Eternally Yours – By Destiny

Marlena looks out one of the penthouse windows. She sighs as she closes her eyes and thinks of John. She couldn’t sleep at all last night because every time she closed her eyes, her thoughts drifted to John. Roman had asked her the night before at dinner if anything was wrong, but as usual she lied about her feelings. She looked out into the morning sky at the town and wished that she could be sharing this view with John. As if on cue, there is a soft tapping at the door.

“I wonder who that could be this early in the morning.” she replies confused as she opens the door to find John standing there holding flowers. She is instantly happy to see him. “John, what are you doing here?

“I know that I’m not supposed to be here Doc, but I just couldn’t stay away from you.” he explains picking her up in a loving hug. “I just can’t stand spending my nights alone anymore.”

“Oh John,” she says kissing him briefly. “I love you so much.”

“He’s upstairs sleeping, isn’t he?” John nods at the staircase as he feels Marlena’s hesitation in kissing him.

“He had a very hard time last night John.” Marlena explains watching a dark expression take over John’s happiness. “He seems to still be struggling to get back on the road to recovery.”

“He will get back on his feet again soon Doc.” he whispers as she leads him inside the penthouse.

“I know he will.” she agrees turning to face him. “We just have to be patient John.”

“Doc, I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” he sighs watching her gaze back at the staircase.

“I know honey, but soon we can be together and there won’t be anymore secrets between all of this.” she replies moving in for a kiss.

“Doc, I miss waking up with you in my arms.” he whispers softly in her ear as he wraps his arms around her. “I hate the thought of spending all this time away from you.”

“Soon.” she whispers frustrated.

“I hate the thought of him sleeping up there in our bed.” John responds tensing up against Marlena. “I hate being the one that has to stay away from you.”

“Baby, I want to be with you too, but we have to think about Roman’s health.” Marlena sadly reminds him. “I had to medicate him last night.”

“Doc, I want you.” John declares boldly as he softly kisses her ear.

“John?” she asks confused.

“Doc, I know that we promised that we would wait,” he begins whispering warmly in her ear, “but I can’t wait any longer. I want to make love to you.”

“But John Roman is upstairs asleep.” she begins to protest as his kisses slowly trail down along her neckline.

“Your right Doc. He’s asleep, and he’ll never know.” John insists tugging on her robe. “Come on. Please.”

“John,” she replies looking at the stairs again. “Do you realize what a risk you and I would be taking if we did that?”

“Doc,” he said forcing her to look into his eyes. “You are well worth the risk. I love you.”

“I love you too.” she whispers as he sweeps her up into his arms and carries her into the kitchen.

“Let’s do this right.” he says sweeping the table off with one hand while he holds Marlena in the other arm.

“Make love to me John.” Marlena insists as he presses his body against hers.

“I’ve never wanted to do anything more than just that.” He replies slowly devouring her neck.

 

John quickly pulls off Marlena’s robe as she helps him unbutton his shirt. The two quickly remove the rest of the clothing barrier between them as John begins to indulge in Marlena’s naked body. He moves her onto the table top and runs his hands alongside her shoulders slowly as he begins to move toward her stomach coming dangerously close to reaching his destination.

 

“Oh John. How long I’ve waited for this.” Marlena whispers running her nails down his back as he teases her with his hands.

“Doc, you deserve to be cherished each and every day. I should be making love to you every morning.” John sighs as he looks her over in between placing soft kisses on her stomach. “You’re so beautiful.”

“You’re the most wonderful man John Black.” Marlena gasps taking in the sight of him as his kisses slowly reach her lower abdomen.

” Do you want me to stop?”John asks on his knees looking up at her.

” Make love to me baby.” Marlena responds heating up at his every touch.

“As you wish.” John smiles returning back to his work as she lays back on the table groaning in excitement as he continues to explore every region of her body with his tongue. He feels himself growing increasing excited as she begins to be on the brink of losing control with each movement he makes.

 

“Don’t wait any longer!!!” Marlena insists pulling him up to look into her eyes. “Make love to me now.”

“I’m just trying to do this right Doc. I want to give you something to remember all morning.” John explains wanting her more each passing second. “I want this to be special.”

” No more fooling around I want you inside of me.” Marlena urges trailing her hand down John’s heated body. “I want you now.”

 

John follows Marlena’s request and the two are joined as one on top of the table. The excitement of Roman sleeping upstairs adds to their urgency as they realize that he could awaken any minute and find them in this compromising position. They pick up their pace until neither one of them can take anymore. Their lips join as they both reach their point together.

“I love you so much.” Marlena sighs smiling even though she’s tired from their lovemaking.

” I love you too.” John whispers holding her tightly.

” You’re quite good at what you do Mr. Black.” Marlena teases moving in for another kiss.

“There’s more where that came from.” John replies grinning mischievously as he moves in for another long kiss. They suddenly hear a thump coming from upstairs.

“Roman’s awake.”Marlena sighs frowning sadly. “I wonder if he heard anything.”

“That would make it easier for us to explain things to him.” John teases sitting up and handing Marlena her clothes. He notices that she seems unamused by his last comment. “I doubt it. He can sleep through just about anything on that medication.”

“I don’t want this to end.” Marlena announces sadly taking one last long look at John’s body while he gets dressed.

“Me neither.” John replies grinning as he finishes getting dressed. He takes one last look at her as he leans in for a kiss while he helps her finish getting dressed.

” I hope this all ends soon.” Marlena thinks out loud while looking in her mirror on the wall.

” It will. Maybe after the appointment with Mike today, we will find out that Roman will be healthy enough to hear the truth.” John whispers slightly frustrated that he can’t spend the entire day making love to Marlena.

“I hope so.” Marlena replies looking at John’s reflection in the mirror. She notices that John is smiling as he thinks about what just took place. “What are you smiling about? We have to go put on an act for Roman now.”

“I was just thinking about how wild you are Dr. Evans.” John laughs touching Marlena’s back softly.

” Oh…uh.” Marlena breathes heating up as his hands slowly move to her breasts. “John I…”

“Don’t say another word.” John insists turning her around and giving her another long sensuous kiss. “I promise you that we’ll continue this later.”

“That better be a promise.” Marlena insists smiling at the thought of making love to John once again.

“That’s a fact.” John smiles releasing her and walking to the kitchen door.

John walks out into the living room and finds a confused looking Roman standing at the top of the staircase.

” What are you doing here John?” Roman asks surprised to see John.

” We were just getting ready for breakfast.” John replies as Marlena walks out of the kitchen.

” That’s what all that noise was.” Roman rationalizes not knowing what had just taken place in the kitchen.

“Yeah, we were just going to get things cooking.” Marlena adds trying not to blush.

“From the sound of it in there, it sounded like you two were having trouble getting things started up in there.” Roman smiles thinking about it. “Doc, you never were too handy in the kitchen, were you?”

“She seemed to be doing fine to me.” John replied unable to resist as he turns to her. “There didn’t seem to be any problems in the kitchen. Right Doc?”

“Nope.” Marlena manages to spit out as she tries to control herself.

“Good.” Roman smiles as he heads towards the kitchen. ” Let me see if I can help you get things heated up in there.”

” I think he’s about twenty minutes too late for that.” John grins at Marlena as Roman walks into the kitchen leaving them alone in the living room.

” You’re terrible John.” Marlena teases hitting him slightly.

” You didn’t say that a few minutes ago.” John replies pretending to be offended.

” Are you two coming?” Roman asks peering out of the kitchen.

“Sure thing.” Marlena responds looking away from John and towards Roman. She walks towards the door as Roman walks back into the kitchen. “We were just talking for a second.”

“I’m hungry. Let’s eat.” John announces playfully hitting her behind as he follows her into the kitchen while he dreams of the day when the two of them will be able to tell Roman the truth.

Eric Brady walks through Salem Place after his meeting with his sister Sami. The two of them discussed their plans for keeping John away from their mother. Eric smiled thinking about how happy everyone would be when the family was reunited at last. He gets lost in his own thoughts as he strolls down the road.

 

“Eric,” a voice calls out interrupting his thoughts as he turns in the direction of the sound.

 

“Jenny!” he smiles running to hug the slender brunette standing behind him. “What on earth are you doing here in Salem? I thought that you were back in Colorado.”

 

“I’m going to the University here.” she smiled at him. “What are you doing here?”

 

“I live here now.” he said releasing her from the hug. “This is where my parents live.”

 

“Really?” she asked delighted to hear the news. “That’s great. Now I know someone in Salem.”

 

“That’s wonderful.” Eric said smiling to have his friend near by. “We must get together. In fact, I was going over to breakfast at my mom’s place. Would you like to come with me?”

 

“You know Eric I would love to,” Jenny begins frowning,”but today is my first day at my new job, so I’d like to get there early.”

 

“Where are you working?” Eric asks interested.

 

“University Hospital.” Jenny replies checking the time. “I’m a doctor’s assistant. It’s kind of like a secretarial position.”

 

“That’s wonderful news.” Eric replied happy to see his old friend. “What do you say we do dinner tonight?”

 

“That sounds great.” Jenny agrees taking out a piece of paper and writing her phone number down. “Call me after five and I should be home.”

“Alright.” Eric says taking the piece of paper and hugging his friend goodbye. “Good luck at work.”

 

“Thank you.” she smiles leaving him alone to think about their chance meeting.

 

“That was one of the best meals that you’ve ever cooked Doc.” Roman announced cleaning off his plate and looking at Marlena and John. “You both were so enthusiastic about cooking this morning.”

 

“Well, I’ve just got all of this energy built up inside of me.” John explained to Roman making brief eye contact with Marlena.

 

“Well, what ever it is that has you so worked up John, you better keep it up because the food is excellent.” Roman smiled at him. “You and Doc make a good team in the kitchen.”

 

“We sure do.” John agreed watching Marlena’s face turn a pale shade of pink.

 

“So how are you feeling this morning Roman?” Marlena asked trying to keep from thinking about making love to John earlier that morning.

 

“Better Doc.” Roman answered turning to face her. “You don’t look too good yourself Doc. You’re flushed.”

 

“I’ll be okay.” she quickly answered as he felt her forehead.

 

“You know Doc, I don’t want you to wear yourself down worrying about me.” Roman explained to her as he reached for her hand. “I don’t want you to get sick trying to make me feel better. You’ve already made me better by agreeing to marry me again.”

 

“You know Roman…” John began interrupting as he watched Roman holding Marlena’s hand. “today you have you’re check up with Mike.”

 

“That’s right.” Roman said shaking his head. “I’ve been too busy thinking about marrying Doc again that I completely forgot about that.”

 

“Well, hopefully he can tell you good news.” John said hopeful watching Marlena’s face tighten with tension.

 

“Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Roman agreed suddenly turning serious. “You know John, I never asked, but where is that beautiful wife of yours?”

 

“Wife?” John asked confused.

 

“Yeah your wife Kristen.” Roman insisted wondering what was wrong with John.

 

“Oh Kristen.” John realized wanting to kick himself for forgetting that Roman thought he was married to Kristen. “She’s out of town right now visiting an old college buddy.”

 

“That’s too bad.” Roman frowned as he squeezed Marlena’s hand tighter. “I was looking forward to the four of us spending a romantic holiday together. You must be so disappointed that she left town.”

 

“I think that I’ll manage.” John responded thinking about Kristen’s advances on him the last time he saw her at her house.

 

“I can’t imagine not being able spend the holidays with the woman you love. That must be terrible for you.” Roman sighed looking at Marlena as he spoke.

 

“It’s awful.” John agreed looking into Marlena’s dazzling eyes as the doorbell rang.

 

“I’ll get it.” Marlena announced jumping up from the table hoping to keep her tension from showing. She opened the front door and found Eric standing there. “Hi sweety.”

 

“Good morning mom.” Eric said giving her a quick kiss. “I thought that I would come over and have breakfast with you and dad this morning.”

 

“Come on in.” she said walking towards the kitchen. “We have plenty of food waiting for you.”

 

“Doc, where do you have the dish soap?” John asked coming out of the kitchen.

 

“What the hell is he doing here?” Eric asked growing furious.

 

“We’re having breakfast Eric.” Marlena insisted hoping that Eric wouldn’t cause a scene.

 

“That’s real nice mom.” Eric muttered sarcastically. “Dad just got out of the hospital and you’re having John over for a romantic breakfast.”

 

“Your father’s in the kitchen.” John informed him.

 

“What’s next mom?” Eric asked ignoring John. “Sex on the kitchen table?”

 

“That’s enough Eric.” John said stepping in between Eric and Marlena. “You shouldn’t talk to your mother that way.”

 

“John, this isn’t any of your business.” Eric replied clenching his fists. “If you would just leave my family alone, then we all could be happy.”

 

“Eric, I love John.” Marlena insisted grabbing onto John as his body tightened up. “There is nothing that is going to change that.”

 

“Mom, why can’t you just try to give dad a second chance? He loves you.” Eric insisted angrily as his mother held John’s arm. “We could all be happy again.”

 

“Eric, John and I love each other and as soon as your father is feeling better, we are going to tell him the truth about everything.” Marlena explained to Eric hoping that he would calm down.

 

“The truth about what Doc?” Roman asked walking out of the kitchen and feeling the tension in the room. “What’s going on here?”

What’s going on Doc?” Roman asked noticing that she was holding John’s arm tightly. “Is something wrong here?”

 

“Roman,” she began letting go of John, “I didn’t hear you come out of the kitchen.”

 

“I heard Eric’s voice and I decided to come out here to say hello.” he explained looking at John and Eric. “Is something wrong son?”

 

“No dad.” Eric said forcing himself to relax as he looked away from John. “Everything is fine.”

 

“Are you sure?” Roman asked looking at John.

 

“We were just disagreeing about sports Dad.” Eric explained walking over to his father. “How are you feeling this morning?”

 

“Better son.” Roman said hugging Eric. “Today I have my check up with Mike and hopefully he will give me good news.”

 

“Oh no.” Marlena said as she looked at the clock. “I’m late for work.”

 

“I thought that you had the day off Doc.” Roman said looking sad. “I thought that we could spend a romantic day together.”

 

“Roman I’m sorry, but I have a patient that desperately needs to see me.” Marlena explained walking toward the stairs. “I’ve been putting her off for so long already that…”

 

“I understand Doc.” Roman sighed giving her a kiss on the cheek. “You have to save the world, don’t you Doc? You’re always thinking of everyone else before yourself.”

 

“I’m sorry.” Marlena said turning to John. “I have to get dressed now.”

 

“I should probably go now.” John explained turning to Roman. “I should check in with Abe to see if there are any leads on Jack and Jennifer.”

 

“Goodbye John.” Eric muttered quickly happy to see that he was going to leave.

 

“Wait John.” Marlena insisted as Eric glared at her.

 

“Yes Doc?” John asked looking at her.

 

“Well, do you think that you could drive me to the hospital that way Roman can have my car in case he needs it?” she asked him.

 

“I’ll take you to work mom.” Eric interrupted growing angry again.

 

“Nonsense.” Marlena insisted turning to Eric. “You came here to visit with your father and I think that you should do just that.”

 

“Mom, I really think that I should…” Eric began.

 

“It’s no problem Eric.” John interrupted him. “Besides, the hospital is right by the police station, so it wouldn’t be any trouble for me to drop your mother off.”

 

“I really don’t think that…” Eric began again.

 

“Eric,” Roman interrupted him, “I don’t see why John can’t take Doc to work. He is going towards the hospital anyways. Besides, I want to visit with you son.”

 

“Fine.” Eric gave in looking at his father. “Dad, why don’t we watch the football game or something?”

 

“Sure son.” Roman smiled.

 

“I’m going to get some food from the kitchen.” Eric said storming out of the room.

 

“I’ll be right back.” Marlena announced running up the stairs.

 

“She’s wonderful isn’t she?” Roman asked John.

 

“Definitely.” John said watching Marlena shut her bedroom door.

 

“You know I’ve been thinking John.” Roman began whispering. “It’s been a long time since Doc and I had a romantic evening together.”

 

“Come again?” John asked surprised.

 

“You know Kristen told me that Doc hasn’t been with anyone since I left Salem and it upsets me to think that someone as wonderful as Doc has had to go for so long without…” Roman trailed off.

 

“Without what?” John asked feeling his face heat up.

 

“Without a physical relationship.” Roman finished sighing. “Doc is such a beautiful woman and she was always…well, she always liked the sex part of our relationship. In fact, it was one of the better points of our relationship. I guess what I’m trying to say is that…well, I’m asking you if you think that it’s too soon for me to try to make love to Doc yet.”

Make love to her?” John repeated feeling his throat tighten.

 

“Well, you know Doc. She has to be going crazy from not being able to have someone to make love to. I can’t believe that she’s been alone so long.” Roman insisted.

 

“I’m sure she’s just fine Roman.” John replied thinking about the morning’s turn of events. “She’s a very strong woman and she is preoccupied with other things in her life right now.”

 

“I know and that’s the problem John.” Roman agreed. “I just think that it’s about time for me to make things like they used to be when we lived as husband and wife. I figured that I would see what you thought about this, since you’ve been around Doc while I was gone.”

 

“What does that have to do with anything?” John asked wondering why Roman would bring the subject up with him.

 

“It’s just that you’re the closest thing to a best friend that Doc has had for a while and I just thought that you would know how she feels about certain things, like why she hasn’t been with anyone since I left. I thought that maybe you could shed some light onto why someone like Doc has been alone for so long.” Roman explained starting to blush. “I’m sorry to put you on the spot like this man, but you’re one of the few people that I can talk to about this. I know that you’ll tell me the truth about everything.”

 

“I’m ready.” Marlena shouted coming down the stairs wearing a blue dress suit.

 

“You look beautiful Doc.” Roman insisted looking her over.

 

“Thank you.” she smiled at the complement as her gaze shifted to John.

 

“Are you ready to leave?” John asked feeling his pulse quicken at the sight of her.

 

“Yep.” she said turning to Roman. “If you need anything, just call me.”

 

“I will Doc.” Roman smiled walking over to her. “I’ll miss you while you’re gone.”

 

“I’ll meet you at your appointment with Mike when I get out of work.” she explained picking up her briefcase.

 

“Okay,” Roman agreed pulling her toward him for a kiss. “I love you.”

 

“I’ll see you later.” Marlena said turning her face so that he kissed her cheek.

 

“Is something wrong Doc?” Roman asked as she turned away.

 

“No why?” she asked looking at him.

 

“You just don’t seem like you wanted me to kiss you. That’s all.” Roman explained pulling her close to him.

 

“I’ve got a cold Roman.” she lied smiling. “I just don’t want you to catch anything from me.”

 

“Doc, honey, I don’t care.” he said planting a strong kiss on her lips leaving John staring blankly at the two of them.

 

“I’m late Roman.” Marlena insisted pulling away from him. “Tell Eric I said goodbye.”

 

“Okay Doc.” Roman smiled turning to John. “You take care of her.”

 

“I will.” John said through gritted teeth. “Goodbye.”

 

Roman watched John and Marlena walk out of the door and he started to think about Marlena’s strange behavior lately. She seemed to have something bothering her, but he couldn’t figure it out. He decided that he would talk to her after work and see what the problem was.

 

John and Marlena drove in silence most of the way to the hospital. Marlena could feel the tension in the air between them and she began to worry. She looked at John and she realized that he appeared to be miles away from her even though he was sitting right next to her.

 

“John, honey are you okay?” she questioned him waiting for a response. He remained silent, so she tried again to talk to him. “Hello, are you there?”

 

“Huh?” he asked snapping back into reality. “What did you say Doc?”

 

“I asked if you were alright honey. You haven’t said one word since we left the penthouse.” she explained watching his face tighten. “What is it?”

 

“I don’t want to talk about this.” he replied stubbornly.

 

“About what?” she asked confused. “What is on your mind John?”

 

“Nothing.” he lied remembering his talk with Roman.

 

“Don’t lie to me.” she insisted realizing that it was going to take some work on her part to get the truth out of him. “Our relationship has always been built on honesty John Black, and I don’t want that to change now.”

 

“Is that how it was with Roman too?” he asked irritated.

 

“Roman?” she replied. “What about Roman?”

 

“Nevermind.” he said facing her.

 

“No! I want to talk about this.” she insisted as he pulled into the hospital parking lot.

 

“Doc, you’re going to be late for work if we talk now.” he said looking at the clock.

 

“I want to talk about this now.” she insisted as he pulled his Jeep into the parking structure.

 

“Fine.” he reluctantly agreed pulling into a spot on the fourth floor of the empty parking structure and shutting off the ignition. “We’re here so talk.”

 

“I’m sorry about what took place back there.” she said realizing that he was hurting. “Eric had no right to go off on you like that.”

 

“He’s young Marlena…” John began taking a deep breath.

 

“Oh know,” she thought to herself, “he’s calling me Marlena. He must be really upset about something.”

 

“…he just wants to see his family back together and it appears that he’s not the only one.” John finished closing his eyes. “I know that you and Roman have been spending a lot of time together lately and I’m sure that it’s got you thinking about the old times between the two of you…”

 

“…but that doesn’t change the way I feel about you.” she finished realizing where he was going with the conversation. “When Roman gets better, we are going to tell him the truth about everything. It will all work out.”

 

“What if it doesn’t Doc?” he asked seriously looking into her eyes. “What if you realize that you really want to be with Roman?”

 

“John, I love you and nothing will ever change that.” she insisted noticing the tears in his eyes. “Baby, you have to believe me.”

 

“I want to.” he said looking at her worried face. “I just don’t want to lose you again Doc.”

 

“I know that.” she said feeling her own eyes fill with tears as she touched his smooth face.

 

“Doc, I just don’t want this to blow up in our faces.” he informed her as he tried to dismiss the memory of his conversation with Roman from his head.

 

“It won’t.” she smiled moving in to kiss his lips softly. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” he said taking her in his arms. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

 

“You’ll never have to worry about that.” she said snuggling into his chest knowing that their problems were far from over.

Marlena sat in her office thinking about her conversation with John in the parking structure. She knew that he was worried about what was going to happen to their relationship, but even after they talked he seemed quite upset. She knew that even though they touched lightly on what was bothering them, John was still keeping something important from her. She had tried to push the issue further, but the hospital had paged her again to meet a patient.

 

“Excuse me Dr. Evans.” Bridget said interrupting her thoughts as she entered the office. “I don’t mean to bother you, but I want you to meet someone.”

 

“No problem.” Marlena said getting up and putting a carefree smile on her face.

 

“Dr. Evans,” Bridget said leading Marlena into the lobby, “I’d like you to meet your new personal assistant Jenny Barnes.”

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Dr. Evans.” Jenny smiled extending her hand. “I’ve read all of your articles in the medical journals.”

 

“It’s nice to meet you too Jenny.” Marlena smiled shaking her hand. “By the way, you can call me Marlena.”

 

“Abe, I’m just so confused about everything that’s going on.” John explained frustrated while sitting at Abe’s desk. “I hate all of this lying and sneaking around Roman.”

 

“Partner, I’m sure that it’s going to end soon.” Abe replied handing John a cup of coffee. “Roman is going to be back on his feet again, and you and Marlena will be free to be together. Marlena loves you and nothing will change that. You two have gone through too much to be together.”

 

“That’s just it Abe. We have gone through hell these past few years, and then suddenly when happiness seems to be within our reach, poof, one of the Dimera’s has to come and ruin it.” John recalled thinking about when Kristen ruined his wedding day.

 

“John, you will be able to marry Marlena again very soon.” Abe explained looking at him. “There is something else bothering you, isn’t there?”

 

“How’d you guess?” John asked looking at Abe.

 

“You’re my best friend and I know when something is bothering you. What is it?” Abe asked him.

 

“It’s Roman.” John said closing his eyes and recalling the painful conversation he had with Roman. “He wants to start sleeping with Marlena again.”

 

“What?” Abe asked confused. “What gives you that idea?”

 

“Roman.” John answered looking at him. “He asked me this morning if I thought it was the right time for him to start sleeping with Doc again. He made it perfectly clear that he wanted to get back into living like husband and wife as soon as possible.”

 

“I can’t believe that he asked you that considering your history with Marlena.” Abe replied taking it all in.

 

“He thinks that I’m happily married to Kristen right now, so he doesn’t have any reservation about talking to me about this.” John informed Abe.

 

“Did you tell Marlena about his intentions to jump back into things?” Abe asked him.

 

“No. What am I going to say? ‘Doc, Roman just confessed that he wants to be the one making love to you every night.’ I can’t make her even more stressed than she already is.” John explained to him. “If she knew Roman was thinking about that, then she would be on edge all of the time.”

 

“John, she might actually be able to change his mind.” Abe suggested. “She could influence him away from that.”

 

“Abe, it’s Marlena.” John reminded him. “I can barely keep my hands off of her. Do you think that Roman is going to instantly lose his attraction to her just because she uses some psychology on him?”

 

“Good point.” Abe said remembering Roman’s passion for Marlena. “Speaking of you and Marlena, how are you two handling not being able to be together?”

 

“Well…” John began looking at the floor.

 

“I thought that you two agreed to wait to be together until this whole mess was over.” Abe said watching his friend avoid his gaze.

 

“We did…” John began looking at Abe.

 

“..but you couldn’t do it.” Abe finished looking John over.

 

“Abraham, she looked so beautiful this morning when I arrived at the penthouse. Neither one of us could help it. It just sort of happened.” John began explaining to him. “You know what she does to me partner. I just can’t control my emotions when I’m with her.”

 

“That’s what worries me buddy.” Abe said sitting down at his desk.

 

“Why?” John asked confused.

 

“John, I know that you let yourself onto an emotional roller coaster ride when Marlena’s involved.” Abe explained seriously to his friend. “You become so driven by your emotions. I just worry that you two will get into trouble again because of your feelings.”

 

“If you’re referring to the affair Abe, that was an extreme circumstance.” John explained to him.

 

“That hurt a lot of people.” Abe reminded him.

 

“Well, it hurt Doc and I to be apart for so long.” John insisted thinking about the past. “We made some mistakes partner. I’ll be the first one to admit that, but what I felt and do feel for Marlena is not wrong.”

 

“I realize that John, and all I’m saying is that you should just be careful not to let your emotions get the best of you.” Abe reminded him looking at the time. “Listen, I’m sorry to cut this short, but I have to meet Lexie for lunch.”

 

“That’s alright. I think that I’m going to take the kids over to see Doc anyways.” John decided getting up. “Thanks for the talk partner.”

 

“No problem.” Abe smiled grabbing his jacket and walking towards the door. “You two just be careful. Okay?”

“Dad, are you sure that you don’t want me to drive to the hospital?” Eric asked watching his father grab the car keys.

 

“Son, I’ve been feeling great lately.” Roman insisted getting into the driver’s seat. “The medication is really working and I’m ready to jump back into my old life again.”

 

“Okay,” Eric reluctantly agreed fastening his seat belt.

 

“Son, I need to ask you something.” Roman began as they drove to the hospital.

 

“Yeah dad?” Eric asked settling in his seat.

 

“Do you know what’s wrong with your mom?” Roman asked him.

 

“Mom?” Eric repeated.

 

“Yeah. She seems to be bothered by something lately and I can’t quite figure it out.” Roman began explaining. “Do you have any idea what it could be?”

 

“No dad.” Eric lied feeling guilty. “Mom seems fine to me.”

 

“You think so?” Roman asked looking at his son. “It just seems like she has something on her mind that she hasn’t told me about.”

 

“I’m sure she’s fine Dad.” Eric repeated. “I think that it’s just the holiday season wearing her down.”

 

“I guess you’re right Eric.” Roman agreed thinking it over. “She hasn’t had too many good holidays lately. The family hasn’t been together in so long that she probably needs to be reminded of what a true Brady Christmas is like.”

 

“Excuse me Dr. Evans.” A voice called out interrupting Marlena’s thoughts as she looked up from her desk.

 

“John,” she gasped smiling to see him, “I was just thinking about you.”

 

“I thought so.” he said as she rushed over to hug him.

 

“What are you doing here?” she asked realizing that he was supposed to be at the police station with Abe.

 

“Well, I ran into a couple of Santa’s little helpers and they insisted that I bring them over here immediately.” he said opening the door as Belle and Brady ran into the room.

 

“Mommy! Mommy!” the children cheered running over to her.

 

“Sweeties.” she laughed lowering herself to their level. “How I’ve missed you two angels.”

 

“Mommy, I drew you a picture in school today.” Brady said handing her a drawing of a Christmas tree.

 

“It’s wonderful sweetheart.” she smiled kissing him.

 

“Mommy.” Belle interrupted squeezing between Marlena and Brady and handing her a brown paper bag. “Daddy helped me make you lunch because you’ve been working very hard.”

 

“Thank you very much sweety.” Marlena said kissing her and accepting the paper bag. “What is it?”

 

“It’s an apple, some juice, and a peanut butter and tuna fish sandwich mommy.” Belle smiled proudly.

 

“Oh,” Marlena replied looking at John, “daddy helped you with this?”

 

“Actually, it was my idea about the sandwich.” Belle smiled brighter. “Daddy said that it wasn’t one of your favorite sandwiches, but I told him that you would love it.”

 

“I see.” Marlena grinned again hugging Belle. “It’s a wonderful lunch.”

 

“Dr. Evans.” Jenny said coming into the office and seeing the crowd. “I didn’t realize that you had company.”

 

“Jenny, this is my family. This is my fiancee John…” Marlena explained nodding to John as she put her arms around Belle and Brady. “… and these two are my son Brady and my daughter Belle.”

 

“Hello you two.” Jenny smiled talking to them. “How are you today?”

 

“Fine.” Belle smiled brightly. “We were just visiting mommy to bring her lunch.”

 

“Oh I see.” Jenny said looking at the children.

 

“Dad, when can we go get some food from the cafeteria?” Brady asked his father.

 

“Actually, I thought that we would talk to mommy for a little while.” John explained to his son.

 

“Come on Dad. We’re hungry.” Belle insisted tugging at her father’s leg. “We need to eat.”

 

“Bridget and I can take them to the cafeteria.” Jenny suggested smiling at the two children.

 

“You don’t have to.” Marlena explained to Jenny.

 

“I’d love to.” she explained to Marlena and John. “I have two little brothers back home and I always enjoyed taking care of them.”

 

“Please dad.” Brady begged again. “Can we go get some french fries?”

 

“Well, alright.” John gave in to his son.

 

“Do you two like video games?” Jenny asked the children.

 

“Yeah.” Brady cheered.

 

“Well, if it’s okay with your parents, then Bridget and I have a couple Game boy’s out in the lobby if you want to play with them after you eat your french fries.” Jenny informed them.

 

“Please mom!!!” Brady insisted tugging on Marlena’s leg.

 

“It’ll be no trouble at all.” Jenny explained smiling. “It will give you two a little time to be alone.”

 

“Come on dad.” Belle pleaded flashing John a beautiful smile. “Can we?”

 

“I guess that will be okay.” Marlena said giving in to them. “You two be good for Jenny.”

 

“We will.” they assured their parents as they followed Jenny into the lobby.

 

“She seems nice.” John said wrapping his arms around Marlena after he shut the door.

 

“She’s my new assistant.” Marlena smiling kissing his nose softly. “She’s from Colorado and she’s going to school here at the University.”

 

“Hey, she’s cute.” John said getting an idea in his head. “Maybe you should invite her to dinner some time to meet Eric.”

 

“That’s an idea.” she agreed touching his cheek. “Did I ever tell you how cute you are?”

 

“Not in the last few hours.” he grinned kissing her lips softly.

 

“You know,” she said breaking away from the kiss, “I don’t know if I should let you kiss me anymore.”

 

“Why Doc?” he asked confused.

 

“You let my daughter make me a peanut butter and tuna fish sandwich.” she explained wrinkling her nose. “That was a nasty thing to do.”

 

“Nasty huh?” he said reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a grilled chicken sandwich. “I’m sure that you wouldn’t want this then.”

 

“How did you know I was craving one of those?” she asked amazed reaching out for the sandwich.

 

“Not so fast Doc.” he said pulling the sandwich backward. “I believe that you mentioned something a few minutes ago that I didn’t like too much. Something about not letting me kiss you anymore.”

 

“John, you know I was just kidding.” she explained moving towards him.

 

“I don’t know…you sounded pretty serious.” he teased her.

 

“John, what can I do to make it up to you?” she asked inching closer to him.

 

“I’m sure that you can think of something Dr. Evans.” he smiled mischievously. “I think that we can work out some kind of deal.”

 

“I thought so.” she said snatching the sandwich from his hand while his guard was down.

 

“Hey, that’s no fair.” he protested grabbing her again.

 

“John, I’m hungry.” she insisted looking into his eyes. “No more playing around.”

 

“Okay,” he said releasing her, “I’ll let you eat your chicken while I go check on the kids.”

 

“John, the kids will be fine for a little while with Bridget and Jenny. Besides,” she said tossing the sandwich onto her desk top, “that’s not what I’m hungry for right now.”

 

“You are amazing Doc.” he laughed as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down on top of her on the couch in her office.

 

“I’m just making the most of our quiet time alone.” she informed him pressing her lips to his.

 

Roman walked alone into the hospital for his appointment with Mike while Eric ran a few errands. He checked the time and wondered if Doc was in her office or out to lunch. He decided that he was going to take a trip towards her office. He was walking past the maternity ward when he saw a familiar face.

 

“Kristen, what are you doing here?” he asked noticing that Kristen was staring at the newborn babies.

 

“Roman, I didn’t know that you were here.” she smiled at him. “What are you up to?”

 

“I have a check up with Mike today.” he explained looking her over. “The question is what are you doing here?”

 

“Well, a friend of mine just had a baby.” she lied to him. “Why?”

 

“Oh, when I suggested that John bring you over to celebrate for the holidays with us, he said that you were out of town visiting an old college friend for the holidays.” Roman informed her.

 

“Well, I was.” Kristen lied to him suddenly getting an idea. “I just came back home and I kind of wanted to surprise John.”

 

“Well, hey, we’re all having dinner tonight at the penthouse.” Roman added to her. “Why don’t you just show up at about six thirty? I’m sure that John will be delighted to find out that you’re back home.”

 

“I’d love to Roman.” she smiled in delight.

 

“I know that tonight is going to be special for everyone now that you’re back.” Roman added smiling.

 

“Definitely Roman. I guarantee everyone will be surprised.” she grinned realizing that Roman would be able to help her get John back.

You know John,” Marlena said picking her blouse up off of the floor, “we are going to have to cool down a little.”

 

“Cool down?” John questioned running his index finger along her bare shoulder. “We were just starting to heat things up in here?”

 

“John,” she said looking into his blue eyes as he continued to glide his finger along her collar bone, “believe me, I really want to do this, but we can’t.”

 

“I’m confused Doc.” he said looking her over. “You were the one that wanted to…”

 

“Well, I do, but we can’t.” she insisted looking at the way his open shirt was revealing his chest.

 

“Okay Dr. Evans,” he sighed frustrated sitting up next to her on the couch, “you have no idea how hard it is going to be for me to stop, but if it’s what you want, then I’ll have to respect your wishes.”

 

“I’m sorry sweety.” she breathed deeply. “Jenny will be bringing the kids back soon and I have to get ready to meet Roman.”

 

“Doc,” he said taking her hand in his and raising it to his lips to kiss it. “I hope that Mike can give us good news today.”

 

“Me too.” she smiled hopeful. “I promise that soon we will have plenty of time to be together.”

 

“I hope it’ll be sooner than later.” he replied buttoning his shirt back up.

 

“It will be.” she said wrapping her arms around him tightly and grinning. “And that’s a fact.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “So what do you say Mike?” Roman asked looking the doctor over.

 

“Well, I’d say that you’re recovering quite well Roman.” Mike smiled at him. “Pretty soon things will go back to normal for you.”

 

“You don’t know how happy I am to hear that Mike.” Roman smiled shaking Mike’s hand. “I can’t wait to tell Doc the good news.”

 

“I’m sure that she will be thrilled to hear it.” Mike answered thinking about how Roman’s recovery was going to effect many lives.

 

“Hey Mike?” Roman asked suddenly looking serious.

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I have to ask you a question.” Roman explained to him.

 

“What’s up?” Mike asked leaning back on the desk.

 

“Well, I know this is going to sound crazy, but you said that everything is going to be fine. Right?” Roman questioned.

 

“You seem to be progressing nicely.” Mike agreed. “Everything seems to be in order Roman. All you need is to keep resting and try to avoid stress.”

 

“What kind of stress? Physical stress?” Roman asked.

 

“What are you up to Roman?” Mike questioned looking him over.

 

“Well, I’ve kind of been thinking about Doc and I.” Roman explained to Mike. “We’ve kind of been getting closer lately and I just wanted to make sure that when the time comes for us to get intimate, that it’ll be okay.”

 

“Oh,” Mike replied suddenly worried about that Roman was going to push things and find out the truth about John and Marlena sooner than he should.

 

“I really want to show Doc that I love her.” Roman continued on. “I think that it’s about time for Doc and I to commit ourselves to each other again. I just want to be sure that I’m ready.”

 

“Roman, as your friend, I think that you should give it some time before you start to jump back into things with Marlena. You both have a lot of catching up to do.” Mike informed him.

 

“I know.” Roman agreed looking Mike over carefully. “And as my doctor what would you advise?”

 

“Just take it slow.” Mike informed him as there was a knock on the door.

 

“Is it safe to come in?” Marlena asked walking into the room.

 

“Doc, you’re always welcome.” Roman smiled greeting her with open arms.

 

“How is he Mike?” she asked as Roman grabbed her hand.

 

“I think that he can tell you the good news.” Mike smiled closing his charts and walking toward the door. “I’ll let you two talk. Also, I need to talk to you later about on article I’m working on Marlena.”

 

“Okay,” Marlena smiled turning to Roman as Mike left the room, “don’t keep me in suspense. What did he say?”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Mike, how is Roman?” John asked as Mike walked out into the lobby.

 

“He’s doing better John, but he still isn’t well enough to deal with too much stress at the moment.” Mike explained glancing around the empty lobby. “Normally, I shouldn’t be telling you what I’m about to tell you, but I realize that these are unique circumstances.”

 

“What is it Mike?” John asked getting worried that something was wrong.

 

“You see Roman has it in his head that he is ready to jump back into a physical relationship with Marlena.” Mike explained to John. “I’m worried that he is going to end up hurting himself by thinking that Marlena is going to commit to him.”

 

“Are you saying that Doc and I should tell him the truth?” John asked Mike as his stomach tightened.

 

“I’m not so sure that is a good idea just yet.” Mike explained thinking it over. “That may cause his health to regress.”

 

“So what do we do now?” John asked feeling his frustration deepen.

 

“I guess that you just wait it out and see what happens.” Mike sighed patting him on the shoulder. “It’ll all work out soon. I think that Marlena should know about what’s going on with Roman though.”

 

“You’re right.” John agreed. “I’ll tell her later.”

 

“Thanks John.” Mike sighed in relief. “I’m sure that she’d rather hear it from you.”

 

“Hey partner, what are you doing here?” Roman asked walking out into the lobby and seeing John.

 

“I just brought the kids by to see Doc.” John explained watching Marlena walk out of the room behind Roman. “We went to her office, and Bridget told me that I could leave the kids with her while I come to see the two of you. So how’d the appointment go.”

 

“Boy do I have great news.” Roman smiled glancing at Mike. “The fine doctor here tells me that I’m on the road to recovery.”

 

“That’s wonderful news.” John grinned thinking about returning home to be with Marlena and the kids.

 

“Just remember what I told you.” Mike reminded Roman as his pager went off. “I have to go now, but I’ll talk to you all later.”

 

“Bye.” Roman waved pulling Marlena close to him. “Doc, I think that we should all celebrate this good news. Maybe we should throw a party or something.”

 

“Roman, I don’t know if your quite up to a party yet.” Marlena said exchanging worried glances with John. “You told me that Mike said that you should take it easy for a while.”

 

“That’s true.” Roman agreed thinking it over. “I guess that a party would be too much for now, but what about dinner with my favorite girl and my good friend John?”

 

“Gee…I don’t know if that is such a good idea. I wanted to spend the evening with the kids tonight.” John began thinking how uneasy it would be sitting in the room with Roman after the talk he had with him.

 

“Nonsense.” Roman insisted looking at him. “I’m sure that Carrie would love to watch them tonight.”

 

“Shouldn’t you ask her first?” Marlena asked Roman.

 

“I talked to her earlier.” Roman informed her. “She said that she and Austin would be thrilled to watch them. So what do you say John? Is it a deal?”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

John knocked on the door to the penthouse after dropping the kids off at Austin and Carrie’s apartment. He could feel his nerves acting up again. He rang the bell and Marlena answered the door looking beautiful wearing a red sweater and jeans.

 

“You look fabulous Doc.” John whispered as she gently let her hand brush his before he entered the room.

 

“Come on in John.” she smiled looking at him with her big brown eyes. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

 

“I’m so glad that you could make it over here tonight John.” Roman greeted him from the couch in the center of the room. “Doc has been driving me crazy since we left the hospital.”

 

“Why is that?” John questioned noticing that Roman was happier than usual.

 

“Well, I have a surprise planned for all of us tonight and you know how Doc is with surprises.” Roman explained looking at his watch as the doorbell rang. “Perfect timing.”

 

“Who could that be?” Marlena whispered to John as Roman rushed over to the front door.

 

“Surprise.” Roman smiled revealing Kristen standing at the front door.

 

“Honey, I’m home.” Kristen smiled rushing over to hug John. “I’ve missed you so much while I was away.”

 

“Oh,” John muttered frozen in place.

 

“Wow buddy!” Roman smiled putting his arm around Marlena. “You look more surprised than I thought you would be tonight. When I ran into Kristen earlier at the hospital, I insisted that she come over for dinner with all of us.”

 

“I see.” John said looking at Kristen.

 

“Sweet heart, Roman thought that you would love having me home for the holidays.” Kristen smiled planting a kiss on his lips while Marlena glared at her. “I’ve missed you so much.”

 

“Me too.” John lied helplessly pulling back from her kiss.

 

“Well, now that we’re all here, is everyone ready?” Roman asked the group.

 

“Where are we going?” Marlena asked afraid of what else Kristen and Roman had in store for the evening.

 

“You’ll see.” Roman said picking up John’s car keys off of the table and throwing them at him. “You two follow Doc and me.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

John and Kristen sat in silence in his Jeep as they followed Roman and Marlena. John could feel his anger burning up inside him as he drove. Kristen decided to take advantage of his sour mood.

 

“John, what’s bothering you darling?” Kristen asked concerned.

 

“Cut the act Kristen.” John yelled at her. “Roman isn’t around, so we don’t have to pretend to be in love.”

 

“Oh John, why can’t you see that I love you?” she asked him softly. “I’d do anything to make you happy.”

 

“Why don’t you just leave me alone then?” he asked briefly looking at her. “If you’d like to make me happy, then you could just butt out of my life.”

 

“John, you know that I can’t do that.” she said slumping back into her seat. “Besides, what would Roman think if I stayed away from you. Don’t you think that he would grow a little suspicious about our relationship?”

 

“You know Kristen, soon Roman will be well and it won’t matter anymore.” John informed her. “Soon you will just be an unpleasant memory in my life.”

 

“You don’t mean that John.” she insisted. “Besides, that’s not what’s bothering you right now, is it?”

 

“What are you talking about?” he asked her.

 

“You’re worried that Marlena isn’t going to choose you. That’s it, isn’t it?” she asked looking at him. “You’re afraid that she’s going to choose Roman, aren’t you?”

 

“You know what Kristen,” John began pulling into a parking spot next to Roman, “I think that it’s about time for you to mind your own business.”

 

“That’s just what I’m doing.” she muttered as John stepped out of the car.

 

“What are we doing at the theater?” Marlena asked looking at Roman.

 

“I bought the four of us tickets to the play tonight.” Roman explained holding up four tickets as he noticed John looked upset. “Is everything alright?”

 

“Everything’s fine.” Kristen insisted planting a kiss on John’s lips. “Let’s go inside.”

John took his seat in the theater with Marlena on his right and Kristen on his left. He could smell Marlena’s perfume and it was driving him crazy. He wanted to reach out and grab her, but there Roman was sitting to the right of her. John closed his eyes trying to hide the pain he felt.

 

“I hear this play is pretty good.” Roman informed them looking at his program. “It’s supposed to be a love story between two star crossed lovers.”

 

“Gee, that sounds really good.” Kristen agreed wrapping her arm inside of John’s arm. “Don’t you think so honey?”

 

“Sure Kristen.” he said faking a smile.

 

“I know how much you love romance Doc.” Roman smiled kissing her hand as he leaned closer to her. “I want you show you that I can still be romantic.”

 

“I think that the play is starting.” she nervously breathed as the lights began to dim.

 

“Okay.” Roman smiled looking at the stage.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

“How was your first day at work Jenny?” Eric asked as the two of them walked along the pier.

 

“It was great.” she informed him. “My boss is really sweet. Her fiancee and her two children came into work today Eric, and they seemed like the perfect family.”

 

“It’s nice to see a family together.” Eric said looking out into the water.

 

“Eric, why do you look so sad?” Jenny asked looking at him.

 

“My family is so messed up.” Eric explained to her. “It’s so hard to explain. Sometimes I wish that I would’ve just stayed in Colorado.”

 

“I thought that you wanted to come here to be with your family.” Jenny said puzzled. “I thought that came back to be with your mom and your sisters at your mom’s wedding.”

 

“Well, you see, it’s really complicated, my sisters hate each other and my dad is still alive.” Eric explained to her.

 

“I’m sorry to hear about you sisters. Also, I thought that your dad died a while ago in some military accident.” Jenny began confused.

 

“Well, that’s what we all thought, but he wasn’t dead and he returned on my mom’s wedding day, so my mom didn’t end up getting married.” Eric explained looking at her.

 

“Wow, that’s amazing.” Jenny gasped pondering the thought. “Your poor mother.”

 

“Yeah, well, my poor dad was deathly ill when he was brought back to Salem.” Eric explained to her. “There’s been a lot that has happened since that day, and now my father thinks that he’s going to get back together with my mother.”

 

“What about the guy she was supposed to marry?” Jenny asked shivering.

 

“Well, he’s still around, but it would be better if he wasn’t.” Eric explained looking at her. “If he was gone, then my family could be together again.”

 

“You know Eric,” Jenny began taking in a breath, “I know that it isn’t any of my business, but didn’t you say that your mother’s fiancee raised you when both your parents weren’t around?”

 

“Well yes, but…” Eric trailed off thinking about his childhood. “…it would just be better if he backed off from my mom.”

 

“Eric, how does you mother feel about all of this?” Jenny asked him.

 

“She thinks that she loves her fiancee, but I know that if she tries hard enough, she will fall in love with my dad again.” Eric explaine

 

d with tears in his eyes. “I know that we can all be happy again.” “You know Eric, I’m not an expert or anything, but I think that maybe you should quit worrying about your mother’s problems.” Jenny said touching his face as a tear ran down his cheek. “I think that you should worry about Eric for a change.”

 

“It’s not the time to worry about me.” he insisted looking away from her blue eyes. “I need to help my family.”

 

“Eric,” she said turning his face to hers, “if things are meant to be, then they will work out somehow.”

 

“I just want to be happy for once in my life. I’ve spend most of my life isolated from everyone that I cared about.” he said as a few more tears escaped from his eyes. “For once, I would like to go for a day feeling like my life is filled with love and happiness.”

 

“Eric, maybe you’re just looking for it in the wrong place.” she whispered pulling her lips to meet his as they shared a passionate embrace in the darkness.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Marlena sat watching the couple on the stage being torn apart from evil and felt that the story on stage paralleled her own life. She glanced to her left and saw Kristen trying to touch John’s arm. She could feel her blood boil as she thought of all the things that the Dimera family had done to keep her from John. She could feel tears forming in her eyes when she suddenly felt a warm grip on her left hand. She turned and looked at John who was staring intensely at her.

 

“I love you.” he whispered so faintly that she barely heard him.

 

“I love you too.” she mouthed back to him as tears fell from her eyes.

 

Roman noticed that Marlena was crying and he decided that it was time for him to make his move. He grabbed her right hand and squeezed it. He suddenly felt her body tense up.

 

“What’s wrong Doc?” Roman asked whispering into her right ear.

 

“Nothing.” Marlena insisted realizing that both Roman and John were holding her hands.

 

“I love you Doc.” Roman whispered softly kissing her right ear.

 

“I’ll be right back.” Marlena announced quickly jumping up from her seat. “I have to use the ladies room.”

 

“What’s with her?” Kristen whispered smugly to a confused John. “Maybe she didn’t want you to hold her hand.”

 

“I’ll be right back.” John informed Roman.

 

“Where are you going?” Roman asked wondering why everyone was leaving.

 

“My pager just went off. I have to take this in case Abe has a lead on Jack or Peter.” John lied standing up.

 

“Let me go with you.” Roman insisted to him.

 

“No. Please stay with Kristen until I get back.” John urged him as he walked out into the lobby.

 

John walked out into the empty lobby and noticed a staircase on the far left side. He was suddenly filled with the urge to climb up the stairs and discover what was up there. He traveled up the winding staircase and saw Marlena looking out of a window at the top.

 

“Hey, what are you doing up here?” John asked walking behind her.

 

“I can’t take this anymore.” she said looking out into the night. “This lying is tearing me apart.”

 

“I know baby.” he said wrapping his arms around her as she leaned back into him. “It’ll all be over soon.”

 

“When?” she asked turning to look at him. “When will it be over?”

 

“Soon.” he repeated looking into her eyes. “We have to believe that.”

 

“John, I can’t do this anymore. This hurts too much.” she explained looking away from him. “I can’t stand pretending to be in love with Roman while Kristen sits there and puts her hands all over you. I hate acting like I’m not in love with you while Kristen pretends to be your wife.”

 

“Doc, if you’re worried about Kristen, then just get that thought out of your head.” he insisted boldly. “She will never come between us again.”

 

“I know that.” she sighed turning to look out of the window. “I just can’t go back in there right now. I can’t take being here.”

 

“Then why don’t we just sit here for a few minutes?” John suggested to her.

 

“Roman will get suspicious.” she explained to him.

 

“No, he thinks that I got a page from Abe and that you’re in the bathroom. Besides, intermission is in about ten minutes, so why don’t we just stay here for a little while and enjoy this time alone together?” he suggested turning her to face him. “What do you say Doc?”

 

“I love you.” she said looking into his deep blue eyes. “I really do.”

 

“I know that.” he smiled wiping a tear from her cheek. He pulled her tightly to him as she buried her head in his chest. He kissed the top of her head as he looked out into the night and thanked God for giving them these few moments alone. “I love you too.”

“That was an incredible musical Roman.” Kristen beamed latching onto John’s arm as the four of them entered the Penthouse grill.

 

“I thought that you and Doc would like it.” Roman explained putting his arm around Marlena. “Did you enjoy it Doc?”

 

“Sure,” she said trying to relax. “It was a wonderful gesture on your part Roman.”

 

“I sure hope that you’re hungry Doc, because I got us the best table in this place.” Roman said leading her, Kristen, and John over to a small table close to the dance floor. “I know how much you like to dance Doc. What do you say? May I have this dance?”

 

“I haven’t danced in quite a while Roman. I really don’t think that I’m up to dancing.” she began to protest. “Besides, we just got here and we really haven’t had time to talk with John and Kristen much this evening.”

 

“Nonsense.” Kristen insisted waving her hand at Marlena. “You two have fun. John and I are going to talk here for a while.”

 

“See Doc, they don’t mind at all if we kick our heels up for a little while.” Roman insisted pulling her onto the dance floor.

 

“Alone at last.” Kristen smiled as John watched Roman and Marlena dancing. “Oh John, would you just look at the two of them? They seem to be falling in love all over again.”

 

“Shut up Kristen.” John calmly replied keeping his eyes on Marlena.

 

“John, look I don’t want you to get hurt by her.” Kristen began taking his hand. “She left you for him once before, who’s to say she won’t do it to you again?”

 

“Let go of me Kristen.” John insisted pulling back from her touch.

 

“I see that you’re not up to small talk.” Kristen said glancing back at the dance floor as Roman waved for them to start dancing. “It looks like Roman wants us to join them.”

 

“I’m not in the mood to dance.” John informed her as Roman tightened his grip around Marlena.

 

“Come on.” Kristen said standing up and pulling him out of his chair. “You want Roman to believe that we’re really married, don’t you?”

 

John reluctantly moved onto the dance floor with Kristen. The lighting dimmed as the tunes of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s song “In Another’s Eyes” played. John watched Marlena looking at him over Roman’s shoulder. He couldn’t help but be mesmerized by her stare. He could feel the urge to take her in his arms coming over him as Kristen tightened her grip on him.

 

“What are you doing?” John asked Kristen as she started to kiss his neck softly.

 

“John, I love you.” she breathed into his ear as her lips started to trail along his neck.

 

“Knock it off Kristen.” John urged her as he noticed the change in Marlena’s facial expression.

 

“John, we belong together.” she insisted moving her hands along his back towards his rear. “I love you so much.”

 

“I can’t do this anymore.” John said breaking away from her and moving over to the table.

 

“Doc, it looks like John and Kristen are fighting again.” Roman said noticing that they were sitting back down at the table. “I’m starting to worry about the two of them.”

 

“They’ll be fine Roman.” Marlena insisted noticing how upset John appeared to be. “He just needs time to cool down.”

 

“I just feel so bad Doc because they are our friends and we should be trying to help them.” Roman explained to her. “I wish that there was something that we could do for them.”

 

“The best thing that you can do right now is not get involved with what’s going on with them.” she explained noticing that John was starting to yell at Kristen.

 

“You know what Doc?” Roman said pulling Marlena off the dance floor and dragging her over to the table. “I think that I have an idea.”

 

“What are you up to?” she asked as he stopped in front of the table.

 

“John, I’m feeling tired right now, would you please dance with Doc while I talk to Kristen?” Roman asked yawning at him.

 

“Roman, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” Kristen began to protest.

 

“She’s right Roman.” Marlena piped in fearing what would happen if she danced with John.

 

“Please John. I’d really love to talk to this lovely wife of yours for a little while.” Roman pleaded with John.

 

“Alright.” John agreed getting up from the table and taking Marlena’s hand. “Let’s go Doc.”

 

“See you two.” Roman said sitting down at the table with Kristen.

 

John led Marlena out onto the dance floor in silence as the first chords of Gloria Estefan’s “I’m not giving you up started playing:

 

“Doc we need to talk about what’s happening here. Why didn’t you want to dance with me?.” John said breaking through the silence.

 

“Shh. Just dance with me.” she insisted as Gloria Estefan’s voice started singing.

 

“To be completely honest It scares me to imagine What life would be without you

And for this very reason I ask you to forgive me For what I’m putting us through…”

 

John closed his eyes as they danced as he thought of the day when the two of them could be open about their relationship. He listened to the words of the song as his heart pounded next to Marlena’s. He pulled her close to him as his arms tightened around her waist. He could smell her shampoo and he longed to sweep her up into his arms and take her home. He suddenly realized that his dream was impossible because Roman was sitting right there watching them and suddenly he was hit with an incredible pain in his heart.

 

“Although there are so many things Against us, I’ve decided That I’m not giving you up, no…

Thinking back, I see what we have Is something different I think we’ve known all along So how fair would it be To divide this love’s existence Between what’s right and what’s wrong

And you, always wondering if we’ll make it Time will tell you That I’m not giving you up, no, no…

We’ll find a way to be together However long it takes, wherever If it means having you for only a moment A moment just might be enough I’m not giving you up, no…”

 

“Oh John,” Marlena whispered looking into his eyes, “I want to be with you so badly right now and that scares me.”

 

“Screaming in the silence the promises we’ve spoken Come back to haunt me, false and broken Quiet desperation to see we’re lost forever Searching for water in the desert

No, I refuse to have to do Without your kisses I’m not giving you up, no, no

We’ll find a way to be together However long it takes, wherever If it means having you for only a moment A moment just might be enough I’m not giving you up, no No I’m not giving you up, no…”

 

“I love you so much.” John replied opening his eyes and glancing over at Roman and Kristen who appeared to be in deep conversation. “I can’t take this much longer.”

 

“We have to John.” Marlena reminded him with tears in her eyes. “For Roman’s sake.”

 

“I’m not giving you up Doc.” John insisted tightening his grasp around her waste. “I need you too much.”

 

“May I cut in?” Roman asked tapping on John’s shoulder.

 

“Roman.” Marlena gasped jumping back and almost hitting the person behind her.

 

“Doc are you alright?” Roman asked noticing that her eyes were bloodshot.

 

“Actually, I’m not feeling well. Can we just go home now?” Marlena pleaded not wanting to be in the situation any longer.

 

“Anything for you Doc, but let me have a word with you first John..” Roman insisted turning to John.

 

“What’s up Roman?” John asked as Marlena went back to the table.

 

Marlena watched Roman and John talking as she made her way over to the table with Kristen. She noticed that Kristen had a smug grin on her face.

 

“What are you up to now Kristen?” Marlena asked sitting down across from her.

 

“Nothing Doc.” Kristen muttered sarcastically as she pulled a mirror out of her purse. “And you?”

 

“Look, I saw what you tried pulling on John back there.” Marlena explained thinking about what she saw on the dance floor.

 

“I don’t think that is any of your business Marlena.” Kristen snapped as she continued to apply her makeup.

 

“I don’t think that you understood me Kristen.” Marlena responded as she knocked the mirror out of Kristen’s hand causing her to look up. “Keep your hands off John.”

 

“He’s not your property Marlena.” Kristen smiled at her. “He’s a big boy. I think that he’s capable of defending himself.”

 

“You just be sure that you keep your hands off of my fiancee.” Marlena warned her. “You don’t want to mess with me again Kristen. That would be a huge mistake.”

 

“It looks like you already have your hands full with Roman.” Kristen snapped back at her and laughed. “It must be hard juggling two men like that, but then again, you always did enjoy toying around with both of their emotions.”

 

“Why you…” Marlena began raising her hand to slap Kristen as Roman touched her back.

 

“Are you ready to leave now Doc?” he asked her.

 

“Yes.” she replied glaring at Kristen furiously. “I’m ready.”

 

“Let’s go then.” Roman insisted waving goodbye to Kristen.

 

“Goodbye Doc.” John smiled weakly giving her a small hug.

 

“Goodbye.” she replied not looking into his eyes. “Have a good night.”

 

“You too.” he said watching her go away with Roman. “I won’t give you up.”

“What did you have to talk with John about?” Marlena asked walking into the penthouse.

 

“It was nothing important.” Roman insisted cracking open a bottle of champagne. “Would you like a drink?”

 

“No thank you.” she replied sitting down on the couch. “What was it that you were doing outside a few minutes ago while I was waiting in the lobby?”

 

“I thought that I forgot something in the car, but I was wrong.” he said pouring himself a drink. “Are you sure that you don’t want any?”

 

“Positive.” she smiled weakly realizing that she was tired.

 

“Doc, you seem to be so tense lately.” he said sitting next to her. “Is something bothering you?”

 

“No. I’m fine.” she lied to him yawning.

 

“You know what I think it is?” he smiled looking into her eyes.

 

“What?” she asked closing her eyes.

 

“You need a good back massage.” he insisted pulling her in front of him on the couch.

 

“Roman, it’s alright.” she began to protest as his hands moved along her shoulders. “I don’t need you to…”

 

“Quiet Doc.” he insisted placing his finger over her lips. “Just let me do this.”

 

“I find it hard to believe that your car just happened to die tonight.” John said looking under the hood of Kristen’s car outside of the Penthouse.

 

“It’s the truth John.” she insisted watching him as he took off his jacket. “I would’ve called for a tow truck, but it’s Christmas Eve and I knew that no one would be working tonight.”

 

“It looks like someone tampered with the engine.” John said shutting the hood of the car.

 

“Now what am I going to do?” she asked kicking the car. “This stupid thing has caused me more hassle than I could’ve ever imagined.”

 

“I’ll take you home Kristen.” John reluctantly informed her.

 

“Oh thank you, thank you so much.” Kristen smiled jumping up and down. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

 

“I’ll take you home, but don’t try any funny stuff.” he warned her as he unlocked the Jeep.

 

“You won’t have to worry about me John.” she smiled thinking of how she would have to thank Roman later for tampering with her engine. She had to admit that his plan was brilliant. She had to laugh though because poor Roman was just doing his best to try and save her “marriage” to John. If only he knew the truth, Kristen thought to herself.

 

“Doc, it was so great dancing with you tonight.” Roman whispered in her ear as his hands worked their way along her back. “Tonight brought back so many memories.”

 

“Yes it did.” she agreed thinking about John as Roman’s hands melted the tension in her back.

 

“Lay down Doc.” Roman insisted pulling her down onto the floor.

 

“Roman, I’m fine.” she insisted as he set her head down on a pillow.

 

“Just let me do this.” he urged as she closed her eyes.

 

Marlena could feel herself drifting off as Roman’s hands worked their way down her back and shoulders. She imagined that she was alone with John and that he was the one touching her skin. She could feel herself getting excited as her thoughts of John became more vivid while she slipped into dreamland.

 

“Let me help you out of this shirt.” Roman insisted slipping her sweater off of her as she began to doze off. “You look so beautiful.”

 

“I love you.” she whispered as he turned her over and touched her face. “I want to be with you so much.”

 

“That’s just what I wanted to hear Doc.” he smiled moving in and pressing his lips to hers.

 

“I can’t believe that you fell asleep in the Jeep Kristen.” John sighed looking at her resting in the passenger seat of his car as he pulled up to the Dimera mansion. “Now what am I going to do with you?”

 

He tried unsuccessfully to wake Kristen up a few times before he finally decided to carry her into the house. He grabbed the key from her purse and picked her up. He carried her into the darkened house where he once lived and he felt icy chills run down his spine when he thought of all the horrible acts committed in the place.

 

“Where are we?” she asked looking up at him as he set her down on the couch.

 

“You’re home Kristen.” John said pulling his car keys out of his pocket.

 

“Aren’t you going to stay?” she asked looking into his blue eyes.

 

“I’m going now. Have a nice evening.” he said turning around towards the door.

 

“John, I love you.” she began standing up and pulling him back towards her with all of her might onto the couch as she forced her lips onto his.

What the hell do you think that you’re doing?” John asked pulling Kristen off of him.

 

“Make love to me John.” she begged him. “I know that I could make you so happy if you’d only let me.”

 

“Kristen, my happiness is with Doc.” he said as she pulled on his shirt causing it to rip.

 

“She’s so wrong for you.” Kristen added to him as she slipped out of her dress. “I can love you so much better.”

 

“Get a life Kristen.” John replied in disgust as she continued to strip out of her clothes. “I’m leaving.”

 

“Wait.” she insisted falling to the floor grabbing his leg.

 

“Get off of me woman.” John said looking down at her. “You know, I’ll have no problem dragging you out into the cold in your underwear if you don’t let go of me.”

 

“I love you John.” she pleaded tightening her grip.

 

“Let go.” he insisted shaking her off of his leg.

 

“Please don’t go.” she begged as he shook free of her grasp.

 

“Good night Kristen.” he said slamming the door behind him.

 

“Oh Doc, I love you so much.” Roman whispered pulling back from their embrace. “I’ve waited so long for you to say those words to me. I want to make love to you so badly.”

 

“Oh baby.” Marlena smiled thinking about John. “I want to be with you too.”

 

“Then let’s make love Doc.” Roman insisted pulling his shirt off and moving back on top of her.

 

Marlena felt his strong arms wrap around her as she responded to his touch. She could feel her body starting to melt into his arms, when suddenly she was struck with an unpleasant feeling. When he moved in to kiss her again, she knew that something was wrong, that something was missing.

 

“Oh God.” she said opening her eyes to see Roman.

 

“Doc,” Roman smiled at her.

 

“What are we doing?” she asked noticing that they both had their shirts off.

 

“We were about to make love Doc.” he explained slowly touching the shoulder strap on her bra.

 

“We can’t do this.” she insisted grabbing her shirt and standing up quickly. “I’m sorry.”

 

“What’s wrong Doc?” Roman asked as she ran up the stairs crying. “What did I do?”

 

“Abe, I know it’s late, but I need to talk to you.” John said as Abe opened the his front door.

 

“What is it buddy?” Abe asked inviting him inside the house.

 

“I can’t take any of this anymore.” John explained slumping onto the couch.

 

“Marlena problems?” Abe questioned.

 

“Sort of.” John said looking at his friend. “Tonight Roman took all of us to the theater and to the penthouse grill for dancing and all I could think of was taking Doc back to the Penthouse and making love to her. Abe I hate having to hide my feelings for her.”

 

“John, I know that everyone is trying to spare Roman’s feelings, but maybe it’s time for you and Marlena to come clean.” Abe said walking towards the kitchen to put on a pot of tea.

 

“You really think so?” John asked looking at Abe.

 

“Yeah, I do.” Abe said looking John over. “I know that the news is going to hurt him, but I think that it’s about time for him to know the truth about you and Marlena. If you don’t tell him soon, it’s going to tear you apart John.”

 

“You’re right Abe.” John said standing up and walking towards the door.

 

“Where are you going now?” Abe asked looking at John.

 

“I’m going to the Penthouse tonight so that I can get this out in the open.” John explained walking out of the house.

 

“Abe, what’s going on?” Lexie asked walking out into the living room.

 

“I think that I may have just added fuel to John’s fire.” Abe replied worried as he watched his best friend speed off into the darkness.

“Doc let me in.” Roman yelled through her bedroom door. “Let’s talk about this.”

 

“I can’t Roman.” she cried laying on her bed and reaching for the picture of John she had hidden in her dresser drawer. “I just want to sleep now.”

 

“Doc, this is ridiculous.” he said growing furious with the way she was acting. “One minute, you’re telling me that you love me and want to make love to me, and then the next you’re locked in your room crying hysterically. What’s going on Doc?”

 

“I don’t want to talk about it now.” she sobbed holding the picture of John close to her. “Can’t we just talk in the morning?”

 

“No Doc.” Roman began pounding on the door. “I want to talk about this now.”

 

“Well I don’t.” she shouted back over her sobs.

 

“You know what Doc,” Roman began trying to push open the door, “if you don’t come out here and talk to me, then I’ll break this door down.”

 

John drove frantically towards the penthouse. He looked at the clock and realized that it was kind of late to go over there, but he realized that what he had to say just couldn’t wait. He needed to tell Roman the truth immediately. He was so emersed in his thought that he ran a stop sign.

 

“Damn it.” he said when he saw flashing lights behind him. He pulled out of the Jeep while a police officer walked up to his car.

 

“Going a little fast aren’t you buddy?” the man asked glancing into the Jeep.

 

“I’m sorry officer, I realize that I was speeding and there is no excuse for that…” John began apologizing.

 

“Mr. Black, I didn’t realize it was you.” the man insisted smiling. “How are you doing?”

 

“Fine Jeff.” John said realizing that he knew the officer. “How are you doing?”

 

“I’m okay except for the fact that I’m out in the cold rather than spending Christmas eve with my family.” Jeff said tearing up the ticket.

 

“I know what you mean.” John agreed thinking about Marlena.

 

“Hey, did you and Dr. Evans ever get married?” Jeff asked him.

 

“Not yet.” John sighed realizing that he wasn’t in the mood to small talk.

 

“That’s too bad.” Jeff said thinking about it.

 

“Well, actually I’m on the way over to her place now to spend the holidays with her.” John explained anxious to see Marlena.

 

“In that case why don’t you head off then.” Jeff said smiling.

 

“I’m sorry about the stop sign.” John apologized.

 

“Don’t worry about it.” Jeff said walking towards his car. “Just be careful Mr. Black. There’s supposed to be quite a storm tonight.”

 

“What?” Marlena asked opening her bedroom door.

 

“We need to talk about this Doc.” Roman insisted pushing his way into her bedroom. “What’s going on between us?”

 

“What are you talking about?” she asked watching him sit down on her bed.

 

“Why do you jump every time that I try to touch you Doc? We’re engaged and I don’t think that you should run away from me every time that I want to get intimate with you.” Roman said staring her down.

 

“Roman, I just don’t think that I’m ready for this right now.” she said closing her eyes. “I think that we are taking this a little too fast.”

 

“Too fast Doc?” He asked amazed. “When we were married, you could hardly keep your hands off of me.”

 

“Well, I’ve changed Roman.” she explained looking into his eyes.

 

“You couldn’t have changed that much.” he said standing to face her. “You loved to have sex Marlena.”

 

“There you go again.” she said frustrated. “Do you think that I’m just the kind to “have sex” Roman? Do you know how cheap you just made me sound?”

 

“Well, it’s the truth Doc.” Roman replied growing angry again. “You weren’t exactly the little shy one when we were together. In fact, if I recall correctly, your obsession with it broke up our marriage.”

 

“That’s not fair.” she yelled looking at him.

 

“That’s it isn’t it?” He asked looking her over. “Your sleeping with someone else, aren’t you?”

 

“How dare you.” she gasped enraged with Roman. She looked at the fury in his face and she realized that he was nothing like the man she had married years ago.

 

“That’s it.” he said looking her over. “You lying slut. You’re sleeping with someone else again.”

 

“I think that you’re way out of line.” she said starting to cry as she smelled the alcohol on his breath. “I think that you’ve had too much to drink tonight.”

 

“Too much Doc.” he said grabbing her and squeezing her arms tightly. “I don’t think that I’ve had enough yet.”

 

“What is wrong with you?” she asked as he moved closer to her.

 

“My problem is the fact that you won’t touch me.” he said pulling her towards him and kissing her neck.

 

“Stop it.” she yelled trying to pull back from him.

 

“Come on Doc.” he urged as his hands explored her body. “We both want this.”

 

“Get off of me.” she yelled breaking away.

 

“You cheap slut.” he yelled slapping her in the face causing her to fall to the floor.

 

“Get out of here.” she sobbed touching her cheek.

 

“Oh God.” Roman said realizing what he had just done. “I’m so sorry Doc. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

 

“Get out of here.” she repeated glaring at him.

 

“Doc, I don’t know what has come over me. I’m sorry that I hurt you.” he said starting to cry in shame.

 

“Just get the hell out of here.” she yelled crawling over to her dresser and picking up a lamp to throw at him.

 

“Fine.” he said raising his hands in retreat. “I’ll go stay with my parents tonight, but before I leave, I just want you to know that I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m sorry for what I did.”

 

“Just go.” she said setting the lamp down and turning towards the window as she heard his footsteps down the stairs and out the front door. “Oh God, what is happening?”

 

John took a deep breath as he knocked on the penthouse door. He knew that Roman wasn’t going to like what he had to say, but he couldn’t stand to be away from Marlena any longer. He rang the doorbell since there was no answer. After about five minutes he began to worry that something was wrong, so he pulled his key to the penthouse out of his jacket pocket.

 

John opened the door and noticed that the living room was empty. He looked around and saw the fireplace was burning. He walked over towards the couch and noticed a champaign glass on the table.

 

“Hello, is anyone here?” he asked looking around the first level.

 

He walked through the kitchen and Marlena’s study and then he decided that Roman and Marlena must have gone out for a while. He was going to sit on the couch and wait for them to return when he noticed a light coming from Marlena’s bedroom door.

 

He felt his heart start pounding when he imagined what Roman and Marlena could be doing in her room. He suddenly felt the urge to run from the penthouse, but he couldn’t move. He knew that he had to see what was going on in Marlena’s bedroom, so he forced his way quietly up the stairs. He felt his heart beating so hard that he thought it would jump out of his chest when he reached the top of the stairs.

 

John noticed that Marlena’s door was slightly ajar, so he gently pushed it open to look inside. He peered into the room and saw Marlena laying on the bed without her sweater on. He suddenly was overwhelmed with feelings of jealousy as his mind painted in the pictures of what she and Roman were up to. His thoughts of her and Roman came to a sudden halt when he realized that she was sobbing.

 

John opened the door instantly without looking to see if Roman was around. He was drawn in to her as she cried into her pillow. He looked around the room and realized that she was alone. He moved over to the bed and sat down next to her. Realizing that she hadn’t noticed that he was in the room, he touched her hair softly.

 

“Don’t touch me.” she jumped instantly retreating from his touch.

 

“Doc it’s me.” John said reaching for her again.

 

“Oh John. Thank God it’s you.” she said falling into his chest as she sobbed.

“Doc, what’s going on?” he asked after she had cried for about twenty minutes.

 

“Oh John, it’s so complicated.” she said snuggling into his chest and holding him tighter.

 

“Doc, what’s wrong?” he asked holding her.

 

“I…I,” she began choking on her tears.

 

“Are you okay?” he asked pulling her to face him.

 

“I’m fine.” she said turning away from him. “I’m sorry to be crying like this.”

 

“Doc, why won’t you look at me?” he asked as she walked over to her window. “What is going on here?”

 

“The stress is just getting to me.” she lied thinking about how Roman had responded to her earlier. “That’s it.”

 

“No, there’s something more.” he said looking her over. “You won’t even look at me.”

 

“I’m fine.” she said closing her eyes and feeling pain on her left cheek. “I’m just tired.”

 

“Don’t lie to me Doc.” he said turning her to face him. He looked her over and noticed that the left side of her face was a light shade of red. “What happened here tonight?”

 

“Roman what are you doing here?” Caroline asked surprised opening the front door to the pub.

 

“Mom, Doc and I had a fight tonight and things got out of hand between us.” he explained with tears in his eyes.

 

“I knew this was going to happen.” she said letting him into the pub. “I was only hoping that it wouldn’t have happened so soon during the holidays.”

 

“Mom, I messed things up so bad tonight.” Roman explained slumping into one of the booths. “I was so angry with her.”

 

“Roman, I understand why you’re angry.” she said reaching for her son’s hand. “Anyone in your position has a right to be upset.”

 

“Mom, I hit her.” he explained looking into her eyes. “I don’t know what happened to me mom, but I struck her in the face.”

 

“You what?” she asked stunned.

 

“I don’t know what came over me mom. One minute I was fine, then the next I was overwhelmed with fury.” he said starting to cry. “I don’t know why I started to feel like that.”

 

“What exactly happened tonight Roman?” she asked worried about Marlena.

 

“We went to dinner with John and Kristen earlier, then we were spending some quiet time alone together and I snapped for no reason.” He explained to her.

 

“Did Marlena say something to upset you?” she asked wondering if he had discovered the truth about John and Marlena.

 

“No mom.” he said crying. “I just started acting irrational and I accused her of having an affair again with someone.”

 

“Did you find any proof of this?” she asked worried.

 

“No, it was just something stupid that I said.” he said looking out into the night. “I’m afraid that I’ve lost Marlena for good now mom.”

 

“Nothing John.” she lied jumping as he tried to touch her face.

 

“Doc, don’t tell me that. I come into the penthouse and find you half dressed on your bed with a red mark on your face. Something happened here and I want to know what it was.” he demanded looking into her eyes.

 

“I just fell down while I was changing.” she lied trying not to reveal the truth.

 

“Roman did this to you, didn’t he?” he asked realizing the mark on her face looked like a hand print. “He hit you, didn’t he?”

 

“John…” she began crying again.

 

“That bastard. Where is he?” he said feeling anger run throughout his body. “I’ll kill him if he comes near you again.”

 

“No John!!! Don’t say that.” she pleaded with him as he walked towards the door. “He didn’t mean to hit me.”

 

“So he did hit you.” John repeated looking at her. “Why Doc? Did you tell him about us?”

 

“No.” she began crying thinking about the way Roman behaved. “He just had too much to drink and it interacted with the medication that he’s on.”

 

“Doc, a drug interaction wouldn’t cause a man to hit you.” John informed her as she started shaking. “Something else happened.”

 

“He tried to…” she trailed off in tears as she fell to the floor. “I’m so sorry John. I was thinking about you and I kissed him. I didn’t mean to, but I was tired and the next thing I knew he was…”

 

“Did he hurt you Doc?” he asked rushing next to her on the floor.

 

“No, he was just angry.” she explained to him. “That was it.”

 

“I feel like this is my fault.” John said as tears filled in his eyes. “I should’ve warned you sooner that he was having those feeling about you.”

 

“No John.” she said looking at him. “This is my fault. I shouldn’t have tried to keep the truth from him like this.”

 

“Doc, from now on, let’s be honest with everyone.” he insisted touching her face softly. “I love you and I don’t want you to be hurt like this ever again.”

 

“I know John.” she answered looking up at him. “We’ll tell Roman the truth about us after he cools off.”

 

“Where is he?” he asked taking in a deep breath and trying to calm down.

 

“He’s gone for the night.” she answered hoping that he wouldn’t go after Roman.

 

“I’m not leaving you alone.” he informed her as he picked her up and placed her on her bed and looked at her face. “I’m going to get you some ice for that.”

 

“Don’t leave me.” she urged tugging on his arm. “Please just stay with me.”

 

“Alright.” he said climbing into bed with her. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” she said snuggling into his chest and closing her eyes trying to forget the pain.

 

“I won’t ever leave you alone again Doc.” he whispered as she dozed off to sleep.

Marlena woke up and found herself alone in her bedroom. She sat up and suddenly the previous nights events replayed in her mind. She could feel her eyes filling up with tears again when she suddenly heard the sound of jingling bells coming from downstairs. She slipped into her robe and crept down the stairs.

 

“Are we ready for mommy yet?” Belle asked tugging on John’s leg as he put the finishing touches on the Christmas tree.

 

“Just a minute sweetheart.” John smiled kneeling down beside her. “We want to have everything finished before mommy comes downstairs.”

 

“Too late.” Brady shouted pointing at Marlena as she tried creeping back up the stairs. “She’s awake.”

 

“Mommy get back down here.” Belle giggled chasing Marlena up the stairs.

 

“You got me.” Marlena laughed raising her hands in the air giving up.

 

“Good. You’re my prisoner now.” Belle said taking Marlena’s hand and leading her down the stairs.

 

“Your prisoner?” Marlena asked as Belle led her over to the Christmas tree.

 

“That’s right.” Belle grinned stopping next to John. “Now I turn you over to daddy.”

 

“So I’m your prisoner now John.” Marlena said as a grin slowly crept onto her face.

 

“It looks that way.” he said pulling her in for a hug. “Merry Christmas Doc.”

 

“It’s Christmas already?” she asked realizing that she had forgotten to wrap the presents for the kids.

 

“Duh.” Belle said pointing under the tree at the mound of Christmas presents around the tree.

 

“How did they…” Marlena began in shock to see all of the presents there.

 

“Santa Claus came here last night Doc.” John smiled and winked at her as he turned to Belle and Brady. “What do you say you two start unwrapping your gifts?”

 

“Yeah.” Both children cheered rushing over to the tree to retrieve their packages.

 

“Your amazing you know that.” Marlena smiled kissing him softly.

 

“Well, I try.” he grinned glancing at the children happily opening their gifts. “Last night while you were sleeping, I remembered that the gifts needed to be wrapped.”

 

“How did you know where to find them?” she asked confused since John hadn’t been staying at the penthouse.

 

“I guessed.” he admitted to her. “After I finished wrapping the gifts, then I had Carrie bring these two back over early in the morning while they were still sleeping so that they would be surprised when they woke up here.”

 

“This is the most wonderful Christmas John.” Marlena smiled as her eyes filled up with tears of happiness.

 

“I promise you many more like this one.” he said taking her hand and kissing it. “I’m not going to ever let go of you again. You won’t ever have any nights like the one you had last night and that’s a fact.”

 

“Mom, Dad. Come on over here.” Belle and Brady urged them. “You have to open your presents too!!”

 

“Presents?” Marlena asked eyeing John.

 

“That’s right. You didn’t think that Santa Claus would forget you. Did you Doc?” John smiled moving closer to whisper in her eyes. “Of course you will have to wait until later to get some of your gifts from Santa.”

 

“I can’t wait.” she smiled leading him over by the children.

 

“Look daddy!! You and mommy are under the mistletoe.” Brady shouted pointing above John and Marlena.

 

“That means you have to kiss her.” Belle giggled.

 

“We can’t disappoint our children Doc.” John smiled taking her in his arms.

 

“Your right Mr. Black.” Marlena grinned as he moved in pressing his lips to hers.

“Merry Christmas.” Eric shouted walking into the penthouse and finding John and Marlena kissing underneath the mistletoe. “What’s going on in here?”

 

“Eric,” Marlena gasped pulling back from her kiss with John, “what are you doing here?”

 

“It’s Christmas mom.” Eric reminded her glaring at John. “What is he doing here? And where is Dad?”

 

“You’re father’s not here right now Eric.” Marlena informed him.

 

“Where is he?” Eric demanded angry that his mother had no regard for his father on Christmas day.

 

“He’s staying with your grandparents for a while.” Marlena informed him noticing that he was upset.

 

“Why mom?” Eric asked angrily. “Did you and John tell him the truth on Christmas Eve? How could you be so heartless?”

 

“It’s not like that Eric.” John began explaining.

 

“I don’t even want to hear it John.” Eric yelled at him.

 

“Eric, don’t talk to him like that.” Marlena snapped at him.

 

“Mom, would you give it a rest?” Eric asked sarcastically.

 

“Eric!!” Belle shouted walking over to her half brother. “Merry Christmas.”

 

“Hi Belle.” Eric said softening his tone as he realized that the children were in the room. “Merry Christmas to you too.”

 

“Eric,” Brady said following Belle with a package in his hands, “Santa left presents for you under the tree too.”

 

“Please come and open presents with us Eric.” Belle pleaded flashing him a brilliant smile. “I’d really love to have both my brothers here with me on Christmas.”

 

“Oh alright,” he said giving in to Belle as he glanced back at John and Marlena. “but only for a little while.”

 

John and Marlena watched as Eric settled in by the tree with the two children. They watched his anger slowly slipping away as he played with Belle and Brady. Before long Eric had a smile on his face.

 

“I can’t believe this.” Marlena whispered taking in the sight of the children happily opening gifts with Eric. “I didn’t think that he would ever be here like this.”

 

“It’s Christmas Doc.” John reminded her. “This is the time of year that people soften their hearts and put their differences aside. Besides, when Belle flashed Eric that smile, I knew he was a goner.”

 

“She does have that effect on people.” Marlena agreed watching Eric putting a bow in Belle’s hair.

 

“She gets it from her mother.” John whispered in her ear as he lead her over to the tree with the children.

 

“Here John,” Eric said handing John a package, “this one’s for you.”

 

“What a Christmas.” Kristen muttered walking along Salem Place. “I could’ve spent it with John, but instead I’m here walking around by myself. It isn’t fair.”

 

Kristen walked through the deserted area and thought about last year when she and John were together on Christmas as a family. She could feel herself on the verge of tears when she noticed someone standing by the pier alone. She moved closer and noticed that it looked like Roman.

 

“Roman?” she asked walking closer to the man.

 

“Kristen.” he said turning around and facing her.

 

“What are you doing here?” she asked noticing that he looked very tired and worn out. “Shouldn’t you be home celebrating Christmas with your family?”

 

“That’s where I should be,” he began looking out into the water, “but here I am alone.”

 

“I know the feeling.” Kristen agreed standing beside him. “Why aren’t you at home?”

 

“Doc and I had a fight last night Kristen.” he explained looking at her. “We had a misunderstanding and things kind of got out of hand.”

 

“You’re kidding?” she asked astonished as she started fearing that he knew the truth about John and Marlena.

 

“No. Everything was going great, and then I just kind of jumped all over her about stupid things.” Roman explained thinking back to the evening before. “I acted like a jerk and she wanted me to leave.”

 

“What was the fight about?” she asked worried. “Did Marlena say something to upset you?”

 

“Nothing really.” he shrugged staring off into the morning. “We are just going through some difficult times right now. It’s kind of like what we were talking about last night between you and John. I want to reach out to Doc, but she’s so reluctant to let me love her.”

 

“I’m sorry to hear that Roman.” Kristen said sympathetically. “I know what it’s like to love someone with all of your heart and have them hold back with you.”

 

“I almost forgot.” he said turning to her. “How did it go with you and John last night? Did our plan work?”

 

“I wish.” she accidently slipped out.

 

“What happened?” he asked concerned. “Did you two have another argument? Is that why you’re here walking the pier alone?”

 

“Actually Roman.” Kristen hesitated before she spoke.

 

“What?”

 

“I think that John is having an affair.” Kristen informed him closing her eyes.

 

“An affair? With who?” Roman asked feeling Kristen’s pain as he remembered when Marlena had her affair with John.

 

“Yes,” Kristen said deciding the lay it on thick, “I’ve suspected it for a while, but I haven’t found any proof.”

 

“You’re kidding.” Roman gasped in shock. “I thought that you two had a really loving marriage.”

 

“Well, I thought so too, but this woman has been pursuing him like crazy.” she explained to him. “At first he started getting phone calls in the middle of the night, and then he started getting mail that he hid from me.”

 

“That’s awful.” Roman said giving her a hug. “I know how hard it is when your spouse is having an affair Kristen.”

 

“Roman,” she said adding tears, “the worst part is that he doesn’t want to touch me anymore. I just know that it’s because of the other woman.”

 

“Kristen, look at me.” he said wiping her tears away. “Do you still love John?”

 

“With all of my heart.” she said sobbing.

 

“Well, then I’m going to give you a little advice. Don’t walk away from him. I walked away from Doc because I was hurt when she had her affair and that was one of the biggest mistakes of my entire life.” he explained to her. “I should’ve stayed and fought for her instead of walking away.”

 

“It’s just so hard Roman.” she continued crying amazed with her own acting ability.

 

“I know Kristen.” He said giving her a sympathetic hug. “I went through hell when Doc and I were apart, but now God has given me a second chance with her and I intend to see it through.”

 

“I hope that you and Marlena will be together too Roman.” Kristen informed him. “You two had such a wonderful marriage before it fell apart.”

 

“Yes we did.” Roman agreed thinking it over. “Kristen, from this moment on you and I are going to work together to make our love work out. We are going to see to it that you and John have that loving marriage that you once had and I am going to see to it that Doc will be mine once more.”

 

“You’re on Roman.” Kristen said excitedly hugging him. “We should go to them now.”

 

“I bet John’s at the penthouse.” Roman said thinking about Belle and Brady. “He’s probably watching the kids open their gifts.”

 

“What are we waiting for then?” Kristen asked smiling. “Let’s go find them.”

 

“When we get there, I’m going to see to it that Doc and I are together once aga…” he said falling to the ground.

 

“Oh God Roman.” Kristen said kneeling down beside him as she felt his pulse. “This can’t be happening. I need you to help me get John back.”

 

_ “John,” Eric began pulling him aside in the kitchen, “can we talk?”

 

“Sure,” John smiled handing the tray of Christmas cookies to Belle, “Belle honey can you take these out to your mother and Brady?”

 

“Sure daddy.” she smiled carrying the tray into the living room.

 

“What’s up Eric?” John asked looking at him.

 

“Look John, I appreciate the gift you gave me.” Eric said taking in a deep breath. “I realize that you’ve done a lot for me growing up, I really do. I don’t hate you. I think that you are a wonderful person and a great father to Belle and Brady, but my feelings still don’t change about wanting my parents to get back together.”

 

“I understand that Eric.” John said realizing that this was a big step for Eric. “It’s only natural for you to want your parents to be happy together.”

 

“Look, I don’t know what’s going to happen with everything, but my father’s happiness means a lot to me.” Eric explained to him.

 

“I realize that Eric and neither your mother nor I want to hurt your father.” John informed him. “I hold a deep respect for the man considering that thought that I was him for a while. I loved you and Sami like you were my own kids.”

 

“I know that John.” Eric said closing his eyes as he felt like he was betraying his father. “I will always think of you like a father John, but I want my parents to find happiness together again. They were robbed of it for so long and I really think that they have a chance again.”

 

“Eric, I realize that you and I will never see eye to eye on this subject, but this is Christmas.” John said trying not to get upset. “We all should be celebrating together and be trying to forget about our differences at least for today.”

 

“I know that John.” Eric said looking at him again. “I guess that what I’m trying to say is that I don’t mean to hurt you.”

 

“I understand that Eric.” John insisted giving him a hug. “No matter what happens with all of this, I just want you to know that you will always be like a son to me and I will always be here if you need anything.”

 

“Thanks John.” Eric said letting go of his anger for a few minutes and hugging him back.

 

“I don’t believe this.” Marlena smiled walking into the kitchen and finding them hugging. “What is this?”

 

“Merry Christmas mom.” Eric said turning around to hug her tightly. “I love you.”

 

“Merry Christmas sweetheart. I love you too Eric.” she said glancing at John.

 

“I’m going to go check on Belle and Brady.” Eric informed her walking out of the kitchen.

 

“What was that about?” she asked John.

 

“That was a very big first step Doc.” John informed her as a smiled spread across her lips. “We still have a long way to go, but it’s a start.”

 

“Oh John, this Christmas is getting better by the moment.” she gasped excitedly as she hugged him tightly. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” he said hugging her as the phone rang.

 

“I wonder who that could be.” she said walking towards the phone.

 

“Maybe more Christmas cheer.” John suggested as she picked up the phone.

 

“Hello,” she said answering the phone as John watched the color drain from her face.

 

“Doc, what is it?” he asked as she hung up the phone.

 

“Roman had a relapse this morning.” she said as her chest tightened. “He’s in the hospital.

“Where is he?” Marlena asked rushing ahead of John, Eric and the kids into the hospital.

 

“He’s in the ER right now.” Caroline explained rushing to Marlena’s side afraid to see what her son had done the night before. “How are you doing dear?” “Is dad alright?” Eric asked making his way through the crowd.

 

“Mike’s working on him now.” Carrie explained trying to calm her brother down. “He will make sure that dad will come out of it.”

 

“What happened?” Marlena asked as John rushed to her side with Belle and Brady.

 

“We were walking along the pier talking when he just tumbled to the ground.” Kristen explained standing up from the bench she was sitting in. “I called 911 on my cell phone as soon as it happened.”

 

“What the hell is she doing here?” Marlena asked growing furious.

 

“Chill out Marlena.” Kristen said rolling her eyes. “If it wasn’t for me, then Roman wouldn’t be alive right now.”

 

“What did you say to upset him Kristen?” Marlena asked glaring at Kristen.

 

“Nothing Doc.” Kristen yelled back at Marlena. “I was just being his friend since you kicked him out of the penthouse.”

 

“Why you…” Marlena said moving towards Kristen.

 

“Marlena,” Mike said breaking through the two of them.

 

“How is he Mike?” Marlena asked grabbing his arm. “Is he going to make it?”

 

“He had a stress induced episode.” Mike explained to her. “I had them increase the dosage on his medication and I’d like to keep him under observation overnight, but he is going to be okay.”

 

“Thank God.” Marlena said hugging him. “Thank you so much for helping him Mike.”

 

“No problem.” he said as his pager went off. “Excuse me.”

 

“He’s going to be okay John.” Marlena repeated hugging John.

 

“What happened to my dad Kristen?” Eric asked pulling her aside from the rest of the group. “Why were you with my father?”

 

“We were just talking on the pier and he passed out.” she explained realizing that she could use Eric to get John back. “We were talking about your mom and he suddenly passed out.”

 

“What do you mean he suddenly passed out?” Eric asked her. “What did he say?”

 

“He said that your sweet mommy kicked him out of the house last night.” Kristen informed him as she glanced over at John comforting Marlena. “If you ask me, I’d say that your mommy is getting too close to John to care about your father’s health.”

 

“Well no one asked you.” Eric informed her walking down the hall away from everyone. He realized that if he stayed around much longer, he would be overcome by his emotions.

 

Eric ran through the halls of the hospital unsure of what to think or feel. He just kept moving so that he wouldn’t have to hurt anymore. Feelings for his father, along with memories of Christmas morning with John and Marlena ran through his mind. He felt guilty for enjoying his time spent at the penthouse. He realized that John wasn’t the enemy that he had made him out to be. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he owed a lot to John. The more he thought, the more guilty he felt. He kept moving walking out of the hospital into the snow until he came to a familiar place. He knocked on the door until it opened.

 

“Eric,” a familiar voice called out from the blur.

 

“Jenny,” Eric said recognizing the voice.

 

“What’s wrong?” she asked noticing that he was upset.

 

“My father had another attack.” he explained running over to hug her.

 

“Is he alright?” she asked as he began to sob in her arms.

 

“He’s going to be fine.” he said crying harder.

 

“Eric,” she asked lifting his face to meet her gaze. “something else is bothering you. What is it?”

 

“Jenny, I feel so guilty.” Eric explained to her.

 

“Why Eric?” she asked running her fingers through his hair as they sat down on a small couch in her apartment.

 

“Have you ever made a mistake about judging something?” he asked looking at her.

 

“Sure, everyone does at some point in time.” she answered worried about him.

 

“Well, I think that I’ve hurt two wonderful people lately.” he explained to her. “I hurt John, my mother’s fiancee when all he was trying to do was love my mom, and earlier today while I was at my mom’s place, I began to think that maybe my mom and John did belong together.”

 

“What’s wrong with that Eric?” Jenny asked looking at him.

 

“My dad had an attack right after I started thinking these thoughts.” he said holding her tighter. “What if it’s my fault that my dad had another attack? I love him and want him to be happy.”

 

“I know that Eric.” she said touching his face. “He knows that too. I think that everyone knows that you want what’s best for your family.”

 

“I just want them to be there and love me again. My family never had a chance at happiness growing up and all I ever wanted was someone to care.” Eric explained holding her hand to his lips and kissing it. “I want them to love me.”

 

“They do Eric.” Jenny insisted kissing him. “And if it means anything I love you too.”

 

“Oh Jenny.” he said taking her into his arms.

 

“John, I thought that Roman was healthy again.” Marlena insisted as John pulled her out onto the balcony. “Now what are we going to do about everything?”

 

“Doc, I can’t forget what he did to you last night.” John informed her touching her face. “He hurt you and I will not forget that.”

 

“John, obviously he wasn’t feeling well.” Marlena explained to him. “More than likely that infection was what caused his violent episode last night with me. He didn’t mean to do it John.”

 

“I don’t care what his reasoning was Doc. It doesn’t matter whether or not he meant to do it.” he sighed touching her bruised face. “Being sick isn’t an excuse.”

 

“Poor Roman doesn’t deserve to suffer anymore than he already is.” Marlena said thinking of his attack. “The Roman I used to know was such a loving, caring man that would never hurt anyone. I hate to see him hurting.”

 

“Doc, what are you saying?” John asked looking her over.

 

“I just don’t think that now is the time for us to tell Roman.” she explained to him with tears in her eyes. “My fight with him last night nearly killed him.”

 

“Marlena, that’s ridiculous.” he said looking at her. “He had his attack when he was with Kristen, not you. Who knows what she said to him?”

 

“What if she told him the truth about us?” she asked suddenly worried.

 

“What if she did Doc?” he asked looking into her brown eyes. “Does it matter? He needs to know that we love each other and want to be together.”

 

“Oh John,” she said turning away from him and looking out into the white earth below.

 

“Doc, it is me that you still want to be with, right?” he asked confused that she was unable to look at him.

“Doc, it’s me that you want to be with, right?” John repeated as she moved towards the balcony.

“Oh John,” she began turning to face him.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you two,” Caroline began walking out onto the balcony, “but Roman is awake and he is calling for Marlena.”

“I’ll be right back.” Marlena said looking at the anguish on John’s face.

“I’ll be here.” he whispered taking her hand and giving it a quick squeeze before she went inside.

“John?” Caroline asked after Marlena walked back into the hospital. “Roman told me about last night. How is Marlena holding up?”

“She was pretty shaken.” John explained to Caroline. “She was reluctant to tell me about everything that went on, but the bruise on her face speaks for itself.”

“I noticed that.” Caroline said looking out into the winter wonderland. “I don’t know why Roman would’ve done that to her. It’s not like him to go off of the deep end like that.”

“I know that Caroline.” John said hugging her and trying to ease her pain. “This situation is breaking each one of us down.”

“My poor boy was given a second chance at life.” Caroline explained turning to John. “He thinks that he has a future with Marlena.”

“I know that Caroline and I’m so sorry that Kristen had to do this to all of us.” John added.

“John, even though she did some horrid things, she brought my boy back and I must thank her for that.” Caroline explained turning to him. “If she hadn’t been with him this morning, he may have died alone in the cold morning. There has been too much pain and suffering around all of us lately.”

“That’s true.” John agreed sadly. “I just wish that there was some way to end it soon.”

“Me too.” Caroline agreed. “That’s part of the reason that I came out here to talk to you.”

“What do you mean Caroline?” John asked concerned.

“John, I guess that what I’m trying to say is that I love you like you were my own son and I want you to be happy. I realize that no matter what happens in this situation between you, Marlena, and Roman someone is going to get hurt.” she said taking in a deep breath. “I know that you don’t want to inflict any more pain then necessary, and I guess what I’m trying to say is that I need you to do me a big favor that will change everyone’s lives forever.”

 

Marlena walked into Roman’s hospital room and saw him laying fragile in his bed. All of the color was drained from his face as he looked at the ceiling. His gaze shifted to her as he heard her walk into the room.

“Doc, I was afraid that you wouldn’t be here.” Roman said reaching for her hand.

“I’m here Roman.” she said sitting next to his bed not taking his hand.

“Doc,” he began pulling his hand back when he realized that she wasn’t going to take it, “I know that I messed up last night and I’m sorry. I want to make it up to you.”

“Roman…” Marlena began as her eyes filled with tears.

“Doc, I’m so sorry.” he said looking at the bruise on her face. “I was wrong for what I did to you and I deserved to die for it.”

“Don’t say that.” she said realizing that he did in fact feel bad for his actions.

“Doc I want to find some way to make it up to you.” He continued explaining to her. “Today when I almost lost my chance to be with you again, I realized that I was pushing you to jump back into what we had. That was wrong of me and I know that now. I just want to give us another chance though.”

“Roman,” she said taking in a deep breath, “there’s something that I need to tell you.”

 

“John, what I’m about to ask you may make you think less of me as a person.” Caroline explained with tears in her eyes. “I love both you and Roman so much and it pains me to ask you something like this.”

“Caroline, what is it?” John asked not wanting to hear what she had to say.

“John, this is driving Roman crazy believing that he is going to end up with Marlena. In fact, he is becoming obsessed with the two of them getting back together and I guess that what I’m saying is that it has to end before someone gets hurt more than they already are.”

“I agree with you Caroline.” John agreed thinking about where the conversation was headed.

“I know you do and that is why I have to ask you to use your power of persuasion on Marlena.” Caroline explained to him.

“Marlena is a grown woman Caroline.” John explained fearing the worst.

“I know that John, but I need you to ask her to end this.” Caroline said watching his face. “I need you to tell her to…”

“Caroline, I can’t make Doc…” John began interrupting.

“John, I need you and Marlena to tell Roman the truth before it destroys him.” she said with tears in his eyes. “He needs to know that you and Marlena are in love before he gets out of control.”

“Doc, don’t say another word.” Roman said reaching out and grabbing her hand. “I need to talk to you first.”

“Roman I think that it’s important that you hear what I have to say.” she began frustrated.

“No Doc!! I need to talk first. Please hear me out.” he begged looking at her.

“Alright.” she said softening as she felt pity for him. “Go on.”

“Doc, I realize that I made a mistake and I’ve decided that if I will ever be able have a chance with you again, that I need to start over.” he explained to her with tears in his eyes. “I think that we have to take the time to get to know each other again.”

“Roman?” she asked confused.

“Doc, I know that I messed up terribly and I want you to just try to forget what happened and try to hear me out.” he explained to her. “I just want another chance so that I can prove to you how much I love you.”

“Roman, I think that we should talk…” she began again.

“Doc,” he said sitting up to look at her. “look I know that the timing is off with Christmas and all, but I just think it would be better if I spent the next couple of days pulling myself together so that we can talk to each other about everything that has happened between us. I promise that I’ll come back from the hospital as a new man with a clear head. I don’t think that I will be able to go on if you don’t give me another chance Doc. I need you to help me regain my strength.”

“Alright.” she agreed feeling guilt about his relapse.

“Thank you Doc.” he said pulling her towards him and sneaking in a kiss. “I love you and I want to see to it that we can try to work things out. I know that I can make you happy when I get out of here tomorrow.”

 

“Promise me John that when Christmas is over, you and Marlena will tell Roman the truth.” Caroline urged him.

“I’ll see what I can do.” John replied giving her a hug. “If Mike says that Roman is up to it, then Doc and I will be honest with him.”

“Thank you.” she said straightening herself up. “I think that I’m going to check on Shawn, Belle, and Brady.”

“Thank you so much Caroline.” John said hugging her again. “You’ve always been like a mother to me.”

“I love you John.” she said smiling as she walked back into the hospital.

John walked over to the edge of the balcony and thought about the mornings turn of events. He realized that Eric had disappeared shortly after they arrived at the hospital and he decided that he should check on him to see if he was alright.

“Hi John,” a voice called out interrupting his thoughts.

“Kristen, what are you doing out here?” John asked realizing that she had joined him.

“It’s a free country isn’t it?” she asked moving to his side.

“What do you want?” he asked glaring at her.

“I just wanted to make sure that you were okay while your precious Doc was inside with her beloved Roman.” Kristen explained looking him over.

“Give it a rest.” John snapped at her. “Don’t you think that you could just quit being such a miserable person for just one day. It’s Christmas for God’s sake woman.”

“John,” she said looking into his eyes, “I don’t mean to be the messenger of bad news, but I need to talk to you about Roman.”

“Save it.” he said walking past her on the balcony.

“Fine, then you won’t hear what he had to say before he passed out on the pier.” she called out to him.

“What is your deal Kristen?” he asked turning to face her.

“He vowed to get Marlena back again at any cost.” Kristen informed him. “He said that he loves her and that life without her would destroy him John. Right after he said those words he passed out John. Doesn’t that tell you something? You can’t hurt the poor man by telling him the truth now.”

“Kristen, I’ll do what I have to do.” John informed her.

 

“Mike,” Carrie called out to him.

“Yes Carrie?” he asked looking up from his paper work.

“I just wanted to thank you for saving my father’s life again.” she smiled giving him a hug.

“You know Carrie,” Mike began reviewing Roman’s charts as Marlena walked out of his room, “I can’t figure it out, but Roman’s health seems to have taken a turn for the worse.”

“I thought that you said he was out of trouble Mike.” Marlena interrupted not liking what she heard.

“I thought so too Marlena, but it appears that he is still going to be very weak for a while.” Mike explained to her. “Any stress right now may send him over the edge mentally and physically.”

“Does that mean that John and I will have to wait even longer now to tell him the truth?” Marlena asked concerned about the future.

“I’m afraid so.” Mike replied sadly. “Until we give the antibiotics a chance to run through his system completely, we won’t be able to determine anything.”

“Mike I thought that my dad was getting stronger.” Carrie added sadly.

“He just needs time.” Mike explained to the two of them. “Give it about a week and if the test results come back alright, then we’ll discuss the issue further.”

“Thank you for everything Mike.” Marlena sighed leaving him alone with Carrie while she moved back to the balcony with John.

Marlena moved out onto the balcony to find Kristen in conversation with John. She could see that John was getting upset with what Kristen was saying to him. She could feel her own temperature rising as she stepped out onto the balcony.

“What Doc and I do is none of your business Kristen.” he snapped at her. “As soon as Mike gives us the okay we are going to go in there and tell Roman the truth and there is nothing that you can do about it.”

“Come on John. Do you honestly think that Marlena is going to tell Roman the truth? She is having too much fun playing with both yours and Roman’s emotions. Besides we both know that she’s falling in love with Roman again.” Kristen insisted tugging on his arm.

“Get your hands off of him you bitch.” Marlena declared stepping towards John.

“Marlena,” Kristen said turning to face her.

“Get out of here Kristen.” Marlena ordered her. “You’ve done enough today.”

“Why Doc, shouldn’t you be thanking me for saving Roman’s life?” Kristen asked not letting go of John.

“You’ve done enough to harm my family already Kristen.” Marlena glared at her. “For all I know you could’ve been behind Roman’s relapse.”

“Please Doc.” Kristen said as John shook free from her. “Don’t give me credit for what you do. You and I both know that you caused the relapse by kicking Roman out last night.”

“Why you…” Marlena began jumping at Kristen as John held her back.

“Get out of here Kristen.” John ordered tightening his grip on Marlena.

“Goodbye John.” Kristen smiled walking towards the door. “Oh and by the way, Merry Christmas Doc.”

“Oh you…” Marlena began tensing up as Kristen walked back inside.

“Just ignore her Doc.” John said still holding her. “She’s just trying to get you worked up. She isn’t worth it.”

“John, I hate that woman.” Marlena announced as he released her. “She has caused nothing but trouble for all of us for so long.”

“Forget about her. How’s Roman doing?” John asked touching her face.

“Worse John.” Marlena said with tears in her eyes. “Mike said that Roman’s health has taken an unexpected turn for the worse. He looked so fragile when I talked to him earlier. John, he asked me for a second chance.”

“And you told him yes?” John questioned already knowing the answer.

“He looked so pitiful and he told me that he would die if I didn’t give him another chance. I couldn’t risk killing him.” she said as tears fell faster. “I’m so sorry.”

“So we’re back to square one.” John said trying not to let his frustration show. “We’re back to keeping our relationship a secret.”

“Just until he gets better.” Marlena explained knowing that it was hurting him. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“I know that.” John said wrapping his arms around her. “It was just chance that Roman had his relapse. No one is to blame.”

“Now what are we going to do John?” she asked looking into his blue eyes. “I can’t stand being away from you.”

“Doc, why don’t we take the kids home and finish celebrating our Christmas together?” John asked softly kissing her lips. “We can make the most of the night that we have together before Roman gets home.”

“I love you so much.” she said pulling him towards her for a strong embrace as she feared that it would be one of the last moments that they shared for a while.

 

“Here’s your medication Mr. Brady.” a nurse said handing him a pill.

“Thank you.” Roman said putting the pill in his mouth as Kristen walked into the room. “Kristen, how are you doing?”

“Fine Roman.” she said as the nurse walked out of the room. “How did it go with Marlena?”

“Perfect Kristen.” Roman explained with a grin on his face. “She agreed to give me another chance.”

“I knew that she would.” Kristen smiled giving him a hug. “I just knew that everything was going to go as planned.”

“I can’t believe that it’s going so well.” Roman agreed spitting the pill out and hugging her back. “That pill you gave me earlier did the trick. The test results said that my health has taken a turn for the worse. How did you manage that?”

“You see Roman.” Kristen smiled pulling a bottle of pills out of her purse. “I have my own ways of dealing with things. My friend gave me these when I explained the situation to her.”

“Thank God for your friend.” Roman said taking the bottle from her hand. “Your positive that the only thing these pills will do is change the results of the blood tests?”

“Certainly Roman.” Kristen grinned happy that she was going to be able to keep John and Marlena apart again. “They are harmless to you. All they will do is react with the chemicals involved in the blood tests.”

“Good.” Roman grinned thinking about his second chance with Marlena. “I hate deceiving Doc, but I know that if I hadn’t had this “attack” today that she would’ve never forgiven me.”

“Don’t worry Roman.” Kristen assured him. “Soon you and Marlena will be happily married again and I will be happy with John once more.”

John and Marlena entered the penthouse in silence as they carried the two sleeping children upstairs to their bedrooms. John tucked Brady into his bed as Marlena carried Belle into her bedroom. Marlena looked at her sleeping little girl and smiled at how innocent she looked sleeping. Marlena kissed her softly on the head as she pulled Belle’s covers up.

“Mommy,” the little girl began opening her eyes, “is Christmas over?”

“I’m afraid so sweetie.” Marlena said looking into her daughter’s blue eyes.

“Does that mean that daddy has to go away again now too?” Belle asked with tears in her eyes. “I love having daddy home with us and I don’t want him to go away again.”

“Belle, sweetie your daddy will always be here for you.” Marlena explained to her daughter. “He loves you and he will always be a phone call away.”

“You love daddy, don’t you?” Belle asked curiously.

“Of course I love daddy.” Marlena said feeling the tears fill up in her own eyes.

“Then why doesn’t daddy live here with us like he did before?” Belle asked her seriously.

“Well…” Marlena began searching for an answer.

“And why does Eric and Sami’s daddy live with us now instead of my daddy?” Belle interrupted her. “You don’t love him instead of daddy do you?”

“Belle, sweetheart.” Marlena said picking her up and holding Belle to her chest. “I love your father with all of my heart and nothing will ever change that.”

“Then why does Eric’s dad always say that he loves you and why does he try to kiss you all of the time?” Belle questioned with tears in her eyes. “Why does he try to make you love him mommy?”

“Sweetie, Roman is sick and mommy has to take care of him and make him feel better.” Marlena explained wiping the tears away from her daughter’s face as her own heart broke to see her daughter in pain. “You know when you’re sick and mommy takes you to the doctor?”

“Yes mommy.” she nodded looking up at Marlena.

“Well, I’m Roman’s doctor and I have to make sure that he feels all better.” Marlena explained to her.

“Why can’t daddy stay here and help you make Mr. Roman feel better? Daddy always helps me and Brady when we are sick.” Belle informed her. “I think that daddy would be a good doctor to Mr. Roman. He would make him better fast so that he could go back to his own house.”

“That’s a good idea sweetie, but right now I have to help Roman by myself.” Marlena explained kissing Belle’s forehead. “I promise you that soon your daddy will be able to live with us all of the time.”

“Brady and I would be so happy if that could happen.” Belle explained looking up the her. “We say prayers every night so that God will let daddy stay here with us. I haven’t said my prayer yet mommy. Will you pray with me?”

“Sure sweetheart.” Marlena said as Belle began to say her prayers.

 

“Dad?” Brady asked as John was about to walk out of his room.

“Hey slugger, I thought that you were sleeping.” John smiled turning back to talk to his son.

“Dad, I was wondering if we could have a talk.” Brady explained sitting up in his bed.

“What’s up slugger?” John asked sitting on the bed and messing up Brady’s hair.

“Dad,” Brady began removing John’s hand from his hair. “I’d like to have a grown up talk with you. It’s not time for kid stuff.”

“Alright son. What’s on your mind?” John asked trying to hide his amusement with his son’s need for seriousness.

“You and mom.” Brady explained serious as ever.

“What about me and mom?” John asked wondering what had sparked his son’s interest.

“Well, Belle and I were watching the Sally Jesse Raphael show the other day and they were talking about couples in trouble.” Brady explained putting his hand on John’s shoulder. “Dad, Belle and I think that you and mom are a couple in trouble.”

“Son, when did you watch that show?” John asked astonished that his son had seen a talk show.

“Dad, come on, it’s on like every day.” Brady explained rolling his eyes.

“What ever happened to Sesame Street?” John asked Brady.

“Come on dad it’s the nineties.” Brady informed him. “That’s not the issue though dad. Belle and I are worried about you and mom. We think that Mr. Roman is causing problems for you and mom.”

“Brady,” John hesitated before he spoke, “son, your mother and I love each other very much and nothing is ever going to change that.”

“Then why does Mr. Roman live here instead of you dad?” Brady asked him. “Mom’s in love with you, not him. When people love each other, they are supposed to live together.”

“Brady, your mom is a doctor and she is helping Mr. Roman until he is healthy again.” John explained to his son as he tried to hide his own feelings of animosity towards the situation. “Once Mr. Roman is healthy, then we can all go on with life the way it used to be.”

“Promise dad?” Brady asked him.

“I promise son.” John said giving his son a kiss. “When all of this is over, what do you say we take your mom and sister to a baseball game?”

“Only if we can eat hot dogs and pretzels with lots of mustard.” Brady said smiling.

“Lots of mustard.” John assured him as he tucked him back into bed. “I promise.”

“I believe you dad.” Brady yawned looking at John. “You’d never break a promise dad.”

“That’s a fact son.” John smiled kissing Brady again. “Now you get some sleep before your mother kicks my butt for keeping you up all night.”

“I don’t think that mom would do that because that’s domestic abuse dad.” Brady explained to him.

“Another Sally show?” John asked him.

“Yep.” Brady smiled proudly.

“You know, we’re going to have to see to it that Chelsa finds some other television show for you to watch from now on.” John said to him. “What about something like the Nickelodeon channel?”

“Awe dad that channel is for babies,” Brady began noticing John’s look of disapproval. “but Belle and I can give it a try.”

“That’s my boy.” John smiled leaving Brady’s room

 

“Okay angel,” Marlena said tucking Belle in after they had finished saying their prayers. “Time for you to get some sleep.”

“Okay mommy.” Belle said hugging Marlena goodnight. “Mommy?”

“Yes sweetheart?” Marlena asked her.

“Will daddy be here in the morning?” Belle asked as her eyelids grew heavy.

“Sure sweetie.” Marlena said kissing her forehead. “We can have breakfast together.”

“Can we have pancakes mommy?” Belle asked closing her eyes and yawning.

“Anything you want dear.” Marlena said looking as Belle fell fast asleep. “Oh sweetie girl I hate what this is doing to you. I pray that this will all be over soon.”

Marlena carefully closed her daughter’s bedroom door and let out a big sigh as she thought about the conversation she had with her daughter. Poor Belle wasn’t old enough for kindergarten let alone to have to worry about her parent’s relationship. She realized that she and John were going to need to talk about what to do about the children.

She made her way toward Brady’s bedroom and she peeked in to find Brady sleeping peacefully in his bed. She shut his bedroom door and walked to her own room to find it empty. She decided that John must’ve been downstairs waiting for her, so she made her way down to stairs only to realize that the lights were off in the living room.

“Come on over here Dr. Evans.” John’s voice rang through the darkness as he lit a cherry scented candle. “What do you say we have a late night snack?”

“John, honey we need to talk.” Marlena said following the light from the candle over to the couch.

“You’re right we do,” he said taking her hand and escorting her to her seat on the couch, “but right now we need to make the most of our time together.”

“John, there is so much that we need to talk about.” she began as he silenced her with a kiss.

“Shhh….” he said slowly kissing her lips. “No worries now. It’s time for you to get your other Christmas gifts.”

“John, what did you…” she began as he handed her a package.

“Open it.” he grinned watching her tear open the package.

“It’s beautiful.” she said pulling the white satin negligee out of the box. “I love it John.”

“Good.” he said handing her the candle from the table top. “Then why don’t you go put it on?”

“Alright.” she said smiling taking the candle from him as she walked to the bathroom leaving him in darkness.

Marlena returned moments later from the bathroom to the living room. The room was still completely filled with darkness except from the dim glow of the candle she was holding. She realized that John wasn’t sitting on the couch where she had left him earlier. She saw a piece of paper in his place. She picked it up and read it. It read, “Sit here.”

Marlena sat down on the couch, put the candle on the table and waited patiently for John to return to her. She could feel her heart beat with excitement as she anticipated what was going to happen between the two of them. She closed her eyes and felt the warmth from the candle heating her body. Suddenly she felt another source of heat in the room. She opened her eyes and saw John wearing the black satin robe that she had bought him for Christmas as he stood in front of the lit fireplace with two glasses of champaign in his hands.

“Why don’t you come over by the fire and heat up Doc?” he asked raising his brow teasingly.

“I thought that you vanished for a moment there.” she smiled standing up and walking over to him.

“I was just getting these for you.” he said picking up a bowl of strawberries up from the table. “I promised you a snack.”

“I see.” she said picking up the bowl of whipped cream off of the table. “I’m sure that we’re going to need this too.”

“I thought so.” he said sitting down on the white fluffy carpet in front of the fireplace. “Why don’t you come down here and join me?”

Marlena, carefully holding the bowl of whipped cream, followed his request and sat down next to him on the carpet. She looked over at him and noticed that he already had a strawberry in hand.

“Hungry Doc?” he asked wiggling the strawberry in her direction.

“Extremely.” she said watching him move the strawberry towards the bowl of whipped cream that was sitting in her lap.

“Good.” he said dipping the strawberry in the whipped cream and bringing it to her mouth. “Eat up.”

“Mmm.” she moaned as he took a bite of the juicy red strawberry. She tried to take another bite of the strawberry, but John pulled it back from her lips.

“Not yet.” he explained as juice fell from the strawberry onto her shoulder. “Let me get that.”

John moved his mouth to Marlena’s shoulders as he trailed the strawberry down her arm. He gently licked the strawberry juice off of her shoulder. After he had finished that task, the let his tongue follow the trail of strawberry juice that led down her silky skin.

“Oh John,” Marlena gasped as he took her fingers into his mouth. “It’s my turn.”

John kissed Marlena’s left hand as she grabbed a strawberry with her right hand from the bowl in his lap. She dipped it into her bowl of whipped cream and raised it to his mouth. She gently wiped the whipped cream along his lips as a smile slowly crept over his face.

“It looks like it’s my turn to clean up my mess.” she smiled eagerly as she removed the bowl of whipped cream from her lap.

Marlena moved over towards John’s sensuous lips. She felt her body heating up as she gently removed the whipped cream from John’s lips with her tongue. She could feel him responding to her touch and it increased her own excitement as she found her tongue intertwined with his. She pulled back when she suddenly felt something cold on her lap.

“Woops.” John laughed realizing that the bowl of strawberries had fallen onto her gown. “It looks like these little guys were a little too eager.”

“That’s okay.” Marlena laughed lightly as John started picking up the strawberries out of her lap.

“I’m sorry dear.” he said looking at the stain on her gown after he had finished removing the strawberries. “I seemed to have ruined your Christmas present.”

“That’s alright.” Marlena smiled standing up and letting her gown slip to the floor. “No harm done.”

“Doc, you’re so beautiful.” John said motionless looking at her body illuminated by the burning fire.

“I love you.” she said stepping out of her gown and sitting back down in her spot on the floor. “Now where were we?”

“Right about here.” John said turning her over and laying her back on the fluffy white carpet as he grabbed one of the strawberries that was still in the bowl and dipped it in whipped cream.

Marlena closed her eyes as John ran the juicy strawberry along the curve of her back. She could feel his lips pressing lightly on her skin as he licked the sweet juice off of her body. She felt breathless as he turned her over on her back and looked at her.

“I love you so much.” he said taking her mouth to his.

“I love you too.” she smiled as he pulled back from their kiss.

“Have another one Doc.” he said dipping another strawberry in the whipped cream and bringing it to her lips.

“Umm.” she muttered again as she took a bite of this strawberry. Once again she went of another bite, but John took it from her. This time he took the remaining part of the strawberry and moved it from her mouth to his.

After the had finished the final strawberry, John took his finger and dipped it in the whipped cream.

“What are you doing now?” Marlena asked eyeing him closely.

“You’ll see.” he said smiling as he spread whipped cream along her lower abdomen.

Marlena watched him as he moved towards where he had placed the whipped cream. She watched him lower his head onto her body and lick away the sweet residue he had placed there. She could her the soft sounds of his tongue almost tickling her stomach. When he had finished his task he looked up at her with a smile. She started to feel her heart race as he slowly slipped out of his black satin robe to reveal nothing but the sight of his bare flesh.

“Make love to me Mr. Black.” she said looking into his deep blue eyes which were burning with desire. “I want you now.”

“I love you Doc.” he said as she pulled his mouth to hers in a deep, penetrating kiss that sent them both into a world where there were no worries about the outside world. The only thing that existed as they began to make love was the heat in the room, not the heat from the fireplace, but the heat that they felt for each other as they began exploring the depths of each other that only their lovemaking could do.

John lay wide awake in Marlena’s bedroom as he couldn’t dismiss thoughts of frustration from his mind. Marlena was laying on his chest fast asleep as he tried unsuccessfully to get back to sleep. He started to shiver as he realized that this night may be the last time in a long time that they may be able to spend an evening as a family.

“Are you awake?” Marlena asked noticing that John was fidgeting around.

“Yeah, I thought you were asleep.” John replied kissing the top of her head. “Did I wake you up?”

“No, I’ve just been laying here thinking about a conversation I had with your daughter earlier this evening. It was rather disturbing.” she said recalling the pain she felt when Belle had questioned her about Roman.

“Yeah, I had a talk with Brady earlier too.” John informed her thinking about his son. “He’s been watching talk shows and he thinks that we are a couple in trouble.”

“Talk shows?” Marlena asked instantly sidetracked.

“Yeah, Sally Jesse I think.” John laughed remembering his son’s seriousness. “He said that Sesame Street was out and that he was in the mood for grown up talk.”

“Wow. That’s a change.” Marlena smiled imagining what Brady had to say.

“I think that he’s going to be a psychiatrist like you some day Doc.” John laughed remembering as he felt Marlena’s happiness fading away. “What did Belle have to say dear?”

“Belle was upset that Christmas is over because she doesn’t want you going away again.” Marlena explained snuggling up tighter next to him as she spoke. “She doesn’t want you to leave again.”

“I don’t want to go.” John said looking down at her. “I hate having to leave again and let you stay here with Roman especially after what he did the other night.”

“That was an accident John.” she said moving up to look into his eyes.

“Every time I see what he did…” John began touching the left side of her face that was still bruised, “…it drives me crazy. I don’t like the thought of him putting his hands on you Doc.”

“I know John, but he promised that he would never do anything like that again.” she assured him. “You and I both know that Roman is a man of his word.”

“It’s not that easy anymore Doc.” John said rolling over on top of her. “I can’t stand to be away from you.”

“John, Roman’s health has worsened.” she explained with tears in her eyes. “If something happened to him again, I would never be able to forgive myself.”

“Doc, if something happens to you again, I couldn’t forgive myself.” he said moving inches away from her face. “You’re my world, my heart, my soul and if anything ever hurt you, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

“I love you John.” she insisted pulling him to meet her lips in a long, emotional kiss.

“Doc, I love you too, but this separation is killing me. Not a minute goes by that I don’t think about holding you in my arms like this forever.” John informed her as tears filled up in his eyes. “We have gone through too much to be together and it feels like we are never going to find happiness.”

“We will.” she insisted trying to reassure both him and her. “It’s all going to work out for the best.”

“I hope so Doc,” John said tracing her face with his index finger. “because I’ll go crazy if we can’t be together like this again very soon.”

“Let’s just make the most of tonight John.” Marlena insisted bringing her hand to his face. “We both need to hold each other tonight.”

“Good morning sleepyhead.” Jenny smiled leaning over her bed to kiss Eric. “DId you sleep well?”

“Too well.” he said pulling her down onto the blanket with him. “I forgot where I was for a moment.”

“Really?” she questioned looking him over. “How often do you find yourself falling asleep at women’s apartments?”

“Let’s see.” Eric replied thinking it over and raising his hand to pretend to count on his fingers. “Including your place, I’d say it was about fifteen times this week alone.”

“You stud you.” Jenny muttered sarcastically picking up a pillow and hitting him in the head as she attempted to get up.

“Hey, but your place is my favorite.” he insisted tugging at her arm. “Why don’t you come back here and join me for a while?”

“I’d love to Romeo,” she insisted kissing his nose as she stood up, “but some of us have to work today.”

“Come on Jenny.” Eric insisted sitting up. “Call in sick or something.”

“Eric, it’s my second day of work.” she said throwing his sweater at him. “Besides, you need to get up, take a shower, and then help take your dad home today from the hospital. Remember?”

“I’m trying to forget.” Eric said laying back down and pulling a pillow over his head. “I’d just like to go for a day without my family being around.”

“Well, unfortunately for you,” she began taking the pillow off of his head, “you’re Eric Brady, and you wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to spend time with your family.”

“I would if you stayed here.” he suggested to her.

“Get your butt out of bed.” she said pulling him up. “Come on if you hurry up and take your shower, then you can take me to work when you go see your dad.”

“Now why would I do that?” Eric asked looking her over. “What’s in it for me?”

“You can come back again.” she smiled walking towards the door. “Now get up.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marlena opened her eyes as she felt the crisp winter morning air creeping up through her blankets. She turned her head and saw John standing over by the open window looking out into the day.

“It’s cold. Close that and get back in bed would you?” Marlena muttered shutting her eyes again as she pulled the blankets over her head.

“Come on Doc,” John began walking over to her, “you promised the kids that we would make pancakes this morning.”

“Can’t they wait another hour or so John?” Marlena whined as she curled up underneath the blankets.

“Doc, they’ve been coming in here every hour on the hour for the past three hours.” John explained ripping the blankets off of her. “I don’t think that they can wait any longer.”

“John, I’m not ready to get out of bed yet.” she explained pulling her pillow over her head. “Let’s turn on cartoons for them or something.”

“Doc,” he laughed removing the pillow off of her head as she opened her eyes, “you promised them.”

“I know.” she gave in reluctantly sitting up. “I have to keep my word.”

“That’s what I love about you.” John smiled giving her a kiss. “I have something for you.”

“What?” she questioned as she felt herself slowly waking up.

“This.” he said pulling a single red rose out from behind his back. “Good morning pretty lady.”

“Oh John.” she smiled hugging him and pulling him down into bed with her. “I love you so much. It’s so beautiful.”

“Just like you.” he added as she rolled on top of him and began planting playful kisses on his lips. “You know Doc, if you keep this up then we aren’t going to be able to get out of bed today.”

“Too late for that.” Marlena laughed as she heard footsteps thumping up the stairs. “The hungry army has arrived.”

“Mom!!!! Dad!!! We’re hungry.” Belle and Brady shouted busting through the door to find them kissing.

“Oh, so that’s why you haven’t started breakfast yet.” Brady said with a knowing smile.

“I knew that they would be up here kissing Brady.” Belle announced hitting him on the shoulder.

“Ouch that hurt you little brat.” Brady yelled raising his fist to hit her back.

“Brady.” John called out stopping his son.

“But she hit me dad.” Brady began pouting.

“You deserved it.” Belle explained.

“Belle.” Marlena called out giving her daughter ‘the look’.

“Yes mom.” Belle said changing the tone of her voice and turning to Brady. “I’m sorry that I hit you.”

“It’s okay squirt.” Brady smiled looking at her.

“That’s more like it.” John smiled watching the two of them.

“Dad, we’re starving!!!” Belle explained to her father.

“Now Belle, you had a huge dinner last night and you want me to believe that you’re going to starve if you have to wait any longer for breakfast.” John said looking at her.

“Yep.” she said smiling. “If I don’t eat soon, then I’m going to shrivel up into a little nothing like a flower does when it doesn’t get enough water.”

“If we watered you, then you could return to yourself again. Right?” Marlena asked smiling.

“I guess so.” she said thinking it over. “But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m starving!!!”

“Me too!!!” Brady agreed. “Can we eat now?”

“I’ll tell you what.” John said standing up. “I’ll come down right now and start making the pancakes.”

“Yippie!!!” both children cheered jumping up and down.

“You make the best pancakes dad!” Brady informed him.

“He’s right daddy, yours are the best.” Belle agreed.

“Well, then I guess it’s time for me to get started then.” John smiled turning to Marlena. “I hope to have you join us soon.”

“Well, I really could go for another hour of sleep,” she began teasing as he gave her a disapproving look, “but pancakes sound wonderful.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Did you have a nice sleep Roman?” Kristen asked walking into his hospital room carrying a bag.

“Not really Kristen.” Roman explained picking at his ham and eggs. “I’ll have better nights when I’m home again with Doc.”

“You will be soon.” Kristen smiled sitting down next to him.

“Did John come home last night?” Roman asked taking a bite of his eggs. “This food is awful.”

“Here have a muffin.” she insisted taking one out of her bag. “This is much better.”

“Thanks Kristen.” Roman smiled accepting it.

“No he didn’t come home.” she sighed looking sad. “I think that he stayed at hotel or something since we were fighting.”

“That’s too bad.” Roman said thinking it over. “We are going to have to find a way to bring you two together again.”

“We will Roman.” Kristen smiled hopefully. “Did you take another one of those pills that I gave you before your blood work this morning?”

“Yep I sure did. Hopefully they will still work like a charm.” he said hopefully.

“Oh they will Roman. I guarantee it.” Kristen smiled happily. “Soon you and Marlena will be together again and this time it will be forever.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Jenny, you know I would really like you to meet my parents.” Eric said as they got off the elevator.

“I will soon.” she assured him checking her watch.

“Hey, you know my mom works at the hospital,” Eric began thinking about it, “but she’s off today.”

“Well, most of the doctors are considering that it was Christmas yesterday.” Jenny informed him. “I just decided that I would come in today so that I could get the hang of things around the office for when my boss comes in tomorrow.”

“That’s a good idea I guess,” Eric said pulling her aside and kissing her lightly, “but I would’ve much rather had you stay home and spend the day with me.”

“Eric, you can take me out to dinner.” she smiled giving him a quick kiss and checking the time. “I really should start heading to work.”

“Hey,” Eric said suddenly, “I’ve got an idea.”

“What?” she asked.

“You’ve got a few minutes before you have to get to the office. Why don’t you come and meet my dad?” he suggested to her.

“Eric, I don’t want to be late.” she began to protest.

“Come on. He’s right down the hall.” He begged flashing a smile at her.

“Fine.” she sighed giving in as Eric led her down the hall towards his father’s room.

Eric opened the door to Roman’s room and entered with Jenny at his side. He smiled brightly as he was about to introduce Jenny to his father. Suddenly he felt his body tense up.

“What’s wrong?” Jenny whispered seeing his father laying in the hospital bed talking to a blonde woman.

“What the hell are you doing here Kristen?” Eric asked growing angry.

“Son that’s no way to greet John’s wife.” Roman began confused by Eric’s sudden outburst. “She saved my life yesterday. You should be thanking her.”

“Yeah Eric.” Kristen piped in with a big smile. “Who’s your friend?”

“Dad,” Eric began turning away from Kristen,” this is my friend Jenny. Jenny this is my dad.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jenny said shaking Roman’s hand.

“It’s good to see Eric’s friends.” Roman smiled at her. “For a while there I was afraid that Eric wasn’t making any friends out here since he’s been spending all of his time with his old dad here.”

“Jenny’s from Colorado.” Eric informed him. “She’s going to school at the University and she works at the hospital.”

“Really?” Roman asked her. “Where are you working?”

“I’m working for….” Jenny began to tell him.

“Actually dad, she has to leave now for work.” Eric interrupted her. “I’m going to take her to the office and then I’ll be back.”

“Why don’t you have Jenny come over for dinner tonight so that she can meet your mom?” Roman asked Eric. “What do you say Jenny?”

“That sounds nice. “Jenny smiled at him.

“Uh-um.” Kristen muttered clearing her throat.

“Aren’t you going to introduce Jenny to Kristen?” Roman asked him.

“Oh yeah.” Eric muttered not looking at Kristen. “Jenny this is Kristen. Kristen this is Jenny. Well, we gotta go now.”

“Nice meeting you Jenny.” Kristen piped out as Eric pulled Jenny out of the room.

“I wonder what’s wrong with him this morning.” Roman said watching Eric rush off.

“He’s a young man Roman. It’s just the age.” Kristen informed him. “You know the whole hormone thing.”

“I guess you’re right.” Roman nodded shrugging it off.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“I see that there’s no love lost between you and Kristen huh?” Jenny said as Eric nearly ripped her arm off as he escorted her to her office.

“She’s such a bitch.” Eric said fuming.

“Ouch that’s harsh.” Jenny said looking Eric over. “What’s she done to make your blood boil so much?”

“Let’s just say that she is about seventy-five percent of my family’s problems.” Eric explained to her. “She has done nothing but try to ruin my mom’s life.”

“I see.” Jenny replied realizing that there wasn’t time to hear any more. “You’ll have to clue me in on all of the details later when we have dinner tonight.”

“You know we don’t have to have dinner with my parents tonight.” Eric began telling her. “My family is so crazy that I would really hate to get you involved in any of it.”

“Eric, I’m involved with you aren’t I?” She asked him.

“Well yeah, but….” He began as she raised her finger to his lips.

“Your problems are my problems too. Okay?” she said looking at him.

“Alright, but I’m warning you that it’s going to be crazy.” Eric gave in looking at her. “I just hope that you won’t think differently of me.”

“Eric, how bad can it be?” she asked giving him a goodbye kiss.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Daddy, where are we going?” Brady asked from the backseat of the Jeep.

“Well, I’m taking you and Belle over to Grandma Caroline’s house for a while so that mommy and I can pick up Mr. Roman from the hospital.”

“Why do you have to get him daddy?” Belle asked him. “Sami and Eric are big enough to pick him up. If they get him, then they can take care of him.”

“Sweety, it’s not that easy.” John began thinking of how he was going to hate being away from his family.

“But daddy, if Mr. Roman goes away then you can stay with us forever at our house.” Belle explained with tears in her eyes. “We don’t want you to leave again.”

“That’s right dad.” Brady agreed with his sister. “We love you and we want you to stay with us.”

“Daddy, if you stay, I promise that I’ll stop picking on Brady and I’ll be a good girl from now on.” Belle added quickly.

“Yeah dad.” Brady piped in. “We will even promise to keep our rooms clean all of the time if that means that you’ll stay with mom and we can be a family again.”

“Come here you two.” John said shutting off the ignition as he pulled into the pub parking lot.

“What daddy?” Belle asked as she crawled into his lap and Brady stood at his side.

“I love you both very much and nothing will ever change that.” John informed them both as he kissed them. “I promise that I’ll be at home living with mommy very soon.”

“When dad?” Brady asked him.

“I’m not sure son, but it’ll be very soon.” John said fighting back the tears that were forming in his eyes.

“Daddy, we don’t like Roman living with mommy.” Belle said crying on his lap. “He’s always trying to kiss her and it’s not right.”

“No, it’s not right Belle,” John explained as his heart broke, “but Mr. Brady is very sick right now and he doesn’t know any better.”

“I don’t like it.” Belle snapped at him.

“Yeah dad, we want to punch him when he does that.” Brady informed him.

“No son.” John said tightening his hold on Brady. “That isn’t right.”

“But dad I love you.” Brady explained as tears fell from his tiny face. “I can tell that Mr. Brady is hurting you and mom.”

“Why do you say that?” John asked his son.

“Because when he’s around you and mom never smile or kiss, but when he’s gone you both are so happy.” Brady informed him. “Just stay with us dad.”

“I can’t right now son,” John sighed sadly as he realized how much pain his son was feeling, “but I promise you that I’ll be home soon.”

“Where are you going to stay daddy?” Belle asked as he wiped away her tears.

“I’m going to stay at the Pub with Grandma Caroline and Grandpa Shawn.” John informed them. “I’ll be only a phone call away.”

“Will you still come over and visit us everyday?” Belle asked him.

“Of course I will sweetheart.” John explained kissing her little face. “In fact, I’ll take you two to a movie this week. Would you like that?”

“Is that a promise dad?” Brady asked him.

“Yes son.” John said opening the car door. “Now what do you say we go see if Grandma Caroline has made some of those yummy chocolate chip cookies for you two?”

“Yeah.” Belle said as her face lit up with excitement.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marlena cleaned up the mess in the kitchen as she realized that she was truly happy. It was the first time in a long time that she had woke up with a smile on her face. Her mind started drifting back to her adventure in the kitchen earlier this morning when she was cooking with John and the kids. They were all so excited to be together. She thought about the evening that her and John had shared together and she suddenly was overwhelmed with fear that she wouldn’t be able to share another evening with him like that for a long time. Her thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing.

“Hello,” she said cheerfully picking up the phone.

“Doc,” Roman’s voice rang through the other end, “I missed you last night.”

“Roman.” she began as she tensed up. “How are you?”

“I’ll be better when I’m back home again.” he informed her. “Mike, just said that I can go home any time now.”

“Alright.” she said looking at her watch. “I’m going to take the kids to Shawn and Caroline’s, then John and I will be there to bring you home.”

“You’re with John?” Roman questioned with an unusual tone in his voice.

“Yes, he was visiting the kids.” she lied as her heart raced. “There isn’t anything wrong with that is there?”

“No,” he said looking over at Kristen with a smile, “that’s just fine. I’ll be looking forward to seeing the both of you. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye.” Marlena said confused as he hung up the phone.

“John’s with Doc and they are on their way over.” Roman informed Kristen with a smile. “It’s time to put our plan into action.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John drove home thinking about his painful talk with his children. He had never before realized what kind of effect this situation was having on his kids. He didn’t like seeing them cry in pain. It hurt him as much as it hurt him to see Marlena in pain. He decided that he just couldn’t sit still and take it anymore.

John entered the penthouse as Marlena walked out of the kitchen. She smiled at him and moved in for a kiss.

“Roman just called.” she said after she broke away from the kiss. “He’s expecting us to go over to the hospital and pick him up soon.”

“That’s fine Marlena, but we need to talk about this.” John said growing suddenly serious.

“What’s wrong John?” she asked concerned by the shift in his mood.

“We’ll bring Roman back here,” he began staring into her eyes, “but I’m not going anywhere.”

“What?” she asked confused.

“I said ‘I’m not leaving you and the kids alone with him.’ I won’t do it Doc.” he declared. “I’m staying right here at the Penthouse with you and the kids from now on.”

“What are you talking about John?” Marlena asked confused by his sudden declaration.

“I’m not leaving the penthouse when we bring Roman back. I’m staying here from now on.” John explained staring into her eyes.

“But John I thought that we agreed not to tell Roman the truth until he gets back on his feet again.” Marlena began to plead with him.

“Fine. We won’t tell him the truth then, but I’m not leaving and that’s final.” He said crossing his arms and looking at her.

“John, you’re being impossible.” she announced surprised by his behavior. “You’re acting like Brady or Belle right now. What’s come over you?”

“Let’s just say I’m doing this for my children.” he explained to her. “I had a long talk with the two of them in the car and they’re miserable Doc. I’m not going to leave them when they need me so badly.”

“John we don’t have a choice right now.” she said feeling her heart beat faster. “We have to do what’s right for everyone.”

“That’s just it Doc.” John explained looking her over. “This is right for everyone.”

“We can’t do this to Roman…” Marlena began as he reached for her hands.

“Doc,” he said squeezing her hands and bringing them to his lips as he kissed them, “what would be right? Leaving you with Roman so that he can hurt you again? Or better yet would it be right for me to walk out on my children without an explanation?”

“No John.” she said with tears filling in her eyes as she pulled her hands free. “You know I’m not asking you to do that. All I’m saying is that we have to take Roman’s health into consideration.”

“Doc, what about Belle and Brady’s health?” John asked as she began to retreat towards the window.

“They’re fine John.” she said turning to face him.

“Think about it Doc. Your a psychiatrist. You of all people should know that this may potentially have long term psychologically damaging effects on them.”

“I’ve explained the situation to them over and over again John.” she said with tears in her eyes as she felt her body tighten up. “They understand that I have to take care of Roman.”

“But they don’t understand why I can’t be here to help you.” John explained looking into her eyes as his released his anguish. “I can’t take this any longer Doc. It’s tearing me up. The thought of leaving this house and not being able to come home to you tonight and make love to you terrifies me.”

“You think that I like this?” she yelled as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Do you think that I enjoy lying day in and day out to Roman? I hate it, but we don’t have a choice right now John.”

“That’s just it Doc.” he pleaded with her. “We do have a choice and if we work together to find a solution to the problem at hand anything is possible for us.”

“John it’s not that simple.” she said turning away from him. “What will we say to Roman? How would we even begin to explain you being here?”

“That’s not important right now Doc.” John said moving closer to her. “What’s important is the way I feel about you and the way you feel about me.”

“John, we can’t worry about our feelings right now. They can’t hold any weight in what we have to do.” she said closing her eyes as the tears quickly ran down her cheeks. “We have to think about Roman’s well being.”

“Doc, I’m tired of hurting our family with these lies.” he said standing right behind her.

“So am I.” she said turning to face him as she began to pound on his chest with her fists. “Don’t you think that it’s gotten to me? Don’t you think that the pressure is getting to me? Don’t you think that I just want to forget about this obligation that I have to Roman and get on with my life?”

“Doc, I just wanted to explain to you…” he began as she started pounding on his chest harder.

“Let me explain to you Mr. Black.” she cried as she continued to hit him. “I hate being away from you. I hate not being able to spend every waking moment of my day with you. I hate not being able to wake up in your arms, but you know what? There isn’t a damn thing I could do about it. So there John!!!”

“Doc…I…I…” he said trying to speak as she continued to hit him.

“Don’t Doc me John.” she said looking at him as her frustration grew. “I’m sick and tired of this. I don’t want to spend another day without….”

John grabbed her fists as she started to weaken and he placed them behind her back before she could cause any harm to him. He looked into her face as she began to cry and shake hysterically.

“Let go of me John.” she yelled at him as she tried to break free.

“No Doc.” he said calmly as she struggled.

“Look John…this is an impossible conversation and we shouldn’t even be having it. You know that we can’t….” she began as he pressed his lips to hers and silenced her with a kiss before she could say another word.

“Now Doc calm down.” he said moving back slightly.

“John…I won’t calm down.” she said still angry, but slightly off-guard. “I hate it when you…”

“Quiet Doc.” he said kissing her again with more intensity as he pulled her down onto the chair.

John realized his only defense against Marlena’s anger was to distract her. He needed her to feel how much he loved her so that she could understand what he was feeling. He wrapped his arms around her as he pulled her closer into him. He pressed his mouth against hers. She instantly began responding to his kisses holding him tighter with all of her emotions running wild.

“I wonder what’s taking Doc and John so long.” Roman announced looking at his watch as he, Kristen, and Eric stood in the busy hospital lobby.

“I don’t know dad.” Eric said checking his watch. “Maybe they got stuck in traffic.”

“That might be it.” Roman agreed forcing a smile. “She did say that she was going to take the little ones over mom and pop’s place before she came to the hospital. Mom must be busy talking to them.”

“That’s got to be it.” Kristen agreed with a grin as she bubbled with excitement that John would soon be arriving.

“I’m going to use the little boys room.” Roman announced looking at Kristen and Eric. “I’ll be right back. If your mom shows up, then don’t leave without me.”

“Don’t worry about that dad.” Eric informed him. “We’ll be right here waiting for you.”

“Your daddy is just thrilled to get back home to your mommy Eric.” Kristen smiled at him. “I’m sure that soon you’ll all be one, big, happy family once again.”

“Why do you care Kristen?” Eric asked glaring at her. “It’s not like John would ever go back to you even if my mom ended things with him.”

“Well, that’s not for you to decide Eric. That’s up to John.” Kristen informed him with a twisted grin. “Don’t worry your mommy is going to fall in love with your daddy very soon and then you won’t have a think to worry about. I’m sure that very soon she’s going to realize that she’s not in love with John.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Oh John,” Marlena breathed wrapping her arms around his body as she pulled him toward her.

“Doc,” he whispered kissing her salty lips with a firey intensity.

“I hate you.” she announced digging her hands underneath his jacket as he slipped out of it.

“You do?” he asked as she continued to remove his shirt.

“I do.” she announced pushing him to the floor after she had successfully removed his shirt. “I really do.”

Marlena pressed her lips to John’s before he could respond to her comment. She quickly removed her lips from his as her mouth began to explore the side of his face and his neck.

“Oh Doc,” John moaned as he realized where she was going with the situation.

“I hate you so much for making me think about everything John Black.” she insisted scratching her nails down his back.

“Doc…I think that we should….” he began realizing what she was saying.

“Not another word.” she yelled moving his hands to help her remove her blouse.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Since when have you become so interested in my father’s health Kristen?” Eric asked looking at her. “In fact what in the world are you doing here right now?”

“Your father is my friend Eric.” Kristen explained innocently. “I want him to be happy.”

“The only person that you care about is yourself Kristen. From what I understand that’s the way all of you Dimeras have always been.” Eric snapped at her.

“That’s not true Eric. If I didn’t care about your father would I have brought him home from that ISA hospital?” she asked looking at him.

“You were only hoping to break my mom and John up. That’s the only reason you brought him back Kristen. You didn’t do it because you wanted to help him. You were only thinking about your needs.” Eric yelled at her.

“That’s not true Eric and I’m offended that you would think so little of me like that.” she gasped pretending to be hurt. “I’d do anything to ensure your father’s happiness.”

“And make sure that you get what you want in the process.” Eric finished looking at her and growing angry.

“You know if I didn’t know better Eric, I would say that maybe you’ve changed your mind about your mommy.” Kristen said eyeing him carefully.

“What are you talking about Kristen?” he asked confused.

“I think that you may be having a change of heart.” Kristen insisted looking into his eyes.

“What?”

“I think that want your mommy to be with John now don’t you?” Kristen asked as he avoided her gaze. “That’s it isn’t it. You’re thinking that your mom belongs with John.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about Kristen.” Eric insisted glaring at her while he thought about Christmas morning at the penthouse.

“You are!!” she hissed as the color drained from his face. “You’re betraying your father’s wishes aren’t you? You no longer want him with your mother.”

“You know what Kristen,” Eric began glaring at her, “why don’t you go back to your house or something?”

“You don’t want your parents to get back together anymore, do you?” she asked again looking at him. “Why the sudden change of heart? Did your mom make you feel guilty for wanting her to be with your daddy?”

“Just shut up Kristen.” Eric yelled at her. “I don’t want to hear another word out of you.”

“Hey, what’s going on out here?” Roman asked approaching the two of them.

“Nothing.” Eric muttered forcing a smile while he glared at Kristen.

“Look who I found on my way back from the men’s room.” Roman smiled as Eric noticed Jenny next to him.

“I was on my break when your dad saw me.” Jenny explained noticing that Eric looked stressed out. “Actually, the break’s just about over for me. Why don’t you walk me back to the office Eric?”

“I don’t know…” Eric began turning to face his father. “Mom is supposed to be arriving here soon.”

“Son, what’s wrong with you?” Roman asked giving his son a nudge. “You don’t ever turn a beautiful lady down when she asks you to do something.”

“Alright.” Eric agreed taking Jenny’s arm. “Let’s go.”

“Aren’t they cute?” Roman asked Kristen as he watched Eric walk away with Jenny. “I’m so happy to see my son falling in love. It’s good for him and Jenny seems to be a sweet girl. In fact, she reminds me of Doc when she was younger.”

“Speaking of Marlena,” Kristen began realizing that they had been waiting for her to arrive for over a half an hour, “Shouldn’t you call her cell phone and see what’s taking her so long?”

“Come to think of it,” Roman began scratching his head, “she is taking quite a while.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John and Marlena frantically kissed each other in between pulling off clothing as they rolled around on the living room floor. With each movement the anticipation between them built up as each one realized that they desperately needed to make love to each other.

“Oh Doc,” John whispered when he had finally managed to destroy the clothing barrier between them, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” she replied urgently as she heard a soft ringing noise. “What is that?”

“Who cares?” John mumbled in between placing kisses down her neck.

“I think it’s my phone.” Marlena insisted growing still.

“Let the machine pick it up then.” John urged continuing to worship her body.

“John,” she moaned about to get lost in him as the phone rang again, “it’s my cell phone I have to answer it.”

“No, you don’t.” he explained stopping and looking into her eyes.

“Yes, I do.” she said seriously rolling out from underneath him as she reached for her purse.

“Damn it.” John muttered in frustration sitting up and watching her answer the phone.

“Hello,” Marlena answered breathlessly.

“Doc are you okay?” Roman asked on the other end of the line.

“Of course I am.” she replied instantly sitting up straighter on the floor. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, first of all you’re out of breath and second, I called you about a half an hour ago to come pick me up.” he explained to her.

“Oh well, John and I got a little tied up…” she began looking at John as she tried to think up some kind of explaination.

“Yeah, I guess that mom has that effect on people.” Roman finished for her. “I can only imagine what she kept you talking about this time. She just doesn’t know when to quit when she gets going.”

“Well, she means well.” Marlena added quietly thankful that she didn’t have to think up a story to tell Roman.

“So are you going to be here soon?” Roman asked insistently.

“We’re on the way.” Marlena muttered watching John lay back down on the floor frustrated. “We’ll be there shortly.”

“Great. I’ll be waiting for you.” Roman said excitedly. “I love you Doc and I can’t wait to see you again.”

“See you soon.” she said hanging up the phone and moving towards John.

“Nothing like Roman to kill the mood.” John muttered looking over at her.

“I’m sorry John.” she said taking his hand and kissing it. “I guess that we got so carried away that we forgot about Roman.”

“I wish we could forget about him forever.” John thought out loud.

“Please don’t say that.” Marlena pleaded with him. “We shouldn’t make this any harder than this already is.”

“Doc you know how I feel about this.” John explained to her.

“John we can talk about this later.” Marlena insisted picking her clothes up off of the floor. “I’m going to go get dressed so that we can go pick up Roman.”

“Doc,” John whispered as she walked into the bathroom, “I know that you want me to let this go, but I’m not leaving you alone again…not now, not ever.”

“Eric, does your dad realize that you don’t like Kristen?” Jenny asked as Eric walked her to the hospital records room.

“No, he doesn’t have any clue about how much I hate her and he isn’t going to find out any time soon either.” Eric explained to her. “He thinks that Kristen is this wonderful woman that has brought him here to reunite with my mom. Little does he know, she is an evil woman who only cares about stealing John away from my mom.”

“John’s your mom’s fiancee?” Jenny questioned.

“Yeah,” Eric explained sighing, “Kristen and John used to be together a long time ago until Kristen did some terrible things to him and my mom.”

“Like what?” Jenny asked hoping that she wasn’t being too nosy.

“Well, she lied about being pregnant to keep my mom and John apart. Then she hired some woman to have a baby so that she could pass it off as her own and then to top it all of she locked my mother away in her wine cellar for a couple of months so that my mom couldn’t tell John the truth about her.” Eric explained as he watched Jenny’s face. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s all true.”

“I see why you don’t like her.” Jenny insisted thinking about what he had just told her. “If she did all of these rotten things, then why does your father like her?”

“You see, she lied to my dad and told him that she was married to my mom’s fiancee, so my father has no clue that she’s evil.” Eric explained realizing that he was babbling. “I’m sorry to burden you with my whining.”

“That’s alright.” Jenny smiled looking at him. “You know that Kristen sure sounds crazy. If she needs mental help, I bet my boss would take her on as a patient.”

“That might be an idea.” Eric laughed thinking about Kristen seeing a therapist.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Doc, you’re here.” Roman said delightful to see Marlena and John step off of the elevator.

“Sorry that we took so long.” Marlena explained thinking about the argument she had with John on the way over to the hospital. “We tried to get here sooner, but…”

“That doesn’t matter now.” Roman smiled giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “All that matters is that you’re here.”

“So how are you feeling today Roman?” John asked uneasy with Roman hugging Marlena.

“I’m feeling like a million bucks John.” Roman said flashing a smile at him. “As soon as I get home, I’m going to celebrate.”

“Celebrate?” Marlena asked confused. “Don’t you think that you’re overdoing it just a little Roman. You should be resting so that you don’t have another attack again.”

“Doc, I’m happy that you are giving me another chance.” Roman whispered in her ear kissing her again. “I’ll make it up to you for what I did the other night.”

“John, honey it was so nice of you to bring Marlena over here for Roman.” Kristen called out rushing over to hug him. “I missed you earlier.”

“What are you doing here Kristen?” John asked backing away from her.

“Didn’t Roman tell you?” she asked wrapping her arm around his.

“I didn’t get a chance to yet Kristen.” Roman explained with a grin as he turned to Marlena. “Doc, we’re having a dinner party at the penthouse tonight.”

“What?” Marlena asked confused.

“You’re having a dinner party at the penthouse tonight.” Kristen repeated with a smile.

“I decided that it’s been a while since the entire family has been together, so I figured you wouldn’t mind having everyone over.” Roman explained to Marlena. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“Well, Roman I don’t think that it’s such a good idea considering that the place isn’t exactly ready for company.” Marlena protested taken aback that Roman had decided to make plans without consulting her.

“Doc, don’t worry about it.” Roman assured her. “Kristen offered to have her cook come over and make dinner for everyone.”

“That’s awfully sweet of her, but…” Marlena began turning to John hoping that he could help her out of this one.

“It’s no problem at all Marlena.” Kristen smiled brightly. “Besides, Roman called everyone and they all agreed to come over.”

“I don’t really think that now is the time to throw a dinner party.” John insisted realizing that a dinner party at the penthouse would ruin his plans of staying there.

“Nonsense.” Roman assured him. “I already called the kids, Bo and Hope, and the only ones left to call are mom and pop.”

“Roman, don’t you think that you should’ve given me some warning about all of this?” Marlena asked feeling her body tense up.

“I’m sorry Doc.” Roman explained to her. “I just wanted to do something nice for you.”

“I think it’s sweet Roman.” Kristen added.

“I guess that it’s fine that we’re having everyone over, but I just wish that you would’ve given me some notice.” Marlena sighed realizing that she wasn’t going to be able to change his mind.

“Next time I will Doc.” he agreed taking her in his arms and turning to John. “What do you say we all leave now?”

“Tonight is going to be absolutely fabulous.” Kristen smiled as John drove her over to the penthouse. “I’m sure that dinner is going to be wonderful. I asked cook to make your favorite dinner tonight dear.”

“You know Kristen,” John began glaring at her, “if you wouldn’t have given Roman the brilliant idea in the first place to throw a party, then we wouldn’t have to pretend to be a couple.”

“John, you know that I love you.” Kristen insisted reaching out to him. “I wish that you could just see that.”

“Kristen, when are you going to get it through your head that I’m in love with Marlena and nothing you can do or dream of doing will ever change that fact?” John asked looking at her. “I will never love you.”

“You loved me once John.” she insisted looking him over. “Besides, Marlena chose Roman over you twice before. Who’s to say that she won’t do it again?”

“Kristen, it’s over between Roman and Doc.” John explained to her as he parked the car. “I’m warning you now, if you try anything tonight that I’ll have no problem exposing you for the witch you really are.”

“You wouldn’t risk Roman’s health like that John.” Kristen lashed at him. “You’re too noble for that.”

“Don’t push me Kristen.” John began opening the car door. “The last of my patience is slowly slipping away from me.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Are you sure that you don’t need any help in here Marlena?” Hope asked walking into the kitchen.

“Oh Hope,” Marlena began letting out a sigh, “I think that everything is covered in here.”

“You look exhausted Marlena.” Hope noted looking her friend over. “This whole situation with Roman and John is starting to get to you.”

“Oh Hope, do you know how hard it is for me to pretend not to be in love with John so that Roman gets better?” Marlena asked her. “It’s so awful.”

“Trust me Marlena. I know what it’s like to be separated from the man you love. I thought that Bo and I would never be free to be together again after all of the tricks that Billie and Kate played to keep us apart, but we’re together again.” Hope explained to her. “When Roman gets better, you and John can tell him the truth and everything will be fine.”

“I sure hope so.” Marlena sighed as the doorbell rang. “I wonder if that’s John and Kristen.”

“Why don’t you go check?” Hope suggested opening the kitchen door for Marlena.

“Sweety,” Roman’s voice rang out throughout the room, “how are you doing?”

“Good daddy.” Sami responded walking into the penthouse. “How are you?”

“Fine,” Roman said starting to close the door.

“Not so fast dad.” Carrie said moving the door open again.

“Carrie,” Roman smiled hugging her as Sami glared.

“How are you feeling dad?” Carrie asked as Mike followed her into the room.

“Hi Carrie. Hi Mike.” Marlena smiled hugging the two of them. “Where’s Austin tonight?”

“He’s away on business for his mom, so I decided to have Mike come over to have dinner with us.” Carrie explained to Marlena.

“That’s great news.” Marlena smiled as they walked into the living room.

“Isn’t this wonderful Doc?” Roman asked putting his arms around her. “Almost everyone is here: Bo and Hope, Sami, and Carrie. It’s too bad that mom and pop couldn’t make it.”

“Well, your father wasn’t feeling well after running around with the kids all day.” Marlena explained to him.

“I hope that we’re as happy as my parents are when we are older Doc.” Roman explained wrapping his arms around her as she began to tense up.

“I wonder what’s keeping Eric and John.” Marlena began moving away from Roman.

“They’ll be here soon Doc.” Roman said as the doorbell rang. “I’ll bet that’s them now.”

“I’ll get it.” Marlena said opening the door to find John there. “Hi John.”

“Doc,” he breathed taken in by her beauty.

“Hi Marlena.” Kristen piped in noticing the instant electricity between the two of them. “How are you?”

“Come on in you two.” Roman called out over Marlena’s shoulder.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Jenny, are you really sure that you want to meet my family?” Eric asked worried about going to dinner.

“Of course Eric. They’re important to you and I don’t mind at all.” she explained hoping that she could convince him that she wanted to go to dinner. “Your dad seems really sweet.”

“I’m just warning you now that it might be really crazy in there.” Eric explained as the elevator reached the penthouse.

“I can take crazy Eric.” Jenny smiled at him.

“I hope so.” Eric thought out loud as he rang the bell.

“Son, come on in. We’ve all been waiting for you.” Roman smiled answering the door.

“Hi dad.” Eric said walking into the room with Jenny at his side. “You remember Jenny.”

“How could I forget such a beautiful face?” Roman asked taking her hand and leading her into the living room. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”

“Okay,” Jenny smiled glancing back at Eric.

“Who’s she?” Sami asked approaching Eric.

“She’s a really good friend of mine Sami.” Eric explained to his sister as he watched his father introduce Jenny to Carrie, Mike, Bo and Hope.

“I see why you haven’t been returning my calls lately.” Sami insisted watching Jenny.

“Look Sami, I’ve been thinking that maybe we should just leave mom make her own decision about what she wants to do with dad.” Eric explained to her.

“What’s come over you Eric?” Sami asked looking at him. “You and I both know that mom and dad belong together.”

“I know Sami.” Eric sighed realizing there was no use talking to her about how he felt about John.

“You remember Kristen, don’t you?” Roman asked Jenny.

“Of course I do.” Jenny replied forcing a smile as Kristen shook her hand.

“Hey Kristen, where’d your husband disappear off to?” Roman asked scanning the room.

“I don’t know.” Kristen replied taking another swig of her drink.

“Oh well,” Roman shrugged turning to Jenny. “What do you say we find Eric’s mom so that you can meet her?”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marlena finished taking dinner out of the oven as she thought about how she had been scammed into cooking dinner. Kristen had offered to have her cook over to help with the cooking, but at the last minute she had called claiming to be sick. Marlena could feel her blood boil as she thought about Kristen’s smug grin as she walked into the penthouse on John’s arm. Marlena had wanted to smack her more than ever at that moment.

“Hey beautiful.” a voice called out from behind startling her.

“John, you scared me.” she explained jumping.

“I’m sorry.” he said pulling her towards him. “You look beautiful tonight Doc.”

“John, we can’t be doing this.” she said pulling back from him.

“Doing what Doc?” he asked taking her hand. “We’re just talking.”

“John, we can’t talk like this.” she said trying to release her hand from his grasp.

“Why not Doc?” he asked letting go of her hand and inching towards her.

“Because…” she began moving back until she was pressed against the counter.

“We’re the only ones in here Doc.” he explained to her.

“I understand that, but Roman could walk in here any moment and find you leaning like that. He could put two and two together and figure things out.” she explained as he looked into her eyes.

“You mean he could find us in a very compromising position like this.” he said slowly moving in to give her a long, tender kiss. “Is this what you mean?”

“John, don’t.” she said moving away from him. “Now is not the time to start something that you can’t finish.”

“Fine Doc.” he said picking up a tray of food. “I’ll drop the issue for now, but we need to talk about what we’re going to do about all of this.”

“We will,” she promised him as she grabbed another tray, “but just not tonight.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“There you are Jenny.” Eric called out walking over to Jenny and his dad. “Did you get the official tour of the family?”

“Your father was a great tour guide.” Jenny smiled turning to face Eric as he moved his arm around her.

“Now if we could only find your mom.” Roman began turning his head towards the kitchen door. “There she is. Doc, could you come here for a second and meet Eric’s friend?”

“What Roman?” Marlena asked walking towards him.

“Doc, I’d like you to meet…” Roman began to say as Jenny turned to face Eric’s mother.

“Jenny.” Marlena gasped confused.

“Dr. Evans,” Jenny began as everything suddenly started falling into place, “you’re Eric’s mom.”

“That’s right.” Marlena smiled at her as John walked over to them.

“Hi Jenny.” John greeted her with a smile.

“You all know each other?” Eric asked confused.

“Jenny works for me Eric.” Marlena explained to her son.

“I didn’t know that.” Eric said looking at Jenny. “You never told me that you worked for my mom.”

“I didn’t know that she was your mom.” Jenny explained to him.

“How are you doing Jenny?” John asked smiling at her.

“I’m good John.” Jenny smiled at him. “How are Brady and Belle doing?”

“They’re still talking about your Game Boy.” he replied. “They just get so excited about those kind of things.”

“They are so adorable.” Jenny added.

“That’s funny that you two know each other.” John laughed lightly as he looked at Eric and Jenny. “I told Doc that she should’ve introduced you two.”

“John, how do you know Jenny?” Roman asked confused by the whole situation.

“I met her the other day when I brought the kids by to see Doc.” John explained looking at Marlena.

“I told you there was something funny about her.” Sami whispered into Eric’s ear as he watched the exchange between Jenny, Marlena, and John. “I now see why you’re having second thoughts about mom and dad getting back together.”

“You know I think that I left a few of the trays in the kitchen still.” Marlena began tensing up. “I better go get them.”

“Hey, I’ll help you with those.” John called out following her into the kitchen.

“Eric, do you think that your mom is acting strange tonight?” Roman asked as Marlena and John disappeared into the kitchen.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“John what if she slips up and mentions something about the two of us to Roman?” Marlena asked worried about what Jenny might say.

“She’s your assistant Marlena. I don’t think that she’s going to bring up anything about us. Besides, Eric probably filled her in about what’s going on with everything.” John insisted giving her a quick hug. “If we play things cool, then we can explain it to her later.”

“What if something accidently slips out John?” Marlena asked again. “I felt like Roman was going to find out everything once I saw Jenny out there.”

“Don’t worry Doc.” John explained to her. “Everything will work out. Now let’s go out there and eat so that Roman doesn’t get suspicious.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“That was definitely an interesting evening.” Eric commented as he and Jenny had returned to his car after dinner.

“I’ll say.” Jenny said quietly.

“You seemed to really enjoy talking to my mom and John.” Eric said looking her over. “I can’t believe that I’m so stupid.”

“About what Eric?” Jenny asked looking at him.

“I should’ve known that you worked for my mom.” Eric insisted starting the car. “That’s why you told me to stay out of her business with John.”

“What are you talking about Eric?” Jenny asked confused by his remark.

“You know I thought that it was me starting to change my mind about John,” Eric began laughing, “but after tonight I realize that my mom convinced you to make me believe that she should be with John.”

“What are you talking about Eric?” Jenny asked wondering what he was up to.

“I should’ve known that my mom wanted you to change my mind.” Eric replied looking her over. “I must admit that it was really working for a while.”

“Eric, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Jenny explained to him. “I just met your mom the other day at work. I had no idea who she was.”

“Sure you didn’t.” Eric muttered pulling up in her driveway. “Goodnight Jenny.”

“I think that we should talk for a minute Eric.” Jenny began.

“I’m done talking Jenny.” Eric replied coldly. “Goodnight.”

“Fine Eric.” she said opening her door. “You just be this way then. Goodnight.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Thanks for having us over Roman.” Kristen said hugging him goodbye. “It was a wonderful evening.”

“It was our pleasure.” he smiled at her. “I’m just glad that you and John could be here to join us.”

“Goodnight John.” Marlena said giving him a quick hug.

“I don’t want to leave.” he whispered in her ear when he was sure that Roman wasn’t listening.

“You have to.” she explained softly as Roman wrapped his arm around her.

“You know John, Doc and I appreciate everything you’ve done for us lately, but we both think that you should go home now and enjoy the rest of the evening with your pretty wife.” Roman smiled at John. “Go get some rest. You deserve it.”

“Let’s go honey.” Kristen urged tugging on John’s arm.

“Good night Doc.” John said looking at her.

“Goodbye John.” she said wanting to reach out to him and never let go.

Marlena woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs. She jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs with excitement to the kitchen as she thought of John cooking. She opened the kitchen door and saw Roman wearing an apron as he stood in front of the stove.

“Good morning Doc.” Roman smiled placing the food onto the table. “I hope that you’re hungry.”

“Roman it smells really good.” Marlena smiled as he held out a chair for her. “I didn’t think that you would be cooking this morning.”

“I’m a changed man Doc.” Roman replied walking over to the refrigerator. “I’ve decided that making you happy is my number one priority.”

“Where are the kids?” Marlena asked surprised that they weren’t running down to eat.

“Carrie and Mike took them to the zoo.” Roman explained to her.

“In the middle of winter?” Marlena asked confused.

“There is some indoor exhibit going on that Carrie thought they would enjoy.” Roman explained reaching for her hand across the table. “Besides, this will give us some time alone for a while.”

“You know Roman,” Marlena began looking into his eyes, “I think that we should talk.”

“Before you say another word, I’ve got something for you.” Roman began getting up and walking over to the refrigerator again. “You’re going to love this.”

“What is it?” Marlena asked trying to peek at what he was holding.

“Surprise.” he said bringing a bowl of whipped cream and strawberries over to the table.

“Oh,” she said in shock.

“What do you say Doc?” he asked dipping a strawberry into the whipped cream and raising it to her face. “Why don’t we recreate the old days?”

“You know Roman,” she began as her stomach began to tighten up, “I’m not really in the mood for those.”

“Come on Doc. I know that you love this.” he urged moving the strawberry to her lips.

“I don’t want it Roman.” she insisted pushing it away.

“Just take a bite Doc.” he insisted pushing it towards her again.

“I don’t want it.” she said moving his hand away from her.

“Fine.” he said putting the strawberry back into the bowl.

“I’m just not very hungry.” she explained suddenly feeling sick. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t eat it then.” he said throwing the bowl across the room. “See if I care.”

“Roman?” Marlena asked frightened by his actions. “What’s wrong?”

“I tried to make you a nice breakfast, but once again there you go not wanting to try to cooperate.” he explained.

“Roman, I might’ve had some strawberries later. You didn’t have to throw them.” she said hoping that he wouldn’t have another outburst like he had on Christmas eve.

“I’m sorry Doc.” he said looking at the mess he made. “I’ll clean this up.”

“I’ll be back.” she said realizing that she was overwhelmed with tension.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“You know Abe,” John said hitting the punching bag as the two of them worked out, “this is driving me crazy.”

“I know man, but there’s nothing that you can do at the moment.” Abe reminded him.

“I just don’t get it Abe.” John explained taking another punch. “Roman was fine the other day, and now he’s sick again.”

“Well, maybe the cure didn’t work as well as we had hoped for John.” Abe suggested to him.

“Abe,” John began looking at his friend, “I’m sure that Roman was fine the other day.”

“How can you be so sure John?” Abe asked him.

“He hit Doc.” John said growing angry. “He left a nasty mark on her face and I’m afraid that he’s going to do it again.”

“Why did he do that?” Abe asked him.

“Marlena said that it was due to some drug interaction, but I don’t believe it Abe. I don’t think that Roman is the man that he used to be.” John explained to him. “I just hope that Doc doesn’t get hurt again because I don’t know what I would do.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Marlena, are you okay?” Roman asked knocking on the bathroom door.

“I’m fine.” she said opening the door. “I was just feeling sick to my stomach.”

“Look, I’m really sorry about what happened back in the kitchen Doc.” He began to apologize. “I should’ve thrown those strawberries across the room.”

“It’s okay Roman.” she said weakly as she began to feel fatigued.

“Look Doc, what do you say we spend the day getting to know each other again?” he suggested squeezing her shoulders. “We have a lot of catching up to do if you know what I mean.”

“Roman, I have to work today.” she explained to him as he pulled her towards him.

“Why don’t you call in sick Doc?” he asked kissing her ear. “I need you to stay with me.”

“I can’t Roman.” she insisted turning to face him.

“Then let me give you something to remember all day.” he said pulling her to him for a passionate embrace.

Marlena sat in her office thinking about the morning’s turn of events. She could still feel Roman’s lips pressed against hers and it was making her sick to her stomach. She couldn’t believe that he had tried to get her to jump back into their old life again after he had promised not to push her. She realized that she was really starting to get stressed out lately between Roman and the pressure she was getting from John.

“Good morning Doc,” John announced walking into her office and closing the door behind him.

“What are you doing here?” she asked him.

“Gee…thanks for the hello Doc.” John said looking at her. “I was kind of hoping for a kiss or a hug.”

“I’m sorry.” she said standing up and giving him a hug. “I’m just not feeling too well today. I didn’t sleep much last night.”

“Me neither.” he agreed kissing her forehead. “All I could think about was spending my time with you. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.” she said resting against him. “I think that I need a vacation.”

“Well, I could always wisk you away for the weekend on the jet.” John smiled at her. “We could go to some romantic little island away from Salem.”

“John, that’s not fair.” she sighed sitting down on her couch. “Don’t get my hopes up.”

“I’m serious Doc.” He explained sitting down on the couch. “We could take the kids with us and have a long overdue family vacation.”

“Think about it John. Why would we do that?” she asked seriously. “We can’t go away together now considering that I’m taking care of Roman.”

“I’ll help you take care of Roman.” John suggested rubbing her shoulders. “I could move back home and we could tell him the truth about everything after his check up with Mike tomorrow.”

“John, would you just stop?” Marlena asked getting up. “Can’t you just drop the whole moving back home issue? It’s not possible right now.”

“Doc, I know that we could think of some believable reason why I can move back into the penthouse.” John urged her.

“John, would you please stop making this so difficult for us?” she asked him. “I can’t take all of this stress.”

“I’m sorry Doc.” he said realizing that he was causing her pain. “I just want to be with you and it’s driving me crazy.”

“Well, it’s driving me crazy too, but there’s nothing we can do about it right now.” she insisted giving him a hug.

“I won’t press this issue with you again if that’s what you really want.” he said as he felt tears soaking his shirt.

“Thank you so much.” she said crying. “I’m getting pressure from all angles and even though I love you, you’re getting to me too.”

“I’m so sorry.” he said moving her face to look at his. “I won’t ask to move back in until we get a clean bill of health from Mike about Roman. Okay?”

“Thank you.” she said smiling weakly.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Bridget, is my mom in her office?” Eric asked walking into the lobby.

“Yes, she is in her office Eric, but she’s with Mr. Black right now.” Bridget informed him. “I can tell her that you’re here.”

“I’ll wait.” Eric said sitting down and scanning the room. “Hey, did Jenny come in today?”

“No, she called in sick today.” Bridget informed him as she went back to her typing.

“Just as well,” Eric thought to himself, “I didn’t really want to see her today anyways.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Listen Doc, I have to go to the station to help Abe out with the Jack and Jenn case.” John explained giving her a quick case. “I know that I said I wouldn’t pressure you, but I was wondering if I could persuade you to have a romantic dinner for two with me tonight?”

“I don’t know if I could pull it off.” Marlena said looking at her appointment book. “I should really go home to Roman.”

“Tell him that you’re working late.” John suggested to her. “Better yet, tell him that you and Laura are going to have dinner tonight since she is so upset about Jack and Jenn being gone.”

“Okay,” she sighed giving in, “I’ll have dinner with you.”

“You won’t regret this.” John smiled giving her another kiss. “You know I love you.”

“I love you too.” she smiled as he walked out of her office.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Gee, I’m not surprised to see you here John.” Eric began glaring at John.

“Eric, how are you?” John asked walking over to him.

“I was fine until I saw you here.” Eric snapped at him. “What are you trying to pull John?”

“I was here visiting your mom Eric.” John said looking at him.

“Why don’t you just leave her alone John?” Eric asked growing angry.

“Eric, I love your mother.” John said calmly.

“Why don’t you just let her be happy with my dad John?” Eric asked as his voice grew louder. “You know, your presence around here isn’t really wanted right now.”

“Eric, your mother loves me and until she tells me to not come around anymore, which won’t happen, then I’ll keep coming around.” John explained watching Eric carefully. “We love each other Eric.”

“You know John,” Eric began as Bridget watched the two of them, “I don’t really like you much and I’d appreciate it if you would just leave my mom alone.”

“Eric, Iook I don’t know what’s come over you since last night, but I think that you should calm down.” John explained hoping that Eric would lower his voice.

“Your mom is under a tremendous amount of stress right now and the last thing she needs to hear is you yelling out here.”

“I’ll give you stress John.” Eric said punching John in the face.

“What’s going on out here?” Marlena asked walking out into the lobby and finding John grabbing onto Eric’s shirt.

“Mom,” Eric began as John released him.

“John, what’s going on out here?” Marlena asked noticing that there was blood by his lip. “What happened?”

“Ask your son Doc.” John said as she took a kleenex off of Bridget’s desk and wiped the blood away from his face.

“What happened Eric?” Marlena asked turning to face him.

“I think that he’s a little upset right now.” John explained calmly as he looked at Eric.

“Go to hell John.” Eric yelled at him.

“Eric,” Marlena began looking around the lobby, “we are in the middle of a hospital. I don’t think this is the right time or place for you to talk like that.”

“Fine.” Eric said backing away from her and John. “We can talk in your office after John leaves.”

“Eric,” she started as he walked into her office. “What’s going on John?”

“I think that he’s having problems with Jenny.” Bridget interrupted them. “He was in a good mood until I said that she wasn’t here.”

“I’ll talk to him.” Marlena said touching John’s face. “Are you alright?”

“I’m okay.” John said forcing a smile. “I better go now.”

“I love you.” she said moving in for a kiss.

“I’ll see you later Doc.” John said kissing her forehead and walking away.

“What the hell happened out there?” Marlena asked walking into her office and slamming the door.

“Hey mom, you shouldn’t be slamming doors. It’s a hospital after all.” Eric remarked sarcastically.

“Don’t you start with me Eric.” Marlena snapped at him. “What were you trying to prove out there in the lobby?”

“Mom, I’m tired of John coming around all of the time. Why doesn’t he just leave you and dad alone so that you two can be happy again?” Eric asked her.

“Eric, your father and I are not getting back together no matter how hard you want it to happen.” Marlena explained to him. “I will always love your daddy, but I’m in love with John.”

“If John wasn’t around, then you would be in love with dad again.” Eric insisted. “Then we could all be a happy family again.”

“Eric, you can’t force two people to be together when they aren’t in love with each other.” Marlena explained to him. “It wouldn’t be right of me to commit to your father.”

“But mom he loves you so much.” Eric explained to her. “I know that you could love him again if you only tried.”

“Eric, you and I both know that’s not going to happen.” Marlena said reaching out to him. “Is something else bothering you? Did you have a fight with Jenny?”

“Mom, don’t try to play psychiatrist with me.” Eric yelled moving away from her. “My problem is John mom. Why are you letting him ruin our lives?”

“Eric, I love John and I’m sorry that you don’t like that.” Marlena explained reaching out to him again. “I love you and I hope that you will understand some day.”

“Mom, I will never understand how you could be so heartless and hurt dad like you are doing. You threw him out of the house on Christmas Eve and he had another attack. Doesn’t that tell you something mom?” Eric asked angry.

“Eric, there are a few things that you don’t understand about that night.” Marlena began taking in a deep breath.

“Oh I understand pretty well mom.” Eric said standing up and looking at her. “You were too worried about John to care about what would happen to dad.”

“That’s not true Eric.” Marlena replied standing up next to him.

“Well, that’s the way I see it mom.” Eric said walking over to her door. “Oh and by the way, I will never accept John in my life.”

“Eric, wait a minute.” Marlena called out to him as he rushed out of her office.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“What did you have to tell me Mike?” Carrie asked looking at him.

“I wanted to tell you that…” Mike began watching Eric run past them. “Isn’t that Eric?”

“Yeah, I wonder what’s wrong with him.” Carrie said chasing after him. “Eric.”

“What?” he asked turning to face Carrie.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as Mike walked over to them.

“Nothing Carrie.” Eric snapped at her.

“Hey, I’m just concerned about you. You don’t have to snap at me.” Carrie explained looking him over. “Is something wrong with dad?”

“Yeah, the fact that mom and John are doing their best to break his heart.” Eric yelled at her.

“Eric, I told you to leave them alone. Let Marlena sort out her problems on her own.” Carrie insisted. “She’s not trying to hurt dad.”

“Well she is.” Eric said looking at her. “I don’t see why I’m even wasting my time talking to you.”

“What is that supposed to mean Eric?” Carrie asked him.

“It means that you, mom, John, and even Jenny are all buddies on this issue. None of you care about what happens to dad.” Eric yelled at her.

“I think you should calm down Eric.” Mike said to him.

“I’ll bet your in on it too Mike.” Eric yelled at him. “You all deserve each other.”

“Eric, what’s come over you?” Carrie asked growing angry with him.

“Why don’t you just go ask mom?” Eric asked turning away and running off.

“I wonder what set him off.” Carrie said watching Eric run down the hall.

“Maybe he had a fight with Marlena.” Mike suggested to her.

“Maybe we should go talk to her.” Carrie suggested to him. “Let’s go.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Is Marlena in her office Bridget?” Carrie asked her.

“Yeah, I think that she’s trying to calm down after the fight she had with your brother.” Bridget explained to her. “He was pretty upset when he left here.”

“Mike, I’m going to talk to her alone for a minute.” Carrie explained to him.

“Alright I’ll wait out here.” Mike replied taking a seat.

“Marlena,” Carrie called out opening the door, “are you in here?”

Carrie walked into the office and didn’t see Marlena. She looked around and decided that maybe Marlena had stepped out for a moment when Bridget wasn’t looking. She was about to leave when she stumbled over something on the floor.

“What the…” Carrie began as she realized that it was Marlena lying on the floor. “Mike, get in here fast.”

“What’s wrong Carrie?” Mike asked seeing Marlena. “Oh no.”

“What happened to her Mike?” Carrie asked him worried.

“I don’t know Carrie.” Mike said rushing to Marlena’s side.

“Is she going to be alright?” Carrie asked him.

“John, what the hell happened to you?” Bo asked as John walked into Abe’s office.

“Let’s just say I had a little run in with your nephew.” John explained sitting down in a chair.

“Oh no, what has Eric done now?” Bo asked taking some ice out of Abe’s refrigerator and handing it to John.

“Let’s just say that he isn’t too happy about Marlena and I being together.” John said putting the ice on his face. “I just don’t get it Bo. I know that he wants Roman and Doc to be together again, but I thought that I meant something to him too.”

“John, he’s just confused right now.” Bo explained to him. “He doesn’t know how to feel about everything that’s going on.”

“I keep telling myself that Bo, but I just keep finding it harder and harder not to lose my patience with him.” John informed him. “I love him like he was my own son. Hell, I raised him like he was my own.”

“I’m sure that Eric remembers how you took care of him John.” Bo said sitting down next to him. “I know that he still loves you like he did when he thought that you were his father.”

“Yeah, well I thought so too until today.” John sighed as his face grew numb from the ice. “I just don’t get it though. On Christmas morning he came over with Doc, me, and the kids and he was fine. We all laughed and celebrated together. I really thought that he had gotten rid of his anger and then today out of the blue he hauls off and hits me. I just don’t understand it Bo.”

“I don’t know what to tell you man.” Bo said understanding John’s frustration. “I guess that Eric is just going to need time to figure things out for himself. Soon he will realize that you and Marlena belong together, and then he will calm down.”

“I don’t know about that Bo.” John said thinking about the rage in Eric’s eye. “I don’t know if he’s ever going to be able to get past the fact that Roman and Doc will never be together again.”

“He’ll come around.” Bo insisted hopefully. “Deep down he’s a good kid.”

“I know that Bo.” John said thinking it over. “I just hope that he calms down soon before the stress of everything takes it’s toll on Marlena.”

 

Marlena woke up in a hospital bed and wondered how she had made it out of her office. She looked around and realized that she must have passed out in her office.

“Thank God you’re alright Marlena.” Carrie said as soon as she saw Marlena’s eyes open.

“What happened Carrie?” Marlena asked suddenly drawing a blank.

“Mike and I came in to talk to you after we ran into Eric and you were passed out on the floor.” Carrie informed her. “I was really worried about you.”

“Eric was angry with me.” Marlena said remembering the fight she had with Eric. “Is he here?”

“No, he left before we came to see you.” Carrie explained to her.

“I need to talk to him.” Marlena began trying to sit up.

“He’ll be just fine Marlena.” Carrie insisted gently pushing her back down on the bed. “You need some rest.”

“I need to talk to him Carrie.” Marlena pleaded with her. “He was so angry with me when he left the office.”

“Marlena, you need to relax.” Carrie explained to her. “Mike and I found you passed out on the floor and we’re really worried about you so Mike is running tests right now to find out what the problem is.”

“Carrie, I’m fine.” Marlena insisted trying once more to sit up as she was overcome by dizziness.

“Lay down Marlena.” Carrie said staring her down. “You look like you’re going to pass out again.”

“I’ll be okay Carrie.” Marlena said laying back down as she began to feel lightheaded. “I think that all of the stress of everything is just getting to me.”

“I’m going to call John and have him come over here.” Carrie said turning away.

“Don’t Carrie.” Marlena called out to her. “Please don’t call him.”

“Marlena, he would want to be here to with you right now.” Carrie explained to her. “He loves you and he would want to help you out.”

“Carrie, I don’t think that would be a good idea right now. John is already so worried about me that I’m afraid if he knew that I passed out it would only put him on edge more than he already is.” Marlena explained to her. “He’s been so stressed out lately with not being able to be at home with me and the kids. I don’t want to add to his worries about something so silly.”

“Marlena, you passed out in your office with no reasonable explanation. I don’t think that is a matter that should be taken lightly.” Carrie insisted taking her hand. “John needs to know about what happened.”

“Alright Carrie,” Marlena sighed giving in, “but could you wait for Mike to get the test results back before you call him?”

“Fine,” Carrie reluctantly answered as she noticed how pale Marlena looked. “Would you like something to drink? Maybe some orange juice?”

“That sounds great.” Marlena smiled weakly. “I’d love some.”

“Okay I’ll go get you some then.” Carrie said leaving her alone.

“What’s wrong with you Marlena?” Marlena asked herself as she thought about the days events. “You need to relax or your going to give yourself a nervous breakdown.”

“Marlena,” Mike said coming into the room with her charts, “how are you feeling?”

“Better Mike.” she smiled eager to hear what he had to say. “Did you find out why I fainted in my office?”

“Yes I did Marlena.” he said seriously sitting down on the corner of her bed.

“Well?” she asked trying to read his facial expression.

“I think that you and I need to have a serious talk about what I found.” Mike said looking at her.

“We need to talk about your stress level Marlena….” Mike started looking at her.

“Look Mike, before you tell me how my fainting spell was stress related and how I should be taking it easier, I just want you to know that I’m trying to take care of it.” Marlena explained before he could say another word. “I’ve just been under so much stress lately with Roman’s relapse and everything that I haven’t had time to take care of myself.”

“Yes, I’m well aware of that Marlena, but…” he began as she cut him off again.

“Mike, I promise that I’ll take better care of myself.” she said interrupting him. “Look, I’ll bet that it’s the stress that caused my fainting spell in my office. Right?”

“Well, yes that was part of it, but…” Mike began again as she continued to ramble on.

“You know I’ve been meaning to talk to you Mike.” she said feeling silly and growing anxious to get back to work so that she could forget about her morning. “I think that maybe you should just write me a prescription so that I can relax a little. That way I won’t be so on edge all of the time.”

“I can’t do that Marlena.” he said to her seriously.

“Why not Mike?” she asked confused. “You said that my fainting spell was stress related and I’m fine now.”

“Marlena, it’s not that simple.” he said taking in a deep breath.

“Sure it is Mike. You can just write me up a prescription and then we can call it a day.” she insisted sitting up in the hospital bed. “I don’t know about you, but I really wish that this day never happened.”

“Marlena, you’re pregnant.” he blurted out at her.

“That’s nice Mike, but I really need to get back to work so if you could write me up that prescription.” she said as his words suddenly sank in. “What did you just say Mike?”

“Marlena, you’re pregnant.” he repeated looking at her. “You’re going to have a baby.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Maybe I should go back and talk to mom.” Eric thought as he walked along the pier. “I shouldn’t have snapped at her like I did. What’s wrong with me?”

Eric looked out onto the water and thought about the way he had behaved at her office. He still couldn’t believe that he had hit John. Eric was filled with rage, but he realized that John hadn’t done anything to deserve that. Eric decided that he needed to figure things out before he did something stupid again and hurt someone worse.

“Hey son, what are you doing here? Roman asked noticing Eric on the pier.

“I’m just taking a walk dad.” Eric said hugging his father. “How are you feeling this morning?”

“I’m doing good.” Roman smiled brightly. “Today couldn’t be better for me.”

“I take it you and mom are getting along well, huh?” Eric asked noticing how happy his father looked.

“Let’s just say that I think that your mom and I are going to be a family again really soon Eric.” Roman said to him.

“If only you knew the truth dad.” Eric thought to himself.

“Soon your mom and I will be married again and just like the old days we can all be together again.” Roman said to Eric.

“You love mom a lot don’t you dad?” Eric asked slowly growing angry again as he thought of his mom and John taking away his father’s happiness.

“With all of my heart son.” Roman smiled as he thought about marrying Marlena again. “And soon nothing will ever get in the way of our happiness again.”

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“That can’t be possible Mike.” Marlena gasped as she thought about what he had just said. “I can’t be pregnant.”

“Well, according to these tests you are.” he said handing her the charts.

“Are you sure Mike? Can’t these be wrong?” she asked looking at the charts. “It’s not exactly the right time in my life to be having another child Mike.”

“Marlena, you know that these tests are a hundred percent accurate.” Mike said giving her a hug.

” I can’t be having a baby now. I have too much to deal with now between Roman being sick again and having hide my feelings about the bond I have with John and the kids. Besides, John and I were really careful so that this wouldn’t happen.” she thought out loud as her eyes filled with tears.

“Marlena, I thought that you would be happy to hear the news.” Mike said looking her over.

“I am.” Marlena said touching her stomach lightly. “I just wish that it wasn’t happening now.”

“You know John is going to be thrilled to know that he’s going to be a father again.” Mike informed her.

“Yeah, he is.” Marlena said thinking of how he would react to the news.

“Why don’t you call him and tell him the good news then?” Mike suggested handing her his cell phone.

“I can’t.” she said refusing to take the phone. “He can’t find out yet that I’m pregnant.”

“Marlena, he has a right to know that you’re carrying his child.” Mike informed her.

“No, not yet at least.” she said with tears in her eyes. “Mike you have to promise me that you won’t tell him.”

“Marlena, why don’t you want John to know?” Mike asked confused.

“What don’t you want John to know Marlena?” Carrie asked walking into the room.

“Oh Carrie, I didn’t realize that you were back.” Marlena said practically jumping out of the bed.

“What did you find Mike?” Carrie asked concerned as she looked back and forth between Mike and Marlena. “What’s wrong?”

“Carrie, I’m pregnant.” Marlena explained to her. “That’s what’s wrong with me.”

“That’s wonderful news Marlena.” Carrie smiled rushing to give her a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you Carrie.” Marlena smiled as tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Now why don’t you want to tell John?” Carrie asked looking at her.

“Think about it Carrie.” Marlena said looking at her and Mike. “I’m living with Roman right now and John keeps pressuring me to let him come back to the house and live with us. If he found out that I was pregnant, he would want to tell Roman the truth and I know that Roman can’t handle that right now.”

“But Marlena, I don’t think that it’s going to do you or the baby any good if you continue to live under these stressful conditions.” Mike informed her. “Your stress level is up higher than it should be for a woman in your condition.”

“Mike there is no way that I can tell Roman the truth about John and me right now. I don’t know if he could handle that.” Marlena said starting to cry. “I don’t want to kill him.”

“Marlena,” Carrie said sitting at her side, “you can’t keep this from dad too long. He’s going to figure it out sooner or later.”

“Because I was stupid enough to get myself pregnant.” Marlena said thinking about how this was going to complicate things. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d love having another baby with John, but this is awful timing.”

“Marlena, maybe this is God’s way of saying that it’s time to end the lies with dad.” Carrie explained to her.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“John what do you think about the lead we received?” Abe asked realizing that John wasn’t listening to a word he was saying. “Hello partner are you there?”

“Huh?” John asked looking at Abe. “Yeah, it’s great.”

“Did you even hear a word I said?” Abe asked him.

“I’m sorry Abe. I just keep thinking about Eric.” John explained to him. “I know that he’s really hurting right now and I wish that there was something that I could do for him.”

“John, there isn’t anything else that you can do.” Abe informed him. “Eric is at the stage in his life where everything is unclear to him and he needs to figure things out on his own.”

“I know the feeling.” John sighed. “I feel so uncertain about everything in my life right now too. The only thing that I’m sure of is that I love Doc and sometimes I think that only hurts her.”

“Why do you say that John?” Abe asked looking at him. “You are one of the happiest things in Marlena’s life. She was miserable when you two were apart.”

“I just feel like I’m making her miserable by wanting to be with her as much as I do.” John announced.

“Why do you say that John?” Abe asked him.

“I just hate that she’s hurting right now. She wants to do the right thing for Roman and I understand that. Hell, I respect her for that quality. It’s one of the reasons that I love her, but I just can’t stand being away from her.” John explained to him. “I want to spend every moment with her and lately I’ve been pressuring her to let me move back home. I know that I shouldn’t do it, but I can’t stand the thought of her being alone with Roman.”

“I told you that you had to be careful when it came to your feelings about Marlena.” Abe sighed noticing that his friend was in turmoil. “I knew if you and Marlena started sleeping together again that you would be overcome by your protective nature.”

“Abe, it’s got nothing to do with that.” John informed him. “I just hate the thought of Marlena being alone with Roman after what he did to her. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to her.”

“Well, hopefully Roman meant what he said when he promised that he would change.” Abe said hopeful. “That might have been one, isolated incident.”

“I hope your right Abe.” John said staring out the window. “I hope your right.”

Marlena sat down at her desk taking in the news that Mike had just given her. She realized that she was completely torn about what was going to happen. She loved John with all of her heart and the thought of having another child was exciting, yet the thought of hurting Roman was devastating. She closed her eyes as memories of her discussion with John the other day clouded her head.

“That’s just it Doc.” John pleaded with her. “We do have a choice and if we work together to find a solution to the problem at hand anything is possible for us.”

“John it’s not that simple.” she said turning away from him. “What will we say to Roman? How would we even begin to explain you being here?”

“That’s not important right now Doc.” John said moving closer to her. “What’s important is the way I feel about you and the way you feel about me.”

“John, we can’t worry about our feelings right now. They can’t hold any weight in what we have to do.” she said closing her eyes as the tears quickly ran down her cheeks. “We have to think about Roman’s well being.”

She closed her eyes tightly as she tried to think of an easy answer to the problem she was facing. She could still hear Mike’s words ringing through her mind.

“Marlena, you’re pregnant.” Mike’s voice rang out. “You’re going to have a baby.”

“Oh God, what am I going to do?” she asked herself as she reopened her eyes and tears rolled down her cheeks.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“I don’t see why I still bother coming to this hospital and donate money.” Kristen thought to herself as she got off of the elevator. “No one in this town likes me anyway, so I shouldn’t waste my time trying to help any of them.”

Kristen made her way over to the nurse’s station as she noticed Mike and Laura coming walking towards her.

“Great,” Kristen thought to herself as she put her checkbook back into her purse and ran over to hide behind the wall by the nurses station, “all I need today is another sermon from St. Laura about how evil I am. I don’t think that I could take another minute of her whining about me helping her to find Peter so that Jack and Jenn could be together.”

“Mom, normally I wouldn’t have asked you to check up on Marlena like this, but she was really upset.” Mike explained to Laura as they stopped at the nurse’s station.

“What’s got her so upset right now Mike?” Laura asked concerned for her friend.

“I can’t really tell you that mom, but I assure you that Marlena needs your friendship right now.” Mike sighed remembering Marlena’s mixed emotions when he gave her the news. “I just feel that if you went by to see her that it might cheer her up a little bit.”

“Mike, Marlena is my friend and I’ll do anything that I can do to cheer her up.” Laura explained to him.

“Thanks mom. I knew that I could count on you.” Mike said giving her a quick hug as his pager went off. “I have to go.”

“See you later.” Laura smiled as she turned to go to Marlena’s office.

“Gee, I wonder what has Doc so bummed out.” Kristen said smiling as she slithered out from behind the wall. “I wonder if maybe something happened that could be useful in me getting John back.”

Kristen decided that she was going to make a trip over to Marlena’s office. As she scanned the lobby, she realized that there wasn’t anyone around since Marlena’s secretary appeared to be on her lunch break. Kristen got closer to the door and noticed that the office door was slightly ajar.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“What are you up to Marlena?” Laura asked sitting down on the couch as she looked at her friend carefully.

“I’m just busy looking through some of my patient’s files Laura.” Marlena lied hoping that she wiped all traces of her tears away.

“What’s wrong Marlena?” Laura asked noticing that her friend looked really distracted by something.

“Why would you say something was wrong Laura?” Marlena asked her.

“You look very worn out dear.” Laura informed her.

“Well, I’ve been busy taking care of Roman…” Marlena began.

“No, there’s something more.” Laura insisted staring at her. “I can see it in your eyes.”

“No really Laura. It’s nothing.” Marlena explained as tears began to escape from her eyes.

“Honey, what is it?” Laura asked rushing to give her a hug as she began to cry.

“Oh Laura, I’ve made a mess of everything.” Marlena cried to her.

“No you haven’t Marlena.” Laura said trying to calm her down. “Why don’t you try explaining to me what’s wrong?”

“Laura, Roman is going to hate me.” Marlena said looking at her. “I’ve tried really hard not to hurt him, but my love for John is going to destroy him once again.”

“Marlena, there is nothing wrong with you loving John.” Laura insisted looking at her. “As soon as Roman is back on his feet again, then you and John can tell him the truth about your love. I know that he’s going to understand.”

“That’s just it Laura.” Marlena explained looking at her. “I don’t know if I can wait until he’s back on his feet again.”

“Sure you can dear. I know that the stress has been getting to both you and John, but I know that you two can hold off for just a little while longer until Roman’s stronger.” Laura informed her. “I know that you’ll do what’s right.”

“That’s just it Laura.” Marlena explained to her. “I don’t know if I can wait until Roman’s healthy anymore. I don’t think that I can wait long enough to do what’s right.”

“Sure you can.” Laura insisted. “You’re a strong woman.”

“You don’t understand Laura.” Marlena began.

“I have faith in you Marlena.” Laura interrupted her. “I know that you wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize Roman’s health.”

“Laura, I’m pregnant.” Marlena explained crying harder.

“Your what?” Laura asked confused.

“I’m pregnant.” Marlena repeated trying to calm down.

“Are you sure?” Laura asked her.

“Mike told me earlier today.” Marlena informed her.

“Is it John’s?” Laura asked her curiously.

“Of course it’s John’s baby Laura. Who else would be the father?” Marlena asked shocked that Laura had asked such a question.

“Well, I’ve just had this feeling that something happened between you and Roman and that was why you were so upset.” Laura explained to her.

“Heavens no.” Marlena gasped. “Nothing has happened with us like that and nothing ever will.”

“I know that dear. I’m sorry that I even thought something like that could happen.” Laura apologized realizing that she offended Marlena. “What did John have to say when he found out the news?”

“He doesn’t know yet.” Marlena informed her. “I can’t bring myself to tell him Laura.”

“Why not honey? You shouldn’t have to be going through this alone.” Laura said giving her a hug.

“I’m just so afraid that if he knew the truth about the pregnancy that he would push me into telling Roman the truth right away.” Marlena explained as she started to cry again. “I just don’t want to make this any more painful than it is.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Oh my God.” Kristen whispered as she heard the news that Marlena was pregnant. “That can’t be possible.”

“May I help you with something?” Bridget asked seeing Kristen standing by the door. “Are you here to see Dr. Evans?”

“No, I must have taken a wrong turn.” Kristen said quickly walking off toward the elevator.

“She’s a strange one.” Bridget said as she left.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“I can’t believe that Marlena’s pregnant.” Kristen thought to herself as she left the hospital. “Now that ruins everything that Roman and I have worked so hard to accomplish. I’ll never get John back now if he knows that Marlena is carrying his child.”

Kristen found herself walking along the pier as she pondered the thought that she was never going to get John back. She realized that maybe now she was going to have to give up everything that she had worked so hard to accomplish.

“That bitch!” Kristen yelled looking out onto the water. “I should’ve known that she was going to do something like this so that John would stay with her.”

“Kristen, hey how’s it going?” a voice called out to her.

“Roman,” she said turning to face him.

“Funny finding you here.” Roman smiled walking over to her. “How have you been?”

“I’ve had better days.” she sighed looking back at the water. “How about you?”

“I’m having a great day Kristen.” Roman informed her. “I had a romantic breakfast with Doc this morning and I know that she’s coming around.”

“She is?” Kristen asked facing him.

“I really think so Kristen.” Roman said giving her a hug. “Your plan was brilliant. Now that I’m taking these pills, she thinks that I’m sick again so she’s going to try her best to see that I stay healthy.”

“If only you knew.” Kristen thought as she watched him. “Do you really feel like your making progress?”

“Absolutely Kristen.” Roman explained to her. “I think that soon Doc will be unable to resist my charms. Hopefully very soon we will be able to begin our lives again living as a husband and wife should. I just wish that I could get her to commit to me physically somehow. That would surely be the seal of our love.”

“Well Roman….” Kristen began about to tell him the truth when an idea popped in her head. “I think that I might be able to help you out with that one.”

“Thanks so much for listening to me Laura,” Marlena said giving her a hug as she picked up her jacket, “but I think that I’m just going to need some time on my own to think things over for a little while.”

“Are you sure Marlena?” Laura asked worried about her. “We can talk a little longer if you want to.”

“I need to sort this out on my own, but thanks anyways.” Marlena explained as she made her way out of the hospital.

Marlena didn’t know exactly where she was going, but she kept driving until she suddenly shut off the car. She looked at her watch and realized that she had dinner plans with John in less than an hour and that she was in no position to see him yet. She decided to call him on his cell phone.

“John Black here.” His voice rang cheerfully through the phone.

“John…” Marlena began taking in a deep breath.

“Doc, it’s great to hear your voice. I can’t wait to show you the surprise that I have planned for us tonight. You’re going to love it.”

“John, that’s what I’m calling about.” Marlena informed him as her eyes filled with tears.

“What’s wrong Doc?” he asked noticing a change in her tone.

“I don’t think that we’re going to be able to have dinner tonight.” she explained to him.

“Why not?” he asked sounding disappointed. “Did Roman have another emergency?”

“No Roman’s fine as far as I know.” she said hoping that he wouldn’t think that she was ditching him to spend time with Roman. “I just have a few things to do at work that’s all.”

“IF you can’t come to dinner, then how about I bring dinner to you there pretty lady?” he suggested to her.

“John, I don’t think that would be a good idea right now.” she said looking out of her windshield. “I have a lot to do.”

“I can help you Doc.” he suggested to her.

“John, I need to think about important things right now.” she informed him.

“Well, hey Doc, I can give you a few important things to think about.” he said teasingly.

“John.” she said boldly. “I love you, but right now you’d be more of a distraction.”

“I see.” he said growing disappointed.

“I’m sorry.” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I have to go now.”

“I love you Do…” he began as he heard her hang up.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Mike, I feel so bad for Marlena.” Carrie said sitting next to him in the hospital lounge. “There has to be something that we can do to help her out.”

“Carrie, I think that Marlena is going to have to deal with this herself.” He explained as he looked into her sad eyes. “She needs to figure things out on her own.”

“It’s not fair Mike.” Carrie said resting up against him. “If only my dad was healthy, then Marlena could tell him the truth and she and John could be together.”

“It’s sad for two people who love each other to be apart.” Mike agreed as his heart raced. “If only the antibiotics I prescribed for Roman would start to take effect…”

“That’s it Mike.” Carrie said sitting up straight.

“What?” Mike asked confused by her sudden rush of energy.

“My dad has been on those antibiotics for at least twenty four hours, right?” she asked him.

“Yeah. Why?” Mike said not understanding what she was getting at.

“When we were in LA this summer, the doctors we talked to said that if dad had received the cure to his infection, then these drugs would speed up his recovery.” Carrie informed him.

“Yes Carrie, but your father already had the cure and he is still as bad as ever, so I don’t think that there is any chance that the antibiotics I gave him will speed up his recovery overnight.” Mike explained to her. “Medical miracles don’t just happen like that Carrie.”

“Isn’t it worth checking again for Marlena and the baby’s sake?” Carrie asked looking up at him. “Don’t you think that we could run another blood test on my father and see if there has been any change?”

“I suppose.” he said giving in to her plea. “It’s worth a try if your father agrees to it.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Do you really think that will work Kristen?” Roman asked looking at her.

“Definitely. If you play your cards right, you will have Marlena eating out of the palm of your hand.” Kristen smiled at him.

“That’s just what I wanted to hear Kristen.” Roman said hugging her as his cell phone rang. “Hello.”

“Hey Roman, it’s Mike.” Mike said into the phone as Carrie watched him.

“Hey Mike, is something wrong?” Roman asked.

“No, not at all.” Mike said watching Carrie smile. “Listen I was wondering if you could come down to the hospital so that we could do some follow up blood work to see if those antibiotics I prescribed you are doing you any good. Are you available?”

“Sure Mike.” Roman said looking at Kristen. “When do you need me?”

“Well, the sooner you can get here, then the sooner we can start the tests.” Mike informed him.

“I’ll be there soon.” Roman said hanging up.

“What’s going on Roman?” Kristen asked as soon as he hung up the phone. “What did Mike want?”

“He wants to do some follow up blood tests that’s all.” Roman explained looking at his watch. “If I hurry up and get over to the hospital, then I might be able to catch Doc before she goes out to dinner with Laura tonight.”

“Okay, then I’ll see you later.” Kristen said turning away suddenly remembering something. “Roman?”

“Yeah?” he asked as she turned to face him again.

“You did take your pills today, right?” she asked him.

“I took one this morning and I’ll take one on the way to the hospital.” Roman informed her.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John walked along the pier as he thought about his conversation with Marlena. He knew that something was wrong with her, but he just couldn’t figure it out. He was really disappointed that she had canceled plans on him and he decided that he needed to think so he found himself down by the water.

“Oh Doc, what’s on your mind right now?” he asked breathing in the crisp winter air. “What’s wrong?”

“Hi John.” a voice called out from behind him.

“What are you doing here?” John asked turning to find Kristen standing there.

“Geez John, lighten up.” she said moving next to him and looking him over. “It’s nice to see you too.”

“Kristen, how many times do I have to tell you to leave me alone.” John snapped at her.

“John, can’t we just talk anymore?” Kristen asked moving alongside of him. “We used to be friends once you know.”

“You used to be a good person Kristen.” He informed her.

“I’m still that person John.” Kristen pleaded with him. “People can change you know.”

“Not you.” he said looking at her. “In the words of Susan, ‘You’re just mean, mean, mean.”

“That’s not fair John.” Kristen said as he glared at her. “Everything that I did, I did out of love for you.”

“Kristen, you don’t even know the meaning of the word.” John said deciding that she wasn’t going to look away. “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you this, but Doc and I are together now and there is no chance of me getting back together with you.”

“John,” Kristen began realizing that he looked very sad. “what’s bothering you?”

“Nothing. Would you just leave me alone?” he asked as his thoughts drifted to Marlena.

“Your thinking about your precious Marlena, aren’t you?” she asked realizing that Marlena must’ve not told him the news about her being pregnant. “Where is Doc tonight anyways?”

“That’s none of your business Kristen.” John snapped at her as he grew irritated.

“Is she with Roman?” Kristen began prying as she realized that she was getting a reaction out of him. “You know, I ran into Roman earlier today and I think that he mentioned something about having a romantic dinner with Marlena this evening at the hospital.”

“Do you ever stop?” John asked looking at her in disbelief.

“I’m just telling you what I heard.” she said innocently. “I just thought you should know what your beloved Doc was doing without you.”

“You know what Kristen.” John said turning around. “Why don’t you just leave and quit bothering me?”

“I’m just trying to help you John.” she said touching his shoulder. “We used to help each other out in the good old days.”

“On second thought,” he began moving out of her reach and walking away, “I’ll leave.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marlena found herself sitting in the middle of the empty playground as she thought about all that had happened over the holidays. She thought of Eric’s rage as he confronted her in her office.

“Oh I understand pretty well mom.” Eric said standing up and looking at her. “You were too worried about John to care about what would happen to dad.”

“That’s not true Eric.” Marlena replied standing up next to him.

“Well, that’s the way I see it mom.” Eric said walking over to her door. “Oh and by the way, I will never accept John in my life.”

Marlena realized that even though she wanted this baby that it was going to destroy Eric and Sami as well as Roman. She felt the tears rolling down her face as she realized that no matter what she did someone was going to hate her forever even though she was trying to do what was best.

“Excuse me ma’am.” a voice called out to her.

Marlena looked up and saw a woman who was carrying a small child looking at her. She wiped the tears from her face and tried to force a smile.

“Are you alright?” the woman asked looking at her. “I don’t mean to intrude, but I saw you crying here and I just couldn’t leave you here. May I sit down?”

“Sure.” Marlena said smiling at the little boy. “You have a beautiful child.”

“Thank you.” The woman said sitting down next to her.

“What’s your name?” Marlena asked the bashful child that was hiding behind his mother.

“His name is Eric.” the woman replied moving her son to her lap. “Say hello Eric.”

“Hi.” the little boy said as he buried his face in his mother’s lap.

“He’s very shy.” the woman explained looking at Marlena.

“I have a son named Eric.” Marlena said looking at the boy. “He’s very shy like you too.”

“Really?” the boy asked moving out of his mother’s lap.

“Yep.” she said looking at the blonde little boy. “You’re cute like he is too.”

“Thank you.” the boy said turning a pale shade of red as he turned to his mother. “Mom can I play on the swings?”

“Sure sweety.” the woman said kissing her son before he ran to the swings.

“He’s such a happy child.” Marlena observed as the boy played on the swings.

“He wasn’t always such a happy child.” the woman informed her. “He was pretty upset when his father and I got a divorce. I thought that he would never get over it. He was miserable for such a long time and he even hated my new husband for a while.”

“He seems so happy though.” Marlena said watching the boy smile.

“Well, my new husband has that kind of effect on children. Eric grew to love him considering that my new husband has been here for him more than my ex-husband, his father, ever was. I guess that life can really throw you some surprises.” the woman explained.

“I know what you mean.” Marlena said thinking about her own family.

“Little disasters can turn into the greatest miracles in the world.” the woman continued on. “I was so afraid the Eric wouldn’t adjust to my marriage and to the baby that I just had, but look at him. You wouldn’t have known that he ever had a problem.” the woman said smiling as she watched her son. “I guess that all he ever needed was to be sure that he was loved. Love goes a long way you know.”

“Yeah,” Marlena agreed thinking about the baby growing inside her, “it does, doesn’t it?”

“Being with the ones that you love in a time of need is very important.” the woman continued.

“You’re right.” Marlena agreed realizing what she must do.

“I’m sorry.” the woman said turning to her. “I’ve been babbling this whole time and I never even tried to help you with your problems. You must think that I’m a terrible person.”

“No.” Marlena said smiling at the woman and her son as she stood up. “You’ve helped me more than you could ever imagine.”

Kristen is driving me up a wall.” John fumed as he entered the hospital to see Marlena. “I can’t believe the nerve of that woman. I can’t believe that she would even try to make me think that Doc ditched me for Roman.”

John made his way to Marlena’s office when he suddenly saw something that made him stop dead in his tracks. John was suddenly overwhelmed with a sick feeling as he thought that Marlena had deceived him when she canceled her dinner plans with him earlier. He watched to see if Roman was going to go into Marlena’s office.

 

“Do you know when Dr. Evan’s will be back?” Roman’s asked curiously.

“Nope, I can’t help you Mr. Brady.” Bridget explained to him.

“Do you know where she went to?” Roman asked her as he wondered where Marlena went off to.

“She said that she needed to run a few errands.” Bridget explained getting annoyed with him. “I can tell her that you stopped by though.”

“Forget about it.” Roman said looking at his watch. “I’ll come back after my appointment.”

“Great.” Bridget muttered sarcastically as Roman took off.

 

John decided that he needed to know what was going on. His stomach tightened as he pondered the thought of Marlena lying to him. He decided that before he would jump to conclusions about anything that he would ask Bridget first about it.

“Hey Bridget,” John said walking over to her, “where’s Doc?”

“She’s not here.” Bridget answered him.

“Oh, well I was wondering if you could help me out with something.” John said glancing over her shoulder.

“Sure, what do you need Mr. Black?” Bridget replied carefully eyeing him.

“I was wondering what Mr. Brady wanted a minute ago.” John said letting his curiosity get the best of him. “He didn’t have dinner plans with Doc, did he?”

“Nope.” Bridget said looking in the appointment book. “She’s supposed to have dinner with you tonight, isn’t she?”

“Yeah,” John said smiling at her in relief, “I was just checking.”

“Oh your funny.” Bridget laughed at him. “I see why Dr. Evans likes you so much.”

“Thanks Bridget.” he said wondering what Roman was up to. “I’ll be back later.”

“Bye.” she said watching John walk away after Roman.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Damn it!” Roman yelled reaching into his pocket for the bottle of pills. “I just had them. Where could they have gone to?”

“Roman,” Mike called out to him, “how are you doing?”

“I’m fine Mike.” Roman said realizing that he lost the pills. “How are you?”

“Eager to see you recover.” Mike informed him with a smile. “What do you say we get this blood test started?”

“Alright.” Roman said with a sigh as he thought to himself. “I took one pill earlier today, so I should be able to get the results that I want on the test without having to take another one.”

“Then let’s go.” Mike said leading Roman to the lab.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John stayed close behind Roman as he walked through the hospital. John decided that Roman might know where Marlena went off too since she wasn’t in her office. He watched as Roman hurried through the busy lobby. As Roman turned around a corner a small little bottle fell from his pocket.

“What is this?” John asked bending over and picking up the small bottle in his hand. He opened the bottle and tiny, strange looking pills tumbled out of it.

“John, what are you doing here?” Lexie called out to him.

“Lexie,” John smiled at her as he put the pills back in their bottle. “I thought you and Abe were supposed to be having a romantic dinner tonight.”

“Well, it didn’t work out. I guess that it’s in the job description of being a cop’s wife though.” Lexie sighed looking at him. “He’s working again, which is fine considering that I had some paper work to catch up on. Now what about you?”

“Well, I was coming to see Marlena, but she’s not in her office.” John explained to her. “Hey Lex, I was wondering if you could help me with something.”

“What’s up John?” she asked confused.

“Do you know what these are?” he asked handing her the pills.

“Where did you get these John?” she asked examining the pills. “I’ve never seen anything like these.”

“Do you think that you could find out what they are?” he asked her.

“Sure.” she said smiling at him. “Why don’t you just follow me to one of the labs and we can figure it out?”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marlena stepped off of the elevator and walked towards her office. She realized that she was going to have to talk to John tonight and she needed to think of a way to bring up the news.

“Hey, you had some visitors tonight Dr. Evans.” Bridget informed her.

“Really? Who?” Marlena asked confused since she wasn’t expecting anyone.

“Who do you think?” Bridget replied with a grin.

“Why don’t you just tell me Bridget?” Marlena asked growing slightly irritated with her.

“Well, first Mr. Brady came to see you.” Bridget said as she began to file her nails. “Then Mr. Black. I wish that my date card was as busy as yours Dr. Evans.”

“I’ll be in my office Bridget.” Marlena said frustrated with her secretary. “Oh Bridget, when is Jenny coming back to work?”

“She’s sick Dr. Evans.” Bridget explained taking out a bottle of nail polish. “Personally, I think that Eric broke her heart and now she’s stuck at home watching soaps and eating bon bons all day to get over her misery.”

“Hey Bridget, could you go please go for some coffee?” Marlena asked her.

“Sure I’ll go Dr. Evans.” Bridget said jumping up from her chair. “I’ll be back in a while.”

“Thanks Bridget.” Marlena said closing the door to her office.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“You’re all set Roman.” Mike said after he finished putting the bandage on his arm. “You can go home now.”

“Great.” Roman said pulling his shirt sleeve back into place. “I’m going to go see Doc.”

“Just remember to take it easy Roman.” Mike informed him.

“I will Mike.” Roman said smiling as he started walking to Marlena’s office.

Roman noticed that Marlena’s ditzy secretary wasn’t around, so he sighed in relief. He knocked on Marlena’s door and her voice telling him to enter.

“Hey Doc.” Roman said walking into the room.

“Roman.” she replied practically jumping out of her chair. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought that I would catch you before your dinner tonight with Laura.” Roman said moving over to her.

“Is something wrong?” Marlena asked standing up as he approached her.

“Can’t a man just come over to see his fiancee?” Roman asked putting his arm around her.

“Roman, I’m really busy.” Marlena began feeling dizzy.

“I understand that Doc, but I think that we need to talk.” he said pulling her tighter to him.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John looked at his watch and decided that Marlena should be back from running errands.

“Lex, I think that I’m going to go see if Doc made it back to her office yet.” John explained.

“Take your time John.” she said as she continued looking into a microscope. “It’s going to take me a while in here anyways.”

“I’ll be back soon.” John informed her smiling as he thought about Marlena.

John walked to Marlena’s office and noticed that Bridget was gone and that the door to Marlena’s office was open.

“Good. She’s back.” John said feeling his pulse quicken at the thought of seeing Marlena again.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Look Roman.” Marlena said pulling back from him. “I have to get back to my work.”

“Doc, would you just take a rest for a minute?” Roman asked tightening his grip on her.

“Roman I have to…” she began trying to think of a way to get rid of him.

“Doc,” he said looking into her eyes.

“Roman…I really have to…” she began as he pressed his lips to hers as John stood out in the hall taking in the whole scene.

John stood in the hall motionless as the woman he loved was kissing another man. He wanted to run back into the lab and forget that he ever came to her office. Suddenly he was filled with anger and he felt the urge to run into the room and hit Roman. He was about to let his anger explode when he suddenly noticed Marlena’s reaction to the kiss.

“Roman, I said that I’m busy.” Marlena insisted pushing him away from her.

“Come on Doc. I miss you.” Roman insisted coming towards her again.

“Roman…really…” Marlena began starting to feel dizzier.

“Hey, how’s it going in here?” John asked walking into the room.

“John.” Marlena said looking at him as she wondered how long he was standing outside the door.

“Hey Doc. Roman. What are you two up to tonight?” John asked looking at her intensely.

“We were doing just fine,” Roman began with a sigh, “before you interrupted us.”

“Roman.” Marlena gasped shocked by his comment.

“I’m sorry John. It’s just that Doc and I were planning on spending a little quiet time alone before she went out with Laura for dinner.” Roman said realizing that Marlena didn’t approve of his last comment.

“You two have plans this evening?” John asked fixing his gaze deeper on Marlena as his heart raced.

“We didn’t actually have plans.” Marlena said stepping away from Roman as she tried to explain the situation to John. “He just showed up here unexpectedly.”

“Honey, why are you explaining this to John?” Roman asked reaching for her again. “He doesn’t really care about our love life.”

“Listen,” Marlena began as she wiggled away from Roman, “I have some work to do and I think that I should get back to it.”

“But Doc, I wanted to spend some quality time with you like we used to.” Roman said wrapping his arms around her as he turned to John. “John, I’m sorry to be rude, but would you mind leaving Doc and I alone for a while?”

“Doc,” John said looking at her as Roman kissed her cheek.

“Um John…” Marlena began realizing that he wasn’t happy with the situation. “I’ll talk to you later. Okay?”

“You aren’t having more problems with Kristen are you?” Roman asked turning to John. “I would hate to think that you were having problems with the woman you love.”

“You could say that…” John said turning to Marlena. “You want me to leave you two alone?”

“Yes please.” she said not wanting him to go.

“Fine, then I’ll see you two later.” he replied turning around and quickly walking out of her office.

“I wonder what his problem is.” Roman muttered as he shut the door to Marlena’s office.

“I don’t know.” Marlena lied as her heart broke because she just hurt the man that she loved more than life itself.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Hey Lexie,” Mike said walking into the lab.

“Hey Mike, what’s up?” Lexie asked turning away from her microscope.

“I’m having a problem Lexie.” Mike said handing her a folder. “Would you look at these?”

“They’re Roman’s charts Mike.” she said opening the folder. “What’s wrong?”

“Look at these.” Mike said pointing to a paper. “These are the blood test results from yesterday and these over here were taken about an hour ago.”

“This can’t be possible.” Lexie said reviewing the charts again. “There is no way that there could be such a dramatic change over night like this.”

“I know that Lexie.” Mike said shaking his head. “I don’t get it either. I’ve ran two tests on the blood sample that I received today and both tests say that Roman is completely cured.”

“That’s incredible.” Lexie said shocked.

“Too incredible.” Mike agreed.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John walked through the halls of the hospital in a rage. He couldn’t believe that Marlena had wanted him to leave like that. When he saw her reaction to Roman’s kiss, he thought that she would’ve wanted him to stay and help her deal with the situation. He decided that he needed to talk a walk and think things over.

“John,” Carrie called out to him as he nearly ran her over. “I’m so glad to see you.”

“Carrie, what are you doing here?” He asked looking at her.

“I wanted to talk to you about Marlena.” Carrie began taking in a deep breath.

“What’s up Carrie?” John asked noticing that something was wrong.

“John, I’m really worried about you and Marlena and I think that there’s something that you should know.” Carrie said taking in another deep breath.

“What is it Carrie?” John asked worried about what she had to say.

“I shouldn’t be telling you this, but you have a right to know.” Carrie began as she looked at him.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“What do you need Roman?” Marlena asked looking at him.

“Actually Doc, I have something very important to tell you.” he said sitting down on the couch next to her.

“Couldn’t this wait until later?” she asked him as she thought about John.

“No this can’t wait any longer Doc.” Roman said taking her hand. “I have to tell you now.”

“Doc, I know that this is really bad timing on my part, but there’s something that we need to talk about.” Roman began taking her hand in his.

“What is it Roman?” she asked looking at him.

“I know that we agreed that we should be spending this time together trying to work out our problems so that we could build our relationship back to where it was before our divorce, but I’m afraid that it’s going to have to wait.” He said kissing her hand.

“What?” she asked confused by his last statement.

“I’m sorry Doc, but I have to leave town for a little while.” He said sadly as he squeezed her hand. “I know that you were looking forward to us spending time together, but I promised a friend that I would go see him for a little while.”

“Roman, are you sure that you’re up to it?” Marlena asked thinking about his health.

“I’m not going very far Doc.” Roman explained to her as he continued. “I’ll only be gone over night. In fact, I was planning on leaving as soon as I finished talking to you tonight.”

“I see.” Marlena replied as her thoughts drifted to John.

“Don’t worry about me Doc.” He said giving her a quick kiss. “I’ll be fine and I promise that I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon. Okay?”

“Alright.” Marlena said feeling slightly relieved that he was leaving.

“Well, I better go Doc.” Roman said pulling her tightly to him and giving her a kiss. “I hope that you’ll miss me because I’ll miss you.”

“Goodbye Roman.” Marlena said as he walked out of her office. She picked up her phone and decided that she needed to talk to get a hold of John so that they could talk about things.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“What do you have to tell me Carrie?” John asked noticing Carrie’s reluctance to speak.

“John, I feel really weird that I’m the one telling you this, but you have a right to…” Carrie began as John’s cell phone rang.

“Hold that thought Carrie. I have to take this.” John said pulling his cell phone out of his jacket pocket. “John Black here.”

“John,” Marlena’s voice rang through the phone.

“Doc,” John responded as his heart started racing.

“I need to talk to you John.” Marlena explained into the phone.

“What did Roman leave you alone? Are you sure that it’s safe to call me?” John asked sarcastically.

“That’s not fair John.” Marlena insisted as she realized that he was hurting. “It’s not like that.”

“Really Doc?” he asked angrily. “It sure looked like the two of you were getting along just fine when you kicked me out of your office.”

“John, I had no clue that Roman was coming to my office.” Marlena explained to him. “We really need to talk about this John.”

“I think that you said it all when you asked me to leave.” John explained to her coldly.

“John,” Marlena cried into the phone, “I need to talk to you. It’s really important and I don’t want to do this over the phone.”

“Fine.” John said turning away from Carrie. “Are you still in your office?”

“Yeah.” she sniffled into the phone.

“I’ll be there in a couple minutes then. Okay?” he asked softening the tone of his voice when he realized that she was crying.

“Okay.” she said faintly. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Is everything alright John?” Carrie asked realizing that he must’ve been fighting with Marlena about something.

“I hope so.” John said remembering that she was about to tell him something before Marlena called. “What were you saying before Carrie?”

“It can wait.” she said deciding that Marlena should be the one to tell him the news. “Go see Marlena.”

“Bye Carrie.” he said giving her a hug. “I’ll see you later.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Thanks so much for coming over here to double check these test results Lexie.” Mike said as they entered the lab that he was working in. “I just want to be one hundred percent sure that my findings were correct before I give Roman the news.”

“No problem Mike.” Lexie said beginning the test. “I can understand where you’re coming from with this. It’s just too odd for the drugs to have such a dramatic effect over night.”

“I’m sorry that I interrupted you.” Mike asked remembering that she was busy working when he barged in on her earlier.

“That’s alright.” Lexie explained as she continued working. “I was running some tests on a bottle of pills that John gave me.”

“What kind of pills?” Mike asked curiously.

“You know Mike,” Lexie began looking up at him, “to tell you the truth I’ve never seen anything like them before.”

“Really?” Mike asked interested as she began to give him the information about the pills.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Doc,” John asked walking into Marlena’s office, “are you here?”

“John,” she called out from her bathroom, “I’ll be out in a minute. Have a seat.”

“Okay,” he said moving to the couch and sitting down as images of Marlena and Roman kissing ran through his head.

“John, I’m so glad that you came back.” Marlena said walking out of the bathroom.

“I didn’t think that you wanted me around Doc.” he said staring at her.

“I’m sorry that I made you leave John.” she said moving towards him. “I didn’t want you to go, but Roman had something important to tell me.”

“I see how it is.” he said staring at her. “From now on when Roman says something important is going on, you’re going to forget about me. I just have to know Doc, is Roman the reason that you canceled our plans tonight?”

“John, that’s not the way it is.” she said getting frustrated with him. “I was going to call you again when Roman showed up.”

“Sure you were.” John muttered looking at her. “Was that before or after he kissed you?”

“John.” she said sitting down next to him. “I have something important to tell you.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet.” he said standing up and walking away from her. “Let me guess. You don’t want me around anymore because you’ve decided to dedicate all of your time to making Roman healthy again. Right?”

“Wrong stupid!!” she said watching him look out the window. “I don’t know how many times I have to explain to you that it’s you that I want to be with.”

“Well, I want to believe that, but then you let Roman back into your life again after he hurt you. Then you cancel plans with me for dinner. You sounded upset so I decided to check up on you to see what’s wrong and I find you kissing Roman in your office.” John began turning to face her. “I don’t like it Doc.”

“John, I didn’t want to kiss him.” she explained walking towards him. “He kissed me and I assumed that you saw that.”

“I did.” he confessed remembering the way that she had responded to Roman. “I know that you didn’t want to kiss him. I was just hurt that you asked me to go.”

“I understand that John, but I had to talk to Roman and see what he had to say.” Marlena explained as she stood in front of him. “You might be interested to hear what he had to tell me.”

“Yeah, what’s that?” John asked trying to stay mad at her.

“He said that he was leaving town for the night.” she explained as she quickly kissed his nose.

“Oh yeah?” he asked slowly letting his anger go.

“Yeah.” she smiled giving him another quick kiss. “And you know what else?”

“What?” he asked as a smile crept on his face.

“We can have dinner tonight together like we planned on.” she began as she wrapped her arms around him.

“We can?” he asked as she kissed him again.

“Uh-huh.” she said looking into his eyes.

“There’s a problem with that.” he said looking at her.

“What?” she asked confused.

“I already canceled our dinner reservations.” he explained to her. “When I saw you with Roman, I figured that we wouldn’t be able to spend time with each other tonight.”

“That’s alright.” she said smiling. “I’ll make dinner tonight.”

“That could be dangerous Doc.” he joked thinking about her cooking.

“Hey, that’s mean.” she said hitting him playfully. “I want tonight to be special.”

“It will be Doc.” he said kissing her again. “I love your cooking.”

“You’re a bad liar Mr. Black,” she grinned at him as he started to frown, “but I love you anyways.”

“I love you too Doc.” he said pulling her tighter to him and giving her a long, passionate kiss.

“John,” Marlena began as she broke away from their kiss.

“What Doc?” he asked mesmerized by her beauty.

“I have to tell you something John.” she said turning suddenly serious.

“What is it Doc?” he asked curious.

“I’ve been thinking all day about how to tell you this.” she said with a smile on her face.

“This looks promising.” he said noticing that she seemed happy.

“It is John.” she said happily. “You have to promise me that you won’t freak out when I tell you.”

“Uh-oh.” John said eyeing her carefully. “Why don’t I like the sound of that?”

“Don’t worry John.” Marlena assured him as she dragged him over to the couch. “It’s good news. I do think that you need to sit down for this though.”

“Alright you have my full attention Doc.” he said staring into her brown eyes. “What’s up?”

“John,” she said taking his hand in hers, “I just wanted to let you know that I’m…well, I’m…”

“Geez…this is a really strange moment.” Marlena sighed looking into John’s blue eyes. “I’ve been thinking about how I was going to tell you this all day and now it’s not coming out right.”

“Maybe I can help you out.” he said pulling her to him and giving her a slow, tender kiss. “Did that help you think of the words?”

“Actually, it did.” she smiled taking his hand in hers. “John what I have to tell you is that I’m…actually we’re going to be….”

“Yes?” he asked smiling as her face lit up with excitement.

“John what I’m trying to say is that you and I are going to be…” Marlena began as John’s cell phone started ringing.

“It never fails.” he said looking at her. “I won’t answer it.”

“No, you better answer it.” she insisted looking at him. “It might be Abe with a lead on Jack and Jenn.”

“Doc, that doesn’t matter if you need to talk to me.” he informed her with a smile. “You’re number one priority in my life at this moment.”

“Go ahead and answer the phone.” she assured him with a smile. “I’m not going anywhere. I can tell you what I need to tell you when your finished with the phone call.”

“Alright.” John reluctantly agreed taking the phone out of his pocket. “John Black here.”

“John, hi it’s Lexie.” she said to him. “I don’t mean to bother you, but I found something down here in the lab that I think you should come and check out.”

“What is it Lex?” John asked as he looked at Marlena. “Is something wrong?”

“I’d rather not discuss it over your cell phone if you don’t mind John.” Lexie explained to him. “I hope that I’m not inconveniencing you by asking you to come back to the lab.”

“That’s alright Lexie.” John said wondering what she found that was so important. “I’m in Marlena’s office right now, so I’ll be down there in a few minutes.”

“Okay, then I’ll see you soon.” Lexie said as he hung up the phone.

“What did Lexie want?” Marlena asked curiously.

“She’s doing me a favor.” John explained not wanting to tell Marlena about his discovery. “That’s all.”

“What kind of favor?” she asked looking at him.

“Nothing too important.” he said shrugging. “Now what was it that you wanted to tell me?”

“You know John,” Marlena began thinking it over, “why don’t you just go do what you have to do with Lexie and then we can finish our conversation at home later?”

“Are you sure Doc?” John asked taking her hand and kissing it. “You seemed really anxious to tell me something a few minutes ago and I don’t want you to think that I’m putting you off for something else.”

“I’m positive that you should go.” she said kissing him softly. “Besides, I want to get home and start dinner.”

“Why don’t I come back here after I finish talking to Lexie and I’ll follow you home?” he suggested with a grin. “The kids are staying with Bo and Hope tonight so we have the place all to ourselves.”

“Actually,” she said smiling at him, “I think that I’m just going to finish up a little paperwork here and then I’ll go home to get things ready for when you arrive. Sound good?”

“That sounds terrific Doc.” John agreed standing up and taking her in his arms. “I promise you a night that you’ll never forget.”

“Oh, I guarantee the same for you Mr. Black.” Marlena smiled looking into his eyes as she thought about how excited he would be to hear that they were having another child.

“What?” he asked noticing the look on her face.

“Nothing.” she lied smiling at him brightly.

“Doc, you’re lying to me.” he said touching her face.

“No I’m not.” she continued as his hand brushed her cheek.

“Sure you are. You’ve got that look in your eyes.” he said with a curious grin. “What are you up to?”

“I guess that you’ll just have to wait until you get home to find out.” she teased giving him a quick kiss. “Now get out of my office.”

“Well, aren’t you pushy?” he asked as she started leading him to the door.

“I just can’t wait to meet you at home later.” she informed him as she opened the door. “Goodbye.”

“I love you.” he said moving in for a kiss.

“I love you too.” she said putting her hand out to block him as she started to shut the door. “Now go!”

“No kiss, no go.” he replied crossing his arms as she stared at him.

“Fine.” she reluctantly agreed giving him a quick kiss. “Are you satisfied?”

“Not yet.” he said smiling at her. “What’s next?”

“Well, you’ll have to find out later.” she informed him with a grin. “Do you still have your key to the penthouse?”

“Always.” he said pulling the key out of his pocket.

“Good, then I’ll see you later.” she said shutting the door on him.

“Bye Doc.” he said walking away from her office.

Marlena laughed as she heard him walk away from her office. She decided that she was going to hurry back to the penthouse and get things ready for her special evening with John. She started putting the files that she had out back into her filing cabnit as her phone rang and nearly startled her.

“Hello,” she said picking up the phone.

“Hi Dr. Evans it’s Jenny.”

“Oh hi Jenny. How are you feeling?” Marlena asked concerned.

“I’m okay Dr. Evans. I don’t mean to bother you so late at work, but I left my purse at your place the other night and I was wondering if you would mind if I stopped by later to pick it up.”

“No problem Jenny.” Marlena said realizing that she was just about to leave the office. “I’m going to be heading home in the next five minutes if you want to come by and pick it up.”

“Great.” Jenny said sounding relieved. “I’ll be over in about twenty minutes if that’s okay.”

“That’s fine Jenny.” Marlena explained realizing that she would have enough time to start dinner and give Jenny her purse back before John came home. “I’ll see you later.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Hey Lex, what was so important?” John asked walking into the lab and noticing Mike was sitting next to Lexie. “Hey Mike.”

“John, I need to ask you something important.” Lexie began taking in a deep breath. “Where did you get these pills?”

“Is it really that important?” John asked not wanting to reveal that they were Roman’s until he knew what they were.

“John, it’s important that you tell us where you got these.” Mike informed him seriously.

“Fine.” John sighed realizing that it was safe to tell Mike and Lexie. “They’re Roman’s pills. They fell out of his pocket earlier this afternoon when I saw him here at the hospital.”

“That’s what I thought.” Mike said picking up a folder.

“What are you talking about Mike?” John asked confused as he exchanged glances with Lexie and Mike. “What’s going on?”

“John, I think that you had better sit down for this.” Lexie said seriously. “Normally it is unethical for us to reveal any information about a patient like this, but considering the circumstances….”

“…we are willing to bend the rules.” Mike finished handing John the file. “I think that you had better take a look at this.”

“What is it?” John asked opening the folder and taking a look at it’s contents. “This can’t be.”

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marlena had just finished putting dinner in the oven and she was putting the finishing touches of make-up on when she heard the front door open. She took one last glance in the mirror as she anticipated telling John the good news.

“Honey, I just put dinner in the oven.” she called down the stairs to John. “I hope that you’re hungry.”

She smiled as she adjusted her nightgown. She was wearing the one that John had given her for Christmas since she had managed to get the strawberry stains out of it.

“John honey, boy do I have a surprise for you.” she announced coming down the stairs.

“Yeah, I’ll bet.” Roman muttered looking at her from the bottom of the stairs.

“Roman, what are you doing here?” Marlena asked shocked to see him at the bottom of the stairs holding a dozen roses.

 

“I was just about to ask you the same thing.” he said looking her over.

 

“I didn’t expect you to be back home.” she said nervously as she felt his eyes stare through her.

 

“That’s obvious Doc.” he said throwing the flowers down on the ground.

 

“What happened to that friend that you had to visit?” she asked feeling her heart beat faster as she felt his cold stare upon her.

 

“There was no friend Doc.” he explained growing angry. “I thought that I would suprise you with a secret rendezvous, but it looks like you had plans of your own.”

 

“Roman, I can explain…” she began as she felt her legs growing weak.

 

“Oh I think that I understand.” Roman said taking the phone off the hook and rushing up the stairs towards her.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Roman’s completely healthy?” John asked confused as he looked at Mike and Lexie. “How is this possible?”

 

“Well, you see ” Mike began holding the tiny pill bottle, “Roman was obviously taking these to alter his blood test results.”

 

“I don’t understand.” John said looking at the file folder. “How could Roman tamper with the test results?”

 

“These pills here have certain chemicals in them that trigger the blood tests come out positive for the infection.” Lexie explained showing John her research.

 

“So Roman has been scamming us from the time that he had his ‘second attack’.” John said in disbelief as he pieced it all together.

 

“It appears so John.” Mike explained to him. “There is no way that Roman’s test results could’ve had such a dramatic change overnight unless he was taking these pills.”

 

“That’s why he looked so upset when I saw him pacing around the hospital earlier.” John said looking at the pill bottle. “He lost his pills before he had a chance to take one. He was worried because he had no way to insure that his test would come back positive. How could I have been so blind?”

 

“John, I’m his doctor and I didn’t see it coming.” Mike said trying to ease John’s mind. “None of us knew or suspected what he was up to, not even Marlena.”

 

“Marlena,” John said remembering that they had plans together.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Bridget, is my mom still here?” Eric asked walking over to Marlena’s office.

 

“She left for home a while ago Eric.” Bridget said looking him over. “You seemed to have calmed down a little bit since the last time I saw you.”

 

“Yeah, I have.” Eric said realizing that he needed to get into his mother’s office. “Bridget, you know I left something in my mom’s office. Do you mind if I just go in there and get it?”

 

“I don’t know Eric,” Bridget began explaining to him, “I’m not supposed to let anyone in there.”

 

“Come on. It’s my mom’s office. What could I possibly do?” Eric asked looking at her.

 

“I guess that you’re right.” she said shrugging. “Just hurry up in there before someone sees you and gets suspicious.”

 

“Thanks Bridget.” Eric said opening Marlena’s office and looking inside. “Now I have to find something to tell me what mom is up to tonight.”

 

Eric walked over to Marlena’s desk and started going through the unlocked drawers. He didn’t know what he was looking for, but he continued to search until he came across her datebook.

 

“Bingo.” he said opening the book to find out where she was. He found and entry marked ‘Dinner with John’.

 

“I can’t believe you mom. I don’t know why you want to hurt dad like this.” Eric whisered furiously as he put the book back into her desk. “Well, mom, I’m sorry, but I’m not going to let it happen.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Roman what are you doing?” Marlena asked backing away from him when she saw the anger in his eyes.

 

“So you have been playing me for a fool all of this time.” he said grabbing her arms and squeezing them tightly.

 

“Roman, I can explain everything.” Marlena said trying to break free of his grasp.

 

“Oh I understand everything loud and clear Doc.” he shouted touching her nightgown. “The new pajamas, the dinner in the oven, the candles in the living room. You’re obviously in the mood for seduction, and it’s not with me.”

 

“Roman, you’re hurting me.” she whispered as she felt her legs giving out beneath her.

 

“Really Doc?” he asked squeezing her arms tighter. “How do you think I feel? For months you’ve jumped every time that I’ve tried to touch you and I thought it was just because I thought you were nervous about everything.”

 

“Let go of me Roman.” she said trying to squirm out of his grasp.

 

“Everything is perfectly clear Doc.” he said in anger staring into her brown eyes. “You’re sleeping with John again.”

 

“I mean it.” she yelled at him. “Let go of me.”

 

“You’ve made a fool of me.” he screamed slapping her in the face as her legs collapsed causing her to fall down the stairs.

“I have to call Doc.” John announced taking out his cell phone and dialing the number to the penthouse only to discover a busy signal. “It’s busy. Doc must be on the phone.”

 

“John, I don’t want to sound like that bearer of bad news,” Mike began seriously, “but I think that you should warn Marlena about what’s going on with Roman. “John, I don’t want to sound like that bearer of bad news,” Mike began seriously, “but I think that you should warn Marlena about what’s going on with Roman. She should know what he’s been up to.”

 

“I know Mike.” John said thinking it over. “It’s going to break her heart though because she still wants to believe that Roman is the the good man that she married years ago.”

 

“I understand that John,” Lexie said giving him a hug, “but if you don’t tell her what’s going on, then it’ll only be harder as time goes on.”

 

“Besides,” Mike said looking at John, “now that you know Roman lied about his health, you don’t know what else he could be capable of.”

 

“Stay away from me.” Marlena said crawling across the floor as she realized that she hurt her leg in the fall.

 

“Stay away from you Doc?” Roman laughed at her as he slowly creeped down the stairs. “Why so that you and John can be together? I don’t think so Doc.”

 

“Roman, it’s over between us.” she explained to him as she continued crawling across the room. “I wanted to tell you about John and me sooner, but you weren’t healthy enough to hear the truth.”

 

“The truth?” Roman asked glaring at her. “You wouldn’t know the truth if it bit you in the face.”

 

“Roman, the day you came back to Salem John and I were supposed to be married.” she explained as pain shot up her leg. “We wanted to tell you the truth, but you were so sick.”

 

“So you thought that you would spare a dying man.” Roman finished looking at her. “Is that it Doc? Did you think that it would make you a better person by leading me on all of these months?”

 

“It wasn’t like that Roman.” Marlena explained as tears rushed down her face. “I never wanted to hurt you, but things got so complicated.”

 

“What about Kristen?” Roman asked moving closer to her.

 

“She lied to you Roman. She and John aren’t married.” Marlena explained to him. “She lied to you so that she could keep John and I apart.”

 

“No, this can’t be true.” Roman said shaking his head at her. “You’re just telling me this so that you and John can be together. You’re trying to manipulate me into believing what you say.”

 

“No, it’s the truth Roman.” Marlena cried looking at the pain in his face. “It’s the truth.”

 

“I don’t believe you Doc.” he yelled picking a vase up off of the table and throwing it across the room. “You agreed to marry me. You said that it was because you loved me Doc.”

 

“I’m sorry Roman.” she said crying harder. “I never meant to hurt you.”

 

“Doc, the other night before my attack, you almost made love to me. I was touching you and you kissed me.” he stated blankly. “You told me that you wanted to be with me.”

 

“I didn’t realize what I was doing Roman.” she explained to him. “When I realized what was going on, I knew that it wasn’t right. That’s why I stopped things when I did.”

 

“But you wanted me.” he said staring blankly at her. “You wanted to make love to me.”

 

“No, I didn’t Roman. I’m sorry.” she said looking at him. “It was all a big mistake.”

 

“You do love me Doc.” he said emotionless as he moved towards her. “I know it.”

 

“Roman,” she began backing up again as he approached her.

 

“You want to make love to me.” he said reaching for her on the floor.

 

“Get away from me.” she said pushing his arms away from her.

 

“Damn it Marlena.” he said slapping her as he moved on top of her. “I know that you want me.”

 

“Don’t do this Roman.” she cried trying to break free as pain shot up her leg.

 

“You’re going to do what I want from now on Marlena.” Roman said forcefully kissing her neck. “You owe me this.”

 

“Please don’t do this.” Marlena cried trying to push him off of her. “Roman don’t.”

 

“Doc, don’t fight it.” he said kissing her neck again. “I know that you want me.”

 

“Roman, please don’t. I’m pregnant.” she announced crying.

 

“I’m sorry mom,” Eric said stepping off of the elevator to the penthouse, “but I’m not going to let you ruin my dad’s happiness.”

 

Eric stopped suddenly as he heard shouting from Marlena’s apartment. He assumed that John and his mom were fighting so listened to hear what was going on.

 

“How could you do this to me? Why did you do this?” Eric heard a familiar voice call out.

 

“I’m sorry to hurt you like this, but things can’t change.” Marlena explained sobbing. “Let go of me.”

 

“You bitch.” the voice called out as Eric heard a loud thud.

 

Eric decided that things with John and his mom were getting out of hand and he was going to stop them. He tried opening the front door, but it was locked. He tried to throw himself against the door to break it down, but he was unsuccessful. He noticed a fire extinguisher in the hall so he picked it up and slammed it into the door causing it to crack open.

 

“Get your damn hands off of her you bastard.” Eric screamed running into the room as he watched the man hitting his mother. “Did you hear me?”

 

“Eric,” Marlena screamed trying to break free as Eric moved in closer.

 

“Get off of her.” Eric yelled grabbing the man off of his mother and throwing him across the room. “Mom, are you okay?”

 

“Eric, oh thank God…Eric…” Marlena began as she passed out.

 

“Damn you John. How could you do this to her?” Eric said turning to face the man that was lying on the floor. “Why don’t you get up and fight like a man?”

 

“Eric,” Roman gasped looking at him.

 

“Dad.” Eric said in shock realizing that the man that was hitting his mom was none other than his father.

“Dad, what the hell is going on here?” Eric asked in shock as he watched his father slowly standing up.

 

“Son, you don’t understand what’s going on here. Why don’t you just turn around and forget what you saw?” Roman asked wiping the blood away from his lip. “We can pretend that you never came here. This is between me and your mom Eric.”

 

“I can’t do that dad.” Eric said standing protectively in front of Marlena. “You aren’t going to touch her again.”

 

“Eric, this is between your mom and me!” Roman yelled again trying to make his way past Eric to an unconscious Marlena. “Now leave!”

 

“No Roman. You aren’t getting near her!” Eric said placing his hand on Roman’s chest and shoving him back into a wall. “I’m not going to let you hurt her again.”

 

“Son don’t make me hurt you.” Roman explained grabbing Eric’s collar. “Don’t try to get in my way.”

 

“You aren’t going to touch her again.” Eric announced staring his father down.

 

“For God’s sake Eric,” Roman began screaming as he swung a punch at Eric. “I’m your father and you have to obey me.”

 

“As far as I’m concerned my father’s dead.” Eric screamed swinging back at Roman.

 

“Lex,” John said hanging up his cell phone again. “the phone is still busy.”

 

“Maybe Marlena just forgot to hang it up right after she got off the phone.” Lexie suggested as Carrie entered the room.

 

“John, I thought that you were with Marlena.” Carrie said looking at Lexie, Mike, and John. “What’s going on in here?”

 

“Carrie, we got your father’s test results back.” Mike informed her.

 

“Well?” she asked looking at John.

 

“He’s cured.” John explained to her.

 

“That’s wonderful John.” Carrie cried out hugging him. “Now you and Marlena can be together again.”

 

“It’s not that simple Pumpkin.” John said looking at her. “There’s something that you need to know about your father.”

 

Jenny stepped out of the elevator in front of Marlena’s apartment and she noticed that the door was smashed in. She instinctively took her pepper spray out of her pocket as a man rushed past her causing her to fall to the ground. She looked up and saw Eric racing out the front door towards the elevator.

 

“Get back here you bastard!” Eric yelled hitting the elevator door after it closed. “Damn it!”

 

“Eric, what’s going on?” Jenny asked looking at him from the floor.

 

“Oh God Jenny.” he said helping her up and giving her a hug. “I’m so sorry.”

 

“What’s happening Eric?” she asked noticing that he was out of breath. “Who was that?”

 

“It was my dad, I mean Roman. I have to find him.” Eric explained looking at her with rage in his face. “You have to go in there and take care of my mom.”

 

“What’s wrong Eric?” Jenny asked grabbing his arm as he tried running away.

 

“Things just got out of hand in there with my parents.” Eric explained as he gasped for air. “My mom is hurt really bad and you have to help her for me. She needs to be taken to the hospital.”

 

“Where are you going?” Jenny asked him.

 

“I’m going to see to it that Roman pays for what he did to my mother.” Eric announced spinning around and running down the hall to the stairs.

 

“Marlena,” Jenny called out rushing into the penthouse and finding Marlena on the ground.

 

“My baby…” Marlena mumbled as Jenny looked her over. “…please don’t let anything happen to my baby…”

 

“Marlena, everything is going to be okay.” Jenny said rushing to the phone and dialing 911.

 

“John….” Marlena whispered faintly as the world around her grew black once again.

“That can’t be. I don’t know why he would lie like that.” Carrie said as tears filled in her eyes. “My father can’t be capable of such evil.”

 

“I’m afraid so Carrie.” Mike informed her as she fell into his arms.

 

“I’m so sorry that you had to hear this pumpkin.” John said watching Carrie cry in Mike’s arms. “I wanted to believe that it wasn’t true, but unfortunately…”

 

“Does Marlena know about this?” Carrie asked turning to face John.

 

“Not yet.” John explained to her as he stood up and thought of how Marlena was going to react to the truth about Roman. “I was just about to go home and tell her everything that we discovered.”

 

“Dr. Horton, Dr. Carver,” a nurse yelled running into the lab, “we have an emergency. Come quick!!!”

 

“What’s going on?” Lexie asked worried by the nurse’s urgency.

 

“The ambulance just brought someone in.” the nurse explained to them. “The patient was beaten pretty badly. It doesn’t look good. “

 

“Let’s go.” Mike said giving Carrie a quick hug as he released her. “We’ll talk later.”

 

“Alright.” Carrie sniffled looking at John. “Is something wrong John? You look like someone just punched you.”

 

“I just had this terrible feeling Carrie…” He said turning to Carrie.

 

“What kind of feeling John?” Carrie asked concerned as she moved to his side.

 

“I just feel like someone I love is in danger.” John explained giving her a hug.

 

“Is she going to be okay?” Jenny asked grabbing the first nurse that walked out of the emergency room.

 

“I can’t release that information yet.” the nurse said breaking free of Jenny’s grasp.

 

“This is bull shit!!” Jenny yelled trying to take a peek into the emergency room as Mike approached her.

 

“Jenny,” Mike said looking at her confused. “What are you doing here?”

 

“Mike,” Jenny said crying out as she grabbed him, “Marlena’s in there. She’s hurt really bad.”

 

“Oh God.” Mike said rushing into the emergency room with Lexie following close behind.

 

“Please don’t let her die.” Jenny prayed to God as tears rolled down her cheek.

 

“Jenny, what are you doing here?” John asked walking out of the lab and noticing that she was crying hysterically. “What’s wrong?”

 

“John,” Jenny said facing him as soon as she recognized his voice.

 

“Oh God, did something happen to Eric?” John asked realizing that his bad feeling had returned. “Jenny, is he hurt?”

 

“No, John it’s not Eric.” she cried noticing the worry in his face.

 

“Thank God.” Carrie sighed in relief glad that her brother was alright.

 

“It’s not that simple Carrie.” Jenny said with tears rushing down her cheeks. “John, it’s Marlena in there.”

Marlena?” John asked in disbelief. “She’s waiting for me at the penthouse. Jenny, Marlena and I are supposed to be having dinner tonight. You must be mistaken.”

“I’m not John.” Jenny explained as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I was on my over to the penthouse to pick up my purse and when I got there everything was crazy. Roman ran out of the apartment and Eric was chasing him.”

“That’s impossible.” John replied. “Roman is out of town visiting a friend for the evening.”

“John, I was there.” Jenny insisted to him. “Roman ran off quickly and Eric told me that things with Roman and Marlena got out of hand. I walked into the apartment and found her lying on the floor.”

“No.” John cried out as Mike walked out of the emergency room.

“John, I need to talk to you.” Mike said rushing over to him.

“How is she? I need to see her MIke.” John yelled trying to make his way into the emergency room.

“You can’t go in there John.” Mike said holding him back.

“She needs me Mike.” John said trying to push Mike out of the way. “I have to help her. I need to be there with her.”

“Lexie is taking care of her.” Mike explained grabbing a hold of him. “The best thing that you can do for Marlena is calm down.”



“Come on Marlena,” Lexie called out to her as she worked on her, “you’re a fighter. You can beat this.”

“My baby…” Marlena mumbled in her unconscious state. “John…our baby…please god…don’t…let…my…baby…die…”

“What is she talking about?” Lexie asked as a nurse grabbed Marlena’s charts.

“Dr. Carver, she’s pregnant.” The nurse informed her handing her the charts.

“Oh God.” Lexie said looking it over and turning her full attention back to Marlena. “Don’t worry Marlena. We are going to make sure that you and your baby will be just fine.”



“Damn it Mike!” John shouted trying to move Mike out of his way. “I need to be with Doc!”

“I’m sorry John, but I can’t let you in there.” Mike said trying to restrain him. “I’m going to go back in there to help Lexie out.”

“Doc needs me!! I have to be with her.” John shouted as Carrie grabbed a hold of his arm.

“John, please do what Mike says.” Carrie pleaded with him as she fought back tears. “He knows what’s best for Marlena.”

“Fine Mike,” John said turning to Mike. “but take care of her please. Don’t let her die!”

“I won’t.” Mike assured him. “I promise you that.”

“Oh Carrie,” John said hugging her as tears rushed down his face. “I love Doc so much. We’ve fought too long and too hard for us to be together.”

“You two will be together John.” Carrie said as he sobbed on her shoulder. “God wouldn’t take her away from you like that.”

“I need to be with her. I never should have let her go home without me.” John cried turning around to try to look into the emergency room again. “She needs to know that I love her.”

“She knows that John.” Carrie said wiping her own tears from her face. “Your love is what has kept her going all of these years.”

“Doc, I’m here. Oh baby I love you so much.” John said pressing his hand to the window as tears rolled down his face. “Please don’t leave me now Doc. I need you.”



Eric drove frantically as he followed Roman through the streets of Salem. He kept replaying the scene in his mind.

“Son, why don’t you just turn around and forget what you saw?” Roman asked wiping the blood away from his lip. “We can pretend that you never came here. This is between me and your mom.”

“I can’t do that dad.” Eric said standing protectively in front of Marlena. “You aren’t going to touch her again.”

“Eric, this is between your mom and me.” Roman said trying to make his way past Eric to an unconscious Marlena. “Now leave!”

“No Roman. You aren’t getting near her.” Eric said shoving him back into a wall. “I’m not going to let you hurt her again.”

“Son don’t make me hurt you.” Roman explained grabbing Eric’s collar. “Don’t try to get in my way.”

“You aren’t going to touch her again.” Eric announced staring his father down.

“For God’s sake Eric,” Roman began screaming as he swung a punch at him. “I’m your father and you have to obey me.”

“As far as I’m concerned my father’s dead.” Eric screamed swinging back at Roman.



“How could I have been such an idiot?” Eric asked still close behind Roman’s car. “How could I have been so blind about dad? If anything happens to mom it’ll be all my fault.”



“Lexie,” John called out grabbing Lexie as she walked out of the emergency room, “I need to be with Doc. I have to be with her now. She needs to know that I’m here and that I won’t ever let anything happen to her again. She needs me Lexie.”

“John, you need to calm down.” Lexie said taking a hold of him.

“Calm down!” John shouted looking at her as a single tear rolled down his cheek. “The love of my life is in there fighting for her life because I couldn’t stop some bastard from hurting her and you want me to calm down Lexie?”

“John, this isn’t going to do any of us any good with you running around the hospital like a lunatic.” Lexie explained looking at him seriously. “It’s not going to help you and it surely isn’t going to help Marlena or the baby recover any quicker.”
Baby?” John asked confused by Lexie’s statement.

 

“Yeah, that’s right John.” Lexie explained looking at him. “It’s bad enough that she’s going through this, but it’s ten times worse for the baby right now. You’re going to have to calm down.”

 

“What baby?” John asked looking at her. “What are you talking about Lexie?”

 

“Lexie, he doesn’t know.” Carrie informed Lexie as she stepped along side of John.

 

“Doesn’t know what?” John asked looking at the both of them. “What’s going on here you two? I think that I have a right to get some answers here.”

 

“John,” Lexie said taking his hand, “Marlena’s pregnant.”

 

“Excuse me.” John said stunned. “What did you just say?”

 

“John, Marlena’s pregnant.” Lexie repeated looking at the shock on his face.

 

“Doc’s having my baby?” John asked as he felt the wind knocked out of him.

 

“She wasn’t going to tell you right away because she was afraid that you would push her to tell Roman the truth.” Carrie explained to him. “Now I wish that she would’ve told you sooner. Maybe then none of this would be happening right now.”

 

“Doc’s having my baby.” John repeated sitting down on one of the benches in the hall outside of the emergency room. “That must’ve been what she was going to tell me over dinner tonight.”

 

“I’m sorry that you had to find out like this.” Lexie said touching his shoulder.

 

“Dr. Carver,” A nurse shouted out running out of the emergency room, “we need you in here pronto.”

 

“Oh God, Lexie what’s happening?” John asked grabbing Lexie. “Is something wrong with Doc and the baby?”

 

“I’ll take care of her John.” Lexie explained running off into the emergency room.

 

“This can’t be happening.” John said starting to cry. “I can’t lose them Carrie.”

 

“John, Marlena won’t leave you again.” Carrie assured him. “This feels like Deja Vu.”

 

“How so?” John asked looking at her.

 

“Well, it’s like the time that she was in the hospital so many years ago.” Carrie explained giving him a hug. “Back then everyone thought that you were Roman.”

 

“I remember that.” John said looking at Carrie’s tear stained face.

 

“We didn’t lose Marlena then, and we won’t lose her now.” Carrie said squeezing his hand as tears rolled down her face. “You and Marlena are the closest things to parents that I have had and I won’t lose either one of you. I still think of you as my dad John and Marlena as my mom.”

 

“Oh Carrie.” John said hugging her as she began sobbing in his arms.

 

Jenny watched John and Carrie on the bench as her thoughts drifted to Eric. She realized that he was in such a rage when he had left the apartment. She remembered the anger in Eric’s eyes as he ran down the stairs. She could still feel his cold stare as chills ran up and down her spine.

 

“John,” Jenny said looking at him. “Yes?” he asked staring up at her as tears rolled down his face.

 

“Look, I know that this is really bad timing on my part, but I’m worried about Eric. He took off after Roman so quickly and he was so angry that I’m afraid of what he might do if he catches up with him.” Jenny explained to him. “I’m so afraid that Eric is going to get hurt.”

 

“He went after Roman?” Carrie asked Jenny.

 

“Do you know where he was headed?” John asked looking at Jenny.

 

“I don’t know John.” Jenny said as her eyes filled with tears. “I just don’t want him to do something that he’s going to regret.”

 

“Jenny, don’t worry.” John said standing up and giving her a quick hug. “I’ll call Abe right away and send him out to look for Eric.”

 

“John, we need to talk.” Mike said walking out of the emergency room.

 

“You’re not going to get away with this Roman. You’re going to pay for what you did to mom.” Eric screamed running through a red light in order to keep up with Roman.

 

Eric frantically chased Roman through traffic in town as thoughts of his mother laying on the ground flashed in his head. He realized that he had been wrong about his father. Eric became so caught up in getting a hold of his father that he didn’t notice the Pepsi delivery truck headed right towards his car until it was too late.

 

“Oh God.” Eric cried out as he saw the truck inches away from his car.

Hey kid, are you okay?” the truck driver asked pulling Eric’s car door open. “Are you hurt?”

 

Eric woke up after the collision and realized that he had bumped his head on the steering wheel. He looked at the truck that had crashed into the right side of his car and he knew that he was lucky to be alive.

 

“Huh?” Eric asked looking at the burly bearded man.

 

“Are you hurt kid?” the man asked helping Eric out of the car. “Do you think that you damaged anything?”

 

“I hit my head.” Eric explained feeling dizzy and sitting down on the ground. “Other than that I think that I’m okay.”

 

“Kid, I was sure that I killed you.” the man explained handing Eric his handkerchief so that Eric could wipe the blood off of his forehead. “You were traveling so fast that I couldn’t stop in time to avoid hitting you. What were you chasing after anyways kid?”

 

“Mike, what is it?” John asked worried about Marlena.

 

“Marlena’s awake John.” Mike explained with a smile.

 

“Then she’s alright?” John asked looking at him.

 

“Other than some cuts and bruises and what appears to be a sprained ankle, she seems to be alright.” Mike informed him calmly. “I would like to keep her at least overnight to run a few more tests to be safe though.”

 

“What about the baby?” John asked remembering his new discovery. “How’s my baby?”

 

“It looks like the baby’s going to make it too.” Mike said putting a hand on John’s shoulder. “It looks like God was on your side.”

 

“Can I see her Mike?” John questioned eager to see Marlena.

 

“Sure John, but I warn you that she’s really wiped out.” Mike explained to him. “She was pretty worked up when she first came in here, but we’ve calmed her down a little bit.”

 

“Dr. Horton,” A nurse said walking out of the emergency room, “Dr. Carver wants to know what’s taking you so long with Mr. Black. Dr. Evans keeps calling for him in there.”

 

“You heard the lady.” Mike said letting John go to the emergency room.

 

“Lexie, are you sure that the baby is going to be alright?” Marlena asked weakly from her hospital bed.

 

“The baby’s doing fine.” Lexie said smiling at Marlena. “You’ve got quiet a fighter in there.”

 

“The baby takes after it’s father.” Marlena said smiling weakly.

 

“No, I disagree Doc.” John said walking to her side. “I think that baby takes after it’s mother.”

 

“John,” she cried leaning to the side of her hospital bed and reaching out to hug him.

 

“Doc,” he said rushing next to her and holding her tightly.

 

“Why don’t we give these two some privacy?” Lexie suggested to the nurse as they quietly snuck out of the room.

 

“It sounds like the police are on the way here kid.” the truck driver informed Eric as he helped him to stand up.

 

“I have to get out of here.” Eric said turning to leave and almost falling over. “I can’t let him get away.”

 

“You’re not going anywhere kid.” the truck driver said grabbing a hold of him. “I think that you should probably go to the hospital to get checked out.”

 

“You don’t understand.” Eric began trying to break free from the man.

 

“Look kid you are in no position to be running around town right now.” the man said as Eric broke free.

 

“I’m sorry mister, but I’ve gotta go.” Eric said running around the car.

 

“Not so fast!” A police officer ordered taking hold of him.

 

“Oh Doc, I thought that I lost you.” John said kissing her face softly. “I thought that we were never going to be together again.”

 

“I’m so sorry John.” she cried as tears rolled down her face. “I shouldn’t have tried to keep the news about the baby from you.”

 

“You have nothing to be sorry about Doc.” John said kissing her again. “I understand that you were trying to do what you thought was right for everyone.”

 

“John, Roman was so angry tonight.” she said holding on to him tighter. “I was so afraid….”

 

“I’m sorry that he hurt you Doc.” John said wrapping his arms around her fragile body tenderly. “I should’ve been there to protect you. Damn it, he should’ve never been able to get his hands on you Doc.”

 

“John, he knows everything.” Marlena said looking into his blue eyes. “I told him about us. He came into the penthouse tonight and I thought it was you…”

 

“Doc, don’t worry about that now.” John said looking at her the faint purple bruise forming under her left eye. “You need to concentrate on getting better.”

 

“He had this look in his face John.” Marlena continued staring off into the air. “He saw me in this nightgown and he pieced it together. He charged up the stairs at me and….oh God.”

 

“Doc, shhh baby, don’t do this to yourself.” John said holding her tighter as tears frantically rolled down her cheeks.

 

“He was so crazy John.” she sobbed into his chest as she felt her body growing limp. “I was so afraid that he was going to kill me.”

 

“I’m here now baby.” he said as his eyes filled up with tears. “He is never going to hurt you or anyone in our family again.”

 

“John, I risked the life of our baby tonight.” she said sadly pulling away from him. “I could’ve lost our innocent unborn child because I wouldn’t tell Roman the truth sooner.”

 

“The baby is alright and you are alright. That’s all that matters.” John assured her as he reached out to her bloodstained nightgown and tenderly placed his hand on her stomach. “We’re all going to be a family and no one is ever going to hurt any one of us again. I promise you that Doc.”

 

“I love you so much John.” Marlena cried placing her hand on top of his. “Even though the timing wasn’t the best, I was so happy knowing that we were going to have this child.”

 

“Doc,” John said with tears of joy in his eyes as he looked at her bruised face, “tonight you’ve blessed me with two of the best things that a man could ever have. I didn’t lose you and now we have this baby.”

“What’s going on here?” Abe asked getting out of his car as he looked over the accident scene.

 

“Commander, it appears that the guy driving the blue car over there was in some kind of a hurry and ran a red light.” the officer informed him. “We have him in holding over there.”

 

“Is anyone hurt?” Abe asked as the officer led him around the vehicle.

 

“Negative.” the man replied pointing at Eric. “The guy in the car is pretty shaken up right now. I think that you should go talk to him.”

 

“I have to go!” Eric explained to the officer that had handcuffed him. “Let me out of these right now!”

 

“Quiet down buddy!” the officer snapped at him as Abe walked toward them.

 

“What’s going on here?” Abe asked looking at Eric.

 

“He was trying to run away from the scene of the accident Commander.” the officer explained to Abe. “We had to restrain him to keep him here.”

 

“Abe, there’s been a huge misunderstanding. You have to let me out of these! I have to get out of here!” Eric said showing him the handcuffs.

 

“Uncuff him.” Abe ordered the officer.

 

“Yes sir.” the officer said taking the handcuffs off of Eric.

 

“Thank you so much Abe.” Eric said shaking his hand. “I really appreciate you helping me out.”

 

“I think that you have some explaining to do young man.” Abe said looking him over. “Why don’t you start by telling me the reason you were driving so fast to begin with?”

 

“Abe, I have to go.” Eric pleaded with him. “I don’t have time for this.”

 

“Make time.” Abe said gently pushing him to sit back down. “Now why don’t you tell me the reason you were in such a hurry?”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“John, I love you so much.” Marlena said as tears of happiness rolled down her face. “You mean everything to me. I’m sorry for what I’ve put you through all of these months. I shouldn’t have pushed you away like I did.”

 

“Doc, none of that matters right now.” John explained wiping away her tears. “All that matters is that we are together and I’m never going to leave you alone again.”

 

“John, there is so much that we need to talk about.” Marlena said letting out a yawn.

 

“I know sweetheart, but you need some rest right now.” John said laying her back down on the hospital bed. “You need to concentrate on getting better.”

 

“John, I don’t want to sleep…” Marlena began yawning again.

 

“Doc, you’re exhausted.” John explained looking her over. “Both you and the baby need some rest considering all that you’ve been through today.”

 

“Alright, only under one condition.” she sighed as her eyelids grew heavy.

 

“What’s that?” he asked noticing how weak she looked.

 

“You have to be here when I wake up.” she explained to him as she fought to keep her eyes open.

 

“I promise you that Doc.” he said leaning down and gently kissing her forehead. “I love you.”

 

“John,” she began opening her eyes again, “I need you to do one more thing for me.”

 

“Anything Doc.” he said watching her fight her sleepiness.

 

“Find Eric for me.” she whispered faintly as she closed her eyes. “I’m really worried about him. Please make sure that he’s okay.”

 

“I will Doc.” he said taking her and kissing it as she fell asleep.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“How is she doing John?” Carrie asked as John walked out of Marlena’s hospital room.

 

“She’s tired so she’s resting right now.” John explained to her.

 

“I’m so glad that she’s going to be alright.” Carrie smiled hugging him.

 

“Me too pumpkin.” he said looking at Jenny. “Jenny, do you have any idea where Eric went off to?”

 

“I have no clue John.” Jenny said worried. “I wish that I knew where he was.”

 

“Don’t worry Jenny, we’ll find him.” John assured her as his cell phone rang. “John Black here.”

 

“Yeah, John it’s Abe.” Abe said into the phone.

 

“Hey partner what’s up?” John asked looking at Carrie and Jenny.

 

“John we need to talk.” Abe began.

 

“Yeah we do Abe.” John said thinking about Eric. “Listen tonight some things went down at the penthouse and I’m at the hospital now with Doc. She was hurt pretty bad tonight.”

 

“Is Marlena alright?” Abe asked concerned.

 

“She appears to be physically.” John informed him. “Anyways, I need your help partner. Eric is missing and I need to find him.”

 

“That I can help you with.” Abe explained to him. “He’s right here with me.” “He is?” John asked confused.

 

“He was involved in an accident on Main street and 5th.” Abe informed him. “Oh God is he alright?” John asked worried.

 

“Yeah, he’s just a little shaken up right now about something.” Abe said to him. “Can you come down here and get him?”

 

“I’ll be there in five minutes.” John said hanging up the phone and turning to Jenny. “Eric’s with Abe. I’m going to go pick him up.”

 

“I’m going with you.” Jenny announced picking her jacket up off of the bench. “I’ll stay here with Marlena.” Carrie said to John.

 

“Thanks pumpkin.” John said giving her a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll be back soon with your brother.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Commander Carver, I’m having problems with the guy back there.” an officer explained to Abe. “He seems really restless.”

 

“Just keep an eye on him.” Abe said worried about what had Eric so upset.

 

“Where is he Abe?” John asked jumping out of his Jeep with Jenny at his side.

 

“He’s back in one of the squad cars.” Abe said leading John and Jenny to the other side of the street. “He’s worked up about something, but when I asked him about it, he wouldn’t say anything.”

 

“Abe, he just saw Roman beat up Marlena.” John explained to his friend. “I’m just glad that you found him when you did.”

 

“Roman beat up Marlena?” Abe asked confused. “No wonder the kid was so upset.”

 

“He was so angry with Roman when he left the penthouse.” Jenny added. “I think that his whole world was shattered when he saw what Roman did to Marlena.”

 

“Well, thank God we have him.” Abe sighed as he looked at the squad car where Eric was being held. “I’ll be right back with him.”

 

“John, I’m so worried about Eric.” Jenny said looking at him. “I’ve never seen him in such a rage before.”

 

“He’ll be fine Jenny. I won’t let him do anything that he’ll regret.” John said wondering what he would’ve done if he had walked on Roman attacking Marlena.

 

“John, we have a problem.” Abe explained walking back to the two of them without Eric.

 

“What’s wrong Abe?” John asked worried that Eric wasn’t with Abe. “Where’s Eric?”

 

“John, Eric’s gone.” Abe informed him.

“What do you mean Eric’s gone?” John asked confused. “I thought that you had him Abraham.”

 

“Well, we did.” Abe explained frustrated. “One of my officers must have left the squad car unlocked because when I walked over to get Eric, the door was open and Eric was gone.”

 

“He couldn’t have disappeared like that partner.” John said scanning the area.

 

“He did.” Abe replied noticing John’s frustration.

 

“Well, he couldn’t have gone too far.” John insisted as his eyes roamed the area.

 

“I have my men searching for him right now.” Abe said looking at John.

 

“You have to find him.” Jenny insisted fearing what Eric was capable of. “If he meets up with Roman there’s no telling what he could do.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“What is happening to me?” Roman asked looking out to the water as thoughts of his confrontation with Marlena played in his mind. “How could she have deceived me like that? I gave her everything that a woman could want and she goes to a man like John. He can’t give Doc what I could.”

 

Roman closed his eyes as he recalled the events of the evening:

 

“Stay away from you Doc?” Roman laughed at her as he slowly creeped down the stairs. “Why so that you and John can be together? I don’t think so Doc.”

 

“Roman, it’s over between us.” she explained to him as she continued crawling across the room. “I wanted to tell you about John and me sooner, but you weren’t healthy enough to hear the truth.”

 

“The truth?” Roman asked glaring at her. “You wouldn’t know the truth if it bit you in the face.”

 

“Roman, the day you came back to Salem John and I were supposed to be married.” she explained as pain shot up her leg. “We wanted to tell you the truth, but you were so sick.”

 

“So you thought that you would spare a dying man.” Roman finished looking at her. “Is that it Doc? Did you think that it would make you a better person by leading me on all of these months?”

 

“It wasn’t like that Roman.” Marlena explained as tears rushed down her face. “I never wanted to hurt you, but things got so complicated.”

 

“Things only got complicated Doc when you let that man destroy our lives.” Roman shouted hitting the crates next to him. “He has ruined my life. He took you away a long time ago Doc, and now he’s doing it again. Damn him!!!”

 

“Roman, I knew that I’d find you here.” A voice called out startling him.

 

“Eric,” he said tuning around to face him.

 

“How could you do that to mom?” Eric asked walking towards him.

 

“She deceived me!” Roman explained with anger in his voice. “She let John destroy our family once again!”

 

“You had no right to hit her!” Eric yelled coldly at him. “Why did you do it?”

 

“She left me no other choice Eric.” Roman yelled back at him as anger filled his heart. “There is no way that I will ever let her be with John even if she is pregnant with his child. He can’t have her!”

 

“She’s pregnant? That’s not possible.” Eric asked in disbelief.

 

“Oh it’s possible son. Once again your mother has had no trouble jumping into bed with John. They made a fool of me once, but they won’t do it again!” Roman spat in anger. “I guess that just shows you what kind of whore your mother really is.”

 

“Why you…” Eric began throwing a punch at Roman.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“This has to be where Eric went to.” John thought to himself as he stepped out of his Jeep. “He probably needed time to think since he was so upset and here is the best place to do it.”

 

John walked towards the pier as he heard crashing sounds coming from behind the crates near the water. As he rushed to see what was going on, he heard a voice coming from the same direction.

 

“I’m never going to let you hurt her again!” Eric’s voice rang out into the night.

 

John quickened his pace as the pounding grew louder. He turned around the crates and saw Eric beneath a shadowy figure.

 

“Get your damn hands off my son!” John yelled throwing the man off of Eric.

 

“Ugh.” the man moaned as he hit the ground.

 

“Eric, are you okay?” John asked turning back to find Eric on the ground.

 

“John look out!” Eric yelled as John spun around.

 

“Your son?” Roman asked with rage in his voice as he wiped blood away from his lip.

 

“Roman.” John replied staring back at him.

“So, now you’re trying to take my son away from me too John?” Roman asked furious. “What’s next Sami and Carrie? Oh wait, I forgot that you probably already have Carrie eating out of the palm of your hand.”

 

“Roman, what the hell are you doing? Just what are you trying to prove?” John asked trying to control the anger building up inside of him as he tried to reason with Roman. “First, you attack Doc and now your own son. God Roman when is it going to stop?”

 

“When you get the hell away from my family!!!” Roman yelled at him. “They belong to me!!!”

 

“Stop this dad!!!” Eric yelled trying to stand up.

 

“Just relax Eric and let me deal with your father.” John explained putting his hand on Eric’s shoulder. “You’re father just needs to get a grip on reality right now.”

 

“You know John,” Roman laughed glaring at John, “I don’t think that you’re really in a position to tell me what to do with my life right now considering that you are the man that destroyed it.”

 

“Roman, you had no right to attack Doc tonight.” John said trying to remain calm as his heart pounded in his chest with fury. “She didn’t deserve any of that. You shouldn’t have hit her.”

 

“Why is that John?” Roman asked moving towards him. “Is that because she is carrying another one of your children again?”

 

“You had no right!!” Eric yelled from the ground as pain shot through his head. “You could’ve killed mom tonight.”

 

“No right?? John has taken away everything that I’ve ever loved and right now all I care about is taking back what’s mine.” Roman laughed shaking as he glared at John. “Doc will be with me John!!! I won’t let you have her even if I have to kill you for her.”

 

“Roman, why don’t you do the right thing and turn yourself in to Abe?” John said seriously thinking about Marlena’s fragile condition.

 

“Go to hell John!!!” Roman said punching him in the face. “I’ll never let you take me down.”

 

“You know Roman,” John said not affected by the punch as thoughts of Marlena’s bloodstained figure ran through his mind, “I tried to do this the right way without letting my feelings get in the way, but you’ve left me no other alternative.”

 

“Oh yeah John. Take your best shot!!” Roman laughed grabbing a hammer off of the ground and swinging it at John.

 

“With pleasure Roman.” John responded lunging at Roman as the two became entangled in a fury. “You’ll pay for what you did to Doc!!”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“What’s taking John so long?” Jenny asked turning to Abe as the two sat in his office. “He should’ve been able to find Eric by now.”

 

“I don’t know Jenny.” Abe replied looking at his watch. “He said that he had one more place that he wanted to check out before he gave up the search.” “I just hope that we can get some kind of lead soon.” Jenny said shivering as she took a sip of her water.

 

“Hey Abe, what’s going on?” Bo asked walking into Abe’s office. “Frank said that you needed to see me about something important.”

 

“Yeah,” Abe said taking in a deep breath, “I think that you better sit down Bo.”

 

“Jenny, what are you doing here?” Bo asked realizing that she was also in Abe’s office. “Did something happen to Eric? What did my nephew do now?”

 

“He’s missing.” Abe informed Bo. “John is looking for him right now.”

 

“What happened Abe?” Bo asked taking note of the strain on his friend’s face. “Did he do something illegal?”

 

“It’s worse than that Bo.” Abe explained taking a deep breath. “We need to find him before he gets a hold of Roman.”

 

“Roman?” Bo repeated confused. “Why do you need to find him before he gets to Roman?”

 

“Bo, I don’t know how to tell you this without hurting you…” Abe began sadly.

 

“What the hell is going on Abe?” Bo asked growing frustrated. “Quit tiptoeing around what you have to tell me.”

 

“Bo, Roman found out the truth about John and Marlena tonight and he attacked her.” Abe explained to his friend.

 

“What? That can’t be.” Bo gasped in shock.

 

“I’m sorry Bo, but he attacked her earlier this evening and she’s in the hospital. If Jenny hadn’t called the ambulance when she did, then there’s no telling what could’ve happened to Marlena.” Abe informed him.

 

“Oh thank God that you showed up when you did.” Bo said turning to Jenny. “Eric was the one that walked in on the attack.” Jenny explained to Bo with tears in her eyes. “He was so upset when I last saw him…”

 

“…because he was going to go after Roman for hurting his mom. Oh God!!!” Bo said getting up from his chair. “I’ve got to go find him Abe.”

 

“John’s out checking right now, but I haven’t heard from him in a while. I’m starting to worry.” Abe explained to him.

 

“I think I know where to find him.” Bo replied walking out of the office.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Come on John.” Roman said pounding on John’s chest. “Show me what you’re made of!!!”

 

“Roman, you’re going to pay!!!” John yelled slamming his fist into Roman’s abdomen causing him to fall to the ground. “I’m not finished with you yet!!!”

 

Roman and John rolled around on the ground hitting each other furiously as Eric remained over by the crates taking in the entire scene. He could feel the pain throbbing in his head as he watched the two men that at one point in time he thought to be his fathers destroying one another until John got the upper hand of the situation.

 

“This is for Doc!!” John yelled slamming his fist into Roman’s jaw as rage rang throughout his body. “You’ll never be able to hurt her again!!!”

 

“Ugh.” Roman gulped as blood spurt out of his mouth and he turned to see the fire in John’s eyes. “You’ll never have Doc!!!”

 

“Shut up!!” John ordered hitting him again with a larger impact.

 

“John, I don’t feel so good!! I’m starting to feel dizzy.” Eric called out gripping his head tightly.

 

“Eric,” John began turning his attention away from Roman.

 

“Come on John….” Roman began whispering in his weakened condition. “Why don’t you be a man and finish me?”

 

“You’ll get yours Brady!” John replied turning his attention back to Roman again as he raised his fist.

 

“Then do it!!!” Roman dared him in a voice of pure madness.

 

“Roman…” John began as images of Marlena, Belle, and Brady flashed in his mind.

 

“What are you waiting for John?” Roman asked as the faint sound of police sirens filled the air. “Come on Black!!!”

 

“You’ll get what’s coming to you,” John began lowering his fist and removing himself off of Roman, “but it won’t be from me.”

 

“Too chicken to kill me huh?” Roman teased weakly. “I guess that Doc isn’t worth that much to you if you aren’t willing to kill me for her.”

 

“That’s just it Roman.” John said facing him again. “Doc means everything to me and that’s why I won’t kill you.”

“God I hope that I’m not too late.” Bo thought to himself as he parked next to John’s Jeep on the pier. “I have to help them.”

 

Bo ran over to the area on the pier where there were crates thrown around. His heart raced as he imagined what he would do in John or Eric’s position if he had encountered Roman.

 

“John,” Bo called out as he approached the crates.

 

“Bo!!” John shouted back at him. “We’re back here. Eric’s injured and Roman’s back here too!!!”

 

“What the hell happened?” Bo asked as he turned the corner to find Roman laying face down on one side of the pier with Eric and John on the other side. “IS Roman alive?”

 

“Long story and yes, Roman’s still alive.” John sighed turning to Eric. “Eric, we have to get you to the hospital.”

 

“Eric, you need to get that gash on your head checked out.” Bo agreed looking at his nephew.

 

“Not until Roman is taken away for what he did to mom.” Eric whispered weakly.

 

“Eric, Bo is going to take care of Roman.” John explained taking a hold of Eric. “We need to get you checked out.”

 

“John.” Bo called out to him. “We have a problem.”

 

“What?” John asked after he had helped Eric to his feet.

 

“Roman’s gone.” Bo explained looking at the area where Roman was once laying.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Gee, who should I do lunch with today?” Kristen asked herself as she flipped through television channels. “Let’s see maybe Jenn and Billie would want to get together like we used to in the good old days.”

 

Kristen got up and walked over to get her phone book out of her desk. She opened it to the page with Jenn’s number on it when she suddenly stopped.

 

“Oh, I almost forgot… half of this stinkin’ town hates me, so I can’t invite them to lunch. So now what?” Kristen thought pondering. “I can’t spend time with Peter because he’s off chasing Jenn somewhere.”

 

“Your tea is almost ready Ms. Dimera.” Aliana announced walking into the living room. “Where would you like it?”

 

“You could just set it in here Aliana.” Kristen explained to her as she suddenly got an idea.

 

“As you wish ma’am.” Aliana said turning to leave.

 

“Hey Aliana, would you like to do lunch today or something?” Kristen asked her.

 

“Excuse me.” she replied confused.

 

“I know that we haven’t ever really talked or hung out before, but you know it’s never too late.” Kristen suggested to her. “What do you say?”

 

“I’m sorry Ms. Dimera, but I have to go home to my family.” Aliana replied confused by Kristen’s sudden bout of friendliness.

 

“Go figure.” Kristen sighed. “I’m sorry.” Aliana said looking her over.

 

“It’s just as well.” Kristen announced shooing her away. “I’ll just have to accept the fact that I’m alone.”

 

“What ma’am?” Aliana asked.

 

“Nothing.” Kristen replied as the doorbell rang. “I wonder who that could be. Maybe it’s Laura trying to spread some of her holiday spirit on me. I swear if she asks me about Peter, I may just deck her considering the mood I’m in.”

 

Kristen refilled her glass of brandy and walked over to answer the front door. She finished her entire glass in one swig and then opened the door to find a very bloody Roman standing there.

 

“What the hell happened to you?” she asked looking at the condition he was in. “You look like you were just run over by a truck.”

 

“Can I come in?” Roman asked faintly.

 

“Sure Roman. Why not? You look miserable and so am I.” Kristen answered helping him into the house and over to the couch.

 

“We need to talk Kristen.” Roman announced glaring at her as she set him down on the couch.

 

“About what Roman?” she asked going to refill her drink. “Would you like one of these?”

 

“Please.” he said feeling anger circulate in his stomach.

 

“What do you want to talk about Roman?” she asked as she handed him his drink.

 

“I think that you have some explaining to do.” He said taking a sip of his brandy and sitting up straighter.

 

“Explaining about what?” she asked him confused.

 

“Why don’t you start by telling me the truth about you and John?” he insisted trying to pull himself together again.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Come on Eric,” John began helping him into the hospital.

 

“What’s going on here?” Mike asked rushing to their side.

 

“Eric was involved in a car accident.” John explained as a nurse pulled a wheel chair over for Eric.

 

“I’m not going in that!” Eric yelled trying to break free of John’s grasp.

 

“Come on son,” John said putting his hand on Eric’s shoulder, “Mike’s going to check you out and make sure that you are okay.”

 

“I don’t need a wheelchair John!!” Eric insisted boldly. “I’ll be fine.”

 

“Eric!!!” Carrie called out running to his side. “What happened to you? I was so worried when I heard what happened at the penthouse.”

 

“Carrie.” Eric said throwing his arms around her. “You have no idea how glad I am to see you.”

 

“Why don’t you sit down Eric so that we can check you out?” Mike suggested again.

 

“Fine, I’ll go with you Mike, but there’s something that I have do first.” Eric reluctantly agreed feeling his legs growing weak as he turned to John. “I need to tell you something. I need to say some things about the way I treated you at mom’s office the other day John.”

 

“Eric, you don’t have to say anything.” John said looking at him. “I understand.”

 

“That doesn’t make it right John.” Eric insisted wanting to continue. “I need to get this out.”

 

“I understand Eric.” John said wanting to reach out to Eric. “You don’t have to explain anything.”

 

“John,” Eric began with a few tears rolling down his face.

 

“What’s wrong son?” John asked not thinking about the fact that the boy in front of him was not truly his biological son.

 

“I’m sorry John.” Eric explained as a lump built up in his throat.

 

“It’s alright Eric.” John replied putting his hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry that this hurt you so much. If I could’ve taken any of the pain away, you know I would’ve done it.”

 

“I love you…” Eric began instantly hugging John as he was overcome with emotion. “I just wanted to let you know that I love you dad.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“What about John and me?” Kristen asked confused.

 

“You two aren’t really married Kristen.” Roman said staring her down.

 

“Of course we are.” Kristen lied starting to worry.

 

“No you’re not.” Roman said standing up and looking into her eyes. “Doc is with John.”

 

“Who would give you such a crazy idea like that?” she asked forcing a laugh.

 

“I know the truth Kristen.” he said growing stronger. “I know that you brought me back so that you could stop Doc and John’s wedding Kristen.”

 

“Roman…I…” she began backing away from him.

 

“Stop the lies Kristen.” Roman insisted taking hold of her arm. “I’ll bet that you even knew that Doc was pregnant with his baby.”

 

“Roman…let go of me.” Kristen said trying to break free.

 

“I’ll bet that’s why you gave me the idea to surprise Doc tonight and get her to make love to me.” Roman said looking her over. “You wanted me to believe that I got Doc pregnant, didn’t you?”

 

“Roman, I was only trying to do what I thought was best for all of us.” Kristen explained to him. “You love Marlena and I love John. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be with the ones that we love.”

 

“Kristen, look at me!!!” Roman yelled digging his fingers deeper into her arms. “John did this to me tonight.”

 

“Roman, I only wanted you to get Marlena back.” Kristen pleaded with him. “I gave you those pills so that you could buy some time with Marlena. It was working so well, wasn’t it?”

 

“Look what it’s got me Kristen.” Roman screamed in a rage as he raised his hand in anger at her.

 

“Get your hands off of her Roman!” A voice called out from across the room.

“You!!!” Roman shouted looking at Stephano.

 

“Yes, me!!! Now get your hands off of my daughter Roman.” Stephano insisted calmly. “This is between you and me. Leave Kristen alone.”

 

“I should’ve known that the two of you were working together.” Roman announced releasing Kristen. “All you Dimeras stick together.”

 

“Roman, Roman, Roman.” Stephano sighed shaking his head. “You’ve got it all wrong.”

 

“Dimera, you’re the one that’s wrong.” Roman yelled moving towards him. “You’ve ruined my life!!”

 

“Ruined your life? Hah!” Stephano laughed at him. “Roman I saved your life. It’s my blood pumping through your veins. I’m the one that sent Kristen to pick you up from that ISA hospital. You would be dead right now if not for me.”

 

“What kind of game are you playing now Dimera?” Roman asked in anger as he raised his fist to hit Stephano.

 

“You can hit me if you like Roman,” Stephano replied calmly “but it won’t take away any of the pain that was caused by the real enemy.”

 

“What are you talking about Dimera?” Roman spat at him. “You’re the one that took me away from my family so long ago. You took me away from Doc.”

 

“I’m not the enemy Roman. I’m not the one that took Marlena away from you…” Stephano smiled arrogantly. “…John Black is.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

John entered Marlena’s hospital room to find her sleeping. He stepped along side of her bed and watched her body move with each breath she took. The more he watched her, the stronger he felt about her. His eyes drifted from her beautiful face to her abdomen. He was drawn in by the thought of the baby growing inside of her and without giving it a second thought he reached out to touch her.

 

“John,” she whispered sleepily opening her eyes, “you’re here.”

 

“I promised you that I would be when you woke up Doc.” he smiled brushing his lips tenderly along hers. “I always keep a promise Doc.”

 

“We’ve missed you.” Marlena smiled realizing that his hand was still on her stomach as she looked into his vibrant blue eyes.

 

“I missed you both too.” he said gently rubbing her stomach as he kissed her again.

 

“Baby,” she asked touching his face and noticing that he looked hurt, “what happened?”

 

“It’s a long story Doc.” John said taking her hand and kissing it. “It doesn’t matter what happened though because I’m here with you now.”

 

“John, did you find Eric?” Marlena asked worrying about her son.

 

“Yeah, I did.” John smiled as he remembered Eric’s declaration of love.

 

“What is it?” Marlena asked slowly sitting up and watching John’s eyes fill up with tears. “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing Doc.” he said grabbing a hold of her tightly. “I have a feeling that everything is going to be just fine from now on.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“You have to do me a favor Carrie.” Eric said from his hospital bed after Mike had left the room to run some tests.

 

“Anything.” Carrie said happy to see that her brother was feeling alright.

 

“Can you call Jenny and tell her that I’m okay?” Eric asked feeling weak again as he laid back in his bed. “I was such a jerk the other day to her and she needs to know how I feel about her.”

 

“Why don’t you tell her yourself?” Carrie suggested to him as she gazed off.

 

“Huh?” he asked turning around to follow her gaze.

 

“Eric,” Jenny smiled as tears rushed down her face.

 

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Carrie said slipping out of the room and shutting the door.

 

“Thank God you’re alright.” Jenny smiled as tears ran down her face. “I was worried about you Eric Brady.”

 

“Jenny, I’m so sorry.” Eric began sitting up. “I acted like such a fool.”

 

“You did.” she agreed walking over to him.

 

“I never should’ve took my aggression out on you.” Eric said looking at her. “I was wrong about so many things and I’m sorry for what I did.”

 

“I know you are.” she said sitting down next to him.

 

“Jenny, I saw what happened to my father when he was overcome with rage and I realized tonight that I was going in the same direction as him.” Eric began taking her hand. “I realized that everything that I tried to believe about him was a lie and my being wrong about him hurt so many people…my mom, John, and you.”

 

“It’s over now.” Jenny said running her fingers through his soft hair as he closed his eyes.

 

“I love you.” he said opening his eyes to look at her.

 

“I love you too Eric Brady.” she replied leaning in to kiss him.

 

“I’m so scared Jenny.” Eric insisted holding her tightly.

 

“About what Eric?” Jenny asked noticing that he was starting to shiver.

 

“I just hope that I never turn into the monster that my father has turned into.” Eric said hugging her tighter as he thought about Roman. “He was so full of vengeance tonight and I think that he would’ve killed John or even my mom if he was given the chance.”

 

“They’re safe now.” Jenny assured him as she kissed his forehead.

 

“But for how long?” Eric asked looking at her. “How long until the madness starts up again?”

Roman, you don’t want to do this.” Stephano said watching the rage in Roman’s face. “I can help you find the solutions to all of your problems.”

 

“Why should I even listen to you Dimera?” Roman asked still holding his fist in the air. “You are the one responsible for bringing John Black into our lives.”

 

“Think about it Roman. John is the enemy here, not me.” Stephano replied calmly looking into Roman’s cold eyes.

 

“You’re the evil one Dimera!” Roman yelled at him.

 

“I’m not the one that had the affair with Marlena and I’m not the one trying to steal her away from you again.” Stephano explained reaching for his brandy off of the table next to him. “I’m over my obsession with Marlena because I know that I could never win her heart, but you’re another story Roman. She loves you and everyone in this town knows that including John Black.”

 

“That’s a lie!” Roman yelled grabbing his aching head as he stumbled backward. “Don’t you understand I lost Doc because of your and Kristen’s evil manipulations and there is nothing that I can do to get her back?”

 

“Ahh Roman….” Stephano grinned taking a sip of his drink. “that’s where you’re wrong.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“How’s she doing?” Eric asked John as he tiptoed into Marlena’s hospital room.

 

“She’s resting.” John said turning to face Eric. “What are you doing out of bed?”

 

“I couldn’t sleep in that hospital bed.” Eric explained to him quietly. “I just had too much on my mind.”

 

“I know what you mean.” John replied looking at the bump on Eric’s head. “You really should be resting though.”

 

“She looks awful John.” Eric said ignoring John’s comment as he walked towards the hospital bed and taking a closer look at his mother.

 

“She’ll be alright son. It looks worse than it is.” John said putting his hand on Eric’s shoulder. “Mike said that she could be up on her feet again really soon.”

 

“He could’ve killed her tonight…” Eric whispered trailing off as his eyes filled up with tears.

 

“…but he didn’t Eric because you saved her life. I’m so thankful for you Eric because you were there when I couldn’t be.” John softly reminded him. “If you wouldn’t have shown up when you did, then both Doc and the baby probably wouldn’t be alive right now.”

 

“So, she’s really…pregnant?” Eric asked looking at John.

 

“That’s a fact son.” John smiled weakly at Eric. “You’re going to have another brother or sister.”

 

“I can’t believe that.” Eric said turning to his mother again. “I had no idea.”

 

“Eric, you’re a hero tonight.” John explained looking at Marlena. “Not only did you save the love of my life, but you saved my child as well.”

 

“John, I’m so sorry for everything that happened.” Eric replied sadly. “I wish that I would’ve known about Roman sooner, then I never would’ve tried so hard to keep you and mom apart.”

 

“That’s the past Eric.” John explained smiling at him. “I thought we already talked about this.”

 

“We did, but I still feel like I have so much more apologizing to do.” Eric insisted to him. “I treated you so bad when all you’ve ever done has been to help me. I was so wrong dad and I don’t blame you if you didn’t think too highly of me right now.”

 

“Eric, ever since you’ve been a little boy, we’ve had disagreements about things: whether it be about you doing your homework or your curfew, but one thing will always remain. I will always love you Eric.” John said giving him a hug. “Nothing is ever going to change that.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“What are you talking about?” Roman asked wearily as Stephano inched toward him. “Back off!!!”

 

“Listen to me Roman.” Stephano began moving closer to him.

 

“Stephano, I don’t think that now is the time for you to reason with…” Kristen spoke up from the other side of the room.

 

“Silence!” Stephano ordered raising his hand for her to remain silent. “Kristen, why don’t you put some more tea on for Roman while he and I have a talk?”

 

“I’ll get Aliana to put some on for all of us.” Kristen replied as Stephano glared at her. “On second thought, I’ll get it started right now.”

 

“Good thinking Kristen.” Stephano replied watching her walk out of the room. “Now Roman, where were we?”

 

“You were just telling me how I wrong I was in thinking that Doc and I could never be together.” Roman said as he began carelessly fumbling over to the couch and grabbing his head.

 

“You look awful.” Stephano said looking him over. “What happened to you?”

 

“Why this is the handy work of John Black.” Roman spat at him. “This happened because I couldn’t handle myself when I found out the truth about Doc and John. She’s pregnant with his child Dimera!”

 

“Roman, Roman, Roman…aah…” Stephano sighed shaking his head slightly. “The Roman Brady I knew would never have given up on Marlena like this. You were always such an inspirational adversary.”

 

“Spare me Dimera!” Roman replied sarcastically looking at him.

 

“I admired the fight you had and now you’re being reduced to this because of a temporary roadblock on the path to happiness. I can help you regain that happiness again Roman.” Stephano continued watching Roman’s expression. “The Roman Brady I knew would’ve fought to the death for his precious Doc if he had to.”

 

“I don’t think that you heard me before Dimera.” Roman insisted standing up and looking at him. “Doc is pregnant with John’s child.”

 

“You still loved her when she had his child before. Right?” Stephano asked hoping to hit a weak spot in Roman.

 

“I don’t know what you’re getting at Dimera, but I’m leaving.” Roman insisted turning towards the door.

 

“You still regret walking out on her, don’t you Roman?” Stephano called out to him. “If you walk out on her again, then you’ll never know what could’ve happened, will you?”

 

“You have no idea what I’m feeling!!!” Roman shouted facing him. “You have no clue about the pain that I feel at this moment.”

 

“Well, I remember how pitiful you were in that ISA hospital waiting to die. All you could think about was the lost love that you shared with Marlena and now you’re willing to walk away from that.” Stephano responded to him calmly. “What I’m offering you Roman, is a chance to get back everything that you lost. All you have to do is hear me out. What do you say?”

“What’s this?” Marlena asked opening her eyes to see Eric and John hugging alongside of her hospital bed. “This has to be a dream because it’s not every day I wake up to find my two favorite men standing before me.”

 

“Hi mom.” Eric smiled kissing her forehead.

 

“Sweety,” Marlena replied sitting up and touching the lump on his head, “what happened?”

 

“Just a small accident mom.” Eric replied exchanging glances with John. “It’s nothing to worry about.”

 

“It looks bad Eric.” she insisted trying to take a closer look. “You should get it checked out.”

 

“Doc, he’s okay.” John insisted grabbing her hand and kissing it. “Mike looked at him and he’s going to be just fine.”

 

“How are you mom?” Eric asked looking at her.

 

“I’ve had better days,” Marlena answered smiling at him, “but having you here makes me feel a lot better.”

 

“I love you mom.” Eric replied giving her a hug as tears filled up in his eyes.

 

“I love you too.” she responded looking at John happily.

 

“I heard the good news about the baby.” Eric smiled at her.

 

“You did?” Marlena asked confused.

 

“Yeah, it’s wonderful mom.” Eric replied giving her another kiss. “I can’t wait to have another brother or sister running around.”

 

“Really?” Marlena asked amazed to hear those words out of Eric’s mouth.

 

“Hi everyone.” Mike said interrupting them and walking over to Marlena. “How’s the patient doing?”

 

“Mike,” Marlena smiled looking at John and Eric standing next to each other happily, “I’m feeling much better.”

 

“Good.” Mike said checking her blood pressure and turning to Eric. “Shouldn’t you be resting?”

 

“I can’t sleep.” Eric replied softly.

 

“Well, then I’ll have the nurse bring you something to help you with that problem.” Mike insisted seriously.

 

“I’m fine Mike.” Eric declared again.

 

“Eric, I’d prefer that you rest.” Mike explained to him.

 

“Honey, why don’t you go back to your room and get some rest?” Marlena suggested grabbing her son’s hand. “We will have plenty of time to talk later.”

 

“Alright mom.” he said giving in as he kissed her goodbye. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” she smiled back at him.

 

“I’ll walk you back to your room Eric.” Mike suggested to Eric.

 

“Okay,” Eric agreed giving John a hug and leaving Marlena touched by his gesture. “I’ll see you later.”

 

“How long have I been out?” Marlena asked John after Eric left the room.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Dimera, the day that I fall for another one of your manipulations, is the day that they start building igloos in hell!!” Roman yelled gripping his head.

 

“What’s going on in here you two?” Kristen asked returning with the tea in hand. “I’m trying to convince Roman that he should stay here and be our guest for a while…at least until he’s recovered.” Stephano lied to Kristen as he continued to look at Roman. “What do you say Roman?”

 

“Over my dead body Dimera.” Roman shouted at him in anger. “The day that I accept charity from you….”

 

“Calm down Roman.” Kristen insisted setting the tray of tea down. “I don’t need the neighbors to hear you shouting. There’s no need for you to get so worked up.”

 

“Kristen, both you and your father can go to h….” Roman began as he collapsed on the floor.

 

“Oh God, is he alright?” Kristen asked as Stephano rushed over to Roman’s side.

 

“He’s still breathing.” Stephano announced taking out his cell phone.

 

“What are you doing Stephano?” Kristen asked worried.

 

“I’m calling for help.” he insisted to her.

 

“You can’t do that.” she insisted looking at him. “If anyone finds out that Roman came here and collapsed on my floor, then this whole town will find a way to pin this on me. Everyone already hates me, I don’t need any more hassle.”

 

“Relax Kristen! I’m calling some of my people over here to take care of him.” Stephano explained dialing the phone.

 

“What if Roman dies?” Kristen asked paranoid.

 

“Kristen, I’m going to see to it that Roman lives.” Stephano said with a smile. “My entire plan depends on it.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“I must look terrible right now John.” Marlena said glancing at her nightgown as pain shot up her leg.

 

“Doc, you’re the most beautiful woman in the world at this moment.” John replied tenderly kissing her lips. “I love you so much.”

 

“John, you don’t have to flatter me.” she responded as she imagined what her face must’ve looked like. “You can be honest with me about how I look.”

 

“Doc, I’m telling you the truth. You look fabulous.” he insisted taking her hand in his.

 

“Oh John,” she smiled looking at him, “you’re crazy.”

 

“Crazy about you.” he grinned sheepishly at her. “Doc, we need to talk.”

 

“About what?” she asked looking him over.

 

“Well, I know that I seem to have the worst timing with things lately, but I’ve been thinking….” he began softly as he held her hand tighter.

 

“Uh-oh that could be dangerous.” she teased him lightly.

 

“Doc, I’m trying to be serious right now. Okay?” he insisted looking into her eyes as his heart began to race.

 

“Okay,” she replied feeling the pain in her leg melt away as she returned his tender gaze.

 

“What I’m trying to say is that tonight when I almost lost you and the baby, I realized how precious our time together is and I don’t want any more of it wasted Doc. We’ve been through too much for too long to spend another minute apart.” he explained pulling a small box out of his pocket and opening it to reveal her engagement ring inside of it. “I know that we agreed that the next time you wore this ring it would be forever Doc.”

 

“John…..” she interrupted with tears in her eyes as he took the engagement ring out of it’s box and held it up in the air.

 

“Doc, what I’m trying to say is that I can’t wait to put this ring back on your finger and make this official.” John insisted taking hold of her delicate hand. “Doc, I love you and I’m ready for forever. What do you say Doc?”

“Doc, I love you more than life itself and I’ve been dreaming about this moment. You hold the key to my heart and soul and I can’t bear to spend another moment apart. ” John pleaded watching the tears flow down her face as he moved back and began to play with her engagement ring. “Doc, will you marry me?”

 

“Oh John, my love,” Marlena gasped watching him kneeling at her side as he twirled the ring around in his hand, “I can’t marry you…”

 

“What?” he asked suddenly confused by the words she just said. “You can’t marry me?”

 

“John…I” she began to explain realizing that she upset him.

 

“I love you so much Doc.” John pleaded wholeheartedly as he began to feel tears forming in his eyes. “I want you, me, and the kids to be a family again. I need you so muc…”

 

“John, you didn’t let me finish.” Marlena insisted placing her hand over his mouth to quiet him down.

 

“But Doc I love you…” John interrupted again although his voice was muffled by her hand.

 

“John, would you please shut up and let me finish?” Marlena asked trying to calm him down.

 

“Alright Marlena.” he replied kissing her hand. “Go on.”

 

“What I was about to say before you interrupted me is that I can’t marry you until you quit playing around with my engagement ring and put it on my finger.”

 

“What?” he asked confused as he realized that he was nervously twirling the ring on his index finger. “Oh, sorry.”

 

“That’s okay.” she smiled at him as his face lit up.

 

“Let’s try this again.” John began holding the ring to her finger. “Doc, will you marry me?”

 

“Of course I’ll marry you my love.” Marlena smiled as her eyes filled with tears.

 

“Oh Doc,” John smiled slipping the ring on her delicate finger. “You don’t know how much this means to know that we will finally be together. After all of those months of guilt that you were going through, I was so afraid that this day would never come again. Tonight when I saw you lying here so weak and fragile my heart melted and I’ve realized that I want to dedicate every moment of my life to loving and protecting you.”

 

“I promise that I’ll never let anything come between us again.” Marlena insisted as she touched his face. “I love you so much John.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Well, what did your doctors say about Roman, Stephano?” Kristen asked frantically pacing around the room when he appeared.

 

“He’s going to need some rest, but he should be fine very soon.” Stephano explained letting out a sigh. “Damn it, this wasn’t supposed to happen! This wasn’t part of my plan.”

 

“Just what is your master plan Stephano?” Kristen asked curiously watching him.

 

“That’s none of your concern Kristen.” he snapped at her.

 

“Come on Stephano, I’m your daughter.” she insisted tugging on his arm. “You can tell me.”

 

“Kristen, everything that I let you get involved in turns into a nightmare.” he explained turning to face her. “I have too much to worry about right now without having to deal with you screwing up my plans.”

 

“Gee thanks Stephano.” she muttered sarcastically turning away. “I can see how much you don’t care about me.”

 

“Damn you Kristen, you stupid idiot! I’ve gone through hell trying to make you and your brother happy.” Stephano snapped at her. “It’s not my fault that you couldn’t hold onto John.”

 

“He would still be with me if I had never gotten involved with you Stephano.” Kristen yelled at him. “He loved the good person that I used to be.”

 

“Well, Kristen, my dear, you will never be that person again.” Stephano laughed looking at her. “Haa…besides, as long as Marlena is around, he will never look at you.”

 

“That’s why you have to get rid of Marlena.” Kristen insisted with a smile. “I can help you take her away from Salem and then John could be mine again. You could take her to some place far, far away for all I care.”

 

“Kristen think!!!” Stephano snapped at her. “I’m not going to kidnap Marlena again. The next time I have Marlena, she will come willingly to me.”

 

“And you say that I’m delusional.” Kristen added laughing sarcastically.

 

“Kristen,” Stephano began dismissing his thoughts of Marlena, “right now all I want you to do is make sure that Roman gets back on his feet again. I need him to get well before I can put my plan in action.”

 

“Exactly what is your plan Stephano?” Kristen asked again hoping he would clue her in on it.

 

“That is none of your concern Kristen.” Stephano insisted glaring at her. “Right now I need you to take care of Roman. Do you think that you can handle that without messing it up?”

 

“Sure Stephano whatever you say.” she sighed realizing that he wasn’t going to let her in on his plan.

“Good morning Doc.” John smiled leaning over in his chair to kiss Marlena as she woke up in her hospital bed.

 

“Did you sleep here all night?” she asked smiling at him.

 

“Yes, I did.” he answered taking her hand in his.

 

“You slept in that chair John?” she asked noticing the blanket covering his legs. “That had to be the most uncomfortable place in the world to sleep dear.”

 

“I’m always comfortable when I’m by your side Doc.” John grinned moving in for a kiss.

 

“In that case,” Marlena began wrapping her arms around his muscular neck, “why don’t you hop in here with me?”

 

“Why Dr. Evans,” John smiled looking down at her, “you’re feeling much better aren’t you?”

 

“Why don’t you come over here and find out for yourself?” she teased pulling his lips to meet hers in a passionate embrace.

 

“Oops.” Mike’s voice called out from behind as John and Marlena they were about to get lost in each other’s kiss. “I’m sorry. I’ll come back later.”

 

“Mike,” John called out disappointed to find out that he was no longer alone with Marlena, “hey partner, I didn’t hear you come in here.”

 

“I didn’t mean to startle you two.” Mike explained as his face turned a bright shade of red.

 

“That’s quite alright.” Marlena smiled grabbing a hold of John’s hand. “Do you have any good news for me?”

 

“Actually, I do.” Mike smiled realizing how happy John and Marlena both looked. “I just got all of the test results back from the lab and you’re free to go.”

 

“So everything is alright with Doc and the baby?” John questioned making sure that he heard correctly.

 

“That’s right.” Mike replied opening his charts and turning to Marlena. Everything came back clear on these tests, so now all you have to do is get some rest.”

 

“What about Eric?” Marlena asked worried about her son.

 

“He was discharged earlier this morning.” Mike explained to her. “He came by to see you two, but you were both asleep, so he went home with Jenny. He told me that he would call you later.”

 

“Hey, how’s the patient this morning?” Carrie asked walking into Marlena’s room with a bunch of balloons in hand.

 

“Carrie,” Marlena smiled as Carrie handed her the balloons, “you didn’t have to do this.”

 

“I didn’t.” she explained with a grin. “These are from Belle and Brady.”

 

“Oh my little sweeties,” Marlena sighed opening their little card with heart drawings all over it. “This is so wonderful.”

 

“They send their love.” Carrie informed Marlena as John glanced at the card.

 

“We have to go home and see them.” Marlena insisted eagerly turning to John. “I miss them so much.”

 

“Alright Doc.” John replied kissing her forehead. “Why don’t you and Carrie get you ready to leave this place and I’ll go with Mike to fill out the paper work?”

 

“Okay,” Marlena agreed letting go of his hand.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“No Doc!!!” Roman shouted out as he woke up from his nightmare and looked around the strange room.

 

“You finally woke up.” Kristen replied from across the room as she looked up from her book. “I thought that you were going to sleep the day away.”

 

“Where am I?” he asked looking around the windowless room. “Where have you taken me?”

 

“Roman,” Kristen explained walking over to his side, “you’re at my house.”

 

“You’re lying Kristen…” he shouted weakly as he looked around the strange room.

 

“Trust me Roman,” Kristen laughed thinking about all of the memories she had about being locked in the room with Marlena. “It’s kind of depressing and all, but this is a part of my house.”

 

“I have to go to Doc.” Roman insisted sitting up quickly. “I need to be with her.”

 

“I don’t think that Stephano wants you to do that right now Roman.” Kristen insisted trying to get him to lay back down.

 

“I don’t give a damn what Dimera wants right now.” Roman yelled pushing Kristen away from him. “I’m going to get Doc back and there’s nothing that you, your father, or John can do to stop me.”

 

“Don’t be so sure of that Roman.” Kristen insisted reaching for her purse. “I think that right now you need to rest so that you will get your strength back.”

 

“What I need to do is get to Doc!” Roman yelled at her. “I need to make her see that I’m the man for her, not John.”

 

“Roman,” Kristen began as she injected the siringe into his arms, “I’m afraid that just isn’t possible right now.”

 

“What are you doing to me Kristen?” Roman asked as the room began to spin around him.

 

“I’m just making sure that you get some rest.” Kristen explained as Roman fell back onto the bed. She smiled at him and wiped his hair out of his eyes. “Don’t worry Roman. I promise you that I won’t let your precious Doc be with John. I’ll never let her win. John belongs with me!!!”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Then everything is all set?” John questioned the person at the other end of his cell phone as he noticed Marlena and Carrie walking out of her hospital room. “Great…oh and thanks a bunch.”

 

“I’m ready to go home.” Marlena insisted walking to John’s side as he hung up his cell phone. “Who were you talking to darling?”

 

“It was just Abe.” John lied to her. “He was just checking to see how you were.” “Oh, I see.” Marlena smiled wrapping her arms around him.

 

“You aren’t gone yet?” Mike teased walking over to John, Marlena, and Carrie. “I would’ve thought that you’d be long gone by the look on your face when you read your card from Belle and Brady.”

 

“I’ll be home with my sweeties soon enough…” Marlena smiled looking up at John. “I’m glad to be getting out of here since I already spend too much time at this place.”

 

“You don’t like being a patient huh Marlena?” Carrie asked smiling at her.

 

“No way.” Marlena replied wrinkling her nose. “I’d rather be the doctor anyday.”

 

“Just remember to take it easy on that ankle.” Mike warned Marlena.

 

“I will Mike.” she agreed turning to John. “Are you ready to go?”

 

“Absolutely.” he insisted grabbing a hold of her tightly. “Lead the way Doc.”

 

“Bye Mike. Bye Carrie.” Marlena waved as she and John took off towards the elevator.

 

“She has no idea what he has in store for her, does she?” Mike asked a smiling Carrie.

 

“Not a clue.” Carrie replied happily. “What do you say we celebrate and go for a coffee Dr. Horton?”

 

“You’re on.” he replied holding out his arm for her. “Let’s go.”

“John, where are we going?” Marlena spoke up after she realized that they weren’t heading in the direction of the penthouse.

 

“Well, Doc, I have a little detour planned for us this afternoon.” John explained keeping his eyes on the road.

 

“What about Belle and Brady?” Marlena asked confused. “I thought that we were going to see them.”

 

“Let’s see.” John sighed looking at his watch. “They’re probably having a blast at Pizza Palace with Bo, Hope, and Shawn D right about now.”

 

“Just where are you taking me Mr. Black?” Marlena asked realizing that he was up to something.

 

“It’s a surprise Doc.” he insisted glancing over at her. “That’s all I’m going to tell you.”

 

“Come on John, you know how I hate surprises.” Marlena announced as she wondered what he had in store for her. “Why don’t you just tell me what it is?”

 

“You’ll just have to wait and see.” John insisted looking back at the road. “I’m not revealing any more to you.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Eric, I rushed over here as soon as grandma told me that you were in a car accident.” Sami insisted entering Carrie’s old apartment. “Why didn’t you call me sooner?”

 

“I didn’t want to worry you Sami.” Eric explained walking over to the kitchen counter to refill his ice pack. “Besides, you have too much to deal with now that you’re an executive over at Titan.”

 

“Eric, you’re my twin brother.” Sami announced leading him back to the couch to lay down. “It matters to me when you’re hurt.”

 

“Sami, I’m fine.” Eric insisted as she placed the ice pack on his head.

 

“Eric, don’t lie to me.” Sami replied noticing that he seemed upset. “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing Sami.” Eric said as his thoughts drifted to Roman’s rage. “I’m fine.”

 

“You’re keeping something from me Eric.” Sami said glancing him over. “I just can’t quite figure it out.”

 

“It’s nothing Sami.” he replied taking the ice pack out of her hand. “My head is just bothering me today.”

 

“Eric Brady, I’m your twin sister and I know when something is bothering you.” Sami declared noticing that he couldn’t sustain eye contact with her. “Why don’t you just quit with the games and tell me what’s on your mind Eric?”

 

“Look Sami, I just need some rest right now.” Eric explained looking at her. “That’s all that’s going on.”

 

“I know that you’re lying to me Eric, but I won’t push the issue any further…at least not right now anyways.” Sami gave up looking him over.

 

“Thanks Sami.” Eric replied as she stood up.

 

“You know, I’m going to call dad and tell him how you’re doing.” Sami decided moving towards the phone.

 

“Sami, you can’t do that!” Eric insisted jumping up off of the couch.

 

“He has a right to know what happened to you Eric. In fact, if he’s talked to grandma, then he’s probably worried sick about you.” Sami explained to him as she picked up the phone.

 

“Sami, you can’t call him right now.” Eric declared taking the phone out of her hand and hanging it up while taking a deep breath.

 

“Eric, I’m confused. Why don’t you want me to call daddy?” Sami asked as Eric led her back to the couch.

 

“Sami, we need to talk.” Eric began taking in a deep breath. “You may not like to hear what I have to say, but you have a right to know the truth.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Well, we’re here.” John announced shutting his Jeep off in front of a small secluded cabin in the woods.

 

“Where exactly is here?” Marlena asked looking around at the trees.

 

“Trust me. You’re going to like it.” he insisted opening his door. “Just wait here.”

 

“Fine.” she sighed watching him walk around the front of the Jeep until he reached her door.

 

“Are you ready beautiful lady?” he asked holding his hand out to her.

 

“Certainly.” she smiled placing her hand in his as he helped her out of the Jeep.

 

“Let’s do this right Doc.” he replied looking at her with a huge grin as he held out a blindfold.

 

“What are you up to?” she asked wearily as he moved towards her and covered her eyes.

 

“Let’s go Doc.” John replied sweeping her up in his arms.

 

“What are you doing John?” Marlena asked confused as he carried her towards the cabin door.

 

“I’m just following Dr.’s orders and making sure that you’re taking it easy.” John explained looking her over. “I don’t want you to hurt your ankle Doc.”

 

“My ankle is fine John.” she insisted feeling a change in the temperature. “We’re in the cabin now, aren’t we?”

 

“That’s a fact Doc.” he responded setting her down on a white fluffy couch. “Don’t move a muscle. I’ll be right back.”

 

“Where am I going to go? You have me blindfolded.” she asked hearing his footsteps gradually fade for a few seconds and then grow louder once again.

 

“Okay,” he said taking off her blindfold. “Doc what do you think?”

 

“Oh John, it’s wonderful.” Marlena smiled looking around the candle lit room. “How did you do this?”

 

“I had some magic helpers.” he explained with a smile as he extended his arm out to her. “May I escort you to dinner my lady?”

 

“I’d like that very much.” she smiled as he led her over to a small table that was illuminated by two white candles.

 

“These are for you.” he smiled handing her two red roses.

 

“Oh John,” she gasped taking the roses from his hand and smelling them. “They’re beautiful.”

 

“Not half as beautiful as you are Doc.” John insisted leading her over to her chair. “Now why don’t you sit down?”

 

“Why thank you.” she replied as he helped her into her seat. “This is really wonderful.”

 

“You haven’t seen anything yet.” he insisted sitting down across from her at the table.

“That was fabulous John.” Marlena announced wiping her mouth with her napkin. “I still can’t figure out how you got everything ready like this without even leaving the hospital.”

 

“Well, as I said before Doc, I had some help.” John explained standing up and walking over to her side. “I think that Mike and Carrie did a good job. Wouldn’t you agree?”

 

“Mike and Carrie did this? They didn’t give any indication that they were up to something back at the hospital.” she asked amazed thinking about Mike and Carrie’s behavior.

 

“Well, they’re good actors.” John laughed turning on the radio next to the table. “May I have this dance Dr. Evans?”

 

“Yes, you may.” Marlena grinned taking his hand as the beats of Martina McBride’s Valentine played in the background.

 

“If there were no words

 

No way to speak

 

I would still hear you

 

If there were no tears

 

No way to feel inside

 

I’d still feel for you

 

And even if the sun refused to shine

 

Even if romance ran out of rhyme

 

You would still have my heart until the end of time

 

You’re all I need, my love, my Valentine…”

 

“Oh John,” Marlena began looking into his eyes as he pulled her closer to him, “I love you so much.”

 

“I love you too Doc.” he whispered as she laid her head upon his chest.

 

All of my life

 

I have been waiting for

 

All you give to me

 

You’ve opened my eyes

 

And showed me how to love unselfishly

 

I’ve dreamed of this a thousand times before

 

But in my dreams I couldn’t love you more

 

I will give you my heart

 

Until the end of time…

 

You’re all I need, my love, my Valentine

 

And even if the sun refused to shine

 

Even if romance ran out of rhyme

 

You would still have my heart until the end of time

 

‘Cause all I need is you, my Valentine

 

You’re all I need, my love, my Valentine…….”

 

“Doc, I want to dedicate the rest of my life to making you happy.” he explained touching her cheek. “I promise you that I’ll never let anyone hurt you again.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“What’s going on Eric?” Sami demanded as Eric grew silent. “Why don’t you want me to call daddy?”

 

“Sami, there’s something that I need to tell you….” Eric began as there was a knock at the door. “Hold on.”

 

“Hey sweety,” Jenny smiled throwing her arms around Eric and giving him a kiss as he answered the door, “how are you feeling this afternoon?”

 

“A little better.” Eric explained fully opening the door to reveal Sami glaring at Jenny. “You remember my sister Sami, right Jenny?”

 

“Hi Sami. How are you?” Jenny smiled walking into the room.

 

“Jenny.” Sami replied shifting her gaze back to Eric. “What did you have to tell me about Eric?”

 

“It can wait.” Eric answered turning to Jenny. “Would you like a drink or something?”

 

“No thank you Eric. I’m all se…” Jenny began smiling.

 

“Look Eric, if you can’t talk to me because your girlfriend is here, then maybe you should send her home.” Sami interrupted turning to Jenny. “My brother and I were about to have an important conversation before you interrupted us.”

 

“Sami!” Eric yelled at her. “Knock it off. I said it can wait.”

 

“You know I can leave if you two need to talk…” Jenny began confused by the way that Sami was treating her. “I can just come back later or something.”

 

“Bye. See you.” Sami replied anxiously.

 

“No Jenny, you’re going to stay right here.” Eric insisted grabbing her shoulder. “You might as well stay here while Sami and I have our talk.”

 

“This is family business Eric.” Sami interrupted glaring at Eric. “I think that your little girlfriend should go home.”

 

“You know Eric, I just remembered something that I had to do, I’ll just be leaving now.” Jenny replied not wanting Eric to get into another fight with one of his family members. “We can talk later.”

 

“Jenny, no…” Eric pleaded with her.

 

“I’ll be back later.” Jenny insisted giving him a quick kiss goodbye. “She wants to talk to you, so I’ll come back.”

 

“Fine.” Eric sighed not wanting her to go. “Let me walk you to the door.”

 

“Okay,” Jenny replied turning to Sami, “I’ll see you later Sami.”

 

“Hope not.” Sami muttered under her breath as she watched Eric walk towards the door with Jenny.

 

“Sorry about this Jenny.” Eric apologized opening the door. “It’s okay, I understand.” Jenny smiled at him.

 

“Eric, I’m so glad that I found you.” Abe announced coming up to the door.

 

“What’s wrong Abe?” Eric asked confused.

 

“I need to get a hold of John and Marlena.” Abe explained to him. “It’s important that I talk to them.”

 

“Is it about Roman?” Jenny asked concerned.

 

“What’s going on here?” Sami asked pushing Jenny out of her way. “What’s wrong with my daddy?”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Oh John, this is so wonderful.” Marlena whispered kissing his ear softly as they laid across the couch together. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

 

“Doc, am I glad that you mentioned that.” John replied getting up with a smile.

 

“Where are you going?” Marlena asked wanting him to jump back into her arms. “I thought that we were going to spend some quality time together.”

 

“We will Doc.” he insisted handing her a large white box.

 

“Just what is this?” she asked confused as she looked over the white package.

 

“Just open it and meet me outside when you’ve finished.” he replied silencing her with a quick kiss and walking away. “I’ll see you later.”

 

“What are you up to John Black?” Marlena asked looking down at the package in her lap curiously. “Well, he did say open it.”

 

Marlena immediately tore into the package and found a smaller package inside. She looked at the package curiously wondering what John was up to. She opened it and there was yet another small package lurking inside.

 

“What is going on here?” Marlena asked opening the third little box to reveal a small key attached to a small pink piece of paper. She unfolded the piece of paper and read it out loud:

 

“Doc, I know how much you LOVE surprises, so I thought that I would make you hunt around a little bit for your gift. This key here unlocks the cabnit over by the table that holds the first part of your gift.”

 

“Just what do you have planned John?” Marlena wondered getting up and walking over to the large oak cabnit and opening it to reveal a thick white robe with a small white bathing suit next to it. Attached to the robe was a note that read: “Wear these.”

 

“John said to meet him outside and the note says to put these on, but it’s the middle of winter…” Marlena began suddenly getting an idea.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

John sat patiently waiting by the hot spring in the secluded backyard. He could feel the winter wind picking up as he shivered from underneath his black robe. He wondered how long it would take Marlena to find him sitting outside waiting for her. He hoped that she would arrive before he became victim to the winter chill.

 

“Hi John,” Marlena’s voice called out as she watched him shivering next to the hot spring.

 

“Doc, you look fantastic.” John gasped noticing how beautiful she looked in the soft white robe. “I was afraid that you wouldn’t come out here.”

 

“And miss out on a hot spring in the middle of winter.” she laughed watching the steam rise up above the water. “Never.”

 

“So how does the suit fit?” John asked glancing her over. “I picked it out myself.”

 

“I don’t know.” Marlena replied shedding her robe to reveal her bare flesh. “It’s back in the cabin.”

 

“Oh…” John muttered not able to find a word to say.

 

“Are you going to join me?” Marlena teased as she stepped into the water. “Or are you going to sit there and stare at me all night?”

 

“Um…um…I didn’t think that…” John replied unable to take his eyes off of her.

 

“John,” Marlena whispered moving over to the side where John was sitting, “why don’t you come in here and help me heat things up in here?”

 

“No problem Doc.” he replied jumping into the water still dressed in his robe.

“Sami, I didn’t realize that you were here.” Abe began exchanging glances with Eric.

 

“What’s going on Abe?” Sami asked worried by his urgency. “Is something wrong with my father?”

 

“Eric, did you…” Abe started turning to face Eric.

 

“I didn’t get to tell her yet.” Eric explained to him.

 

“Didn’t get to tell her what?” Sami demanded with anger in her voice.

 

“Why don’t you try to relax Sami?” Jenny suggested touching her shoulder. “I’m sure that we can explain everything if you would just calm down.”

 

“I will not calm down!” Sami snapped backing away from Jenny. “I have a right to know what’s going on.”

 

“Shut up Sami!” Eric yelled at her as she stared back at him in shock.

 

“What did you just say to me Eric?” she asked astounded by what he had to say.

 

“I said ‘shut up Sami’ !” Eric repeated turning to face Abe. “Now what did you have to tell me Abe?”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“I’m freezing Doc.” John explained shutting the door to the cabin after following her inside.

 

“Well, you should’ve thought before you jumped into the water with your robe on.” she laughed looking at him drying himself off with a towel as he shivered beneath his soggy black robe.

 

“It wasn’t the water that made me freeze out there. In fact, being in the water was one of the hottest moments of my life.” he smiled remembering her grand entrance. “I must say that you put on one hell of a show Dr. Evans.”

 

“Only when I have a perfect audience Mr. Black.” she teased as he walked towards her.

 

“Tell me something, have you pulled that one before?” he asked looking her over.

 

“Pulled what?” she asked innocently as she played with the tie on her robe. “I was just going for a swim.”

 

“Doc, you know what I mean.” he insisted watching her twirl the robe tie around in her hands.

 

“Well, there was this other time a long time ago when I was with this incredibly handsome man…” she began pretending to think about it. “I can’t quite recall his name, but he was a fantastic lover. Come to think of it, perhaps, it was only a dream.”

 

“Really?” he asked removing his drenched clothing as his eyes remained fixed on her.

 

“Uh-huh.” she replied mesmerized by the sight of his muscular body.

 

“I suppose that was only a once in a lifetime experience, huh Doc?” he asked towel drying himself in front of her.

 

“I think so.” she replied motionless.

 

“That’s too bad.” he insisted watching the effect he had on her.

 

“So…” she began watching him step closer to her.

 

“So…” he whispered dropping his towel on the floor and grabbing a hold of her robe tie, “what do you say we repeat history tonight Doc? Let’s see if I can compare to your fantasy lover.”

 

“It’s worth a try.” Marlena agreed as he pressed his mouth to hers.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“I need to get a hold of John and Marlena. I went to the hospital to talk to them, but they were gone.” Abe explained as he entered the apartment as Sami calmed down. “We may have found some kind of lead.”

 

“Lead on what?” Sami asked desperately wanting to find out what the secret was. “Will someone clue me in on what is going on around here?”

 

“Eric, I think that we should probably tell her.” Jenny urged him as Sami grew irritated. “She has a right to know.”

 

“Know what?” she asked again.

 

“Sami…” Eric began taking in a deep breath.

 

“Hey, what’s going on in here?” Carrie asked walking into the apartment with Mike at her side. “I saw that the door was open and…”

 

“Oh great.” Sami sighed looking at Carrie as everyone grew silent.

 

“Carrie, do you know where John and Marlena went off to?” Eric asked breaking the silence. “Abe needs to talk to John.”

 

“Sure, Mike and I helped plan a romantic getaway for John and Marlena. They went away to a cabin that John has up north.” Carrie began to explain. “He has his cell phone on him I think.”

 

“Great. I think that I’ll try giving him a call then. I’ll be right back.” Abe said walking out into the hall.

 

“Go figure you witch!! You really don’t care about daddy do you?” Sami shouted at her. “You like to see him hurting, don’t you?”

 

“Dad hurting?” Carrie asked astonished by her remark. “After what he did to Marlena, John, and Eric yesterday, the last thing on my mind is dad’s pain.”

 

“What he did to Eric?” Sami repeated turning to her brother. “What is she talking about?”

 

“Sami, I need to tell you something about dad.” Eric began leading her over to the couch and taking a deep breath. “I don’t know how to say this to you…”

 

“What is it Eric?” she asked glancing over at Carrie and Mike.

 

“Sami, you aren’t going to like what I have to tell you, but you have a right to know the truth.” Eric began explaining to her.

You’re lying Eric!” Sami yelled with tears running down her face. “Daddy would never do that to anyone.”

 

“It’s true Sami.” Eric insisted reaching for her hands as she began to shake. “I didn’t want you to find out like this, but you had a right to know.”

 

“No Eric!! No!!” Sami snapped pulling her hands away from him as she looked around the room at everyone. “This is some kind of sick joke, isn’t it?”

 

“I’m afraid not Sami.” Carrie explained watching her sister sobbing. “Dad lost it when he found out that Marlena was pregnant and he would’ve killed her if Eric hadn’t barged in on them.”

 

“No!!!” Sami yelled turning to Mike.

 

“It’s true Sami.” Mike added looking her over. “Your mother was in pretty bad shape when your father was finished with her.”

 

“You all are lying!!” Sami yelled standing up quickly and glaring at Eric and Carrie. “You all are doing this because you don’t care about dad at all. All you two care about is John.”

 

“That’s not true Sami.” Eric insisted standing next to her. “I love dad as much as you do and this is hurting me too.”

 

“No you don’t.” Sami snapped turning to face Jenny. “Ever since you got involved with that witch there, you’ve given up on trying to make dad happy once again. She’s made you believe that mom would be better off with John.”

 

“That’s not true.” Eric replied grabbing a hold of her. “Sami, don’t you see that I’m telling you the truth?”

 

“Let go of me Eric.” Sami yelled struggling to break free.

 

“Sami, for once in your life, will you just please calm down and hear us out?” Carrie asked stepping over to aid Eric. “None of us wanted to believe that dad was capable of such evil, but it’s the truth.”

 

“No!!!!” Sami shouted breaking free as she glared at Eric and Carrie. “Neither one of you care about dad’s feelings. All you care about is John and I’ll bet that neither one of you wanted dad to survive his illness either.”

 

“That’s uncalled for Sami.” Carrie shouted growing angry. “You know that’s not true.”

 

“Yeah, well from what I see here it is.” Sami spit turning towards the door.

 

“Where are you going?” Eric asked worried about his sister.

 

“Far from here.” Sami yelled turning to face him once more. “I’m going to find dad and when I do, I’ll let him know that I’m the only one that still has faith in him.”

 

“Sami wait.” Eric insisted as she ran out of the apartment.

 

“Let her go Eric.” Carrie insisted grabbing a hold of his arm. “You know how Sami is. She just needs a little while to let things sink in and then she will cool down.”

 

“I’m not so sure about that this time Carrie.” Eric replied as Carrie hugged him tightly.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Oh John, that was fantastic.” Marlena sighed snuggling next to him on the couch. “I swear that this feels so right as time goes on.”

 

“It always did Doc.” John whispered feeling her heart beat against his own. “I love you so much.”

 

“I love you too.” she replied kissing his chest softly. “I love these moments that we spend together like this.”

 

“Me too.” he replied running his fingers through her soft, wet hair. “Soon we will be together and we will have the rest of our lives to share moments like these.”

 

“Oh John.” she sighed looking up at him.

 

“Doc, you’re so beautiful.” he smiled looking at her pale face.

 

“John,” Marlena began playing with the thick hairs on his chest. “I was thinking…”

 

“About what Doc?” John asked feeling shivers running down his spine from her touch.

 

“About when we are going to get married.” Marlena began planting kisses on his chest again.

 

“I was thinking about that too.” he explained as he ran his hands along her the curve of her spine.

 

“Well,” she began speaking in between placing her delicate kisses on him, “I was thinking that since we are going to be having this baby that we…”

 

“…shouldn’t wait too long to get married.” he finished as she looked up at him in amazement. “I’ve been thinking about that too Doc, and that’s why I think that we should get married as soon as possible.”

 

“How soon?” Marlena asked curiously. “Well, we could elope and get married tonight for all I care Doc.” John explained with a grin.

 

“John, I want to get married soon…” Marlena began facing him, “…but not that soon.”

 

“Doc, I’m ready to make you my wife as soon as possible.” John insisted wrapping his arms around her tighter.

 

“I can’t wait for that either.” she sighed resting on his chest once again and listening to his heartbeat. “I just think that maybe we should wait to get married in front of all of our friends and family. I want this to be perfect.”

 

“It will Doc.” he agreed closing his eyes and enjoying the feel of her body against his.

 

“I hope so John.” she sighed remembering how their last attempt to get married had been unsuccessful.

 

“Everything will be fine Doc.” John whispered running his hand along her side and grinning. “You know the offer to get married tonight is still open. I’ll have no problem taking you away and making you my wife immediately.”

 

“John,” Marlena began pulling herself up to meet his gaze, “I have other plans for you tonight.”

 

“Really?” John asked with a mischievous grin as he started to get his energy back.

 

“Uh-huh.” she smiled pressing her salty lips to his as she heard a faint noise coming from underneath the pillow John was resting on. “What is that?”

 

“I think it’s my cell phone.” John replied pulling it out from underneath him and holding it in the air. “I wonder who could be calling now.”

 

“It doesn’t matter.” Marlena insisted grabbing the phone out of his hand and tossing it across the room. “They’ll have to wait because right now you’re tied up with me.”

 

“I like the sound of that.” John smiled pulling her into his arms once more.

“I just called John’s cell phone, but I didn’t get any answer.” Abe announced coming back into the apartment and noticing the silence hanging over the room. “What’s going on in here?”

 

“Sami left.” Carrie explained putting her arm around Eric as he flopped onto the couch.

 

“What?” Abe asked confused.

 

“She went to find my dad.” Carrie explained as Eric buried his head in his hands.

 

“This can’t be happening.” Eric muttered softly as Jenny watched him.

 

“Then she knows about Roman?” Abe asked worrying about Sami’s safety. “If she gets near him right now there’s no telling what he will do to her, especially after what he did to Marlena, John, and Eric.”

 

“We have to find her Abe.” Eric replied looking up at him. “There’s no telling what will happen when my sister is upset like this.”

 

“Knowing Sami, she’s capable of hurting someone….” Carrie began grimly. “..even if it is herself.”

 

“I’ll have my men start a search for her.” Abe promised reaching for his cell phone. “We will find her Eric.”

 

“I hope so.” Eric replied wishing that he wouldn’t have let Sami leave the apartment.

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

“Damn them!!” Sami yelled as she walked along the pier. “How could they lie about my father like that? Just what are they trying to prove? First Eric helps Carrie steal Austin from me and they turn against our father. I swear that there is no loyalty in this fa….”

 

Sami was suddenly silenced as she heard footsteps approaching her from a distance. She realized that it was probably Eric chasing after her to try to convince her that she was being childish. She decided that she didn’t want to put up with his lecture, so she hid behind the crates as a dark figure stepped onto the pier in the moonlight.

 

“How’s the patient doing Kristen?” Stephano asked into his cell phone as he looked around the empty pier.

 

“What patient?” Kristen asked sarcastically on the other end of the phone line.

 

“You know damn well what patient.” Stephano yelled scanning the area to make sure that he was alone. “How is Roman’s condition today?”

 

“He’s improving Stephano.” Kristen explained to him. “He was ready to get up and moving earlier this morning before I gave him the sedative that you left for him.”

 

“Good.” Stephano smiled as he looked out into the twilight. “That’s just what I wanted to hear. Roman will soon be as strong as ever.”

 

“I still don’t understand why you care so much about his health.” Kristen insisted wondering what he was up to.

 

“Trust me Kristen. Everything is going to work out for the best. Just make sure that he keeps getting stronger. I have to go.” Stephano explained hanging up his cell phone and smiling as he thought out loud. “Now that Roman is getting stronger, I’m almost ready to put my plan into action.”

 

________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

 

Marlena woke up from her nightmare and turned to look at John. He was sleeping peacefully in bed, so she decided to let him sleep as she put her robe on and left the room. She walked into the living room of the cabin and looked out the window, but no matter how hard she tried, thoughts of Roman flooded her mind.

 

“I just don’t understand,” she sighed closing her eyes and remembering Roman’s transformation. “We used to be so close and now you’re so evil Roman.”

 

Marlena’s thoughts began to drift to a time when she and Roman had happiness. She thought of the first time that they met and the times when he had dragged her fishing against her will. She remembered when he first came back on her wedding day to John and how hard he had tried to make her love him once again. Suddenly these images were replaced with new, more recent ones that they had shared together…

 

“Before you say another word, I’ve got something for you.” Roman began getting up and walking over to the refrigerator again. “You’re going to love this.”

 

“What is it?” Marlena asked trying to peek at what he was holding.

 

“Surprise.” he said bringing a bowl of whipped cream and strawberries over to the table.

 

“Oh,” she said in shock.

 

“What do you say Doc?” he asked dipping a strawberry into the whipped cream and raising it to her face. “Why don’t we recreate the old days?”

 

“You know Roman,” she began as her stomach began to tighten up, “I’m not really in the mood for those.”

 

“Come on Doc. I know that you love this.” he urged moving the strawberry to her lips.

 

“I don’t want it Roman.” she insisted pushing it away.

 

“Just take a bite Doc.” he insisted pushing it towards her again.

 

“I don’t want it.” she said moving his hand away

 

from her.

 

“Fine.” he said putting the strawberry back into the bowl. “I’m just not very hungry.” she explained suddenly feeling sick. “I’m sorry.”

 

“Don’t eat it then.” he said throwing the bowl across the room. “See if I care.”

 

“Oh God why did it have to be this way Roman?” Marlena sighed remembering the last time that she saw him….

 

“You do love me Doc.” he said emotionless as he moved towards her. “I know it.”

 

“Roman,” she began backing up again as he approached her.

 

“You want to make love to me.” he said reaching for her on the floor.

 

“Get away from me.” she said pushing his arms away from her.

 

“Damn it Marlena.” he said slapping her as he moved on top of her. “I know that you want me.”

 

“Don’t do this Roman.” she cried trying to break free as pain shot up her leg.

 

“You’re going to do what I want from now on Marlena.” Roman said forcefully kissing her neck. “You owe me this.”

 

“Please don’t do this.” Marlena cried trying to push him off of her. “Roman don’t.”

 

“Doc, don’t fight it.” he said kissing her neck again. “I know that you want me.”

 

“Doc,” John’s voice called out to her as he touched her shoulder.

 

“Don’t touch me!” she shouted opening her eyes.

 

“Doc, it’s me.” John explained wrapping his arms around her as she began to sob. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.”

 

“Oh John,” she began crying into his chest, “I was so scared.”

 

“You were thinking about Roman again, weren’t you?” he asked moving her face up to meet his gaze.

 

“I can’t help but think of him John.” Marlena explained as tears rolled down her face. “He was a part of my life for so long before he snapped like that. I just don’t understand….”

 

“None of us understand Doc…” John replied kissing her tear-stained cheek and looking into her sad eyes. “..but I promise that I’m never going to let him get a chance to hurt you again.”

 

“I’m just so afraid John.” Marlena insisted turning to look out at the night sky once more.

 

“Doc, I know that you’re afraid,” he whispered gently rubbing her shoulders, “but Roman won’t ever get the chance to come near you again. I’d die before I let that happen. Abe’s men are going to find him soon.”

 

“But what if Abe can’t find him John?” Marlena asked worried. “What if he comes back to finish what he started?”

 

“Doc,” John replied turning her to face him, “I won’t let him near you. I promise you that. You and I are going to be happy together from now on. No one is going to harm you or the children ever again.”

 

“John, we’ve had so much evil in our lives for so long and I’m just so worried about everything: you, the kids…especially Sami. How is she going to react to finding out what a monster Roman has become?” she asked sadly. “I feel like this is all my fault in some sort of way. If only I could’ve made everyone happy….”

 

“Doc, you can’t please everyone.” John insisted touching her face. “You did what you thought was right for so long and you can’t punish yourself for what Roman did. You weren’t responsible for his actions.”

 

“I know, but when I think of what he did to Eric…” Marlena whimpered softly. “Roman is out of control and no one is responsible for that Doc..” John replied wanting to stop her pain. “He needs help Doc.”

 

“I should’ve been the one to help him.” she insisted closing her eyes tighter.

 

“No Doc. Roman needs to help himself. Look at me!!” John urged her as she looked at him. “I don’t like to watch you hurting Doc. I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” she replied looking into his deep blue eyes.

 

“Doc, no matter how hard this is right now, the love that you and I share is going to get us through this. We have to believe that.” John explained kissing her softly on the lips. “I love you Doc.”

 

“I love you too John.” she replied hugging him tightly. “I don’t know what I would do without you in my life.”

 

“Well, pretty lady, you won’t ever have to worry about that again.” John insisted placing his hand under her chin as he lowered his mouth to hers for another kiss. “I’ll always be here for you.”

~~~~~