Chapter 2

Sighing softly Roman headed to the bathroom door. With the sound of the toilet flushing, he knocked lightly. He could hear Marlena cry from inside the room. This illness has been awful for her Roman thought. When Marlena still didn't answer the door, Roman knocked more urgently.

"Doc you okay?"

"I'm fine Roman I'll be out soon."

He heard the sound of water running from the sink and stepped over to the table where their breakfast waited. Roman said down and opened the silver lids to reveal his and Marlena's favorite breakfast. Roman shook his head in disgust. When would Tony get the hint that his life is with Kate not with Marlena. Roman replaced the lid when he heard the door from the bathroom opening. Marlena managed to get her composure back and gave Roman a weak smile. Marlena sat once again on the bed pulling the covers over her.

"Well you are never going to guess what Tony has for us this morning."

"Oh Roman please don't talk about food. I haven't recovered from my episode yet."

"Marlena you need to eat. I know you don't feel that great but if you keep avoiding meals you'll be dead in a few days."

Marlena groaned and pulled the covers over her head. She knew he was right she had to eat something or at least try. She was not going to let Tony get the last laugh. Marlena managed to get out of bed and take her seat across the table. The lids prevented her from smelling what was underneath them. Hesitantly she pulled the lid off her tray to reveal eggs, bacon and sausage. Nausea struck her again as she replace the lid.

"I'm sorry Roman I can't. The smell of the grease is making me sick. Is there anything else that isn't full of grease?"

"I don't know Doc, what do you think you could eat?"

"I don't know toast maybe some fruit"

"Well Doc, you're in luck both are here."

Marlena let out a soft sigh and reached for the dry toast in front of her. Roman placed the lid aside and pulled the lid off another tray. It was a dish of fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Marlena angrily let out a frustrated groan. Not only did she share the strawberry ritual with Roman she did the same with John.

"Doc you okay?"

"Yes Roman I'm fine I'm just so angry. Does Tony have to keep reminding me each day that John isn't here with me? Does he HAVE to rub it in that John could be dead out there somewhere? I may never see him again."

She threw down the piece of toast and rushed to the bed she buried her face into the pillow. She tried to keep her pain as soft as possible but Roman knew better. He knew that she was crying for John. Roman places his fork on his plate and headed over to comfort Marlena again. She gladly lets him take her into his arms. She sobbed as Roman rubbed her back trying to calm the gasps coming from Marlena.

"I'm so sorry this is so hard on you Doc. I wish John were here instead of me. He should be here holding you, comforting your pain. I would give anything if it were John here not me."

Marlena laughed lightly and looked up into Roman's eyes. He couldn't help but smile back to her. It was ironic that they were discussing her husband. Marlena dried the tears on her cheeks and smiled back. Roman was moved, it was a long time since he saw her smile.

"Tony would never put John and me in the same room Roman. Remember according to Tony, John took Kristen away from him. John would probably be in the dungeon."

Roman laughed when he realized what he said was unlike Tony. He would never let John and Marlena in the same room. He would never let them be happy. His smiled faded as he thought…that's Tony's goal in life to make everyone pay for his or her deeds. He and Marlena were proof enough of that. Marlena took Roman face in her hands and smiled lightly.

"Well I should at least try and eat something. Not that it will make me feel better."

"Marlena I promise you we are getting out of here one way or another."

"I know Roman that's why I fell in love with you. You are always so determined it's your best quality."

Roman nodded and he escorted Marlena over to the table. Roman took Marlena's breakfast and placed in on a nearby stand. If she were going to eat that would have to go. Knowing the smell caused Marlena discomfort he took his breakfast away and ate it away from her. He kept a watchful eye on Marlena as she reached for the toast once again. Taking a tiny bite, she struggled to keep from gagging. She managed to swallow the toast without rushing off to the bathroom. Roman was pleased with the progress and smiled at her. She returned his smile and both finished eating their meal.

A few hours later Marlena succeeded in keeping her meal down though there was a struggle involved. However, Roman was sure to keep a watchful eye on her. While Roman continued to find a way out Marlena took naps through out the day. She was exhausted from the restless nights that kept her up. Checking on Marlena every now and then Roman continued his search to find a way out. If Marlena was truly as ill as he thought he needed to get her to a Doctor as soon as he could. Nothing else mattered to him just to keep Marlena safe because THAT was what John would do. It also kept his mind off Kate back in Salem. With a knock at the door, Roman quickly went to the bed startling Marlena awake. He didn't want Tony or anyone to now what he was doing.

"Hey well I talked to the boss and he okayed some saltine crackers and tea to settle Marlena's stomach. I also was able to talk him into letting a Doctor come to see Marlena. That I promise you wasn't very easy. Anyway the Doctor is here to look at you Marlena."

Marlena sat up on the bed and winced as a wave of nausea approached her. She swallowed hard and left out a long sigh. Roman moved over to Bart as the Doctor came in walking towards Marlena seated upright on the bed.

"Hello Marlena how are we feeling?"

"I'm feeling a little better. I managed to eat breakfast and keep it down. I don't know if I can do the same for the next few meals."

The Doctor nodded and reached for Marlena's wrist. She protectively pulled away from his touch. Roman approached Marlena and sat next to her. She felt like a child going to get shots. However, Roman soothed her uneasiness as the Doctor continued to poke and prod her.

"I'll need you to lie down while I continue my examination."

Marlena looked over to Roman then to Bart.

"Does he have to be in here too? You're the Doctor I don't want to give him a free show."

Bart took his queue and stepped outside the door. Marlena once again looked at Roman who softly nodded. Marlena nodded and Roman helped her down to the bed. He held her hand while the Doctor finished

"Well you are perfectly healthy. How long have you been feeling like this?"

"Oh I don't know a few days. I feel much better then I did yesterday. Do you know what's wrong?"

"Oh you just have the tail end of that flu that's been going around the castle. The good news is the worst is over."

The Doctor left as did Bart and Marlena sighed thankful the exam was over.

TBC…Chapter 3