Unspoken

Chapter 37

December 20, 2002

The first time Colin called Marlena mama, she wept with happiness. She'd swept him around in a circle, exclaiming how much she loved her little man. Her family was perfect, and the day she gave birth to her and John's daughter, they had decided to name the baby Isabella. Marlena had wept with tears of joy, and sadness on that day. When the soft scent of vanilla filled the air, only she and John noticed, but they knew Isabella was still watching them from somewhere. That's how it always was in those moments when they thought about the turn their lives had taken.

Six years after losing Isabella, she and John walked ten-year old Colin up a small knoll in Italy, she wept. Colin was a gift, and Isabella's death was the only reason Marlena had him in her life. She knew that, and she and John made sure that Colin heard stories about his mother. She wiped at her eyes, crying tears of sadness, joy, and gratefulness for her life. They approached Isabella's grave, and she thought about her life with John, and her life with their children.

Carrie was married, and living in New York with Jesse. Eric and Sami would be off to college soon. Eric was interested in theology, while Sami wanted to be the boss of the world. Alais was a quiet and studious teen, with a bit of fire in her soul, determined to solve every environmental dilemma that she could. Ryan would likely follow in John's footsteps. He had a knack for finding trouble, and an obsession with roller coasters. Marlena glanced over at Alais. She held John's hand as they walked. When she was younger, she had managed to earn the nickname monster for all the trouble she managed to get herself into. Colin was as obsessed with baseball as his father was, and as caring in nature as his mother.

"C'mon Tink," Ryan said behind them. "You're moving like pond water."

A small giggle floated on the cool air. "You sound like grandpa Frank!"

Marlena smiled. That was something her father would say frequently.

John was quiet. He usually was when they visited Isabella's grave. Alias leaned closer, wrapping her arms around his, and leaning her head on his shoulder. Colin led the way, tugging Marlena's hand as he went. He knew the way. He'd been there several times before. Ryan caught up with them, and Belle smiled up at her mom. Within moments they all stood before a headstone overlooking Naples. It was immaculately kept. John made sure of that. Isabella Lucia Toscano Black.

Colin stared at it, and then up at Marlena, "So, she's right here?" He asked the same thing every time.

"She is," Marlena said, kneeling down next to him. "You can talk to her if you want. Tell her about school, and your friends. She's listening."

"How do you know?" he asked.

"I just... I can feel it," she said softly, catching the soft scent of vanilla on the air. She glanced over at John and knew he smelled it too. His eyes had tears in them, and he gave her a sad smile.

Colin was quiet for a moment, and then sat down on the grass, criss-crossing his legs. His hands hung in his lap, and he started talking. "Hi, Mommy. It's me, Colin. You used to call me Brady. Remember me? I used to be a baby when you was alive, but now I'm bigger. Mama says that's okay. That you still know its me, 'cause I look the same. I came to see you, but it's not my first time. Mama and dad bring me every year in December, 'cause thats when I get two weeks off school for winter break, and also because daddy says you loved Christmas, so it's a good time to see you." He looked around at his family, saying, "Eric and Sami are in Salem, 'cause they got senior projects to work on, and Carrie and Jesse, they moved to New York so they can watch shows on Broadway and eat cheesecake... I think."

Marlena couldn't help chuckling at Colin's childish interpretation of Carrie's move. In actuality, Jesse was starting vet school, and Carrie was doing an internship at a New York based animal rescue group.