Costa – By Tash

It was a hot day in Spain. The airport was crowded with tourists. Four

of them had just arrived from the states. It was Marlena Evans, her twin

sister Samantha and two friends of her sister, Hope and Kristen. Marlena

disliked her sisters friends. Every opportunity they got they treated

her like garbage. She might not be as gracefully or smart as her sister

and every now and then she was a bit clumsy but she was no dummy. She

was a caring girl who wanted to help everyone out in every way that she

knew or could. Her sister and her friend made good use of that quality.

 

“Hey Marlena”, Kristen said, “you don’t mind to get our luggage, do you?

It’s hot inhere and there’s no reason for the four of us to stay here.

If you go and get the suitcases, we wait outside for you.”

 

“Sure Kristen, go ahead, I’ll join you when I’ve found our suitcases.”

 

The other three walked away laughing hard, while Marlena tried to track

down the luggage.

 

“Oh really Sam, your sister must be stupid. I mean, you have to be to

agree to carry the luggage of four people in this weather.” Kristen

scoffed.

 

“Yeah, she’s like that, always wanting to help. She doesn’t know how to

say no.”

 

“We certainly don’t mind, do we?” Hope chimed in.

 

Snickering they tried to find some shade outside. Marlena found the

luggage and tried to carry all of it outside. She tripped over the

suitcases and hand luggage. Desperately she tried to stand up before

anyone would laugh at her.

She looked up when she heard a gentle but strange voice directed at her.

 

“May I help you miss?” It was a guy named Roman Brady. She had to admit

he was rather handsome. She took his hand and he pulled her up. Blushing

she looked at him.

 

“Thank you, I’m a bit clumsy I guess.”

“No you’re not. You just shouldn’t carry so much, you have only one pair

of hands. May I introduce myself? I’m Roman Brady. I work here on the

beach.

And you are?”

 

“Oh, mind my manners, I’m Marlena Evans. I’ve just arrived for a week

vacation. I’m here with my twin sister and her two girlfriends.”

 

“Twin sister? You mean there are two of such dashing ladies?”

 

“Well, you know exactly how to score points with me don’t you?”

 

“I’m trying, let me help you carry these.” He said while taking most of

the suitcases.

 

Marlena sighed, she was glad he wanted to help. She would have tripped a

dozen times more before she was outside, that much she knew for sure.

With a grateful look she showed the way to where she thought the others

were.

 

************************************************

 

Meanwhile in a Costa! John Black was checking the flyers he had ordered.

He wanted everything to be ready for the new season. Summer was just

beginning, new tourists were coming to Spain every day and it

guaranteed a very busy season. The club would open tonight with a big

event. There would be a live band and professional dancers. Every year

there was a dance contest being held in one of the clubs at the beach.

It meant great publicity if your club was the one to host it. In order

to get the honor to host it, you had to accomplish one thing, one of

the club personnel had to win the dance contest. This year it was hosted

by a club called Ritmo. It was Costa!’s biggest rival. John had decided

to dance in the contest himself. All he needed now was a dance partner.

 

“Hey Abe, do you know anyone who wants to dance with me in the contest?

“

 

Abe was John’s best friend next to Roman. Abe was engaged to be married

with Lexie Carter.

 

“Sorry buddy, the only lady I dance with is my beautiful Lexie and you

can’t have her.”

 

John chuckled when he looked at his friend who was kissing Lexie in the

neck. Abe was at no use to him right now, at this moment he had only one

thing on his mind and it wasn’t John.

 

“damn, I have to find somebody soon. It is two years in a row now that

it is been held at Ritmo. I have to make sure that we’re the one to hold

it next year.” John thought.

 

“Hey John, “ Roman came in. “I was just at the airport seeing if anyone

special was arriving, and…” John didn’t let him finish his sentence.

 

“Anyone special? You mean anyone you can get laid with, someone easy.”

 

“Well, that too. But as I was saying, I helped a girl who stumbled down

over her suitcases and you won’t believe her looks! And the great thing

is, she has a twin sister! They are identical. Man! This is going to be

the best summer ever!”

 

john laughed heartily at Roman’s enthusiasm.

 

“Are you thinking about screwing them both? No, please don’t answer

that, I really don’t want to know.”

 

“Hey, you can’t blame me for trying, but don’t worry, you can have one

of them if you want.”

 

“No thank you, after Diana I have no desire to have a summer love.”

 

Two years ago John met Diana in Costa. He fell head over heals with her

and he thought it was the same for her but when the summer ended she

went back home breaking John’s heart. He wanted to stay in touch with

her but she made it perfectly clear she didn’t.

 

“Man, that was two years ago. You can also have a good time without

falling for a girl. That’s so great about these tourists, you have fun

with them and when the time is up you just wave them goodbye and move on

to the next.”

 

“Maybe that works for you but not for me, no way. I will wait for that

special one. When I fall in love I want it to be forever. Now let’s get

to work, we have a lot to do before we open tonight.”

 

**************************************

 

Nearby at an apartment building Marlena was standing on the balcony

looking at the view. You could look at the beach and ocean it was

breathtaking.

Sam and her friends had already gone out. Marlena’s parents had insisted

that Sam would take Marlena along on her vacation but that was as far as

Sam was willing to go. She made it perfectly clear that Marlena was on

her own here. She didn’t mind, she didn’t like Kristen and Hope anyway.

 

“I wonder where the club Roman works is located, he asked if I would

come tonight but in order to do that I have to know where it is. I’m

going to walk along the beach, maybe I find it then.”

 

She rapidly changed her clothes into a thin summer dress that accented

her every curve. She was wearing her hair in a ponytail with a few

strands of hair accentuating her neck. If only she would be aware of how

beautiful she was. That was so great about Marlena, she didn’t care

about looks, as far as she was concerned, all what mattered was the

inner beauty of a person. Sam on the other hand was fully aware of her

good looks. She used too much make up trying to look even better. What

she didn’t know was that in this case less was more. Marlena looked more

pure, she was a natural beauty. Sure when she went out she used make up

but only to accentuate her natural beauty, when she wore it you

couldn’t even see it. She had just arrived at the beach when she saw

Costa!.

 

“Gee, I didn’t think it was this close to my apartment. Should I go in

to see if Roman is there? I never got the chance to thank him properly,

Sam was all over him. No, I better not, they’re probably not even open

yet. I can wait till tonight.

 

“Can wait for what till tonight?” Smiling she turned around seeing

Roman standing there.

 

“Oh hey, I wanted to thank you for your help earlier. That was what

could wait for tonight.”

 

“I see, you don’t have to thank me, it was my pleasure.”

 

She was taken by his smile. If she didn’t believe in love at first sight

before, she did now.

 

“Will you still be here tonight?” she asked smiling.

 

“Well yes, I have to, I work here remember?”

 

“I forgot. So, what’s it like, working as a bartender in a place like

this.”

 

“Pure heaven. No really, I love working here. If you come tonight you

can see for yourself how great this place is.”

 

“I was planning it.”

 

“And uh, your sister, will she come too?”

 

Marlena’s heart sank. She hoped he would like her but as usual he fell

for the more outgoing Sam.

 

“I don’t know, I haven’t asked her.”

 

“Can you ask her? Just tell her I asked for her, that way, if she comes

I know if she likes me.”

 

“Oh, she likes you alright.”

 

“She does? How do you know?”

 

“She told me.” She stated flatly. She couldn’t stand this or him any

longer she had to get away.

 

“I’m sorry, I have to go now. I have to find my sister.”

 

“Don’t forget to ask her okay?”

 

“I won’t.” she walked away from him, tears burning in her hazel orbs.

She was so sick of being second best. She vowed to never fall for

another guy again. Every time she got interested in someone, they only

hang out with her to be close to Sam. She ran back to the apartments but

didn’t get far. She wasn’t looking where she was going and bumped into a

guy. He had his hands full with flyers which were spread all over the

ground now.

“Oh god, I’m sorry,” she said while frantically picking up the flyers.

She didn’t have the nerve to look up to the guy.

 

“What’s the hurry? Do you have a plane to catch?”

He pulled her up by her hand and picking up the rest of the flyers

himself.

Her voice had abandoned her when she looked at him. He was dark and

handsome and stared at her with the most amazing blue eyes she had ever

seen. He forgot what he asked her the second he looked at her. She was

radiant, the sun made her blonde hair shine like gold and her eyes, her

eyes were the most astonishing hazel orbs he had ever seen. It was as

if she had a million stars in them shining brightly.

 

“I’m John Black, and you are?”

 

“Very clumsy.” She said smiling shyly.

 

“I doubt that is your real name.”

 

“I’m Marlena Evans, I’m sorry for smacking into you, have I hurt you?”

 

“No, you’re the one that fell remember?”

 

“Yeah, how can I forget.”

 

“Well if you want you can come to my club tonight. We have a grand

opening for the new season. If you come, I’ll assure you, you will have

such a great time you instantly forget what happened just now.”

 

She doubted it, how could she forget him, he had marked her brain

forever.

 

“I’m not sure, I was thinking about going to a place called Costa. A guy

recommended it earlier to me.”

 

“Well, that’s the place I’m talking about. Who recommended it to you? Do

you know his name?”

 

“Roman Brady.” Her heart still ached a little.

 

“That’s one of my best friends. He will be there tonight too. Sorry but

I have to go now. I have to spread this flyers. Maybe I’ll see you

tonight.”

 

“Maybe, I’ll think about it. Good luck with your flyers.” She gave him

one last smile and disappeared with a sad look on her face. John

wondered what that was about. Her eyes were sparkling until he said that

Roman was his best friend. Now she looked as if someone had run over her

dog. He shrugged his shoulders and went on his way. From a distance

Marlena looked at him thinking.

 

“Roman’s best friend huh? Well I should have known. He looks nice but I

guess they’re all the same here. Treating you nice but never give you

another look when you turn your back to them. I’m not going to let them

ruin my vacation here, who needs them anyway? I can have a good time all

by my self.”

 

*****************************

 

At the apartments, Sam, Hope and Kristen were getting ready for a night

out. Doing each others hair and make up. They were talking about Roman

and speculating if he had friends who were just as good looking as he

was.

 

“I’ll bet Costa! Is filled with guys like him.” Hope said.

 

“I hope it is for the two of you. I’m going after Roman so don’t even

think about him, he’s mine.” Sam warned.

 

Hope and Kristen looked at her with surprise.

 

“As if we stand a chance with him if you are there.” Kristen sneered.

 

“Yeah, he only has eyes for you. By the way, you have told Marlena that

we won’t tag her along tonight right? I don’t want her to hang around

us.”

 

“Don’t worry, I have made it perfectly clear that she’s on her own

here.”

 

“Yes you did.” Marlena stated when she came in walking directly to her

bedroom, leaving them dumbfounded.

 

“Wow, I wonder what brought her in the mood she is.” Hope said.

 

“Yes, it’s not like her to be so gloomy. I better go talk to her and

find out.”

 

Sam knocked on Marlena’s bedroom door. When she heard no answer she

decided to walk right in.

 

“ What’s wrong Marly? I’ve never seen you this way. What happened?”

 

“what happened? Where should I begin? First my twin sister made it clear

she doesn’t want me here, then her friends are treating me as a maid,

then I meet a guy who turns out to be only interested in you and atop of

that I meet another guy who turns out to be the first guy’s best friend

so I can assume he is just as bad as his friend. What could possibly be

wrong?” Marlena fumed.

 

“Wow, no I can see why you are in such a bad mood. Hey, if you want you

can come with us tonight alright? I will explain to Kristen and Hope.”

 

“No thank you, I don’t want your pity. Now if you will excuse me, I have

to get ready to go out tonight. I will have a wonderful time without

you.”

 

Marlena disappeared into the bathroom leaving Sam no other choice than

to leave.

That evening, Marlena purposely waited for Sam and the others to leave

before she went to Costa! Herself. She stood near the entrance looking

at the interior of the club, admiring it. It was stunning, the

decorations, the lights, the music, everything. Unconsciously she looked

around hoping to see John. She spotted him at the bar, talking to a

beautiful girl. Her heart sank realizing that she was right, he was just

like the other guys, trying to get every girl who was interested. She

also saw Roman, talking to her sister and friends, but she stood by her

earlier decision not to let anyone or anything ruin her first night

here. She walked towards the bar but didn’t came far. She stumbled and

knocked a tray filled with drinks out of someone’s hands. She felt so

embarrassed when she saw that everyone was staring at her, or at least

that’s what she thought, that she turned and ran out, only to stop to

sit on a bench in front of the club wanting to cry her eyes out.

 

“God, why do I mess up every time I go somewhere? I’m such a screw up.”

 

“Hey now, it can’t be that bad, we all do stupid things sometimes.”

 

She jolted her head up, surprised to see John standing in front of her

with a compassionate look on his face.

 

“Why did you come after me? Go away, I want to be left alone. Go back to

that girl you seemed so interested in, don’t let me spoil your night.”

 

John raised his eyebrow in wonder.

 

“Girl? Oh you mean the one I was talking to at the bar. I wasn’t

interested in her, she was looking for a job so she came to ask me if I

would hire her to tend the bar. I turned her down because Abe and Roman

can manage it just fine.”

 

“Oh, well you don’t need to defend yourself to me you know. And I meant

what I said about wanting to be alone.”

 

“I know I don’t have to explain myself to you, I wanted to. And as for

you being alone, I don’t think that you really want to do that if you

can have a great time inside.”

 

“Yeah right, as if I have the nerve to show my face in there again.”

 

John had to suppress a chuckle when he saw her lip pout.

 

“I won’t take no for an answer. Come.”

 

He took her hand and dragged her inside. She didn’t protest because she

wanted to go back in , just not by herself.

 

“Look Sam, there’s that nitwit sister of yours again.” Kristen sneered.

 

“Yeah. Well let’s hope she stays away from us.”

 

It was only now that Kristen saw the one Marlena was with. Jealousy

crossed her face.

 

“Who’s she with? I kinda like him.”

 

Roman was the one that answered her question.

 

“Him? that’s John Black, he’s the owner of Costa!. Don’t get your hopes

up, he’s no easy catch.”

 

“Mmm, he doesn’t have to be. I like it when they play hard to get. For a

little while anyway.”

 

Roman grinned, he knew for sure she wouldn’t have a chance with him. she

just wasn’t his type. She lacked class and she was dressed too sluttish

for John’s taste. But how fun it would be to watch it from a distance

so he decided to let her believe she could get him.

 

John had taken Marlena to a booth in the corner and was on his way to

get a drink for her.

 

“I’m glad he was there to take me here again, I never would have dared

to go in by myself after making a fool of myself. Maybe he isn’t like I

thought he was, maybe he really is a nice guy.”

 

She couldn’t take her eyes of of him, he had a hold on her. He almost

was to good to be true. Her smile faded again when she saw him laughing

with a guy behind the bar that probably was Abe. Her insecurity made her

believe they were making fun of her. she felt the anger raise and stood

1. She walked straight towards a boy that was standing alone in a

corner and began to talk to him, she would show John she didn’t need

him. her heart ached badly. She was falling for him and every time she

believed he was sincere, he did something to prove her wrong.

The boy she was talking to didn’t mind, he liked her a lot. When she saw

John return to the booth with the drinks in his hands, she made it seem

as if she had the greatest time with the boy who introduced himself as

Jim. For no reason she began to laugh out loud when she knew John was

watching. Then she decided to take her revenge a step further and began

to kiss the boy, he sure didn’t mind.

John saw the whole thing and got furious, he slammed the drinks down on

the table and returned to the bar.

 

“Hey buddy what’s wrong?” Abe asked with a quizzical look upon his face.

 

“Nothing, nothing at all.” It was a good thing looks couldn’t kill.

 

“Come on John, don’t give me that. Now, what’s up?”

 

“If you have to know, for a second I thought that I had found a girl who

was for real. Well, I found out that she is just the same as all the

others. They like you for five minutes and move on to the next.”

 

“I see, the unreachable John Black has fallen for a girl and she turned

him down. Care to tell me why?”

 

“How the hell do I know? One minute she is all smiles to me and the next

she is kissing another guy.”

 

“Ouch! Right under your nose?”

 

“Yeah, you can say that.”

 

“Don’t give up so easily man! If you really like this girl, than fight

for her.”

 

“Nah, I don’t know her that well. I don’t even know if I want to

anymore.”

 

Marlena regretted what she did the minute she saw John’s reaction. He

surely didn’t look like a guy that didn’t care about what she did. If he

really was a womaniser and someone who just had made fun of her to his

friend than he probably would have shrugged his shoulders and walked

away. John looked like she had really hurt him. she apologized to Jim

who was smiling like a happy clown and returned to the booth. She was

just considering to go to John and apologize and explain everything to

him when she saw Kristen hitting on John. Now Marlena was the one with

the shoot to kill look on her face. John certainly wasn’t interested in

Kristen but he saw the look on Marlena’s face and decided to give her a

taste of her own medicine. He didn’t kiss Kristen but made it obvious he

was interested in her. Kristen didn’t mind, as arrogant as she was , she

thought she stood a chance. She was all over him.

 

“Damn that John Black. Who needs him anyway?” Marlena thought angrily.

“Oh, who am I kidding. I liked the guy. I still like him, but Kristen

can have him. I promised myself that nothing could ruin my night and

nothing will.”

 

She walked towards the dance floor and mingled with the others who were

dancing. She was so caught up in the music that the rest of the world

didn’t exist anymore to her. this time she didn’t even notice people

staring at her, admiring her dancing. John was watching her too, she was

amazing. He instantly forgot about Kristen.

 

“John? Did you hear what I was saying? I said I’d like a drink.”

 

“Mmm? Oh yeah, ask Abe. He’s the bartender here you know.” John replied

absent minded. He just couldn’t take his eyes off of Marlena.

 

“Hey John,” Roman said, “weren’t you looking for a dance partner? I

think you can stop looking, you just found her man. Gee, look her body

move. If you want to win the contest, she’s the one to dance with.”

 

“Nah, Roman. I met her earlier and I can’t stand her, and I know for a

fact that she can’t stand me either. It wouldn’t work.”

 

“I can dance too!” Kristen chimed in. “Come and I’ll show you.”

 

She pulled him to the dance floor and started dancing.

 

“You see? You don’t need her when you can have me to dance with.”

John said nothing but he had to admit she wasn’t that bad, certainly not

as good as Marlena but not bad either. He kept dancing with Kristen but

still couldn’t stop looking at Marlena. Marlena hadn’t noticed yet that

John and Kristen were on the dance floor but now she felt a hint of

uneasiness come over her. she looked over her shoulder and found John

staring at her. for a second she was lost in his eyes but then Kristen

came in sight, she again was all over John. John saw the pain reflected

in her eyes just when she turned and walked out of the club. His first

instinct told him to go after her but he remembered what she had done

earlier so he stayed.

 

Marlena walked straight to the beach where she sat down on the sand that

was still warm from today’s sun. she wrapped her arms around her legs

and rested her chin on her knees staring at the ocean, listening to the

soothing sounds of the waves. This was not the way she imagined her

first day on vacation.

The next morning Marlena had left for the beach very early. The night

before she already had gone to bed when Sam, Hope and Kristen came home.

She had heard Kristen brag about how John was falling for her. Kristen

had purposely spoken with a loud voice, she knew Marlena could hear her.

This morning Marlena had no desire to sit across Kristen at the

breakfast table, so she decided to go to the beach. The weather forecast

promised a beautiful sunny day so she wanted to be lazy, lying on the

beach. She placed a plaid on the sand and was lying down on it, wearing

a beautiful yellow bikini and dark sunglasses. Just when she was about

to fall asleep, she felt someone standing in her sun. she opened her

eyes to see Roman, Abe and Bo standing there.

 

“Isn’t it a bit early to be sunbathing yet?” Roman said with an

appreciative grin looking at her bikini.

 

“I can say the same for you.” Marlena said irritably. He was the last

person she wanted to see right now, besides John.

 

“Wow, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? So… tell

me… why did you leave so soon yesterday? The night hadn’t began yet and

you had already left.” Marlena threw her eyes up towards the sky when

they sad down beside her. she had hoped that they would have left after

her snippy remark.

 

“Yeah well, you said I would have a great time at Costa!, and I didn’t.

so I left. I’m even surprised that you have noticed I left.”

 

“It was hard to miss, John has been moping ever since you left.”

 

For a reason she didn’t understand she was glad to hear that. Even

though she tried to convince herself that she didn’t care what John did

or said, she couldn’t help feeling relieved that he was affected by her

leaving.

 

“He can mope all he want, I don’t care.” She tried to look unmoved but

failed miserably.

 

“Do you know what your sister and her friends are planning for this

morning?” Bo finally asked.

 

“Ah, I knew there should be a reason for the three of you to come and

bother me. No, I don’t know what they are going to do and I don’t care.”

 

“Do you know where they are?” Roman asked.

 

“Yes, they are back at the apartment, still sleeping I assume. Unlike

me, they aren’t early birds. Go and find out for yourself.”

 

“I think we’re going to do just that. Come on guys, let’s go see if we

can get the lady’s out of bed.”

 

“Who wants them out?” Bo grinned meaningful.

 

“You guys go ahead, I’ll meet up with you later okay?” Abe had no desire

to tag along when he had Lexie waiting at home.

 

“Okay, see you later, come on Bo, let’s go.”

 

Marlena and Abe were watching them leave. Bo and Roman were acting like

little children, pushing each other in turns.

 

“Don’t mind them. They look like a bunch of toddlers but they are really

nice once you get to know them.”

 

“I know, I only wish they wouldn’t bother me about my sister’s

whereabouts every time I see them.”

 

“Yeah that must be irritating. So… why did you really leave last night?”

 

Marlena looked at him, measuring him for who he really was.

 

“I don’t know, I just had a bad day and the night became even worse.”

She lowered her eyes to the sand looking at her fingers tracing idly

paths in the sand.

 

“Did your leaving have anything to do with John?”

 

“No… yes… oh, I don’t know. I like him the first minute and I hate him

the next. I just can’t get a grip on him. he sends all these mixed

messages, it confuses me.”

 

Abe chuckled, “Well, you seem to do the same to him. he likes you but

you annoy him the same. Why don’t you come again tonight? If you don’t

want to come for John, than come for me and my girlfriend Lexie. We will

show you that you can have a good time in Costa!.”

 

“Maybe, I don’t know yet. Sam, Kristen and Hope will be there for sure

and I don’t want to be near them if I don’t have to. truthfully, they

don’t want me to be near them.”

 

“Don’t worry about them. I’m pretty sure that Roman and Bo will keep

them occupied.”

 

“I know, but Kristen will be all over John and I’m not sure I’m up for

that.” She gave him a shy smile. She cared more about John than she was

willing to admit.

 

“Don’t worry about her either, even if she did a handstand before him he

wouldn’t notice her if you were there. He is no easy catch, but I’m sure

you can get him if you put your mind to it. He hasn’t admit it, but he

really likes you you know.”

 

She didn’t know how to react to that. She certainly liked him but wasn’t

willing to let him know.

 

“No Abe, there’s no way I want John. Not after he had made fun of me to

you last night. I saw him talking and laughing to you after I made a

complete fool out of myself.”

 

“He did what? No, you must be mistaken, he didn’t make fun of you. He

would never make fun of anybody, he isn’t like that at all.”

 

“Well, I know what I saw. I’m not willing to be humiliated willingly

again.”

 

Abe began to understand what she was talking about and why she had

kissed that boy in front of John. It also explained her early exit.

 

“Believe me, you assumed the wrong thing. I have to go now, I’m supposed

to meet Lexie in about half an hour. Just come tonight and we’ll show

you how to have a good time.” Abe gave her a last smile and walked away.

 

“Yeah right, a good time. Just like last night was supposed to be fun.

Oh well, I might go back but maybe I just go elsewhere, who knows.”

 

She laid back in the sand and closed her eyes, it didn’t take long

before she fell asleep, dreaming of John.

 

************************

Back at the apartment Sam, Kristen and Hope were still sleeping. Kristen

had put on a green night cream before she went to bed and all three of

them had put curlers in their hair the night before. Roman and Abe had

bribed the cleaning maid to let them into their apartment. They told her

they stayed there but that they had left that morning without a key.

They gave her a few bucks and it was settled.

Inside the apartment Bo knocked over a vase, it shattered on the ground

with much noise.

 

“Sssh, quiet Bo, we don’t want to wake them. Not yet anyway.” Roman said

holding his index finger fore his nose and mouth. He could barely hold

back his laughter.

 

“Sorry, where do you think Hope’s bedroom is?”

 

“I dunno, you try that bedroom and I’ll try this one.” Roman pointed.

 

Bo had found the right bedroom, he was staring at a sleeping Hope in the

bed in front of him. He was just about to kiss her awake when he heard

Roman scream. Hope awoke jumping right up bumping her head against Bo’s

head.

 

“Auch! What on earth are you doing here? And why was someone screaming?”

she asked rubbing the sour spot on her head. Bo did the same, he already

had a hangover but knocking his head made it worse if possible.

 

“I don’t know, it was Roman.”

 

They hurried to the living room seeing Roman standing there bended over

and holding his stomach with laughter. Tears were streaming down his

cheeks. In front of him stood Kristen, looking mad, very mad. When Bo

looked at Kristen he couldn’t help but laugh too. She looked ridiculous,

her hair a mess and that green cream still on her face. They couldn’t

help comparing her with the monster of Loch Ness. It was too hilarious

not to laugh.

Sam came in too, looking at the scene before her.

 

“What are you two doing here? Besides laughing at Kristen that is.” She

asked secretly amused.

 

Roman tried to contain his laughter when he looked at Sam. He did an

attempt to regain himself before he replied.

 

“We just came by to surprise you,” he said laughing again looking from

Sam to Kristen. “But we are the ones that were surprised.” His laughter

became infectious, Hope and Sam were laughing too now. Kristen was the

only one who couldn’t see the joke, probably because she was the joke.

She turned around and walked straight into the bathroom.

 

“I’m sorry, we didn’t mean to offend her, we just…” Bo couldn’t say more

afraid to burst into laughter again.

 

“With what did you intend to surprise us?” Sam grinned.

 

Roman moved towards Sam and slid his arms around her, kissing her in her

neck between words.

“Well… for starters… I wanted to kiss you… to wake you up… and than to

kiss you some more… and…”

 

“Okay, okay I get the picture.” She took his mouth to silence him with a

fierce kiss.

Hope looked at Bo and shrugged her shoulders.

 

“Well, we can’t beat that, but I don’t mind trying.”

 

Bo didn’t waist another second and took her in his arms to kiss her.

Kristen came out of the bathroom, all dressed and cleaned up. With a sad

face she looked at the couples in front of her and cleared her throat.

No one noticed.

Now she was really pissed and walked out the front door, not willing to

look at the mushy couples any longer.

 

**********************

 

back in Costa!, John was counting the money in the register from the

night before. He already had counted the money twice but he couldn’t get

his mind to stay with it so he had to count it for the third time. his

mind constantly kept wandering of to Marlena. He didn’t understand why

he couldn’t get her out of his mind. No one had ever made such an impact

on him. He didn’t want to fall in love, but yet he was falling, hard. He

was disturbed in his thoughts when Abe came in.

 

“Hey John, well? Did we make good money last night?”

 

“Mmm what? Oh hey, yes we did alright I think.” John had a far away

look in his eyes and Abe noticed it.

 

“Thinking about Marlena again?”

 

John came back to earth when Abe mentioned her name.

 

“No, why would you say that?”

 

“I don’t know, could it be because you are falling for that lady?”

 

“No, I’m not, I don’t even like her.”

 

“Sure, whatever you say John. Why don’t you let me do the work here. You

don’t look like you are getting anything done today, so why don’t you go

to the beach for some relaxation?”

 

Abe hoped he would go and maybe bump into Marlena. He knew he had to

help faith a little to get these two together like they were meant to

1. With them both so stubborn, it would take years for them to find out

they belong together.

 

“Yeah maybe, I can’t seem to keep my mind on this.”

 

“That’s what I mean, you are at no use here, you just go and relax and

I’ll take care of everything here. Everything will be alright before we

open the club tonight.”

 

“Okay Abe. I’m going to the beach, you know how to reach me when you

need me. Thanks buddy, see you later.”

 

John winked at Abe and went to the second floor of the club were he had

his home. It was nothing fancy, just a small living room with adjoined

kitchen, one bedroom and a bathroom. He had tried hard to make it look

like a home, but it still needed a woman’s touch. He changed his clothes

and gathered some things in a bag to go to the beach. When he arrived on

the beach he stopped dead in his tracks, there she was. His eyes were

magnetically drawn to her.

 

“God, she looks beautiful, look at the way the sunbeams are kissing her.

She looks like as if she is made of gold.”

 

When he got closer to her, he realized she had fallen asleep. That was

not a smart thing to do underneath the Spanish sun if you had no desire

to get sunburns.

He got his towel out of his bag and covered her with it, she instantly

awoke.

 

“What are you doing?” she asked surprised to see John.

 

“I’m covering you up. It isn’t smart to fall asleep here, you could

easily get burnt by the sun.”

 

“I wasn’t asleep.” She lied, he had caught her off guard with his

concern. She didn’t know how to react, so she got defensive with him.

 

“Fine, suit yourself, get burned if you want. Why should I care?”

 

“Yes, why do you?”

he wanted to tell her he was falling in love with her, hell.. he had

fallen in love with her the minute he had laid eyes on her. Instead he

acted indifferent.

 

“I don’t, so by all means, go back to sleep. Oh no, I forgot, you

weren’t sleeping. In that case, go back to blinking your eyes very

slowly.”

 

He grabbed his towel and strode away, trying hard to hide her affect on

him when his hand had touched hers when he reached for his towel. If he

had looked back, he had seen that she was affected by him the same way.

He lowered himself on his towel, twenty feet away from where she was

laying. They tried hard to ignore each other, without success. No matter

how hard they tried, they kept looking at each other from time to time

when they thought the other one wasn’t looking.

Kristen had seen it all from a distance and her eyes shined dangerously

with jealousy. She vowed that she would get John. No matter what she had

to do to accomplish it, Marlena would never get him.

In the club, Lexie and Abe were making things ready for that night. They

were going to hold a foam party so they had to set up the bubble

machines.

 

“Geez Abe, I do think that this party is going to be lots of fun, but

I’m not looking forward to clean it all up tomorrow morning.”

 

“Me neither, but hey, it will be a full house tonight. I’m sure that no

one can pass up such an extraordinary event. John will be glad to see

that Costa! Is doing better than Ritmo. He doesn’t say much about it but

it must be bothering him that they always try to snatch our customers.”

 

“Yeah, did he find someone to dance with in the competition yet? I mean

it’s going to occur in just a few weeks.”

 

“No not yet, but if I’m right he will have found someone special right

about now.” Abe grinned mischievously.

 

“And what do you mean by that, if I may ask?”

 

“You know how he is acting ever since he met that girl, Marlena. I have

reasons to believe that I’ve helped faith a little. This morning I saw

Marlena on the beach, I had a nice chat with her. she is falling for

John even though she doesn’t want to admit it, just like him. I came

back to the club where I found John in no state to get anything done

here so I told him to go to the beach and relax. He did, and I’m pretty

sure they bumped into each other there.” He had a victorious smile on

his face. Proud of his matchmaking skills.

 

“How do you know if they ran into each other? It’s a pretty big beach

you know.”

 

“I know, but Marlena happens to be exactly on the spot John always goes

1. They are destined to be together, I tell you that much.”

 

“You are just an incurable romantic fool.” Lexie shook her head

laughing.

 

“Nah, you’ll see, those two are going to end up together. I can’t wait

to see them dancing, boy, I’ll bet they are astounding.” Abe could

picture it all in his mind. Electric sparks were crossing between them

if they did so much as look at each other, let alone when they were

dancing.

 

*************************

 

On the beach Kristen walked up to John, making sure that Marlena saw

her. how could she not, she couldn’t keep her eyes off of John.

 

“Hey John, nice to see you here.” She said with a childish voice.

 

“Oh hey Kristen, what brings you here.” Kristen had a flashback of the

things that had occurred in the apartment but shrugged it off and smiled

her phony smile.

“You, as a matter of fact. I was hoping to see you.” She sat herself

down next to him, glancing over her shoulder to see Marlena’s reaction.

Marlena wasn’t happy. She couldn’t hear what they were saying but it was

obvious to her that John didn’t mind Kristen’s presence. She couldn’t

take it anymore and decided to go take a swim to cool off a little in

the clear blue ocean.

 

“Why?” John wasn’t really interested, he was watching Marlena. Kristen

got a little annoyed when she realised John had only eyes for Marlena.

She shifted a little closer to him, trying to be seductive.

 

“I was wondering if you were still looking for a dance partner.”

 

“Why? Do you know someone?” John didn’t mean to be rude, but couldn’t

help himself. She irritated him.

 

“Yes, me.” She stated matter of factly.

 

John looked at her with surprise.

 

“You?”

 

“Yes me, you have seen me dancing, I’m really good if I may say so

myself. Well? What do you say?”

 

john looked at her, he didn’t like her but she could dance. She wasn’t

as good as Marlena in his eyes but then again he was prejudiced. If he

decided to dance with Kristen, it meant that he had to spent much time

with her, practising. He couldn’t stand the thought of being around her

so much.

 

“No, I’m sorry Kristen, I’ve already found a partner.” He lied. He stood

up and walked towards Marlena, leaving Kristen flabbergasted.

 

Marlena saw John coming towards her and turned to walk away. He began to

run to catch up with her, taking her by her upper arm he turned her

around to face him. He had expected for her to be angry but instead he

was surprised to see tears glistering in her eyes. She knew he saw it

and turned her head away from him.

 

“What do you want from me now John Black?” she said trying to sound

angry.

 

“Dance with me.” She looked at him again in disbelieve.

 

“Wha.. What?” He took both of her hands and repeated himself.

 

“I said… dance with me.” She still didn’t understand.

 

“Here? Now?”

 

“Well I would love that, but I meant in the contest.” He looked so

handsome, tanned by the Spanish sun, with his dark hair and bright eyes,

she almost melted by just staring at him.

 

“I uhh… I don’t know what to say… “

 

“Just say yes. Please, just say yes, I need you.” John meant that in

more ways than one, he was beginning to realise that now.

 

“I’m not sure I’m good enough. I know how much it means to you to win ,

I don’t know if I’m capable enough to …”

 

“yes you are, you’re more than capable.” He interrupted.

 

She began to smile, the fantasy of dancing with him was more than she

had hoped for. She tried not to fool herself, she knew he didn’t like

her that much, it just was really important to him to win the contest.

She didn’t really care what his reasons were, as long as she could be

near him. she was falling harder and harder for him and was fully aware

of that now. She glanced right past him towards Kristen. She was still

sitting on John’s towel looking very angry and green with jealousy.

 

“Well, in that case… I’d love to dance with you.” She looked so

unrealistically beautiful, John had to fight the urge to kiss her on the

spot.

 

“Great! We do have to practise a lot you know, the contest is in only a

few weeks.”

“I’ve all the time in the world you know. I’m on vacation remember?”

 

John chuckled, how could he forget? She was one tourist he never would

forget.

 

“Would it be okay with you if I take you to some place private so we can

start practising?” John said sounding serious.

 

“Yes of course, where do you want to take me?” That question made John

thinking of other things but dancing.” Lady, I just realised that I want

to take you wherever I’m going. You are truly amazing. I want to take

you in my arms and kiss you like you’ve never been kissed.” He wrapped

his arm around her waist and gestured her to walk with him pointing

towards his car.

 

“You’ll see. Hop in my car and I’ll show you.” She did and they drove

away.

 

They drove in silence for about half an hour when John pulled the car

over and stopped in front of a sea cliff. Marlena raised her brows in

wonder.

 

“Why are we here? Surely you can’t be serious about practicing here. Can

you?”

 

“Nope, just wait and see, I know just the perfect place but we can’t get

there by car.”

 

He was talking in riddles, she still didn’t understand. He got out of

the car and took something out of the trunk, then he walked around to

help her out. She glanced at the things he was carrying, it were

supplies to climb or rappel down a mountain. He grinned playfully when

he saw her face.

 

“I know what you are thinking and yes, we are going to rappel down the

cliff. Come and put this on.”

 

She didn’t know what to say, she was scared of heights but she was

always in for an adventure. John helped her putting on the gear and made

everything ready to lower them of the cliff.

 

“Hold on to me, just relax, nothing is going to happen.”

 

“Can I trust you?” she looked at him and he saw by the looks of her that

she needed to be reassured.

 

“Yes you can.” He said with a deep sexy voice.

 

“Let’s do this then before I loose my nerve.” She closed her eyes and

clung on to him, he held her tight against his body and jumped. A few

seconds later she felt the ground under her feet again.

 

“You can open your eyes we are there.”

 

“Wow, I never did that before, it’s great.”

 

“Well as you can see, this is our private beach, no one can disturb us

here.”

 

“It’s beautiful, it looks as if no one has ever been here before.” She

looked around while taking the gear of. John looked at her and was glad

he had taken her here.

 

“No one has ever been here but me. You are the first one I’ve taken with

me to this magical place.” She was standing with her back to him,

admiring the scene. Slowly she turned around to face him.

 

“Don’t tell me you’ve never used this place to impress a girl. I know

for a fact that you and all the guys around here are womanisers. You

must have taken some of them here.” She was almost sorry she said that

the second it came out. John’s smile disappeared to be replaced by a

look of disappointment.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

 

“No, it’s okay. It’s only understandable that you’d think that. A lot of

guys here are like that, some girls too. I never did that. If you want

to know, two years ago there was a girl I fell madly in love with and I

thought she felt the same way. On the night I asked her to stay here in

Spain with me I wanted to take her here but it never came to that.”

 

“What happened? “

 

“She dumped me like garbage. She told me that I was a lot of fun for a

few weeks, nothing more. Right there and then I vowed never to fall in

love with a tourist again.”

 

Marlena’s heart sank hearing him say that. Here she was, falling hard

for him and he would never be interested in her.

 

“I’m sorry to hear that, it must have been hard on you.” She didn’t know

what more to say, she only could think of her own heart now, it was

breaking too.

 

“It’s okay, I’m over it. Now come on, let’s work on some moves. There

are a few turns and a lift I want to practise with you.”

“Okay, show me how it’s done.” She said smiling again. He took her hands

and directed her towards the ocean.

“you want to dance in the water?”

 

“Yes, I want to begin with the lift. We better do it here, that way, if

you fall you only get wet, not hurt.”

 

“Oh my, you really are a gentleman. You don’t want me to get hurt.”

 

“of course not, if you get injured, I have no other option than to dance

with Kristen and believe me, I have no desire to do that.”

 

Her heart broke a little further. She stood mere inches in front of him

with a sad look on her face.

 

“Is that the reason you asked me to dance with you? Because Kristen was

bugging you to dance with her?”

 

“No, yes… no, well let’s just say that I was playing with the thought

and she helped me make a decision.”

 

“What does that mean? I was wondering al along why you had chosen me to

dance with, I know you don’t like me. I guess I have my answer now huh?”

 

“Where did you get the idea I don’t like you? I DO like you.”

 

“You could have fooled me.” He wanted to ask her what she meant by that

but he could guess her explanation. Instead he cupped her face in his

hands and moved closer to kiss her. She was thrown by his intend but she

leaned in to him. For a few seconds they only gazed in each others eyes.

John was the first one to break the eye contact to kiss her. Marlena

closed her eyes wanting to savour that sweet kiss. She leaned in to

deepen the kiss, searching the dept of his mouth with her tongue,

finding his.

John and Marlena were still standing in the ocean. She looked deep in

his blue eyes, trying to make sense of that kiss, of him. John smiled at

her reading her thoughts.

 

“You must be wondering why I kissed you.”

 

“I do a little yes. Why did you? I’m a tourist too you know.”

 

“Well lady… to me you are much more than that. The first time I laid my

eyes on you, you had me hooked.”

 

“That’s hard to believe, you made me think that you disliked me. Not

that I’m complaining now.”

 

“Why is that so hard to believe? You were the one that kissed another

guy in front of me, I can’t say that I appreciated that.” That remark

hit her hard, she looked down to her hands that were still in his and

she was blushing out of shame.

 

“I’m sorry, I only did that because I was mad when I saw you make fun of

me with Abe, or at least I thought you were making fun of me.” She still

couldn’t look him in his eyes.

 

“I never did that! I would never do that, especially not to you.”

 

“I know that now, Abe told me as much. I’m sorry that I jumped to the

wrong conclusion. I’m even more sorry if I have hurt your feelings, I

never intend to do that to you on purpose.”

 

He held her chin in his hand, making her look at him. she still couldn’t

and closed her eyes.

 

“Look at me please.”

 

“I can’t, I’m sorry. I feel so stupid and embarrassed.”

 

“Please look at me, you aren’t stupid and there’s no reason for you to

be embarrassed. Look at me baby, please?”

 

slowly she opened her eyes to look in his. Her eyes were watering up

again. She did her best to hide it although her attempt was futile. The

second she had opened her eyes, he was lost in them.

 

“Thank you.” He whispered. “I want you to look in my eyes when I tell

you that I’m falling in love with you. And I am, I’m falling for you

with the speed of light.”

 

Her heart missed a few beats hearing that. It was all she wanted to hear

and now the moment had come, she couldn’t believe it.

 

“You are? You don’t even know me that well.”

 

“Then fill me in, I want to know everything about you, your hopes and

dreams.”

 

“Only if you tell me yours.” Finally she smiled again.

 

“I will, but you go first. Where do you come from and what keeps you

busy?”

 

“Let’s sit down in the warm sand okay? I’m freezing standing still in

the water.”

 

They sat down on the beach, john with his legs spread and Marlena in

front of him between his legs with her back against his chest.

 

“Okay, were should I begin? I come from Colorado and I’m going to med

school.”

 

“That’s a start, you are going to be a brilliant surgeon or something?”

 

“Or something, I want to be a psychiatrist. It intrigues me to know how

the human brain works, I want to know what make people tick. Sounds dull

to you I bet.”

 

“No, I like it. You can learn from books how to perform a surgery but

you have to be a caring human being with the knowing of human nature. So

you want a nickname?”

 

“A nickname?” she was surprised again by his changing the subject.

 

“Yeah, a nickname. I’d like to call you Doc. You are going to be a

doctor and it’s hell of a lot shorter than Marlena. You look like a Doc

to me.”

 

“Okay, if you say so then Doc it is.” She leaned her head against his

shoulder looking at him.

“What about you? Where do you come from?”

 

“Honestly? I have no idea.”

 

“Oh come on, you have to come from somewhere.”

 

“I really don’t know. I can’t remember my past. I only know that I

somehow ended up here in Spain. I bought the club and I’m doing just

fine.”

 

“Why can’t you remember? Were you involved in an accident?”

 

“I don’t know. I don’t even want to know. I’m happy here, especially

here with you.”

 

He took her mouth with his as he turned her towards him. she placed a

hand on his chest and pushed him down on the sand. She was laying on top

of him now. His hands were roaming over her back. She was making a trail

of kisses from his neck down. He closed his eyes relishing the feeling

of her moist lips against his skin. When he couldn’t take anymore, he

rolled her over so she was on her back and he on top. He pinned her arms

above her head and started doing the same to her. he kissed her al the

way to her bellybutton and then stopped.

 

“Hey, don’t stop now… That’s torturing.” She said with a seductive

voice. John came up to face her and looked deep in her hazel eyes.

 

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stop?”

 

“Yes, I’m sure. Please don’t stop, I want you. I want you so bad.” That

was all he needed to hear. He kissed her and released her arms. She took

the opportunity to rove his body with one hand and undoing him of his

swim pants with the other. He had let go of her mouth and started to

give her tender kisses along her jaw line, down to her neck and

shoulders heading for her breasts. He took off the soft material that

was hiding them. He left a moist trail with his tongue around her

nipple. He felt her react underneath him. shivers were running down her

spine. Her moans aroused him even more. She cupped his face in her hands

and gave him a look that left no doubts, she wanted him here and now. He

took off the last piece of clothing she had on her and laid down on her

nibbling on her earlobes. She felt his hot breath on her tender skin,

she couldn’t take much more.

 

“Please… I want you to take me now, I need to feel you inside of me.”

She whispered.

 

She spread her legs, making it easy for him to enter her moistness. His

thrusts were slow and gentle but she wanted more. She rolled him over

again on his back and lowered herself on him. with her hands on his

chest and her eyes locked onto his she began to ride him, this way she

was in control. He surely didn’t mind. He pulled her down to kiss her

again, the rhythm of their intimate dance increasing. Simultaneously

they came to their peak. Two became one for the first time.

 

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

 

Back in Costa! Roman and the others had joined Abe and Lexie, Kristen

came in too just in time to hear Abe explaining why John wasn’t in the

club.

 

“So I sent him away to the beach. He couldn’t get anything done here,

his mind was with a certain lady. I bet he’s with her now.” He grinned

meaningfully.

 

“I thought that those two couldn’t stand each other.” Roman said in

disbelieve.

 

“He doesn’t like her, he’s only pretending to like her. he wants to win

the contest and she is his ticket to do just that, or so he thinks.”

Kristen was obviously resentful towards Marlena.

 

“No I think he really does like her, I think he does much more than just

like her in fact. I’ve never seen him act this way, not even when he was

with Diana.” Abe replied.

 

“Wow, that does say a lot Abe, he was really nuts about Diana.” Bo said.

 

“If you want to know… he asked me first to dance with him but I turned

him down. Now he’s settling for second best.” Kristen tried to sound

convincing but failed. She looked like a spoiled little kid that didn’t

get her way.

 

“Oh come on Kristen, you don’t believe that yourself do you? Sure… you

can dance relatively well but compared to my sister you are a farmers

wife with wooden shoes.” Sam chuckled. She was growing tired of Kristen

badmouthing Marlena. Kristen’s face turned to a grim mass while the

others looked another way trying not to burst into laughter.

 

“I will make you see that I am the one for him and not that nitwit you

call a sister.” Kristen sneered.

 

“Watch your mouth Kristen! I’m tired hearing you speak like that about

Marlena. I wasn’t happy she had to come along with us on vacation but

she never did anything to you so just let her be.”

 

“She’s going after the one I want, I won’t let that bitch take John!”

 

Sam slapped Kristen leaving a red mark on her face. Kristen placed her

hand on the sore spot on her cheek and turned around to walk out of the

club.

 

“Wow Sam, you really gave it to her.” Roman said.

 

“Well, she had it coming.”

 

“No arguing there. Well let’s get this place ready for tonight. We will

open in just a few hours. I wonder where John is, he should be back by

now.” Roman stated.

 

“No, if he’s with the one I hope he is, he might take a while longer.”

Abe grinned.

 

***********************

 

Abe was right, John and Marlena were still on “their” beach. Lying close

to each other enjoying the afterglow of their lovemaking.

Their bodies were intertwined, Marlena’s head on his chest looking in

each others eyes.

 

“Thank you” she whispered.

 

“For what? I’m the one who should thank you.”

 

“No, I want to thank you for making my first time so special.” She said

shyly. He looked at her in disbelieve.

“Your first time? I was your first?”

 

“Yes you are.”

 

“I wish I had known, I would have made it special for you. I mean, you

deserve better than a beach.”

 

“No, it WAS special. Our own private beach, I bet no one had their first

time like this, here. Anyone can do it in a bed but this… this is

something else.”

 

“Well, if you put it like that than yes, it is special. You are

special.” He kissed her on her forehead.

“Do you want to stay here to see the sunset?”

 

“I would love to but don’t you have to go back to the club? You’ve been

gone a long time, don’t you need to be there?”

 

“No they can manage without me. Are you hungry? We’ve been here a long

time and we haven’t eaten anything.”

 

“No I’m not hungry but I do have an appetite.” She said seductively.

 

“You’re insatiable. Let’s see if I can cure that.” They started on their

second round of love making, all was perfect for them.

After they had watched the sunset, John and Marlena went back to the car

and were headed to the club.

“Can we stop at the apartment first? I need to change my clothes.”

 

“Sure, but you have to put on swimwear again.” He smirked.

 

“Swimwear? Why? I thought that you said we were going to Costa!?”

 

“We are, but we are having a foam party tonight, so you’d better wear

something that is okay to get wet.”

 

“A foam party? You mean you’ve placed bubble machines? Oh my, that

sound like a lot of fun.” She could just picture it, she and John

dancing in the middle of the soap bubbles.

 

“It does yes. I bet we have a full house tonight. With any luck we get

more people tonight than Ritmo.”

 

“Ritmo? Why are you so competitive with that club? Why does it bother

you so if they had a better night than Costa? I mean, there are lots of

clubs here, why is Ritmo the only one that concerns you?”

 

“That’s a long story. It’s just that the owner and his son and I have a

past and don’t get along.”

 

She got more curious by the minute.

 

“Who are they? And why can’t you get along with them?”

 

John was reluctant to say much about it, he didn’t want to spoil the

good mood he was in.

 

“Their names are Stefano and Tony DiMera and as for the why, I just

rather not talk about it.”

 

“Don’t you trust me enough to tell me?” she loved the mysterious side of

him but she couldn’t help herself, she wanted to know everything.

 

“Of course I trust you, never doubt that. I just don’t want to talk

about them on such a perfect day.” He looked at her and winked at her.

she gave a shy, knowing smile. It had been perfect.

 

“Yes it is. Promise me you will tell me sometime okay? I don’t like

seeing you so upset about something.”

 

“Okay, I promise to tell you soon.” He found her really amazing, she

didn’t know him that well and still she could read his mind. He glanced

at her when he pulled up the parking lot by the apartment. She was

totally lost in her thoughts about the events of this day. She was so

happy, she almost glowed.

 

“Well Pretty lady, we are there. Will I see you in Costa! In a little

while?”

 

“Yes, you will. I won’t be long, I can’t wait to dance with you.” She

smiled at him and got out of the car.

 

“Hey! Don’t I get a kiss to remember you by?” John said semi indignant.

 

“Oh my! I’m sorry, I didn’t know that you were going to miss me that

much! I will join you again in about half an hour or so. Well, come here

and I’ll give you a kiss you never forget.”

 

John got out of the car and wrapped his arms around her.

 

“I’ll remember every single kiss you give me no matter what.” He said

looking deep in her eyes. she gave him a long, hot and moist kiss that

made him almost beg for more.

 

“You better watch out lady, if you continue like that, I can’t help

myself anymore and make love to you right here on the parking lot.” He

whispered with a hoarse voice from desire.

 

“Mmm, I like the way your mind works mister Black,” she smiled

seductively, “ Maybe I have to take my chances and continue.”

 

She kissed him once more, feeling his arousal growing against her

thigh. He couldn’t take much more so he pulled back slightly .

 

“Oh, you don’t play fair. I will get you for that later you know.”

 

“Mm mm, I know. I was hoping you would. I better go and change now, I

see you in a little while.”

 

John watched her go in before he got back in his car. He had noticed

that she too had to struggle to contain herself. He grinned and shook

his head, wondering why he had been so lucky to fall in love at first

sight with such an amazing lady.

 

 

***************************

 

once she was inside of the apartment, Marlena stood with her back

against the front door trying to control her breathing. Her heart was

racing thanks to him. her smile disappeared when she saw Kristen on the

couch, looking self-righteous.

 

“So… Where have you been all day?” Kristen demanded.

 

“Not that it’s any of your business but if you have to know, I was with

John all day. We’ve… uhm … practiced dance steps.” Marlena replied

blushing. She walked by Kristen towards her bedroom when Kristen stopped

her.

 

“Wait! Dance steps? Are you saying he’s going to dance with you?”

 

Marlena wasn’t sure what Kristen was getting at.

 

“Yes, why?”

 

Kristen already knew that but had came up with a plan to come between

John and Marlena. She couldn’t stand the thought of John being with

Marlena.

 

“Oh , well… he really must have been desperate then when I turned him

down.”

 

“You turned HIM down?” Marlena laughed, “He turned YOU down you mean. He

doesn’t want to dance with you Kristen. he said so himself.”

 

“O, is that what he said, well he had to say that didn’t he? Would you

have danced with him if he had told you that you were his last hope?”

Kristen looked so self-assured, Marlena began to wonder if Kristen told

the truth.

“I don’t know.” she said loosing her confidence.

 

“No, I didn’t think that you would, neither did he. When I told him that

I wouldn’t dance with him, I recommended you. I told him that he had to

flatter you a little and it worked like a charm. He gets his way, he can

try to win the contest with you. That is if you don’t fall over your own

feet of course.” Kristen could see that her game with Marlena’s head

worked. With a few more lies, she could shake Marlena’s trust in John.

 

“I don’t believe you. John wouldn’t dance with me if he didn’t want to.”

She wasn’t so sure anymore. Could she be wrong about his intentions? Was

he only interested in her to win that stupid dance contest? For her it

was just a contest but she knew that it was much more than that to John.

 

“Than don’t believe me, but don’t you find it strange that he didn’t

like you just a day ago and that he’s now spending a whole day with

you?”

 

Marlena had to admit that she had wondered about that too but she and

John had talked about it and they agreed that it was because of

misunderstandings.

 

“No, we talked about it, I asked him… it was just a huge

misunderstanding.”

 

“Yeah right, as if he would have told you the truth. Hey, it’s no secret

that you and I don’t get along but maybe it’s time to tell you that John

and I are attracted to each other, we just keeping it silent for now.”

 

“I don’t believe you. He likes you just as much as you like me and we

both know how much that is. He took me to a special place today. He said

he comes there often but that I was the first one to come along with

him.” Kristen had no idea what she was talking about, but never the

less, she knew this could be the perfect opportunity to deepen the doubt

in Marlena’s trust in John.

 

“Oh, he took you there too huh? Don’t fool yourself Marlena, he uses it

to get every girl he wants. He took me there too.”

 

“He took you to the secluded beach too? No, I don’t believe you. He

wouldn’t lie to me like that.”

 

Marlena just gave Kristen the ammo she needed.

 

“Yes, he took me there yesterday. Remember when you ran out the club? He

didn’t ran after you, remember that too? He didn’t because he was in my

arms. He took me to his beach a little after midnight. We made amazing

love underneath a starlit sky. It was so romantic.”

Marlena shook her head in denial, she didn’t want to believe Kristen but

Kristen did seem to know about the beach. She felt her heart breaking

into pieces. She ran into her bedroom and threw herself on the bed,

crying her eyes out. Her sobbing was muffled cause she hid her face in

the pillow. Kristen still was in the living room feeling triumphant. She

tried to hide her smirk when Sam came in.

 

“I thought I heard Marlena?” Sam asked.

 

“Yes, she is in her bedroom now, I don’t think she is feeling well.”

 

“Why? What’s the matter?”

 

“Nothing major, she’s just feeling a little under the weather I guess.

So… are you and Hope ready to go to Costa!?”

 

Sam was a little distracted hearing that her sister wasn’t feeling well

but the mentioning of Costa! brought her in good spirits again.

 

“Yes we are, let’s go.” Hope came out of the bathroom and the three of

them walked out the door, leaving Marlena miserable and alone. She was

still crying on her bed.

“Could he really have lied to me? I know Kristen is capable of lying but

she knew about the secluded beach, how would she know about that if he

hadn’t taken her there? Oh lord, don’t tell me I gave myself to someone

who can be so deceitful. His eyes, in his eyes I thought I could see his

sincerity, his honesty. Could I have been that wrong? Did he take

Kristen there to make love to her too?”

 

 

 

*********************************

In Costa!, John was just wondering what was keeping Marlena when Sam,

Kristen and Hope walked in. they came to the bar where John, Bo, Abe and

Roman were sitting. Bo and Hope found each other and Sam and Roman too.

Kristen walked straight to John.

 

“Hi John.” She said cheerful.

 

“Hi Kristen, didn’t Marlena come with you?” john was still in good

spirits.

 

“No, she didn’t. I’m not sure what’s keeping her but just before we left

I saw her talking to that guy she was kissing last night, they looked

pretty cosy so we decided to go without her. we thought he would take

her here. they must have been delayed for some reason, I was sure they

would come right behind us.”

 

John didn’t say anything but he wondered what that was all about.

Marlena had assured him that she cared less about that guy. She said

that she’d only used him to get back at John when she thought that he

was making fun of her. He believed her. Did she lie?

 

“Oh don’t worry about her John, she looked like she had a great time

talking to him. She’ll be fine. Wanna dance?”

 

“No Kristen I don’t, maybe later okay? I have to talk to Abe, if you’ll

excuse me.”

 

John walked over to Abe, needing a second opinion. Kristen moved closer

to them to overhear the conversation John was having with Abe.

 

“Hey John, what’s up? You look like someone stole your last penny.” Abe

said.

 

“No, not my last penny but I think someone stole my girl. That is if she

ever was mine to begin with.”

 

“Are you talking about Marlena? Why? You’ve told me that you had a great

time with her today. What’s changed?”

 

“I don’t know Abe. Kristen said she saw Marlena with that guy she kissed

last night. She told me that he had meant nothing to her.”

 

“Hey, don’t believe everything Kristen says okay? She would lie if that

would mean that she ‘d get her way.”

 

“I know Abe, but still I wonder. She should have been here by now. “

 

“I tell you what, how about if I go look where she is? “

 

“Would you do that? I would go myself but I’m afraid of what I will find

and I don’t want her to feel checked up on.”

 

“Sure buddy, I’ll go and find her and bring her to you, I’ll bet she’s

on her way over here by now.”

 

“Like hell she is” Kristen thought. Secretly she hoped that Abe would

come back taking Marlena with him, that way she could put her next plan

in motion.

 

Abe left to find Marlena and Kristen approached John again.

 

“You still don’t want to dance with me? You look like you could use a

distraction. Roman told me that he’s going to turn on the bubble

machines in a minute or so. I can’t wait to see that happen.”

 

“Yeah, it will be a lot of fun. But no, I don’t feel like dancing right

now, sorry, maybe later okay?” John still felt a little down but decided

that he couldn’t be taking it out on Kristen, it wouldn’t be fair.

 

“I’ll hold you to that you know. I could use a drink, care to buy me

one?” Kristen felt content with her small victory. She had succeeded in

planting a wedge between John and Marlena and she would see to it that

she would stake it deeper until there was no John and Marlena any

longer.

 

“Sure, what do you want to drink?”

 

“I think I start with a beer.” John raised his brow in wonder.

 

“What do you mean, you start with a beer? Are you saying you’re going to

try al the liquor before the night is over?”

 

“No silly, I just meant that I’ll take a beer now and drink soda later

1. I can’t hold my liquor very well.”

 

“Oh, I see. Well a beer it is then.”

 

 

*******************************

 

 

Marlena was just coming out of the shower when there was a knock on the

door. A part of her was hoping that John had come to her but instead she

found Abe behind the door.

 

“Abe, hi… what are you doing here?”

 

“Hey, I wanted to see where you were. Aren’t you coming to Costa!

tonight? We have a foam party you know.” Abe thought that it was best

not to tell her that he was sent by John.

 

“Yes I know. I don’t feel like going. I don’t want to see anyone right

now, especially not John and Kristen.”

 

“John and Kristen? What do you mean by that?”

 

“Just like I said Abe. I thought that John felt something special for me

but Kristen made it very clear that she and John are an couple.”

 

“She told you what? No! that’s not true, you surely can’t believe her!

John is nuts about you!”

 

“Yeah, I thought so too, but she was pretty convincing Abe. I have no

other choice than to believe her.”

 

“Yes you do. Come with me and talk to John. You owe him that much.”

 

“I owe HIM? no Abe, I owe him nothing but you are right, I can only be

sure if I ask him myself.”

 

She quickly putted on white trousers and a pink top and blow-dried her

hair before going to the club with Abe. On the way over she silently

prayed that she was wrong about John. She knew that Kristen could lie

easily, lying was her second nature. But what about the beach? She had

known about that. It was no use to speculate, she had to wait for John’s

explanation.

 

Abe went into the club first, followed by Marlena. Kristen saw them come

in and just when she saw Marlena looking in their direction, she kissed

John fierce on his mouth, john was totally taken by surprise so it took

a few seconds before he reacted. Marlena had seen everything and from

where she was standing it looked like John was willingly cooperating.

For a second she thought that she was going to faint but instead she

turned around and ran away. Abe had seen it all too but when he turned

around to tell Marlena not to believe what she saw, he noticed that she

had gone. John had ended the kiss after a second of two, not knowing

that Marlena had seen it all. Abe walked up to him to tell him.

 

“John! Why did you do that? Why did she kiss you?”

 

“I don’t know, ask her! I told her that I didn’t want anything from her.

she totally took me by surprise”

 

“Yeah? Well that’s not what she told Marlena, or did you Kristen?”

Kristen didn’t know what to say, her plan wasn’t working the way she had

hoped, she made herself scares.

 

“What are you saying Abe? What has she told Marlena?”

 

“Ask Marlena John, that is if you can find her. she saw you kissing

Kristen, or at least that was what it looked like to her. when I turned

around she had disappeared. You have to find her John, you’ve got to

explain it to her, she’s feeling pretty miserable.”

 

John didn’t waist another moment and ran out to find her. He had to

explain everything to her. He didn’t want to loose her. Not now, Not

ever.

John had looked all over for her. it was as if she had vanished into

thin air.

“Come on Doc, where can you be? I’ve got to find you and make you

understand that Kristen was lying.” He drove up the parking lot by the

apartment for the second time hoping she was there now when he noticed

that the car Sam had rented was missing. He now knew where to look for

her.

“I know where to find you, you went back to our beach, didn’t you.” He

turned around his jeep and drove to the cliff. He had shown Marlena a

hidden path that leads to the secluded beach when they returned home.

Marlena was afraid she had to climb up the cliff in order to get out of

there but John reassured her by showing her that there was another way.

He was right, she had remembered where the path was. She had a little

trouble finding it in the dark, but she found it and now she was sitting

on the sand, staring at the sky above the ocean. Tears were tickling her

cheeks.

 

“Did he really lie to me? Am I that stupid? His eyes, I thought I saw

the truth in his eyes.” she looked at the stars, hoping to find the

answers there, instead a voice behind her answered her questions.

 

“You did see the truth in my eyes Doc, I never lied to you.” He

whispered. It broke his heart seeing her like this. She looked so

vulnerable, the way she was sitting there with her arms wrapped around

her knees.

 

Marlena’s heart leaped hearing his tender voice.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were busy kissing Kristen.” she

said while whipping her tears.

 

“No, what you saw was Kristen kissing me, if you had stayed a few

seconds longer, you had seen me pushing her away. She totally took me by

surprise. She knew that you came in and she deliberately kissed me

knowing you would see it. For some reason she doesn’t want us to be

together. Please Doc, you have to believe me, I would never hurt you

that way.”

 

Even though she loved to hear him say his nickname for her, she still

was a little sceptical.

 

“Yeah? Well she told me that you only pretend to like me because of that

stupid dance contest.”

 

John sat himself down beside her.

 

“No I did not. Do you really think I would make love to you if I only

wanted to dance with you? You had already agreed to dance with me

remember? We came here in the first place to rehearse.”

 

“Okay, you are right about that, but why did you bring Kristen here last

night? She told me that you made love to her right here.”

 

“Here? She doesn’t know about this place and I certainly didn’t sleep

with her, I can’t stand her. Did she tell you about this beach or did

you bring it up?”

 

thinking back Marlena came to the conclusion that Kristen didn’t say

anything until Marlena brought it up herself.

 

“I told her something about this place and she acted as if she knew all

about it. “

 

“I bet she didn’t have a clue what you were talking about, she just

played on the doubts she already had planted in your head.”

 

Marlena looked at him with wide teary eyes. John took her face in his

hands and made her look deep in his eyes. he wanted to convince her for

once and for all that he loved her, only her.

 

“I love you Doc. I know we don’t know each other that long, but believe

me when I say that I love you, only you. The first time I laid my eyes

on you I knew you were the one. I know that with you, I want to spend

the rest of my life. You are the one that makes my life, my soul

complete.”

 

She stared at him for a second and knew she felt the same way.

 

“I love you too John Black. With all my heart. I’m sorry I doubted you

again, I never should have listened to Kristen. but when I saw you kiss

her… it broke my heart.” She whispered.

 

“No, you saw HER kiss ME. Why don’t we just forget about Kristen, I just

want to hold you and kiss you.” He moved closer, taking her in his arms.

Kissing her in a way he knew that would wash all the doubts and tears

away. Marlena kissed him back in a sweet way and whispered, “I want you

to make love to me again.”

She didn’t have to say it twice, he lowered her down on the plaid they

had left behind that afternoon, kissing her lips while his hands gently

caressed her slender body, eliciting soft moans coming from her. when

the kiss ended, he looked her in her eyes again.

 

“Can you do me a favour?” He asked.

 

“Sure, I’ll do anything for you, just name it.”

 

“if you ever have questions about me again, or doubts, please ask me.

Don’t ever run away from me again, just talk to me. Can you do that?”

 

“I promise, no more running away.” She sealed that promise with a kiss.

It was the beginning of their love session underneath the stars.

 

 

**********************************

 

Back in Costa! Kristen had an argument with the others and she had left.

Sam and Hope were angry with her, in their eyes she really had gone too

far this time. Sam and Hope had to confess that they also took pleasure

in pushing the right buttons were Marlena was concerned, but they would

never stoop this low.

 

“I can’t believe Kristen, I know she doesn’t like my sister but this was

really low, even for her.”

 

“Yeah, I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t see it with my own eyes.”

Hope said. “I didn’t like it either that your sister came along with us,

but I wouldn’t break her heart like this.”

 

“Let’s just hope that John will find her so he can explain everything to

her. I’m sure that if he has the chance to do that, she will understand.

I know John, he isn’t gonna let her go that easily. If he really loves

someone, he will do everything for them.” Abe chimed in. “

 

“Well ladies… there’s nothing we can do now, they have to resolve this

themselves. What do you say about join the others on the dance floor?

You ain’t getting more bubbles than this you know.” Roman said to cheer

things up.

 

“That’s a great idea, we can’t sit and mope around all night, I want to

dance before it’s time to go home.” Sam grabbed Roman’s hand and they

were headed to the dance floor, followed Bo and Hope. Abe and Lexie were

tending bar so they just had to watch.

 

 

*******************************

 

After Kristen had left Costa!, she went to Ritmo. She was curious about

this place because she knew that John resented this place. Once inside,

Kristen wasn’t so sure if she wanted to be there anymore. The club was

painted pitch-black and the employees were all dressed in black too. On

the bar were two girls dancing with little clothes on. She was thinking

about leaving when a man approached her.

 

“Hello there, it’s always nice to see a new face around here, especially

if it is as pretty as yours.”

 

“Yeah right, you see new faces every night, This place is swarming with

tourists.” Kristen sneered.

 

“Ah, not only pretty but smart too. Let me introduce myself,” he said

kissing her hand, “I’m Tony DiMera, my father and I own this place.”

 

She was intrigued, she knew that this was the person who could tell her

more about John.

 

“Nice to meet you, I’m Kristen Blake.”

 

“Beautiful name. So… is this your first night out in Spain?”

 

“No, my second, last night I went to Costa!, but they bored me so I came

here.” Tony’s face went grim when Kristen mentioned Costa!, Kristen had

noticed.

 

“Costa! huh, well you will see that we can offer you much more than they

can.”

 

“Oh, I can see that already.”

 

“Can I offer you a drink?”

 

“Sure, but only if you join me, I have a feeling that we have a lot in

common.”

 

Tony smiled in understanding and they headed to the bar were they sat

and talked.

 

 

*****************************

Marlena was laying in John’s arms looking at the stars after their

lovemaking. She wondered if now was a good time to ask him about his

vendetta with Ritmo. John noticed her query and decided to ask her about

it.

 

“What’s on your mind? More doubts?”

 

“No, no more doubts. I was just wondering if now was the right time to

bring up your vendetta with Ritmo.”

 

“Oh.” John really didn’t want to talk about it but he knew he had too

sooner or later. He wanted to be completely honest with her.

 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up, not now anyway.” She saw the

sad look on his face and regretted bringing up the subject.

 

“No don’t be sorry. You can ask me anything you want to know. I don’t

like talking about it but I’ll tell you.” He nuzzled her hair with his

eyes closed, thinking of a way to tell her everything. A moment later he

started talking. “I was about fifteen years old when I came here in

Spain. I had no money, no home, nothing. I didn’t even know who I was. I

lived on the streets. That was when I met the DiMera’s. Stefano’s son,

Tony was being mugged by a few men, I helped him by kicking some butts.

I was glad about the opportunity because at that time I was an very

angry young man. I was angry because I didn’t know who I was and I

didn’t understand why I had to live on the streets. It felt great to

lash out at someone.”

 

“That must have been hard. You must have felt such despair.” She moved

closer to him stroking his cheek.

 

“Yeah, it was hard. Anyway, Tony was grateful, he said I saved his

life.”

 

“Oh, I bet you did. God knows what would have happened if you weren’t

there.”

 

“Yeah who knows, sometimes I wished I hadn’t been there. Well… he took

me to his home to meet his father. Stefano. They lived in a huge

mansion. Of course I was impressed, I’d never seen a house like that on

the inside. They invited me to stay there for as long as I wanted. And I

did. What else could I do? Go back and live on the streets again?” for a

few moments John became silent, thinking about it all. Marlena saw him

struggle with his feelings and held him tight to encourage him to

continue.

 

“For a few months I loved living there. I thought I had found a friend

in Tony and Stefano had become like a father to me. Then things changed

drastically.”

 

“Why? What things?”

 

“Things you don’t want to know.” He whispered.

 

“You can tell me… I won’t judge you by your past. Nothing you tell me

can change the way I feel about you.”

 

He looked at her as if he tried to find the assurance he needed in her

eyes and he found it. In her eyes he could see that he was her world. If

anyone could understand the things he had done, it would be her.

 

“They began to play on my feelings. They told me that I had to do

certain things for them because I lived of them for so long. They also

promised me that they would help me to find out about my past.”

 

“But they never did, did they? What things are you talking about? What

did they want from you?”

 

“At first they wanted me to steal things for them. Art, paintings, that

sort of things. I did. Not because I wanted too but because they made me

do it.” He looked away, he couldn’t face her while telling her this. She

cupped his cheek in her hand and made him look. He turned his head

towards her with his eyes closed.

 

“Open your eyes, I’m not condemning you. Please continue, let it all

out.” Slowly he opened his eyes.

 

“They tortured me, locking me up and beating me. They didn’t do it

themselves but the men they hired to do all sorts of jobs for them. I

was too scared to run away, I was young and ignorant. “

 

“Oh my lord, that’s awful, you must have felt so lonely.” Tears were

coming from her eyes. he wiped them from her cheeks with his thumb.

 

“Yes, I’d never felt so alone as I was feeling then. It didn’t stop at

stealing artwork. They wanted me to uh… they made me an assassin.”

 

“No!” he felt her move slightly and was almost sorry for telling her

everything. He never had told a soul what he had done, not even Abe or

Roman, she was the first and he regretted telling her when he saw her

reaction. It just wasn’t the reaction he thought it was, she didn’t

reject him.

“That bastards! Is that how they thank you for saving a life? God John,

I’m so sorry, I wish I had known you back then, I would have helped you.

Tell me, how did you get away from them?”

 

he smiled when he felt her snuggle closer to him again. He should have

known that she wouldn’t freak out.

“I saw an opportunity to take some evidence to put them in jail for a

long time. I also stole a lot of money from them to start a new life.

With that money I bought the club. I was just nineteen years old and

knew nothing about running a club, but still I managed to make a good

profit. Of course Stefano and Tony found out that I took the money and

they came after me. When I told them about the evidence I had about them

they left me alone. Now they are trying to make me close the club.”

 

“Oh my, why didn’t you go to the police with the evidence?”

 

“If I did that, they would arrest me too. Stefano has proof of the

things I had done for him, so if I turn him in, he does the same with

me.”

 

“ I guess you did the right thing. I wish I could make them go away for

you. Well… at least I can help you to win the contest.”

 

“Do you always see the bright side of everything?” he smiled.

 

“No, not always. As you remember, I have the tendency to run away when

bad things occur.”

 

“Oh yeah, I remember. It’s a good sign then that you’re still here after

I’ve told you about all of this.” He grinned and started to kiss her jaw

line. He couldn’t believe she still wanted to be with him after

everything he had told her. suddenly he felt her shivering.

 

“Are you cold?” he asked concerned.

 

“A little yes. It’s okay, I don’t mind a little cold as long as I’m in

your arms. They will keep me warm, you’re giving me the warmth I need.”

 

“No way pretty lady, you will catch a cold like this. I’ll bring you

back to your apartment.”

 

“Oh shoot! The foam party, I guess we missed out on that huh? Too bad, I

was really looking forward on dancing in the bubbles with you. Oh well,

maybe I can persuade you to do it again sometime this week.”

 

“ Mmm I have an idea, wait here while I make a short phone call. Then

I’ll bring you back okay?”

 

“Sure, okay.” She wondered what he was up to. After putting the plaid

around her shoulders John walked a few feet away from her so she

couldn’t overhear the call. She looked up to the sky, counting her lucky

stars. A few minutes later he joined her again, standing behind her with

his arms wrapped around her waist.

 

“Are you ready to go?” he breathed, his breath tickled her ear.

 

“Yes I am,” she said turning around in his arms to face him. “Who did

you call?”

 

“Ah, you’re being nosy. I was just planning a surprise for you.”

 

“A surprise? Tell me what it is please.”

 

“No, I just said it was a surprise.” He chuckled about her prying.

 

“Okay, what about a hint? Just a little hint?” she said brushing her

lips against his.

 

“No way, it stays a surprise, let’s go to the jeep and take you back

before you really get a phneumonia.”

 

“What about the car I came with? I have to get it back to Sam or she

will kill me, I didn’t ask her permission to take it.”

 

“I’ve already arranged for it to be picked up. Abe and Roman will take

it back. Don’t worry, Roman explained it all to your sister and she

isn’t mad at you for taking the car.”

 

“Thank you. Well… what are we waiting for? Let’s go.”

 

He took her hand and with their fingers intertwined they walked back to

his jeep. He hoped that she would like his surprise.

John had taken Marlena back to the club. She thought it odd, because it

was late and all the clubs were closed.

 

“Why did you take me here? I’m sure that Abe and Roman have closed up

already, it’s late you know.”

 

“uhhuh, I know, are you tired?”

 

“Nope, I’m not.”

 

“Then close your eyes.” she looked at him with surprise. “You want me to

close my eyes? Why?”

 

“Geez lady, do you have to know everything? Just humour me okay?”

she smiled and did what he asked. He leaded her into the club. He had

asked Roman and Abe to arrange a special set up just for her. the bubble

machines were on and the place was lit with a few soft lights. John had

requested some special music to show her how much she meant to him. she

opened her eyes when he said so and gasped.

 

“Oh my, did you do this just for me? Oh, I love it, I love you. Thank

you.”

 

“Everything for you, always. Care to dance with me?” they moved towards

the dance floor to dance on a beautiful song. “Just listen to the

lyrics, they were written for you. The person who wrote it must have

known you.” He whispered in her ear. She rested her head against his

chest and listened to the song.

 

 

I hope the man upstairs isn’t mad at me

cause I have one of his angels and she’s here with me

each time I see her precious smile

then she spreads her wings

it takes me to a place where love

leads eternity

 

 

“You are my angel. I’m so glad I met you, I don’t understand I could

live for so long without knowing you, having you here by my side.” He

brushed his lips against hers, she held him close, thinking about what

she had done to deserve him.

 

 

oh no I’m not letting go

I don’t wanna be alone in this crazy world…

I love her so

and ill sacrifice it all to have her in my life

 

 

They didn’t notice that they were getting wet by the bubbles. Even if

they had noticed, they could care less. In each others arms everything

else disappeared. Nothing mattered anymore, just the two of them. She

looked up at him and hazel were locked onto blue again. It was amazing

how they could read each others mind by just looking in one and others

eyes. tears welled up in her eyes again when the song continued. She

could see in his eyes that he really felt this way for her.

 

 

I found my girl, ill tell the world

that heaven is missing an angel

my dreams came true

when I found you

is heaven missing an angel

 

 

 

“We know each other for just two days and yet I feel as if I have known

you for a lifetime.” She whispered.

 

“I know what you mean, for me it’s the same. We’ve been through much

already, enough to last a lifetime, I can only hope that from now on,

all we will be is happy and in love.” She nodded in agreement at leaned

in to kiss him. They stopped dancing to deepen the kiss. Her tears were

falling freely now, she just couldn’t believe he was for real.

 

“Please

don’t cry, from now on I only want to see you smiling.” He said brushing

her tears away.

 

“Don’t worry, these are happy tears, I just can’t believe how lucky I am

with you loving me as much as you do.”

 

“I’m the lucky one.” He said before kissing her forehead.

 

not a day goes by that I don’t thank god for you

he blessed me with my angel

though I don’t deserve you

before I met you girl

loneliness was my best friend

now that you are in my life I am stronger within

I can’t wait to kiss my angel late at night

and watch her go to sleep until I see her eyes.

 

 

she roamed her hands along his back, searching his lips with hers. She

then traced the outlines of his lips with the tip of her tongue. She

felt the shivers running down his spine. She loved the way he reacted to

her every touch. She traced his jaw line with the tip of her tongue

towards his earlobe and nibbled on it. His ragged breathing tickled her

neck, now she in her turn began to shiver.

 

all that I do is for you

me without you girl just wont do

your love is all I wanna know

angel don’t you ever go

life won’t be the same without you

 

 

His hands began to wander over her upper body, coming to rest on her

breasts. He slowly began to knead them with one hand while his other

hand moved towards her back. He looked in her eyes with desire. She

returned it with her own. He lifted her up in his arms and without

saying a word, they went upstairs to his residence.

 

Eyes like fire – Burn desire

As we dance away into the night

 

 

He placed her on his king sized bed and lowered himself on top of her,

still looking in her dazzling eyes. she gave him a warm smile,

encouraging him to continue. He teased her by moving in to kiss her but

withdrawing the moment their lips touched. She placed her hand on the

back of his head, forcing him to kiss her for real.

 

This attraction – Fuels a passion

That’s just too strong for us to try and fight

 

 

His tongue parted her lips and entered her mouth. He tasted the

sweetness within. She pulled his shirt out of his jeans and tried to

unbutton it. She got impatient when it took to long and then she just

ripped his shirt to shreds. He grinned at her eagerness to get him

undressed. She zipped his jeans open when she felt his growing arousal

beg to be released. Slowly she traced the length of it with her fingers,

caressing the tip of it. He began to moan.

 

Each moment we’re together

I just never want to end

‘Cause I could never feel this way again

 

 

He began to take her pink top off of her, kissing her now, bare breasts.

Softly nibbling on her nipples. His hands were getting her out of her

white trousers. Their skin was a little clammy because of their wet

clothes. He traced an idle path with his moist kisses from her breast

onto her lower abdomen. Slowly he began to lick her inner thighs,

tasting her wetness.

 

‘Cause nothing else had ever felt so right

To feel your body lying next to mine

As the rhythm of your heart beats through me

All through the night

I never thought I’d ever realize

A love that feels so close to paradise

Boy I could spend my whole life living

Forever in your eyes

 

 

she elicited soft moans with every touch of his tongue. She ran her

hands through his hair, squirming her hips beneath him, unable to lay

still. She knew she would come soon if he continued, he knew it too. It

aroused him greatly to see her getting pleasure from everything he did

with her.

 

Lips so tender – I surrender

Everything I am is yours alone

 

 

When she came to her peak, she wanted to do the same for him, she turned

him on his back and she started by kissing his neck, breathing softly in

his ear. Then she started teasing him by kissing every inch of his upper

body with her soft, warm and moist lips.

 

When you touch me – All that I see

Are feelings that my heart has never known

 

 

She massaged his manhood while touching the tip of it with her tongue.

Just when he was about to come, he took her by her arms and pulled her

on top of him. He rolled her over on her back again. She tilted her head

to kiss him, he cupped her head in his hands and kissed her tenderly. He

couldn’t get over the beauty of her. she was amazing, inside and out.

 

You’re all I ever dreamed of

you’re my every fantasy

Whoever thought an angel could bring heaven here to me

 

 

She scraped her nails against his back in desire, she needed him, she

needed to feel him. he wanted her more than anything, needing her…

loving her. she had spread her legs and he entered her moistness. His

thrusts were slow and gentle, he didn’t take his eyes off of hers. He

wanted to see her going in high spirits. Her eyes were dark with desire.

 

‘Cause nothing else had ever felt so right

To feel your body lying next to mine

As the rhythm of your heart beats through me

All through the night

I never thought I’d ever realize

A love that feels so close to paradise

Boy I could spend my whole life living

Forever in your eyes

 

 

His thrusts became harder and deeper driving them to their ultimate

peak. they both elicited loud moans reaching their simultaneous climax.

 

You’re the one my heart beats for

You’re my everything and more

It’s a burnin’ love I can’t seem to ignore

Cause all the things I feel inside

Are too strong for me to hide

I need you by my side

‘Cause I could live forever in your eyes

 

 

After their love making, he laid next to her, holding her. she rested

her head on his chest trying to control her breathing. She was glad that

he was the one she gave herself to for the first time. She had always

dreamed about how she wanted her first time to be. He had exceeded her

expectations. He had made her feel so special. Every time he made love

to her he made her feel so incredibly loved.

 

‘Cause nothing else had ever felt so right

To feel your body lying next to mine

As the rhythm of your heart beats through me

All through the night

I never thought I’d ever realize

A love that feels so close to paradise

Boy I could spend my whole life living

Forever in your eyes

 

 

The past events had tired her out. She felt so content by just lying in

his arms, she felt so save when she was with him.

“I love you so much.” She whispered right before she drifted off to

sleep.

 

“I love you too.” He replied while kissing her on top of her head. He

watched her sleep, thanking the lord above for sending her to him. he

knew he would do anything to keep her by his side. Even if it meant

moving to the other side of the world.

 

Forever in your eyes

Forever in your eyes

The next morning John and Marlena woke up the same way they had fallen

asleep, in each others arms. John was the first to wake up, looking at

his sleeping beauty.

He could look at her like this for hours but after a few minutes she too

woke up as if she felt he was staring at her. she opened her eyes and

gave him a broad smile.

“I love you.” She whispered. John began to laugh.

 

“Well… I love you too, very much but normally when people wake up they

say good morning first.”

 

“Oh, good morning then.” She laughed back. “ But by the look on your

face I could see that your morning was already going great and I just

wanted to make it even better. And what else way to do that than to say

I love you.”

 

“You’re definitely right about that, you can say that anytime you want

to, I doubt that I’ll ever get tired of it.” He moved in to kiss her,

she leaned in to him and kissed him back in a sweet way.

 

“I want to ask you something.” John said seriously.

 

“Ask away, what’s on your mind?” she said, a bit surprised by the change

of mood.

 

“Do you want to stay with me? I mean…. Stay here instead of going back

to the apartment?”

 

“I would love to of course! Why are you so reluctant in asking me? You

are so sombre , why?”

 

“I didn’t just mean for the vacation, I meant for forever and beyond.”

He watched her reaction.

 

“Uh… oh….I didn’t think so far ahead yet. I don’t know. Boy, you really

gave me something to think about.” She lifted herself off the bed, out

of his arms and walked to the window, staring outside. It wasn’t exactly

the reaction he hoped for but he wasn’t surprised either. He stared a

moment at her, mesmerized by the way the sun was shining on her naked

body, and came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her.

 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like this. I have no

right to ask you this, to give your life in the States up for me.” He

breathed in her ear. She turned around in his arms, looking him straight

in his eyes.

 

“Don’t be sorry, a big part of me would like nothing more than to stay

here with you for eternity, but as you were saying, it would mean that I

had to give my life up there. it means that I have to leave my family

behind and although Sam and I aren’t always the best of friends, I don’t

know if I can live so far away from her or my parents for that matter. I

hope you’ll understand.”

 

“I do… I probably would feel the same way if I had a family. Just forget

I asked okay? Just stay with me during your vacation and we’ll see what

happens next.” She saw the pain in his eyes and it turned her stomach

into a knot. She knew how much this… she meant to him but she had to be

honest and she really didn’t know what to do at the moment.

“Okay… you know what? I still have a few weeks left to think about it

before I leave. I promise you that I will consider it seriously but I

can’t make any promises. I do want you to know that I love you and that

I never want to loose you, so no matter what I decide, I’ll make sure

you stay in my life. That is, if you still want that then.”

 

“I want that… more than you could possibly know.”

 

“Okay… now that we have got that out, how about you keeping me warm? The

sun maybe shining outside but inhere it still is a little chilly.” She

said snuggling against his chest. He grinned, he felt shivers running

through her spine, but it wasn’t just the cool morning air that caused

them.

 

“Come with me underneath the covers and I’ll see what I can do for you.”

He replied in a low sexy voice. He took her hands and guided her on the

bed. She pulled him on top of her and started to kiss him. As their lips

lock, John’s hands wander over her body, making Marlena immediately warm

all over. “I need you so much.” She whispers, looking in his passionate

eyes. “I need you too… so bad…” he breathed back. “I want to feel you

inside of me.” She said closing her eyes in anticipation. “Oh, the lady

is getting inpatient huh? Well.. who am I to deny her anything.” He

grinned at her impatience. He entered her most intimate spot while

kissing her neck. He felt the sweet pain of her nails raking over the

soft skin on his back. She began to squirm underneath him when his

thrusts increased, lifting them both to their ultimate peak.

In the afterglow they just lay silently in each others arms staring at

each other. It was amazing how much they could say to each other without

uttering a word. just by looking they knew how the other felt or wanted

to say.

 

 

************************************

 

back at the apartment, Kristen came out of her bedroom and walked up to

Sam who was sitting on the balcony. The night before she had

interrogated Tony about John. Tony told her everything she wanted to

know when she made him think that he stood a chance with her. In order

to pry John away from Marlena, she had to act as if she was sorry for

the things she had done to John and Marlena. she decided to make up to

Sam first. That way it would be easier to get to Marlena. Tony had told

her that he and Stefano wanted to ruin John by taking everything from

him, his club… his life. Kristen wanted to be sure that she got closer

to John so she could comfort him when he did loose it all, including

Marlena. When Tony was called away for something, she had talked to

Stefano. She had told him about the woman John was seeing. She also told

him that Marlena had taken John away from her and that she was willing

to do whatever it took to get him back. That was music to Stefano’s

ears. He could use an ally who was so close to John, or so he thought.

At least Kristen could get into Costa! that way she could keep an eye on

things on the inside and give him useful information. Kristen sat down

across where Sam was sitting. Sam didn’t say anything, she didn’t even

do so much as acknowledge Kristen’s presence. Reluctantly Kristen began

to speak.

 

“Sam? Can I talk to you for a minute?”

 

“Why?” Sam asked without looking at Kristen and sounding uninterested.

 

“I want to apologise to you. I know that what I did to Marlena was

wrong, I shouldn’t have done that.” She lied.

 

“No you shouldn’t have done that. That was pretty low, even for you.”

Sam scoffed. She had straightened her back and looked Kristen directly

in the eyes. “But if you mean that, you shouldn’t be apologising to me

but to Marlena.”

 

“You’re right, is she in her bedroom?” Kristen asked with a fake sincere

look on her face.

 

“No, she is at John’s place. She didn’t come home last night.” Kristen

tried to keep a straight face hearing that, she knew that Sam was

watching her reaction to this.

 

“Oh, how nice. Well… do you know where he lives? I want to go over there

to apologise to them both.” This took Sam by surprise. She didn’t think

that Kristen was really sorry but now she seemed really genuine.

“Yeah, he lives above the club, if it isn’t open yet, you can take the

back. There are stairs that leads to the back door.”

 

“Thanks, I’ll go and see if they’re still there. see you later.”

 

“Yeah, see you.”

Kristen left, leaving Sam behind in surprise. Hope saw Kristen walk out

the door and sat down with Sam on the balcony.

 

“What’s she up to now? She looked so cheerful, and by the look on your

face she’s up to something.” Hope asked.

 

“Beats me. She said she was going over to Johns’ to apologise to him and

Marlena for all the lies she told.”

 

“Well? That’s a good thing right?”

 

“You would think so, but I can’t shake the feeling that there is more…

somehow I think she’s planning something. Something worse than she did

so far.”

 

“I hope not. Well… let’s not jump to any conclusions. Maybe she is

really sorry. How about some breakfast?”

 

“Sure, why not. I haven’t eaten yet.”

 

 

*****************************

 

In Ritmo, Stefano and Tony were talking about Kristen and how they could

use her to get to John.

 

“We can use her for our plans, she will come in handy.” Stefano stated.

Tony knew he was right but he liked Kristen a lot and didn’t want to use

her.

 

“No, we can do this without her, I don’t want to put her in the middle

of this. This is between John and us, she has nothing to do with it.”

 

“Ah, don’t be ridiculous, she asked me herself if I wanted to help her

to get John back. In return she would help me with my plans as long as I

didn’t hurt John.”

 

“What did you tell her?”

 

“I said I would help her. she wanted to come between John and that woman

he is seeing now and she needs my help.”

 

“What are you going to do? send one of your assassins to take her out?”

Tony said sarcastically. He didn’t like the idea that Kristen was after

John, he wanted her for himself.

 

“No, of course not. Although that wouldn’t be such a bad idea. If John

really loves this woman, it would be a sweet revenge for me to kill her.

What way to get to him better than to kill the one he loves most?”

 

“The club, the club is what he loves more than anything. We should focus

on that.’

 

“We will, don’t worry. I’m planning to take him down slowly. First I’ll

make sure he looses this woman he cares for and than it will be a piece

of cake to take his club from him. I think I’m going to pay him a little

visit later on, I want to see who the woman is that is stealing his

heart, making it easy for us to break him.”

 

Tony just shook his head, not understanding why his father always had to

play games with people before giving the final blow to destroy them.

 

 

 

****************************

 

John and Marlena had just shared a shower and tried to get dressed.

Tried… cause every time Marlena had put something on, John took it off

of her again. She gave up and just wrapped a towel around her to cover

her nakedness. John too was just wearing a towel round his waist, little

water droplets were lingering on his upper body.

 

“That’s how I like to see you, no clothes, just a tiny towel.” He

grinned, leaning in to kiss her. she kissed him back, grabbing his towel

from his waist and she run away from him to the living room, with the

towel still in her hands. He came after her, loving the sound of her

laughter. Suddenly, she stopped laughing and he saw the reason why and

stopped dead in his tracks from pursuing Marlena.

 

“What are you doing here? You’re not welcome.” He said totally

forgetting he was naked.

 

“I… uh, I’m sorry. The door was open so I just walked in when no one

answered my knocking.” Kristen said blushing and staring at his nudity.

Marlena saw Kristen stare and walked to John, giving him his towel back.

John putted it around his waist again, not feeling the slightest bit

embarrassed. He just was mad at her for barging in on them.

 

“You still haven’t answered my question, what are you doing here.”

John saw the timid look on Marlena’s face and shifted behind her,

wrapping his arms protectively around her. she relaxed a little again

feeling his strong arms around her.

 

“I came over to apologise to the two of you. I’m really sorry for all

that I’ve done to keep you apart.”

 

Marlena looked at John, in her eyes he could see that she doubted that,

just like he did. He looked back at Kristen again.

 

“We’ll believe that when hell freezes over.” He said angrily.

 

“I really mean it, ask Sam if you won’t believe me. I already apologised

to her and she accepted it. She said I should do the same to you and she

is right, so here I am.”

 

“Why Kristen? Why don’t you tell us what you’re really up to?” Marlena

finally spoke. John squeezed his arms tighter around her when he felt

the tension rise up in her again. Marlena placed her hands on top of

his, letting him know how much she needed his shielding arms around her.

 

Kristen looked as innocent as she could to them.

 

“I’m not up to anything Marlena. I really am sorry for the way I treated

you. Tell me what I can do to make it up to you.”

 

“The only thing you can do to make me respect you again is staying the

hell away from me and John. I’m sick and tired of your lies. Just go

away.” Marlena pulled out of John’s arms and walked back into the

bedroom. John watched her go as did Kristen.

 

“I’m really sorry John, can you forgive me? Can you talk to her and let

her know that I really mean it?”

 

“No, Kristen, I can’t. I don’t believe you myself. Now please go before

you make things worse and I kick you out.” He turned around and went to

Marlena, who was sitting on the bed staring at the window. He heard the

door shut and gave a relieved sigh.

 

“Don’t worry Doc, she’s gone. I don’t think she will bother you again.”

He said sitting beside her.

 

“Oh, yes she will. She’s up to something, I just know it John. She won’t

rest until she has you, I could see it in her eyes.” she said monotone,

still staring in front of her.

 

John kneeled in front of her and took her face in his hands, making her

look at him.

“Look at me honey, as long as we believe in our love… there will be

nothing that she can do to come between us.”

 

“Don’t say that John, there are a million things that she could do to

drive us apart. I don’t know if love is going to be enough.” Tears were

rolling down her face, it broke his heart, seeing her this insecure.

 

“It IS going to be enough. I will make sure that no one can come between

1. Just trust me baby. What could she do? Tell more lies? We know

better than that.” He said brushing her tears away.

 

“I do trust you, I trust our love… but I’m so afraid to loose you.” She

caressed his cheeks with her delicate hands, looking at him with teary

eyes. “Hold me please.” She whispered.

 

“Always.” He said taking her in his arms again. Slowly he backed her

down on the bed, holding her close, whispering soothing words in her

ear. In his mind he solemnly vowed to kill anyone who would hurt her

ever again.

A few hours later, Marlena had come down and was cleaning the bar in the

club. John still was upstairs, showering and getting dressed. Marlena

had beat him to the bathroom and had locked it behind her. John was

pleading with her to let him in but she knew if she had done that, they

would never be ready to clean the club before tonight. When she had

taken a shower, she came out of the bathroom dressed in a pair of jeans

and a white shirt and her hair in a loose ponytail. John had tried to

seduce her again but she could convince him otherwise. So he was in the

shower now, while she already had started to clean up. She had put some

music on, so the cleaning wouldn’t be such a drag.

 

“My, he’s taking a long shower, I bet he hopes all the cleaning will be

done by the time he’ll get down here.” She said glancing at her watch.

 

“I wouldn’t let you do all of it by yourself if I were him.” She heard a

dark voice saying behind her. she turned around in surprise. The club

wasn’t to be open for hours so she didn’t expect any company.

 

“Hello, I’m sorry, but we’re not open yet. Can I help you in any way?

Are you lost or something?” she tried to be polite although her

instincts told her not to trust this man.

 

“No, I’m not lost. Let me introduce myself, I’m Stefano DiMera, owner of

Ritmo. And you are?” He already had an idea who she was and he was taken

by her beauty and grace. He did notice her sudden paleness when he had

spoken out his name, he figured that John had already told her about

him.

 

“Uh… I’m Marlena Evans.” She answered while taking a few steps back

reflexively. She wrapped her arms around her waist as if she was trying

to protect herself from something… or someone.

 

“Well… it’s nice to meet you Marlena. Is John around by chance? He and I

have some unfinished business to take care of.”

 

“No we don’t.” John was coming down the stairs, seeing Stefano so near

Marlena. It made his blood boil. He walked up to her, wrapping his arms

around hers which were still wrapped around her waist.

“What are you doing here DiMera?” John demanded.

 

“Ah John, why so hostile? You don’t even know my intentions to come

here.”

 

“I really don’t want to know. You’re not welcome in my club, I want you

out of here.”

 

“I will leave, but tell me… did you find a good partner yet for the

contest? Or have you decided to back out?”

 

“I’m not backing out, I’ve found someone.” John said, trying to stare

him out the door.

 

“Aha, I see… who?”

 

“Your looking at her.” Marlena said while giving him a ‘don’t mess with

me’ look.

 

“Ahh, the lovely Marlena is going to dance with you. Well, I wish the

both of you all the luck you need, cause believe me…. You will need it.”

Stefano turned around saying that and walked out.

 

Marlena turned around in John’s arms and regained some color back. She

looked at him with fear in her eyes.

“O my, he scared me. You’ve never told me he was so… so…” she gave a

sigh not coming up with the right word.

“I know. Please promise me that you will stay away from him as far as

you can, that man is nothing but bad news.” John looked her straight in

her eyes, making sure that she saw that he had meant it.

 

“Don’t worry, he is not on my friendly list.” She gave him a smile to

try and relax him somewhat but she herself couldn’t help but tremble.

John noticed. He pulled her closer and she rested her head on his

shoulder. They both turned when they heard Abe and Roman come in.

 

“Wasn’t that Stefano DiMera’s car we saw pull out of the driveway?”

Roman asked curious about the mans reasons to come here.

 

“Yes it was, he scared the hell out of Doc.” John said with a grim face.

 

“No, he didn’t,” Marlena laughed. “I just didn’t expect him, he

surprised me. That’s all.”

All three of them looked at her with a sceptical look on their faces.

She shrugged her shoulders and went back to cleaning. Her hands were

still a little shaky. She couldn’t understand why, she was never scared

so easily before by anyone. There was something about Stefano that had

her unnerved.

 

“Well, we can see that the two of you have been busy all morning with

cleaning.” Abe said sarcastically looking at the mess from the night

before. John was grinning while Marlena blushed a little, turning her

face in the other direction hoping that they couldn’t see it.

 

“I do want to thank you guys for setting everything up last night. It

looked great, it’s almost a shame that we didn’t stay down here as long

as we were supposed to.” John gave them a smile that betrayed their late

night actions. Abe and Roman had already figured the night to be

successful, otherwise Marlena wouldn’t have spend the night.

 

“Any time buddy, any time.” Abe said shaking his head laughing. “Now..

let’s go help the lady, we still have lots to do.”

 

“You still haven’t told us why HE was here.” Roman said grabbing John’s

arm who was on his way to help Marlena.

 

“I’m not sure. He came here with a motive but I’m not sure what.” John

said thinking back.

 

“Well… what did he say? He must have said something.”

 

“All he did was ask me if I had found a dance partner. Marlena told him

that he was looking at her. he wished us luck and left. Kind of strange

huh?”

 

“He really must be worried if he came to check out your dance partner.

It kind of makes me wonder who’s going to dance for Ritmo.”

 

“I’ll bet that Tony is entering again, I’m just curious who his partner

is.”

 

“Maybe Stefano himself, can you picture it? Tony dancing with his father

in his arms?” Roman began to laugh hysterically. John grinned a little,

he was to worried about Stefano’s plans to be light hearted. Roman

picked up on John’s worries and came up with an idea.

 

“Why don’t you and Marlena go somewhere to practise? You can’t do that

enough if you have any desire to win this thing. I’ll call Sam, Hope and

Bo to ask them if they can help us here.”

 

“That’s a great idea, are you sure you don’t need our help?” John

already knew the answer but asked anyway.

 

“No, go… get out of here and take that beauty with you but…. When I talk

about practising, I’m talking about dancing okay? You can practise

anything else in your own time.” Roman said while winking at John.

 

“We will, believe me… in the other area she doesn’t need practise, she’s

a natural.” John whispered, winking back. He walked over to Marlena,

taking her hands and taking her away from there.

 

“Come on Doc, where out of here. We have to go and PRACTISE.” John said

looking at Roman, deliberately raising his voice.

Marlena didn’t say anything, she just waved smiling at the others and

ran with John to his jeep, already knowing where they were headed.

 

***************************

 

Tony found Stefano deep in thoughts behind his chess game in his study.

He entered and sat himself across in the chair across of his father.

 

“Well? How did it go?” he asked, making Stefano focus on the present.

 

“How did what go?” Stefano asked playing dumb.

 

“You know exactly what I’m referring to. How did it go at Costa!, did

you talk to John?”

 

“Yes, as a matter of fact I did. And I didn’t just talk to him, I also

met this lady he’s seeing.”

He said, never taking his eyes off of his game.

 

“And? Tell me, what’s she like? No… let me guess, she is some dumb

blonde, yeah I’ll bet she is.”

 

“No, she’s not!” Stefano peered at him with anger. “She’s a blonde but

not remotely dumb. She’s a mighty fine lady I must say.” His voice

softened a bit. “There’s something about her… I can’t exactly explain it

but I wouldn’t mind to get to know her better.”

 

Tony looked at him with a quizzical expression on his face. His father

was really impressed by this woman, he had never seen him this way.

 

“What are you planning to do?” Tony asked, knowing that he probably

wouldn’t get an answer.

 

“I’m thinking about it, so if you would leave me now, I can come up with

something.” Stefano stared him out the room and went back to his game.

All his plans came together when he played chess. Tony left, wanting to

talk to Kristen.

Tony had found Kristen on the boulevard, sitting on a bench. She was

staring at the ocean, plotting some scheme to get John. She didn’t

notice Tony coming towards her until he sat beside her.

 

“I hoped I would find you, I want to ask you something.” Tony said,

getting her out of her deep thoughts.

 

“Oh hi Tony. What do you want to ask me?” She said, surprised to see

him.

 

“Well, I’ve noticed your dancing skills the other night in Ritmo and I

want to ask you if you want to dance with me in the contest. Its only a

few weeks from now and I don’t have a fitting partner yet. What do you

say?”

 

Kristen remained silent for a moment, thinking about how badly she

wanted to dance with John. Until now, she had hoped for a miracle so she

could be the one at John’s side. She even had thought about ‘arranging’

a minor accident for Marlena so she couldn’t dance with John, of course

Kristen would be the one waiting to take Marlena’s place. Dancing with

Tony was an opportunity she hadn’t even considered. That way John could

see how good she was and maybe he would become a little jealous even.

 

“Sure Tony, what did you have in mind?”

 

“I’m glad you agreed. I was thinking… if you want we could practise

everyday at Ritmo before opening hours. You can even stay with us at the

mansion if you want, that way, your closer to Ritmo. You won’t have to

travel every day.” Tony was still hoping to win her heart although he

knew she was after John.

 

“Travel? Ritmo is only five minutes away! I can do it by foot if I had

to.” Kristen exclaimed.

 

Tony looked at his feet. “I know, but still I was hoping to convince you

to stay with me. I can assure you that you will have more luxury than at

that apartment. I will understand it if you decided to stay with your

friends of course.” Tony had a feeling that she and her friends weren’t

getting along very well lately, so he hoped to convince her that way. He

was right, Kristen didn’t look forward to go back to the apartment, not

after the talk she had with Sam that morning. And the prospect of

spending the rest of the vacation in luxury wasn’t bad, Kristen had

always desired to live a wealthy life. Not that she was poor, but the

apartment was very basic, with nothing extra. Sam and Hope had demanded

to stay at a simple place, so they would have more money to spent on

other things.

 

“No, I don’t exactly ‘have’ to stay with them. If I can make you happy

by staying with you and Stefano at the mansion I will. Thank you for

inviting me.” Kristen smiled at him, she didn’t do it for him but for

selfish reasons. Tony knew it but didn’t care, he saw it as the first

step to win her over.

 

“Great! Well… let’s go to the apartment to get your things okay?”

 

“Sure Tony, let’s go.” Kristen hoped that Sam and Hope already had gone

on their shopping trip they had planned for today so she wouldn’t have

to face them. She would leave a note saying she was going to stay with

Tony for the rest of the vacation.

 

**************************

 

Marlena had expected John to drive to their private beach but instead he

was headed for another direction.

 

“Where are we going? I thought we were going to our beach?” She said

looking at him.

 

John loved the way those words were coming from her mouth, ‘ our beach ‘

. He looked back at her and was showing a huge smile.

“We are going there but first I thought we would pick up your things at

the apartment, that is if you still want to stay with me at my home.” He

was teasing her, cause he already knew the answer to that.

 

“Of course I will, you know that.” She replied, slapping him playfully

on his arm. He grinned while parking the jeep.

 

“By the way, do you think that all of your things will fit in my jeep or

should I hire a van or small truck?” He grinned deviously, hoping for a

reaction. He got a reaction but not the kind he expected. She stepped

out of the jeep, walking around it as if she was measuring it rubbing

her chin.

 

“mmm, I don’t know… the jeep is kind of small. Is this the biggest car

you have? Maybe we should get a truck, a big truck, I don’t want my

clothes to get wrinkled you know.” Her eyes were sparkling when she

looked at him. He walked over to her and took her in his arms.

 

“ This jeep and I are inseparable, so I hope you will find us good

enough to transport you and your precious clothes.” He said, pouting.

She began to laugh out loud, he loved her throaty laughter.

 

“Of course it is silly, I love this jeep, I was just teasing you and you

know it.” Right after saying that she captured his mouth in hers. After

a moment, he pulled back slightly, knowing that he couldn’t control

himself any longer. The way she kissed him and pressed her body against

his was making him want her.

 

“Okay pretty lady. I have to stop now or I will take you right here.

What do you say about getting inside so you can pack? That way we still

have time to go and practise.” She knew that he wasn’t lying, she could

feel his arousal growing. She loved the fact that she had such a strong

effect on him. Even the slightest touch or even when she did so much as

look at him she saw the desire for her in his eyes. she didn’t answer

him but instead she walked in front of him wiggling her hips slightly

more than usual. She could picture his face, all covered with a slight

red shade, trying to contain himself . she was right, he was blushing

guiltily for the thought that had entered his mind when he looked at

her. he ran his hand trough his hair and followed her inside. He tried

his best not to look at her but failed, he couldn’t help it, he was

drawn to her. They were surprised to find the apartment empty, Sam and

Hope were out and even Kristen wasn’t here.

 

“I’m glad that Kristen hasn’t come back here, I really have no desire to

run in to her again.” Marlena said, tossing her keys on the coffee

table.

 

“Yeah me too. So… is there anything I can help you with?” he asked,

slapping his hands against his thighs.

 

She smiled seductively. “There are a lot of things you could do for me,

but if you’re referring to packing… no, it will only take a minute.”

“I’m glad it will be done so soon, that way we can get to the things I

CAN do for you sooner.” He said winking at her. now she was the one who

was blushing and she almost ran to her bedroom to escape from his sexy

eyes, which were already undressing her. she threw her two suitcases on

the bed, throwing her things in carelessly. She didn’t care if her

clothes were going to wrinkle, she wanted the packing to be done as

quickly as she could, so they could get out of here. She almost was done

when she heard voices in the living room, she thought that Sam and Hope

had returned but then she heard a voice she didn’t recognise. Curious as

she was she stepped out of her bedroom, finding John, Kristen and some

guy who was apparently with Kristen arguing.

 

“What are you doing here DiMera?” john fumed.

 

“I could ask you the same thing.” Tony stated quietly.” I’m just helping

this lady to pack her things, she going to stay with me at the mansion.”

 

 

“No she’s not!” John said matter of factly. Tony and Kristen looked at

him in surprise, Marlena did too.

 

“Why would you care where I’m staying John?” Kristen asked surprised.

Marlena looked at John, wanting to ask him the same question.

 

“Kristen… this guy and his father are bad news. You’ve done pretty

stupid things so far, but this will be the worst mistake you’ve ever

made if you’re going to stay with them.”

 

Kristen mistook John’s concern for jealousy and looked at a astounded

Marlena. She too didn’t understand John’s motives. Why would he care

what Kristen did. Okay, she now knew that this guy was the son of the

man she met earlier this morning but why did he care if Kristen was

staying with him?

 

“Well, I don’t think it is any of your business where I’m going to stay,

now is it?” Kristen tried to provoke John.

 

“No it’s not. But just listen to me. You don’t know the DiMera’s as I

1. They never let people stay with them without an ulterior motive.

They are going to expect things of you, and believe me, I’m talking

about things you even can’t imagine of doing.” John hoped to change her

mind without explaining any further. Kristen still thought it was

jealousy speaking but Marlena now knew the truth. John only was scared

for her because of the things the DiMera’s had done to him.

 

“listen to him Kristen, he knows what he is talking about. You have to

believe him when he says that you’d better stay away from him and his

family.” Marlena said, walking towards John, grabbing his hand.

 

“Oh, butt out Marlena. I know Tony, he’s the kindest man I’ve met. If

you want to know, I’m entering the contest with him and we have every

intention to win.” Kristen smirked, wrapping her arm around Tony.

Marlena wanted to say something more but John prevented her.

 

“Come on Doc, let’s finish your packing. If she wants to be so

pigheaded, so be it.” He looked from Marlena to Kristen. “Don’t come

running and crying back Kristen. the only thing I will say to you then

is I told you so.” John didn’t give Kristen and Tony another look and

went into Marlena’s bedroom, taking Marlena with him, squeezing her hand

so tightly it hurt. He almost slammed the door out of the anger building

inside of him.

 

“Ouch Honey, you are breaking my hand.” Marlena said with the pain

obvious on her face. John immediately let go of her hand as if it had

burned him.

 

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. It’s just… “ John

looked guiltily towards his shoes.

 

“I know, I know. Don’t worry, I don’t think he’s going to do the same to

her as he did to you. I could see in his eyes that he is falling for

her. I think this is his way to win her over.”

 

John looked at her eyes again feeling the anger being replaced by love.

His love for her, his soul mate. She was his world, he just had to focus

on that and all would be right. “Have I told you lately how much I love

you? I wouldn’t mind to say it over and over again you know.” He pulled

her into an embrace and held her tight.

 

“Yes you have, but I can listen to you saying that all day. I love you

too, more than words could describe.” She whispered with teary eyes. He

was such a compassionate man, she would do anything to make and keep him

happy. He looked in her eyes longing to kiss her, make love to her. She

saw it and leaned in to kiss him, both forgetting about Tony and Kristen

instantly. He pried his tongue between her lips to part them and entered

her mouth. She moaned softly, letting her tongue collide with his. Her

hands were running through his hair while his hands were busy to roam

her back. Breathless they came up for air looking at each other, both

willing to make the next step. Her suitcases were still laying on the

bed so John backed her up against the wall. She smiled at him

seductively while she took his shirt off. He was doing the same with

hers. He undid her from her jeans while she was releasing his erected

manhood, which was begging to be let out. She began to kiss his chest

heading down to his lower abdomen, massaging his erection giving the tip

of it soft moist kisses. He was running his hands trough her hair,

throwing his head back out of desire, breathing ragged.

When he thought he couldn’t take anymore he pulled her up and she

wrapped her legs around his waist, letting him enter her. With slow,

steady thrusts they climbed to their peak, staring in each others eyes.

His thrusts were slow and sensual, only increasing when they neared

their climax. She cried out in ecstasy, not caring to be heard by

Kristen and her friend. She closed her eyes, wanting to savour the

moment. John saw her eyes closed but needed to see them. “Open your

eyes.” he said between ragged breaths and she did. “I want to see your

pleasure in your eyes.” No more words were spoken, both were enjoying

the nearing climax. It only took a few more hard, deep thrusts for them

to come simultaneously. She held on tight to him, not willing to let him

pull out of her yet. “Now I know what heaven must be like.” She

whispered, desperately trying to catch her breath. He smiled and gave

her a kiss on the nose. “I only have to look at you to know what heaven

is like. Every time I’m with you I feel like I’ve died and gone to

heaven.” She smiled shyly taking the compliment. She lowered feet to the

floor to stand again. It was a good thing John still held her, she was

weak at the knees due to all the exercise, she would have collapsed if

he hadn’t hold her. she was doing the same for him, he too was

exhausted. Their lovemaking had drained them of all energy. They smiled

at each other in mutual understanding, leaning in to kiss again. They

had no idea that Kristen and Tony had indeed heard them and had left the

apartment in disgust. Even if they had know, they couldn’t have cared

less.

John and Marlena had arrived at their beach. John had brought a portable

CD player with him so they could practise. He was going through some

CD’s to find suitable music while Marlena was laying flat on her stomach

beside him, her head propped on her hands.

“So… can you find something suitable?” she asked, eager to begin.

 

“Nope, I still can’t decide. Do you have any suggestions?” he looked at

her playfully, admiring her natural beauty.

 

She lifted herself up and was sitting now. She grabbed some CD’s to see

what he had brought.

“You have to give me a hint. I never entered this contest, so I don’t

know what kind of music will be played. Something slow or … well, you

tell me.”

 

“It doesn’t matter. They don’t really care to what we dance as long as

it a good show. We could do a slow dance but I’m afraid it will be x

rated since I can barely keep my hands off of you as it is.” He grinned

looking her over, admiring her every curve.

 

“Oh you are unbelievable! Try to be serious though, do you want to win

or not?” she slapped him on the back of his head. John acted as if he

was offended by it and pouted his lip, Marlena only laughed.

 

“Of course I want to win. But it doesn’t matter to what we dance, how

can I loose when I have you?” he leaned towards her and kissed her. for

a moment she gave in but then she pulled back.

 

“Nope, we aren’t going to win like this. We have to try to be serious

now or we will be the joke of the contest. So let’s see what you have

here… mmm . How about this? Too old?”

she gave him a CD of Bon Jovi.

 

“How can this be too old? This music is timeless! What song did you have

in mind?”

 

“How about Lay Your Hands On Me?” she asked seriously, noticing too late

what she said. He threw her on her back in the sand and immediately was

laying on top of her.

“Okay, if you want me to.” He said kissing her neck, his hands roaming

her upper body.

 

“Hey! I didn’t mean that and you know it. I guess it won’t be this song

then. It isn’t so easy to dance to either. Now stop kissing me and help

me find something okay?” reluctantly John stopped and sat down in the

sand again. He knew she was right, but he just couldn’t help himself.

 

“Okay, okay you win. For now. What else do we have here?” Together they

tried to find something.

 

“The first time you took me here you said that you wanted to practise

the lift in the water, well if you knew we were going to do that, you

surely must have had some song in mind.”

 

“Uhm… no not really. I just said that to get you here. Forgive me?” he

looked at her with a childish expression on his face. “We still can do

the lift if you want and dare. We can find the music for it.”

“Oh, you bet we are going to do the lift. I have been looking forward to

it and I will do it too. Now that we know that we only have to find

music, so please stop staring at me and start staring at these CD’s

okay?”

 

“Nope, I have a better idea, let’s just practise it first, the music

will come later.” He took her hand and together they walked into the

water. It was surprisingly warm.

 

“Okay Fred Astairs, tell me what you want me to do.” Marlena asked in a

seductive voice, knowing that John would take that the wrong way. Truth

was…he turned her on as much as she did him. “How do you do a lift, is

it beginning like this?” she wrapped her arms around his neck and her

left leg around his waist below the surface, her lower body rubbing

against his. John didn’t say anything but his throaty grumbling betrayed

his desire. “Oh I can feel something lifting already” she said playfully

while her hand wandered over to the spot she felt was lifted. “Wow, I

must do something good. This lift is going really well.” She grinned.

 

“Baby, there’s nothing you can do wrong in my eyes.” they kissed, their

tongues interacting. John’s hands were touching her silky skin, making

shivers running up and down her spine. The feeling became overwhelming.

She pulled his swimming wear off of him and the ocean washed it away. He

did the same with hers. Completely nude, they just stared at each other,

relishing the sight of one and other. Marlena raised her hand to his

chest, playing with the thick curls, never taking her eyes off of his.

Hazel got on fire by blue. Unbalanced by a sudden wave, John had to

catch her. Standing there, their body’s pressed together, they couldn’t

fight the desire any longer. Hungry they began to make love, right there

in the water. She wrapped both her legs now around him so he could enter

her, but another sudden wave prevented that. John’s legs got washed away

from underneath him and they both disappeared below the surface. John

never let go of her and pulled her up. She was laughing and coughing up

the salty water at the same time. “Are you okay?” John asked concerned.

“Of course I am silly, I wouldn’t be laughing if I wasn’t.” John smiled

hearing her saying that. He couldn’t help fussing over her, she was his

life. “Do you want to continue what we started on dry land?” He asked

raising his eyebrow.

“No way, we can beat mother nature. Besides… you told me yourself that

practising the lift would be easier in the water so I couldn’t hurt

myself.”

“True, but I promise you… with this lift we are practising now, you

won’t get hurt. Not inhere and not on dry land or anywhere else.” John

gave her an intense look, to make sure that she believed what he said.

Of course she believed it, he wouldn’t hurt her intentionally, she knew

that. “You know what? I think you talk way too much. Now just shut up

that sweet mouth of yours and finish what we’ve started okay?” She took

his silent smile for a yes and kissed him again, her hands were starting

to explore his body again. His hands already had found her special

pleasure spots. Slowly they moved together to a spot were the water

surface was shallow. They laid down in the wet sand, the water washing

over their heated body’s. Marlena was laying on her back, John right

beside her, resting on his elbow he leaned over her, kissing her again.

He gently wiped a few wet strands of hair out of her face, admiring her

golden mane.

“God Doc, you are beautiful, I love you so much.” He whispered. “I love

you too, but honey… you still talk too much” she smiled at him and told

him with her eyes that she was longing for him and that she was becoming

really impatient. John chuckled when he saw her impatient nature

surface. He climbed on top her, giving her butterfly kisses along her

cheek. Marlena had spread her legs, she really needed to feel him

inside. If he made her wait any longer she would scream. He saw her eyes

glistering dangerously in anticipation. He decided to obey cause he

couldn’t hold back any longer either. Slowly he entered her moistness,

eliciting soft moans from her. the heat of his body and the coolness of

the water combined with her desire made her shiver. With slow but steady

thrusts he fulfilled her every desire as well as his own. At their peak,

she raked her nails along the length of his back, leaving red stretched

marks behind, almost drawing blood. This sweet pain made him thrust

deeper and harder into her. with their breathing ragged, they came to a

climax.

 

*************************

Tony had shown Kristen the mansion and got her settled in. They were

walking trough the beautiful garden when she was all unpacked.

 

“I wanted to thank you again for letting me stay here with you and

Stefano, I know I’m going to love it here.” Kristen said looking

thankfully to Tony.

 

“It’s no big deal. I like to have you here.”

 

“I hope you don’t mind my asking but what did John mean when he said he

knew from experience that you would want something in return if I stayed

here?” she stopped walking and took him by his hand to turn him to face

her. “What was that about?” she repeated.

 

“Don’t worry, he was just talking nonsense. The only thing I want is you

being my dance partner, nothing more. Of course I wouldn’t mind to get

to know you better.”

 

“Why won’t you tell me what happened between John and you and Stefano?

Stefano had told me some things about John but he didn’t tell me what

happened in the past between the three of you. What’s the secret?”

 

“There’s no secret.” Tony watched Kristen’s face and saw she wasn’t

buying it. “No, really… it’s just healthy rivalry between his club and

ours, nothing more.” Kristen didn’t believe him but knew he wouldn’t

tell her more.

 

“Why is this contest so important, it seems kind of juvenile to me. I do

think it can be a lot of fun but you… and John too, are taking it way

too seriously.” Tony didn’t let go of her hand and started walking

again, considering his answer before he spoke.

 

“Well… it started out to be important because of the enormous publicity

that comes from it, but over the years it turned out to be another way

to act out the rivalry between Ritmo and Costa!. Last year we won and I

have the intention to win again this year.” Tony was already celebrating

his victory in his mind. He grinned at the thought of John’s face when

he was told that Costa again was pronounced second best.

Kristen could almost read his thoughts and shook her head, not

understanding at all but determined to find out what was really going on

here.

 

“You have showed me the whole house except for the basement, what’s down

there? A wine cellar? “ she said to change the subject.

 

“Among other things, but you are not allowed to go there. it’s very

important you listen to me, don’t go there.” Tony snapped.

 

“Why not? I thought you said there were no secrets?” Kristen was

surprised at his sudden change of mood.

“Just promise me that you will never go down there. Promise me!” he

almost yelled.

 

“Alright, alright! You don’t have to yell at me! I got your point.” She

got angry with him, her curiosity was peaked now, she was determent to

find out what was down there.

 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you. Are you hungry? I can have the

cook fix you something to eat.” Now it was his turn to change the

subject, hoping she would forget about the basement.

 

“No thanks, I think I’m going to lay down for a bit. I’m really tired.”

She lied. She wanted to think about a way to get to the basement without

being seen.

 

“Okay, let me walk you to your room. When you are all rested maybe we

can go and grab some dinner in town, or would you like to have it here

in the house?”

 

“I don’t know, all is fine with me. Maybe it would be nice for Stefano

if we stayed here. Let me know when you’ve decided, I don’t care either

way.” She knew Tony was hoping to spent some time alone with her, she

liked him too but not as much as she liked John, especially not after

the way Tony had been yelling at her. she saw the disappointment on

Tony’s face but didn’t care, in silence they walked to her room.

 

************************************

 

In Costa! everything was cleaned and ready for the night to come. Abe,

Roman and Bo were sitting at a table on the terrace in front of the club

and the girls had joined them.

 

“Well, John and Marlena are certainly taking their sweet time to

‘practise’!” Roman stated, looking at his watch.

 

“Jealous?” Sam asked grinning.

 

“Mmm, maybe a bit, care to take the jealousy away?” Roman played along,

kissing her.

 

“Hey you two, can’t you take that someplace else? Do we have to witness

this?” Bo chuckled.

 

“Ah… don’t tell me you have a bad case of jealousy too huh?” Hope said,

hoping he would play along too.

 

“Could be. Care for a walk along the beach fancy face? I’m sure we

wouldn’t be missed here.”

 

“Okay, let’s go.”

 

“Okay, well I guess we see you all later. Much later.” After they said

their goodbyes they left to take that walk. Roman and Sam were still

kissing so Abe took Lexie’s hand and they went inside the club, leaving

those two alone.

 

“Well… it looks like that your kissing me has driven them all away.” Sam

said noticing they were alone now.

 

“Guess so, I don’t care as long as you don’t run away.” He said tucking

a stray curl behind her ear. He noticed her face turning serious.

“What’s wrong Sam?”

 

“I don’t know, it’s just… do you think John is being honest with my

sister? I mean, he is so mysterious, there’s so much about him I don’t

know. I’m afraid he is going to hurt Marlena, break her heart or

something.”

 

“Don’t worry. I know John is kind of hard to understand but I know for

sure that he is nuts about your sister. he wouldn’t hurt her, not

intentionally anyway.”

 

“That’s what I am afraid of the most. I know he wouldn’t hurt her if he

could help it, I have seen him with her. I know he is in love with her

but I can’t help but thinking that she IS going to be hurt because of

him. I know it sounds crazy but I can’t shake this horrible feeling

something is going to happen to her.”

 

“It doesn’t sound crazy, I have the same feeling concerning John. I

can’t put my finger on it… but it’s just… like you said a feeling. I

guess we have to watch them closely, make sure that it only stays that,

a horrible feeling.” Roman knew his feelings had to do with the DiMera’s

but he didn’t want to alert Sam more than she already was.

 

“I think you are right, we have to keep an eye on them but that’s kind

of hard to do when they continue to disappear like this all the time.

Any idea where they might have gone to?”

 

“No, not really. I know John found a place he calls magical but he never

wanted anybody to see it. I guess that’s where he has taken Marlena to

but I have no idea where it is. Not even remotely.”

 

“Maybe we should follow them sometime, just in case we need to find them

in a hurry.”

 

“I don’t know Sam, it sounds like a wise plan but I don’t think John

would appreciate it.”

 

“Can’t you talk to John and explain why we want to know? Nobody else has

to know, he could just tell you, in case of an emergency. I know that

would put my mind to rest. Would you go talk to him when he returns

please?” Sam looked at him with a pleading look.

 

“Sure, I’ll talk to him. if I explain the whole thing to him I think he

would understand. Now.. where were we? Ah yes here…” Roman started to

kiss her neck. Sam still was worried but Roman succeeded in distracting

her.

Later that day, John and Marlena had returned to Costa!, the others were

there too and it didn’t take long before the place was filled. Roman

came up to John, wanting to talk to him as he had promised Sam.

“John, can I borrow you for a moment? I really have to talk to you.”

Roman shouted to be heard because of the loud music.

 

“Sure Roman, let’s go in the back it’s more quiet there.” he turned to

Marlena and excused himself for a minute, she smiled and let go of his

hand. “I’ll be back in a minute, will you wait here for me?”

 

“I’ll be outside for a minute if you don’t mind, I need some air.” She

said, waving cool air in her face with her hands.

 

“Okay, I’ll meet you there.” he said winking at her.

John and Roman went to the back of the club. John was wondering what it

was about, Roman looked pretty serious. They sat down on a pile of

crates filled with liquor.

 

“So tell me what this is about Roman, you’re looking awfully serious.”

John asked him, raising his brow.

 

“Well… it’s nothing alarming but I had a talk with Sam earlier and she

is pretty worried about her sister, she’s afraid Mar is going to get

hurt.”

 

John straightened his back in defence. “I wouldn’t hurt her and you know

it Roman!” he shot back angrily.

 

“I know, Sam knows that too John, were afraid she’s going to get hurt

cause of this rivalry between you and the DiMera’s. Sam doesn’t know all

about it, just a the little I told her. Frankly, I didn’t want to worry

her but I’m very worried for her myself and for you for that matter.”

 

John knew Roman was right, he had been thinking the same thing, it

hadn’t been a social call when Stefano had showed up in the club.

“I know… it worries me too, but I’ll make sure nothing is going to

happen to her. Hell, I’d rather hand the club over to him than let

anything happen to her. I don’t know what it is about her… I never met

anyone like her. All I know is, I would do anything for her.”

 

“I know John.” Roman paused for a second before uttering his idea of

protecting Marlena. “Uh John, don’t you think the best way to keep her

safe is by letting her go? I mean she will always be in danger as long

as she is with you.”

 

John jolted up by these words and walked towards Roman in anger,

pointing his finger at him.” You know as well as I do Roman that that

wouldn’t help. DiMera knows she’s more important to me than this club or

everything else. I couldn’t let her go even if I wanted too. You just

have no idea how I feel about her.” John turned around, knocking down

his fists on the crates. He would do anything to keep her from harm but

that. He couldn’t let her go even if he wanted to.

 

“Okay, then just do me a favour.” Roman said, patting John’s shoulder.

“Tell me where this place is you’re taking her so much. At least let me

know where the two of you disappear to almost everyday, all day.”

 

“Okay, I will tell you if that will get you off my back.” John still was

a little angry but more with himself as with Roman. What Roman said to

him stroke a cord, more then he was willing to admit.

 

**********************

 

Meanwhile, Marlena had stepped out of the club and was sitting on a

bench in front of it, looking towards the beach. She saw people walking

by, many of them couples in love and it made the butterflies in her own

stomach flutter.

“Oh my… I never would have thought I would find the love of my life

here, in Spain of all places.”

 

“Are you sure he is?” Stefano asked, sitting down beside her without

asking. She immediately felt uncomfortable and shifted to the other end

of the bench, as far away from him as she could get.

 

“It’s very rude to eavesdrop, you know.” She said, wondering how long he

had been standing there, watching her.

 

“Let me ask you again, are you sure he is the one for you? There’s an

awful lot you don’t know about him. Did he tell you he can’t remember

his past?”

 

“Yes he did, and it doesn’t matter to me. I love him for who he is now,

I don’t care about his past.” She didn’t know why she gave him the

satisfaction of defending John or her feelings to him but she couldn’t

help herself.

 

“Oh but believe me, there’s a lot you don’t know about him. if you did

know I don’t think you would be feeling this strong about him.”

 

she shot him an angry look. “He told me what you had put him through and

I still don’t think any less of him. He has nothing but honest with me

and nothing you can do or say will make me change my mind.”

 

“I must admit it surprises me he had told you about all he’s done, but…

there is so much more you don’t know about, so much more he doesn’t even

know about.”

 

“What are you talking about? John has told me everything he can

remember, are you saying you know more about him? About his past?” He

had her full attention now and he knew it.

 

“I do know about him. I know everything there is to know about him. Why

don’t you drop by at the mansion and I’ll tell you all about it.”

 

“Maybe WE will.” She said, making sure he knew she was bringing John if

she decided to go.

 

“No, if you want to know about his past you have to come alone.”

 

She looked at him to try to read his mind. Her mind was screaming no,

she knew she couldn’t trust him but her heart knew that this might be

the only way she and John could find out what had happened to him in the

past.

 

“Well I can see you’re not sure what to do. Just think about it and let

me know if you want to know about John Black. The John Black I know.” He

grinned, stood up and walked away, leaving her with more questions than

answers.

 

John found her sitting there with a worried look on her face.

“Hey pretty lady, why are you looking so gloom?” John wondered, sitting

beside her wrapping his arm around her.

“Hey you, what took you so long? I’ve missed you.” She tried to sound

cheerful with little success, he would have fallen for it if she hadn’t

looked so pale.

 

“I’m glad you missed me, I missed you too. Now… care to tell me why you

look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Marlena didn’t have to answer him, his

answer was slowly driving by in an expensive car with the window open so

John could see the devious smile on the mans face.

“God damned! It’s DiMera! Has he been hassling you Doc? I’d kill him!”

 

“No John, it’s alright, he didn’t do anything to me. He just took me off

guard that’s all, he startled me.” She placed her hand on his arm to

reassure him. “Please calm down honey, I hate to see you this way.”

 

“Don’t worry Doc, I’m fine. I’m more worried about you, are you sure

you’re okay?”

 

She smiled at him, loving him for caring so much about her feelings.

“I’m sure, now tell me, what did Roman want?” she tried to change the

subject, she knew it wasn’t wise to tell him about Stefano’s offer just

yet.

 

“Roman? Oh nothing much, he and Sam were worried about you being hurt by

me.” He tried to sound casual by it but she knew he was affected by

this.

 

“I being hurt by you? That’s ridiculous! Why would they think that?” she

was sick and tired of people telling her he was going to hurt her, she

was no porcelain doll, she could take perfectly good care of herself and

she trusted in John’s love for her more than anything.

 

“Well maybe not directly by me but because of this thing between me and

the DiMera’s Doc. They could be right you know… you have no idea were

the DiMera’s are capable of.”

 

“I’m starting to get a pretty good idea about that, why did Roman talk

to you alone about it? Why didn’t he bring the subject on when I was

there?”

 

“Because… he told me maybe it was for the best if I let you go Doc. I

don’t know maybe he’s right and should I let you go, you will be much

safer that way. At first I didn’t want to see that but now … I mean, I

just leave you by yourself for one minute and poof! There’s DiMera,

hanging around you like a vulture.”

 

Marlena couldn’t believe her ears, she looked at him with her eyes

widened. “Are you saying you want to break up with me? I can’t believe

you’re saying this! Oh my God! You are serious aren’t you?” tears were

trickling down her cheek. She never would have thought such a perfect

day could turn so bad in a matter of minutes. “You are the one who told

me never to doubt your love again and I trusted you! And now you’re

saying that letting me go is the best thing for me?” She stood up and

watched him in shock, he was standing up too and tried to put his hand

on her arm but she shrugged him off. “Don’t touch me! I can’t believe

you, All day we have been dancing and making love on our beach, you told

me you love me over and over. What has happened to change that? Don’t

tell me you love me so much you have to let me go, I won’t buy that!”

She swayed her arms towards the sky when he didn’t say anything right

away. She wanted to yell more at him but changed her mind when she saw

the smile on his face mixed with tears spilling from his eyes. “Why are

you laughing and crying at the same time?” she asked quietly. He took a

step towards her, wrapping his arms around her, squashing her in a hug.

 

“You have no idea how happy you make me. Of course I don’t want to loose

you but seeing Stefano drive by and you looking so pale made Roman’s

words coming back in my mind. It made me wonder if letting you go was

the only way to keep you safe. Now I know it isn’t, you are right, I

love you far to much to do that. The best way to keep you safe is to

have you in eyesight always.” He brushed her tears away and kissed her,

their tongues colliding. She sighed and felt her body reacting to his.

When they came up for air, she stared in his eyes and smiled.

“Don’t ever scare me like this anymore you goon, or live to regret it.”

She whispered.

 

“I won’t, I promise. Care for a walk along the beach? It’s a full moon

and the sky is clear so we can look at the stars.”

 

“Oh a full moon huh? Are you sure you won’t start howling at midnight?”

she chuckled.

 

“Mwah… can’t promise I won’t, you’ve the ability to awaken the beast in

me you know.

 

“I do huh? Well, I’ll make sure then that I won’t do that this time.”

She said seductively while rubbing her thigh against his groin.

 

“Ow… watch it lady, or the beast will awaken long before midnight.”

 

“You won’t hear me complain about that, but your right, let’s go to the

beach so we can show other couples in love how it’s done.”

 

“A little kinky are we?” he grinned. She didn’t say anything more but

looked at him in a seductive way and walked toward the beach holding his

hand.

“Why are you so quiet all of the sudden? Something wrong?” John asked

Marlena while walking along the beach.

She was wondering if she should tell John about her conversation with

Stefano.

 

“No, nothing is wrong…. Can we sit here for a minute?”

 

“Sure.” John raised his brow, he wondered why she was so serious now

when a few minutes back she had been laughing and seductive. They sat

down together on the warm sand of the beach. Marlena was sitting in

front of John between his legs with her head resting against his chest

looking up at the stars.

 

“My it’s a beautiful night, look at those stars, there are millions of

them.” She whispered.

John held her close and with one hand he cupped her chin so she would

look at him.

 

“What’s wrong Doc, don’t tell me it’s nothing cause I know you better

than that. I can see something is bothering you and I want you to tell

me what it is.” He stared into her hazel orbs and she gave a loud sigh.

 

“It’s just…” she shifted a little in his arms so she could look straight

in his eyes, “Don’t you ever wonder what happened to you what caused

your amnesia? I mean… “

 

“I know what you mean…” he interrupted her, “and the answer is yes, yes

sometimes I wonder what my live was like growing up. I wonder who my

parents are or if I have any brothers or sisters. But you know what? I

guess I’ll never find out and now I have you it isn’t important to me

anymore. My life is here… with you.”

 

Tears were glistering in her eyes. she had to fight not to spill them.

“God… I love you so.” She breathed. “I’m so sorry you can’t remember any

of that, I wish I could help you.”

 

“I wish you could too but there’s nothing you can do. I’ve tried so many

things to find out anything about my past but still came up empty handed

so I’ve closed that part of my life. Besides, the past is history, no

way I can change it. There’s only the present and the future, I don’t

know what’s going to happen in the future so I only want to concentrate

on the present, on you.” He leaned in to kiss her while her tears

finally managed to escape from her eyes. she shifted a little more and

backed him down on the sand. She was kissing his jaw line, cheeks and

eyes while her hands were busy getting him out of his shirt. The tears

were still coming, in her mind she knew she had no other choice than to

go to Stefano and see what she could find out about John’s past. She

decided not to tell John because she knew he wouldn’t want her to and

because she knew Stefano had probably been lying. John’s hands were

roaming her back when he felt the salty teardrops fall on his cheeks.

“Don’t cry baby… I can’t stand to see you cry. There’s no need, I’m

happy…here…with you. I want you to be happy too.” He wiped away her

tears with the pads of his thumbs and looked her in the eyes. she

couldn’t help it, the tears still kept coming.

 

“I’m sorry, I can’t help but cry. I am happy, really I am, but I just

can’t stop these tears” she snickered “Am I silly or what? You can help

me stop them though.”

 

“Yeah? How?” he smiled so sweetly at her, that alone was warming her

heart.

 

“Make love to me, I want you to make the world disappear so it just will

be the two of us. Can you do that?”

 

“Sure can.” He rolled her over so she was underneath him. his eyes never

left hers while his hands were unbuttoning the little buttons on her

summer dress. Finally all the buttons were unbuttoned and the almost

see-through material slid down off of her. His eyes were wandering over

her beautiful curves just as his hand was. The touch of his hand made

her shiver. She tried to pull him on top of her but he stopped her.

“Mm mm, nope, let me the one in control here. I just want you to lay

back and enjoy.” He whispered seductively. He was laying on his side on

the sand against her body, leaning on one elbow. He caressed her cheek

with his lips, tasting the salty droplets still lingering there. slowly

he moved towards her neck, kissing the spot right between her neck and

shoulder heading down to her now bare breasts. When he started nibbling

on her nipples she couldn’t help herself and tried desperately to undo

his jeans. Now they were both completely naked. Anyone could have seen

them but they didn’t care as far as they were concerned the rest of the

world stopped existing except for the two of them. Staring deep in her

eyes he moved slowly on top of her. she captured his mouth in hers, her

hands roaming his bare skin. She felt his muscles dance by her touch, it

aroused her… he aroused her. He started to cover her with butterfly

kisses, leaving a hot moist trail on her velvet skin. She arched her

back with the need to feel him inside of her. He was teasing her with

his fingertips, she began wiggling her hips to stop the teasing and to

finally feel him. He slowly moved back to kiss her again and slowly he

entered her, muffling her moans with the deepened kiss. With one hand

around his neck and the other on his back she forced him to thrust

deeper, harder into her. He obeyed. They ended the kiss in the need for

air, their breathing heavy. Her digging her nails in his back reaching

her climax made him come too. Thriving on ecstasy, they laid still after

the climax trying to get control over their breathing again. Relishing

in the love for one and other.

 

********************************

 

At the DiMera mansion, Stefano was sitting in the library playing his

chess game when Tony came in.

 

“What are you still doing here? I thought you and Kristen were going

out?” Stefano asked without taking his eyes off of his game.

 

“We are but it takes Kristen forever to get ready.” He rolled his eyes

like an impatient child.

 

“Well I’m glad you’re still here. I want to talk to you.” He leaned back

in his chair, gesturing to Tony to sit down. Tony sat down in the chair

across Stefano. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

 

“Nothing much. Why?”

 

“I need for you to take Kristen out of the house tomorrow, I’m expecting

company and I don’t want to have you or her here. Understood?”

 

“Sure but why? Who are you expecting?”

 

“Miss Marlena Evans.” He grinned.

 

“Marlena? Why? Why do you think that she will come to you? I don’t think

that John will let her do that.”

 

“Oh I’m pretty sure John won’t know about it. Now, no more questions,

just do as I say and I will tell you about it tomorrow night all right?”

 

Tony stood up and nodded, he knew there was no way that Stefano would

tell him more before he was ready and willing to. He left the room to go

and see if Kristen was finally ready to go. Stefano was still staring at

his game, with the queen in his hand.

“Ah, my queen. You will come to me tomorrow and then I will show you

John Black’s real nature. You will come to see that I’m the better man

for you. You want to find out about John’s past? Fine… I will show you

his past but you’re not going to like it, I can promise you that.” He

grinned wickedly.

 

**************************

 

“Well Roman? Did you talk to John? Is he going to take some distance

towards Marlena?” Sam asked Roman when he took a break from tending the

bar.

 

“I did and no… he’s not.”

 

“Damned Roman, why not? Why is he so pigheaded? If he really loves her

so much as he says he does, he should let her go.”

 

Roman took Sam’s hands and looked her deep in her eyes.

“He does love her Sam, so much so he would do anything for her…. but

that. He did tell me where they hang out all day though. He was worried

too but he has a point, even if he would let her go… she wouldn’t be

safe.”

 

“What are you talking about Roman, you’re sounding as if she is in

physical danger. Is she? Tell me, you’re scaring me.”

 

Roman glanced at their hands and then back in her eyes, not exactly

knowing what to say.

“I…uh… I’m going to be honest with you Sam.” “You better be!” Sam

interrupted him.

“She could be. She really could get in physical danger.” He sighed.

 

“What do you mean? Is John some psychopath or something?”

 

Roman started to laugh but stopped seeing the angry look on Sam’s face.

“No John would never hurt her. I’m talking about the DiMera’s. They will

do anything to break John. They are after his club, they took many years

of his life and now they’ve found out how much he loves Marlena…. Well

there is a good chance they will take her from him too.”

 

Sam withdrew her hands from his as if he had burned her. “No! Why? What

has he done to them that they hate him so much?” Sam couldn’t understand

it at all.

 

“It’s a long story sweetie. Why don’t we go find someplace quiet to

talk? I’m sure Abe and Lexie can handle things here.”

 

“Okay, let’s do. I want to know the whole story.”

 

“Well for the whole story we’ll have to find John. He never wanted to

talk to me or anyone else about it so I know only bits and pieces.”

 

“Okay… then we will go and talk to him.”

 

With a determined look upon her face Sam walked out the door. Roman

gestured to Abe that he was going after her and Abe winked to let him

know he would take care of things in the club.

Sam and Roman had found John and Marlena, they were still laying on the

beach looking at the stars in each others arms. Sam and Roman watched

them from a distance for a while cause they didn’t want to ruin the

magical moment for John and Marlena.

 

“Look at them Roman, they simply are glowing. The love they share is

showing in the aura around them. It’s almost a shame to come between

them and ruin this moment for them.”

 

“Well okay, let’s go back then.” Roman was relieved he saw a way out, he

knew John didn’t like to talk about his past or the DiMera’s but he also

knew Sam wouldn’t leave John alone until he did.

 

“No way, I want to talk to them and I’m going to talk to them now.” She

grabbed his hand and dragged him like an unwilling child towards John

and Marlena.

 

“Mar… I got to talk to you, now!” Sam said with a determent voice.

Marlena shot right up out of John’s arms, startled by the hint of anger

in her sisters voice.

 

“Sure Sam, what’s up?”

 

John looked quizzically at Roman but Roman shrugged his shoulders as if

he was saying; women! Who can understand them.

 

“I want to talk to you alone for a moment, let’s go take a walk.” Sam

demanded. “And John, you better talk to Roman cause before this night is

over, I want to know the truth about everything. And I do mean

EVERYTHING! If not… me and my sister will be on the next plane out of

here.” She grabbed Marlena’s arm and walked away, leaving John stunned.

 

“Geez Sam, what’s your problem!” Marlena yelled.

 

“I’m sorry sis, but I’m worried about you. Roman told me that John has

problems with the DiMera’s and that you could be in danger because of

1. I want you to tell me what you know about it cause Roman said John

never talks to anyone about it. I would love to hear it from John but

I’m too angry and worried to have a civil conversation with him so I

leave John to Roman until you’ve told me what you know.”

 

“Yes I know about his problems but I can’t see why you would think I’m

in danger because of it.”

 

“Roman told me that Tony and Stefano are doing everything they possibly

can to take away the things John loves most, and in my eyes he loves you

pretty much. So start talking and tell me why he has these problems with

the DiMera’s.”

Sam stopped walking and stood in front of Marlena, forcing Marlena to

talk with the look in her eyes.

 

“I can’t tell you everything but what I can tell you is that Tony and

Stefano have hurt him badly and now they are trying to take away Costa!

from him. They know he loves the club more than anything so they want to

get him where it hurts the most by taking the club from him. I still

don’t see why that would put me in danger so stop worrying and please

stay off of our backs okay? Just have the time of your live with Roman

and enjoy your vacation here like I do.”

 

“Geez Marly! If it is true what you say that the DiMera’s want to take

from John what he loves most, than you ARE in danger! Can’t you see

that? It isn’t the club anymore he loves most, it’s you! He loves you

more than life itself, even I can see that.”

 

Marlena began to smile. “I pretty know how much he loves me but I can

assure you, I’m not in danger. Stefano is after the club, believe me,

it’s not me he wants. I can’t tell you the whole story because I don’t

want to betray John’s trust but really, it’s not me they are after.”

 

“Are you really sure? I mean, I hate to see you get hurt only because of

a fling on vacation.”

 

“Hey! It’s not a fling and this goes beyond vacation… as a matter of

fact, he asked me to stay here with him.” Marlena looked at the sand,

afraid of her sisters reaction to this news.

 

“He asked you what!? Surely you can’t be seriously thinking about that.

That’s insane! What would mom and dad say? Are you nuts?”

 

“I am thinking about that. I know mom and dad wouldn’t be happy with it

but if they got to know John they would love him too and give us their

blessing. And besides that, I am an adult you know, I am perfectly

capable to make decisions of my own.”

 

“Well.. did you give him an answer yet?”

 

“No, it’s a big decision to make and I told him I wanted to think about

it and he hasn’t brought up the subject again, he isn’t pushing me if

that’s got you worried.”

 

“I know he wouldn’t do that and I’m sure his intentions are true but

it’s Spain we’re talking about for crying out loud! You didn’t finish

your study yet, and even if you had, do you really think it’s going to

be easy to find a job as a shrink here? You barely speak a word

Spanish.”

 

“That’s the only thing that is holding me back.” Marlena glanced back at

the place were John was, she could she from this distance that he and

Roman had a pretty hefty discussion going on. “If it wasn’t for my

career desire, I would have stayed with him wherever he would want to

take me. If he wanted to move to Siberia I would go with him in a

heartbeat.”

 

“I know.” Sam sighed, “He loves you sis, but please don’t be so ignorant

to not see that the man has problems, big problems. I f he doesn’t want

to talk about it it must be more serious than you think. I know you are

blinded by love, but please do me a favour and open your eyes to the

truth, however painful it can be. There could be a lot more that he even

don’t want to share with you.”

 

“No Sam… I know he has been nothing but honest towards me, if there was

more he would have told me, besides tom..” Suddenly she stopped talking,

she almost told her sister that she was going to find out more tomorrow

but she knew Sam wouldn’t let her go to Stefano just like John wouldn’t.

She knew too that it probably wasn’t a good idea but her eagerness to

find something out about his past overruled her fear of going to the

DiMera mansion.

 

“What? What? Besides what, Marly?” Sam knew Marlena was about to say

something important.

 

“Never mind, let’s go back to the guys, I want to know what they are

talking about their discussion looks so intense.” She didn’t wait for

Sam to answer and walked back. Sam followed her tracks and was determent

to keep an eye on her sis.

 

Roman and John stopped arguing when they saw the girls coming back. They

had a heated discussion about John’s problems with the DiMera’s. Roman

was a bit jealous when he found out that John had told Marlena more

about his past with the DiMera’s then he had to him. He considered

himself John’s best friend and didn’t like it at all that John felt he

couldn’t talk to him.

 

“Are you ready to go back to the club Sam?” Roman asked annoyed because

of John.

“No not really but let’s go anyway. My sister didn’t want to tell me a

thing and I doubt John will. So let’s leave for now but be sure that

I’ll get back to you John to find out everything.”

 

Roman and Sam walked away. Marlena looked at John who was standing

staring at the ocean with his back towards her. She walked up behind him

and wrapped her arms around him, not saying a word. She felt he didn’t

want to talk more just yet and she was right. The only thing he needed

was to feel her arms around him, to feel her love.

 

*******************************

 

At the DiMera mansion Stefano was making the last preparations for

Marlena’s visit the next day. He wanted to make sure that he would get

her in the end. In the beginning he wanted nothing more than to take

everything from John that he loves most but after he had met Marlena, he

wanted nothing more than to posses her, John being hurt by that was

great in his eyes. Stefano’s desire for her was becoming an obsession,

he even had someone following her taking pictures of her without her

being aware of it. It wasn’t easy to get pics from her, Stefano had

demanded that the pics would be only of her but she and John were always

together and so close as if they were joined at the hip.

Stefano picked up one of the framed photo’s of her and sat himself down

in the chair by his desk.

 

“Ah my dear, I sure hope you will come to me tomorrow, I’ve such

surprises for you, not pleasant ones but they will be effective in the

destroying of John Black.”

 

“Surprises for who?” Kristen asked walking in without so much as

knocking.

Stefano quickly hid the picture cause he didn’t want Kristen to know

anything about his plans.

 

“I would prefer it if you knocked first before barging in here Kristen

and what are you still doing here? I thought Tony took you out?”

 

“He did but he was occupied with some business and I got bored so I

decided to come back here. So.. care to tell me who you are going to

surprise?”

 

“No I’m not. Just leave me. I too have some business to take care of, so

you will have to entertain yourself tonight.” Kristen was beginning to

annoy him, he almost felt sorry for letting her stay in his home. He was

hoping he could use her against John but so far she was at no use to him

at all.

 

“Mmm, well okay. There are some things I have to do anyway.” She left

the room and tried to figure out a way to get to the basement without

being seen. She hid behind a pillar when she saw Stefano coming. He was

going to the basement. This could be her chance, she knew Stefano was

the only one with a key so all she had to do now was follow him. Stefano

was humming while walking down the stairs so he didn’t hear Kristen’s

footsteps behind him. She was sneaking down the stairs but stopped when

she saw Stefano turn around a corner at the bottom of the stairs. She

listened carefully if it was clear to follow again. Stefano opened a

second door and went in. The moment Kristen heard the door closing again

she peaked around the corner. She sneaked up to the door and tried to

look through the little window in it but it was too dirty to see clear

through. She didn’t know what was behind the door so she didn’t go in.

she could hear Stefano was still humming and him going through some

stuff. It sounded as if he was opening an archive closet of steel. She

decided to go back up before he came out and saw her. There was no way

she could hide anywhere without being seen by him if he came out. It did

make her more determent to snatch the key sometime and to go back and

see what was down there.

 

*******************************

 

John and Marlena were still on the beach. The air was cool and John

seemed distant so it made her shiver. He noticed it and turned around,

feeling sorry for spacing out on her.

“You are cold, let’s go back to the club” he said tenderly.

 

“I don’t wanna go back to the club. I’m not in the mood to party

anymore. Do you mind if we just go back to your place?”

 

“I would like that yeah, but remember, it’s not just my place it’s your

place too now.” He smiled warmly. She returned that smile with one of

her own. Together they walked back to their home. Once inside, Marlena

took a shower while John started a fire and poured some wine. When she

came out he was laying in front of the fireplace tapping his hand on the

empty spot next to him, hoping she would join him. she did. She was

laying beside him on her stomach, her head resting on her hands.

 

“Mmm, I feel all warm again. Thanks for starting the fire, it may seem

ridiculous to start a fire in midsummer but I could lay by the fire

everyday no matter how hot it is.” She started babbling, trying to get

rid of the awkward silence between them. She wanted so much to know what

John and Roman had talked about cause she could feel that it was

bothering John but she didn’t want to upset him even more. Besides that

she was also still debating on the fact if she made the right choice to

go to Stefano the next morning.

 

“Thank you for not telling Sam everything” he whispered.

 

She looked at him with all the love in the world.

“it’s not my place to tell her everything. The things you’ve told me,

you’ve told me because you trust me, I would never betray that trust.”

 

He gave her a kiss on her forehead. “I know, that’s one of the things I

love so much about you. I feel like I can tell you anything. I’m glad we

can be so honest towards each other. I couldn’t bare it if there were

lies or secrets between us.”

 

Immediately she blushed and looked towards her hands which were balled

in tiny fists. She felt awful about not telling him what she was

planning on doing the next morning. John picked up on it. “What’s

wrong?” he asked concerned. She knew she had to think of something fast

but she hated lying to him.

 

“Well… I was wondering what you and Roman were talking about. That

conversation seems to bother you but yet I feel like you don’t want to

talk to me about it.”

 

“It’s not that I won’t talk to you about it but it is the same story all

over again. He wanted to know what has happened between me and Stefano

and why I can’t remember my past. I feel bad that I can’t tell him or

better said I rather won’t tell him but the fact is, there’s nothing I

CAN tell about my past cause I just can’t remember. He made me feel like

a liar, as if I can remember but just won’t tell. It bugs me cause I

wouldn’t lie about something like that and he should know that. He also

began to lay a guilt trip on me about me putting you in danger by

continuing my relationship with you.” John sighed.

 

“Wow, no I can see why it bothers you so much. But hey who knows maybe

we can figure something out about your past. Someone has to know you,

you didn’t drop out of the sky you know.” She chuckled, “ Although, to

me it’s like you’ve fallen from heaven to drop in my lap.” She winked at

him, trying to lighten the mood.

 

“Mmm nope, you’re the only angel here.” He stopped talking and prevented

her from talking too with a kiss. It was the beginning of yet another

love session.

The next morning Marlena woke up in John’s arms. She pulled herself out

of his arms very quietly to go and take a shower. She had to think of a

way to go to the DiMera mansion without John knowing it but she hated

lying to him. Also she still debated if she SHOULD go.

The hot water was streaming down her beautiful body and she was so deep

in her thoughts, she never heard John coming into the bathroom. He was

looking at her through the glass doors of the shower cabin, admiring her

every curve. Slowly he opened the cabin door and wrapped his arms around

her from behind. She didn’t startle because her senses told her he was

near, it was like she had some sort of radar when it came to him and for

him it was the same, although she didn’t make a sound when she got out

of bed and into the shower, he immediately sensed she was gone. She

backed her head against his chest and thrived on the feeling of his

hands wandering over her upper body.

 

“Good morning, I didn’t mean for you to wake up.” She breathed.

 

“Good morning to you my angel, if you didn’t want me to wake up you

should have stayed right were you were, in my arms.” He whispered back,

kissing her neck.

 

“mmm but I had to, I have an appointment I should go to before this day

is over and well… if I stay in your arms I even won’t get out of bed

today let alone be on time for my appointment.” Her stomach turned

because she knew his next question and she knew she would have to lie to

him. She was right, he turned her around to face him and looked at her

concerned.

 

“An appointment? Nothing serious I hope? You want me to come? Where do

you have to go to?”

 

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing for you to be worried about, it’s just

something I have to do. I will tell you about it when I come back

alright? Please no more questions, I can’t answer them right now.” She

looked away, hoping he wouldn’t be inquisitive.

 

“Okay, no more questions for now but when you come back I’ll expect a

reasonable explaining, you really got me worried now you know.” With his

index finger placed under her chin he made her look at him again.

 

“Please don’t be worried, there’s no need to, it’s just… well if all

goes well I think I have a big surprise for you.” She tried to smile but

it wasn’t a heartfelt smile cause she still didn’t know what to expect

of this meeting with Stefano. She hoped to find something good about

John’s past from him but the way Stefano talked, she had a nasty feeling

it was something bad she would find out about John. If that was the case

she would have to lie again to him cause she didn’t want him to feel

worse about his past as he already was. Not knowing it was already

hurting him so if she would find something bad about his past, she

didn’t know whether to tell him or not.

 

“Ah a surprise for me huh? Well I guess I really don’t have to worry

then. Just hurry back will you? I can’t stand it if you’re away from me

for longer than a minute.” He didn’t wait for a respond and kissed her.

he didn’t want to talk about this anymore cause he already made up his

mind, he was going to follow her.

 

************************************

 

At the DiMera mansion Stefano made sure Tony and Kristen were nowhere

near the mansion and he began to make the necessary preparations for

Marlena’s visit. He knew he would have only one chance to make her

believe John wasn’t right for her and he wanted to make sure she

would’ve nothing to do with him anymore after her visit. With a little

luck Stefano could reel her in and win her heart.

 

“Bart, have you done everything I asked? Is everything in place?”

 

“Yes boss, everything is like you asked. Which tape would you want me to

put into the VCR first?”

 

“mmm the one of his parents, is that one ready yet? Did you’re friend do

with it as I told him to? “

 

“Yes boss, he assured me he made the tape exactly like you wanted it to

be.”

 

“Great put that in first, we will see if she wants to see any more after

that, but I guess she will be so disgusted, she probably don’t want to

see more. Now go and do as I say and leave me alone, I don’t want to be

disturbed until she has arrived.”

 

Stefano walked over to his chess game and picked up the pawn and the

queen.

“Now how could my pawn think he could have the queen? She deserves a

king like me, and I’ll make sure it will happen.”

 

*********************************

 

Marlena and John were having some breakfast out on the balcony, she

tried to avoid looking in his eyes cause she knew he had dropped the

subject reluctantly. He knew she felt his need to know what was going on

but dismissed it from his mind for now.

 

“I have thought hard about a song we can dance to at the contest and I

think I found the perfect one.” He saw her relieved reaction when he

brought up the subject.

 

“Okay what is it?” she asked while chewing down some fruit.

 

“Wait, instead of telling you I want you to hear it.” He went inside to

put the song on and she followed him inside. He took her hands and

leaded her into the middle of the room so they could dance. They forgot

about the rest of the world when the music started and started dancing.

 

Livin’ on the edge, flyin’ down the hill

To where the good girls don’t, but the bad girls will, bad girls will

 

“I love this song, good choice.” She said swirling in his arms.

 

“The only thing I have to do is look at you and great songs come to

mind” he gave her a wink, letting her know what effect she had on him.

 

Do I know your name, you can tell me lies

Show me all the secrets hidden in your thighs, in your thighs

 

He twirled her around towards the couch and they fell upon it, he on top

of her.

“Aww, you’re going to look for those secrets huh?” she laughed.

 

“Well, are you gonna let me? Or are you making me tickle you to death?”

he started tickling her and she tried to fight him off laughing a deep

throaty laugh.

 

Seduce me tonight,

se-se-seduce me tonight

I’ll play acts at the stage, dim the lights,

and baby seduce me tonight

 

“Ahh, please stop it, you heard the man, seduce me TONIGHT!! Not now!!”

laughing hard she freed herself from underneath him and ran behind the

couch for some protection.

 

I wanna be your slave, set

me in scene

Take me all the places that I’ve never

been, never been

 

He was standing up now too and tried to grab her again but she was too

fast, she ran towards the door were he finally caught her and held her

tight.

 

Play the leading role, love me till I cry

Let the curtain fall and love me till I die, till I die

 

“Now pretty lady, were did you think you were going?” he smiled. His

smile disappeared when he saw her facial expression change. Her laughter

died in the air and in return there was a serious look upon her face. He

knew why and didn’t like it a bit.

 

Seduce me tonight, se-se-seduce

me tonight

I’ll play acts at the stage, dim the lights, and

baby seduce me tonight

 

“Please don’t tell me you’re going now, say you’ll stay with me. I don’t

need for you to surprise me as long as I have you I’ll never ask for

anything else.”

 

Seduce me tonight, se-se-seduce

me tonight

I’ll play acts at the stage, dim the lights, and

baby seduce me tonight

 

“I wish I could say that, but… it’s not only for you, this is important

to me too. Please try to understand and let me go. I’ll promise you I

won’t be long but I really have to do this. I just have to.” She gave

him a pleading look and he gave in.

 

“Okay, but I can feel there’s more to it than you are willing to tell

me, please let me go with you.”

 

“I’m sorry, I can’t let you do that. Please just wait here till I come

back, then I will tell you all about it. I need you to promise me that

you will trust me on this so please, give up on the idea of following

me”

 

“You knew huh? Okay, as long as you’ll tell me everything, but still I’m

not happy with this, I can feel something is wrong. Ask Sam to go with

you, or at least tell me where you are going. Please?”

 

“I can’t, I really can’t I’m sorry.” She gave him one last kiss and went

out the door. Leaving him behind in worry.

 

Seduce me tonight, se-se-seduce me

tonight

I’ll play acts at the stage, dim the lights, and baby

seduce me tonight

 

“d**ned Marlena, why did you make me promise not to follow you? You left

me no other choice than to break my promise. Something is very wrong

here and I’m going to find out what.” He began to look for his keys but

when he couldn’t find them he realised she must have had taken them with

her. He cursed out loud and ran downstairs hoping she hadn’t left yet,

but again he was running after the facts, she was gone.

 

Seduce me tonight, se-se-seduce me

tonight

I’ll play acts at the stage, dim the lights, and

baby seduce me tonight

Marlena drove as fast as she could to the DiMera mansion, knowing John

would try to follow her. While wiping her tears away, she was glad she

had taken his car instead of Sam’s. By the time she had asked Sam if she

could borrow the car, John surely would have caught up with her. She

pulled up the drive way at the mansion and parked the car near the front

door. She hesitated for a while before getting out of the car, still not

sure if she was doing the right thing.

 

“Oh man, I want to turn around and get out of here as fast as I can but

I can’t do that. Oh please lord, give me the strength to go in there.

I’ve this dread feeling I’m doing the wrong thing by being here, please

prove me I’m wrong.”

Hesitating she got out of the car and walked to the front door. When she

wanted to knock, she realised how much her hand was shaking. She

startled when the door flew open before she had knocked.

 

“Come in miss Evans, my boss is waiting for you” Bart said, trying to be

polite but Marlena hadn’t heard a single thing he said, her nerves were

singing in her ears, it was deafening.

She couldn’t move a muscle and almost ran back to her car, she could

feel the evil this house was filled with and knew she did the wrong

thing by coming here. Bart noticed her hesitation and took her hand to

guide her in.

“Come on miss, I’ll show you the way.”

 

“There is no need for that Bart, you can go now.” Stefano demanded

coming up behind him.

“Ahh my sweet Marlena, welcome welcome. I’m glad you came, you won’t be

sorry. Come in, can I offer you something?” He said, guiding her to the

living room.

 

Marlena took a few deep breaths and hoped he couldn’t see how nervous

she was, she didn’t want him to know how scared she really was.

“Uhm no, thank you, I’m fine. Please just show me what you have about

John’s past, that’s the only reason I came here. I haven’t got much time

so I would appreciate it if you came right to the point and tell me all

you know about him.”

 

“Okay, if you insist. Come with me, all the files I have of John Black

are down there, I also have some tapes of him and his past. How much has

he told you?”

 

“Never mind what he told me, I’ll bet you know the same things I do, but

the other night you told me you had things about his past even he don’t

know about, so where is it?” hearing the way Stefano spitted out the

name of the man she loved made her strength come back and she got

defensive.

 

“Like I said, down in the basement, come and I’ll show you.” He reached

out to take her hand but she ignored it and walked towards the door

heading for the basement. Stefano grinned and leaded the way.

 

 

 

*******************************

 

Cursing out loud, John went back into the club where he bumped into Sam

and Roman.

 

“Jeez John, what’s your problem?” Sam said, seeing John so upset.

 

“It’s your sister, she went to some ‘appointment’ but didn’t want me to

tell me with who or why, or where for that matter. I wanted to follow

her but she took my car.”

 

“hey, I know you love her, but that doesn’t mean she has to tell you

about every step she is taking you know. She doesn’t need your

permission to have a life besides you.” Sam got angry cause in her ears

he sounded like a jealous person, wanting to own her sister.

 

“Whoa! Hold on a minute here, why don’t we go sit here on the terrace,

I’ll get us some drinks and then we talk about it. Sam, I’m sure John

didn’t mean for it to sound like that, so let him explain what’s going

on here. Okay?” Roman said.

 

“Well I guess so” Sam still gave John a dirty look but sat down anyway.

John didn’t say a word but sat down too. Both of them waited till Roman

came back with the drinks so they could all discuss it.

 

“So…now tell us what’s going on, why is it so important to you to know

where she is?” Roman asked.

 

“Alright, as long as your girlfriend stops biting my head off, and lets

me finish talking.” John looked at Sam while he said this to Roman. Sam

gave him a dirty look back but was anxious to know what was going on.

She knew she jumped the conclusion, John wasn’t the kind of man to be

obsessive and he had worried her.

 

“Just start talking John, now you have me worried too.” Sam said

quietly.

 

“Okay, she told me she had to go somewhere, but she couldn’t tell me

where. I asked her what it was about and all she said was if things went

alright, she would have a surprise for me. I told her she didn’t have to

surprise me but again she said it was important, not for just me but for

her as well.” He looked at both Sam and Roman for their reaction, he

wondered if he indeed searched too much behind this all.

 

“Wow, could the lady be anymore vague?” Roman replied. John and Roman

noticed Sam’s sudden paleness.

 

“What’s wrong Sam? Do you have any idea where she might have gone too?”

John asked.

 

“Nope…but could it be possible that she is uhm…” Sam couldn’t get the

words out.

 

“That she’s what?” John and Roman simultaneously asked.

 

“Uhm, well…could it be that she has a doctors appointment because she

might be pregnant?” Now it was John’s turn to look pale.

 

“No…no way. It couldn’t be that she’s… nooo, she would have told me and

ask me to come along. Wouldn’t she?” John couldn’t wrap his mind around

the idea that she might be pregnant. A voice inside of him told him she

wasn’t, she would have said something. He was also surprised to feel

this joy and excitement by the idea of them being pregnant.

“no, she isn’t pregnant, she would have asked me to come with her, she

wouldn’t go to a Spanish doctor all by herself. Come on Sam, you know

your sister as well as I do, she wouldn’t right?” john looked at Sam

for confirmation.

 

“You are right John, my sister never was someone to go to a doctor

unless she was forced to, she would never do such a thing on her own,

not in a foreign country.”

 

John was relieved to hear Sam say that but he was also a little

disappointed because in secret, he liked the idea of having a baby with

the woman he loved so much, even when the timing wasn’t right.

 

“Well, let’s think hard, what could it be? It must be something big, she

doesn’t know anyone else here but us, so where would she go to?” Roman

brought the other two back to reality.

 

 

******************************

 

Back at the mansion, Stefano and Marlena were down in the basement.

 

“Please have a seat, I’ll give you some files to look at.” Stefano

directed her to a chair to sit in and gave her some files to read.

Marlena didn’t feel comfortable at all but did what he asked. She read

over the files with the speed of light but all she saw were things she

already knew.

 

“okay, I know already what he has done when he lived with you. Things he

HAD to do because of you. Tell me about the things I didn’t know yet.”

 

“He didn’t HAVE to do it, he did it because he wanted too, it’s who he

is.” Stefano stated.

 

“That’s bull and you know it!! You forced him to kill those people. He

told me himself and why would I believe you over him.”

 

“Ah, but that’s were you are wrong my dear. I never forced him. He was

already a killer before he lived here with me.”

 

Marlena didn’t want to believe him but he seemed so confident and

relaxed, she knew he was sure of everything he wanted her to believe. It

shook her own judgement a little but she refused to believe anything he

said until he had shown her some proof.

“I don’t believe you, he could never kill someone out of his own free

will. He only did it because you tortured him until he did what you

said.”

 

“That’s what he has told you but I have tapes to proof I’m not lying.

Wait let me show you…” Stefano took the tape he wanted her to see first

out of the VCR and replaced it by another one. He hoped this one would

convince her. “Here look at this, this was taped when he ‘worked’ for

1. Don’t just look at HOW he kills his victims but also look at the

expression on his face when he does it. That’s the face of a man who

enjoys killing, not a face of a man who remorse’s what he’s doing.”

Stefano pushed the play button and stepped back, watching Marlena’s

reactions to all the horrific things she was about to see with a grin on

his face.

 

 

****************************

Roman, Sam and John were still sitting out on the terrace wondering

where Marlena could be.

“Okay, the doctor’s we’ve agreed on, she can’t be there. Who else does

she know here?” Roman asked.

 

“I don’t know, I don’t think she’s at the mall buying a surprise, she

wouldn’t be so secretive about that I guess.”

 

“John… call me crazy but… remember the morning Stefano surprised you

with a visit here in the club? He never said what that was all about,

maybe..” Roman uttered.

 

“I was thinking about that too, he never said why he came by, but he

didn’t get the chance to talk to her, I was with her right after he had

come in. But last night she was here outside the club and when I came

out, she was terribly quiet, when I asked her what was wrong Stefano

drove by, looking rather smug. OH GOD! That’s it!!! Somehow he got to

her and she went to see him.” john exclaimed. “that’s why she wouldn’t

tell me where she was going! She knew I would stop her. DAMNED!! Damn

that DiMera!”

 

“I don’t believe it John,” Sam said, “she knows he is a dangerous man,

she isn’t THAT stupid! I mean, why would she go to him? she knows the

man loathes you.”

 

“True, but what if he told her that he had something I really want to

know, wouldn’t she go then? She said if things went right she had a

surprise that would mean as much to her as to me.”

 

“What would that be? What does he know about you, you don’t know? You’re

not making sense you know.” Sam was totally lost here.

 

“My past, she knows how much it would mean to me to know about my past.

She said she would do anything to help me find out but I told her not to

bother because I had tried everything already that could give me a clue.

If he told her he knows more about me, she would definitely go to him to

find out if there’s any truth to it. That must be it, I can’t think of

anything else.”

 

“You are making perfect sense, we have to go to her and get her out of

there, you don’t really think he knows anything do you?” Roman asked.

 

“Nope, I don’t think he does. Give me your car keys, I have to get to

her before he does anything to harm her.”

 

Roman searched his pocket for his keys and gave them to John when he

found them. They wanted to come too but John didn’t wait around. Sam

grabbed Roman and ran to her car, she wasn’t taking no for an answer,

she was determent to make sure her sister was alright.

 

 

 

**************************

 

back in the basement, Marlena had looked at the horrendous tape and felt

nauseated. The tape showed a side of John she didn’t know. Stefano was

right, the man on the tape looked satisfied with every killing. She

didn’t want to believe that it was John but the tape didn’t lie. He

looked like a man without scruples.

 

“So.. you believe me now?” He still had that grin on his face as if he

was enjoying the obvious pain on her face.

 

“No, no you must have brainwashed or programmed him or something. The

man I love and know wouldn’t do something like that.” She saw as white

as a ghost and she tried hard to believe her own words but this nagging

feeling in the back of her head wouldn’t let go.

 

“Well if you still won’t believe me, I have another tape. It’s a tape

from before he came to live with me. I can’t reveal how I got it but you

will she the truth on it. It’s a tape of john …with his parents and

little brother.”

 

This surprised Marlena greatly. “His parents? He has a little brother?”

 

“Yes he HAD parents and a brother that was ten years younger than he

was.”

 

Marlena almost had to throw up when she heard him speaking about John’s

family in the past tense. She knew the tape couldn’t be anything good

but still a strange feeling of curiosity was forcing her to look at it.

Stefano started the tape and she forced herself to watch.

 

 

Upstairs there was a loud pounding on the door, John had arrived at the

mansion, followed by Sam and Roman. Bart opened the door and tried to

stop them but john’s fist and Sam’s kick in the groin made him collapse

onto the tiled floor. They barged into the living room finding it empty.

 

“Doc! Marlena!” John yelled. There was no response. The basement had

soundproof walls so Stefano and Marlena had no idea what was happing

upstairs. Roman and Sam searched the first floor and John the second but

they found nothing. When they got back together in the hall, they saw

Marlena and Stefano coming from the basement, Stefano had his arm

wrapped around a very pale Marlena. Seeing her like this was scaring the

hell out of John and he started to attack Stefano.

 

“What have you done to her you bastard!” He screamed while shaking the

man back and forth.

 

“let him go.” Marlena whispered without looking at John. John let go of

the man when he heard her monotone voice. He tried to touch her face

wanting to ask her if she was alright, but she shrugged back before he

could touch her pale skin. “Don’t touch me, just leave me alone.”

 

All of them were staring at Marlena with their mouths wide open except

for Stefano, he stood there with a smug look upon his face. Without

looking at anyone, Marlena walked out the door and back to the jeep,

“Please just leave me alone, all of you.” She got in the car and drove

off.

 

John wanted to attack Stefano again but Roman and Sam stopped him, Bart

too was back on his feet again and stood in front of his boss to protect

him. Sam gave him a dirty look and then focused on John, “Come on John,

we have to find her, she shouldn’t be driving in this state of mind.”

John knew she was right and knew just where to find her.

 

“I know where to look for her Sam, would you mind if I went there alone?

I don’t think it’s a good idea if we all went.”

 

“Sure John, take my car, Sam and I will wait for you at Costa!, okay?”

 

John took Romans car and hoped he indeed could find her on their beach.

Marlena drove to their beach with a blurry vision caused by tears, the

tape that Stefano had shown her was too horrifying for words. Until she

saw that tape she didn’t believe Stefano, her trust in the man she loved

was unshakable, at least that was what she thought. She really believed

Stefano had brainwashed John or something like that, but the tape she

saw next was awful. It was a tape of John barely eleven years old so

that was before he knew Stefano. The taped showed a boy who was playing

with his little brother, she thought it cute, but then the older boy,

who was supposedly John, got this devilish look upon his face and

strangled the little boy. She didn’t want to look at it but by some

weird kind of fascination she just had too. Her head wouldn’t believe

what her eyes saw. The next segment was of ‘John’ killing his parents

too, his father in a barn with an axe and his mother unknowing in the

kitchen with a Boucher’s knife. Marlena almost fainted seeing it. She

still couldn’t believe john did that but she had to admit that the

eleven year old looked a lot like John. She did wonder how Stefano got

that tape if he didn’t John know back then but she hadn’t asked Stefano,

she was so grossed out, all she wanted was to get out of there and clear

her head of those awful images that had forced their way into her head.

She really didn’t know what to think anymore. Stefano tried to comfort

her and she didn’t mind. He was going on and on about how John really

wasn’t the person she thought he was and how he himself wasn’t as bad as

John let everyone think. His voice was echoing in her mind;

 

“Don’t you think it’s strange he never even told his best friends about

his past? Aren’t you a little curious why he didn’t remember it? Could

it be because he doesn’t WANT to remember it? And why do you think

everyone hates me and my family? Ask them and every one of them will

tell you what John told them about me. No one ever had a problem with me

but they all listen to what John says about me. Really Marlena, I’m not

as evil as everyone seems to think.”

 

“Is he right? Am I a fool to have such faith in John? Am I that blinded

by love I can’t see him for who he really is?” She was still in the

jeep, staring at the ocean from atop of the cliff. The sky was clear and

blue, the sun was shining as if there was nothing wrong with this world.

She stepped out of the jeep and climbed up the hood of it. With her back

against the window, she stared at the sky, hoping to find some sign

there which would tell her what or whom to believe. She was listening to

the lyrics of a song playing on the car radio, when she heard a car

nearing, she knew it would be John but she didn’t move, she was just

hoping he would go away.

 

Anyone who have a love close to this

Knows what I’m saying

 

He didn’t, he parked the car and walked up to her, not knowing what to

say.

“Hey, want to talk yet?”

 

“NO! Just leave me alone okay? I need to clear my head.” She didn’t mean

to sound so cold to him but she couldn’t help it.

 

 

Anyone who wants a dream to come true

Knows how I’m feeling

 

“Please tell me what happened, talk to me sweetheart, I’m worried about

you, what has he done to you?” John tried to hold her hand but she

jerked it away.

 

“Please don’t touch me, not now. He hasn’t done anything to me but maybe

open my eyes.”

 

“Open your eyes? What do you mean by that?”

 

“Just like I said, it could be he opened my eyes and let me see you for

who you really are.” Still she refused to look at her but he knew for

sure he wouldn’t leave it like this so he sat down beside her on the

hood of the car, not caring if she wanted it or not.

 

All I can think of is you and me

Doing the things I wanna do

 

“Okay, I’m not leaving you until you’ve told me what has happened. This

morning you were happy and talking about surprising me. Now you’re all

depressed and if you pulling away for me is my surprise, then I don’t

want it.” He crossed his arms and looked firm to show her he was

serious.

She gave a loud sigh and the tears began to spill from her eyes. All

this time she just felt numb but now he was here, right besides her, she

felt the hurt and confusion coming back in tenfold. God how she loved

him.

 

All I imagine is heaven on earth

I know it’s you

 

“My surprise for you was telling you something about your past.” She

said quietly between sobs. “But I was the one who became surprised.”

 

“Why? Tell me. What did he tell you?” John tried hard to fight the urge

to hold her and wipe her tears away.

 

“It wasn’t so much what he told me, it was more what he showed me.”

 

Anyone who ever kissed in the rain

Knows the whole meaning

 

“Doc… you’re scaring me, please tell me what has happened. You know I

love you, my love for you will never change. Please talk to me, we made

a vow not to run anymore but to talk you remember? Please don’t run

away, if you do, you’re taking my heart, my soul with you. Talk to me

baby.” Tears were trying to escape from his eyes too now. He had to

fight hard to hold them back, she was slipping away from him and he felt

it.

 

Anyone who ever stood in the light

Needs no explaining

But everything more or less appears so meaningless

 

“Okay, I’ll tell you. He.. uhh, he showed me some tapes. Tapes of you…

killing people.” Tears were running down her cheek faster and faster.

 

“Tapes of me killing people? He made tapes about that?”

 

“Oh come on, you looked straight into the camera, don’t tell me you

didn’t know about it.” For the first time she looked at him, hurting him

with the anger obviously showing in her beautiful hazel orbs.

 

Blue and cold

Walking alone through the afternoon traffic

I miss you so

 

“I didn’t Marlena, I really didn’t. would I lie to you?” he looked at

her waiting for an answer. She turned her eyes away again, not willing

to see the pain in his eyes.

“I want so much to believe you would never lie to me. If he told me this

I wouldn’t have believed a word coming out of his mouth, but I SAW the

tapes John, how could I not believe my own eyes? That was not the only

tape he showed me. There was an other one, one of you and your parents

and your…your little brother.” She looked at her hands not knowing how

to tell him exactly what she saw.

 

 

Anyone who felt like I do

Anyone who wasn’t ready to fall

 

“My… my what? He has a tape of my parents? A little brother? I have to

go back, I want to see that.” John wanted to stand up but she held him

back.

 

“Don’t John… they’re dead. You’ve killed them remember?” she was glad to

see his surprised reaction to this, it meant he really couldn’t remember

his past. A big part of her always believed it but Stefano did a good

job shaking up her trust in him.

 

“I did what? NO! I WON’T BELIEVE THAT! I couldn’t have… could I?” even

John wasn’t so sure anymore.

 

Anyone who loved like I do

Knows it never really happens at all

 

“I didn’t think so either, but seeing you on that tape…” the images kept

intruding her mind, it made her feel nauseated again. “The boy who

killed them was only eleven John but he looked so much like you.”

 

“Are you really sure? I should remember something like that but I don’t.

Maybe he fabricated that tape, he’s capable of such things you know.”

 

“Yeah that’s what you’ve told me but now I don’t know who to believe

anymore, I’m sorry.”

 

“What are you saying? You believe him over me? You suddenly don’t love

me anymore? How do you think I feel? I was settling with the idea to

never know my past as long as I had you. I told you it wasn’t important

to me anymore. Still you went to my earth rival behind my back, he tells

you lies and you believe him over me? I thought you loved and trusted

me!” John was so confused by all of this just like her so he lashed out

to the one person he loved more that life itself, her. He stood up and

walked towards the edge of the cliff, looking over the ocean to the

horizon. The sun was almost disappearing behind it, it was a beautiful

sunset. Marlena watched him and felt both angry and compassion towards

him, but most of all love. She didn’t think she could get more confused

than she already was.

 

It’s over when it’s over

What can I do about it

 

“I do love you John, I’m just so damned confused right now, I do think

it’s better if we took some distance right now, just till we have sorted

out our feelings.”

 

Without looking at her he replied, afraid she would see his tears.

“I know what my feelings for you are, but if you want some distance so

badly then by all means get as much distance from me as you want.” He

sounded so broken, so hurt, she immediately felt sorry she said that,

she knew she loved him. Deep in her heart she also knew he couldn’t have

done these things, she felt so selfish, she never stopped thinking about

what this news would do to him. How much it must hurt HIM.

 

Now that it’s over

Everything more or less is looking so meaningless

And fades to grey

 

She stepped onto the ground and walked towards him, she didn’t touch

him, afraid he would pull away in return.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it, I do love you. I know you couldn’t have

done all those things. Please forgive me. Please?”

 

Lying awake in an ocean of teardrops

I float away

 

He turned around facing her.

“I’m sorry, I guess now I am the one who needs to be left alone for a

while, please go back to my house, I’ll stay here for a while, I need to

clear my head, it’s all so…” He turned around again and walked away to

the hidden path that leaded to the beach, leaving her there, crying.

 

Anyone who ever felt like I do

Anyone who wasn’t ready to fall

 

“Oh John, is it really over for us? You told me to go to YOUR home, not

our. I really screwed up this time. I wish I had listened to my

instincts not to go. I’m so sorry.” Slowly she saw him disappear into

the nightfall.

 

Anyone who loved like I do

Knows it never really happens at all

It’s over when it’s over

What can I do about it

Now it’s all over

Marlena refused to do as he had told her to do, she stayed with the jeep

for a while pondering what to do. She could understand it he wanted to

be alone but she needed him so much and he shouldn’t be alone right now.

She decided to go down the path too and try to find him, it shouldn’t be

difficult cause the beach wasn’t that big.

 

“Oh John I really hope you’re not going to hate me for this. But then

again, maybe you already do for me doubting you.”

 

Carefully she walked towards the beach, she didn’t have a flashlight or

John to hold on to and it was becoming very dark now. A few times she

stumbled and almost fell but she managed to get to the beach in one

piece. She saw him standing there, on the beach, staring at the ocean.

Hoping he wouldn’t get mad right away, she slowly got closer to him

until she was standing right beside him. He knew all along she was

coming, the little hairs in the nape of his neck were standing right up,

like they always did if she was near. She felt his coldness towards her,

it made her tremble, she wanted to hold him so much but was scared of

him rejecting her.

 

“John?” the lump in her throat was so big it barely came out a whisper.

Her stomach turned into a knot when he didn’t answer. Instead he walked

further away from her, with his feet standing in the cold water he

sighed loud but still didn’t respond. Marlena got a little discouraged

by this but she refused to give up that easily. She too was standing now

with her feet in the cold water, right next to him. She didn’t look at

him but just stared into the night like he was. She didn’t say anything

more, she was just hoping her closeness would get him to talk. She was

willing to wait for hours to let that happen but gladly she didn’t have

to.

 

“What are you doing here, I told you to go home and leave me alone.” He

said monotone without looking at her or even blinking.

 

“I know what you’ve told me but I love you too much to let you go

through this alone. I’m sorry for doubting you, but you’ve no idea what

that tapes did to me.” Tears were welling in her eyes again.

 

“I can imagine, it’s okay, you’ve every right to doubt me. Hell even I

don’t know me anymore.” Still he didn’t look at her, a sole tear rolling

down his cheek. Marlena saw it and turned so that she stood in front of

him. she raised her hand up to brush it away but he stopped her, he took

her arm and unconsciously squeezed it so hard she cried out in pain and

upset she took a step back. She had never seen him this way, it was as

if he was on automatic pilot. His actions surprised him too and for the

first time he looked at her.

 

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, please just go away.” He

turned around and walked away but this time it was her turn to stop him.

she grabbed his arm and turned him back so he had to face her.

 

“NO! I won’t let you walk away like this, let me help you. It kills me

to see you this way.”

 

“There’s nothing you CAN do, hell I don’t even know what to do anymore.

I thought I knew who I was but I only found out I’m not the one I

thought I was. Who am I Marlena? Tel me if you know.” He looked so

forlorn, her tears were spilling from her eyelids now.

 

“You are John Black, the man I love more than anything. You’re the man I

fell in love with because he’s so loving and caring and compassionate.

Those tapes must have been fabricated in some sort of way, I should’ve

known it John. It’s all my fault you feel this way, I never should have

went to him. I’m so sorry.” She hugged him tightly but he didn’t moved

his arms to hold her in respond, he did close his eyes to relish in the

scent of her beautiful golden hair.

 

“Please go home Marlena.”

 

“Only if you’ll come with me. “ she tilted her head to read his

expression. It was still cold and emotionless.

 

“I can’t do that. I’ve to think and be alone, grant me that okay?” he

was openly crying now and she hated herself for making him feel this

way.

 

“I really don’t want to leave you here, you shouldn’t be alone right

now. Come on baby talk to me, tell me what you are feeling. Please let

me find a way to help you.”

 

“You really want to HELP me? Than do as I say and go away!! I don’t need

you or anyone else so PLEASE! Just leave me alone.” He pushed her away

so hard when he lashed out like this, she fell onto the wet sand. Her

clothes were soaked now and the temperature was still dropping. She was

shaking so hard now, both because of her cold soaked clothes and John’s

coldness. She tried to stand up when she saw him walk away again but she

didn’t have the strength to, she just sat there crying hard. John felt

like an asshole for treating her this way but he didn’t look back, so he

never saw her fall. All he wanted was to be alone. He loved this woman

more than anything but he was afraid those tapes were right, that he

really was a killer. He was afraid that there would come a time that he

got a blackout and do something worse to her. For all he knew he was

capable of killing her.

 

“John please, don’t walk away from me.” She cried after him. finally she

had succeeded in standing up.

 

“Go away Marlena, I don’t want you here.” He screamed without looking at

her dishevelled appearance.

 

“Fine!” she got angry with him now and found some strength back because

of it.” Run for all I care John Black! But it won’t help you know. I’ll

go now, but I swear to you that I’ll help you, even if it is the last

thing I do, I’ll show you who you really are! I won’t rest until the man

I love so desperately is back. You hear me!!! Don’t run too far, I’ll be

back soon with the evidence, you can count on it!!” Angry as hell she

ran back to the jeep as fast as she could, John hadn’t heard all she had

said so he thought she finally went home to wait for him there.

 

***************************

 

Marlena drove as fast as the car would take her to the DiMera mansion.

She didn’t even bother to park the car neatly but just hit her brakes

hard and jumped out of the car to pound on the front door. Eliana opened

it but was brusquely shoved aside by an barging in Marlena.

 

“Stefano!! Where are you?” she searched the living room while Eliana

rapidly went upstairs to the study to warn Stefano. Marlena didn’t

bother to look for him anymore and went straight to the basement. The

door to the room were she saw the tapes earlier was locked so she tried

to bust it open. Her shoulder was hurting but the door wouldn’t give in.

 

“You might want to use this.” She turned around and saw Stefano standing

there holding the key in his hand. She grabbed it away and unlocked the

door, without even so much as look at him. She went in and heard Stefano

coming up behind her, grabbing the key back.

 

“Care to tell me why you’re back here? I mean, I knew you would be back

soon but look at you, you’re soaking wet and look like you’re on a

mission.”

 

“That’s because I am you bastard, tell me how you got those tapes!! I’ll

bet you’ve fabricated them, they are fake aren’t they!” She had to

fight the urge to strangle him.

 

“Ah, you’ve talked to john and he’s convinced you I’m the bad guy

again.”

 

“No he didn’t, I’m just a fool for believing you in the first place.

Now I want you to tell me where did you get those tapes?” she demanded

with her hands on her hips. She almost looked pretty strong, weren’t it

for the fact she was still heavily shaking due to cold wet clothes and

the feeling she might have lost John.

“Ah that’s a long story, maybe I will tell you about it some time but

don’t worry your pretty head over it. Now, come upstairs with me, you

are soaking wet, let me give you some dry clothes okay? I’m sure

Kristen’s clothes will fit you.”

 

“No, I’m not leaving here until I have those tapes. And those files too,

so were are they!”

 

“can’t give them to you sorry, if you want John to see them just let him

come over. I’ve nothing to hide.”

 

“Oh screw you! As if he wants to come here. Now I know for sure, you’ve

got something to hide and I’m going to find out what it is. Count on

it!” she pushed him aside heading for the VCR to see if the tape was

still in there but it wasn’t. she gave him a foul look and began to torn

up the place to find all she was looking for. She didn’t find the files

but found several tapes. She found the two tapes she was looking for and

without saying a word she left. She thought it odd when Stefano didn’t

even tried to stop her but didn’t waste a moment thinking about it

further.

 

**************************

 

John still was on the beach, trying to collect his thoughts. He knew

Stefano must have somehow fabricated those tapes but for what purpose?

He knew Stefano was trying to get his fat hands on the club, but what

did those tapes have to do with it? And why show them to Marlena? Why

not just show them to him, Stefano must have known how shaken up he

would be seeing those tapes. It finally dawned to him; Stefano’s main

target wasn’t the club, it was the one he cared most about, Marlena.

 

“Damn! Why didn’t I see it sooner? I’ve pushed her away from me for all

the wrong reasons! This is exactly what he was aiming for, to break us

1. He knew he could get to me through her. Roman was right, she is in

too much danger if she stays with me. He tried to break us up this way

now, but if he thinks it didn’t work, god knows what he will do to her.

There’s only one thing I can do, I have to let her go.”

 

He ran to his car to go and see her, he hoped she was so mad at him

lashing out to her, that she herself had called it quits with him. He

really hoped she had taken her belongings and had went back to the

apartments if not… there’s only one thing he could do, sent her there

himself. This was going to be the hardest thing he ever had to do,

letting go of the love of his life and beyond.

 

 

******************************

 

Marlena was back at the club where she ran in to Sam. She didn’t want to

be seen so she wanted to take the fire escape to get in but Sam was

waiting for her outside on the parkinglot.

 

“Finally! Where have you been? Has John found you, where is he? And why

are you soaked to the bone?” Sam ran over to Marlena firing questions

without waiting for the answers. Marlena didn’t feel so good and was

very pale, she had no desire to explain all to her sister for she didn’t

understand half of it herself.

 

“Uhm, yeah he found me and told me to go away so I did, and I am wet

because I fell into the water, it was cold and I desperately want to

take a hot shower so if you will excuse me…” She tried to ignore Sam and

walk away but Sam stopped her. “Now what?”

 

“Hey, don’t act like this with me! I am your sister and I’m worried

about you okay? You were so upset when you took off this afternoon and I

agreed to John that he could go and talk to you alone. I was hoping to

see the two of you return here together.”

 

“Yeah well, that makes two of us.”

 

“I know, but you must realise that seeing you come here alone in

this….this state,” she said pointing at Marlena’s dishevelled

appearance, “ I only begin to worry more. What has happened when you

were at the mansion?”

 

“I’m sorry Sam, I didn’t mean to worry you and I’m sorry, I can’t tell

you yet what happened. First John and I have to get through this and if

he’s okay with it, I’ll tell you. Please have a little more patience

with me okay?”

 

Sam stared at her sister for a while and was amazed seeing how much her

sister had changed the last week. She was transformed from a clumsy,

sometimes irritating brat, into a self-conscious, beautiful adult.

 

“Okay, I won’t interrogate you any more, go and take that shower you

look like hell.”

 

“Wye thank you sis, I’m glad you like my outfit.” Somehow she could

manage to smile.

With the tapes held tightly to her chest she went inside. She knew

taking a shower was the best thing to do but she wanted to see if the

tapes weren’t erased. If they were, it would explain why Stefano had let

her get away with them without a fight. She was just about to place the

first one into the VCR, when she heard someone coming in. she turned

around to see who it was. “John!”

“John!” She exclaimed. “You’re back.” She wanted to go to him and hug

him but his cold stare stopped her.

 

“Yeah I am. We need to talk.” It was only know that he noticed her

soaked clothes.

 

“What happened? You’re soaking wet!”

 

For just a moment she saw his cold stare change in a warm compassionate

one, it gave her hope. She was still shaking heavily so she needed to

hold on to the couch in order not to fall.

 

“Well remember you pushed me away on the beach? Well you didn’t look

behind when you walked away, if you had you could have seen that I had

fallen. I’ll bet you could have a good laugh out of that huh?” She tried

to laugh but the world began to spin more and more around her. She held

on to the couch so hard her knuckles turned white.

 

“I wouldn’t laugh at you and you know it. Hey, are you okay? You are

awfully pale.”

 

“Uhm yeah, I’m fine. Now tell me what you wanted to talk about, I’ve

something to say…no show to you.”

 

He could see she was anything but fine and walked towards her. “Come

here and sit down, you look terrible.” He guided her around the couch

and sat her down, he sat down beside her.

 

“Thank you, you are the third one in one hour to tell me I look like

shit.”

 

“third one? What do you mean?”

 

“Well Sam and Stefano told me the same thing so…”

 

“Sam and…. When? Was he here? I kill him!” He wanted to stand up but she

held him back, she didn’t have much strength but she didn’t need it, he

was more concerned about her than getting after Stefano.

 

“he wasn’t here John. After I left you on the beach, I drove to the

mansion to get the tapes. They are over there” she said pointing towards

the tapes. “I thought you might wanted to see them for yourself. I don’t

know if they have been erased, I was about to look when you came in. he

didn’t put up a fight but just let me take them, I think it’s strange

but what the hell, the tapes are here right?”

 

“I could be so angry with you right now. I don’t want you to go over

there ever again, you hear me! You don’t know what he’s up to! You have

no clue what he can do to you.” Yet again he yelled at her, but he was

so damn concerned about her.

 

“You COULD be angry with me? I thought you already were, does that mean

you’re not?” He could see the hope glistering in her eyes.

 

“No I’m not angry, I know why you did it, just promise me you’ll never

go to him again okay?” he said more quietly.

 

“okay, so do you want to talk first or watch the tapes?” she had to

focus hard not to let her dizziness take over.

 

“I don’t care about the tapes, I need to talk to you but first I want

you to take a hot bath or shower, you’re shivering and you look paler by

the minute.”

 

“No that can wait, I want to hear what you have to say.”

 

“No, it can’t wait, you look ill. Are you sure you’re alright? Shall I

make a cup of tea? That will warm you up.”

 

“Yeah, that would be nice thank you. I don’t understand why I am this

cold, I mean the water was cold but the air is warm, it was a very hot

day.” Her voice was barely a whisper, the little strength left in her

was fading fast. She tried to stand up not willing to give in to the

darkness that was surrounding her fast but she fell in a dead faint.

John was fast enough to catch her and laid her down on the couch. He

cupped her face in his hands and now he could feel how cold she really

was her face felt like ice. He scooped her up in his arms and

effortlessly he walked to the bedroom and placed her on the bed

carefully. He took off her wet clothes and She covered her up with a

blanket and tried to wake her up.

 

“Marlena? Doc…honey, please wake up. Come on wake up.” Finally she

slowly opened her eyes. “Hey, welcome back, you gave me quite a scare

lady. “ he smiled at her.

 

“Hey, wow what’s happened? How did I get here? Oooh, I don’t feel too

good.” She said holding her hand against her forehead.

 

“Just lay still for a while, I go make you some tea okay?”

 

‘No please, don’t leave me alone. Don’t ever leave me alone.” She gave

him a pleading look and he knew that she had an idea what he was about

to tell her before she fainted. His heart sunk, how could he have wanted

to break up with her?

 

“I won’t, I promise I won’t.” he laid down next to her and held her

tight now so he could warm her cold body. She shifted as close to him as

she could, relishing in his warmth and closeness. Little pearls of sweat

were forming on her forehead, she had a fever.

 

“You’re burning up! I go call a doctor!!”

 

She placed her hand on his arm to stop him. “No, please don’t. This is

nothing a good nights sleep won’t fix. Really I’ll bet I’ll feel fine in

the morning again.”

 

He was reluctant but he gave in. ”Okay, But if you’re not feeling better

in the morning, that doctor will be here faster than you can say ‘no’,

okay?” he gave her a firm look.

 

“Okay, thank you.” She closed her eyes because they kept dancing.

 

“I’m going to make some soup for you, it will warm you up and you never

had dinner so you need to get something in your stomach. Try to get some

sleep while I’m making that soup for you.”

 

“Thanks, I have to admit I’m a little hungry. I haven’t eaten anything

since early this morning.”

 

*******************************

 

At the same time in the DiMera mansion, Tony and Kristen had woken up

after all the noises when Marlena came to take the tapes. When they came

downstairs Marlena had already left and they found Stefano in the living

room sitting on the sofa with a picture of Marlena in his hands,

grinning.

 

“What was all that noise about father?” Tony asked.

 

Stefano didn’t look up but his grin became wider.

 

“Leave us Kristen, I have to talk to my son.”

 

“What? You’ve got to be kidding, I want to know what that was all about

too.” She looked like a four year old having a fit.

 

“Kristen…. leave us! NOW!” Stefano gave her a warning look and she left

wisely.

“Tony close the door behind her, I won’t have her eavesdropping.”

 

Tony did as told and sat down across his father.

“Well, what was that all about?”

 

“Ah my son, that was the beginning of the end of John Black.”

“How?” Tony hated the fact his father never would let him in on his

plans, he was always running after the facts.

 

“I can tell you now what that all was about. Earlier today I had the

pleasure of having a visit of the lovely Marlena. We talked a little and

I showed her some tapes.” He said with a smug look on his face.

 

“Tapes? Tapes of what?”

 

“Tapes about John’s past. She was greatly disturbed after seeing them

and she rushed out of here when John and two others came here to get

her. John attacked me and she defended me. She told him not to touch her

and rushed out.”

 

“So… you’re making progress of making her yours?”

 

“I do believe I did.” He laughed devilishly.

 

“What has that to do with what happened here tonight? If I heard right,

she wasn’t too pleased with you just now.”

 

“Ah yes, you are right, she was mad. But not at me, at John Black if I’m

right, she only lashed out to me. When she rushed out of here, John went

after her to talk to her. I don’t exactly know what happened but when

she came back here it looked like she and John just had a huge fight.

She came here to get the tapes I showed her earlier. I guess she wanted

John to see them, that means she believed the tapes.”

 

“well, let’s get back to the tapes, you really have tapes of his past? I

know we knew John before his amnesia but you never told me about any

tapes.”

 

“Don’t worry about that, it’s not important to you. I want you to do

something. I want you to go to Marlena tomorrow and talk to her. Be

compassionate and nice. Try to win her confidence. Make her believe John

Black isn’t the man she thinks he is and tell her in a subtle way, I’m

not as bad as he wants her to believe I am.”

 

“Why do you think she’s going to trust me? She doesn’t even like me.”

 

“Don’t question me and just do as I told you to!” he yelled. “Now get

some sleep and make sure that that Kristen brat doesn’t poke her nose

into everything, she could ruin my plans that way.”

 

“I will, but first tell me what you’re plans are.”

Tony tried to look firm but Stefano only gave him a look and Tony backed

off and did as he was told to.

 

*****************************

 

John made some soup and went back to the bedroom where he found Marlena

asleep. He tried not to wake her but when he placed the bowl of soup on

the night stand she did wake up.

 

“Hey, sorry I didn’t mean to wake you. I have some soup here.” He

whispered.

 

“It’s okay, I wasn’t really asleep, I just dozed off and you don’t have

to whisper, I’m not dying you know.” She smiled.

 

“Here, let me help you to sit up so you can have some soup.” He helped

her up in the pillows, he was so close at this minute, she could smell

his manly scent mixed with the ocean breeze. She wanted to savour this

moment.

 

When she was comfortable, he sat beside her on the edge of the bed,

holding the bowl of soup. She tried to take it over from him but her

hands were shaking too much, she would’ve spilled it all.

 

“here, let me help you with it.” He got a spoon full and fed it to her.

 

“Wow, this tastes great! Thanks for helping me with it, I don’t know why

my hands won’t stop shaking.” She stretched out her hand and watched it

shaking.

 

“I guess it’s because of the fever, are you warming up a little yet?”

 

“Yeah but I guess it would help if you gave me a shirt or something to

put on, I am naked under these blankets you know.” She giggled.

 

“Uhm ah yes, I’m sorry about that but I had to remove these wet clothes.

I just forgot to give you dry ones.” He blushed a little.

 

“That’s okay, you have two options when you’re finished feeding me my

soup. You can give me dry ones OR you can keep me warm.” She said

seductively.

 

“Ah, we’re getting better already huh? We’ll see about that, let’s just

finish this soup.”

 

John didn’t know what came over him to want to break up with this

amazing lady. In the short time they knew each other they had been

through so much already, how could he ever think they couldn’t handle

any more? Marlena too was relieved, she knew what he was about to say

when she fainted and she was glad to see that the tables were turning

again. She still prayed he had changed his mind forever this time and

that it wasn’t only because she felt ill.

“Are you going to watch the tapes?” Marlena asked John after she was

finished with her soup. She tried to break the awkward silence between

them. John still remained on the edge of the bed as he shook his head.

 

“I don’t think so.” He gave her a slight smile.

 

“Why not? I know you are dying of curiosity.”

 

“I am, but by what you’ve told me bout the tapes, I’ll doubt that it

will do any good. Maybe it’s best left alone.” He stood up and took the

bowl from the night stand to bring to the kitchen. As he was walking

away, she grabbed his arm firmly, forcing him to look at her.

 

“John…” Marlena began.

 

“Hmm?” He replied absent minded.

 

“Do you believe me when I say that I don’t believe those tapes? I know I

doubted you at one time but that was because I was shocked after I

watched them. I know you could never have done something like that.

Please believe me.” She gave him a pleading look.

 

John placed the bowl back on the stand and sat down again. “I don’t

know. I want to believe you…no, I DO believe you but I don’t even know

myself if I did those things or not. It’s okay if you are confused

because the truth is, so am I. I have thought long and hard while I was

on the beach and I have made some decisions.” He looked so serious it

scared her. She knew he was probably going to break up with her but

she hoped that he had changed his mind.

 

“Decisions? What kind? Please don’t do anything rash.”

 

He took her hands in his to assure her. “I’m not. I have to be honest

and say to you that I was planning on breaking up with you.” He watched

her reaction to that but wasn’t too surprised when he saw that she

already had a feeling he would say that. “But when you fainted and I had

you in my arms I didn’t know how I ever could think of such a thing.”

 

“I’m so glad to hear you say that. I really thought you would break it

off between us, I’m so glad you didn’t” Tears were gathering in her eyes

and she sat up to give him a hug. He gently pushed her back.

 

“Marlena… It doesn’t mean I can continue to go on like this,” He said,

solemnly.

 

“What do you mean? I … I don’t understand.”

 

He looked at her, not willing to make her feel any worse than she

already did.

 

“I mean I think it’s better for you if you moved back in with your

sister and Hope. It’s not a good idea for you to stay here.”

 

“So? What are you saying? You don’t want us to break up but you also

don’t want me to be with you?” Little droplets of sweat were forming on

her forehead again.

 

“Yes, I think it’s better if there was some distance between us.” He

stood up and walked towards the window, running his hands through his

hair. “Hell, for all I know I did do all of those things. If the tapes

are true Doc, you wouldn’t be safe here with me, God knows what I could

do to you.”

 

His back was to her so he didn’t see her stand. On shaky legs she walked

over to him, dizziness overtaking her body. She wrapped her arms around

his waist from behind, needing to hold him but also needing to cling on

to him so she wouldn’t fall. He didn’t turn around but placed his hands

on hers.

 

“You are wrong, you know,” she whispered, “I know you would never harm

me, please don’t do this.”

 

“I have to,” he whispered back. Slowly he turned around to look her in

the face. “Don’t you understand? I just have to.” The pain in his eyes

was evident.

 

“No. We can do this together you know, all we have to do is find out if

those tapes are false or not.”

 

“I’m planning on doing just that… by myself. I don’t want you involved.

Those DiMera’s are too dangerous, I won’t put your life in jeopardy.”

Before she could say anything he scooped her up in his arms and placed

her back on the bed. He had noticed that she went paler by the minute.

 

“My life won’t be at risk, if he wanted to do something to me, he would

have done it by now if he was planning on it, he had plenty of

opportunities.”

 

“Mar.. stop it, just stop it. I won’t hear it, my mind’s made up.

Besides in a few days your vacation will be over and then you will be on

the plane home. Once you’re home you will have forgotten about me in a

heartbeat.” He knew that was a lie but he hoped that it would work that

way. It would be better for her if she forgot all about him.

 

“I’ve thought about your offer to stay with you and I will. I can’t go

back home, not without you. How could you say I will forget about you?

How can I forget the best thing that came into my life? No, I will stay

here. I’ll make my parents understand.”

 

John slammed his fist against the wall in frustration. “Dammit Marlena,

would you please listen to me this one time? I don’t want you here! When

your vacation is over I want you to go home with your sister.” He

turned his back to her so she couldn’t see the pain on his face, he had

waited for so long to hear her say she would stay but he had to push her

away now.

 

She began to cry again, she already sick but he only made her feel

worse. “So what are you saying? After the dance contest it’s goodbye for

us? Thanks and good riddance? Is that what you are saying?”

 

“Something like that yeah. I don’t even think we should enter the dance

contest. I mean look at you, you’re ill, you’re in no shape to dance.”

 

“NO! No! I won’t let you take that away from me too! I WILL enter the

dance contest, if you want me to or not.”

 

“We’ll see. I’ve got some errands to run. You just get some sleep and

we’ll talk more later okay? Will you be okay?” He still didn’t look at

her.

 

“Yeah sure, go why don’t you,” she said sarcastically. He barely heard

her answer as he was already half way to the door. He couldn’t stay any

longer and feel her pain, he had to get out of there. She watched him

leave and buried her face in her pillow and cried.

 

 

**************************

 

John went downstairs and went straight to Sam who was sitting at the

bar talking to Roman and Abe.

 

“Sam can I talk to you for a minute, alone please?” John said glancing

at Abe and Roman.

 

“Sure John what’s up? Where’s Mar?” Sam followed John to a quiet booth

in the corner of the club.

 

“She’s upstairs at my place. She isn’t doing so well, she’s dizzy. She’s

in bed now but I doubt she will rest much.”

 

“Is she going to be okay? Should we call a doctor or something?” Sam

said worried.

 

“Nope, she says she will be okay again in the morning. She is stubborn

as hell.”

 

“Yep that sounds like Marlena alright. So, what did you want to talk to

me about?” Sam could feel something was terribly wrong here. She had

never seen him this way.

“I want to talk to you about Marlena, I know your vacation is ending

soon, I want you to convince her to leave here with you,” he said with a

stern look upon his face.

 

“What do you mean? Of course she’s gonna go home with me.”

 

“No Sam, she said she would call your parents and convince them to let

her stay here.”

 

“She what?!?” She almost yelled, “What is she thinking? My parents

won’t let her stay here, at least not until hell freezes over! How did

she get that idea?”

 

“Uhm, I asked her to stay a while ago.” He had put his head down, he now

knew how ridiculous this idea was. He wanted so much for her to stay but

he knew it wasn’t possible. She had a life in the States, once she was

back there she would forget about him. Or so he wanted to believe.

 

“You asked her? I should’ve known that, I know how much you love her.

This isn’t some vacation love for you, or for her for that matter. My

parents will be mad as hell, but she IS stubborn, if Mar wants something

she usually gets it,” he said smiling, having some flashbacks of Marlena

and her parents arguing and Marlena not giving up until she got her way.

 

“I don’t want her to stay anymore,” he muttered.

 

“Why not? You love her right? I don’t see the problem, except for my

parents that is.”

 

“Yeah I love her alright but I can’t let her stay here, not after

everything that has happened. It’s too dangerous. Just take her home

with you okay?” John looked at her and she knew he wouldn’t take no for

an answer.

 

“Okay, I’ll try. But why would it be dangerous, can you please tell me

everything you two have been holding back from us? I know it has to do

with the DiMera’s but what has happened that we don’t know of?”

 

“I can’t tell you Sam, not yet anyway, just make sure Marlena leaves

this country okay?”

 

“I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything.” She looked at John, reaching

out to touch his hand. “Will you be okay? You’re not looking so hot

yourself.”

 

“Yeah I am, I’m just worried about her. Go talk to her Sam.” They both

stood up and Sam went upstairs to talk to Marlena while John sat himself

down at the bar with the others.

 

*******************

 

“Come in,” Marlena said when she heard a knock on the door. Sam slowly

opened the door and peeked around the corner. She saw Marlena lying in

the king-size bed all curled up, crying .

 

“Mar?” She softly said coming in and walking up to the bed. “Are you

all right? John said you weren’t feeling well. Is something else the

matter? In all these years, I’ve never seen you cry over a stomach ache

or anything.”

 

“He didn’t tell you?” She said sitting herself up against the pillows,

desperately trying to wipe her tears away.

 

“Tell me what?” Sam played dumb.

 

“Well, he pretty much told me he doesn’t want me to be here anymore, or

he just doesn’t want ME anymore period.” She started crying again. “I

don’t get it Sam, I know he loves me just as much as I love him, but he

keeps pushing me away. Every time something comes up he acts like he

doesn’t need me here. We talk, argue, and make up just until something

else crosses our way and it starts all over again.”

 

“So? Every couple fights. You two will get through this, don’t worry.

Like you said, he loves you.”

 

“No Sam, this time it’s different. Some time ago, he asked me if I

wanted to stay here with him after our vacation. I mean, I said I had

to think about it. Today I told him I wanted to stay, I told him yes.

But he doesn’t want me to anymore. He was nasty to me. He said he wanted

me to go back home with you and forget about him. It was ‘safer’ he

said. It’s such bull Sam, I’m not in danger, he’s the one who needs help

but all he does is push me away.”

 

Sam took a long hard look at her sister, sitting there miserably with

her eyes red and swollen. “I don’t know Mar, it sounds to me that he

could be right. I mean, you never told me or the others what had

happened in the mansion but I know it must be something pretty big.”

 

“I’m sorry, I still can’t tell you, but yeah… it was. But John seems to

think that Stefano is after me, and I just don’t think that it’s true.

If it was, he already had plenty of opportunities to make his move but

he didn’t. Please help me convince John that I should stay.”

 

“I don’t know. Even if I wanted to and even if I could, I think it would

be better if you went home with me when we’re supposed to.”

 

“Why?” She felt the anger rise up in her again. She had hoped that at

least her sister would be supportive.

 

“Jeez Mar, do I have to spell it out for you? How about mom and dad? You

really think they will say; ‘Sure hon, stay in Spain, we really want you

too.’ Think again Marlena, dad would come here and drag you back home

by your hair.”

 

She couldn’t argue with that, she knew her parents wouldn’t be happy but

she didn’t want to think about that.

 

“Of course I don’t think that. But dammit Sam, I’m not a child anymore.

I have my own life, and I’ll live it as I please. They have to

understand that.”

 

“I know Mar but don’t you think they should hear it from you in person

instead of hearing it over the phone? I sure as hell won’t tell them.

Just fly back with me and talk to them, you can always come back here.”

 

Marlena thought about it for a second and knew her sister was right.

 

“Okay, I think you’re right but please Sam, help me convince John not to

give up on us.”

 

“I will, I promise. You just get some rest now and make sure you get

better. I’ll look for John and talk to him, okay?”

 

Marlena nodded and lay down again, knowing she couldn’t sleep until she

had worked things out with John but feeling to weak to confront him

right now. Sam stood up and went to do as she had promised

“John,” Sam continued as she walked up to him, “you’d better talk to her yourself.” She smiled at him knowingly.John knew Marlena wouldn’t listen to him or her sister, she was too stubborn.

“I can’t Sam. I’ve hurt her already in so many ways, I can’t keep doing it. I will stay at Abe’s place tonight if he wants me and I would very much appreciate it if you would stay here with Mar. I would feel better knowing you were with her. I want you to take her to your apartment tomorrow.”

 

“I can’t do it John. You say you don’t want to hurt her anymore and yet what you are about to do will kill her. Talk to her, stay with her. Make her understand the reasons for your actions.”

 

John slammed his fist down on the bar, “Damnit Sam, I can’t !! Just get her out of here by morning,” he ordered.

 

“Don’t bother Sam,” came a faint voice from behind them. Both were startled to hear Marlena. They turned around only to see her standing there, her facial expression a display of mixed emotions; hurt and anger. The club was almost vacant. Her voice however, was barely audible over the still blaring music. She still had very little strength but her anger would not hold her back.

“You will be pleased to hear I’m going voluntarily John. Don’t worry, I can take a hint, I know when I’m not wanted,” she said with very little emotion.

 

“Doc, you know it isn’t like that, it’s much more com…” before he could finish, she cut him off.

 

“Save your breath John. Not long ago you said you loved me far too much to ever be able to let me go. Only minutes later you say you want me to go home and forget about you. Well you should have been careful what you wished for ‘cause you just got it”

 

John was stunned, he didn’t know what to say next. He’d never seen her like this. It was as if something inside of her had died; it was that feisty spirit of hers.

 

“Sam can you help me get my things back to the apartment? I still don’t feel all too well and could use your help please.”

 

“Uhm, sure,” Sam agreed.

 

“Oh and John…” she looked at his stunned face, hers still void of expression, “let me know if you need me to dance with you. Try to find someone else but if you don’t succeed, I will be there. Don’t worry, I won’t expect anything in return, but I’d hate to think I was the cause of you having lost the contest. So let me know.”

 

“Mar…” she interrupted him.

 

“Goodbye John.” She simply turned and walked away. Only then did she let the tears fall freely; only then did she let her true feelings show.

 

Sam had gone upstairs to get the suitcases and came down just as Marlena was about to go and help her. Sam had made sure she was packed and ready to go before Marlena could go upstairs, for two good reasons. First, she knew Marlena still wasn’t feeling well so she didn’t want her climbing the stairs. Second but most important of all, she had left Marlena’s passport up there. It was her the only way to make sure john and Marlena would see each other at least one more time before they had to catch the plane home.

“Oh Marly, don’t cry little sis,” Sam dropped the suitcases and pulled her sister in a hug. Mar could see over Sam’s shoulder that John was watching her so she backed out of the hug and walked out of the door,unwilling to show John her pain.

 

When they arrived at the apartment again and Marlena had emptied the suitcases they sat on the couch in utter silence. Both had their legs curled up beneath them, and nestled a hot cup of tea in their hands.

 

“Sam,” Marlena broke the deafening silence, “I need you to do something for me… it’s a huge favour.”

 

“Sure, tell me, I’d do anything for you.”

 

“Well…” she hesitated, “don’t get mad at me but…”

 

“What Mar?” Sam placed her cup on the coffee table and looked at her. She had a good hunch as to what Marlena was going to say, and she was not sure if she was liking it.

 

“I really need to stay here… I mean here in Spain.”

 

“Go on.” Sam knew this was coming but she wanted to hear the rest of Marlena’s plans.

 

“I want you to go home and explain it to mom and dad. I can’t take the risk of flying home and talking to them myself. God knows what Stefano could do to John in the meantime, and I’m afraid mom and dad won’t let me come back here.” Sam thought about it for a moment before replying.

“I guess you are right. Okay, but I do have one question though.”Marlena was surprised that her sister had agreed with her so quickly. “Okay, ask.”

 

“Where are you going to stay? I mean IF you stay in Spain, Stefano will know where you live and that might not be the smartest thing. Are you going back to John?”

 

“No, I’m not.” Marlena looked at her tea, she wished she could stay with John but he really gave her the feeling he didn’t want her near him. At least, not as long as Stefano was a threat. “I will find another apartment and I’ll be fine. The hardest part is trying to convince dad to trust me and to not come here only to drag me back home,” she chuckled. Sam began to laugh too, she could visualise it… her dad flying here as some sort of superman, dragging Mar with him by her hair, all the way back home screaming and cursing. “I can see it now.” Sam winked at her. “There will be hell to pay, but I promise you I will convince them that you are okay and that you are safe here. Just don’t prove me wrong okay?”

 

“I won’t. Thanks Sam, I’m glad I have you for a sister.”

 

“Same here. Now finish that tea of yours and go to bed, you still look like hell.”

 

“Well thanks, I will. I’m tired, I’ll admit that.”

 

“Tell me one thing, why exactly are you going to stay here? What are you planning to do? Nothing foolish I hope?”

 

“No, I just have to make sure John will be happy, with or without me.” Marlena winked at her sister and went to her bedroom, leaving Sam with more questions than answers.

 

Once in her bedroom, Mar fell down on her bed and cried again. She was determined to stay and make sure john would be safe from the Dimeras, but how could she accomplish that? She needed to formulate a plan. That was a hard thing to do, all she could think about was John and how much she missed him, her whole body ached from her need to be with him.

 

For John it was no different. He was still in Costa, at the bar, drinking. Roman sat himself next to him but John totally ignored him. All he wanted was the love of his life, the beauty that had made him feel alive again. He knew he had done the right thing, or so he wanted so desperately to believe. It was at that moment the tapes came to mind. He excused himself and went upstairs to see if they were still there, pondering if he should watch them or not.

 

“Oh why the hell not? I know what’s on them anyway. I know Stefano has fabricated them somehow. He must have.” Unconsciously he balled his hands into fists, while gritting his teeth.

 

He walked up to the vcr and eyed the tapes. They were calling out to him to watch. With trembling hands he pushed a tape in and pressed play. Slowly walking backwards he felt the couch behind him and sat down on it, scared to blink, afraid the tape would show something important. The more the tape showed, the more his eyes began to sting. He cursed at the forthcoming tears and sipped at them angrily. He kept watching, breathless as the scenes played before his eyes. Instead of thinking about what he was feeling about all of this, he thought about Marlena. Initially, he was amazed that she had reacted the way she did. When she had doubted him at first he had been disappointed in her, but now that he had watched it himself he understood the lengths that her love had gone for him. He was baffled by the fact that she didn’t just take the first plane home. Seeing this must have hurt her terribly. He didn’t think it was possible but he loved her even more. Her staying and her willingness to fight for him made it all the more evident that she was a stubborn yet loving woman. But his heart sank thinking about the way she left. He tried to push her away for her own sake and he had succeeded. Her voice had sounded so cold, so lifeless. He knew he had lost her forever.

 

Marlena was still in her bedroom trying to sleep and fight the gloomy thoughts and her nausea. She tried to think of a plan to help John. The first thing on her mind was to make sure he wouldn’t come to the airport to see her off. He would know she wasn’t on the plane and would search for her. She didn’t want anyone to know she was staying. She knew the best way to accomplish what she wanted was by way of surprise attack. She would even kill Stefano if she had to. She didn’t think it would come that far but she would if she had to.

 

“Shit I need some kind of weapon. Where do I get that?” she pondered, “oh never mind, I will think of something.”

 

Slowly she drifted off into a restless sleep, tossing and turning all night.

The next morning Marlena awoke to the sound of muffled voices. Her head was pounding madly, the pain hard to ignore. When she could think clearly enough to discern the source of one voice in particular, her heart skipped a beat.

 

“John!” she exclaimed while jumping out of bed to listen at the door.

 

“No Sam, I had all night to think about it. My decision is final. There will be no contest for Costa this year.”

 

“I don’t get it John, why not? I mean this is what you have lived for all this time. You said it yourself, Costa needs the publicity that comes with winning. Hell, even if you don’t win there will be lots of publicity. Why are you backing out now?”

 

“It’s not a matter of backing out Sam, I just can do this to Mar. It’s not fair to ask this of her. The contest can go to hell for all I care. It really doesn’t matter anymore Sam, even if I have to close the club, I’m ok with that.”

 

Marlena was biting her lip. It took all the strength she had not to run into the living room and into his arms, telling him that all she ever wanted was to dance with him one last time. However, John’s next sentence stopped her from doing just that.

 

“I’m glad she finally accepts my need to break up with her. There’s no way I’m getting her hopes up again by dancing with her if there’s no hope at all.” If Marlena could have seen his face when he said this, she would have known how much pain it caused him. Something in his gut urged him to continue with this charade. She could be hearing this, he thought. “It’s just for the best, Sam.”

 

“Jeez John, and do you expect me to break this news to her?”

 

“Yeah, I hoped you would. I have hurt her enough already, I don’t want to add to her pain.” His audacity angered Sam further.

 

“What do you think this will do to her? Do you really think she will be okay with it coming from me? Do you really think this won’t tear her up inside even more? My God John, I thought you had more sense than that!”

 

No Sam, I have the feeling she can hear us right now and knows. It has to be this way, she needs to hate my guts. If she does that she will be over me a lot sooner. John pleaded with her, “Sam… please do this for me, I will never ask anything of you ever again.”

 

Sam just looked at him for a moment and then nodded her agreement. She knew it was no use to go against him. She wanted this to be over with. She wanted him out of here before Marlena would wake up. “I think you’d better leave now John.”

 

He hesitated for a moment, glancing back and forth between Marlena’s bedroom door and Sam’s sombre expression. If he could just run up those stairs, take her in his arms and tell her… tell her that… oh well. Releasing a sigh, he turned and left.

 

Mere seconds after John left, Sam could hear the hinges of a door as it opened, followed by the sound of soft foot steps coming down the stairs. Sam, now face to face with her twin, knew she had heard everything.

“There’s no need for me to tell you what went on here is there?” she asked.

 

Marlena just shook her head miserably. No matter how hard she had tried to fight her tears, they were falling freely now. Sam took her sister in her arms, trying to comfort her as best she could. She had no idea what to say… there was nothing she could say. All she could do was be there for her twin for the moment, holding her until her heart wrenching sobs eventually subsided and all that was left was complete and utter silence.

 

John sat in his jeep and punched the steering wheel in frustration . His cheeks were wet from the tears. He hated himself for doing this. He was breaking her heart but he felt he had no other option. He started the car and drove to the private beach, that once was their magical place. He sat down on the warm sand, thinking about the past couple of weeks. He never imagined that he would find someone that could rock his world like Marlena. Then again, nor did he think his world could be turned upside down in a matter of moments. No more than a week ago, his life revolved around his club. Costa was the bane of his existence… Until she came along like a whirlwind and picked him up right along with her. From the moment her laid eyes on her he was taken in by her beauty and personality. She was amazing, and their love so strong. Yet, he had lost her. He tried to tell himself he should consider himself lucky. He would be reminded of her by all beautiful things surrounding him, but no matter how hard he tried to convince himself of that, it was impossible. Yes indeed, everything would remind him of her but at the same time it would be excruciatingly painful. His whole being ached for her. He still could smell her scent, if he closed his eyes he could see her, smiling at him, teasing him. How do you say goodbye to the one thing you don’t want to lose the most?

 

It was then he had come to his final decision. He needed to fight for the club, if only for her. He would be damned if he let the Dimera’s win this time. Their involvement caused him to lose the thing he loved the most and their interest in the club would only serve to make him fight harder to make a success of it. Contest or no contest, he would scrape up enough money to give the club the publicity it needed.

 

While Sam was in the kitchen, making some breakfast for the two of them, Marlena stood on the balcony, staring towards the ocean, getting lost in the sound of the waves. She tried to put the initial pain aside and think of what to do next. She had come to the realisation that even if she could get the Dimera’s of off John’s back, she wouldn’t have another chance with him… not ever again. This was a cold hard fact that caused her unbearable pain, but she had to accept it and no matter what, she had resolved to help him. It was hard however, to have to come up with ways of doing just that, while memories of the happier times she and John once shared haunted her. Not entering the contest perhaps gave her an advantage. She could ask Sam to tell him that she had jumped on the plane home as soon as she found out there would be no contest. After all it would seem only logical that she did. He would think she was too hurt to stay longer. At least one problem was solved that way. In the event that John would come to see her off, Sam could simply tell him that she’d already left. He would be none the wiser.

 

“Here… eat something, it will do you good,” Sam said placing a plate with all Mar’s favourites on it on the balcony table.

 

Marlena turned around, looked at the food and even though her stomach protested she knew she couldn’t eat a thing.

“Sam?” Marlena asked still deep in thought, “Can I ask one more thing of you?”

 

“Sure, what is it?” Sam walked up to her and took her hands in hers.

 

“Can you go to John later today and tell him that I took the plane home?”

 

Sam misunderstood, she thought Marlena had made the decision to really go home and give up her plan to stay behind alone to help John. “Sure honey, I’m glad you decided to go home to be honest. I didn’t like the idea of you being here all by yourself.”

 

“You don’t understand Sam. My plans haven’t changed. I’m not going anywhere. It’s just, this way he wont be coming to the airport and he won’t realise that I am not there. He will think he’s too late, that I already left.”

 

Sam sighed and grabbed a chair. Sitting down, she thought about it for a moment but she knew there was no way to change her sister’s mind, she was way too stubborn. “Okay, if you really think you need to do this I will help you.”

 

“Thanks Sam.”

 

“But think about it okay? I mean, are you sure you know what you’re doing? It can be pretty dangerous and you will be here all alone, no one to help you. And I think I won’t even have to tell you about dad’s reaction.” Sam rolled her eyes, fearing the moment she had to explain to her dad why she had left her sister in Spain.

 

“I’m all through with the thinking Sam, this is what I have to do. I’ll deal with dad later.”

 

Sam shook her head.

 

“Don’t worry I know what I’m doing,” she said with more confidence than she actually felt.

 

In Costa, Hope, Bo, Roman, Lexie and Abe were having a conversation about John’s sudden outburst regarding his withdrawal from the contest, before running out to God knows where. “I just don’t understand it,” Roman said, “for months he can talk about nothing but the contest, how important winning was for the club, blah blah blah, and now he just decided not to enter it? Has he lost all common sense?”

 

“I bet it has to do with Marlena,” Hope chimed in, “since their break up and all the mysterious things causing it, he has been acting weird.”

 

“Yes Hope, we all know it has to do with her, but this situation with her has been here for a while, why back out of the contest now?”

 

“There’s only one answer to that question,” Abe said, “his every breath always has been for the club, she changed all that. Now that he has lost her his eyes have opened, he lived the biggest love any human being could ever experience. Of course the club means less to him but that doesn’t mean he won’t fight for it, contest or no contest.”

 

“Amen to that Abe.” They all looked towards the door where John was standing, startled by the sound of his voice. “I have no intentions of letting the club die. We don’t need the contest, we can do it on our own. I will go over the books to see what we can spend in advertising. This summer the club did better than ever. It has been packed for weeks!” He walked towards the bar and threw his keys down, then turned around and looked at them. They all were speechless, knowing he was right but also knowing things would never be the same again.