Useable. How’s your back?
Marlena (realizes): It’s wonderful. Oh my goodness … it’s wonderful!
John: Kayla gave ya a pretty powerful muscle relaxer.
Marlena: She did? I don’t remember that …
John: She said it’ll last ya a couple more hours, then she got ya in to see that chiropractor at 7 AM.
Marlena: That early? She called him this late? Oh, bless their hearts – where’d she go? (looks around the room) Where’d –
John: Her shift’s over. She went home.
Marlena: Home? What time is it? Did I fall asleep?
John (tickled): Yeah.
Marlena: How long was I asleep?
(Pause.)
John: Six weeks.
(Marlena’s eyes widen. John grins. She gasps and slugs him in the arm. He laughs.)
John: Couldn’t resist.
Marlena: Not. Funny.
(But she grins.)
Marlena: No, really, how long was I asleep?
John: ‘Bout an hour and a half.
Marlena: An hour and a – oh my gosh, I’ve got to get out of here.
John: You just lay back.
Marlena: John, they’re gonna need this exam room, I can’t just lay here.
John: It’s slow tonight, they told me. Just relax.
(He lay his hands across her chest. Leans forward. Gazes at her. She blushes.)
Marlena: I suppose … after the Brady’s and the Blacks get all checked in, there isn’t much left for them to do.
John: We really should get our own wing.
(They laugh. Stop. Wince. Tears fill her eyes.)
Marlena: I’m so sorry about Brady …
(John wraps his arms around her.)
Marlena (crying): I’m so sorry!
(He squeezes her tight. Buries his face in her hair.)
Marlena: Honey … we have to tell Belle. While we’re here.
John: Belle’s asleep in Shawn’s arms. Roman just looked in on her. I’m not wakin’ her up.
Marlena: I don’t want her to worry about Brady one more minute –
John: – I don’t want her to have one more worry on her plate.
Marlena: John! –
John: Right now, we’re focusing on you. You are my first priority. You are the most precious priority in my life.
(He cups her chin and lifts it. Nuzzles his nose against hers, quickly – winces in pain – but keeps on. Her lips open to his. He breathes her in, then slides his lips across her cheek, jaw, and down her neck.)
Marlena: John … I don’t feel precious.
(He stops. Looks at her, pale, stunned.)
Marlena: Not when you’re using me to avoid dealing with your son.
(Pause.)
(She reaches up, and strokes his cheek.)
Marlena: I know you’re not doing it on purpose, but that’s what you’re doing. Honey, the month is up, we have to deal with him. We have to figure out what to say to him, so he’ll go.
John: We can’t.
Marlena: John, we have to!
John: We haven’t seen Dr. Foster yet.
Marlena: … What does she have to do with –
John: We can’t be a united front with Brady. There’s no way. Not ’til we deal with what happened –
Marlena: – John, that’s not relevant, that’s not –
John: – like hell it’s not relevant!
Marlena: Brady doesn’t have that kind of time! We don’t have time to work through all that happened when we were with Stefano, we’re fine enough to have the conversation with Brady we need to have! We can do that! We can do that much together!
John: Doc, you asked to leave our marriage. Just hours ago.
(Pause.)
Marlena: I didn’t mean it.
John (tears): You felt it.
(Pause.)
Marlena: We can set that aside, we can set that aside to talk to him.
John: Doc …
(Pause.)
Marlena: Oh god … I’m doing the opposite. I’m using Brady to avoid you. I’m sorry! …
(He strokes her cheek. She can’t look at him.)
Marlena: Hold me. Please.
(John lay next to her, wrapping her up in his arms. She breathes in his scent. They don’t dare move.)
Marlena: All right … all right … we’ll call Dr. Foster. Before we go see him. We’ll figure out … how to be okay enough together to be okay with him. All right? … John?
John: He’s gonna feel like we’re sending him away again.
(They both wince. And remember.)
Marlena (crying): I know … But honey, we have to. We could lose him.
(John blinks back tears and leans his head back, staring at the ceiling.)
Marlena: What are you thinking? Tell me.
(Pause.)
John: I’ve failed her. I’ve failed Izzy B.
Marlena: What?
John: If I’d been more tuned in to my son, he wouldn’t be where he is right now.
Marlena: Stop that.
John: All those years ago, you saw where he was headed. I wouldn’t listen to you. I left you feelin’ alone, terrified in your own house, he treated you like –
(She leans upward and takes his face in her hands.)
Marlena: That’s in the past. Look at me. That’s in the past. This is a doctor talking. Addiction is an illness. It’s nobody’s fault.
John: He never woulda tried drugs if I –
Marlena: – we’ve all tried something. Something we shouldn’t. And we live with the consequences. He was just susceptible to the disease. He didn’t know he would be, none of us knew.
John: I gave him that. Those are my genes.
Marlena: Honey, there are so many reasons, it’s complicated.
John: But I get clean so fast, he’s still going through hell. Why? … Why?
Marlena: I don’t know.
John (crying): … I wanna trade places with him.
Marlena: Honey …
(She presses her forehead to his. Strokes his face.)
Marlena: You listen to me. You are a loving, giving, present, wonderful father.
(She leans back. Gazes deep into his eyes.)
Marlena: You have not failed Isabella. You have never failed her.
(Tears fall down his cheeks.)
John: How you see me … even after all the hell I put you –
(She places her fingertips on his lips. Leans in. Brushes her nose against his cheek, slowly. Exhales heat onto his lips. Meets them with her own. Pulls back. Breathes more heat. Barely … meets … his lips … with her own.)
John (breathless): I need you …
(She pulls back from his lips, brushes her nose again, and breathes heat into his ear.)
Marlena (whispers) I need you, too …
(In one move, John rolls her onto her back. She gasps. He dashes to the door.)
Marlena: John? Where are you –
(He locks the door, draws the shades.)
Marlena: Oh.
(He straddles her legs. Eyes on her, he unbuckles his belt. She flushes.)
Marlena (breathless): Are you going to … finish my examination?
(He drops the belt to the floor. Unbuttons his jeans. She grasps the bottom edge of his t-shirt, pulls, he slides down and right out of it. She drops it to the floor, rests her fingers in his hair. Grasping her shirt in his hands, he slides it, against the mattress, up. Slides it up more. It won’t budge any further.)
Marlena: Uh oh. If I’d have known we were going to do this here, I would have thrown on a button down before the ambulance came –
(He stops her with a kiss. She takes his tongue. Moans. He tries to slide her shirt further, but it just won’t budge. He playfully growls, pulls back, examines her body. Thinks, raises an eyebrow. Ducks down and takes hold of the shirt with his teeth. Marlena squeals. He tugs it up, an up, with great difficulty. Marlena can’t stop laughing.)
Marlena: I could just sit up and take it off, you know.
(John pins her arms over her head. They’re nose to nose.)
John (whispers): No. Don’t move.
(She quivers. He attacks her neck with his lips, up and down one side, then the other. Again. Again. She tries to release her hands, but he holds them tight. Panting, she takes his tongue once more. Moans. Hoists a leg around his back. He pulls away.)
John: Whoah, whoah. Whoah.
Marlena: What?
John: You all right?
Marlena: I’m fine.
John: I just, I – I don’t want your back to –
Marlena: Honey, I’m so full of muscle relaxers, there’s no way you could possibly hurt me.
John: But if I did –
Marlena: You won’t.
John: But if I DID –
Marlena: You WON’T.
John: BUT IF I DID –
(Marlena pulls him into a deep kiss. Nuzzles her lips against his ear.)
Marlena (whispers): Then I’ll. Just get. Another … shhhot.
(She nibbles at his earlobe. He pulls back.)
John: I MEAN it.
(He lay his hand across her neck. Strokes it, gently.)
John: I don’t want to hurt you again. Not ever.
(She looks at him in love.)
Marlena: Well then, take it slow. And sweet.
(She remembers. And grins.)
Marlena: Treat me sweet.
(He remembers. And grins.)
John: How sweet?
Marlena (whispers): Real sweet.
(… He does.)
Page 33 of 54
INT. DR. BENNETT’S OFFICE – THE NEXT MORNING
(A minutes-new sunrise cascades through the window. The receptionist area is dark. A few lights illuminate the empty waiting room, occupied by John. He sits hunched in a chair, cell phone in hand. Furrows his brows – winces. The bruise, far darker, covers nearly his entire nose. The inner office door opens. John jumps to his feet. Marlena exits, thanking the doctor over her shoulder.)
John: She’s walking.
Marlena: I’m walking.
(John gently wraps his arms around her. She melts.)
Marlena: Oh … I feel like I could sleep for twenty years.
Bless his heart, his office isn’t even open yet. How’s your nose?
John: Feels exactly like it did forty five minutes ago.
Marlena: It’s just, it looks worse, I want Kayla to look at it again. In case –
(She stills as John cautiously runs his fingers across her lower back.)
John: Man, he is. He’s a genius. You’re all released there.
Marlena: Well. The problem was actually in my neck.
(John pulls back. Raises an eyebrow.)
John: You’re kidding.
Marlena: Nope. Caused a domino effect. We have to work on my neck, once a week, for the next several months.
(She looks at his nose, winces. Reaches.)
(He intercepts her hand, kisses it. Slides her hair away from her neck. Runs his fingers up and down her nape.)
John: I can help with that. What part of your neck?
(She blushes. Refocuses herself.)
Marlena: Did you call Roman?
John: Why don’t you just relax for a minute?
(She stops his hand.)
Marlena: Did you?
John: … I did.
Marlena: And how’s Brady?
John: … How we thought he’d be.
(Marlena turns pale.)
Marlena: What about Dr. Foster?
(John bristles. Grasps his cell phone.)
Marlena: What? John, what?
John: She’s … had a family emergency.
Marlena: Oh god! Is she all right?
John: I – I don’t know. I just know she’s turned her cases over to a Dr. Corogan for the next couple days.
Marlena: Days?
John: He doesn’t have an opening today ’til four.
Marlena: Oh, John, we can’t wait that late to see Brady!
John: I know. I know.
Marlena: Well, then we have to go to Brady without a session. We have to go to him now.
(Marlena gathers her coat and purse and bolts to the door. John takes her forearm and pulls her back.)
Marlena: John. We can do this. Look, Dr. Corogan – I know OF him, he’s excellent – but, he hasn’t been with us from the beginning, it’d take us half a session just to catch him up, he’ll be limited in terms of what he can –
(John pulls her into a deep kiss. She gasps. Moans. Melts. He pulls back slightly. They stand, electric, forehead to forehead. Marlena closes her eyes.)
John: I agree with you.
Marlena (breathless): Good …
(They don’t dare move. Finally, their trembling hands lace together.)
Marlena: Are you as terrified as I am?
(John pulls her into a kiss again, harder, deeper. Releases his lips, moves them across her cheek – winces – then breathes into her ear.)
John (whispers): Yes ..
(Lights flicker on. John and Marlena gasp. Turn. Meet the eyes of the arriving receptionist, standing at the – now open – outer door.)
[Pause.]
John: Morning.
Marlena: Hi. Early appointment. Last minute. Not us. I – … with – (points toward the inner door) …
(The receptionist gapes.)
John: Wow, wow, wow, look at the time.
Marlena: Oh, yes, we’re very late.
(John helps Marlena put on her coat. The receptionist continues to gape.)
John: Have a nice day.
Marlena: Thanks so much.
(They leave. The receptionist closes the outer door behind them … and smiles.)
INT. SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT
(They’re barely in the door before Roman is upon them.)
Roman: Okay, wait, wait, before you yell at me, I’ve been trying to get her to go back, I’m damn near ordering her to.
Marlena: Ordering who?
Belle: Me.
(John and Marlena whip around, stunned. Belle stands before them, arms crossed, pissed – as – hell.)
Marlena: … Belle!
(Belle notices John’s bruised face.)
Belle: Dad, my god … what happened to you?
(She reaches for his face. John takes her hands in his.)
John: What are you doing here? Kayla said you weren’t getting released ’til noon.
Roman: She’s not.
Marlena: Belle, you left the hospital WITHOUT being discharged?
John: How the hell’d you get past the police officer outside your room?
Belle: I ditched him.
Marlena: What?
John: Stefano is on the loose! Ya have any idea what could have happened to you on your way over here?
Belle: I had to see Brady. I know he’s here. And I know why.
(John and Marlena gape … in Roman’s direction.)
Roman: I dropped by to look in on her this morning, she overheard me talking to Kayla.
Marlena: Oh, Roman!
Belle: None of you were ever going to tell me. How could you not tell me?
Marlena: Honey, we were going to tell you, just not –
Belle: – ’til he was gone.
Roman: Belle, we wanted you and Claire to be safe, Brady was completely outta control –
Belle: Of course he was out of control! Do you realize, if any of us had died in that hospital, he would have missed it? Getting to sit with us, getting to say goodbye, getting to hold us? Because YOU decided not to tell him?
John: Izzy. You don’t know how bad he is.
Belle: I don’t care! He doesn’t deserve this!
Marlena: Belle. Listen to me. Breathe … you need to think about your baby. All right? We don’t want to stress your baby any more than it already is.
Roman: I’m gonna put you in a car. I’m gonna take you back. Come on.
Belle: I’m not leaving.
Marlena: Honey. Listen to Roman. Please.
Belle: You listen to ME. I am closer to Brady than any of you. I have a way with him none of you do. If anybody’s gonna get him to go to rehab, it’s me. I have to be here.
[Pause.]
Marlena: Belle … intervention is a delicate, delicate thing. You can’t just walk in and do it.
Belle: YOU were gonna walk in and do it. The whole FAMILY walked in and did it!
Roman: We prepared that for weeks, Belle.
John: And your Mom’s a professional.
Marlena: Honey … please. Let Roman take you back to the hospital. Don’t stress your body like this.
Belle: I can take anything from Brady. I can take any hurt. I can’t take leaving him here. Without trying to reach him. I couldn’t live with myself … (crying) Mom, I don’t want him to die. Please. Please, let me just talk to him.
(Marlena caresses Belle’s tear-stained cheek. Turns to John. They stare deep into each other’s eyes. Tremble. Surrender.)
John: Only if we can be right behind you.
Belle: Fine.
Marlena: And I want to monitor you, if anything –
Belle: Okay.
(They all three turn to Roman. He sighs.)
Roman: Brady’s gonna be in cuffs. And I’m gonna have an officer in that cell with you.
Belle (crying): In handcuffs, Roman?
Roman: He’s in cuffs or you’re not going in.
(Marlena rubs Belle’s back. Resigned, Belle nods.)
INT. SALEM POLICE STATION HALLWAY
(John, Marlena, and Belle stand in a shadow, Brady’s cell in view. They watch as officers put him in handcuffs. He’s a gaunt and ghostly pale, drenched in sweat, shivering. His eyes are dead.)
Belle: I knew something was wrong. He stopped Skyping me. Then, the emails stopped. Then, he didn’t show up at the hospital. I was afraid I’d hurt him.
Marlena: How could you possibly have hurt him?
Belle: ‘Cause I told him I was pregnant. I told him first after Shawn. The minute I knew. I don’t how I could have been so cruel. He’d lost his child … and I blurted out how happy I was about mine.
Marlena: Oh, honey …
(They both pull her into a hug.)
Brady: Belle?
(Belle gasps and turns toward his voice. Brady stares into the shadows, waiting, desperate. She turns back.)
Belle: I think you both should stay back here where he can’t see you. He could feel ganged up on. He had that last night; I don’t want him to have that again. I’ll tell him you’re here.
(Marlena’s lips tremble. She and John look at each other … and nod. John gives Belle and long, tender kiss on the forehead. As she walks toward Brady’s cell, John leans himself against the wall to find footing and wraps his arms around Marlena from the back, holding her up.)
Marlena (whispers): This is killing me …
John (whispers): … Me, too …
Marlena (crying): … But she’s right! …
(Belle steps inside Brady’s cell. The moment he sees her, his eyes come to life. He melts with relief, crumples into her arms, and bursts into tears.)
(As John and Marlena watch Belle and Brady, their eyes mist over and their children’s lives flash before them, ages and moments weaving in and out like a dance.)
(Marlena’s memory lands in a moment her heart can’t let go.)
FLASHBACK: 2001
Brady holds the grey hulk in his hands, stunned. Turns to her. They stare into each other’s eyes, for the first time in a long time.
Brady: I can’t believe you remembered.
Marlena: Of course I remembered, Brady. You were my little boy.
(John’s memory follows suit.)
FLASHBACK: 1996
(In a dark cellar, with minutes ticking, a shattered John crouches in front of Belle and tries to say goodbye to her for the last time. As he falters, Brady toddles to him and wraps his tiny arms about his father’s neck.
Brady: Are you okay, Daddy?
(Marlena holds her hands to her mouth, inconsolable. John squeezes his son with all his might.)
John: Of course, big guy. Daddy’s just fine …
(Suddenly – Belle is before them. Now. Her eyes and nose are swollen and red.)
Belle: He’ll go. He says he’ll go. Call the facility, send someone, he’ll go as soon they get here.
(John and Marlena gape at her, astounded.)
Belle: I knew if I talked about the railroad tracks … (crying) he’d agree to go …
(Marlena pulls Belle toward her. Belle melts in between them, sandwiched in a hug. They rock her for a long moment.)
Belle: But he doesn’t wanna see you.
(Marlena and John’s faces still.)
Belle: I’m so sorry …
(John and Marlena take in the sentence. It kills them.)
INT. TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM – LATER THAT NIGHT
(The coffee table is covered in empty pizza boxes and tea mugs. Shawn, Belle, Marlena and John stare amused at Claire, nearly comatose in John’s lap, but trying her hardest to stay awake. In spite of everything, giggles abound. Except for Ciara, who sits by, pouting at the lack of attention. Hope gathers her coat and purse. Leans in to Claire.)
Hope: Good night, Claire.
Claire (eyes shut): Uh huh.
Belle: What else do you say to Grandma Hope? Claire?
Claire (eyes shut): Yeah.
Hope: Can I get a hug?
Claire (eyes still shut): Yup.
(She doesn’t move. They can barely stifle their laughter. Ciara continues to scowl.)
Hope: I can’t. I can’t anymore. I’m gonna get the hiccups.
(She leans forward and kisses Claire on the forehead, who remains a zombie. Hope hugs all around. Marlena gives her an extra squeeze.)
Marlena: Thank you so much again for finishing her room.
Hope: It was our pleasure. Right, honey?
(Ciara shrugs, rolls her eyes. Marlena crouches down in front of her.)
Marlena: You did a really beautiful job. I know Claire appreciated it.
Ciara: Claire’s weird.
(Ciara opens the front door and leaves in a huff. Hope mouths “sorry” to Marlena, and exits, nodding at the posted officer. Marlena sits back down. Claire’s head, at this point, is drooping back against John’s shoulder, her mouth wide open.)
Belle: CLAIRE.
Claire (eyes shut): Huh.
Belle: Go put your pajamas on, it’s time for bed.
Claire (eyes shut): I’m not sleepy.
Shawn: Claire. Now.
(She doesn’t move.)
Shawn: CLAIRE.
(John leans toward her ear.)
John: Knock, knock.
Claire (eyes shut): Who’s there?
John: Interrupting cow. (he waits, no response) Interrupting cow. (no response) MOO!
(Claire’s eyes pop open.)
Claire: Who’s there?
(Everyone howls with laughter.)
John: All right. Bed.
(John swoops her up in his arms, and stands.)
Claire: No, no, no, I’m awake, I’m awake!
(John mocks her, dips her, spreads her around for forehead kisses from all. Carries her off to her room. Shawn stretches.)
Shawn: We need to get to bed, too.
(Marlena begins to gather the tea cups.)
Belle: I’m gonna stay up and talk to Mom for a little bit.
(Marlena pauses.)
Shawn: Belle. You hardly got any sleep in that hospital.
Belle: Ten minutes. Just wait ten. Can you?
(They lock eyes. Marlena notices. Resigned, Shawn gives Belle a short peck on the cheek.)
Shawn: Marlena, again … the place. We can’t say “thanks” enough.
Marlena: Oh, don’t thank us. Please. We’re thrilled.
(He awkwardly nods. Starts to leave.)
Marlena: Waaaaaaait a minute. Come here. Come here.
(He does. She wraps her arms around him and squeezes him tight. He smiles – scowls at Belle – then stomps out of the room. Marlena sighs. Sits at the opposite end of the couch. Presses her socked feet up against her daughter’s.)
Marlena: All right. What’s wrong?
Belle: Five seconds in, you’re shrinking me?
Marlena: I’m Mom-ing you. What’s the matter, Belle?
[Pause.]
Belle: Shawn’s furious with me. The way I left the hospital today. Without telling him.
Marlena: Well, that was really, really dangerous. You need Roman’s officers with you, always, at least right now.
Belle: I know. If Claire had pulled something like that, I would have been beside myself.
Marlena: Can you blame Shawn, then?
Belle: No. That’s why he’s mad.
Marlena: Well, then, I don’t think you should be sitting up talking to ME.
(Belle presses her feet against her mother’s.)
Belle: I’ve missed you.
Marlena: Honey, I’ve missed you, too. But you need … (gives her a playful kick) … to talk to your husband. (leans in, waits) Belle.
Belle: Are you and Dad okay?
[Pause.]
Marlena: We’re fine. Honey, we’re fine.
Belle: Brady says you’re not. He says you’re not really back together and you never will be, ’cause you haven’t forgiven Dad. Brady thinks it’s all his fault.
(Marlena can’t speak.)
Belle: You know how he internalizes everything. It rips him apart you haven’t talked to him at all. In months. But he can still see everything that’s going on. He thinks you blame him.
Marlena: We don’t blame him! My god, how could we –
Belle: But you blame Dad. Mom, you haven’t forgiven him? Why not?
Marlena: Belle. Neither you … or Brady … need to worry about your Dad and I. Okay? We’re just fine.
Belle: Why does your face say something different?
INT. CLAIRE’S ROOM
(John tucks a now pj’s Claire into a boat-shaped bed.)
John: So you like your boat?
Claire: I LOVE my boat.
John: Figured you would.
Claire: Now, I’m a pirate.
John: Uh …
(He winces playfully.)
John: Let’s maybe not be a pirate, huh?
Claire: No, no, ’cause I’m a good pirate. I don’t steal from boats, I bring boats stuff. Like extra food or rigging or first aid.
John: Ah.
Claire: I’m like the Red Cross, only with a giant sword.
(He raises an eyebrow.)
John: What’s the sword for?
Claire: So people’ll listen to me. I’m the captain. Duh.
(John chuckles.)
John: Gotcha.
(Claire grows quiet. John searches her face.)
Claire: Pop Pop?
John: Aye, aye, Captain?
Claire: Where’d Uncle Brady really go?
[Long. Terrible. Pause.]
Claire: I know the emergency business trip is a lie. You’re all lying to me. Where’d he really go? Why’s everybody so scared?
(Shawn appears in the doorway. John and Shawn lock worried eyes.)
CUT BACK TO TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(Marlena picks up the room like her life depended on it. Belle follows her.)
Belle: What is it about this you can’t forgive?
Marlena: Belle … the situation is complicated.
Belle: What’s complicated? An affair’s an affair.
Marlena: Isabella!
Belle: Dad forgave you. When you slept with Roman? When you got pregnant with his child?
[Pause.]
Marlena: That’s … an entirely different situation.
Belle: Why? Because Roman’s a good guy and Kristen’s evil? Mom, they had a child together. And they lost that child. That bonds you to a person. You never lose that, you can’t help it. You of all people should understand that.
(Belle’s words hit Marlena like a freight train.)
Marlena: I do understand. I do. I just can’t bear … (crying) the thought of Kristen living in his h-heart … the way Roman lives in mine. She can’t. Not after what she did to this family.
Belle: Mom. Dad being bonded with Kristen has nothing to do with who she is. It’s who HE is. When he loves someone, he loves for life. That’s his heart.
Marlena: … Then how could he betray mine?
Belle: Because he’s human. Like you. Is one mistake really bigger than your whole history? He didn’t think that when he forgave you. Shawn didn’t think that when he forgave me. Can’t you remember that and forgive Dad, too?
Shawn: Belle? Marlena?
(They turn to him. All color has drained from his face.)
Shawn: We need you both in Claire’s room.
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM – SEVERAL HOURS LATER
(John and Marlena lay pressed together in the dark, exhausted, lost in grieved thought.)
Marlena: Will she be all right?
John: She woulda found out somehow. Better it came from us tonight.
[Pause.]
Marlena: What do you think Brady’s feeling right now?
(John blinks back tears.)
John: I hope … anything but alone.
Marlena: I hope he can feel our arms around him.
(John pulls Marlena tightly to him. She nuzzles her nose into his neck. Kisses it tenderly. Strokes his chest.)
Marlena: Thank god for Belle. She got us through the day.
John: She saved it.
(Marlena tries to laugh. Can’t. Winces.)
John: What is it?
(She averts her eyes.)
Marlena: I’m okay. I’m –
(He lifts her chin to him. Searches her face.)
John: No, you’re not.
Marlena: I’m … I was just, I was … Belle and I had a talk earlier. It just got me thinking. Just about … just – (she chokes on a sob)
John: Honey?
(Marlena covers her face. She can’t stop crying. He pulls her hands away.)
John: God, what is it? Is it your back? Are you hurting?
Marlena: No! No!
(Her tears cascade over his fingers.)
John: Tell me what’s wrong. Baby, please.
(She flings her arms about his neck.)
Marlena: I just love you … I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you …
(John strokes the back of her hair, terrified. She holds onto him for dear life.)
Page 34 of 54
INT. JOHN’S PLANE – LATE THE NEXT MORNING
(Thunder. Marlena startles mid-pace. Stops, leans over the couch, slides up a window panel, squints out at the grey dark and the pounding rain. Slams the panel closed. TIM enters the cabin. She scurries to him.)
Marlena: What’s the word now?
Tim: All flights still grounded.
Marlena: Tim! It’s been five hours!
Tim: I can’t change the weather patterns, Marlena.
[Pause.]
Marlena: I know you can’t, I know that. I’m sorry … I don’t mean to snap at you.
Tim: It’s all right.
(Marlena tries to laugh. Resumes pacing. Tim watches her in concern.)
Marlena: I got you out here so early, we’ve just been sitting, you’ve got to be bored out of your mind.
Tim: I’ve had my share of grounded planes, don’t worry about me. You sure you’re all right?
Marlena: Yes. Tim. Again. I’m fine. I’m just anxious to take off.
Tim: Well … I’ll shoot straight with ya. At this point, I don’t think we’re gonna get clearance. Not any time soon. If I were you, I’d just postpone your trip.
Marlena: I can’t do that.
Tim: Marlena –
Marlena: – Tim, please don’t ask any more questions.
[Pause.]
Tim: It’s just I’ve never used John’s jet without him knowing about it.
Marlena: I’m authorized to use it.
Tim: Of course you are, but you’ve never used it without both of you knowing about it.
Marlena: Well, there’s a first time for everything. (Pause) Look, Roman knows I’m with you, he knows where I’m going. He had me escorted here, he has an escort waiting for me when I arrive. That’s what John will be worried about, if I’m secure. I’ve got that arranged. So he doesn’t have to worry. This trip is fine.
Tim: Why don’t I believe you?
[Pause.]
John: DOC!
(Marlena gasps. John enters the cabin, eyes wide, dripping and soaked to the skin with rain. He flings his arms around her and pulls her tightly to him.)
John: What are you doin’? My god! My god, what are you doin’?
(Marlena winces in his arms, mortified. Tim quietly leaves for the cockpit, drawing the curtain behind him.)
Marlena: Honey, I’m okay. I’m okay.
(John unzips his sopping jacket, and throws it on a chair.)
Marlena: Don’t. You don’t need to –
(They lock eyes.)
Marlena: We’re going to take off any minute.
John: No.
Marlena: John, I’m fine! I told you in my note, I’d be just fine.
John: Your note didn’t tell me a damn thing. It didn’t tell me where you going, or why you were going –
Marlena: I told you I was safe and when I’d be back.
John: Doc, what the hell is going on? You were crying so hard last night you couldn’t breathe –
(Marlena turns away from him.)
John: – I couldn’t get you to talk about it. I wake up this morning, you’re gone. You wanna know how many terrible things flashed through my mind when I couldn’t find you?
Marlena (crying): I’m sorry …
John: I called you and I called you.
Marlena: I had it off, I thought we were taking off!
John: And finally, I find your note, it’s just three sentences!
(Her face contorts.)
John: No details! I don’t know how to track you, how to make sure you’re safe –
Marlena: – Roman has all that, he has all that handled!
John: And I had to hear that from HIM!
(Marlena gasps. Realizes.)
Marlena: You called him. HE told you I was on the pl -? … (squeezes her eyes shut) Oh god … I’ve done this to you again. I’ve made you feel this way all over again …
(She puts her fingers to her lips. He watches her.)
[Pause.]
Marlena: I never mean to turn to Roman behind your back. Please, you have to know that.
John: Honey, I do know that.
Marlena: But I keep on doing it! Even when I know it hurts you. I just keep hurting you over and over and over!
John: Okay. Okay. Look at me –
(He gently turns her face to his. She nuzzles her cheek into his palm. Their eyes meet.)
John: First of all? I’m not hurt.
Marlena: Yes, you are.
John: Honey. I’m just scared. You’ve never gone off on a trip without me knowing it. Hell, you’d leave me a five page itinerary when you’d take a drive with the kids. (they try to laugh) Why are you traveling by yourself? When it’s so damn dangerous, with Stefano on the loose? Why can’t you tell me where you’re going?
Marlena: Because …
John: Because why?
Marlena: Because it would ruin the surprise.
[Pause.]
(He raises an eyebrow.)
John: Surprise?
Marlena: Yes.
(She grins.)
Marlena: It’s the only reason Roman agreed to help me. I’m arranging a surprise for you. It’s easier to arrange if I’m physically there.
John: Physically where?
Marlena: I can’t tell you, it’d spoil the surprise! And I can’t have you travel with me, because then you’ll see what I’m arranging!
(He stares deep into her eyes. Grins.)
John: That’s what this trip is?
Marlena: Yes.
John: That’s all?
Marlena: That’s all.
(He relaxes. She beams with relief.)
Marlena: I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m sorry.
(He embraces her. She melts against his body.)
Marlena: I’m sorry, I should have gone about it differently.
I’m sorry –
(She nuzzles her face into his neck. Kisses it, gently, upward, toward his jaw. Lifts a hand to his cheek, strokes it. He stops it, taking her wrist. She searches his eyes.)
John: Why’d you have to go this morning? All of a sudden?
[Pause.]
(She drops her gaze to the floor.)
Marlena: Well, I … had the idea in the middle of the night, and I got so excited about it, I just wanted to start right away, I didn’t want to wake you –
John: – Doc.
[Pause.]
(Breathless, she pulls back and retreats to the couch. Sits. He sits, his body up against hers. She flushes, immobile.)
Marlena: Do you know how many emotions pulse through me when I sit here?
John: … How many?
[Pause.]
Marlena: All you had to do that night was squeeze my hand. Something so simple. And that was it.
[THUNDER. Marlena jumps. Her hand disappears into his. Her eyes close. A sob catches in her throat.)
Marlena: All I do is hurt the men I love! That’s all I do!
John: Baby, what are you talking about?
Marlena (crying): I don’t have any right to withhold forgiveness from you! I don’t have any right at all!
John: God, don’t say that …
(He brushes his fingers against her cheeks.)
Marlena: It’s true … Belle reminded me.
John: She said you don’t have a right to –
Marlena: No, no, she didn’t say that exactly. She just … last night, she reminded me … I realized I’d forgotten … and when I realized I’d forgotten, I couldn’t bear the shame of it, I couldn’t wake up next to you until I’d made things right.
John: … You mean the surprise?
(Marlena nods.)
Marlena: But it still won’t be enough.
(John takes her face between his palms. She grasps hold of his wrists.)
John: You listen to me. You don’t have anything to atone for.
Marlena: Yes, I do! … John … I haven’t been able to forgive you for betraying us with Kristen. But you forgave me for the exact same thing. I slept with Roman. Even worse, I became pregnant with his child.
John: I’m gonna stop you right there.
(She grabs hold of his hands.)
Marlena: No. No. Listen –
John: – This isn’t even on the same playing field of what I did to you, I’m not gonna let you compare it. You and Roman were being held hostage, you were being tortured, you didn’t know whether you were ever gonna get out of there, if you were gonna live –
Marlena: – John! –
John: – my god, Tony showed you footage of me and Kate moving on without you! ANYBODY could understand you two turning to each other! I understood it!
Marlena: It didn’t hurt you in any less. Did it?
(Pain fills his face.)
Marlena: It still hurts. I can see it in your eyes, whenever Roman’s around.
(He blinks back tears.)
John: My betrayal was deliberate. Yours wasn’t. Yours was forgiveable.
[Pause.]
Marlena: All right. Then, what about Brady?
John: What about Brady?
Marlena: I paralyzed him.
[Pause.]
John: Okay, you need to stop. You need to stop torturing yourself.
Marlena: It was deliberate. You remember. I was so full of fear and paranoia that I deliberately ordered Roman to hunt down your son. He was traumatized. He was shot. We had no idea if he’d ever walk again. If he’d live through it. You had every right to kick me to the curb and not look back. I expected that. But you didn’t. You walked into my office … and you looked me in the eye … and you said, “I love my wife.” (crying) You put your arms me. You said you’d do “anything, anytime, anywhere to make this marriage work”. And you did. I can’t … even conceive what that took. To forgive me for that. But you did.
[Pause.]
John: Marlena … I don’t want you to forgive me because you feel like you owe it. You don’t owe me a thing. Not a thing.
Marlena: But I do. Forgiving you isn’t just about me. It’s about us. Who we are to each other. That matters worlds more to me than one mistake. We’re bigger than one mistake. I’m bigger. You’re bigger. That’s why I forgive you.
(John startles. His eyes search hers. His lips tremble. She beams. He melts with relief in her arms.)
Marlena (crying): I forgive you! … I forgive you! …
(She peppers his face with kisses. He takes hold of her chin, stills her, and brings her lips to his. Wraps his other arm around her back and slowly lowers onto the couch cushions. Peels the drenched sweater off and over his head. She watches. Reaches up … unbuckles his belt. He stops her hands. They stare at each other, breathless, and remember. He leans forward. Her trembling fingers climb up his chest, then, in an instant, pin back above her head; he holds them by the wrists. Lowers himself, nose to nose with her face. Their bodies let go into an old release, a remembered trust, pure again. Their lips open. Meet. Thunder rages, water gushes, but they hear nothing, see nothing, except the other’s skin … gaze … breath … heat. They lose all time.)
LATER
(John and Marlena lay on the couch, nude, glowing, pressed against each other. John’s jacket, now dry, partially covers Marlena. She runs her fingers across his chest.)
Marlena: This is where we made Belle.
(John tilts his chin downward and rests a long gently kiss on her forehead.)
Marlena: I’ll never forget your eyes the night she was born. When I watched you catch her.
John: And you said, “he’s a girl”.
(They both laugh.)
Marlena: Well. I was surprised.
John: You and me both.
(Marlena turns her head toward the ceiling, leaning her back up against John’s chest. He strokes her hair.)
Marlena: Do you remember … when she napped on my chest? My god, she went from my chin to just here.
(She lay her hand against John’s jacket, above her sternum. He squeezes her hand. Laces his fingers in hers.)
Marlena: She smelled so sweet. Her little breaths were so new. Then she … she stopped –
(Marlena shivers. John wraps her arms around her.)
Marlena: The doctor in the room fell apart, you stayed perfectly calm.
John: You were entitled to fall apart.
(He squeezes her tight.)
Marlena: You saved her life. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been there. You or … (realizes) or Kristen …
[Long. Pause.]
Marlena: John?
John: Yeah.
Marlena: It’s not my permission to grant. But I just want you to know … it’s all right with me if you keep Kristen in your heart. Like I keep Roman in mine. It’s finally all right with me.
(John nuzzles his face into her hair, and takes a deep breath in. She closes her eyes.)
John (whispers): You’re the loveliest woman in the whole wide world.
Marlena (whispers): You’re the loveliest man …
(The phone rings. They both jump. She groans. John reaches overhead, answers the plane extension.)
John: Tim. Hey, I’m … sorry, we kind of abandoned you up there … It’s what?
(He sits them up slightly, slides open a window panel. Marlena gasps. Giant beams of sunlight stream in.)
John: Well, I’ll be damned. That passed quick … Do we still wanna … uh …
(Marlena looks at him over her shoulder. He grins.)
John: Tim, tell you what. Taxi us back to the terminal. Have Roman send over two officers to post outside the plane.
Marlena (mouthing to him): Outside?
John: Then, you go on home to your family. We’re gonna be here awhile.
Marlena (mouthing to him): What are you doing?
John: Oh, and Tim. I’m wiring a grand to you tonight, I know it’s been a long day. No, no, no, you take it, I insist. Yeah. I’ll secure the plane when we leave. Thanks, buddy.
(He hangs up the phone.)
Marlena: We’re staying on the plane?
John: Not exactly.
(He closes the window shade. Presses a button above the couch. The cabin lights dim. He leans her back against him. She blushes.)
Marlena: Then, where are we going?
(He wraps a hand around her eyes. She gasps. He nuzzles his lips against her ear.)
John (whispers): Wherever. You. Want.
(His other hand slides underneath the jacket. Across her chest. Between her breasts. She trembles. He grins.)
John (whispers): Tell me where I’m going, Doc.
(She quivers. Smiles. He kisses her neck. She moans.)
(The airplane engine starts.)
Page 35 of 54
INT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE
(John and Marlena, hands clasped, finally relax back against the couch, pale, exhausted. Dr. Foster smiles gently.)
Dr. Foster: Whew.
(John and Marlena chuckle. Marlena cranes her head back and looks at the clock.)
Marlena: OH my word, that just took us forty five minutes.
Dr. Foster: You both had a lot to catch me up on.
Marlena: Thank you for giving us a two hour session tonight.
Dr. Foster: Would either of you like to take a minute? Have a glass of water? Tea?
(Marlena lets out a deep breath. John smoothes the back of her hair.)
Marlena: I would like a glass of water.
(John hops up, pours it, hands it to her. Rubs her back.)
John: So do we win the cruise?
(They all laugh. Then stop. Marlena sips her water, staring at the floor. John watches Marlena with pain in his eyes.)
Dr. Foster: How are you feeling, John?
John: Ready for a cruise.
(Marlena tries to smile.)
Dr. Foster: I see you looking at Marlena in a particular way. Tell me about that.
John: I’m … I just love her.
Dr. Foster: What else?
John: … I’m worried about her.
Dr. Foster: Why?
(Marlena bristles.)
John: Her back. I’m worried about –
Dr. Foster: Tell her.
John: I’m worried about your back.
Marlena: It’s fine, honey.
(Marlena meets his eyes. They stare at each other for a long moment.)
John: I’m worried about … the pain you’re gonna have to feel again. When we talk about that room.
(Marlena blinks hard, but the tears fall anyway. She looks down at her empty glass. Her hands shake. He stills them.)
John: I’m worried that …
(He can’t look at her.)
Dr. Foster: Take a breath.
(He does.)
Dr. Foster: Say it. Don’t hesitate.
John: I’m afraid you’re gonna change your mind.
Dr. Foster: About what?
John: Forgiving me.
(Marlena looks at him, horrified.)
Marlena: I would never take that back. You KNOW that!
Dr. Foster: Do you think Marlena should change her mind?
(John grows very still … then nods. Marlena lets out a cry, thumps her empty glass on the coffee table. Dr. Foster stills her with a gesture.)
John: I don’t think … you should trust me.
Dr. Foster: Why shouldn’t she trust you?
John: I can’t trust myself. Just when we have some peace, some new part of myself, some unresolved part of myself wells up and wrecks everything. I’ll never get to the bottom of it, ’cause I’ll never know who I am.
Marlena: John, we’ve been through this how many times in here? We talked about all of it before we were married! I understood it, of ALL people, I understood it! I knew what we were in for, I welcomed it!
John: It doesn’t matter how much I dig, somewhere down the line I’m gonna hurt you, I won’t know why I did what I did, I can’t bear to hurt you again!
Marlena: Why are we repeating this? Why are you – …. (She knows.) You’re afraid to see my pain. When we talk about the room. That video. Because you can’t forgive yourself. Because you won’t let me forgive you.
(John’s face contorts. He looks away.)
Dr. Foster: John … you’ve hurt Marlena before?
John: Too many times!
Dr. Foster: Has she hurt you?
(John can’t answer.)
Marlena (crying): Yes, I have! … You want me to list every single, terrible –
(John puts a finger to her lips. Their pained eyes lock.)
Dr. Foster: Aren’t you both still here? Together? What does that tell you about Marlena changing her mind?
(Marlena kisses his finger. His hand. Takes it in hers.)
Dr. Foster: Isn’t her forgiveness permanent? A “fact”, as you like to say? Why can’t you accept it? Why can’t you accept it as fact?
[Pause.]
John: I remember – …
Dr. Foster: What are you remembering?
[Pause.]
John: When you said you wanted out of the marriage.
(Marlena puts a hand to her mouth.)
Marlena (crying): But that wasn’t because of you. Never you. That was my own … baby, I thought you understood that, you have to know that.
(She takes his face in her hands. Their foreheads press together.)
John: I do.
Dr. Foster: How did you feel when she said she wanted to leave?
(They search each other’s eyes. He caresses her face.)
John (crying): Lost.
Dr. Foster: Why?
John: … She’s my life.
Dr. Foster: Why? … Who else is she to you?
John: Everything. She … my lifeline. When I get lost about who I am. She’s always there.
Dr. Foster: As your doctor?
John: My doctor, my partner, best friend, everything.
Dr. Foster: John … if Marlena wasn’t there … who would you be?
(All color drains from John’s face. He blinks. Blinks again. Thinks. Knows.)
John: Nobody.
(Marlena lets out a cry.)
Dr. Foster: Nobody? Wouldn’t you still have a body? A heart? A brain?
John: My brain’s never been mine. It’s been scrambled up so many times, I shouldn’t even act human! Anything good, ANYTHING good I do, Marlena’s responsible for that.
Marlena (grieved): John …
Dr. Foster: So, if you do something kind, or loving, or empathic, Marlena’s to blame?
John: That IS a fact.
Dr. Foster: Yet … you take full responsibility for hurtful things you do? You can’t accept forgiveness for them?
[Pause.]
John: I was brainwashed to be a cold-blooded mercenary. I have done beyond terrible things. I have taken life. No one has a right to do that. You damn bet I take full responsibility.
Dr. Foster: Does that seem fair to you? You’re only responsible for the hurtful things you do, but never for the loving things you do?
[Pause.]
John: I didn’t know how to love ’til Marlena. I didn’t exist as a loving human being ’til she taught me how.
(Marlena gapes at him, beside herself.)
Dr. Foster: Are you sure? … I want you to think back to the first time you and Marlena met, officially. You remember it?
John: ‘Course I remember it, we already talked about this in my sessions –
Dr. Foster: Tell me again. When did you meet Marlena? Officially.
John: January 30th, 1986.
(Marlena blushes, moved. Wipes tears from her face.)
Dr. Foster: Tell me how you met her. Look at her, and tell me.
(He does. They both melt.)
John: I was sitting in Shenanigans, and this … (crying) vision walked in … in a checkered blue and white coat.
Marlena: Oh god, why did I used to wear that?
(John grins in spite of himself.)
John: Her car wasn’t working.
Marlena and John: Again.
(They chuckle.)
John: Chris went out to check on it … and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, this … bastard grabs her. He had a gun, he was gonna rob the place.
(Marlena shivers slightly. John pulls her to him. Rubs her arms. She stills.)
Dr. Foster: What did you do?
John: Jumped to my feet, assessed the situation, got the gun away from him.
Dr. Foster: Why?
John: Anybody would’ve!
Dr. Foster: Would they? How many people were sitting around you?
John: I … Couple dozen. I don’t know.
Dr. Foster: Did any of them do what you did?
(Marlena shakes her head.)
John: I told you, I was brainwashed. My instincts took over in the moment.
Dr. Foster: Your instincts as a mercenary? Were you brainwashed, as a mercenary, to have empathy?
John: … Not … I doubt it.
Dr. Foster: Were you brainwashed to eliminate or protect?
John: … Eliminate.
Dr. Foster: So … where did such an empathic, protective instinct come from?
[Pause.]
John: Roman Brady. I’d been brainwashed to be him. That’s … that’s what he would have done, leap up to save her, that’s why I felt drawn to her, I was supposed to be.
Dr. Foster: At that moment, did you remember you were Roman?
John: … No.
Dr. Foster: Did you know Marlena? Was she part of your life yet?
John: … I wanted her to be. The minute I took her hand.
Dr. Foster: But was she yet?
John: … No.
Dr. Foster: No. So. If it wasn’t because of Stefano … and it wasn’t because of Roman … and it wasn’t because of Marlena … WHO did that empathic, protective instinct come from? WHO did that love come from?
(John racks his brain, pale as a ghost. Marlena slips her hand into his. Squeezes tight. Tears fall down her cheeks.)
Marlena (whispers) You …
EXT. THE PIER – LATE THAT NIGHT
(John and Marlena sit nuzzled up against each other, Marlena’s head on John’s shoulder. John stares out to sea, lost in thought. Marlena reaches up and caresses his face.)
Marlena: You all right?
John: Yeah … my mind’s a little bit blown.
Marlena: That isn’t new for you.
John: No.
(They burst into laughter in spite of themselves.)
John: ‘Bout every two years.
Marlena: About.
(Marlena nuzzles her nose into his neck. He grasps her hand and brings it to his lips.)
Marlena: She helped you see the you that I see.
John: … I still can’t see him very well.
Marlena: Well. Lucky for you … I’m here.
John: It shouldn’t be that way, Doc.
(John trudges to the pier’s edge, hands in his pockets.)
John: All this time I’ve leaned on you to feel like a person, that’s not fair.
(Marlena is next to him. She brushes her hand over his shoulder.
Marlena: Am I complaining?
John: No, you never have.
(He takes her by the wrist.)
John: But it’s gonna stop. Tonight. From now on, I’m gonna feel like a person all by myself.
Marlena: I think you need to take that one step at a time.
John: I’m taking all the steps, right here, right now. I’m not burdening you with it anymore.
Marlena: You’re … never … a burden to me.
John: Doc, we spent two whole hours tonight hashing away at my past again, you hardly once got to talk about you –
(Marlena grabs his collar and pulls him into a deep kiss. He opens to her, grasping her chin with his hand. She takes his tongue. He breathes her in. They break apart, nose to nose. She wraps both arms around the back of his head.)
Marlena: I’m not changing my mind.
(John grasps her by the shoulders. She grins.)
Marlena: Nope. Get this. You’re stuck with me. I mean that as much now as I did that night.
(He stares at her, moved. She caresses his face.)
Marlena: All you need to worry about is forgiving yourself. And I … need to arrange your surprise.
(He remembers. Raises an eyebrow.)
John: The surprise?
Marlena: Um hmm … I’ll have to arrange it from here, though. The last time I tried to travel it for it, well … this mysterious stranger stopped the flight.
(She grins seductively. Turns her back to him.)
John: Is that a fact? … What’d he do?
(He steps closer to her.)
Marlena: Well … he came on board.
John: He came on, huh?
(Closer.)
Marlena: Um hmm. He came.
(Over her coat, he places his hands at the sides of her breasts. His mouth is at her ear.)
John: What else happened?
Marlena: Oh … you’d blush if I told you.
(He takes her breasts in his hands. Marlena trembles with arousal. Quickly checks for passersby. John turns her chin towards him. Their lips are centimeters apart.)
John (whispers): Tell me.
Marlena: Oh … my word. You’re him. I recognize you now. You’re the mysterious stranger.
(She tries to dart away. He holds her tight. She tries again. And again. And again. She pants.)
John: And I’ve got you.
(Marlena blushes, aroused. John stops himself. Tears fill his eyes before he can stop it. Marlena leans in to his face, and smiles.)
Marlena (whispers): You’ve got me.
Page 36 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE LIVING ROOM – LATE MORNING
(Sun streams through the french doors. A spread of breakfast platters adorn the coffee table – still peppered with remaining bits of egg, sausage, biscuit, fresh fruit, jam, butter – along with two – juice emptied – wine glasses, and a giant vased bouquet of lilacs. John and Marlena lean back against the couch, tangled up in a melted nuzzle.)
Marlena: Thank you for my flowers.
(John brushes his lips against her cheek – slowly.)
John (whispers): You’re welcome.
(She closes her eyes.)
Marlena: This was so nice. Just sitting together. A quiet peaceful morning.
John: That’s … a … fact …
(John tucks his head and his mouth lands in the crook of her neck.)
Marlena: OH. My. Honey … um –
(His mouth works upward, toward her ear. His hand travels down and between her thighs.)
Marlena (breathless): You do know, I have a patient in an hour.
John: So, we’ve got an hour.
Marlena: Well, but not really, ’cause there’s the drive over and then I’ve got to get all my notes ready –
(His lips seize hers, and she cascade backward onto the couch. His hips press against hers. She moans, taking his tongue. But whimpers. Pushes. He stops, scowling playfully.)
Marlena: If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to get a clue out of me. About your surprise.
(He raises an eyebrow.)
John: A clue?
(Marlena huffs. Tries to straighten her shirt and hair. But can’t stop blushing.)
John: Ohhh, Mrs. Black, if I was trying to get a clue out of you, I’d do this –
(In one foul swoop, he reaches between the cushion and her back, unhooks her bra, tugs the front of it downward, plants his mouth. She squeals with laughter.)
(The phone rings.)
(Marlena wails. John collapses his face into her chest.)
Marlena: They time it. I swear, they time it.
(John lets out a muffled groan. Marlena laughs. Reaches to the coffee table, sees the caller ID, smiles, and answers.)
Marlena: Hi, honey.
(She sits up in alarm.)
Marlena: What? What is it?
(John follows suite.)
Marlena: Belle, slow down, SLOW DOWN, I can’t understand you.
John: Is it Stefano?
(Marlena listens, silent.)
John: Dammit, Doc, what is it?
(She holds up a hand for him to be quiet.)
Marlena: Oh god …
(John stands by like a ticking time bomb.)
Marlena: Honey, honey, stay calm. We’ll be right there.
(She ends the call. Bolts to her coat and purse. John follows at her heels.)
John: WHAT is it?
Marlena: Get your coat, I’ll tell you on the way.
INT. TOWNHOUSE FRONT DOOR – A FEW MINUTES LATER
(Belle flings her arms around Marlena.)
Belle (crying): Mom!
INT. TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(Marlena practically holds Belle up. John’s worried eyes dart around the room.)
John: Where’s Claire now?
Belle: In her bedroom, Shawn’s trying to keep her calm.
(John bolts in that direction.)
Marlena: John! NO, no, wait. Let’s not go in yet, I don’t want to overwhelm her. Belle, sit here …
(They sit on the couch with Belle between them, her hands in theirs. Marlena smoothes Belle’s hair.)
Marlena: Okay, breathe … now, I need you to tell me everything that’s happened. From when it started.
Belle: Okay … uh … I guess, technically … when we got out of the hospital. She’s been fighting us every night, not wanting to go to bed. You remember when you were here that night, she didn’t wanna go? I just figured … she’s getting older, she’s going through a challenging us phase or it’s the transition stress, or …
Marlena: Sure.
Belle: But finally … I think just ’cause she was so exhausted … she finally did start going to bed …
Marlena: … That’s when the nightmares started?
(Belle nods.)
Marlena: How long has she been having them?
Belle (crying): … Every night for almost two weeks.
Marlena: Honey! Why didn’t you tell me?
Belle: I thought we could handle it, I thought they were just nightmares! But last night … we couldn’t wake her up. She was hysterical, she was on her feet, she started barricading us into her room –
(John winces and wraps an arm around her. She leans against him, exhausted.)
Belle: Then, this morning …
Marlena: Tell me.
Belle: We found her reaching … she was screaming our names and reaching out her window for us … she had it all the way open, she was about to fall out!
Marlena: Oh, god, honey.
Belle: If Shawn hadn’t pulled her back in, I don’t know what would have! –
(John pulls her tight.)
Belle (sobbing): – we would have lost her!
(They sandwich hug her. Rock her.)
Marlena: Belle. Listen to me. I promise you. We’re going to figure this out. She’s going to be all right. Okay? Now, I’m going to go in and talk to her, I want you to stay calm, stay HERE.
(She gently rubs Belle’s belly.)
John: Yeah, hang out here with your old dad. K?
Marlena: All right?
Belle: … You let Claire know I’m right in here?
Marlena: I will.
INT. CLAIRE’S ROOM
Marlena: Hey, Captain.
(Marlena tries to smile from the doorway. Shawn, pale and exhausted, sits on Claire’s boat bed. She shivers in his arms, clutching onto his sleeves.)
Shawn: Look who it is, bug.
(Claire’s bagged eyes meet Marlena’s.)
Claire: Don’t you have work now?
Marlena: I did. But a doctor friend of mine said she’d take care of my patients today, so … I’ve got the whole day off. It’s like vacation!
Claire: ‘Cause of me?
Marlena: You’re on vacation, too? Huh. I didn’t know that. (Pause) Can I come aboard?
Shawn: Can she?
(After thinking a minute … Claire nods.)
Marlena: Oh, boy. Thank you.
(Marlena sits across from Claire.)
Claire: Where’s Mom?
Shawn: She’s right in the next room, with Pop Pop, like I told ya.
Marlena: I just saw her.
Claire: Is the policeman still there?
Marlena: You bet he is. We just saw him, too.
(Shawn squeezes her tight.)
Shawn: And I’m right here.
(Marlena squeezes her hands.)
Marlena: And I’M right here.
(Claire wiggles out of their embraces.)
Claire: You don’t have to stare at me. I’m fine.
Marlena: Oh. Well, that’s good. Say, if you’re fine, can your Daddy go talk to Pop Pop and Momma for a bit?
(Claire clutches tighter at Shawn’s sleeves.)
Marlena: I’ll be here with you.
(Marlena and Shawn watch her. She can’t speak.)
Shawn: Am I relieved, Captain?
Claire: I’m the captain, it’s my boat, I want you both to stay.
(Pause.)
Marlena: All right. Well, Captain, I think you should know … there’s been talk in the ranks … that you’ve been having some pretty scary dreams.
(Claire’s eyes narrow.)
Claire: Are you shrinking me?
Shawn: Claire.
(Marlena gestures “it’s all right” to Shawn.)
Marlena: What do you think?
Claire: “What do you think” is a shrinky question!
Marlena: You’re right. It is a very shrinky question. But … I always ask questions as your grandma. Because I love you. Baby, are you having scary dreams?
(Marlena stares at Claire with the safest stare she can muster.)
Marlena: You’re so brave, sweetie. I know you can talk about this.
(Claire’s grip slowly loosens on Shawn’s sleeves.)
Claire: When I wake up I don’t remember what they’re about.
Marlena: The dreams?
(Claire nods.)
Claire: I wake up in different places in my room, I don’t remember how I got there. Today, I was hanging out a window. I’m scaring Mom and Dad.
(Shawn rests a kiss on the top of her head.)
Marlena: Are you scared, too?
(Claire nods … and bursts into tears. Shawn and Marlena hold her tight.)
CUT TO TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(Belle hears Claire’s sobs and jumps to her feet. John takes her arm.)
John: Izzy, hey, hey – let your Mom handle it. She’s got it.
(Belle can’t turn away from Claire’s room. She wrings her hands.)
John: Honey, please sit down here with me. Rest. Come on.
(Resigned, Belle turns to sit – and sways on her feet. John gasps, and barely catches her.)
CUT TO CLAIRE’S ROOM
(Claire has calmed somewhat. Marlena smooths her hair.)
Marlena: I’ve got an idea. It’ll make you feel so much better.
Claire: What?
Marlena: I want you … to …
(She reaches to Claire’s nearby bookshelf and presents her with paper and crayons.)
Marlena: … draw me a picture. Of our family.
(Claire scowls.)
Claire: I don’t wanna draw right now.
Marlena: Oh, but I’d love it so much if you would.
Shawn: She hasn’t had one of your pictures forever.
Claire: That’s what I used to do when I was six.
Marlena: Can’t you draw me just one more? I’ve missed them so much. Please?
(Claire’s eyes narrow again.)
Claire: Is this a shrink trick?
Marlena: It’s a grandma trick. To get a picture.
Claire: I saw a movie once where a shrink had a kid draw a picture to get her to talk. This is a shrink trick.
Marlen: Okay. Fine. You don’t want to draw? I’ll draw.
(Claire raises a John-like eyebrow.)
Claire: You?
Marlena: I do other things besides shrink, you know.
(Marlena takes up a crayon and – tries – to draw. Claire squints at her work.)
Claire: What is that?
Marlena: You can’t tell?
(Claire keeps squinting. Marlena chuckles.)
Marlena: It’s a … tree.
Claire: It’s a deformed celery.
(Shawn can barely stifle his laughter.)
Marlena: Oh, you think you can do better?
Claire: Duh!
(She pushes Marlena’s paper out of the way.)
Shawn: Hey, hey, bug, don’t be so bossy.
(Claire smoothes a sheet of paper and takes up a crayon like a pro. Marlena beams.)
Marlena: The family please.
Claire: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
(Clairs draws. Marlena and Shawn watch.)
INT. TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(Belle sits, trying not to tremble. John sits next to her.)
John: … Izzy –
Belle: Dad. I’m fine. I’m just drained with everything.
John: You look more than drained, I wanna take you to see Kayla.
Belle: NO, Dad –
(John stands up.)
John: – right now –
Belle: – if Claire comes out here, and I’m gone, she’s gonna be terrified!
John: If she comes out here, you’re having an emergency, she’s gonna be even MORE –
Belle: For God’s sake, would you and Shawn and Mom, everybody just stop? Every five seconds – “am I okay, am I okay” – my daughter’s not okay, my brother’s not okay! (crying) I can’t help, I can’t fix it! … I just want to fix it …
(John pulls her into his arms.)
John: I know, baby, I know … (blinks back tears) I do, too …
CUT TO CLAIRE’S ROOM
(Marlena and Shawn peer at Claire’s epic drawing.)
Marlena: Oh my. There we all are.
Claire: Grandpa Bo’s in the picture, too, but I didn’t draw him, ’cause he’s invisible, ’cause he’s spying.
Marlena: Ah. Smart artist.
(Marlena glances up at Shawn. Worry flashes across his face. She winces. Looks back down at Claire’s drawing. Points at a figure behind bars.)
Marlena: Now, who’s that?
Claire: Uncle Brady.
(Marlena swallows hard.)
Marlena: Why’s he in a cage, sweetie?
(Pause.)
Claire: ‘Cause he’ll never get out.
CUT TO TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(Exhausted, Belle rests her head on John’s shoulder. He gently rubs her arm.)
Belle: Will Brady be back in time for the birth?
John: Are you kidding? He wouldn’t miss that for the world. I know he’ll be back.
Belle: You don’t know that. You’re just hoping he will.
(They lock eyes.)
John: That’s a fact. I don’t want YOU to lose hope. You hear me?
(Belle drops her eyes. John presses his lips to her forehead. She collapses into his shoulder again.)
Belle: It’s just I can’t know how he is. I can’t talk to him.
John: YET. Those are the rules up there. He’s gotta make it through a full thirty days first.
Belle: I know, I know. Because we’re triggers.
(Pain fills John’s face.)
John: Yeah. We’re triggers.
Belle: How can we be triggers when we love him so much?
CUT TO CLAIRE’S ROOM
(Marlena points to the picture.)
Marlena: And this is you?
(Claire nods.)
Marlena: Hmm. Now, that’s curious. The family … is on one side of the page … you’re all the way over on the other side. Why are we all so far away from you? … Claire? …
Claire: ‘Cause you’re going away.
Marlena: We are?
(Claire nods.)
Marlena: How? How are we going away?
(Claire can’t speak. Her hands clutch Shawn’s sleeves again.)
Marlena: Draw how we’re going away.
(Shawn hands her a crayon.)
Shawn: Can you do that for Grandma?
Claire: That’s the wrong color.
Marlena: Okay. Choose whatever color you want.
(Claire chooses another crayon. Her hand shakes. Her crayon strokes press deep into the paper. She draws a giant net around the family, a giant hand above it, a giant body attached to the hand … and a sinister face that stops Marlena’s heart. Shawn sees the face, and rage flushes his. He blinks back tears.)
Marlena: Claire, who’s this new person in the drawing? … Who is this, sweetie? … Is he taking us away?
(Claire slowly nods.)
Marlena: Who is he? … Can you tell me his name?
(Claire’s terrified eyes meet Marlena’s.)
Claire (mouths): Stefano …
INT. TOWNHOUSE LIVING ROOM – LATER
(Belle sleeps deeply against John’s shoulder. Marlena emerges from Claire’s room, rubbing her back.)
Marlena: Finally asleep.
John: So’s this one.
(Belle startles awake.)
John: Oh. Spoke too soon.
(Belle bolts to standing.)
Belle: Is she? –
(Marlena rubs Belle’s arms, up and down.)
Marlena: She’s fine. She’s fine. She’s asleep in Shawn’s arms. Has been for the last thirty minutes.
(Belle collapses between her parents on the couch. Marlena scans her with a worried face. Smoothes her hair.)
Marlena: How are you?
John (to Marlena): How are YOU? I just saw you rubbing your back.
(Marlena shakes her head, “I’m fine”.)
Belle: Did Claire tell you what’s wrong?
Marlena: Well, partly. For one thing, sweetie, she’s … real worried about Brady. Along with all of us. But more than that … I think our being abducted by Stefano affected her a lot more than we realized.
(John can barely contain himself.)
Belle (crying): Affected her how? She’s eight. Mom, she’s eight and he’s scarred her for life?
John (seething): I’m gonna kill him. I’m really gonna kill him this time.
Marlena: Honey, no, no, no, look at me. What Claire is doing … it’s actually very common. It’s common for children to have nightmares or sleepwalk when they’ve gone through … extreme stress or a trauma, and that’s precisely what we all went through. I – … I did this same thing when I was a girl.
(John gapes at her, astonished.)
Belle: You’d sleepwalk? And have nightmares like Claire? This bad?
Marlena: Worse. I scared your grandparents half to death.
Belle: … They never told me about –
Marlena: – well. I was young. I got through it. I got past it. So will Claire.
(John watches Marlena. She feels it. Can’t return his gaze.)
Belle: But I … I don’t … I don’t know what to do, Mom, we don’t know how to help her!
Marlena: My colleague, Dr. Tatum, he’s an outstanding child psychologist, he will help her through this. And with the strong support system she’s got, all of us, the two of you, she will be just fine. I’m going to see if Dr. Tatum can work her in tomorrow morning. In the meantime, we want you to relax –
(Belle scoffs, beside herself.)
Marlena: – as much as you can. Please? If you don’t get your rest, you won’t be able to be here for her.
(Belle stills. Takes a deep breath. Nods. Marlena strokes her forehead.)
Marlena: And if Claire has another episode, you call me, we’ll come right over.
John: Five minutes flat. We’ll even stay the night.
Belle: I can’t have you sleeping on a couch in your old house.
John: Okay, fine. We’ll sleep on the floor.
(They laugh through tears.)
Belle: It’s nice to hear you say “we” again. Like you mean it.
(She beams at them in love.)
Belle: I’m proud of you.
EXT. THE PIER – THAT EVENING
(John and Marlena sit on the bench. A crisp breeze whips through their hair. Marlena doesn’t notice; she stares out to sea, pained and pale. John squeezes her shoulder.)
John: How come you never told me?
Marlena (startles): What?
John: That you sleepwalked. When you were a kid.
Marlena: Oh. I … don’t know. It was so long ago, I didn’t … I was so little …. I hadn’t really remembered it. ‘Til today.
John: Tell me about it.
(Marlena shrugs out of his embrace, sits forward on the bench.)
Marlena: Aren’t you hungry by now? We skipped lunch, we were at Belle and Shawn’s nearly all afternoon.
John: Doc.
Marlena: I’m hungry. Aren’t you hungry?
John: You’ve never told a single, solitary person about it. Have you?
Marlena: John, you’re making this into something much bigger than it is. I told Belle, it’s a very common thing.
John: That Claire needs a specialist for. You told Belle yours was worse than Claire’s.
Marlena: It was. Momma and Daddy would find me, all parts of the house, doing the strangest things, hysterical, they couldn’t wake me up. It was … it was … scary. But VERY COMMON.
John: After Stefano. After something like that. You didn’t know Stefano yet.
Marlena: I’m starving, I’m going to the car.
(Marlena bolts away from the bench.)
John: You told Dr. Foster about your sleepwalking?
Marlena (whirling around): WHY would I need to?
John: ‘Cause you’ve never talked about it and you should have, years ago. I can see that all over your face.
Marlena: John, for the last time, IT’S VERY COMMON, my family rode it out, we dealt with it!
John: What do you mean, “rode it out”? You didn’t see a doctor?
Marlena: We couldn’t afford a doctor! … We RODE IT OUT. I got past it. I grew up, I went away to school.
John: It lasted ’til you went away to school?
(Marlena gasps, mortified. Stares at him, utterly exposed. She can’t speak. He steps closer.)
John: ‘Til you were a teenager? That long?
(Sobs catch at Marlena’s throat. She can hardly breathe.)
Marlena: But it stopped then. It stopped … when I went away to school.
John (gentle): Why?
(He takes her hand.)
John: (gentler) Why?
Marlena: I … started seeing a psychiatrist. That helped. Helped me choose my medical specialty.
John: What really made them stop?
(John feels Marlena’s hand pull into a fist. He touches her cheek. Her tears flow.)
Marlena (whispers): … I moved away from Sam …
Page 37 of 54
EXT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE LOBBY – MORNING
(Marlena exits DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE, drained, eyes and nose red from crying. Rummages in her purse, hands her debit card to the receptionist.)
John: Hey, pretty lady.
(Marlena gasps. Sees JOHN leaning against the LOBBY’s front doorway. Her face washes over with relief.)
Marlena: Hi …
(He extends his arms. She melts into his embrace. Closes her eyes. DR. FOSTER exits her OFFICE, places manilla folders in a bin on the reception desk.)
Dr. Foster: Oh, John. Hello.
(Marlena doesn’t move. Dr. Foster smiles.)
John: Figured she could use some arms after today’s session.
Dr. Foster: I’ll see you both on Friday.
John: You will.
(DR. FOSTER goes back into her OFFICE. John gently reaches past Marlena and signs the credit card receipt. Slips all back into her purse. Slides the purse strap onto his shoulder. Nuzzles Marlena’s hair.)
John: Wanna get out of here now?
(She nods into his chest.)
John: Where to?
Marlena: Anywhere. Just don’t let go.
John: You got it.
(John inches them toward the door, at a snail’s pace, their embrace intact. Marlena chuckles. Opens her eyes, lets out an amused cry, takes her purse from him.)
John: Hey, I thought it was a good look.
Marlena: We’ll see you Friday, Millie.
Millie: Bye, Dr. Evans.
EXT. PIER – LATER THAT MORNING
(Marlena and John sit on the bench, surrounded by empty yogurt and coffee cups.)
Marlena: So that’s … what she and I started on. At least.
John: I’m proud of ya. You talked about it. I knew you needed to. I knew it was a lot deeper than what you were letting on. Especially with how you’ve been connecting Kristen and Sam. And us.
Marlena: Yes. Okay. Well. For once you were right.
John: For once?
(She playfully smirks at him.)
John: Oh, I forgot. You’re always right.
Marlena: Yes, good, you remembered.
(He playfully smirks back.)
(Pause.)
John: It kills me you felt that alone. All those years.
Marlena: I didn’t know I was that alone. It was my “normal”. I thought it was me, I thought … something terrible was wrong with me because at night, I became this … other, scary person. Who couldn’t control what she did. What she dreamt. I didn’t want any friends to see that, any friends over. I never went to anyone else’s house. It was just me and Sam. Home. All the time. And at school she kept me chained to her side. Momma and Daddy never … ever … connected my nightmares and sleepwalking to her. Never. Neither did I.
John: They had to have seen something, Doc, come on. The way she treated you?
Marlena: No. No. They just thought … I was stressed, you know? I put so much pressure on myself. To achieve in school. I was the smart one. But Sam was smarter. She had this … almost supernatural ability … she could talk her way out of anything, but it went beyond persuasion, it … by the time she was through, you would question your own sanity for holding her accountable for something, even if you had PROOF. She could be standing there, hand in the cookie jar, right in front of you, and she could convince you her hand wasn’t in the cookie jar, there was no cookie jar, and you were insane to think otherwise. And the GUILT she’d make you feel, my word … You knew she’d done something terrible, but she’d just … she’d make you forget it.
John: So your parents did know. They did see.
(Marlena shakes her head.)
Marlena: I stopped telling them. I couldn’t bear — … the way their faces would change and their eyes would glaze over when she’d start talking … my words would just get lost … (crying) she locked me in that room and they didn’t do anything, anything at all!
John: What room? What room, Doc?
Marlena: That’s when I stopped telling them. I couldn’t bear it anymore!
John: What. Room?
(Marlena drops her eyes.)
Marlena: You know when Kristen … locked me up … she at least gave me light …
(She lifts her eyes to him. All color drains from his face.)
Marlena: I can’t believe I feel grateful to her for that, but I do. That’s why I sent Sami and Eric away. After I got out of that pit. The dark. It brought back … I started having nightmares, it was scaring them so, I was terrified I’d start doing everything I used to do, and I couldn’t bear the thought of them seeing that, going through that.
John: Did Roman know about all this?
Marlena: No, no. He just knew I was afraid of the dark, just from the pit, he thought.
John: God, Doc, you needed to tell him!
Marlena: I just wanted to hold onto him, I wanted everything to be perfect, I wanted us to move on, I didn’t want to ruin it! Except … I couldn’t let you go. You found me in the dark. You got me out.
John: You did that for me first.
(He caresses her cheek. Blinking back tears, she looks away.)
John: Hey.
(She looks back at him.)
John: I don’t ever want you to feel like you have to hold back this part of your past. For us to move on. For you to hold onto me. Lady, you’ve got me. For life.
(His eyes hold her. She takes a deep breath.)
Marlena: I felt so alone when Kristen came back. I knew exactly what she was doing. I’d watched Sam do it a million times. I watched your face change and your eyes glaze over like Momma and Daddy’s. All of a sudden I was back home and I was so small and helpless and trapped and –
(John winces and pulls her into his arms.)
Marlena: – I acted out so desperately, I didn’t know what to do! … I couldn’t get you to believe me!
(John squeezes her tight.)
John (crying): I failed you …
Marlena: No –
(She pulls back, he squeezes her shoulders.)
John: – I failed you! I’ve always believed you. Always. You needed that from me, of ALL times, you needed that! But I didn’t do it! I let myself get so damned shut down and blinded ’cause I hadn’t let her go!
(Marlena reaches to her shoulders and squeezes his wrists.)
Marlena: But you couldn’t, don’t you see? That’s her genius, too. I understood that. Unconsciously, I understood why you believed her. Why you could convince yourself she was different, that you could handle her. I used to throw my heart over the fence in the same way with Sam every time, EVERY time. Because I loved her. And you … loved. Her.
(Shame flashes across John’s eyes. He gently brushes his fingers across her face. She nuzzles her face into his palm.)
John: I wish I never had.
Marlena: Don’t say that. Don’t. You gave your heart to someone. That’s never wrong. I know that heart. A sociopath is a sociopath. They never change. Any love we feel FROM them … isn’t real. That’s what we have to grieve.
(Pause.)
John: I don’t want to grieve right now.
Marlena: Me, neither.
John: Right now …
(He gently turns her around and wraps his arms around her from the back.)
John: I want to stare out at this beautiful morning sea. With my beautiful wife.
(He kisses her hair. She lets out a giant sigh. They stare at the water for a long moment.)
John: But I want you to tell me about that dark room Sam put you in.
(Marlena sharply inhales and fidgets. John holds her tight.)
John: Not now, not now. When you’re ready. Could be a day like today. When we’re out here in the sun, in the light. You’re in my arms, you’re safe. Then you can tell me. Okay?
(He kisses her hair again. Tears fall down her cheeks.)
Marlena: You know when you told Dr. Foster … the day we met, you knew you wanted to be part of my life, the minute you took my hand?
John: … I do.
(She laces her fingers in his.)
Marlena: That’s why I reached my hand out.
(She leans back to him. He rests his forehead against hers. They both close their eyes. And smile.)
Page 38 of 54
INT. JOHN’S PLANE – TWO WEEKS LATER – LATE NIGHT
(Marlena flies through the PLANE door in a huff, bundled up in a long coat. John follows her, sleepy-eyed, also in a huff.)
John: Well, I don’t think the files are here.
Marlena: I’m positive I left them here. All those weeks ago, I was carrying them with me for the trip, I can’t find them anywhere else, they have to be here.
John: All right, all right. Just don’t see why ya need ‘em this late?
Marlena: I told you, I’m seeing the clients in the morning, I have to find –
John: – all right, all right, all right.
Marlena: I knew you wouldn’t want me driving here by myself.
John: Well … THAT’S a fact.
(He reaches for the cabin curtain. Marlena blocks it.)
Marlena: So. Here we are. You search the cockpit, I’ll search the cabin.
(He raises an eyebrow.)
John: We weren’t in the cockpit that night.
Marlena: Yes, we were. Don’t you remember?
John: NO, we weren’t.
Marlena: Just CHECK!
(He holds up his hands. Opens the COCKPIT door, closes it behind him. Marlena grins, and disappears through the CABIN curtains.)
INT. PLANE COCKPIT
(John gapes.)
John: Tim?
(TIM grins from the pilot’s seat.)
Tim: Evening.
(John examines the tech signals.)
John: Why … are you ready for take off?
Tim: I would suggest conferring with your wife in the cabin area right about … (checks his watch) … now.
INT. PLANE CABIN
(John parts the curtains. His mouth drops open. The entire cabin is adorned with garlands of flowers and Christmas lights. Rose petals are scattered along the floor and up a satin train leading to a full sized, satin-sheeted bed. Champagne chills in an ornate silver bucket. Marlena stands before it all, beaming, in a red, lace-bodice negligee.
Marlena: Surprise.
(John beams back. Walks toward her, or tries. His legs are jelly. He shakes his head.)
Marlena: Speechless?
(He looks her up and down, overwhelmed.)
Marlena: You know, it’s uh …
(She unlaces the outer robe of her neglige.)
Marlena: … cold over here …
(She drops it to the floor. Looks at him.)
Marlena: Can you help with that?
(He grins. Wraps an arm around her lower back and pulls her hips against his. She smiles, cocks her head. Their lips open … inch closer … meet— she pulls back.)
Marlena: Wait.
(He grunts.)
Marlena: Wait just a minute.
(She reaches for the phone. He takes a strap of her neglige in his mouth. She chuckles.)
Marlena (into the phone): Tim? … I’ve got him, we can take off. All righty. Thank you.
(She hangs up. John stops eating her neglige strap.)
John: Take off?
Marlena: We are taking off.
John: To where?
Marlena: I can’t tell you that, it’s part of the surprise.
(They lace their fingers around each other’s waists.)
Marlena: I CAN tell you that I cleared this trip with Dr. Foster, I told the family, Belle is THRILLED that we’re going, AND I made sure that Roman and his team did a full sweep of this plane, our route, and they have a bodyguard waiting at our destination.
(He gapes again.)
Marlena: See? I get things done.
John: I … I know.
Marlena: So. Reward me. I’ve worked hard.
(John grins. Reaches down her hips … grabs her ass. Pulls her hips further into his. She blushes. He leans forward, brushes his nose against hers. Her lips open to his. Over and over. The plane begins moving. She whimpers with excitement. Flingers her arms about his neck and pulls his lips closer. He pulls back for a moment.)
John: Oh … Mrs. Black.
Marlena: I never tire of hearing that.
John: I’m sorry … but we can’t do this.
(Distress fills her face.)
Marlena: What? Why not? John! I’ve arranged it, all of it, I told you, it’s fine!
John: We’re standing up. This plane’s about to take off. That’s not safe.
(She opens her mouth – then slugs him.)
Marlena: OH, you! Don’t do that to me.
John: What?
Marlena: Don’t tease me like that!
John: I’m being very serious.
Marlena: All right. Fine.
(She sits on the bed. Tosses her hair. Crosses her legs as the neglige slides upward away from her knees.)
Marlena: This is your plane. You’re the expert. What position should we be in?
(He slowly exhales. She grins. He kneels in front of her. Runs his hands up and down her thighs.)
John: Well … sitting IS better.
(She leans toward his face.)
Marlena: What’s best?
(He hooks a finger under the strap of her neglige and … slowly … slides it off her shoulder.)
John: For our maximum safety … I’d recommend horizontal.
(She blushes.)
Marlena: Oh?
John: Yup. And …
(He does the same to the other strap.)
John: … securely fastened.
Marlena: That sounds very intense.
John: It’s very intense.
(Their noses and lips are centimeters apart. John begins to unlace the bodice of her neglige.)
Marlena (breathless): How long would we need to remain … horizontal and securely fastened?
John: For maximum security, I’d say, at minimum, the entire flight.
(With one hook of his finger, her bodice lets loose. She gasps.)
Marlena: That sounds very safe.
John: Very. But … intense.
Marlena: Yeah.
(Their lips press together, and Marlena cascades back onto the bed, John on top of her. His hands run up her thigh … under her neglige … her leg wraps around his back. The plane lifts off and thrusts him forward suddenly into her chest – both gasp, and laugh. He looks up at her, grins, then attacks her neck with his lips. She moans, runs her hands up and down his back, squeezes his hair.)
(The plane shakes for a moment. John pulls back.)
John: Wait, wait, wait!
Marlena: What?
John: You’re okay?
Marlena: I’m fine.
John: Your back’s okay.
Marlena: Oh! John, for heaven’s sake.
John: We could hit some major turbulence, here, I just wanna make sure –
Marlena: I had it adjusted this morning.
John: … You did.
Marlena: Umm hmm.
John: … And it … feels? …
(She nuzzles her face against his ear.)
Marlena (whispers): Endlessly flexible.
(He flushes with arousal. She blinks. Runs her finger along his collarbone.)
Marlena: Now … what were you saying about being securely fastened?
(He smacks his lips.)
John: It’s probably best if I demonstrate.
(She grins. He lunges forward and pins her arms above her head with one hand. She opens to his lips. His other hand travels down her bodiced stomach … down her thigh … and between her legs. She moans.)
LATER – AT SUNRISE
(Marlena and John lay nude, swathed in sheets, glowing, fast asleep. Marlena rouses. Blissfully runs her finger along John’s chest, looks up at his face, watches him sleep. Squints toward a window. Sees sunlight peeking in. Feels the plane descend. Taps John on the chest.)
Marlena: Honey? … Honey …
(No response. She reaches under the sheets. Squeezes. John startles.)
John: Yeah! What? I’m awake.
(She bursts into laughter.)
Marlena: You’re always ready.
John: Always.
(He stretches his arms toward the ceiling, wraps them around his wife. She melts into his embrace, and they give each other a long, gentle kiss.)
Marlena: It’s morning. And we’re landing. We’re here.
John: … Here?
Marlena: Look out the window.
(John raises an eyebrow. Rises, walks toward a window. She watches him. He slides a window open, squints out – sees a glimmer of the Eiffel Tower. Turns to her.)
John: Paris?
(Marlena glows.)
Marlena: … Paris …
EXT. PARISIAN PARK – A FEW HOURS LATER
(Marlena leads John into a clearing of benches. Places him under a breathtaking giant of a tree.)
Marlena: Okay, stand here.
(She stands in front of him. Takes his hands.)
John: Baby, you’re shaking, what’s the matter?
Marlena: I’m just … I’m … oh man, I’m nervous.
(He caresses her cheek.)
John: Why?
(She reaches up and squeezes his hand.)
Marlena: This is … the main part of my surprise. What I’ve been arranging. It’s … behind me.
(He tries to peek. She blocks him.)
John: What, you built me a park?
(She tries to laugh.)
Marlena: No, no, I didn’t build you a park. But I … I did build you something. Had it … built. I hope you won’t be angry at what I’ve done.
(He steps toward her.)
John: Doc, just what is it?
(She takes a deep breath.)
Marlena: This park … hasn’t always been a park. It used to be a hospital. Something very … important and precious happened in that hospital. To Kristen. And to you.
(John can’t move. Eyes on him, Marlena steps aside, revealing an ornate grave stone at the foot of the tree. A plaque on top reads:
August 22nd, 1996
You will always be loved.
Daddy)
(John stares. And stares. Marlena searches his face.)
Marlena: You remember that date?
(John … nods.)
Marlena: Kristen … took something from you that day. She took away your right to be here. To grieve. To have closure. As their Daddy. I wanted to give you that, in whatever way I could. To honor their memory and … give that memory a place. A sacred place. So, now when you … come to visit Isabella …. you can come here … and visit your child, too.
(John’s keeps staring, expressionless. Marlena trembles.)
Marlena: Is it all right? Is it all right what I’ve done?
(She touches his hand. He looks at her. His face contorts. John pulls her into the tightest embrace of his life.)
Marlena (crying): You said you didn’t know how to grieve Kristen … because none of it was real. But this was … your baby was real …
LATER – THAT EVENING
(John sits against the tree, arms around Marlena, looking at the gravestone.)
John: They can see the sunset from here.
Marlena: Umm hmm.
John: And ball players.
(Marlena grins. John remembers.)
John: We sat in that café … reminiscing about our wedding … while Kristen was alone. My fiancé was alone losing our child.
Marlena: You didn’t know.
John: I should have sensed it, I should have –
Marlena: She didn’t tell you. John, she chose not to tell you. She had the doctors lie to you. If you’d known the truth, you would have been there in a heartbeat, we both know that.
John: We hadn’t even named ‘em yet.
(She squeezes his arms and leans into his chest.)
Marlena: I know …
John: How do you … how do you say goodbye when you haven’t even met? When you haven’t held ‘em in your arms? Or seen their face? It’s impossible.
(Marlena reaches up and wipes the tears from his face.)
Marlena: You have to focus on what you knew about them. And what you knew is that you loved them.
John: I did … I do ….
(He buries his face in her shoulder. She kisses his hair. Rocks them both. He suddenly leans his head back, takes a deep breath. She watches him.)
John: I never told ya. I should have.
Marlena: Told me what?
John: I had a name for the baby. The day Kristen got pregnant, I knew the name.
Marlena: You did?
(He nods.)
John: But she … it made her uncomfortable when I brought it up, and … then I thought, “yeah, maybe she’s right, maybe it’d make Doc’d uncomfortable, too”, so I just … I forgot about it.
(Marlena cocks her head, furrows her brows.)
John: Girl or boy … I wanted to name ‘em DJ.
(Long. Pause.)
John: I wish I’d known you then. I’d wish I’d been in the room with you that day. So you woudn’t have been alone. I would have held you so tight. I never woulda let go.
(Marlena nods.)
Marlena (holding back sobs): I know you would have … I know …
John: You always go to his grave by yourself. I’m gonna start going with ya. That’s long overdue.
Marlena: Honey, no, you don’t have to do that.
John: I do. I do.
(Marlena looks toward the sunset. Flicks tears off of her face.)
Marlena: You’re doing it again.
John: What?
Marlena: Comforting me when you’re supposed to be grieving. This was for you.
John: I think that’s gonna be a permanent reflex.
(He caresses her cheek. Her tears come again. She grabs hold of his hand.)
Marlena: Well … then … I’d like to come with you when you visit here. If you’ll have me.
(He looks at her in love.)
John: Always.
Page 39 of 54
INT. JOHN’S PLANE – A FEW DAYS LATER
(Marlena lay nude under the bed sheets, on her stomach, her back exposed. Massage oil glistens and drips from John’s fingers. He lay his hands across her lower back. She closes her eyes. He gently grazes her skin with his thumbs.)
John: This feel okay?
(She nods. He gently massages his fingers into her lower back. She lets out a long sigh. He kneads up her upper back and round to her shoulders. Grasps and rubs at the back of her neck. Her body melts into the bed. She smiles.)
(John grins, leans down … hugs her hips with his hands and rests his lips at the base of her lower back.)
John (whispers): Freckle … (kiss) … freckle … (kiss) … freckle … (kiss) …
(Marlena smiles again. She reaches her hands back for his. They lace fingers. He continues his gentle micro-kisses, eyes on her face. She doesn’t blush. He flinches with concern.)
John: You tired? You want me to stop?
Marlena: No, no, I’m not tired. Keep going.
(He looks at her.)
Marlena: John, don’t stop. I’ve just been tense this morning, that’s all. You’re helping. You are.
John: You haven’t told me why you’re tense.
Marlena: I’m just tense –
(Marlena sits up, pulls the sheets to her neck, flippantly runs her fingers through her hair.)
Marlena: – that’s all.
(John wraps an arm around her chest. Her chin surrenders and rests in the crook of his elbow. He nuzzles his mouth against her ear.)
John (whispers): Why?
(She hesitates. He wraps his other arm around her stomach. Rocks her.)
Marlena: I guess I … I don’t want us to go home.
(He raises an eyebrow. Chuckles.)
John: You? Not wanna go home? That’s your baseline. That’s your radar. All day every day, every minute of all day every day.
(She tries to laugh.)
Marlena: I want to go HOME, I just meant that …
(He touches her chin and turns her face to him. Runs a finger down her cheek.)
John: What?
Marlena: The past three days have been just … so …
(Her eyes fill with tears. She shrugs. Glows. John leans his forehead against hers.)
John: You did that.
Marlena: We saw all the places that meant something to us. All those memories.
(Gratitude floods his face.)
John: And new places. New memories.
Marlena: We hadn’t gone on a trip like that since …
(John flinches. Pales over. Drops his eyes.)
John (quietly): I broke everything.
Marlena: That’s not what I meant, that’s not what I was going to say.
John: It’s true. (Pause.) It’s been a long time. Too long.
(His hand cradles her hair. Her cheek. She nuzzles it against his palm.)
Marlena: We used to take trips like that all the time. Just the two of us. I forgot how much I love them. How much I miss them.
John: They won’t stop. We’re not gonna stop.
(He leans in, brushes his nose against hers, slowly. Their lips touch. Open. Breathe the other in. He wraps an arm around her back and leans her back onto the bed. Lay against her chest.)
John: You gave me the world this weekend, you know that?
Marlena: Just returning the favor.
(He gives her a long … slow … deep … kiss … )
LOUDSPEAKER: Hello, lovebird passengers, this is Tim, your highly intrusive, very boring pilot. Just wanna let you know that we’re beginning our descent and will be landing in Salem in about 30 minutes, so if you wanna .. get together whatever it is you … need to get together … or uh … ya know, your … okay, as you were.
Marlena: He’s ridiculous.
John: You hired him.
Marlena: He’s your pilot.
(They chuckle.)
John: He does have a point, though. We do need to … (reaches under the sheets) … “get together” for landing.
(Marlena blushes.)
Marlena: Oh. Right. Safety precautions.
John: I insist.
Marlena: I know you do.
(They laugh, breathless. They stare. Grin.)
Marlena and John: Horizontal and securely fastened.
(Marlena throws her head back and laughs. John attacks her mouth with his own. Her leg escapes the sheets and wraps around his back.)
(Her cell phone pings. John lets out a yell and buries his face into her chest.)
Marlena: We’re nearing Salem, all right.
John: We’re not even home yet. Seriously. We’re not EVEN HOME.
(Marlena grins at him and reaches for her cell phone.)
Marlena: Oh! It’s a text from Will.
John: Thanks, Will. Great timing.
Marlena: Oh, stop. He says … (reads) … “welcome home, hope you had a glorious trip, let’s have lunch this week and catch up, I miss you” and -”
(She gives a hopeful grin to John.)
John: Uh oh. I know that face.
Marlena: He asks if we can babysit Friday night.
(John grins back.)
John: Yes, we can babysit Friday night.
(Marlena squeals with glee and texts him back.)
Marlena: Oh, and I’ve got two voice mails.
John: Nope. You’re done with the phone.
Marlena: No, no, no, wait, wait, wait! –
(She rolls over and lay on the phone. He playfully growls at her. Reaches under the sheets. She screams with laughter. Flops on her back. He grabs the phone. Lay across her chest, inches from her face.)
John: HA.
Marlena: It’s a message from Belle.
(She grins. He surrenders the phone. Buries his face in her chest once again. She listens to the message.)
Marlena: Oh! John! Claire slept through the night all this weekend.
John (muffled): Fantastic.
Marlena: And Belle wants us to have dinner tonight.
John (moving his mouth up to her neck): Fine …
Marlena: And there’s also a message from (gasps, aroused) … oh …. (tries to concentrate, hard, on looking at the phone) … it’s a message from Kayla.
(John’s lips travel to the other side of her neck. She listens to the voice mail. Her flushed cheeks go pale. John pulls back. Looks at her.)
John: Doc? … What is it? … Hey.
Marlena: It’s why Belle wants to have dinner with us.
(She sits up, brows furrowed, clenching the phone in her hand.)
John: Don’t leave me hanging here, come on. What’s happening with Belle?
(Pause.)
Marlena: Kayla says that … Belle’s blood pressure is too high and won’t come down to normal.
(Pause.)
John: What, what does that mean?
Marlena: It’s probably just all the stress she’s been under. It’s fine.
John: But … what?
Marlena: Kayla’s trying to get it to come down. She wants Belle to stay away from as much stress as she can. So … she said it’s up to Belle, of course, but … she doesn’t think Belle should travel with us to see Brady next week.
(The news punches John dead in the gut. He sits at the edge of the bed, eyes far away. Marlena watches him.)
John: It’s been a month with no contact. From any of us.
It’s our first visit.
Marlena: I know.
John: She’s not there, it’s gonna kill him.
Marlena: I know. Her, too. I know what tonight will be. She’ll present her case and we’ll have to unite forces with Shawn to get her to stay home.
John: He won’t see us. He won’t see us if she’s not there.
Marlena: … We don’t know that.
John: Doc.
(Pause.)
Marlena: I have an idea. It’s Roman’s idea, actually.
John: … Roman?
Marlena: He and I have been talking about it –
John: – about what? What have you been talking about?
Marlena: Will you let me finish, please? … Roman … thinks it would help us if … he went to see Brady first.
John: What the hell would he go do that for?
Marlena: To apologize. It was his idea to exclude Brady from what Stefano did to us, from our being in the hospital.
John: Brady knows that, Roman told him, we were standing right there when he did it. And he STILL didn’t want to see us. He still hated us. Remember that?
Marlena: He didn’t hate us. (Pause.) John … Brady was high out of his mind that night. Now, he’s clean.
John: And he feels like we sent him away again. We cut him off.
Marlena: That’s why Roman wants to make sure that Brady knows – at least in THAT situation – WE didn’t exclude him. He wants to do that for us. I’d like him to do that for us. I think … it’ll lessen his pain.
John: Sami gonna go with Roman?
Marlena: … Why?
John: She gonna apologize?
Marlena: … For what?
John: For what? Are you kidding? She set him off, Doc! She waited ’til he was ganged up on, by the whole damn family –
Marlena: – it was an intervention, SHE didn’t set that up –
John: – then she blurts out the whole damn thing without thinking!
Marlena: HOLD ON. Right there. Brady’s behavior is not Sami’s fault.
John: That’s not what I said.
Marlena’s: That’s exactly what you just said.
John: I’m SAYING … if Sami could have just had some awareness and maybe thought of Brady that night instead of HAVING HER SAY, he wouldn’t have gone off the deep end and endangered –
Marlena: She DID think of Brady! That’s ALL she was thinking about! She was telling Brady what he was owed to know. I was horrified Roman and the family kept it from him. THANK GOD she told him!
John: He could have killed you. Do you realize that? He was so out of control, if Roman hadn’t shown up, I don’t think I could have subdued him on my own. That’s how much strength was coming off of him. He would have knocked me out and gone after you, and I can’t – … I can’t think about …
(Marlena scoots forward on the bed and wraps her arms around him. He bursts into tears.)
John: I could have lost you … I could have lost him …
Marlena: I know … I know …
(She squeezes him tight. He squeezes back.)
John: I don’t know how I’m gonna look him in the eye, Doc, I don’t know what we’re gonna … if Izzy’s not there … it’s just hittin’ me all of a sudden …
Marlena: I know … I’m scared, too …
(John calms. Pulls back. Grasps her hair. Marlena reaches to his face and wipes the tears from his cheeks.)
John: I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I know it’s not Sami’s fault, I didn’t mean to say that …. I know her heart was in the right place.
(Marlena looks at the floor.)
Marlena: It wasn’t. Not completely. If I’m honest … I know that. I think she provoked him … partly … to lash out at us. Ever since you and I reconciled, she’s pulled away. I’ve been so distracted with Belle and Claire and Brady and us … I’ve just made excuses for it … she’s busy with the kids, her job, being a grandma …
John: Planning a wedding.
(Marlena shivers. Closes her eyes.)
John: I know you’re putting on a brave face. I know it scares you to death.
(Marlena shivers again. Her rubs her arms.)
Marlena: Roman pushed her and pushed her about EJ knowing something, anything, about Stefano’s whereabouts. She insisted he didn’t know. The more Roman pushed, the more OFFENDED she became. Like she was protecting EJ instead of us! After ALL Stefano’s put us through! Her sister, her niece through! She’s angry at us. That’s what it is.
John: Kayla said she never left your side when we were in the hospital.
Marlena: My side. Not yours. You seduced Kristen and Sami latched right onto that. I know her. She let her old wound open right back up. She wants you out of my life again.
John: That’s not gonna happen. Ever.
(Moved, Marlena surrenders her head to his shoulder. He wraps his arms around her. Kisses her hair.)
Marlena: I need to confront her about what she did with Brady. Why she did it. I’m sorry I haven’t. I’m sorry.
John: Don’t apologize, please.
Marlena: I just … she’s going to start in on you and it’s going to be the same old conversation, it won’t go anywhere, I’m just exhausted thinking about it.
John: Don’t confront her. Don’t. Ball’s in her court.
Marlena: She hasn’t spoken to you once since you got back. She sends the children over, but she doesn’t talk to you. That’s unacceptable.
John: It’s her loss. I’m here. I love her. I always will.
(Marlena looks at him.)
Marlena: You hardly ever tell me how much it hurts. Her wound against you. All these years. I know it kills you. She was your baby …
John: Brady was yours.
Marlena: They’re so hurt. Still. I don’t think we can ever make up for that.
(John kisses her on the forehead.)
John: We can’t. All we can do is … remind ’em they can be their own hero. Now.
LOUDSPEAKER: Hey there, me again.
(John and Marlena jump.)
LOUDSPEAKER: It’s Tim. Boring pilot. So listen. We’re at the gate. Have been for about ten minutes or so.
(John and Marlena gape at the plane windows. Each other.)
LOUDSPEAKER: I haven’t gotten a call from you to shut things down and I’m running out of Cheetos, so …
(Marlena falls back on the bed, laughing.)
LOUDSPEAKER: I hate to …. ya know … disrupt, but uh … if you could give me a call … at some point … that would be –
(John picks up the plan phone.)
John: Tim, you damn rascal. (laughs) YES, you can go home, yes. I’ll shut things down in here, don’t worry. Oh hey – is the officer outside? Can you see? Good. Tell ’em we’ll be out in … fifteen minutes or so. Yes, fifteen. That’s a definite number. Get out of here. Go home …. Hey, Tim? Thanks.
Marlena (calling out): Thank you, Tim.
(John hangs up the plane phone. Grins at Marlena. Crawls on top of her. Their bodies melt together.)
Marlena: Fifteen minutes, huh?
John: Well, I figured … we could finish this conversation at home. You wanna go home?
(She looks at him in love.)
Marlena: Yes. I want to go home.
Page 40 of 54
INT. REHAB FACILITY MEETING ROOM – MORNING
(Brady sits in an easy chair, knees bouncing, waiting. Surrounding him is a sun drenched and calming living room. Giant glass windows display gorgeous mountain views. Brady looks strong, tan, far healthier. And a nervous wreck. Marlena enters. Sees him. Beams.)
Marlena: Hi, honey …
(He bolts to standing and gestures toward the chair.)
Brady: Have a seat if you want.
Marlena: Don’t you want to sit, too? You were sitting.
Brady: No, no, I’m good. Go ahead.
(He retreats to the far side of the room. Marlena sits. Looks him over. She can’t stop beaming.)
Brady: You okay with us meeting alone first?
Marlena: Of course. Your Dad’s right outside. He’s so excited to see –
Brady: – I can call in Leslie and have her here if you want.
Marlena: Would you prefer to have her in here?
Brady: I was just asking you.
Marlena: I can do whatever you want. Anything is fine.
(Brady can’t look at her. He shoves his hands in his pockets and goes to the window. Stares at the view, hard.)
Marlena: Roman raved about how comfortable these chairs were. He wasn’t joking.
Brady: He needs to get out more.
(Marlena tries to chuckle.)
Marlena: Well, that’s true. The precinct chairs are … pretty …
Marlena and Brady: Awful.
(She chuckles more.)
Brady: So are the cells.
(Pause.)
Marlena: Did your talk with him go well?
Brady: … Fine …
Marlena: He didn’t tell me the view was so beautiful.
Brady: Well, I’m sure you saw pictures on the website.
(Pause.)
Marlena: This is far better.
(She walks to the window. Looks with him. Looks at him. He feels it.)
Brady: Yeah, they have a great hiking trail out back, I do that every morning. I’m up to five miles.
Marlena: That’s fantastic, Brady.
Brady: Yeah, well, it’s part of my routine. So. It’s all about routine here. That and sugar. It’s the only thing you can be hooked on. We’re all like walking candy stores. I’ll probably lose all my teeth next month.
Marlena: Brady … can you look at me, please? …
(Trembling, he does.)
Marlena: I don’t want you to be worried that I’m scared of you. I’m not. (crying) I’m just so happy to see you.
(She reaches for his arm. He bolts to another side of the room.)
Brady: We have to be careful what we talk about, for now. We have to stick to certain subjects, just present-day stuff.
Marlena: I know. I know that. I will.
Brady: So you talked to Leslie?
Marlena: We talked to all your counselors. Your Dad and me. A lot, these past few weeks. They’re good people.
Brady: They told you how to handle me?
Marlena: They never used that word, Brady. We’d never use that word.
(Marlena walks toward him. He hold up his hands. She stops. He starts to tremble harder.)
Marlena: What can I do? Why did you want to see me first?
Brady: … I don’t know … I don’t know … I guess … you’re not as scary as he is. That’s ironic, isn’t it? Considering our past.
(Marlena swallows hard.)
Marlena: What else?
(He looks at the floor. Shrugs. Tears run down his nose.)
Brady: I just … hate that I’m not there for Belle right now.
Marlena: She’s gonna be just fine. Claire, too. They’re gonna be just fine.
Brady (crying): I really wanted ’em here. I wanted ’em here today.
Marlena: I know …
Brady (crying): I wanted to hold ’em.
Marlena: I know … (crying) May I hold you? … Please?
Brady: … You don’t have to.
Marlena: I want to.
Brady: You shouldn’t want to.
(She slowly approaches him. He doesn’t move. She extends her arms. He collapses into her embrace.)
Brady (sobbing): I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!
(Marlena holds him tighter. Kisses his forehead. Whispers into his ear.)
Marlena: We love you so much. We’re proud of you. We’re so proud of you.
(Brady squeezes her back.)
EXT. REHAB FACILITY HIKING TRAIL – THAT EVENING
(Marlena and John mosey under starlight, arm in arm. John stares at the view, hard. Marlena stares at him.)
Marlena: He keeps on this for three more miles. Every day. Can you believe it?
John: Yeah, I can.
(John stops them under a lamp. Looks up at the trees surrounding them. Listens to the night. Marlena caresses his chest.)
Marlena: I thought you’d like to take a walk with him. At least …
John (whispers): Yeah …
Marlena (tears well up): I’m so sorry!
John: Hey –
(He embraces her.)
Marlena (crying): I’m sorry he wasn’t ready to see you, I’m sorry! … We came all this way, and –
John: It’s okay, baby, it’s okay … I’m so grateful to you …
(He holds her tighter. His voice shakes.)
John: He had his Mom. One of ’em. That’s what he needed first.
(Marlena pulls back and stares at him, eyes wide, moved. He gently pets her face, wiping away tears with his fingertips.)
Marlena: What do you need?
John: Just you.
(They nuzzle their noses together, slowly. Their lips touch, open, touch, open. Eyes closed, they melt into each other’s embrace, and their hands travel along the other’s body. Bathed in shadow and moonlight, they hear each other’s breath, heartbeat, skin, the night.)
Page 41 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM – EARLY MORNING
(Marlena sleeps. A lilac gently brushes across her face. With a childlike squint, she bats it away. The lilac brushes down her neck and onto her chest. She blushes. Her eyes open. John grins at her. She beams.)
John: Hey, pretty lady.
Marlena: … Hi …
(John leans across her chest. Smooths back her hair. Their lips touch for a long, lingering kiss. Marlena furrows her brows.)
John: What? What’s wrong?
Marlena: It’s too quiet. I don’t hear –
John: – ah, that’s because …
(He gently turns her chin toward the beside clock. She sees the time and grins.)
Marlena: You woke us up early.
John: We have two whole hours.
Marlena: Ohhh …
(She wraps her arms around him and he leans further into her chest. They’re nose to nose.)
Marlena (whispers): You’re such a smart man.
John: Efficient.
(He reaches under the covers.)
John: I’m efficient.
Marlena (blushing): Oh.
(His head disappears under the covers. Marlena quivers.)
(Suddenly, an orange is tossed onto her stomach. She gasps. Then an apple. A bunch of grapes. A silk pillow. Marlena guffaws.)
Marlena: What are you doing?
(John emerges with a picnic blanket and lands on top of her, swathing it about her body. She squeals.)
Marlena: What is all this?
John: What we’re packing.
Marlena: Packing?
John: After the kids leave, we are going to spend a romantic spring day at the pier.
Marlena (beams): … Oh …
John: Full picnic. Champagne. Trimmings.
(He holds the grapes in front of her face.)
John: The works.
Marlena: I like the sound of that.
John: I knew you would.
(He brushes the grapes against her lips. Leans in. Takes her chin in his hand. She takes his tongue. Moans. Her arms escape the picnic blanket. He pins them over her head. His lips leave her mouth and work up and down her neck. She tilts her head in sideways surrender.)
John: And then we’ll watch the sunset …
Marlena: … mmm …
John: … the stars …
Marlena: Honey! Honey.
(John stops. Looks at her.)
Marlena: We can’t spend the whole day there.
We’re seeing Dr. Foster, remember?
John: … What do you say we … skip it?
Marlena: … Skip it?
John: Come on, we skipped for Paris. We skipped for Brady.
Marlena: That’s all the more reason why we shouldn’t skip again.
(He sits up. She follows suite.)
Marlena: John. She told us we’d be tempted to skip now and it’s precisely why we can’t.
(John gathers her face in his hands.)
John: I just want to spend a day spoiling my wife.
(She peers at him.)
Marlena: Your eyes haven’t been the same since we visited Brady. What don’t you want to talk about in her office? What don’t you want to talk about with me?
(John winces. Turns away. She touches his back.)
Marlena: John? We promised we wouldn’t do this. We wouldn’t keep anything from each other. Don’t be brave with me. What is it?
[Pause.]
John: I don’t have a damn right to feel this way.
Marlena: Feel what? Tell me.
[Pause.]
John: I was so thankful you saw him. That he had you there. But I … I … (crying) was angry at you, too.
Marlena: … Why?
[Pause.]
John: I resented that he wanted to see you and not me. And it made me sick, I have no right to resent you!
Marlena: Honey. That is a completely understandable feeling.
John: It’s a wrong feeling!
Marlena: It’s a human feeling. You’re his father.
(John turns. Looks at her. Caresses her cheek.)
John: I don’t ever want you to feel like I resent you.
(Marlena leans her face into his palm.)
Marlena: I don’t. I don’t feel that. But it breaks my heart to see you so hurt. And worried. (crying) I need you to talk to me about it.
John: What’s the point of talking about it, it doesn’t help him.
Marlena: It helps you.
[Pause.]
John: I don’t know if we’re gonna come through this one, Doc, I really don’t. I don’t know I’ll ever get my son back. And I don’t wanna talk about it, I don’t wanna feel it, I just … dammit, I just wanna hold you.
(Tears tumble down Marlena’s cheeks. She leans toward him and melts into his embrace. He kisses her hair.)
Marlena: We’ll unpack it. In her office. You can hold me the whole time. All you want. I’ll be there.
(He squeezes her tight. She squeezes back.)
Ali (from outside the door): Grandma?
(John and Marlena startle. John squints at the bedside clock.)
Marlena: Yes, Ali, what is it?
Ali: Mom’s here.
John: She’s not due ’til eight.
(Marlena re-buttons her pajamas blouse.)
Marlena: Come in here, sweetie.
(Ali comes through the door in a sleepy shuffle.)
Marlena: What do you mean she’s here?
Ali: She’s downstairs. To pick us up. She’s early.
(John picks up his cell phone from the bedside table.)
John: Did she call us?
Marlena: Ali. You answered our door by yourself?
Ali: You didn’t get up when the doorbell rang.
Marlena: Ali, I have explicitly told you, when the doorbell rings, you come find one of us, you don’t just answer it by yourself.
Ali: The guard guy was there.
Marlena: That doesn’t matter! Especially now, you don’t answer it alone! Ever! Do you understand me?
(John steadies Marlena’s shoulder. Ali’s bottom lip quivers.)
Ali: I’m sorry.
(Marlena winces. Blinks back tears.)
Marlena: I’M sorry. I … I didn’t mean to yell at you. Come here.
(Marlena wraps Ali up in her arms. Kisses her forehead.)
Marlena: We just want you to be safe. We love you.
Ali: I know it.
(John ruffles Ali’s hair.)
Sami (from downstairs): Mom?
Marlena: (to SAMI) Coming, sweetie! (to ALI) Why don’t you go wake up your brother and sister for me, okay? We’ll help you get ready in a minute.
John: Love ya, kiddo.
(Ali leaves.)
(Marlena shivers. John wraps an arm around her shoulders.)
John: There’s no way he’d have gotten past the guard.
Marlena: Stefano can get past anything. He already took Claire, he could take them, too.
John: It won’t happen.
Marlena: … I just wish they’d catch him.
John: We’ll catch him.
Marlena: How many years have we been saying that?
John: Have many times have we won?
(She smiles. Leans her forehead against his.)
Sami (from downstairs): MOM!
Marlena: Coming right down!
(Marlena gathers her robe from the foot of the bed. Puts it on. Rises – but John takes her hand. She turns.)
Marlena: Want to watch me walk down the stairs?
John: … Will you go slow?
Marlena: Oh, baby. I always go slow.
INT. PENTHOUSE LIVING ROOM
(Sami waits, vibrating with impatience. John and Marlena lumber down the stairs in their robes.)
Marlena: Sami? Is everything all right?
(Sami bristles at the sight of John. She fixes her eyes on Marlena.)
Sami: Fine. It’s fine. I’m sorry, I know I should have called first. It’s just a client overseas bumped up our conference call at the last minute, I knew I’d need to pick up the kids now to get them to school beforehand, so –
Marlena: Well, honey, we could have gotten them off to school for you. That’s not a problem.
Sami: Mom. They’ve been here two nights in a row, I don’t want to burden you.
Marlena: They’re never a burden. Why do you think John redesigned all the bedrooms for them? We love having them here.
John: Any time.
(John smiles warmly at Sami. Sami looks at the floor.)
Sami: I appreciate that, Mom.
(Marlena glares at Sami.)
(Ali bundles down the stairs.)
Ali: Johnnie can’t find his shoes again.
(Sami lets out a harried sigh and starts toward the stairs.)
John: Tell ya what, kiddo, I’ll help ya.
(Sami stops in her tracks. John bends over, points at his back, grins at Ail.)
John: Hop on.
(Ali scowls.)
Ali: Grandpa. I’m too old for piggy back.
(Marlena chuckles.)
John: Pardon me.
(He extends his elbow. Ali takes it. They climb the stairs. Marlena glares at Sami again. Sami fumbles with her cell phone.)
Sami: ‘Scuse me, a second. I have to check my messages.
Marlena: Put the phone down.
(Sami juts out her chin.)
Sami: I’m expecting an important call.
Marlena: Samantha. You can take a second.
(Sami sets down her phone. They lock eyes.)
Marlena: You haven’t spoken two words to John since he returned to Salem. You won’t even look him in the eye. You don’t answer his calls, you don’t spend time with us. You just send the children. How long is this going to go on?
Sami: That’s a good question, Mom. How long is the charade going to go on?
Marlena: Charade?
Sami: Yes. Charade. He’s back in Salem a few short months, and everything’s forgotten, everything’s fine? He’s Saint John again? Never mind he treated you like garbage for over a year. Never mind he betrayed your marriage, with Kristen DiMera of all people.
Marlena: Samantha Gene! –
Sami: Never mind you AND Belle AND Claire could have died because he was stupid enough to let two of Stefano’s henchman walk right into your house!
Marlena: That is NOT John’s fault and you know it! We got OUT of there because of him!
Sami: You got out there because of Dad. Dad got you out; John could barely stand up. But of course … John’s the hero they all remember. Not Dad.
Marlena: Samantha. Your father has expressed, over and over, how grateful he is to John for getting us out. He has forgiven John.
Samantha: Oh, again?
[Pause.]
Marlena: Don’t.
Samantha: I’m the only person who isn’t surprised by what John did. That makes me the villain. Story of my life. I went to bat for Brady, it’s my fault he attacked you. I never left your bedside after Stefano put you through hell, but EJ and I are somehow to blame. But not Saint John! Of course he betrayed you with Kristen! Of course he didn’t respect your marriage! He didn’t respect your first marriage!
(Marlena slaps Sami across the face. Old, terrible history flashes between them. Grieved, Marlena looks toward the stairs.)
Sami: That would have been great for the kids to see. Real great. I’d just add it to the long list of awkward conversations we’ve had, about the two of you. Sydney’ll have another stomachache and EJ and I’ll have to tell her, again, “no, Grandpa and Grandma still love each other, don’t worry”, “no, they don’t hate Daddy and me,” no, Stefano’s not going to kill them”. It’s been a super fun year of that. Thanks for all your help.
Marlena (crying): I’m sorry. I’m so sorry … But you can’t blame John for all of that.
(Sami scoffs.)
Marlena: Sami, you are marrying a DiMera.
Sami: So you WERE lying all along. It was a lie. You told me I had your blessing!
Marlena: You do. You do. I want you to be happy. But you have to be seeing it. Having the children in that environment, in that world, the stress, the toll it’s taking on them.
Sami: John’s part DiMera. Have you forgotten that?
Marlena: Sami. Stefano could take them. From you. He could take them over and turn them into god knows –
Sami: – EJ?
(They lock eyes. Sami steps toward Marlena. Hisses.)
Sami: He’s not his father. He never will be. The day you stop judging him, maybe I’ll forgive John. Your move first.
Sydney: Mom?
(Sami gasps. John and the children – belongings in hand – stand at the foot of the stairs. Sydney holds her stomach. Sami rushes to her. Smiles.)
Sami: It’s okay, baby, it’s okay. Everything’s fine. Say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa. We have to go.
(Eyes on Sami, the children embrace John and Marlena. Marlena looks at Sami. Sami blinks back tears.)
Sami: Thanks again for having them over. What do you say, guys?
Johnnie, Sydney, Ali: Thank you!
(The front door closes. They’re gone. Marlena doesn’t move. John watches her. Winces. Wraps an arm around her shoulders.)
John (whispers): Didn’t go well?
(Marlena can’t speak. She shrugs. Bursts into tears. He turns her toward him. She buries her face in his shoulder.)
(He rocks her. Slowly. Pulls her tight. Rocks her more. Slowly moves them across the floor. She calms.)
Marlena: What are you doing?
John: Dancin’. With the love of my life.
Marlena: Oh, John, I … I don’t feel like –
(He lay a hand across her chest. Tucks his fingers inside her collar. She melts. He gently brushes a finger across her cheek. Catches her tears.)
John: We’ll see Dr. Foster today. We’ll unpack it. Right now. There’s only you. And me. Dance with me.
(He presses a remote button in his back pocket. Music beings to play: Adele singing “Make You Feel My Love”. Marlena beams. John reaches down … takes her hand in his. Wraps his other arm around her back. Nuzzles his nose … cheek … against hers. Her head surrenders to his shoulder. His lips rest against the back of her neck. Peace fills her face as they slowly turn … turn … turn …)
Page 42 of 54
INT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE – THAT AFTERNOON
Dr. Foster: How long did it take you to tell Marlena about your resentment?
[JOHN looks to MARLENA, unable to speak.]
Marlena: A good week. With a lot of prodding from me.
John: She’s good at that. It’s how we went on our first date. She doesn’t take “no” for an answer.
[He winks. Marlena tries to smile.]
Dr. Foster: Do you want to talk about the resentment now?
John: We already did. This morning. I’m here for Doc. Sami put her through the ringer today, I want her to have support for it.
Dr. Foster: Do you want to be here today?
John: For my wife, yes. Sami put her through the ringer. Let her talk about it.
Marlena: John.
Dr. Foster: Are you afraid to talk about your visit with Brady?
John: WHAT visit with Brady! I didn’t HAVE a visit with Brady!
[John trembles. Marlena squeezes his hand.]
Dr. Foster: What are you feeling right now?
John: I .. want to hold my wife and go back to the pier. And think about nothing.
Dr. Foster: I hear desires. What do you FEEL? Tell Marlena.
Marlena: You can still hold me if you like.
[He can’t look at her. He caresses her hand.]
John: I felt ashamed I felt resentment. Then I felt ashamed I wasn’t telling you about THAT. And I … just bottled myself up again, dammit, I wasn’t gonna do that. I was gonna change that. We’ve come so far, baby, I just took us twenty steps back.
Marlena: Not twenty.
[He wraps his hand around the back of her neck. She leans forward and rests her cheek against his.]
Dr. Foster: Did you feel safe to tell Marlena how you were feeling?
[Marlena reaches up and caresses his cheek. Searches his eyes. Waits. Trembles.]
John: I didn’t feel safe in myself. Again. I never will. I’m not safe. I’m scary. My son thinks I’m scary.
Dr. Foster: How do you know Brady thinks you’re scary?
John: He told Doc. He told her she was less scary than me.
Marlena: Oh, John, that’s not what he –
John: It means I’m scary. How the hell am I supposed to heal things with my son if he doesn’t feel safe with me?
Dr. Foster: Why do you think you’re scary to him?
John: I …
Marlena (whispers): It’s all right.
John: If you … have a father who’s … a different man every time you turn around … he can’t control it … (crying) … you set your son up to be the same way. Out of control. I did everything I could to shield him from that but … he just felt like I left him. And he’s out of control.
Dr. Foster: What scares you the most about Brady?
John: That I’ve lost him.
Dr. Foster: Tell me a fear about HIM, not about your relating to him.
What scares you the most about HIM? Don’t hesitate. Just say what’s there.
John: He’s never gonna be okay!
[The sentence hits John and Marlena square in the gut.]
Dr. Foster: “Brady, you’re never gonna be okay.” Do you think he feels that message coming from you? Whenever you’re in a room with him? Maybe that’s why he needs you out of the room … in order to believe in himself?
John: Oh god … no …
[John’s body crumples. Marlena holds him upright on the couch. Dr. Foster gently pushes forward the tissue box. Gives him a long moment.]
Dr. Foster: Guilt is the most cunning liar in the human psyche. It will convince you of realities, beliefs, responsibilities, when really – no, it’s all a lie, it’s just guilt. Here’s how guilt messes love up. Internally, you love your child, you feel remorse for hurting them, you say to them, “I hurt you, I’m sorry.” Then guilt takes over, “I hurt you, so you’re never going to be okay.” Your child is outside of you. They can’t feel your remorse. They don’t know that you’re believing a lie. All they hear from you is: “you’re never going to be okay.” Then they believe the lie. They become the lie. And guilt wins.
(Marlena and John cling to each other, besides themselves.)
Dr. Foster: Give me your hands, both of you.
(They all link hands.)
Dr. Foster: Take a deep breath.
(They do.)
Dr. Foster: I know this hurts like hell. Do you know why? Guilt is mad. We’ve called its bluff. Now, it’s really welling up inside you. It’s throwing a holy tantrum. But listen to me. Look at me. Hear this. Once you call guilt’s bluff, you can knock down its lie. Even if the lie is decades old. We can do that in here. So the next time you see Brady … the next you see Sami … you can tell them the truth.
Marlena (crying): That they can … be okay?
(Dr. Foster nods.)
Dr. Foster: You both ready to work on this?
John: I think we were ready twenty years ago.
EXT. THE PIER – THAT NIGHT
[John and Marlena cuddle in the shadows of a disappearing sunset, among an elaborate picnic.]
Marlena: I’m so proud of us. We’re solid enough now to tackle other issues besides our marriage. And Kristen. We are solid, aren’t we?
[John leans back slightly. He runs the blade of his finger down her cheek as he gazes into her eyes.]
John (whispers): That’s. A. Fact.
[She beams. Nuzzles her nose into his neck.]
Marlena: Thank you for bringing us out here today. Twice. And for the dance. And for you.
[His lips lean forward and meet hers. Slowly. Gently.]
John: Don’t move.
Marlena: What? Where are you going?
[John stands, holds up a finger, and disappears into a shadow.]
Marlena: John, it’s dark over here, don’t –
[He reemerges, sits behind her, wraps an arm about her chest and presents … an envelope.]
Marlena: What’s this?
John: Why I brought you here today. Open it.
(Marlena does. It’s a yellow-edged photo of her and Sam, age 2. One toddler holds the other to her, as if hugging a precious jewel. Marlena sighs, moved.)
Marlena: This is why you were late coming home Tuesday night. Isn’t it?
John: I told ya we were gonna find something in that storage unit.
Marlena: Well. I’ve never seen this one before.
John: You wouldn’t. It was stuck behind another photo. One of your Mom’s album.
(Marlena gazes at the toddler being held. Runs her finger across its innocent face.)
Marlena: I always wanted to take care of her. No matter how much she hurt (crying)… me … I just loved her so much …
[John holds her tight. Nuzzles his face into her hair. Whispers.]
John: That’s not you.
[Marlena gapes.]
Marlena: What?
John: Look on the back.
[Marlena does. She sees handwriting: “Samantha holding Marlena. Christmas 1949.” She blinks. Blinks again.]
Marlena: No, no, that … Momma was wrong, that –
[She squints at the photo again.]
Marlena: That’s MY dimple on that side, I’M holding HER –
[Marlena gasps. Squints again. Notices the faint outline of toddler arms around the yellowed edges of the photo. Realizes the photo’s image of her and Samantha … is a reflection in a mirror.]
Marlena (breathless): Her dimple’s on the right side. It is. It is Sam h-holding me …
[John pulls Marlena tight.]
John: Her first instinct … when she came into the world … was to hold and love and cherish you. That’s the Sam you knew first. That’s the Sam you can keep in your heart. When you let her go.
[Marlena folds into John’s embrace and cries. The sun disappears into the water. They rock, still and peaceful in the dark. Marlena isn’t afraid of it. Not anymore.]
Page 43 of 54
EXT. SALEM PARK – LATE THAT NIGHT
(John walks Marlena down a wooded path.)
Marlena: Okay, fess up.
John: ‘Bout what?
Marlena: About what? We pack the picnic in the car, are on the way home, and you suddenly want to pull over and stroll through the park at midnight?
John: The moon’s out and you’re gorgeous. Why not?
(She stops them.)
Marlena: John Black, you forget-
Marlena & John: – that I’m a psychiatrist.
(She smacks him on the arm and laughs. He leads her down the path again.)
Marlena: I know you brought me here for a reason. Now, what is it?
John: Don’t know what you’re talking about.
(He turns her body down a new path. She laughs.)
Marlena: Where are we going?
John: I’ll tell you how we’re going. Fast.
(He picks her up and dashes into the darkened woods. Marlena can’t stop laughing. Then, she panics.)
Marlena: John! John! Stop!
(He does. Drops her to her feet. She shakes.)
John: It’s okay. It’s all right. Is it the dark?
Marlena: No, no. We lost Jack. We can’t be here without protection.
John: He’s here. I just asked him to stay back. Like he did at the pier. We’re safe.
Marlena: … Jack?
Jack’s Voice: (calling out from the trees): I’m here, Dr. Evans. Everything’s fine.
John: I had two agents do a security sweep of this entire area. There’s not a DiMera in sight.
(Marlena raises an eyebrow.)
Marlena: You WERE planning something.
John: Maybe.
(He turns her body around, leads her through some brush … and they are at a lake. Moonlight shimmers across its calm surface. Lily pads glisten. Marlena sighs with delight.)
Marlena: I always forget this is back here. And look at the stars!
(John wraps his arms around her as they take in the sky. She leans her head back against his shoulder.)
John: Been unusually hot today, hasn’t it? For early May?
Marlena: It has.
John: I was thinkin’ … seems awful silly to go home, take a hot shower –
(He slowly runs a finger … up … her bare arm … she turns her face to his … they’re nose to nose.)
John: – makes much more sense –
(He runs a finger across her lips … down her neck …)
John: (whispers) – to take a cool dip.
(John unbuttons her top button. The next. The next. Marlena flushes.)
Marlena (breathless): You rascal.
John: You up for it?
(Marlena grins. Turns to him. He fumbles with the rest of her shirt. She giggles.)
Marlena: Can’t see in the dark, huh?
John: Didn’t quite plan out this part.
Marlena: Why don’t you just use your teeth?
John: I might accidentally bite you.
Marlena: So?
(They laugh. He attacks her mouth. She takes his tongue. Moans.)
(Suddenly – a rustling from the brush. They break apart.)
Marlena: John! John!
(John stands in front of her like a lion.)
John: Jack, talk to me! What’s happening?
(Will emerges, hands in the air.)
Will: It’s okay! It’s okay! We’ve got clearance!
(Sonny emerges, followed by a stumbling Jack.)
Jack (out of breath): They walked over here before … I could announce … sorry.
(Marlena lets out a giant sigh.)
John: Thank you, Jack.
Sonny: We’re so sorry, he said we were okay, so we thought –
Will: We didn’t mean to scare you both. We know DiMera’s still on the loose. Are you okay?
John: We’re fine. ‘Sokay.
(John rubs Marlena’s back. She realizes her shirt is half open. Buttons it furiously. Will and Sonny blush, look at the ground. Grin.)
Marlena: What are you both doing out so late? Where – where’s Ariana?
Sonny: Ah. Well. Uh. I think Mom was getting a little jealous that we kept bringing her over to your house.
John: Adrienne? Offended?
Will: I know. Astonishing.
(They all laugh.)
Sonny: So we sent Ari to stay with them for the weekend. And it was such a beautiful night … and we had the free time … (puts his arms about Will’s waist and gazes at him in love) … we uh …
Will: Looks like we all decided to do the same thing.
(Marlena blushes. John clears his throat.)
Sonny: The walking. The walking thing.
Will: Right. The walking thing. Actually, I think we were gonna go walk over there.
Sonny: That was it. That was exactly it. Uh. Good to see you both.
Marlena: Eh! Hold on. You’re not getting away that easily. Come here.
(Marlena wraps her arms around Will and squeezes him tight. He whispers in her ear.)
Will: I’m so happy to see you happy.
(She whispers back.)
Marlena: You, too.
(She nuzzles his nose and kisses him on the forehead.)
Marlena: My sweet boy.
(She kisses Sonny on the cheek. Wipes the lipstick away with her thumb.)
Sonny: So, dinner still on? Wednesday?
John: Reservations are booked.
Will: Okay. We’ll see you then.
Marlena (calling after them): Kiss Ariana for me!
(They disappear into the brush, hand in hand. John wraps his arms Marlena. She nuzzles her cheek against his.)
John: Crying?
(Marlena nods. Sniffs.)
John: Two short weeks and our Will’l be a husband.
Marlena: I can’t wait. They just .. they just fit.
John: Yes, they do. Speaking of … where were we?
(He turns her to face him. She beams. Their gaze unwavering, his hand brushes down her blouse and finds a fastened button. Releases it. The next. The next. Her blouse slides off her body and into the grass. His mouth presses into the crook of her neck. She lets out a yelp. Her head drops against his chest. He unhooks her bra. It falls. She presses her upper body against him, grabbing at his hair. Presses her cheek to his. Breathes in the scent of his mouth. His hands find the zipper of her skirt and slowly … it drops to the grass. His fingers glide down her hip and underneath her lace panties.)
Marlena: Wait.
(He looks at her.)
Marlena: You’re not getting any relief from this heat.
(She unbuckles his pants. Gives a love bite to his cheek.He grins.)
CUT TO
(Nude, they turn in the water, their mouths opening and closing, opening and closing to each other. John’s mouth travels across Marlena’s cheek … to her ear … her nails dig into his back … his mouth travels down her neck … chest … she leans her head back into the water. He cradles it with one hand and submerges his face, a few seconds at a time, teasing and attacking her breasts underneath. She moans. He stops, lifts her head to meet his, thrusts forward, and she’s inside him. Marlena lets out a cry. Presses her lips against him and gives him her tongue. He grasps her hair. They moan and breathe and ride the orgasm together. The water swirls and crashes against their glistening bodies as they tremble, more and more and more, ’til their lips release, and the water stills. They gaze at each other. Serene. Blissful. Whole.)
LATER
(John and Marlena lay up against each other along the bank, nude and wet, underneath John’s jacket.)
Marlena: Do you remember Hot Springs? How guilty we felt afterward? And for so long? About our love?
(John gently caresses her hair.)
John: No more guilt.
(She looks up at him.)
Marlena: No more guilt. About anything.
(They kiss … long … gentle … and sweet.)
Page 44 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE – EARLY MORNING
(Marlena, blissful and sleepy-eyed in John’s pajama shirt, stands at the piano and runs her fingers over the photo of her and Sam, now framed. John approaches, in his pajama pants, and wraps his arms around her from behind.)
Marlena: I’ll never be able to thank you enough for this.
(He squeezes her closer.)
John: You don’t have to.
Marlena: I do. She should have been here years ago.
John: When you’re ready, we can add more.
(He nuzzles her neck. Sadness fills her eyes.)
Marlena: I’m sorry.
John: For what?
Marlena: I haven’t told you about the room yet. I know you wanted me to.
(He gently turns her to him. Caresses her face.)
John: I told you you don’t have to rush that. When you’re ready.
Marlena: You’ve just been so patient about it and I keep on –
(He puts a thumb to her lips.)
John: I owe you everything. I don’t mind a wait. Not one bit.
(Moved, she blinks back tears. Rubs his wrists.)
Marlena: It’s just when I talk about the room and Sam, I’ll have to talk about the pit, too, and Stella … The memories are connected inside me, they’re all jumbled together. Because I thought if I shared that memory with Stella, she’d let me go. She didn’t. Which just made it … ten times more (crying) h-horrible … I’ve worked through it with Dr. Foster, it’s … it’s just a lot of layers of … dark and being trapped and –
John: – I know that, baby, I know.
(He envelopes her in a hug.)
Marlena: I just don’t want you to feel like I’m keeping something from you.
John: I don’t think that. I’ll be here. Whenever you’re ready.
Marlena: I know.
(She breaks the embrace, beams, caresses his cheek.)
Marlena: I know …
(She turns to the photo again. Leans her head back against his shoulder.)
Marlena: This helps me so much. To look at us. I haven’t been as frightened of the dark lately, have you noticed?
John: I have noticed. Especially last night.
(She grins.)
Marlena: I loved the dark last night.
John: Yeah?
Marlena: Mmm.
John: Care for a replay?
(His hands travel down her waist and grab her ass. She blushes.)
Marlena: How many rooms were we in? Three?
John: And the hallway. And the shower.
(She laughs. Turns to him. Nose to nose.)
Marlena: Are you trying to kill me?
John: Oh. I’ve heard that excuse before.
(She laughs again. Opens her mouth to his.)
(DOORBELL John growls, picks up Marlena over his shoulder. She can’t stop laughing.)
John: That’s it! We’re moving to the moon!
Belle (outside the front door): Guys? It’s me!
Marlena: Sorry, Neil Armstrong.
(John playfully grunts. Lets her down. Slowly. She walks to the FRONT DOOR on jello legs, beaming. Sees her bare legs, gasps, grabs a nearby blanket and wraps it around herself. Opens the FRONT DOOR. Belle enters, flustered.)
Marlena: Hi, sweetie.
Belle: Sorry to just drop by, I know it’s really early.
John: You kidding? We’re always happy to see you. Get over here.
(John opens his arms. Belle is wrapped in the best Father Bear Hug. Marlena smooths her hair.)
Marlena: Is everything all right? You look a little pale.
Belle: Mom.
Marlena: I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I won’t fuss.
(She beams at her daughter. Looks her over.)
Belle: Actually, Aunt Kayla gave me a clean bill of health yesterday. She says my blood pressure’s back to normal and the baby’s doing just fine.
Marlena: Oh! That’s good, that is good.
John: Yes!
(Marlena pulls Belle close and puts a hand on her belly.)
Belle: So … I wondered if you could pick Claire up from school this afternoon and take her for the weekend. Just until Sunday. You can say “no”, I can ask other people. I know it’s last minute.
John: No, no, we’re home this weekend. Doc?
Marlena: We’d love to. Always. You know that. My last patient’s at four thirty but –
John: – I can pick her up. I’ll take her back to the batting cage. She’ll love that.
Belle: Oh god. We’re gonna have to put her on a team if you keep that up. She won’t stop raving about it.
John: At’s my girl!
Belle: Well … thank you.
(She gives them each a quick kiss on the cheek.)
Belle: Shawn and I will see you on Sunday.
(She turns for the FRONT DOOR.)
Marlena: Belle, stop.
(She does. Turns back to her mother.)
Marlena: It’s not like you to ask at the last minute and not say why. What’s going on?
Belle: Nothing. Shawn and I are just … we’re taking a short trip.
John: Not without a bodyguard, you’re not.
Belle: We’ve got one, Dad.
Marlena: Why such a rush? What did you really come over here to tell us?
Belle: MOM.
Marlena: Yes, I’m shrinking you. I admit it. Tell us. What’s going on?
(Pause.)
Belle: I’m going to see Brady. Shawn couldn’t change my mind, so he’s coming with me.
(Pause.)
John: Izzy. You got a clean bill of health YESTERDAY –
Belle: So, I’m going today.
Marlena: … Belle –
Belle: Before you say anything, I’ve mapped it all out. There are five hospitals between here and where Brady is. I know the highway exits, I have their phone numbers, I have Aunt Kayla’s cell number. And Roman has a bodyguard traveling with us.
Marlena: Roman’s all right with this?!
Belle: Because Shawn’s coming. I’ll have two people with me, I’ll be checking my blood pressure, there’s no reason for you to worry.
Marlena: And what if the car breaks down? Hmm? What if you hit a patch of road where it’s fifty miles either way to a hospital? What if you cell phone loses reception? Are either of the men with you physicians? NO!
(John rubs Marlena’s shoulders.)
John: Doc –
Marlena: I can’t believe you’re being this reckless with your baby!
Belle: I’m NOT!
(John pulls Marlena away. Takes her face in his hands.)
John: Doc, DOC.
(She stills.)
John: Belle has a solid head on her shoulders. You gave her that. You know she wouldn’t travel like this if it wasn’t safe. I think she’s made a good plan. I think she’s gonna be just fine.
Marlena: Oh, so it’s two against one now?
(Marlena bats him away. Turns her back to them.)
Belle: Mom. Brady needs me. I got him to go there, remember? You couldn’t do it. He needs me again. He’s scared to come home.
John: He told you that?
(Belle nods. Marlena turns to them.)
Belle: I get why you haven’t been back, I know you three are working stuff out, I get that. But, my god, he needs one of us there. It can’t just be Maggie. He needs me. I’m healthy enough now, I have to go. He needs to see this baby. He needs a reason to come home.
John: He doesn’t think we want him home?
Belle: He doesn’t think you should.
(Tears run down their cheeks.)
John: I’m coming with you.
Belle: No. Dad. Not this visit. It’s just gonna be me. That’s what he wants. But I’ll let him know you will be coming. Both of you. When we all pick him up.
(They nod. John pulls her into a hug. Kisses her forehead.)
John (whispers): Thank you.
Marlena: Does Claire know where you and Shawn are going?
Belle: I told her “a trip”. I thought it’d be easier on her.
Marlena: You need to tell her the truth, Belle.
Belle: She just stopped having her nightmares, I don’t want to add stress to her.
Marlena: She’ll find out anyway. If she doesn’t already know. If she doesn’t hear the truth from you, it’s going to hurt her. You and Shawn need to pick her up from school today, and tell her. Then bring her by here.
John: Better yet, have supper with us before you go.
Marlena: That’ll probably make it easier for her. too.
John: Your Mom’s right.
(Pause.)
Belle: We’ll have to break up our trip, then. Stay overnight somewhere.
John: Good. We don’t want you making a long drive like that in one day anyway.
Belle: You’ll spend the whole dinner trying to change my mind?
John: Can ya blame us?
(Belle grins.)
Marlena: You’ll have today to rest, too. Before you leave. I have a break at noon. Maybe we can go … to the spa. Hmm?
Belle: … I love you both so much.
(They wrap their arms around her.)
Marlena: We love you.
Belle: I missed these hugs.
John: We missed you.
LATER
(Claire – clad in Marlena’s evening gown, gloves, pearls, and high heels – wobbles across the carpet as Marlena films her, giggling. John stands, arm outstretched, in a tux.)
John: May I have this dance, madam?
Claire: No! I ask you.
John: Oh. Forgot. Feminist.
(She wobbles up to him with a solemn expression. Extends a hand. John can barely contain his laughter.)
Claire: Sir, would you be so kind as to dance with me?
John: I would be honored, madam.
(Claire kicks off the high heels and stands on his feet. John dances with her, trying not to trip on Marlena’s dragging dress train. He grins at the camera.)
Claire: Dip me!
John: Honey, I think if I try that, you’ll dip me.
(Marlena guffaws.)
(THE BALCONY DOORS FLY OPEN! Claire lets out a cry, and jumps into John’s arms. Marlena lets out a sigh of relief when she realizes the culprit: a gust of wind. She rushes to close and lock the doors. It hasn’t helped. Claire is hysterical. John holds her tight.)
John: It’s okay, I gotcha. We’re all right, we’re all right.
(Marlena crouches beside her.)
Marlena: It was just wind blowing it open. That’s all it was. Look. Look. I’ll show you.
Claire: NO! Grandma, don’t go over there!
Marlena: Okay, okay. I won’t. I’m right here. We’re both right here.
(She wiggles in their embrace.)
Claire: We can’t be here! We’re not safe!
Marlena: Honey, we’re perfectly safe. I promise. Remember everything I showed you? The alarms we have. Jack is right outside.
(Claire points at the balcony doors.)
Claire: He’s not over there!
Marlena: Honey, there’s no way anyone could climb that wall, I promise you. We’re too high up. We’re safe.
Claire: … I wanna go home.
(John holds her tighter.)
John: Bug, you need to stay here for right now. Your Mom and Dad are traveling, remember?
Marlena: We can Skype them. We can Skype them right now.
Claire (crying): I want Momma here!
Marlena: I know, baby, I know.
(Marlena caresses her hair. Claire continues to wiggle, miserable.)
Marlena: You know what? I think we’re pooped. I think we should go to bed.
John: That sounds like a good idea.
Marlena: It’s past all our bedtimes. You look pretty sleepy to me. Let’s tuck you bed. Hmm?
Claire: Stop treating me like a baby!
(Claire breaks loose from John and bolts up the STAIRCASE.)
Marlena: Claire!
INT. BELLE’S BEDROOM
(Marlena hears sniveling. She sees two tiny socked feet sticking out from under the bed.)
INT. UNDER BELLE’S BED
Claire: How’d you know I was here?
Marlena: A lucky guess. Plus, your Momma used to hide under here when she was your age.
Claire: Really?
Marlena: Umm hmm. It’s a great spot. I should use it myself. We can Skype your Momma and Daddy if you want. I know right where they are. They’re safe. So’s your Uncle Brady.
Claire: STOP babying me!
Marlena: I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Claire. We don’t mean to make you feel like that.
(Pause.)
Claire: You think I’m a scaredy-cat?
(Marlena looks at her in love.)
Marlena: I’d never think you’re a scaredy-cat.
(Pause.)
Claire: I thought Stefano was coming in the window.
Marlena: I know … Can I tell you a secret? Stefano still scares me sometimes.
Claire: But you’re old! I’m gonna afraid of Stefano THAT LONG?
(Marlena giggles in spite of herself.)
Marlena: Well, honey, just because you’re afraid of Stefano, it doesn’t mean you can’t still be happy. Or have fun. With the people you love. It doesn’t mean you can’t stand up to him. I do it. You’ve done it. I’ve watched you do it.
Claire: But what if I can’t next time? What if next time is scarier? What if he takes me again? What if he takes all of us?
(Marlena winces. Blinks back tears.)
Marlena: Those are a lot of scary worries, aren’t they? … Would you like a hug?
(Tears tumble down Claire’s cheeks. She nods.)
INT. BELLE’S BEDROOM
(Claire crawls out from under the bed and into Marlena’s waiting arms. Marlena holds her tight.)
Marlena (whispers): My brave girl.
Claire: No, I’m not.
Marlena: You are so. It takes a lot of courage to talk about how scared you feel. You know you can always tell us how scared you are?
(Claire nods into Marlena’s wet shoulder. John appears in the DOORWAY, dressed in more of Marlena’s evening wear.)
Marlena: Oh my gosh! What’s Grandpa doing? Look.
(Claire sees him. Raises a John-like eyebrow.)
Claire: Those aren’t yours!
John: They’re not? You sure? Huh.
(He reaches onto the bed for one of Claire’s headbands. Puts it on his head. Claire grins.)
Claire: That’s not yours, either!
John: I thought this is what I’m supposed to wear when I make banana splits.
(Claire’s face lights up.)
Marlena: Oh no. He said the magic phrase.
Claire: Race ya to the kitchen!
(Claire hops up and bolts out of the room. John helps Marlena up. She beams at him, starts to leave, he takes her arm.)
John: I saw your face, too. When the doors blew open.
Marlena: … I’m all right.
(He holds her arm. And her eyes.)
John: We’ll catch him.
(Tears fill hers.)
Marlena: What if it’s years again? What if Claire doesn’t get relief all that time? She shouldn’t be dealing with this, John. She’s eight!
(He takes her face in his hands.)
John: She’ll make it. She’s you.
Marlena: … She’s her mother.
John: Which means … she’s you.
(Marlena beams. Their foreheads touch. Her eyes close in peace.)
Claire (from downstairs): Grandma! Where’s the chocolate sauce?
John: And she cooks like you. We better get down there.
(Marlena gasps and swats John on the arm. He grins.)
Page 45 of 54
The Return Part 1
EXT. DRUG REHAB – AFTERNOON
(As his counselors watch with pride, a healthier, filled-out Brady has a tearful, squeeze-hug reunion with Belle and Claire. He picks up his bag and holds onto Belle for dear life as they lumber toward the car. Claire hops around and in front of them, talking a mile a minute.)
(They reach the car … and John. The father and son lock eyes. John is overcome. Brady ducks his head and bolts toward the trunk – but Belle grabs his arm. Nudges him toward John. She and Claire stand, in identical poses, waiting.)
(Long. Awkward. Pause.)
Brady: So … Marlena’s sick.
John: Yeah. Yeah. She woke up with a real nasty stomach bug this morning.
Brady: That sucks.
John: Yeah. She was real torn up about it, she wanted to be here more than anything.
But she’s excited to see you tonight. Sick or not.
(Brady takes in the words. Tries to smile. John looks him over in love. Brady looks at his shoes – hard.)
Brady: Guess Shawn had to take Caroline to her uh …
John: – yeah, yeah. Hope and Ciara went with him. Kind of a long drive, her specialist. So. Made a day out of it. Don’t want her to miss those check ups. Important.
Brady: She’s still doin’ okay, though. What I hear.
John: Yeah. Yeah. Been truckin’ right along.
(Claire frowns at them both. Pulls her mother closer to John and Brady. Brady sees them and relaxes slightly.)
Brady: Belle sent me the footage from Will and Sonny’s wedding. her speech. Best one there.
John: Wasn’t that something?
Brady: And Marlena officiating. Never would have pictured that.
Claire: Why not?
Belle (whispers): Claire. Shhh.
(Brady grins at his niece and playfully pokes her arm.)
Brady: This one. And Ciara. Flower girls.
Claire: Ciara’s a camera hog.
Belle: Claire!
Claire: She is.
Brady: It was amazing footage. It was really amazing footage, Belle.
Belle: Dad shot that footage, Brady. All of it. For you.
(A stunned shiver passes through Brady. He bites his lip. John blinks back tears.)
Brady: Safer than me bein’ there, huh?
Belle (evenly): You know you were invited.
(Brady seethes. Winces. Shoves his hands in his pockets. John’s hands tremble, but they just can’t reach out.)
Claire: Can you guys HUG already?!
(John steps forward, arms outstretched … as Brady ducks down, picks up his bag, and – door slam! – retreats to the back seat.)
Claire (under her breath): Chicken.
Belle: CLAIRE.
Claire: Sorry.
Belle: Go sit next to him. Quietly.
(Claire bolts toward the car.)
Belle: Seat belt!
(Belle searches her father’s eyes. She can’t speak. He gently touches her chin. Wraps an arm around her and kisses her forehead. She squeezes him tight.)
John (whispering): Thanks for getting him to come home.
Belle: He loves you more than anything. You know that.
John: I love you.
Belle: I love you, too.
Claire (calling from the car): Mom! Uncle Brady’s got like two hundred pieces of candy!
(John and Belle raise an eyebrow.)
Belle That’s my cue to join them in the backseat.
John: Good strategy. Damage control.
(She giggles.)
INT. PENTHOUSE
(Marlena sits on the couch, sipping tea, open album at her side, pictures in her lap – of Will and Sonny’s wedding. She receives a text.)
CELL PHONE SCREEN
(Will and Sonny grin from a selfie on the beach. The message underneath reads: “give Brady a giant hug from us!”)
INT. PENTHOUSE
(Marlena beams. Sits her teacup on the coffee table. Texts back.)
CELL PHONE SCREEN
(“I will. Enjoy the honeymoon! Love you!”)
INT. PENTHOUSE
(She returns to the photos. Her cell phone rings. She answers it.)
Marlena: Hi, honey … (hearing the commotion) Oh! Is Claire talking Brady’s ear off?
INT. JOHN’S CAR
John: Oh yeah. They’ve been arguing baseball stats for the past hour.
Belle (calling out): Mom, help!
INT. PENTHOUSE
(Marlena laughs.)
INT. CAR
John: Hey, you sound better. You sound great!
SHOTS ALTERNATE BETWEEN CAR AND PENTHOUSE
Marlena: Oh, I am, I’m just fine, that’s what’s so awful.
John: What’s awful about that?
Marlena: It’s awful; after you left, I went back to sleep, not an hour later, I woke up feeling just fine, I could’ve gone with you.
John: Doc … you were throwing up all night.
Marlena: I know that, but –
John: – you didn’t wanna risk giving it to Belle, whatever you had. It’s good you stayed home. Don’t feel guilty about that.
(Marlena furrows her brows. Sighs. John raises an eyebrow.)
John: What is it? What’s the matter?
Marlena: Nothing.
John: No, no. Your breathing got funny. What is it?
Marlena: It’s just … strange, I … I don’t even feel tired. I don’t feel as though I’ve been ill all night. Just suddenly I’m fine. I’ve never had a bug behave like that, I’ve never even had food poisoning behave like that.
John: Couldn’t have been food poisoning, we ordered the same food last night.
Marlena: I know! I … I don’t know what this was.
(John’s eyes cloud over with concern.)
John: Call Kayla. Have her take a look atcha.
Marlena: No, no, honey, I’m … don’t wanna bother her, I’m … fine, I just … (tears) really really wanted to be there today.
John: … I know, baby, I know … Hey, you wanna talk to him?
Marlena: Oh! God. Yes, I’d love that.
John: Hang on. Hey, Brady – (extends phone to back seat) – somebody special wants to talk to you.
Claire (calls out, face buried in Brady’s candy stash): Hi, Grandma!
Belle: ONE more piece, Claire. That’s it.
(Brady stares at the phone. Looks back to Claire’s candy sorting.)
John: … Son.
(Eyes averted from John, Brady unwraps a Pez dispenser for Claire. Shakes his head.)
Belle: Brady.
Brady: Just … tell her I hope she feels better.
(Marlena listens to Brady’s words. Tears fill her eyes.)
Marlena: Tough ride, huh?
John (whispers): … Yeah.
Marlena: How’d your first conversation go?
(John sighs. Blinks back tears.)
Marlena: It needs to happen, John. Today.
(He discreetly wipes tears from his face.)
John: I know … I know …
Marlena: You’ve done the work, honey, I know you can have that conversation.
(John sniffs. Marlena listens in love. Waits.)
Marlena: You know what? The day isn’t over yet.
John: That’s a fact.
(Marlena smiles.)
(John glances back at his son – then startles. Squints. Looks to the highway behind the car.)
Marlena: … John? … JOHN.
John: Sorry. Sorry.
Marlena: Where’d you go?
John: Uh, just … (glances behind the car again) … think we lost Carter for a second.
Marlena (urgently): He’s not behind you?
John: He probably got stuck behind a semi. I’ll just slow down a little bit here.
(Marlena hops to standing.)
Marlena: Call Roman.
John: Doc, it’s fine, he’s here, he’s just …
Marlena; If you don’t see Carter, I want you to call Roman, I don’t want you on that highway without protection, not for a minute!
John: Marlena. He’s behind us. Okay?
Marlena: You see him now?
John: I’ll … any second.
Marlena: You hang up with me, you call Carter, if you can’t reach him, you pull over and you call Roman. Promise me you’ll do that. Promise!
John: I will do that. I promise. If it’ll make you feel better.
Marlena (tears): I’d feel better if I was with you.
John: I would, too.
(Marlena puts her fingers to her lips. Tears tumble down her cheeks.)
(John listens in love. Waits.)
John: I’m okay. We’re all okay. I promise. We’ll be home by eight.
Marlena; I know. I know.
John: Then, what is it?
Marlena: I don’t know, I’m just … having a feeling of dread all of a sudden … I think I just need your arms around me.
John (gently): They are around you. I’m right there. Your hands are in my hands.
(Marlena looks down at her clenched fists. They relax. She laughs through tears.)
John: Your beautiful face is up against my heart.
(Marlena beams. Closes her eyes.)
John: My arms around you, and they’re not … letting … go.
(She sighs. Fresh tears tumble down her cheeks.)
John: Better?
Marlena (whispers): … Better. I love you.
John: I love you, too, sweetheart.
Marlena: Bye.
John: Bye.
(John hands up the phone. Glances behind the car again. Concern fills his face.)
INT. PENTHOUSE
(Marlena sets her cell phone down on the table. Picks up her tea. Takes a shaky sip. Walks to the piano. Runs her fingers over the family photos of her, John , Belle, and Brady. Shivers. Take a deep breath. Another. Closes her eyes.)
Marlena (whispers): They’re safe … they’re safe …
Stefano: Marlena.
(Marlena whips around with a cry. Her tea cup drops and shatters against the coffee table. Stefano, noticeably gaunt, leers at her from the shadows in front of the STAIRCASE.)
Marlena: JACK! … JACK! …
(Marlena bolts toward the FRONT DOOR – it opens and two new henchmen step inside. They close the door behind them, blocking her.)
Marlena: What did you do to him? Where’s Jack?
Stefano: He’ll recover. Don’t worry.
(Marlena darts her hand to the table behind her, knocking over flowers and picture frames … searching, searching …. Stefano holds up her cordless phone and cell phone.)
Stefano: Looking for these?
INT. JOHN’S CAR
(A wave of worry suddenly shivers through John. Claire’s sugar-hyper monologue show continues in the backseat, unaware, as he redials Marlena’s number.)
INT. PENTHOUSE
Stefano: How are you feeling, Marlena? Your stomach has recovered, no?
(Marlena gapes. Realizes.)
Marlena: You drugged my food. You drugged my food last night, at the restaurant!
Stefano: My apologies for the discomfort. But. I had to insure that you’d stay home.
(The henchman step forward slightly. Marlena grounds her feet like a Grizzly bear.)
INT. CAR
(John listens to ring after ring. His face pales over.)
John (under his breath): Come on, Doc … come on … come on, baby, pick up the phone …
INT. PENTHOUSE
(Marlena gasps as her cell phone rings in Stefano’s hand. He sneers at the display screen. Shows it to Marlena.)
Stefano: The Pawn’s radar for me. Still impeccable.
Marlena: No. His radar for me. He knows something’s wrong. You haven’t broken our connection, Stefano. You haven’t broken our trust. You haven’t broken our love. You never will. And you can’t get your hands on Belle or Claire. They’re miles away from here.
Stefano: I know where they are, Marlena.
(He shows her a photograph.)
Stefano: They’re here.
(Marlena looks at the photograph. It’s an image of Claire, Belle, John, and Brady – taken from a hidden camera INSIDE John’s car. In his other hand, Stefano presents a bomb detonator.)
Stefano: How they remain … is up to you.
(Marlena turns white as a sheet.)
INT. CAR
(John presses his cell phone to his ear. He trembles.)
John (under his breath): Come on, Jack, come on, Jack … come ON, Jack! DAMMIT!
(He ends the call. Roughly wipes the tears from his eyes. Dials another number. Waits.)
John (under his breath): Roman – John. Listen, Jack and Carter are MIA, I need you to get to the Penthouse now. (bursts) I don’t know how they – look, I don’t have time to – he’s back, he’s with her, I can feel it, GET OVER THERE!
(The backseat is suddenly quiet. John stops breathing as he realizes. He stares in the rear view mirror at his now trembling family.)
Belle: … Dad?
(John ends the call. Shoves his cell phone in his jacket pocket.)
John: I’m just having Roman check up on your Mom. See how she’s feeling. That’s all.
Brady: Belle just heard everything you said. We all did. You think we’re stupid?
John: Son, I’m just telling you there’s nothing to worry about. K? Let’s all just –
(Claire flings herself into the front seat.)
Brady: Claire, seat belt!
(Her quivering face presses into John’s shoulder.)
Claire: Call Gramarlena back. Call her back!
(Belle lets out a sudden cry and holds her belly.)
Brady: Belle!
John: Whoah! Izzy!
(Claire flings herself toward her mother; John clutches the back of her t-shirt and sits her back down.)
John: You stay put, you put on your seat belt. Now!
(Claire does. John places a trembling hand on her head and glances back at his daughter.)
Brady: She’s having contractions, Dad, we need to pull over.
Belle: No, we DON’T! Get us home!
INT. PENTHOUSE
(ROMAN looks about him. All air leaves his body. Marlena’s cell phone sits on the TABLE next to the FRONT DOOR The cordless sits nearby, dead. Flower vases and picture frames lay strewn about the floor, along with a shattered tea cup. She’s gone.)
Page 46 of 54
The Return Part 2
EXT. HIGHWAY / JOHN’S CAR
(The car is parked, doors open, by the highway. Belle hunches in the backseat, trying to calm her breathing. John and Brady hover around her. John’s cell phone rings non stop.)
John: Izzy. we’re laying you down on your side.
Belle: We’re wasting time, you two stop, we have to get to Mom!
John: Don’t argue with me!
(Ringing cell phone squeezed in his hand, John gently lays Belle across the BACK SEAT, her head in Brady’s lap. Outside the car, Claire stands behind John, wide eyed and shivering. He turns to her and gently touches her cheek.)
John: Bug? You had Brady’s bag. Where is it?
Claire: … Front seat.
John: Bring it to me.
(Claire wraps her arms about Brady’s bag and slides it off the FRONT SEAT. She stumbles forward and drops it into John’s hands. A microscopic, shiny something catches her eye from the FRONT SEAT air conditioning vent. She walks towards it.)
John: Baby, ‘scuse me, I’m sorry.
(John raises Belle’s skirt slightly, lifts her leg, and places the bag between her knees. He squints in concern. A tiny trickle of blood is present on her inner thigh.)
Belle: What? What is it?
(John breathes back panic and rubs her arm.)
John: Just a little bit of blood.
Belle: Oh!
John: It’s just a little bit.
(Belle panics. Outside the car, Claire holds the tiny shiny something in her hand. She tugs at John’s sleeve.)
Claire: Pop Pop?
(John pulls her into a tight embrace.)
John: It’s all right, Bug. She’s okay. She’s okay.
Claire: But –
(Belle can’t stop panicking. John’s cell phone rings again.)
Belle: Dammit, ANSWER that, Dad! It’s Roman!
John: Izzy. Don’t think about that. Breathe.
Belle: Mom needs us! WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?!
(In a flash, Brady presses his forehead to Belle’s.)
Brady (whispers): You have a baby in your belly, your other baby’s looking right at you. You gotta pull it together. Now. You can’t help Marlena right now. It’s just you. We’re gonna calm these down. Breathe. Breathe with me.
(He breathes slowly. She tries.)
Belle: Dad, call Roman back.
Brady: He’s gonna call Roman back. He’s gonna call him back. She’s gonna be fine. You breathe with me. Now. Belle. Breathe.
(He laces his fingers into Belle’s. He breathes slowly, again. Her breaths begin to match his.)
Brady: You tell me when there’s a contraction. I’ll time ‘em. And before you know it, they’ll stop. You’ll be fine.
(Her face calms. Focuses.)
Brady: You know I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.
(Belle’s body surrenders into complete, grounded trust.)
Belle: I know that.
(John stares at his son, overwhelmed. His cell phone rings again.)
Brady: Dad, answer that. We got this.
Belle: Please, please answer that.
John: K. I’ll be back.
(John pulls back.)
Claire: Pop Pop! I gotta tell you –
John: Bug! Here –
(He slips off Belle’s shoes.)
John: I’ll tell you what you can do for your Mom? Rub your feet. Real gentle. Like this. K?
Belle: Oh, I’d love that.
John: You do that, it’ll be a big help. K? I’ll be right over here.
(He steps away from the car.)
Claire: But I need to –
Belle: Claire. Claire. Stay here, baby. Stay here.
(She reaches for her daughter’s hand. Claire turns back to her mother, shaking.)
Belle (crying): I’m so sorry I’ve scared you. I’m sorry. I’m okay. I promise.
(John walks away from the car and dials his cell phone.)
INT. PENTHOUSE
(Roman picks up his cell phone in a fury.)
Roman: John! What the hell? I’ve called you almost fifteen! –
John: Belle’s in labor.
(Shots alternate between CAR and PENTHOUSE)
Roman: … What? It’s way too early!
John: We’re trying to calm it down. She heard me talkin’ to you about Doc, it just set it all off.
Roman: Oh my god …
John: Tell me she’s there. Tell me she’s home.
(Roman can’t speak. John closes his eyes.)
Roman: You know I got everybody on this. Everybody.
(John kicks the ground with a scream. Tries to breathe. Can’t. Paces. Over and over.)
John: Okay. Okay. Look we’re about an hour outta Salem. I need a helicopter for Belle, from the hospital. We’re gonna start driving to save time, just tell them to find out car along the highway, we’ll stop. I’ll call you for updates on Doc while I’m driving.
Roman: You got it.
(They both hang up.)
Claire: Pop Pop.
(John startles. She stands nearly on his toes.)
John: Claire! Dammit, I told you to stay with your Mom!
Claire: We can’t be in the car.
(She holds up the tiny, shiny something. John takes it into his hand. He recognizes it instantly. A microscopic camera.)
Claire: It’s not one of yours. You showed me all yours.
(All air leaves his body.)
John: Bug, where’d you find this?
Claire: Air conditioning vent.
(Her lips tremble like her grandmother’s. She clutches the bottom of his shirt.)
Claire: Stefano’s done things to the car.
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(A mammoth space with gold paneled walls, high ceilings, lit candelabras, and plush furniture. Wine chills on a bar next to two glass goblets and a crackling fireplace. A stunning sunset gleams through a window. Marlena lay across a silk-sheeted bed, rose petals cradling her body. Her eyes squint in terror. She tosses and turns, as if fighting off an army of lions. She screams. A hand touches her cheek. She bolts awake, her knees to her chest. She sees him, inches from her, sitting on the bed.)
Stefano: You’re awake, Marlena. You’re awake. It’s all right.
(She recoils. Dizziness stops her. She holds her head. Tears fall down her cheeks.)
Stefano: Relax.
Marlena: I thought …
Stefano: The shot would put you to sleep? Kill you? No, no, no. I don’t want that.
(She clutches her collar.)
Marlena: Last time, last time, you –
Stefano: You have no idea what that did to me. To leave you in that room.
(She pierces a stare into him. Grits her jaw.)
Marlena: I don’t care what it did to you.
(He reaches for her face. She bolts to standing. Wobbles. Holds her head again. Grasps the bed post.)
Marlena: Where are they? Where are you holding them here? I want to see them.
(He stares at her … head to toe. She bolts to a paneled wall. Her eyes and and fingers frantically search for a door. None. She pounds on the wall with her fists.)
Marlena: JOHN! BELLE! Can you hear me?!
Stefano: Marlena.
(She turns. He pulls the detonator out of his pocket.)
Stefano: It’s just you. And me.
(His thumb playfully brushes over the button. She shivers.)
Marlena: Then you don’t need that anymore. Put it away. Put it away; I’m here. I came with you.
Stefano: You didn’t come willingly.
Marlena: I’ll never come willingly, you son of a bitch!
(He places his thumb on the button.)
Marlena: No!
(She drops to her knees in front of him.)
Marlena: Stefano, please, please, I’m sorry! Please don’t!
(She clasps her fists in front of her chest. Breathes back sobs.)
Stefano: You never mean it. When you say “sorry”. When you say “I want you”.
You lie to me.
Marlena: Why would I be stupid enough to lie to you now? You’ll press that!- … I’ll do anything, anything you want. That’s the truth. Just spare them, please. I’m begging you. Spare my family.
(Pause.)
Stefano: You’ll do anything?
(Pause.)
Marlena (breathless): Yes …
(Pause.)
Stefano: Will you bring Kristen back to me?
(His face softens. So does his voice.)
Stefano: Will you bring back my grandchild? … Will you give me one more day with Lexie? … With Megan? Benjy? … Will you give me back the hearts of my sons? Will you give me back my father?
(Moved in spite of herself, Marlena takes Stefano’s gaunt hand in hers. Tears flood his eyes. She notices, for the first time, their jaundiced tint.)
Stefano: You see it, don’t you? With your doctor’s eyes?
(He squeezes her hand as his breathing becomes labored. Hers stops all together.)
Stefano: … I’m dying, Marlena.
EXT. UNDERNEATH JOHN’S CAR
(John, quiet as a prowling cheetah, slides under his car on his back. Pulls a tiny flashlight out of his shirt pocket. Squints at every nook and cranny.)
Claire (whispering): Pop Pop!
(She flings herself onto his belly.)
John: Dammit, Bug, I told you to stay up there!
Claire: I’m helping.
John: I said no. Get up there!
Claire: I wanna stay with you!
(A struggle ensues as the flashlight beam jostles all over. It finally lands – dead center – on a bomb. John freezes. Claire follows his gaze.)
Claire: What’s …
John: Oh my god.
Claire: It’s a bomb! Pop Pop, it’s a BOMB!
(He claps a hand over her mouth and pulls her close. She squeals.)
Belle (from above them): Claire? Dad? Where are you guys?
John: It’s okay, Izzy. She’s helping me check a leak under here. There’s a helicopter on its way..
Belle (from above): What did Roman say? What’s happening?
John: False alarm. Your Mom’s just fine.
Brady (from above): She’s home?
John: She’s home. She’s fine. You can both relax.
(He pulls Claire closer.)
John (whispers): I know I’m lying. That’s wrong. But we gotta keep your Mom calm right now. I know you can help me do that. I want you to go up there and keep her talking. About anything. Anything funny. I’ll take care of this. I’ve done it a million times. It’s gonna be okay.
(He takes his hand off her mouth. Rubs her cheek.)
John: K?
(She doesn’t budge.)
John: Go on.
(She still doesn’t budge.)
John: Claire. This is dangerous. I don’t want you down here.
Claire: If it’s dangerous, I’m not leaving you down here.
John: I’m trained for this, baby, you’re not.
(She still won’t budge. Her bottom lip quivers like someone he loves.)
John: You listen to me.
Claire: I’m not leaving.
John: You’re leaving NOW! If anything were to happen to you –
Claire – then I’ll be with you when it happens.
(They lock eyes. Tears fill them.)
John: God dammit, why are you like your grandmother?
(She flings her arms around his belly. He squeezes her tight. Rolls her over onto her back on top of him. Hands her the flashlight.)
John: You shine the beam – right there.
Claire: Yeah.
John: Do NOT move it.
Claire: I won’t.
INT. ORNATE ROOM
Marlena: What kind do you have?
Stefano: Pancreatic.
(She winces.)
Marlena: What stage?
Stefano: The last.
(Pause.)
Marlena: Well. I know you’ll cheat it. I know you’ll do that. I know you’ve … locked away a cure for yourself. Somewhere. Not that you’d share it with anybody else.
(He slowly shakes his head.)
Stefano: I have exhausted every possible resource. Not responsive.
(His eyes grow vacant. Sad. Marlena gapes.)
Stefano: This time … the Phoenix will not rise again.
(Long. Pause.)
Marlena: Does EJ know? … Does Chad? … Stefano, for God’s sake, you have to tell them. You have to spend the time you have left with them.
Stefano: I want to spend it with you. Here. The last thing I ever want to see … is your face.
(Tears tumble down her cheeks before she can stop them. She lets go of his hand.)
Marlena: Stefano … don’t deprive yourself of telling your children goodbye. Don’t deprive them of that. Let me contact them. Let me bring them here for you.
Stefano: So I’ll let you go?
Marlena: We can’t be here! You need to be in a hospital! The pain at the end will be unbearable if you’re not!
Stefano: You see? You do care for me. Or you wouldn’t say all you’ve just said. If you hate me the way you say you do, you’d take pleasure in watching me die. You’d take pleasure in watching me suffer. I’m giving you that opportunity now, don’t you see? Here, in this room. You’re not taking it. Because you care for me.
Marlena: Are you really going to spend the last hours of your life with this CHARADE?! How many YEARS?! Listen to yourself! Your obsession with me matters more to you than your children!
(With a yell, Stefano stands and kicks his chair toward the wall. Marlena cowers. Stefano storms toward her – but stops, grasps the bed post. Wheezes.)
Marlena: You’re going to hurt yourself, please –
(His breath comes in heaving growls.)
Stefano: Don’t you EVER … tell me I don’t love my children.
Marlena: … I didn’t say that.
Stefano: You took my child! You took my grandchild! I lost them because of YOU!
(Stefano stares at Marlena – hard. He squeezes the detonator. Marlena extends her hands.)
Marlena: I’ll never forgive myself for that. Never. Stefano, you know me. You know I never would have wanted that to happen. Let me try and make it right. Let me do something to try and make it right. Let me bring your sons to you. Let me go do that.
(She steps closer.)
Marlena: I’ll do that for you. I’ll bring them right back here. And I’ll stay. I’ll stay then. For all of you.
(She steps still closer. She doesn’t break her gaze. Her fingertips brush the detonator.)
Stefano: You’re not taking it, Marlena.
(She stops.)
(Pause.)
Marlena: You can barely stand up. I can overpower you.
Stefano: I’ll push the button before you can.
(She trembles.)
Marlena (crying): Look, you don’t NEED it! I’m here! I’m not leaving! You got what you wanted!
Stefano: No. I haven’t.
(He leers at her breasts. Between her legs. Decades of dread crawl up her skin. She swallows back nausea.)
Marlena: You know I’d be doing it for them. That wouldn’t make you happy. You’ve always said … you want me to want it. You want me to want you.
Stefano: You did. You did here. In this room. For one brief moment, you came to me and said you wanted to be with me. And I had every dream I’d ever imagined.
(Her eyes dart about the room, distressed.)
Stefano: It looks very different now. I’ve spent years refurbishing it. In secret, of course. Look.
(He nods toward the window behind her.)
Stefano: Look at the fine sunset. You’ll remember the view.
(Eyes on the detonator, Marlena cautiously backs toward the window. Tilts her gaze outside. Gasps. Claps a hand to her mouth.)
Stefano: I know it seems unlike me. All the grand places I own. To spend my last moments in a place so simple. So small. But this place means the world to me, Marlena. It means the world to us. In this room … you’ll come to me again.
EXT. UNDERNEATH JOHN’S CAR
(Claire holds the flashlight beam steady as John tinkers at the bomb with wire cutters. He struggles to squeeze his fingers in between layers.)
Claire: Pop Pop, your hands are too big.
John: Shhh … just hold that beam steady, baby.
(Wiping sweat from his forehead, John tries another angle. His finger squeezes … squeezes … he slips in the cutters … click! Bright red numbers pop up on black screen. 5:00. 4:59. 4:58. 4:57 …)
Claire: Pop Pop!
John: Oh … damn you, DiMera!
INT. ORNATE ROOM
Marlena: How dare you bring me back here.
(Stefano lumbers toward her. She bristles.)
Marlena: One more step, I’ll break every bone in your body.
(Pause.)
Stefano: You want the detonator, Marlena? You want to get past me?
Marlena: I will. I’ll do both. You’ll die in here alone.
(He slowly … smiles. He presses the button. Marlena screams from the pit of herself. Falls to her knees.)
EXT. UNDERNEATH JOHN’S CAR
Brady: Dad?
John: Oh, dammit!
(Brady slides near them on his stomach.)
Claire: Uncle Brady! Stefano put a bomb, the timer’s going off!
(John pulls Claire’s face into his chest.)
John: Shhh!
(He looks upward toward Belle. All color drains from Brady’s face.)
Brady: What did she just say?
John: What’s happening with Izzy? Why aren’t you up there?
Brady: She … the bleeding stopped, she’s feeling nauseous. She just fell asleep.
John: You get her … and this one … away from the car. As fast as you can.
(Clare kicks at John’s legs.)
Claire: No!
Brady: Dad, I can’t, I can’t move Belle.
John: You find a way. Claire, go! Now!
Claire: I won’t!
(John tries to push her towards Brady. She latches her fingers onto the underbelly of the car.)
Belle (from above): Brady?
Brady (hisses): Claire! COME HERE! NOW!
Claire (to JOHN): We can’t get away from the car fast enough, and you can’t disarm it, your hands are too big! You need mine!
(John gapes at his grand daughter. He gapes at the bomb. 3:59.)
Belle (urgently, from above): Brady?
(Brady pulls himself toward Claire.)
John: Stop! She ‘s right. Go back up, stay with Belle, keep an eye out for the helicopter.
Brady: Claire is NOT stayin’ under here!
John: DO IT!
(John pulls Claire onto his chest. Shines the flashlight on the bomb.)
John: Listen to me. Do not interrupt. Just listen. Those two square white pieces. With your left hand, you’re gonna squeeze those toward each other, as hard as you can, while I cut the wire. Understand?
(Claire nods. He takes hold of her left hand.)
John: I’m gonna put your left hand into a shape. Do NOT change the shape.
(He tries to mold her fingers, but his own can’t stop shaking.)
Claire: Don’t be scared, Pop Pop. I’ll do just fine.
(With a sob, he presses his lips to her forehead. Shapes her hand into a precise claw. Guides it toward the white square pieces.)
John: Slow. Slow, baby, slow.
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(Marlena sobs prostrate on the floor, completely shattered. Stefano watches her.)
Stefano: Now you know how it feels. To love you. And lose you. Over and over.
(He kneels down next to her. Catches his breath. Sways slightly.)
Stefano: But every time … I know that your refusals … are a deception.
(He shows her the underbelly of the detonator. It’s hollow. Marlena gapes.)
Marlena (beside herself): It wasn’t … It wasn’t real? The bomb was never real?
Stefano: Oh, the bomb is real. But. This? Not.
(With an enraged cry, Marlena charges him – John’s voice stops her in her tracks. Claire’s voice. The wall panels part above the fireplace to reveal a television. A cloudy darkened image of John, Claire, and a flashlight appear on the screen. Red numbers pierce through the dim. 3:00 … 2:59 … 2:58 … Horror fills Marlena’s face.)
Stefano: The bomb is triggered by something else entirely. Your precious Pawn fell right into the trap. Of course, he can’t disarm it. Only the tiniest of hands can accomplish that.
Marlena: Don’t do this. Oh, god, don’t do this.
Stefano: Don’t do what? They’re fairing just fine.
Marlena: I’m begging you, please, stop it. Please. Turn the bomb off.
Stefano: Would you like to see Belle? Hmmm?
(The screen changes. Another dim image through a hidden camera. Drenched, Belle shivers in Brady’s lap. Holding her belly. Marlena claps a hand to her mouth with a cry.)
Stefano: A helicopter is on its way to them. From the hospital. But … (he chuckles) … it was given the wrong directions. Imagine.
Marlena: Please. … Please …
Stefano: You want it to get there? You want the bomb to stop?
(Marlena nods. The screen goes blank. Marlena lets out a cry. Stefano catches his breath again. Steps forward. His yellowed eyes lock into hers. He breathes against her skin, inches from her face.)
Stefano: Then, stop lying. Show me your feelings for me. Show me now.
(Marlena desperately stares at the blank screen. At Stefano. He strokes her cheek. She grips the back of his neck and attacks his lips with her own. He melts. Slips his hand underneath her collar. She pulls back, sick. He grabs her shoulders.)
Marlena: Show me they’re all right.
Stefano: Don’t stop, my love.
Marlena: SHOW ME!
EXT. UNDER JOHN’S CAR
(Claire’s tiny hands slip between the layers and grip the white square pieces. She squeezes; her arm shakes.)
Claire: I can’t! I can’t!
John: Yes, you can baby; hold it, hold it ….
(Claire grits her teeth and squeezes harder. A wad of wires bulge outward. John blinks the sweat out of his eyes and slips the wire cutters in between the wad like a surgeon. 1:14 … 1:13 … 1:12 … 1:11 … He gently grips the blue wire between the cutters. Closes his eyes and prays. Claire whimpers. He cuts.)
(The bomb falls to Claire’s chest. She screams.)
(John picks it up. The clock is blank.)
(He grins, and nuzzles his face against hers.)
John: You just disarmed a bomb, kiddo.
(Claire breathlessly laughs. Looks at him. Throws her arms around him. He squeezes her for dear life. A helicopter sounds overhead. John closes his eyes in relief.)
INT. ORNATE ROOM
Stefano: They’re fine, Marlena. They’re all just fine.
Marlena: Show me. I have to see it.
Stefano: You have to trust me. If you don’t? I can make sure other things happen. I can make sure their helicopter never reaches Salem.
(Marlena covers her eyes, beside herself. Stefano watches her.)
(Pause.)
(She breathes. Finally. Looks him dead in the eye.)
Marlena: All right. All right … I trust you.
Stefano: And you won’t try and leave me.
Marlena: No. I won’t. Not ever.
(Stefano takes in a deep, labored breath. Beams. Runs a finger down her cheek She closes her eyes.)
Stefano: This moment. Marlena … my Queen … you’ve given me my dreams …
Marlena (breathlessly): Can we … have some wine? Please.
Stefano: That was next. You read my mind.
(He slips his arm into hers. Leads her to the brass bar. Pours the wine. Hands her a goblet. Takes one for himself.)
Stefano: To us.
(He drinks. She watches him, numb.)
Stefano: It’s an excellent wine. Please. Drink. It will calm you.
(Marlena downs it in one giant swig. As she swallows, her eyes widen, then slowly rise and lock in with Stefano’s.)
Marlena: This tastes …
(Horror fills her face.)
Marlena: What’s in this?
(He wraps his arm around her back. Her fists shoot up in front of her face as the goblet falls to the floor, shattering. He takes hold of her wrists. Her fists clench to a ghost white.)
Stefano: Don’t be frightened. It won’t hurt. I made sure of that. We’ll simply get sleepy. In each other’s arms. And then be no more.
(She shakes uncontrollably. He gently runs a thumb over her lips.)
Stefano (whispering): It’s our destiny, my love. We’re going to die together.
Page 47 of 54
The Return Part 3
INT. ORNATE ROOM – SUNSET
(MARLENA gapes at STEFANO in horror. His trembling hand strokes her cheek.)
Stefano: It’s all right …
(She breaks from him. Weaves on her feet. Thrusts a finger down her throat.)
Stefano: No! Marlena –
(He grabs hold of her hands.)
Stefano: It acts too fast for that.
(She screams, struggles, beats against his chest.)
Stefano: Stop it!
Marlena (hysterical): YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO ME! YOU CAN’T! YOU CAN’T!
(He pulls her hands to his heart and buries her face into his chest. She can’t move.)
Stefano (whispers): It’s done. And I told you, it won’t hurt. I wouldn’t ever want you to feel pain.
(He lifts her tear-soaked face to look at him.)
Stefano: Please. Just enjoy this with me. This magical ending. For both of us.
(He rocks them, slightly, as if dancing. Rests her head on his shoulder.)
Stefano: Yes …. Yes ….
(Her eyes droop against her will. She winces.)
INT. SALEM POLICE STATION – ROMAN’S OFFICE
(JOHN bolts through the door. ROMAN hangs up the phone. Maps and paperwork are scattered all over his desk.)
Roman: Belle got to the hospital okay?
John: Labor’s stopped, Kayla’s looking at her now, Brady’s there with Claire.
Roman: Good. I just got of phone with Shawn; they should be back any minute.
John: Good. What do we got? Where are we?
Roman: We got roadblocks every road outta Salem, all flights are grounded. This is the latest list of all his hideouts –
(John snatches up the list. Grits his teeth.)
John: Every one of ‘em outta the country.
Roman: I got helicopters flying in fourteen different directions. It’s only a matter of time before we find –
John: She doesn’t have it, Roman! She doesn’t have time. He’s done something to her. I can feel it.
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(STEFANO and MARLENA dance, slowly, weakly, in a circle. He closes his eyes. Breathes in her hair.)
Stefano Marlena … I love you … I love you, I love you …
(His lips move to her neck. Marlena takes a deep breath. Another. She squints her eyes shut. His lips move further down her neck … to her collar … )
Marlena: I don’t believe I’m worthy of your love.
(STEFANO stops. Gapes at her. Marlena focuses her gaze back, with all her might.)
Stefano: Not worthy? … Marlena … You’re my Queen. Don’t you know that?
Marlena: No, I don’t. I don’t know that. I’m … just a Pawn’s wife. That’s all I’ve ever believed I deserve.
Stefano (moved): No. No. You deserve so much more. You deserve everything.
Marlena: I want to believe that. I want to let in your love. I want to be your Queen.
(Twenty years leave STEFANO’S gaunt face. He glows.)
Stefano: Yes! Yes!
Marlena: To do that, I have to … let go of everything in my heart that blocks me from it.
(He caresses her face. Tears tumble down his.)
Stefano: Yes! That’s exactly why I made this place for us. Far away.
Marlena: I need to let go of the life I’ve always accepted.
(Presses his cheek up against hers.)
Steafno: I will help you. I will help you, whatever you need.
Marlena: Let me say goodbye to it. I need to say goodbye to John. So that I can let him go. So that I can be yours.
(STEFANO pulls back. His face has hardened. MARLENA shivers, breathes it down.)
Marlena: Stefano, I promise you … this isn’t a trick. Even if I told him where we were, how in the world could he get here in time? I just want to let him go. For you. Please let me do that.
INT. ROMAN’S OFFICE
(JOHN’S cell phone rings. He looks at the display screen.)
JOHN: Roman.
(He holds it up to reveal a blocked number.)
Roman: Mitch! Mitch! Get John’s carrier on the phone again, we’re gonna listen to this call. (looks at his watch) Tell ‘em it’s the one – eight eighteen! Eight eighteen! Go!
(John closes his eyes. Answers.)
John: Doc?
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(STEFANO’s arm winds tightly around Marlen’as shouder. He holds a cell phone up to her ear.)
Marlena: … John?
SHOTS ALTERNATE BETWEEN ORNATE ROOM AND POLICE STATION
(JOHN closes his eyes. Motions to ROMAN. ROMAN waves to MITCH through his OFFICE WINDOW. MITCH, headphones in, gives him a thumbs up back.)
John: Baby … are you all right?
Marlena: John, I don’t have much time. Just listen. There’s something I need to say.
John: Whatever you can tell me about where you are. Anything you see.
Marlena: Just listen to me! Before I say it … tell Roman to find Gene.
(JOHN squints.)
John: … What?
Marlena: Tell him to find Gene at his mother’s house. And tell the children … tell all our children … (crying) that I love them.
John: Don’t you do this. You listen to me. I am gonna find you. I am gonna get there. You hear me? You hang on.
Marlena: John, stop talking! Just listen.
(He trembles.)
John: … Okay.
Marlena (shivering): … I feel like ice …
(JOHN blinks back tears.)
John: You feel my arms around you. You’re not goin’ anywhere. I’m not gonna let them happen.
Stefano: Do it now or the call’s over.
John: You son of a bitch! I am gonna get there, I’m gonna get her away from you forever, so help me god!
Marlena: John! LISTEN! … I don’t want you to show up.
John: … What?
Marlena: Don’t show up. Don’t SHOW up. (face contorts) You’re … you’re dead to me.
(All air leaves JOHN’S body.)
Marlena Goodbye.
(The call goes dead. JOHN stares at his cell phone, hunched over ROMAN’S desk, stunned, shattered. ROMAN bolts into the room, beaming.)
John: You just heard that? You heard what he’s done to her? (he turns over a chair) What the hell are you SMILING FOR?!
Roman: Because she’s a genius.
(Pause.)
Roman: She just told us where she is.
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(STEFANO gently hangs up the phone. MARLENA covers her face, destroyed. He reaches around her hips from the back, leans her against him. Whispers in her ear.)
Stefano: You’re finally free. You’re free …
INT. SALEM POLICE STATION
(ROMAN spreads out pages of a printout.)
Roman: Here’s the transcript of your conversation.
(He places a finger on two circled sentences: “Tell Roman to find Gene … Tell him to find Gene at his mother’s house.”)
Roman: That right there. About Gene. And me. That’s how I knew.
John: Knew what?
(Roman begins frantically circling words.)
John: God DAMMIT, Roman, I don’t have time for this! What?
Roman: Listen. Back when Doc and I first got together, Gene was her patient.
John: I know that.
Roman: He was half out of his mind, he thought he was the Salem Strangler, he took her hostage.
John: I know! She told me!
Roman: He took her to his MOTHER’S HOUSE! The only way I was able to find her was she made phone call, she threw in words that didn’t fit the conversation. I still remember, she said “forty five”, she said “market street”, that’s how I put it together, 45 Market Street!
(He points to the sentences again.)
Roman: She said this ‘cause she knew I’d remember that. Stefano wouldn’t. He wasn’t in our lives yet.
John: … Oh my god …
Roman: She’s givin’ us clues, he had no idea.
(He hands John a marker.)
Roman: Let’s find the words, come on.
(They scan and circle, scan and circle.)
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(Stefano’s lips move down to Marlena’s neck yet again. Her eyes squint shut. She prays silently. Mouths, “hurry, hurry, hurry …”)
INT. SALEM POLICE STATION
(Roman scans the last of their circled words. Jots them down. Reads over them. His countenance falls.)
John: What? … WHAT? What do we got?
Roman: I don’t see the pattern. I don’t see it.
(John snatches the list.)
Roman: I thought I would, I ….
(He frantically searches through the transcript again.)
Roman: DAMMIT, Doc!
John (reading aloud): “Time” … “Children” …. “Ice” … “Show” … “Dead” …
(It hits him like a lightning bolt.)
Roman: What?
John: Oh my god.
Roman: … You know?
(JOHN lifts his eyes to ROMAN’S.)
John: They’re at the Lafferty Farm House.
Mitch: Lafferty Farm? That place has been boarded up for years.
John: Like hell it has. Let’s go!
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(MARLENA collapses in STEFANO’s arms. He can barely hold her.)
Stefano: We need to rest.
Marlena: No. No. I want to keep dancing.
(He stumbles them toward the bed.)
Marlena; Please! Stefano!
(Their bodies reach the bedpost.)
Stefano (gently): Lie down.
INT. LAFFERTY FARM HOUSE FOYER
(JOHN, ROMAN, and a team of officers break down the FRONT DOOR. The room is dark, dank, bare, boarded up, covered in cobwebs and dust.)
Roman: Okay, I want every inch of this place searched, top to bottom. Go! Go!
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(STEFANO’s head jolt turns toward the wall.)
Stefano: What was that?
(Marlena’s head tilts back against the bedpost with relief.)
INT. LAFFERTY FARM HOUSE FOYER
(JOHN stares at the wall in front of him. He can’t take his eyes off it. He runs his hands over it. Smells it. ROMAN appears, winded.)
Roman: You found something? John?
John: This smells like dry wall.
(ROMAN takes a whiff.)
Roman: New dry wall.
(JOHN knocks on the wall. Listens. Bangs.)
John (calling into the wall): Doc! Doc!
Roman: DOC!
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(JOHN and ROMAN’S muffled voices carry, louder and louder. STEFANO turns his yellowed eyes back to MARLENA. Seethes.)
Marlena: You never should have shown me the view.
(Pause.)
Marlena: I’m John’s Queen. You’re the Pawn. To your own self-destruction. And this is over. You’re finally over.
(Pause.)
Stefano: Do you know what this wall is made of, Marlena? Do you want to guess how many there are? How many can be set off … in an instant?
(Pause.)
Marlena: JOHN, THE WINDOW! USE THE WINDOW!
(Stefano claps a hand over her mouth.)
INT. FOYER
(ROMAN instructs a gathered police crew with tools.)
John: Stop, stop, I heard her!
(ROMAN races to the wall.)
John: DOC!
Roman: Where from? Where was it?
John: I … I … I can’t tell yet, it was …
Roman: DOC! Can you hear us?
(They wait. No sound. ROMAN turns back to the crew.)
Roman: All right, it’s go time, remember, SLOW and CAREFUL, we don’t want to hurt her. Go!
John: WAIT.
(Everyone stops.)
John: … It’s too easy.
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(STEFANO’s hand trembles against MARLENA’s mouth. He weaves, coughs. She tries to move, but her spine collapses against the bedpost. Her eyes droop.)
Stefano: We need to be safe. In case. Come.
(He stumbles them towards the head of the bed. Pulls a knob behind the bedpost. MARLENA slumps against him. A PANELED DOORWAY opens before them.)
Marlena (barely audible): No … No …
Stefano: Come.
(He pulls them through. The PANELED DOOR closes behind them.)
INT. FOYER
(HOPE arrives, winded.)
Roman: Hey, you made it!
(JOHN throws his arms around her.)
Hope: Belle’s still stable. Shawn and Caroline are with her. What’s happening here?
Roman: Stefano’s got Doc sealed in there.
John: I heard her voice.
Hope: Oh god.
Roman: We can’t break the wall down, John’s got an instinct it’s rigged.
Hope: With what? Bombs? Have we confirmed that?
Roman: Dogs are on their way.
Hope: Okay. Well, then, I say we place dogs on all possible sides of this room, above AND below AND from the outside. Wherever they don’t smell bombs, that’s the side we’ll start on.
Roman: Sounds like a plan. (gathers crew) Listen up! …
(JOHN feverishly taps at the wall. Listens. HOPE stops him.)
Hope: How are you doing?
John: I can’t wait around for another crew, Hope, I can’t wait that long.
Hope: We just need dogs to confirm there are bombs, then we can proceed –
John: You need ME, dammit, I can do that!
Hope: You need to stand still, right here, and keep her talking.
(He calms. Breathes.)
John: She hasn’t answered me, Hope. Not for six and a half minutes.
(Hope’s eyes fill with tears. John’s eyes follow suite.)
John: She’s still alive, I know that, I can feel that, I just … god, DAMMIT, I feel so useless! I don’t know what he’s doin’ to her, I don’t know what she’s feelin’ – … I’m afraid she thinks I won’t make it to her …
INT. CRAWLSPACE
(PITCH BLACK. MARLENA panics. A lamp lights above her head. Stefano’s shadowed face comes into focus. Nose to nose with her own.)
Stefano; It’s all right. It’s all right, my love. I’m here.
(MARLENA looks about her. She’s on a tiny couch, with walls of a crawl space hugging it on all sides. No windows. Only the lamp light above her. STEFANO’S body presses up against hers. His breathing is labored. She tries to kick the PANELED DOOR open, but doesn’t have the strength to lift her foot. Her eyes droop shut. She can’t open them. She wails.)
INT. FOYER
Hope: Why did he bring her back here of all places? Just her? Not Belle or Claire? He wanted THEM, he’d left the two of you for dead!
John: Because in his sick, twisted mind, this is where he and Doc were almost a couple.
Hope: … A couple?
John: She came out here, on her own, said she’d go with him. In his mind, they were a couple.
Hope: He forced her to do that! He’d taken Sami and Eric, he’d terrorized her!
John: Trust me, I know how the man thinks, especially about this place. I went over it and over it and over it.
Hope: ‘Cause you were afraid you’d done it. Bo was, too.
(They lock eyes. He fills the space.)
John: She wouldn’t gotten out of here if it hadn’t been for Bo. Those kids wouldn’t have gotten out.
(Tears fill HOPE’s eyes. JOHN strokes her face.)
John: … I’m sorry … I’m –
Hope: Let’s just focus on her, okay? Just keep her talking.
(HOPE steps away, and answers a call, wiping her eyes.)
INT. CRAWLSPACE
(STEFANO can barely breathe. He reaches up … and shakily strokes MARLENA’s face. She winces. Her skin is ghostly pale.)
Stefano: Marlena … please hold me ….
(He turns her face towards his.)
Stefano: Please … please … I’m so scared …
(He gasps for air. With all his might, he lifts his head and looks into her eyes.)
Stefano: Please …
(Marlena takes in his terrified gaze. Feels his breath against her neck. Then no breath at all. His eyes go glassy. His head drops onto her chest. The lamp blows out. MARLENA lets out a cry. Her last. She lay in the pitch black, gasping for air.)
INT. FOYER
(HOPE and the crew reconvene with the dogs. JOHN bolts to them from the WALL.)
John: Okay, where can we start?
(HOPE hesitates, shattered.)
Roman: Dammit, Hope. Tell us!
Hope: There are rigged bombs from all sides. There’s no way to break through anywhere without setting them off. I don’t know …. how we can ever get to her. Without killing her.
(Long. Terrible. Pause.)
(JOHN grabs a tool from the floor and HOPE’S flashlight out of her hand. Bolts toward the FRONT DOOR.)
ROMAN: John!
INT. CRAWLSPACE
(In the pitch black, MARLENA gasps air, between sobs. She tries to cry out, but her voice is only a choked whisper.)
Marlena: Let me out! … Let me out! …
(She hears her whisper echo in the space and become younger … younger … her, at six.)
Marlena: Sam … let me out… please …
(A warm light suddenly floods the space. MARLENA squints. A figure with blonde hair sits next to her. Gently smiles. A freckled hand, a mirror to MARLENA’S own, strokes her face.)
Marlena (moved): Oh … you’re here …
(SAM holds her.)
EXT. LAFFERTY FARM HOUSE – NOW NIGHT
(John paces with flashlight. Examines the yard. The house. ROMAN intercepts him.)
Roman: John. John, what are you doing?
Johnn: Makin’ a tunnel.
Roman: You just heard what Hope said.
John: Have everybody back up. I can handle this.
Roman: John, even if you make a tunnel, once you reach it, bombs line every angle of the room!
John: I can bypass ‘em!
Roman: Belle can’t lose you, too!
John: I’m not leaving Doc behind, that’s what YOU do!
(The words hit ROMAN square in the gut. They both look at the ground.)
John: I’m sorry … I’m sorry …
Roman: John. I’m gonna call Eric. I think that’s who we all need right now.
(He gently takes the tool and flashlight from JOHN’S hands. Walks away, dialing his phone, as HOPE looks on, concerned. JOHN stares at the house, tears falling down his face.)
(Then, he sees something. A glow, near a corner of the HOUSE. He walks toward it. Closer …. Closer … He’s there. The glow illuminates a row of vines against the siding. He pushes them back. Blackened glass peeks through. He steps back and gapes at what he hadn’t been able to see all along. A camouflaged WINDOW.)
(Suddenly, two familiar hands reach around his shoulders and lift the WINDOW slightly. A giant, ornate room peeks through. JOHN turns to the owner of the hands. KRISTEN’s face looks back at him, in love.)
Kristen: Trust me.
(JOHN stares at her, overwhelmed.)
Kristen: Hurry.
(With trembling hands, JOHN lifts the WINDOW all the way. No bombs. He crawls through. Stumbles into the
INT. ORNATE ROOM
and looks around, eyes wide.)
John: Doc! DOC!
INT. CRAWLSPACE
(MARLENA lay unconscious in SAM’s arms. SAM hears JOHN’s voice and knocks.)
INT. ORNATE ROOM
(John hears it, and races to the PANELED DOOR. Runs his fingers over it, pushes it, kick it, runs up against it.)
John: Doc!
(KRISTEN’s hands pull the knob behind the bedpost. JOHN whirls around to face her. Then, whirls back as the PANELED DOOR flies open. MARLENA lay, unconscious, with STEFANO on top of her. With animal rage, JOHN picks STEFANO up and flings him across the ROOM. Gently pulls MARLENA out and lay her across the BED.)
John: Marlena? Can you hear me? Baby?
(Gently cups her chin. Lifts her eyelids.)
John: Open your eyes, baby. Come on. Come on.
(He shakes her gently. No response.)
(John feels on her neck until he finds her pulse. He pales over. He bolts to the WINDOW.)
John: She’s HERE! ROMAN! HOPE! I need paramedics NOW!
(As voices shout and stir outside, JOHN races back to the bed, and gathers MARLENA up into his arms for dear life. Rocks her.)
John: I’m not too late … I’m not too late … God won’t take you away … I showed up … look at me, baby, see, I showed up … I told you I would … I told you I’d never leave you again … (tears) don’t give up, please, please …
(He feels it. One of her hands slowly … weakly … squeezes at the folds of his shirt. He sobs with relief. Buries his face in her hair.)
(KRISTEN and SAM are nowhere to be found.)
Page 48 of 54
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – LATE NIGHT
(MARLENA lay asleep in a hospital gown, deathly pale. An IV extends from her left arm. Her eyes suddenly squint. She grasps at her chest in terror. Familiar hands shake her awake. She lets out a hoarse scream. Her eyes pop open. ROMAN cradles her face. )
ROMAN: It’s okay, it’s okay, Doc. You’re safe. You’re all right.
(MARLENA clutches at her chest again. Realizes there’s no one there. Looks about the hospital room. Tries to sit up. Winces in pain. Collapses back.)
ROMAN: Easy, easy. Your body’s been through a lot. Just take it easy.
(She shoots up again.)
MARLENA: JOHN?! Belle?! Claire? The – helicopter – they! – Roman! –
ROMAN: They’re fine. Everybody’s just fine.
(MARLENA’s face contorts with relief.)
ROMAN: John’s here. I just made him go get coffee. He was fallin’ over. He hasn’t left your side in almost two days.
(MARLENA gapes at him, aghast.)
MARLENA: Two days?
ROMAN: Well, it took ‘em awhile to get that cocktail outta your system. A few times we … (blinks back tears) …. we didn’t think you were gonna make it. But you’re okay now. They’re just gettin’ you all rehydrated.
(MARLENA looks down at her IV.)
MARLENA: Oh … What did he give me?
ROMAN: I … Daniel and Kayla rattled off so many things, I don’t … the only thing I heard was “she’s gonna pull through.” That’s all that mattered to me.
(MARLENA beams. Notices how many flower bouquets fill the room.)
MARLENA: Oh , Roman… look at …
ROMAN: You had a lot of people praying for ya. Me, too.
(MARLENA squeezes his hand. ROMAN looks at the ground.)
ROMAN: Doc … there’s something I gotta tell ya.
(Pause.)
MARLENA: I know.
(Pause.)
ROMAN: You okay?
(MARLENA nods, numb.)
MARLENA: The last thing he ever said to me was “please” … “I’m so scared … please” … He wanted me to hold him, but I couldn’t … I couldn’t move ….
(She shivers.)
ROMAN: He’s gone forever, Doc, I promise.
MARLENA: We’ve said that before, we’ve said that so many times.
ROMAN: Doc –
MARLENA: He never stays gone. No matter how final his death seems. He’ll find a way to come back, he always does!
ROMAN: I’m only gonna tell you this one time. There is no physical way that Stefano DiMera could ever come back.
(Pause.)
MARLENA: What have you done? Roman?
(Pause.)
(Her eyes widen.)
MARLENA: Oh my god … you? …
ROMAN: I pulled the switch myself. And I watched him burn. ‘Til he was nothing but ash. And then I pulled the switch again. There’s nothing left of him left, Doc. Nothing.
MARLENA: … It was … him? You’re sure it was –
ROMAN: I stayed with that body from the minute we found you and I didn’t leave its side. I was at the autopsy, I ran the DNA three times myself just to make sure. And I took the body straight to the cremator.
(MARLENA puts a hand to her mouth.)
MARLENA: … You watched?
ROMAN: You damn bet I did. I wanted all of you there. But I couldn’t, I … it could only be me. The cremation was off the record. I watched … and I thought of every twisted, sick thing that bastard ever did to you. To our kids. To John. Me. Ma. Pop. Hope. I just kept wanting to burn him over and over and over. It wasn’t enough, Doc. It’ll never be enough.
(MARLENA caresses his face.)
ROMAN: I had to be the one to burn him. I had to make it right. He never would have hurt you if I hadn’t loved you.
MARLENA: Oh, Roman!
ROMAN (crying): He targeted you because I loved you. I never should have loved you! …
MARLENA: Listen to me. He would have targeted whomever he wanted. He chose to target me and you had nothing to do with that. Do you hear me? Yes, you should have loved me. Thank God you loved me. That love changed my life, don’t you know that?
ROMAN: … It changed my life, too.
(He embraces her.)
ROMAN: Oh, god … I don’t know what I would have done if you’d –
(He squeezes her tighter. Presses his lips to her hair. Her forehead. Leans toward her lips. He pulls back.)
ROMAN: I’m sorry. Oh god. Doc, I’m sorry.
MARLENA: It’s all right.
ROMAN: It’s not. It’s not all right. It’s just …. (crying) I still can’t help it. I’m sorry.
MARLENA: … Roman.
ROMAN: I should go. John’ll be back any second.
MARLENA: Don’t. Don’t go. Not yet. I need you to do something for me.
ROMAN: … Anything.
(Pause.)
MARLENA: Promise me you’ll find someone.
(His heart sinks to his feet. He swallows all back into a grin.)
ROMAN: So you’ll get crazy jealous again?
MARLENA: Yes, I get jealous but – … I don’t want you to be alone anymore, Roman. I can’t bear it.
ROMAN: Doc. Come on. I’m …. I … I’m not alone.
MARLENA: Yes, you are.
ROMAN: I am not! For god’s sake! I got … our kids, grandkids, GREAT grandkids now, I got the force, I got our friends, Kayla, Ma, I never have a moment’s peace, that’s how NOT alone I am. I’m fine!
MARLENA: … You’re not.
ROMAN: Doc. You’re worrying too much. That’s not what I want you to do right now. That’s not what John would want. Right now, you need to rest.
MARLENA: We don’t know where our children’s lives will take them. Or their children. They could all up and leave Salem anytime. And you’re not going be on the force forever, you know.
ROMAN: Well, I think I got a lot of years before I retire.
MARLENA: And one day, you’re going to look up, and everyone of your friends, your parents, your siblings, they won’t be here anymore. I won’t be here.
ROMAN: You stop that right now. Stop talking like that.
(Pause.)
MARLENA: You can’t even bear to think about it, can you? Roman … what are you going to do when I’m no longer on this earth?
ROMAN (crying): You’re upsetting yourself. We’re stopping this now. Okay?
MARLENA: Roman … Stefano DiMera is dead. Do you know what that means? It means we’re in Act 3. Time is precious. No one knows that better than you and me. I don’t want you to spend that precious time alone.
ROMAN: Marlena. Listen to me. I. Am. Fine. My life is full. It’s full because you’re in it. Together or not … that’s all I need.
(He kisses her on the forehead. Lingers. Rises. Walks toward the door.)
MARLENA: I don’t think if I ever told you.
(He stops. Turns back.)
MARLENA: My god, I don’t think I ever did … Richard Cates … you know we were …
ROMAN: … I know that.
MARLENA: … Well, what you don’t know … is before he – … before – … (crying) … he gave me one of your letters to him. The letter where you told him about me.
ROMAN: … Which one?
MARLENA: One was all I needed to read. In the letter, you … told him you knew you’d be married to me for the rest of your life.
(Pause.)
ROMAN: I meant it. I still mean it.
(Pause.)
MARLENA (crying): I’m so sorry …
ROMAN: Doc …
(ROMAN returns to her. Gathers her face between his hands.)
ROMAN: That is forgotten. It’s forgotten. You know it.
MARLENA: If it’s forgotten, then why are you still alone?
(ROMAN turns his back to her.)
MARLENA: Please, Roman. Tell me.
(Pause.)
ROMAN (quietly): No one ever lives up to you. I’ve shut so many women outta my heart ‘cause they’re not you.
MARLENA: Then, stop looking for me.
(ROMAN flings around to face her.)
ROMAN: Who the hell else am I supposed to look for?
MARLENA: Find someone who will love you in all the ways I never could.
ROMAN: Doc, don’t say that, there IS no way you couldn’t love –
MARLENA: ROMAN. You’re not remembering. Think about our marriage. Really remember it. Remember my faults. And my limits. Especially my limits. They almost destroyed you. You didn’t deserve that. You deserve to have someone who isn’t me. You deserve to find someone who will love you to pieces, who’ll leave me in the dust.
ROMAN (crying): Don’t talk about yourself like that, please.
MARLENA: I want you to do all the things with her that we never got to do and I want you to tell me all about them, I want to look at how happy you are, how she’s reached parts of you I never could, and I want to see that, and I want to be so happy for you that I can’t stand it. (crying, beaming) Do that for me. Do it for you. Please.
(Pause.)
(She laces her hand into his. He looks at her.)
ROMAN: I think it’s too late. My heart’s outta practice.
MARLENA: It’s not too late. And I’ll help you.
ROMAN: Oh, you gonna plan my dating life, now?
MARLENA: Of course I am.
ROMAN: Uh. Figures.
MARLENA: I tell you what you do. You … find a girl you like.
ROMAN: Uh huh.
MARLENA: Go over to her apartment.
ROMAN: Yeah.
MARLENA: And …
ROMAN: … And?
MARLENA: Drop your sleeping bag on the floor and refuse to leave.
(Pause.)
ROMAN: Does that work?
MARLENA: Eventually.
(Pause.)
ROMAN: Maybe I can … give her a nickname. Call her “legs”.
MARLENA: No. That one’s only mine.
(He runs his finger down the blade of her nose. Her face turns thirty again. So does his. They touch their foreheads heads together. JOHN enters. His exhausted face lights up like the sun. MARLENA lets out a cry of joy. ROMAN stands up, hands in the air.)
ROMAN: I swear, this is not a conspiracy.
MARLENA: What?
ROMAN: This is the second time you’ve woken up in a hospital, I’ve been here, not him.
MARLENA (amused): Oh, no!
(JOHN pulls ROMAN to him in a grateful hug. They squeeze each other’s shoulders.)
ROMAN: Doc, we wouldn’t have found ya if he hadn’t remembered the Lafferty Farmhouse. I didn’t even pick up on it.
JOHN: That woulda been useless if you hadn’t figured out the part about Gene. I sure as hell didn’t.
MARLENA: I knew you’d solve the clues if you worked together.
ROMAN: Well, that was brilliant of ya. And sneaky.
JOHN: Very sneaky.
MARLENA (grinning): I know.
(JOHN and ROMAN lock eyes. Tears fill them.)
JOHN (whispers): Thanks again.
ROMAN: Back atcha. I’ll uh … leave you two, now.
MARLENA: Roman?
(He stops in the doorway.)
MARLENA: Get busy.
(He looks at her in love. Winks. Leaves.)
(JOHN follows him. Closes the door. Locks it. Turns to his wife. Tears choke their voices into silence. She reaches for him. He takes her hand and holds it to his chin.)
JOHN: I was afraid I’d never see your eyes again.
(MARLENA presses the back of her hand to her lips.)
MARLENA: Oh, my love …
(She caresses his face. Her thumb gently brushes under his eyes.)
MARLENA: You’re so tired. I’ve put you through so much. Roman said you haven’t slept in two days –
(JOHN gives MARLENA a sudden … slow … deep … kiss. Gazes at her in love. She beams back.)
JOHN: He told you? About Stefano?
(MARLENA bristles. Her gaze drops to the floor. She nods. He searches her face.)
JOHN: How you doin’?
(She shrugs.)
MARLENA: I think I’m still in shock.
(Her eyes wander everywhere.)
MARLENA: I don’t know … how I’m supposed to feel. I actually don’t feel … anything. Anything at all. It’s very strange –
(JOHN touches her chin. She meets his gaze. She bursts into convulsive sobs. JOHN winces.)
JOHN: Hang on, baby, hang on, hang on …
(In a flash, JOHN wraps her up in an embrace.)
JOHN: I gotcha … I’m right here …
(He rocks her. MARLENA clings to him. She can’t stop crying.)
MARLENA: I hurt you … when I had to call you … when I had to say those things …
(JOHN winces. Presses his lips to her forehead.)
JOHN: I know you didn’t mean what you said.
MARLENA: I was so scared, I was scared you’d think I’d given up, and that’d be the last thing you’d ever hear me say.
JOHN: No, no …
(JOHN pulls her tighter.)
JOHN: I knew you hadn’t given up, baby. I knew that.
(MARLENA pulls back.)
MARLENA; But last time, last time I did –
(He puts his fingers to her lips. Shakes his head. Gently caresses her cheek.)
JOHN: That’s over. He’s over. Forever.
(He wipes her tears away with his thumbs.)
MARLENA: I can’t imagine what this is doing to you. He took the rest of your past with him.
JOHN: All I care about right now is my present.
MARLENA: But –
JOHN; Doc. Just you.
(He leans in and gently … slowly … kisses her. Her whole body melts. Her free hand reaches up and squeezes his wrist.)
Marleana: I knew you’d find me. I knew you would. I knew you’d find the window.
(JOHN flinches. Gets a faraway look in his eye.)
MARLENA: … John? What is it?
(He pales over.)
MARLENA: What? What is it?
JOHN: I … I don’t know how to tell you.
MARLENA; Oh god. What’s happened? Who’s –
JOHN: No, no, no. Everybody’s fine. It’s about the window.
MARLENA: I called out to you, I told you to use it. You heard me, didn’t you?
(JOHN slowly shakes his head.)
JOHN: He had the window covered up from the outside. I never would have seen it.
(MARLENA searches his eyes. Trembles.)
MARLENA: How did you? …. John? ….
(Pause.)
JOHN: Kristen showed it to me.
(All air leaves MARLENA’s body.)
JOHN: I know it sounds … but I swear … she was there, Doc. She was there. She showed me the window, she opened it. She opened the panel door so I could find you. Kristen helped me get you out. (pause) You believe me?
MARLENA: … I …
JOHN: Did you see her? Was she the one who knocked?
MARLENA: What?
JOHN: There was knocking inside the panel. That’s the only way I knew where you were. Or did you knock?
MARLENA: I didn’t knock, I … I couldn’t move, I …
JOHN: Was it Kristen then? Did you see her?
(MARLENA gasps. Remembers. Closes her eyes. Tears fall.)
MARLENA: She was there … I begged her to let me out … She came …
JOHN: Kristen was with you?
(MARLENA shakes her head.)
MARLENA: Sam … Sam knocked on the wall ….
LATER
(MARLENA and JOHN nuzzle against each other, deep in thought.)
MARLENA: Now, I know it’s true.
JOHN: What do you know?
MARLENA: When we die, we really do go home. We go back to who we were first. Who we were meant to be. Sam held me …. in that closet. … the way she held me in the photo. And Kristen … she chose to help us, not her father.
JOHN: You were her friend. She loved you.
MARLENA: She loved you. She loved you enough to let you be happy. She loved you enough to bring me back to you.
JOHN: We finally have memories that match our love. They’re real.
MARLENA (tears): We can finally let them go.
(He pulls her tight. She squeezes back. Nuzzles her cheek against his. Gives a long, hot exhale against his ear. Moves her lips to his chin. Stops. Further down his chin. Stops. Slides his hand under her hospital gown.)
JOHN: Doc –
MARLENA: Please.
(Pause.)
JOHN: Baby … I can’t.
(Her eyes fill with tears.)
MARLENA: You don’t want to?
JOHN: No, no. No, there’s nothin’ I want more in the world. But we …
(JOHN gently runs his fingers over her IV.)
JOHN: Honey, we can’t do this. Your body’s just been through hell, you’re still recovering, I – I can’t, I’m scared to death I’d hurt –
(She puts her fingers over his lips.)
MARLENA (whispers): I need your skin against mine. I need your warmth. Could we just do that? Just that?
(He kisses her hand. It disappears into his.)
JOHN: We can never do just that.
(She beams.)
MARLENA: Could we try? Hmm?
(She cocks her head. Nuzzles her nose against his. Opens her lips. He pulls back. Raises an eyebrow.)
JOHN: Don’t move.
MARLENA: I’ve got that covered.
(JOHN locks the door. Closes the blinds. Leans over MARLENA. They gaze at each other. She caresses his face. He reaches behind her neck … his fingers find the knot of her hospital gown …. he unties, tugs … slowly … pulls the folds of her hospital gown up and off her body and into his hands. She grins – and shivers.)
JOHN: Too cold?
MARLENA: Just a little.
(He drapes her hospital gown over her, leans in, and gives her a long …. deep … kiss. Her skin flushes. JOHN undoes his belt. Pulls it through and out of the hoops of his jeans. Drops it. Pulls off his shirt.)
MARLENA: Slow. Do it slow.
(JOHN drops his shirt. Unbuttons his jeans … slowly …. unzips … slides them off his body onto the floor. Takes hold of his briefs. Slides them slowly down his hips … inch by inch by inch … )
MARLENA: Stop. Get in here. I’ll do the rest.
(He eyes her IV.)
JOHN: You’ve only got one hand.
MARLENA: I only need one hand.
(He trembles with arousal.)
JOHN: Baby, you don’t have to do th –
MARLENA: I want to.
(She grins.)
MARLENA: Get in here.
(JOHN slowly lifts the sheets and slides into the bed next to MARLENA. Removes her draped hospital gown and tosses it to the floor. With her IV-free hand, MARLENA reaches under the sheets … and begins. Slow. Then faster. Faster. JOHN winces. Presses his forehead to her chest. She goes faster. His breathing grows heavy. She tugs at her IV slightly to reach his hair with her other hand. Clutches it. Dips her chin and presses her lips to his forehead. She goes faster and faster. He pants harder and harder and harder, squeezes his eyes shut and lets out a cry – he releases. Relaxes against her. Lifts his face to gaze at her. She gazes back. He grasps the back of her head. She opens her lips to his. His hand moves down over her breast. She whimpers. He pulls back.)
JOHN: You doin’ okay?
MARLENA (breathless): Don’t stop.
(Beads of sweat appear on their skin.)
JOHN: Thank you, Doctor.
(She squints, confused.)
JOHN: For lending me a hand.
(She exhales into a laugh.)
MARLENA: Any time I can be of service.
JOHN: Spies use two hands, you know.
(She blushes.)
MARLENA: …. They do?
JOHN: They do. They locate their point of attack … (he slowly brushes his lips about her face) … and they use every … (whispers in her ear) digit … available.
(She closes her eyes. Trembles slightly.)
MARLENA: Do they also use their mouth?
(He pulls back. Grins at her.)
JOHN: When the mission calls for it.
MARLENA: Oh, well … then, I think I need a demonstration of that. You never know when those skills might save a life.
JOHN: That’s a fact.
(She grins. JOHN disappears under the sheets. His body slides downward. His elbows suddenly elevate. Pulse. MARLENA screams. JOHN pops up from the sheets and claps a hand over her mouth. They both breathlessly giggle.)
JOHN: This mission has to be top secret.
(She nods. Stills. Her cheeks blush under his hand.)
JOHN: Shhh ….
(He disappears back under the sheets. His elbow elevates. As does his head. They pulse. Faster and faster and faster and faster. MARLENA closes her eyes. Moans. His head and elbow pulse still faster. MARLENA’s moans overtake her. JOHN presses his fingers tighter against her lips. Faster and faster and harder and harder; MARLENA arches her back. Screams. Relaxes. Pants. JOHN’s head appears, nose to nose with hers. He beams at her. She bites at his hand and beams back. He removes it from her mouth and caresses her face. Gently pushes back her sweaty bangs. She takes his tongue.)
(A knock at the door. They freeze. JOHN winces.)
JOHN: … Maxine?
Maxine: Nursing staff were just wonderin’ if you’d like us to turn down the lights out here, too.
(MARLENA bursts into laughter. JOHN grins.)
Maxine: You know we’ve got the lobby music all the way up.
JOHN: I think we’re good, Maxine.
Maxine: Oh, we know.
(MARLENA can’t stop laughing. JOHN joins her.)
JOHN: Thank you, Maxine.
Maxine: Umm hmm.
(JOHN looks at his wife in love.)
JOHN: We never fool anybody.
MARLENA; We never do.
JOHN: Guess we gotta be quiet now.
MARLENA: Mmm.
(He nuzzles his nose against hers, slow, then fast, then slow again.)
JOHN (mouths): I love you.
MARLENA (mouths): I love you, too.
Page 49 of 54
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – A FEW HOURS LATER
(JOHN and MARLENA lay nude and nuzzled together under the sheets. MARLENA sleeps peacefully. JOHN gently kisses her on the forehead. Starts to slide out of the bed. MARLENA startles awake and pulls him close.)
MARLENA: No. No. Don’t go.
JOHN: I’m not. I’m just movin’ so you can get some sleep.
MARLENA: Don’t go.
(She pulls him closer. Shivers.)
JOHN: Another bad dream?
MARLENA: … I was remembering … (tears) when he pressed the detonator button, and I thought –
JOHN: I’m not going anywhere, baby. Not ever.
Marlean: Then, don’t go.
(He wraps his hand around the back of her neck and pulls her closer. A knock at the door.)
MAXINE: Sorry to interrupt you two, but I’ve got some vitals to take.
(MARLENA pouts.)
MARLENA: Does she have to?
MAXINE: Yep, I have to. On schedule.
JOHN: Give us just one minute, Maxine.
MAXINE I’ll light your cigarettes while I wait.
(MARLENA chuckles, shakes her head. JOHN slides out of the bed and quickly dresses himself.)
JOHN: This actually works out because … I’ll have some time to go take care of something.
MARLENA: What? What do you need to take care of?
JOHN: You’ll see.
MARLENA: Oh, John, don’t do that to me. Come on.
(He winks.)
JOHN: See you in a bit.
(He heads for the door. MARLENA realizes she’s still nude.)
MARLENA: John!
(Laughing, JOHN helps MARLENA redress into her hospital gown. Reties the knot behind her neck. Kisses it. She blushes.)
(JOHN opens the door. MAXINE playfully glares at him.)
JOHN (to MAXINE): She’s all yours. (to MARLENA) Be right back.
MARLENA: You’d better.
(MAXINE closes the door behind him. Picks up the clipboard at the end of MARLENA’s bed. MARLENA sits up, adjusting her hair, trying not to look hot and bothered, failing miserably. MAXINE squints at the machines next to MARLENA’s bed. Jots down notes.)
MAXINE Well … heart rate’s elevated.
MARLENA: I was checking it periodically to be safe.
MAXINE: Mmm hmm.
(She looks at MARLENA’s IV.)
MAXINE: Not even loose. Damn.
MARLENA: You are never going to let us live this down, are you?
MAXINE: Nope.
(MARLENA grins. MAXINE puts the clipboard back.)
MARLENA: Thank you, Maxine.
(She pauses at the door.)
MARLENA: What? What is it?
MAXINE: Abe cried. When he learned you two were back together.
MARLENA: … He cried in front of you?
(MAXINE nods. MARLENA beams.)
MARLENA: That means you’re special to him.
MAXINE: Aw. No. I just think he was –
MARLENA: Maxine. Trust me. He doesn’t just cry in front of anyone.
MAXINE: … Guess I should call him back?
(MARLENA nods.)
MAXINE: Mmm. Maybe.
(MAXINE turns for the door again.)
MARLENA: Maxine.
(She stops. Turns.)
MARLENA: I hope Abe cries in front of you for keeps.
(MAXINE blinks back tears. Smiles.)
MAXINE: … Thank you. …
(They smile at each other. MAXINE leaves. MARLENA touches her hand – and realizes her wedding ring is missing. She winces with worry.)
Marleana: Oh, John … please have it, please have it … if I lost it in that house, I’d never forgive myself …
LATER
(MARLENA sleeps. JOHN’s hand gently strokes her cheek. She rouses. Gasps. Peppered between the flowers, dozens of tiny candles illuminate the room. Rose petals adorn her bed. A bottle chills in an ice bucket on the bed stand. JOHN sits next to her, in a full tuxedo, beaming from ear to ear.)
MARLENA: What is all this?
(JOHN brings her hand to his lips.)
MARLENA: Oh, John. What are you –
(He leans in and gives her a long, tender kiss. Winks. Walks to the ice bucket.)
MARLENA: They really let you have all these candles in here?
JOHN: Well, it’s like this. My wife is a doctor at this hospital. So … (he pulls out two champagne glasses) … they pretty much let me do whatever I want.
MARLENA: Do they? Lucky for me.
(He winks. Pours. MARLENA eyes the bottle and holds her stomach. Winces.)
MARLENA: Oh, honey … I’m sorry, I … don’t think I can …
JOHN: That’s why it’s sparkling water.
MARLENA (relieved): … Oh.
(He extends a glass. They toast. Drink. She caresses his face.)
MARLENA: You didn’t have to do all this.
JOHN: Yes, I did.
MARLENA: But you haven’t slept in days, you’re so tired, you need to be home sleeping, not running around doing all this for me –
(He leans in and kisses her again – deeper.)
MARLENA: Are you going to keep interrupting me like that?
JOHN: Yes.
(She beams. He takes her glass, places both of them on the bed stand. Takes her hand in both of his.)
JOHN: I don’t want to waste one more minute. Telling you how much you mean to me.
MARLENA: Oh, baby, I know how much I mean to you.
JOHN: I almost lost you. I almost didn’t make it to you in time. I still remember staring at that house, just …. (blinking back tears) … not knowing what I was gonna do …
MARLENA: … I’m so sorry.
JOHN: I begged God … I’ve never prayed harder in my life … and heaven brought you back to me. There’s not a surer sign we’re meant to be together, Doc. That’s how it’s always been, that’s how it always will be. You are my life.
MARLENA (tears): And you’re mine.
(He kneels.)
JOHN: We have come through … more than … I think any couple on this earth.
MARLENA: … We’ve won the cruise?
(They both laugh.)
JOHN: With everything we’ve been through, I’ve never been more proud of us than I am right now. I’ve never been more grateful to you than I am right now. For going there with me. For meeting the ghosts in my heart that hurt you the most. For embracing them. And helping me heal them. For forgiving me.
(He reaches into his pocket … and pulls out a small, velvet covered box.)
JOHN: We have done so much work. Away from the world. I don’t want us to be quiet about it anymore.
(He opens the box … it’s MARLENA’s wedding ring, freshly polished and gleaming. She’s breathless.)
JOHN: I want everyone, everywhere, to know how proud I am of us … how proud I am to be your husband, how honored I am to be your husband … how I will never, ever … take you for granted again … that I will always cherish you, always love you … that you’ve always had my heart. And you always will.
(MARLENA can’t stop crying. JOHN takes the ring from the box and holds it out to her.)
JOHN: MARLENA Evans Black … will you marry me? Again?
(MARLENA puts the ring on her finger.)
MARLENA: My love … yes!
(JOHN embraces her. They both cry.)
LATER
(MARLENA lay up against JOHN, blissful. She stares at her ring. The room takes on a new golden hue.)
MARLENA: The sun’s about to rise.
JOHN: That’s a fact.
MARLENA: You still haven’t gotten any sleep at all.
JOHN: I’m. Just. Fine.
(MARLENA looks up at him. He kisses her. She nuzzles her nose into his neck.)
MARLENA: You’re planning it, aren’t you?
JOHN: What?
MARLENA: Our ceremony. I can feel the wheels turning in your head. You’re not gonna let me do a single thing., are you? You’re going to surprise me.
JOHN: You know me well.
MARLENA: I do.
(She beams up at him.)
MARLENA: I do, I do, I do, I do! …
(He kisses her. Takes her tongue. She undoes his bow tie, his collar. He stops her hands. Raises an eyebrow.)
MARLENA: Can’t you just give me one little hint? Just one. Please. Oh, please.
JOHN: I am sworn to secrecy.
MARLENA: Not even if I have my way with you?
(He looks her up and down. Blushes. She grins.)
JOHN: Tempting.
MARLENA: Oh, baby, I can do more than tempt.
(He grins. Leans into her ear.)
JOHN (whispers): Not tellin’.
(MARLENA grunts.)
MARLENA: Okay, fine. I’m fine with it. I’ll just … stick to my old standard, “give me the time and the place and I’ll be there.”
JOHN: Atta girl.
MARLENA: On one condition. I plan the honeymoon. I want to surprise YOU.
(He looks at her in love.)
JOHN: Deal.
MARLENA: Good! … So, how soon should I start planning?
JOHN: Well, I think we need to get you out of this hospital first.
MARLENA: Maxine says my vitals look fine. She’s sure Daniel’ll spring me any day now.
JOHN: Well, let’s wait for that. And … other stuff.
MARLENA: What other stuff?
JOHN: Just … stuff.
MARLENA: John Black!
JOHN: Not everyone’s ready to come to the wedding yet. Okay?
MARLENA: What do you mean by that? … (her face clouds over with worry) Oh, John. Look … I know it’s going to be painful for Sami, but I really believe that we can work something –
(He winces.)
JOHN: No, no. I didn’t mean Sami. Didn’t mean to upset you with that. I’m sorry.
MARLENA: Well, then who on earth did you mean? … John!
JOHN: He’s about … four pounds, eight ounces. And has your smile.
(MARLENA eyes widen. She gasps. Shoots to sitting.)
MARLENA: She had! – She! – Belle had! –
JOHN: 10:37 PM. Night before last.
(MARLENA squeals a sound three sizes larger than herself and pulls him to her. JOHN laughs. Rocks her. She suddenly pulls back.)
MARLENA: Oh, god, oh, John, OH … It was too early. Are they – ?
JOHN: They’re both just fine.
MARLENA: Well, tell – tell me the details. She had a C section.
JOHN: Went off without a hitch. Belle came through a pro. Baby’ll be in NICU for awhile, but Kayla says he’ll be just fine.
MARLENA; … Really?
JOHN: Really.
(She beams.)
MARLENA: It’s a he?
(JOHN beams back.)
John: It’s a he.
MARLENA: Oh! …
(MARLENA settles back into her pillow, glowing. Bolts forward.)
JOHN: HEY, hey, no, you don’t.
MARLENA: It’s been two days, John, I have to see her.
JOHN: You’re not getting’ out of this bed, Daniel said .
(MARLENA tries to take out her IV. JOHN stops her.)
JOHN: Doc!
MARLENA: I know how to put it back in!
(He takes her by the shoulders.)
JOHN: Daniel said under no circumstances are you to get out of this bed. NOT YET. Belle’s asleep anyway. Let her sleep.
MARLENA: I don’t want her to worry about me one more minute.
JOHN: She knows you’re all right. I told her.
MARLENA (tears): … I want to hold her.
JOHN: I know. I know … just not yet.
(He brushes his thumb across her cheek, catching her tears. She bats at him.)
MARLENA; How could you WAIT this long to tell me news like this? How could NOBODY tell me?
JOHN: Because we knew you’d want to get out of the bed!
(She seethes at him.)
JOHN: I’m sorry. That’s why I made plans to keep you in it.
(She sets her jaw.)
MARLENA: Oh, you did.
JOHN: You bet I did. Worked, didn’t it?
(He grins. She … grins in spite of herself.)
MARLENA: You dog.
(He grins wider.)
JOHN: Woof.
(He buries his mouth in the crook of her neck. She squeals. Laughs.)
JOHN: Actually, though, I didn’t have to work that hard, come to think of it. You started it.
MARLENA; Well, you had the audacity to walk in here and … be you.
(JOHN beams. Leans back. She melts against his chest.)
JOHN: Belle’s asleep in Shawn’s arms. Daniel gets in here about 7:30, he said. You’re his first patient. Once he examines you, I bet he’ll letcha get up. Then, you can spend all the time with her you want.
MARLENA: … I wanted to be there. I wanted to be there for her.
JOHN: She knows that, honey.
MARLENA (crying): I missed it! …
(JOHN winces. Pulls her close.)
JOHN: She doesn’t want you to miss it. That’s why she hasn’t named him yet. That’s for you.
(MARLENA lifts her face to his.)
MARLENA: What?
JOHN: Belle wants you to name him. Before she went into surgery, she said, “Dad, I know Mom’s gonna pull through. She’s gonna pull through so she can name my baby.” She was right.
Marlaena (overwhelmed): … Oh! …
(They hold each other for a long, wonderful moment.)
MARLENA: Tell me you have pictures.
JOHN: I have 947 pictures.
MARLENA: Oh! Good. Good. Show me, show me.
(JOHN pulls out his cell phone. Pulls up a picture. MARLENA sighs with wonder. Puts her fingers to her lips. Brushes tears away but they fall too fast.)
MARLENA: He’s perfect! …
(She takes JOHN’s phone in her hands. He strokes her hair and beams and she scrolls through image after image. Her wedding ring gleams. She touches it.)
MARLENA; Sometimes … when I really take my life in … it’s so wonderful that I can’t breathe.
(JOHN pulls her close. Kisses her hair. Looks up to heaven. Mouths, “thank you.”.)
Page 50 of 54
INT. BELLE’S HOSPITAL ROOM – MORNING
(SHAWN and CLAIRE chat with BELLE. They’re all glowing yet visibly exhausted. JOHN pokes his head in.)
JOHN: Awake for a surprise guest?
Belle: Hey, Dad.
(JOHN ushers in MARLENA, robed and beaming.)
Belle: Mom! Oh my god!
(MARLENA practically jumps up and down. She rushes toward her daughter – but is stopped by a rush of red hair, grasping her around the waist. CLAIRE can’t stop crying.)
Marlena: Oh! Oh! Bug … honey …
(MARLENA kneels. CLAIRE holds her close and can’t let go.)
MARLENA: Oh, honey … I’m okay… Look at me.
(She gently pushes back. Strokes CLAIRE’s tear-soaked cheeks.)
Marlena: See? I’m just fine.
Claire: He poisoned you! …
(MARLENA looks to BELLE and SHAWN, alarmed.)
Belle: She overheard the nurses talking. I wanted to slap them.
Shawn: Maxine tried.
(MARLENA winces.)
Claire: Why would he do that? Why would try and kill you?
(MARLENA smoothes CLAIRE’s hair.)
Marlena: Baby …
(Everyone’s hearts burst in half.)
MARLENA: You know … Stefano … his brain was sick. His brain was very very sick, and … it just caused him to do a lot of mean things.
Claire: Why didn’t you make him better?
(MARLENA can’t speak. JOHN kneels and rubs her shoulders.)
Marlena (tears): I tried, baby. I really did.
John: She tried harder than anybody.
(MARLENA pulls CLAIRE closer.)
Marlena: But you listen to me. I can promise you … Stefano will never … EVER … hurt you or any of us ever again.
Claire: … ‘Cause he’s dead?
(MARLENA nods.)
Marlena: Yeah. He’s dead.
Claire: Is he in heaven?
(MARLENA looks to the others. No one can speak. JOHN wraps his arm around her shoulders.)
Marlena: … What do you think?
Claire: I don’t want him to be. I’m glad he’s gone. And if EJ starts acting like him, he better watch out for me, ‘cause I’m gonna be a super spy like Pop Pop and I’m gonna protect all of you!
(Belle and Shawn laugh, moved.)
Claire: Don’t laugh! I mean it!
Marlena: I don’t doubt you’d make a wonderful super spy.
Belle: Mom.
John: I thought, last we talked, you wanted to be a marine biologist.
Claire: I’ll be that, too. That’s the best part about being a spy. You can be whatever you are AND be a spy.
Belle: Dad, shut this down, please.
Claire: What’s the problem? I already disarmed a bomb!
(MARLENA turns … gapes at JOHN.)
Marlena: She did what?
John: Bug, let’s let your Grandma talk to your Mom. K?
(He ushers MARLENA to her feet.)
Marlena: John! A bomb?! J –
Belle: Don’t worry, Mom, I already yelled at him.
Shawn: Mom tried to slug him.
(MARLENA, at BELLE’s bed, surrenders the concern and wraps her arms around her daughter. They cry.)
John (to CLAIRE): You trying to get me in trouble? (tickles her) Is that what you’re trying to do? Huh? Huh?
(CLAIRE squeals. Wrestles with him. Then silence – BRADY enters, with food bags and cups. He and JOHN lock eyes for a long moment.)
Claire: Uncle Brady!
(She races to his side.)
Claire: Great-Grandma’s pancakes?
Shawn: Hey. What’s the magic word?
Claire: Please.
(BRADY hands her a bag. Makes a beeline to MARLENA. She wraps her arms around him. Shawn reaches into his pocket.)
Shawn: What do we owe ya?
Brady: No, no, don’t worry about it. Caroline wouldn’t let me pay anyway.
(Eyes avoiding his father, BRADY hands the remaining bags to Shawn, and the drink cup to BELLE.)
Brady: Chamomile.
Belle: Oh, god, thank you.
(She takes a slow, happy sip.)
Brady: Marlena, I’m sorry I don’t have anything for you, I didn’t know you were –
Marlena: No, no, no, it’s all right. I can’t really stomach anything yet anyway.
(She looks to JOHN. JOHN looks at BRADY. BRADY looks at the floor.)
Brady: Izzy, I can go run some errands for you guys if you want.
Belle: No, stay.
John: Please stay.
(BRADY can’t move his eyes from the floor.)
Claire: You’re not bein’ a chicken again, are you?
(Shawn places his hand on her head.)
Claire: Sorry.
(BRADY bolts – but MARLENA takes his hand.)
Marlena: I’d like you to stay, too. I don’t want you to miss this.
Brady: … Miss what?
Marlena: I’ve thought of a name. For your nephew.
(BELLE lights up like a firefly. Sits up taller in bed.)
Marlena: Stay for that? Please?
(BRADY retreats to the other side of BELLE. MARLENA takes a deep breath.)
Marlena: Okay. Now, if you don’t like this name, just tell me, I’ll choose anything, any name you want –
Belle: Mom. I’ll love it.
Marlena: Well … (crying) first, I’m just heartsick I wasn’t here ….
(BELLE squeezes her mother’s hand.)
Marlena: But I’m so proud. He’s perfect! … And I’m so … honored … to name him. I’ve thought about it a lot … and … Belle … I’d like to name your son BJ.
(Pause.)
Claire: BJ? That’s not a name, that’s letters.
Shawn: Claire.
Marlena: You’re right. They are letters. They stand for a name.
John: Brady, Jr.
(MARLENA and JOHN and BELLE beam at BRADY. He’s overwhelmed.)
Claire: Wait … my brother and my uncle are gonna have the same name? That doesn’t make any sense.
Shawn (whispers): Bug.
Claire: They’re two different people!
(MARLENA and JOHN search BRADY’s eyes. Their countenance drops. He bolts out of the HOSPITAL ROOM.)
Belle: Brady!
(JOHN bolts after him.)
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
(BRADY pushes the elevator buttons over and over and over. MAXINE watches him.)
MAXINE: Elevators bein’ repaired, love.
(He bolts up the HALL with JOHN at his heels.)
John: Maxine, did you see –
(MAXINE points up the HALL.)
John: Thanks.
Maxine: He’s headed to the stairs. Candy machine on the second floor. That’s where I’ve seen him the most.
(JOHN nods.)
Maxine: John.
(He stops. Turns to her.)
(Pause.)
John: Please don’t worry about it. Claire’s okay.
Maxine: It’s not okay. It happened on my watch.
John: My wife recovered on your watch. My baby gave birth to my grandson on your watch. I owe everything to your watch.
(Her worried face relaxes slightly. He winks.)
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
(BRADY pounds and pounds at the stalled machine. JOHN approaches.)
Brady: God, is EVERYTHING broken around here?
(JOHN won’t move. BRADY bolts to pass – but JOHN blocks him. BRADY returns to pushing buttons.)
Brady: She shouldn’t have done that.
John: … Why not?
Brady: Because I don’t want that kid to grow up to be me. None of you want him to grow up and be me. She should have named him after you, that’s what she really wanted to do. You’re the perfect Black, right? The perfect hero?
John: I’m not Izzy’s hero, son. You are. Your Mom knows that. So do I.
Brady: So, you’re just makin’ Belle happy, then.
John: Didn’t you see Marlena’s face when she chose your name?
Brady: Yeah. ‘Cause she’s making Belle happy.
John: Are you ever gonna let this in? … We’re proud of you.
Brady: ‘Til tomorrow, when I fall off the wagon all over again.
John: You’re not gonna do that.
Brady: Yes, I am!
John: You’re a hero. You’re my hero. You’re my hero every damn day, son, I never tell you that, but you are. Becoming your father changed my life. You’re tethered right to my heart. Right there. Right to my soul. I’d be lost if I lost you. That’s why I hold onto ya so tight. I meddle in everything. I don’t give ya room to be the hero you are. That’s wrong, that’s dead wrong. Your Mom’d tell me so. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m in awe of what you did for your sister. I’m in awe of the battle you just won with yourself. I’m in awe of you. I love you, son.
(BRADY’s body shivers, melts, shrinks. He looks at his father with the eyes of a little boy. JOHN cradles the back of his son’s head.)
John: You hear me? I love you. I love you.
(He pulls his son into a strong hug. Slowly, BRADY hugs him back. Blinks away tears of release. JOHN squeezes his tight.)
John: I love you …
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
(MARLENA exits BELLE’s HOSPITAL ROOM, looking for JOHN. MAXINE opens her mouth to speak – but a strong, familiar arm pulls MARLENA into a SUPPLY CLOSET.)
Maxine: Oh, lord …
INT. SUPPLY CLOSET
(Breathless, MARLENA finds herself in JOHN’s grinning embrace.)
Marlena: You just about scared me to death! What are you –
(He grasps her shoulders and plants a passionate kiss on her lips. She pulls back. Stunned. Flushed.)
Marlena: The conversation went that well, huh?
John: It was a start. Still have a long way to go, but … I think we’re gonna be okay.
Marlena: Of course you are. I’m so proud of you.
(JOHN traces her face with his finger. Blinks back tears.)
John: It means everything to me, you choosing that name.
Marlena; There’s no other name I would have picked.
(He winces with gratitude. Brushes his hands across her cheeks, petting them. Leans his lips against hers. Opens his mouth. She opens to his. He pulls her body closer, reaches behind them and locks the door. MARLENA whimpers, pulls back.)
Marlena: Honey.
John: You okay?
Marlena: I’m fine, but –
John: Good.
(Another kiss, deeper. MARLENA pushes him back. Flushed, she can barely catch her breath.)
Marlena: John. John. We can’t do this. Not in here. Nurses need access to this, there are linens, syringes, meds.
John: But there’s no Maxine.
(MARLENA glares playfully at him.)
Marlena: She’ll have our hides if she finds us in here.
John: That’s why I locked the door.
Marlena: John.
(He grunts. Unlocks the door. Locks it again. Attacks her neck. She squeals with delight.)
Marlena: John! Look, I’m sprung tonight. Kayla said so.
John: Too long.
(His mouth attacks the other side of her neck.)
Marlena: Well, I know it’s a wait, but …
John: No.
Marlena: Then, we’re — (a shiver of arousal passes through her) … oh … honey, honey –
(She pushes him back.)
Marlena: We have to come up with something else.
John: Come up? Yes.
(MARLENA laughs. Bats at him.)
Marlena: I’m serious!
John: Look, doctor, you’re gonna have to suggest to something fast, because I’m …
(MARLENA glances down.)
Marlena: Oh! My. You are.
(She grins at him.)
Marlena: Hospital gown does it for ya?
John: You just look perky.
Marlena: Must be all that rehydration.
(She gives him a look. He nearly collapses.)
John: Please don’t make me stand here like this.
(MARLENA laughs again.)
Marlena: You’re right, you’re right. Mr. Black, it does appear that you … have a serious medical issue.
John: Yep. Fix it? Fast?
Marlena: All right, well, I think you need to – immediately – join me in my office.
(He gapes at her. Raises an eyebrow. Grins.)
John: You have an office.
(She grins back.)
Marlena: I have an office.
(She brushes her lips up against his and whispers.)
Marlena: And the only key.
John: Doctor, you say you have an opening?
Marlena: I’m open for you.
(He licks his lips.)
John: Let’s go.
(MARLENA unlocks and opens the door. JOHN swats her on the behind and follows her.)
INT. MARLENA’S OFFICE
(The door opens. MARLENA and JOHN beam from the doorway. JOHN leans his head in. Looks both ways.)
John: Maxine?
(MARLENA laughs and swats at him.)
John: After that look she gave us out there, she could be hiding behind the couch.
(MARLENA laces her fingers through JOHN’s, and tugs him into the room. He tugs her back. Lifts her up off the ground. She gasps.)
John: I wanna practice.
(Moved, MARLENA rests her forehead against his. He carries her across the doorway threshold. Shuts and locks the door behind them. Dims the lights. Gently sets her on her feet. They beam at each other, nose to nose. He runs a finger slowly … up her arm … across her chest … up her neck … over her lips. She dips her fingers into the back pockets of his jeans. Presses her hips into his. A wave of arousal shivers through him.)
Marlena: Better?
(JOHN flushes. Nods. MARLENA nuzzles her lips against his ear.)
MARLENA: Pick me up again.
(He pants. His eyes ask, “you’re sure you’re not too tired?” Her mouth answers by grasping his ear between her teeth. He grins. In a flash, he drops her robe to the floor as she pulls the belt from his jeans. He draws her hospital gown up her thighs as she unbuttons and unzips him. She jumps up into his arms as her legs straddle around his back – and he’s inside her. A giant moan escapes from JOHN’s mouth as he staggers back slightly and up against the door. MARLENA grins and grasps the back of his hair with her hands as she attacks his mouth with her own. They pulse together, over and over, faster and faster – then still. Gape at each other bleary-eyed. Pant. Smile. JOHN secures her lower back with one arm and with the other unlaces her hospital gown. It falls to the floor. MARLENA pulls off his sweater. His chest glistens with sweat. She slowly runs her fingers up and over his nipples, then presses her breasts against him as he re-shifts her against his hips. They pulse again, slower … then faster … then faster and faster and harder and harder. MARLENA moans without abandon. Her head leans back into JOHN’s hand as he buries his lips in her chest. Their breathing and voices and pulses melt into one as they ride the orgasm together, then climax, then tremble … then become still again.)
(Eyes shut, pressed against each other, their breathing slowly calms. JOHN carefully sets MARLENA down to standing. Gently rests his hand against her cheek.)
John: You okay?
(MARLENA utters a blissful sigh and nods her head against his chest.)
John: We didn’t even use the couch.
Marlena: I don’t think you could have waited to get to the couch.
(They both chuckle. He lifts her chin. She looks at him.)
John: I am gonna to make this wedding the most special day you’ve ever had. That’s a fact. I’m gonna outdo myself. It’s gonna be a record.
Marlena: John. Just love me.
(He beams at her.)
John: I do.
(She beams back.)
Marlena: I do.
(He nuzzles his nose against hers. Their lips meet. The kiss is slow and long … and sweet.)
Page 51 of 54
INT. PENTHOUSE FOYER / ELEVATOR – EVENING
(JOHN rummage keys from his pocket while MARLENA stares at her cell phone, brows furrowed.)
John: Still nobody?
Marlena: I don’t understand it. Just voice mails, all day. Every one. Not one call back. Not one person came to the hospital to see me home.
John: Well, they know you’re home now. They’ll be by.
(MARLENA nods. Blinks back tears. JOHN wraps her in his arms.)
John: Hey …
Marlena (crying): I’m sorry. I’m being so –
John: No, you’re not.
Marlena: I am. I have nothing to be upset about. I’m home. I’m alive. My baby’s alive, her baby’s … perfect … and you …
(She strokes his face.)
Marlena: I just … oh, I just had this fantasy that I’d see everyone today, all at once, all the people I love, and I’d wrap my arms around them and … it’s unrealistic, I know. Everyone’s … they all have lives. Children. Children’s schedules. Eric’s still stuck in Colorado. I was just … hoping.
John: You were hopin’, huh?
Marlena: I’m all right. I’m all right now.
(JOHN grins.)
Marlena: What?
(He gently turns her around. Wraps a hand across her eyes.)
Marlena: What – honey? What are you doing?
John: Just keep walkin’.
(He unlocks the door.)
INT. PENTHOUSE – CONTINUOUS
(JOHN ushers MARLENA through the door. Beams at their surroundings. Removes his hand from her eyes.)
ALL: SURPRISE!
(MARLENA gasps with delight at her cheering friends and family. They stand in a garden of her hospital flowers, a Caroline banquet, and a giant sign hanging across the balcony: “Welcome Home, Marlena!”. Moved beyond words, she buries her face in JOHN’s chest. Then, tiny hands tug at her. She falls to her knees, beaming, and scoops her grandchildren into her arms.)
LATER
(Blissful chatting all around. MARLENA watches, with delight, as ABE and MAXINE can’t keep their eyes off each other. CAROLINE bustles about serving food and drink.)
Marlena: Caroline, please let me help you. With something?
Caroline: No, no, no. You just relax.
Roman: Ma. Sit down for five minutes, come on. You’re makin’ us tired.
Caroline: I can’t help it if I’ve got more stamina than you.
(She playfully swats him with a towel. Bustles back to the KITCHEN. Everybody laughs.)
Hope: Ciara, don’t you wanna play upstairs with the other kids?
Ciara: They play baby games.
Hope: Ali doesn’t. I bet she’s dying for someone her age up there.
(CIARA continues frowning.)
Will: Sonny and I were gonna go up and check on Ari. Wanna come along?
(Still frowning.)
Maxine: Looks like someone’s got a case of the grumps.
Hope: Go on. Go keep Ali company.
Sami: Actually, we should be getting home.
Marlena: But you just got here.
Sami: The kids are wiped out, Mom. It’s … the week’s been –
John: All the more reason you should stay. Relax with us.
Roman: Yeah, come on, honey (he squeezes his daughter’s hand), you’ve had a week from hell. Stay.
(SAMI pulls her hand away. Coldly glares at her father. Stomps to the KITCHEN. MARLENA watches in concern.)
John: What was that?
Marlena: I don’t know …
(The FRONT DOOR opens.)
Belle: Do you have room for three more?
(MARLENA squeals. BELLE, SHAWN, and CLAIRE stand at the door. MARLENA bolts to her daughter and pulls her to her.)
Marlena: Oh! Oh! How did you –
Belle: Daniel said everything looked fine. He went ahead and released me early.
Shawn: She pestered him so much he gave in.
Belle: I did not pester him.
Claire: Yes, you did.
(At the sight of CLAIRE, CIARA rolls her eyes. JOHN scoops his daughter into his arms. CAROLINE follows suit.)
(All make their way back to the laughing and hugging gaggle. JOHN taps a champagne glass with a butter knife. Everyone quiets down. He gently lifts MARLENA to his side.)
JOHN: Well, now, it’s definitely the right time. First off, good job everybody, she never suspected a thing.
(Everyone cheers. MARLENA bats at him. Grins.)
John: And second. I wanna propose a toast.
(He holds up his glass. Everyone follows. CAROLINE opens soda cans and hands them to CLAIRE and CIARA.)
John: To the woman who saved my life. The woman who changed my life. The woman who is my life.
(He stares deeply into MARLENA’s eyes.)
John: I used to think … having your love was the most precious thing I could ever have … I’ve learned this year, there’s something even more precious than that … it’s having your forgiveness. When …
(JOHN is overwhelmed. Tears tumble down his cheeks. MARLENA gently kisses every one. He kisses her hands.)
Claire: Are you gonna get married again?
(JOHN and MARLENA gape as everyone laughs.)
Claire: What? They always get married again.
(JOHN wraps his arms about MARLENA’s waist.)
John: As a matter of fact, Bug …
(MARLENA holds up her ringed hand.)
Marlena: … yes, we are.
(Everybody cheers.)
Claire: Told ya.
John (beaming): It’s gonna be three weeks from Friday.
(More cheers.)
Ciara: John, I should be the flower girl. Not Claire.
Hope: Ciara.
Ciara: She won’t want the job anyway. You have to wear a dress and she never wears a dress.
Claire: I do so wear dresses.
Ciara: You do not.
Claire: Do, too!
Shawn: Hey.
John: Both of you will have a very important job at the wedding. That’s a promise.
Ciara: So, what dress do I get to wear?
Hope: Ciara.
Claire: Do we HAVE to wear a dress?
Ciara: Told ya.
Claire: Shut up.
Ciara: YOU shut up!
Caroline: Hey! In the kitchen. Move.
(CIARA and CLAIRE glumly join CAROLINE. She marches them toward the KITCHEN.)
Caroline: Now. First rule of baking is? … First rule of baking is?
Ciara and Claire (reciting): It takes more than one baker to make a batch sweet.
Caroline: Second rule is?
Ciara and Claire (reciting): Help each other.
Caroline: Third rule?
Ciara and Claire (reciting): No name calling.
Caroline: Or else?
Ciara and Claire (reciting): No one gets a cookie.
Caroline: All right.
(They disappear into the KITCHEN.)
Marlena: I’m afraid all I’ve got is slice and bake Tollhouse in there.
Hope: Oh, she’ll milk that.
(SAMI comes out of the KITCHEN and bolts toward the STAIRS. MARLENA stops her.)
Marlena: Honey … please stay. Look, if you’re tired, if you and EJ need some time … the kids can stay here. You know, we’d love it.
(JOHN wraps his arms around MARLENA.)
John: They can stay here as long as you both need it.
(SAMI drops her eyes to the floor.)
Sami: Mom. You’re exhausted. I can’t do that to you.
Marlena: I’m fine, it’s no trouble at all.
Roman: She’s right, Doc. Sami, I can take the kids for awhile. I’m happy to.
(With another cold glare at her father, SAMI stomps out to the BALCONY. JOHN, MARLENA, and ROMAN gape at each other, perplexed.)
John: That’s how she usually looks at me.
Marlena (to ROMAN): What is happening between you two?
Roman: Your guess is good as mine.
(MARLENA starts toward the BALCONY. JOHN stops her.)
John: Don’t wear yourself out.
(She squeezes his hand. Goes. BRADY comes through the FRONT DOOR. JOHN hugs him.)
Brady: I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I … I needed a meeting.
John: ‘Sokay. I shoulda waited for ya. I’m sorry.
Brady: No. Dad. I didn’t call. You had the big announcement to make. It’s fine. Did I worry ya?
John: Nope. I knew you were doin’ what you need to do.
(BRADY smiles. JOHN rubs the back of his neck.)
Belle: Hey, stranger.
(BRADY yells with surprise. BELLE jumps into his arms.)
Brady: What are you doing here?
Belle: I got sprung.
(He holds onto her for dear life. Relaxes. JOHN beams.)
EXT. PENTHOUSE BALCONY – CONTINUOUS
(SAMI hunches, arms crossed, exhausted. MARLENA closes the BALCONY door behind her.)
Marlena: Samantha?
Sami: Mom, I just … I wanna be alone.
(MARLENA wraps her arms around her daughter from the back. Rests her chin on SAMI’S shoulder. Smoothes her hair.)
Marlena: How’s EJ doing? Hmm?
(SAMI pulls away. Stares – hard – at the view.)
Marlena: I know this week’s been hell for you both. Stefano’s death’s affected all of us, so much, but … I can’t even imagine what EJ’s going through. The two of you. How hard it must be to know what to tell the children.
Sami: And that’s exactly what you want. You want it to be this hard. So, I’ll finally give up and I’ll leave him, right?
Marlena: I would never want that.
Sami: You’ve never wanted me with him! The whole family’s staring at me in there like “how could you be with his son” after what Stefano just did.
Marlena: No one’s staring at you like –
Sami: Well, they should!
(SAMI’s face contorts.)
Marlena: … Oh, honey ..
(MARLENA wraps her up in a hug. SAMI cries into her chest.)
Sami: I can’t take … losing you one more time! …
Marlena: You didn’t lose me, honey. You didn’t. Stefano’s gone. He’s gone. He’s never going take me away from you again. Not ever.
Sami: I don’t have room to say all this to EJ. He’s already dealing with so much, all his feelings about Stefano …
Marlena: I know … I know …
Sami: And Johnnie loved Stefano, he loved him so much, and I still don’t know what all to tell him about his death, who he was. I want him to love his grandpa, but I can’t … I just … I can’t lie! I can’t lie about that bastard! And EJ just – …
(MARLENA caresses her daughter’s face.)
Marlena: Sami … I know your … father … chose to cremate Stefano … without EJ’s consent. That was wrong. That was very wrong.
(SAMI pulls away.)
Marlena: Sami, he just wanted to make sure. He wanted to make sure we’d all be safe, no matter what.
Sami: EJ would have done the same thing. He was fine with that. So was I.
(MARLENA gapes at her daughter, perplexed.)
Marlena: Well then … what in the world’s going on between you two? Why are you being so cold to him? Samantha.
(Pause.)
Sami: He left you there.
Marlena: … Left me?
Sami: He was gonna leave you in that house to die. He was gonna give up. He was gonna walk away and give up. How could he give up?!
Marlena: Honey … Stefano’d rigged every inch of that house with bombs. Your Daddy’d tried everything he could think of.
Sami: He should have kept trying! John kept trying! He never gave up! If it hadn’t been for John, you! – …
(SAMI looks at the ground. An old wound heals, just a little bit. MARLENA stares at her daughter, moved.)
Marlena: … Oh, Sami …
(Pause.)
Sami: You tried everything to make it work. Everything. Dad chose to walk out on us. John stayed. No matter how hard it gets, he always comes back and he always stays. You deserve the man who stays.
(MARLENA holds her finger to her lips. Holds her daughter. Her tears flow onto SAMI’s hair. JOHN peeks out. MARLENA beams at him.)
Page 52 of 54
The Wedding Part 1
INT. DR. FOSTER’S OFFICE – DAY
Dr. Foster: … Time’s up.
(They all three sit back. JOHN and MARLENA look at each other.)
John (quietly): Time’s finally up.
Dr. Foster: Umm hmm.
(Pause.)
John: So, what are we up to, here at the end, three cruises?
(They all laugh.)
Dr. Foster: Most definitely.
(Through her laughter, MARLENA’s blinks back tears. Reaches across the coffee table and takes DR. FOSTER’S hand.)
MARLENA: Candice … thank you … thank you so much.
(JOHN takes Dr. Foster’s other hand in both of his. DR. FOSTER blinks back tears of her own.)
DR. FOSTER: It’s been my pleasure.
MARLENA: Tell me that you’re coming tomorrow. (to JOHN) She’s coming, isn’t she?
DR. FOSTER: I wouldn’t miss it.
John (winces): Awww.
Marlena: HA! Now, I know ONE thing about the wedding.
Dr. Foster: Sorry, John.
John: I’ll let that one slide.
Marlena: Actually, this makes four, I now know four things. A dress will arrive for me tomorrow afternoon, my ride will arrive at six thirty, and I’m to … (grinis) have my vows written.
John: Whatever you want to say.
Marlena: I’ll say a lot.
John: So will I.
Marlena: … Then, I won’t say a lot.
(JOHN looks at his wife. Blushes. She grins. Then, gasps – as he tugs her to standing.)
John: We’ll see you tomorrow, Candice.
(He waltzes Marlena out the DOOR as they all laugh.)
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM – THE NEXT EVENING
(MARLENA stands before her bureau mirror in a breath-taking white gown with a long, pearl-laden train. Her hair is up in an elegant swirl with baby’s breath peppered throughout. She smoothes the fabric of her gown and beams at JOHN’S choice. Remembers.)
FLASHBACK
(JOHN, then Roman, carries MARLENA into their BEDROOM, she in her wedding dress, he in a completely sopped tuxedo.)
Marlena: No! No! I can’t do this. I’ve changed my mind.
(He tosses her onto the BED. She can’t stop laughing.)
Roman: Sorry! Too late to back out now. (climbs atop her, grinning) Kiss me, quick.
Marlena: No! Roman! Don’t do this!
Roman: What do you mean, don’t do this?
Marlena: I can’t stand it!
Roman: What?
Marlena: You smell like your father’s fish market.
Roman: What’s wrong with that? My Pop sells fresh fish.
Marlena: Noooooo!
(He attacks her neck. Both laugh hysterically.)
BACK TO PRESENT
(Marlena chuckles. Wipes a tear from her cheek.)
Marlena (whispers): That was our first one.
(On the DRESSER, her cell phone rings. She snatches it up.)
Marlena: John?
EXT. ?
John: Hey, pretty lady. You ready?
CAMERA CUTS BACK AND FORTH
Marlena: I’ve been ready for an hour. Where are you?
John: Where I am.
(MARLENA playfully grunts. JOHN grins.)
John: Just lettin’ ya know, it’s now six thirty, so your ride should be arriving right about …. now.
(The doorbell rings from DOWNSTAIRS.)
Marlena: Oh!
John: See you soon.
Marlena: John –
(He’s hung up.)
Marlena: OH … you.
INT. PENTHOUSE LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
(MARLENA opens the FRONT DOOR. A sleepy-eyed two year old greets her in the arms of a beaming … CARRIE, in a lilac bridesmaid dress.)
Carrie: Hi, Marlena.
Marlena: OHHHHHH!
(MARLENA wraps CARRIE up in a giant hug.)
Marlena (tears): Carrie! Oh, Carrie! (caresses her cheek) Oh my gosh, OH my gosh, you came all this way?
Carrie: Of course I did. I wouldn’t have missed it. (smoothes her daughter’s hair) Neither would she.
Marlena: Alice! Oh, come here, my sweet girl.
(MARLENA takes the toddler up in her arms. Glows.)
Marlena: Oh! I can’t believe she’s grown this much! Just three months ago, the picture you sent –
Carrie: I know, she’s sprouting like a weed. We can’t buy clothes fast enough.
(MARLENA’s countenance drops.)
Marlena: Uh oh. She feels warm.
Carrie: Yeah, she’s been fighting off an ear infection.
Marlena: Oh no.
Carrie: I got her on medicine this morning, so … she was gonna be in the wedding, but … I think she’ll just sit with Daddy.
Marlena: Absolutey, that’s just fine. (to ALICE) You can watch the whole thing and and tell us afterward if we did everything right. Hmm?
(MARLENA leans into ALICE’s face. ALICE grins, but then her eyes droop and she tugs at her ear. She lay her head on MARLENA’s shoulder.)
Marlena: Aw, baby…
(CARRIE smoothes ALICE’s hair.)
Marlena: So, Austin’s here?
Carrie: Yup. He’s already at the … where we’re going.
Marlena: You both doing okay?
Carrie: You ask me that every time I talk to you.
Marlena: And every time you say …
Carrie: … we’re fine.
Marlena: And that makes me happy.
(They smile at each other.)
Carrie: What do you say, Alice, should we take Marlena to her limo now?
Marlena: Limo? I’m taking a limo?
Carrie: It’s John. What else would you be taking? Oh, but the windows are blacked out. So you can’t see where we’re going.
Marlena: I figured as much. Just as long as the driver can see where we’re going.
(They laugh.)
INT. LIMO – CONTINUOUS
Carrie: I’ve never seen Sami and John like this. The way she talked to him today? It’s like when we were kids. It’s great.
Marlena: They’ve really turned a corner.
Carrie: Yeah. Wish she would with Dad. Still punishing him.
Marlena: … Just give her time.
Carrie: Yeah, well, Sami’s not happy unless she’s punishing somebody, so.
Marlena: She’s going through a lot right now.
Carrie: She’s always going through a lot.
Marlena: Carrie.
Carrie: I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I won’t start. This night is about you and John, and I am so happy for you, and that’s why I’m here.
(The vehicle stops.)
Carrie: And now … you’re here.
Marlena: Oh. I’m here? We’re here?
Carrie: You are.
Marlena: You aren’t coming?
Carrie: We’re getting dropped off around the corner. The next time we see you, you’ll be walking down the aisle.
Marlena (tears): … I’m so glad you’re here.
(She gathers CARRIE’s face in her hands and kisses her. Kisses ALICE on the forehead. Opens the LIMO door …)
EXT. LIMO
( … and ROMAN helps her out.)
Marlena: Oh! Roman.
(ROMAN beams back at her in a tuxedo.)
Roman: Evenin’, Doc. You look beautiful, as always.
Marlena: Thank you –
(He winks at CARRIE, shuts the DOOR, and the LIMO drives away. MARLENA looks about her, confused. She and ROMAN stand on a nearly abandoned commercial street.)
Marlena: … Where … are we?
Roman: Well, not quite where we were supposed to be. See, it’s like this. The youngest flower girl, goes by the alias of Ariana, just had a wardrobe malfunction. Involving a diaper.
(Marlena snorts. Chuckles.)
Roman: So … (chuckles himself) … we’re doing the bride drop off … a bit further back than we planned … give Will and Sonny a little time to fix the situation. By the time we get there. You know.
Marlena: Got it. I won’t tell John you just gave all that away.
Roman: Thank you. He’d have my head.
(ROMAN offers an arm.)
Roman: Shall we?
(She takes his arm. They walk.)
Roman: You gonna be okay in those shoes while we – ? Wait a minute, who am I talking to? Of course you’re gonna be. You and heels.
Marlena: Every day. Did you clean your shoes?
Roman: Yes. Enough.
Marlena: Mmm. So, you’re my escort, huh?
Roman: More than that. I’m walkin’ ya down the aisle.
(MARLENA stops. Stares at him, overcome.)
Marlena: You don’t have to do that.
Roman: I wanted to. John asked me how I wanted to take part in the wedding and … this is what I asked for. I’m takin’ your advice. I’m lettin’ you go, finally. Really lettin’ you go. But I didn’t wanna let you go without you. So. One last walk. If that’s okay.
(MARLENA looks him over, moved beyond words. She gives him a long, slow kiss on the cheek. Lays her head on his shoulder. They continue their walk.)
Roman: You’ll also be happy to know that … I have a date on Friday night.
Marlena: Oh! You do?
Roman: Double date with Maxine and Abe.
(MARLENA squeals with delight.)
Marlena: Who is she? Do I know her?
Roman: Nope.
Marlena: Oh. Well … (playfully glares at him) …. you’re not going to tell me one thing about her, are you?
Roman: Nope.
Marlena: I’m going to have to find out everything myself.
Roman: Yup.
Marlena: Roman, you know that’s going to drive me crazy!
Roman: Yep, I do.
Marlena: That’s why you’re going on the date on Friday, isn’t it? You’re waiting until I’m on my honeymoon so I’ll have to wait a whole week after that to hear anything about the date.
Roman: A week? Oh, no, I’m gonna stretch this out a whole month, just to watch you squirm.
(She slugs him on the arm. He chuckles. Then … she hears boat whistles. Stops in her tracks. Clutches her chest.)
Marlena: … Oh my god …
(She steps forward to the a STREET CORNER. Peeks around it. Sees. Gasps.)
Roman: John figured you wouldn’t know this route. Recognize where you are now?
(Marlena puts her fingers to her lips. Tears tumble down her cheeks. Turns to ROMAN.)
Marlena: The wedding’s here?
(He beams … and nods.)
EXT. PIER – JUST AFTER SUNSET
(MARLENA and ROMAN’s feet reach a white, satin runner. To their right, friends and family beam under hundreds of white lanterns and bursting bouquets of white orchids and lilacs. To their left, hundreds of candles float in the water along the dock and out into the horizon. At the top of the stairs, a string quartet gently plays. ERIC stands in front of them, adorned in his vestments, beaming at his mother. At the base of the stairs, CARRIE, SAMI, BELLE, and HOPE stand beaming in identical lilac dresses, next to beaming and tuxedoed ABE, BRADY, SHAWN, and WILL.)
(MARLENA drops her eyes to her feet for a moment, overcome; then, lifts her gaze to the satin runner in front of her, all the way to its end, where JOHN stands, crying freely without caring, at the foot of the stairs, in the spot, the very spot they’ll always remember.)
*flashback dialogue taken from August 22nd -23rd, 1986 episode*
Page 53 of 54
The Wedding Part 2
EXT. PIER – SUNSET – CONTINUOUS
(MARLENA watches with delight as CIARA, SYDNEY, and ALLY make their way down the white satin runner, lavender-dressed and flower baskets in hand. CIARA struts like a runway model. HOPE, flushed, rolls her eyes. JOHNNY follows them in a smart black suit, carrying the ring on a lace pillow. MARLENA leans into ROMAN.)
Marlena: Where’s Claire? I thought she was going to –
Roman: She asked John for a different job.
Marlena: What job?
Roman: Oh, just wait.
(The children take their places on either side of JOHN. MARLENA and JOHN’s eyes meet again and they shiver with excitement. Suddenly, “Here Comes The Bride” rings out from the string quartet. The audience stands. MARLENA sharply inhales. Holds her stomach.)
Roman: You okay?
Marlena: Yeah, yeah, just … that music. It always feels like the first time, you know?
Roman: I do.
(She looks at him in love. Blinks back tears.)
Marlena: I can’t tell how much it means. Your doing this.
Roman: You don’t have to tell me.
(He gently pecks the tip of her nose with his finger. They beam at each other. MARLENA takes a deep breath and readies herself.)
Roman: K? Now. Don’t screw up.
(She chuckles. Bats at his arm. Squeezes it. They process. MARLENA glows like the sun. As she approaches, she steadies herself in JOHN’s eyes and they can’t help but see the same thing … the wedding dissolves around them … the music fades … they see each other’s outline in the dark … trembling and reaching …closer … and closer … MARLENA slips her hand into JOHN’s as the music returns. ROMAN kisses her other hand. Winks. JOHN pulls him into a long embrace. ROMAN finally nods, backs away, sits next to CAROLINE. JOHN’s eyes behold MARLENA.)
John (whispers): You’re beautiful. You’re so beautiful.
(Tears tumble down MARLENA’s cheeks. He gently catches them with his thumbs. Takes a handkerchief out of his tux pocket and hands it to her. She holds it up to the audience. Everyone chuckles. MARLENA dabs her eyes. She and JOHN look upward to a beaming ERIC.)
Eric: (to ALL) Dearly Beloved… we are gathered here tonight, under this perfect night sky … to witness a rededication of vows, John’s and Marlena’s. (to JOHN and MARLENA) We are here to witness your hearts and the exquisite heart you’ve built between you. You are also here to witness us. Tonight, you stand in and among the heart your love has created. It has rippled outward, every minute of every day, to all of us, has made all of us who we are. Now that your heart is mended, so is this heart, so are all of us. And now … as our surprise to both of you … our grateful heart would like to speak. Dearly Beloved, whom do we celebrate?
Maxine (to MARLENA): A healer.
Abe: (to JOHN) A partner. (to BOTH) True friends. Who’ll walk through anything with you.
Hope: Who’ll do anything for you. And have.
Shawn and Sonny: Our family.
Kayla: Our brother. Our sister.
Caroline: Our son. And our daughter.
Will: Who help us be ourselves when we think that we can’t.
Belle: Who always welcome us home. Who always make us feel safe.
Brady: Who believe in us. Who never ever give up.
Belle and Brady: Our heroes.
Carrie: Our mother.
Sami: Our father.
(JOHN and SAMI lock tear-filled eyes. MARLENA is overcome.)
Maggie: Our pillars. Our legacy.
Eric: Our ministers.
Roman: The best and deepest parts of me.
Dr. Foster: Warriors. Who teach us how to be vulnerable. For that is the purest and bravest way to fight.
All: Tonight, we celebrate you.
(JOHN and MARLENA can barely hold it together.)
JOHN (fighting sobs): ‘Scuse us, folks, we’re gonna need a second …
(Everyone chuckles. MARLENA melts into his arms. Eyes closed, they hold each other tight. They breathe together. MARLENA’s eyes peek out at her friends and family.)
Marlena: You can’t know … how much that just meant. Thank you. Thank you.
(They break their embrace. Gather themselves – or try.)
Eric: John. You’ve prepared your vows to say to Marlena?
(MARLENA offers him her handkerchief. They laugh. She dabs the tears from his cheek.)
Marlena (whispers): Just say it to me. Just me.
(He kisses her hand. Takes a deep breath. Looks into her eyes. Suddenly, a gentle fog descends on them. A breeze whisps it about and around them, like a magic, illuminating dust.)
John: It was right here. Marlena called my name. She came out of the fog. Back to life. So did I. I touched your face, and I wasn’t a ghost anymore. (long pause) I’ll never… remember my whole past. DiMera went to the grave with it. That’s a fact. But the bigger fact … the fact that fills every part of me … he went to the grave thinking he took my life, but he gave it to me. Doc, you are every memory. You are every memory I could ever want. And no matter what, no matter how many more battles there are in my brain … no matter what life throws at the two of us … it will always be us. I pledge to you … I will never … ever … walk away from you. I will never betray you. I will never take you for granted. Not ever again. I will hold you, here, to my heart, always. Because you are my heart. You are my reason. You are my life.
(JOHN takes the ring from JOHNNY’s pillow and delicately slides it onto MARLENA’s trembling finger. Steadies her hand between his. She melts.)
Eric: Marlena. You’ve prepared vows to say to John?
(JOHN winks at her. Holds her hands against his heart. She looks him over for a long moment.)
Marlena: I grew up with a mirror of myself. Always in front of me. I grew up in a nightmare. I’ve had so many nightmares since. You always pierce through them. You find me, you reach me, you pull me out, out of the dark. You help me find my strength. The strength to remember what I’m made of. And, my love … this time … I was so honored to see what we’re made of. We faced the deepest parts of ourselves, our deepest nightmares, our deepest pain … and we healed it. Together. I will never stop being grateful to God for that. For you. I put my trust in you, my open heart, my spirit, my soul, all of me. Always.
(JOHN caresses every surface of her face. Their foreheads touch. JOHNNY, confused, raises the pillow.)
Johnny (whispers): Grandma! The ring!
(MARLENA laughs through tears. Takes it from him.)
Marlena: Thank you, sweetheart.
(She slides the ring onto JOHN’s finger.)
Maxine: All right, now.
(The audience bursts into laughter. ERIC gently turns JOHN and MARLENA toward the audience.)
Eric: Friends, family, it is my greatest pleasure to present, again, as it should always be … Mr. and Mrs. Black!
(The cheers erupt up into the sky. In one motion, JOHN sweeps MARLENA up and down into a gallant dip. Their lips lock. MARLENA lifts a leg and wraps it around his thighs. Then, she gasps as JOHN picks her up in his arms, and spins her, round and round and round. She screams with laughter.)
(Suddenly – a boat whistle sounds. The audience turns toward the sound. MARLENA looks at JOHN, intrigued. He grins.)
(Slowly, a boat makes its way toward them through the dark. Trains of lanterns and candles cascade from every sail, every rig, every side, down into the water. The helm turns toward them, and they see a beaming SHAWN with CLAIRE steering in front of him, decked out in a lavender suit and a seaman’s cap. She blows the boat horn.)
(MARLENA squeals with pride. CLAIRE docks the Fancy Face 4 like a pro. JOHN, MARLENA, and everyone burst into applause. JOHN leans into MARLENA’s ear.)
John: It’s our cruise.
(MARLENA playfully smirks. CLAIRE emerges, proudly bounds up the satin runner, sneaker lights flashing. She bows. Adjusts the – far too large for her – seaman’s cap.)
Claire: I am here to escort you to your perception!
Hope (whispers): Reception.
Claire: Reception!
(Everyone laughs. Claire squints smugly at Ciara.)
Claire (whispers): Told ya I could park a boat.
(CIARA sticks out her tongue. CAROLINE gives the girls a look. They jump apart and smile. CLAIRE locks arms with JOHN and MARLENA.)
Claire: Us first, then everybody else!
(They walk towards the boat followed by all. JOHN ruffles CLAIRE’s hat.)
John: Nice job, Captain.
(CLAIRE looks off in the distance, towards SHAWN who stands on the boat deck.)
Claire: Dad, now!
(CLAIRE bolts toward SHAWN who grins and hits a control. Epic fireworks shoot up and fill the entire sky. Everyone pauses, in awe, on the dock and watch the spectacle. Tuxedo-clad waiters float about the crowd with shining trays of champagne. MARLENA takes all of it in, overcome. JOHN wraps his arms about her. She rests her chin on his shoulder.)
Marlena: It’s all just so wonderful I can’t stand it.
(He nuzzles her hair. Closes his eyes.)
John: That first night I came here. And I called you. This is what I prayed for.
(She looks at him. The fireworks sparkle in his eyes. All sound fades around them.)
Marlena: This has always been our place of miracles, hasn’t it?
John (whispers): That’s a fact.
(He slowly runs a finger down her cheek.)
Marlena (whispers): I love you so …
John: I love you, sweetheart. I wish I could … I wish I could light up the whole earth.
Marlena: You do.
(He brushes his nose against hers, slowly. Again. Again. Her head tilts and her lips meet their home. As they open and close, open and close to each other, it’s just him … and her … and the PIER.)
Page 54 of 54
The Honeymoon
INT. LIMOUSINE – NIGHT
(As rice and shouts of joy ricochet against the windows, MARLENA snuggles into JOHN’s embrace. They beam at each other.)
John: Congratulations, Mrs. Black.
Marlena: Oh … I do love the sound of that.
(He strokes a fingertip down her cheek.)
Marlena: Say it to me again.
(JOHN grins. He nuzzles his lips against her left ear.)
John (whispers): Mrs. Black.
Marlena: Oh ….
(JOHN rests his lips against her left cheek. Her right cheek. Her right ear).
John (whispers): Mrs. Black …
(He kisses her right jaw … under her right jaw … her neck. She tilts back her head and his kisses progress downward. She melts backward into the seat. He rests his hand against her chest. They swim in each other’s eyes. She strokes his hair.)
Marlena: I’ll never forget this wedding. Never. It was all so wonderful. I can’t even pick a favorite part.
John: Not even Maxine catching the bouquet?
Marlena (squealing): Ohhhhh, wasn’t that the best? The best! Abe’s face …
John: He deserves it. After being alone so long.
Marlena I could feel Lexi smiling. And Roman. He looked so peaceful. Everyone looked so … I know my favorite part. I know it now. When Sami danced with you. I’ll remember that moment for the rest of my life.
(Tears glisten in their eyes.)
John: Me, too.
Marlena: And when Claire danced. On your feet.
John: A little too well.
(He winces. She laughs.)
John: And Alice started laughing. Like someone else I know.
Marlena: I’m so relieved her fever broke.
John: Yup. she’s just fine. Everyone’s fine.
Marlena: John.
(She sits forward.)
Marlena (realizing): Everyone’s fine. We’re on a honeymoon, and we don’t have to worry about anything, anything at all.
John: Or anyone.
(Pause.)
Marlena: He really is dead. He won’t ever hurt you again.
John: Or you. Or anyone we love. Ever.
(The reality takes their breath away.)
John: And I don’t want to waste one more minute of a honeymoon talking about Stefano DiMera.
Marlena: I don’t, either.
(He flips her over onto her back. She squeals. He pins her arms above her head and melts his body on top of hers.)
John: So. You gonna tell me where we’re goin’ , Mrs. Black?
Marlena: Oh, I’ll never talk, Mr. Black.
John: Huh. Well.
(He looks her up and down.)
John: Looks like I’ll have to use … methods.
(She blushes. JOHN suddenly sits up.)
John: Charlie, where we goin’?
(MARLENA laughs and slugs JOHN in the arm.)
Charlie (from front of limousine): Sworn to secrecy, Mr. Black, sorry.
John: I can get it out of Charlie.
(JOHN pretends to climb up front. MARLENA pulls him back down. He laughs.)
Marlena: No, you don’t! The interrogation’s here, sailor.
John: Where?
(She points to her lips.)
Marlena: Right. Here.
John: Oh, there ….
INT. THE PLANE – CONTINUOUS
(MARLENA parts the curtains, beaming. Leads JOHN in.)
John: Wow …
(The plane is covered in ornate, blooming vines. Bright leaves and flower petals adorn the floor, surrounding a heart-shaped mound of silken pillows and blankets. Next to them, a picnic basket and an ice bucket with chilling champagne.)
Marlena: Recognize it?
(JOHN takes all in, delighted. Squints. Thinks.)
Marlena: Wait. There’s one more part.
(MARLENA reaches behind him for a remote control. Presses a button. The cabin lights dim. The entire ceiling sparkles like a massive night sky. JOHN realizes.)
John: Our first honeymoon.
(MARLENA wraps her arms around him from the back.)
Marlena: Umm hmm.
(She nuzzles her cheek into his shoulder as they take in the sight.)
Marlena: When we slept out under the stars. Or, well …
Marlena and John: Didn’t really sleep.
(They laugh. JOHN spins her around to face him. Hugs her hips to his.)
John: I never did take you to Mazatlan.
Marlena: I didn’t mind one bit.
John: You gave up that whole trip, I carried you into so much danger, just so I could dig at my past –
(Marlena puts her fingertips to his lips.)
Marlena (whispers): I didn’t mind one bit.
(JOHN tucks her hand under his chin. Kisses it. They beam at each other.)
John: So tell me, Mrs. Black … are we gonna run into any landmines?
Marleana: Not unless you want to set something off.
(JOHN looks her up and down. Grins. Leans toward her shoulder. Brushes his nose and lips against her skin.)
John (whispers): Boom …
(His lips and nose brush against her and around to the back of her neck … down … down … until they find MARLENA’s zipper. JOHN takes the zipper between his teeth. Slowly unzips, exhaling warmth as he goes. MARLENA trembles. Blushes. Her wedding dress drops to the floor. JOHN lay her down and across the satin pillows. Pulls off his tux jacket … bow tie … shirt. Lay against her. Twirls the straps of her laced bodice between his fingers. With one hand, unlaces her … up … and up … and up … while the other hand strokes her neck. Her mouth attacks his. His unlacing hand finishes as he opens her bodice – she stops his hand.)
Marlena: You forgot something.
(He raises an eyebrow. MARLENA nods toward the picnic basket. Intrigued, JOHN opens it. Reaches in. Grins. MARLENA grins back. JOHN pulls out a plate of pineapples and whipped cream.)
John: Our second honeymoon.
Marlena: Very good.
John: We’re gonna get sticky again.
Marlena: I certainly hope so.
(He dips a finger in the whipped cream. Pecks her nose. Kisses the cream away. She dips her fingers. Rubs cream across his lips. Kisses … licks … kisses … licks. He feeds her a piece of pineapple. She takes it in her mouth. Leans forward. He takes the other half in his. They chew as their lips grow closer and closer … then meet. MARLENA rolls JOHN over onto his back. Pins his arms above his head. Dips her fingers in the cream. Spreads the cream from below his navel … up his abs … across his chest … up his neck … and across his lips.)
Marlena (whispers): Don’t. Move.
(JOHN grins. Closes his eyes. MARLENA’s lips meet his, barely … slowly … lightly. Then, her tongue. Both make their way down his neck … barely … slowly … lightly. Then, harder. And harder. She reaches between his legs. He moans.)
LATER
(Cream and pineapple are everywhere. Breathless, JOHN and MARLENA gaze at each other and plot their next move. JOHN dips his fingers. Parts her open bodice. Notices something shiny peeking out from the inside lining. MARLNEA grins.)
Marlena: Well, go on. Go after it.
(JOHN brushes his fingers up her stomach … between her breasts … and plunges them into the lining. He pulls. The shiny something expands between them into a long golden chain, with a coin at the end of it – a coin he’d know anywhere.)
Marlena: Our third. Before we danced. Before we said our vows. Before we made love. You gave me this.
(He stares at the coin in awe. Turns it between his fingers.)
John: How … how did you? …
Marlena: I fibbed. I didn’t go to a conference last week.
(He gapes at her, overwhelmed.)
John: You went all the way to … to get this?
Marlena: I was so relieved it was still there. Shining right up at me through the water. It pierced through all the others. It was so easy to see. I remembered the wish we made on it. I wanted that wish to be between us tonight. Between our bodies. Between our hearts. I wanted to make the wish again.
(Tears sting JOHN’s eyes. He takes the coin and her hands in his, and kisses them tenderly. Lay across her as she strokes his face. He can’t speak. But his tears say everything.)
EXT. ?
(MARLENA gently leads a blindfolded JOHN away from a DRIVEWAY and towards a GROVE OF TREES.)
Marlena: Easy. Easy. I’ve got you.
(The CHAUFFEUR finishes unloading their bags. He waves their room keys at MARLENA.)
Marlena: Oh! Yes! Just carry them on up, thank you so much.
(He nods and goes on his way.)
John: You talkin’ to another man?
Marlena: Jealous?
(They walk a bit further. More GROVES OF TREES surround them.)
John: Okay … I can tell we’re still outside.
Marlena: That’s a fact. Anything familiar yet?
(He listens. Senses.)
John: Feels …
Marlena: … what? …
John: … Hot. But not everywhere, just … like the heat is coming from somewhere.
Marlena: Huh.
(They reach a familiar conclave of shrubs. MARLENA slides off her dress. Her undergarments. Places JOHN’s hands on her body.)
John: Whoah. Doc.
Marlena: It’s okay …
(MARLENA slowly circles him, lightly touching, breathing against his skin. He reaches back for her. She stops his hands.)
Marlena (whispers): No. Not yet.
(He groans. She grins. Presses her body against his from behind. Places her hands against his chest.)
Marlena: Mmm. Still sticky. What can I do? Let’s see.
(She rubs up … then down … then up … then down … to his belt buckle. Unfastens. Unbuttons. Unzips. His pants fall.)
Marlena: And step …
(JOHN steps out of his pants. MARLENA picks them up and tosses them onto a nearby shrub; but JOHN takes her wrist. Turns and feels past her … to his pants … to the shrub underneath them … his back begins to glisten with sweat … he reaches out … to MARLENA’s face … and feels beads of sweat form at her temples. He grins.)
John: Oh my god. Is that where we are?
(MARLENA slides off his blindfold. He looks at her. She beams. And nods.)
Marlena (whispers): Come and save me.
(Breathlessly laughing, MARLENA dives into the HOT SPRINGS POOL. JOHN dives in after her. The water thrashes, then swirls, then calms. Then explodes upwards like a geyser as he lifts her up and into the moonlight. They pant. Gaze at each other. Tremble with longing.)
Marlena: I’m yours. And you’re mine. We don’t have to be afraid. Of anything. Not ever again.
(JOHN strokes her cheek. She leans her hand into it. Wraps the necklace around both of their heads. The coin floats between them in the water. They clasp it in their hands.)
John: Marlena … you’re my wish. You are every wish.
Marlena: … And you’re mine ….
(His lips touch hers and they’re home. The coin disappears between their bodies becoming one. As they dip and dance and float in the moonlight, the water around them swirls into a perfect circle, a circle with no beginning and no end.)
~~~~~ THE END ~~~~~
The Jarlena Journal 