Chapter 3

Marlena is settling in very well at her new practice in San Francisco. She gets along well with everyone and her patients really seem to like her. She has a good amount of patients and she has only been there a couple of weeks. Despite not having her father around, Belle is settling in very well. She of course misses her brother Brady and her father very much but she is a very happy girl. Marlena wonders what John is doing now and wonders if he and Kristen are married yet. She misses everyone in Salem terribly, especially her grandson, Will. He is such a sweet little boy and is growing so fast. Even though he wasn't born into the best of circumstances, Sami being only 16 when she had him, she really seems to love him and takes very good care of him. Marlena didn't realize how much she would miss Brady. She has known that little boy since the day he was born and has loved him as her own since his mother Isabella died. It's just not fair that she loves John and shares a child with him and yet can't be with him.

Marlena gets lost in her thoughts as she finishes up her last patient for the day. She is going to spend some time with her daughter. She wants to spend as much time as she can with Belle since her father isn't around. She is going to make arrangements for Belle to see her father in a few days. The phone ringing interrupts Marlena from her thoughts. She still doesn't have a secretary yet. Marlena answers the phone.

"Dr. Evans."

"Hi Dr. Evans, its Kelly, Belle's nanny."

Marlena gets a look of surprise on her face.

"Kelly, what's the matter?"

"Nothing's wrong, it's just Belle has been asking for her dad all day. She's a bit upset. I have been having a hard time keeping her distracted. I was hoping I could bring her there so she can see you."

"Yes, that would be fine. I just finished up with my last patient, so you can come here to the clinic."

"Okay we will be there soon."

"Okay see you soon, Kelly. Bye."

Marlena hangs up the phone. She is very worried about Belle. To pass the time while waiting for Kelly and Belle, she decides to straighten up her office.

Meanwhile back in Salem…

John has officially moved back into his loft, he and Abe are there now trying to figure out where Marlena could have gone. The only person Marlena told was Laura and she made a promise to Marlena that she wouldn't tell anyone. So John and Abe are working diligently trying to figure out where Marlena could have gone. Brady is with Shawn and Caroline. Kristen still hasn't told John she lost the baby, she has done a good job of hiding it so far but it will only be a matter of time before John finds out the truth.

"Did Marlena give any kind of hint that she was leaving, John?"

"None whatsoever, Abraham."

John gets up and starts pacing and running his fingers through his hair.

"I should have stopped her from going. I should have told her sooner that I loved her. I love her Abraham and I want her and Belle here with me and Brady in Salem. We have to find her."

"We will find her, John. I won't give up helping you find her and I know you won't give up finding her either."

"No I won't, I regret ever letting her go in the first place."

"I know you do, John. You and Marlena felt so much guilt because of your affair and that's understandable, but you and Marlena love each other and you deserve to be together."

"Thanks Abraham. You have been such a good friend to me."

"I will always be here for you."

John and Abe hug as they continue to come up with ideas as to where Marlena might be.

Meanwhile at the DiMera mansion…

"Are you sure this will really work, Stefano?"

"Of course it will, Kristen. You know I will take care of you. I will make sure you don't lose John to Marlena. John belongs to you and Marlena belongs to me and we will be together."

"How are you and Marlena going to be together? You don't even know where she is."

"I have my ways of finding out, Kristen. I will find Marlena and she will be mine."

Kristen rolls her eyes.

"I don't know if we should do this, what if John finds out?"

"He won't find out, and besides he's already left you. But I can guarantee you I will help you get him back, this plan is foolproof."

"So what do you plan to do, Stefano?"

"All in good time Kristen, all in good time."

Meanwhile back in San Francisco…

Kelly and Belle have finally arrived at the clinic to see Marlena. Marlena is trying her best to comfort her daughter, but nothing seems to work.

"Mommy, I want daddy."

Marlena holds Belle and kisses her head.

"I know you do, baby girl. How would you like it if you and Kelly went and saw your daddy in two days?"

Belle looks up as her eyes light up.

"Can you come too, mommy?"

"I don't think so Belle. Mommy has to stay and work but Kelly will take you and she will take good care of you. You will be able to see your daddy and Brady."

"I want you to come and see daddy too."

"Why?"

"I want you and daddy together."

Marlena starts to cry as she looks at her daughter.

"Belle your daddy and I can't be together. Remember I told you he's with Kristen and they are going to have a baby?"

Belle nods.

"That's why I can't come with you and Kelly to see your daddy and Brady, I'm sorry sweet girl."

"Okay mommy, don't cry."

Belle hugs her mother as Marlena holds her daughter as the tears roll down her face. She has the best little girl in the world and she would do anything for her, she wishes she could do this for her but it's just not possible. Belle has so much John in her; she just can't believe it sometimes. She can't believe she ever thought Belle was Roman's daughter. She looks and acts nothing like him.

"I just love you so much, Belle. Don't you ever forget that okay?"

Belle nods as she continues to hold her mother.

"I love you, mommy."

Eventually Marlena makes all the arrangements for Kelly to take Belle to see John; it's going to be hard not having Belle around but it's for the best. Belle needs this time with her father. Marlena and Belle spend a beautiful rest of the day together as Belle seems to cheer up. They go home and have a nice dinner; Belle has her bath as Marlena reads her a story and tucks her in. She will pack a bag for Belle to take with her tomorrow; Marlena spends the rest of the evening looking at patient files, distracting herself so she won't think about John. She decides to take a nice relaxing bath but that seems to be the worst thing she could possibly do. As soon as she gets in the tub her mind wanders to thoughts of John…