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Chapter 26

John rolled over to see Marlena sitting on the window ledge, looking out.
He could see that she was in great pain.

"Doc?"

She turned and looked at him, and smiled.

"How long have you been up?"

"A while now."

"Come back to bed, let's talk."

Marlena moved off the ledge and went towards the bed. She climbed in and
John put his arms around her.

"What's going on in that head of yours?"

"Oh, so much! Sami and Austin, Carrie, Roman, us, Stefano, Mike.."

"Mike? Why are you worried about him, is there something wrong?"

"Yes, he's in love with Carrie."

"Oh, I see. What are you going to do about Sami?"

"What can I do, but stand by her and Austin's decision."

"Doc, this is a very awkward situation."

"Yes, I know, but what can I do?"

"I see your point."

"I'm going over to see Carrie later. I don't think she will be over
while Sami is here. I can't understand why Kristen did something like
this, suggesting this wedding?"

"Oh, just to make the situation worse than it already is."

"You never told me what Stefano wanted?"

John looked at Marlena, wondering if she would believe what Stefano had
told him.

"John, what is it?"

"Stefano says he knows of a cure."

Marlena looked at John.

"He's lying!"

"What if he's not!"

"Their's always something that he would want in return."

"Their is, his freedom. He said that he would go and get the cure."

"Oh no, the minute he got out, he would be gone!"

"Marlena, if they let him out, I would go with Stefano, to make sure
that there is one. I would bring it back if there is!"

Marlena looked at John, fear in her eyes.

"Oh no, you can't do that! You would never come back! I won't let you
do this! You can't think that he would ever let that happen?"

"Doc, if it means helping Roman, I will do this. We could be together
then."

"No, I don't want to talk about this!"

Marlena got out of bed and went over to the window. John got up and went
over and stood behind her.

"Doc!"

"No John, I can't talk about this! No, I won't!"

John wrapped his arms around her, feeling the tears falling on his arms.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Eric was out in the hall, picking up the paper when he heard Austin's
door open.

"Hi Eric!"

"Sami, what's going on?"

"What do you mean?"

"You have quite a smile on your face."

"That's because I am so happy. I have some great news."

"What?"

"Austin and I are renewing our vows."

"You are?"

"Yep, I'm on my way over to see Kristen, but first I have to talk to
Carrie, is she up?"

"No."

"Well, I am going in to wake her and talk to her."

Sami walked by Eric and went towards Carrie's bedroom door.

"Sami, let her sleep."

"Eric, I have to tell her the news, she will be so happy for me."

Eric tried to stop Sami,but she burst into Carrie's room. She stood there
looking in shock.

"Hey Sami, are you in here, Will's calling for you," said Austin, as he
walked into the apartment.

He walked over to where Sami was and she turned around.

"Shhhh! Carrie and Mike are still asleep."

Eric and Austin walked closer to the doorway, and saw Mike with his arms
around Carrie. Austin backed away, and Eric watched the look of hurt
appear on his face. Sami smiled to herself.

"Couldn't have planned this better myself! Thank you Mike!"

Sami closed the door, and turned around.

"Well, it looks like our big sister has found happiness."

"Sami, don't read into anything."

"What do you mean Eric, she's in bed with the guy."

"And they are fully dressed. There's probably a perfectly good
explanation."

"Good explaination or not, they are together, and, I 'm happy for
Carrie. She's finally found love, and she probably so happy! I want
everyone to be as happy as I am."

Austin looked at Eric, then turned around.

"What's wrong Austin?"

"Will, he's by himself. I'm going to the apartment."

"I'll come with you. Tell Carrie I'll be by later."

Sami put her arm through Austin's and they left. Eric waited till they
were gone, then shook his head.

"Sami, your up to something. I have to find out if you have your memory
back."

*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Stefano was studying his chest pieces, when he felt someone was in the
room. He looked up and saw Kristen, standing there.

"What do you want? You shouldn't be here!"

"Why not! I have to know what is going to happen to your plans, since
you are in here."

"Ah Kristen, this was part of my plan."

"You let them capture you, why?"

"Because I have made a proposition to John."

"And that is?"

"I have a cure, but he has to let me out of here."

Kristen stood, looking at Stefano, dumbfounded.

"All this time, and you didn't let me know."

"Kristen, I told you, I was not going to let you know everything."

"Did he believe you?"

"No, but don't you worry, he will go along with me."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I know John. He will ponder my offer, and then weigh the pro's and
con's, the biggest being his guilt, feeling he is responsible for Roman
being so ill."

"Your talking about the affair?"

"Yes, that will always be John's downfall."

"You are so sure of yourself."

"Kristen, you forget, I had John as my prisoner, I know the man! Now,
go! I don't want anyone to see you here."

"Well they know! I have to sign a sheet, all your vistor's do!"

"Hello Stefano."

Kristen turned around to find Hope standing there.

*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Carrie opened her eyes, and felt someone's arms around her. She looked to
see, then remembered Mike had stayed with her all night. She didn't want
to be alone. She nudged him, and then said his name.

"Mike, wake up!"

Mike opened his eyes, and saw that he was holding Carrie. He let her go
and sat up.

"Oh, I'm sorry!"

"Don't apologize, please!"

"What time is it?"

"Late! Did you have to go to the hospital?"

"No! I'm going to go home, then I'll come back and we can try
somemore of those doctors."

"Sure! You could shower here?"

"No, I need a change of clothes. No, it's okay."

Mike got up and picked up his shoes.

"I'll call you before I leave, to see if you need anything, maybe some
food for that fridge of yours."

"Okay. Mike, thank you."

"I'll see you later," and Mike left Carrie's room.

Eric stood up when he heard the door being opened. Mike came out and then
closed the door.

"Hi Eric, it's not what you think."

"Mike, I didn't think it was that way. She heard about the wedding!"

"Yes, she was really upset."

"Mike, I'm glad she has you. Oh, there is a little problem."

"What?"

"Sami and Austin saw you two in bed together this morning. And Austin
might think that the two of you are really a couple."

"Well, he plans on marrying Sami, so does it matter?"

"Mike, my sister really loves Austin still."

"Yeah, I know! Look Eric, I will be there for Carrie as a friend,
that's all! I have to go."

Mike walked out of the apartment. Eric waited till his sister came out of
her bedroom.......

To be contiuned....
Nov 1997
Chris Lewitski
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 27
``````````

Hope looked at Stefano, as Kristen moved to the side.

"Hope, it is so good to see you!"

"Oh, I just bet it is."

"What brings you here, Hope?"

"I just wanted to see you captured."

"Oh, but am *I*?"

"What do you mean?"

"Am I captured? Myself, I don't think so. Just a little vacation."

"Oh right, behind glass, some vacation!"

"I 'will' get out of here!"

"Your so sure of yourself!"

"Yes, and John will be the one to let me out."

Hope moved closer to the glass, looking at Stefano.

"Your crazy! There is no way John is going to let you out of their."

"He would, if there is a very good reason."

"Like what?"

"A cure!"

"You know of a cure?"

"Yes!"

"I don't believe it Stefano."

"Well, it's not up to you, it's up to John."

"You can forget him ever betraying the people he loves."

"Oh, but Hope, he will."

"I won't believe it."

Hope started to walk away then stopped and looked at Stefano.

"Stefano, it's good to see you behind there."

"Hope, I will be out very soon. Thank you for coming by to see me."

Hope shook her head and left.

"What was that?"

"Don't concern yourself with Hope. Any other news?"

"Yes, Sami has taken you up on your offer. I have to get home, she's
coming over."

"Get her to marry as soon as possible."

"I will, but is there any reason?"

"Kristen, of course, Roman is dying, and plus we don't want to see
nothing going wrong, like Sami's plan backfiring. Now, I need to see
John."

"I will tell him."

"Good, now go."

"Stefano, I want to talk to Peter."

"No, you can't reach him. Soon, he will be back to claim what is his,
now, go!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Marlena walked into Roman's room. She saw Sami sitting on the bed.

"Hi you two."

"Oh Mom, I am so happy!"

Sami got up off the bed and went over to Marlena and put her arms around
her. Then she moved away from her mother.

"Mom, did you see Kristen?"

"No, I'm sorry."

"Daddy, I'm going to see if she's home."

"Okay peanut."

Sami left and Marlena went over by Roman's bed.

"You look so beautiful today Doc."

Marlena smiled at Roman.

"It sounds like our Sami is having this wedding really soon."

"Yes, it does," said Marlena. "Roman, I have to go. I'm going over to
see Carrie."

"Doc, please, can you sit for just a minute? I need to talk to you."

"Sure."

Marlena sat down and Roman moved forward and grabbed her by the
shoulders.

"Roman, what are you doing?"

The next thing Marlena knew, Roman was kissing her. She moved away from
him.

"Doc, what's wrong?"

"Roman, you surprised me, I...I have to leave," and Marlena got up and
ran out of the room. Roman laid in the bed, smiling.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~~**~

Sami knocked on the door and looked inside. Kristen wasn't in her
bedroom. She went down the hall, and saw John coming towards her.

"Oh great! The last person I need to see!"

"Hey Sami."

"Hi John. I'm looking for Kristen. Have you seen her?"

"No, I haven't got a clue where she is. Sami, can I talk to you?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Do you really want to take Kristen up on her offer. She might have
other intentions."

"Maybe she is trying to do something good, to make up for all the bad
things she has done."

"Sami, don't trust her."

"I'm sorry John, but I really want to do this, not just for me, but for
my daddy. So he can see one of his daughters marry, and have that honor
of walking me down the aisle. I have to go and see if Kristen is
downstairs, excuse me," and Sami left.

John heard something and saw Marlena running down the hall, towards the
stairs.

"What has gone on in that room?"

*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~

Austin knocked on Carrie's apartment door. Eric opened it, and shook his
head.

"Look man, I don't want my sister getting upset."

"No Eric, I have some great news to tell her. Carrie, it's me, Austin.
Come on out. I have some news."

Carrie walked out of her bedroom, and stood by Eric.

"What is it Austin?"

"The annulment, it came through. I'm a free man!"

"No Austin, your not. Sami believes your going to get married, renew
your vows. And now, you are remarrying her."

"No Carrie! I'm going to tell her the truth."

"When?"

"Today! I'm going over to Kristen's to talk to her. Then we can be
married right away!"

"Austin, I don't know if I want to marry you right away. I don't
believe that Sami is going to let you go."

"Carrie, she will h ave to. We aren't married. Come with me, when I
tell her?"

"No, you have to do this on your own."

"I'll call you, then we can talk about our future."

Austin kissed Carrie, and left the apartment.

"Hey sis, things are looking up for you two."

"Eric, I'm not counting on us being together. Everything always falls
where Sami wants it to."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~

John ran down the stairs, after Marlena. He heard the door slam, and he
opened it and tried to catch up to her. He saw her standing with her back
to him, by her car.

"Doc, hey," as he put his hand on her shoulder. "What's going on, what
happened?"

Marlena took a breath, and turned, tears falling from her eyes.

"Doc, what is it?"

"Roman, he kissed me, but the way he acted, he frightened me. Something
was different about him."

"Come here Marlena," and Marlena fell into John's arms.

"I need to be with you, not hiding my love for you. Let's tell him the
truth."

"No, we can't, we just can't right now."

"Are you on your way over to Carrie's?"

"Yes, I am."

"I'll drive you over, I'm going to see Stefano."

"No! I don't want you to."

"Marlena, I need to talk to him. Let's go!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Austin walked up to the front door of the DiMera mansion, holding the
annulment papers. He knocked and waited. Sami opened the door.

"Oh, hi Austin. Kristen's not here. She is on her way. I'm so glad that
you came over to get in on the preparations. Come on in."

Austin walked into the home, and Sami closed the door behind him.

"Let's go sit in the living room."

She took Austin's hand, and they went inside.

"Sami, we have to talk."

"Talk, about what?"

"Well, it's about us."

Sami started to get a bad feeling about this converstation.

"What about us?"

"Well, there really is no us."

Sami knew that he was about to tell her the truth. Something had happened
to change his mind in telling her.

"Sami, we aren't...."

"Well, hello you two. Ready to talk wedding plans?" asked Kristen.

They both looked in the direction where Kristen was standing.

"I'm sorry Kristen, but there will be no wedding," Austin said.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~

Stefano was givin the telephone to make his call. He waited for someone
to answer at the other end.

"Hello!"

"Ah, Marco, it's me. How are things there?"

"There fine, Mr DiMera."

"And our guests?"

"Just fine, behaving."

"Good, good. I will contact you when I am out of here, to get
everything ready."

"Yes sir. Do you know when sir?"

"No, I must go. Goodbye."

Stefano hung up the phone, and placed it on the tray. The gurard
unlocked the little door, and pulled the phone out to the other side.
John walked into the room, and waited for the guard to leave.

"Stefano, calling your son Peter?"

"John, I told you, Peter is dead."

"Yeah, right!"

"What brings you back to see me?"

"We need to talk."

"Talk? About the cure?"

"You say their's a cure."

"Yes John, there is. But the deal is you have to let me out."

"Oh, let you out, and let you go off and bring back the medicine? You
would never come back. So, I have made a desision, if I get you out of
here, I will be going with you, to make sure there that this cure is
brought back to Salem."

"What will Marlena say about that?"

"I won't let her know. It's best that way."

"Okay, you can come with me, but it has to be soon, because we haven't
got much time."

"Yes, I know."

"So, when are you going to get me out?"

"I have to talk to Abe."

"John, you don't think that the police are going to let me go. Your
going to have to break my out."

"I can't! There's a special code for opening that door, and Abe has
it."

"Well, then you are going to have to get that code. And that means
betraying your friend, Commander Carver."

"I know, and I hate it!"

"How are you going to get it?"

"Don't worry about the details. I'll be the one to do that. DiMera,
there better be a cure!"

"No, you can't do that!"

John and Stefano looked and saw Hope standing in the room.....

To be continued...
Chris Lewitski
Dec 1997

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 28
``````````

Marlena knocked on Carrie's door. Eric opened it, and Marlena smiled at
him.

"Hi Mom, come on in."

Marlena went into the apartment.

"Where's Carrie?"

"Getting dressed."

"How is she?"

"Well, she's got some news."

"Oh?"

The bedroom door opened, and Carrie came out.

"Marlena, hi."

"Hi, how are you today?"

"To tell you the truth, I don't know. Something has happened."

Carrie started to tell Marlena everything. When she finished, Marlena sat
quiet for a minute. Then she looked at Carrie, and she could see that
Marlena was worried.

"What is it Marlena?"

"Carrie, if Austin is going to tell Sami the truth, and she doesn't
have her memory back, this could bring if all back. And then again if she
does have it back, you know she's not going to let Austin go that easy."

"Sami will most likely try to manipulate him, to get what she wants,
and I am afraid of that," said Carrie.

"Sami still has that bond with Austin."

"Yes, I know, Will. She will try and use him in her little scheme to
keep a hold of Austin."

Marlena looked at Carrie, and she could see that there was more on her
mind other than Sami.

"What is it Carrie?"

"I'm confused about my feelings for Austin. He hasn't been there for
me, we haven't been a couple for quite sometime."

"I know sweetie, but he will be free of Sami, and the two of you can be
together."

"Marlena, I have a lot of thinking to do, about my relationship with
Austin."

"Yes, you do, and it's good that you are going to do that, think things
out."

"Dad has to be told the truth about Sami," said Eric.

"Yes, I know. I'm going home to do that, because by now, Austin has
told her the truth," said Marlena.

"I'll come with you Marlena."

"So will I mom."

"Okay, we better get going."

The three of them left the apartment.

*~*~*~**~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I'm sorry I'm so late, let's get down to business."

"Sorry Kristen, but Sami and I can't accept your offer."

"What!"

"Come on Sami, we have to finish this."

Austin took Sami outside in the gardens.

"Sami, I'm sorry, but I have to tell you the truth, and that means
everything."

Austin started to tell Sami, and she knew she would have to give the
performance of her life. When Austin finished, Sami started to cry,
hystercially.

"Ausstin, I'm sorry, but I don't remember doing any of those things.
And now you are tellingme that you are going to marry the woman of your
dreams, when I thought I was all this time."

"Yes, I'm sorry Sami. I want you to know that I will be there for Will,
always."

"What about my Dad? He thinks we are married."

"He has to be told."

"I can't tell him."

"I'll do it Sami. The woman I love, her name is..."

"No, I don't want to know! I'm sorry Austin, I have to be alone."

Sami left the garden. Kristen moved away from the door, shaking her head.

"Well Sami, you almost had what you wanted."

She heard the front door being opened, and then saw Marlena, Carrie and
Eric going upstairs.

"Well the troops are here. Let's see what they are going to do now."

She went up after them.

*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Roman was laying in bed, looking at some photo albums, when he saw
Marlena, Carrie and Eric come into the room.

"Hey Dad," said Eric.

"Well, hello you three."

"How are you feeling Dad?" asked Carrie.

"A bit better today."

"We need to talk Roman," said Marlena.

"Sure, come and sit by me."

"No, I'll stay over here."

Eric looked at his mother strangely, wondering why she would sit by there
father.

"Carrie really is the one who has to talk to you."

Carrie sat on the bed and looked at Roman.

"Dad, this is going to be upsetting, but you need to know."

Carrie started to tell Roman everything. Marlena watched Roman's
expression change as Carrie spoke. She felt her heart breaking, seeing
the pain on his face, hearing that his baby girl was not who he thought
she was. Marlena wiped away a tear, and Eric went over and put his arm
around her. When Carrie was finished, Marlena went over and stood behind
Carrie.

"I'm sorry Roman, that we didn't tell you the truth, but with you being
so ill, and you thinking everything was so wonderful with the kids, we
didn't want to hurt you."

"Sami has no memory of all this?"

"Well, she claims she doesn't," replied Carrie.

"Now what happens?" asked Roman.

"We don't know," answered Carrie.

"You love him don't you Carrie?"

"Yes Dad, but so much has happened."

"It wasn't Austin's fault. He was taking responsibility for the
accident."

"Yes, I know."

"Well punpkin, I think you should marry him. You know that will be the
next question out of his mouth."

"Yes, I know, but I need some time..."

"Carrie, don't wait to long, or you might lose him."

~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~

Kristen listened outside the door, thinking to herself that Carrie would
be a fool not to take Austin. She heard some footsteps and she moved away
from the door, and slipped into her bedroom. She opened the door a crack
to see Austin coming down the hall. He went inside Roman's room, and she
came out and stood by Roman's door again, listening.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Oh, hello Austin."

"Marlena, I came up to talk to Roman."

"It's okay Austin, Dad knows everything," said Carrie.

"I'm sorry Roman, we shouldn't have lied to you."

"That's okay Austin. I understand."

Roman said very softly to Carrie;

"What are you going to do?"

Carrie looked at Roman, then at Austin. She got up, and Austin came over
to her.

"Carrie Brady, marry me, tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes, I don't want to wait!"

Carrie looked at everyone, then back at Austin.

"Yes, I will."

Austin lifted her up and twirled her around.

"I love you Carrie," and kissed her.

"Well, we have a lot to do," said Marlena.

"Carrie, I'll call St Lukes'," said Eric.

"Our license?" Carrie replied.

"I'll call about it," said Austin. "We better go over to get blood
tests done."

"You still have your dress?" asked Marlena.

"Yes!"

"I'll call my mom, she will probably take care of teh reception," said
Austin.

"I'll call Grandma, and tell her who we want to invite," said Carrie.

"Eric, would you be my best man?"

"Sure, I would love to be."

"Carrie, your going to need someone," said Austin.

"Billie's not here, Marlena, would you?"

"Oh, of course!"

"Well everyone, get to work on those plans," said Roman. "I'm sorry I
can't help."

"Dad, you get all your rest, you have the most important job, walking
me down the aisle."

"What about Sami, she has to be told," said Eric.

"I'll tell her,"said Marlena.

"Okay, let's go," said Eric.

Carrie leaned down and kissed Roman. Kristen moved away from the door.
She knew Sami was still around and she didn't want to miss Marlena
telling her the news.

*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Hope, what are you doing here?" asked John.

"I came here to talk to Stefano. Ever since I was here earlier,
something has been bothering me."

"What's that?" asked Stefano.

"That you have a cure, and that you waited till you were captured, to
tell us about it."

"But why does that bother you?" asked John.

Hope turned and looked at him.

"Because Stefano wants Roman to live, so he will come between you and
Marlena, and then Kristen may have her chance. And there is more behind
this, I just don't know what it is."

"There is nothing else behind my wanting to help Roman, so you are
wrong Hope."

Hope took John's arm and lead him away from te window, and started to
speak to him softly;

"John, you can't help him escape. He's lying to you."

Stefano heard what Hope said to John.

"No Hope, I am not!"

"Please John, Marlena wouldn't want you to do this. You can't betray
Abe, he's always been there for you."

"Hope, you have nothing to say in this matter," said Stefano.

Hope looked at Stefano.

"Yes, I do! If you are considering it, I will be forced to tell Abe."

John looked at Hope, then back at Stefano.

"I have to go."

"John, don't take to long to come to a decision."

John turned and left.

*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*

Marlena went downstairs looking for Sami. She found her by the roses.

"Hi Sami, can I talk to you?"

"Oh Mom, Austin told me we aren't married anymore, and that he loves
another woman. What am I going to do?"

"Sami, honey, you hve to accept it and move on. You have your son to
think about."

"I am thinking about my son. He won't have a father."

"Sweetie, Austin will always be there for Will, you don't have to worry
about that."

Sami was holding back the anger she was feeling toward her mother. She
still had to pretend. She couldn't let anyone know that she got all of
her memory back.

"Sami, Austin is getting married tomorrow."

"What! That quickly?"

"Yes, and I thought I should tell you who he is marrying."

Sami already knew the answer that Marlena was going to say.

"Honey, it's Carrie."

"No! My own sister! Austin is in love with my sister!"

"Sami, Austin told you of all the things you did, well it was against
Austin and Carrie. Your sister and Austin have been a couple for a very
long time."

Sami felt the tears roll down her face, and these tears were real. She
was losing the only man she ever loved. All the scheming and plotting and
still she ended up with nothing.

"I'm going home to my son, oh, I don't have a home."

"Sami, I called Grandma, she said for you and Will to come over there."

"No, I can't Mom. I'll find a place."

"No Sami, I want to know where you will be going when you leave here."

Sami thought, then looked at Marlena.

"I'll go to Kate's. I know she won't mind. Mom, I have to go."

"Sami, I'm sorry that you are in so much pain, I really am."

Marlena put her arms around Sami, and Sami let her, so she wouldn't know
that she really felt such anger at her, John and mostly Carrie. She hated
Carrie more now, than ever. Kristen silenty applauded Sami's performance.
She was brillant, how she controlled her rage, just so people wouldn't
know that she had her memory back. Kristen knew exactly how Sami felt,
because just a little while ago, she lost John to Marlena. She wondered
if Sami would be giving up on Austin.

"Well Sami, the ball is in your court now!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mike knocked on Carrie's apartment door. There was no answer. He stood in
the hall, wondering if she went over to see her father. He turned to
leave and saw Carrie coming down the hall.

"Hey, I was wondering where you got to," said Mike.

"Oh Mike, I have great news! Austin and I are getting married. His
annulment went through."

Mike looked at Carrie, in disbelief. He knew he had better say something
to cover the pain he was feeling.

"I'm really happy for the both of you. Congradulations! When's the
wedding?"

"Tomorrow! You are coming?"

"Yes, of course."

"Everyone is taking care of all the arrangements. I just came back from
having my blood test. I am going through some of those doctor's names
right now, and am going to check my messages. Do you want to come in?"

"No, I have to go to the hospital. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay Mike."

Carrie unlocked the door, and went inside. Mike stood against the wall,
his heart breaking and the tears, falling to the floor and he slid down
the wall.......

To be continued....
Chris Lewitski
Dec 1997
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~
Chapter 29
```````````

John went inside the mansion, and saw Marlena sitting on the couch,
talking on the phone. He walked in and threw his keys on the table.

"Okay Maggie, thanks again. Yes, I could use help with the wedding. I
will, goodbye."

John looked at Marlena, fear gripping him.

"Doc, wedding? Your not marrying...?"

"No John, I will only be marrying you. Carrie and Austin, tomorrow! We
are trying to get all the plans made."

"Doc, you better explain to me what happened while I was gone."

Marlena started to laugh. Then she sat him down and told him everything.

"Well, you have a lot of work ahead of you."

"Yes, I do, *but* I have time to listen about your visit with Stefano."

"No, it's not important. Carrie and Austin's wedding is what you should
be really focusing on."

John moved closer to Marlena, and put his lips on her's. He wrapped his
arms around her and held her so very tight, and kissing her like this
would be the last time. She brought her hand up to his face, rubbing it
gently. She then moved away and looked at him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I have to go and see Abe, I just wanted to check in to see
what was going on here and to see your beautiful face. I'll catch up with
you later."

"Okay, we could go out for dinner?"

"Yes, I would like that, I'll take care of the arrangements. Dress
fancy."

"I will."

John kissed Marlena again and then got up and left.

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

Carrie went over to the fax machine to check to see if anything had been
sent to her. She saw some sheets and picked them up. She noticed that it
was from a doctor in California. Carrie started to read them, then rushed
over to the phone and punched in a number.

"Hello?"

"Marlena, I got a reply from one of the doctors. He has given me a
combination of meds that will help Dad. It's not a cure, but it will make
him feel a little stronger and give him some time till we find a cure."

"Oh Carrie, that's wonderful."

"I'll be right over."

"Okay, I'll be waiting."

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

Sami was packing her bags when Austin came in to the bedroom.

"What are you doing?"

"Well, I can't stay here. Your getting married, and I don't think your
new bride would want me here."

"Look Sami, you can have the apartment."

"No, I can't stay here. I called your mother, she said it was okay for
me to stay there. I'll be leaving as soon as Will wakes up. Lucas should
be here by then. Don't you have to be somewhere?"

"Yes, but I wish..."

"No Austin, really, it's best. Go on, I'll be fine."

Austin shook his head and left the bedroom and then the apartment. Sami
threw down the clothes and walked into the other room.

"Don't think I'm going to give up that easy. There is no way!"

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

John knocked on Abe's door, and then put his head inside.

"John, come on in."

"Thanks Abe. We have to talk."

"What is it John?"

"Stefano says he has a cure for Roman."

Abe looked at John, with surprise on his face.

"Do you believe him?"

"I don't know if he does, but if there is a chance to make Roman well,
I have to believe him. But, there is one little problem, I have to let
him out, for him to take me to the place where the cure is."

Abe looked at John, surprised by what he just heard.

"John, you don't know for sure if he is telling the truth."

"I know, but what if there is a cure. It will save Roman's life. Hasn't
the Brady's suffered enough pain already? They thought they buried their
son. I don't want them to have to go through all that again. And the
kids, losing their father, once again."

"John, it's not that easy. The DA is not going to let Stefano out for
that reason. They have the notrious Stefano DiMera behind bars, they
aren't going to let him out."

"What am I going to do?"

"You are not going to take him seriously. Now, go home, see Marlena.
She needs you. Have you talked to her about this?"

"Yes, she thinks that Stefano is lying."

"Well, she's probably right. Stefano would never want to help anyone,
let alone Roman. He's an enemy. John, like I said, go home, be with
Marlena."

John stood their for a minute not saying anything and then looked at Abe.

"Okay partner. I do have dinner plans that I have to make for me and
Doc. I'll see you later."

John got up and left Abe's office. He stood outside for a minute, looking
back at Abe's office.

"Sorry partner, but I am going to make a deal with the devil and I will
have to betray you."

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

Kristen was pacing in front of Stefano.

"Well, your little wedding plans for Sami, forget that! Austin got his
anullment, and is marrying Carrie. They are making all these rush plans,
because the wedding is tomorrow. Now, will you tell me how you are going
to get John to go against his friend Abe, and get you out of here?"

"Kristen, that I can't control, it's up to John to work that our for
himself."

"And your so sure he will do it?"

"Kristen, I know the man John is, he would do anything to help Roman.
And he will do anything for Marlena, even though she doesn't believe that
I know of a cure."

"Well, do you blame her?"

Stefano laughed.

"I know I'm not the most honorable man. Now, go! I need you to be my
eyes and ears. Anything that you feel is important, come, tell me."

"Stefano, if he does this, gets you out, he's not going to let you go
alone."

"I know, I am banking on that!"

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

Hope knocked on the door at Kristen's. Eric opened it.

"Hi Hope."

"Hey Eric, I heard about Carrie and Austin marrying tomorrow. I thought
I would come by and see if there's anything I can do?"

"Come on in, it's a mad house, trying to get everything together."

"Thanks. Is Carrie here?"

"She's on her way. A doctor has faxed some meds, that will be able to
help dad. It's not a cure, but it will make him feel stronger."

"That's great!"

Eric and Hope walked into the living room, and Marlena was sitting on the
couch.

"Hi Marlena."

"Hope, how are you doing? Any word from Bo?"

"Yep, he found Billie, and they will be back in a couple of days."

"Where was she?"

"She had been kidnapped by one of King's men, but Bo found her, and
she's fine."

"That great! Kate must be so happy! To bad they won't be here for the
wedding."

"Yes, I know. I came to see if you need any help with anything."

"I think we have everything pretty well done, but thanks."

They head a door being opened and then closed. Carrie came running into
the room.

"Here Marlena, here's the fax."

"Thanks sweetie."

Marlena took it and started to read it over.

"I better get in touch with Mike and get all of these meds for Roman.
Excuse me."

Marlena got up and left the room, and then Hope went over to Carrie and
put her arms around her.

"I am so happy for you and Austin."

"I never thought this day would come. Now the big test is , if Sami
does her memory back, she might just try and stop this wedding."

"Have you talked to her?"

"No! I think she's avoiding me."

Marlena came back into the room.

"I called Mike, he's getting the meds together. He is sending it over
as soon as it's ready. I have a dinner date for tonight, so if you all
will excuse me."

"Thanks Marlena, again. For all your help"

"Carrie, a lot of people who love you pitched in. See you all later."

"Have fun Marlena," said Hope.

Marlena left the room, and went upstairs. She was walking down the hall
when she heard Roman calling her name. She went to his room.

"I thought that was you," said Roman.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No, I was wondering what you had planned for this evening?"

"Oh, I'm meeting Laura for dinner."

"Oh, well I'm glad that your not spending all your time, here with me."

"Roman, we have some medication coming over from the hospital, it
should make you feel a little stornger."

"That's great Doc. Well, you better go, get ready. "

"I'll stop by before I leave."

"Okay."

Marlena looked at Roman, and then felt a chill do down her back.

"Doc, something wrong?"

"No, nothing."

She looked at him again, and then left. Marlena stood outside the door,
leaning against the wall. Why did she feel that way? She went down to her
room......

To be continued...
Chris Lewitski
Dec 1997
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*
Chapter 30
``````````

Mike approached Kristen's house, with the medication Marlena called
about. He knocked on the door and waited. He turned around as he thought
he heard something in the bushes, when the door opened.

"Mike, hey!"

He turned around and saw Carrie standing there.

"Hi, I thought...it doesn't matter. I have the medication Marlena
called about."

"Great! Come on in."

Mike went inside and waited as Carrie closed the door.

"Marlena's upstairs, but she's dressing for a dinner date, with John."

"That's okay. I can give your dad the medication."

"Okay, why don't we go upstairs."

"Sure."

Mike and Carrie started up the staircase.

"How are the wedding plans?"

"Oh, can you believe we did everything in one day, with a lot of help
of course."

"That's great!"

"I'm so grateful for you being there when I needed someone to lean on,
but I am so sorry, that you are going to be hurt."

"Carrie, it's not your fault that my feelings for you changed. You are
going to be with the man you love, and that is what you wanted most!"

Carrie and Mike were walking down the hall, and Carrie stopped and turned
around. She put her arms around Mike.

"Thanks Mike, you are truly a special friend."

"I'll always be there for you Carrie, whenever you need me."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~

John walked into the house and went into the living room. Hope looked up.
She could see the troubled look on his face.

"John, what's wrong?"

"Oh Hope, I didn't see you sitting there. Did you say something?"

"There's a problem, I can see by the look on your face!"

"Don't ask any questions Hope, it doesn't concern you!"

"Yes John, it does! You are my dear friend, and once a brother-in-law.
I am worried that you are going to do something you might regret."

John didn't want Hope to ask any more questions, so he tried to change
the subject.

"Marlena, is she here?"

"Yes, she's getting ready for your date."

"I better go and get ready myself."

"John, please!"

"Hope, I have to go," and he left the room.

When he got out into the foyer, Kristen was standing there. John let out
a groan.

"John, we need to talk."

"I can't right now."

"Look, I know what Stefano told you. What are you going to do?"

"Do you seriously think that I would tell you. I am discussing nothing
with you!"

"So, your not going to get Stefano out, to get the cure for Roman? Your
going to let him die?"

John looked at Kristen, with disgust on his face.

"I would never let Roman *die*. I would do anything to get the man
well."

"Then you have to get Stefano out!"

"I have nothing else to say to you Kristen," and John went upstairs.

"You gave me your answer John, your going to get Stefano out of jail!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Marlena was finishing her make-up and then she stood up and walked over
to the bed. She picked up the dress off the bed and then removed her
bathrobe. She put the dress on, and she couldn't believe that she had all
these butterflies, fluttering around in her stomach. She was remembering
the last time they were together, and felt the excitement, wondering what
kind of evening John had planned for them. She was counting the minutes
when she would be with him, alone, and out of this place!! She cared for
the man in the other room,but she was madly in love with the man who had
her heart, John. She walked over to the dresser, and opened the jewellery
box and took out some earrings. She then put on the ruby necklace,
squirted some perfume. She then picked up her brush, and ran it through
her hair one last time.

"Well my love, I'm ready for our evening of surprises!"

*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Well dad, how are you feeling?"

"Better sweetheart. The medication must be working."

"That's good Roman, this will help for awhile, until we come up with
something else to help you."

" I am just happy to have a little more time."

Roman looked at Carrie.

"Punkin, don't you think you should go home, you don't have to stay."

"No Carrie, I'll be here."

"See, so go on home."

"I can stay for awhile."

"Why don't we have dinner, the three of us?" said Roman.

"Sure, why not. I'll go downstairs and ask the cook to make something
for us," said Carrie.

"I'll stay with Roman."

"Okay," and then Carrie left the room, and Roman observed Mike, as he
watched Carrie leave.

"Your in love with her?"

Mike turned and looked at Roman.

"Did you say something Roman?"

"Yes, your in love with Carrie. Have you told her?"

"Yes, but she wants to be with Austin, that's where her heart is, so I
have to accept it."

"Mike, your quite a man, others would have tried to win the woman they
love."

"Roman, I couldn't do that, I just couldn't."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

John opened his bedroom door, adjusting his tie. He looked across the
hall, and saw a vision standing in front of him.

"Oh Doc, you look incredible, just incredible!"

Marlena had a black strapless gown with a slit on the side, exposing her
leg. He noticed the necklace he gave her around her neck, and the rings
were on her finger. She walked across to him, and he put his arms around
her. He held her close, taking in the smell of her perfume.

"John, your hugging me so tight!"

John hadn't realized he was.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be here, as you will be here for
me."

"Yes, I will Doc. I love you so much, you know that!"

"Yes my love, as I love you."

"You know, you two make me *sick*."

They turned to see Kristen standing in the hall.

"Why is it whenever we are alone together, you appear?" asked Marlena.

"Well, I know that I don't wait for you two to be alone, so I can walk
out and watch you."

Kristen looked at the way the both of them were dressed.

"So, your leaving Roman alone again Marlena?"

"He's not alone Kristen, Carrie's in with him."

"And what excuse did you use today?"

"It's none of your business," said John.

"You know, all these little rendezvous, your having, must make Roman
wonder why that John's wife is always home, but John isn't as you are not
either Marlena?"

"Come on Doc, let's go."

John put his arm around her, and they walked down the hall.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*

Eric waited in Kate's living room, and wondered what kind of mood Sami
would be in.

"Is she going to let the real Sami emerge, or still play the charade of
not having her memory?"

He picked up a picture and looked at it.

"Eric, what are you doing here?"

He put the picture down and turned around.

"Sami, I came over to see how you are."

"How I am, I found out that I was a horrible person, and the man who I
was married to didn't love me at all. That's not even all of it, the
woman Austin loves, is my own *sister*."

Sami thought to herself.

"Watch what you say Sami, he's watching you closely."

"I'm sorry that you got hurt, but why be with a man who doesn't love
you?"

"But he may have Eric, if he gave it some time."

"No Sami, he's been in love with Carrie since they first met."

Eric went over to Sami and put his arm around her.

"I'll be here for you, I'll get you through this. I'm going to make up
for not being here when you really needed me."

"What about Will, he's not going to understand why his daddy isn't
here?"

"He's young Sami, he'll adjust. Austin will always be there for Will."

Eric embraced Sami.

"I love you Sami, don't you ever forget that. You have your family, we
will all be there."

"I know Eric, thanks!"

Sami was wondering how she could stop this wedding.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~

Marlena went into Roman's room alone.

"Hi Marlena," said Mike. "Wow, you look great!"

"Thanks Mike. Oh Roman, you look so much better."

"I feel great. The medication has done wonders and Mike's right Doc,
you look beautiful. Your going out with Laura, right?"

"Yes, and I better leave."

"Enjoy your evening," said Roman.

"I will."

Marlena started to leave when Roman called her. She turned and once again
she saw that look in his eyes.

"That necklace, it's quite expensive. Where did you get it?"

Marlena put her hand up to the necklace.

"It was a gift."

"Yes, from who?"

Mike could see Marlena was starting to get uncomfortable.

"Marlena, mom's most likely waiting for you."

"This will only take a minute."

"Well Roman, there...."

"There from me!"

Marlena turned and saw John standing there.

"You gave them to Marlena, why?"

"She's been their for me, during some very diffcult times. I wanted to
give her something to show that I really appreicated her support."

Roman looked at John, his eyes with fire in them. John couldn't
understand why he had such rage.

"Roman, are you alright?" asked Marlena.

"Mike, could I have some privacy for a minute, and please take the
nurse with you."

Mike looked over at the both of them. John nodded his head, and Mike got
up.

"Sure, I'll check on Carrie."

"Thanks."

Mike and Suzy left and Roman looked back at the two of them.

"I know what's going on....."

To be continued.....
Chris Lewitski
Dec 31/1997
last chapter for this year!!!!