Blurred Lines

Chapter 29 - Mamma Mia

January 13, 1993

Salem University Hospital

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I was cheated by you and I think you know when

So I made up my mind, it must come to an end

Look at me now, will I ever learn?

I don't know how but I suddenly lose control

There's a fire within my soul

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The door to the hospital lounge opened as Marlena poured herself another cup of horrible coffee. Eric was with John, and his favorite nurse Maria, down in x-ray. He was able to bring a parent with him, and he'd been excited that John was there with him on the day his cast would be removed. Parent... it was so odd that John had fallen so easily back into that role. She'd only seen him in passing since their last meeting in the early morning hours on New Year's day. She'd seen him at the pub, or quickly as he dropped the twins at her front door, but they had never allowed themselves to be alone, or to have any conversation that would be considered intimate. They'd gone too far yet again, and both of them had retreated back to their respective corners. Marlena knew it was only a matter of time before they combusted completely. The tension was too high, and the desire she felt, along with the look in John's eyes was more telling than anything else. She sighed with a slight smile, reaching for the creamer, and then she froze as she heard Isabella's harsh voice behind her, "I needed to speak with you about my husband."

Marlena turned, barely sparing the other woman a glance. She was getting very tired of Isabella's thinly veiled animosity. If they were going to hate each other, she much preferred they be up front about it. Without skipping a beat, Marlena measured out a half teaspoon of sugar, and started stirring it slowly, keeping her back to Isabella. "John has gone down to x-ray with Eric. He should be back soon."

Isabella was furious. Marlena was fucking blowing her off. "I didn't come here looking for John. I came here to speak to you about John."

"I don't see what we would have to talk about," Marlena said casually, tossing the wooden coffee stirrer into the nearby trash can. She turned slowly, sipping her drink, while staring at Isabella over the lip of her cup.

"When were you at the loft?" Isabella asked, stepping closer. "Because I know you were."

"I was there on New Year's Eve. Brady had a fever, and John was concerned, but I'm sure he would have told you that if you'd ask him." Marlena sighed, "John gave him some tylenol, and I recommended a lavender bath, and a frozen washcloth. Then I left."

"You left?" Isabella sneered. "You just left?"

Marlena sighed in exhaustion. She hadn't been sleeping well, and her general unhappiness wasn't helping. She took a long sip of her coffee hoping the caffeine would help. "What are you getting at, Isabella? Because I don't have the time or the inclination to stand here trying to decipher what you're getting at."

"I found beads on my floor. Tiny, iridescent beads, the type that might come off of an evening gown." Isabella stepped closer, hoping to intimidate Marlena, but the other woman simply stared at her as if she were bored. "So, I'm going to ask you one time, what are you doing with my husband?"

"I don't owe you an explanation," Marlena said. "But since you've taken it upon yourself to confront me while my son is at his doctor's appointment, I will say this once - I was running late for a party I was expected to attend. I changed at the loft. I must have snagged my dress. Then I left."