Seventh Regret

by Kris1907

Part 1 of 4. The Seventh Regret series takes John/Marlena through a reunion and the bittersweet conversation of 'What if' In this story, John left town in 93, rather than Marlena stopping him on the plane, years later they bump into each other.

Seventh Regret

By: Krista Chapman

"I challenge any being to prove me wrong when I say that regrets are the worst kind of sins. They are simple at the core but messy along the border, they are easy to fall into, and with an effortless hand, a single regret can wipe away your life… your existence. But the most important element that links a sin and a regret together…"

Howard Hawkes

Well shit, I use to do this all the time? Why would be the question.

I stand in the middle of the common area. My hand rubs the tense muscles in my neck as I look out over all the people. Commotion. Just a wall of commotion. People talking, phones ringing, bags being dragged and thrown to the ground, kids shrieking, and those ghastly little cars for old people… the ones that beep every three seconds and drive any normal person insane. They move at a snail's pace so anybody who gets hit by it deserves to be. Any idiot can see it coming.

My eyes watch one of these carts roll but my sight is broken as my shoulder is pushed and I jerk forward. Instinctively, my head whirls around just in time to see a cluster of teens walk past me.

"Sorry about that… didn't mean to be so rude… too busy flirting to realize you were there…" I shake my head and continue to mutter. This truly is shit. How did I survive this for all those years? Constantly moving, constantly on a plane and on trains and dealing with such... such… whatever this shit is.

I officially think I'm too old for this. Or at least, too tired and too out of practice. Need to get my lazy ass out of the office more often and back out into the world. Why did I stop? I guess that is the question. Didn't really notice I missed it. Not so sure I do miss it. It just got all redundant and dull. Too many meetings about pointless things. Too many old men in gray suits and now, well now I'm the old man in the suit. I went everywhere. Met with everybody. Started charity after charity and business after business. When you have to hire people to keep track of all your office buildings- you need a life. Life- that's something I don't have. In some ways, I've never had one. There was a time I thought I did, but when it was taken away I ran. I made things and so it's all quite simple, I burned myself out.

Now what? Grab something to drink, I guess.

I adjust the strap on my briefcase and begin to walk. I catch the view outside the windows of JFK Airport. Not really the most beautiful view. It's actually rather terrible. But then again, New York really isn't known for its beauty. The city has changed a bit too. Something in the feel. But then again, I gave it five years to change, so I guess it could just be me. Nothing about it changed, just my perception of it. Wonder if LA is the same? Has the feel changed? A shift in the vibe, perhaps.

I shake my head and continue towards the small café counter, "Really have to get out more."

I pass by a couple dozen people, side step a few, walk through the middle of a group and stop abruptly as a kid runs out in front of me before I finally make it to the counter. I smile at the female, "Vanilla latté."

"Size?"

"Umm… what's it… a…" My eyes narrow as I attempt to locate the sizes on the very unorganized board, "Grande should do."

I really could use a good tea, but no way in hell I'll simply settle for a bottled version. She is staring at me. Processing it I suppose. Rather slowly I might add but then she nods at me and sets off to work. Hearing the machine start, I turn slightly and adjust the shoulder strap yet again. My right hand holds it in place as I turn completely and lean up against the counter. My eyes are caught by a plane pulling away from its gate and a bunch of kids line the windows watching in awe and waving madly. Nobody cares and nobody can see them, but they wave anyways. It's rather cute. Especially the little boy who keeps jumping every time the plane moves an inch.

Innocence.

Businessmen in their suits with their newspapers. Just so dull. They stick out and have this air about them like they are something special to behold. When all they are, are businessmen in a suit. God, and I was one of them for all this time? It's not that I hate the business or the job, just never realized how stale and common-place we all looked- I looked. Then there are the families heading off on vacation. The parents look ready to lose it and the kids are all in tears, what's the point?

God, how I miss family vacations.

I laugh lightly as I watch a mother drag her son along the rug. This is why I always flew private. My own little entrances and exits. Alone. No fuss, no unnecessary people. And I can get a latté without it taking an hour. When did I become such a crotchety old man? The Scrooge of life?

About seven years ago I guess.

Turning back around to see what is taking so long, my hands lay flat on the counter, but something has caught the corner of my eye. It was brief and meaningless. Happens a million times a day and I should ignore it and yell about my drink, but instead, my head turns slightly to the left and I try to figure out what it was that had grabbed my attention. I simply see more chaos. Groups of people, but nothing all that interesting.

My eyes move from one person to another. A man with an obnoxiously bright tropic shirt on, another sporting that ridiculous mouse and an old lady who forgot to look in the mirror before heading out into the public- some people just shouldn't be allowed out in the world.

I'm not seeing anything of importance and just as I give up, I stop. Blonde, fair skin, talking with her hands, and perfectly shaped legs. Sure, that could make her just about anyone, but as she tosses her head back- I know it must be to laugh and I know it's her. It's an odd angle on her profile but th- -

"Sir."

I shake my head and blink myself back into the coffee situation. I look up at the woman to let her know I heard her but toss another quick glance back to make sure I was correct in what I was seeing, "Could I…" turning back around, "Could I get another one with whipped cream?"

"Instead of this one?"

Society is falling apart, doomed with no hope of survival because this is, "Along with this one. Need- -" Trying to make this easy, I place a possessive hand over this one, "I want this one. And now would also like a second with whipped cream."

"Could have ordered them both together."

I open my mouth. Close it. This is, after all, New York City. Have to be pleased she speaks English. "I could have. I'm sorry."

I receive a look. Not a very nice look and I just laugh. Turning to the man next to me, "You may just want to run to another one… would be faster."

He smiles at me, "Probably not. The workers seem to be clones."

We share a laugh and I can't help but look back in her general direction. Would hate to miss her, but she's still there. In total concentration. My fingers begin to tap the counter and I watch the woman work with the machine. Can't be that hard. You push a button, liquid comes out, spray some whipped cream on the top and its over. So where is she going so wrong?

My eyes are on my feet as I hear the whipped cream can and I look up and mutter out "Finally." Hate waiting on people when I have things to do. Well more, people to see but it's all the same. Pulling out my wallet, I snap it open and then close it. Flipping it over, I dig my fingers into the side pocket and pull out some American bills. Locating a five and two ones quickly, I toss those on the counter with a slight "Thank you" before I fix that damn strap, and place my hands around the coffees and move towards the left and head straight for her.

I'm staring at her back and accidentally catch the eyes of her company. I look away. Very away as I practically turn in the opposite direction. How pathetic am I? But it's a weird feeling to be caught staring. So now I am going to feel really stupid and walk towards her while looking at a different destination. Move closer to her, yet hardly looking at her. Just as I get behind her, my arm reaches around her and I state quietly, "Latté? Vanilla with some whipped cream."

She tenses. I'm not touching her but I can tell. But who wouldn't? It's a normal reaction as she tries to place the voice. Shouldn't be hard. At least I hope not.

"I'm not so sure I should accept things from strangers."

She's smiling and trying to play with me. Wouldn't have it any other way. "You've forgotten me? I'm hurt."

Taking the coffee in her hand, she turns slowly, "You disappear for a couple of years and then yo- -" She breaks off as our eyes meet. Her sarcastic or bitter comment meant as a joke is gone. Not sure what she was going for. Don't think she knows either. She's still trying to adjust to the shock. It's clearly written in her eyes. They are quite wide, but clouded over as she adjusts.

I smile slightly. It's more teasing and cocky. I want her to smile. Trying to force that reactionary smile out of her, "Peace offering then?"

She's not smiling. Why isn't she smiling? If she doesn't, I don't know what to do. I look down at my feet and then back up at her. She lifts the lid on her coffee and takes a small sip. Her tongue darts out to remove the whipped cream from her upper lip, but she misses a small spot at the corner of her mouth. I shouldn't but I'm already leaning forward, so there is no hope now. It's too natural, not to. It's an action that haunts my memory and all these years later, I'm often left wondering if any of the emotions were really as strong as I remember. So, I place a chaste kiss over the sweet spot, effectively removing the remaining cream before whispering in her ear, "Smile please."

This gets her. Her face brightens and her eyes twinkle, "John."

I laugh. There's my girl. "Hey yourself. You're lookin' good… very very- -" I'm hit and I stop. "What? I'm just letting you know what I th- -" I sigh, "Just letting you know that I missed you and that you are looking amazing. Seriously."

She blushes and I can't help but smile. Been so long since I've seen her blush. Been so long since I've seen her nose wrinkle and the turn of her head, as she tries to hide in her hair. But why does it seem so much redder than I remember? Time… been awhile since she's gotten one from me. She takes a step forward. Placing her leg in between mine and wraps her arms around my waist. My left comes around her shoulders as I pull her closer to me and whisper, "Don't spill on my shirt."

Marlena laughs and buries her face into my shoulder. I never thought how hard or perhaps, even unfair this might be for her. Paying little attention to my bag, I allow my cheek to rest against the side of her head and I can't help but inhale the scent of her hair. We almost fit perfectly together. She always said that are bodies must have been built from the same mold, because we are like puzzle pieces meant to be put together. Never did ask her if she said that to Roman. I never wanted to know.

As she backs up, she begins to move around me, but stops and smoothes down my shirt, "Barely noticeable."

I laugh at that. Laugh harder than necessary but I have missed her. "So, heading back to Salem?"

"Actually, down to Florida." She looks down for a minute, as if the words are caught within her throat. Simple question, wasn't it? Nothing too prying. "Eric will be meeting me down there, he's uh, he's moving into his dorm tomorrow."

That explains it. Massively awkward now. "Oh. Wow." That's a good response right? Haven't seen the kid in over six years. Went from entering middle school with me to college in a matter of seconds, so yeah, that was an appropriate answer. "I, uh sorry, just wow. Blowing my mind a little here. But of course, they would be college age." I have a million questions for her. Sami has kept in touch a bit over the years, but I have always wondered just how well High School and the change over really went for them. But it's not like I'll get an honest answer out of her right now anyways, so why bother prying too much deeper? "Graduated."

"Yeah, scary huh? I still feel like it was yesterday that I was bringing them into nursery school."

"God, I remember the first day of kindergarten. Sami dropped me so fast and Eric wouldn't let go of me. I was totally prepared for the opposite. I ended up sitting in this tiny chair, paranoid that my butt was stuck forever, with Eric on my lap for half the day. He was so little."

Marlena smiles softly, "You never told me that story before."

"Well," What's an appropriate comment here? I take a sip of my drink to buy me a few seconds, "Someday we'll have to sit and share stories. Where is he going?"

"He decided on FIT. He wants physics or chemical engineering, he hasn't quite decided which. I fear he'll go after both and cause himself to burn out."

"Nah, he's a smart kid. He'll figure out a balance. He always loved his chemicals."

"Yeah, he was always reading about science. I'm sure you remember, how many books he went through, experiences, and how many phones calls we got about him sneaking into the chemistry room when he was just in the…" I join in with a laugh, "second grade."

We both laugh at the memory, "Yeah, I remember that. I think the teacher had us on speed-dial. She said that this was her first time having to call about a good student constantly. Just couldn't keep the boy out." I readjust my bag, switch hands with my drink, and look out towards the window, "Wow, all grown up. No longer playing with a chemistry set in the basement, ordering me to stay out. I was honestly afraid that one day Frankenstein was going to walk through the kitchen." I can see where she is about to take this conversation, it's my fault. I opened it up too much to reminiscing. That won't get me anywhere, need to bring it back on line. So as she takes a drink, I jump in with, "And Sami?"

"She's sticking around Salem for now. Things have been a little hard on Sami, she's not the biggest fan of change so she is going to start at Salem U and will, perhaps, transfer out next semester or next year. She's going for journalism currently."

"And what will she be-"

I stop so she jumps in, "Do with it? Heavens know, but knowing my little girl, she'll change her mind a million times over."

"Just like her mom." I step back playfully as she moves to hit me. Pointing at her cup, "Watch it or you will end up spilling. Carrie?"

"Engaged."

She says it quietly, like if I hear it softly, I won't feel quite so horrible. "Engaged? To be married? Not to that Austin guy."

Marlena has a small smile on her face and I can only assume it comes from my tone. "You never did approve of him, even when they were so young. But no, things between them ended a few years ago. Not long after… after you left. Too much stress and strain."

I don't quite follow her here, "Stress? Because of her accident?" Her eyes fly up to my own, "I co-sponsored the event, so not only did I see the newspaper article about the attack, but it was in the memos. I hope she got my gift, but I felt so horrible. But she's okay now, right?"

"Yeah. Can barely notice the scars. Have to be looking for them to see'em. But so much happened, there was just a lot tied up into that attack, with Austin and Roman got involved and well… she's engaged to this very handsome and sweet boy named Bryan. Bryan Hanson and he's just finishing up med-school so that is always a plus."

"But long hours."

"Yeah, but she is getting into business, so they will have to learn communication."

"Good for her. I'll have to send her a gift."

"You should come."

We share a look and an understanding is formed, I'm just not sure which type of understanding. Is it because she knows that I won't show or is it because I know that I can't really show? Well not can't, I always could. But I won't. Well, I guess in some ways I can't, its just too much drama and it would be her special day… God, I'm actually trying to talk myself out of going. My life is so fucked up.

Silence falls and its, in all honesty, uncomfortable. I'm trying to remember why I decided to say Hi to her. I think I may be doing more harm than good. More harm to the both of us. And I seriously regret doing this to her. I only have ever truly regretted five things in my life, this would be the sixth. Four out of the six surround her. I've regretted not saving her from Orpheus and I have regretted not keeping her alive enough in our household after she was gone and most of all, I've regretted leaving. I have replayed that day, those weeks, months over in my head a million times. Perhaps more. I have created many alternate endings and I regret not giving any of those a try. Now I regret this. Number six.

It's Marlena who finally breaks through the agonizing silence, "Where are you heading off too? Business meeting?"

"Actually, home."

"Really?" She is surprised and intrigued, "You don't live here anymore?" At my questioning look, she continues, "I had heard a rumor that you moved here and started a new branch on your office."

Nodding, "I, uh, lived here for a bit. Then spent some time in Florida, Massachusetts, was in LA for a year, then Maine and then have spent the last few years living in London. Well, just outside of it, doing some business with my European branches. Now putting together a new office in LA. So will be calling there home for now."

"You closed your offices in Salem." I nod. Not a topic I care to get into and she drops it there. "So, do you like it out there?"

"Don't know. I mean, I haven't been there yet, but before it was much different. New York and LA are very different cities. Both big and busy but very different. And London is just a totally different ballgame. Think I will just have some troubles readjusting to being back in the states, you know?"

"Doesn't sound like you have a home John."

"Not really, I guess. Did have this adorable little house in a town just outside of London. Loved it there. Had a garden and some woods. Reminded me a little of Salem, especially the cabin."

I see a cloud move through her eyes, she's upset or sad about something. I assume it's my mentioning of the cabin. She's probably not impressed with my sneaky little way of reminding her of our live together. But I don't know why that should bother her, it was literally a lifetime ago and I'm sure she has so many new memories of that place, memories that don't star me. But then she speaks and I get confused, because perhaps it wasn't the cabin that made her go so sad, "So why did you give it up, assuming by your use of 'did,' that you sold it."

"Didn't see the point in keeping it. Who knows when I'll return there."

"John, to me it seems like you are running away from something."

I smile tightly, "Always a shrink, right Doc? Never able to turn that part of you off, can you?"

"No." She tilts her head to follow my gaze, "Any particular reason you don't want to find a place to settle down?"

"Work doesn't really allow that right now."

"John…" My name is drawled out and I suddenly feel like I use to when I was either lying to her or purposely withholding information and she knew it, "In all these years-"

I cut her off because I don't really need her to rationalize it for me. I know why I don't have a home, because I lost my home. I lost my family and I can't try to trick myself into thinking otherwise- try to trick myself into finding a place and forcing myself to settle. I did try. I tried in London and came close. I honestly did, but I can't do it. I just can't physically or emotionally do it- not yet at least. "Lets not be fools here, I'm positive you already have it all figured out."

"Perhaps."

She looks down and silence takes over us again. I am truly hating silence right now and I am truly beginning to hate myself for putting me into this position. What the hell did I think this would accomplish? Like I really needed to see that she is still incredible- hasn't changed a bit. Me on the other hand… I'm so royally fucked up it isn't funny. Seeing her take a drink, I follow suit. Then I rub the back of my neck and attempt to laugh, "Wow, this is a little… tense. I don't know what to say."

"Say whatever is on your mind."

I smile, "If only I could Doc. If only there was the time. But that's the thing, how do we catch up on the last seven years in a twenty minute conversation?"

"I don't know. I guess extend the time limit."

"Boy would I love to do that. At least let me ask, how are you doing? Really."

There is a noticeable shift in her demeanor. One that I cannot really read, but I know that I am about to get the truth, "I've been okay, I guess. The kids have kept me so busy most of the time and then there is work. Going to have an empty house now, so… well that fact is just starting to sink in so think I'm starting to get the empty nest syndrome. Not so sure what to do with all the free time and silence that I'll be getting."

"Won't be that quiet, you'll still have Roman around."

"Yeah. I guess."

Now we are getting somewhere, "Marlena, are things okay between you two?"

"Yeah, things are just fine. He's…" She shrugs her shoulders and focuses on anything that isn't me, "Roman just works a lot and has been taking a lot of cases lately from the ISA, so he's gone a lot. Makes it hard. Makes all of this ever harder, I guess."

"I can imagine. You are left alone to deal with everything, as usual." I receive a quick glance because of my bitter tone, but I do notice that her eyes never fully formed a glare, so I must be hitting the correct buttons. I need to stop this line of questioning or else I can't be sure of what I'll ask.

But before I can change the topic, Marlena continues, "It's not like when you were around. Roman went from being home and spending as much time as possible with the kids and I, to just never being around. He is always missing so much and most of all, I feel bad for the twins, because Sami and Eric are hurting."

"Oh Doc," I reach out to remove a tear that is threatening to fall down her cheek, "The kids know that Roman loves them and I am sure he is simply doing what he thinks is best for you all. He loves you."

"They are hurting John. They never fully healed from everything I put them through."

"We put them through Doc. We, not just you. It was Stefano's fault and Roman and I played just as much of a role in this all as you did. We talked about this?"

"Did we John? Because I don't remember."

I look at her strangely, because I know she has not forgotten our final chat, "What do you mean you don't remember?"

"I remember you telling me that you had it all figured out, decided what was best, and than informing me that you were leaving. I remember that clearly."

Her voice has risen a bit and I look around quickly to see if we are catching anybody's attention. "You are making it sound like I decided everything. I only choose that course of action after you told me that you were going to go with Roman and try to put back together your… your family. The original one."

"And then you left."

"I had no choice."

She looks at me in a curious way and I can't breath. It's almost like she doesn't believe me, "Could have chose to stay."

"Oh no, no, that wasn't a choice. You know, Marlena you know that that wasn't a choice for me. I had nothing there and I sure as hell wasn't going to force myself to stay there and live like a zombie."

"No, instead you do that everywhere else in the world."

Ouch. Point for Marlena. "Yeah, maybe I do. But it is a little bit easier to get out of bed every morning in London or LA or here, than it was in Salem. I was dying there."

The silence hits again, but this time I don't mind it so much. It's less painful than the words. I should be moving on and I am trying to convince myself to start the goodbyes, make up some damn excuse to run away, but once again, she interrupts my thoughts, "When did you know?"

"Know what?"

"That you had to leave, rather than staying in Salem?"

"Oh." Good question, when did I figure it out? "The twins baseball game." At her questioning look, I begin to play with the lid of my cup and explain, "You couldn't be there and Roman arrived late. I got there and just… I dunno. I fell into the dad role. Cheering and instructing and then Roman came and I felt so angry and jealous and… and… uh lost, I guess. I wasn't dad anymore and I couldn't bare to see somebody else take over- especially when I didn't honestly feel he could do it as well as I had." There, I said it. Something that I wanted to say for so long, the words are finally let free.

"They could have used that father. In a way, they still could."

"Marlena, they have a father and he is all anybody needs there."

She smiles bittersweetly at me and shakes her head, "How can I believe you John, when you don't even believe it yourself?"

"It might be a whole lot of shit, but its true Marlena."

"When did you become so cynical?"

"The day I left Salem." I check my watch and realize that it is getting very close to my flight's time. Not really the way I wanted this meet and greet to go and not really the way I want to leave it. Not sure what I want really. But you can't sum up years of life in one conversation and you can't also solve past hurts in an airport. Its now time, "My flight is loading and I'm sure yours won't be too long now either. So its time for Barbra to start singing 'The Way We Were' and for Robert to take a deep breath and walk away."

She is crying now, openly and it's breaking my heart. Perhaps I shouldn't have referenced her favorite movie that way, but it does describe our emotions perfectly and the fucked up moment we are in. It was nice to see, but now the pain and the 'what if' shit just gets to grow ever more. "Hey hey now… don't cry. I hate to see you cry, you know that." I can feel my own eyes start to go, "And you also know that I tend to cry when I watch you. You're being cruel. Fate is being cruel." I pull her into my arms and hold her tightly. I fear that I am squeezing her, but she isn't protesting so I'm not letting go.

For the first time in years, I can smell her hair and it's just like I remember it to be. Cheesey, I know. Not exactly true, I know. But it's the sentiment that counts. There are times that I try to remember her smell or how she felt in my arms, but most nights I can't recall it. But now… now it all comes soaring back and I think I've majorly fucked up with coming over here.

I pull back, but rest my hand against her cheek, "Let's try this again sometime."

"Yeah. When we have more time to catch up."

I return her smile, "You bet."

We share a nod and then I lean forward to kiss her cheek and whisper a soft "Take care" into her ear.

"I will." Her words come out more mouthed than spoken and I turn to walk away.

I adjust the strap of my briefcase, but stop upon hearing her call my name. Turning, I acknowledge her and she takes a few short steps to clear the distance between us, "Eric will be playing soccer for FIT and Sami will be playing tennis, they may be eighteen but they still could use somebody on the sideline cheering them on, ordering them about."

"Marlena-"

"Seriously John. I know that you miss them and I know that they do need you. I hate myself that I have waited this long to tell you that. There are a lot of things that I hate, but there isn't time now. But think about them. Besides, it may even do you a bit of good."

"And what about Roman?"

"What about him?" I leave that statement where it is and file the look on her face away for future study and analysis. My head nods and I hear a Florida flight being called. She smiles one more brilliant smile at me before stating simple, "I gotta go."

"Don't think the plane will wait?"

"Well, unlike you, I don't own my own plane."

"Very true. Was…" I break off. Now how to end? I cup her cheek and turn her towards me, "I've missed you a lot and… thanks."

A true Marlena smile. Been waiting a long time to see one of those again, "Same here." I can tell that she wants to continue but doesn't have the words. I mouth 'I understand' and watch a grateful look form on her face, "Remember what I said."

"I will."

She moves up to her tip-toes and kisses my cheek before moving past me with a soft, "Bye."

I wave into the air. Pointless since she is walking away from me. I reach behind me, into my back pocket for my ticket and keep myself focused forward. I wish I could change flights. Or change our times. Or hell, wish I could just screw it all and go off to Florida with her. Forget about the world or the consequences for once and be willing to create some hell. Only way I can get some things back again. Here is the game of what ifs that my mind is starting to play with as I slowly make my way through the crowd. Playing through all these situations, but it's all hopeless.

Hopeless. I reach the counter, hand off my ticket and pause. I want to turn around and look. I want to just go back and… and do something. But I don't. I never do. I never have. Instead I thank the woman, lean over to throw out my coffee and walk through the arch. Just like that. No looking back. I choose the easy way out. The leaving.

This very well could be my seventh regret.