John and Marlena (Finally) Get a Q!

Chapter 137 - Death Becomes Her

"Are you okay?" Michelle's voice bit through the silent fog that surrounded John as he stared at the still body under the sheet.

"Mmmm?" he turned to her with bewildered eyes.

"John, you don't have to feel guilty," Michelle laid her hand on his arm. "This isn't your fault. It sounds like she brought this on herself."

John stared at the unmoving shape, his eyes narrowing as he tried to process the information. Kristen was dead. He had seen it with his own eyes, seen the blood, and heard the declaration of death. He had seen the doctors sign the certificate and then leave the room, sad and beaten, as though it was a tragedy that she was dead.

John knew better. She was gone and she would *never* hurt any of them again. Marlena and his precious children were safe from her malignant touch. How could he feel sad about that?

He felt the hand on his arm again and he turned back to Michelle. She was looking at the little boy that nestled comfortably in his father's arms. His cries had calmed again, and he looked peaceful and content to lie quietly. For the moment.

John couldn't say anything for a moment, utterly overwhelmed by the sight of the tiny child nestled in his huge arms. The miniature mouth was pursed as it opened to reveal a miniature pink tongue. His eyes were tightly shut, and the shock of dark hair was plastered to his head by the coating of vernix. Tears stung John's eyes as a little fist escaped the cotton covering and waved in the air.

"Hi little fellow," he whispered. "How are you doing?" As though in reply, the baby opened his mouth and emitted a loud wail. "Hey," he let out a relieved chuckle. "You're okay. You're really okay."

"He was very lucky," Dyan, a blonde pediatric nurse looked at the baby in his arms. "Usually, the baby is in more danger than the mother in cases like these. You should count your blessings Mr. Black."

"Oh, I am," he whispered as he nuzzled the baby's cheek gently. "Believe me, I am."

"He's beautiful," Michelle offered with a smile.

"He is, isn't he?" John replied in wonder. The baby had dark hair like his own and his eyes were the sweet, innocent blue of the newborn. But something in his face reminded John of Marlena and he instantly fell in love with the child.

"I want to take him to Doc," John turned vivid cerulean eyes on Michelle.

"Well.... It's not usual procedure," she looked uncomfortable.

"Please," he looked down at the squirming infant in his arms again. "I realize it's not usual, but you have to believe me, nothing about this situation is normal."

"It's okay John," a familiar voice sounded in the doorway to the delivery suite and John looked up to find Mike walking toward him. "You're not going to have a struggle with this one." He came to a stop in front of John and smiled at the site of the newborn in John's arms. "When I came in this afternoon, I found out what was going on. You know the hospital gossip circuit," he rolled his eyes, even though in this instance, it had proved particularly helpful. "So, when the news came through..." he nodded in the direction of the draped gurney, "I set some wheels in motion. Michelle is right, this isn't the usual procedure, but the pediatrician has been persuaded that it's in the best interests of everyone concerned. Marlena is the only mother this baby will know," he looked at John significantly, "and we all agree they should bond as early as possible."

"Thanks, Mike," John's relief was evident as he realized he wasn't going to have to fight anyone on this thing. This little baby had been separated from his true mother for far too long and John couldn't wait to place him in Marlena's arms and see her smile and the love in her eyes.