Chapter 31

John had reserved the bridal suite for them. John carries her and places
her on the couch. He tips the bell boy and closes the door.
Doc leans over and hugs him.
 Oh john I love you. The rest of the night is spent in pure bliss until
Marlena has a dream and wakes up screaming. Doc Doc wake up wake up it's
just a dream. John holds her until the fright and crying subside. John I
saw her I saw her. It's OK Doc. Doc would you think about letting Laura
help you with the nightmares. I have John and she suggested hypnoses. We
were going to try it tomorrow
Later that morning John orders breakfast that the bell hop brought to the
room. Doc the food is here. Coming John. John sets the food on the table
and places a towel over the chair.
 Marlena walks in and joins him for breakfast. As they eat Doc is looking
out over the marina and sees a boat named  Diedra. The name seems to sound
familiar but Doc dismisses it.
With breakfast over the couple return home. Upon arriving home they
discover a message from Carrie. John, Marlena just went to the hospital.
Mike was taken in there last night. Carrie.
 John and Marlena head over to the hospital. Carrie! What happened? How is
Mike? It's touch and go right now. Mike tried to protect me. Some one threw
acid at me and Mike stepped in front of me. He is badly burned. Why would
someone do that?
Marlena the only reason I can come up with is that they were upset that I
was chosen for the face of the 90's campaign. How bad is Mike? He was
burned over 50% of his body. I feel so bad.  I am so sorry Carrie.
 Marlena hugs her. John puts his arms around her and Doc goes in to read
Mikes chart. Marlena comes back to the little group.
 He is making some progress if he can continue he will make it.  Marlena I
feel so responsible. It's not your fault Carrie.
 Does Abe have a lead on who did this? Well it all happened so fast I
didn't see much but there were witnesses. Ill go see Abe and see if I can
help. Abe have you gotten a description of the person who burned Mike?
 Yep, well who does it look like? Marlena. You are kidding. I wish I was
John but I am not. This whole thing doesn't make sense. Wait till I tell
you about the telephone call I got from Sammy.
 Sammy called a few minutes ago and said she had seen Marlena running from
the church with something in her hand. Let's go Abe I am coming with you.
John and Abe go over to the church and then to Sammy. Marlena came in for
confession John then she got very angry. I have never seen her like that.
She took the baptism cup and ran out. Thanks father.
 At Sammy's, what did you see Sammy? Well mom was running out of the church
and then I saw her get onto one of the boats in the marina. Which one?
The Diedra. Lets go Abe. Thanks Sammy. The Diedra was not in port.. Another
dead end. They are heading over to the hospital when John gets a  call.
John this is Marlena, I just went to the house to get some things for
Carrie and there are two blankets here that are just like the ones in my
dream. Are you all right? Yes  Bring them with you and ill meet you at the
hospital.

Chapter 32
They all arrive at the hospital. Carrie are these your blankets? Marlena
found them at the house. I have no idea where they came from I have never
seen them before. John these are the ones in my dreams. How did they get to
Carry's. the more we dig the more bizarre this case gets. Abe let's see if
we can track these down.
Mike continues to improve over the next several days and Carrie confides to
Marlena that she and Mike are going to have a baby. Carrie that is
wonderful. Have you told Mike?
No not yet. I wanted to wait and see how he progresses but I think today I
am going to tell him. That's sure to lift his spirits
 Abe shows up and arrests Marlena. Abe what are you doing? Sorry Carrie but
the DA wants her in jail. But you know she didn't do anything.
 I know Carrie but this only a formality. John is going with her and he can
get her out  in protective custody. Abe escorts her and John down to the
jail. John I have set up a hearing in an hour so she will spend the least
time possible behind bars.
 Thanks Abe. At the hearing the judge is just about to remand Doc to
custody when they get a call that Marlena has set yet another fire. This
time at the loft. You are free to go DR Evens.
Abe John and Marlena go over to the loft which is now fully engulfed in
flames.
Sorry John but it looks like a total loss. Good thing I had moved into the
penthouse. Most of my things are over there.
 I am just glad the judge understood that it wasn't Doc that set those
fires. I shutter to think of her spending any time in jail.
 We have to find Steffino and the other Marlena. What do you think  he is
gaining by having her burn down all these buildings?
 I don't know if he is behind it or if he too is trying to stop her. I am
going to take Doc home now this has been quite a day.
 In the car on the way home they talk about the fire. Doc do you have any
ideas? Maybe you can put together a profile for us to work from. Ill try
John but that isn't usually what I do but it's worth a try.
John and Doc arrive home and they are both tired so they go up to the
bedrooms. John will you sleep with me tonight? John looks surprised.
 I am a little afraid after all that has happened today... the couple lay
in each others arms as they drift off to sleep. John is awaken several
hours later by a noise downstairs. John slips out of bed and goes to
investigate. When he arrives down stairs he finds a gold crown on the
coffee table. John immediately runs back to Marlena.

Chapter 33
 She is sleeping like a baby just as he had left her. John slips back into
bed and holds Doc. She stirs and wants John to make love to her.
Oh John love me. Take your lips and kiss me. Kiss my neck and my mouth. let
 your hands roam around my body and caress me.
 Make me want you John. Kiss me and love me. John doesn't know what to make
of this. Marlena is a very passionate woman but she has never taken this
role in there love making before.
 She has always been one to satisfy John not herself.
In the morning John is up and dressed before Marlena stirs. Marlena wakes,
dresses and joins John in the kitchen..
Doc, did you give any thought to what we were talking about? Oh you mean
the profile? Well we know he has at least one clone that is not perfected.
Maybe she or it doesn't like being Steffino's pawn.
 You mean to get back at Steffino? Well if it were only his  stuff being
burned but what about the loft. How does that fit in?
 what could anyone gain by burning the loft? I don't know John but ill keep
working on it but right now I need to get to the hospital. I am going to go
over some ideas with Abe I'll see you later.
 Marlena goes to her office to finish some paperwork. Laura? Hi Marlena.
Have you heard DR Marks has decided to join the staff here? Really! Is that
good or bad? I don't know Laura only time will tell. Have you had anymore
nightmares? Not in several days.
 I think John sleeping with me has really helped. Laura smiles oh! I hadn't
heard about this development. When did he start sleeping with you? Oh
several days ago just after the loft burned.
 Steffino keeps leaving gold crowns every were. I guess he wants me to know
that he can get in and out at will. John hired security and started
sleeping with me. Oh that explains the bodyguard.
 I guess by the sparkle in your eye you are enjoying this. Laura I have
always loved John and he has always been the only one that I have ever
loved. I hope I can find that kind of Love too. You will Laura.
I finally am ready to put Roman in the past.
The divorce papers came two days ago so it is really over

At police headquarters:  Abe any more leads? Well at the loft fire the
arsonist may have gotten careless.
 What do you mean? There was a body in the rubble. A body? Any id? Not yet
but were trying to match dental records.
Anything else? Yes we also found  a gold crown just like the ones you
found. That is odd. There wasn't any at the other fires was there?
 No. why this one? I don't know Abe. Well I got run. I have to surprise Doc
tonight remember?

Chapter 34

At the hospital:
This package arrived for you when you were at lunch DR Evens. Thank you
Marlena and Laura take the package into her office and open it. Oh this is
beautiful. Someone has good taste.
Read the card.
 Cinderella
Come with me on a journey you will
never forget. This will dress you for
 the occasion. Dinner at 8:00
John
The dress is off white, long and flowing. and there are shoes to match.
. I would say someone has something special planned. I can't wait to see
how this one plays out. Oh Laura,  Well you are going to go? Yes
. well you better fill me in tomorrow this sounds like a night you will
never forget. By . by Laura. Doc has just gotten dressed when a messenger
arrives.
DR Evens there is a gentleman here to see you.
Send him in.. Well I am DR Evens what can I do for you? Seeing her dressed
the way she was the messenger knew the gift was perfect and she was the
most attractive creature he had ever seen. Boy is this guy lucky.
 I was instructed to give you this. The messenger opens a box. The box
contained sapphires. A necklace and earrings. Oh my!  they are beautiful.
Can I help you get them on? Yes please. Is there a note? Yes.
Doc
These were the closest thing
 I could find to match the deep
blue in your eyes and the beauty
with in them.
 John
Marlena is speechless. What is John up to? The messenger leaves and
Marlena's secretary calls. DR Evens there is another messenger here. Oh,
John what now.? I love you so. But this is all so unnecessary Send him in.
Laura in her office is watching the plan played out and thinks: I have to
leave soon if I am going to play my part.
DR Evens I am here to take you to dinner. Are you ready? Yes, I guess so.
Oh! I don't have a coat to wear with this dress.
Oh pardon me miss here is your coat. The footman hands her a white mink to
wear .Marlena is speechless. In the pocket is a note.

Doc
 the coat is as soft
 as your skin and as warm
 as your heart.
Let it caress you
 until my arms can
be around you.
 John.

Marlena puts the coat on and is escorted down to the front entrance of the
hospital.

Chapter 35
 There was allot of noise around the door. Marlena looks at her escort and
he just shrugs his shoulders. People were gathered around talking.. It
isn't everyday a crystal coach with 8 white horses parks at the front door
of the hospital. Every one is wishing it was for them.
 One  nurse is heard talking to another. Isn't it nice to have a Bo that is
so romantic and sends a crystal coach for you?. I wonder who Cinderella is?
 Marlena is over come and looks at her escort. He just looks at her and out
stretches his arm in the direction he wants her to go. Marlena doesn't know
what to say. The crowd parts as she comes out the door. Who is it? Can you
see?
It's DR Evens. Isn't she gorgeous? Marlena steps up into the coach. The
footman sits on top and leads the eight white horses to a gallop.
 After a short ride the coach stops.
 Marlena is escorted to the gazebo. There is soft music playing. Marlena
turns and looks at the coach pulling out into the distance. Tonight there
are so many stars out and the weather is just perfect.
 Marlena sees a lone horseman riding toward her. As he gets closer she
realizes that it is a white knight.
 He dismounts. Cinderella may I escort you to the ball?. He sweeps her up
in a dance and whirls her around the dance floor. He gazes into her eyes.
Marlena you are absolutely radiant tonight. John I can't believe you did
all this. John everything is perfect and I never want this night to end.
John shows her to a bench next to the wishing well. John goes down on one
knee looking into her eyes. Oh star light star bright let me have this wish
I wish tonight. Marlena will you marry me? Oh yes, John yes I will marry
you. John slips a 10 caret diamond on her finger. Oh John!
 They embrace and kiss. Two lovers beneath the stars. The music starts a
love song and they dance. John this is such a perfect night. the night is
young my love. We have a few places to visit.
 Doc looks very puzzled. John what are you up to? As if this wasn't enough.
I am not ever going to be able to go back to the hospital again. People
will be talking about this night for years.
 Ha ha, well then Doc they are all going to wish they were you tonight. The
coach approaches and the couple get in and go to there next stop. The coach
stops in front of St. Luke's. The church looks deserted.
 John why are we here? You will see Doc. John escorts her inside. The
church is decorated in lilacs, white roses and is illuminated with candles.
 All there friends are sitting there waiting for them. Marlena looks at
John and is crying she is so happy. Laura walks up to Marlena and hands her
a bouquet. These are for the bride. Tears are dripping down her face.
Marlena I am so happy for you.
 Marlena looks up and sees John at the front of the church. How did he do
this? Marlena your every wish will come true tonight. John has seen to it
that you have something new your dress, something blue the sapphires I
would like to give you something old and something borrowed my gloves Did
you put on the garter when you got dressed. Yes I did. Tom Horton comes up
to Marlena. Tom extends his arm to her. Now if you are ready to become Mrs.
John Black The music starts to play
and Laura starts down the aisle then Tom and Marlena. After the wedding the
guests join the lovers for a party at Shay's. Doc are you happy? Oh John I
was never happier than I am right now.
 Thank you so much. Thanks for my beautiful ring. John is called to throw
the garter. Marlena sits in a chair to allow John to remove it. Marlena now
knows why John picked this dress.
 It completely hides his hands. When taking the garter off his hands gently
caress her. John gives Marlena a very mischievous look as she blushes.

 NEXT   BACK   Back To My Days Page