-The Transfer Student-
John and his buddy, Abe, were at the school gym working out and that’s where John first met her. John and Abe were exiting the gym when a volleyball whacked John in the head. He stumbled but didn’t fall. Then his eyes took sight of her. “Sorry. Are you okay?” she asked. It took John a few seconds and then he replied “yes…I’m fine. You’ve got one hell of a serve, though” John laughed. “Thank you, I guess. Are you sure you’re alright?” “Yes. I am completely intact. I think you better get back. Your coach is starting to frighten me.” She turned around and saw her coach’s glaring eyes and squinched face “oh my! I guess I better. Glad you’re okay” she yelled as she jogged back onto the court. “Abe, who was that gorgeous girl?” “I don’t know her name, but I know that she just transferred from Colorado” Abe answered. “I’ve got to find out who she is!” John said a little too excitedly. “Alright, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.” “No, partner. I don’t think I can wait til tomorrow. I am going to stick around for a while.” “What about the swim team dinner?” Abe asked. “If I make it, I make. If not, there will be others.” John answered. “Okay. If you don’t make it I will tell everyone that you had to work tonight, alright?” “Thanks partner.” “Now go find out who she is! Catch you later” Abe said as he patted John’s shoulder and left.
Outside, John was full of anxiety. That girl was exquisite! Long tanned legs, gorgeous blonde hair, amazing hazel eyes and damn sexy. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Meanwhile, inside the gym the girls were talking about John. The girl with the killer serve asked “who was that guy I hit?” Maggie, one of the players, answered “that was John Black, captain of the swim team.” “Really? I pictured him to be the football captain.” Then she went into a fantasy. “Marlena, are you okay?” Maggie asked with concern. Marlena was daydreaming of John in a speedo and started to unconsciously lick her lips. “Marlena, earth to Marlena” Maggie waved. “Oh, Maggie….sorry.” “You’ve got the hots for John, don’t you?” “I don’t know Maggie. It’s just that he’s so handsome and whole. And those piercing blue eyes….mmmm!” “Fine, I’ll introduce you tomorrow, how about that?” “Oh, thanks Maggie. You’re so great!” Back outside, John was pacing in order to keep under control. His mind was reliving that moment over and over again. Finally, he got a hold of himself in just enough time before he saw Maggie and her come out. “Look who’s waiting for you!” Maggie chuckled. “He is not” Marlena argued. “Wanna bet! Here he comes!” “Hello Maggie and….?” “Marlena, Marlena Evans.” She said while extending her hand out. John shook her hand as he repeated “hello Maggie and Marlena (now that he knew her name). “Hi, John!” They said at the same time. “How’s your head, John?” “It’s fine. Stop worrying.” “Well…I thought that’s why you’re still here. Are you dizzy or anything?” “Nope. I just wanted to properly meet you!” So, now that we have met, are you taking off?” “Actually I was wondering if you ladies need a ride?” “Oh, no thank you John. I have my car here. I have to go to work in a few” Maggie declined gratefully. John nodded and then asked “what about you, Marlena?” “If it won’t be too much trouble.” “Nonsense. No trouble at all.” “Well…I’ll let you two be then. I have to get going. See you tomorrow!” Maggie said. “Bye Maggie” John and Marlena said at the same time.
John opened the door of his 1991 jeep wrangler for Marlena and helped her in. He shut the door and went over to the driver’s seat. John started the engine and made conversation “so, you’re from Colorado?” “Yes, how did you know that?” “My buddy Abe, that’s the one who with me today. Anyways…he only knew that you just transferred from Colorado and didn’t know your name. “Ah. Well…I would like to meet me and then he will know me” she laughed. “Is he on the swim team as well?” “So, I see Maggie told you about me” John grinned. “Only your name and that you were the swim team captain.” “Yes. Abe is the co-captain. We’ve been buds ever since middle school. So, where do you live?” “I live on Salem Drive.” “Get out! So do I” John yelped. “What a coincidence!” Marlena chuckled. “Why did you move here, if you don’t mind me asking?” “No, I don’t mind at all. I actually moved here for the medical program at Salem High. I was taking college courses back home and when I found out about the program…we moved.” “Medicine, huh? That’s intense.” “I want to focus on psychiatry. I like to help others and solve problems.” “I can see it now. Dr. Marlena Evans, world renown psychiatrist.” “You’re such a goof, John.” “Hey, I’m only stating truths.” “Thank you. I’ll hold you to those words” she joked. “You’re welcome. Hey…I’ve got a silly question.” “I’m not sure it would be silly, but go ahead.” “Did I pass your house?” “That wasn’t silly and no you haven’t. I’m at the second to the last house on the left.” “Amazing!” “What’s amazing, John?” “You live one house away from me.” Marlena laughed and began “well…John, I think it was fate that we met.” “Me too!” John parked his jeep by the curve and escorted Marlena to her door while he carried her bag. “Thank you very much, John.” “Anytime, Marlena. Would you like a ride tomorrow?” “That would be great. Thank you!” John opened the door for her and said “see you in the morning.” “Have a great evening, John.” When the door shut John jumped for joy. Marlena laughed as she watched from the window.
-Fate-
The next morning John was up bright and early. He dreamed about Marlena all night and couldn’t wait to see her. After John got ready he quickly jotted off to Marlena’s. Only one knock and Marlena popped the door open. “Good morning, Marlena” John said as he handed her a lilac from his garden, well his mom’s garden. “Oh, John. It’s beautiful! Thank you, you’re so sweet. It’s funny though…” “What’s that?” “This is my favorite flower, how did you know?” “I didn’t. I just saw it and it reminded me of you. Lucky guess.” “Let me put this in some water and then we’ll be off.” “Okay. I’ll wait out here for you.” “No. Come in.” “Thank you” John said as he closed the door behind them. “Wow! You have a beautiful home, very classy” he complimented. “Thank you. My parents decorated it.” “We better not wake them.” “It’s okay John. They’re already at work.” “Really? It’s only 6:45 in the morning” John spoke with surprise. “Well…my dad is a surgeon and my mom is an attorney. So, I’m used to them getting up early and off to work.” “Marlena, I can see where you get your dedication from.” “I have admired my parents for their dedication and I guess it rubbed off” she replied as she placed the lilac in the vase and then poured water in the vase. “They’re beautiful. Thank you, John.” “Your quite welcome, Marlena. Ready to go?” “Yep. Let’s go.” John offered his arm and she placed her arm in his and they were off.
John parked his jeep and assisted Marlena out. “Boy, John. I sure could get used to this” Marlena joked. “I like to treat people with respect, besides, I enjoy it.” “You’re such a gentleman. Well….I guess this is good-bye.” John didn’t want it to be, so he asked “want to do lunch?” “I would love to.” “Great! I’ll meet you in the court yard at noon.” “I’ll be there. Thanks for the flower and ride” Marlena soft words tickled his ear as she walked away. Just after Marlena left, Abe came up “boy, guess you know her now!” “Yes. She is so amazing, Abe. She actually wants to meet a knuckle head like you” he teased. “I’ll say she’s amazing if she wants to meet your friends” Abe joked. “So have you asked her out?” “Well…not exactly…but we are going to lunch today.” “Alright!!!!!!!!” Abe said exuberantly. “Abe, you’re crazy!” John laughed as they made their way to biology. “So did you find out her story?” Abe asked with enthusiasm. “Geez…Abe! Why don’t you ask her out.” “No way, partner. She’s yours. I just want to know so that I won’t have to keep referring to her as the transfer.” “Marlena, Marlena Evans. That’s her name.” “Marlena…that’s a striking name, John.” “Yes it is. She came here for the medical program.” “John, you sure do know how to pick them!” They laughed and went to their lab table. Just before the bell rang Abe looked up and saw Marlena told John “Marlena’s here.” John’s head shot up and his face brightened to red. Luckily Marlena didn’t notice. “Well…Ms. Evans….why don’t you take a seat at Abe Carver and John Black’s table” Mr. Leslie directed. When Marlena heard John’s name her heart melted. She looked and saw where they were sitting and made her way down the room.
“Marlena! What a pleasant surprise!” John spoke. “Ahemmmm!” Abe elbowed John. “Oh, sorry….this is Abe Carver. “Nice to finally meet you Marlena” Abe said and shook her hand. “And it’s nice to meet you Abe.” “Are you joining in our little group here?” Abe asked. “Yes. If you don’t mind.” In stero John and Abe said “not at all!” “Thank you” Marlena said as she took her seat. “Just out of curiosity, do you like dissection, Marlena?” Abe asked. “Actually, yes…why?” “Great! You are the cutter and prober” John joked. “You mean to tell me that you two get queasy?” They both sheepishly admitted to their weakness. “Well…it’s a good thing that I was assigned here, then” Marlena laughed. After class, Marlena went to her next class while John and Abe went to their gym class. “John, Marlena is so great.” “I think so too, Abe.” “A girl that is not afraid of blood and guts, you’ve met your match John.” John chuckled and then got serious. “Abe, I’ve only just met Marlena, but I feel as if I have known her all my life.” “I can see that. Love at first sight, John. Love at first sight.” Then they started lifting weights and went on about Marlena. After gym, John and Abe showered and then headed off for lunch.
John met Marlena at the court yard and they went to the Irish Pub for lunch. “John, we’re allowed to leave?” “Yeah. Perks of being a senior. You are a senior, right?” “Yes, I am. It’s just that….” “You couldn’t back home?” “Exactly…so it’s just a shock…that’s all.” “Well, let’s go and enjoy the perks.” The pub was across the street, so they walked. As they were walking Marlena suddenly stopped. “Marlena, you alright?” “Yeah. I just have to tell you something.” “What’s up?” “Well…I know we just met…but I feel…….I feel like I have known you all my life. I hope that doesn’t freak you out.” “No. Actually, Marlena….I feel the same way, but I didn’t want to say it because I thought it might freak you out. “I’m so glad that you feel the same way” Marlena smiled. “Marlena, could I hold your hand?” “I thought you’d never ask.” John gently laced his fingers in hers and they continued to the pub. Just before John opened the door, he kissed her palm with the sweetest kiss. They order and talked. John didn’t want this moment to end so he decided to ask “so, what’s the rest of your day like?” “After lunch I have calculus and then psychology.” John had a huge smile on his face. “What are you smiling about?” “I was just thinking about how much fun calculus is going to be.” “You mean….that we have the same class again?” John nodded. “John this is definitely fate.” “And I thank God and fate. Marlena would you like to go out tonight?” “I would love to. I have practice til 6pm so if you’re free afterwards….” “Perfect. I have practice til 6pm as well.” They finished their lunch and held hands all the way back to school. Once there they arranged their date and said their good-byes after calculus.
-The Date-
Like promised, John picked up Marlena after practice. “Hey beautiful, need a ride?” John joked as Marlena came out of the gym doors. “John, you are so full of it. And yes…I would love a lift” Marlena laughed. John offered his arm and she gladly accepted.
All the way home Marlena kept pushing John to tell her what he had planned. Of course, John teased her and wouldn’t tell. “Marlena, you are just going to have to wait.” “John Black! This isn’t fair.” “Well…life’s no…..” “Don’t you even finish that cliché. Come on, please…..” Marlena pouted. John couldn’t bear the puppy eyes Marlena was giving him, so when he reached her drive he gave her a clue. He opened Marlena’s door and helped her out. As she stepped out John whispered in her ear “you know there are worse things I could do, Marlena.” “What?” “Alright, go and get ready and I’ll be by at 6pm” John said as he walked up his drive.
Marlena was preoccupied while trying to get ready. She couldn’t figure out what John said. “I think it was a clue, but what kind of clue is that?” she thought aloud. She jumped out of the shower, went to the bedroom and slid a satin burgundy dress over her head and let it fall down. The dress contoured to every vivacious curve. Now that the dress was perfect Marlena applied her make-up, styled her hair into tiny ringlets, smoothed lotion on her legs and then laced up matching color high-heels. Meanwhile, John was already and laughed because he knew that Marlena was stirring with anticipation.
Six o’clock sharp and John was knocking on Marlena’s door. When Marlena’s father answered, John was pleased to finally meet him. “Hello, Mr. Evans.” “Well…hello John. We finally meet.” They shook hands and Mr. Evans asked “please, come in.” “Thank you, Mr. Evans.” “Call me Brian.” “Okay, Brian. Would it be alright if I took Marlena out tonight?” “Such a gentleman. Of course, you can take my daughter out. In fact, I’m curious to know what you’re up to. Marlena told me your little clue and even I am stumped.” “Well…Brian….I am taking her to Tuscany’s for dinner and then to the Broadway Touring Performance of Grease.” “Why didn’t I pick up on that….of course…worse things!” Brian rubbed his head and added “you know, John, you have made my daughter incredibly happy and I hope you have a wonderful time tonight. I know Marlena is going to love it.”
“So, what am I going to love, dad?” Marlena asked. Both John and Marlena’s father’s mouths dropped and they said at the same time “Marlena, you are gorgeous!” “Thank you. Now, obviously you’ve told my father, so care to let me in on tonight’s mystery?” “Nope” John answered with a ear to ear grin. “Trust me honey, you’re going to love it” her dad said and kissed her cheek. John and Marlena went out the door and her dad said “John…thank you for making her happy. Have a great time.” “Thank you. We will.”
In the car Marlena gasped “John, you look great in your tux. I just wish I knew why we we’re so dressed up.” “You’ll find out soon enough” John said, adding to her anxiety. They arrived at Tuscany’s and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. John glances at his watch… “come on, we don’t want to be late” he stated as he started to help Marlena up. “Late? For what?” “Boy, Marlena, you never give up.” “I’m persistent.” “That’s an understatement” John laughed “now come on” John offered his hand. “Alright” she took his hand and they began walking down the street. John stopped and Marlena looked up at what John was looking at. She realized it was a theatre and saw the marquee Broadway Touring Company Presents Grease
Marlena’s eyes filled with tears as she clung to John. “Oh, John. This is unbelievable.” “Does this mean that you are pleased?” “More than pleased….I’m….I’m speechless. Especially now.” “Why’s that?” “Worse things….why didn’t I figure it out!” “Ah, Marlena…you are so cute when you have been stumped.” He gave her a hug and opened his arm “shall we, Ms. Marlena Evans?” “We go together” she joked as she took his arm. “Candy ass!” John teased and they both laughed. John and Marlena took their seats and enjoyed the show.
-First Kiss-
“That was amazing! Thank you so much, John!” Marlena smiled as she hugged him tight. “My pleasure. I want to always make you happy” he whispered and took her hand and exited the theatre. Once on the sidewalk, Marlena started to go on about the show. She was in complete awe. Even after they sat in the café, she was still glowing.
John looked at her and fell deeply in love. “John…John.” He was lost in her beauty and didn’t hear Marlena talking to him. Marlena grabbed his arm with great concern “John, are you alright?” “Oh…I’m great!” “Then what’s wrong? Why didn’t you answer me?” “I’m sorry. I was lost in your beauty.” “Don’t be silly” she blushed. “No, really, Marlena! You are so beautiful and hearing you laugh just melted my heart.”
“John, can I be honest with you?” “Please, do.” “I love you, John Black.” Marlena gasped. John took her hand and started “now, my turn. I love you Marlena Evans.” Marlena’s tears glistened as her lips formed a cheek to cheek smile. John’s expressions were the same as he took both of her hands into his. They looked into each others’ eyes as their lips came severely close. John could feel her breath on his skin and was drawn like a magnet. Their lips lightly touched, gradually grew deeper as both their mouths parted and tongues began to slide across one another.
The two parted and then they knew that they were soul-mates. Marlena’s lips were angelically soft and John knew that she was the one. “Marlena, would you like to go for a walk?” “I think that would be a great idea.” John put his arm around Marlena’s shoulder while she wrapped hers around his waist and with her free hand she laced her fingers with his. “Thank you for tonight, John” she spoke as she rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” “I loved it and Grease is my favorite.” “I know. That’s why I jumped at the chance to take you.” He kissed her hair and pointed to the water.
“That is beautiful” Marlena breathed as she saw the lighted boat glistened on the water as they stood on the pier. They held each other for a while then Marlena began to shiver. John took off his jacket and wrapped her in it. “Better?” he asked. “Almost.” “Almost?” Then Marlena took John’s arms and wrapped them around her and held him tight “Now, I’m perfect.” John tightened his grip and kissed her hair as they admired the few for a few more moments and then made their way back to the car.
John pulled up to the curb and escorted Marlena to her door. “Marlena, I had an amazing time tonight. Do you think that we can do this again?” Marlena spoke no words, only kissed him sweetly. John returned the kiss and held her tight. After catching their breaths Marlena replied “I will always go out with you. I love you, John.” John pulled her into an embrace and his sweet breath breathed “I love you, Marlena.” They kiss once more before they said good-night.
Marlena’s dad said “don’t let that one go, Marlena.” “I won’t dad.” “Sweetheart….I am so happy that you are finally able to let that go and enjoy the such sweet guys like John Black. After what happened back home in Colorado…I was so afraid that you would never….” “I know, dad. So did I.” He hugged his daughter and kissed her forehead. Marlena pulled away slightly and began “John is special. I feel as if I have known him all my life and….” “You love him.” “Yes, I do.”
“It’s in your eyes and tonight…..I saw the same in his eyes.” “You were watching us?” “Merely glancing” he laughed. “You’re so full of it.” She joked. “So are you going to tell him?” “I want to. I want there to be no secrets, so I will tell him tomorrow.” “I am so proud of you. I just hope that John will understand and….” “I truly believe that John and I are destined to be together and he’ll stand by me.” “I think so too. I love baby girl.” They hugged and Marlena replied “I love you too, dad. Goodnight.”
-The Secret-
The next morning John knocks on Marlena’s door and she opens it while holding a baby in her arms. “Good morning beautiful and good morning to you little guy” John offered (thinking that is must be a relative of some sort). “Good morning. Let me finish in here and I’ll be right out” Marlena responded. “Alright. I’ll be in the jeep whenever you’re ready” John informed. Marlena closed the door and her dad was there to take the baby. “Have you told him yet?” “Not yet, but I will tell him today.” “Call me if you need me sweetheart. I love you.” He kissed her on the forehead and said good-bye. “I love you too, dad.”
It was a silent ride to school, but John broke that silence by asking “Marlena, can we go to the pub for lunch?” “Actually, John, I need to talk to you, so could we go somewhere alone?” “Of course. Is everything alright?” Marlena looked into his eyes and he could see the tears in hers as she muttered “I hope so.” “Marlena, you can talk to me about anything. What’s going on?” He turns her face and she sees his love for her. “John, please….you told me that you would always be here for me and ….right now…..I need you so much” she sobbed.
As John left the school parking lot he declared “I am here, Marlena.” “Wait, John….what about class?” “Forget classes, Marlena! I want to be here for you.” “So, where are you going?” “What about the pier?” “Alright” Marlena agreed. John spent the rest of the ride with his fingers laced with Marlena’s and she could feel his concern in his grip. Once they reached the pier, John and Marlena sat on the bench. “Marlena, what’s the matter? What’s going on?” “John, last night was so beautiful and I have to tell you the truth.” John had a quizzical look about his face and she continued “I have to tell you the real reason why I came to Salem.” “Okay. What’s the reason?” Marlena walked over to the railing and began to tell him.
“A year and a half ago I was walking home from practice (volleyball) and a guy in a ski mask attacked me.” After a brief pause, she continued “he raped me and a witness saw and got help. Soon after he finished….the…police were there and ar…arrested him” Marlena sobbed. John came up and held her “I’m so sorry, Marlena.” “There’s more, John.” She turned to face him “this morning when you saw that baby, well…that baby is my son, Trevor. After the rape I was tested and…that creep got me pregnant and that baby is Trevor.” Marlena cried even harder when she couldn’t read John’s face. “I’m sorry, John. I just….I just….couldn’t kill a baby…or…even…give him up….I couldn’t do it!” Marlena lost it, but John pulled her into him with his strong arms and held her tight.
While stroking her hair, John declared “it’s okay. It’s over and I’m here, Marlena, I’m here.” Marlena pulls away in surprise. “You still want….to be with me?” John smiled and pulled him back to him. “Marlena…I will always be here for you and now I will be here for Trevor as well.” Her tears flowed and John wiped them away with the pad of his thumbs. “You think that because some creep will keep me from you? No way Marlena! You went through hell and your strength, love and courage is why I love you so much.” “Are you sure…you can handle this?” “I am beyond sure, Marlena. I want to be there for you and Trevor, that is if you want me to?” Marlena kiss John softly and held onto him so tight.
-Blessings-
John pulled away as he had an idea “what do you say that we go pick up Trevor and have a picnic?” “Oh, John…” was all Marlena could manage to breathe. John and Marlena drove back to her house and had delightful conversations along the way. Once at the house, Marlena gave the nanny the rest of the day off and then John, Trevor and Marlena spent the rest of the at the park.
Meanwhile, Marlena’s father came home early and found the house empty. He looked for a note or a phone message. There was nothing. He then called his wife and asked her if she had heard from the nanny and she didn’t. Marlena’s mom rushed home and was full of worry. On the way there, she called the nanny and finally reached her. Now that she knew she was okay, she went home to her husband. When she got home her husband was there to open her door. “Did you get a hold of Sara (the nanny)?” “I did. Sara said that Marlena picked up Trevor and said that she was going to the park.” Her husband sighed relief. “Brian, there’s something els….” The phone rang and hoping it was Marlena Mr. Evans answered the phone. “Hello?” “Hello, Mr. Evans?”
“Yes.” This is principal Logan from Salem High.” “Ah, Mr. Logan, how can I help you?” “Well, I wanted to check on Marlena. She didn’t come to school today and I wanted to make sure she’s okay.” Covering up for his daughter he said “oh yeah. She’s fine, she just felt ill this morning and now she’s feeling better.” “That’s great news. Well…thank you Mr. Evans and you have a great evening.” “Thank you Mr. Logan.” He hung up and told his wife that Marlena didn’t show up for school. “Brian, I’m worried now.” He hugged her and agreed “so am I, Rachel. Especially since she was going to tell John.” “John? She was going to tell him about Trevor?” “Yes, honey. I just hope everything is alright.” “Sara said that Marlena was going to the park, Brian…let’s go find her and Trevor.” They reached the door when the door opened.
Marlena was holding a sleeping Trevor in her arms when her parents hugged them tightly “oh, honey…I’m so glad you’re alright.” Her father started to shut the door but caught a glimpse of John fumbling with bags and baskets. “Wait, dad! John’s coming.” He rushed out the door to help John and he connected eyes with him. They shared a look of understanding and love. While the women were putting Trevor down, John and Mr. Evans were talking and then John pulled out some roses for Mrs. Evans when she came down the stairs “here are some roses for such a beautiful grandmother.” “Thank you, John.” She rushed over and hugged him. “I wanted you to have a proper congratulations.” “She cried and hugged John again.
Mrs. Evans put the roses in a vase and then went into the family room where she found her husband in tears. “Honey, are you okay?” “I’m fine. Look at what John gave me.” He handed his wife a mold of Trevor’s feet. All she could do was cry. After they all regained composure, they poured some champagne and toasted. “To Marlena for her strength, love and courage. To Trevor for being a blessing and finally, to Mr. and Mrs. Evans, for loving and supporting Marlena” John toasted. Before they could drink Marlena’s dad interjected. “Now, wait a minute. I have a toast as well. Thank you god for giving my daughter the strength and courage to become the incredible woman she is and thank you for John. He has made Marlena happy again and has brought her beautiful smile back to her face. John you have made our family whole again, thank you for being there when she needed you the most.” They tapped glasses and drank.
-Our Pier-
Months had gone by and Marlena couldn’t be happier. John and Trevor had bonded and all of them spent unforgettable times together. John had become a regular at the Evans’ household as did Marlena at the Black home. One night the both families were enjoying a dinner and John popped the question. A question every high school girl dreams of…the dreamy guy asking them to the prom. A delighted Marlena graciously accepted his invitation “I would love to go to the prom with you.” The families cheered and starting looking at dresses and tuxes. The next week John went with the guys to pick out his tux and Marlena went with the girls for dresses.
Marlena felt closer to Maggie than she’d ever had and was ready to tell her. While they were shopping for the dresses Marlena told Maggie about the rape and how Trevor was her son. Maggie felt sorry for the pain she had to go through, but was really happy and proud that Marlena loves that little boy. “Marlena…thank you for telling me what happened. I don’t think I could be that strong.” She hugged Marlena and tears fell onto Marlena’s shoulder. “Maggie, I didn’t think I could, but Trevor’s eyes and gave me strength and, now, John has given me even more strength. I didn’t think I could ever be with a guy after that.” “So, John knows?” “Yes and he has been there for the both of us.” “John is such an amazing guy…you should hold onto him” Maggie teased. “Believe me, I intend to” Marlena laughed. Meanwhile, John had told Abe and he was thrilled. The dresses and tuxes were bought and pressed and prom night finally arrived.
John and all families were down stairs waiting for Marlena. John was in a black tuxedo with dark blue tie and vest, with a white long sleeve dress shirt. Between Trevor and the laughter going on, Marlena had to clear her throat to get their attentions. They all turn their heads to see a stunning Marlena. There she stood in her dark blue satin gown. It flowed beautifully down her body. There was a sheer layer that flowed from the midsection down to the feet while the bottom was laced with little diamonds. The back was low cut and accented her firm shoulders and back. “Mar…Marl….you are gorgeous” John finally uttered. When Marlena reached the bottom of the stairs John placed one perfect rose on her wrist and kissed her palm while their parents took endless pictures. After the waterworks, John and Marlena walked out to the limo where Abe, Maggie, John, Marlena and some other friends were waiting.
Marlena and John danced all night long. They were saddened to hear that it was last dance, but John had a huge grin. “What are you up to?” “Nothing” he replied. “I know that smile and you’re up to something.” “Well…think what you want, but I just want to hold you in my ar….” Before he could finish the band announced “all you couples get ready and Marlena Evans, this one is for you!” She now knew what John was up to and her tears flowed freely. John took her in his arms and danced. As the words I’ll be there for you, these five words I swear to you. I wanna be the air you breathe, I’ll be there for you drifted through their ears and hearts, John and Marlena’s grips became tighter. Their friends noticed and were so happy that their own tears ran down their faces.
After the prom Marlena took John to the pier. “You know, Marlena…this has become our pier.” “I know. That’s why I came here with you. I fell completely in love with you here, you stood by me here and this is where I want to spend our days together. So, I thought it was only proper to end the night right here.” “Now, look who’s up to something” John teased. Marlena pulled him in and kissed him with love. John hugged her tight as she began “thank you, John. You have been there for me and I….I ….I just love you” Marlena cried. John devoted “and I love you, Marlena.” He then kissed her tears away and they danced the rest of the night away to their own music.
The Jarlena Journal 