Chapter 2: Recovery

John, Marlena, and Roman were in her hospital room, surrounded by silence. Marlena opened her mouth to speak, but the baby kicked, catching her off guard. "Oh!" she cried, clutching her stomach.

Immediately, Roman came to her left side and took her hand. "What's wrong, Doc?" both men asked in unison.

Marlena smiled. "Nothing. The baby just kicked."

Roman cleared his throat. "Uh, Doc, um, can I?" he asked shyly.

Marlena laughed. "Of course, Roman."

Roman blushed a little before putting his hand on Marlena's stomach. The baby kicked again, causing him to let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. John stepped back a bit, deciding to allow Roman to share this moment with Marlena, who couldn't help but notice his sudden shyness.

"John, it's OK. You can feel, too," she told him gently. "In fact, I think she'd like to get to know you."

John laughed. "Come on, Doc."

Marlena laughed, too. "John, I'm serious. Come on. Give it a try."

John chuckled and obliged, causing the baby to kick yet again.

Marlena giggled. "See? She likes you."

John smiled. "I guess you're right, Doc," he said before kissing her lightly. However, John and Marlena were so caught up in the moment that they failed to notice Roman's quiet exit.

Back outside, Roman met Kate near the water fountains.

"Roman, how's Marlena?" she asked.

"She's fine. John's with her now. Have you seen Belle?"

"She went home to rest. She said she wasn't feeling well and that she'd be back later."

In Marlena's room, she'd pulled away and was about to speak again when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," she and John said in unison.

"Marlena, I heard what happened," Maggie told her as she stepped inside. "Are you and the baby all right?"

Marlena smiled and extended a hand to Maggie. "I've got a concussion, but the baby and I are stable."

Maggie sighed. "Oh, thank goodness. I was really worried," she said with a smile.

Suddenly, there was another knock at the door.

"Come in," Marlena called.

"Hey, everybody," Lexie said cheerfully. "I've got more good news. Your concussion's cleared up fast, Marlena. You can go home whenever you're ready."

Marlena smiled. "Great. Thanks, Lexie," she said as Maggie packed her bag.

"You're welcome," Lexie replied as she left to do the paperwork.

"John, could you help me up?" Marlena asked softly.

"Sure, Doc," John replied, pulling her up gently.

She stood up slowly, being careful to protect the baby.

"I'll drive you back to the penthouse," Maggie piped up.

"Thanks, Maggie," Marlena said with a smile.

"Anytime," Maggie said as they headed toward the door.

Marlena patted Roman's shoulder on the way out. "Maggie's driving us back to the the penthouse. We'll sort this out later, Roman, I promise."

Roman nodded. "Yeah, we will, Doc," he agreed. "Don't worry."

"Roman, um, have you seen Belle or Sami?"

"Sami went home to cool off, and Belle wasn't feelin' good, so she went home to rest."

Marlena nodded. "Maybe that's for the best," she reasoned.

With that, the trio left the hospital, and Marlena knew she'd be back to her old self in no time.