Breathe

Chapter 29

Diane Miller entered the courtroom confident that John and Marlena would gain custody of Sami and Eric Brady. She had Roman Brady's time card records for the past year, signed affidavits from his siblings, Bo, and Kimberly, as well as an affidavit from his daughter Carrie, his boss, Abraham Carver, and his parents, Shawn and Caroline Brady - all stating that the man had barely been involved in his children's lives over the past year, despite him having custody. Carrie's statement mentioned the bruises on her younger sister, as well as the emotional abuse in the home. But, it was Bo Brady's testimony that was the most damning. It detailed Roman's knowledge of the existence of John and Marlena's child, Avi, for a year prior to the rescue of Avi and Marlena from Stefano DiMera. Diane knew the case was in the bag, although she assumed the judge would want to speak with Sami and Eric in private.

Marlena held Hope's hand as they walked into the courtroom. Her other hand was laced with Bo's. She had stayed at the loft, and more recently their new house, since her return to Salem, barely venturing outside. There was still a part of her that feared Stefano would appear to nab her. The dreams were exhausting, although their frequency was becoming lesser. The worst part for her though, was that she hadn't been allowed to see the twins. Roman had placed a restraining order on John, as well as their home. John hadn't been allowed within 100 feet of the children, and the children weren't allowed to come to see her at the house. She had been able to speak with them on the phone, but Marlena was so scared of encountering Roman and his vitriol that she couldn't venture to the fish market. She knew from conversations with Hope that Kayla, Shawn and Caroline were struggling with feeling disloyal to Roman, but they were willing to support her and John because they knew it would benefit the twins. Kim was adamant that Roman needed therapy. Someone didn't come out of seven years of torture and abuse without long lasting scars.

Marlena looked over at Bo, and whispered, "I wish John could be here."

"This will be over soon, Mar," he told her. "There's too much evidence. Hopefully we can get this resolved today."

Hope leaned into her, whispering, "They won't keep your children away from you."

"I'm worried about John," Marlena said softly.

"John did everything Diane and Kim suggested," Bo said confidently. "He underwent a full mental health evaluation. He's adhered to the restraining order. The judge will see that."

Marlena took a deep breath. Bo was right. They had done everything they could to prepare for all contingencies before today's court date. "You're right," she whispered nervously. "You're right."

"Of course, I'm right," Bo said with a smirk.

Marlena smiled up at him, smacking his arm lightly, "You're such a smart ass, Bo Brady." She glanced around the courtroom, grateful that it was mostly empty. She felt like everywhere she went, eyes were on her, and while she wasn't completely ready to rejoin the world at large, she was strong enough to come out, and fight for her children. She could now prove that she and John, along with Bo and Hope, had a home to welcome them to, and signed statements from Roman's whole immediate family in her and John's favor. She turned when she heard the doors to the courtroom open, and saw Sami and Eric enter with Shawn and Caroline.

"Mommy!" Sami screamed running towards them. Her small body slammed into her mother, and her arms wrapped around her hips. "I missed you!"

Shawn glanced around, asking, "Is John coming?"

"John can't be here, Pop. You know that." Bo stared at his father, and then said, "But Marlena has Hope and I. John is waiting at the house."

Eric approached slowly, reaching out to touch his mothers long hair, "I missed you."