Blurred Lines

Chapter 41 - Hungry Eyes

Marlena's Lakehouse

March 11, 1993

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I've been meaning to tell you

I've got this feeling that won't subside

I look at you and I fantasize

You're mine tonight

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Marlena had waited three days to take a pregnancy test. They had been adjusting to life after Roman's memorial, as well as John's difficulties with Isabella. Taking a deep breath she exited the bathroom, and found John sitting on the end of the bed in only his jeans. His shirt was discarded beside him, and his socks were hanging over the edge of the hamper as if he'd tossed them and barely made it. He stared at her with sad eyes, and she knew he was upset that she hadn't told him about Isabella's very public attack at Salem Place a few days earlier.

"Why didn't you say something, Doc? Why did I have to hear about it from Caroline?" he asked her softly.

"I asked Caroline not to say anything," Marlena told him. "Isabella is upset, and I understand why. It really wasn't a big deal."

John sighed, rubbing his hands over his face, "She cornered you at Salem Place, and made a public spectacle–"

"--John, she's losing her husband! She feels like she's losing her child! She has a right to be angry!" Marlena told him. "I am responsible for that!"

John stood up, approaching her, and he grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look up at him. She was beautiful, and she was tired. Her hair was still piled on top of her head, and damp tendrils framed her face. Underneath her bathrobe she was still nude, and it did things to his body thinking about her soft skin only inches away. Pushing those thoughts away, he stared down at her with determination. "No, Doc! No! We are responsible for that, but that doesn't mean that she can accost you in public, while you have Marlee with you... and in front of Brady no less! She can't say vile things to you–"

"--I know... I know. I know. I know. You're right. Of course, you're right." Marlena went to stand near her bedroom window, watching the moonlight play over the water of the lake. She was quiet for a moment, and then she sighed softly, turning to face John. "What she did was wrong, and it scared Brady and Marlee. I think... I might be making excuses for her because of our affair. I feel so much guilt, and I know... it doesn't justify her behavior - in public or in front of the children."

"If Caroline hadn't happened upon you, how far would she have taken that?" he wondered.

Marlena stepped towards where he sat, and John spread his legs, allowing her to step into the vee. Her hands cupped his face, and she smiled down at him. "I love you. I love you for caring so much, and for worrying about me, but I am fine. Marlee is fine, and Brady will be fine. Emotions are high right now... but hopefully, with time, we can all work through this."

He glanced towards the bathroom, asking, "Did you set a timer for the test?"

"No... but it's been about five minutes," she said softly.

"What do you think?" he asked her.

Marlena smiled softly, kissing kim. The fall of her hair surrounded them, as she whispered, "We already know the answer."

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Now I've got you in my sights