I know they would never make this desicion so fast, but keep in mind they've been having trouble for awhile. Plus, this is part of the purpose of this fic. I want to keep it amiable, too.

Upstairs at the pub, Marlena watched as John shifted nervously in his seat. His uneasiness was kind of endearing. Sure she had been a little jealous when he kissed Isabella, it was impossible not to be, but she wasn't as jealous as a wife should have been. A few years ago she would have been devastated at the prospect of John being with another woman, but now she was happy for him. She understood her feelings now, better than she had for a long time.

"Doc, about Isabella, well this is an awkward situation. She is technically my wife."

"I think it's a little more than technically."

In spite of himself, she saw the small smile appear. It was perfectly clear what was going to happen when they got home. They would get a divorce, and then take care of the fact that Isabella was legally dead. Once that was taken care of John could be with her, without being a bigamist. And she could be with Roman, if he'd have her. Surprisingly, she was okay with it.

"I don't know what to say."

"Just tell me how you feel, be honest with me."

"I'm confused mostly. I know I love you, I always will, but Izzy's different. After she died I had trouble looking at Brady it hurt so much. Even when we got married for real, she always had a piece of my heart. I loved you first, but I think she's the one I was meant to love last."

Gently she reached across the small space between them and took one of his hands.

"I understand John, I truly do. I will always love you; you're the father of Belle and Brady and you have loved my twins all their lives. We have a special connection, but I know that being in love is over for us. You still love Isabella, and honestly I've started to feel something more toward Roman. I know he's married to Kate, but we've talked a little about this. He doesn't realize how I feel, but I'm thinking of telling him. I have a chance to be with my first great love and you have a chance to be with the woman that's never really left your heart. I think we need to take these chances."

With his free hand he tenderly caressed her cheek, she leaned her face into him. Marlena knew this wasn't the end, at least not of their friendship.

"Marlena, just because we end our romantic relationship doesn't mean..."

"No, it doesn't mean we won't still see each other. I'll always be here for you and I know you'll do the same. You and I can be friends, real friends. You'll see, this will work out for the best."

"I think you're right. For the first time, in a long time, I feel at peace. Well, except for the predicament of getting off this island and back home. Do we know who is holding us here?"

"No. Roman and Abe keep blaming Stefano, but Sami thinks there's more to it."

"She may be correct. Do you know what's wrong with her, she seemed a little sad when we left?"

"I think she just misses Will, but even more it has to do with Lucas. I guess seeing you and Isabella together made her miss him. Did you know she's in love with him? They had some fight before she got here. It took the joint effort of Caroline, Isabella, and me to get her to open up, but once those floodgates open it's hard to close them. She sobbed out the whole story right here. She doesn't think he loves her anymore."

"I'll have to have a talk with her. You should have seen him at her funeral, he was devastated. He insisted on helping me plan it, and was adamant that the church be filled with white lilies because they're her favorite. And his eulogy, well there wasn't a dry eye in St Luke's."

"I'm sure she'll be very touched to hear whatever you have to say to her. I'm so glad she's thawed towards you; you have Isabella to thank for that. I don't know what she said to Sami, but it worked."

"We should go back down. I need to talk to Sami and I'm sure Izzy wants to know every little detail about Brady. Besides, I believe you have an ex-husband who has information he needs to know. You really should talk to him, Doc."

"I plan to. I'm so glad you're okay with this situation."

"We'll always love each other, just not in the same way."

Marlena followed him down the stairs, her guilty conscience finally at rest. Now she just needed the courage to tell Roman how she felt.