It had been a week since the birth of John and Marlena’s beautiful granddaughter and John hadn’t had a single moment to relax from the excitement. When John and Marlena returned home that night, they were so lost in discussion about the days events and Marlena’s progress, that neither one of them realized that Alex was no where around. It wasn’t until they decided to call it a night and Marlena went to her room and found a note on her pillow.
Marlena,
I am sorry that I couldn’t say good bye in person, but I have been
called away on an emergency. I understand that your recovery is
very important, but I can see that you are doing very well being
back here in Salem. Just with today’s events you have proven that
there is not much more that I can do for you that being around
your family and friends couldn’t. So, with that said, my last piece
of advice for you as your Dr. Let John in, let him help you. He
obviously loves you very much and would never hurt you. Just
open your mind and as the days go by, your memory will come
back.
Take care Marlena,
Alex
Marlena went hysterical “John…no, no, no, he can’t leave… noooooo!” John came flying into the room with the look of utter fear on his face. “Doc, Doc what is it? Are you ok?” Marlena just handed John the letter while she tried to get ahold of herself and control the flood of tears running down her now red cheeks. John tried to contain a smile as he brushed back Marlena’s hair. “Oh, I’m so sorry Marlena, but I am sure it was really important.”
Marlena forced John’s hand away from her face and looked into his eyes with anger overflowing from her own. “Your not sorry, you’ve been trying to get rid of Alex ever since he started treating me. How do I know you didn’t set this up? How do I know you didn’t get rid of him and MAKE him leave me this note? The one thing I do know is that I need Alex, I trust him, and you had better bring him back!” John was shocked and his expressions showed it. All John could think was ‘What has he done to her’. John reached out to Marlena and was quickly denied. “Marlena, how could I have done anything to Alex? I have been with you helping our little girl bring our first grandchild into the world! When did I have time to do anything? I’ve been by your side all night.”
Marlena’s anger slowly faded and was again replaced with sadness. “I…I don’t know. I’m just so confused. But if you love me and want my memory back like you say you do, then you will find Alex and bring him back. I need him!” With that Marlena let out a frustrated sob and ran to the bathroom. John was left standing alone in what used to be their room, with nothing but his thoughts. John may have not sent Alex away, but he was pretty sure he new who had. He didn’t want any specifics or even verification that he did get rid of Alex, but John made a mental note to thank Victor later.
Since that night John has been making himself look busy “trying finding out just what exactly happened” to Dear old Dr. North and with every day that passes Marlena asks less and less about John’s progress. John smiled to himself as he stares blankly into his Laptop screen, thinking about how well he and Marlena have been getting along and about how nicely she was easing back into life in Salem. Just yesterday Marlena and Belle went out and got pampered at the Salon and went shopping for baby clothes.
Marlena came home relaxed with a big smile on her face and it made John’s day to see her so happy. John was brought back to reality with the sound of Marlena’s voice as she came down the stairs. “John, will you put that laptop away? You have been exhausting yourself trying to find Alex, I’m sure he will turn up eventually. You need to take a break and relax, besides Belle, Philip and the baby are on their way for lunch. John…what are you staring at?” John couldn’t help himself, she just seemed to get younger and more beautiful every day.
She was wearing a pair of white, low-rise slacks with pink pinstripes, a soft pink scoop neck tee-shirt that hugged her curves perfectly, and her hair was pulled up into a loose ponytail. John realized that Marlena was starting to get uncomfortable, “Sorry Doc, you just…that outfit looks great.” Marlena’s face lit up with a smile as she let out a breathed laugh. “Oh…thank you. I think Belle and I did more shopping for ourselves than we did the baby.” “Well I think I’m going to have to send the two of you out shopping more often. You look beautiful!”Marlena’s face immediately turned 3 shades redder from embarrassment as she shyly replied, “Thank you”. John and Marlena stared into each others eyes, for what seemed like an eternity, until the door bell rang and Marlena looked away, not knowing how to treat this awkward moment.
Marlena, still feeling John’s eyes on her, “That must be them, will you get the door, while I get lunch set up?” Marlena hurried off to the kitchen as John rose to answer the door, but what John didn’t see was the extremely large smile Marlena was bearing as she left the room. Once Marlena reached the kitchen she let herself fall back against the wall as both of her hands held her stomach. With her lips still curved into a perfect smile, Marlena whispered to herself. “Come on Marlena get it together, you’re an adult. I can’t believe I have butterflies, I feel like a school girl.” Belle called out from the living room. “Mom would you like some help?” Marlena quickly regained her composure and with one last little smile to herself Marlena picked up the tray and headed to the living room. “No, I’ve got it Baby Girl!” John, Marlena, Belle, Philip and the newest addition all sat like a real family and laughed and told stories, just like old times.
John and Philip cleared the coffee table and rejoined the girls, who were fussing over the baby. As Philip sat back down, Belle returned to her spot beside him and smiled at her mother as Philip wrapped his arm around her. “Mom, do yo want me to take her? You haven’t put her down since we got here, your arms have got to be tired!” Marlena only glanced up at Belle for a second then returned her gaze to the precious angel in her arms, who had a rather tight grip on her finger. “No…no, I’m fine Baby Girl.” Belle’s, John’s, and Philip’s mouths dropped open as the 3 of them looked at Marlena with confused expressions, but Belle was the first able to force a response out.
“Mom, did you remember something?” Marlena didn’t look up to respond “Why do you ask Baby Girl?” This time John was the first one able to manage a reply “Doc look at me!” Marlena looked up at John and in doing so, noticed the expressions on both Belle’s and Philip’s faces. “What? What’s the matter?” “Doc, do you realize what you just called Belle?” Marlena didn’t even hesitate for a moment thinking of the answer or why it was such a big deal. “Of course, I called her Baby…” Finally Marlena paused, realizing the oddness of her response. “I called her Baby Girl! Why? Why would I do that?” A single tear rolled down Belle’s cheek. “That’s what you have always called me. It’s kind of like your affectionate nickname for me.” John smiled knowing this was some sort of break through and had to know what triggered it. “Doc, what were you thinking about when you called Belle Baby Girl?” Marlena rose from her seat and went and placed Claire in the rocking bassinet that John insisted they have for when the baby was there. Marlena was about to speak when she again had a flashback of Belle’s birth. “Doc! Doc?” Marlena raised her eyes to meet John’s “I was thinking of this daydream I had. When Belle was in between contractions, I kept having flashes of giving birth to her. In the flashes, Belle wasn’t born in a hospital and she almost died, and…you were the one who delivered her.”
A smile played on Marlena’s lips as she averted her eyes from John and back towards Claire before continuing. “Because of all the similarities to the situation that was at hand, I realized that it had to have been a dream. But when I saw this little one right here, welcome the world, I couldn’t help but think of how much she looked like Belle had in my dream.” John, Belle, and Philip all had tears free flowing by the time Marlena was done speaking.
John and Belle knew deep down that, eventually, this would happen, but Philip was in awe. “Oh my God! From what I remember being told of Belle’s birth…I would say that was dead on!” It took all that Belle had to calm down enough to confirm her husbands statement. “Mom, that wasn’t a dream! That was a memory…you remembered that!” Marlena looked to John with pure emotion written on her face. Knowing that his words could be what sends her over the edge.
John knew that he had never smiled as wide or as hard as he was at this moment. “Doc, your right. Belle wasn’t born in a hospital, she was born at the Horton Cabin. We did almost lose Belle when she stopped breathing, but we got her back. And I was there to help deliver our beautiful little girl into this world. You remembered, baby…you remembered!” Marlena, overwhelmed in light of this information, fell to her knee’s sobbing with joy as John wrapped his arms around her and began to slowly rock. Belle and Philip held each other tightly as they silently cried and watched John and Marlena share in the emotions of this miraculous break through.
After a moments time John gently lifted Marlena’s chin so that they were eye to eye. “Remember what I told you in the church? This is it Doc, the beginning of a journey! Now I am going to be there every step of the way, but I need to know one thing.” Marlena wiped the last fear tears away with a smile “What’s that?” John’s gaze into Marlena’s eyes turned into a deep stare of pure love, which left a feeling of warmth through out Marlena’s body, right down to her soul. “Can you leave your mind open and let the memories continue to find their way back to you. Can you come to me and use my strength and my love to help you through this?” Marlena couldn’t speak, but she knew that she could do what he asked. She felt how much he loved her through not only the way he looked at her at this moment, but through his words and emotions.
Marlena shook her head slowly and softly replied “Yes…I can. I trust you!” John gently took Marlena’s left hand and let his lips lightly graze her knuckles as they rose from the floor, unable to unlock the intent gaze they had into each others eye.
Belle who had not stopped crying since her mother had told everyone of the flashback, was the first to speak “Well…I think this is cause for celebration.” Marlena smiled happily at her daughter, but it was John’s mischievous smile that caught Philips attention. “What are you cook’n up in that head of yours John?” “I just had the greatest idea!” John took both of Marlena’s hands into his own “Do you think you’re up for some more…” John paused looking for the right word “reminders, to see what other memories we can trip?” Marlena laughed and shook her head quickly. “Yes, Yes, I’m up for it!” “Then what would you say if I asked if you would accompany me to dinner tonight? Belle and Philip are invited as well as a few other friends so that you won’t feel uncomfortable.”John glanced over at his daughter and son-in-law and gave them a wink, before continuing. “And the moment that you want to leave, you just say the word and we’ll go! So…what do you say?” Marlena wasn’t expecting John to do this, but she was intrigued and a little excited to see what he had planned. “If I say yes, then this would be like our…first date, wouldn’t it?” John thought about it for a moment then smiled at Marlena. “Yeah, I guess it would.” “Then my answer is yes. Yes I would love to accompany you to dinner tonight!”
John, wanting everything to be perfect, left with Philip to get ready at the Loft so that Marlena and Belle could get ready at the Penthouse. John’s first order of business was taken care of before he and Philip had even made it down to the Lobby. He had called Kellie, the Head of his Evening Wear line at Basic Black, and had her rush several dresses to the Penthouse for Marlena and Belle to chose from. Once John was in his tuxedo and Philip was in his full dress uniform, Philip helped John start make the plans and arrangements for the night that may change John and Marlena’s lives forever.
Back at the Penthouse Marlena and Belle were taking care of their finishing touches while waiting for John and Philip. Belle was sure that this date would be the beginning of her parents journey to overcoming their greatest obstacle. While Marlena was in the bathroom double checking her hair, Belle was staring down at the collection of perfumes gathered on her mother’s dressing table. Belle pulled a bottle of Marlena’s favorite perfume out of her purse and sprayed it once in the air so that she could smell the sweet scent that always reminded her of her mother. Marlena stood back in the shadows of the room as Belle’s eyes welled up with tears as she inhaled the mist that surrounded her. Just as Belle was replacing the bottle to it’s original home, Marlena moved from her hiding place. “Belle? What’s the matter?” Belle quickly wiped away the few tears that managed to escape her eyes. “I was just returning this.” Marlena moved to her daughters side and began to rub her back in small circular motions. “Return what sweet heart?” Belle lifted the bottle back up and handed it to her mother. “This!” Marlena took the delicate bottle pressing lightly on the atomizer and breathing in. “Oh, this scent…it’s…it’s lovely! This was mine?” Marlena and Belle shared a smile, before Belle answered back sarcastically. “NO, it’s MINE! Yes, it’s yours.
You see, when we thought you were dead I had taken it. I always remembered this perfume from when I was a little girl.” Marlena’s eyes clouded with tears that threatened to pour out at any moment. “Dad was so angry when I took it! He would spray it on your pillow at night, in your Armoire…all around the room! It was then that I realized that he would never recover from losing you.” Marlena finally lost the battle as a few stray tears made their way down her perfectly made up cheeks. Belle retrieved a tissue and wiped them away for her mother, “I didn’t mean to upset you, I’m so sorry mom!” Marlena smiled at the beautiful, caring , young woman standing before her, “It’s ok Baby Girl, it’s ok.” Belle gave her mother a quick hug as she retreated downstairs to answer the knock at the door, that was most surely their dates, while Marlena retouched up her make up.
Belle stood in the living room as Philip held her hands out and looked at her lovingly from head to toe. Belle’s dress was spaghetti strapped and almost floor length with an innocent slit up the left side that went just slightly past her knee. It was velvet and the color of Merlot with a sheer overlay that had twinkling specs of sequence placed through out it. Belle could see the amount of overwhelming love Philip emanated from his eyes “You look absolutely beautiful!” Belle smiled “Thank you” John placed a soft kiss on Belle’s temple “He’s right honey, you look gorgeous.” As Belle thanked her father, something caught her attentionat the top of the stairs, and as her gaze moved up, so did John’s and Philip’s.
Marlena was the picture of elegance. Her hair was clipped up in all the appropriate spots, with little diamond clips, so that she had just enough hair down in front, to frame her radiant face.
Her dress was a light violet and fit her to perfection. The bodice was strapless with deep purple, floral, embroidery that held a single diamond in the center of each flower. The remainder of her dress, flowed softly to the floor in a slight bell shape that made an almost musical swoosh sound as she descended the stairs. John held his breath as Marlena took the last two steps and stood patiently with her hands neatly folded in front of her.”Well…” Marlena spun once around with her hands out to her sides, “what do you think?” From the moment john saw Marlena at the top of the stairs, he was over run with memories of all the nights out to Tuscany’s, and all the Balls and elegant parties that they had attended, and their was only one thing he knew for sure. “You have never…looked more beautiful…than you do at this very moment!” Marlena’s bright smile softened as she again found herself locked into a gaze with the bluest eyes she was sure she had ever seen. Philip, a little naive about the moment that was being shared, agreed with John. “Really Dr. Evans, you do look amazing!” Marlena, still holding eye contact with John, “Thank you Philip.” Marlena finally turned her attention to Philip, for fear that if she didn’t, she would get lost forever in the two deep oceans that she always seemed to be mesmerized by. “You knowPhilip, I may not have any memory of myself or who I was before, but I’m sure I would have preferred you call me Marlena if not mom. I mean, after all, you are married to my daughter.” Belle and John smiled at each other knowingly, as Philip let out a loud laugh. “Ok, Ok. I’m sorry…Marlena ! Mom!” Everyone, including
Marlena laughed, as Marlena wrapped her arms around Philip and gave him a tight hug. Just as Philip and Marlena broke from their hug, John gave Philip a pat on the back. “Well as much as I hate to interrupt you mission to put the moves on MY date, we should probably get going.”
Marlena took John’s arm as they all left the Penthouse and made their way down to the awaiting Limo. The Limo ride to their destination was filled with laughter and smiles and before she knew it, Marlena was standing with the others in front of a very tall building. Belle and Philip of course knew where John had brought them, but no one could ever have imagined what they were about to see upstairs. The four stepped of the elevator and made their way through the Foyer. John, Belle, and Philip kept their eyes on Marlena as she stopped dead in her tracks. Marlena was struck with such awe that she could barley speak a word.”Oh…my! John what have you done? It’s absolutely…breathtaking!”
The Penthouse Grille was illuminated with hundreds of flickering candles, appropriately placed throughout the restaurant. There was soft romantic music playing in the background, load enough to be danced to, but low enough for conversations to be held. Marlena’s senses were overwhelmed with the scent of flowers as she took in the beautiful sight of all the different bouquets of Lilac’s, Lilies, and Roses scattered throughout the room. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, taking the scent in, hoping to get even just a flash of a memory. John watched intently as Marlena smiled sweetly and reopened her eyes to return to scanning the room. Marlena recognized the few couples that were already on the dance floor and a few more familiar faces talking happily at a large round table just to the left of the room. The tablecloth matched the napkins perfectly in shades of Ivory and Ice Blue and was adorned with the most delicate of China and Crystal, and set with brightly polished Silver. In the center of the table, there were three bouquets, identical to each other, but nothing like any other in the Restaurant.
As John moved toward Marlena, Belle and Phillip decided to start greeting the guests that John had invited, starting with the ones on the dance floor before greeting those seated at the table. All of their closes friends and family were there; Bo and Hope, Jack and Jen, Shawn and Caroline, Carrie, Austin, Victor, and Alice. Eric was even on his way from Colorado, thanks to John. Of course not everyone was able to make it, which disappointed John, but with as many people who had attended, John figured that it was probably for the best so that Marlena didn’t get to overwhelmed. As John arrived to stand at Marlena’s side, he placed his hand at the small of her back and smiled down at her adoringly, pleased to see the look of sheer happiness on her face. Marlena turned and looked into John’s eyes with tears in her own, unsure of how to express her gratitude for the obvious amounts of love that went into the thought and planning of this special night.
When John saw the tears sitting at the edge of Marlena’s eyes, he immediately mistook her joy for something worse. “Marlena, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t … It’s too much isn’t it? It’s ok … we can go if it’s to uncomfortable …if you don’t want to be here!” Marlena smiled up at John before quickly reassuring him. “No, no … It’s not that!” Her tears slowly began to fall when Marlena saw the complete devotion in John’s eyes. She placed a delicate finger to her softly painted lips as she tried to regain some composure before continuing. “You … have to be … the most romantic man … in the world!” The expression of fear quickly faded from John’s handsome features and was replaced with that of adoration and love. John reached his hand up and gently wiped away Marlena’s tears before replying. “Which has always and will always remain … reserved for only you!”
Marlena closed her eyes in anticipation as John’s mouth came desperately close to hers. Not wanting to pressure Marlena by going to far to fast and losing all the progress they have made, John redirected and lightly placed his lips to Marlena’s cheek. Marlena, not wanting John to see her disappointment, smiled sweetly at him as he looked into her eyes. “Now … what do you say, we go and grab us a glass of champagne and greet some of the guests.” “Sounds good.” Was all that Marlena could reply. As Marlena took John’s hand, she felt the same current of electricity flow through her body, just as she had seconds ago when John placed his warm lips to her skin.
It was then that Marlena began to realize that the depth of her and John’s connection was much more than one of love and passion … much more!
Dinner was served shortly after John and Marlena had arrived with Belle and Philip, which turned out to be an excellent start to their night. Hardly anyone ate; everyone was to busy laughing and sharing stories about their own personal experiences with Marlena. It was when the waiters interrupted them to serve desert, that things quieted down just long enough for Marlena’s attention to be averted to the center of the table. Carrie had noticed Marlena glancing at it several times throughout the night, but this time it wasn’t just a quick once over, Marlena was now staring intently at the arrangements. “Don’t force it Marlena. Just take a deep breath … and let it come to YOU!” It was then that everyone’s eyes returned to Marlena as she gently closed hers, and did as Carrie suggested, taking in a deep breath and slowly exhaling.
John instinctively took Marlena’s hand in his, “Take your time Doc. Just like Carrie said, don’t force it.” Excited and anxious about a possible memory coming back to Marlena, no one noticed another guest who had arrived and was now quietly standing back, not wanting to break Marlena’s concentration. With her eyes still closed, Marlena tightened her grip on John’s hand just a bit, doing as he asked and using him for his strength. John, sensing her need, softly caressed Marlena’s cheek with the knuckle of his index finger as Marlena spoke. “There’s something about these flowers … something about the way they’re brought together to make one bouquet. I know they’re important, that by bringing them together like this has a meaning. I can feel it … when I look at them … my heart fills up with such warmth, but none of it make sense.” Marlena tried to keep her composure, but her expressions showed her confusion and how hard she was struggling to remember. When Marlena continued to speak, the stress in her voice was evident to everyone. “I keep having these quick flashes of something, but their just flashes, nothing solid. I can’t piece them together!”
With that said, Marlena let out a frustrated sob as John wiped away the few stray tears that managed to escape from Marlena’s still closed eyes. It was then John wished they had a little privacy, but he reminded himself that this was the reason he threw this party, so that it would jog her memory, although a part of hi wanted to kick himself. John took both of Marlena’s hands into his, asking Marlena to keep her eyes closed. He then motioned for Carrie to join him before giving the rest of the guests a pleading look, which they immediately understood. After everyone had quietly left the 3 alone, John continued. “Doc, Carrie and I are going to see if we can help a bit, but I don’t want you to over do it. So just relax and let it come to you! … Now, can you make anything out in these flashes?” After a few moments had passed and John was about to ask Marlena if she would like to take a break, a look of hope washed over her face. “Doc?” “I see it all so clearly now. I know why these flowers mean so much to me!”
Carrie placed her hand on John’s shoulder as they shared a quick unsure glance. “Doc, why do you think these flowers mean so much to you?” Marlena slowly opened her eyes, which shone with more love than John had ever seen them show. “Because of the children…” Marlena then turned her attention to Carrie with those same love filled eyes, “all of our children!” John closed his eyes and let his head rest back as he inhaled deeply through his nose. ‘She’s remembering! Thank you God, she’s remembering!’ John’s thoughts were interrupted with the overwhelming need to find out just how much Marlena truly remembered. “What about these flowers remind you of the children?” Marlena’s _expression showed confusion to the question, but as she looked down and saw the gleam of John’s wedding band, she knowingly whispered “Our Wedding.” John’s whole body and all of his senses became alert. He knew that if there was a chance he could help Marlena remember the time was now…with the words they magically shared during their Ceremony that expressed their love for the children. “You know Doc, each child is unique, beautiful, cherished in their own way.” At that moment Belle and Alice discreetly rejoined the table and witnessed Marlena reach out and gently caress the Daisy in the bouquet in front of her.
Marlena – “Belle is our Daisy, she’s our sunshine and she lights us up with her smile.”
John – “And she brightens up our day with her joyfulness and her love of fun.”
John – “Brady, your our Sunflower. Your bold, Adventurous!”
Marlena – “He’ll tackle anything that comes his way. He inspires us with his courage
and his high spirit.”
Alice felt like they had all gone back in time as Marlena and John continued to go back and forth, reciting the words of the Flower Ceremony exactly as they did the day they were married. And with the mention of each child, Marlena would touch the appropriate flower almost as if she were in a trance.
Marlena – “Then there is our Rose. When the climate is cold the bud closes up, but
when it’s light and warm, the bud opens and it’s a revelation.”
John – “With a huge generous heart with all the natural beauty nature has to offer.
That would be our Samantha.”
John – “The Snapdragon. Caring, headstrong and smart.”
Marlena – “Keeps all the other flowers on their toes too. We’re always touched by his
capacity for love and loyalty.”
John – “That would be Eric.”
Marlena – “And last we have an Orchid. Beautiful, fragile.”
John – “She needs loving attention…and she deserves it.”
Marlena – “That would be our Carrie. We can’t claim her genetically, but we raised her
together and we are so proud of the graceful woman she has become.”
John – “And we are all better people for having you in our lives Carrie.”
Marlena – “She is, she always will be, the Child of our Hearts.”
As the final words were spoken, blue and hazel eyes, both full of tears, locked together until the emotional voice of the mystery guest broke their stares.
“And now, John and Marlena will light the center candle, symbolizing the unifying power of their love. Joining together all the members of their family.”
Everyone smiled happily at the guest as Marlena slowly rose from her seat. She gently released John’s hands and took a few steps closer to the young man standing before her “Eric?” Eric kept control of the threatening flood of tears as he assured Marlena of her assumption, but he lost the battle when she pulled him into a motherly embrace for the first time in almost five years.
The reunion between mother and son was an emotional moment for everyone, especially Marlena since it was like seeing him for the first time. Marlena and Eric held each other tightly for a few moments until they parted, laughing through tears at the audience they had attracted. Belle, who had been waiting as patiently as possible, saw the release4 in contact and took off running, throwing herself into her big brothers arms. “Eric!” Eric held his sister close and spoke in a fake choking voice. “Isa…Isabella, I know you missed me, but…really your choking me…Isa…Belle!” Belle pulled away laughing, but was quickly pulled back into the hug. “Seriously…It’s good to see you Belle. I’ve missed you so much.”
The party continued on for hours, with everyone drinking, dancing, and remanicing about old times. John and Marlena were dancing their third dance of the evening when Austin asked to cut in, which couldn’t have been better timing. John hated the thought of not having Marlena in his arms, but he saw Victor alone and knew this was the perfect moment to ask him about Dr. North. “Victor, do you think I can talk to you for a minute?” Victor followed John over to a more private corner “Of course John, what can I help you with?” John looked into Victor’s eyes, hoping to see some hint, but saw only concern and tenderness. “I just wanted to thank you for your help with the whole North situation. It really means a lot to me, especially seeing as how I think he was doing more damage than good for Marlena.” Victor looked confused at the young man he’d come to hold fondly as a son. “I agree with you John, Dr. North was definitely doing more harm to Marlena’s fragile condition. Not to mention I sensed he was up to no good, but…John I had nothing to do with his disappearance!”
John and Victor continued discussing Dr. North’s’ disappearance for a few moments and just as they agreed to discuss the topic at a better place and time, Belle turned the corner and headed for the balcony door. “Belle? Where are you going? I’m just about to give your mom the gift you suggested I bring out of storage last week.” John looked at his daughters worried features. ” I just wanted to go out on the balcony and call Sammy to check on Claire. I got one of those motherly feelings…ya know?! I’ll be right back in, I promise.” John kissed her lightly on the top of her head and smiled as he turned to find Marlena, proud of what a great woman and mother his little girl had become.
As Belle re-entered the room, she headed straight over to her father, who was watching Marlena begin to open her gift. Belle wrapped her arms around John’s waist as he placed his arm over her shoulders to pull her close, both smiling excitedly at Marlena. “Mom are you forgetting who you’re married to? If you like the paper we can get you more, now just tear it open!” Marlena let out a soft chuckle, glanced at Eric, then turned her attention back to the gift and began ripping the paper away, as fast as she could. Marlena looked at the gift for a moment, waiting to see if anything came to her. Marlena then looked to John, then to Belle, and then back to John with a gentle smile on her lips and confusion evident in her eyes. “I don’t get it…Is this…I mean…” John cut Marlena off and gently brushed a few strands of hair from her eyes. “Look closer, Doc!”
Marlena finished dressing into her comfortable clothes and put away her gown that she had just changed from. Picking up her gift from John, she flashed back to earlier that same evening when John had given it to her. “Look closer Doc!” Marlena looked at John questionably before returning her gaze to the gift in her hands. “Ok … um, hmm …” As if her memory had never gone, Marlena’s eyes shot up to meet John’s. “It’s us!”Marlena smiled down at the two dolls, noticing the beautiful details that went into making the Barbie to look just like her on her Wedding day. Remembering that she had told John that she would be right down, Marlena gently placed the Barbie and Ken back in their box and left the room.
Marlena slowly descended the final steps while watching John in the living room. “Everything all set?” John looked up from the tea tray he was arranging on the coffee table. “Yeah … but you know, we don’t have to do this tonight Doc. I know you’re probably tired and it’s been a long emotional day. We could always do this tomo …” A shock coursed through John’s entire body as Marlena stopped his words with a single delicate finger to his lips. Not knowing were the playfulness was coming from, Marlena replied with a mischievous smile. “Now, now Mr. Black … if you’re to tired to stay up any longer, don’t try to pass it off on me. I … feel just fine and am not the least bit tired.” Marlena removed her finger from John’s mouth, leaving them both with a feeling of lose, and turned away from him.
Wanting to continue her teasing, Marlena sat down on the couch and with the same mischievous smile continued. “So, I am going to stay up and watch this. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine, just go ahead and get some sleep and I will see you in the morning … Grandpa!”
John stood shocked for a moment before thinking to himself ‘Two can play at this game’. John took a deep breath in, linking his fingers together, but leaving his index fingers up and began to gently tap his lips. “Huh … Grandpa?” Marlena sat trying to read his reaction, but preparing herself for whatever may come as retaliation. After just a few seconds John cried out, “I’ll show you GRANDPA!” and lunged towards Marlena, missing her by merely an inch. Marlena quickly ran, stopping to stand just behind the couch across from the one John now lie on, defeated. John turned his playful eyes toward Marlena and smiled. “This … Means … WAR!”
John jumped up off the couch like a panther and began chasing Marlena around the Penthouse, both laughing uncontrollably. As they chased each other around they continued to taunt one another. “I’m gonna get you Doc!” “We’ll see about that Grandpa!” After a few close calls and another lung attempt, John finally tackled Marlena down on the couch, tickling her stomach and sides, sending her into a fit of giggles. “Grandpa, huh? Were you talking to me?” John continued to tickle Marlena as she struggled through laughter, begging for John to stop his torture. “Say you’re sorry. Come on … I’m gonna keep doing it until you say you’re sorry!” “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” John did as promised and stopped his assault to her ticklish spots. Marlena continued to lie beneath John as they both stared into each others eyes, with smiles plastered to their faces, while trying to catch their breath. As their breathing returned to normal, their smiles slowly faded and John saw something in Marlena’s eyes that he hadn’t seen in a long time. John slowly lowered his lips until they were feather light on Marlena’s, waiting to see it there would be any protest.
John, letting himself get caught up in the emotions, was stopped before he could fully place his lips to Marlena’s, by the sound of the doorbell. Feeling a little frustrated, but not letting it show, John slowly rose to his feet to answer the door as Marlena sat up and went into a flash.John leaned in to kiss her hungry lips only to be interrupted yet again. His hands quickly removed from the soft skin of her face and went up in the air in playful frustration as they both laughed “That door bell … every time we kiss, what isit …”
Just as quickly as it came, the flash was gone, leaving Marlena starring off at nothing with a shy smile playing on her lips. John opened the door and was greeted by an unexpected but very welcomed surprise. “Eric! Hey kid, come on in.” John excitedly pulled his stepson into a fatherly hug. With her finger tips to her lips as gently as John’s lips had been a moment ago “That door bell, every time we … kiss!” John and Eric looked toward Marlena as she stood starring into John’s eyes, who was smiling brightly back at her with the knowledge of what she had just remembered. Eric saw the look that was being exchanged between his parents “Am I interrupting something?”, silently preying that he was, hoping that things were looking up for them. Marlena broke the gaze between herself and
John and smiled lovingly at Eric as John patted him on the back. “No, no, not at all. Actually, your mom here talked me into pulling out the Wedding video.” Marlena noticed the duffel bag in Eric’s hand, “Why don’t you take your things to your brothers old room and come and join us? If what everyone says is true and with the fact that John is as thoughtful and romantic as he is, I’m going to need an Honorary Tissue Holder.” All three laughed at the comedy behind the truth, as Eric accepted his title and excused himself so that he could put his things away before joining them.
The Jarlena Journal 