John and Marlena (Finally) Get a Q!

Chapter 11: Swings and Roundabouts

John saw the two of them sitting on a park bench, their blonde hair glistening in the sunlight. Snatches of laughter floated across tantalizingly and he hurried over to where they played. To any outside viewer, they would have looked like the perfect family, meeting for an afternoon in the sun.

John impulsively drew Marlena into his arms when he reached her, and she felt weak as he brushed his lips across her cheek. She pulled away before he could feel her tremble and they both turned to Belle who was standing on the bench with her hands on her hips.

"What 'bout me?" Her little mouth was drawn into a frown but when John picked her up, she couldn't maintain it any longer and she broke into a delighted giggle.

"What about you?" he teased before squeezing her and giving her a large kiss.

Marlena whispered to Brady as John put Belle down and he immediately took her hand and pulled her across to the swings. The two adults sat on the bench and watched their children indulgently. After a minute or two John turned to Marlena.

"So, what gives Doc?"

"It's not exactly easy to explain," she hedged.

'Well try." John encouraged her.

"I had a visit this morning."

"Eugene." John filled in the blank for her. She nodded.

"John - he was telling the truth. He really *is* - " she searched for a description.

"Omnipotent?" John's head snapped around. "All-powerful?" Q stood behind the bench. "A supremely immortal almighty being?" His mouth curved into a smile. "I rather like that one myself." He leaned over the seat, so his head was level with John and Marlena's. "Q."

"Eugene!" Marlena swatted her hand in his direction exasperatedly.

"I'm injured!" He put his hands over his heart and staggered backward in mock anguish. Marlena said nothing but glared at him. "Alright." Q raised his eyes skyward. "Never say I can't take a hint. I have an errand to run anyway." He winked at Marlena. "Have fun." He raised his hand and clicked his finger and thumb. John's lower jaw dropped as Q disappeared before his eyes.

"As I was trying to say." Marlena couldn't keep the smile from her face. "I was treated to a display somewhat like that one." John turned to her, his brows knitted together.

"I'm not sure I understand Doc." She took his hand in hers.

"I'm not sure I do either. All I do know is that he took me to the hospital.' she shook her head, her eyes traveling to the play area and drinking in the sight of the children, her lips playing with the words, "And look at our little girl now."

"You're telling me *he* did that?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Mmm-hmm." She felt his fingers interlace with hers and was aware of her heart beating a little faster. "Pretty incredible huh?' She couldn't look at his face for fear of what she'd find there.

"Yeah," he breathed, suddenly fighting an incredible urge to take her into his arms again. Instead, he pulled his hand away and stood as the children ran toward them.

******

Kristen slammed the receiver down. Ever since Jennifer had discovered the extent of Peter's schemes and had thrown him out, he'd been so wrapped up in his own problems he'd hardly been there when she'd needed him. Well, if Peter's not going to help me, I'll just have to work it out for myself. She pulled her dress down and took a deep breath as her hands settled over her belly. She had to stay calm. She couldn't lose this baby, or the game would really be over. That witch would tell John everything and she'd lose him forever. She couldn't let that happen.