Marlena Evans Black was lying in bed awake twirling her wedding ring when the
early morning sunlight began to seep through the bedroom windows. She rolled
over as quietly as she could to glance at the clock that sat on her bedside table.
7:00. Marlena sighed, she was exhausted. Even though she had received a sound
sleep the events that took place the day before were emotionally tiring. Helping
her youngest daughter pack to leave for university was not Marlena’s idea of a
good time. Releasing another heavy sigh she wondered how she would make it
through the day. Belle was the light of her life and seeing her baby off to
university would be hard to do. After Belle had been accepted to study at Salem
U, Marlena knew she would have to start preparing for this day. Continuing to twirl
her ring Marlena proceeded with her thoughts. It is not as if she is leaving the
state. She isn’t even leaving town! If you miss her all you have I have to do is
jump in my car, drive for 20 minutes and there! An impromptu mother/daughter
bonding session. Marlena smirked. Oh yeah, I’m sure Belle would love that!
Marlena glanced at the sleeping figure next to her and she couldn’t help but
smile. This is going to be just as hard, if not harder, on him. John began to stir and
rolled over closer to Marlena, wrapping both arms around her. Marlena leaned
back into his chest and a feeling of warmth washed over her. This was home to
her and she thought that maybe, just maybe, life without any children at home
wouldn’t be so bad after all. Now we can both work longer hours and spend
more time with friends. Marlena grinned. We also don’t have to worry about who
is going to hear our late night, bedroom activities. Life without any children.
Marlena tilted her head and kissed John lightly on the cheek. Life with John, just
the two of us.
By the time Belle stumbled into the kitchen later that morning, both John and
Marlena had showered, dressed, and started breakfast. She looked around the
room, mumbled something as rubbed she rubbed her head and grabbed a mug
from the top cabinet. As Belle sat down she looked at her mother who was sitting
across the table and trying her best not to cry.
“Good morning sweetheart! Did you have a good evening?” asked John, who
was trying his best to deny the fact that Belle was clearly hung over. Not his little
girl. As he filled her mug with coffee, Belle smiled.
“Yeah, a bunch of us went down to the beach last night. It was weird, I mean, we
are all going to Salem U. And it’s not as if we aren’t going to see each other
again. And yet it still seems as if everything is changing.”
“Of course they are sweet girl,” Marlena said, reaching across the table and
taking Belle’s hand in her own. “You aren’t children anymore, you are finally
adults and things will be different. You are all going out into the world for what
seems like the very first time and that is a scary feeling.”
“But Belle what you need to remember is that university is an amazing experience
and you are going to do so well. You are a beautiful, smart and talented young
lady and if anyone could take the world by storm it would be you sweetheart,”
continued John as he sat at the end of the table, with Belle on one side and
Marlena on the other. “You are going off into the world and you are going to be
great.” Belle looked at John and raised her eyebrow in the same fashion her
father does when questioning something. Marlena picking up on the skepticism
took over.
“That doesn’t mean that things are going to be easy though. You are going to
have to work very hard and you will have your battles just like every adult does.
But whatever happens we need you to remember that we are your parents. And
what I think your father was attempting to say,” As Marlena glared at John, “was
that we love you no matter what. It does not matter how horrible you think the
situation is we are here for you always. We aren’t going anywhere.” Belle looked
at both her parents and knew that despite her nerves and fears that she always
had them to support her through anything.
“Thanks. I love you both so much,” Belle whispered through the tears that started
to form in her blue eyes. Clearing her throat she told John and Marlena she was
going to finish packing. After leaving the kitchen John pulled his chair closer to
Marlena’s. She sat there with a blank look on her face.
“3…2…” John muttered, barely loud enough for his wife to hear him. “1.” As if on
cue Marlena burst into tears and leaned into John for support.
“Aww, honey! You were doing so well!” laughed John as he wrapped his arms
around her. “C’mon, let’s go help her get organized.” With that said John helped
Marlena stand in order to go and say goodbye to their daughter. A moment
they had both been dreading all summer.As Marlena sat down she stared at John with such disgust it made him nervous.
“What’s wrong, Doc? Small bars not your kind of thing?” he said, hoping to break
the tension.
“This place is disgusting John.” Marlena leaned into closer to John, careful of not
to touch the obviously unwashed table. “You promised me that after dropping
Belle off we would go somewhere nice.” Looking around the busy bar she waved
her arms, “This is not nice!”
“I know that is what I said. But I figured that if you are still upset about Belle going
to university then it would be best to take you somewhere out of town – just in
case you make a scene. And this way nobody we know has to see it. Besides it’s
hard to make too big of a spectacle of yourself when your competition are a
bunch of drunk men riding a mechanical bull,” said John, looking at the group of
men lining up for the ride.
“I did NOT make a scene,” cried Marlena as she threw a crumpled napkin at
John. He caught it and looked amused with her denial.
“Honey, I think that you breaking down crying and telling her, and all her friends
might I add, about the night she was born and the first time she went to the
bathroom all on her own qualifies as making a scene,” John laughed. He thought
it was hysterical, Marlena just stared at him.
“Well hi there!” Both John and Marlena turned their attention to the woman
standing at the end of their table. Marlena studied the woman for a second. She
was tall and wearing a black, very short, very tight leather skirt. As Marlena
surveyed the woman’s shirt, which was a white tank top that accentuated the
woman’s breasts, she crossed her arms. The woman continued talking, breaking
Marlena’s concentration.
“I have never seen you two in here before, you must be new!” Marlena turned
her head to the side, clearly not in the mood to play nice however John had no
problem being social.
“Why yes we are!” John proclaimed
“Well then welcome to Teddy’s Roadhouse! I’m Bianca, what can you two to
drink?” asked the waitress pulling out her pad of paper. As John gave the order
Marlena sat back and watched as the two talked. I cannot believe he is flirting
with her right in front of me, she thought.
“Thank you Bianca,” said John. Before the waitress could walk away Marlena took
one more look at her shirt and tightened her grip on herself. When Bianca was out
of earshot Marlena turned her icy glare back to John.
“Don’t worry sweetheart,” he said, leaning into the table smiling. “I like yours
better.” Marlena kicked John from underneath the table, but couldn’t help
smiling. John reached across the table and took her hand in his. Their fingers linked
and John kissed the back of her hand lightly. Going back to the situation with
Belle he asked if she was going to be okay.
“I think I’ll survive,” was her reply. “Besides I have you to keep me company.”
Marlena had removed her foot from her sandal and was running her foot up John’
s leg. Their moment was ruined by Bianca’s return.
“You two are just in luck,” she claimed, putting their drinks on the table. “Tonight is
karaoke night and all the regulars will be here. So if you are feeling brave enough
you should perform! I will be back in a bit to check in on you.” With that she
turned and walked back to the bar. Marlena sat back in her chair and looked at
John, a look he knew all too well. It was going to be a long night.Marlena had never been much of a drinker. A glass or two of wine here or there,
but that night John watched his tiny wife down 4 beers in less than an hour. She
was never a beer drinker, he thought to himself, never mind this much beer. He
was impressed, incredibly shocked, but impressed. Marlena leaned across the
table and started playing with the collar of John’s shirt.
“Do you know how much I LOVE YOU?” asked Marlena, through the slur that was
starting to form. John couldn’t help but laugh. “I just love you so much, you are
soooooooo good to me.” Marlena started to run her hands through John’s hair as
she leaned forward to kiss him. She moved towards John slowly and he could
barely wait until her lips touched his. But just as she reached his face the
bartender walked on stage and announced that karaoke would now be starting.
“OH! John I want to do that!” cried Marlena as she pulled away before kissing him.
John sat there startled by the sudden change of mood. Marlena sing? He
thought. This I have to see.
“Go ahead sweetheart. I will wait right here.” Marlena bounced up to the stage
to the man in charge of the karaoke. He looked at Marlena and John could see
from where he was sitting that the man found Marlena attractive. Just as long as
he keeps his hands to himself, John thought. The man asked Marlena what song
she wanted to sing. She turned at looked at John with a mischievous gleam in her
eye. Oh crap, he thought. Marlena leaned in and whispered into the man’s ear
the song. The man looked at John and smiled.
“What’s your name hot stuff?” Under normal circumstances Marlena would have
ripped apart anyone who called her that, but beer has a calming influence on
people.
“Marlena,” she said smiling. The man walked to the centre of the stage to
announce the first act for the evening.
“Okay folks, tonight we aren’t going to start off with one of the regulars. I would
like to welcome the beautiful and talented Marlena.” Ha, talented! He’s clearly
never heard Marlena sing, thought John from his seat in the audience. Marlena
walked to the middle of the stage and the music started. The song sounded
familiar to John and the other people sitting in the bar. But it wasn’t until Marlena
started singing that everyone realized which song it was.
I don’t want you to be no slave
I don’t want you to work all day
But I want you, to be true
and I just wanna make love to you
With the last line the whole bar started clapping as Marlena moved her way down
the stage to where John was sitting. By look the on his face his was struggling. He
kept asking himself why she had to pick this one.
All I want to do is wash your clothes
I don’t want to keep you indoors
There is nothing for you to do
But keep me making love to you
When Marlena reached where John was sitting she sat in his lap and wrapped her
one arm around his neck. Marlena could feel the effect she was having on John
and pressed into him a little harder. John tightened his grip on her but Marlena
stood up and made her way back to the stage.
And I can tell by the way you, walk that walk
And I can hear by the way you, talk that talk
And I can know by the way you, treat your girl
That I can give you all lovin’ in whole wide world
Once she was back on she turned at looked at John and with a stare that was
made obvious to everyone else at the bar that evening she finished her song.
Ooo all I wanna do, all I wanna do is
cook your bread
Just to make sure
your well fed
I don’t want you
Sad and blue
And I just wanna make, love to you
Even though she was not the greatest singer they had ever heard, the whole bar
broke out into applause. The show she put on was enjoyable and the look on her
husband’s face was priceless. Marlena handed her microphone back to the man
and ran across the bar to where John was standing. When she reached him, John
wrapped his arms around Marlena and kissed her passionately. He pulled back
and leaned his forehead against hers. Marlena smiled and asked if he would take
her home now.
“Of course, sweetheart,” said John. He kissed her lightly on her head and the two
walked out of the bar.
“Well it was interesting evening,” commented Marlena as she got into the car.
Marlena shifted closer to John so that she could rest her head on his shoulder. “It
was a cool way of starting new life without any kids in it.”
“That’s right”, John said looking down at Marlena. “It’s just you and me now. Just
the two of us.”
It had been four weeks since Belle had gone off to school and things finally
seemed to settle down at the penthouse. Both John and Marlena slipped into a
comfortable routine and life without children seemed to be working for the two.
As Marlena entered the penthouse she placed her briefcase and purse on the
table by the door. She could tell John wasn’t home just yet, which didn’t surprise
Marlena, since Belle was no longer living at home the two started working longer
hours. After flipping through the mail and removing her shoes Marlena moved to
the phone to check if there were any messages.
Hi honey, it’s me. Listen I’m running a little behind today. One of our investors
wants to back out of a deal and Kate and I need to do damage control. Don’t
worry about dinner; I’ll pick something up on the way home. I should be there by
7:30. I love you.
Marlena erased the message and turned off the machine. Kate, its always Kate,
thought Marlena, becoming a little upset over the thought of Kate and John
working together more often. She looked at the clock and realized that it was
almost 7:30. Marlena moved into the kitchen where she poured herself a glass of
wine and moved onto the terrace. The sun was just going down and all of Salem
was taking in the warmth it offered before disappearing for the night. The leaves
on the trees were just starting to turn colours and the idea of an approaching fall
made Marlena smile for fall was her favourite season. She loved everything about
fall; the way the leaves changed colour, the cool, crisp air, fall festivals, and most
of all — fall fashion. Time to go shopping, she thought. The cool air made Marlena
shiver and just as she was going to go back inside she heard the door open and
shut. As John placed his briefcase down Marlena came and relieved him of the
bags of food and took them to the kitchen. By the time John finished flipping
through the mail and taking off his shoes Marlena had set the table for two. As he
entered the kitchen Marlena was pouring John and glass of wine. John wrapped
his arms around her and kissed her on the head, resting his against hers.
“Hi,” whispered John, as he turned Marlena so she was facing him.
“Hi,” Marlena ran her hands up John’s chest and rested her hands on his
shoulders. “How was work?”
John rolled his eyes and shook his head before answering “Stressful and yours?”
“I’m guessing not even half as bad as yours.”
“Good guess.” Marlena reached up and kissed John softly on the lips and led him
to the table. As the two ate John recounted the story of how one of his investors
in Italy wanted to back out of a major deal and how he was forced to do
damage control at the last minute. Marlena listened to John and tried her best to
console him.
“Anyway, I think we were able to make him stay but I might have to take a trip
out to Venice just after New Year’s. That’s when the project is supposed to start,
want to join me?” John leaned toward Marlena and gave her a wicked smile.
Marlena leaned in so that their faces were merely inches apart.
“Perhaps I can be persuaded,” said Marlena, her voice dropping an octave.
“I believe they have gondolas,” said John as his leaned in even further and
before Marlena could reply he kissed her. Slow at first, but as their tongues
collided the kiss became so passionate neither realized that the phone was
ringing. John was the first to realize that they were being interrupted and as he
pulled away Marlena moaned in protest. John leaned across the table to pick up
the phone.
“Hello,” he answered. “Oh hey son.” Marlena perked up at the idea of John
talking to Brady. “What’s wrong…? Nothing? Are you sure… Brady, its 8:30 on a
Friday evening. Why are you calling your parents if you aren’t in jail and don’t
need money? … Well your mother and I are fine…Dinner?… Sunday sounds
great, did you invite Belle? … Excellent, we’ll see you there…Bye son.” John
sighed as he placed the phone back on the table. Marlena just giggled.
“Even when they aren’t living here, their timing sucks.” John grabbed her hand
and led her to the living room. Once they were both settled on the couch he
resumed his exploration of her mouth. Their kisses were slow, not too rushed, and
soft, filled with love. John ran his hand through Marlena’s hair as she caressed his
face. Marlena broke their kiss and placed her head on John’s chest, a wave of
fatigue coming over her. John kissed her head and whispered “I love you so
much, sweetheart.”
“I love you too,” Marlena mumbled before falling asleep, wrapped in John’s arms.
John pulled the blanket of the back of the couch and covered Marlena. With
that he and the love of his life fell asleep in the safety of each other’s arms.
As life went on in the Black home things couldn’t have been better for John and
Marlena. Both were accomplishing so much at work; Basic Black taking the globe
by storm and many of Marlena’s patients completing their therapy sessions on
happy notes. Life was definitely perfect; quiet nights at home kept things
peaceful and Saturday nights with Bo and Hope, Roman and Kate, and Abe and
Lexie kept things interesting. Last Saturday the news about Marlena’s
performance at Teddy’s Roadhouse was made public and after the group, minus
Marlena, finished laughing the decision to return to the bar was made. Marlena
was not pleased about returning to the bar but a night out with her husband and
best friends was too hard to pass up. However as the week went on Marlena
began to not feel so well. Her lower back was constantly hurting and no matter
how she stood, sat, or slept the pain would just not go away. Come Saturday
evening Marlena was in no mood to go out.
“Aww, c’mon honey, it’ll be fun,” said John, trying his best to convince Marlena
to still.
“John, my back is killing me and I am tired. This bar isn’t even in Salem,” cried
Marlena, as she flopped herself back onto their bed. John walked over to where
Marlena lied and sat down next to her.
“It’s probably just from the stress at work. A night out is exactly what you need. I
promise once we get there and you’ve had some drinks you won’t feel pain… or
much else for that matter.” John laughed. Marlena turned her head to look at
him.
“Fine, but promise me we won’t be out late tonight. I am tired; this back pain is
taking the energy out of me.”
“Tell you what- you come out with me tonight and not only we will not be late
but when we do return I will give you a massage for your back pain.” Marlena sat
up on the bed and looked John in the eye.
“Promise?”
“Promise.” Before John could lean into seal the deal with a kiss, Marlena was up
and quickly changing out her doctor clothes into something more appropriate for
Teddy’s Roadhouse.
———————————————————————–
The car ride out of town to Teddy’s Roadhouse was a quiet one. John and
Marlena had grown accustomed to the comfortable silence that occasionally
occupied their time together. It was already dark out and the ride was tranquil,
both lost in their own thoughts until Marlena broke the silence.
“John, how much longer until we get there? I have to go bathroom.” Marlena
looked over at John; a look of desperation crossed her delicate face.
“Not much longer, honey. Wait – didn’t you go before you left the house?” John
asked looking over at Marlena confused at her sudden urge to go.
“YES! But I have to go again,” said Marlena through clenched teeth. “I guess I
can wait until we get there. Just drive fast!”
“Yes, Dear” was the reply.
———————————————————————–
When the couple entered the bar Marlena made a beeline for the bathroom.
John quickly spotted Bo and Hope, Roman and Kate, and Abe and Lexie and
headed over to the table they had landed.
“Hey guys, sorry we’re late,” said John as he sat down.
“Hey man, where have you two been? We thought you were going to be here a
while ago,” asked Bo. “Where’s Marlena?”
“She’s in the bathroom, and we got caught up at home. Sorry about being late,”
apologized John.
“Caught up, eh?” asked Hope from across the table. “Do you two ever take a
break?” John laughed and responded.
“Not caught up in that sense, and as for your other question-rarely,” John winked.
The attention was then turned to Marlena who was exiting out of the bathroom.
The men at the table rose when Marlena neared the table and as John pulled
out her chair for her, she kissed the others hello. After everyone was seated and
drinks were on their way, Roman was the first to ask the question everyone else
was dying, but too scared to ask.
“Well Marlena, in all the years I have known you I have never had the wonderful
opportunity to hear you sing. And may I speak on behalf of everyone at this
table when I add that I feel as if my life would be incomplete if I never had the
chance to hear you perform live. So I must know if you are willing to grace
everyone in this bar tonight with you charming voice,” asked Roman, as a smile
stretched across his face while everyone else started to laugh.
“Well I would hate for you to feel as if your life was never complete Roman,”
replied Marlena. “But right now, I haven’t had enough to drink.”
“Well then, someone get this lady another beer,” said Abe. “It was a long week
at the station and I am in need of some good entertainment.”
“Here, here,” said Bo and together the group clinked their glasses and toasted to
good beer, great friends, and most of all—the weekend
December was a busy month in Salem as the people of the small town prepared
for the holiday season. The town was so full of cheer; local shops and parks were
wrapped in lights and a light snow began to cover the ground. From his terrace,
John Black was able to admire the breathtaking view of Salem lit up at night.
John returned inside, sat down on the couch and looked around at the
decorations Marlena had started putting up. Normally it would only have taken
her a day, however this year she has had to decorate in shifts seeing as how she
could not get her back pain to stop. Marlena had seen three different
chiropractors since it started acting up. All three blamed it on stress and told her
to keep returning. But Marlena was tired of returning, this pain was stopping her
from enjoying nights out with friends and her favourite holidays. Even sex seemed
too strenuous. The opening of the door broke John’s thoughts and he turned to
see Marlena entering the house. She looks exhausted, John thought.
“Hey honey,” he said, getting up off the couch to help her take off her coat.
“Hi. Thanks,” replied Marlena, turning around to kiss John. John instinctively
wrapped his arms around Marlena and held her. Marlena rested her head on
John’s shoulder while her body melted into his.
“Sorry I’m so late. Everything okay here?” she asked, lifting her head.
“Yeah everything’s fine, how was your doctor’s appointment?”
“Okay, I guess. The pain is gone for now, but I know that the second I bend over
or do something too strenuous its just going to start back up again.” John leaned
over and kissed Marlena on the head.
“Let’s just go to bed then. You look so tired and I have an early meeting
tomorrow morning.”
“The thought of falling asleep in your arms sounds perfect.” That said the couple
headed upstairs for what would turn out to be a very long night.
———————————————————————–
John must have sensed that something was amiss in his sleep, for when he awoke
he had the definite feeling that something was wrong. John woke up out of a
dead sleep on his side, his back facing Marlena. He looked at the clock on the
table next to his bed. 3:15 AM Too early he thought. But as he tried to fall back
asleep he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen. He
decided to roll over and ask Marlena if she felt the same way. If something is
wrong with one of the kids she would sense it John continued. However as he
rolled over he was shocked to realize that Marlena was gone. The space next to
him was empty and before John’s mind could process what was happening
something caught his eye. As John pulled back the comforter that kept he and
Marlena warm at night he was horrified to see their bed was covered in blood.
Until that moment John and not even realized that the light in the bathroom was
on, the door slightly open. As he jumped out of bed John followed the trail of
blood that led to the bathroom. Nothing would have been able to prepare him
for the sight he saw next. John gently pushed the bathroom door open to find
that the floor was covered in blood, plush white towels that Marlena had spent so
long on purchasing were also covered in blood. John was so caught up in what
he saw he barely recognized Marlena huddled in the far corner of the bathroom.
She was curled up in a ball crying. Her arms wrapped around her legs as she
rested her heard on her knees. John immediately rushed to the corner and
placed his hands on Marlena shoulders. He seemed so strong yet when it came
time to speak his voice was soft and shaking.
“Mar-Marlena? Honey, what’s happening? Are you hurting?” Marlena looked up
at John, tears falling freely down her delicate face.
“John, something’s wrong,” Marlena said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Wait right here, I’m going to get dressed and then we are going to the hospital.”
Marlena could only nod, her bottom lip trembling. John quickly ran into the
bedroom, threw on a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt and ran to the closet in the
hallway. After grabbing several towels he ran back into the bathroom and
wrapped Marlena in her winter jacket. He then picked Marlena up as gently as
possible and carried her to the door and to the car. The ride to the hospital was
silent, with the exception of
Marlena’s soft cries and John’s heavy breathing. Both were terrified for neither
knew what was happening, what would happen next, or most of all-how it would
end.
John anxiously paced the floors of the hospital while waiting for the doctors to
finish examining Marlena. Doctors, he thought. Three doctors, two of them being
Craig Wesley and Lexie Carver, three nurses and an intern and NO ONE can tell
me what’s happening?! His thoughts were interrupted by the voices of Bo, Hope,
Roman, Kate, and Abe, who were flying down the corridor. When they reached
John they all began asking questions.
“John, what’s going on? What happened?” asked Hope, who was able to push
past everyone else. As John sadly recounted the evening’s events the look of
shock, horror, and fear crossed the faces of his and Marlena’s closest friends.
“Don’t worry buddy, I’m sure the doctors will find an answer,” consoled Abe. As
the six of them sat down in the waiting room Craig Wesley exited Marlena’s room.
John immediately stood up and approached Craig, where he could hear the
news in private.
“Craig?” John didn’t even recognize his own voice, so small and fearful. Craig let
out a breath of air and looked down at his shoes before finally looking up at John.
“We aren’t exactly sure what’s wrong with her, not just yet. We are going to run
some tests and would like Marlena to stay the night maybe even a couple of
days just to be sure. But she is stable now. We were able to stop the bleeding”-
Craig stopped short and looked down at his shoes before mumbling “There was a
lot of blood.” John exhaled deeply, shut his eyes and tilted his head back.
“But she’s okay now? I mean she’s stable?”
“Yeah, Lexie is just cleaning up in there and then you can go in. She’s been
asking for you.” John looked down at the floor and choked back a couple of
tears. He looked up at Craig Wesley before placing one hand on Craig’s shoulder
and used the other to shake his hand.
“Thank you so much Craig. You have no idea how much it means to me to have
you on her case – you and Lexie.”
“It wasn’t easy; Marlena is such a respected colleague and a great friend. To see
her in so much pain” Craig looked at John. “I’m sure I don’t have to explain to
you what that feels like.” John shook his head.
“Thank you again, please let me know as soon as you find something out. And
please-let me know if there is anything you ever need.” As Craig nodded his
head Lexie exited Marlena’s room. Together she and Craig walked over to the
group of friends waiting to inform them of Marlena’s situation as John entered his
wife’s room. Once he was inside John felt sick. There on the hospital bed was the
love of his life in so much pain. Marlena gently open her eyes and saw John. She
closed them and lifted her arms to him as he walked across the room and gently
embraced her. He placed gentle kisses on her head breathing her in.
“John?” Her voice was so quiet he could barely hear her.
“Yes, baby?”
“I love you.” That he heard. It was too much for him to handle. All thoughts of
him losing her came flooding to his mind and he couldn’t take it anymore. He laid
her back on the bed and ran his fingers through her hair. Her tears were falling
gently down her delicate face.
“I love you too, so much,” John managed through his own sobs. “I never want to
lose you.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” she cried.
“We are going to get through this,” he said. Marlena traced the outline of John’s
face with her hand.
“Please don’t leave me here alone.” Marlena moved over to the side of the bed
making room for John.
“I’m not going anywhere,” whispered John as he carefully got into bed next to
Marlena. As soon as both were settled he wrapped his arms around Marlena and
kissed her softly, but filled with love. With sleep creeping upon John and Marlena
both were plagued with the thought of what could have been and the
uncertainty of what was to occur next.
The sound of hospital machines is what woke John Black later that same morning.
As he groggily opened his eyes he realized it hadn’t been a dream. John looked
down at the sleeping beauty in his arms. She looks so peaceful, he thought. As if
nothing ever happened. John surveyed the darkened room until a figure
standing outside Marlena’s door caught his eye. As he gently freed himself from
Marlena’s arms he bent over and kissed her softly on the cheek. Marlena sighed
and smiled in her sleep, dreaming she was in her home, in her bed, with her
husband. John lifted the hospital blanket and tucked his wife in securely. Before
leaving to greet the visitor John leaned in, kissed Marlena once more and
whispered ‘I love you’. John left the room only to be greeted by Craig. He looked
exhausted, as if he had been up ever since Marlena was admitted, desperately
searching for answers. John looked up at Craig and sighed heavily. Craig
motioned to Marlena, who was still asleep in her room.
“We know what it is.” With that John’s head snapped up. “Lexie and I even
mapped out a plan.” Craig looked at Marlena before looking back at John.
“Would you prefer to wait until she is awake to discuss this?” John looked Marlena
in bed and then back at Craig.
“How serious is it?” John regretted asking this question. The answer he did not
want.
“She isn’t going to die – not if we take care of things. But it is a serious matter that
requires immediate attention.”
“We can wait until she’s ready, if it’s not that urgent.” John looked at Craig
gratefully.
“Thanks Craig, for everything you’ve done. Why don’t you go home? We can sit
down with Marlena later this afternoon.”
“Thanks John, I will see you later then.” And with that Craig headed down the
hallway. After calling Belle to make arrangements for her to drop off stuff for both
he and Marlena, John headed back into the room. John pulled up a chair next to
her bed and as he sat, Marlena started to stir. Finally John was graced with those
gorgeous hazel eyes.
“Hi there.” Her voice was raspy; it always was in the morning. John always thought
of it as a turn on, but today hearing her voice at all was a miracle.
“Hi honey, how are you feeling?” Marlena looked at John and smiled.
“Tired, but happy you’re here.”
“I am never letting you out of my sight.” Marlena chuckled as John took her left
hand in his brought it to his lips, where he placed soft kisses all over her palm and
the back of her hand. Suddenly Marlena had a look of shock cross her face as
she attempted to sit up in bed.
“JOHN!”
“Whoa, whoa. Where do you think you are going? Take it easy sweetheart, you
are still a little weak.” John said, as he tried laying Marlena back onto the bed.
“John, where is my ring? Where is my wedding ring?! Please tell me I didn’t lose it!”
Marlena became frantic and John could hardly calm her down.
“Doc, relax it is okay. Its okay. Shhh” John tired his best to calm down his wife
before she hurt herself. Once Marlena was in a reasonable state John proceeded
to tell her about her ring.
“The doctors took it off when you were admitted last night. They gave it to me
right away, I have it right here,” John said, reaching into his back pocket. John
took Marlena’s left hand and held it up to his face. He leaned his entire body into
Marlena’s so that they were mere inches apart. After placing several kisses on her
hand John leaned and kissed Marlena on the lips. After the kiss broke the couple
leaned together so that their foreheads were touching, both looked down as
John placed the ring on Marlena’s fingers and whispered “With this ring, I thee
wed.” When he looked up Marlena had tears streaming down her face. Both
whispered ‘I love you’ before John embraced Marlena and held her tightly as she
softly cried. Neither one was afraid of what the future might bring them for they
knew that the power of their love could take them anywhere.
John sat next to Marlena’s bed as he waited for Craig Wesley to tell them what
was wrong with her. Marlena could see the worry etched on John’s face and
reached for his hand. John held firmly on to it as he turned to Craig.
“I think we’re ready now,” he said softly. Craig nodded and sat at the end of the
bed.
“It turns out that Marlena has three, fairly large fibroid tumors on her uterus. They
aren’t cancerous however due to the size it’s what caused her to hemorrhage
the way that she did.” John breathed out heavily and tightened his grip on
Marlena’s hand as Craig continued.
“Marlena you probably have been feeling symptoms for awhile but just haven’t
noticed.” Marlena glanced at John.
“Sore backs?” she asked quietly. Craig looked down at the floor before answering.
“It’s the most common symptom. By looking at the size I wouldn’t be surprised,
they were putting too much pressure on your back. Fortunately we can take
care of this.” He paused. “With a hysterectomy.” Marlena suddenly pulled her
hand from John’s and crossed her arms.
“I’m not having surgery,” she replied looking at the floor.
“Are there any other options?” asked John.
“I’m sorry but the tumors did too much damage to her uterus but if we take it out
things will be fine. In fact all that will remain of this will be memories. I will leave you
two to talk about it.” As Craig left John thanked him and shut the door. He
paused for a minute before turning around to face her. When he did it broke his
heart. Tears were streaming down her face and she looked so small. John walked
over to the bed and sat down next to her. He ran his hand down the side of her
face wiping the tears gently. Marlena closed her eyes and reveled in his touch.
When she opened her eyes, his look said it all.
“Please do this honey,” he whispered. “I don’t want to lose you.” Marlena let out
a small cry as she reached for John. He held her and the two rocked back and
for. John ran his fingers through her hair and told her he loved her over and over
as Marlena’s sobs filled the hospital room.
————————————————————————
A couple of hours later John was signing his wife out of the hospital. She agreed
to the surgery like he knew she would. They had sat down with Craig and Lexie
earlier and had scheduled the operation to take place two weeks. For now
Marlena could go home but was on complete bed rest. John vowed to make
sure that would happen.
When he walked back into Marlena’s room she was putting on her coat. She
turned to him and smiled as he walked up to her and gently kissed her on the
forehead. Marlena leaned into John’s chest.
“I’m so glad to finally be going home.” She pulled out of the embrace and
looked at John seriously. “Even if I have to come back in two weeks.”
“Let’s worry about that when the time comes. For now I just want to live on a day
to day basis. And today, or tonight I should say there is a nice dinner and king size
bed waiting for us at home. What do you think?” John extended his hand out
and Marlena happily accepted.
“You’re right, let’s go home,” she said softly. John smile and gently replied “That’s
my girl.”
As the couple headed home relief and worry filled their thoughts. Relieved that
for now things were calm but worried as to what the next few weeks would bring.
The days slowly went by for Marlena, not that she was complaining. She enjoyed
the new routine she and John had quickly slipped into. John insisted that he cut
back his work load at Basic Black until he was sure his wife was stable after the
surgery. During the mornings the couple would just lie in bed. Marlena would curl
up into John’s chest as he played with her hair and whispered sweet nothings into
her ear. After lunch John would leave for the office for a few hours while Marlena
laid on the couch and watch T.V. She didn’t normally watch television but she
was enthralled in this one daytime television show. It was about an evil man who
kept trying to destroy the lives of the families living in this small town. Currently
there was this woman was suffering from amnesia and couldn’t remember her
husband and children. But her mind was being controlled by a corrupt doctor. Am
I ever glad that I am not that woman, thought Marlena. In the evenings Marlena
and John would eat dinner and talk abut Christmas which was vastly
approaching. At night their bodies would be entangled in bed as they read, John
usually reviewing client profiles and proposals and Marlena novels. Before turning
light out each night John would hold Marlena and reassure her of his love and
that the hysterectomy would be a success. She took great confidence in his
words and his arms but deep, down inside she felt like a lost, little girl who
desperately need her mother.
The Jarlena Journal 