Unspoken

Chapter 15

October 13, 1992

Every time John met Marlena's gaze, he would remember waking up in the library with his lips on hers. Guilt was like a blanket on his conscience, and because of that he'd spent the last few days focused on Isabella, and Brady. He made his way towards the living room on his way to the library. Isabella had just fallen back asleep. Her pain medication dosage was high, and the doctor had switched her to morphine. It was addictive, but she was dying. Addiction didn't matter anymore.

He rolled his shoulders as he entered the living room, surprised to see Marlena sitting on the antique floral couch, dressing Brady in cold weather clothing. "Are you going somewhere?" he asked.

"Oh," she said in surprise. She'd been so focused on her task she hadn't realized that John was there. "I was just about to take Brady for a walk, and since there's a lovely little coffee shop just a few blocks away, I might get a cappuccino while we're out." She fastened the last snap on Brady's jacket, saying to him, "Isn't that right, my little man? And maybe I might let you taste some whipped cream. What do you think about that?" Brady gave her a wide, toothless grin, and John watched in fascination as she laughed, and cooed at his child. She hugged Brady tightly, saying, "You're just cute enough to nibble. Yes, you are!"

He glanced towards the hallway. "I was going to work out in the library, but I could go with you if you want," he offered.

Marlena smiled. He needed to work out. It was the only way to get rid of the tension she knew he housed in his neck and shoulders. "No. We're fine, besides, you're already dressed for a run, and we don't want to wait for you to change, do we Brady?"

He couldn't help laughing at the way she spoke to Brady. As if he understood everything she was saying. She'd done that with the twins when they were small. She never baby talked, or used silly words. She treated her children like small humans, and Brady was no different. She stood up, hefting the baby up on her hip. Giving John a small wave, she said, "Tell daddy bye, and we'll see him in an hour or so."

Brady gave him a sideways grin, and Marlena turned towards the door. Softly, John said, "Doc?"

"Hmm?" She turned to look at him.

He wasn't sure why he'd called her, so he said, "Be careful."

Her eyes softened. "We will. We're just going out for some fresh air."

He stood rooted in that spot as she made her way towards the door, and placed Brady in his stroller. With one last wave, she maneuvered them out the front door, and then she was gone. John ended up running for over an hour. By the time he finished he was covered in sweat, and in desperate need of a shower.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Her congestion is worse," Marlena told Brenda. "I can hear it crackling in her lungs."

"I mentioned it to the doctor, but he said it was a normal progression of the cancer." Brenda laid another towel over Isabella's pillow, as Marlena held her weak body up. When she finished, Isabella sighed as she was laid back down. "All we can do now is keep her as comfortable as possible."

"Brady," Isabella sighed. "Where is he?"

"He's sleeping," Marlena said softly. "But if you'd like I can bring him in here. He can lay beside you."

"And you'll stay?" she asked. "I'm too weak to–"

" –I'll be right here the whole time." Marlena smiled, saying, "I'll go get him."

She ran into John halfway down the hall. His skin was flushed, and his dark hair was stuck to his neck and his forehead with sweat. "You're back," he said in surprise.