Post by kris1907 on Aug 22, 2006 16:14:20 GMT -5
Chapter 4
“So what do we do now, mom? I can go with you to pack if you need me to.”
Marlena shakes her head, but smiles appreciatively at her daughter, “No Belle, your dad said to stay here. I don’t know exactly what John is up to at the moment but... so we’ll just have to wait it out.”
“I hate waiting.”
Sitting next to her daughter, Marlena bumps into Belle’s arm playfully, “Me too. Think you get that from me. But don’t tell your dad that. Took me a long time to convince him that all of your bad habits came from him and not me. Like sitting on the kitchen counter.”
“But you do that all the time ”
“Never when he is around.” They share a small laugh before Belle lays her head down on her mother’s shoulder. Marlena hugs her tightly and kisses the side of her head, “I’ve missed you so much baby girl. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t here for you the way you needed me to be.”
“You did the best that you could. I always knew how much you loved me, I never doubted that. I’m just so happy that you are finally remembering dad and your life together. Now you both can make things right.”
Kissing her forehead, Marlena allows her own head to rest upon Belle’s blonde curls as her eyes close and the memories fill her mind, “I will baby girl. I promise I’ll fix everything.”
“Dad must be so thrilled. How did you tell him? Did he jump up and down like a little kid? I bet you he did. Swing you around and shout it out to the world? Like when you two got engaged. I’ve never forgotten that. One of the happiest days in my life. That, my dress for the wedding, getting my Princess Barbie Doll and the first time I got to see my precious little girl’s face.” Her eyes fade in memory but her smile never falters as she thinks through the happy moments in her life, “Its so great to finally be happy again. But tell me...” Belle jumps up slightly and repositions herself on the couch to be better facing her mother, “how did you tell him? And when did it come back? How did it? Were you looking at a picture or sleeping or...”
“Shh... Belle... honey slow down. Its, to be totally honest with you, its been back for a little while now. Not very long but a little while. I had to deal with all the confusion and emotions before adding more with announcing it to everybody.”
Recognition filters through her facial features, “That’s why things changed so much lately. It all felt so different. Your advice and even your hugs were more natural. Like old times.”
Smiling at her daughter, Marlena attempts to blink away the tears, “I am sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner, but I-”
“Its okay mom. I understand. What about dad?”
“Well-“ Marlena looks down at her folded hands, as she attempts to figure out how to tell this portion of the story.
Jumping in for her mom, “You didn’t tell him, did you? He knows now, right? Obviously with everything you are planning but...”
Again, Marlena quiets her daughter, “He figured it out. Before, last night, when I was giving you the advice about having two men who love you... your daddy figured out that it was me talking. That I couldn’t give out that kind of information if I didn’t remember both the events and the emotions of that time.” She reaches out to gently stroke her daughter’s cheek, “And I meant every word I said, Belle. You need to focus on you and choose for you because you are the one that has to live with the decision.” She readjusts herself and watches as the emotions run through Belle’s eyes, “So he figured it out and he confronted me and he was... well naturally upset. But I explained why and I think... I think he understands my side. I understand his as well.”
“So, you two are okay? I know dad understands. He remembers what it is like to get his memories back and have to deal with everything. He’ll understand.”
“I think he does understand. I know he does.” A tear slips down Marlena’s cheek, but she does not make any motions to remove it, “We are okay. Well, we will be. So don’t you worry about us baby girl.”
“He was so lost without you mom.”
“I know.” More tears begin to fall, “I know and I was lost without him as well.” Leaning over, Marlena brushes away stray tears from her daughter’s cheek, “We will be okay, so please don’t worry. Your daddy and I have a lot to talk about and work out. Its been a long couple of years, a lot has happened but we will work on it one step at a time.”
“And your mother is right-” Both girls turn towards the intruding voice. John smiles as both women call out his name, “Well that’s quite a welcome. How are my two beautiful gals doing?”
“John, what happened?”
“Dad, what are we doing?”
Holding up his hands, “Woo, slow down. First Izzy B, your mom and I will be just fine. We need to deal with Dr. North and then we can work on us. Or perhaps, we can do both at the same time. Ready for an adventure Doc?”
Her confused look is shared with Belle, as finally the young lady speaks up, “What do you mean dad?”
John moves further into the room, but does not begin to take his jacket off, “Well, we need to get moving so Belle, why don’t you go get Claire ready to rock and roll.”
“Mom and I already packed for her, but I’ll go get her coat on if we’re leaving.”
“That will be great. Thanks sweetie. Come here-“ He gestures for Belle to come to him and hugs his daughter tightly. He kisses the top of her head and whispers in her ear, “Thank you.” He waits for Belle to disappear upstairs before looking at Marlena.
She immediately gets up and moves towards him, “John, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Nothing. I just want us to get moving. North left so I slipped the note in but I don’t want to be here if he comes looking. So we’re hitting the road. I even took the liberty to pack some stuff for you.”
“Clothes right?”
“Opposed to?”
“Last trip you packed for, I had a bathing suit and underwear.”
His grin turns into a smirk as his eyes run over her body, “And boy, that was a great vacation. But no,” He taps her nose playfully, “I packed clothes. Warm ones.”
“John, what did you mean by adventure?”
“A blast from our past Doc.” He smiles as she continues to look at him as though he has lost his mind, “We are going camping.”
“John I don’t camp and neither does Belle and I’m sure Claire won’t be too thrilled either.”
“Training this girl early. Think about it Doc, forest, cabin, creek and perhaps even a cave.”
He stares at her, waiting for her to catch the hint and finally her eyes light up, “Virginia We’re going to Virginia?”
“Its warming up some and I thought the fresh air would do us all some good and its far away. Secluded and... thought we would check it out for a few days.”
Marlena sits on the edge of the couch and looks up at her husband, “I am not quite understanding here. How can you keep an eye on North if you are in Virginia with us?”
“Well... I won’t be there the whole time. But thought I could join in for a day or two. I just made sure that the good Dr. North overheard my travel plans and my plane did take off with people aboard. And I have Abe watching him right now. So soon, he will find your note and Abe will keep me in touch. I just figured we could use just one day to be a family and take a deep breath and then go back to work.” Waving his hands to end the conversation, “Nuff about that for right now. Belle ” Moving towards the steps, “Come on girl We need to hit the road.”
“John... I still don’t...”
John moves over to his wife and kisses her gently, “I’ll explain everything later. Right now its taken care of. But to help you out, we can’t come up with a plan until we know North’s next move.” Marlena nods and steps into his open arms. Relaxing against his chest, “You okay?”
“Yeah, I am now.” As soon as her eyes close, a yawn overtakes her lips. She smiles as she feels his lips on her head, “I didn’t realize I was so tired.”
“Are you going to be able to drive? I don’t want us all to leave together.”
“I can drive.” John looks up at his daughter and can’t help but be amazed as he sees the carrier in her hand. Marlena does not move from his embrace but turns her head to look at Belle. “Its okay mom. Claire and I had a nap, so I’m fine driving.” Gently putting the carrier down, Belle checks on Claire before letting out a content sigh, “It is so very good to see you two together again.”
The parents hug each other tightly, as John places another kiss on her forehead, “Yes, it is. You ready?”
“We are ready. Dad, would you mind grabbing the suitcase. Its right at the top of the stairs.”
“I got that. Doc, why don’t you guys get going. I’ll bring the suitcase with me. Directions are in your car, Doc. And I’ll call you shortly to let you know where we should meet up. Okay?”
“Okay.” Marlena moves towards her coat, but stops and turns back towards her husband, “I’ll see you soon, right?”
“You betcha. And I have a surprise for you.”
Raising her eyebrow in surprise, “Really? What is it?”
John leans down and captures her lips in a tender smile, “You two better hit the road. Answer your phone when North calls. I have you two booked at a spa- all that information is in the car. Hopefully everything is covered and I will see you two in about an hour.” Moving over towards his daughter, “Take care of your mom for me, kay?”
“You betcha.”
Smiling at her, John kisses her cheek and bends over to stare at his sleeping grandbaby, “You too little one. Take care of your grandma. Love you.” He strokes her cheek before straightening back up and moving towards the steps. “Love you both. Now get moving ” He takes two steps at a time and stops quickly to finish, “Oh yeah, candy and chips and other unhealthy food is found in a paper bag in the back of the car.” For the first time in months, a true laugh leaves his lips as he hears two female voices chime together, “We love you ”
“So what do we do now, mom? I can go with you to pack if you need me to.”
Marlena shakes her head, but smiles appreciatively at her daughter, “No Belle, your dad said to stay here. I don’t know exactly what John is up to at the moment but... so we’ll just have to wait it out.”
“I hate waiting.”
Sitting next to her daughter, Marlena bumps into Belle’s arm playfully, “Me too. Think you get that from me. But don’t tell your dad that. Took me a long time to convince him that all of your bad habits came from him and not me. Like sitting on the kitchen counter.”
“But you do that all the time ”
“Never when he is around.” They share a small laugh before Belle lays her head down on her mother’s shoulder. Marlena hugs her tightly and kisses the side of her head, “I’ve missed you so much baby girl. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t here for you the way you needed me to be.”
“You did the best that you could. I always knew how much you loved me, I never doubted that. I’m just so happy that you are finally remembering dad and your life together. Now you both can make things right.”
Kissing her forehead, Marlena allows her own head to rest upon Belle’s blonde curls as her eyes close and the memories fill her mind, “I will baby girl. I promise I’ll fix everything.”
“Dad must be so thrilled. How did you tell him? Did he jump up and down like a little kid? I bet you he did. Swing you around and shout it out to the world? Like when you two got engaged. I’ve never forgotten that. One of the happiest days in my life. That, my dress for the wedding, getting my Princess Barbie Doll and the first time I got to see my precious little girl’s face.” Her eyes fade in memory but her smile never falters as she thinks through the happy moments in her life, “Its so great to finally be happy again. But tell me...” Belle jumps up slightly and repositions herself on the couch to be better facing her mother, “how did you tell him? And when did it come back? How did it? Were you looking at a picture or sleeping or...”
“Shh... Belle... honey slow down. Its, to be totally honest with you, its been back for a little while now. Not very long but a little while. I had to deal with all the confusion and emotions before adding more with announcing it to everybody.”
Recognition filters through her facial features, “That’s why things changed so much lately. It all felt so different. Your advice and even your hugs were more natural. Like old times.”
Smiling at her daughter, Marlena attempts to blink away the tears, “I am sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner, but I-”
“Its okay mom. I understand. What about dad?”
“Well-“ Marlena looks down at her folded hands, as she attempts to figure out how to tell this portion of the story.
Jumping in for her mom, “You didn’t tell him, did you? He knows now, right? Obviously with everything you are planning but...”
Again, Marlena quiets her daughter, “He figured it out. Before, last night, when I was giving you the advice about having two men who love you... your daddy figured out that it was me talking. That I couldn’t give out that kind of information if I didn’t remember both the events and the emotions of that time.” She reaches out to gently stroke her daughter’s cheek, “And I meant every word I said, Belle. You need to focus on you and choose for you because you are the one that has to live with the decision.” She readjusts herself and watches as the emotions run through Belle’s eyes, “So he figured it out and he confronted me and he was... well naturally upset. But I explained why and I think... I think he understands my side. I understand his as well.”
“So, you two are okay? I know dad understands. He remembers what it is like to get his memories back and have to deal with everything. He’ll understand.”
“I think he does understand. I know he does.” A tear slips down Marlena’s cheek, but she does not make any motions to remove it, “We are okay. Well, we will be. So don’t you worry about us baby girl.”
“He was so lost without you mom.”
“I know.” More tears begin to fall, “I know and I was lost without him as well.” Leaning over, Marlena brushes away stray tears from her daughter’s cheek, “We will be okay, so please don’t worry. Your daddy and I have a lot to talk about and work out. Its been a long couple of years, a lot has happened but we will work on it one step at a time.”
“And your mother is right-” Both girls turn towards the intruding voice. John smiles as both women call out his name, “Well that’s quite a welcome. How are my two beautiful gals doing?”
“John, what happened?”
“Dad, what are we doing?”
Holding up his hands, “Woo, slow down. First Izzy B, your mom and I will be just fine. We need to deal with Dr. North and then we can work on us. Or perhaps, we can do both at the same time. Ready for an adventure Doc?”
Her confused look is shared with Belle, as finally the young lady speaks up, “What do you mean dad?”
John moves further into the room, but does not begin to take his jacket off, “Well, we need to get moving so Belle, why don’t you go get Claire ready to rock and roll.”
“Mom and I already packed for her, but I’ll go get her coat on if we’re leaving.”
“That will be great. Thanks sweetie. Come here-“ He gestures for Belle to come to him and hugs his daughter tightly. He kisses the top of her head and whispers in her ear, “Thank you.” He waits for Belle to disappear upstairs before looking at Marlena.
She immediately gets up and moves towards him, “John, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Nothing. I just want us to get moving. North left so I slipped the note in but I don’t want to be here if he comes looking. So we’re hitting the road. I even took the liberty to pack some stuff for you.”
“Clothes right?”
“Opposed to?”
“Last trip you packed for, I had a bathing suit and underwear.”
His grin turns into a smirk as his eyes run over her body, “And boy, that was a great vacation. But no,” He taps her nose playfully, “I packed clothes. Warm ones.”
“John, what did you mean by adventure?”
“A blast from our past Doc.” He smiles as she continues to look at him as though he has lost his mind, “We are going camping.”
“John I don’t camp and neither does Belle and I’m sure Claire won’t be too thrilled either.”
“Training this girl early. Think about it Doc, forest, cabin, creek and perhaps even a cave.”
He stares at her, waiting for her to catch the hint and finally her eyes light up, “Virginia We’re going to Virginia?”
“Its warming up some and I thought the fresh air would do us all some good and its far away. Secluded and... thought we would check it out for a few days.”
Marlena sits on the edge of the couch and looks up at her husband, “I am not quite understanding here. How can you keep an eye on North if you are in Virginia with us?”
“Well... I won’t be there the whole time. But thought I could join in for a day or two. I just made sure that the good Dr. North overheard my travel plans and my plane did take off with people aboard. And I have Abe watching him right now. So soon, he will find your note and Abe will keep me in touch. I just figured we could use just one day to be a family and take a deep breath and then go back to work.” Waving his hands to end the conversation, “Nuff about that for right now. Belle ” Moving towards the steps, “Come on girl We need to hit the road.”
“John... I still don’t...”
John moves over to his wife and kisses her gently, “I’ll explain everything later. Right now its taken care of. But to help you out, we can’t come up with a plan until we know North’s next move.” Marlena nods and steps into his open arms. Relaxing against his chest, “You okay?”
“Yeah, I am now.” As soon as her eyes close, a yawn overtakes her lips. She smiles as she feels his lips on her head, “I didn’t realize I was so tired.”
“Are you going to be able to drive? I don’t want us all to leave together.”
“I can drive.” John looks up at his daughter and can’t help but be amazed as he sees the carrier in her hand. Marlena does not move from his embrace but turns her head to look at Belle. “Its okay mom. Claire and I had a nap, so I’m fine driving.” Gently putting the carrier down, Belle checks on Claire before letting out a content sigh, “It is so very good to see you two together again.”
The parents hug each other tightly, as John places another kiss on her forehead, “Yes, it is. You ready?”
“We are ready. Dad, would you mind grabbing the suitcase. Its right at the top of the stairs.”
“I got that. Doc, why don’t you guys get going. I’ll bring the suitcase with me. Directions are in your car, Doc. And I’ll call you shortly to let you know where we should meet up. Okay?”
“Okay.” Marlena moves towards her coat, but stops and turns back towards her husband, “I’ll see you soon, right?”
“You betcha. And I have a surprise for you.”
Raising her eyebrow in surprise, “Really? What is it?”
John leans down and captures her lips in a tender smile, “You two better hit the road. Answer your phone when North calls. I have you two booked at a spa- all that information is in the car. Hopefully everything is covered and I will see you two in about an hour.” Moving over towards his daughter, “Take care of your mom for me, kay?”
“You betcha.”
Smiling at her, John kisses her cheek and bends over to stare at his sleeping grandbaby, “You too little one. Take care of your grandma. Love you.” He strokes her cheek before straightening back up and moving towards the steps. “Love you both. Now get moving ” He takes two steps at a time and stops quickly to finish, “Oh yeah, candy and chips and other unhealthy food is found in a paper bag in the back of the car.” For the first time in months, a true laugh leaves his lips as he hears two female voices chime together, “We love you ”