Marlena came down stairs holding the most handsome baby in all of Salem or so she thought. He was a spitting image of his daddy. His dark hair, his pointed nose. But what captivated people most about the child was his eyes. They were the brightest of blues. They lite up every time he smiled. Upon seeing the room full of people the little boy clapped his chubby hands and kicked his legs letting out a loud squeal. The room full of people laughed as Marlena put him down and he took his first unsteady steps towards his daddy. With his arms stretch out to his sides his focus on the toy that dangled from his daddy’s hands.
“Come on slugger. You can do it little man. Come to daddy.” John beamed as he watched his son take his first steps. John looked up at Marlena grinning as she watched her son. Tears filled her eyes. She thought to herself how lucky she was to have the love of John and the precious gift created from their love, Franklin Evan Black or ‘Frankie” as they called him.
Pictures were taken. Presents were opened. The cake was eaten and tons of hugs and kisses from mommy and daddy were given.
Then within a matter of seconds their life completely turned upside down.
Marlena walked back into the living room expecting to find John and Frankie napping on the couch.
“John?” Marlena called out as she began searching from room to room. “John?!”
She walked back into the living room noticing the back door slightly open. She pushed it open and slowly walked outside. She grabbed her chest and scream as she fell to the ground.
“Nnnnooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!”
*~*
Marlena sat straight up shaking her head trying to ride herself of those painful memories. She looked out the plane window thinking about how everything went wrong after the day she lost her son.
*~*
A year had gone by. They tried to comfort each other, but each of them blamed themselves for what had happened. They had slipped so far apart that they were unrecognizable by their family and close friends.
They signed the final papers and Marlena was on the next flight out to San Diego. She had to get out of Salem. To many painful memories. To many people trying to tell her how to deal or cope with the loss of a child. John even tried to help her by saying that maybe they should try and have another baby. She closed her eyes remembering the conversation she and John had.
“John I can’t do that. I can’t just have another baby to replace Frankie.”
“I’m not saying that we can replace Frankie. I would never want to replace him. My God Marlena, he was my first born too. He was someone to carry on the family name.”
“John please don’t push me. I just can’t have another baby.”
“Sweetheart.” He walked up to her and she back away. “It’s be a year. It’s time to let him go. He will always be in our hearts. Always be in our thoughts and I will always think about him, but baby, that won’t bring him back.”
Tears streamed down her face as she slowly backed out of the room and ran out of the house.
*~*
Three years after Frankie’s death fate seemed to have brought them back together. Only to have that same fate rip them apart again.
They had tried to talk, but they played the blame game again. The another one of their heated arguments broke out but as quickly as it started, it quickly turned into animalistic desire for one another. All the passion and desire they still had for one another finally flooded each other’s thoughts and fate seemed to take over. If it was only for a little while.
The next morning he woke up alone and she stepped on her flight back to San Diego.
*~*
Now again, almost 2 years later, it seemed that same fate was pushing them back together once again and hopefully forever this time.
John had called to let her know that University Hospital was going to dedicate a wing of the children’s ward in Frankie’s name. John was going to stay with his parents at the pub so she could have the penthouse. He felt that she would be safe there rather than alone in some hotel room across town. Plus, that was her home. He wanted her to remember what it was that she walked away from.
Marlena was brought out of her thoughts by the overhead announcement.
“Ms. Black.” The pilot spoke. “We’ll be landing in Salem in 10 minutes.”
She looked out the window as Salem came into view. She sighed and fastened her seat belt preparing to land.
The jet door opened as Marlena stepped off into the cool crisp Salem air. “Thanks Jameson. I really appreciate you flying out to San Diego to get us.”
“Your welcome ma’am but you know Mr. Black wouldn’t have wanted it other way. He doesn’t like you flying on those commercial flights.”
Smiling. “Oh I know. I know how he is.” It made her feel good to know that John still cared enough for her that he would have his jet fly out to pick her up instead of her taking a commercial flight. Actually, whenever John knew she was to fly anywhere may it be business or personal, his jet was always their waiting at the airport to take her to her destination.
Not wanting to pry into their personal business but having known John and Marlena for years he decided to pry just a little anyway. “You know it’s not really any of my business but..” Marlena looked up at him as she straightened her jacket more tightly around her and the blanket around the child in her arms. “But, he doesn’t know, does he?” He motioned towards the little blue eyed, chubby cheek, curly headed blonde in her arms. “He said my only passenger on this flight would be you.”
“Um no, actually he doesn’t. We hadn’t spoken in almost 2 years until he called me last week telling about the wing that was going to be dedicated in Frankie’s name at the hospital later on this afternoon.” The little toddler in Marlena’s arms yawned. Marlena dug for her pacifier and gave her a stuffed pink bunny.
“Well then…we should get you two over to the mansion so that you can get the little princess settled down for her nap.” He rubbed her back causing her to wrap her arms tighter around Marlena’s neck. She peeked at him from the safety of her mama’s shoulder.
“Yeah, she’s pretty tired. This whole time change is going to mess her up.” Marlena rubbed her back.
He lead Marlena to the awaiting limo. They climbed in and Marlena sent up a quick prayer as they drove off into the cool Salem night air
*~*
“Alice, oh it’s so good to see you.” Marlena hugged the older woman whom she thought of as a mother.
“Marlena dear, it’s so good to see you too.” Alice touched the little hand of the blonde Marlena was holding in her arms. “So who’s this little beauty?”
Marlena beamed. “Well this little beauty here is my daughter.” The little girl turned her head towards Alice. Her bright blue eyes sparkled.
“Marlena does..”
“No Alice he doesn’t. I just couldn’t…” Marlena broke down and began crying. “Oh Alice, he’s going to hate me.”
Alice took Marlena into her arms and guided her into the doctor’s lounge.
Marlena sat the little girl down on the sofa and took the seat beside her. Alice handed Marlena a box of Kleenex and sat beside her and placed a comforting hand on her knee.
Wiping at her tears Marlena tried to compose herself.
“You know John could never hate you.”
“Alice, I kept him from his daughter.” The little girl climbed off the sofa and explored her new surroundings on unsteady legs.
“She is a beautiful little girl. I see so much of you in her, but those eyes.”
“I know and it kills me every time I look into her eyes. Not only do I see John, but I also see Frankie staring back at me.” A tear fell down her cheek. “I told you that John wanted to have another child after we lost Frankie.”
“Yes and you also told me that you didn’t think it would be best for you and John to have another child to try and replace Frankie.”
“That’s the thing she isn’t a replacement for Frankie.”
“So why haven’t you told John about her?”
“Oh Alice, it just isn’t that easy. The reason why I left was because John wanted to have another child and I didn’t. I felt like it was too soon after Frankie. Actually I didn’t want another child. I didn’t want to live. I just wanted to die. My son died. A piece of me died with him and here John was wanting so quickly to replace.”
Alice interrupted her. “John wasn’t wanting to replace Frankie. Marlena dear, John was wanting you to see that life can and will go on. You can’t just stop your life because you lost your son. John had lost his son too.”
“I know, but it just hurt. I was his mother. I carried him for nine months. I gave him life.”
“And you don’t think John was feeling the same way?”
“ I just don’t think it was the same.”
“So, how did.” Alice not wanting to pry.
“Remember when I came back a few years ago? John and I tried to talk, but tempers rose and well you know John and I… so then the next thing I woke up in what used to be our bed the next morning and I couldn’t face John nor myself, so I just left. I just couldn’t look in his eyes and tell him that I was leaving again.”
“He buried himself in his work after you left.”
Marlena looked up at the clock on the wall. Not really wanting to know how badly she had hurt John.
“Alice I’m sorry to have to cut this short, but I have to get to Pediatrics they are dedicated Frankie’s wing today.”
“I am so glad that you and John decided to donate to Pediatrics in Frankie’s name.”
“Well we may not get along when it comes to matters of the heart, but when it came to our son we always agreed.” She scooped up her daughter in her arms and straighten the pink bow in her curls.
“Marlena dear, John deserves the truth. He has a right to get to know his daughter.”
Marlena smiled at Alice and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. “Come on, let’s go honor my son.”
*~*
Marlena was catching up with all the people she used to work with while waiting on John to get there. She was actually trying to release all the nervous energy that had built up in her thinking about seeing John after all this time. She was nervous about how he was going to react when he saw the curly headed blonde walking around with his eyes charming her mother’s ex-colleagues with her smile.
Marlena looked around for her daughter, not seeing her off hand she began to panic. The butterflies turned into a sinking feeling.
Not even a second later she heard her daughters giggle as she ran towards the elevator. Her blonde curls bouncing as her feet hit the ground with a heavy thud. Her chubby cheeks jiggled, her pacifier dangled from the collar of her little pink dress.
Marlena took off after her trying to retrieve her daughter before she stepped onto the elevator.
“Gracie Alice Black!” Marlena called out after her daughter. “You better get your little self-back here.” Gracie giggled as she continued to run from her mother.
Stepping off the elevator and almost running her over, a strong pair of arms scooped Gracie up. Gracie giggled as he turned her around in his arms holding her more secure.
“Whoa there princess where you off to in such a hurry?” He asked Gracie smiling as continued to giggle. She tried hiding herself from Marlena within his masculine arms.
Marlena stopped dead in her tracks and felt like she was going to be sick. Though his back was to her, she knew him. She knows everything about her. The way his arms feel when he loving wrapped them around her after making love. She knows the smell of his cologne. The way his lips felt against hers. She felt like her legs were going to slide out from under her.
Gracie stuck her pacifier in her mouth and laid her hand on the man’s shoulder. Marlena’s heart melted and tears began running down her cheeks.
“It looks like someone is tired, well with all that running and giggling I can see why. So where’s your mommy, sweetheart.” He tried smoothing her sometimes unruly curls. “I bet she’s worried that you ran off from her.” He rubbed her back.
Gracie lifted her head off his shoulder and their eyes locked. His heart skipped a beat as he stared into his own eyes. Tears immediately filled his eyes. He stared at the little girl in his arms taking in her every feature. Her chubby cheeks, her tiny nose. The way she raised her eyebrows at him.
Seeing Marlena, she spits out her pacifier. “Mama!” Gracie wiggled out of the man’s arms and ran over to Marlena who picked her up and held her close to her chest.
He slowly turned around knowing the eyes he was about to look into. Blue locked on hazel. He looked from Marlena’s tear streaked face to the little sleepy blonde she held so protectively in her arms. A tear slowly slid down his cheek when the realization hit him like a ton of bricks that the little girl Marlena held in her arms was his daughter. His flesh and blood. His little girl. He little princess.
They stood there staring at each other for what seemed like forever, but actually it was only a few seconds. Marlena held Gracie close to her rubbing her back. She pressed her cheeks to her daughters soft blonde curls.
John’s eyes went from his daughter to the face of the woman he was and still is so madly in love with. He couldn’t fathom a reason as to why she would never tell him about his daughter though. Yes, things between them aren’t too friendly, but she knew how much he wanted to have another child with her. So many questions were running wild in his head and he needed answers and he wanted them. But before John or Marlena could say anything one of the Pediatric doctors came up to them.
“Oh here you two aree.” John and Marlena seemed to snap out of their trances. “Mr. and Mrs. Black we’ve been waiting on you. I think now it’s time to get the ceremony started. Are you two ready?”
Marlena was the first to find her voice. Still looking at John. “Uh yes, I think we are.” Marlena tore her gaze off John and smiled as she focused on the doctor in front of her.
“Mr. Black?” The doctor tried getting John’s attention.
John snapped out of it. “Uh yea. Let’s go open my son’s wing.” Smiling as they walked off.
Marlena followed after the doctor. John quickly walked up beside her and out of instinct he wrapped a comforting arm around Marlena’s waist. She looked up at him, but he kept his eyes forward. She could tell he was angry and she could tell he wanted answers. She knew him so well. She also knew that when they finally did get a chance to talk, she didn’t think it will be to friendly.
The ceremony seemed to fly by for both John and Marlena. Or maybe it was just all a blur. They both were unfocused and had other things on their minds. They smiled when they heard them mention their names or their sons, but they couldn’t really tell you what was said or being said.
“Mr. Black.” The young doctor handed John the ceremonial ribbon cutting scissors.
“Oh thank you.” John turned to Marlena. She smiled at him and gently placed her hand on his. Both of their hearts seemed to stop at the moment their hands touched. They looked into each other’s eyes. John swallowed the lump in his throat and Marlena blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. The feel of their skin touching sent so many emotions running through each of their veins. Marlena got a sudden chill and Gracie suddenly jumped in her sleep causing Marlena to jerk her hand off John’s and grab Gracie.
“Whoa!” Marlena placed her hand firmly on Gracie’s back. The little girl squirmed in Marlena’s arms trying to get comfortable. “Shh baby girl it’s okay. Mama’s here.” Marlena spoke soothingly in her daughter’s ear.
“Sorry! She a restless sleeper sometimes.” Marlena addressed the small crowd that had gathered. They all chuckled at Marlena’s comment. She went to place her hands back on John’s on the scissors.
“Here honey, let me take her.” Marlena’s eyes darted up to look into John’s eyes.
He knew using the term of endearment ‘honey’ had just ticked her off. She wasn’t his to call ‘honey’ anymore. She hated how when in public he still acted as if they were married. The whole town of Salem knew they were divorced. They knew about their nasty divorce; they knew it all. Salem is a small town after all.
The moment their eyes met John knew his slip of the tongue had got to Marlena. Instead of apologizing he carefully took Gracie from her and placed her up on his shoulder. Wanting to just get this over with before Marlena decided she had had enough and made a scene.
“Okay, let’s try this again.” John held the scissors in his hand. Marlena looked at him with her jaw set before placing her hand over his as the cut the ribbon.
When they had cut the ribbon, it meant that now the Franklin Evan Black Children’s wing of University Hospital was now officially opened.
The greeted and hugged friends.
The local paper was there.
“Mr. and Mrs. Black?” The young reporter asked. “Can we get a picture of you two and your daughter by your son memorial plaque for the local paper?” John looked at Marlena not really sure. Before John could reject, Marlena spoke up.
“Of course you can.” Marlena spoke smiling as she walked over the memorial plaque on the wall.
“Thank you. And if we could just ask you a few questions about your son.”
“Sure.” John walked over to Marlena and wrapped his arm around her waist trying to pull her to him. Her feet were planted firmly on the ground. Finally giving her a swift tug, he pulled her to his side causing her to lose her footing and fall into embrace. She shot daggers up at him from behind her bangs.
“Remember, this is for Frankie.” John whispered to her.
She felt his hand on her lower back. She always felt safe within his arms. She smiled at the camera and then looked up at John. He had never look more handsome. Smiling proudly for the camera, holding his daughter who only hours before he had just laid eyes on. To some of the outsiders who knew not much of, they were the picture perfect family. To those they were the lucky ones to have it all love, money and beautiful daughter. Little did they know of the demons that haunted them.
Marlena could feel John’s fingers caressing her back. He would always do that to comfort her. That was his way of letting her know that he was there and everything was alright. He knew that when she got nervous, just one touch from him and she would be okay. But this time his touch was too much for her to take.
Her eyes soften and tears formed. “John, I can’t… I can’t do this.” Marlena ran off down one of the hospital corridors.
The crowd watched as Marlena retreated down the hallway sobbing. John stood stunned for a moment.
“Um if you’ll just uh excuse me. I think today’s events and what they mean have finally gotten to her.” John quickly walked down the hall after Marlena trying to not wake the sleeping toddler on his shoulder. He knew she had been pushed to her limit. He knew her so well. She needed him when she felt like this. Only this time, he didn’t know if she wanted him to be there. Too much had happened between them. He wasn’t sure where he would still stand in her life when it came to something like this.
Marlena ran down the stairs when the elevator didn’t come fast enough. She ran out the emergency exit doors into the cool Fall night air. She stopped to catch her breathe once outside. She looked around tears streaming down her flushed cheeks.
She ran out into the hospital gardens. She ran to the farthest side of the garden and sat heavily on the cold stone bench.
She buried her tear streaked face in her hands and cried.
She cried for the loss of her son. She cried for the loss of her one great love, John. She cried for her daughter. She cried because she knew she had hurt John probably in the worst most possible way by not telling him about Gracie. She cried because with the dedication of the children’s wing in Frankie’s name it made it all seem so final that she had lost Frankie. She thought she had gotten over it, but standing there with John and listening to the doctors and friends talk about her son it all came flooding back and it was too much for her to take.
Marlena thought that when she left Salem behind, she thought she could move on. Move past all the hurt. Move past the pain of losing both Frankie and John. She thought she would get past the guilt she felt when she so cowardly left Salem all those years ago. But she couldn’t get past it. She was more miserable. Moving clear across the country was not what she wanted and it was defiantly not what she wanted. Yes, she had Gracie, but she didn’t fill the void that John had once filled.
“Stop it Marlena. Why are you suddenly thinking about him now? It’s over! It has been for almost five years now. He doesn’t love you and you don’t love him.” She said out loud to herself trying to convince herself.
She looked up in the sky.” Oh God please help me. I can’t do this on my own anymore. I can’t deal with it anymore.” She began to cry again.
*~*
Maggie stopped John in the hall.
“Here let me take the little princess here and you go and see if you can find Marlena.” John carefully handed Gracie over to Maggie.
“Thanks. Do you have any idea where she might have run off to?”
“I’m not sure. You know her better than me.”
“I used to know her. We have been apart for so long.”
“I’m sorry.” Maggie felt bad for bringing up how well John and Marlena knew each other. It was amazing how well they knew each other. They would finish each other sentences. They would know what the other wanted before they even asked. And they knew when the other was hurting and just needed to be held.
“Oh don’t be. It’s okay. I’m past that.” He said as if he was trying to convince her to believe his lie. That truth was, he wasn’t past it. He wasn’t past the hurt and the pain.
Maggie noticed the look in John’s eye. “You still love her don’t you?”
After a few seconds of dead silence John softly spoke. “Yes. Yes, I do very much so.” He gave Maggie a shameful smile.
“Then what is your problem? If you two love each other, then be together.”
“She doesn’t love me the way she used too. So it’s just not that easy.”
Maggie shifted Gracie in her arms. “It seems fate has given you two a second chance.”
John smiled as his daughter began to wake. Her bright blue eyes focused on him and a shy smile spread across her face from behind her pacifier. He smoothed her unruly blonde curls down and kissed her forehead.
“She’s so beautiful.” He ran the back of his fingers down the soft skin on her cubby baby cheek.
“Your daughter or your ex-wife.” John cut his eyes over at Maggie.
John looked into the innocent eyes of his daughter.
“You know Maggie…your right. Fate has seemed to give us another a chance. I’ve got to go find Marlena.” He touched Gracie’s cheek again. He kissed her forehead. He closed his eyes as he took in her baby scent. “We have to do this, we have to work out our problems for our daughter.” He kissed her forehead again and ran off to find Marlena.
Marlena stood looking out over the river. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself. The cool afternoon breeze off the water sent a chill up her spine or maybe it was because she was thinking about the way it felt to have John touch her body. The way his hands felt on her skin.
She shook her head. “Stop it” She scolded herself out loud.
She didn’t turn when she her the slow steady footsteps walking up behind her.
“It took you long enough.” She said not turning around to see who had joined her.
“I got caught by Maggie.” He looked down at his hands and then back up to see her half smile.
“Aww, now she’s one who can talk your head off can she not?” She still had her back to him.
“I remember when someone else I knew would do that too.” He took a few steps forward. “She would go on and on about the day she had just spent shopping and spending all my money or she would go on and on about the latest in the entertainment world.”
“I am a rambler. What can I say, so sue me.”
“I love it when you ramble, I think your just so damn cute when you do. I could just sit there for hours just watching you. The pure excitement in your voice, the delighted look you’d have on your beautiful face.” She smiled and he got a little chuckle from Marlena.
“I’d always look over at you thinking what you thought was so damn funny and you’d have this goofy grin on your face.” She finally looked about at him. She laughed. “Kinda like the one you have now.”
Their eyes met followed by a few seconds of awkward silence.
Changing the subject not really wanting to go back to a time and place where it was just she and John. “Um.so where is my daughter. Where’s Gracie?” She looked back over the water as she asked him her question not caring but knowing that she was someone in good hands.
“Changing the subject. Typical.” He said more under his breathe. “She’s with Maggie. She had just woken up and Maggie said she’d take her to play in the play area so I could come and look for you.”
“That’s Maggie, always busy in our personal affairs.”
“She cares about us Marlena. She cares about you. She’s your best friend. She only wants what’s best for you and she wants to see you happy.” John’s voice dropped.” As do I.”
She looked over at him.
“Why? Why do you care so damn much about me? We are divorced if I remember correctly. Except sometimes I have a hard time believing it when you do the things you do.” He looked up at her with hurt in his eyes as he thought about the way she left all those years ago. “I left you John. Not just once but twice. And also being the witch that I am, I kept your daughter from you the first year of her life.”
He interrupted her. “Why do I care? Why do I care so much? My God Marlena how could you even ask me that. You know how much I love you.”
“Loved me.” She corrected him.
He didn’t remark on her comment. “You are my one true love. No one could or will I ever let them fill that place in my heart that you hold.” He took his hand and placed in his heart. “We have been together for so long that that I don’t even know who I am without you.” He made her look at him. He softened his voice. “You’re my best friend. The only one who really knows John Black. The real John Black. You’re the mother of my child, correction, the mother of my children. Hell you were my high school sweetheart for crying out loud!”
A few tears trickled down her cheek. “High school. God that seems that ages ago.” “You know we have known each other for half our lives.”
She smiled nodding her head. She turned her back to the water and leaned up against the railing and crossed her arms over her chest. “We met when I was what like 14 or 15. And you were 17 and could drive.” She said in a dreamy voice.
“I was a junior and you were a.” He paused. A little freshman.”
He eyes lit up as she talked about their past. “All my friends were jealous of me because I was dating a boy who was older and had a hot rod mustang”
“I miss that car.” He chuckled.
“We didn’t have to be car pooled around by our parents.” She laughed.
“What?” He asked turning around and leaning against the railing as she was.
“I remember you totally freaking out when you found out I was a freshman.”
“Yea well ..a junior lusting over a freshman. That’s just not right. What would my friends have thought?”
“I don’t think a few of your friends had a problem with me being around.” She arched her eyebrow.
“Well you defiantly didn’t act nor did you look the part of a freshman. That’s for sure.” His eyes scanned her body as if remembering what she looked like back then.
Marlena had always been more mature than the other girls her age. She had also developed a lot sooner than the rest of her friends. People always thought she was older by the way she acted and the way she held herself more maturely. She didn’t act like one of those giggly little freshman school girls.
~*~
John removed his lips from Marlena’s neck. “’Excuse me? I..I don’t think I heard you correctly.”
“Yes you did.” She sat back looking him square in the eye.
He sat in shock. “You, you’re a freshman.” He couldn’t believe this beautiful very mature looking blonde was a young freshman. “Oh my God. I always wondered why you hung out with all those young freshman girls.”
“Those young freshman girls as you call them are my friends.”
“You’re a freshman?” He blinked several times.
“Yes I think we already established that fact. Is that a problem?” She asked him as a matter of fact.
“Uh yeah!” He slightly pushed her off his lap causing her to almost fall to the ground.
“Oh and why is that?” She asked hurt and angered. Standing in front of him she crossed her arms across her chest.
“I’m a junior!”
“So!”
“SO?! I am so going to be teased about this one. I am never gonna hear the end of it from the guys.” He buried his face in his hands.
“So now you’re going to avoid me like the plaque and forget you even laid else on this little freshman.” She placed her hands on her hips.
“You just like got out of elementary school.” He stood yelling.
Her mouth gaped open. “Oh, you are such a freaking jerk!” She slapped him and stormed out of the movie theater.
~*~
He touched cheek as if he could still feel the sting of her hand meeting his cheek.
“Boy was I ever wrong about that.”
“Oh yes you were.” She turned to face him. “I think you realized that I wasn’t so young when was it. Oh yea I think it was my 16th birthday?”
He got that look in his eye as he thought about that night.
Marlena twirled the golden ring around of her right ring finger.
“John, where are you taking me?” Marlena asked as John pulled her along down the dirt path. “I have a house full of guests.”
“I am sure you not being missed. The party was winding down after all.”
“But my parents will be looking for me.”
“I told your sister to give you a cover story.”
She stopped walking and it jerked John’s arm. “What are you doing? Don’t you want your birthday present? Your Sweet 16 birthday present?”
“It all depends. What is it?” She asked stepping closer to him.
“Do you think I am going to tell you?”
She kissed his cheek and then his lips. “Well maybe I can coax it out of you.” She wrapped her arms around his waist.
“What’s the saying sweet sixteen and never been kissed?” He placed his lips over hers.
“Well I can’t honestly say that in my case.” She smiled pressing her lips to his once more.
“Okay, okay now can we continue?” He motioned with his hand down the path.
She let out a sigh. “If we must.”
After walking a few more feet they stopped. There was a blanket spread out under the old oak tree down by the pond. Two candles were flickering. Two bottled cokes were chilling, since neither one of them were old enough to drink but what the parents didn’t know. A picnic basket with a few deserts.
Marlena turned to John. “All this for little ole’ me?”
“Happy Birthday Marlena.”
He lead her over to the blanket and they sat down. Marlena was careful to sit for as she was in a tight light pink strapless summer dress that fit her to a T and showed off her very girlie figure.
They ate the chocolate covered strawberries and drank their cokes. They made small talk. Not saying too much. Just enjoying being in each other’s presence on this special night for Marlena.
John stood and held out his hand to Marlena. “Dance with me.”
“But there’s no music.” She said as he pulled here to stand on her bare feet.
“Think of one of your favorite songs.” He told her as he pulled her to him and took her hand in his placing it on his chest, wrapping the other around her waist resting it on her lower back.
As if on cue music starting playing from out of nowhere.
Steel on velvet, silk on stone
Sun-warm leather set against chrome
You’re a contrast to what I’ve become
No one has touched me like you
Like you
They swayed to the Marlena laid her head on John’s shoulder. His hand was softly caressing her back.
Red horizon at day’s end
Brushing scarlet over your skin Blushing places I long to kiss
No one has touched me like you
Like you
John and Marlena looked into each other’s eyes. Both seeing what neither was willing to say they wanted. They were young. Marlena inexperienced. Still the pure sweet little sixteen-year-old. John only having been with one other before Marlena.
Chorus
You in my arms breathless and sure
A barefoot ballet on a bare hardwood floor
So much in sync it seems that we barely move
No one has touched me like you
Like you
John ran both hands up and down Marlena’s back as she ran hers up his chest up to wrapped them around his neck. Their foreheads touching, swaying to the music playing in the background.
White lace curtain opened wide
Single candle tremblin’ with light
My bold passion suddenly shy
No one has touched me like you
Like you
John slowly unzipped Marlena’s dress. Marlena worked the buttons on the front of John’s shirt.
John placed softly wet kisses on Marlena’s shoulder as he slid the cotton material of her dress down her body. Leaving her standing there in her white lacy strapless bra and matching panties.
She slid John’s shirt of his shoulders as she placed soft wet kisses on his chest.
John unbutton in jeans Marlena took over and slid them down his legs. He stepped out of them and pulled her close to him.
“Are you sure you’re not older than sixteen?” He teased her before claiming her lips with his, inviting her tongue to tango with his.
John ran his hands down Marlena’s back and pulling her even closer, causing her stand up on her tip toes as their tongues danced.
John’s hands worked the claps of Marlena’s bra, it falling to the ground. John’s eyes roamed her perfectly tanned, very mature for her age body.
“You are so beautiful.” Marlena blushed. He placed his hands on her hips gently forcing her to step closer to him. She looked up into his eyes. He could see the fear of the uncertainty in her eyes. “If you want me to stop.”
She placed her fingers over his lips. “No please don’t. It’s just that you’re my..” She looked down. He lifted her face to look up at him.
“I promise I won’t do anything that will make you do anything you don’t want to do.”
“I want this.” John could now see that they were both past the point of no return.
His fingers played with the hemline of her panties. He gently pushed them down, running his hands up her legs as he stood back up in front her. Their eyes never left the others as Marlena did the same with John’s boxers.
John lifted Marlena in his arms, she wrapped her legs around him kissing as John backed them down into the pond.
Chorus
You in my arms breathless and sure
A barefoot ballet on a bare hardwood floor
So much in sync it seems that we barely move
No one has touched me like you
Like you
Marlena shivered wrapping her arms tighter around John causing John to caught his breathe at the feel of her harden nipples against his perfectly chiseled chest.. “Oh it’s a little chilly.” She let out a nervous laugh.
John’s hands took a firm grasp on her thighs. She could feel him against her lower body.
“If I hurt you please tell me.” She slowly shook her head her eyes never leaving his.
John ran his hand over her outer thigh into her inner thigh. Marlena’s breath caught with the closeness of his hand to her womanhood.
Before she could recover he ran his knuckles across her. Her eyes burned with passion. Without giving any warning he shoved two fingers into her. Marlena gasped and tighten around him. He waited until she opened her eyes. Once she did he ever so slowly began to slide his fingers in and out of her.
Marlena spread her legs a little further apart giving him better access and making him plunge his fingers deeper within her. She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned her head back as John pleasured her with his fingers. John buried his face in her neck as he readied her for his intrusion.
Marlena opened her eyes when she felt John pull his fingers out from within her. She knew what was coming make and she mentally prepared herself.
John moved his hips closer to hers, him just barely touching her. He looked down as if he could see through the water were to guide himself. He looked up and was met with a pair of passion filled hazel eyes.
“Please.” he begged.
Needed no more permission John rammed himself into her. Marlena let out a loud gasp.
“Oh my God.” She rested her head on his shoulder while he waited for her to adjust to him within her. Once he knew that she was ready he began to slowly move their bodies against each other. Within seconds they were going at it like it wasn’t her first time.
~*~
And as I recalled, you weren’t too embarrassed to say you had the hots for a freshman after that night.” Marlena looked over at John as she played with the ring again.
John followed her gaze down to her right hand that still wore the ring he gave he that night. The diamond still sparkling the same it was on the night he gave it to her.
“You still wear that thing?” John lifted her hand and the diamond sparkled even more as the setting sunlight reflected into the stone.
“Yes, and I plan on giving it to Gracie one day since I cannot give it to…” She stopped not wanting to relieve the pain of that dreadful night over again. She had lost Emma before she even got to take her first breath.
John knew what she was thinking before she even spoke.
“Had it not been for Emma would you still have asked me to marry you?” She asked staring out over the river again.
“How could you even ask me that? You know I would have. I loved…love you with everything within me.” John never hide his feelings for Marlena. Even through their divorce John always told Marlena how much he loved her and wanted her to stay.
“Even after I lost her in the car accident, did you still want to marry me or was it because we already had everything for the wedding that you didn’t want to call it off.”
He took her by her shoulders. “Did you not hear me. I love you with everything that is within me. I don’t think I could have loved you anymore than I did at the moment when you crumbled in my arms and we grieve for the child we had just lost.”
“Why was it so easy then and not when we lost Franklin?” Tears brimmed the surface of her eyes.
“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know. Maybe it was our age, maybe because we spent a year with Frankie. Emma didn’t even take her first breathe.”
“I used to sit sometimes and wonder what she would have looked like, who she would have been more like. Would she have had your ocean blue eyes or my blonde hair. If she would be a talker or would she sit back and take everything in.”
“I defiantly think she would have been like you. Quite, polite. Would go about with no care in the world. Although she would have kept us on our toes at one point in life she would have been laid back. Seeing as how Franklin was just like me. I don’t think we would have been cursed with two highly energetic children. He was into everything. The trash, the toilet. He was such a boy.”
“Gracie is probably more like you. She does keep me on my toes.” Marlena smiled at the thought of their daughter.
They grew silent.
She smiled. “You know we would have been married for let’s see…” She looked up trying to figure the math in her head. “Well we got married when I graduated, so I was 18 and I will be.” She like mumbled her age.
“What was that sweetheart.” She shot him a look. “You’ll be how old?” He teased her and poked her in her side causing her to let out a giggle.
“I’ll be 30 next month okay. But your still 2 years older than me.”
“You’re never going to let me live that down are you?”
“Nope!” She smiled. “So we would have been married for 12 years, but we have known each other for like almost 15 years.”
“Wow. We’ve known each other half our lives.”
“Hmm.” John stepped up closer to her and she could feel his breathe on her neck. She knew if she turned around his lips would meet hers and she wasn’t ready to travel down that path again or at least not yet.
“I’ve got to go. Gracie needs a nap.” She quickly spoke as she ran away from John.
He let out an exasperated sigh and shook his head. “She just woke up.” He said to himself knowing that Marlena was running from the feelings she’s been trying to burry since they divorced 5 years ago.
~*~
Marlena pulled up into the circular drive of the mansion she and John once shared. So many memories were made in the rooms of the massive structure. Some good and some bad.
Marlena stepped out of the Mercedes John had left for her to drive. She was thankful that he would be staying at his parents. Staying with him under the same roof would most defiantly not be good for two people who were trying to deny their true feelings for one another. Or actually it would be hell on earth for Marlena to fight her feelings for John. She knows full well of were John stands when it comes to them. He loves her and he isn’t going to deny it or hide it.
After settling Gracie into her temporary room with tons of toys and a bottle of juice Marlena went off exploring the placed she used to call home.
When she walked back into the room where Gracie was playing. The little girl had grabbed her bottle and curled up on the plush carpet and fallen asleep.
Marlena carefully picked her up and placed her in the playpen she set up for Gracie to sleep in while they stayed in Salem. She covered her with her soft pink blanket and brushed her tiny curls out of her eyes. She set pink bunny in the corner so it would be there if and when Gracie woke up.
“Sleep tight mommy’s little angel girl.
~*~
Marlena got herself settled into the spare bedroom. Not wanting to even go down to the room she and John used to share. To many memories.
“I think I might just go take a shower and settle in for the night.” She said to herself and she made her way into the adjoining bathroom.
John turned the key in the lock before stepping into the mansion.
“Marlena?” He asked not wanting her to think that someone was breaking in. “Hello?”
He went upstairs heading to the spare bedroom figuring Marlena would have had taken the master bedroom.
He called out for Marlena a few more times. Still got no answer.
He checked the other spare rooms and found Gracie peacefully sleeping. He gently brushed his knuckles across her chubby cheek and bent down to kiss her forehead.
“Sleep tight daddy’s little princess.” He gently pulled the door and left it somewhat open so they could hear Gracie if she cried out.
He walked across the hall to the spread bedroom. He sat his suitcase inside the door and laid down on the bed. He was exhausted. He still didn’t know where Marlena was. He knew she wasn’t far.
After laying there for a few minutes. John sat up and rubbed his eyes.
“I better go get a shower before I fall asleep in my suit.” He took his jacket off.
Walking towards the bathroom door he unbuttoned his dress shirt, taking it off and threw casually across the chair. He took off his belt and undid his slacks. He opened the bathroom door. And stepped inside.
He walked over to the sink and turned on the sink preparing to do a quick shave before he turned in for the night.
“Oh my God John!” Marlena screamed causing John to jump and turn in her direction.
“Marlena!” He stumbled back into the sink area grabbing his chest. He eyes scanned her naked body. A smiled spread across his face. Marlena stood frozen horrified. She knew what he was thinking and she saw his eyes give her the once over. She quickly grabbed the near towel and wrapped it around her body.
“What the hell are you doing here.” She said trying to get the small hand towel wrapped around her body.
John laughed and handed her a bigger towel. “It’s not like I haven’t seen you naked before or anything.”
She snatched the towel from him. “It’s different now. We’re divorced. And you never answered my question.” She brushed past him. He took in the scent of her lilac shampoo. He followed her into the bedroom. “I thought you were going to stay at your parents.” She grabbed for her robe.
“They have a full house and the Salem Inn is totally booked. There is some kind of conference this week.” He watched as she fumbled with the silk material.
“Well don’t you think you could have called me or at least gave me forewarning you were coming home?” She threw the robe on the bed unable to get it all untangled.
He just stared at her a smile spread across his lips. Her long tan legs sticking out from under the dark blue towel. The way her skin was glistening as the light it the water still dripping from her hair down her chest. The way her chest was raising and falling with each anger breathe she took. Her beauty still had an effect on him. Staying under the same roof with her and not being able to touch her was going to drive him crazy.
Marlena woke up and stretched. She slowly opened her eyes and focused on her surroundings. She was taken aback for a few seconds before she realized where she was. She smiled and snuggled further under the sheets. Home she thought. I’m home.
She closed her eyes a few seconds and then shot them open. She sat up looking at the clock on the bedside table. 9:15
“Oh My God!” She kicked the covers off. “Gracie!”
She ran across the hall and found the playpen empty. Not panicking she quickly ran down the stairs. “She has got to be hungry.” She thought as she headed towards the kitchen.
She stopped dead in her tracks before opening the kitchen door. Coffee. Did she smell coffee. Oh how she longed for a nice hot cup of coffee. She hadn’t had a good cup of coffee since she left Salem. Barnie’s and Starbucks had nothing on John’s hot steamy cup of caffeinated coffee.
She was brought out of her thoughts by the sounds of her daughters giggling hysterically.
She slowly pushed the down open and grabbed her chest.
John and Gracie were sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor. A cup of coffee and a bottle of milk sat between the two. John was laying on his side. His house coat open revealing his Greek God like chest. His black silk pajama bottoms covering his muscular legs. Damn she thought. And then scolded herself for thinking that way.
Gracie was sitting straight backed in her pink Princess pajamas, with blonde curls sticking out in every direction on her head. It looked like John tried to tame her unruly curls with the pink bow she had in her hair the night before. The look on John’s face was reason enough to make Marlena want to pack up and move back home from San Diego. The way he was looking at his daughter made her heart melt. Tears were threatening to fall. John was tickling Gracie’s stomach trying to get her to open her mouth so he could feed her breakfast. John looked up.
“Oh Doc how long have you been standing there?”
Smiling. “Long enough to make an executive decision that you are giving her a bath when your done here.”
Gracie turned towards her mother’s voice with syrup dripping from her two teethed grin.
“She really likes my French toast.” John gave her another bite. “Your just like your mama.” John tickled her again. “Mommy loves daddy’s French toast too.” Gracie giggled.
Gracie looked back up at Marlena. “Ma!”
Marlena bent down to her daughter’s level. “Morning mommy’s angel.” Gracie turned on her butt and held her arms up to Marlena. “Oh no you aren’t getting those sticky hands on mommy.”
“How about you join us.” Marlena looked at John like he was crazy. “I’ll whip you up some French toast to if you’d like?”
“First of all, why are you two eating on the floor?” She sat cross legged beside Gracie and ran her hand over her head.
“Well I wasn’t going to sit her at the table and there is no highchair. And since she’s on the floor.” He touched her nose causing Gracie to squeal. “Daddy was going to eat on the floor too.”
A smile spread across Marlena’s face. “So do you want some French toast Sunshine?” He joked with Marlena. He called her Sunshine most mornings knowing she isn’t a morning type person.
Marlena rolled her eyes. “I guess. Is that all your offering?” Gracie crawled up in her lap grabbing her bottle of milk.
“Well want else do you want?” John asked as he made his way over to the frig.
Marlena eyed the counter. John’s eyes followed her gaze. “Aaahhh. One hot steamy cup of coffee coming right up.
“Here you go. Just the way you like it.” John handed Marlena the cup. “Careful it’s hot.”
“Thanks hon.” Their eyes locked for a second. “Thanks.” John turned smiling at the term of endearment Marlena was fixing to use. Marlena rolled her eyes and focused on her coffee.
Marlena tried cleaning Gracie’s face and hands. “Oh boy, you sure are one messy sticky little girl.” Gracie turned and wrapped her arms around Marlena’s neck. “Aaaah!” Gracie squeal in delight at her mommy. “Oh you little mess. What is mommy going to do with you.” John stood back watching Marlena and Gracie. Marlena pressed her forehead to the little girl in her lap. They laughed and Marlena tickled Gracie sending her into a fit of giggles. John stood back thinking he could defiantly get used to having these kind of mornings again in his life.
“Um excuse me.” Marlena brought John out of his daydream. “I do believe you were making me breakfast.” She flashed him one of those smiles that made John go weak in the knees. ‘Oh damn I wish she wouldn’t do that to me’ he thought to himself.
“Oh yes.” He sat back down on the floor with her and Gracie. “Here you go darling.”
“You know I hate that. We aren’t from the country.” She took a bite of French toast. “Hmmm. This is so good.”
“I take it San Diego doesn’t offer French toast on their menus?” He was playing with Gracie’s pink painted toes.
Looking down at her plate. “They do. It’s just that once you’re used to them being made one way, you can’t get used to them any other way.” She took another bite. “You know what I am saying?”
John nodded. “Of course. It has nothing to do with me being the one to cook it?” She looked up at him but didn’t say anything.
“So what do you and Princess Gracie have planned for today?”
“Well.” Marlena stood Gracie on her feet in between her and John. “After a nice warm soapy bath from daddy.” Marlena looked over Gracie’s shoulder at John. “I thought we could go shopping.”
“Oh that reminds me.” Marlena sat Gracie on the floor and she dug into Marlena plate of French toast. “I um have this little Basic Black thingy Friday night.”
“This Friday night?”
“Yes. When were you planning on leaving?”
“Actually Friday morning. I want to get Gracie back home so she can readjust to the time change before I have to go back to work on Monday.” She looked over at John. “So what are you asking me to go?
“Um yea, but if your leaving Friday morning then forget about it.” Marlena saw the hurt in John’s eyes as he looked at his little princess playing in the sticky syrup.
“But maybe we can leave Saturday morning.” John’s face lite up. “So is it formal?”
“Great and yes it is.”
“Oh darn.”
“Why ya say it like that?”
“Cause gosh darn it now I do have to go shopping.” She smiled at him. “You buying right?”
His mouth flew open. “Me? Buy you a dress.” He thought about it for a minute.
“So Mr. Black, you buying me my dress or will I have to wear a burlap sack??”
“I’ll buy but only on one condition.”
“And that being?” Marlena stood with Gracie in her arms.
“That you my dear go with me. As in you’re my date for the evening.” John raised an eyebrow waiting for her response.
Marlena thought a minute. “Fine. I’ll go with you. But don’t act like we’re the happy married couple we once were. Everyone knows we’re divorced. Got it.” She poked him in the chest.
“Got it.”
“Good!” She handed him Gracie. “Now go give your daughter a bath while I get ready.” She turned on her heel. John watched her as she walked up the stairs. She could feel his eyes on her so she swung her hips a little more than usual. John got a goofy school boy grin on his face as he watch her disappear up the stairs.
Gracie wanted John’s attention so she placed both her sticky hands on John’s cheeks. “Oh Gracie!” She laughed.
John checked his watch for the 5th time in the last 10 minutes.
“Come on Marlena!” He yelled up the stairs. “We have to go.”
He paced the foyer. “Oh Gracie. How do you do it? Your mama is never on time.”
Gracie sat on the floor chewing on her pink bunny’s ear watching as John pace back and forth as he waited for Marlena. He checked his watch again.
He looked in the mirror and adjusted his tie. “Oh I can never get these things straight.” He picked up Gracie. “I’ll just have to get you mommy to do it. She knows how to fix daddy’s silly monkey suit tie.”
Another quick look at his watch, he turned towards the stairs about to yell again as Marlena appeared at the top looking through Gracie’s diaper bag.
“Wow.” He was speechless. Marlena didn’t hear his comment as she made her way down the stairs.
“Okay now, you said there is going to be some kind of child care service there because I really don’t have anyone to leave Gracie with. Since your parents have a full house, I won’t want to burden them with another mouth to feed for the night and all. Do you know these people who will be watching the kids? Are they certified? Do they know what to do when and if a child choke? Do they.” She made it to the final step and John was staring with his mouth gaped open. Marlena looked up from rummaging through Gracie’s diaper bag.
“John.” She sighed and sat the diaper bag on the floor and laughing as she walked towards him. “Your tie is crooked.” His eyes scanned her body as she walked towards him. The split revealed just enough leg and thigh to make him break out into a cold sweat. He swallowed hard as she came to stand in front of him. “I swear you would think that after how many times you’ve had to wear these crazy things that you would eventually be able to straighten your own tie.” She pulled both sides. ‘There.” She patted his chest. “Perfect.” She let her hand linger on his chest longer than both needed or wanted.
“Why should I have to learn when I have you here to straighten it for me?” Their eyes locked and an awkward silence fell between them.
“Well. so, umm. so are you ready to go?” Marlena asked walking back over and picking up Gracie’s diaper bag.
“Excuse me!” John stood there in shock and Marlena turned around quickly startled.
“What?” She asked.
“Where the hell is the rest of that dress?” She smiled doing a quick spin. John’s closed his eyes fighting the urge to take her upstairs and make love to her.
The sleek black spaghetti strapped dress dipped dangerously low in the back. Her black strappy heels and her up swept hair top the dress off to perfection. The diamonds sparkling in her ears matched the diamonds around her neck and the same for the ones that adorning her wrist. The one diamond that would make the outfit perfect was the one that she used to wear on her left hand. Maybe one day he thought as she poked at him.
“Hey, I’m single. I can dress like this if I want. It’s not like I have an old man to come home to anymore.” Marlena gave him a sly smile and walked towards the door. His eyes followed her as she crossed in front of him. His knees about gave way when he caught a whiff of her perfume and a glimpse at the amount of cleavage the dress was revealing.
“But you’re a mother!”
“So! What does that have to do with anything?”
“What kind of example are you setting for Gracie?!” Gracie looked at John clueless and popped her pacifier in her mouth. He shook his head. “Your hopeless little bit.” He tickled Gracie in the stomach.” Marlena got tears in her eyes watching the two of them. She quickly wiped at her tears when John spoke again. “You want me to mess up my monkey suit tonight don’t you?”
“Why would you have to go and do that?”
“Because, I am going to have to be fighting the men off you left and right.”
“Like I said. I’m single. What’s it to ya sailor.” She winked as she walked out the door.
He let out a low groan. “No she didn’t just call me sailor.” He followed after her. “Like hell your single.” Marlena turn around and gave him a death glare. “Not if I have anything to do about it.” He said to himself.
**
“Are you sure Gracie is going to be okay. I really don’t like leaving her with strange people.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Doc, she’ll be fine. Stop worrying about her and you just have a good time tonight.”
She nodded. “But.” He placed his over her mouth. If he only knew how that drove her crazy.
“My lady?” He held his arm out for her to take. She stood there looking at him. “Hey…now you agreed to be my date. So let’s..” He held his arm out again for her to take. “Go mingle with my associates.”
She rolled her eyes with a sigh and linked her arm in his. “So does that mean like I have to dance with and do all that other kind stuff people do when they are on a date?” She asked looking over at him. ‘God. He is so so. Oh man and his cologne.’ She looked forward. ‘Stop thinking that way Marlena.” She told herself.
“This is a date sweetheart.” She looked back over at him. He was flashing her one of his million dollar smiles. ‘I wish he wouldn’t smile at me like that.’ She thought looking at him. ‘I’m driving her crazy.’ He was thinking at the same time.
“Okay well then but I draw a line at the kiss at the end of the night. I’m not the kind of girl that kisses on the first date and all.”
“We’ll see about that.” John said under his breath as they walked in the ballroom
John handed Marlena a glass of champagne.
Taking the champagne from John. “Oh so now you’re trying to get me drunk.” She took a long swig. “That still don’t mean you’ll get lucky or a kiss from tonight.”
“That’s not what I am trying to do. I’m just trying to get you to relax. I know how much you hate these things.”
“Then way the hell did you ask me to come with you?” She took another drink.
“Just wanna to see if you’d come with me. Plus, I can’t come alone to my own company’s party.”
“You don’t want all the lonely old rich women hitting on you?” She walks up to him. “You hot looking thing you.” She gave him an evil grin.
“Hey, you better stop teasing me like that or else I might begin to think that you actually like me.”
“Don’t hold your breath, Black. We are so over.” She took another drink.
“We’ll see about that now won’t we?” He raised an eyebrow and gave her the look over.
She glared at him and walked off.
**
“Mrs. Black?” Marlena stared over at John talking with a business associate. “Mrs. Black.?” Marlena turned filling someone tap her on the shoulder.
“Oh yes, I’m sorry.” She turned her full attention towards the young woman in front of her. “May I help you?”
“Yes ma’am I was wondering if you could tell me where your husband is. Mr. Smithson would like to speak with him for a moment about some business they have been working on.”
Without even taking a second thought to the young woman calling John her ‘husband’ Marlena answered the woman.
“He’s right over there talking with Mr. Johnson I believe his name is.” She pointed towards John.
“Thank you Mrs. Black. I can see why Mr. Black talks about you all the time.”
“Well, you’re welcome.” Marlena smiled as the young lady walked over to John. Realizing that the girl called John her husband. “Well he’s not my husband anymore.” She said out loud and more to herself. She grabbed another glass of champagne as the waiter walked by. “Thanks.” She nodded towards the waiter as he walked off.
She looked over at John as she drank her glass of champagne. They made eye contact. John flashed her a killer smile. She rolled her eyes as she walked off to the ladies’ room cursing herself for agreeing to come to this party with him. He laughed as he watched her fling the doors open and walk out.
**
Marlena walked down the halls of the executive offices. Numerous newspaper articles adorning the white painted walls. She stood reading a few here and there. The wall was covered with all of John and Basic Blacks business ventures.
She ran her hand down the wall touching each article and she was beginning to feel the effect of the numerous glasses of champagne she had drank.
She came upon the huge oak door. She ran her hand over the name plate. John Black President, CEO. Slowly opening the door, she stepped into John’s office. She looked around. Nothing really had changed in the 5 or 6 years since she was last there. She walked over to the bookcase. Reading each business award, the company had gotten. Reading several articles from Business Week and the other business magazines. She looked over at the several different pictures that had been taken and each one carefully placed on the shelves.
One caught her eye. There she was pregnant with Frankie. She smiled picking up the picture. Her yellow hard hat smashing her hair. John’s arm wrapped around her waist. One foot on the shovel. The big red ribbon waiting to be cut.
Holding it in her hands. “I can’t believe he still has this thing out.” She sat the picture back down and walked over to the desk.
She ran her hand across the cool leather on the chair. She remembered when John first told her about starting Basic Black. The look on his face and the pure joy in his voice. He reminded her of a child on Christmas morning.
She walked over to the window and looked out over the city. What an awesome view John had from his corner office.
She turned pulling out the chair, she sat at his desk and ran her hand over the hard oak finish. Looking at his calendar at the various meetings he had penciled in. She flipped through his Rolodex.
Rolling her eyes. “If I be danged.” She picked up another picture of her. She shook her head and put the picture back down on the desk.
She opened the top drawer, not being nosey just wanting to see what John had been up too. Maybe seeing where his business travels had taken him.
A manila envelope caught her eye as she shuffled through the various papers in the drawer. She noticed her name on the outside of the envelope.
Pulling out the envelope she dumped the contents on the desk in front of her. Several pictures of her fell out. “Where’d he get these?”
She flipped through the pictures. “These are in San Diego.’ She said looking more closely at a picture of her getting out of her Mercedes at a friend’s house. Her walking into the hospital. At the mall.
“That freaking bastard.!” She moved more pictures around. “He’s had someone following me.” As she was going through the pictures she found one of her and a baby Gracie at the hospital and then another one of them at the park.
She brought her hand to her mouth and tears came to her eyes. “He knew about her along.”
“Yes I did.” Her head shot up towards the door.
She glared over at John. “Why the hell have you had me followed?” She walked over to him with several pictures in her hand.
“I had to make sure you were okay.”
“I’m a big girl. I don’t need you looking after me!” She threw the pictures at him.
“ I know but it was hard to let you. I love you Marlena. I just wanted to make sure you were safe out there all alone.” He tried grabbing her arm.
“Don’t you touch me.” She said through clinched teeth.
“Fine. But can I at least explain?” He asked her almost pleading.
“Explain what? On second thought, yea I’ll let you explain. Explain to me why.” She turned and picked up the picture of her and Gracie at the park. “Why if you knew about Gracie all along then why didn’t you not come out to San Diego to see her?!?! Why watch her grow up in pictures?” She stared him directly in the eye. When he didn’t say anything she threw the picture at him and headed towards the door. “You know what it was a mistake me staying here and coming to this damn party with you. I am going to go get Gracie and we are leaving. I’ll be on the first flight back to San Diego in the morning.”
He grabbed her by the arm as she walked past him. “Let me go.” She tried yanking her arm out of his grasp. He pulled her into his arms. “John I said let me go!” He wrapped his arms tighter around her. The music can be heard from upstairs.
Well, here we are again
I guess it must be fate
We’ve tried it on our own
But deep inside we’ve known
We’d be back to set things straight
She stopped trying to struggle with him as he wrapped his arms more securely around her holding her close to him. He began swaying the music. His hand slid down her bare back causing her to shiver and step in closer to him. His hand finally settled on her lower bare back.
I still remember when
Your kiss was so brand new
Every memory repeats
Every step I take retreats
Every journey always brings me back to you
She looks up into his eyes. Tears begin to stream down her cheeks. A stray tear falls down his cheek. She lays her head on his shoulder as the tears stream down her cheeks. He wraps his arms around her hugging her more than dancing with her.
After all the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who’ve been rescued from the fall
And after all that we’ve been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it’s meant to be
Forever you and me
After all
He makes her lift her head off his shoulder and look him in the eye.
“ I love you Marlena. I always have and I always will.” A fresh set of tears begin falling down Marlena face. She buries her face in his neck.
When love is truly right
This time it’s truly right
It lives from year to year
It changes as it grows
And oh the way it grows
But it never disappears
After all the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who’ve been rescued from the fall
And after all that we’ve been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it’s meant to be
Forever you and me
After all
John places his fingers under Marlena’s chin lifting her head so he can look into her eyes. He slowly bends his head down toward hers. His lips softly brushing hers.
“John I.” He captured her lips with his. The kisses grow more passionate. Marlena wraps her arms around John’s neck pulling him towards her more. John pushes her toward the couch.
“John this isn’t.” She begins walking backwards finally giving in to him totally.
“I’m glad to see that I haven’t lost my touch.” She gives him a smile and leans in to kiss him again.
John lays her on the couch. She arches her back when her skin hits the cool leather. He carefully lays her back on the couch. He runs the back of his knuckles across her cheek and brushes her bangs out of her face. “I just love you so much.”
“I love you too.” John began trailing kisses down Marlena’s neck.
A soft knock at the door was unheard by the two lovers rediscovering their love for one another.
The handle turned.
“John honey?” A tall brunette called before stepping in the office.
John jumped off Marlena straightening his jacket. Marlena sat straight up trying to fix her hair and re adjusting her dress. She held one strap of her dress as it kept falling off her shoulder.
John and Marlena both looked over towards the door as the brunette made her way in the office.
“John?”
“Rebecca?” John quickly glanced over at Marlena who look at John like he had grown a second head.
Marlena took one look at John’s face and knew he just fed her a bunch of lies. The guilty look he wore told her everything. He had fell in love with someone else. He didn’t love her. He just told her what she wanted to hear so that he could get her to make love to him.
“I..I..” she looked between John and the brunette. “I…I’ve got to get out of here.” Marlena jumped off the couch and ran down.
“Doc wait!” John called after her.
Always just beyond my touch
Though I needed you so much
After all what else is living for
After all the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts Two angels who’ve been rescued from the fall
And after all that we’ve been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it’s meant to be
Forever you and me
After all
John stood just outside his office. “It’s not what you think!” He yelled as he saw her turn the corner. “And we are so not over Doc. I swear. And we are so not done.”
Marlena fell to her knees as soon as she thought she was far enough way. She buried her face in her hands sobbing.
Marlena heard heavy steps coming down the hall. She stood and started running.
“Umff.” As she turned the corner she ran smack into the person with the heavy steps.
“Oh!” Their eyes locked. She tried to run but strong hands grabbed her upper arms.
“Doc wait. Please let me explain!” John grabbed her. Marlena looked down at his hands on her arms.
“Let go of me.” She said low and through clinched teeth while struggling to break free of his grasp.
“No! Not until you let me explain.” He wiped a tear that was falling down her flushed cheek.
“Don’t touch me!” She yelled at him. He let go of her but she didn’t move. She crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s there to explain John. Obviously I am not the great love of your life like you said. I mean hell…we’re you slutting around Salem using all the woman like they were ATM’s just waiting for me to come running back?”
“No Marlena that’s not how it.” He sighed in frustration.
“What John Black speechless. Frustrated? I do believe this is a first.”
“Yes because you just piss me off sometimes. GOD..I have loved you most my life. Why would I go around sleeping with other woman when the only I want in my bed at night is you?” He pointed at her.
“Well you could have fooled me. HA well actually you did. So who was the brunette John? I never really pictured you as a brunette type kinda guy.”
“She’s a business associate.”
“Oh mixing a little business with pleasure. You I know how that goes. If I can recall trying to help a poor athletic study for finals and when all he wanted to do was get me in bed.”
John smiled at the memory of how mad she had gotten at him for not paying attention to his studies and how sexy she was when she got frustrated. Kind of like she is now.
“You know. I don’t have time for this. Why don’t you just go back to the brunette, get it on on your desk and don’t’ even bother coming out to San Diego to visit Gracie. I will have a restraining order slap against you.” She turned on her hell and stormed off.
“ARGH!” John yelled in frustration as he watched the elevator doors shut.
**
“Yes thank you for watching her.” She took the bag from the child care worker.
“Ma?” Gracie asked her little face covered with pure confusion.
“That’s right honey, mommy’s here.” She turned and walked off.
**
Marlena walked up to the door. “Yes, I am here to pick up my daughter, Gracie Black.”
“Hold on just on second.” The young girl walked off.
She returned a few minutes later, with no Gracie.
‘Ma’am, she’s already been picked up?”
“WHAT?” Marlena yelled causing the young girl to jump.
“She was picked up by her mother 30 minutes ago.”
Marlena began panicking. “Mother? I’m her mother. How could she have been picked up? Do you not ask for ID when someone is picking up a child?!?”
“Ma’am I’m sorry.”
“You’re sorry! Your Sorry? Someone just walked out of this building with my baby daughter and your sorry?!?!” Tears had started to fall down Marlena cheeks. “What did the woman look like? Did she give a name? Did my daughter go with her willingly? Ya know that should have sent up red flags if my daughter reluctantly went with the freak!”
“I just got here 5 minutes ago.”
“Do you have a phone so I can call the police?” Marlena was shaking at the thought of someone having Gracie and hurting her.
“Ma’am we have sent word to the president of the company, Mr. Black to…”
Marlena interrupted the girl. “He’s my husband. It’s his child that is missing!” The young girl turned deathly pale. “Did he say call the police?”
Before the girl could answer Marlena heard he name yelled. She turned to see John running toward her with two security guards close behind him.
She ran right into his arms. “Someone got my baby, John someone took my baby.” She sobbed into his chest.
He stroked her hair. “Sh, it’s alright. Abe’s on his way. We’ll find her sweetheart. We’ll find her.” He looked over at the people anger and determination written all over his face. “I want answers and I want them now! Whoever took my daughter will have hell to pay!”
About thirty minutes later John had finally gotten Marlena calmed down. He pulls her over to sit. ‘Sweetheart?” She doesn’t acknowledge him. “Honey, look at me?” He places his fingers under her chin turning her face toward him. She looks at him through blank eyes.
He pulls her into a hug. “Someone’s got my baby. Someone’s got my baby.” She mumbled into John’s chest. John wraps his arms around her holding her and running his hands up and down her back.
Heels can be heard clicking against the floor.
Turning his head towards the sound hoping to see Abe he jumped up. Causing Marlena to jump, she sat back her eyes closed.
“Ma!” The tiny voice rang out through the empty halls. Marlena jumped up. Looking in all direction before finally seeing her blonde angel.
“Gracie!” She ran towards her.
Carefully taking the baby she wrapped her arms around her hugging her. “Oh baby girl. Are you alright? Mommy missed you.” She looked Gracie over to see if she had been hurt or mistreated.
John walked up behind Marlena. “Hey daddy’s princess. Are you alright. Where’d you go?” He kissed her blonde curls.
“I found her roaming the halls.” The voice brought them from their happy reunion
Marlena was still hugging Gracie when she slowly opened her eyes. “Like hell you found her roaming the halls.” Keeping her voice low so that she didn’t scare Gracie. “You took her thinking that you’d be the hero saving John’s daughter so that you can get back in good graces with him.”
“I did no such thing. Why would I go and steal a man’s child to get in his good graces” Rebecca and Marlena squared off.
“Oh please don’t tell me that out of the goodness of your heart you found this child, who just happens to be John’s daughter, roaming the hall and you didn’t think you could use this to your advantage?”
Rebecca looked over at John standing protectively behind Marlena, rubbing his daughters back. “Are you going to let her accuse me of such a horrible thing. Why would I take your child? Besides how would I even know she was yours. I didn’t even know John had a child.” Rebecca lied through her teeth.
When John ran after Marlena, Rebecca saw the pictures scattered on the floor. She picked them up and walk over to John’s desk finding all sort of useful information.
“I’m not going to discuss this here.” John motioned for the guards. “I am going to take my …” He looked over at Marlena. “My wife and daughter home…”
Rebecca interrupted him. “She’s not your wife. You two are divorced!”
John continued. “Tell Commander Carver when he gets here that I have taken them home and I will meet him at the station to go over her story again.”
“What? You’re going to have me arrested for kidnaping your child when all I was doing was returning her?”
“We’ll discuss that at the station after I take my family home and make sure they are safe.” John kissed Gracie’s forehead and wrapped his arm around Marlena’s waist as he guided them out of the building.
Rebecca watch as they walked out the front doors. ‘Damn, that didn’t go the way I had expected.’ She thought to herself becoming even more determined to get John.
John walked in the house. Dropping his briefcase at the foot of the stairs with a sigh. He looked over at the grandfather clock sitting in the foyer. 2:00am. He took slow heavy steps up the stairs. Peeking into Gracie’s room. She’s not there. He turned when he heard noise coming from Marlena’s room.
“And the handsome prince and the beautiful princess rode off into the sunset and lived happily ever after.” Marlena finished. Gracie’s eyelids were getting heavy. Marlena was gently rubbing her stomach trying to make her finally go to sleep.
Gracie’s eyes popped open and she sat up.
Marlena rolled on her back covering her face with her hands. “Gracie Ann, will you please just go to sleep.” She said with pure exhaustion.
Gracie crawled over Marlena causing Marlena to remove her hands from her face.
“Here let me take over from here.” He lifted Gracie up in his arms. “You go on to sleep. You look exhausted.”
“Gee thanks.” She said with a bit of laughter in her voice trying to straighten her hair. “You know you don’t look so hot yourself there, Mr. Black.” She sat up.
“It’s been a rather long day.” His placed his forehead on Gracie’s as she plays with his loosen tie.
“So how did things go at the station. Are we going to press charges or do they have anything on Rebecca for taking Gracie?” She pulled the sheet up around her.
“No they don’t. They can’t put her there at the time Gracie went missing and no surveillance cameras picked up anything.”
“Well what the hell are those things good for then?” Marlena was getting angry. “The…the” Choosing her words wisely so that Gracie doesn’t hear words that she could possibly repeat. “that woman takes my child and she gets nothing more than a slap on the wrist?!” She stood up. “You know I don’t get it. How can they not suspect her? Heck, I do. I know women like her. She reminds me of Kristen from high school. Always trying to make herself look good in your eyes. That’s what that woman is doing. Returning your daughter so that she can score brownie points with you.”
“She didn’t even know Gracie was my daughter.”
“Oh yes she did.” Walking closer to him rubbing Gracie’s back and getting a whiff of his cologne. She took a few steps back. She had a flash of she and John in his office earlier that evening.
“Honey? Are you okay?”
“Um yea.” She rubbed her forehead. “I’m just really tired. Gracie has been up like for the past two hours. Every time I think she’s asleep, I go to lay her down and her little head pops up.” She curls one of Gracie’s curls around her finger. “I don’t know if she’s still not used to the time change, although she should be, or she’s coming down with something. Maybe the different changes in the weather.”
John feels her forehead. “You know what…I think she could be coming down with something.”
Marlena touched Gracie’s cheek with the back of her hand. “Oh please don’t say that? She’s not a happy camper when she’s sick.”
John laughed. “Kind of like her mother.”
Marlena glared over at John. “Ha, you’re so funny.”
“Here.” He handed Gracie to Marlena. “I’ll go get changed and I’ll go see what kind of meds we have around here.” He leaves.
“Oh baby girl.” She hugs Gracie.
****
John and Marlena have taken turns pacing the bedroom floor with Gracie.
“Okay she has got to be tired.” John said bouncing Gracie on his shoulder as Marlena laid on the bed snuggled under the covers.
“Hmm.” She said half asleep half a wake.
“Oh forget it. You’re obviously not going to wake up now.” John laid Gracie on the bed beside Marlena. Gracie stirred a little. He climbed on the bed and laid beside her gently patting her back. Gracie snuggled up closer to Marlena.
“Finally” John said rolling over to get out of bed to go to his room. As soon as he stepped out of the room. Gracie’s head popped up.
“Gracie!” He heard Marlena say before entering his room.
He leaned against the door frame with his head leaned back.
A few seconds later Marlena came walking into the hall and saw standing at his door. “John, she’s burning up.”
“Well we know it’s not nothing serious. Maybe we can give her a cool bath. It always brought Frankie’s fevers down.” He gave her a sad smile and took Gracie from Marlena and headed to the bathroom.
**
All three of them are laying in John’s king size bed. Gracie is laying in between John and Marlena only clad in a diaper. Gracie has been crawling back a forth from John to Marlena for the past 30 minutes finally settling in the middle on her stomach with her little butt up in the air.
Marlena gently covered Gracie with the sheet. She caught John smiling as he looked down at Gracie.
“I’m really amazed at how well Gracie has taken to you. It’s like she knows you are her daddy.”
“I know. I am thankful for that. I can’t believe we have another child together, Doc” He rubbed Gracie’s little butt that was sticking up in the air. “It’s like fate has given us another chance.” They locked eyes.
Marlena looked away. “You know I’ve been thinking.”
“Uh oh that could be dangerous.” Marlena glared over at John.
“You better watch it mister.” She swatted at his arm. “I’m trying to be serious here.” John’s smile faded and he put on his serious face. Marlena laughed. “Okay anyways, I have be thinking actually I have been thinking about this ever since I got home with Gracie tonight.”
“What is it?”
She looked down at Gracie. “I think well with everything that happened tonight I don’t want to keep Gracie from you anymore. I think you know you have a right to be a part of her life more than just on weekends or when I or you can arrange a visit. You should be there when she’s wakes up. At moments like this.” She places her hand on John’s on Gracie’s back and looks at him. “When she’s sick. Well I guess what I am trying to say is…” She pauses.
“What are you trying to say?”
With tears in her eyes. “I think that Gracie needs to be with you. I want to stay in Salem for a little longer. I miss this place. I miss my friends. You and Gracie need to bond and” He pulls Gracie to lay on his chest. “And I miss you. I miss our talks. I miss how we can just sit and how…OH..I just miss us.” She begins to cry harder.
John’s eyes tear up. “Come here.” She scoots over next tot John. He wraps his arm around her and she lays her head on his chest. “Sweetheart.”
“Wait, I’m not saying that we should just jump back in where we left off but we maybe we can like start from the beginning…”
John interrupt her. “You mean like back to high school?”
She gently slaps his chest. “No you big goof. Like just start things fresh. Like I said I miss us. I miss just being able to be with you like this. Gracie needs you, I need you.”
“Marlena, you can stay. I actually was going to ask you to stay. I want you and Gracie here with me. It’s much easier to keep an eye on you that way.” She looks up at him smiling. He pulled her closer hugging her. “I am so glad you are staying.”
“Me too.” She snuggled closer to John. She closed her eyes and fell into a peaceful slumber.
John and Marlena have settled back into somewhat of a normal boy/girl relationship. Taking things slowly, not rushing back into anything. They are both deeply in love with the other still, but both afraid to admit it. Their just taking things one day at a time.
Marlena and Gracie are in the kitchen having breakfast.
John walks into the kitchen and kisses Gracie’s blonde curls. “So what’s my princess have on her planner for today?” “She reaches her hand up to him offering him some smashed banana.
“I’m not sure. Maybe some shopping. I might go see Shawn and Caroline.” Marlena stared into her cup of coffee.
“I was talking to my little princess over here.” John gave Marlena a killer grin and poured him a cup of coffee before he sat down at the table grabbing the paper.
“Oh.my bad.” Marlena smiled at John from behind her cup.
Looking over at Gracie. “I’m really glad to see she’s feeling better. We had one rough run of things the other night when she wouldn’t go to sleep.”
“I know. I was so tired that next day. I felt like I didn’t get any sleep.” She drank her coffee.
“HA you were sleeping while I was up with the crying baby.”
She looks over at him. “Don’t you just love being up all night with screaming kid with a fever?”
His face turns serious. “Actually yes I do.” She looks up at him. A few moments of silence fell between them. “So what do you have on your schedule for today?” John asked looking over at Marlena.
She looked around her. “Oh you talking to me now?” John gave her a look. “Well I really was thinking about going to the pub.” John sets his jaw. “I haven’t seen Caroline since Roman died.”
“They’re fine. I just saw them the other day.” His jealous nature surfacing. Roman had been the reason why they broke up a few times in high school and even after they got married Roman tried to cause problems between them. It wasn’t that Marlena had any feelings for him, it was John and his jealous nature that caused them to breakup.
Marlena noticed the change in John’s manor. “Honey.” She touched his arm.
“I know I know you have to do this. It wasn’t their fault their creep of a son tried everything in his power to come between us.”
“He didn’t and he never could.” They looked at each other. “Our love was just to powerful for anything or anyone to come between us. We were meant to be together. We had a few detours, but look it seems like we are finally getting back on the straight and narrow. Fate has a way of letting people know what’s right.” She looked over at Gracie who had bananas all over her and in her hair. “And we’re what’s right.”
He takes Marlena’s hand. “I think I love you.”
Tears fill her eyes. “Oh I know you do why else would you be letting me stay here with you after everything I’ve done to you.” She moves her hand away from John’s and turn’s her head.
“You haven’t done anything to me and you’re here with me now that’s all that matters.” He kisses her hand again.
“I love you.” She softly said.
They smiled at each other as a blob of banana’s came flying across the table and hitting John’s cheek.
Marlena cracked up laughing as Gracie sat in her high chair clapping her hands.
John couldn’t hold it in any longer. He too bust out laughing. “OH I’m sorry.” He gets up and walks down to Gracie. “Daddy loves you too.” She placed her hands on both his cheeks.
“Gracie!” Marlena laughed even harder.
“Da!” Gracie said leaning her head into John’s.
The room grew quite.
Marlena’s eyes instantly filled with tears and she placed her hand over her mouth. John pushed down the lump in his throat.
“That’s right baby girl. Daddy loves you too.” His voice cracked.
He placed a kiss on Gracie’s nose. That was the first time she had called him ‘daddy’ or’ da’. He looked over at Marlena. She smiled at him through her tears.
They both knew that from this moment on everything was going to be okay. Fate had pushed them together once more and they weren’t going to screw this one up. Their love is forever and that’s how it’s always going to be.
Marlena slowly opened the door to the pub smelling fresh chowder coming from the back kitchen.
“Mmm.” She said tickling Gracie’s chubby tummy.
Caroline heard the door chimes and headed out to great her customers. She walked over to Marlena and Grace’s booth.
Looking for a pen. “May I take your order?” Caroline said without looking up.
“Sure I’ll take one huge hug for old times’ sake.” Caroline looked up a smile spreading across her face. “Marlena dear!!” Marlena stood and gave Caroline a great big huge. “Darling I’ve missed you.” She pulled her back to look at her. “Oh, how are you doing? How’s San Francisco? How’s the job? Oh you’re so beautiful. You dating anyone? Spoke to John lately?”
Marlena began laughing. “Wow you sure are full of questions. Everything couldn’t be better.”
Caroline raised an eyebrow. “Well it’s been a long time! Soooo things with you and John are…I mean last time you were here didn’t things get a little heated? He came in here fuming mad.”
Marlena laughed. “That’s my John.” She rubbed a hand over Gracie’s blonde curls. Caroline looking down noticing the young toddler.
“Oh my! Marlena, who is this gorgeous little beauty.” Gracie looked up at Caroline with bright ocean blue eyes. “Oh.” Caroline grabbed her chest realizing who the child must be. “Does John know?”
Marlena lifted Gracie out of the highchair she had just recently fastened her in. “Yes John knows. We have actually been staying with him since we’ve been here.”
Her comment caught Caroline by surprise. “You’re staying with him?”
“Yep. It seems fate has given us another chance here with our little Gracie girl. “She smooths Gracie’s dress down over her chubby legs. “And this time we aren’t going to ignore it. We’re working on working out our differences, problems or whatever you wanna call it with us.”
Caroline smiles with delight. “Oh dear.” She hugs Marlena again. “I am so happy to hear that.” She holds her hands out for Gracie. She happily moves from her mother’s arms to Caroline’s. “So does that mean you two are moving back to Salem?”
“We haven’t gotten that far. I am on an extended vacation for right now though.”
‘Well I’m still very happy you are here. John is just like a son to me.” She tears up.
“I’m really sorry about Roman. I should have come for the funeral, but I was sort of in labor.”
“Oh darling that’s quite alright. I know you would have been here if you could have. I’m just glad that Bo had John after Roman died. Those two have always been so inseparable. You would have thought those two were brothers instead of Bo and Roman.”
Marlena smiles while the older woman remises about the men in her life.
“Well I really hate to cut this so sort, but Gracie and I are having lunch with daddy today.” Gracie lights up when Marlena mentions ‘daddy’ Marlena takes Gracie from Caroline.
She gently pinches Gracie’ cheek. “She must be a daddy’s girl.”
Gracie squeals. “Yes, actually she has become quite the daddy’s girl since we’ve been here.”
“You and John will have to come for some chowder in the near future.”
“Yes ma’am we will.” She grabs Gracie’s hand and waves it. “Say bye-bye.” Gracie waves and they leave Caroline with a huge smile on her face.
Mr. Black?” John’s secretary buzzed.
“Yes Joyce.”
“Ms. Donaldson is here for her appointment.”
John rolled his eyes. “Send her in.” He sat back in his chair with a heavy sigh. He looked over at the recent picture taken of Marlena and Gracie.
**
Marlena unstrapped Gracie from her car seat.
“You ready to go see daddy, mommy’s little angel girl?” She kissed her cheek as Marlena lifted her out of the car. “Can you say dad-dy?” Marlena said slowly.
“Mmma Ma!” Gracie grinned at Marlena.
“No angel girl not mommy..daaa-dddy!” She said to her as they walked into Basic Black.
“Maaama!”
“Well ya said it this morning.”
**
“John?” She waved her hand in front of his face. “Have you even heard a word I have said.”
He tore his eyes away from the picture sitting on his desk. “Yea sure. That sounds great, whatever.”
A big smile spread across her face and she thought ‘score one for me’ “So you agree that we should fly to New York to speak with Mr. Titan. Great I’ll go make some reservations.”
She got up. “Whoa wait a minute. Reservations? For what?” John asked confused.
“You just agreed with me that we should fly to New York to speak with Mr. Titan about the merger you and I are trying make with him.”
“Oh yes. Okay make sure you get me a suite and ask them for a crib. Gracie is restless and she kicks, slaps and ends up practically pushing Marlena or I out of bed at night.” He laughed at a memory of Gracie practically pushing him clear off the bed the other night.
Rebecca glared at him. “Marlena is going to be coming with us?”
“Of course. She’s on vacation and I wouldn’t want to leave them here in Salem when I’ll be in New York for a few days. Man I haven’t been there since the last time she and I…” He stopped. Well I just want to spend as much time with her and Gracie that I can before they leave.”
Rebecca ears perked up in interest. ” Oh so when is she leaving?” She leaned over his desk.
“Well I don’t know. She didn’t really say how long she was staying here in Salem. She wants Gracie to get to know me more and we are trying to work on our…”
“Oh.” She already had the wheels in her head turning on how to rid herself of Marlena.
She was slowly walking around his desk. “Ya know I was thinking about us the other day.”
“There is no us Rebecca.”
“So you keep saying.” She leaned up against his desk beside him. “But…
John’s phone buzzed. “Yes?” Rebecca rolled her eyes.
“Your 12 o’clock is here.” John smiled.
“Well then send’em on in.” John stood and was half way to the door.
“’John we’re not finished.” She crossed her arms as the door flew opened and a little giggle could be heard as the little curly headed blonde ran in on unsteady legs.
“Gracie Ann!” Marlena chased after her.
“Daaaddddy!” Gracie squealed and John scooped her up in his arms. She buried herself within his arms hiding from Marlena. John acted like he was helping her hide.
Marlena started with her apologies. “Oh I am sorry honey. I told her she had to wait to see.” Marlena stopped when she saw Rebecca standing across the room with her arms crossed and a pissed off look on her face. “Oh never mind. I am sure we are a pleasant interruption.”
“Why yes you two are. “He kissed Gracie on the top of her curls and gave Marlena a kissed on the cheek.
Marlena cut her eyes over at Rebecca as if saying ‘Ha take that you….witch with a capital B’
Rebecca made herself known again. “John we’re not finished here.”
“Yes we are. I think I’m taking the rest of the afternoon off.” He walks over to her desk with Gracie and sits her in his chair. “Joyce reschedule my meetings for this afternoon. I’m leaving for the day.”
“But John, New York?” Rebecca whined.
“We’ll discuss New York later. Right now I am taking my family out to lunch and then maybe a visit to the swings at the park.” He kneels down in front of Gracie. “How does that sound princess?” She claps her hands and jumps into his arms causing John to fall back on the floor. He belts out a loud laugh. Marlena laughs and kneels down beside them.
Rebecca angrily grabs her things and storms out of the office mumbling under her breath.
Marlena is at the mall purchasing a few things for their trip to New York. She didn’t really pack them warm clothes, so John handed her his credit card and told her to get whatever they need.
She was walking out of Macy’s with her arm full of shopping bags.
“Oh excuse me” She said after pumping into a woman on her cellphone.
“Marlena?” The other woman said as Marlena began picking up some of her bags.
“Oh, it’s you. I’m not sorry then.” She tried to walk past her but Rebecca stepped up in front of her.
“Shopping for your little trip to New York?” She tried looking into Marlena’s bag.
Snatching the bags out of her sight. “Yes, as a matter of fact I am.”
Rebecca gave Marlena the look over. “So.” She walked around her. “Your John’s one and only true love Marlena. God I have heard so much about you.”
Marlena not going to let her get the best of her. “Yes I am Marlena, John’s one and only true love.”
“If you’re his true love then why was he with me for the past year or so.”
“Obviously her got desperate.” She said with a smile.
“Oh, so you the comedian now?”
“Nope, you just think that you’re gonna get back in John’s good graces. Well I have to bust your little bubble, but you’re not. You see John and I have a long history together.”
“Well that’s fine and dandy, but right now you’re the ex.”
“I may be the ex but I have the one thing that you don’t have.” She smirked at Rebecca.
“Oh and what might that be?” Rebecca crossed her arms across her chest.
“I have his daughter. We share a child. The one thing that will forever bond two people together. So if you want to try and come between me and John, that’s fine. But when it comes to John and his children, you’ll never win. And if you think you even stand a chance with him while I’m around your crazier than I thought.”
“What makes you so confident that I can’t steal John away from you? He loved me before.”
Marlena laughed. “Honey, you were nothing but a rebound from ME! Did he ever tell you he loved you, did ever make a real commit to you? Hell no. That’s because he loves me. He always has and he always will.”
“My you sure are the confident one aren’t you?”
“Here’s a little John and Marlena 101 for you. We’ve been together since my freshman year in high school. We got married right out of high school because I was pregnant. We lost that child. We grew closer than to people possibly could have been. We had another child. A son. He also died on his first birthday. He drowned…”
“I’m sorry.”
Marlena had a few tears streaming down her cheeks. “Thank you. But you see no matter who you are or what you try to do, John and I are so bond together no one or nothing could ever come between us. We are drawn together. That’s how we now have Gracie. Our love, our bond is so profound. She is our saving grace. So please. I don’t want to fight over John with you, because you’ll lose. Just let it go and move on. Find someone else. John’s is pretty much spoken for.” Marlena gave her a look. “See you when we get to New York. And Please take my advice, Leave John alone. You won’t win.” Marlena walked off.
“We’ll just see about that Ms. Evans. We’ll just see about that.” Rebecca flipped her hair and strode off through the mall thinking of what she was going to do.
“Sweetheart? Are you almost ready?” John walked back into the foyer of the house grabbing a few more bags. “We have got to get going.”
“Why? You own the jet!” Marlena yelled from upstairs.
John shook his head with a laugh and took the bags out to the SUV.
Walking back inside he heard giggles coming from upstairs and a frustrated sigh come from Marlena.
He started walking up the stairs when he saw a flash of a diaper clad Gracie go toddling by as fast as her chubby little legs would go. Within seconds letter a disheveled Marlena ran by after her telling her to ‘get back here so she could get her dressed.’
John chuckled as he finished climbing the stairs and followed after them into Gracie’s room.
He stood in the doorway of the room and glanced around the pink frilly nursery. Having her sleep with them got old and fast. They were getting no sleep and ended up with feet and arms draped over them at all times during the night. So they turned the guest room into Gracie’s nursery. Fully decorated from wall to wall with pink girly princess stuff.
Marlena had wrangled Gracie and was trying to put her leggings on. Gracie was twisting and turning., giggling the whole time. ‘Be still and let momma get you dressed.’ Marlena must have said a hundred times.
Movement from the doorway caught Gracie’s eye just as Marlena got her leggings up. She crawled over as fast as she could over to where John was standing. He scooped her up in his arms and she snuggled up to him tucking her arms under her and burying her face in John’ s neck so that Marlena couldn’t get her dress on her if she wanted too.
Marlena sat in the middle of the room and buffed her bangs up out of her eyes exhausted from her the wrestling match with Gracie.
John laughed at her as he walked by to sit in the bay window. As he past her on the floor he held out his hand for Marlena to hand him Gracie’s dress. She gladly threw it up at him.
He sat Gracie on the window sill beside him. She giggled at the faces he made and the funny noises he was making. Distraction technique. He placed her dress over her head and with a ‘Where’s daddy’s little princess’, and it works every time. He had her dressed in seconds and reaching for Marlena to hand him Gracie’s little Mary janes.
He played with her toes and made up a silly little song and then again, in seconds, he had both shoes buckled and she was fully dressed. Marlena watched from her place on the floor with a smile spread across her face. She loved watching John with their daughter. He was so good with her. He was always good with the children. He could always get them to do the things that she couldn’t. God how she loved that man. How could she had walked away from him.
He stood Gracie up on his legs and modeled her for Marlena. Gracie clapped her chubby hands together happy for what her daddy had done. John stood Gracie up on the ground and spun her around like a ballerina. Marlena clapped her hands and laughed at the father/daughter duo.
Once the fashion show was over, Marlena stuck out her hand with the matching bow to him to put in her soft blonde curls.
John held up his hands. “Oh no darling now that’s your department. I got her dressed you can do the bow stuff. Besides I am not no bow type guy. I can’t get those things to stay. I got her dressed, now you do the bow finishing touch thing.”
Gracie walked over to Marlena. She gave Gracie a pouty lip. “Aww daddy don’t want to put your bow in your hair. Why? It always looks so silly hanging half way out of your hair.”
“I told you, I’m not the bow type.” He leaned his elbows on the tops of his legs and watched as Marlena quickly gathered a little of Gracie’s hair up in a little curly ponytail and clipped the bow.
Marlena turned Gracie to face her. ‘There!” Marlena threw her hands up. “All done!”
Gracie let out a squeal and ran over to her toy box.
John slid down and sat on the floor beside Marlena. He looked over at her and brushed her hair off her shoulder.
“She’s a handful, isn’t she?”
Marlena smiled and looked over at John. “Yea she is. But I wouldn’t trade her for the world.” Tears filled her eyes. “I love that girl with all my heart.” Her voice began to crack. “I can’t imagine my life without her.” John wiped at one of the tears that had escaped. “She brought so much joy and love back into my life. You know when I found out I was pregnant with her, I didn’t really want her. It wasn’t that I didn’t really want her, I just didn’t want a little piece of you running around reminding me what I had walked away from. I was trying to forget you and move on with my life.” She swiped at the tears streaming down her cheeks. “I guess fate knows us better than we do. I’ve learned not to tempt fate. The day she was born was one of the happiest days of my life. Now.”
John placed his fingers on her lips. “I’m glad she’s in our life. I’m glad you’re not tempting fate. I am also glad your back in Salem and with me. I know I knew about her before you came back. I guess I was just waiting for you to come to me. I didn’t want to push you. You wanted your space, so I gave it to you. Yes, it killed me not being able to be in yours and Gracie’s life. I knew you’d do the right thing and come home.”
She looked over at Gracie chewing on one of her toys.
They looked at each other at the same time. “I love you” They both said at the same time. They began laughing.
“Okay.” He looked her over. “You need to go get dressed.”
“I am dressed!” She said with a smile.
“Honey, I know you. You aren’t about to wear those old sweat pants.”
“They’re yours…” she said moving closer to him.
“Really?”
“Uh huh.” Her face was inches from his.
“Well then I want them back!”
Before he could get his hands on her she was up and running out the door screaming. “You’ll have to caught me first!”
The Jarlena Journal 