Anymore

Chapter 7

Marlena leaned back from the toilet, resting her back against the bathtub. Laura ran a cold washcloth over her face, while Marlena moaned. "Never again..."

Laura couldn't help but giggle. "Famous last words." It was four in the morning and they hadn't left this spot on the bathroom floor for hours. As soon as Laura got Marlena in the house she took her to the guest room, got her some clothes and got her to lay down. She called Carrie and explained the situation, but midway through her conversation she heard Marlena run to the bathroom, and that is where they have stayed. "You're lucky you are throwing up... you could have given yourself alcohol poisoning." Marlena rolled her eyes. "I'm serious! You're a teetotaler, one cup of NyQuil would make you tipsy... there had to be 8 shot glasses on that table!"

Marlena cracked one eye and peered at her. "Only because there wasn't room for the rest of them..."

"Marlena!" Laura shouted.

Marlena covered her ears. "Shhh... please don't be so loud. My brain will explode!" Just then she lunged for the toilet again.

When she sat back again Laura gave her a glass of water. "Honey... I wish you would talk to me."

Marlena closed her eyes. "No point..."

"I would say otherwise. Marlena you were so upset, so distraught you damn near drank yourself to death!" She ran a soothing hand up and down her back. "What did Victor have to say?"

Marlena didn't think it was possible, but she started crying again. "John... he brought Brady there to say goodbye... it was like 2 in the morning."

"Why?" She pushed her hair out of her face.

Marlena sighed. "Knowing John, he probably wanted to leave before anyone could try to stop him. And he succeeded... he always does when he's determined." She took a deep breath. "I think I can get up from here, and go to bed." Marlena stood, and pointed. "Bring the garbage can just in case, please."

Laura got Marlena under the covers and tucked her in. Then she went around to the other side and sat next to her, her back leaning against the headboard. "I don't understand though... Why was he so determined to leave?"

Marlena shook her head slightly. "Please Laura... no more questions, I can't talk about this."

"Bullshit! I am your best friend. You can talk to me about anything!"

Marlena turned to look at her. "I know that... but this... this is different. This is too raw..." She covered her mouth to silence the sob that broke free.

Laura put her arm around her, and Marlena rested her head on Laura's shoulder. "Marlena... when you are ready to talk, I promise you I'll be here... no judgments."

Marlena drew a deep breath. "Thank... thank you. I can tell you... John left because of me, and I will NEVER forgive myself for that."

"What could you have done that was so terrible, it made him leave?"

Marlena rolled to her side, facing away from Laura. "I broke his heart... again..."

...

It was almost noon when Carrie prepared to leave the house. Sami was following her down the stairs. "I want to go with you!"

Carrie stopped at the landing. "No way Sam... Marlena will be embarrassed enough that I know what happened. If she sees you there it may be too much."

"I wished people would stop treating me like a child!" Sami huffed.

Carried laughed. "Believe it or not this is more about shielding Mom from embarrassment, than treating you like a kid."

She thought about it for a moment. "Okay... I can handle that." They both laughed. "But hurry back before Dad..." The front door swung open and Roman walked in. They both stared at him.