Unspoken

Chapter 2

September 10, 1992

Marlena opened the door to her home, and found John standing there. He'd been crying. That much was obvious. His eyes were pink and slightly swollen, but she'd never mention it, or even draw attention to it, unless he mentioned it. It was the look on his face that made her hurt for him the most. His attempt at a smile that came off more sad than happy. He was obviously struggling with Isabella's diagnosis. She knew that, not only from her conversation with Isabella, but also because John was at her home so late in the evening. Just like the Friday before, his fragile emotional state had driven him to search out solace. On Friday it was the pier. At that moment, it was her, and she knew why, because she'd spoken to Isabella earlier.

She tried to blink the tears from her eyes as she removed one of her earrings to answer the telephone. Across from her she saw Bo watching with sad eyes, and she understood why. He'd just told her his sister was dying of cancer. Isabella. Marlena's first thought had been John, and then Brady. She tried to calm herself down as she said into the telephone, "Dr. Evans."

"Marlena?" It was Isabella. Marlena glanced at Bo quickly, as Isabella said, tentatively, "Hi. It's Isabella."

"Isabella." Marlena felt almost relieved to hear Isabella's voice.

Isabella seemed uncertain as she said, "I'm–I'm sorry to bother you but, uh, I need your help."

"Isabella, Bo was here, and he told me what happened." Marlena fought to hold back her own emotion as she said, "I'm so sorry."

Isabella was silent for a moment, and then she said, "Um... actually, um, I think I'm still in a state of shock so..."

Marlena heard the hesitation in her voice, and tried to sound as kind as possible. "I understand. What can I do for you?"

"It's about John," Isabella said. Marlena's heart seemed to squeeze and she closed her eyes for a moment. He must be hurting so much. He'd never done well when he was afraid. Isabella continued, "I'm worried about him. I think that this has all been, uh, really hard on him, you know? And, uh, he's still kind of in a state of shock. Anyhow, he's on his way over to the hospital to get my medication, and I was wondering if–if you could talk to him? Maybe help him adjust a little bit?"

Marlena was a little concerned that Isabella hadn't even mentioned how her cancer diagnosis was affecting her. "Well, yes, of course I can. Isabella, I'm a little more concerned about you right now, um, I mean, you must be having a very hard time. Not just physically, but emotionally as well. If I can help, I will be right here for you, and–and, um, if I can suggest a support group please there are wonderful groups for you–"

" –thank you," Isabella said, cutting her off quickly. "Yes. Maybe. Maybe later. Right now, my main concern is John. He just isn't able to accept it."

"A certain amount of denial is natural," Marlena said, but she already knew what Isabella was saying. Marlena knew John better than anyone. "I will do whatever I can do."

"Thank you," Isabella whispered. "This is very funny."

"What's funny?" Marlena asked.

"I was always so jealous of the closeness between you and John."

"I know."

Isabella sighed. "The two of you were married, and when you returned it hurt me so much when I thought about the two of you living together. Now I thank G-d for that closeness, because that's what's going to bring John around."