Marlena is in the living room at the DiMera Mansion anxiously awaiting John’s return from the police station. She walks from one side of the room to the next. “Come on John call me.” Marlena stops at the desk and picks up a picture of John and Belle. She clutches the picture to her heart. “Oh god please keep John safe.” Suddenly there’s a knock at the door. Marlena rushes to answer it. She opens to door to find a woman in her late twenties with blonde hair and bright blue eyes. “Hi my name is Jesse Hayes. I’m a friend of Eric’s from Colorado. Is he here?” Marlena pauses for a moment. She has a strange feeling that she knows this girl. “Yes he is. Come on in.” Jesse enters the foyer. Marlena extends her hand out to Jesse. “I’m Eric’s mother Marlena. Eric’s visiting with his father, but he should be down soon.” Marlena guides Jesse to the living room and offers her a seat on the couch. Marlena sets the picture down on the coffee table. “So just how do you know my son?” “Well I’m…” Eric enters the room. “Jesse, what are you doing here?” Jesse gets up from the couch and hugs Eric. “Your grandmother told me what was going on here and I thought I would come here to see if you were okay.” Eric turns to Marlena. “Mom, Dad’s been asking for you. He wants to talk to you.” “Sure I’ll go up to him in a minute.” Eric turns back to Jesse. “Why don’t we go to my sister’s apartment so we can talk?” Marlena is disappointed because she wanted to learn more about Jesse, but she could see that they needed to talk. The three of them move into the foyer. “Mom I’ll be at Carrie’s if you need me.” “Sure. It was nice talking with you Jesse.” “It was very nice to talk to you Dr. Evans.” “Marlena, please.” “Marlena, I hope that we’ll be able to talk a little more next time.” “I hope so too.” “We’d better get going. Remember if you need anything mom call me.” “I will.” “Goodbye.” Marlena closes the door.
Eric opens the door to Carrie’s apartment. Jesse enters the room and looks around. “So this is your sister Carrie’s apartment?” “Yes now enough small talk Jesse. Do you want to tell me what the HELL you think you are doing here?” “Wait one minute Eric. You tell me that your going home for your mother’s wedding and that you’ll be gone for a week tops. Next I hear from your grandmother not you, that you are staying in Salem indefinitely.” “Did she tell you why?” “Yes. Yes she did, your father’s dying. I’m very sorry, but if we are going to be married major news like this should come from you not your grandmother.” Eric reaches out to Jesse but she turns away. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that I haven’t told my parents about you yet.” Jesse turns towards Eric. “Are you ashamed of me?” “No it’s not that.” “What is then? Is it the age thing? Do you think they’re going to have a problem with the age difference? Or is because I have a little girl.” “No it’s not that.” “What is it then?” Eric takes Jesse’s hand and leads her to the couch. “Jesse, my father’s dying. I just don’t think right now is a good time to bring this up. I think we should be concentrating on him.” “Eric, don’t you see news like this could be just the medicine for your father? Bear with me. If he hears about our getting married then maybe that will inspire him to hold on until we’re married.” Eric takes Jesse into his arms. “You just may be right.” “Of course I’m right. Don’t you know by now that I’m always right.” “Well since we’re talking about getting married I think we should start thinking about setting a date.” Jesse sits up. “Okay, how about the day after you graduate from college.” “You’re not going to budge on this are you?” “No. Eric you should finish school.” “I will. I just don’t know when I’ll be going back. I want to be here for my dad.” “I bet there are plenty of fine schools in Salem.” “Yes there are but.” “But what? Are you going to sit vigil next your father’s bed until he fades away?” “No.” “Well then you will go back to school.” “I’ll look into it.” Jesse looks at Eric like she doesn’t believe him. “I will.” Eric takes Jesse back into his arms. “Now why don’t we go over to the mansion tomorrow and tell my parents about our engagement?” “Are you sure you want to do this?” “I’m positive. How are things back home?” “Everyone’s fine. Maddie really misses you.” “I miss her too. Who’s taking care of Maddie?” “Your grandparents.” “Are you sure that they can handle her?” “They’ll take care of each other. They’re going to be fine. Now, why don’t you show me to OUR ROOM?” “Maybe we should wait until we’re married?” “Well I can abstain.” Jesse moves closer to Eric. “Can you?” Eric thinks about it for a moment. A smile comes over him. “No, you know me so well.”
John finally comes home from questioning Stefano. John walks into the living room. Marlena jumps into his arms. John speaks. “I really need a kiss right now.” Marlena obliges him with a very passionate kiss. “Has Stefano admitted that Peter is alive?” John paces back and forth. “No, he wouldn’t budge. I couldn’t take it any more. All I wanted to do was kill the bastard.” John hits the wall. “He was so cocky. I will get him to talk. That’s a fact!” John takes Marlena into his arms. “I just want to be with you Doc. I need to hold you, to kiss you, to make love to you.” “I know I feel the same way.” A smile rushes over Marlena’s face. “Why don’t we go to my penthouse?” “Susan’s there remember.” “No. Didn’t I tell you? Susan and Little Elvis took a trip to Graceland. She heard about a candlelight vigil they were having at Graceland.” John gives Marlena a confused look. “Doesn’t she know that that is to commemorate his death? I mean doesn’t she think he is still alive and the father of her child.” “Yes, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that the penthouse is empty. We can be together the entire night without being interrupted. I’ll call Laura to see if she can stay with Roman.”
John opens the door to the penthouse. Marlena tries to walk through the door but John stops her. He picks her up and carries her in. “John put me down!” “No way lady you are going directly to bed with me.” Marlena laughs. “John like I’d do anything else.” “You promise.” “I promise.” John puts Marlena down. Marlena reaches for the phone. “Now what did you just promise?” “I was just going to turn the ringer off.” Marlena smiles and reaches for the answering machine. “What?” “Don’t worry I’m just turning it off.” John smiles. “Nothing is more important to me than being with you right now, nothing.” John takes Marlena into his arms and they kiss. “Now why don’t you go up stairs and get the bed ready while I get us a little something.” “Don’t be long.” Marlena laughs. “I won’t.” John runs up the stairs. Marlena continues to laugh.
John takes off the comforter. He quickly takes off all his clothes except for his boxers. He jumps on the bed and waits for Marlena. Marlena walks through the doorway with a silver tray with two bowls on it. One contains strawberries and the other is overflowing with whipped cream. Marlena notices John on the bed and starts to laugh. “Well I see you’re ready.” A huge smile comes over John’s face. He gets out of bed. Marlena puts the tray down on the dresser. John grabs for Marlena. “Wait John there’s something I want to do first.” John reluctantly lets go of Marlena. She goes over to her CD player and turns it on. The song is Rapture by Anita Baker. Memories of past strawberry sessions flash through both of their minds. Marlena moves closer to John. “Do you remember this song?” “How could I forget?” “Would you care to do a repeat performance sailor? “You bet I would Doc.” Marlena grabs for a strawberry and she feeds it to John. He eats the strawberry and smiles. “Now if I remember correctly you had nothing but a sheet on the last time so I think if we want to get this right.” With a boyish smile on his face John reaches for a sheet. Marlena smiles and nods her head. John drops the sheet to the floor to free his hands. He opens the zipper on her pink dress. She helps him take the dress off. Marlena steps out of the dress and puts her arms around John. “Well if I remember correctly you had nothing on at all so let me rid you of these boxers.” Marlena removes John’s boxers. John then takes off the rest of Marlena’s clothes. They begin to kiss and they lower each other to the sheet on the floor. John and Marlena spend the entire night making love. Morning came too quickly for the both of them and they both longed to have just one more night alone in each other’s arms. John runs his fingers through Marlena’s hair. “Doc, are you awake? I wish we could just stay here and hold each other forever.” Marlena turns to face John. They hold each other as they lie on the floor. “I know. I feel the same way. Unfortunately we do have to go back to the mansion. Eric is coming over to with Jesse this morning to tell us some very important news.” “Jesse?” “Oh I forgot to tell you. She’s a friend of Eric’s. She stopped by the mansion yesterday. I think we are finally going to know what Eric has been up to all these years in Colorado.” “Do you think she’s Eric’s girlfriend?” Marlena smiles. “Well they didn’t say but I get the feeling that she is someone very special to Eric.” “So what do you think about her.” “I really didn’t get a chance to talk to her. Eric rushed her out of there so fast I only got a few words in with her.” John can tell that Marlena’s holding something back. “What’s up Doc?” “What do you mean?” “I know that you’re holding back something now what is it?” Marlena smiles. “I don’t know what it is but there’s something very familiar about this girl.” “What?” “I can’t explain it but there’s just something there. Don’t get me wrong she seems like a lovely young lady. It’s just…” “It’s just?” “I don’t know but soon enough we’ll find out more about her.” Marlena turns to the clock. “Hey they’re going to be coming by the mansion this morning. We’d better get dressed.” Marlena sits up but John pulls her back into his arms. “Where do you think you’re going?” “John it’s late we have to go.” A wicked grin emerges on John’s face. “We have a little bit of time.” “No John we have to go.” John starts to nibble on Marlena’s neck. “We…have…to” Marlena’s eyes roll to the back of her head. “Okay but we really have to leave after we’re done.” John smiles as he climbs on top of Marlena.
Jesse and Eric arrive at the DiMera mansion. Eric goes to knock on the door. “Wait! Before you knock on the door. How do I look?” “For the millionth time you look FINE.” “FINE!!! I want to look more than just FINE when I meet all of your parents for the first time.” “Just be yourself and they will love you like I do. Well not exactly like I do, but you get the point.” Jesse starts to laugh. Eric reaches for Jesse’s face. “Now that’s what I like to see, you smiling.” “How does my hair look? Does it look all right?” “Oh man! I give up!” Just as Eric knocks on the door, Marlena opens it. “I thought I heard someone out here.” “Hi Mom. You remember Jesse.” “Of course, come in you two. John’s in the living room.” As they walk into the room Jesse extends her hand out to John. “John Black, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I really must thank you for the fine job you did of raising Eric.” “Well thank you.” Eric quickly changes the subject. “Mom, there is something we have to tell you and dad. Do you think he’s up to having visitors?” Marlena grabs Eric’s hand. “Let’s go up there and find out.” Marlena, Eric, and Jesse head upstairs. Jesse turns around and notices that John isn’t coming so she goes back into the living room to get him. “Hey aren’t you coming?!” “I don’t think Eric wants me there.” “I think you should be there. I want you there. Come on, please.” Jesse grabs John’s hand and they head for Roman’s room.
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Eric, Do I look alright?” “Not again! Take my hand and you’ll be fine.” They all walk into Roman’s room. Laura is sitting on a chair by Roman’s bed. Eric approaches Laura. “Hi Laura. How’s my dad?” “He’s resting comfortably.” “Laura, I would like for you to meet Jesse Hayes. Jesse this is Laura Horton a very dear family friend.” The two exchange nice to meet yous. Laura pulls Marlena aside. “How was last night?” Marlena gives her a huge smile. “You don’t have to say any more. That smile says it all. I’ll talk to you later.””Dad, are you awake?” “Hi son. Who is this?” “That’s why we’re here dad. We have some very good news for you. Mom, why don’t you sit next to dad?” Marlena doesn’t like it, but she does as her son wishes. “Mom, Dad, this is Jesse Hayes. She’s my fiancée.” Both Roman and Marlena are surprised. Jesse begins to tell the story of how she and Eric met and fell in love. “I’m a neighbor of Marlena’s parents’ back in Colorado. Before Eric and Sami came to town I used to help Martha and Frank around the house. I helped your Frank cut the grass and every spring I would help Martha plant flowers at Samantha’s grave. After Eric and Sami came I still helped out. Eric and I started to spend a lot of time together and from friendship grew love.” Marlena interrupts. “Jesse how old are you?” “I’m 26. I know that 6 years is a lot. Believe me my mother pointed that out everyday we were together. We did back off for a while but about four years ago fate stepped in and brought us back together. I found out that I was pregnant. The father bolted as soon as I told him. It was Eric who saw me through the pregnancy. I don’t think I could have gotten through it without him. My daughter adores him. He is always there for us. Last Christmas he asked me to marry him and I said yes.” Marlena asks, “Do you have any pictures of your daughter?” “Yes, I do.” Jesse grabs a picture from her wallet and hands it to Marlena. “Oh! She is absolutely precious!” “Her name is Madison. She just turned three this past June.” “Are your parents taking care of her while you are out of town?” “No, actually your parents are taking care of her. Both of my parents are dead. I have no other family. Frank and Martha have become my surrogate grandparents. They’re great with Maddie and she really adores them.” John speaks up “I hate to leave, but I have to go to the police station to question Stefano.” Marlena turns to Roman. “I think that you should get some rest.” “Maybe you’re right. I am feeling a little bit tired.” Marlena and John leave the room together. Eric and Jesse turn to leave. “Eric I am very happy for you both. I just hope that I’ll live long enough to see your wedding day.” “Dad don’t worry you will. Remember what I said, miracles happen every day. One day you will be cured and you and mom will be together again.” Jesse’s confused by what Eric just said. “We should let you get some rest. It was very nice to meet you Mr. Brady.” “Call me Roman, please.” Jesse nods her head. “Goodbye Roman.” “Dad, I’ll see you later.” Jesse turns to Eric. “Eric is there somewhere where we can talk?” “Let’s go to the garden.” John and Marlena talk in the foyer of the mansion. John takes Marlena into his arms and kisses her. “Thank you for last night.” “Just remember when Stefano is getting to you just think about last night or think about all the nights we are going to have once we’re married.” They kiss. “I love you so much John. I know Stefano’s locked up and he can’t hurt you but please be careful.” “You know I will Doc. I love you!” They kiss one last time before John leaves.
Jesse and Eric enter the garden. “Do you want to tell me what all that was about?” “What?” “You know all that stuff about Roman and Marlena being together again.” “What?” “Come on Eric. How old are you?” “Don’t start.” “How old are you? I’ll tell you. You are 20 years old and you’re acting like a three-year-old child. Aren’t you a little old to want MOMMY and DADDY together?” “Is it so horrible for me to want them to be back together?” “No, but there are other children involved. Do the names Belle and Brady mean anything to you? Don’t they deserve to have both of their parents together? Didn’t John and Marlena promise them that they would be a family again? John and Marlena love each other so much. They have a chance to be a real family. Do you want to deny Belle and Brady the chance to have a real family because you didn’t?” “My mother still loves my father.” “Yes, I think a part of her will always love Roman. You and your sister are a bond to him that never can be broken but Marlena’s not in love with Roman. She is in love with John. You have to accept it. Do you want your mother to be happy?” “Yes of course I do.” “John makes her happy. Promise me you will not encourage your father to pursue Marlena any more.” “All right, I’ll back off. Why don’t we say goodbye to my mom and go back to Carrie’s? We can see how Maddie and my grandparents are doing.” Eric and Jesse walk into the living room. “Mom, we’re going to leave, but we’ll be back later.” Marlena falls to the floor. Eric and Jesse run to Marlena’s side. “Mom! Mom can you hear me?” “Eric put her on to the couch. I’ll get her some water.” Eric lifts Marlena from the floor and lays her on the couch. “Mom!” “Eric, oh Eric what happened?” “You fainted.” Jesse hands Marlena the glass of water. “Marlena how long has it been since you’ve eaten or slept?” “Too long I guess. I’ll get something to eat and then I’ll take a nap.” “Are you sure you’re going to be all right, Marlena? Eric, I don’t think we should leave her.” “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” “Are you sure?” “I’m positive, go! I’ll call you if I need anything. John will be home soon.” “Are you sure mom?” “Get out of here!” “Ok, we’re going! Call if you need anything.” “Goodbye already!”
John arrives at the police station. He enters the area where Stefano’s being held. He pauses. “Okay John keep your cool. Don’t let him get the best of you. Jack’s life depends on it. John takes a deep breath and comes up to the cell. Stefano’s staring at his chessboard. John taps on the glass. “You’ve got company.” “Why John. How good it is to see you. What is it that I can do for you?” “You can tell me where Peter is.” “Peter is dead.” “I know that he’s alive. Now tell me where he is.” “I have nothing to say.” “Give it up old man! You’re never going to get out of here unless you co-operate.” “Never say never John.” “I’m going to take great pleasure in watching you rot in jail.” John turns to leave. “John, I have an offer I would like to extend to you.” John pauses and turns back to Stefano. “This should be good. All right what’s your offer?” “You drop all of the charges against me and I will give you the cure for Roman.” “What kind of sick game are you playing old man?” John turns away from Stefano. “I am not interested in being your pawn again.” “Oh John, this is no game. Some of my special doctors have come up with a cure.” John turns back to Stefano and bangs on the glass. “This is just a trick and I am not falling for it.” John starts to walk away. “What if it isn’t a trick John?” John pauses. “Can you really take that chance? Will you be able to forgive yourself if Roman dies and it was you who let him? What will Marlena think?” “You leave Marlena out of this. You hear me. You will never hurt us again. Consider your offer rejected.” John leaves the police station, but before he does he calls Marlena to gather the entire family at the DiMera mansion.
At Carrie’s apartment Eric and Jesse sit on the couch and begin to talk. “Ok, first things first. Do you want me to stay in Salem?” “Yes of course I do I need you now more than ever.” “All right I’ll call into work tomorrow. Next do we want Maddie here with us? I really can’t stand being away from her. I know that she might be in the way if she does come here.” “No, she could never be in the way. I want her here.” “Where are the three of us going to live?” “We could stay here.” “This place is only big enough for two people, Eric. What if Carrie’s roommate comes back? We need to find a place to stay.” “How about the DiMera mansion?” “You’re joking right.” “No, I’m serious. I can be close to my dad, Maddie can play with Belle and Brady, and there would be no rent to pay.” “Are you sure about that?” “We’ll talk to mom and John about it and see what they say.” “Finally, I need to find a job. I guess there are always jobs available for social workers it’s not like it is the most glamorous job there is.” “Well there is The Horton Center. They’re always looking for social workers down there. The Hortons are family friends so I think I can pull a few strings to get you in.”
“Why don’t we call Maddie?” Jesse dials the Evanses phone number. Madison picks up the phone on the first ring. “Hello, Who is dis?” “Maddie, sweetheart it’s Mommy!” “Hi ya mommy! Is daddy there?” “Maddie what did I tell you about calling Eric daddy?” “Not Daddy until after weddin.” “Are you being a good girl for grandma and grandpa?” “Yes me being berry good mommy.” “Can I talk to grandma or grandpa?’ “Sure, I go find them.” Martha walks into the living room and she notices that the phone is off the hook. “Hello?” “Martha, its Jesse.” “Oh Jesse! I didn’t even hear the phone ring. I swear that child of yours has radar when it comes to knowing when a call is coming in. How is everything there in Salem?” “It is crazy as you would expect, but we’re taking it one step at a time. I’ve decided that I am going to be staying in Salem.” “What are you going to do with Maddie?” “Well I need a few days to get settled, but I would appreciate it if you book a flight for her this weekend.” “We’re going to miss her, but she does need to be with her mother.” “And I need her. Could you put her on the phone again? Take care Martha and thanks again for taking care of Maddie.” “Hi Mommy! I miss you! When you comin’ home?” “Well sweetheart I am going to see you very soon! You’re going to ride in a big airplane to see mommy.” “I am!” “Yes you are honey.” “Is daddy Eric going to be there too.” “Yes he is and some very nice people here can’t wait to meet you. So I want you to be a very good girl and mommy will see you very soon. I love you baby.” “I wuv you too mommy! Goodbye.” “Goodbye my angel.” Tears are streaming down Jesse’s face as she hangs up the phone. Eric takes her into his arms. “She’s going to be fine. Just think in a couple of days she will be right here with us.” The phone rings, its Marlena. “Eric I want you and Jesse to come over to the mansion as soon as possible.” “Is dad all right?” “He’s fine John says he has something important to tell the entire family. I am assuming it has something to do with Stefano.” “Can you come over now?” “Sure, we’ll be right over.”
At the DiMera mansion Marlena, Roman, Caroline, and Shawn are in the living room when Jesse and Eric arrive. “Hi grandma, grandpa I would like for you to meet my fiancée Jesse Hayes.” “Yes, Marlena told us all about her.” “It’s nice to meet both of you. I’ve heard so much about you that I feel like I already know you.” Caroline says, “I wish we could say the same about you dear. Tell me do you have any brothers or sisters?” “No none that I know of.” Caroline has a confused look on her face. “I should explain. I was adopted. I always wondered if I might have some biological brothers or sisters out there.”
Sami and Austin walk into the room. “We have some wonderful news for everyone. Austin asked me to renew our wedding vows.” Sami sits down on the couch next to her father. “So daddy you are going to get your wish, you’re going to be able to walk me down the aisle of St. Luke’s. We’re going to do it tomorrow.” Roman hugs Sami. “That’s wonderful Peanut. Now only Carrie and Mike are left to get married.” “What are you talking about”, Sami asks. “Eric’s getting married too.” Sami finally notices Jesse. Jesse speaks first. “Hello SAMI.” Sami puts on that fake smile. “Hello JESSE.” Everyone in the room could see the tension between these two girls. “So you finally landed my brother.” “Yes, after all those years of chasing him, I finally caught him. I see that you finally trapped I mean caught a man as well.” Just as things were about to get ugly John walks into the room.
Eric is the first to speak. “John, what’s going on?” “Why doesn’t everyone sit down and I’ll tell you.” John sits down on the coffee table in front of Roman. “Stefano has made me an offer.” “What’s the offer?” “He says that he knows of a cure for Roman and all I have to do is drop all of the charges against him. Roman I have no idea if he is telling the truth. My gut says not to trust him, but I do know that if it’s our only chance to save you we have to take it. Roman it’s your call.” Just as Roman is about to speak Carrie and Mike walk in. “Wow everyone’s here. We have some wonderful news dad. A doctor Banning from the convention thinks he can help you dad. He is heading to the ISA clinic in the Caribbean to consult with your doctors and as soon as they come up with the proper treatment they will let us know. Dad it looks really promising.” Roman hugs his daughter. “John you can tell Stefano to go to hell. I would never accept any help from him whether I was dying or not.”
Sami pulls Carrie aside. “Carrie I have some wonderful news for you.” “Oh really?” “Yes, Austin and I are going to renew our wedding vows tomorrow. I would like for you to be my maid of honor.” Carrie’s dying inside, but she knows that she has to act happy for her father’s sake. “Yes, I will be your maid of honor.” “I am going to be wearing the dress I wore for our first wedding in Paris. Carrie you could wear the dress from mom’s wedding.” “Whatever you want Sami. Please excuse me I really need some air.”
Carrie heads to the garden with tears in her eyes. Carrie bumps into Eric. “Carrie, what’s wrong?” “The man I love is once again marrying another woman.” “Sami told you about her and Austin renewing their vows.” “Yes, she couldn’t wait. She had the nerve to ask me to be the maid of honor.” “What did you say?” “What could I say? I had no choice I had to say yes. Why is she doing this?” “Dad said that he wanted to walk one of his daughters down the isle before he dies. I think you should talk to Austin.” “I’ve tried. When I was in LA I left a message for him on his machine and he never got back to me. I just have to accept that we will never be together.” Jesse speaks up. “Well if you ask me Sami is up to something.” “Carrie this is my fiancée Jesse Hayes.” “I remember Eric telling me about you, but you never mentioned being engaged.” Carrie hugs Eric. “You weren’t the only one.” Mike comes out to the garden to comfort Carrie. “Are you going to be all right?” “I’ll be fine Mike. It’s not like I haven’t been through this before.” “I’m going to the hospital to check in. If you need me just call my beeper.” “Thanks Mike! I don’t know what I would do without you.” Mike gives her a peck on the cheek and leaves. “He seems like a really nice guy.” “He sure is. I think I am going to go back to my place. Are you guys going?” “Yeah, we’ll all ride together.”
“Eric, are you almost ready?” “How do I look?” “Fine.” Eric takes Jesse into his arms. “I guess I deserve that one.” “Yes as a matter of fact you do Eric.” Jesse kisses Eric. “I’ll go check on Carrie.” Jesse knocks on Carrie’s door. “Carrie can I come in?” “Sure, come on in Jesse.” “Are you okay?” Carrie wipes the tears from her eyes. “I’ll be okay.” “I don’t know how you do it.” “Do what?” “If I were you I would have killed Sami a long time ago.” Carrie begins to laugh. “Oh there were times when I wanted to kill her!” Eric is looking at his watch and pacing back and forth in the living room. “Come on ladies we are going to be late!” “Are you sure that you want to go through with this Carrie?” “Yes, I have to for my dad’s sake.” r32;r32;
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r32;At St Luke’sr32;John and Marlena are talking just inside the doors. Tears start to flow from Marlena’s eyes. “This reminds me of our wedding day, John.” John takes Marlena into his arms. “I know Doc. I promise you we will get married in this church. That’s a fact.” Carrie, Jesse, and Eric walk into St. Luke’s together. “Marlena you look beautiful.” “Thank You Jesse.” Carrie asks, “Is Sami in the bride’s room?” “Yes she’s back there with Kate and Roman.” “I guess it’s time to put on my happy face and check on her.” “I’ll go with you.” “Marlena, Eric and I would like to talk to you and John first about something. Carrie do you mind?” “No. I’ll be fine.” Carrie leaves. “Well, we have a favor to ask of the two of you.” “What is it?” “Maddie is going to be coming to Salem this weekend to stay permanently. Carrie’s apartment is way too small for all of us. We were wondering if we could move into the mansion.” “There’s plenty of room.” “Are you sure Kristen won’t mind?” Kristen walks in. “What will I mind?” John turns to Kristen. “Eric and Jesse would like to move into the mansion.” “Well the house is getting a little bit crowded, but the more the merrier.”
Marlena and John both give Kristen the death glare. “I think I am going to go and find a seat excuse me.” Jesse turns to John. r32;”What did you ever see in that woman?” “You know I keep asking myself that very same question every time I’m around her.” Marlena grabs Eric’s hand. “Why don’t we go back and check on your sisters?” “Would you like me to escort you to your seat?” “Thanks John, but I think I am going to wait for Eric.” “I’m going to bite the bullet and take my seat next to my wife.” “Good luck John. Remember this is a church so killing her here would be wrong; just hold out until you get back to the mansion.” John starts to laugh as he heads for his seat.r32;r32;Mike enters the church and bumps into Jesse. “I’m sorry.” “You’re Mike Horton, right.” “Yes. Oh your Jesse, Eric’s fiancée.” “Yes I am. Is something wrong Mike?” “I have a problem.” “I know we don’t know each other, but I’ve been told that I am a good listener.” “Maybe you can be objective. Well I know of some information, which could stop the wedding.” “That’s wonderful. What’s the problem? Wait. Is this news big enough that it could stop the wedding and get Carrie and Austin back together?” “Yeah.” “The problem is that you are in love with Carrie.” “How did you know that?” “It’s written all over your face.” “I don’t know what to do.” “Mike you seem like a really nice guy. You will do the right thing. When you hear the words, “Does anyone know why these two may not be joined together..” your conscience will tell you what to do. I think you will do the right thing.” “I hope you are right.” Mike goes in to the find a seat. Jesse goes back to the bride’s room to get Eric.r32;r32;”Eric I think you should get out there and help to seat the guests. It’s getting backed up out there.” “Okay. Sami you look beautiful. Good luck.” Eric gives Sami a kiss on the cheek and leaves.
Jesse decides to have a little fun with Sami. “Well Sami you look beautiful. You know it is so nice to see two sisters get along so well. Now I don’t have any sisters, but from what I’ve heard most of sisters don’t get along this well. I was reading an article the other day in one of those women’s magazines about one girl who was so jealous of her sister that she tried every tick in the book to try to steal her sister’s fiancée. When all of her tricks didn’t work she drugged her sister’s fiancée to get him to sleep with her. Now she didn’t tell anyone about this one night with the fiancée until the sister’s wedding day. At the wedding she announced that she was pregnant with the groom’s child. I can’t believe what some sisters will do. Oh well! Like I said it’s so refreshing to see the two sisters getting along so well. Wow! It’s getting close to show time. I had better get to my seat. Good luck Sami! May you get EVERYTHING you deserve. Marlena and Kate are you coming?” “Yes we’re right behind you.” Kate is trying to hide her laughter and Marlena is a bit angry. “What was that all about?” “Well I was just testing the waters. Did you see the look on her face when I was telling that story? Marlena she has her memory back.” Eric comes over and ushers the ladies to their seats. “Come on it’s almost time for the wedding to start.”r32;r32;The wedding march begins and everyone jumps to their feet. Everyone in the church is whispering. “Why is Austin doing this? I thought he loved Carrie?” Sami is grinning from ear to ear because she knows she will finally have everything she ever wanted.
Mike is talking to himself. “Ok Mike you know what you have to do just stand up and stop this charade. Think about Carrie. You want her to be happy right? Oh Carrie if I thought that you loved me just a little bit. No, Mike you have to do the right thing and the right thing is stopping the wedding.” Next thing Mike hears is “Does anyone know of any reason why these two may not be joined in holy matrimony speak now or forever hold his peace?” Mike stands up. “I do. I know of a reason.” r32;r32;Caroline and Shawn sit Roman down in his wheel chair and try to convince him to go back to the mansion. He insists that he should stay and help Marlena straighten out whatever’s going on. Jesse comes over to convince Roman to leave. “Roman, please go with your parents. When they get you home they can fill you in on what Sami has been up to while you were gone.” “I want to stay. She’s my daughter and I want to be here for Marlena.” “Marlena has done just fine without your help over the past couple of years. Now she can handle Sami. Marlena doesn’t need you collapsing in the middle of this. I’m sure she will fill you in on everything when this is all straightened out. Now please go and get some rest.” Roman agrees to leave.r32;r32;Sami is furious. “Mike what are you doing!” “Austin, why are you marrying Sami?” “I’m marrying her so our son will have two parents.” “So you are only marrying her because of Will.” “Yes. Do you have a problem with that?” “I do. You see Will is not your son.” “What are you talking about? Sami would you care to take over.” Carrie speaks up. “Mike, how did you find this out?” “Someone in the records department noticed the discrepancy in Will’s blood type and since I am the family doctor they brought it to my attention. Will’s blood type does not match Sami’s, so therefore his has to match Austin’s. Which it does not!” Austin is very angry. Sami is in tears. She knows that her entire world is about to come down crashing around her. Austin grabs Sami by her arm. “Who is Will’s father?” “Austin I…” “WHO IS WILL’S FATHER?” “LUCAS! Lucas is Will’s father. I slept with Lucas the around the same time I slept with you. When I found out I was pregnant I just assumed it was yours.” “I can’t believe this I fell for your schemes again! That night we found you at the hospital you weren’t concerned about Marlena you were trying to change Will’s blood type on the computer. Do you have any idea what could happen if you had changed the blood type? What if Will was in an accident and he needed blood? Sami if they give the wrong blood that would kill him.” A thought crosses Austin’s mind. “Changing blood types on the hospital computers. That’s something the old Sami would do. You have your memory back don’t you! DON’T YOU!” “Yes. Yes I have my memory back. I knew that you would leave me if you knew the truth so I pretended.” Austin lets go of Sami. Austin turns to Carrie. “We have to talk.” Sami tries to stop him. “Austin no wait.” “You’re not my problem any more. Come on Carrie lets go.” Sami tries to go after them, but Marlena grabs her. “I think you have done enough damage for one day.” “Let me go!” Sami gets away from Marlena. She then runs into Jesse. “Where do you think you are going?” “I’m going after Austin.” “Oh no you’re not!” “And who is going to stop me?” “I am!” Jesse makes a fist and decks Sami. She drops to the floor like a sack of potatoes. “Oh god that hurt. They make it look so easy in the movies.” Marlena rushes to her daughter. “Come on Sami wake up!” “Marlena, I’m sorry I don’t know what came over me. I just wanted to stop her from going after them.” “I understand, but think you could have found a better way.” Sami starts to come to. “What happened?” “Sami can you get up?” Sami stands up. “We’re heading over to the DiMera mansion and you are coming with us.” r32;
The entire Brady family and friends are in the living room of the DiMera Mansion. Sami was taken up to one of the guestrooms to lie down. Marlena can’t believe what Sami has done. John is comforting her. She knows that she has to pull it together before she goes to see Roman. Lucas enters the room. “Where is my son?” “He’s upstairs playing with Belle and Brady.” “I would like to take my son home. Tell Sami if she wants to see Will he’s with me at my mom’s house.” Marlena speaks. “Lucas, why don’t you go and talk to Sami?” “Marlena I don’t know what I would do if I came face to face with her right now. I don’t want to do something I am going to regret. I would just like to get Will and leave.” “I understand and I will tell Sami that you have Will.” Marlena knows she can’t put it off any longer she heads upstairs to talk to Sami. Marlena knocks on the door. “Sami, can I come in?” “If you must.” She enters the room. Marlena sits down on the bed facing Sami. “Sami I want to talk to you.” Sami gets up from the bed. “Not now mom, I just want to grab Will and take him back to Kate’s.” “Lucas came by and took Will back to Kate’s.” “How could you just stand there and let him take Will?” “What could I do? He’s Will’s father. Sami, how could you lie to Lucas and Austin like that.” “I did even know until a few weeks ago.” “But you kept lying and you would have let Austin think Will was his forever if you wouldn’t have been caught.” “I did what I did to keep my family together.” “Boy you don’t care who you hurt as long as you get what you want. Do you?” “You’re right mother I’m going to do whatever I have to to get what I want.” “You don’t care who you hurt in the process. You know I always make excuses for you. I always clean up the mess you leave in your wake but not this time. You’re a grown woman, you have a child of your own, and I think it is time for you to take responsibility for your actions.” Marlena gets up off of the bed and heads for the door. “Like you never did anything wrong MOTHER? How about your affair with John?” “I took responsibility for my actions and I lost everything because of it. You should be happy that we did have that affair because if we didn’t you wouldn’t be able to use that as your excuse for the terrible things you have done.” Marlena once again tries to leave the room. “You know mom my problem is that you were never there for me when I needed you. Years ago we were told that you were dead. Then 5 years later we found out you were alive. I thought I would finally have the mother I longed for. Next we find out that the man who we thought was our father wasn’t. You and John go away and bring our real father back. Finally we could be a family, but you send Eric and me away to Colorado. I came home and what should I see, but my mother making love to another man.” Marlena turns to Sami with tears streaming down her face. “When are you going to forgive me for the affair? Even your father has forgiven me. You blame me for everything that is wrong in your life. You think you’ve had a rough life. Just try walking a mile in my shoes. In my life I have watched my son die…I’ve been raped…my twin sister is dead because of me…I’ve been married twice and divorced twice…I had a husband die on me…I had a husband come back from the dead not once, but three times…I’ve been kidnapped more times than I care to remember…been in a comma twice…finally, lets not forget being possessed by the devil.” Sami is speechless. Marlena finally leaves the room. John is waiting outside the door. John takes Marlena into his arms. “Are you okay?” “I’ll be fine. I have to pull myself together. I have to tell Roman what Sami did.” “Do you want me there when you tell him?” “No, I think it would be better if it was just me.” “I understand.” Marlena hates to let go of John, but she knows that she has to talk to Roman.
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Mike comes into the living room with an ice pack in his hand. He goes over to Jesse who’s standing in the corner by herself. “Can I take a look at that hand?” “Are you sure you want to get that close to me? Everyone in the room seems to be afraid of me.” “I’ll take my chances. Can you move your fingers for me?” Jesse moves her fingers. “Nothing seems broken. Keep the ice pack on for a while to prevent swelling.” “Yes doctor. How are you?” “I’ll be okay.” “Don’t give up on Carrie. It’s not like Sami’s obsession is just going to vanish into thin air. I know this girl and she never gives up. She is never going to leave Austin alone. I personally think you are the better man for Carrie.” Mike smiles. ;Alice comes over to talk to Jesse. “Hello, I am Alice Horton.” “I’m Jesse Hayes. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.” “You have one heck of a right cross dear. You can really take care of yourself.” “I normally don’t do that. I don’t know what came over me.” “Well, I came over here because I heard that you were a social worker back in Colorado.” “Yes.” “Tell me dear, are you going to be staying in town for a while? If you were would you be interested in coming to work at The Horton Center?” “Absolutely.” “Would you be able to come in this Monday?” “That would be perfect. My daughter is arriving this weekend and I should have her settled in by Monday. Thank you so much. I really appreciate this.” “I will see you Monday.
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Marlena takes a deep breath before she goes into Roman’s room. She turns back to John. “I’ll be right here if you need me.” Marlena nods her head and opens the door. Shawn and Caroline are sitting next to Roman’s room. Roman notices Marlena. “Doc what the hell happened today?” “How much have Caroline and Shawn told you?” “We told him everything Marlena.” Marlena walks over to the bed and sits facing Roman. “After you left Mike filled us in on the secret Sami has been hiding. Apparently Austin is not Will’s father.” “Who is the father of our grandson?” “Lucas Roberts. Sami slept with Lucas around the same time she drugged Austin to get him to sleep with her. When she became pregnant she just assumed that the child was Austin’s.” “Marlena what has happened to our sweet little Sami?” “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know how I am going to get through to her.” Roman takes Marlena’s hand. “Marlena maybe together we can get through to her. Maybe our sweet Sami will come back to us.” “I hope you’re right. I think you have had enough excitement for one day. Why don’t we all leave you to get some rest? We’ll talk about Sami tomorrow.” Marlena, Shawn, and Caroline leave the room.
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Eric approaches Jesse. “How’s your hand?” “It hurts.” “I saw Mrs. Horton talking to you. What did she want?” “She offered me a job at the Horton Center. Did you have anything to do with that?” Eric nods his head. “Does this mean you’re not mad at me for decking your sister?” “I still think you could have found a better way to stop her, but I am not mad. Someone in this family had to make some money so we can get married.” “Ha ha very funny. Why don’t we go to Carrie’s and start moving some of our things over here? I want to be settled in before Maddie gets here.” Eric and Jesse are in the foyer when they run into Carrie and Austin. “Hey guys where is everyone?” “Almost everyone is in the living room. Why?” “Austin and I have decided to become re-engaged.” “That’s wonderful news.” Jesse hugs Carrie. Eric shakes Austin’s hand. “We are going to take things slowly. Why don’t we go into the living room and tell everyone else the good news. Excuse us.”
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John is waiting for Marlena outside of Roman’s room. Marlena finally leaves the room. “John, I really need to be alone with you.” They walk hand in hand down the stairs. “How about the penthouse?” “No, we can’t Susan’s back.” They get to the bottom of the stairs when they notice that Jesse and Eric are about to leave. Jesse speaks first. “What’s up with you two?” “We’re trying to find a place where we could spend some time alone.” “How about Carrie’s apartment? We’re going to move our things tonight so our room is going to be empty. Carrie is going to be over at Austin’s. Why don’t we all go over there? That way John can help Eric carry my luggage to the car. Eric, John why don’t the two of you go and get the cars while Marlena and I talk.” John puts his arm around Eric and says, “I think we are in for a long night kid.” “So Marlena did you tell John about your little fainting spell?” “No I don’t want to bother him. He has so much on his mind with Stefano and all. I am sure it’s nothing.” “I still think you should see a doctor.” “I’ll be fine. It’s sweet of you to worry.” “It’s a little selfish on my apart. I just want to have a mother-in-law around so I can complain about her to my friends.” Both of them laugh. Suddenly there is a very loud honk. Marlena heads for the door. “Wait Marlena we are not women to be honked at. Let them come in and get us!” A few minutes pass then John and Eric stick their heads in the door. “Are you ladies coming?” “Now we are!”
Jesse and Eric are in one of the guestrooms in the DiMera mansion. Jesse’s opening the bed. Eric jumps into the bed. “What do you think you are doing?” “I am going to go to bed. What does it look like?” “Eric, I think you should sleep in another room.” “Why?” “Well both of your parents are living here and I don’t feel comfortable with the two of us sleeping in the same bed here.” “You’re kidding me right.” “No, it just doesn’t feel right.” “Well then I guess we have to get married right away.” “Oh no. I am not having this conversation again. We are not getting married until you finish college.” “That’s not fair. I don’t know when I’ll be able to go back because of the stuff with my dad.” “I just think it would be better if we waited.” Suddenly they hear coughing coming from Roman’s room.
Eric and Jesse race to Roman’s room. “Dad! Are you okay?” Roman is having trouble catching his breath. Jesse grabs the oxygen mask. “Roman put this on and take deep breaths.” Kristen walks in. Jesse tells her to find Mike. “Mike left. He was beeped and he had to go to the hospital. I’ll call for an ambulance.” Roman starts to breathe normally. He takes the oxygen mask off. “I’m fine! I don’t need an ambulance! Where’s Marlena?” Jesse does some quick thinking. “She’s with a patient, but she did leave a number where she could be reached. Eric and I will go call her.” Jesse and Eric leave the room.
“Eric. Are you alright?” “He could really die. Jesse I think we should get married now. I want my dad to be at our wedding. Jesse please I have never wanted anything more in my life. I promise you I will finish college. Please marry me!” Jesse takes Eric into her arms. “If this is what you really want then I will marry you.” “How about the day after tomorrow?” “You people in Salem don’t give a girl much time to plan a wedding. Whatever you want.”
Sami comes out of her room. She’s still in her wedding dress. “What just happened?” “Your dad just had an attack.” “Where’s Mom?” “She’s out.” “So my dad is dying and she is out having sex with John.” “Shut up Sami. Roman might hear you.” “Oh yeah heaven forbid my dad might hear the truth.” “Marlena left because she had to get away from you and the mess you made. We have everything under control. Why don’t you go home to your son?” Jesse and Eric walk away from her. Sami begins to talk to herself. “I think it’s about time I get rid of Jesse. I have to find out something that will break up her and Eric forever. Maybe it’s time I went back to Colorado.”
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Marlena and John are talking in Carrie’s living room. “John I just don’t know what I am going to do to get through to Sami. She is never going to admit she needs help.” John takes Marlena into his arms. “Doc, we’ll figure something out. Whatever it takes. We will get through to her.” Just then the phone rings and Marlena answers it. “Hello.” “Mom.” “Eric what’s wrong.” “Dad just had some kind of attack. He’s fine but I think you had better come back to the mansion.” “Of course John and I will be there in a few minutes.” Marlena hangs up the phone. “What happened?” “Roman just had an attack. He’s fine but I think we should go. John I promise you one day this will all be behind us and we will make up for every minute we lost.” “I am going to hold you to that promise.” “You’d better.”
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Eric and Jesse are sitting in the living room having tea when John and Marlena come back. “Eric, how’s Roman?” “He’s fine now. He’s sleeping.” “I think we’ll go up and check on him.” “Marlena before you and John go Eric and I have decided that we are going to get married the day after tomorrow.” Marlena hugs Jesse. “I think that is a wonderful idea.” “Well I am glad to hear that because I would like for you to help me plan it.” “Of course I will help you.” “I know we don’t know each other very well but I don’t know anyone else in town. What I am trying to say is will you be my maid of honor?” “Yes I will.” Jesse turns to John. “I was wondering if you would like to give the bride away. I would ask Roman but I think Sami wouldn’t like that at all. You are like Eric’s father and Belle is so young I don’t think she would mind. So would you like to give the bride away?” “I would be honored. Does this mean I have to pay for the wedding?” “I didn’t mean it like that John.” “I know. I have the money and I would like to do this for the two of you. I still think of Eric as my son.” Jesse hugs John. “Thank you so much! I think we should get to bed Eric. We have to go to the airport early tomorrow to pick up Maddie.”
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John and Marlena continue to talk in the living room. “That was a wonderful thing you just did.” “What?” “Offering to pay for the wedding.” “I still think of Eric as my son. I want to do anything I can for him. Besides Jesse doesn’t have anyone and my money is just lying around collecting dust in a bank somewhere. What good is having all this money if you can’t spend it on the ones you love.” Marlena hugs John. “You are the most wonderful man.” “I already know that. Tell me something I don’t know.” “How about I love you more than life itself?” “Nope I already know that one. Try again.” “How about I want to make love to you right this very second!” “That’s very interesting. Go on.” “How about we go upstairs to my room and we finish this conversation?” “What about Roman?” “Do you think you can be very quiet?” “I think I can manage.”
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It’s another day at the Salem airport.
“What flight did Martha say she would be on?” “Flight 105 out of Boulder! Would you relax?” I can’t help it. I can’t wait to see her. “FLIGHT 105 FROM BOULDER COLORADO NOW UNLOADING AT GATE 5.” “Come on Eric I want our faces to be the first ones she sees when she gets off the plane! Where is she I don’t see her.” “She’s probably going to be the last one off.” Suddenly a stewardess comes off the plane holding a little girl’s hand. “There she is.” Maddie sees her mommy. She lets go of the woman’s hand and she runs into her mother’s arms. “Oh my sweet angel. Oh how I have missed you!” “Me miss you too mommy!” Jesse just keeps holding her and planting kisses all over her face. “Mommy stop!” “I’m sorry sweetie. I am just making up for all the days I didn’t see you.” “Daddy! Oops!” “You know what Maddie.” “No what?” “Eric and I are getting married in a couple of days. So I think it’s okay if you call him daddy.” “I missed you daddy.” “I missed you too squirt.” Eric picks Maddie up and the three of them head over to the DiMera mansion.
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John, Marlena, Belle and Brady are anxiously awaiting Maddie’s arrival in the living room. Jesse, Eric and Maddie enter the mansion. Eric bends over to tell Maddie something. “What are you two up to?” “Nothing. Remember what I told you Maddie.” “Oktay daddy?” “Hi everyone. Marlena, John, Belle, and Brady I would like for you all to meet my daughter Madison.” Belle goes over to Maddie. “Do you like to play tea party?” “Yes!” “Come on let’s go play.” Belle grabs Maddie’s hand and they head for the playroom. Eric stops Maddie before they leave. “Did you forget something?” “I forgot.” Maddie runs over to Marlena. She gives Marlena a big hug and a kiss. “Hi ya grandma!” Maddie turns around and runs out of the room to catch up with Belle and Brady. Jesse smacks Eric on the arm. “Eric is that what you told her to do?” “What? She is going to be Maddie’s grandmother isn’t she. “Jesse it’s ok. After all I already have a grandson.”
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Marlena and Jesse are in the living room putting plans together for the wedding. The men are off ordering the tuxes. Marlena starts to go over the list of things that have to be done for the wedding. “You decided on your dress. I have my dress and Maddie has hers. Caroline is going to handle the food. Carrie is making phone calls to the guests. We ordered the cake and the flowers. Is there anything we forgot?” “How about the kitchen sink? Thank you Marlena for helping me with all of the arrangements. You don’t know how much this means to me.” “I think I do know.” “I really miss my mother at times like these.” “Jesse, tell me do you ever wonder about your birth parents.” “Yes.” “Do you know who they are?” “I have my adoption records, but I never opened them. My mother was always against it. I guess it was because my dad died in a car accident when I was 10 and my mother was always afraid that my birth parents would come back to take me because she was a single mother. When I was eighteen I went to the adoption agency and I got my files. My mother was so upset when she found out. She convinced me to let her put them away. You know that to this very day I still can’t find them.”
John and Eric enter the room. “How are the kids getting along?” “They are playing house. Belle is the mommy and Brady and Maddie are her children.” “John why don’t we leave Eric and Jesse alone?” John and Marlena leave the room. “Is everything ready for tomorrow?” “Yes, no thanks to you! Did you order your tux?” “Yes it will be ready for tomorrow.” “Eric, are you sure you want to go through with this? You haven’t dated very much. Don’t you ever wonder what else is out there?” “Hey I know what else is out there and I don’t want that. All I want is you.” “You are so sweet.” Jesse kisses Eric. “You always know the right thing to say.”
Jesse is in the bride’s room with Marlena, John, and Maddie. Marlena bends over to talk to Maddie. “Okay Maddie. I want to take one last look to make sure you are all ready. Turn around sweetie. Alrighty everything seems in order. Here is your basket. Now as you’re walking down the isle I want you to drop the rose petals. Okay?” “Like Dis?” Maddie drops a hand full of petals on the floor. “Yes sweetheart. Exactly like that. Help me pick these petals up.” “Ok grandma.” Marlena lets out a slight chuckle. “That’s my girl. Jesse are you almost ready.” “Ready or not here I come.” Jesse walks out from behind the screen in a cream-colored full-length gown. “You look beautiful.” “Thanks Marlena.” “Mommy look like a princess!” John speaks up. “Are we ready?” “I think so.” Maddie takes Marlena’s hand.
There’s a knock at the door. “Come in.” A deliveryman walks in. “I have an envelope for a Ms. Hayes.” “That’s me.” The man hands her the envelope and sticks out a clipboard. “Please sign here.” Jesse looks at the envelope and notices that there is no return address on it. “Do you know who this is from?” “Sorry mam I don’t.” John tips the man. “I wonder what this could be? Should I open it now? It’s marked urgent maybe I should open it now.” Jesse opens the envelope there are some papers inside. She pulls the papers out and starts to read them. She starts shaking and tears are flowing from her eyes. “This can’t be.” “What is it Jesse?” “It’s my adoption papers. It says that my mother is Samantha Evans. I can’t believe this is happening. I have to get out of here.” Jesse runs out of the bride’s room.
Eric is standing at the altar wondering why the wedding hasn’t started yet. He looks to the back of the church and he sees Jesse running for the door. Before she leaves she looks inside the church to look at Eric for one last time before he finds out the truth. Their eyes meet. He can see the tears in her eyes, but he has no idea why they are there. Jesse disappears out the door. Eric runs to the back of the church to try and catch her. Just as he gets to the door John and Marlena come from the bride’s room. “Mom what happened back there?” “Jesse got an envelope sent by special delivery.” “So what was in it?” “Her adoption records. Honey, the records say that Samantha Evans is her mother.” “They’re fake! I know who it was. It was Sami. She never liked Jesse. She just did this to break up our wedding because she thinks Jesse ruined her wedding. I have to find Jesse!” “Eric give her some time.” “No mom I have to find her now.”
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Jesse runs all the way back to the DiMera mansion. She walks in the door and she runs into Kristen. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be getting married?” “Shut up Kristen or I’ll rip that mole off your face with my bare hands.” Jesse runs up the stairs to her room. She falls on to the bed and sobs. Eric finally catches up to her. He knocks on the door. “Jesse let me in.” “No Eric. I don’t want to see you now.” “Jesse please we have to talk about this.” “There’s nothing to talk about. Those papers say everything.” “I think those papers are fake.” Jesse opens the door. “Who would do such a thing?” “My sister.” “Eric even if she did send them there has to be some truth in them. She has to know that we would check out the information on them.” “That’s exactly what we are going to do.” “What?” “Why don’t we go out to Colorado?” “What good will that do?” “We can check out if it was Sami who did this and we could go to the adoption agency to find out if this is true.”
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Jesse and Eric change their clothes. They are talking in the living room when Jesse takes her engagement ring off and hands it to Eric. “Here I want you to take this.” “NO! I want you to keep it on your finger until we know the truth.” John, Roman, and Marlena enter the living room. “Can we come in?” “Sure, we are going to go to Colorado to find out if those papers are real.” “You can use my plane. I’ll go make the arrangements and you can leave in a couple of hours.” “Thanks John.” “Eric would you mind helping me to my room.” “No Dad.”
There’s a moment of silence. Jesse turns away from Marlena and begins to speak. “So do you think those papers are real?” Marlena comes closer to Jesse. “Honestly I don’t’ know.” Jesse turns towards Marlena. “The two of you were twins. I mean you were close weren’t you?” “Yes at one time Sami and I were very close but there was a time when we weren’t. I do think that it is possible that you are my niece.” Jesse tries to look at Marlena but she can’t. “Marlena, if I were you I wouldn’t even be able to look at me.” “Why is that?” “I’m a reminder of a very painful time in your life. I mean your own sister takes over your life and she locked you up in a sanitarium. She had you scheduled for shock therapy.” Marlena grabs Jesse and tries to make her understand. “Sam had a terrible drug and alcohol problem but she got the help she needed. Before she died I forgave her for everything she did.” “What about my father? Did you see who my father was?” “Yes, Don Craig is listed as your father.” Jesse pulls away from Marlena. “Don Craig your first husband. How can you even look at me?” Marlena grabs Jesse and sits her down on the sofa. “It’s easy if you are my niece then you’re a part of my sister. Therefore you are a part of me and I care about you. From the very first day I saw you I felt a connection to you. I can’t explain it. It’s just there.” Jesse smiles. “You know Martha always said that I reminded her of Sam. Now we know why.” “Eric still thinks that these papers are fake.” “Whether they’re fake or not when the two of you come back it will all be resolved. Either way you will still be a member of this family.” “Marlena would you take care of Maddie while I am gone?” “You know I will.” “Thanks!” Jesse hugs Marlena. “I’m going to go up and pack a few things.”
Jesse and Eric head for Jesse’s house right from the airport. They enter the house and start surveying the room. “Does anything seem out of place?” “I can’t be sure Eric. Martha could have been over here looking for one of Maddie’s toys. I just don’t know. Hey wait a minute. Is that picture crooked?” Eric goes to straighten it. He notices that there is something behind it. It is a safe. “I never knew that was there.” “Looks like we found where your mother hid your adoption papers.” “What time is it?” “Almost 4 o’clock, why?” “Let’s head over to the adoption agency.”
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At the adoption agency
“I am Ms. Brown how may I help you?” “My name is Jesse Hayes. I was adopted through this agency about 26 years ago. Recently I received an envelope with my adoption papers inside. There was no return address on the envelope. I would like to see my adoption records to make sure that the information I received is correct.” “Do you have any identification on you?” Jesse gets out her driver’s license from her wallet and hands it to the woman. “I had a request to see this file a few days ago. The woman who was here said she was Jesse Hayes.” “What did she look like?” “She was about 5’4″, long blonde hair, and blue eyes.” Eric hands the woman a picture of Sami. “Is this the woman you talked to?” “Yes it is! How did she get a hold of those papers?” “It’s a long story. Could we see my records now?” They go off to the record’s room. “Here’s the file.” Jesse’s worst fear came true. Samantha Evans and Donald Craig are listed as her parents. She hands the file to Eric. Eric reads the file and he fights to hold back the tears. Jesse takes the folder from Eric and she hands it back to Ms. Brown. “Thank you for your time!” “I would like to apologize for showing that woman your records. I thought because she had the adoption records that was enough proof of who she was.” “Just be more careful in the future.”
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Jesse and Eric drive around for hours not saying a word to each other. When they get back to her house it’s very late. Jesse turns on a light. “Eric, are you okay?” “I don’t know. I just feel numb. I never thought that those papers were real.” “Do you want to talk?” “I think I need some time alone.” “Okay, I am going to bed. You can stay in Maddie’s room.” “I’ll be up in a minute.”
Jesse gets ready for bed. She opens the bed and climbs in. She lays on her side staring at the empty space where Eric used to lay. Tears start to flow from her eyes. Eric knocks on the door and enters the room. “Eric don’t come in!” Jesse’s back is facing Eric. She looks over at the nightstand and she gets an idea. “Go to Maddie’s room and turn on the walkie talkie.” Eric leaves the room and does, as Jesse wants. Jesse speaks first. “Can you hear me?” “Yeah.” “The truth hurts doesn’t it. I know this is going to be hard. I want you to know that I will never stop loving you Eric. A little piece of my heart will always belong to you.” “You’re the only woman I ever really loved. Saying good bye to you is going to be the hardest thing I ever had to do.” “I know. I feel the same way.” “What about Maddie?” “You will always be a part of her life. You just won’t be her daddy.” “Goodnight Jesse.” “Goodnight Eric.” Both turn off the walkie-talkies. “I love you Eric.” “I love you Jesse.”
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During the night a sudden chill comes over Jesse. She gets up to get another blanket when she sees another person in the room. “Eric is that you?” The person moves closer to her and sits down on the bed next to her. “No Jesse, its Samantha.” With tears in her eyes, Jesse reaches out to touch her. “Samantha?” “No, I’m not supposed to be here. If you touch me I’ll have to go away. I’m here to tell you that things are going to get better. I know that it seems that the hurt will never go away, but with time it will. I want you to turn to Marlena for help. She cares about you and she wants to help you. Please let her help you!” “I will.” “Do you hate me?” “I hate what you did. I could never hate you. You’re my mother, you gave me life and for that I could never hate you. I think it took a lot of courage to admit that you needed help.” “It must have been hard to give me away.” “I knew that I couldn’t keep you. I knew that that would hurt Marlena too much. I just want you to know that I loved you from the minute I held you in my arms. Not a day went by that I didn’t think about you.”
“I will always be watching over you and Maddie.” “So you know about your granddaughter.” “Of course I was there the day she was born.” “You were?” “I will always watch over the two of you.” Samantha slowly fades away. “Goodbye Jesse. I love you.” “Goodbye, Mom. I love you too!” Jesse wipes the tears from her eyes and she tries to fall back to sleep.
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Marlena is asleep in her bed when she gets a strange feeling like someone is watching her. She wakes up and she sees Samantha at the foot of her bed. “Samantha is that you?” “Marnie.” “What are you doing here?” “I wanted to talk to you about Jesse. I want you to help her.” “Of course, you know I will. How’s DJ? Are you still taking care of him?” “Yes. I’m watching over DJ and now I’m asking you to watch over Jesse. Please take good care of her. Convince her to stay in Salem. Promise me you will do your best.” “You know I will.” “Take care of the both of them and watch out for them.” “I will.”
“Sam. Why didn’t you ever tell me about her? I forgave you for what you did I still don’t understand why you didn’t tell me.” “Because of DJ.” “DJ? I don’t understand.” “Can you honestly tell me that it wouldn’t have hurt you to hear about my child with Don? Especially since DJ died.” “I guess it would have hurt for a while. I still think you should have told me.” “What good would it have done to tell you? It only would have brought back all of the pain of my past actions. I wish I could stay but I can’t. Take care Marnie.”
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Samantha decides to make one more visit before she calls it a night. She enters Sami’s room at the Kirakis mansion. “Sami. Wake up!” “Mom what the hell are you doing here it’s 3 in the morning.” “Take a better look Sami. It’s me Aunt Samantha.” “This is a dream. I am going to wake up any minute.” Samantha goes over to her and pinches her on the arm. “Did you feel that?” “Yes!” “Are you awake?” “Yes!” “Am I still here?” “Yes!” “Then you’re not dreaming. I am here to tell you that if you keep up your little schemes you are going to end up like me dead.” “You’re just mad because I hurt your daughter.” “I am here to warn you to stop your scheming. If you don’t watch your step you will pay dearly.” “I am just living up to the reputation of my namesake. I mean a lot of people would say we are a lot alike. You tried to steal your sister’s fiancée and I did the same. We both had one night stands with our men which produced a child.” “You even take pot shots at dead people. You are unbelievable. At least I had a drug and alcohol addiction, which drove me to do what I did. You just do terrible things out of spite. You had better straighten out young lady or you will be sorry!” Samantha fades away.
Jesse and Eric return to Salem and head to the DiMera mansion. They enter the house to see Marlena and John in the living room. Marlena speaks first. “What happened in Colorado?” “It was confirmed that Samantha is my mother.” “What are you going to do?” “Well first of all, I will be moving out today.” “Where will you go?” “I talked to Carrie. She said that I could move into her apartment. Billie and Bo will move into Kate’s when they comeback.” “This is crazy. There’s plenty of room here. You and Maddie should stay here.” “I think it would be easier if we leave. John could you help me move my stuff.” “We will all help you.”
Jesse packs her things and all five of them head for Carrie’s apartment. They get everything into the apartment and Jesse asks to speak with Eric alone. Marlena and John tell Jesse that they are just a phone call away and they leave. Jesse looks down at her engagement ring. She removes it from her ring finger. “I think this is yours.” “What am I going to do with this?” “One day you will give it to a girl who can marry you.” “You know if I could have one wish it would be” Jesse puts her hand on his mouth. “No, don’t. It’s better that we know the truth.” “I was going to say that I wanted one last dance with you.” Jesse lets out a giggle. “OH…turn the radio on.” Eric turns the radio on and the song ‘How do I live’ by LeAnn Rimes comes on. Tears start to fall from Jesse’s eyes. They dance very close. They hold each other very tightly because they know that this will be the last time they will ever be in each other’s arms. As the song ends they break their embrace. Eric turns and leaves. As the door closes Jesse whispers to herself, “I will always love you Eric.” Eric closes the door. He looks back towards the door and whispers “I love you Jesse.”
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Jesse is at the Horton Center working when Maggie and Alice drop by. “Jesse dear, how has your first week been?” “Well they’ve been taking it easy on me. I haven’t had much to do.” Maggie speaks. “Well before you know it you will be begging for less work.” “Well right now work and my daughter are all I need.” “Dear don’t you think you should start dating again?” “Dating? Oh Alice I don’t think I’ll be ready for that for a while.” “You don’t have to start a relationship you just have to get that first date out of the way as soon as possible.” “What?” “You know the first date after you have broken up with someone is always the worst.” “Yes I guess so.” “Well why don’t you get right back out there and get that first date over with.” “Are you two trying to tell me something?” Just as Jesse finishes speaking a man walks in. “May I help you?” “My name is Joe Meyers. I’m a social worker over at University Hospital. You must be Ms. Hayes the new social worker here.” “Yes I am.” “We’ll be working together a lot and I was wondering if we could get together tonight to discuss the procedures and the types of cases I will be referring to you.” “I don’t know.” “It will be strictly a professional dinner.” “I am a little worried about my daughter. You see she’s been with the sitter all day and I am not sure if she can stay with the sitter that late.” Alice interrupts. “Jesse I am sure if you tell Marlena that this is for work she will allow Maddie to stay.” “Thank you Alice! I guess I can join you after all.” “Great! The Penthouse Grill at 7 o’clock? I’ll see you there.” Jesse flashes an exasperated look towards Alice and Maggie. “You’ll be fine dear. Just think of it you will have that pesky first date out of the way.”
Maggie and Alice leave Jesse alone so she can call Marlena. “Marlena, I was wondering if you could keep Maddie a little longer tonight. I should be there to pick her up at 9.” “Sure. Is it that busy over at the Horton Center?” “No, it’s just that Alice and Maggie decided that I should go out on a date tonight. He’s a social worker from over at the hospital. His name is Joe Meyers. Do you know him?” “I don’t know him very well but he seems very friendly.” “All I can say is that I can’t wait until this night is over with. Thanks again for keeping Maddie.” “I’ll see you when you come to pick up Maddie. Goodbye Jesse.”
As Marlena hangs up the phone Eric walks into the room. Eric could tell that this mother was a little uneasy. “Who was that on the phone?” “It was Jesse.” “Was she checking up on Maddie?” “No. She was just wondering if we could keep Maddie a little longer tonight.” “Why is she that busy with work?” “Sort of. Don’t worry honey she’s fine.” “Mom, you’re keeping something from me and I want to know what it is.” “She has a date tonight.” Eric is upset and he tries to cover. “She’s a free woman and she can see whomever she wants.” “She said it’s a business dinner.” “Mom I know that seeing her with another guy is going to be difficult but I just have to get used to it. I’m going over to visit Sami and Will if you need me.” “Are you sure you want to see her?” “I’ve had a week to think about what she did and how I feel about that.” “And?” “And?! I don’t know what I am going to say to her. I have the feeling that once I see her I will know what to say.”
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Mike walks in to the Horton Center. “Is my grandmother around?” “You just missed her.” “I have tonight off and I was wondering if she wanted to go out to dinner with me.” “The great doctor Mike is taking the evening off. Are you sure the hospital can function without you?” “Very funny! What’s wrong with you?” “Your grandmother and your aunt took it upon themselves to find me a date for tonight.” Mike starts to laugh. “Don’t laugh. This isn’t funny.” “Who’s the lucky guy?” “Joe Meyers he’s a social worker over at the hospital. He said that this would be a business only date. Can I trust that he will stick with that?” Mike continues to laugh. “Oh I think you’re safe. This guy is all business. He will bore you all night with the hospital policies.” “I’m glad that you are taking great pleasure out of my pain.” “I’m sorry.”
A young blonde woman walks in the door. “Can I help you?” “No but Mike I think you can help me.” “Jesse this is Monica Ward. She’s a nurse over at University Hospital.” The two shake hands. Monica’s attention turns right back to Mike. “Mike I have been looking for you all day. Word has it around the hospital that you are looking to get back into the dating word. I just wanted to be the first girl in line for a date with the handsome doctor. So are you free tonight?” Jesse gets an idea. “Aren’t you a lucky man Mike? We were just talking about what he was going to do with his evening since he had it free. Of course he asked me to go to dinner at the Penthouse Grill but I already had plans.” Mike looks like a deer caught in headlights. “Well you need to look no farther Mike, how about dinner tonight at 7 at the Penthouse Grill?” Mike finally speaks. “Sure. I’ll meet you there.” “I’ll see you tonight.” “You sure will.” Monica leaves.
“Why did you do that?” “That’s what you get for laughing at me. What are you complaining about? She’s a very attractive woman.” “Yes a very attractive woman who is in love with herself and who is looking for a husband who just happens to be a doctor.” Jesse begins to chuckle. “I’m sorry. I had no idea. How about we make a deal?” “What kind of a deal?” “Why don’t you bring your beeper along and sometime during the night I will excuse myself from the table and I beep you. Now the deal is that when you are out pretending to answer the page you beep me as well. Do we have a deal doctor Horton?” “It is a deal!” The two seal the deal with a handshake.
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Eric enters Sami’s room at the Kiriakis mansion as he enters the room he sees that Sami is not alone. “Eric, what are you doing here? Where are my manners? Eric this is my friend Jamie Caldwell. Jamie this is my twin brother Eric.” The two shake hands. “I came over here to talk about what you did.” “What I did? I don’t understand.” “You can stop your little act Sami. I know that it was you who sent Jesse’s adoption records to her.” “Jamie maybe you had better go. My brother and I need to talk alone.” “No, Jamie don’t leave this won’t take long. I just came here to tell you I know what you did and why you did it. I’m telling you right now I never want to see you again.” Eric turns to leave. “What difference does it make? The information on those papers is real. It would have been worse for the two of you if you had gotten married.” “What I object to Sami is how you told us. That was the cruelest thing you could have done. I don’t think I can forgive you. Maybe with time I could forgive you but for right now I want you to stay away from me.” “Eric you don’t mean that!” “Oh but I do.” Eric turns and leaves. Sami is in shock. Is that what aunt Samantha was talking about? Sami does some quick thinking. “Jamie I need a favor from you.” “What is it?” “I need you to talk my brother into forgiving me. Please Jamie. I think he will listen to you.” “Oh Sami I don’t know.” “Go on. He’s staying over at the DiMera mansion.” Jamie still feels guilty over telling Sami’s secret that she drugged Austin to sleep with her. “I ought to have my head examined! I’ll do it.” Thanks Jamie whether you know it or not you are going to be the one to help my brother to get over Jesse.
Jesse is ready for her date and she heads over to the DiMera mansion to check up on Maddie. She joins Marlena in the living room. “Are the kids getting along alright?” “Sure they went to the playground in the morning and then they played all afternoon.” “Before I forget I wanted to give you my beeper number. Please feel free to beep me.” “I will. You have a good time and enjoy yourself.” “I’ll try.” As Jesse walks into the foyer Eric walks in the door. “Hi Jesse. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be on your date?” “My date, how did you know about that?” “I’m sorry. Eric overheard me on the phone with you earlier.” “Oh. It’s not really a date it’s more of a business dinner.” “Is that outfit new?” “No. I’ve had this outfit for years. Remember I wore it last Christmas when you…” “When I proposed to you.” Jesse can feel a lump in her throat and she tries to clear it. “Yes the night you proposed to me. Well I think I had better go. Marlena don’t forget if you need me at all please beep me.” “Don’t worry I will.” Eric closes the door behind Jesse. “Eric are you alright?” “I just need some time alone.”
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Jesse arrives at the Penthouse Grill a few minutes late. Mike and his date are already seated. His date is keeping him amused with stories of her sorority days. Jesse smiles at Mike as if to say don’t forget our deal. “Joe, I’m sorry I’m late. I had to check on my daughter before I left.” He pulls her seat out for her. “That’s fine. I’m just glad you were able to make it. If you don’t mind I already ordered for you. I hope you like chicken.” “Who doesn’t?” Joe begins to talk about work. Jesse just tunes him out. She can’t hear a word he is saying. As Jesse is looking at him she sees Eric. She starts to remember past dates with him. She loses all track of time. Suddenly the waiter interrupts her daydreams. “May I take your plate for you?” “Yes. I’m finished.” Mike gives her a nod and Jesse knows that that’s her cue to put their plan into action. “Joe would you please excuse me. I have to go to the ladies room.” “Sure. Do you want me to order dessert for you?” “No. Wait until I get back.”
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Jesse goes to the pay phone and she calls Mike’s beeper. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! “Damn I knew this would happen. Would you excuse me? I have to take this.” “Don’t be too long Mike.” Mike’s in the lobby and he sees Jesse. “I did my part Dr. Horton now it is time for you to do your part. Give me a minute or two to get back to the table.” Monica comes looking for Mike. “Do you have to go?” “Yes there’s an emergency at the hospital.” “Well I guess I’ll leave with you.” “No. You didn’t have dessert yet. Why don’t you stay and have dessert. They have a wonderful peanut butter pie here. I’ll handle the check. You stay and I’ll see you tomorrow at work.” “I guess I’ll stay then. Thanks for tonight Mike.” Monica goes back to their table. Mike finally calls Jesse’s beeper. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! She looks for her beeper. Jesse pretends to look at the number on the screen. “I was afraid of this. It’s the babysitter’s number. I think I should go.” “We could have a really quick dessert.” “No. I really have to go now. Why don’t you stay and enjoy your dessert.” “I guess I’ll talk to you some time.” “Yes I guess you will. Thank you for tonight Joe.”
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Jesse goes out the parking lot to find Mike waiting by her car. “Was your date as bad as mine?” “Are you kidding?” “That bad.” Mike gets an idea. “Neither one of us got dessert so why don’t we go around the corner and get some ice cream.” “I don’t know it’s getting pretty late.” “Oh come on you owe me for getting me into this mess.” “All right I’ll go with you.”
Both get an ice cream cone as they are eating them they walk through the park. They stop to sit on the swings. “I can officially say tonight was one of the longest nights of my life Mike. Is your grandmother going to do this again?” “I think it would be a safe bet to say that she will. But the fact that she is doing this means that she really likes you.” “It’s great that she likes me but I really don’t want to have to go through this again.” “What are you complaining about she is going to do the same thing to me.” “We’re quite a pair aren’t we?” “What do you mean?” “Well the both of us want to be with someone we can’t be with. Correction I can’t be with the man I love but you could be with the woman you love.” “No I can’t. Carrie loves Austin. They’re going to be married. End of story.” “It doesn’t have to be that way. I think that if you told her how you feel maybe she would think twice about Austin. I think she has doubts about their whole relationship. I mean Sami’s last scheme almost worked and Carrie was starting to doubt Austin’s love for her.” “Carrie loves Austin now can we change the subject.”
“How are we going to prevent tonight from happening again?” Mike gets an idea. “Why don’t we pretend to be a couple?” “Don’t you think there are enough charades going on in this town?” “Hey this charade won’t hurt anyone. We go out to dinner two or three nights a week. We hold hands in public maybe a kiss once in a while. Who is it going to hurt?” “What about Eric?” “It’s like you said the two of you can’t be together. Maybe this will help him to move on as well. What do you think?” “You’re right and if it will prevent another night like this I say you just found yourself a girlfriend Mike Horton.” “I think we should seal this new deal with a kiss.” “A kiss you say.” “Well we might actually have to do that out in public if we are going to convince people that we’re really a couple.” “Pucker up Doc!” Mike and Jesse kiss. Both are surprised at how natural it felt. “I think we should do that one more time. Just for practice.” “I think I had better go. I want to get Maddie before she’s asleep.” “Goodnight Mike.” “Goodnight Jesse.”
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Eric is sitting in the living room at the DiMera mansion when Jamie comes over for a visit. “Did my sister send you over here to talk to me?” “Yes she did.” “I can’t forgive her for what she did.” “I know Sami had done some horrible things and I am sure whatever she did you do deserve to be mad at her but I was wondering what she did?” “On my wedding day she sent my fiancée her adoption papers.” “What’s wrong with that?” “Her mother is Samantha Evans. Sam is my mom’s twin sister which makes us first cousins.” “Isn’t it good that you found out before you were married?” “She sent the papers special delivery. They got here just before she was to walk down the isle.” “I see your point now.” “I just want my sweet sister back.” “I think that together we could help Sami change her evil ways.” “I’m not so sure of that.” “Think it over. Together I think the two of us can straighten her out. Let me know if you change your mind.” Eric walks Jamie to the door.
Just as Jamie goes out the door Jesse shows up. They almost bump into each other. “I’m sorry.” “No it was my fault.” Eric steps in. “Jesse this is Jamie Caldwell. She’s a friend of Sami’s.” Jesse has a worried look on her face. “Don’t worry she is not like Sami as a matter of fact she is going to help me try to straighten Sami out.” “Best of luck to the two of you. You really have your work cut out for you.” “I have to go. It was nice to meet you Jesse.” Jamie leaves. Jesse enters the foyer and she closes the door behind her.
Marlena and John come down the stairs. “Is Maddie sleeping?” “We just checked on the kids and they are all sound asleep. Maddie could stay here the night if you wanted her to.” “No I think she should come home with me. I don’t want her to think I abandoned her.” “Oh Jesse I don’t think she would think that.” John offers to go up and carry her down. Eric goes to his room.
Marlena and Jesse go into the living room to talk. “How was your date?” “It was a total disaster.” Marlena begins to chuckle. “I’m so glad that every one else finds this funny because I sure don’t.” “I’m sorry honey. I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing with you.” Just then John comes into the room with Maddie in his arms. “John I don’t want to wake her. Could you carry her to my car?” “No problem.” “Goodnight Marlena.” “Goodnight Jesse.”
Jesse’s frantically running around her apartment getting herself and Maddie ready. “Maddie come on out honey and finish your cereal.” Maddie emerges from her room already dressed but her hair is very tangled. “Look mommy I bush my hair all by myself.” “I can see that sweetheart but I think mommy should run the brush through one more time to make sure you got all of the knots out.” “Ok Mommy.” There’s a knock at the door. “Maddie why don’t you get the detangler spray for mommy and I’ll answer the door.” “Otay.” Jesse opens the door. “Marlena? What are you doing here?” “I wanted to talk to you.” Jesse is a little bit puzzled. “Couldn’t it wait until I dropped Maddie off at the mansion?” “No…No it couldn’t.” “What’s wrong? You look as white as a ghost.” “I think I know what caused me to faint.” There’s a moment of silence. “Well out with it! What’s the matter?” “I think I’m pregnant.” “That’s wonderful! Isn’t it?” “Yes…and…no. On one hand I don’t think Roman could take the news that John and I are back together or the fact that we are having another child together but on the other hand John will be able to be there for this baby from beginning to end.”
“I brought along a home pregnancy test. I was afraid of doing it at the mansion for fear someone would find it. I was wondering if I could do it here?” “What am I going to do say no? Of course you can do it here.” Marlena goes into the bathroom. Maddie walks over to her mother. Jesse starts to comb the knots out of Maddie’s hair. “Mommy is there a baby in grandma’s belly?” Marlena comes out of the bathroom. “Well sweetie we will find out in… How long does it take Marlena?” “Five minutes.” Jesse sets the egg timer for 5 minutes. “In five minutes we will find out if there’s going to be another baby in the family.” Marlena and Jesse sit down on the couch. “This is going to be the longest five minutes ever you realize that.” “Jesse what am I going to do?”
The phone rings. “Hold that thought.” Jesse picks up the phone. “Hello, yes Dr. Evans is here. May I ask who’s calling? Dr. Banning, sure here she is.” Jesse hands Marlena the phone. “Hello Dr. Banning. I hope you’re calling with good news.” “Dr. Evans we think we have developed a medication which will cure Roman. The only problem is that I and the other doctors would like to talk to you in person to tell you how to administer the drugs. Would it be possible for you to come down here?” “I will leave as soon as possible. Thank You Dr. Banning.” Marlena hangs up the phone.
The egg timer goes off. Marlena and Jesse stop dead in their tracks. Maddie runs into the bathroom and grabs the stick. Both of them yell at the same time. “No Maddie don’t touch the stick!” But it is too late. Maddie comes out of the bathroom with the stick in her hand. Both Marlena and Jesse can’t help but laugh. Jesse speaks. “Ok sweetheart is the stick blue?” “Yep. What does that mean?” Marlena goes over to Maddie and picks her up. “That means that grandma has a baby in her belly.” “Come on Marlena we have to get you over to the mansion so you can pack for your trip. Would you want me to stay at the mansion while you and John are away? I could help keep an eye on Brady and Belle.” “Are you sure you could handle being that close to Eric?” “Well we are family and we are going to have to get used to being together. Anyway Maddie would love to spend more time with Belle and Brady. Now let’s get going.”
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Jesse, Marlena, and Maddie enter the DiMera mansion. Jesse ushers Maddie upstairs to play with Belle and Brady. Marlena and Jesse enter the living room to join John. Marlena speaks. “Is Kristen home?” “No she’s at the prison visiting Stefano.” “Good then we have some time.” “Time? Time for what?” “Dr. Banning called to say that they have developed a medication that will cure Roman. The problem is that we have to go down to the ISA Clinic and get it.” “That’s no problem I could have the plane gassed and ready to go in no time.” “Jesse has volunteered to stay with the children. So all we have to do is get packed and out of here before Kristen comes home.”
John and Marlena are all packed and ready to leave when Eric comes home. “What’s gong on?” “John and I are going to the ISA clinic to get the medication that will cure your father. We should be back some time tomorrow.” They start to say their good-byes. Jesse hugs Marlena and she gently pats her stomach. “You take care and hurry back.” “We will.” “John take care of my mom.” “You know I will.” Marlena gives Eric a hug and a kiss.
Jesse and Eric go into the living room. “Are you going to be staying here?” “Yes. I thought Belle and Brady needed someone other than the nanny to be with them.” “So you don’t think I could handle my little sister and brother?” “No…I’m just remembering a time when you watched Maddie all by yourself.” Jesse laughs. “Do you remember that? My house still isn’t the same.” Eric starts to laugh. “We did make a mess didn’t we.” “You sure did.”
Kristen walks into the mansion. She stays in the foyer so she can listen to Jesse and Eric’s conversation. “Can I ask you something? When you were hugging my mother I saw you pat her stomach. What was that all about?” “Did I? It didn’t mean anything.” “Come on Jesse. I know you’re hiding something. She’s my mother I think I should know.” “It’s nothing that can’t wait until she gets back.” “Well I can’t wait so tell me.” “Promise me you aren’t going to say anything to anyone. Promise.” “I promise.” “Your mom’s pregnant.” “Pregnant?! WOW I wasn’t expecting that.” “I don’t think she was either but she’s very happy. Why don’t we go upstairs and check on the kids?” Kristen quickly hides as Jesse and Eric head upstairs.
Once Jesse and Eric are out of sight Kristen goes into the living room. “That BITCH! She kills my baby and then she has the nerve to get pregnant by my husband. That baby should be mine!” Kristen picks up a vase from the desk and throws it across the room. “I SHOULD BE HAVING JOHN’S BABY!” She picks up a glass and throws it across the room.
Eric and Jesse are up in the playroom and all three of the kids fell asleep on the floor. Suddenly they hear a crash from downstairs. “Did you hear that?” ” It sounded like it came from the living room.” Jesse and Eric run downstairs. “I’LL GET EVEN WITH YOU MARLENA! A CHILD FOR A CHILD!” Kristen throws some more glasses across the room. Eric and Jesse enter the living room. “Kristen…What the hell are you doing down here?” Kristen tries to compose herself and come up with an excuse for her behavior. “I was just a little upset that John and Marlena left.” Jesse calls her on her explanation. “You’re just a little bit upset? Why should you be upset at all? Roman being cured will help you with your plan right.” “I just don’t want John and Marlena alone anywhere. All right. I’m going to go run some errands. I’ll have Aliana clean this mess up.”
Kristen leaves the room but she stays close enough so she can hear if her cover up story worked. “What was all that about?” “Eric I think she has finally lost it. Did you hear her say something about a child for a child before we came into the room?” “No…I didn’t hear that.” “I think I had better take the kids to the penthouse. Between Chelsea, Susan, the alarm system and myself we should be able to keep the children safe.” “I think you’re right. I’ll stay there too.” “You can’t. Someone has to stay here with your dad.” “You’re right. Why don’t we take the kids out for the day and tonight we can take them back to the penthouse.” “Sounds good to me. I’ll go up and pack some things for Belle and Brady and you can wake the kids.” Kristen goes back into the living room. Thank You Jesse! You made my plan a little bit easier! I hope you’re happy now Doc because you aren’t going to be happy for much longer.
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John and Marlena are on the plane as John looks around the plane he puts on a devilish grin. “Do you remember what we did the last time we were on this plane together?” Marlena flashes him a smile. “I think I vaguely remember.” “Do you think we could have a repeat performance Doc? Maybe we could give Belle a baby brother or sister.” Okay Marlena this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. “I can guarantee that Belle will have a baby brother or sister.” “You’re guaranteeing a baby. Well we had better get started then.” John begins to kiss Marlena’s neck. Marlena’s eyes roll into the back of her head. “John…John there’s something I have to tell you.” “Tell me later I want to finish what we started here.” Marlena pulls away from John. “There’s something I have to tell you that can’t wait.” John goes back to kissing Marlena’s neck. “In about seven months Belle is going to have a baby brother or sister. Did you hear me?” “Yes I heard you. You said in seven months Belle will have a baby brother or sister.” John pauses for a moment, what Marlena said has finally registered in his brain. John looks at her with tears in his eyes. “Your pregnant with MY baby.” Tears begin to fall from Marlena’s eyes. “Yes, I’m pregnant with your baby. There is no doubt this time.” John hugs Marlena. “That’s the best news! When? How?” “Well I think it happened that first night we were together as for how I think you know that already.” “You’re a very funny lady.” “I know. I try.” “I love you Doc!” “I know that all ready. Tell me something I don’t know.” John and Marlena embrace. Just as they embrace there’s some turbulence. They quickly put on their seat belts.
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Jesse and Eric spend the entire day with the children. It’s getting late so they decide to go to the penthouse as they enter the penthouse Susan comes down the stairs with baby Elvis in her arms. “Hi Susan. Do you remember me?” “Why of course I do! You’re Dr. Marlena Evans niece.” “That’s right. The kids and I will be staying here until John and Marlena get back from their trip.” “What did that mean mean Kristen do?” “Let’s just say that she is just acting a little meaner than usual. I thought it would be safer for the children here. Susan would you mind taking the children upstairs while I say good-bye to Eric.” “Come on kids! I got a new Elvis CD we can listen to.” “Are you sure you’re going to be all right here?” “I’m positive. Go home and take care of your dad. Oh and make sure if John and Marlena call you tell them where we are.” “I will.” “Make sure you lock the door and put on the alarm when I leave.” “I will.” “I had a really nice time today.” Eric gives Jesse a kiss on the cheek. Eric turns and leaves. Jesse locks the door and activates the alarm.
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The plane ride to the Caribbean doesn’t go smoothly for John and Marlena. There’s an unexpected storm off the East Coast. The plane must land in Miami for a few hours. When they finally get to the island it’s late and they head for a hotel. Marlena heads straight for the bathroom to throw up. “Doc are you all right?” Marlena emerges from the bathroom. She is a very unflattering shade of green. “Doc can I get you anything?” “No. I just want to lie down for a while.” “While you’re laying down I am going to call the clinic and tell them we have arrived.” John phones the clinic and they are to pick up the medication at 9 am the next morning. Both of them try to get some rest but they are both restless so they decide to take a walk along the beach.
As they stroll along the beach they start to talk about the future and what it will mean for them if this medicine cures Roman. Just as they seriously begin to talk a young girl comes running up to them. “My house is on fire! Can you please help me?” “Is there anyone still in the house?” “Yes…the people who raised me and my best friend.” John wets himself down with some water and he tries to go into the house but the flames are too intense. All they can do is stand by and watch the house burn.
The girl is screaming, “THEY WERE AFTER ME! It should have been me in there!” Marlena succeeds in calming the girl down. The fire department finally arrives but it is too late. The girl continues to sob saying that this was all her fault. The police ask the girl to come down to the police station to give a statement while everything’s still fresh in her mind. She is very frightened so John and Marlena decide to go with her to the police station. Marlena feels a connection to the girl and she seems to be the only one who can calm her down.
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Once they are at the station the three of them are taken to one of the interrogation rooms. While they are waiting to talk to a detective they find out that the girl’s name is Megan and she is 10 years old. A detective Lanagan is assigned to the case. He tells them that the fire was deliberately set. The coroner has confirmed that the people inside the house were dead before the fire started. Megan is clearly shaken by the news. Detective Lanagan asks Megan to tell him what happened that night. ” My friend Allison came over tonight to have dinner and she decided to stay over. Mary, the woman who raised me, sent me to the store to get some things she needed. Allison stayed behind to help her clean up. I went to the store and when I came back the house was on fire.”
“At the scene of the fire you said that this was all your fault. What did you mean?” “What I am about to tell you is going to sound unbelievable but it is the truth. The man who wants me dead is Stefano DiMera.” John and Marlena in shock but they allow the girl to finish her story. “This man is obsessed with my mother. He kidnapped my mother over 10 years ago when she was pregnant with me. Stefano put her into a drug-induced coma. She gave birth to me while she was in the coma. From what I’ve been told over the years, she has no idea that she even gave birth to me. I lived in the same house as my mother until I was almost 5 years old. One day Stefano gave me to two of his most loyal servants Mary and Joseph Summitt. Once a year he would send them large sums of money for keeping me safe and keeping me from contacting my real parents. Stefano would also make a yearly visit to our house to check up on me. About two years ago he visited, he told me that I was no longer of use to him and that his would be his last visit. I guess he was wrong because he sent his men here to kill me. He must be after my parents again.”
Marlena and John are stunned. Marlena speaks. “Do you know what your parents names are?” “My parents names are Roman Brady and Marlena Evans.” Tears start to flow from Marlena’s eyes. “What’s wrong?” “I think we should introduce ourselves. I’m Dr. Marlena Evans and this is your father John Black.” “John Black?! So Stefano lied to be about who my father was.” Marlena wipes the tears away from her eyes. “No…Not exactly. You see at one time we thought that John was Roman.” Megan has a very confused look on her face. “It’s a long story and one day we will tell it to you.” John finally speaks. “Detective, could we leave now. I think the three of us have a lot to talk about.” “Certainly, but we will need a number where you can be reached.” John gives him the number to their hotel and the three of them head to John and Marlena’s hotel room.
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Once they are back at the hotel room they begin to talk. They spend most of the night talking about why they are on the island and their situation back in Salem. Megan speaks up. “So why haven’t you told Roman the truth? Is he going to burst into flames if you tell him the truth? I don’t mean to sound cruel, but isn’t the lie you’re telling giving him false hope. He may actually think he has a chance with you Marlena. Won’t it hurt more when he hears the actual truth? You’re a psychiatrist; you can help him through this. If he doesn’t want you help then he has a mother and a father, a brother, and three children to help him through this.” John and Marlena just look at each other. What Megan said made sense to them. Marlena speaks. “Well it’s getting late and we have to get up early tomorrow to go to the clinic.” “Do you think they could run a blood test on me to make sure you are my parents? I just don’t trust Stefano.” “I don’t see why not. We’ll see about that tomorrow.”
“Doc, why don’t you and Megan take the bed and I’ll sleep on the couch?” “Don’t be silly dad! I mean John.” “No it’s ok you can call me dad. I want you and your mother to take the bedroom.” Megan is in the bathroom changing. John loaned her a T-shirt and some shorts. Marlena and John talk while she’s out of the room. “How could I not remember giving birth to our child John?” “Doc maybe it was the drugs. Maybe Stefano did something to you to make you forget the birth.” Megan comes out of the bathroom. John and Marlena stop talking. “You don’t have to stop on my account.” “Megan I’ll be honest with you I don’t remember much from when I was in a coma. Could you possibly fill me in?” “I remember that twice every day Stefano would take me into your room to visit. I’d lie on the bed next to you and I’d snuggle up to you as close as I could. I spent hours just staring at your face. I memorized every feature. You haven’t changed much. The hair do is a little different and the color has changed but you are still as beautiful as I remembered.” “Why did Stefano send you away?” “One day you responded to me when I was talking to you. I guess that was when you were coming out of the coma. Stefano saw this and the very next day I was sent away. I thought I would never see you again. Do you know that I almost saw you about 4 years ago.” Tears start to fall from Megan’s eyes. “What do you mean?” Megan wipes the tears from her eyes. “Stefano came for a visit and he told me he was taking me to see my mother. He told me if I did as he wanted the three of us would live together on one of his islands.” John says, “Do you know where he took you?” “He never told me where we were going. I think it was in the states. It was a huge white mansion.” “It had to have been Maison Blanche.” “He locked me away in one of the mansion rooms. I did manage to get out of the room for a few minutes. I ran into a woman named Gina. I guess he was holding her captive too. Unfortunately Stefano caught the both of us and I was sent home immediately.” Marlena becomes uneasy. She doesn’t want to relive the memories of Maison Blanche. “I think we should go to bed. Remember we have to get up early tomorrow.”
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Next morning at the penthouse Jesse is fixing breakfast for the children. Brady and Maddie come barreling into the kitchen. “Mommy we can’t find Belle!” “What do you mean you can’t find Belle?” “We can’t find her mommy.” Jesse starts to frantically look through the penthouse for Belle. “Belle! Belle sweetie the game’s over now please come out! Belle!” There’s a knock at the front door. Jesse races to answer it. It’s Eric. “Jesse what’s wrong?” Jesse jumps into his arms. “I can’t find Belle!” “What do you mean you can’t find Belle?” “She’s no where in the penthouse! What are we going to do Eric?” “I’ll go call Abe and get him on this right away.” Suddenly there’s a crash from inside the broom closet. Jesse and Eric race to investigate.
Eric opens the door to the broom closet. Inside is Susan tied up and gagged. She has a huge lump on her forehead. Jesse removes the gag from Susan’s mouth. “Elvis! Where’s my Elvis?” Jesse and Eric help Susan up. “He’s fine Susan. He’s upstairs in his crib.” “I want my Elvis right now.” “Of course you do I’ll run up and get him.” Jesse goes upstairs. Eric helps Susan to the couch. Jesse comes down with Elvis in her arms. She hands the baby to Susan. “Susan who did this to you?” “It was that MEAN, MEAN, MEAN Kristen Blake Black! She came over here yesterday after supper. She said she wanted to see Elvis. Kristen bounced him up and down a few times then she handed him right back to me. I knew she was up to somethin’. Anyway Elvis started fussin so I took him upstairs. When I came down Kristen was still here and she started to talk crazy. She was saying stuff like Marlena isn’t going to get away with this and that if anyone was going to have John’s baby it would be her. I was getting ascared so I asked her to leave but instead she hit me on the head with a vase. Next thing I knew I woke up in the closet.” Jesse looks at Eric. “That means Kristen has Belle.” “I’m calling Abe right now.” “Eric you had better call Mike too. I think Susan needs a doctor.”
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Marlena wakes up. She turns on her side so she can watch her daughter sleep. How could I forget giving birth to you? Marlena reaches over and brushes a few stray hairs away from Megan’s face. Megan wakes up. “Hi. What are you doing?” Marlena cups Megan’s face. “It’s my turn to memorize your face. I wish I could remember giving birth to you.” “You do? I’ve heard it’s really painful. I don’t think I’d want to remember that.” Marlena laughs. There’s a knock at the suite door. Marlena and Megan look at each other. “I wonder who that could be?” John knocks on the bedroom door. “Okay ladies room service just brought breakfast so get out here before it gets cold.”
Megan and Marlena emerge from the bedroom. There are three carts filled with food. Marlena walks over to John and wraps her arms around his waist. “What did you do?” John turns to Megan. “I didn’t know what you liked so I ordered one of everything on the menu.” “That must have cost a fortune.” “Don’t worry about that. Is there anything here that you like?” Megan inspects the carts. “Oooh strawberries! I love strawberries!” John and Marlena smile at each other. “Doc, I think that’s all the proof we need. She is definitely our daughter.” “What’s going on? Why is the fact that I like strawberries proof that I’m your daughter?” “Honey, we’ll tell you when you’re older.” John chimes in. “Lot older!” “I am going to go get changed.” Marlena grabs a pancake and she goes into the other room.
Megan picks up a plate and fills it with food. John also fills his plate and the both of the sit down to eat. John stares at his daughter. “Is there something wrong?” John breaks his stare. “Wrong, no nothing’s wrong. I just can’t believe how much you look like your mother.” “I may look like my mother but I do believe I have my father’s blue eyes.” John takes a closer look at his daughter. “Well look at that you do. Well at least I can take credit for that.” Marlena comes out of the bedroom. “Are you two still eating? Come on guys it’s getting late and we have to go to the clinic.” “Ok Doc, I’m done eating. I’ll run and get a shower. Why don’t you call home and check on the kids?” “That’s a very good idea. I’ll do that.” John goes over to Marlena and gives her a kiss before he leaves the room. Marlena picks up the phone and dials the mansion. “Hello, DiMera residence.” “Hello, Aliana is my niece Jesse there?” “No Doctor Evans she took the children over to the penthouse.” “Do you know why?” “She and Ms. Blake had some words yesterday.” “Oh I see. Could you get the message to her that we should be home later today.” “Of course Dr. Evans.” “Goodbye Aliana.”
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“Susan why don’t I take Elvis back upstairs?” “Okay.” There’s a knock at the door and Jesse answers it. “Mike, how did you know I was here?” “I called your apartment and no one answered so then I tried the mansion and Aliana told me you were here. I wanted to see my girlfriend.” “That’s so sweet. Could you look at Susan? Kristen hit her on the head with a vase.” “I’ll have to go down to my car to get my medical bag.” Jesse closes the door and takes Elvis to his crib. Jesse goes back to the living room. “Abe’s on his way over here.” “Eric, I’m scared. Do you think Kristen is going to harm Belle?” “I hope not.” “Eric this is all my fault.” Eric takes Jesse into his arms. “No it isn’t.” “Yes it is. I made it even easier for her to take Belle. If we had stayed at the mansion I would have kept a closer eye on the kids.”
Mike enters the penthouse with Abe. Jesse and Eric break their embrace. Mike begins to examine Susan. Abe goes over to Eric and Jesse. “Jesse what happened?” “Well yesterday Kristen started to act crazy so I decided to bring the kids here so they would be safe. We got here around 9 o’clock last night. I tucked the children into bed and I stayed up and watched television for a while. I went to bed around mid-night. But before I went to bed I checked on the kids. All of them were sound asleep in their beds. The next morning while I was making the kids breakfast Maddie and Brady told me that they couldn’t find Belle. I looked all over the penthouse but there was no sign of her. Then Eric came over and we heard a crash from the broom closet. It was Susan. Apparently Kristen came over here yesterday and she knocked Susan out. Sometime during the night Kristen took Belle.” “Did she leave anything behind?” “No. I didn’t see anything.” “I’ll get an APB out on Kristen.” “I just hope it’s not too late!”
Mike goes over to Jesse. “How’s Susan?” “She definitely has a concussion. She’s going to have to go down to the hospital for some tests. One of Abe’s men is going to take her there. How are you?” “Mike, how am I going to tell Marlena about this? This is all my fault.” “Don’t say that. How could you know that Kristen would go that far?” “There had to have been something I could have done.” “No. There was nothing you could have done. I think Marlena would tell you the same thing.” Abe comes over to talk to Jesse. “Why don’t we all go over to the mansion? That way we can be there when John and Marlena get back.”
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John comes out of the bedroom. Megan jumps up from her chair. “Well I guess it’s my turn to get changed. I’ll only be a few minutes.” “Sure honey take your time.” “Doc what’s wrong?” “Nothing’s wrong. At least I don’t think anything’s wrong. I just called the mansion and Aliana said that Jesse took the kids over to the penthouse because she and Kristen had an argument. I’m just a little worried about what they were arguing about.” “Why don’t we call the penthouse and find out?” “Yes… I think I will.” Marlena dials the number. “There’s no answer.” “We’ll try later on. I’m sure everything’s fine. They would have called us if it wasn’t.” John takes Marlena into his arms. “I guess you’re right.” “I know I’m right.” John and Marlena begin to kiss. Megan comes out of the bedroom and she sees her parents kissing. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt the two of you.” John and Marlena stop. Marlena wipes some lipstick from John’s mouth. “You weren’t interrupting. Well are we ready to go?” “I’m ready.” “Okay ladies lets go and get that cure.”
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Abe, Eric, Jesse, and Mike arrive at the DiMera mansion. Jesse goes to talk to Aliana. “Aliana did Dr. Evans or Mr. Black call?” “Yes they did.” “Did they leave a number?” “No. Dr. Evans just said that they would be back later today.” “Thanks Aliana.” Jesse goes into the living room to tell the others. “They already called. They should be back later today.” Abe speaks. “I guess all we can do is wait for them. I’m not looking forward to telling them this.” “Jesse if you want I could tell them.” “No Abe it was my fault and I should be the one to tell them. Excuse me please.” Jesse goes out into the garden. Eric goes after her but Mike stops him. “No Eric. Let me.”
“Penny for your thoughts.” “Only a penny huh. Oh Mike how am I going to tell Marlena and John that their daughter is in the hands of a psychopath. And that it was me who let her take her.” “Jesse you did not let Kristen take Belle. This was not your fault! Kristen is crazy. She would have to be to go through such lengths to kidnap Belle.” “Mike I want you here when I tell Marlena.” “Of course I’ll be here for you.” “I’m not asking for me. I am asking for me but not just for me. Marlena’s pregnant and she may need you after I tell her.” “Marlena’s pregnant?” “We did a home pregnancy test before she left. So just incase I want you here.” “I’m not going anywhere.” “You are one heck of a guy Mike Horton. I don’t know why Carrie didn’t fall in love with you. Her loss is my gain I guess.” Mike flashes her a smile. “I guess so. Let’s go back inside and see if Abe has any leads.” Mike puts his arm around Jesse and they walk back into the living room. “Is there any news?” “No nothing!” “I think I’m going to go upstairs and rest for a while. Please let me know when John and Marlena get back.”
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John, Marlena, and Megan are at the ISA clinic. Dr. Banning comes over to them with a box filled with medication. “Dr. Evans it is so good to finally meet you.” They shake hands. “It’s nice to meet you too Dr. Banning.” “I only wish it could have been under happier circumstance.” “Me too. Dr. Banning this is my fiancée John Black and this is our daughter Megan.” John and Dr. Banning shake hands. “Dr. Banning we were wondering if we could have DNA test run on Megan to see if she is our daughter.” “Of course we could run a test, but why?” “Well that’s a really long story and we really don’t have the time to get into it.” “That’s no problem. Why don’t the three of you follow me and I we will find someone to run the test? It will take a while until we have the results.” “We just want to know for sure that she is our daughter.”
Dr. Banning is giving Marlena instructions on how to administer the medication. “He will take 4 of these pills every 4 hours and every 6 hours he will need an injection of this antibiotic we made.” “Doctor how long until we see some improvement?” “I really couldn’t tell you. It will depend on his current condition. He should be checked into a hospital so they can run tests every few hours to see if the infection is subsiding.” “Thank you doctor for everything.” “I just hope that this cures Roman.” John and Megan come into the room. John speaks first. “Are we ready to go?” “I guess so. John grab the box.” “We’ll call you when we have the results from your test. I’ll try to put a rush on them.” “Thank you once again!” The three of them head to the airport.
“Okay Megan this is going to be a long flight so get comfortable.” “This is a really cool plane. Well as long as we have some time I was wondering how many brothers and sisters I had. I know Marlena…I mean mom called home to check on the kids and I was just wondering how many I have.” Marlena starts. “I have a daughter and a son with Roman. Their names are Samantha and Eric.” “I had a son with my wife Isabella. His name is Brady. Marlena and I have a daughter and her name is Isabella but we call her Belle.” “I have a whole sister.” “Yes you do and in a few months you will have another brother or sister.” “Really, you mean you’re having a baby.” “Yes I am.” “That’s really cool. I can’t wait to meet all of my brothers and sisters, especially Belle.”
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Abe, Eric and Mike are waiting in the living room of the DiMera mansion for John and Marlena to return. Jesse comes into the living room. Mike speaks first. “Did you get any rest?” “No. All I did was stare at the ceiling. I’m not looking forward to this.” Abe speaks up. “Jesse I’ll tell them if you want me to.” “No Abe. I have to tell them. Abe could you have some of your men keep out of sight. If John and Marlena see them they are going to know something’s wrong.” “You’re right. I’ll keep my men out of sight.”
Suddenly they hear the front door slam. They can hear Marlena’s voice. “Hello, is anyone here?”
Marlena and Megan enter the living room. “Hi everyone.” Jesse speaks up. “Marlena, who’s this with you?” “This is my daughter Megan.” “Your daughter? But how…” “It’s a long story and we’ll tell everyone about it later.” John comes in carrying the box with the medication. “Here it is the cure.” “I’m going to go up and give Roman his first dose.” Jesse speaks up. “Marlena why don’t you let Mike give him the medication. I have to tell you and John something.” “Is it really that important?” “Yes…yes it is.” Marlena tells Mike how to administer the drugs. Aliana enters the room. “Aliana could you show Megan to one of the empty guestrooms.” “Certainly Dr. Evans.” “Sweetie, you go upstairs and get settled in and I will be up in a few minutes to check on you.” Megan nods her head and she leaves with Aliana.
Jesse walks over to Marlena. “Marlena why don’t you sit down?” “Jesse what is it! You’re shaking. What happened? Is it Belle?” Jesse and Marlena both begin to cry. “Yes, it is about Belle. Marlena please sit down.” “I don’t want to sit down. I want to know what’s happened to my daughter.” “Yesterday Eric and I were upstairs checking on the kids when we heard a crash in the living room. It was Kristen; she was throwing things around the room. She said she was angry because the two of you went off to get the cure alone. I didn’t buy that so I took the kids to the penthouse. I thought they would be safe there.” “How did she get Belle?” “Yesterday Kristen visited Susan and before she left she knocked Susan out and tied her up. When we got to the penthouse Kristen was there dressed as Susan. She waited until I was asleep to take Belle.”
John and Marlena embrace. John tries to calm Marlena down. “Doc, I will find our daughter. Nothing is going to happen to her.” Abe speaks up. “John why don’t I brief you on what we’ve got so far.” “Doc are you going to be alright?” “I’ll be fine John. You go and do whatever you have to to find our daughter.” “You know I will Doc.” John kisses Marlena before he leaves the room. Marlena sits down on the couch and Jesse sit down next to her. “Marlena, I am so sorry. This is all my fault.” “Don’t…Don’t do this to yourself. You did what you thought was right.” “Marlena, Kristen knows you’re pregnant. Eric saw me give you that little pat on your stomach yesterday. He wanted to know what it was all about. I told him it was nothing but he knows me so well. He got it out of me. Kristen must have been listening at the door.” “So that’s why she did this.” “I’m sorry. This is all my fault.” “No this is all Kristen’s fault. She is the one who has Belle. You did the best you could to protect Belle. You couldn’t have known that she would go this far to get her. So I want you to stop blaming yourself.”
Aliana comes into the living room with an envelope. “Dr. Evans this just came for you.” “Thank you Aliana.” Marlena opens the letter. “Who’s it from?” “Jesse close the door.” Jesse does as Marlena wishes. “It’s from Kristen. She wants me to meet her at a warehouse outside of town.” “I’m going with you.” “No you can’t! You have to stay here and keep the guards busy so I can get out of here.” “Marlena she’s crazy, you can’t go there alone.” “I’ll be fine now you go out there and distract the guard while I slip out the back way.” “Marlena be careful!” Marlena flashes Jesse a smile and she leaves. The guard just barely misses Marlena leaving. “Where’s Dr. Evans?” “She went upstairs to rest.” “I didn’t see her go upstairs.” “She took the elevator.” “Well I think I’ll go upstairs and check on her.” “No…don’t she really needs her rest right now.” “I guess your right. I’ll go up and stand outside her door.” “Sure why don’t you go do that.” I just hope he doesn’t look inside the room.
Mike comes into the living room. “Did you give Roman his medication?” “Yes. I am just anxious to see how long it takes for the drugs to start working. I called the hospital they’re sending an ambulance over right away.” John, Eric, and Abe walk into the room. “Have you heard anything?” “No nothing. All my men are coming up empty.” “Are you sure there isn’t any place you missed? Maybe some place that isn’t quite as obvious.” John has a bad feeling about what Jesse just said. “Jesse do you know something?” “I don’t know if I should tell you this. Marlena got a note from Kristen a few minutes ago. She wanted Marlena to meet her at a warehouse just outside of town.” “How long ago did she leave? About 5 maybe ten minutes ago.” “Come on Abe let’s go.” “John I am coming with you.” “No you can’t.” “Let’s not argue I am going and that’s final! ” “Fine you, Mike, and Eric can follow us in another car.”
Marlena’s in front of the warehouse. The building is barely standing thanks to the explosion, which happened over 2 years ago. Marlena enters the front of the building. There are piles of wood and debris everywhere.
“Kristen! Kristen are you here?” Kristen comes into Marlena’s view. Marlena can see that she has a gun in her hand. “Marlena, I’m glad to see you found the warehouse.” “Kristen, where’s Belle?” “She’s right here Marlena.” Belle comes out from behind Kristen. “MOMMY!” “Hi my angel!” Belle tries to run to her mother but Kristen grabs her by the arm and yanks her back. “Belle!” Tears start to flow from Marlena’s eyes. Marlena slowly inches towards Kristen. “Kristen I beg of you please don’t hurt her.” “Not another step Marlena.” Marlena stops. “Okay Kristen. What ever you want.” “Do you realize the significance of this place?” “I’ve never been here before.” “Oh yes. Right, you were in Paris with Stefano when John and I stumbled on this place. I mean John just had to find you. We just couldn’t go on with our lives with out you. He had to move heaven and earth to find you.” “Kristen you’re not making sense.” “This warehouse is where John found those damn goggles that lead us to you. Did you know I almost lost my baby in the explosion here?” “No I didn’t.” “Well I did. John just couldn’t stay away from those goggles. I begged him to forget about them and let the ISA handle it but no he had to find his precious Doc. Stefano found out that John was using the goggles and he rigged an explosion in the warehouse. The only thing Stefano didn’t count on was me following John. I was in the warehouse when it exploded. My baby almost died then.” Kristen takes a firm hold of Belle’s arm. She lets out a yell. “Kristen please don’t hurt Belle.” “Why shouldn’t I hurt her? She’s the reason John and I aren’t together.” Marlena wipes the tears from her eyes. “What are you talking about?” “I would be with John today if it weren’t for Belle. I was going to be with John until I found out about your affair. If Belle didn’t exist then I would have married John instead of Toni. The whole Aremid ordeal wouldn’t have happened and John wouldn’t have realized that he still loved you. That child you’re carrying would have been mine.” Marlena tries to calmly talk to Kristen. “Kristen it’s not Belle’s fault that you constantly doubted John’s character. It is your doubts about him that forced you to give up John not the birth of Belle.” “Shut up Marlena! Just shut up!”
Belle’s crying. Marlena starts once again to inch closer to Kristen. “Please Kristen don’t hurt Belle. You can do whatever you want to me just don’t hurt my baby girl.” “Your baby Marlena! What about my baby? The baby you killed! My baby died because I went down in those tunnels in Paris to look for you.” Marlena stops moving. “You went down there of your own free will. You weren’t down there to look for me. You went down there to make sure I didn’t tell John the truth about you. I didn’t kill your baby. It was your lying and scheming that killed your baby.” “SHUT UP MARLENA!”
“I’ve had enough of this. Are you ready to watch your child die?” Kristen slowly starts to point the gun at Belle. Belle kicks Kristen in the shin and she runs to Marlena. Marlena quickly shields Belle with her body. The gun goes off. Marlena is shot. Kristen drops the gun and runs out of the warehouse. Blood is gushing everywhere. “Belle!” “Mommy!” Belle is holding on to her mother very tightly as Marlena passes out. Belle is sitting in a pool of her mother’s blood. She’s shaking her. “Please wake up mommy!”
John and Abe get to the warehouse first. Abe stays behind to call for an ambulance. John rushes into the building. “Marlena! Belle! Are you in here?” John can hear Belle crying. John follows the sound of her cries. Belle sees her daddy and she rushes into his arms. “Daddy!” “Sweetheart! Are you all right?” John notices that Belle is covered with blood. “Belle, let daddy take a look at you.” John checks Belle out but he doesn’t see anything wrong with her. “Belle I want you to stand here while I help mommy! Okay!” “Okay daddy!” “Marlena! Oh my god! Come on baby open your eyes for me. Doc you can’t leave me now! You have to fight for our children and us. Just open your eyes Doc.” Marlena’s eyes begin to flutter. “John? Belle, is she all right?” “She’s fine doc. You just hold on. Do you hear me?” Marlena’s eyes close again.
Jesse, Eric, and Mike finally get to the warehouse. “John! John where are you?” “We’re over here!” Belle runs to get them. Belle jumps into Jesse’s arms. “Belle! Sweetie are you hurt?” “No! But mommy won’t wake up!” She takes them to Marlena. Mike starts to examine Marlena. “She’s lost a lot of blood. We have to get her to a hospital now!” “Abe called for an ambulance.” “She doesn’t have time to wait. We have to leave now.” “We’ll go in Abe’s car. Eric you take Belle home in Mike’s car.” John carries Marlena to the car. Mike and John stay in the back seat with Marlena. John is keeping Marlena’s feet elevated while Mike applies pressure to the wound.
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Abe, Jesse, and John are in the hospital waiting room. Eric enters the waiting room. “Is there any word on my mom yet?” Jesse speaks. “No. Not yet.” John is staring out the window. Eric goes over to talk to him. “John, everyone’s over at the mansion waiting for word on mom.” “Is Belle all right?” “Grandma was able to get her to go to sleep. She’s a little shaken but I think she’s going to be fine.” “I’m glad Caroline was able to calm her down.
John’s cell phone rings. He just ignores it. “John, do you want me to answer that?” “Take a message Eric. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now.” “Hello. Dr. Banning, yes he’s here but he wants me to take a message. You’re sure. Positive. Thank you very much.” “Eric, what is it?” “Results of Megan’s DNA tests are in. The test proved that she is yours and mom’s child.” “That’s great. Now I only wish we’d hear about Marlena.”
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It’s early in the morning and everyone has fallen asleep in the waiting room. Mike comes in and wakes John. “John, Marlena’s out of surgery. The bullet was lodged in her shoulder. We were able to remove the bullet but the main problem was the loss of blood. We gave her a transfusion and everything looks good.” “With all that blood loss is the baby all right?” “We did an ultrasound and we did find something.” “What? Is it the baby?” “There’s nothing wrong as a matter of fact this is good news.” “What is it?” “Marlena’s having twins.” “Are you kidding?” “I wouldn’t kid about something like that.” John hugs Mike. “That’s fantastic. When can I see her?” “As soon as we have her moved into her own room.” “Thanks Mike.”
“Hey guys wake up. Marlena’s going to be fine.” Jesse hugs John. “That’s wonderful. What about the baby?” “Oh you mean the twins? They’re fine.” “Twins. No way.” Abe speaks up. “John, I’ll go over to the mansion and tell everyone the good news.” “Thanks Partner.” Abe leaves. Mike comes back into the waiting room. “John, could you come with me?” “What’s wrong?” “We’re having trouble bringing Marlena out of the anesthesia. The sound of a familiar voice should help pull her out of it.”
John sits down in a chair next to Marlena’s bed. He takes her hand in his and gives it a gentle kiss. Tears start to well up in his eyes. “Doc, can you hear me? Come on baby you have to wake up. Doc, open your eyes. Do you remember the last time you did this to me? I had to wait six long weeks for you to wake up. I’m not going through that hell again Doc. Do you hear me? I can’t live without you. I’ve tried it. I’m just no good at it. I’ve waited ten long years to be with you and I don’t want to wait one minute longer. Please open your eyes Doc. If you think that by staying asleep you’re going to get out of a lecture you’re sadly mistaken lady. You shouldn’t have gone to that warehouse alone. What were you thinking? You know what, I don’t care what you were thinking. I just want you to open your eyes Doc!” There’s a knock at the door. Jesse peeks her head into the room. “Is it all right if we come in?” John wipes the tears from his eyes. “Sure come on in guys. Marlena, Jesse and Eric are going to talk to you while I’m gone. I’m going to get a surprise for you. Now I want you to be awake when I come back. Do you hear me? I love you Doc!” John kisses Marlena on her forehead before he leaves.
Jesse sits in a chair next to the bed and she takes Marlena’s hand. “Marlena, it’s Jesse. You gave us quite a scare. I told you not to go to that warehouse alone. Did you listen to me? I should have stopped you or gone with you. I feel so guilty. I guess I get that from you huh. Come on Marlena. Wake up. We all need you so much.” “Mom please come back to us.” Marlena’s eyelids begin to flutter. “Marlena? Eric, I think she’s waking up. Go get Mike!” Eric runs out the door. “Jesse?” “I’m here Marlena.” “How’s Belle?” “She’s fine. She’s back at the mansion.” “How about my baby?” “Your babies are fine.” “My BABIES?” “Yes, you’re having twins again.” “Oh man. Where’s John?” “He’s out getting a surprise for you.” “Are Sami, Megan, or Eric here?” “Eric went to get Mike. Megan’s at the mansion getting to know her baby sister and brother.” “Is she my daughter?” “Yes, the DNA tests are in and Megan is your daughter.” “That’s wonderful. Where’s Sami?” “Sami’s at the mansion with Roman since he refused to come to the hospital.” Jesse can see that Marlena’s hurt that Sami didn’t come to the hospital at all. “Roman, how’s Roman? Is Roman getting better?” “I don’t really know. I was here the entire night.”
Mike and Eric enter the room. “How are you feeling Marlena?” “I’m a little groggy and my shoulder’s throbbing.” “Okay, I would like to examine you. Could you two wait outside until I’m done?” “We’ll be right outside if you need us Marlena.” “Jesse could you possibly bring the kids in for a visit?” “Mike, would that be all right?” “I think we could bend the rules just this one time.” “I’ll go back to the mansion and bring the kids to you.” “Thank you Jesse.” Jesse walks over to Marlena and kisses her on the forehead. “I’ll be right back.” “Okay.” “Mom, I’ll be outside waiting. Mike please let me know when you’re done.” “I will.” Jesse and Eric leave the room. “Thank you Mike.” Mike starts to examine Marlena. “Mike, how’s Roman?” “His condition is improving. It’s going very slowly but the infection seems to be subsiding.”
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Jesse enters the living room of the DiMera mansion. Half the town is waiting there to hear news about Marlena. “Hi everyone. You’ll be happy to know that Marlena is going to be fine. It took a while but she finally came out of the anesthesia.” There’s a sigh of relief in the room. Jesse turns to Megan. “Now I’m here to take you, Belle, and Brady to see your mom. So I want you go to get Belle and Brady and have them put on their best clothes to see your mom.” “Sure. Wait, you said my mom.” “Your DNA tests came in Megan. Marlena and John are your parents. Now hurry up. Your mother is just dying to see the three of you.” Maggie gets up from the couch. “Come on Megan, I’ll help you with Belle and Brady.” Jesse thanks Maggie for her help.
Jesse walks over to Sami. “Could I speak to you for a moment?” “Why?” Jesse grabs Sami’s arm. “Out in the foyer, please.” Jesse guides Sami by her arm to the foyer. Jesse closes the doors behind her. “Let go of me. You’re hurting me.” Jesse closes the doors behind her. “Oh quit your whining! Do you intend on visiting your mother?” “My mother and I have a very good relationship. I don’t care about her and she doesn’t care about me.” “That’s not true Sami and you know it. I heard that when you were in the hospital after your accident your mother never left your side. Now I think it’s time you returned the favor.” “Who do you think you are?” “I’m FAMILY! Remember Sami! You thought you were so cute when you sent me my adoption papers. That may have stopped me from marrying into this family but you know what Sami? What you did made me a member of this family for LIFE!” “How could I forget? You’re the daughter of my psychotic aunt. Gee I hope that isn’t hereditary.” “Well Sami you had better pray that my mother’s psychotic tendencies don’t show up in me, because if they do you will be my first target.” Megan comes down the stairs with Belle and Brady. “Wow. Don’t you guys look wonderful? Are we ready to go see mommy?” All three of them yell yes. “Ok then let’s go.”
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Jesse peeks her head into Marlena’s room. “Are you ready for some visitors?” Marlena sits up and she tries to fix her hair. “Of course I am. Come on in guys.” Megan, Belle, and Brady come running into the room. “Mommy!” “Oh my angels! I’m so happy to see you!” Jesse helps Belle and Brady onto Marlena’s bed. Megan sits on the edge of the bed. “Now be careful of Mommy’s shoulder.” “I don’t care I’m just so happy to see the three of you.” Marlena gives hugs and kisses to all three of her children. “Where did Eric go?” “I sent him down to get something to eat. He should be back soon.” “I guess John didn’t get here yet.” “No. Do you know anything about this surprise he’s getting for me?” “Marlena if he had told me about it believe me you would know about it by now.”
John comes barging through the door with Eric. John’s dressed in a tux. In his hands are flowers and a bucket with a champagne bottle in it. Eric is carrying a large dress box and some glasses. Jesse and Megan lift the kids off of the bed. “What is all this?” “Just give me a minute Doc.” John goes over to the bed and hands Marlena the flowers. He proceeds to get down on one knee. He takes Marlena’s hand and asks, “Will you marry me again Doc?” “John have you forgotten you already asked me that question and I said yes.” “I know that but I’m asking you to marry me right now in this hospital room. So will you marry me right now Doc?” “What about our friends and our families?” “We could have another ceremony when you are out of here for the family and friends. So what do you say Doc?” “Guess I’ll say yes!”
John kisses Marlena. “Oh John wait. I can’t get married now.” “Why not?” “I can’t get married in a hospital gown.” “Do I know you or what? I brought something for you to wear.” Eric sits the box on top of the dresser. “You did? You know me so well don’t you.” “Now Jesse can help you get changed. Eric and I will take the troops and flag down father Jansen when he gets here.” John leans over and gives Marlena a kiss before he leaves. “I love you!” “I love you too!”
Jesse goes over to the box. “Let’s see what he brought.” Jesse picks up the box and sits it next to Marlena. Jesse opens the box and a huge smile comes over Marlena’s face. “What is it?” “This is the negligee I wore the first night John and I were back together.” Tears start to flow from Marlena’s eyes. Jesse wipes away her tears. “Come on don’t you start crying on me! Because if you start then I’m going to start and it’s going to take forever for me to get you dressed.” Marlena chuckles. “I’m glad you see it my way.” Jesse opens the ties on the back of Marlena’s gown. Next she removes Marlena’s arm from the sling. “Ok I’m going to take your gown off. Are you ready?” “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Jesse starts removing the gown and as she does she tries her best not to hurt Marlena’s sore shoulder. Marlena lets out a whimper. “Did I hurt you?” “It okay. Just keep going.” Jesse has the gown off and she grabs the negligee and slips it over Marlena’s head. “Okay I’m going to do this one arm at a time. Which one do you want me to put in first?” “Surprise me.” “Oh gee thanks.” Jesse puts Marlena’s good arm in first then she very easily slides her other arm into the strap without too much pain for Marlena. “Do you want the robe on?” “Yes, it will hide my bandages.” “Ok take a deep breath.” Jesse manages to slip the robe on Marlena without hurting her. Jesse peeks her head out of the room. “Ok John we’re ready in here.”
John, Eric, the kids, and father Jensen come into the room. Jesse picks up Belle. Megan and Jesse stand next to Marlena. Eric picks up Brady and stands next to John. John looks at Marlena. “I love you Doc.” “I love you.” Just as father Jensen is to begin the ceremony Mike walks in. “What’s going on in here?” Jesse speaks. “It’s a wedding. You’re just in time. Mike lock the door so no one else interrupts this.” “There are way too many people in here. Marlena is recovering from a major operation.” “Mike, as soon as this is over we’ll all leave. Just give them 5 minutes. OK.” “All right but make it quick.” “You heard him father. We want the quickie ceremony.”
“Dearly beloved we are gathered here to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Do you John Black take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” “I do.” “Do you Marlena Evans take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” “I do.” “The rings please.” Eric hands father Jensen the rings. “John repeat after me. I John give you Marlena this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” “I John give you Marlena this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad.” “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad.” “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you all the days of our lives.” “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you all the days of our lives.” “Marlena repeat after me. I Marlena give you John this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” “I Marlena give you John this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad.” “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad.” “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you all the days of our lives.” “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you all the days of our lives.” “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” “It would be my pleasure!” John and Marlena kiss.
“I hope the two of you will have all the happiness you deserve.” “Thank you father. Why don’t you stay and have a drink with us?” “I can’t I have other parishioners to see. Thank you for letting me be apart of your happy day.” Father Jansen leaves the room. John goes over and opens the champagne bottle. “Ok lets all have a quick drink before you leave.” John hands Marlena a glass. “John I can’t have any champagne!” “It’s sparkling cider Doc.” Marlena takes the glass. “To my beautiful wife it may have taken us ten long years but we finally made it. You are finally my wife and I can’t wait for us to start the rest of our lives together.” John and Marlena kiss. “To John and Marlena.” Everyone in the room clink their glasses.
Mike speaks first. “Okay I want everyone to finish their drinks and get out of this room.” John speaks up. “Mike would it be alright if I stayed here tonight? I mean it is our wedding night.” “You can stay on one condition.” “What’s that?” “Well I don’t want you and Marlena doing anything that a couple might do on their wedding night.” “Mike, this is a hospital we would never do anything like that.” Both Marlena begins to blush. “John, Aunt Maggie told me about that time when Marlena was in the hospital and she almost walked in on the two of you.” Jesse speaks up. “Okay I think on that note I’m going to take the kids back to the mansion. Goodbye Marlena…John. Have a good night.” Jesse bends over and gives Marlena a kiss. Belle, Brady, Megan, and Eric follow Jesse’s lead and they all give their mother a hug and a kiss before they leave.
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Eric is keeping the kids occupied while Jesse looks for her car keys. Mike comes up behind Jesse. “Are you going to be staying at the mansion tonight?” Jesse’s startled. Jesse pulls out her keys and she slaps Mike on the arm. “You scared me. Yes, since John won’t be there tonight I thought that I should stay with the kids. Maybe I shouldn’t. Look what happened the last time I watched the kids.” “Jesse.” “I know. I know what happened wasn’t my fault. I can’t help it I still feel guilty.” “I was wondering if you would like to go out to eat tonight?” “I think I’d better stay with the kids. Do you understand?” “Of course I understand. I’ll see you tomorrow?” “You sure will.” Jesse gives Mike a kiss goodbye. Eric sees it. He’s hurt but a part of him is happy to see Jesse moving on.
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Jesse and Eric arrive at the mansion with the children. Once they’re inside Jesse ushers the kids upstairs to wash up for supper. Jesse and Eric go into the living room. “Okay we have the kids washing up for a supper we don’t have. What are we going to feed them?” “I’m sure the cook made something. Can I ask you a question?” “I guess so.” “Are you and Mike dating?” “I guess you could say that.” “When did all this happen? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be asking you this.” “No it’s okay. Let’s just say the Mike saved me from a very, very bad blind date and after that we just started to hang out together. I’m not sure where it’s going but it’s nice to have someone in my life again.” Jesse can see that Eric’s hurting. “Now I’m sorry.” “It’s okay. I just want you to be happy.” “I want the same for you too. Jamie seems like a nice girl. Despite the fact that she’s Sami’s friend.” Eric laughs at this remark. “Yes, she’s very nice.” “I hope she can make you happy. You deserve to be happy.”
Caroline and Shawn come into the room. “Grandma, how’s dad?” “He’s been getting his medication around the clock and the tests they’re running are showing that the infection is subsiding.” “Have you two had supper yet?” “No, Caroline. We were just talking about what we were going to feed the kids.” “No need to worry. Shawn and I brought over food from the pub. It’s all in the kitchen. Shawn and I are going to go up and sit with Roman for a while.” “Does he know about Marlena?” “We told him that Marlena was in an accident and that she was going to be fine.” “I think that was wise. Marlena and John want to tell him themselves.” “Well we’ll go up and send the children down for supper.” Caroline and Shawn leave the room. “So are you ready to eat?” “Yes, I’m starved! I hope there’s some of that Brady chowder in there. I’ve heard so much about it.” “Don’t worry my grandmother always brings chowder.” Eric puts his arm around Jesse and he ushers her into the kitchen.
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Back at the hospital it’s late and John and Marlena are getting ready to go to bed for the night. “Okay Mrs. Black scoot over.” “Why?” “Why? Because I want to lie in bed with my wife.” “Oh you do!” “Yes, so scoot over.” “Have you forgotten the promise we made to Mike?” “No I haven’t forgotten. I just want to hold you in my arms. I promise I won’t try anything.” Marlena acts disappointed. “Oh your not.” “Unless you want me to try something.” John begins to plant kisses all over Marlena’s neck. Marlena begins to laugh. “John. Stop.” “Why?” “Because if you keep this up I don’t think I’m going to stop you.” “That’s good because I don’t want to stop.” “No come on John.” John accidentally bumps Marlena’s shoulder and she lets out a scream.
Mike comes into the room. “Do I have to separate the two of you?” John jumps off the bed. Marlena makes sure that she is completely covered. “We’re sorry Mike. It won’t happen again.” “Make sure that it doesn’t. The two of you will have plenty of time to do whatever you want to when Marlena is out of the hospital.” “When will that be Mike?” “I would say two weeks.” “TWO WEEKS! No Mike! I can’t stay in here two weeks. I have a wedding to plan and I want to be with my husband and my children.” “Marlena if you behave yourself I’ll see what I can do about getting you released sooner. I’m not promising anything. Now the two of you get some sleep.” “Goodnight Mike.” “Goodnight guys.”
John once again gets into bed with Marlena. “Now behave this time.” “Yes dear.” “I have another surprise for you. Do you want to know what it is?” “What kind of a stupid question is that? Of course I want to know what your surprise is.” John pulls a piece of paper out from his pocket. Marlena looks at the paper. She has a puzzled look on her face. “This is a deed to some land.” “Very good Mrs. Black.” “Mrs. Black I like the sound of that. What is the surprise?” “Well I bought some land on the outskirts of town and I have started to build something on it.” “What? What are you building on the land?” “You really want to know?” “Yes, I really want to know!” “I am building the biggest house this town has ever seen.” “A house! How long is it going to take until we can move in?” “I have men working around the clock and in about two months we should be able to move in.” “Where are we going to live in the meantime?” “I was thinking we could stay at the mansion until after our wedding. Then after the wedding we could take the kids on a month long honeymoon. How does that sound?” That sounds wonderful! Oh wait what about Megan?” “She’ll come with us.” “Of course she’ll come with us but by then school should be started.” “I didn’t think about that. Well we could enroll her after we come back. We could get her tutors if she needs. I think we really need this time to bond with her Doc. We’ve already lost so much time with her.” Marlena begins to cry. “I really want to make it up to her for all the time she missed with us. I wish I knew what Stefano did to me to make me forget the birth of my own child.” “Doc let’s not talk about that. It’s over and what’s done is done. Now all we have to do is concentrate on you getting better and us getting to know our new daughter. Now I want you to close your eyes and get some rest. I want to get you out of here as soon as possible.”
It’s morning at the DiMera mansion and Megan comes downstairs for some breakfast as she passes through the living room she runs into John. “Hi dad. How’s mom?” “She’s fine.” “When can she come home?” “Mike says in two weeks but we’re hoping it will be sooner. I don’t think your mother will be able to lie around for two weeks.” John can tell that there’s something on Megan’s mind. “Is there something wrong?” “I was wondering where Stefano is.” “He’s in jail where he belongs and he is never going to get out.” John walks over to the desk and picks up the morning paper. “Would it be possible for me to see him?” John puts the paper down and turns towards Megan. “Why would you want to see him?” “I want to know why he did what he did. I want some answers.” John takes Megan into his arms. “Sweetheart, I understand why but I don’t think he’ll ever tell you the truth. It’s against his nature. Besides I don’t think he knows what the truth is. Now I’m going to go upstairs to get a shower. When I’m done I’m going back to the hospital, do you want to go with me?” Megan breaks away from her father’s embrace. “I think I’ll stay here and get to know my little brother and sister better if that’s all right with you.” “That’s fine. I’ll see you later.” John gives Megan a kiss on the forehead before he leaves.
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Jesse’s at the Horton Center working when Megan walks in. “Hey kiddo. What are you doing here? Did something happen to Marlena?” “No. My mom’s fine. You left so early this morning I didn’t get the chance to talk to you.” “What’s on your mind?” “Well I’m not sure how to say this. When I first came to town Maggie brought over some clothes for me. They’re fine but there are certain pieces of clothing that you want to be yours and only yours.” “I understand. You need some unmentionables. Am I right?” “Yes.” “There’s not much going on here. I’ll go tell Alice that I’m leaving for a while.” Jesse leaves the room for a minute then she comes right back. Jesse puts her arm around Megan and they walk towards the door. “Where’s your dad?” Jesse and Megan walk towards Jesse’s car. “He was over at the mansion when I left.” Jesse opens the car door for Megan. Megan sits down. Jesse pauses. “Okay, what we’ll do is go over there and get a credit card from your dad and then we’ll head over to Salem Place for some serious shopping.” Jesse closes Megan’s door and she gets in her side of the car. “Are you ready?” “Sure, Jesse I want to thank you for doing this for me. I couldn’t go to Eric or my dad about this. There’s Sami but I don’t think she likes me.” “Did she say anything to you?” “No as a matter of fact she hasn’t said two words to me since I’ve gotten here.” “I’ll have to have a little talk with her. Now lets get that credit card.”
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Jesse and Megan enter the DiMera mansion as they enter the living room they can see that John’s pacing back and forth. John finally sees Megan. “Megan! Where were you? I was worried sick.” John hugs Megan. Megan can tell that John’s angry. “I want to know right now where you were.” Jesse can see that Megan is about to burst into tears. “Megan, why don’t you go upstairs and check on the kids? I’ll explain to your dad what happened.” Megan hesitates. “No Jesse I want to hear from my daughter.” “John. Megan go upstairs, please.” Megan leaves the room.
“John, don’t be so hard on her. Megan came over to the Horton Center to talk to me. She wants me to take her shopping for some clothes.” “Megan was talking about wanting to go see Stefano this morning. When she was gone I just panicked. I’m just worried about her because Kristen is still out there. I feel like such a jerk.” “John you have every right to worry as long as Kristen is still out on the loose. I think Megan knows what she did was wrong.” “I hope you’re right.” “Of course I’m right. Now on the reason I’m here. I was wondering if I could borrow one of your credit cards for this shopping spree?” John reaches inside his wallet for a credit card. “I would put it on one of my cards but I don’t think I could buy her a pair of undies on my card.” John laughs and he hands Jesse the credit card. “A gold card. I never thought I would ever have one of these in my purse.” “Remember Jesse I don’t have an unlimited line of credit.” “All right John I get the hint.”
Megan comes into the room. “Dad is everything all right? I’m sorry for leaving without telling you but I didn’t know how to tell you about what I needed. Plus I already made you mad by asking to go see Stefano. I’m sorry dad.” “No. I’m the one who should be sorry.” John hugs Megan and gives her a kiss. “Now I want you to get whatever you need.” “John, are you going over to the hospital?” “I’m going to spend some time with the kids then I’ll be over at the hospital later on. Why?” “Well I want to know where you’ll be incase we need another card.” “The two of you get out of here before I take my card back.”
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Mike’s in Marlena’s room examining her. He removes the bandages to examine the wound. “How is it Mike?” “The wound seems to be healing quite nicely.” “Am I going to have full range of motion in my shoulder.” “I want to give your shoulder some time to heal before we try to move it. We’ll get a better idea of what physical therapy you’ll need then.”
There’s a knock at the door. Jesse and Megan enter the room. “Is it all right if we come in?” “Sure I just finished my examination.” “So are you going to give your mother a hug and a kiss.” Megan gladly obliges her mother. “What are the two of you doing here?” “Megan and I are going to go shopping for some clothes. Don’t worry Marlena I’m only going to get her the bare necessities, that way the two of you can have a major shopping spree when you get out of here.” Marlena takes Megan’s hands. “That sounds like a very good idea.”
Mike pulls Jesse aside. “I was wondering if we could go out to eat tonight.” “I don’t know. If John is staying here again tonight…” Marlena can’t help but chime in. “Jesse you go out. Chelsea has agreed to stay around the clock so you can go out tonight.” “I guess we can go out tonight after all. Do you mind if Maddie goes with us?” “No of course not.” “It’s just that I haven’t been spending enough time with her lately and I think it’s about time the two of you get to know each other.” “Why don’t we go to Johnny Angel’s for burgers and then we could rent a movie and go back to your place.” “That sounds fine.” “I’ll pick you up at six.” “I’ll see you then.” Mike gives Jesse a kiss on the cheek before he leaves the room. “Come on Megan your dad’s credit card is burning a hole in my purse. Marlena, I’ll talk to you later.” Megan gives her mother a kiss. “Goodbye mom.” “Goodbye sweetheart.”
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Jesse and Megan have finished shopping at Salem Place. They sit down on a bench with their packages. “So is there anything else you need?” “No, I think I have more than enough stuff to hold me over until I can go shopping with my mom. Thanks again Jesse for taking me.” “It was my pleasure.” “Jesse, is the police station anywhere around here?” “Yes, I think it’s just a couple of blocks away. Why?” “I was just wondering.” “Megan, Stefano can’t get you. He’s locked in a special cell which even he can’t get out of besides your father will never allow anything to happen to you.” “I know. It’s just knowing he’s so close scares me.” “Don’t worry. No one is going to let anything happen to you. Now enough about Stefano, are you thirsty?” “Yeah a little.” “I’ll go get us a drink. What do you want?” “A Sprite please.” Jesse goes over to a soda machine. While Jesse’s back is turned Megan takes off for the police station. When Jesse turns around she sees that Megan is gone. “Megan! Megan! Oh god please not again.”
John decided to go to Salem Place to check up on the girls when he sees Jesse. “Jesse, where’s Megan?” “She was sitting on that bench over there. I went over to that soda machine to get us some drinks and when I turned around she was gone.” “Did she say anything to you as to where she might have gone?” “I don’t think so. Wait she asked how far was it to the police station. Do you think she went there?” “I would bet my life on it. I’m going there. Can you handle the packages yourself?” “Don’t worry about me. Just find Megan!”
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Megan gets to the police station. She manages to get to where Stefano is being held with out being seen. She’s about to enter the cell area when she bumps into an officer. “May I help you?” “Yes. I’m here to see Stefano DiMera.” “Children must be accompanied by an adult besides Stefano can only be seen by family members.” “I am family.” “How are you related to Stefano?” “I’m his daughter. Now let me in.” “I don’t know about this. The only daughters on my list are Kristen DiMera and Lexie Carver and I know that you aren’t either of them.” “You listen to me either you let me in or my father will have the cops on his payroll rough you up for not allowing me to see him. Now let me in!” The officer lets Megan in to see Stefano.
Stefano’s staring at his chessboard. Megan bangs on the glass. “Guess who Stefano.” Stefano looks as though he’s seeing a ghost. “Don’t worry Stefano you’re not losing it. I’m really here.” “They told me you were dead!” “You really should get smarter guys to work for you.” “How did you get here?” “It’s the darndest story. Do you have the time? Of course you do, you’re going to be in jail for the rest of your life. Anyway I ran into my mother and father on a beach in the Caribbean. They were there to pick up the cure for Roman. But you knew that already. That’s why you sent your men down there to kill me. Am I right?” “You are a very smart girl. Maybe a little too smart for your own good.”
“I have some questions I want you to answer for me. Why did you tell me that my father was Roman Brady?” “Well that’s who he was at the time.” “I don’t know Roman Brady from John Black or Forrest Alamain or whatever my father’s real name is. Why did you lie to me?” “I couldn’t reveal my plan. The help has big ears and big mouths. I couldn’t risk them saying anything to anyone.” “Okay I’ll buy that for now. Why didn’t you kill me years ago?” “You were a vital part of my plan. Do you remember a few years ago when I brought you to that big white mansion?” “Maison Blanche?” “Yes, Maison Blanche. My plan was to kill your father and then take Marlena to one of my islands so we could start our new life together.” “My mother would never stay with you. She despises you.” “That’s why I needed you.” ” I don’t understand.” Marlena loves her children very much. The plan was that I would reunite the two of you once you were on my island. She would never leave because of you.” “She didn’t even know about me. How would I be able to keep her on that island with you?” “Marlena’s love for her child would win out in the end. She’ll always do what’s best for her children. She always puts their happiness above her own. Once I proved to her that you were her child you see she would feel very guilty over the years she lost with you and that would keep her on my island. It was the perfect plan.” “You are one twisted man. Why did you send me away? Did I see something at Maison Blanche that I wasn’t supposed to? Is that why you sent me away? I want some answers Stefano!” “There are no answers. I just decided to change my plans.” “I don’t buy that. You said so yourself that it was the perfect plan. Tell me the truth Stefano!”
John rushes in. “Megan, I told you I didn’t want you to come here.” “I need some answers dad.” “You’re not going to find them here. Now let’s go.” “John, what do you think of your new daughter? She’s beautiful isn’t she? She looks just like her mother.” “Shut up old man! You are never going to hurt my children or Doc ever again. Come on Megan let’s get out of here.” “You will never be rid of me John!”
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John and Megan go over to the hospital. They’re outside Marlena’s room talking. “Why did you bring me here?” “I was thinking that you would tell your mother what you did today. Maybe she could talk some sense into you. I certainly didn’t get through to you.” John opens the door for Megan.
“Hi sweetheart. ” Megan goes over to Marlena’s bed and gives her a kiss. “Hi mom.” John sits on the bed next to Marlena. “Does someone want to tell me what’s wrong or do I have to guess?” “Megan, I think you should do the honors.” “No I think you should since this is your idea dad.” “Will someone please tell me what happened.” “Well our daughter paid a little visit to Stefano today. I told her earlier today that I didn’t want her to go there but she’s stubborn like her mother and she went anyway.” “I need some answers.” Marlena turns to John. “Now, who does she sound like. Megan, Stefano would never tell anyone the truth.” “I spent enough years with him to know when he’s lying and when he’s telling the truth. If only you had come a few minutes later I think I could have learned more about Maison Blanche.” “What about Maison Blanche?” “I think I saw something that I wasn’t supposed to.” “Do you remember anything from when you were at Maison Blanche?” ” I remember getting out of my room and running into a woman named Gina. She tried to talk me into going back to my room but I refused. I wanted to find you, dad. The last thing I remember was going into one of the rooms.” “What was in there?” “There was a lot of medical equipment. Stefano and another man were in there. I think Stefano caught us because the next thing I remember is waking up at home. I wish I could remember what I saw in that room. Maybe Gina would remember what happened. Do you know where she is?” “She’s living in Salem. Her real name is Hope Williams.” “Do you think she would help us?” “Right now she’s in Rome but we’ll talk to her when she gets back.”
Marlena speaks up. “Okay I’ve had enough of talking about Stefano. Megan sit down here.” Megan sits next to her mother on the bed. “Now I would like to know more about you.” “Alright.” “When’s your birthday?” “I was born on August 22, 1987.” Tears start to fall from Marlena’s eyes. “What’s wrong?” “August 22 is our anniversary. So do you know how much you weighed or how long you were?” “I know that I was 6 pounds. I don’t know how long I was but I do know that I was about a month premature.” “That makes it official all of my children were premature. I guess we could look for these babies to be born in March instead of April.” “Doc, let’s not tempt fate. Let’s go for the full nine months if we can.”
A nurse enters the room with a wheelchair. “Dr. Evans I have to take you for some tests.” “Are the two of you going to leave?” “We’ll go and get something to eat while your gone. Then we’ll come back to visit some more.” “That sounds good. Could you bring me something back?” “How about some Brady Chowder?” “Have I ever told you what a wonderful husband you are?” “No you haven’t.” “Well I’ll tell you that after I get the chowder. Megan you make sure he doesn’t sample it before I can get to it.” “I promise mom he won’t get near it.” Megan gives her mother a kiss on the way out. John also goes over and gives Marlena a kiss.
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John and Megan spend the day at the hospital. They come home to the DiMera mansion to check up on the kids. As they enter the foyer they see Jesse’s luggage. Both of them go into the living room to find out what’s going on. “Hi you two.” “Jesse are you leaving? You aren’t leaving because of what I did today? Are you?” “No honey.” “Since Chelsea is going to be here around the clock, I don’t think it’s necessary for me to stay here any longer. Besides I’m paying for an apartment I’m not staying at and that doesn’t make any sense.” John speaks. “Well I know that we hate to see you go. If you ever change your mind there is plenty of room here.” “Thank you John.”
There’s a knock at the door. “That must be Mike.” “Mike?” “Yes, Mike Horton and I have a date tonight.” Megan runs to answer the door. “Hi Mike. Jesse’s in the living room. I’ll go up and get Maddie.” Mike walks into the living room. “Are you ready to go?” “Yes. As you can see on your way in my bags are in the foyer. All I have to do is get Maddie.” “Megan went up to get her.” John speaks. “You know Megan could stay her while the two of you go out.” “Thanks John but I think it’s about time Mike and Maddie get to spend some time together.” “Jesse, please don’t be a stranger.” “I won’t.”
Maddie comes running into the room. She jumps into her mother’s arms. “Maddie, you remember Dr. Mike don’t you?” “Yep!” “Hi Maddie. Would you like to go get a hamburger?” “Yes I would.” “Ok let’s go then.” They go out to the foyer and Mike picks up Jesse’s bags. “What in the heck do you have in here?” “Just the bare necessities.” “It feels like you have everything in her but the kitchen sink.” “You know if you quit your complaining and just moved your butt we would be out to the car by now.” John opens the door for them. “Say goodbye to John, Maddie.” “Bye John.” “Goodbye sweetie.” “I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Otay!” “Goodbye John.”
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Mike, Jesse, and Maddie are at Johnny Angel’s eating. Mike and Jesse are talking while Maddie sits on the ground playing with one of her dolls. “Maddie are you finished with your hamburger?” “Yep!” “So how’s Marlena?” “Her shoulder seems to be healing beautifully. It’s going to be rough at first but I think that she is going to have full use of her shoulder.” “That’s wonderful. How are the babies?” Jesse takes Mike’s last french fry and puts it in her mouth. “They’re fine. Her pregnancy is progressing normally.” “I’m sorry. I should have asked if I could have a fry first. I’m sorry.” “It’s no problem. Are you ready to go?” “Sure, Maddie are you ready to leave?” “I duess so.”
“There’s a video store just around the corner. We could go rent a movie. Maddie is there a certain movie you would like to rent?” “THE LION KING!” “The Lion King it is.” “I really have to have Martha pack up Maddie’s Disney videos and send them here. I’ll be spending a fortune to rent this movie every other night.” Mike empties the trays and the three of them head for the video store. Jesse and Mike are walking together. Maddie’s walking a little bit ahead of them. “Maddie don’t walk too far ahead. ” “Otay Mommy!” Maddie slows down so they can catch up. Mike turns to Jesse. “Would you mind if I held your hand?” Jesse and Mike stop walking. Jesse turns to Mike. “Mike, you don’t have to ask.” Mike kisses Jesse and for a moment they get lost in the kiss. Jesse then realizes that they stopped walking and Maddie didn’t. Jesse breaks away from Mike. “Maddie!” Jesse and Mike can see Maddie in the distance and the two of them run to her. Just as they get to her they can see someone pick her up. “Hey squirt! Where’s your mom?” “Maddie don’t you ever do that again!” “Hi Eric…Jamie.” “Duess what? We’re going to see the Lion King!” “Maddie I don’t think you have to rent the video you could just act the whole thing out for your mom and Mike.” “You silly goose!” “So what are the two of you up to tonight?” “We’re going to a movie.” “Oh well we don’t want to keep you.” Eric puts Maddie down. “I hope the three of you have a good night.” “You too. Goodnight.”
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Back at Carrie’s apartment the three of them finish watching the movie. Maddie has fallen asleep on Mike’s lap. Mike’s afraid to move for fear he will wake her. “What do you want me to do?” Jesse gets up and picks Maddie up from Mike’s lap. “It takes a lot to wake her. I’ll put her to bed. Why don’t you rewind her movie and then put our movie in?” Jesse leaves the room. She’s very careful so that she doesn’t wake Maddie. Jesse makes sure that Maddie is covered completely and before she leaves the room she gives her a kiss on the cheek. Maddie stirs a bit but she stays asleep. Jesse closes the door to Maddie’s room very carefully.
“Would you like some popcorn?” “Sure.” Jesse grabs a bag of popcorn and sticks it in the microwave. She sits down on the couch. “So what movie did you rent for us?” “No, it’s a surprise! You’ll have to wait until it’s rewound. So did you get Maddie to bed without waking her?” “She’s sound asleep.” “She’s a great kid. Would you like more children?” “Sure I’d like Maddie to have a little brother or sister. I know how lonely it can be being an only child. Sisters and brothers may be a pain in the neck but when all is said and done they are always going to be there for you and I really want that for Maddie. What about you, do you want more children?” “Yes. I think it would be nice to be able to be a real father to a child. I want to be there for my child everyday.” “It must be hard for you having Jeremy so far away. I couldn’t imagine my life without Maddie in it everyday.” “It’s very hard for me but every chance I get I try to see him.”
The timer on the microwave sounds. “I’ll get that.” Jesse gets up and gets the popcorn out of the microwave. She puts it into a large blue bowl. She sits down on the couch next to Mike. “Would you like some.” Mike takes a handful of popcorn. “Where were we?” “We were talking about having children.” “Correction we were talking about if we wanted more children in the future.” “Jesse, I think that there’s something happening between us and I was wondering if you feel the same way.”
“Mike I do have feelings for you and I think that this could be the start of something but…” “But what? Is it Eric?” “No it’s Carrie.” “Carrie, what does Carrie have to do with this?” “You still haven’t told her how you feel. I don’t want you wondering what might have been for the rest of your life.” “Jesse I’m right where I want to be. I want to be with you. Carrie and I just weren’t meant to be.” “Are you sure about this?” “I’m positive. I want to be with you.” Mike and Jesse kiss.
Mike’s beeper starts to go off. “Oh man!” Mike looks at his beeper. “It’s the hospital. I have to call in.” “Are you sure? It isn’t some chick calling you to get you out of your date.” Mike laughs as he dials the hospital. “This is Dr. Horton. Isn’t there anyone else who can cover for me? I understand. I’ll be right there.” Mike hangs up the phone. “I have to go. I’m sorry.” “I guess I have to get used to this if I’m going to be dating a doctor.” Both of them walk to the door hand in hand. Jesse opens the door and Mike steps out. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mike and Jesse kiss. Jesse opens her eyes to see if Mike has his closed. Mike calls her on it. “Why do you have your eyes open?” “I was wondering if you had yours closed. Yours were open too.” “Well I was wondering if you had your eyes closed!” Both of them laugh out loud. “We’re quite a pair. Okay let’s try it again only we’ll both keep our eyes closed, deal.” “Deal!” Mike and Jesse kiss once again. As they are kissing they can’t help but feel someone is watching them. They break the kiss and they see Austin and Carrie in front of them. As Jesse speaks she wipes lipstick from Mike’s lips. “Hi guys.” “We don’t want to interrupt the two of you. Please continue with what you’re doing.” Austin and Carrie continue to walk to his apartment door. “Isn’t that great Mike has finally found someone.” Carrie can’t help but look back at them. She’s surprised at how jealous she feels. “What? Yes it’s great.” Jesse’s staring at Carrie and she notices that Carrie seems jealous. Mike breaks Jesse’s stare. “Hey, I’ll see you tomorrow.” “You sure will.” Jesse closes the door. “I was right Carrie does care for Mike. Now what do I do?”
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Jesse has a rough night sleeping. She doesn’t know what to do about her situation with Mike so she decides to talk to Marlena before she leaves for work. “Hi Marlena.” “Jesse, come in. I was just thinking about you. Tell me all bout your date with Mike.” “There’s not much to tell. We went to Johnny Angel’s for burgers. Then we went back to my place to watch a movie. Things were about to get interesting when he got beeped and had to leave.” “It sounds like a very nice evening. What’s the problem?” “As Mike was leaving we were kissing in the hallway when Carrie and Austin came home. Let’s just say that Carrie looked a little bit jealous.” “Jesse you’re wrong. Carrie loves Austin.” “I don’t know Marlena. I know that look. I definitely think she was jealous. I just don’t know what to do.” “What do you mean?” “Do I encourage Mike to tell Carrie how he feels or do I just leave it be.”
Before Marlena can respond Mike comes into the room. “Hi you two! Marlena you have to go for some more tests.” “You know Mike I’m really tired of being poked and prodded.” “I know Marlena but the sooner you leave and get all these tests done the sooner you can get back here.” Jesse speaks up. “I guess I’ll say goodbye to you Marlena. Listen to your doctor, please.” “Jesse if you don’t mind I would like to talk to you before you leave.” “Sure I guess I could stick around for a few minutes.” A nurse walks into the room and takes Marlena away in a wheelchair.
Mike and Jesse sit down on Marlena’s bed. “Are you all right?” “I’m fine why.” “Did I say something wrong last night?” “It’s not you. It’s me. Mike I’m scared. I couldn’t stand it if we got serious and I lost you. I have a daughter to think about. It was really hard on her to loose Eric. I don’t want to do that to her again.” “I’m in this till the end. You’re worried about Carrie.” Jesse shakes her head. “Like I told you last night I’m right where I want to be. I want to be with you.” “You really mean that.” “Yes, really mean it.” Mike and Jesse kiss.
It’s been a little over three weeks since Marlena’s shooting and it’s finally time for her to come home. John comes bursting into Marlena’s hospital room. “OKAY BABY I’M HERE TO SPRING YOU OUT OF THIS JOINT!” “Marlena?” John looks around the room but Marlena is nowhere to be found. The door opens and Marlena walks in. “What’s wrong with you? I could hear you all the way down the hall.” “You’re going home today baby!” “I am?” “You sure are and I have the paperwork to prove it.” John and Marlena hug. “John, stop wasting time and get rid of those papers so I can get out of here.” “You really want to get out of there that badly?” “Yes I do. Now move it.” Marlena slaps John on his rear-end as he leaves the room.
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Jesse, Eric, and Jamie are decorating the mansion living room for Marlena’s homecoming. Eric’s up on a ladder hanging a welcome home banner. “Is it straight?” “It’s fine Eric.” Eric attaches the sign to the wall and comes down the ladder. Jesse speaks. “I want to thank the two of you for helping me decorate.” “It’s no problem after all this party is for my mother.” “Well this party’s for Sami’s mother too and look how much she’s helped.” “All right Jesse let’s change the subject. Is Mike coming?” “He’ll be here as soon as he gets off work.”
Caroline comes into the living room. She’s carrying a very large sheet cake. Jesse grabs one end of the cake. “Here Caroline let me help you with that. Caroline the cake looks delicious.” They set the cake down on the coffee table. “Where’s Shawn?” “He’s getting the rest of the food we brought.” “Eric why don’t you go out and help him.” Eric starts to walk to the door when Caroline stops him. “Austin, Carrie, and Laura are helping your grandfather. They got here just as we did, so they should be able to get everything.” The whole gang comes into the living room with the food. “Grandpa is that everything?” “Yes this is everything. Now where should we put all of this?” “Put the rest of the food in the kitchen Shawn and while you’re in there please get a knife, forks, and plates for the cake.” Eric and Jamie go into the kitchen to help set up the food.
Jesse and Caroline are alone in the living room. “Have you heard from John and Marlena yet?” “No but John said he would call before they leave so we would be ready for them. Mike enters the living room. He goes over to Jesse and gives her a kiss. “Hey you. Hi Caroline.” Jesse speaks. “Have John and Marlena left the hospital yet?” “John was finishing up Marlena’s paperwork when I left. So they should be here soon.” The phone rings and Jesse answers it. “Hello.” “Jesse, it’s John we’ll be leaving in a couple of minutes.” “All right John. We’ll be ready. Goodbye.” “Bye Jesse.” Everyone comes into the living room from the kitchen. “Everyone, John just phoned. He and Marlena should be here soon. I’m going to go upstairs and get the kids ready.” Caroline speaks up. “I’ll help you Jesse.”
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John comes back into Marlena’s room. She’s sitting on the bed all dressed and packed. She has a worried look on her face. “Okay pretty lady it’s time for you to get out of this joint!” Marlena has a surprised look on her face. “You haven’t called me that in years.” “Is it alright that I called you that?” “Yes, of course it is. It just took me by surprise that’s all.” A nurse comes into the room with a wheelchair. “Dr. Evans are you ready to go?” “Could you give us a few minutes alone Sarah?” “Sure Dr. Evans. I’ll be right outside.” “Doc, what’s wrong?” “As soon as we get home I want to tell Roman the truth about us.” “Doc that can wait, give yourself a few days to get settled at home.” “No, John this can’t wait. Roman’s going to want to know what happened to me and I don’t want to lie anymore to him.” “Whatever you want Doc, as soon as we get the chance we’re going to tell Roman the truth.” John and Marlena embrace. “Now get that nurse back in here. I want to see my children.”
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Jesse and Caroline come into the living room with the children. “Okay guys you know what you say when your mommy comes into the room right?” All of the children yell “WELCOME HOME MOMMY!” Everyone hears a car pull up out front. Eric pulls the doors to the living room shut. Jesse hands out flowers for the kids to give to Marlena when she walks into the room.
John and Marlena are in the foyer talking. “John, why don’t we go up now and talk to Roman?” “Doc why don’t we go into the living room and relax for a while.” “No John. I want to get this over with.” “Doc the kids haven’t seen you for a while and I’m pretty sure they’re waiting for you in the living room.” “What’s going on here? This is a surprise party isn’t it.” “No, it’s just a couple family members here to welcome you home. Now Doc when you walk in there I want you to act surprised.” “John I would never disappoint my children.” John opens the doors and everyone yells WELCOME HOME! Marlena bends over so the children can rush into her arms for hugs. They almost knock her over but John catches her. “What’s all this?” Belle speaks up. “Dese flowers are for du mommy!” Marlena hugs Belle. “They’re absolutely beautiful sweetheart.” Brady hands Marlena his flowers. “Here mommy.” Marlena hugs Brady. “It’s so good to see you.” Maddie gives Marlena her flowers. “Here you do grandma! I missed you!” Marlena gives Maddie a hug and a kiss. “I missed you too.” Finally it’s Megan’s turn. Marlena stands upright and hugs her daughter. “I’m so glad you’re home mom.” “Me too.” Tears are falling from Marlena’s eyes. “I want to thank everyone for being here. This means so much to me.” Jesse speaks. “It’s no problem Marlena but please don’t ever do that again.” “I promise that will never happen again.”
Everyone is sitting around the living room talking. Marlena’s cutting the cake. She makes sure that everyone gets a piece. “Now has everyone gotten a piece of cake?” The entire room yells, YES! Marlena cuts herself a very large piece of cake. Jesse’s sitting on the couch with Marlena and John eating her cake. Marlena can’t help but notice what she’s doing. Jesse’s eating all of the frosting off of her cake. Once all of the frosting is gone she offers the remaining cake to Mike. “Jesse, aren’t you going to eat the rest of the cake?” “No, I only eat the frosting.” “You know Sam…your mother used to do the same thing.” “Really? Martha used to tease me about it all the time. She would make me a bowl of frosting for my birthday and stick candles in it. Well at least I know I have something in common with my mother.” “What about your father?” “What about him?” “I have his number if you want to talk to him.” “Marlena I couldn’t. I wouldn’t know what to say.” “How about you have a daughter?” “Not right now, maybe once I’m settled in here. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.” “I just want you to know that I will help you when the time comes.” “Thank you Marlena.”
“Jesse I was wondering if you could come over here tomorrow morning to help me with the wedding plans?” “Sure I’ll help you but isn’t that a job for a bridesmaid?” “Well that’s why I’m asking you. I want you to be in the wedding.” Tears start to fill in Jesse’s eyes. “You do?” “Yes, I want you in my wedding. So will you?” “Of course I will.” Marlena and Jesse hug. “Who else is going to be in the wedding?” Marlena looks to Carrie and Laura. “Laura, I would like for you to be my maid of honor. Carrie and Megan I would like for the both of you to be bridesmaids. Belle and Maddie will be the flower girls.” “Marlena, you don’t have to do that.” “I want to have Maddie in the wedding besides who’s Will going to walk down the aisle with if she isn’t in the wedding.” “Do you think Sami’s going to let Will be in the wedding?” “I think Lucas will allow him.” Carrie speaks up. “So what guys are going to be in the wedding, John?” “Well Abe is going to be my bestman. I thought that Bo, Mike and Eric could be the groomsmen.” Eric’s very uneasy. “I’m sorry, but I can’t take part in this wedding.” Eric goes into the garden. Marlena and John are very hurt. Jesse takes Marlena’s hand. “Don’t worry Marlena. Eric is going to be in this wedding.”
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Jesse goes out into the garden; she closes the door behind her. Jesse’s clapping her hands as she moves towards Eric. “That was quite a performance you gave in there.” “Performance?” “That’s the best Sami impersonation I’ve seen in a long time. Why can’t you be in the wedding? This wedding is just symbolic. They’re already married. You were there for the hospital wedding and you didn’t seem to have any objections. Why is this wedding so wrong?” “My dad didn’t know about that wedding in the hospital. This wedding is going to hurt him so much.” Eric has tears in his eyes. “I really love how you and your sister care so much about Roman. I only wish he cared as much about the two of you as you two care for him.” “What do you mean?” “Three years ago Roman took a very dangerous assignment without thinking whether or not he was going to hurt his children by leaving. During those three years he didn’t have any contact any of you.” “Jesse he was undercover. He couldn’t contact us.” “Eric he could have found a way. Why did Roman come back to town? It wasn’t because his children missed him and needed him. He came back because Kristen told him that Marlena was all alone and just waiting for him to come back to her!” “Stop it Jesse! I’ll admit it that I am angry about the past three years but he’s still my father.” “What’s a father Eric? It doesn’t just deal with biology. A father is someone who’s there for you day in and day out. A father is someone who goes to all of your little league games to cheer you on. He’s someone who wipes away your tears when you’re sad. He’s also the one who gives you your allowance in advance so you can buy a book on coin collecting. That’s what a father is and that’s what John’s been to you all of those years.”
“Jesse, my father has lost so much in his life.” “And John hasn’t?!” “Eric without any warning John lost his wife, his children, and his identity to this very day he still doesn’t know everything about his past. Eric where’s your love for the man who raised you? Eric, don’t forget all the love that he once gave to you.” “I love John very much and a part of me still thinks of him as my father. But if I feel that if I show John how much I care I feel like I’m betraying my father.” “Eric it’s okay for you to love them both. They both love you.” “I know you’re right.” “I think that if Roman, John, or Marlena could have prevented this mess all together they would have but that wasn’t possible so you have to make the best out of the situation. John makes your mother happy and that’s what’s important isn’t it?” “Yes my mother’s happiness is important. I think it’s about time she does something to make herself happy instead of doing something that will make everyone else happy like she usually does. I feel like such a jerk. What am I going to say in there?” “Tell them that you will be in the wedding.” Eric gives Jesse a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you for setting me straight.” “Don’t you know by now I will always be there to set you straight when you’re acting like a jerk.” Eric puts his arm around Jesse and they go back into the living room.
Eric goes over to Marlena and John. “Mom…John I’m sorry. I’d be honored to be in the wedding. Mom, I want you to be happy and if that means you spending the rest of your life with John then I will support you.” Marlena hugs Eric. “Are you sure?” “I’m sure.” Eric turns to Jamie. “Are you ready to go home?” “Yes, I’m ready.” Eric and Jamie leave. Marlena turns to Jesse. “I want to thank you for whatever you said to him.” “Marlena, I didn’t say anything that he wasn’t thinking himself but was afraid to say. When are you going to tell Roman the truth?” “As soon as everyone’s gone.” Jesse turns to Maddie. “Okay sweetie! It’s time to go.” Maddie goes over to her mother. “Carry me mommy.” “Maddie I think you’re getting a little big for this.” Mike goes over and picks Maddie up. “Why don’t I carry you to your mommy’s car? I was just going to leave myself.”
Marlena and John walk them to the door. Jesse hugs Marlena. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Call me if you need anything.” “I will.” Jesse and Mike say their good-byes and leave. Laura walks into the foyer. “Are you leaving too?” “I have to check in at the hospital. I’ll be here bright and early tomorrow. Goodbye guys.” Shawn and Caroline come into the foyer. “Marlena…John we’re going to leave too.” “Caroline, would the two of you mind staying for a while? John and I are going to tell Roman the truth today and I think it would be a good idea to have the two of you here.” “Sure we’ll stay. Are you sure he’s strong enough to handle the truth?” “I think he is. I just can’t lie to him any more. Telling him the truth is best for everyone.” “We’ll be down here with the kids if you need us.” “Thank you. Are you ready, John?” “Let’s go!”
John and Marlena are in front of Roman’s room. Marlena puts her hand on the doorknob. She pauses for a moment and she takes a deep breath. “Doc, we don’t have to do this right now.” Marlena turns to face John. “No, I want to do this now. All of the lies have to stop.” Marlena takes another deep breath as she opens the door.
“Roman, are you awake? Could we talk to you?” “Sure, Doc I want to know what the hell happened to you?” “That’s why we’re here Roman.” Marlena sits down on the bed facing Roman. “I was shot.” “You were shot. Who?” “Kristen was the one who shot me.” “Kristen?! Why?” “Roman she’s not the same person she was when you left three years ago. She’s done some horrible things to a lot of people but most of all to John and myself.” “I can’t believe this. John, how could you stay married to this woman?” “I’m not married to her.” “What?” “John was never married to Kristen. Do you remember when Kristen first brought you to town?” “Yes, she brought me to St. Luke’s. There was a wedding going on there that day.” “Roman, John and I were getting married on that day. She brought you there to break up our wedding.” “So all this time you were lying to me.” “Roman we were afraid that the truth would be too much for you.”
There’s a moment of silence. Marlena can see anger and pain on Roman’s face. She hadn’t seen that look since Roman found about her affair with John. “DOC, HOW COULD YOU LIE TO ME! YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT LYING DOC. HOW COULD YOU LEAD ME ON LIKE THIS? I ACTUALLY THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO GET BACK TOGETHER! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?” Marlena is speechless. “ROMAN WAIT ONE MINUTE! ROMAN I KNOW YOU’RE ANGRY BUT THAT IS NO WAY TO TALK TO MARLENA. SHE LIED TO YOU BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT YOU COULDN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH AT THE TIME! SHE WAS DOING WHAT SHE FELT WAS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST!” Marlena gets up from the bed. “STOP IT THE BOTH OF YOU!”
Marlena is visibly shaken. Roman calms down and pleads with Marlena. “I’m sorry Doc. I still love you and I know that you still love me.” “Roman a part of me will always love you but I’m IN love with John.” “Come on Doc! The only reason you fell in love with him was because you thought he was me.” Marlena looks at John and she can see the pain in his face over Roman’s comment. Marlena can’t take it anymore she starts to say things that she’s wanted to say for years. “You weren’t there. You could never know how I felt. When I thought you died a part of me died with you and I thought I would never find love like that again.” Tears start to flow from Marlena’s eyes. “Then I met John and I started to fall in love with him. I felt so guilty for loving him. When we were trying to find out his identity there was a time when we thought he was Stefano. You know what? I still loved him even though I thought he was my greatest enemy.” Marlena wipes her tears. “I felt like I was betraying you. Then we found out he was Roman it and that took away my guilt for loving him.”
“Doc, you chose me when I came back all those years ago.” “Roman I didn’t have a choice. When we were in Mexico I loved the both of you and I was so confused. You kept telling me over and over that the thought of being with me again was what got you through those seven years of being held prisoner. What could I do I felt like I had to go back to you. It made it a little bit easier because John had Isabella. I did what would make everyone else happy instead of doing what would have made me happy. I don’t want to hurt you but if I had a choice to make all those years ago I would have chosen John and I think he would have chosen me. I went back to you out of obligation.” Marlena can see the anger building inside of Roman. “DOC HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT!” “Roman I don’t know how else to get through to you. I’m in love with John. I never stopped loving him. The affair wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t still love him. My heart always has been and always will be with John.”
Roman gets out of bed. “What are you doing?” “I can’t stay here any longer.” Roman reaches for the phone. “Who are you going to call?” “I’m going to call pop to get me out of here.” “Shawn and Caroline are downstairs. We’ll go get them for you. Roman I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” “No you never mean to hurt me Doc but you always do.” John puts his arm around Marlena and they leave the room.
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John and Marlena enter the living room. Caroline speaks first. “How did it go?” “Not good. He wants the two of you to take him to the pub. He’s getting packed now.” “I guess we should get up there and help him.” Caroline and Shawn start to walk towards the stairs when Marlena stops them. “Sean…Caroline I’m sorry.” “Marlena there’s nothing for you to be sorry about. We understand the situation and with time so will Roman. We will help him through this.” Caroline and Shawn leave the room.
John and Marlena sit on the couch. John is holding Marlena in his arms and he gives her a kiss on her forehead. “Are you all right?” “I’m fine. Actually I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I don’t regret anything I said. I meant every word. I want you to know that I love you! I have always loved YOU!” “I know that now Doc.” “I didn’t mean to speak for you in there.” “What do you mean?” “I said that you would have chosen me over Isabella. I shouldn’t have said that.” “You were right. I would have chosen you. I loved Izzy-B but I never loved her or any other woman the way I love you.”
“Do you ever feel like we were cheated all these years?” “What do you mean?” “When Orpheus kidnapped me he did it to get back at Roman but you weren’t Roman. All those years were lost to us for nothing. If he didn’t kidnap me then Megan would have never been taken away from us and maybe Brady would have been my child. I feel like we were cheated out of so many years that we could have been together and happy.” “I have thought about that from time to time. There’s a reason we went through all that we did and I think our love is even stronger than it was back then. All that matters is that we are together now and we will never be apart again.” “You promise.” “I promise.”
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Shawn and Caroline enter Roman’s room. He’s packing his suitcase. “Roman, can we do anything for you?” “I’m almost done here. I guess the two of you knew about John and Marlena?” “Yes.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Roman we thought that if you were told the truth then you would loose your will to live and we couldn’t take that chance.” “I should have been told the truth.” Roman closes his suitcase. “Let’s get the hell out of here!” Roman leaves the room with Caroline and Shawn behind him.
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John and Marlena can hear footsteps on the stairs. The both of them go into the foyer. Roman glares at John and Marlena. He moves to the door. “Roman!” Roman pauses for a second then he opens the door and leaves without looking back. Marlena begins to cry. Caroline goes over to Marlena. “He’s going to be fine. Don’t worry.” John takes Marlena into his arms. “Just let it all out Doc. I’m here for you.”
It’s the next day at the DiMera mansion; John and Marlena are in the living room having tea. Marlena’s staring into her cup. “Doc, are you all right?” Marlena breaks her stare. “I’m fine. I was just thinking about what happened last night. I hope Roman’s okay.” “He’s fine Doc. Shawn and Caroline are going to help him.”
There’s a knock at the door. John gets up to answer it. “Hey Doc look whose back in town!” Bo and Hope come walking into the room hand in hand. Hope speaks first. “Hi Marlena.” Marlena gets up from the couch to hug the both of them. “When did the two of you get back into town?” “We got in last night. We’ve straightened everything out and we are back together.” “That’s wonderful I’m so happy for the both of you.”
“We just came from the pub. Ma and Pop filled us in on what’s been going on here. You two have had your hands full. They told us that you went to the Caribbean to get the cure for Roman and while you were there you found out that you have a daughter you never knew about.” “It’s true Bo. The DNA tests proved that Megan is our daughter.” “Megan?” “Yes Stefano named the child Megan. I guess it was after the daughter he lost.” “Where was she all these years?” “I was pregnant when Orpheus kidnapped me. Then while Stefano held me captive I gave birth to a daughter. Around the time I was coming out of the coma Stefano gave my daughter to two of his servants to raise until she was of use him. She became useful when he came up with his plan for Maison Blanche. The plan was to kidnap John and me. Then once he had the two of us he would kill John and take me to one of his islands. Then he would introduce me to Megan so that I would stay on his island with him.” Marlena can sense that Hope is becoming very uncomfortable taking about Maison Blanche.
Megan comes bounding into the living room in her pajamas. “Hi mom…dad what’s for breakfast?” Megan doesn’t notice Hope and Bo at first. “Gina!” Hope has a puzzled look on her face. “Do I know you?” “It’s me, Megan. We met at Maison Blanche.” “I’m sorry but I don’t remember you.” “You have to. There are secrets to Maison Blanche that I have to know.” Marlena interrupts her. “Megan, why don’t you go and get something to eat?” “But MOM!” “Megan, we’ll straighten this out later. Now I want you to go and get something to eat.” Megan reluctantly leaves the room. “I’m sorry Marlena. I don’t remember everything about Maison Blanche.” “I understand Hope. Would you consider hypnosis to try and recover those memories?” “I don’t know. What makes you think that it would work now? It didn’t help before.” “Well there are some more advanced techniques out there that I could use. We won’t know until we try. Would you consider it?” “I’ll think it over.”
John speaks up. “Enough about Maison Blanche. Bo I have a favor to ask you.” “Just name it.” “I want you to be a groomsman in our wedding.” “Of course I’ll be in your wedding.” “I was wondering if you could come with me to the tux shop to pick out the tuxes today. We could go down to the station and pick up Abe on the way.” “Sounds good to me. Hope, are you going to go with us?” “Could you drop me off at Grans? I want to see Shawn-D.” All four of them move into the foyer. Marlena hugs Bo and then Hope. “I’m so happy to see the two of you back together.” Marlena puts her arms around John’s waist. “We could say the same for the two of you.” Marlena smiles. “We’ll see you soon, Marlena. I’ll let you know when I decide about the hypnosis.” Bo and Hope leave. John kisses Marlena. “I’m going to run some errands after we’re done at the tux shop. I should be back later today.” “Don’t be gone too long.” “I won’t.” John kisses Marlena again.
Marlena goes back into the living room. Megan comes into the room and sits on the couch with her mother. “Is Gina…I mean Hope gone?” “Yes.” “She doesn’t remember anything from Maison Blanche, does she?” “No but she’s agreed to consider being put under hypnosis to uncover those memories.” “Do you think it will work?” “We’ll see. Now why don’t you go upstairs and get dressed. Everyone’s going to be here soon.” “All right.” Marlena can see that Megan is still upset. She hugs Megan and gives her a kiss on the forehead. “Everything is going to be fine. I promise you.”
Megan walks into the foyer and she runs into Jesse and Maddie. Jesse’s trying to take Maddie’s coat off. “Hi Megan. Could you take Maddie upstairs with you?” Megan takes Maddie’s hand. “Come on Maddie.” “Is your mom in the living room?” “Yes, she’s in there waiting for you.” Jesse walks into the living room. Marlena’s sitting on the couch finishing her tea. “Hi Jesse! Where’s Maddie?” “Megan took her upstairs with Belle and Brady. How did it go last night?” Marlena gets up from the couch. “It didn’t go well at all.” “Were you expecting it to go differently?” “No. It’s just that I said some things that I probably shouldn’t have.” “Did you tell Roman the truth?” “Yes.” “That’s all that matters.” “Jesse what I said hurt him so bad.” “Marlena, you’re his Ex-wife. You have done more for him than any other Ex-wife would have done. The day he signed those divorce papers he stopped being your concern.”
Carrie and Laura walk into the living room. Jesse can tell that Marlena wants to talk to Carrie alone. “Laura, would you like some tea?” “Yes, I think we could all use some. I’ll help you get it.” Laura and Jesse leave the room. “Have you talked to your father today?” “Yes, I talked to him today. He told me what happened last night.” “Did he tell you what I said?” “Yes he did.” “Are you mad at me?” “Why should I be mad at you? I couldn’t say it to my dad but I agreed with everything you said to him.” Carrie can tell that Marlena is still unsure if she’s angry with her. “Marlena I feel like my parents are getting back together. I consider you and John more my parents than Roman and Anna.” This brings tears to Marlena’s eyes. “Anna didn’t have a maternal bone in her body. Roman well he’s just never been there for me like John has been over the years. I know that if Roman could have been there he would have. Unlike Sami I just can’t ignore all the love that John gave to me when I was growing up. I think of the two of you as my parents and I think you two should be together.” Jesse and Laura come back into the room. Jesse’s carrying a tray with a pot of tea on it. She sets the tray down on the coffee table. Laura can tell that they walked in the middle of the conversation. “Do you want us to leave so you could finish your conversation?” Both Carrie and Marlena wipe the tears from their eyes. “No Laura, we’re finished.”
Megan comes into the living room. She can tell that Marlena and Carrie were crying. “What did I miss?” Marlena goes over to her and puts her arm around her. “You didn’t miss anything sweetheart.” Jesse speaks first. “Okay Marlena. We’re all here. Now lets start planning this wedding.” “John and I were looking at three weeks from today. We called the church and there’s nothing going on there on that day.” “Where’s the reception going to be?” “We’ve booked the Penthouse Grill.” “What about flowers?” “I all ready called the florist and I ordered the bouquets and the boutonnieres and the flowers for the church.” “Now on to the most important question, what are you going to wear? No wait the most important question is what are WE going to wear?” “Well I was thinking of a pink taffeta dress with bows on the arms and the rear-end.” Marlena laughs uncontrollably. “Very funny mom.” “I thought it was. Seriously I saw a beautiful dress in a store window for the four of you. It’s pale yellow with white lace covering it. The dress is cut very straight and it’s floor length. They are going to look great on all of you.” Carrie speaks up. “What are you going to wear Marlena? I would like to suggest a long white gown so that there’s no doubt who the bride is this time.” Marlena chuckles. Jesse makes a suggestion. “Why don’t you wear the dress that you wore for your first wedding to John?” “I don’t know.” “Marlena I always loved that dress. Do you still have it?” “Yes of course I do. I think I even have it upstairs but…” “But what?” “I don’t know if it will fit. Another thing is I don’t think it would be very lucky if I wore it.” “Why wouldn’t it be lucky? Nothing happened to stop your wedding did it?” “No John and I were married without any interruptions.” “Well there you go I think it’s a very lucky dress. As for whether it’s going to fit well we could find someone to do some alterations if you need them. So go upstairs and find that dress.” “All right I’ll try to find it.”
Marlena leaves the room. Carrie turns to Laura. “Now that she’s gone we wanted to talk to the two of you about the guest list. Now we are going to invite everyone that was to attend their wedding back in July but we are also going to try to get some people who were there for their first wedding. I made a list and I thought that we could split the list between us.” Carrie pulls out a piece of paper from her purse. She rips it in three. She hands a piece to Laura and a piece to Jesse. “Hey were are my names?” “Megan, you could help me with my list,” says Jesse. Megan smiles. Jesse looks at the list and she sees Don Craig’s name. “Jesse is there something wrong?” “I noticed that Don Craig’s name is on here. Would either of you mind if I didn’t call him? I’m just not ready to face him.” Before Laura or Carrie can answer Sami comes barging in. “What’s all this?” “We’re planning John and Marlena’s wedding.” “What about dad? He doesn’t even know the truth about them yet and they’re planning their wedding right underneath his nose.” Jesse speaks up. “John and Marlena told Roman the truth last night.” “How could they do this to my dad? He’s not strong enough to handle the truth. I’m going up to see him.” Jesse takes great pleasure in what she’s about to tell Sami. “Sami, your dad’s not here!” “You mean they kicked him out.” “No Sami once again he left of his own free will.” “Where is he?” Carrie speaks up. “He’s at the pub.” Sami leaves in a huff.
Marlena comes into the living room in her wedding gown. Everyone springs to their feet. “Marlena this gown looks just how I remembered it.” Jesse is laughing. “The gown is gorgeous but that headpiece. Just how big was your hair in the 80s. I mean it had to be pretty big to hold that huge thing up.” Everyone in the room laughs. “Stop that! I actually like the headpiece.” “I’m sorry. The gown fits you perfectly. Eleven years and you can still fit into your wedding gown. I can’t believe it.” “I’m a little worried that in three weeks it will be a little snug.” Laura’s a little puzzled. “Marlena why are you worried about your weight?” Marlena doesn’t know what to say. “I noticed that I have put on a few pounds since my accident and I’m worried about gaining any more weight. The gown fits now but will it in three weeks.” Laura gets an idea. “What we could do is try the gown on you again in two weeks and if you need any alterations we could do them then.” “Laura that’s a wonderful idea. I shouldn’t gain too much weight in a week.”
“Oh man! I just thought of something!” “What?” “The invitations have to go out as soon as possible.” “Don’t worry Marlena we have that covered. We talked about this while you were finding your dress. I still have the guest list from your last wedding so we’re going to divide the list up and get those invitations out by the end of the day.” “I can’t let all of you do all that work.” Jesse speaks. “Would you please let us do this Marlena. You did almost everything yourself now let us do something.” “Oh all right if you all insist.”
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Sami knocks on her father’s bedroom door at the pub. “Who is it?” “Daddy, its Sami.” “Come on in peanut.” Roman is finishing unpacking his suitcase. “I’m sorry peanut but I don’t have a lot of time. I have a doctor’s appointment that I have to get to.” “That’s all right. I was just wondering how you were.” “I’m fine.” “Daddy you don’t have to lie to me. I know how much you still love mom. I can’t believe they did this to you. I will never forgive her for hurting you again.” “Sami this is between your mother and me.” Roman looks at his watch. “Look at the time I have to go but I’ll see you later.” “Sure I’ll see you later daddy.” You’re all going to pay for hurting my father! Sami picks up the phone and dials a number. “Hello, information? Yes, I would like the number for a Donald Jeremiah Craig in New Jersey. Thank you very much! Watch out mom and Jesse the two of you are about to get the surprise of a lifetime!”
It’s the night before John and Marlena’s wedding. Jesse’s running around her apartment trying to find her missing shoe. “Maddie, honey are you ready to go? Mike’s going to be here soon.” Jesse’s looking under the couch for her shoe. “But mommy I have to finish feeding my babies before we doe.” “Maddie that can wait until we get home.” “NO IT CAN’T!” Jesse has her entire arm under the sofa. Finally she reaches the shoe and pulls it out. “Honey if we’re late Marlena’s going to be mad.” Jesse pulls herself up from the floor. “Grandma won’t be mad!”
There’s a knock at the door. As Jesse’s walking to the door she tries to put her shoe on. She’s having trouble getting it on. She opens the door without looking who it is. She’s bent over trying to fix her shoe. “Mike, I’m almost ready.” She looks up and sees it’s not Mike. “I’m sorry I was expecting someone else. Can I help you?” “Are you Jesse Hayes?” Jesse knows that she’s seen this man before but she can’t place where. “Yes I am.” It finally occurs to Jesse who this man is. “You’re Don Craig.” “Yes I am.” “Come in please.” Don enters the apartment.
“Please sit down. What are you doing in town?” “I’m here for Marlena’s wedding.” “Marlena’s wedding? Who invited you?” “Sami Brady called to invite me. She also told me something else that I found very interesting. She told me that you are claiming to be my daughter. I don’t know what you’re up to young lady but I’m telling you right now that you’re not going to get away with it. I am not your father.” “Could you please lower your voice? My daughter is in the next room. I’m 26 years old and I don’t need or want anything from you. My birth certificate has you listed as my father. I wasn’t going to tell you.” “Then why did Samantha tell me that you were intending on calling me to demand a paternity test be run.” “Little witch. I never intended to tell you that you were my father.” “Then why would Samantha call me and tell me that you were.” “Let’s just say that Sami isn’t like her mother at all. She loves to hurt people who cross her. She did this to cause trouble for me.”
“I would like to get this straightened out while I’m in town. Could we go over to University Hospital and get the tests taken today?” “Well I was just on my way to John and Marlena’s wedding rehearsal. Both Maddie and myself are in the wedding.” “It won’t take long.” Jesse is a bit annoyed. “Maybe I could catch Mike before he leaves.” “Mike Horton?” “Yes he and I are dating.” Jesse goes over to the phone. Before she can dial the number there’s a knock at the door. “Please excuse me.”
Jesse answers the door. Mike walks in. “Mike you remember Don Craig.” “Yes I do.” Don and Mike shake hands. “It’s been a while Mike.” “Yes it has.” Jesse speaks. “We were wondering if we could have a paternity test run today.” “I don’t see why not. I’ll call ahead and have a lab technician waiting for us at the hospital.” Mike picks up the phone. “I’ll head over to the hospital.” Jesse walks Don to the door. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Yes you will. Goodbye Jesse.” “Goodbye.”
Jesse waits until Don is out of sight and she slams the door. “URGH! What a jerk?” Mike hangs up the phone. “Everything’s ready at the hospital.” “You know what a part of me is actually hoping that man isn’t my father!” Mike takes Jesse into his arms. “I think it’s just the shock of finding out about having a daughter he never knew about. This probably brought back a lot of bad memories for him.” “I’m not exactly thrilled at how I was conceived but that’s no reason to take it out on me. I never did anything to him.” “He’ll come around once he takes it all in.” “I hope so.” Jesse looks at her watch. “Oh my god! We’re really late!” Maddie comes out of her room. “I’m READY!” Jesse quickly puts on Maddie’s coat on and the three of them dash out of the room.
Everyone’s at the church waiting for Jesse, Mike, and Maddie. Marlena’s talking to Carrie. “I wonder where they could be.” “Mike was bringing them. Maybe he was called into the hospital.” John comes over to join in the conversation. “I just called Jesse’s apartment and there was no answer. They must be on their way.” Lucas comes over to Marlena with Will in his arms. “I’m so glad that you’re going to allow Will to be in our wedding. I can’t thank you enough Lucas.” “I know how much you love Will and I want you to spend more time with him.” Marlena smiles at Will and takes his hand. “Oh my I would love that!” “Marlena, I’m thinking of suing for sole custody of Will. I wanted to know if you would testify for me.” “Lucas, Sami’s my daughter I don’t think I could betray her like that.” “Sami needs help. She’s so obsessed with Austin nothing else matters. She even uses Will in her little games with Austin. I don’t want that for my son. I want her to get help and I think that if Will was taken away from her she would finally get the help she needs. So will you please help me?” “I’ll think about it.”
Jesse, Mike, and Maddie walk into the church. Marlena walks over to Jesse. Maddie runs into Marlena’s arms. Marlena picks her up and gives her a kiss. Marlena can sense that there is something bothering Jesse. “Is everything okay?” “Yes I’m fine. Why?” “You look upset. Did you and Mike have a fight?” “No nothing like that. I was late getting home from work. Then I was having trouble getting Maddie ready and to top it all off I got a surprise visitor.” “Who?” Father Jansen interrupts. “Now that everyone’s here we can start the rehearsal.” Father Jansen goes through the entire ceremony. Once he’s done everyone goes their separate ways.
Marlena’s getting ready for bed. As soon as she’s changed and she’s starts taking the spread off of the bed. John comes into the room. “Well all of the kids are in bed and asleep. Finally! It took five stories and a glass of water for each of them to get them to conk out.” “They’re really excited about tomorrow.” “They sure are.” Marlena has the bed open and John jumps in. “Where are you going to sleep tonight?” John pats the empty side of the bed. “Right here next to you.” “Oh no you’re not! It’s bad luck to sleep with the bride before the wedding.” “Doc we adhered to that the last time and look what happened. No way. I’m not leaving your side. We will be together until you walk down that aisle. I just thought of something. We could walk down the aisle together.” “Don’t you think you’re carrying this a little too far.” “No. I’m not going to have a repeat of last time. I don’t want another one of your ex’s coming to the bride’s room to claim you.” “That will never happen again. The only other ex-husband I have is Don and I’m sure he isn’t going to be there. I don’t want you to see my dress before I walk down that isle.” John gives her the puppy dog eyes. “Oh come on Doc. Please let me at least sleep with you tonight.” Marlena lets out a laugh. “All right you win. You can sleep with me tonight but you after we get up you will not see me again until I walk down that aisle. Is it a deal?” “I guess so. Now will you get into bed.”
It’s morning at the DiMera mansion. Marlena wakes up in John’s arms. She softly plants a kiss on his chest. “Good morning. It’s time to get up.” “Doc, we can sleep a little bit longer.” “No we can’t. We’ve slept longer than we should have.” John’s hands begin to wander under the covers. “John. Get your hand out from underneath my shirt.” John puts on a devilish smile. “Is that your shirt? Is that my hand?” Marlena laughs. “John you should have done this last night.” “You mean I could have taken advantage of you last night.” “Yes you could have.” John’s hand doesn’t move. “John, come on. I have to get up. The girls are going to be here any minute. Remember our deal. It’s time for you to go.” John gets on top of Marlena and pins her arms back. “Why don’t you make me?” “Oh man! You don’t play fair!”
There’s a knock at the door but John and Marlena don’t hear it. Jesse opens the door and peeks her head in. She sees John on top of Marlena so she quickly closes the door. “Hey guys lets go down stairs and set up mommy’s breakfast there.” Megan takes Maddie, Belle, and Brady downstairs. Laura and Carrie are curious. “Jesse, what’s going on in there?” “Let’s just say that John and Marlena have decided to start their honeymoon a little early.” The three of them head downstairs to help the kids.
“Now you did it. Jesse saw us.” “Doc she didn’t see anything.” “Okay John get off me. We have to get dressed.” John kisses Marlena. “You are such a party pooper. Besides we’re already married it is okay if we make love.” Marlena gets out of bed and starts to get dressed. “Yes but not everybody knows that we’re married.” “Jesse does.” “Oh, that’s right. It doesn’t matter anyway I have to finish getting dressed and you have to get out of here. Now move it.” John lies on the bed for a minute then he starts to get dressed. Marlena combs her hair. John goes into the bathroom for a minute. “John.” John comes back into the room and he sits on the bed to put his shoes on. “Yes.” “I was thinking we could make an announcement at the reception that I’m pregnant.” “Are you sure you want to do that today?” “Well everyone we want to know will be in the same room at once. It’s the perfect time.” “Whatever you want Doc. Well I’m ready. I’ll see you later.” John leaves the room. Marlena’s disappointed because he didn’t kiss her before he left.
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Jesse’s getting juice for the kids when John comes into the living room. Jesse blushes when she sees John. “John, I’m sorry for interrupting you and Marlena. I didn’t think the two of you were going to spend the night together.” “Well we decided to go against tradition this time.” “I hope it works this time.” “So do I. Brady are you ready to go?” “Okay dad.” “We’ll see all of you at the church.” John goes over to Belle and Megan. “I want the two of you to watch out for your mom today. Do you hear me?” “Otay daddy!” “Sure dad.” John kisses both of his daughters before he leaves.
Marlena comes into the room. “Oh my! What have all of you done? Everything looks wonderful.” Marlena sits down on the couch. Belle goes over to her mother with a plate of food. “Here mommy! Dis is for you!” Marlena takes the plate from Belle. “Thank you sweetheart.” Carrie speaks up. “Well I’m done. I’ll go up and get changed.” “I’m done too. Come on Maddie we’ll go and get changed.” “Otay mommy! Can Belle tome too?” “Do you mind Marlena?” “No go ahead.” “Well since everyone else is going I might as well go too.” says Megan. “All of you get changed and I’ll stay here with Marlena.” “No, Laura you get changed too. I would like a few minutes alone.” “Sure.” Everyone leaves the room. Marlena’s eating her breakfast when she sees that John has returned. “I just couldn’t leave without giving you this.” John leans over and gives Marlena a very passionate kiss, which lasts for a few minutes. John finally breaks the kiss and leaves. Marlena is breathless. Oh my how I love that man! After today John we will never be apart again!
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Roman is in his bedroom at the pub when there’s a knock at the door. “Who is it?” There’s another knock. “Come in!” Roman has his back turned to the door but when he turns around there is a very pleasant surprise for him standing there. It’s Kimberly and Kayla. “It’s so good to see the two of you!” Roman hugs Kayla and then Kim. “What are the two of you doing in town?” Kayla speaks up. “We’re here for John and Marlena’s wedding.” The both of them can see the pain and anger in Roman’s face. “You two are my sisters! How could you do this to me?” Kimberly speaks up. “Kayla, why don’t you go leave us alone?” “Sure. It’s good to see you again Roman.” Kayla leaves and closes the door behind her.
“Why are you so mad?” “I know that Doc still loves me. I should be marrying her.” “Roman a part of Marlena will always love you because of your children just like a part of me will always love Shane but Marlena is IN love with John.” “Come on Kim. Marlena only fell in love with John because she thought he was me.” “Oh brother dear how wrong you are! I don’t want to hurt you but what you and Marlena had died when we thought you died on that beach in 84. Roman you have to face it Marlena moved on with her life after she thought you died and she fell in love with John. Roman, I was there when they were married they were so in love. You have to accept that what you and Marlena had is gone. If you do that I think you can finally move on with your life.” “It’s just so damn hard Kimmy. I just keep thinking that what if Stefano hadn’t entered our lives…and what if I hadn’t gone to that island to find Bo and the others.” “Roman you can wonder what might have been all your life but that’s not going to change what happened. You can’t live in the past Roman. You have to work with the cards you’re dealt and you have to do the best with what you got. You have to realize that it’s over for you and Marlena.” “I think I always knew in the back of my mind when I came back that what we had was gone but I was just too stubborn to admit it. I loved her so much and it killed me to think that she could love someone else as much as she loved me.” “Do you love Marlena?” “Yes I do.” “Then you have to let her go.” “I don’t know if I can do that.” “Do you want her to be happy?” “Yes.” “John makes her happy.” “I know. I guess I always did know that. There’s only one thing I can do now.” “What’s that?” “I’m going to go to the wedding to give them my blessing. Would you and Kayla wait for me to get ready?” “Sure we’ll be down in the pub waiting.” “Hey sis. Thanks.” “Anytime.”
Kayla is sitting at the bar drinking some tea. Kim comes down the stairs. “How’s Roman?” “I convinced him to go to the wedding.” “How on earth did you do that?” “Well I.” “Aunt Kim…Aunt Kayla what are the two of you doing here?” Kim and Kayla turn around to see Sami standing there. Both of them hug her. Roman comes down the stairs in a navy pin stripped suit. “Well how do I look?” “Daddy, why are you all dressed up?” “I’m going to your mother’s wedding.” “No daddy you can’t. ” “No peanut, I have to do this. This will help me to move on with my life. Damn I forgot my watch. I’ll be back in a minute.” Roman dashes up the stairs.
Kim speaks. “Sami I think you should at the very least make an appearance at this wedding.” “Oh you do do you? Well there is no way in hell I’m going to this wedding.” “Listen young lady I’m sick of you treating your mother so badly. You have done plenty of things over the years that are ten times worse than the one affair your mother had. I suggest you go home and put on a nice dress and go to the church.” Sami leaves the pub. Kayla speaks. “Do you think she’s going to go to the wedding?” “I have no clue but I hope she goes for Marlena’s sake.” Roman comes down the stairs. “Where’s ma and pop?” Kayla answers him. “They left already. They wanted to stop by the Penthouse Grill to make sure everything was ready for the reception.” “Where did Sami go?” “She didn’t say.” Kim interrupts. “We should be going.”
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The scene switches to the bride’s room at St. Luke’s. Marlena is about to get changed when there’s a knock at the door. Laura answers it. “It’s so good to see you come on in.” Marlena has a stunned look on her face. “Liz Craig! I can’t believe it.” Liz’s voice is hoarse. “It’s so good to see you Marlena. There is someone I would like for you to meet this is my niece LeAnn.” Marlena and LeAnn shake hands. Jesse speaks, “Are you going to be able to sing today Liz?” “That’s why I brought my niece. I hope you don’t mind. She is a wonderful singer.” LeAnn speaks. “I would just like to say that I know the song that your brides maids asked me to sing and I must say it is a beautiful song.” “What is it?” Jesse interrupts. “No Marlena it’s a surprise.” “I hate surprises. Oh please tell me.” “All I’ll tell you that from what I’ve heard about your relationship with John this song really covers your entire relationship. I guess we should get out there. I want to check things out before the wedding starts.” Liz hugs Marlena. “We’ll talk later.” “We sure will. Bye.”
“Are there any other surprise guests?” Carrie speaks. “Marlena there will be a lot of people here that you haven’t seen in years.” “Who? I want to know who?” Jesse interrupts. “Marlena go and get dressed. John will not be kept waiting this time around. You will see everyone soon enough.” Marlena goes behind the screen and changes into her gown. Marlena comes out from behind the screen. “Okay Marlena let’s work on your hair.” Marlena sits in a chair while Carrie and Jesse pin her hair up. Jesse pins the last hair into place. “Okay there it is. Now for the headpiece.” Laura hands Jesse the headpiece. Jesse acts as though it weighs a ton. “Jesse you stop that.” Everyone in the room including Marlena begins to laugh. The headpiece is in place and Marlena just stares at herself in the mirror. “I can’t believe it! This day is finally here! John and I are finally going to be together forever.”
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John and Abe are at the front of the church waiting for the ceremony to begin. John watches people enter the church but he sees two faces that he hasn’t seen for a while. He goes over to greet them. “Eugene…Calliope! It’s so good to see you. Who is this with you?” “This is our daughter, Marlena Calliope Bradford.” The little girl looks like Calliope for the most part but there is something about her that reminds John of Eugene. “You named your daughter after Marlena. She is going to be so touched.” “I can’t wait to see her again. I’ve missed her so much. When Jesse called to invite us well we couldn’t refuse.” “I’m glad the three of you could make it. I’ll talk to the two of you later.” Eugene and Calliope take their seats.
John goes back to the front of the church. When he turns around he sees Shane walking in. They give each other a nod as Shane takes his seat. Next Kimberly and Kayla walk in. They both give John a big smile as they sit down. Kimberly sees Shane. Kayla leans over toward Kimberly. “Did you know he was coming?” “No, I didn’t but it’s good to see him.”
John looks at his watch. “Okay partner it’s time. Why don’t you go back and get the ladies out here?” “Sure thing.” Abe leaves for the bride’s room. Abe knocks on the door. “Okay ladies it’s time.” “We’re coming Abe.” Laura turns to Marlena. “Are you ready?” “Yes I am. Could I have a minute alone?” “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” “I’ll be fine. Nothing is going to happen.” “All right.” Everyone very reluctantly leaves.
“Thank you god for finally letting this day happen. I promise that this is going to be my last wedding.” There’s a knock at the door. “I’m coming! I’m coming!” Marlena opens the door. “DON! Oh man! Not another ex-husband! What are you doing here?” Don barges his way into the room. “That’s a fine way to treat you favorite ex-husband.” “I’m sorry Don. It’s just that I wasn’t expecting you. Why are you here?” “I came back to wish you the very best. I see you don’t have anyone to give you away. Would you mind if I did the honors?” “Oh Don that ‘s very sweet of you to offer but I don’t need anyone to give me away.” “Oh come on Baby it would make me so happy if I could do this for you.” “I don’t know Don. I don’t think it would look right.” “Please let me do this for you.” “Don! John’s waiting I have to go!” “You are not leaving until you agree to let me give you away.” “Oh all right I’ll let you give me away. Let’s just get out of here.” There’s another knock at the door. Marlena opens the door and Roman’s standing on the other side. “Roman what are you doing here?” Roman enters the room. “I’m here to say I’m sorry. I want you to be happy and if that means John then I will support you and to show you what a good sport I am I’m going to give you away.” “Sorry pal but I beat you to it.” “Don, what are you doing here?” “I’m going to give Marlena away.” “Oh no you’re not I’m going to give her away.” “After what you’ve done to her over the past couple of months, pal. Hey you could take lessons from me on how to be a good ex-husband.” “Oh really!” “Yes, really.”
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John looks at his watch. “Abe where is she?” “I’ll go check.” Abe goes into the foyer he sees all of the wedding party is there waiting for Marlena. “Where’s Marlena?” “She wanted a few minutes alone.” Jesse speaks up. “I’ll go back and get her.” Jesse knocks on the door. She can hear yelling so she just walks in. “Marlena, what’s going on in here?” “They’re fighting over who is going to give me away. Jesse please do something.” Don and Roman are in each other’s faces. Jesse gets between the two of them. “Bevis…Butt-head knock it off! Okay Marlena it’s your decision which one will it be?” “I don’t know!”
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John is getting very nervous Abe has been gone a while. Eugene goes over to John. “Would you like for me to go check on Marlena?” “Eugene would you?” “It would be my pleasure.” Eugene heads back to the bride’s room. He’s about to turn the knob when he suddenly stops. “Wow I’m getting really bad vibes from this room.” He enters the room. Don and Roman stop fighting when they see him. They say in unison, “Oh great Eugene’s here!” “Thanks guys it’s great to see the two of you too.” Marlena turns around. “Oh Eugene! It’s wonderful to see you!” Marlena gives him a hug and a kiss. “It’s great to see you too.” Jesse interrupts. “I hate to break up the reunion of Marlena’s ex’s but everyone’s waiting for the wedding to get started.” Don speaks up. “Okay Marlena who is it going to be? Him or me!” Marlena looks at Roman then at Don and then at Roman. “I want Eugene to give me away.” “Me?!” “Yes you. It would be perfect. I was the best person in your wedding so I think it’s only fair that you give me away.” Jesse ushers Don and Roman out of the room. “Okay the two of you go find a seat Preferably in the back of the church.”
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Don and Roman enter the church together. Everyone in the church begins to whisper. John’s surprised to see the two of them but he now knows why the ceremony was being held up. The organ begins to play and the bride’s maids start to move down the aisle. The first to walk down is Megan. As she walks down the isle she give her father a smile. She meets up with Eric just before she gets to the altar. They both bow their heads and take their places. Next down the aisle is Jesse. Mike meets her at the altar. Mike whispers to her that she looks beautiful. They both bow their heads and take their places. Then it’s Carrie’s turn. She thinks to herself. The next time I walk down this aisle it will be at my wedding to Austin. Bo meets Carrie at the altar and they bow their heads. Now it’s time for Maddie and Will to come down the aisle. Sami slips into a seat before they come down the aisle. She proudly watches him walk down the aisle. Will is holding his pillow as though it is sewn to his hands. Maddie on the other hand is very merrily throwing rose petals as she walks. Next it’s Belle and Brady’s turn. Brady holds his pillow very steady. Belle very daintily places the rose petals down the aisle. Finally Laura walks down the aisle to meet Abe and they both bow their heads and take their places.
The organ begins to play the bridal march. Everyone in the church springs to their feet. Calliope positions the baby so she can see. “Look sweetie. Daddy’s giving the bride away.” The baby smiles and claps her hands. Marlena is walking down the aisle and she can’t believe that so many people came back to town for the wedding. Marlena finally looks at John. He gives her a wink and she starts to cry. Eugene and Marlena finally make it to the altar. Eugene gives Marlena a kiss. He places her hand in John’s then he takes his seat. John turns to Marlena. “You look beautiful!” Marlena smiles as she wipes away her tears.
Father Jansen begins to speak. “Before we start the ceremony a young woman is going to sing a song for John and Marlena.” LeAnn gets up from her seat. She picks up the microphone. The piano begins to play.
I’ve never been so certain
I’ve never been so sure
We’re on the side of Angels
If we believe this love is pure
Is it so hard to trust it
Cuz we’ve been wrong before
There comes a time in every life
We find the heart we’re waiting for
After all the might have beens
The close and distant calls
After all the try agains
Don’t be afraid to fall
We’re on the side of angels after all
Everytime you touch me
Don’t you feel it too
The gentle hand that’s guiding us
You to me, me to you
After all the might have beens
The close and distant calms
After all the try agains
Don’t be afraid to fall
We’re on the side of angels after all
Heaven only knows why this took so long
But only heaven knows if love is right or wrong
After all the might have beens
The close and distant calls
After all the try agains
Don’t be afraid to fall
We’re on the side of angels
On the side of angels!
After all!
LeAnn goes back to her seat. Marlena has tears streaming down her face. John wipes them away. Marlena hands Laura her bouquet. Marlena and John join hands.
“Dearly beloved we are gathered today to witness the joining of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Is there anyone here who can show just cause why these two may not be lawfully wed?” John and Marlena both hold their breath. There’s total silence in the church. “Do you Marlena Evans take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” “I do.” “Do you John Black take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” “I do.” “The rings please.” Abe hands John Marlena’s ring and Laura hands Marlena John’s ring. “Marlena, repeat after me. I Marlena give you John this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” “I Marlena give you John this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad.” “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad.” “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you all the days of our lives.” “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you all the days of our lives.” “John repeat after me. I John give you Marlena this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” “I John give you Marlena this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad.” “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad.” “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you all the days of our lives.” “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you all the days of our lives.”
“John and Marlena would now like to say something that they wrote themselves.” Marlena goes first. “I have dreamed about this for so long I can’t believe that we’re actually here. It only took us 10 years but we’re finally here. They say that good things come to those who wait and I hope that this holds true for us because we have done our fair share of waiting. You once said to me that I only loved you because I thought you were Roman. I’m going to tell you and this entire church that this is not true. John, I was in love with you when you didn’t know who you were. I even loved you when I thought you were Stefano. Now that is love! I love YOU! It’s that simple!”
“Marlena, finally after all of these years we are going to be together. There have been times that I thought that this would never happen but it has and I’m very grateful to god for finally allowing us to be together. I want you to know that I love you and if it’s possible I love you even more now than I did before. Over the years the two of us have traveled down different roads but it seems that no matter what road I traveled down all my roads lead back to you. I hope that now we can travel down our roads side by side never to be parted again. I love you!” John and Marlena kiss.
“Now that you have signified your love with the exchanging of vows and the exchanging of rings, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” “It would be my pleasure!” John and Marlena kiss. The entire church begins to applaud. John and Marlena leave the church. They rush to their limo. “Okay Doc are you ready to start our honeymoon?” “John we can’t. We have to go to the reception.” “Oh come on Doc! I have a room reserved for us at the Salem Inn.” “John, we have to get our pictures taken.” “Oh all right. Driver go to the pier.” “Yes Mr. Black.” “John, why are we going to the pier?” “We are going to have our pictures taken there.” The limo heads to the pier and the bridal party cars follow them.
All of the bridal party is down at the pier and they get their pictures taken. Everyone heads back to their cars when they are finished. John and Marlena lag behind to talk. “Okay Doc this is your last chance.” John dangles the hotel room key in front of Marlena’s face. “John we have to go to the reception.” “Okay you leave me no choice.” John gets ready to jump into the river. Marlena grabs his coat jacket. “No! John don’t. All right! I’ll go with you! Just please don’t jump in there.” John picks Marlena up and spins her around. “I knew that if I threatened to jump in the river again it would get me out of going to the reception.” “We are going to the reception. We’re just going to be fashionably late.” John puts his arms around Marlena. “We won’t be long.” Marlena puts on a devilish smile. “No we shouldn’t be too long, about four and a half minutes right?” “You’re a mean mean woman.” John and Marlena head for the limo in each other’s arms.
Everyone is at the Penthouse Grill dancing and having a good time. There is one thing on everyone’s mind: Where’s John and Marlena?
John and Marlena are in the elevator at the Penthouse Grill. Marlena’s trying to get the wrinkles out of her dress. “John, how do I look?” John puts his arms around Marlena. “You look beautiful.” “I’m a wrinkled mess! I don’t know how I let you talk me into going to the Salem Inn.” “Doc you have to admit that we did have a good time.” Marlena smiles. “Yes we did but we are over an hour late. The both of us are a wrinkled mess and look at my hair! Thanks to you I had to let it down.” “I like your hair down.” “JOHN! Everyone is going to know what we were doing.” “Doc, anyone who really knows us won’t be surprised by this.” “OOH you are so bad.” “Doc, I don’t care what anyone says or thinks as long as we’re together that’s all that matters.”
The elevator doors open. John and Marlena step out to a round of applause. “Hey look who finally decided to show up!” The DJ stops the music. “Here they are making their first public appearance as husband and wife let’s hear it for Mr. and Mrs. John Black.” Everyone in the room applauds. John and Marlena head straight for the food. The DJ comes over to John. “When would you like for me to do the first dance?” “What do you think Doc? After we grab something to eat?” “That would be fine.” “I’ll give you a signal when to do it.” “Sure thing Mr. Black.”
Jesse and Mike go over to John and Marlena. “Do you want to tell us where the two of you were?” John and Marlena look at each other and smile. “On second thought we don’t want to know.” The song ‘I Say a Little Prayer’ starts to play. “I love this song! Mike, would you dance with me?” “I’m not a very good dancer.” “Oh come on.” Jesse drags Mike onto the dance floor. Jesse starts to dance. You can tell that she had years of dance lessons. Mike on the other hand has his body going in all directions. Jesse looks at Mike and starts to laugh. “How could such a good looking buy be such a bad dancer?” “I told you I wasn’t a very good dancer.” “You weren’t kidding Would you mind if I helped you?” “I’ll try anything!” Jesse slides her hands under Mike’s coat. “I like this so far.” Her hands very slowly move into Mike’s back pockets. “I REALLY LIKE THIS!” “Settle down BEVIS! Now my hands are back there to try and get the lower part of your body to move with the music.” Mike finally starts to dance with the music. Mike and Jesse are dancing as though they are the only ones in the room. They dace as though they are making love. Suddenly they begin to kiss. They continue to dance even though the music has stopped.
“Okay now we would like to clear the dance floor so we can have the first dace for the bride and the groom.” Jesse and Mike finally stop dancing. Both of them are a bright shade of red as they leave the dance floor. John and Marlena take their place. John takes Marlena into his arms as the music begins to play.
Old friend here we are
After all the years and tears
And all that we’ve been through
It feels so good to see you
Lookin’ back in time
There’ve been other friends and other lovers
But no other one like you
All my life no one has ever known me better
I must have traveled down a thousand roads
Been so many places seen so many faces
Always on my way to somethin’ new whoah
But it doesn’t matter cause no matter where I go
Every road leads back
Every road just seems to lead me back to you
Oh friend there were times
I didn’t want to see your face or hear your name again
Now those times are far behind me
It’s so good to see your smile
I’d forgotten how nobody else could make me smile the way you do
All this time
You’re the one I still want beside me
I must have traveled down a thousand roads
Been so many places seen so many faces
Always on my way to somethin’ new whoah
But it doesn’t matter cause no matter where I go
Every road leads back
Every road just seems to lead me back to you
I must have traveled down a thousand roads
Been so many places seen so many faces
Always on my way to somethin’ new whoah
But it doesn’t matter cause no matter where I go
Every road leads back
Every road just seems to lead me back to you
Every road leads back
Every road just seems to lead me back to you
As the song ends John and Marlena kiss. The entire room applauds them. “Now here’s a song that everyone can dance to.” John and Marlena leave the dance floor to get something to drink. Don comes over to Marlena. “Could I talk to you?” “I’ll go get us a drink.” John kisses Marlena before he leaves. “I’m glad you came Don.” “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I have to admit that I’m not only here for your wedding.” “So you know about Jesse?” “Yes.” “How did you find out?” “Sami called to invite me to your wedding and she just let it slip out.” “Don, I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have been told by Sami.” “Marlena, do you really think that she is Sam’s and my daughter?” “She’s definitely Sam’s daughter. Her personality is very similar to Sam’s and I even think I see a little bit of you in her.” “Really?” “Yes really. She’s a wonderful young woman. Go and talk to her.” “I don’t think she would speak to me. I was a little hard on her when I first talked to her.” “Oh Don.” “What can I say I was upset.” “Go and talk to her. Straighten everything out, be the nice guy I know you are.” “Thanks Baby I needed that.”
Jesse and Mike are sitting at one of the tables when Don comes over to talk to Jesse. “Mike, would you mind if I stole your date for a while” “I don’t mind if she doesn’t. Jesse?” “I don’t mind.” “Lets try and find a quiet place to talk.” “How about the balcony?” “That would be fine.” Don and Jesse head for the balcony. There are two people already there but when they see Jesse and Don they head inside. Jesse speaks first. “I would like to apologize for calling you Butt-head earlier today.” “You mean that was meant for me?! I though that was aimed at Roman.” Jesse and Don laugh. “While we’re apologizing I would like to apologize for how I treated you last night.” “I understand. I didn’t at the time but now that I’ve had time to think about it if I were in your shoes I would have been upset too.” “That was no reason for me to take my anger out on you. You had nothing to do with what happened back then. I want you to know that if I am your father I would like to have some kind of a relationship with you if that’s okay.” Jesse begins to cry. “That would be fine with me.” “Here’s my business card.” Jesse takes the card. “Call me some time maybe we can work something out.” Don goes inside. “Mike, I think you should get out there.” Mike goes out to the balcony. Jesse’s back is turned to Mike. Mike comes up behind her and puts his arms around her waist. Jesse is startled. “Are you all right?” Jesse wipes away her tears. “I’m fine. You know he’s not as bad as I originally thought.” Jesse turns around. “Thank you for being there for me.” “There’s no other place I’d rather be.” Jesse and Mike begin to kiss. Carrie some out to the balcony. She’s a bit upset to see Jesse and Mike kissing. Carrie clears her throat to get their attention. “Excuse me but Marlena’s about to throw the bouquet.” “We’ll be right in.” Jesse wipes the tears away from her eyes. “Are you ready?” “Yes let’s get in there.”
Marlena’s on the dance floor waiting for all of the eligible women to get out on the dance floor. Mike pushes Jesse on to the dance floor. Jesse very reluctantly goes out. “Is everyone ready?” “YES!” Marlena throws the bouquet over her shoulder. The bouquet goes right into Jesse’s hand. Next is the tossing of the garter. The DJ brings a chair out to the center of the dance floor for Marlena to sit on. Marlena sits down and pulls her skirt up to reveal the garter. John puts on a devilish smile as the strip tease music starts to play. John very slowly removes the garter from Marlena’s leg. Finally he has the garter off and he puts it on his finger and twirls it around. All of the eligible males come out onto the dance floor. John tosses the garter over his shoulder. The garter seems to move in slow motion. Both Eric and Mike jump to catch it when they come down to the floor Mike has it in his hands. The DJ speaks up. “Now we need Jesse out here.” Jesse comes out onto the dance floor. “Jesse you sit here and Mike you get down on your knee. Okay Mike it’s now time for you to put the garter on Jesse’s leg. Jesse please put out your left leg.” Jesse puts out her leg. “Now Mike the tradition is that for every inch you get the garter above her knee is another year of good luck for the bride and groom.” John has a request for Mike. “Go up the one leg and come sown the other Mike!” ” “You heard him Mike. Are you up for the challenge Mike?” Mike blushes and shakes his head. “All right! Let’s start the music!” Jesse is blushing. The entire room is cheering Mike on especially John and Marlena. Mike gets the garter half way up Jesse’s thigh when the DJ stops him. “Wait! Wait! Stop the music! Mike! You have it on the wrong leg! It’s supposed to be on the right leg! Now we have to start all over again.” Mike takes the garter off. Jesse shakes her head and puts out her other leg. Mike slips the garter on and moves it up Jesse’s leg. He keeps going until you can no longer see his hand. Jesse finally stops him. “Let’s have a round of applause for Jesse and Mike.” John asks to use the microphone. “Everyone. Could I have your attention please? While we have your attention Marlena and I have a little announcement to make. This coming April Marlena and I are going to be the parents of twins.” Everyone in the room is ecstatic. People one by one come over to the two of them to congratulate them. Sami is very angry. She can’t believe they made the announcement right in front of the entire town especially her father. Sami tries to find Roman.
John and Marlena are ready to cut the cake. John feeds Marlena first. He has that grin on again. “Be nice!” John very nicely feeds Marlena. Now it’s Marlena’s turn to feed John. She very slowly moves the cake towards John’s mouth. Just as the cake gets to John’s mouth Marlena smashes it into his face. The entire room begins to laugh. “That was very uncool of you!” Marlena laughs. She helps John wipe the whipped cream icing off of his face. Eugene and Calliope go over to John and Marlena. Calliope is holding the baby. “Calliope, it’s so good to see you. Who is this beautiful little girl?” Eugene speaks. “This is our daughter, Marlena Calliope Bradford.” Tears start to flow from Marlena’s eyes. “It was my idea.” “Oh Gene!” Marlena hugs Gene. “It was the least I could do since named your daughter’s middle name after me.” “Can I hold her?” Calliope hands the baby over to Marlena. “Oh my. You look like your mommy. Oh yes you do!” Marlena gives the baby a hug and a kiss then she hands the baby back to Calliope. The baby lets out a yawn. “Well that’s our cue Euge! We’d better get going.” “Eugene…Calliope it was so good to see the two of you. Thank you for coming.” They all hug and say their good-byes.
Sami goes over to John and Marlena. “How could you make your little announcement with daddy right here in the room?” “Sami your father gave us his blessing. Besides we couldn’t keep this a secret for much longer. He would have found out about it sooner or later.” “Yes but did you have to embarrass him in front of the entire town.” “Sami stop this right now.” “Does the truth hurt mom? You know as well as I do that this is killing him inside. I will never forgive you for hurting him AGAIN!” Sami walks away. Jesse stops her from leaving. “Why did you have to do that?” “I want her to know how much she’s hurt my dad. I will never let her forget all the pain she caused when she had that affair with John.” “Oh Sami grow up! I think it’s about time you forgive your mother for the affair. Everyone else in town has. Why do you constantly have to hurt her? Sami she’s your mother and she loves you so much.” “She doesn’t love me. What does she need me for when she has you.” “What?” “You seem to be quite the mother daughter pair lately.” “You know what Sami I would be honored if Marlena were my mother.” Sami just leaves. “I still can’t believe that that girl came out of Marlena. I really can’t.”
Sami’s in front of the Penthouse Grill building. She isn’t watching where she’s going. She runs into another woman. “Oh I’m sorry!” Sami looks at the woman. “Sharon Swanson?” “Sami Brady?” “Sharon, what are you doing in Salem?” “My connecting flight to New York was cancelled. I’ve been looking all over town for a place to stay but all the hotels in town are completely booked. I hate to ask but could I stay at your place?” “I’m sorry but I’m living with my in-laws right now and I don’t think they would like it if I brought someone home.” Sami gets an idea. “Do you remember Jesse Hayes?” “Yes.” “Well she has room at her apartment. She’s right in there. I think she’ll let you stay with her the night.” “Didn’t she just get married?” “She’ll tell you all about it when you see her.” “Thank you Sami.” “It was my pleasure.”
Mike and Jesse are slow dancing when Jesse sees Sharon walk into the room. She turns her back to the door. “Mike don’t turn me around.” “Why?” “I don’t want a certain person to see me.” “Who?” Jesse tries to hide her head but it’s too late. Sharon comes over to Jesse. “Sharon Swanson what are you doing here?” “My flight to New York was cancelled. I ran into Sami Brady outside. She said that you might have room in your apartment for me to stay tonight. I’d stay at a hotel but they’re all booked.” “Well Sharon I don’t know.” Maddie comes over and tugs on Jesse’s dress. “Mommy, can I stay with Belle and Brady tonight.” “No honey Belle and Brady are leaving tonight.” “No dey aren’t! Grandma said I could.” “I’ll talk to grandma.” Maddie runs back to dance with Belle and Brady. “That’s your daughter?” “Yes she is. Her name is Madison.” “I heard that you were getting married is this your husband?” Jesse gets a panicked look on her face. “Who would have ever thought that you of all people would get married?” Before Jesse can tell Sharon the truth Mike speaks up. “Well she did get married.” Mike extends his hand out to Sharon. They shake hands. “I’m Mike Horton, Jesse’s husband.” “It’s nice to meet you Mike.” Mike puts his hand on Jesse’s rear-end. “Would it be all right if I stayed at your apartment tonight?” “I don’t know if we have the room.” “Sure we have room sweetheart. We always have room for friends.” “Oh thank you! Could you tell me where the ladies room is? I’d like to freshen up.” “Sure, go out those doors and it’s the second door to the right.” As soon as she’s gone Jesse lays into Mike. Jesse smacks Mike on the arm. “Now why did you do that?” “Come on Jesse, that woman is a real jerk. I didn’t like the way she was talking to you.” “Yes but now look what you’ve done.” “Jesse we can pretend to be married for one night. Besides I wouldn’t want you to have to tell her the story of how and why you and Eric didn’t get married. She would get too much pleasure out of that.” “You’re right. I guess we could pretend for this one night. Let’s go over and say good night to John and Marlena.”
“Marlena…John we’re going to go.” “Who is that woman you were taking to?” “She’s someone I knew from Colorado. She’s going to be staying at my apartment tonight. Maddie mentioned something about staying with Belle and Brady tonight. Do you know anything about this?” “Yes it was our idea. We wanted the kids to have one last night together before we go since we’ll be gone almost a month. We’ll drop Maddie off on our way to the air port.” “That sounds fine.” Jesse hugs John and then Marlena. “I’m so happy for the two of you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jesse and Mike catch up with Sharon in the lobby. The three of them head for Jesse’s apartment.
John turns to Marlena. “Would you care to dance Mrs. Black?” “I would love to Mr. Black.” Susan goes over to the DJ and whispers something in his ear. John takes Marlena into his arms as they wait for the music to begin. “This song is going out to the bride and groom from Susan and baby Elvis. The music begins to play. The song is ‘I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You’ by Elvis Presley. Marlena can’t help but laugh. “I’m glad you find this funny Doc.” “John just put a smile on your face. It’s a beautiful song and Susan does mean well.
Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can’t help falling in love with you
Shall I stay would it would it be a sin?
If I can’t help falling in love with you
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darlin’ so it goes some things were meant to be
Take my hand take my whole life too
For I can’t help
Falling in love with you
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darlin’ so it goes some things were meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can’t help
Falling in love with you!
The song finishes and John and Marlena leave the dance floor. They end up getting separated. John goes to talk to Abe. Marlena goes over to Shane. “Shane, it’s so good to see you. I’m sorry we haven’t been able to talk before this.” “It’s good to see you Marlena. I just wanted to say that I’m so happy that you and John are finally together and that I was here to see it happen.” “Did you talk to Kim?” “Yes we did talk. We even danced. It was good to see her again.” “I haven’t had the chance to talk to her yet.” “John’s over there talking to her and Kayla now. Why don’t you go and join them? I’m leaving anyway.” “Thank you Shane for coming. Please don’t be such a stranger.” “I’ll try.” Marlena and Shane hug. Marlena goes over to join in the conversation between John, Kayla, and Kim. “Is this a private conversation or can anyone join?” Kim speaks up. “Marlena, it’s so good to see you!” Marlena hugs both Kim and Kayla. “It’s wonderful to see you both. I wish the two of you would come home more often.” “The two of us were just talking about that. I guess we will have to try to get home more often.” “Next time bring the kids. I’d love to see them.” “Sure. So where are the two of you going on your honeymoon?” John puts his arms around Marlena’s waist. “It’s a surprise.” “Isn’t he bad? He knows how I hate surprises.” “Come on John at least tell us.” “No. It’s a surprise and it’s going to stay that way.” “What am I going to do with you?” “Well Marlena we tried. Give me a call when you get back from your honeymoon.” “All right. I’ll do that Kim.” “We’re going to go. Take care you two and I’ll talk to you when you get back.” “You sure will.” All four of them exchange hugs.
Don comes over to John and Marlena. John gives them a minute to talk. “Are you leaving too?” “Yes it’s way past my bedtime.” “How did your talk with Jesse go?” “I think it went okay. We’re going to take it one step at a time. Is that little girl over there her daughter?” “Yes that’s Maddie. Do you want to meet her?” Don just stares at the little girl. “No, not right now. Did I hear her calling you grandma?” “Yes she calls me grandma.” “Why?” “Well before Jesse found out who her parents were she and Eric were engaged.” “They were?” “Eric had Maddie calling me grandma. Afterwards I just kept letting her call me grandma.” “You don’t mind?” “Well I am a grandmother.” “That’s right Sami has a little boy. Marlena do you ever wonder what our son would have been like if he were here today?” “Yes from time to time I do. Oh how I wish things could have been different but we can’t change that and we have to concentrate on right now. Don you have to concentrate on building a relationship with your new daughter and granddaughter.” “I will. I’ll talk to you soon.” “You’d better.” Don gives Marlena a hug and a kiss. Don says goodbye to John on his way out.
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Jesse, Mike, and Sharon enter the apartment. Sharon looks the place over. She sets her luggage by the side of the couch. “You can sleep on the couch Sharon.” “What about your daughter’s bed?” “She has one of those miniature beds. You would never fit. I would let you sleep with me but Mike’s on call and he really needs his rest.” Sharon sits down on the couch. “This will do.” Mike goes into the bathroom and Jesse goes into her room. Jesse comes back out. “Here’s a pillow and some blankets for you. Just let know if you need another blanket.” “I will. Thank you for letting me stay here.” “It’s no problem.” “So who’s wedding were you in?” “It was my aunt’s wedding.” “I didn’t think you had any family.” “I found my biological mother’s family. Do you remember the Evans family that lived next store to my family?” “Yes, Sami and Eric’s grandparents.” “Yes, my mother is their daughter Samantha.” “So what does your husband Mike do?” “He’s a doctor.” “He’s a doctor and you live in this small apartment.” Jesse is getting angry. “Well we just got married and we’re trying to save for a new house.” Mike comes out of the bathroom. “Jesse are you coming to bed?” “Yes. I’m coming. We’ll see you tomorrow Sharon.”
Jesse goes into the bedroom. Mike is sitting on the bed smiling. Jesse whispers, “Man I hate her.” Jesse continues to speak quietly. “I want to thank you for doing this.” “It’s no problem. Someone did something very similar for me one time.” “Carrie?” “Yes.” Jesse changes the subject. “Well I’m going to go get changed.” Jesse picks up her nightgown and is heading for the bathroom. “Wait Jesse. Isn’t it going to look strange if you go to the bathroom to get changed? I mean we’re supposed to be married.” “You do have a point there. I’ll get changed here. Do you want something to wear? A T-shirt and sweat pants?” “If it’s all right with you I’ll just wear my underwear.” Jesse blushes. “That’s fine with me.” Both of them turn around and start to get changed. Mike tries to fight the urge to turn around but he’s unsuccessful. He turns around to see Jesse’s bare back. He quickly turns back so he’s not caught. Jesse is fighting the same urge. She turns around as well. She turns just in time to see Mike take off his pants. She quickly turns back so he doesn’t see her. Mike speaks first. “Are you ready?” “Yes I’m dressed.”
Jesse and Mike take the bed spread off. Jesse neatly folds it and puts it on a chair. Mike takes a pillow and a blanket and spreads it out on the floor. “What are you doing?” “I’m making my bed.” “Mike I think it would be better if you sleep in bed with me. I wouldn’t put it past Sharon to accidentally come into the room in the middle of the night to check on us.” “Well if you don’t mind I’ll sleep in bed with you.” “Which side of the bed do you sleep on?” “I usually sleep in the middle.” Jesse smiles. “Well we have a problem because I sleep in the middle too.” “I’ll take the left.” Mike slips under the covers. “Are you ready? I’m going to turn out the light.” “Sure.” Jesse turns out the light and slides under the covers. “Goodnight Mike.” “Goodnight Jesse.” Jesse turns towards Mike. “Mike would you mind if I lay my head on your chest?” “No.” Mike puts his arm out and Jesse lays her head on Mike’s chest. Jesse plants a very soft kiss on his bare chest. “Thank you.” They lay like this for a while but eventually Mike’s arm falls asleep. “Jesse, could you lift your head? My arm’s asleep.” “Sure. Would you like to lay your head on my chest?” “I don’t know.” “Come on Mike. I really want to cuddle some more. Please!” Jesse lays out her arm and Mike lays his head on her chest. Jesse plants a kiss on the top of Mike’s head. “Goodnight Mike.” “Goodnight Jesse.” They both fall asleep in each other’s arms.
Marlena awakens in John’s arms. She stares at him as he sleeps. She slowly plants kisses all over his hairy chest. John awakens. “Hey pretty lady.” Marlena smiles. “Hey handsome. So are you going to tell me where we’re going yet?” “Nope.” “You can be so exasperating at times. I’ll get you to talk.” Marlena gets on top of John. She massages her way down John’s body as she does this she rubs the inner part of John’s thigh with her leg. John is enjoying this immensely. “Doc! You know I love it when you do that.” “I know you do. So where are we going?” “Well Doc…we’re going to…” Marlena plants baby kisses on John’s nipples. “Yes.. yes!” Suddenly there’s a very loud knock at the door but before they can answer it Belle, Brady, and Maddie come barging into the room. Marlena quickly gets off of John. All three of the kids jump into bed with them. “What do the three of you think you’re doing?” “We came to bring you breakfast daddy!” “I don’t see any breakfast!”
Megan awkwardly enters the room with a large tray filled with food. “I want to thank the three of you for waiting for me.” Maddie speaks up. “You’re welcome.” Marlena hugs Maddie. “What’s all this?” “I made breakfast for the two of you.” Brady protests. “Hey we helped.” “Sure you helped. You helped to make a mess.” Brady sticks his tongue out at Megan. Megan makes a face back at him. Megan sets the tray down in front of her father. “Look at this Doc scrambled eggs, waffles, bacon, and toast.” John takes a fork full of eggs. “This is good. Take a taste Doc.” John feeds Marlena some eggs. “Wow that is good!” “Maybe you could give your mother some cooking lessons.” Megan proudly smiles. Marlena smacks John on the arm. “You’re terrible.” “Come on Doc. Everyone knows what a bad cook you are.” “All right enough about my cooking. Lets finish eating so we can get going.”
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Jesse and Mike are sleeping. Mike’s holding Jesse very tightly. Mike has his hand resting on Jesse’s stomach. They are lying I bed like two spoons. Jesse can feel EVERY part of Mike’s body. Jesse’s enjoying this but she starts to enjoy it a little too much. “Mike could you not hold me so tight?” “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I guess it’s just been too long since I’ve held someone in my sleep.” Mike lets go of Jesse. “How did you sleep?” Jesse turns to face Mike. “I haven’t slept this sound in months. I really miss having someone to hold me in my sleep. Thank you.” “It was my pleasure.” Jesse smiles. Mike puts on a devilish grin. “I really did enjoy myself last night.” “Oh you did. Did you?” “Yes I did and I would like to show you right now how much.” Mike inches closer to Jesse. He traces the outline of her face. He begins to kiss her. Mike very slowly starts to remove Jesse’s nightgown. They never break their kiss until her nightgown is about to come off. They pause for a moment. Each wonders if this should go any father. Jesse throws caution to the wind and she pulls Mike back to her awaiting mouth.
Suddenly there’s a knock at the door. “Jesse, I’m leaving.” Jesse and Mike pause. Jesse whispers, “Who cares?” Jesse rests her head on Mike’s shoulder. There’s another knock at the door. “Jesse?” Jesse tries to compose herself. “I’ll be out in a minute!” Jesse kisses Mike. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move!” “Don’t worry I don’t think I can.” Jesse puts on her robe. She chuckles as she goes out the door.
“Did I interrupt something?” “Yes, but don’t worry about it. Well I guess it’s time for you to go.” Jesse hands Sharon her luggage. “Have a safe flight.” “If I’m ever in Salem again we’ll have to get together.” Jesse’s looking back at the bedroom door. She longs to finish what she and Mike started. “Sure the next time you’re in town.” Jesse opens the door and practically shoves Sharon out.
Jesse runs back to the bedroom. She enters to room to see Mike lying in bed fast asleep. Jesse very carefully crawls on top of him so not to wake him. As she crawls up his body she plants baby kisses all over Mike’s body. She keeps going until she gets to Mike’s mouth. Mike’s eyes open. “You big faker.” Mike laughs. “Come here.” Mike gets on top of Jesse. He kisses her. Jesse helps Mike take her robe off. Once her robe is off Jesse’s hands wonder all over Mike’s body. She very slowly grabs Mike’s boxers. “Here let me rid you of these.” Mike smiles. Just then there’s a knock at the door. “Oh man! What are the odds of that happening twice in one day?” Mike laughs. “I’m so sorry!” “Just get rid of whoever it is.” Jesse gets up and puts on her robe again. “Don’t start without me!” Jesse goes over to the bed and kisses Mike before she leaves.
Jesse opens the door to see Maddie and the entire Black family. Jesse’s hair is all over the place and she tries to fix it. “Hi guys!” I forgot you were coming over this morning.” The kids run into Maddie’s room. John speaks. “That’s pretty obvious.” “What happened here last night?” Jesse blushes and smiles. “It’s a long story. So where are you going on your honeymoon?” Marlena looks at John. “He still won’t tell me.” “You’ll find out when we get there.” John looks at his watch. “It’s getting late we had better go.” “Belle…Brady…Megan…it’s time to go.” All four of the children come out of the bedroom. Jesse opens the door. John hugs Jesse and he tells her to take care. John and the children go out the door. Marlena stops and turns to John. “Go down and start the car. I’ll be down in a minute.” John and the kids head downstairs. “I’ll call you when we get where we’re going.” Marlena hugs Jesse. “You take care. I love you.” “I love you too.” Maddie comes over to the door. Marlena picks Maddie up. “I’ll miss you sweetie. I want you to be a good girl while grandma’s gone all right. I promise I’ll bring you back lots of presents. Okay.” “Otay. I wuv you.” “I love you too sweetie.” Marlena kisses Maddie and hands her back to Jesse.
Jesse closes the door. Jesse sits down on the couch with Maddie on her lap. “Did you have fun with Belle and Brady?” “Yes I did. We made grandma and John breakfast.” “You did?” “Yep.” Tears start to flow from Maddie’s eyes. “Honey, what’s wrong?” “I don’t want dem to go.” Jesse wipes her tears away. “Honey they’ll be home before you know it.” “But mommy I miss dem all ready.” “I know baby.” Jesse hugs Maddie and she starts to rock her. “You know what?” “What?” “I miss Marlena too. When Marlena calls I’ll see if you can talk to Belle and Brady for a few minutes. Okay.” Maddie smiles. “Otay mommy.” “Why don’t you go in your room and play while mommy gets dressed.” “Otay mommy.” Maddie runs into her room.
Mike comes out of the bedroom with his tux on. “Are you leaving?” “I heard Maddie so I figured that we wouldn’t be able to pick up where we left off. I have to check in on some of my patients anyway.” “Can I at least make you breakfast before you go?” Mike puts his arms around Jesse. “I don’t know?” “I’m a very good cook. I’ll make anything you want.” Mike raises his eyebrow. “Anything?” “Anything.” “How about pancakes?” Jesse has a worried look on her face. “What?” “Of all the things I could make for breakfast you pick the one thing I’m not very good at.” Mike’s beeper goes off. He looks at the number on the screen. “Damn, it’s the hospital.” Mike goes over to the phone and calls the hospital.
Jesse goes into her room to get changed. Mike knocks on the door. “Jesse, can I come in?” “Yes.” “I have to go.” Jesse goes over to Mike and puts her arms around him. “No breakfast?” “No. It’s an emergency.” “Darn it. I wanted to thank you for last night.” Jesse kisses Mike. “Why don’t you come over for supper tonight? I’ll make dinner for the three of us and once Maddie’s in bed we can pick up where we left off this morning. How does that sound?” “I can’t wait for tonight.” Mike kisses Jesse. The two of them walk hand in hand to the front door. Jesse opens the door and Mike walks out. Before he leaves he kisses Jesse one last time. “I’ll see you tonight.” “Tonight.”
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“Okay John. Please tell me where we are going.” “No Doc we’re almost there.” Marlena turns to look out the window. She can see very tall snow covered mountain peaks. She thinks to herself that this looks so familiar. Then it hits her. “We’re going to Colorado.” Tears are in Marlena’s eyes. “Doc are you all right?” “John this is a wonderful surprise.” Marlena hugs John. “Thank you.” “I figured that you haven’t been home for a while and I thought that Frank and Martha should meet their new granddaughter.” “That sounds like a wonderful idea.” I just hope that they’ll think it’s wonderful too.
Jesse’s entering information into the computer at the Horton Center. She’s listening to music through her headphones when suddenly she feels like someone is staring at her. Jesse looks up and is startled to see someone standing in front of her. “Oh my god! Marlena! You scared me!” Jesse takes off the headphones gets up from behind the computer. She hugs Marlena. “I missed you so much. When did you get back?” “About an hour ago.” “What are you doing here? You should be at your new house with John and the kids.” “John can handle that for now. I came here to ask you to go out to lunch with me.” “Sure. I just have to finish putting this into the computer and I’ll be ready to go.” “Is Alice here?” “I think she’s in the kitchen.” “I’ll talk to her while you’re finishing.” “I’ll come and get you when I’m done.”
Jesse sits back down in front of the computer. She quickly enters the information into the computer as she finishes Mike walks through the front door. “Hey what are you doing here?” “Well there are two reasons I came here. The first reason is right here in my hand.” Mike hands Jesse an envelope. “What is it?” “It’s the results of your paternity test.” Jesse’s shaking. “Would you open it? I have this thing against opening envelopes since I opened my adoption papers.” Mike opens the envelope and takes out the paper inside. “Well! What’s the verdict?” “The tests prove that Don is your father. Is this good or bad news?” “Honestly, I don’t know.” “What are you going to do?” “I guess I’ll call him. I don’t know. So what’s the other reason you came over?” “Let me think. Why else would I want to come over here? I know. I wanted to know if you would like to go out to lunch.” “I’m sorry. I all ready told Marlena I would go with her.” “So she’s back in town?” “Yes they got in about an hour ago. I really want to hear all about her trip.” Mike looks disappointed. Jesse puts her arms around Mike. “How about this? You can take me to dinner tonight.” “Oh can I?” “Yes and afterwards we can go back to my place and I can thank you properly for the wonderful evening we had.” Mike smiles. “I like that idea.” Mike kisses Jesse. “I thought you would.” Jesse and Mike kiss again. Marlena and Alice enter the room. “Sorry to interrupt the two of you.” They stop. “Are you ready to go Marlena?” “I’m ready if you’re ready.” Jesse grabs her coat and purse. Marlena says her good-byes and leaves. Mike holds the door open for Jesse. “I’ll see you tonight.” Jesse kisses Mike and walks out the door.
“Michael, would you like a sandwich?” “Sure Gran.” The phone rings. “Mike, could you answer that while I make our lunch?” “Hello, Horton Center, Mike Horton speaking.” “Mike, this is Don Craig. I was wondering if Jesse was there? She just left I’ll see if I can catch her.” Jesse turns to Marlena. “So who’s car are we going to take?” “Why don’t we take mine? It’s right across the street.” Marlena steps off the curb. “Jesse! Jesse!” Jesse turns around. “There’s a phone call for you.” Suddenly she can hear the squealing of tires. She looks back towards the street to see a car speeding right at Marlena. Everything seems to move in slow motion. “MARLENA WATCH OUT!” Marlena turns to see the car speeding towards her but she can’t seem to move. Jesse runs towards her and pushes her out of harms way. She tries to get out of the way as well but it’s too late the car hits Jesse. She flies several feet in the air. She lands on the street like a rag doll. The car continues to speed out of control until it hits head on into a telephone pole. All you can hear is the blaring of a car horn.
Mike is horrified at what he sees. He immediately runs to help Jesse. The doctor in him tells him not to touch her but his heart wins out. Mike cradles Jesse in his arms. “Jesse! Jesse, please open your eyes.” Marlena picks herself up and rushes to Jesse’s side. “Mike. Mike let her go!” Jesse opens her eyes. “Marlena?” Marlena takes Jesse’s hand. “I’m right here.” “Are you all right?” “I’m fine. How about you?” “I’m having trouble breathing.” Marlena’s stroking her blonde hair. “Just take slow, deep breaths. The ambulance should be here soon.” Mike is checking out Jesse’s injuries. He opens her blouse and starts to examine her. He starts applying pressure to different parts of her abdomen. “Does this hurt?” Jesse lets out a scream. “WHERE IS THAT AMBULANCE?” Jesse speaks. “Mike, calm down. Go check on the person in the car.” Mike hesitates. “I’ll be right back.” “Marlena, promise me you will take care of Maddie for me.” “Don’t worry about that now.” “Promise me that you will love her like I know only you can. Promise me.” Marlena has tears streaming down her face. “I will.” Mike grabs his medical bag and rushes to the car. The front of the car is crushed. Mike tries to open the driver’s door but it’s jammed. He goes around to the other side and gets in. The woman is slumped over the steering wheel. First he checks for a pulse but there is none. Mike moves the body from the wheel when he notices that it’s Kristen. He knows that there is nothing he can do for her so he rushes back to Jesse. “Jesse I’m here.” “How is the person in the car? Don’t worry about them.” “Mike you know who it was, don’t you? Who was it?” “It’s not important.” “I want to know who did this to me.” “It was Kristen.” Marlena’s in shock. She walks towards the car. “Mike…Mike.” “I’m right here. You just hang on.” I don’t know if I can. I want you to promise me something.” “What is it?” “I want you to promise me that you will talk to Carrie. Tell her how you feel. Don’t go through your life wondering what might have been. Please promise me you’ll tell her.” “I..” Suddenly Jesse’s eyes roll to the back of her head. Mike checks for a pulse but there is none. “Jesse! Oh my god no!” Mike starts to perform CPR. Marlena hears Mike’s cries and rushes back to help him.
The ambulance finally arrives. The paramedics take over performing CPR. They stabilize her and get her to University Hospital. Marlena and Mike travel in the ambulance with Jesse. They both tell her that she has to hold on for Maddie’s sake. Once in the ER Mike goes with Jesse but Marlena is told to wait in the waiting room. Marlena can’t stand to sit in the waiting room any longer so she goes to the chapel to pray. Marlena kneels down. “Sam, I’m so sorry I failed you. I know that you are taking such good care of DJ in heaven and you trusted me to take care of your child and look at what happened. I’m so sorry. Oh dear god please don’t take Jesse. I beg of you..” Marlena feels a hand on her shoulder. She looks up to see John. They embrace. “Oh John! It was horrible.” “I know. I know it was but honey you have to calm down. Think about the babies.” “I know you’re right but I can’t help it.” Mike enters the chapel. “Mike, how is she?” “She’s still in surgery. She has a lot of internal injures and she also has a severe head injury but the surgery is going well so far.” “Is she going to make it?” “It’s too hard to tell. Why don’t the two of you go home? She’s going to be in there for a while. I’ll let you know if anything happens.” “No, I want to stay here.” “Marlena I think you need your rest if not for you then for your babies.” “Doc, you know he’s right.” “Marlena I will let you know as soon as she gets out of surgery.” “I want to know the second she’s out.” “I will.”
John and Marlena finally make it home to their new house. John opens the door. Marlena goes to walk through when John stops her. “My new wife isn’t going to walk into our new house for the first time. I’m going to carry you across the threshold.” “John I feel silly. We don’t have to do this.” “I know we don’t have to but I want to.” John picks Marlena up and carries her over the threshold. He continues to carry her upstairs to their bedroom. Marlena falls asleep in his arms. John gently lays her down on the bed. He very carefully takes her coat off so that he doesn’t wake her. John then joins her in bed. He puts his arms around her and holds her as she sleeps.
Jesse spends the entire night in surgery. It’s early in the morning when Mike calls the Black house with news about Jesse. The phone rings. John answers the phone. “Hello? Mike!” Marlena pops up out of bed. “It’s Mike, give me the phone.” Marlena rips the phone from John’s hands. “Mike, how is she?” “Marlena, she’s out of surgery.” “We’ll be right over.” Marlena hangs up the phone. “How is she?” “Mike said that she’s out of surgery. I have to get over there.” “I’ll drive you.”
John and Marlena race to the hospital. They go into the ICU waiting room where Mike is waiting for them. “Mike, how serious are her injuries?” “I don’t know. They wouldn’t let me into the surgery. Her doctor, Dr. Corday is going to come out to speak with you in a couple of minutes.” Carrie, Austin, and Eric enter the room. Eric’s visibly shaken. “How is she?” “We don’t know. We do know that she’s out of surgery.” Dr. Corday enters the room. He extends his hand out to Marlena. “Dr. Evans, I’m Dr. Corday. I was one of the doctors who worked on your niece.” “How is she?” “Your niece sustained some very serious injuries. Your niece had several broken ribs, which punctured her lung. We tried to save her spleen but there was just too much damage done to it. The injury we’re most concerned with is her head injury. We had to go in to repair the damage, which was caused by the accident. She’s in a coma right now. We won’t know if there will be any damage until she wakes up. The good news is that there has been some brain activity. The next 24 hours are going to be critical.” “When can I see her?” “As soon as we move her into her own room you can see her.” Dr. Corday goes to leave the room when he stops. “I’m not sure if I should mention this but did your niece tell you that she was pregnant?” “Pregnant?” Eric questions the doctor. “How far along was she?” “I don’t know. We could run tests on the fetus if you want to find out.” Everyone’s in shock to think that this child might actually have been Eric’s but Mike speaks up. “No tests need to be run. The child was Jesse’s and mine. We just found out and we were going to tell everyone soon.” Marlena questions the doctor. “Will she be able to have another child?” “I don’t see any reason right now why she wouldn’t be able to have another child.” “Thank you doctor.” “I just hope that we were able to save your niece.” Dr. Corday leaves the room. John tries to comfort Marlena. The entire situation is too much for Eric so the leaves. Mike stands staring out the window. He starts to remember what Jesse wanted him to do. “Mike…Mike.” “I’m right here. You just hang on.” “I don’t know if I can. I want you to promise me something.” “What is it?” “I want you to promise me that you will talk to Carrie. Tell her how you feel. Don’t go through your life wondering what might have been. Please promise me you’ll tell her.” “Mike?” Mike is startled. “I’m sorry.” “It’s all right Carrie.” “I’m so sorry about Jesse…the baby. I just want you to know that I’ll be here for you if you need me.” “Thanks.” Carrie walks over to Marlena. “I’m sorry Jesse but this is one promise I can’t keep.”
Marlena and John fall asleep in the waiting room. A nurse walks in and tries to wake Marlena. “Dr. Evans?” Marlena wakes up. “I’m sorry to wake you but Dr. Corday told me to find you when your niece has been moved into her own room. Her room number is 417.” “Thank you Sarah.” Marlena turns to John. “John wake up.” John opens his eyes. “Jesse’s been moved to her own room.” “Let’s go.” John and Marlena enter Jesse’s room. “Oh my! She’s so bruised.” “They’ll heal, Doc.” Marlena sits down in a chair next to Jesse’s bed. She takes Jesse’s hand. John stares at Jesse. Suddenly he’s taken back in time to when Marlena was in her coma. John feels just as helpless as he did back then. He knows that there is nothing he can do or say to change things. “Doc, I’ll give the two of you a few minutes alone. I’ll call and check on the kids.” Marlena turns to John. “Don’t be gone long.” “I won’t.”
Marlena wipes the tears away from her eyes. Once again she takes Jesse’s hand. “I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry. This was all my fault. Kristen was trying to kill me. I failed again. Once again Don is going to lose another child because of me.” “Baby, don’t say that.” “It can’t be.” Marlena turns around to see Don standing in the doorway. Marlena gets up from her chair. “Don…OH DON.” They embrace. “It’s okay baby. This wasn’t your fault.” Don goes over to Jesse. He kisses her on her forehead. “This is the first time I’ve seen her since I found out that she’s my daughter.” With tears in her eyes Marlena puts her arm around Don. “I just want the chance to get to know her.” “You will. Let’s go to the chapel and pray.”
Jesse’s lying in her hospital bed in a lot of pain. She tries to open her eyes but she can’t. Suddenly she feels no pain and her eyes open. There’s a bright light shining in her eyes. She can see a woman. “Jesse.” Jesse looks closer. “Marlena?” “No, it’s Sam.” “Where am I? Am I dead?” “Not you’re not dead, you’re just sort of in-between.” “How long will I be here?” “You’ll be here as long as it takes to decide your fate.” “You mean right now it’s being decided whether or not I’m going to live or die and I have no say in the matter. My daughter needs me. I want to be there for her.” “I know and I will do everything in my power to make sure that you will be with your daughter again. You just have to be patient.” “I just want to know that I will see my daughter again.” “I know.” Jesse looks at Sam. She can see the pain in her face. “I think you do know.” “Jesse we have been given this time together and I don’t want to waste a single minute.”
Don and Marlena are in the chapel praying. Don speaks first. “I hope this works. I can’t loose another child.” Marlena takes Don’s hand. “I want to get to know her.” “I know you do. I know how much your children mean to you.” “Do you ever think that maybe she could have been our daughter? I think that she was meant to be born whether it was to be to you or Sam I don’t know but I just feel like she was meant to live. Maybe if Sam hadn’t done what she did then maybe Jesse would have been our child. Then maybe just maybe our marriage would have survived DJ’s death. Do I sound crazy?” “No…oh no. I’ve thought the same thing from time to time. In a way I think of Jesse as my daughter. I’m very grateful to have her in my life. I feel like I have a piece of Sam with me. She’s so much like Sam.” “Is there anything about her that reminds you of me?” “She definitely has your stubborn streak in her.” “Hey, what do you mean? I think that comes from your side of the family.” Marlena laughs. Don puts his arm around Marlena. She rests her head on his shoulder. It starts to feel like old times. John enters the chapel to see Marlena in Don’s arms. He knows that they will always just be friends but he just can’t help but be jealous. “So where are you staying?” “I haven’t found a place yet. I came here from the air port.” “You can stay with us.” “No Marlena, I couldn’t.” “Yes you can, besides Maddie is staying with us. I think it’s about time she meets her grandpa.” “Grandpa huh.” Marlena smiles. “Yes, grandpa.” “I kindda like it.” “I knew you would.” “Let’s go see her.” Marlena and Don get up from the pew. “John, why didn’t you let us know you were here?” “I didn’t want to interrupt you.” “How are the children?” “They’re fine. Maddie’s a little upset.” “I think we’d better get back.” The three of them leave the chapel. Marlena pauses before she leaves. “Dear god please let Jesse be all right.”
Don’s in one of the guestrooms at the Black mansion unpacking. As he empties his suitcases he can hear the children running in the hallway. He stops and goes to the door but something stops him. There’s a knock at the door. “Don, may I come in?” “Sure Marlena.” Marlena enters the room smiling. “How’s your room?” “It’s fine. This house is something else.” “It is isn’t it?” Marlena ‘s like a child on Christmas morning. “Are you ready to see your granddaughter?” Don hesitates. “What’s wrong?” “I’m afraid.” “What are you afraid of?” “Do you remember how things were with Donna when I first met her?” “Things were rocky at first but then you two developed a wonderful father-daughter relationship.” “Jesse and I didn’t exactly hit it off either when I met her.” “That’s because you put up a wall between the two of you before you even met. Don, just be yourself and everything will be fine.” “Are you sure?” “I’m positive. Maddie’s a wonderful little girl. She’ll love you.” “Do you think she will?” “I know she will.” Marlena leads Don to the door. “Come on grandpa. Let’s meet your new granddaughter.
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Jesse and Sam are walking in a beautiful garden. “Sam, can I ask you a question?” “I won’t stop you.”
“Why?” “Why did I do what I did? It’s very hard to explain.” “Could you try?” “At that time Marlena had everything a successful fiancée…a wonderful job…lots of money…wonderful friends. I on the other hand was a struggling actress who couldn’t get a part if her life depended on it. So I decided to take a role I was born to play.” “Meaning that you became Marlena.” “Exactly. It was perfect. I mean we’re identical twins and if I was a good enough actress then I would have everything I wanted.” “You didn’t care that you were hurting Marlena?” “I cared deep down but my drug problem won out over Marlena.” “What about Don, did you have any feelings towards him?” “Yes I did but I knew that if there was anyone that would know the difference between Marlena and myself it would be him. I knew that if I were to pull this off I would have to keep my distance from Don. That was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I did care for him.” “If you had to keep your distance with him then how did I come to exist?” “There was a hospital fundraiser one night that both Don and I attended. Don was upset that I was brushing him off and he drank a little too much so I took advantage of the situation.” Jesse turns away from Sam. “I know this is difficult for you to hear. Believe me it’s hard for me to believe that I could do this. I regret what I did but there is one thing that I don’t regret and that’s having you. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you.” Jesse turns back to Sam with tears in her eyes. They hug.
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Mike’s making his rounds when he decides to visit Jesse. He enters the room. Mike gently places a kiss on Jesse’s bandaged forehead before he sits down beside her. He takes her hand in his. “Jesse I hope you can hear me. I know that you wanted me to talk to Carrie. I know you want me to tell her that I love her but you see I can’t do that. You see I have a confession to make to you. I’m starting to fall in love with you. I just want you to know that I will wait for as long as I have to for you. I just want you to come back and give us another chance.” Mike’s beeper goes off. “This thing is even interrupting us now.” Mike takes the beeper off and looks at the number. “I have to go but I’ll be back later.” Mike kisses Jesse as he heads out the door.
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Maddie’s on her bed playing with her stuffed animals. Marlena and Don enter the room. Both of them sit on the bed with Maddie. Maddie moves close to Marlena. Marlena sits Maddie on her lap. “Maddie there’s someone I would like for you to meet.” Maddie shakes her head as to say that it’s okay. “Maddie this man’s name is Don. He’s your mommy’s daddy.” “He is?” “Yes, he’s your grandpa.” Maddie takes a closer look at Don. Don can’t help but smile at her. Maddie gets up from Marlena’s lap. She goes over to Don and gives him a hug. Don’s amazed at how much love he feels for a little girl he hardly knows. Marlena watches with tears in her eyes. Maddie takes Don’s hand and leads him over to her pile of stuffed animals. “Would you like to meet some of my friends?” “I would love to.” Don gets down on the floor with Maddie. He turns to Marlena. “You will help me up won’t you?” Marlena laughs. There’s a knock on the door. Chelsea enters. “Excuse me but it’s time for the children’s supper.” “Thank you Chelsea.” Maddie hugs Don. “Goodbye grandpa.” “Goodbye.” Don smiles as Maddie runs out of the room. He tries to get up from the floor but he can’t. Marlena offers her hand. “She’s an amazing little girl.” “Yes she is. Why don’t we go over to the hospital and check on Jesse?” “Yes I would like to see her again today.” Marlena and Don leave the room hand-in-hand.
As Don and Marlena walk down the stairs they see John waiting at the bottom. “Dinner’s ready.” “Honey, Don and I were going to go visit Jesse.” “Doc, you really should eat something.” “I know that but I’m not very hungry right now.” Don interrupts. “John’s right you should have something.” “I want the two of you to stop this right now. This isn’t the first time I’ve been pregnant. I know what I’m doing and I’m not hungry at this time. Now would the two of you stop it? We’ll pick something up to eat after we’ve seen Jesse and talked to her doctors.” “All right Doc. Whatever you want.” Marlena goes to the closet to get their jackets. Don whispers in John’s ear. “I’ll make sure she gets something to eat.” “Thanks Don.” “What are you two whispering about?” “NOTHING.” Marlena hands Don his coat. John helps Marlena on with hers. Marlena kisses John. “I’ll see you later. I should be home in time to tuck the kids in bed.” Don opens the door and Marlena walks out. Don and John say their good-byes. John stands in the doorway and watches the both of them leave. Marlena waves to him before she gets into the car. John closes the door. He can’t help but think about how Don and Marlena were comforting each other in the chapel and how they were holding hands as they came down the stairs. He can see that this crisis is pushing them closer together. “Come on John. It was over for Don and Marlena years ago. They’re just friends. Roman thought the same thing about Doc and myself years ago and look how that ended up. Stop it! You have to trust Doc!”
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Marlena and Don enter Jesse’s room. There’s a nurse checking her vital signs. Marlena speaks first. “How is she Sarah?” “There’s been no change Dr. Evans. I would like for you to know that we all hope that Jesse will completely recover and that if you or you family needs anything that we will help you in any way we can.” “Thank you Sarah.” Don and Marlena sit on opposite sides of Jesse’s bed. Don takes Jesse’s hand. “Is there a chance that she might not wake up from this? I mean the longer she stays in this coma the less likely it is that she will wake up. Right?” Marlena begins to cry. “You are right but you can’t think like that. She will wake up and when she does I’ll be there for her. I’ve been there and I know what she’s going to have to face when she finally regains consciousness and I will be there every step of the way to help her.” Don’s stare goes from Jesse to Marlena. “You really love her don’t you?” Marlena wipes the tears from her eyes. “Yes I do and I’m not going lose another person I love. I’m going to do everything I can to bring her back to us.” “I know you will Baby.” Don looks at Jesse. “Do you think she can hear us?” “I think she can. Do you want me to leave?” “No, please stay.” Marlena nods her head. “Jesse, it’s Do…your father. I met Maddie today. She’s a wonderful little girl. You should be very proud of her. I’m going to spend as much time with her as I can while I’m in town.” Marlena interrupts. “How long are you going to be staying in town?” “What are you looking to get rid of me already?” “No, it’s just that…” “It’s just that what?” Marlena’s trying to find the right way to say what she wants to. “I’m sorry Baby. I’m just kidding. I’ll be staying about three days and then I have to get back to New Jersey. I just took a new case and I have to be there for it.” “Don’t worry I’ll keep you informed of Jesse’s condition.” “I have no doubt you will.” “I’ll take good care of her.” The nurse pops her head in the door. “I’m sorry but visiting hours are almost over.” Marlena wipes her eyes again. “Thank you. We’ll say our good-byes.” Marlena gets up and kisses Jesse. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Don kisses his daughter. “I love you.” Marlena begins to cry again. Don puts his arm around her. “Okay Weepy, where do you want to go to eat?” Don opens the door. Marlena comments as they walk out the door. “It’s nice to see you still have that wonderful sense of humor.”
Never An Absolution
It’s been over a week since Jesse’s accident. Her bruises and bones are healing nicely but she still hasn’t regained consciousness. The time has come for Don to leave. He’s in his room packing when there’s a knock at the door. “Come on in.” Marlena enters the room. “So you’re leaving today?” “Yes Baby, I’ve stayed longer than I should have. My new case starts tomorrow. I want to try to get this case wrapped up as soon as possible. It may not be easy but I’m going to try to make it out here on weekends.” “I want you to know that our door is always open to you. You can stay here whenever you’re in town.” “I know. I’ll call you from time to time to check on Jesse and Maddie.” “Sure. Are you going to the hospital before you leave?” “Yes. I figured that I could catch a cab over to the hospital and leave from there.” “If you can wait a few minutes until I get changed I’ll drive you to the hospital and then to the air port.” Marlena turns to leave but Don stops her. “You don’t have to do this you know.” “I know I don’t but I want to do this.” “Listen to me I don’t want you spending all your time at the hospital. I want you to concentrate on your family and those babies you’re carrying.” “Don, Jesse is my family and as far as the twins they are just fine. I don’t want you to worry about me.” Don cups Marlena’s face. “I can’t help it Baby. A part of me will always care about you.” Marlena hugs Don. “I feel so blessed to have you in my life.” “All right enough of this sentimental stuff. You go get changed. I’ll be saying goodbye to my granddaughter.”
Don stands in front of Maddie’s bedroom door. He runs his hand along the door. Gently he knocks on the door. “Tome in.” Maddie’s lying in her bed talking to her stuffed dinosaur. Don smiles as he goes over to the bed. “May I sit down?” Maddie shakes her head yes. “I just came to say goodbye. I’m going home today.” Maddie sits up. Tears start to form in her eyes. “You are? But I don’t want you to go.” “You don’t?” “No. I like you.” Don smiles and wipes away her tears. He leans over and plants a kiss on top of Maddie’s head. “Where you doin’?” “I’m going back to New Jersey.” “Why?” “Grandpa has to go back to work but I’ll come to visit you on weekends and I’ll call you on the phone.” “You promise.” “I promise. I love you little one.” Don kisses Maddie again. He goes to the door. He doesn’t want to look back but he can’t help himself. Maddie smiles and waves good-bye to Don. Don waves back, apart of him hates to leave but he knows he must.
John starts up the stairs to tell everyone that breakfast is ready. On his way up the spiraling staircase he runs into Marlena who’s putting on her earrings. “Doc! Are you all right?” “I’m fine.” Marlena kisses John. “Good morning sweetheart.” “I didn’t hear you come in last night.” Don and I stayed at the hospital as long as we could and then we went over to the Pub for something to eat.” “Why were you out so late?” “We lost track of the time. After we were done eating we came back here but neither of us were tired so we stayed up and talked.” “What did you talk about?” “Lots of stuff. We talked about the old days…he caught me up with what’s been happening with Donna…I told him about momma and daddy. We haven’t talked like that for a while.” “That’s good.” John quickly changes the subject. “Breakfast is ready. I thought that after breakfast you and I could take the kids to the park.” “Oh John. Don’s leaving today. I was going drive him to the hospital and then to the air port.” “Well if the two of you can wait until after the kids are fed then I could drive you.” “John, that’s so sweet but we don’t have time to wait.” “But what about breakfast? You are going to eat something before you go?” “John, don’t start this again. I’ll grab one of those breakfast bars.” “Promise me you’ll eat something.” “I promise.” “I’m going to get the kids. You had better have one of those breakfast bars in you hand when I get back.” Marlena finishes walking down the stairs and heads to the kitchen.
Don starts coming down the stairs with his suitcases. Marlena enters the foyer. “Okay baby are you ready?” “Yes I am.” Marlena goes to the closet and grabs her coat. Don helps her put it on. After Don has his coat on he picks up his suitcase. “I’ll get the door for you.” Marlena opens the door. John comes down the stairs to say good-bye to his wife. “Where’s that breakfast bar?” Marlena pulls a little bar out from her coat pocket and waves it in front of John’s face. “You had better eat every bite of that.” “I will. I’ll see you later.” “Doc, just give me a minutes and I’ll go with you.” “No John. You stay here with the kids. I shouldn’t be gone long.” Marlena kisses John as she heads out the door.
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Sam and Jesse are still waiting to hear Jesse’s fate. Jesse’s starting to get impatient. “What’s taking so long? Either I’m going to live or die. I just wish they would decide.” “Unfortunately it’s not just you that they have to consider.” “What do you mean?” “What happens to you is going to affect quite a few people. Each one must be considered when making the decision.” “Maddie is one of those people. She must be so confused.” “She’s fine. Marlena will take good care of her.” “I know, but it’s just not the same.” “Could you tell me about her?” “What do you want to know?” “Everything.” Jesse smiles just thinking about her daughter. “Maddie loves dinosaurs. She knows all the different types and she even knows that they’re extinct.” Sam smiles. “She’s very smart for her age. She can say her ABC’s…she can count up to 100…she can even read a little bit.” Jesse pauses for a moment. “I’m sorry if I sound like I’m bragging.” “No, you sound like a mother.” “I just hope I get the chance to be a mother again.” Sam puts her arm around Jesse. “If I have anything to say about it you will get a second chance.”
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Eric goes to the hospital to visit Jesse. This is the first time he’s going to see her since the accident and he doesn’t know what to expect. Eric enters the room. He can’t believe how helpless Jesse looks. He sits down in a chair next to her bed. He tries to hold back the tears but he can’t. “I’m sorry that I haven’t come to visit you before now but it’s so hard for me to see you this way. It’s not only that though. Jesse, you lost a baby and I can’t help but wonder if that baby was mine. I know Mike said that the baby was his but I just can’t help wondering if it was mine. I haven’t gone back to the mansion since it happened because I just can’t face Maddie. I know you’re probably worried about Maddie but don’t I’m sure she’s fine. My mother adores her and she would go to the ends of the earth to protect her. I have some news for you. I’ve taken the past week to get things into perspective and I’ve decided that I’m going back to school. I know that will make my parents very happy. The real reason I’m going back is because I know how much it meant to you that I finish college so I’m going to make you a little deal. You can take all the time you need to wake up but the deal is that you have to do it by the time I graduate. Now I know you’re saying to yourself that hey he’s a junior and that doesn’t leave me much time. But I want you to remember that I’m a junior who still hasn’t declared a major so I think you have more time than you think you do. Oh Jesse just open your eyes. That’s all I want.”
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Don and Marlena are at the hospital when the run into Dr. Corday. “Dr Evans…Mr. Craig could I talk to you in my office?” Don and Marlena follow Dr. Corday to his office. “Please sit down.” Dr. Corday closes the door behind him and sits down behind his desk. “I wanted you talk to the two of you about Jesse’s condition.” Marlena questions the doctor. “Has anything happened?” “No nothing’s happened. Jesse’s healing nicely from her extensive operation but what we’re concerned about is the fact that she hasn’t regained consciousness yet. Now I’ve consulted with other doctors on staff and they feel that it would be in Jesse’s best interest if you found a doctor who specializes in comatose patients. I’ve compiled a list of very good doctors that I think you should talk to.” Dr. Corday’s beeper goes off. “I’m sorry but I’m needed in surgery.” The doctor hands Don the list. “If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact me.” “Thank you doctor.”
Don and Marlena enter Jesse’s room. “Eric?” Eric quickly wipes the tears from his eyes. “Hi mom…Don.” “Hi Eric.” Marlena hugs Eric. “Where have you been? I’ve been so worried about you.” “I’m fine mom. I just needed some time to think. Is Maddie at home?” “Yes she is.” “I thought I would spend some time with her.” Marlena smiles. “I think she’d like that.” Eric gives his mother a kiss on her cheek. “Bye.” “Bye sweetie.” “Bye Don.” “Good-bye Eric.” Don and Marlena sit by Jesse’s bed. “I don’t want to leave her.” “I know you don’t.” John enters the room but neither one of them notices. “I wish I hadn’t taken this damn case. I don’t know when I’m going to find the time to look into these specialists. How am I going to know which one to choose?” John interrupts. “I have a little bit of experience in that area.” Marlena turns around. “John!” Marlena gets up from her chair and hugs John. “Thank you John but she’s my daughter and I think I should be the one to do it.” “Don it’s like you said most of your time will be spent on your case. I have the time and I have done this before. Please let me help.” “I can’t thank you enough.” “It’s no problem.” Marlena notices that John has a food container in his hands. “What’s that?” “I brought you some breakfast because I knew that you wouldn’t eat that breakfast bar.” Marlena laughs. She pulls the bar from her pocket. “You know me so well. Don, we’ll leave you and Jesse alone so you can say good-bye. We’ll be right outside if you need us.” “Thank you. Well Jesse it’s time for me to say good-bye. I really don’t want to. I’ll try to make it back on the weekends if I can. Don’t worry about Maddie because Marlena and John are taking very good care of her. I love you and I’ll see you real soon.” Don kisses her and leaves.
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Mike knocks on the door of the Black mansion. Megan answers the door. “Hi Mike. Come on in.” “Hi Megan. I’m here to see Maddie. Is she here?” “She’s around here somewhere. I’ll look upstairs while you check down here.” “That sounds like a plan.” Mike starts looking through the house. He goes into the living room. He doesn’t see anyone but then he notices two little shoes peeking out from behind the drapes. “Maddie is that you?” Mike looks behind the drape. Maddie smiles at him. “You found me doc Mike but Brady’s supposed to find me.” “I’m very sorry. Were you playing hide-n-go-seek?” “Yes we were.” “Maddie I was wondering if you would like to go to the park with me?” “Otay but I have to go get my dinosaur.” “All right I’ll wait here for you.” Maddie runs upstairs. Mike walks out into the foyer. Maddie comes down the stairs with Chelsea. “Hello Dr. Horton.” Chelsea hands Mike Maddie’s coat. “Hi Chelsea. Tell Dr. Evans that we’ll be at the park the entire afternoon and not to worry.” “I will. Have a good time.” “Bye Chelsea.” Maddie runs for the door and Mike runs after her. “Hey wait a minute young lady. You need a coat on.” “But doc Mike I got a sweatshirt on!” “I’m sorry but you still need a jacket on.” Maddie doesn’t like it but she puts her coat on. Just as Mike and Maddie are about to leave the door opens. It’s Eric. Maddie rushes into his arms. “Eric!” Eric hugs Maddie tightly. “Hey squirt! Where do you think you’re going?” “Doc Mike is goin to take me to the park.” Eric’s disappointed. “Oh he is.” He puts Maddie down. “Eric did you already have plans to do something with Maddie?” “No the two of you go ahead.” “Are you sure?” “Go on.” “Bye Eric.” “Bye squirt.” “Good-bye Eric.” “Take care of her Mike.” “I will.” Eric closes the door. Come on Eric you have to face it that Jesse and Maddie are no longer apart of your life. How can I ever get them out of my heart?
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At the air port
“All passengers boarding flight 154 to Camden New Jersey please board now at gate 7.” “Well that’s me.” Don jugs Marlena. “Good-bye Baby.” “Don, I want you to call me as soon as you get in. I want to make sure you get home safely.” “If it will make you feel better, I will.” Don extends his hand out to John. “Take care of my girls.” “I will.” Don turns and disappears into the plane. John puts his arms around Marlena. “Everything’s going to be okay. Why don’t we go over to the hospital for a while? Then on the way home we could pick up some take out and a movie and spend the entire night with the kids. How does that sound?” “That sounds like heaven.” “Let’s go.”
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John and Marlena enter Jesse’s room. Marlena sits down on the bed facing Jesse. John puts his hand on Marlena’s back. “She looks so peaceful. She just looks like she’s sleeping. I keep expecting her to open her eyes at any minute. Oh man this is so frustrating.” Marlena gets up from the bed and goes to the window. John comes up behind her. “I know. Believe me I know but the one thing you can’t do is give up.” “I never considered how tough this might be on you. This bring back all those memories from when I was in my coma all those years ago.” John looks over at Jesse. “Yes it does. I know that this is hard Doc but all we can do is wait. I’ll call those specialists tomorrow. I want you to know that I’ll do whatever it takes or pay however much I have to help Jesse come back to us.” Marlena and John embrace. “I love you so much. I don’t know what I’d to without you. You are my rock.” A nurse enters the room. “Excuse me but I have to prep the patient for some tests.” “Of course.” Marlena kisses Jesse. “We’re going to go but I’ll be back tomorrow. I love you.” John goes over to Jesse. “You hang in there.” John gives Jesse a peck on the cheek.
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John and Marlena enter the mansion to sounds of children yelling. Belle comes running into the foyer. “Mommy, help me!” Belle jumps into Marlena’s arms. John questions his daughter. “What’s going on?” Suddenly Brady comes running to the foyer. “Belle give me my truck back!” John picks Brady up. “All right young man. What’s going on here?” “Daddy, Belle took my truck and she won’t give it back.” Marlena looks at Belle. “Belle, did you take Brady’s truck
?” “Yes I did mommy but I only took it because he took my dolly and won’t give it back.” “I didn’t take your stupid doll.” “Yes you did.” John stops the argument. “All right that’s enough. I don’t want to hear another word out of the two of you.” Megan walks into the foyer with Belle’s doll in her hand. “Here Belle I found your doll. It was in the living room.” Belle takes the doll and gives it a big hug. She then hands the truck to Brady. John speaks. “Now I want the two of you to go to your rooms. I don’t ever want to see the two of you fighting like that again. Do you hear me?” The both of them speak at the same time. “Yes daddy.” Both Marlena and John put the children down and they head upstairs. “Where’s Maddie?” “Mike took her for the day.” “Where’s Chelsea?” “She had to leave.” “You were here alone with your brother and sister?” “No, Eric’s here somewhere. He was helping me find Belle’s doll.” Eric starts down the stairs. “Did you find the doll?” “Yes it was in the living room.” “Hi mom…John. How’s Jesse?” “There’s no change.” “Eric, would you make sure that Belle and Brady went to their rooms?” “Sure mom. Come on Megan you can help me.”
There’s a knock at the door. Marlena opens the door to see Mike holding Maddie who is sleeping in his arms. “Hi Mike. I can’t believe she fell asleep.” “She got sick while we were at the park then she fell asleep in the car.” “The poor little thing, why don’t you take her up to her room and I’ll get her something to settle her stomach.” Mike carries Maddie up to her room and gently lays her down on the bed. He very carefully takes off her shoes. Marlena enter the room with a sippy cup in her hands. Marlena sits down on the bed next to Maddie. She brushes a few stray hairs from her face. Maddie slowly opens her eyes. “MOMMY?” “No sweetie it’s grandma.” Tears start to form in Maddie’s eyes. “I want my mommy.” “I know you do sweetheart but your mommy can’t be here right now.” “But why?” “Sweetie your mommy is really sick right now.” “Like I am?” “Not exactly like you are but as soon as your mommy is well enough I will take you to see her.” Marlena grabs the cup. “Now grandma has something here that is going to make you feel better.” Maddie doesn’t know whether to take the cup or not. “It’s all right sweetie. It’s ginger ale. It’ll make your tummy feel better.” Maddie takes the cup and takes a drink. She hands the cup back to Marlena. “Grandma, would you stay with me?” “I’ll stay as long as you want just let me get changed okay.” “Otay.” Marlena leaves the room. Mike sits down on Maddie’s bed. “Do you want some more to drink?” “Yep.” Mike hands Maddie the cup. She takes a very large sip and hands the cup back to Mike. “Well I had better get going. I hope you feel better and I’ll check on you tomorrow.” Mike kisses Maddie on her forehead. “Goodbye doc Mike.” “Good-bye.”
Marlena wakens to see Maddie sleeping soundly in her arms. She hates to get up but she has to go to the hospital. Marlena very gently slides Maddie head on to her pillow. She stirs a little but Marlena slides in her dinosaur within reach. Maddie grabs the dinosaur and goes back to sleep. She plants a kiss on the top of her head. Marlena tiptoes her way out the door. Marlena very quietly opens the door to the master bedroom. She looks over to see John sound asleep, cuddling her pillow. Marlena smiles then heads over to her closet to find something to wear. John comes up behind her. “Hey Pretty Lady!” “Oh John! You scared me.” John kisses Marlena’s neck. “How’s Maddie?” John sits down on the bed. “She’s sleeping right now. John it was so heartbreaking. All she wants is her mommy and I can’t give her to her.” “I know it’s hard Doc but you being there for her is helping her.” “I just feel so helpless.” Marlena pulls out an outfit and heads for the bathroom. John can hear the water running in the shower. “Doc, what are you going to do today?” Marlena emerges for the bathroom. She heads to her dresser drawer and rifles through the drawer until she finds a pair of panty hose. “I thought I would go to the hospital to check on Jesse and some of my patients then I would come home and spend the rest of the day with the kids.” “Doc, have you forgotten that you have a doctor’s appointment today with doctor Baitor?” “Oh man! How could I forget something so important?” “It’s all right.” “NO! NO it’s not all right! These babies I’m carrying should be the most important thing on my mind. I just don’t understand what’s wrong with me.” John sits Marlena on the bed. “There is nothing wrong with you. Doc, you have a lot on your mind right now.” “John, that’s no excuse.” “May be not, but I do know that you love your niece very much and everything that you’re doing right now is for her and to make her better. Your appointment isn’t until late this morning right?” Marlena thinks for a second. “Yes.” “You wanted to go to the hospital?” “Yes.” “Well I have to go to the police station this morning. I’ll drop you off at the hospital on my way to the station. That way you can visit with Jesse and check on your patients and I’ll meet up with you at Dr. Baitor’s office.” “What would I do without you?” John kisses Marlena on the forehead. “May you never ever find out.” John helps Marlena up from the bed. “Now I want you to hurry and get changed. I have to be at the station by 9.” ” Why? What’s going on at the station?” “It’s nothing.” “Why don’t I believe you?” “Doc, you don’t need to worry. Nothing’s going to happen. Now go and get dressed.”
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At the police station
John enters the area where Stefano’s being held. He’s sitting in his cell staring at a chessboard. John taps on the glass. “Okay old man, today’s the day. You finally get a new home. It’s not very spacious, but it has one hell of a security system.” John’s laughing. “I will have the last laugh, John.” “Don’t count on it. If you try anything while we’re transporting you the officers have an order to shoot to kill so either way you are going to be out of my life f-o-r-e-v-e-r.” “Don’t count on it John.” Abe enters the area with four of his men. “Is everything all right?” “Everything’s fine Abe. If you don’t mind I would like to stay around to make sure that he doesn’t get away.” “I wouldn’t have it any other way partner.” “Thanks Abe.” Abe punches in the security code and the cell door opens. All of the officers enter the cell. Abe personally puts the cuffs on Stefano’s ankles and wrists. Stefano slowly walks out of the cell with a smug look on his face. He walks over to John. “Remember John I’m the only one who knows who you really are. I hold all the cards.” “You don’t hold anything over me old man and as of today you are out of my life for good.” “I will always be a thorn in your side John.” Stefano begins to laugh. John lunges towards Stefano but Abe grabs him. “You lousy bastard.” “Get him out of here.” John struggles to get free from Able. “He’s not worth it!” “He knows just what buttons to push Abe.” “I know. Are you all right? Can I let go of you now?” “I’m fine.”
John and Abe are about to leave the holding area when there’s a loud explosion. The blast shakes the entire building. “What the hell was that?” An officer runs up to Abe. “Sgt. Green what the hell happened?” “There was an explosion Commander.” “What about the prisoner?” “I don’t know.” Abe and John run outside. There are people running everywhere. Abe goes back inside to call the fire department. John goes over to one of the officers. “What happened?” “We were loading Mr. Dimera into the van when that car exploded.” “Where’s the van? Where’s Stefano?” “I don’t know. I was thrown by the explosion.” Abe comes over to John. “He’s gone Abe!” “What?” “Stefano did it again. He’s escaped.” “That’s impossible.” “It’s not impossible. Abe he’s done it. Some of your men must be on his payroll. Damn it. We had him. Marlena…I have to get to Marlena.” “I’ll pick up Megan from school and go over to your house to protect the kids.” “Abe, we have to find him.” “We will partner.”
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“Get these damn cuff off me!” One of the officers pulls out some keys. He places the key into the lock. The cuffs fall to the floor of the van. Stefano rubs his wrists. “AHH! Thank You! I want to commend all of you for the fine job you did. This plan went off perfectly.” The driver speaks. “Where are we going?” “To the Lafferty Farmhouse, I have to plan my next move very carefully.” Stefano pulls out a picture of Marlena out from his pocket. Oh my Queen! I must let you go for now but I will be back for you.
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Marlena enters Jesse’s room. There’s a nurse taking Jesse’s vital signs. “Hello Dr. Evans.” Marlena smiles. “Hello Chris.” “Dr. Evans I was going to start exercising Jesse’s muscles today. I thought you might like to know.” “Thank you. If you don’t mind I would like to do it.” “Certainly Dr. Evans, if you need anything just buzz me.” “I will.” Chris leaves the room. Marlena sits down next to Jesse’s bed. “So how are you feeling today?” There’s a moment of silence. “Oh that good huh? Come on Jesse open your eyes for me.” Nothing happens. “I have something for you. I figured that you were probably sick of the hospital issue so I bought you a pair of pajamas. They’re blue, your favorite color.” Marlena changes Jesse’s clothes. “They match the blue in your eyes. I don’t know how you got such blue eyes. My guess is that you have momma’s eyes. You’re not the only one both Sami and Eric have momma’s eyes.” Marlena starts to message Jesse’s calves. “Let’s see what should we talk about. Oh yes, Mike. He spent yesterday with Maddie. She really likes him. She had a wonderful time despite the fact that she wasn’t feeling well. It’s nothing serious, just a tummy ache. She was asking for you. Of course as you know all kids want their mommy when they’re sick. It was so hard for me to not to be able to give her what she wants. I sound like a grandmother don’t I?” Marlena begins to move Jesse’s leg as though she’s riding a bike. “I know you’re probably dying to see Maddie and I thought that once your bruises were healed I would bring her in for a little visit.” Mike enters the room. Marlena continues to exercise Jesse’s legs. “Hi Mike.” “Hi Marlena. How’s Maddie?” “She was up most of the night but I think she’s finally starting to feel better. When I left she was still sleeping.” “I was worried about her. Do you think she would mind if I visited her after I get off work.” “I think she’d love it.” Marlena looks at her watch. “Mike, would you mind finishing for me. I have a doctor’s appointment.” “Go, I’d be happy to do this.” “Thanks Mike.”
Mike starts to work on Jesse’s other leg. “If you ask me I think you have it easy right now. People waiting on you hand and foot. You’re getting a leg massage by the best looking doctor in Salem. You know that I’m going to want you to do the same for me when you get out of this place don’t you. You do realize I’m only doing this because then you will owe me, right? You would think being the most eligible and handsome doctor in town you would think I would be able to keep a woman in my life. What’s wrong with me Jesse? First there was Margo…then April…Carrie…and now you. I finally start falling in love again only to lose the woman I want but you know what this time I’m not going to give up. I’m not going to step aside like I did for Carrie. I’m going to fight for us and I want you to fight too. Do you hear me? I want you to come back to me.” Mike stops exercising her leg. He turns to the nightstand and turns the radio on.
Every night in my dreams I see you I feel you,
That is how I know you go on,
Far across the distance and spaces between us you have come to show you go on.
Near far where ever you are
I believe that the heart does go on.
Once more you open the door and you’re here in my heart,
And my heart will go on and on.
Mike climbs into bed with Jesse. He’s careful not to hurt her injuries. He cradles her in his arms and he starts to think about the night of their horrible dates, the night that started it all.
Love can touch us one time and last for a lifetime,
And never let go til we’re gone.
Love was when I loved you, one true time I hold to.
In my life we’ll always go on.
Near…Far where ever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on.
Once more, you open the door
And you’re here in my heart and my heart will go on and on.
Mike thinks about the first time he and Jesse made love.
You’re here there’s nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on.
We’ll stay forever this way,
You are safe in my heart,
And my heart will go on and on!
“Don’t give us on me Jesse. Don’t give up on us.”
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Marlena heads to the elevator where she runs into Lucas getting off. “Marlena, I was just on my way to see you. Do you have a minute?” Marlena looks at her watch. “Sure.” Marlena looks around for a place to talk. “Why don’t we go into the staff lounge?” Lucas opens the door for Marlena. “Thank you.” “So what did you want to talk to me about?” “Marlena, I need your help. I’ve decided to sue for sole custody of Will and I want you to testify for me.” “Oh Lucas. Do you know what you’re asking me to do? I just don’t know if I could do that to Sami.” “I know that what I’m asking you to do is going to be hard for you but I’m asking you to do what’s best for your grandson. Sami’s still using Will to get to Austin and if I don’t take him away from her he’s only going to get hurt again.” “But Lucas taking Will way from Sami. She loves him so much. This is going to kill her.” “I think this is just what she needs to wake her up and make her see that she needs help.” “I just don’t know if I can do this.” “If you won’t do it for me then do it for Will. Last summer Will was kidnapped because of one of Sami’s schemes to get Austin. She moved into that rat infested apartment so that Austin would have her move back with him but her plan backfired because Mary took Will before she could get her plan into motion. Marlena, she needs help. She’s so obsessed with getting Austin back she doesn’t care what she has to do to get him. I’m sorry but I’m not going to stand by and watcher her use my son in her sick and twisted games.” “You’re right she does need help. It’s just the thought of her never seeing Will again.” “Marlena this is the only way. If she gets some help then maybe I’ll consider letting her have joint custody but that will only happen if I’m truly convinced that she’s changed.” “Alright, I’ll testify for you.” “Thank you Marlena.” “Have you gotten a court date yet?” “No but I’ll let you know.”
John enters the room. Marlena see that there’s something wrong. “Hi John.” “Hi Lucas.” “John, what’s wrong?” “There’s nothing wrong.” “Yes there is I can see it in your face. Now tell me what’s wrong. Did something happen at the police station?” Lucas interrupts. “I’m going to go. I’ll let you know when we get a court date.” “Yes please do.” “Goodbye Marlena…John.” “Good-bye Lucas.” John looks at Marlena. “Court date?” “Lucas is suing Sami for full custody of Will and I agreed to testify on his behalf.” “Doc are you sure you want to do that?” “Yes I’m sure and don’t change the subject. I want to know what happened at the police station.” “I can’t hide anything from you Doc.” “No you can’t so tell me.” “I will tell you.” “Good.” “After your doctor’s appointment.” “JOHN!” “Doc, I’ll tell you but only after your appointment.” John and Marlena leave the lounge and get on the elevator. Marlena pushes the button for the sixth floor. The elevator begins to move but Marlena hits the stop button. “Why did you do that?” “Do I have your attention?” “Yes, you do.” “Then tell me what happened.” “Doc, stop this.” John reaches for the start button but Marlena stop him. “No! I know that there’s something wrong and I want to know what it is.” John reaches for the button again. “No! We’re not moving until you tell me what happened.” “Doc you’re being ridiculous. Now let me start the elevator.” “No I want to know what happened.” “God you’re stubborn!” “I know that’s what you love most about me.” “I do?” “Yes you do now tell me.” “I don’t want to upset you.” “It’s Stefano isn’t it?” John shakes his head. “He’s escaped hasn’t he?” “Yes.” John takes Marlena into his arms. “How did this happen John?” “I don’t know.” “The kids! John the kids. We have to get over to the mansion right away.” “Doc, Abe went to pick up Megan from school and then he’s heading over to the mansion to protect the kids.” “I thought we were finally free from Stefano.” “I know so did I but as long as I’m taking in breath he will never get near you or our children. You believe me don’t you?” John cups Marlena’s face. “Yes I do.” John pushes the start button and the elevator starts to move.
Marlena and John enter the doctor’s office. “Hello Dr. Evans, the doctor’s ready to see you.” The nurse gets up from behind the desk and shows Marlena and John to the examining room. “Here’s a gown for you to change into.” The nurse leaves. Marlena disappears behind the curtain. “Do you need any help Doc?” “I know the kind of help you’re offering and the answer is no.” John laughs. “You’re pretty calm about this whole Stefano thing.” “I decided a long time ago that I wasn’t going to let him victimize me. I’m not going to let him get to me anymore. I’m not going to live my life in fear because of the all mighty Stefano DiMera.” Marlena comes out from behind the screen. “You can even make a hospital gown look good.” As John helps Marlena on to the table she gives him a kiss. Doctor Baitor enters the room. “Well it’s nice to see that Marlena’s pregnancy hasn’t stopped the romance in your marriage.” Both John and Marlena laugh.
“So Marlena, have you been having any problems with your pregnancy?” “No everything has been going pretty smoothly despite everything that’s been going on in my life.” “That’s good. By the way, how is your niece?” “She’s still the same.” “I’m sorry to hear that but I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.” “Thank you.” “Now let’s check out the two newest additions to your family.” Marlena lifts up her gown so that her very round stomach is exposed. The doctor squeezes out the jelly on to her stomach. “Wow that’s cold. I’d almost forgotten how cold that stuff is.” John takes Marlena’s hand. The doctor begins to run the device over Marlena’s stomach. Both Marlena’s and John’s eyes are glued to the screen. Dr. Baitor points to the screen. “There is baby A and if I move a little to the left there is baby B.” Tears are forming in both Marlena’s and John’s eyes. “Do you want to know the sex of the babies?” John and Marlena look at each other. “I don’t know, John.” “It’s up to you Doc.” “Yes, I hate surprises.” “Baby A is a girl and baby B is a boy.” The doctor hands Marlena a towel to wipe her stomach off. “I’ll give you a minute to get changed and then I want to talk to the two of you about the rest of the pregnancy.” “Thank you doctor.”
John helps Marlena down from the table. She disappears behind the screen. “We’re going to have to think of names soon. I mean we only have a little over two months left.” “Doc we have plenty of time.” “No we don’t. These last two months are going to fly by and with my history of giving birth prematurely well there’s a very good chance that we only have a little over a month instead of two months.” Marlena comes out from behind the screen and she sits on the table again. Dr. Baitor enters the room. “I wanted to talk to the two of you about the babies birth. During the delivery I want to have a respiratory specialist on hand when the babies are born.” Both Marlena and John appear concerned. “Is there something wrong?” “No John. It’s just that most of Marlena’s children have had respiratory problems after birth correct?” “Yes DJ, Eric, and Belle all had respiratory problems.” “I’m just going to have the specialist there just in case something should happen. Now we’re heading into the home stretch of your pregnancy Marlena and I want you to take it easy. I don’t want you overdoing anything.” “I’ll try.” “Marlena, I don’t want you to just try. I want you to promise me that you will take it easy. Your babies lives depend on it.” “I will. I promise I will take it easy.” “Good then we agree.” “Yes doctor.” “I’ll see the two of you in five weeks. Good-bye.” “Good-bye doctor. Oh John, another son and daughter. Are you happy?” “Am I happy? Lady I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. I will always be happy as long as I have you in my life.”
Tears and Heartache
John and Marlena arrive home to see the mansion surrounded by guards. They enter the house to find Abe on the phone. John walks up to one of the officers. “Is there any word on Stefano?” “No, not yet.” Abe hangs up the phone. John and Marlena approach Abe. “Any news yet?” “I just got a tip that the transport van was spotted out by the air port. I’m going out there personally to check it out.” “Thanks partner. I’d like…” John suddenly stops in mid sentence. “John, go. We’ll be fine.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” The three of them head to the door. Abe tries to reassure John and Marlena. “There are guards both inside and outside this house. There’s no way Stefano can get in.” “Thanks Abe.” Abe walks out the door. John follows him but stops. “I want you to rest while I’m gone. I’ll be back as soon as I can. I love you.” “I love you too. You be careful.” “I always am Doc.” John kisses Marlena and leaves.
Marlena closes the door and walks into the living room. There are two guards keeping watch. Marlena walks over to the window, as she stares out the window she tries to act as though the guards aren’t there. Megan walks into the room. “Mom? Mom, what’s going on?” “Oh! Honey, did uncle Abe tell you anything when he picked you up from school?” “No, he just said that I had to go home with him. What’s wrong?” “I don’t know where to begin. Honey, Stefano has escaped.” Marlena can see the fear on her daughter’s face. She turns to the guards. “Would you mind leaving us alone?” “No. Dr. Evans we’ll be right outside if you need us.” “Thank you.” Marlena closes the doors. “How can this be? Dad said that there was no way that Stefano could escape from his cell.” “It happened while they were moving him to a maximum security prison.” “What if he’s coming for you and me? What if he wants to take us away? What if…” “Megan sit down.” “No, I don’t want to sit.” “Megan sit down.” Megan sits down on the couch. “Stefano is never going to take either one of us. I won’t let him.” “Where’s dad?” “He and Abe are following up on a lead.” “Do you think they’ll find him?” Before Marlena can answer there’s a very loud knock at the door. “You can’t go in there.” “THE HELL I CAN’T!” Sami comes barging into the room. “I WANT TO TALK TO YOU MOTHER!” She looks a Megan. “ALONE!” Megan gets up from the couch and walks right over to Sami. “Nice to see you again, sis.” Megan leaves the room and closes the door behind her. “I don’t ever want to hear you talk to your sister like that again! Do you hear me? Now what’s wrong?” “I received these papers today.” Sami holds an envelope up. “What are they for?” “YOU KNOW DAMN WELL WHAT THEY’RE FOR!” “Don’t speak to me like that! NO, I don’t know what those papers are for.” “Lucas is suing me for sole custody of Will.” “I can’t believe he was able to get a court date so soon.” “You knew! You knew and you didn’t tell me?!” “Sami!” “NO, as if it’s not bad enough that I just found out about this today but then I read the papers and I see that my own mother is going to testify against me. How could you do this to me mother?” “I’m doing this for Will.” “Taking a child away from it’s mother is what’s best for him? Do you remember that I grew up without a mother and everyone keeps telling me how screwed up I am. Do you really want that for Will?” “No I don’t want Will to grow up without his mother but you have gone too far too many times with your schemes to get Austin. Your schemes always include little Will and he always ends up in danger. Do I need to remind you about Mary? Sami, you almost lost Will for good. You are so obsessed with getting Austin for yourself that you will use anyone including your own son to get him. You’re obsessed with him and that’s not healthy. You need help.” “I’m fine. I don’t need anyone’s help! Least of all your help! Go ahead and testify for Lucas because as far as I’m concerned my mother died eleven years ago!” Tears fill in Marlena’s eyes. Sami’s words cut like a knife through Marlena’s heart. Sami storms out of the room. Marlena runs after her. “Samantha Gene! Sami, come back!” Suddenly Marlena gets a sharp pain in her stomach. It lasts for a couple of seconds. When the pain passes Marlena continues to go after Sami. She catches up to her just outside the door. “Sami! Wait!” “I have nothing more to say to you. Do what you want. I just don’t care anymore.” Sami walks away. Marlena cries in the doorway. She falls to the ground. “How can I do this to her?” Marlena continues to sob. One of the guards comes to the door. “Dr. Evans? Are you all right?” The guard helps her up. Marlena wipes the tears from her eyes. “I’m fine.” “Do you want me to call your doctor or Mr. Black?” “No, no, no! I’m fine. Really I am. I’m going up to my room to lie down.” “I’ll be down here if you need me Dr. Evans.” “Thank you.” The guard leaves. Marlena goes up the stairs. Halfway up she stops and she sits down. Marlena wipes the tears away from her eyes. “Your doing what’s best for Will. Your doing what’s best for Sami and Will.”
John enters the bedroom to see Marlena sound asleep on top of the covers. John sits down on the edge of the bed. Marlena roll on to her other side to see John sitting there. “Hi. How long have you been sitting there?” “Not long.” “Did you find Stefano?” “No, but we did find the transport van.” “At the air port?” “Yes.” “Let me guess there was a plane that left and there was no flight plan or passenger list registered for that flight?” “Give the lady her prize.” “So do think he really left?” “I have no idea. I don’t know what to think.” “I do. I think that we should send away all of those guards down there and we should go on with our lives.” “Doc, I’m not going to take the chance that he’ll come here and take you or the kids. The guards stay.” “John, I’m not going to live my life in fear. I’m not going to let him win.” “Keeping you and the kids safe is not letting him win.” “You’re not going to change your mind.” “No.” “Well neither am I.” “Now what do we do?” “Why don’t we keep one guard for the children and one for me? Does that sound reasonable?” “Alright, I guess I can live with that. Now scoot over, I want to join you.” Marlena makes room for John. Marlena rests her head on John’s chest. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” “Doc, I know you better than that. I know something’s wrong, now tell me.” “Sami was here earlier.” “What happened?” “She was served the papers for the custody hearing today and she also found out that I’m testifying for Lucas.” “I’m assuming that she didn’t take the news well.” “No, we had one heck of an argument.” “Doc, are you sure you want to do this?” “John her obsession with Austin is out of control. She needs help and this may be the only way she will get it is if she looses Will. Do I want to do this? No. But I have to do this. I have no other choice but to testify against her. It’s not going to be easy but I have to do it.”
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Stefano’s pacing around the living room in the farmhouse. “Come on Bart! Why the hell haven’t you called yet?” Stefano smacks his hand off the couch and dust begins to fly. He coughs. “Damn this old place.” Stefano’s cell phone begins to ring. “Hello?” “Mr. DiMera, it’s Bart.” “Yes, did you find it?” “No sir I couldn’t find it.” “Why not?!” “The servants said that Peter took it. I’m sorry Mr. DiMera.” “Do you want me to call Peter and see where it is?” “No…No. I’ll handle it myself.” “Yes boss. Do you want me to come back to Salem?” “No. You had better stay where you are and lie low for a while. I want everyone in town to think I’m gone. If they see you in town people might get suspicious so I want you to stay where you are. I’ll contact you when I need you.” Stefano hangs up the phone. What in the hell would Peter need that mirror for? It doesn’t matter. I’ll just call him and find out where it is. Stefano dials his phone. “Hello. DiMera residence.” “Yes Nigel it’s Mr. DiMera. Is my son there?” “Yes Mr. DiMera he’s right here.” Nigel hands Peter the phone. “Father, it’s good to hear from you. I assume that you were able to break out of jail.” “Yes…yes I was but that’s not why I called you. I sent Bart to get the hypnotic mirror that I had and my servants tell me that you took it. I need to know where you have it because I need it for the next part of my plan.” “Well I assume that it’s still in Paris.” “Paris? Why would it be in Paris?” “Kristen and I hung it in her room in Paris. She used it to get John to make love to her so she could get pregnant again right after the miscarriage.” “So the mirror is still in Paris?” “I guess so. I don’t know.” “You don’t know! Have I taught you nothing? If that mirror falls into the wrong hands the consequences could be disastrous.” “The only person it could affect is John. So why are you so worried?” “I need that mirror. It’s a very intrical part of my plan to separate John from Marlena forever! I have to go.” Stefano hangs up and immediately calls Bart. “Bart.” “Yes Mr. DiMera.” “I need you to go to the hotel where John and Kristen stayed in Paris. The mirror is in the bathroom. Get it Bart! I need that mirror to complete the next phase of my plan. Don’t let me down!” “I won’t Mr. DiMera.”
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It’s early morning at the Black mansion. John’s putting on his suit for the hearing today. Marlena is finally sleeping after a night of tossing and turning. John hates to wake her but he knows he has to. John leans over Marlena and kisses her. Marlena opens her eyes. “Good morning.” Marlena smoothes John’s tie. “My don’t you look handsome?” John smiles. “Thank you. Are you ready for today?” Marlena sits up. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” John helps Marlena up from the bed and he takes her into his arms. “Are you positive you want to do this?” Marlena pulls away from John. “I’m positive. I have to do this.” “If you’re sure.” “Yes I’m sure. Why don’t you check on the kids while I get dressed?” A sharp pain rushes through Marlena’s stomach. Marlena sits down on the bed. “Doc, are you all right?” Marlena takes a deep breath. “I’m fine. The babies just kicked that’s all.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, I am.” John puts his hand on Marlena’s very round stomach. “I don’t feel anything.” “That’s because they stopped. Now why don’t you go check on the kids huh?” “Sure. Are you sure you’re all right?” “Yes now go.” John leaves the room. Marlena takes another deep breath and goes over to the closet to find something to wear.
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Back at the farmhouse Stefano is anxiously awaiting news from Bart. Stefano’s cell phone rings. “Hello!” “Mr. DiMera, it wasn’t easy but I got the mirror.” “Excellent Bart! I want you to hire a private jet to bring you back. Be very careful, I don’t want anything to happen to that mirror. Your life depends on it!” “Yes sir. Should I go straight for the farmhouse?” “No. I want you to plant the mirror in Roman’s room at the Pub.” “At the Brady Pub?” “Yes. Do you have a problem with that?” “Well Mr. DiMera, how am I going to do that?” “You are a very clever guy Bart you should be able to find a way.” “If you say so boss.” Stefano hangs up the phone. “Ahh my plan is falling right into place. Soon Marlena I will have gotten rid of John and Roman for good and you will be all mine. All mine my beautiful Queen of the Night!”
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Jesse and Sam enter Marlena’s room. A sudden chill comes over Marlena while she’s finishing getting dressed. Jesse walks over to Marlena. “Does she know that we’re here?” “No but I do think can sense that something’s different.” “She’s all dressed up. What’s going on?” “She’s testifying for Lucas at the custody hearing today.” “I can’t believe it. So Lucas finally decided to sue for custody.” “Not just custody, he’s suing for sole custody of Will.” “Marlena is going to testify for Lucas?” “Yes.” “This is going to get really ugly.” Sam shakes her head. “Yes I’m afraid it is.” “Those pains she was having they weren’t just the babies kicking were they?” “No they weren’t.” Jesse goes over to Marlena. She grabs a hold of Marlena. “We have to do something…We have to stop her!” Sam pulls Jesse away from Marlena. “Listen to me. There’s nothing we can do.” “What do you mean? There has to be something we can do.” “Don’t you think that I would do something if I could? She’s my sister and I don’t want to see her hurting for one single second but I have no choice.” “From that look on your face it seems as though something terrible is going to happen. Tell me what it is.” “Jesse I can’t tell you.” “Is she going to be okay?” “Everything is going to work out as it’s meant to be.” John enters the room. “Doc, are you ready to go?” “Yes.”
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John and Marlena arrive at the courthouse to see Mickey waiting for them. “John…Marlena.” “Hi Mickey.” “I want to talk to the two of you alone before we go into the courtroom.” Mickey looks around. “Let’s go in here so we can talk.” Mickey opens the door to one of the conference rooms. John and Marlena enter the room and sit down. Mickey closes the door behind him. “I just wanted to prepare the two of you for what’s going to happen today.” “Why?” “Marlena, custody hearings are usually messy but I’m afraid that this one is going to be the messiest. No one is going to be spared.” “What do you mean?” “Sami has hired the dirtiest lawyer in town, Bruce Addison. He will stop at nothing to win a case. I just want you to be aware that anything might be brought up in court.” “You mean my affair with John.” “Yes, among other things. I just want you to know what you’ll be in for. Marlena, you don’t have to do this.” “I know I don’t have to but I want to. I want to do this for my grandson. I’m a strong woman and I can take anything.” “All right. I’m going to put you on the stand first. I want this to be over for you right away.” “Fine, whatever you think is best.”
The three of them head into the courtroom. Sami is talking to her lawyer. Marlena and Sami’s eyes meet. Tears fill Marlena’s eyes while Sami’s eyes are filled with fire. Sami leans over to her lawyer. “I want you to show no mercy with my mother.” “I told you before that I’m not going to grill a pregnant woman. Even I have my limits.” “You’ll do it or you can kiss your big fat retainer good-bye.” “All rise. Salem county court is now in progress the Honorable Judge Hawthorne presiding.” “Please be seated.” The judge bangs his gavel. “We are here today to hear the case of Lucas Roberts vs. Sami Brady-Reed. Mr. Roberts is suing for sole custody of their minor child William Austin Reed. Is this correct?” Mickey stands up. “Yes sir it is.” “Okay counselor you m
ay proceed with your opening remarks.” “Thank you your honor. Today I will prove to you that Sami Reed is incapable of taking care of her son William Reed. Your honor Sami is obsessed with the plaintiff’s brother and she will stop at nothing to try and win his love. On several occasions Sami has used the child in question to try and gain the love of Austin Reed and every time the child is placed in danger. Why until recently Lucas Roberts didn’t even know that Will was his son and he wouldn’t have ever found out unless Sami’s latest scheme to win Austin hadn’t failed. Through character witnesses I will prove to you today that it is in William Reed’s best interest if he stays in the sole custody of his father, Lucas Roberts. Thank you your Honor.” Sami’s lawyer gets up. He buttons his sport coat. “Your honor, yes Ms. Reed has in the past schemed to win the love of Austin Reed. Today we will prove to you that not only did Mr. Roberts know about these schemes but he encouraged Ms. Reed so that he could win the love of Ms. Carrie Brady. Your honor Ms. Reed is trying to move on with her life and we will prove today that it is not in the child’s best interest to take it away from its mother. Thank you.”
“Okay Mr. Horton. Call your first witness.” “I call Dr. Marlena Evans-Black to the stand.” Marlena gets up from her seat. She glances over at Sami but she looks right past her. “Please place your right hand on the Bible. Do you promise to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you god.” “I do.” “Please be seated.” “Please state your name and occupation for the record.” “I’m Dr. Marlena Evans-Black. I’m a psychiatrist at University Hospital.” “Dr. Evans-Black tell me are you a respected psychiatrist and member of this community?” “I like to think so, yes.” “How are you related to the defendant?” “I’m her mother.” “You’re her mother and you are testifying against her? Why?” “I don’t think she can take care of my grandson.” “Why is that?” “She’s obsessed with winning Austin Reeds love. On several occasions she has put my grandson in danger with one of her schemes to win Austin.” “Marlena could you tell us about some of those situations.” “Well when Will was just an infant she ran away. She hitched a ride with a trucker. The trucker wanted to sleep with Sami to return the favor for the ride and when Sami refused the driver he tried to rape her. Fortunately she was able to escape with the baby.” “Do you know what happened next?” “She told us that she sought shelter in a barn. She lit a gas lamp. During the night the lamp was knocked over and the barn caught fire. Luckily Sami’s sister Carrie and Austin found them in time.” Marlena’s in tears. Mickey hands her a tissue. “Could you site another incident in which one of Sami’s schemes endangered the life of your grandson?” “Sami moved into a rat infested apartment so that Austin would beg her to move back in with him.” “Now how did this scheme endanger the life of your grandson?” “One of Sami’s neighbors abducted Will because she thought that Sami was an unfit mother. She sold him on the black market in Paris. The only way that they could get Will back was if Sami and Austin wed.” “What was Sami’s final scheme?” “Austin had hit Sami with his car. She almost died. She was in a coma for a while but when she woke up she had amnesia.” “What happened next?” “She eventually recovered her memory but she didn’t tell anyone else. She came across Will’s blood type in some medical papers she received and she found out that Austin couldn’t possibly be the father that Lucas was Will’s father.” “What did she do with this information?” “She kept it from everyone. She even went so far as to try and change Will’s blood type in the hospital computers.” “Was she successful?” “No.” “Why was that?” “The hospital had to change its computer system because Sami had switched her sister’s blood type in the computer system a few years earlier.” “Dr. Evans-Black what could happen if Sami was successful in changing the blood types and Will needed blood for some reason?” “Well if he would be given the wrong type of blood he could die.” “So once again your daughter put her child’s life at risk all in the name of love.” Marlena wipes the tears away from her eyes. “Yes.” “Marlena tell us once again why you are here?” “I love my daughter. She may tell you otherwise but I do love her no matter what she’s done. She thinks that I hate her, I don’t. I just hate the things that you do. You hurt people Sami and worst part is that you don’t even care. You are so obsessed that you will do anything to try and win Austin’s love even if that means hurting your own son in the process. I’m sorry but you need to realize that you need help and if taking Will is the only way to get through to you well I just hope that one day you can forgive me.” “Thank you Dr. Evans-Black.”
Sami leans over to her lawyer. “NAIL HER TO THE WALL!” “Dr. Evans that’s a very touching speech. You are a character witness for the plaintiff are you not?” “Yes I am.” “Well Dr. Evans let’s talk about your character?” Mickey stands up. “I object your honor. Dr. Evans’ character is not on trial. She’s giving testimony on the character of the parents involved.” “Your honor if Dr. Evans is making judgements on my client’s character then we should be able to question her character?” “I’ll allow it.” Marlena looks at Sami as if to say stop this now but Sami just turns her head. “Dr. Evans is it true that you had an affair while married to Ms. Reed’s father Roman Brady?” “Yes but there were extenuating circumstances.” “A simple yes or no would suffice.” “Did you or did you not have and affair while married to Ms. Reed’s father Roman Brady?” “Yes.” “Is it also true that your daughter caught you making love to your lover on a conference room table at Titan? Tears are streaming down Marlena’s face. She’s crying so hard that she’s having trouble catching her breath. There is a pain rushing through her abdomen. “Yes.” “I can’t hear you. Speak up.” “YES! Sami saw John and I making love.” “Is it true that your daughter developed an eating disorder because of what she saw?” “Yes.” “Is it also true that your youngest child Isabella was the product of that affair?” “Yes.” Marlena wipes away the tears from her eyes. “Now let’s move on to your relationship with your grandson such that it is. Dr. Evans-Black how many times in the past year have you seen your grandson?” She once again wipes the tears from her eyes. “I don’t know.” “Less than twenty times.” “I don’t know.” “Less than 15 times?” “I don’t know.” “Less than 10 times?” “I don’t know.” “Less than five times?” “I don’t know.” “Let’s move on to something you do know. Dr. Evans is it true that you could have prevented Will’s being sold on the black baby market?” Marlena’s in shock. “What?” The pain is becoming more intense. “Dr. Evans could you have prevented Will’s being sold on the black market?” “I don’t understand.” “You saw Will and the woman who kidnapped him at the air port in Paris did you not?” “Sami how can you sit there and let him do this to me?” “Dr. Evans direct your responses to my questions and my questions only. Did you see Will and the woman who kidnapped him at the air port in Paris yes or no?” “Sami I told you if I had known it was Will I would have fought anyone to get him back you know that. How can you let him do this to me?” “Dr. Evans please just answer the question.” “Yes but.” “Just answer yes or no.” “YES!” Marlena’s once again crying uncontrollably. “Your grandson is right in front of you and yet you don’t recognize him and you want to tell this court what’s best for him? No further questions your honor.”
Mickey stands up. “I would like to redirect your honor.” Mickey hands Marlena a glass of water. “Do you need some time?” Marlena takes a sip of water. “No I’m fine.” “Marlena you said that there were extenuating circumstances surrounding your affair could you please elaborate?” “I had an affair with John Black. At one time we thought John was my dead husband Roman. We lived as husband and wife for many years before I was kidnapped and held captive for 5 years. Eventually I made my way back home to Salem only to find out that John was not Roman and that my husband was held prisoner by the same man who held me prisoner. John and I parted. We never really resolved our feelings for each other and that eventually led to our affair. We both know that our affair was wrong and we ended not long after it began.” “Mr. Addison pointed out that you saw your grandson at the airport in Paris. Could you tell us why you didn’t recognize your grandson?” “She had told me that it was a girl so I wasn’t suspecting that it could be my grandson. He also had on a hat and those little kiddie sunglasses, which made it hard to see his face. If I had known it was him I would have done anything to get him back.” “Thank you Dr. Evans.” John goes up to the witness box to help Marlena. Marlena goes to get out of the chair but she collapses in pain. She falls to the floor. “Marlena!” “MOM!”
Marlena’s on the floor clutching her stomach. “Doc!” John rushes to Marlena’s side. “John, the babies.” “Listen to me Doc, I’m not going to let anything happen to you or our babies. Do you hear me?” “Yes but…” “But nothing. You and the babies are going to be fine. Have I ever lied to you before?” “No.” “Well I’m not about to start now. Now I want you to try and relax. Okay?” “I’ll try.” John turns to Mickey. “I want you to call for an ambulance.” Marlena grabs John’s arm. “No John.” “Doc, you have to go to the hospital.” “I know that. I’ll go. Just not in an ambulance. The pain’s gone. Help me up.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. Please help me up.” John slowly helps Marlena up from the floor. The judge speaks up. “Dr. Black are you alright?” “Yes your honor. The pain has subsided.” “All right. We’ll take a brief recess.” The judge takes on an angry tone. “I’d like to see council in my chambers. Right now.” John and Marlena start toward the door when Lucas stops them. “Marlena, I’m sorry. I had no idea that Sami would go this far.” “Lucas, you have nothing to be sorry about.” The pain starts again. Marlena doubles over. John catches Marlena. Sami rushes over. “Mom.” Marlena looks at Sami then at John. “Get me to the hospital.”
Sami follows John and Marlena. “Mom, wait.” John grabs Sami. “Samantha Gene leave your mother alone. You’ve done enough damage for one day.” “Mom, I’m sorry. Please let me talk to you.” “Samantha, this is the last time I’m going to say this leave your mother alone.” “No John. There’s something I want to say to my daughter.” The three of them move the conversation into an empty conference room. Marlena enters the room first with Sami following behind her. John enters the room and closes the door behind him. There’s a moment of silence. “Mom I’m sorry. I didn’t want to do what I did but you left me no choice.” “Samantha you have plenty of choices but of course you chose the wrong one.” “I can’t loose my son. I had to do what I did.” “No Samantha you didn’t have to do what you did. I never thought that you could do anything that could make me turn my back on you…you’ve always tried so hard to push me away…well you’ve finally succeeded you have pushed me away forever.” “Mom you don’t mean that.” “Yes…yes I do mean it. I can’t keep banging my head against a brick wall. You want me out of your life? Well you finally have your wish. I wash my hands of you.” Marlena goes toward the door. Sami cries out, “MOM!” She pauses for a second then she opens the door and leaves. John follows behind her. Sami sits there unable to move. The bailiff pokes his head into the room. “We’re going to be starting in a couple of minutes Ms. Reed.” Sami wipes the tears from her eyes. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
Carrie and Austin enter the courtroom. They go over to Lucas to find out what’s going on. “Lucas, what’s all the commotion about? Everyone is talking about a woman who collapsed in court?” “It was Marlena.” “Marlena?” “Sami’s lawyer was pretty tough on her. Marlena was so upset that she doubled over in pain.” “Sami will do anything to get what she wants no matter what the consequence.” Sami enters the courtroom. Carrie confronts her. “How could you? How could you hurt your own mother like that?” “I had to do what I did to make sure that I didn’t loose my son. And what about me? My own mother is helping to take my son away from me.” “You still don’t get it. Sami, Marlena did this because she loves you.” “Yeah she loves me so much she wants to see me loose my son.” “No…no she doesn’t want to see you loose Will but she also doesn’t want anything to happen to Will.” “I would never hurt Will.” “No you wouldn’t intentionally.” “What are you getting at?” “You’re obsessed with getting Austin and you will use anyone and anything to get him. Will has been caught in the middle of your schemes every time. Sami we almost lost Will for good in Paris.” “But we didn’t.” “Yes but Sami it could have turned out very differently. Sami this is the only way that everyone can get through to you that you need help.” “I don’t need help. I just need my son.” Sami walks away.
Carrie turns to Austin. “I’m going to the hospital.” Lucas speaks. “Carrie, please let me know how Marlena’s doing. I feel partly responsible for this.” “Lucas the only person to blame for this is Sami.” Carrie glares at Sami. “Let’s go Austin.” Austin and Carrie leave the courtroom. Austin closes the door. “Carrie wait a minute. Don’t you think you were a little hard on Sami?” “Hard on her? Austin she let her lawyer grill Marlena to the point where she was doubled over in pain. If you ask me I wasn’t hard enough on her.” “I can understand why she did what she did.” “You can understand?” People are looking at the two of them arguing. Austin looks around. “Let’s go in here.” Carrie and Austin enter one of the empty conference rooms. “How could you say that you understand what Sami did?” “Carrie you’re not a parent and I don’t think you could truly understand what it means when a parent loves their child.” “Austin I think it’s about time you start to understand that you aren’t Will’s father. I know you love him and I know that there is always going to be a special bond between the two of you but I think it’s about time you stepped back and gave Lucas and Will the time they need to form their own bond.” “I won’t walk away from Will.” “I’m not asking you to walk away from him. I’m just asking you to back off until all of this is settled and Will has some time to get used to the idea that Lucas is his father. Sami is still playing it up that Will still thinks of you as his father and she is going to keep using that to keep you in her life. She’s obsessed with you. The fact that she would change Will’s medical records proves that. Austin that could have been deadly for Will had she succeeded.” “Carrie you don’t understand. When Sami had her amnesia I saw a side of her that no one could see. There is good inside of her. We just have to give her a chance.” “Give her a chance? After everything she’s done to us. I’m sorry but there is no way I can ever forgive her. She’s run out of second chances with me. I can’t believe you of all people would give her another chance after she deceived you about who Will’s father was.” “I’m sorry but I think she can change and I don’t think that taking Will away is going to get through to her.” “Well that’s your opinion. I really don’t want to argue about this right now. I think we should head over to the hospital.” Carrie walks to the door but Austin stops her. “I’m going to stay here.” “What?” “I’m staying here. I want to show my support for Will. He needs me right now.” “Austin what happens here doesn’t matter. No matter what the outcome Will is going to be with a parent who loves him. His life isn’t in danger like Marlena and her babies.” Carrie looks at Austin. “You’re going to stay aren’t you?” “Yes, I’m staying.” “I don’t believe this. You do what you want. I’m going to the hospital. Marlena’s always been there for me and now it’s my turn to be there for her.” Carrie walks to the door. She opens the door and turns towards Austin. “She’s finally done it.” “Done what?” “Sami’s finally come between us.” “What do you mean?” “Look at us. We do nothing but argue. We don’t see eye to eye on anything. I think she’s finally succeeded in driving a wedge between us. I think it’s finally over for us.” “Don’t say that.” “I think one of us finally has to say it. We’ve gone through too much…too much has happened and we can’t go back. I think its high time we realized that it’s over. It’s probably been over since the night you slept with Sami.” “Don’t say that.” “I’m sorry but that’s how I feel. I have to go.” Carrie tries to leave but Austin stops her. “When are you going to be home?” “I don’t know.” “You don’t know if you’re going to come home or you don’t know when you’re going to come home.” “Austin I just think we need some time apart to sort out how we really feel. I’ll come to you when I’m ready. Good-bye.”
At University Hospital
Marlena’s resting in her room. John enters the room to see Marlena sleeping. He quietly sits down next to the bed. John starts to stroke Marlena’s hair. Marlena opens her eyes. “Hey pretty lady. How are you feeling?” “John I’m scared. I can’t be in labor it’s too soon.” John embraces Marlena to try and calm her down. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you or our babies.” “John you have no control over this.” “I don’t. Lady I’d move heaven and earth for you. Nothing is going to happen to you or our babies.” Dr. Baitor enters the room. “How’s the patient doing?” “The pains have slowed down and they’re not as intense as they were. Doctor, what’s wrong?” “Marlena, you’re in labor.” Tears fill Marlena’s eyes. “Oh no! I can’t it’s too soon.” “Listen to me Doc. Everything is going to be okay. I want you to calm down.” John turns to Dr. Baitor. “You can stop the labor.” “I’ve started Marlena on an IV drip with medication which I’m hoping will stop the labor. Now I want you to take it easy and I’ll be back in a little while to check up on you.” “Thank you doctor.” Dr. Baitor leaves the room. John gets up from the bed. Marlena grabs him. “John, don’t leave me.” “Doc, I want to ask the doctor something. I’ll only be a minute.” “Hurry back.” John kisses Marlena on the forehead. “You know I will.” John leaves the room.
“Dr. Baitor!” “Yes John.” “That medication? Is it going to be able to stop the labor?” “I hope it will.” “You hope it will?! Doctor these are my children’s lives we’re talking about.” “I know that John. The medication I’m giving Marlena should stop the labor. Whether or not it works will depend on whether you can keep her calm. The good news is that her water didn’t break. Now that is a very good sign. Now you just have to keep her calm so that the medication can work. That’s the best I can do.” “Thank you doctor. I know you will do everything you can to save our children’s lives.” Dr. Baitor’s beeper goes off. “Excuse me. I’m needed in delivery.” John tries to calm himself down before he goes back into Marlena’s room. He pours a cup of coffee.
The elevator opens and Carrie steps out running into Mike. “Mike, how is she?” “How’s who?” “Marlena.” “Marlena? I didn’t know she was in the hospital.” “She was testifying at Will’s custody hearing today. Sami’s lawyer was being really tough on her and when he was through she collapsed.” “Let’s see if I can find out what room she’s in.” “Thanks Mike.” Mike goes over to the nurse’s desk. Carrie sees John. “John…John how’s Marlena?” “Hi punkin. She’s in premature labor. The doctor has her on medication to try and stop it.” “Do you think it’s going to work?” “I don’t know honey. All we can do is be patient and pray that it works.” “Would it be alright if I went in to see her?” “I think she’d love it.” Mike sees the two of them. “John how is she?” “She’s on medication to stop the labor. The good news is that her water didn’t break.” Carrie turns to Mike. “Well that’s good isn’t it?” “Yes that’s very good. If Marlena can remain calm then the medication should work to stop the labor.” “I’m going in to see her.” “I’m going to call home and check in on the kids. I’ll be in a minute.”
Carrie pokes her head into Marlena’s room. “Are you ready for visitors?” “Get in here you. Of course I’m ready for visitors.” Carrie goes over to Marlena’s bedside. “Now you know I’m very anxious to see my little brothers or sisters but I think I can wait a few more months.” Marlena smiles. “Your little brothers or sisters?” “I hope you don’t mind. You know that I will always think of you and John as my parents. I think of Belle and Brady as my sister and brother so naturally I will think of these babies in the same way. You don’t mind do you?” Tears begin to form in Marlena’s eyes. “Mind? No of course I don’t mind. I will always think of you as my daughter.” Marlena puts her hand on her stomach. “I think these babies will be very lucky to have you for a big sister.” “How are you feeling?” “I actually think the medication is starting to work. The contractions are slowing down.” Marlena wipes the tears from her eyes. “Let’s talk about something else. How are you and Austin?” Carrie turns away from Marlena. She doesn’t want trouble her with her problems. “Carrie?” There’s a knock at the door. “Come in.” Mike enters the room “Well how is our patient feeling? Have the contractions slowed down?” “Yes, I think the medication is working.” “Dr. Baitor has been called to the delivery room so I’ll be checking up on you if you don’t mind.” “No of course I don’t mind.”
John enters the room. He sits on the bed with Marlena. “How are the kids?” “They’re fine. Caroline and Sean are going to stay with them tonight. I’m going to spend the entire night here.” “John I’ll be fine. The kids are going to know that something’s wrong if you don’t go home.” “Doc I’m not going to leave you and that’s final.” Mike speaks up. “John I’ll have a cot brought in here for you.” “Thanks Mike.” Carrie interrupts. “Well I have to go. You take care.” Carrie leans over and gives Marlena a hug and a kiss. “I will.” Carrie hugs John. “Let me know if you need anything.” “Bye punkin.” Carrie and Mike leave the room. “John, I think there’s something wrong with Carrie. She seems upset.” “Sure she’s upset Doc she loves you very much.” “No it’s not just me. Please go after her and see if you can help.” “Doc.” “John, please for me I would feel so much better if you went after her.”
Mike goes over to the nurse’s desk. “Please page me if Dr. Black’s condition changes.” “Yes doctor.” “Well I’m going to head home.” “Carrie, what’s wrong?” “Am I that transparent?” “To me you are. Do you want to talk?” “I don’t know. I don’t know what I want to do.” Carrie turns away and then back to Mike. “I can’t keep this inside any longer. Is there some place where we can talk in private?” “How about the balcony?” Carrie nods yes. Mike opens the door for Carrie. As Carrie and Mike enter the balcony John sees them and decides to let them talk. Carrie leans on the railing. “So is this about you and Austin.” Carrie takes a deep breath. “It’s about Austin, Sami, and me. Mike I thought that once it was all out in the open about Austin not being Will’s father was out it would be over. All of Austin’s ties to Sami would be severed but that hasn’t happened.” “You honestly didn’t think that Austin would just stop seeing Will did you?” “No but I thought he would at least put us ahead of Sami but once again her needs come first. He stayed at the courthouse. I asked him to come to the hospital with me but he wouldn’t because he needs to be there for Sami.” “He said that?” “No…not exactly. He said that he needed to be there for Will but I can see that he cares for Sami. I hate to say this but I think she’s won. She’s finally succeeded in taking Austin away from me.” Mike takes Carrie into his arms. “You have to talk to Austin.” Carrie pulls away from Mike. “Mike there’s no talking to him. All we do is argue. I just have to face it that it’s over.” Mike begins to think about his last conversation with Jesse. “Mike…Mike.” “I’m right here. You just hang on.” “I don’t know if I can. I want you to promise me something.” “What is it?” “I want you to promise me that you will talk to Carrie. Tell her how you feel. Don’t go through your life wondering what might have been. Please promise me you’ll tell her.” Mike’s beeper goes off. “I have to take this.” Carrie and Mike leave the balcony. Mike gets on the phone. “I’m going to leave Mike.” “Could you hold for a moment? Thank you. Where are you going to go?” “I think I’ll get some of my clothes and I’ll stay at my old apartment or I’ll see if I can stay at the Pub.” “Just let me know if you need anything.” Carrie smiles and hugs Mike. “Thank you for being there for me.” Carrie pushes the button for the elevator. The doors open and Carrie is almost run over by Don. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” “Don?” “Carrie, where’s Marlena?” “She’s in room 515.” “I went over to the house to see Maddie and Sean told me that Marlena was here. What the happened?” “Marlena was testifying at the custody hearing for Will today and Sami’s lawyer got a little rough with her.” “A little rough? I can’t believe that daughter of hers to hurt her mother like that is unforgivable. Are she and the babies okay?” “Well she’s in premature labor. The doctor gave her medication to stop it.” “Can I see her?” “Yes, I was just in there. The most important thing is that she remains calm.” “I’ll try my best. You take care kiddo.” “I will.”
The scene switches back to Roman’s room at the Brady Pub. Roman’s standing in front of the mirror in his room when suddenly the mirror starts to work it’s hypnotic motions. Roman falls into a trance, a voice starts to talk to Roman. “The phoenix will rise again. Remember your training. Your blood boils at the thought of John and Marlena being together. They put you through hell and they must pay. Especially John. You will kill John Black when the time is right. The phoenix will rise again.” The mirror and the voice stop. There’s a knock at the door. Roman brakes his trance. “Daddy, are you in there?” “Peanut? Come in.” Sami enters the room in tears. “Peanut, what’s wrong? What happened?” “I lost him.” “You lost who?” “I lost Will.” “What do you mean?” “I lost custody of Will today.” “What? Why didn’t you tell me about this?” “I didn’t want to worry you. I didn’t think that there was any way I could loose Will. Boy was I wrong.” “You listen to me I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that you get your son back.” “You will?” “Of course, I’ll do anything for you peanut. Tell me what happened.” “It was mom.” “Marlena, I don’t understand.” “Mom testified against me. She told the judge I was an unfit mother. Daddy she helped them take my little boy away.” Roman takes Sami into his arms. “Listen to me Peanut we will get Will back. I’ll undo the damage your mother has done. Is she at the mansion?” Sami wipes the tears from her eyes. “No, she’s at the hospital.” “Hospital?” “She collapsed after testifying. I’m guessing they rushed her to University Hospital.” “You stay here and I’ll be back.” Roman kisses his daughter on the forehead and leaves. Sami sits on the bed crying.
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Don enters Marlena’s room. He throws his coat over the chair. “I come all the way from New Jersey to see my three favorite ladies in Salem and what should I find out that one of them has landed herself a stay in the hospital.” Don kisses Marlena on the forehead. “Oh Don.” “Don’t oh Don me. What’s this I hear about premature labor?” “The doctor’s given me some medication and the contractions have slowed a bit. We’re hoping that they’ll stop soon.” There’s a knock at the door. “Come in.” Mike enters. “Don, I’m glad you’re here. I was just paged. It’s about Jesse.” “Is she awake?” “No the reason I’m here is that the hospital would like to release her.” “But she’s still in the coma.” “Well technically all of her injuries from the accident are healed. Right now hospital space is needed for patients with more serious injuries. They are recommending that Jesse be moved to a facility that can take care of her 24 hours a day. There’s a clinic just outside of town that Jesse’s doctors are recommending. You don’t have to decide this very minute but please start thinking about what you want to do.” “Thank you Mike.” Mike leaves the room.
Don sits down in the chair next to Marlena’s bed. “What do you think Baby? Do you know anything about this clinic Mike’s taking about?” “It’s a home Don. I don’t want Jesse there.” “Well do you know of any other places.” “Yes as a matter of fact I do.” “I don’t like that look on your face.” “We have an entire wing in our mansion that’s not being used.” Don rolls his eyes and gets up from his chair. “Here we go.” “We could bring all the equipment we needed to take care of Jesse.” “Marlena.” “We could have a nurse and a doctor on hand 24 hours a day. It’s perfect.” Don objects. “It’s not perfect. Marlena you will end up spending all of your time taking care of Jesse. No I’m not going to allow you to do this.” “Allow me? You act as though she’s nothing to me. She’s my niece.” “Yes but she’s my daughter and I will take care of her.” John enters the room. “What’s going on in here?” “The hospital wants to release Jesse.” “That’s great.” “No it’s not.” “I’m confused here.” “John, Don and the doctors want to send Jesse to a home.” “It’s not a home.” “It is Don. Don’t kid yourself.” “Doc, what do you want to do?” “I want her to come home with us.” John has misgivings. “Doc.” “You don’t want Jesse to come home with us?” “No Doc I want her to come home with us but I think right now it would be too much.” “Too much. John I’d just have to go down the hall to see her instead of going to the out skirts of town. If she’s in the house I wouldn’t have to worry whether or not she’s being well taken care of oh please won’t you agree with me.” Don interrupts. “Jesse is my daughter and I want to take care of her.” “You’re not going to take her back to New Jersey are you? Because if that’s what you’re thinking then you can get that right out of your head right now. Jesse is better off here where she will be surrounded by people who love her and can help her come out of this coma.” “Marlena I’m not about to take Jesse away from Salem.” “You weren’t?” “No, you and John have been taking care of her since her accident. I think it’s about time I take care of my own daughter. I think it’s time that her old man start taking care of some of her bills.” “Is this about money Don?” “Don I have the money to help and I’m more than happy to help Jesse. She’s a very important member of this family.” “I know but I would just feel better if it were me taking care of everything for my daughter. I hope you understand.” John nods his head. “But Don how can you take care of Jesse when you’re only here on weekends?” “Well if you’d let me finish I could tell you.” “Fine.” “I was offered a job here in Salem.” “A job? Where? With who?” “Mickey has offered me a job with his firm.” “Don that’s wonderful now you won’t have to travel back and forth from Jersey.” “Well the traveling back and forth is one reason why I’m taking this job but it’s not the only reason.” Don sits down next to Marlena and takes her hand. “I actually miss this place. I miss the good people here…I miss Alice’s famous doughnuts…I miss my friends…but most of all I miss you Baby.” Tears flow from Marlena’s eyes. “Oh Don. I’ve missed you too. I miss the friendship that we used to have.” Don wipes the tears from Marlena’s eyes. “Now stop being so weepy. You know I can’t stand to see you cry.” Marlena smiles. “So when is this move going to be permanent?” “I’ll be in town for a few days. I want to find an apartment to rent before I go back to Jersey. There are a few loose ends I want to tie up before I come back but I will say that within the next month I’ll be a permanent resident of Salem again.” “Well I for one can’t wait.” “I think I’m going to get going.” “Now wait a minute Don. You have one more loose end here that you have to tie up.” “What would that be?” “Jesse, what are we going to do about Jesse?” “Marlena, I really think that she should go to that clinic.” “How about a compromise?” “I should have known.” “Known what?” “I should have known that all those tears and the oh Don I miss your friendship stuff was just buttering me up for this.” “Don, what a horrible thing to say.” “I know you Baby. Okay out with it. What’s your compromise?” “What if we send Jesse to the clinic for now but once I’ve had the babies and we’re all at home and safe we let Jesse move into the mansion. Do we have a deal?” “Lady you drive a hard bargain and I think I can live with this deal. You win.” Marlena extends her hand out to Don. “So we have a deal.” “You win. We have a deal. I hate to rush off but I still have to find a room for tonight.” “Don don’t be silly. You can stay at the mansion.” “I couldn’t do that.” “Yes you could do that. I for one would feel better knowing that you were there and well I get the feeling that Sean and Caroline could use you for back up. Some times the kids can be a handful. So what do you say?” “What can I say? I’ll say yes.” Marlena smiles. “I’ll see you again before I leave. Take care.” Don leans over and kisses Marlena. “I will.” “Don I’ll walk you out. We could talk to Mike about getting Jesse moved to that clinic.” “That sounds great.” Don opens the door. John kisses Marlena. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” “Take your time, I think I’m going to take a nap.”
Don and John leave the room and head to Mike’s office. Just as they get on the elevator Roman gets off. Neither John nor Don sees him. Roman heads to the nurse’s desk. “Could you please tell me what room Dr. Marlena Evans is in?” “Yes Dr. Black is in room 515?” “Thank you.” Roman enters the room with out knocking. Marlena’s sleeping but she suddenly feels like she’s being watched so she opens her eyes. “Roman? What are you doing here?” “How could you Doc? How could you do it?” “Do what?” “Don’t play innocent with me Doc. How could you testify against your own daughter?” “Roman, I did what I felt was in the best interest of our daughter and our grandson. Judging from your reaction I can see that Sami lost custody of Will.” “You’re damn right she lost custody. You know what the worst part is? The worst part is that it was probably your testimony that swayed the judge. Now because of you our grandson will never be able to see his mother again.” “Now wait one minute. I didn’t make up anything that I said in court. Sami really did do some horrible things over the years. If you had been here over the past three years you would have known everything Sami’s done but of course like today you weren’t there.” “Doc I left because of you.” “No Roman you left because you couldn’t handle what happened. I tried. I wanted to try to work things out. I begged you not to sign the divorce papers. I begged you not to leave but you left anyway.” “What did you want me to do? Stay around and watch you and John raise a child that I thought was mine?” “You could have stayed for your children. You knew that Sami adored you. You knew that she would never be able to handle the fact that you were gone.” “Well I’m back now and I’m going to make sure that my daughter is never hurt again by you or anybody.” The pains start again. John enters the room. “What’s going on in here? I could hear the two of you down the hall.” “John the pain has started again.” Roman comes closer to Marlena. “This is not over Doc!” John pushes Roman away. “What the hell’s wrong with you man? Can’t you see she’s in pain.” “Her pain is nothing like the pain she caused me or my daughter.” John opens the door. “Get the hell out of here Roman.” Roman heads to the door and pauses. “This is not over.” John grabs Roman’s shirt and throws him out the door. “John please don’t start anything.” The two men move the argument to the lobby. John lets go of Roman’s shirt. Roman goes after John. “You think you’re such a big man.” “I think I’m a better man than you.” “Oh really.” “Yes really. What the hell were you thinking going after Marlena like that? Haven’t you put her through enough?” “What I put her through? What about what she put me through?” Roman grabs for John. John pushes him away. “What’s wrong with you? Where is all of this anger coming from?” Roman lunges for John again. Mike comes between the two men. “What’s going on?” “Roman came in and verbally attacked Marlena.” Mike turns to Roman. “Is this true?” “She had it coming.” “Roman I want you out of this hospital right now. If you don’t leave I’ll have security escort you out.” John lunges towards Roman. “Mike just let me take care of him.” Mike restrains John. “Listen to me he’s not worth it. Marlena needs you right now. She needs you to be there and not in a jail cell because you beat up Roman. Do you hear me?” John stops struggling to get away from Mike’s grip. “Roman, get out.” Roman leaves but he takes one last shot. “This isn’t over.” John moves towards Roman. Mike grabs John. “No, John. Let him go. Marlena needs you now.”
John rushes to Marlena’s bedside. “How are you feeling?” “John the pain’s back.” John takes Marlena’s hand. “Okay honey. I just want you to calm down. Think about seeing the kids again. Think about being out of this place and being among your friends and family. Can you do that?” Marlena nods her head. “Um hum.” “Take deep breaths.” Marlena takes some deep cleansing breaths. “That’s it.” “John what was that just now? I thought he was over all the anger. I thought he was finally past everything.” “I did too Doc. Maybe the news of the custody hearing was just too much. I don’t want to talk about him right now. I just want to concentrate on you and our babies.” “John, I’m scared.” “There’s nothing to be scared about Doc. Nothing is ever going to happen to you and our babies.” “You know when you say it, I almost believe it.” “Well lady you’d better believe it. As long as I’m breathing no harm will ever come to you or our children and you can bet on that.” John climbs into bed with Marlena. He rocks her to sleep. “No one is ever going to hurt you Doc.”
The Jarlena Journal 
REALLY WHERES THE REST OF THE STORY PLEASE DONT DO THIS
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