The Affair

Surprise

John looked at his watch and began to pack his brief case. He had worked non-stop since he got back to the office and had actually accomplished a lot of things. His to-do list had been shortened. He still had to pack when he got home but that wouldn’t take him long. This was strictly a business trip. If he left now he could have dinner with Boaty before he dropped him off at Victor’s house. It had been a great day. He and Marlena had made up. That was the most important thing. Now he was off to New York and when he got back, he and Marlena would pick up right where they left off. John left his office humming.

***************************************************

Marlena parked her car and waited for Laura. She was right behind her. As she looked around the parking lot she saw a few cars she recognized. Just then Laura pulled up. They started walking towards the Pub.

Laura spoke first. “It looks like it’s crowded here tonight.”

“I was just thinking the same thing. I see Bo and Hope’s car and Abe and Lexie. Looks like everybody’s eating out tonight.”

Laura said nothing. She hoped that’s all it was; just a coincidence but she didn’t think so.

Marlena opened the door and instead of seeing the usual setup, everything was rearranged.

“Surprise.” Everyone screamed at the same time.

Marlena just stood there in shock. Why were they yelling surprise? It wasn’t her birthday. They must be expecting someone else. She turned to look behind her but all she saw was Laura.

Roman made his way to the front. “Doc, the surprise is for you.”

“What are you talking about? It’s not my birthday or anniversary. What kind of surprise is this?” Just then she noticed the Carrie, Sami and Eric standing in the back. “What are they doing here?”

“Well Doc, they had to be here. It’s part of the surprise.”

Panic began to overtake her. “Maybe you should just tell me what you’re talking about. I thought this was going to be dinner.”

“It was; but the more I thought about it the more I thought I needed to do something special for you.” He turned to face all of their friends and family. “I just need few minutes to explain everything to my beautiful wife.” He grabbed her hand, walked into the back room and closed the door.

**************************************************

Both Abe and Bo looked at one another. Bo leaned in and said, “Marlena didn’t look too happy. I told him he should have talked to Laura.”

Abe agreed, “We both told him but you know your brother. When he thinks he’s right, nothing and no one can change his mind.”

***************************************************

As soon as the door closed behind them an angry Marlena turned to face Roman. “What the hell is going on?”

“Relax Doc; it’s just a simple surprise.”

“That’s not an answer. This not a simple surprise! Why are all of our family and friends here? And why are the kids here?”

Suddenly it dawned on Roman that maybe this wasn’t such a good idea but it was too late now. “I thought about what you said last night and I wanted to do something special.”

“Roman you said this would be dinner and now I find out it’s some kind of party. What were you thinking? Do you honestly think a party will make everything better?”

“It’s not exactly a party.”

“Then what is it?”

“It’s sort of a renewal ceremony but not an official one.”

“A what?”

“If you just listen for a minute, you’ll understand everything. Sit down.”

Marlena remained standing.

“Please sit down for just a minute.”

Reluctantly she sat down. “Ok so now explain it to me.”

“Today when I got to work all I was planning on doing was having dinner with you. But as the day went on, I realized it wasn’t enough. You were right last night, even though I didn’t want to hear what you were saying. We were just going through the motions. Things had changed between us even though I didn’t want to believe it.”

“Roman, that’s not all I said last night.” Once again he chose to hear what he wanted to hear.

“Just let me finish. Anyway, I started remembering how things used to be between us. You know before we both became consumed with our jobs and before we let outside forces interfere in our lives.” He didn’t mention John by name but Marlena knew John was one of the outside forces he was talking about. “And I wanted it back. I wanted our life together back.” He took her hands into his. “You know Doc, when I came back we just sort of picked up where we left off. We didn’t do anything special to re-commit to one another and we should have. I think that’s part of the problem. We just kind of pretended nothing was different and everything was different.”

Roman continued talking but Marlena was no longer paying attention. Marlena knew he was right about one thing… they just went back to being a married couple. It was like her life with John never happened; but it had happened and she was still in love with him.

“So Doc, I thought if we were going to make a fresh start of things starting today we should do it right.”

Those last words caught her attention. She knew what was coming but she prayed she was wrong. Please let me be wrong about this. “So what does that mean?”

He looked into her eyes. “It means that out there, in front of all of our friends and family I want us to renew our marriage vows to one another. I mean it won’t be official because there’s no priest but it can still mean the same thing. I want us to re-commit to one another.”

All the color drained from Marlena’s face. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her. This was the last thing she wanted to do. John might have understood a dinner date but this was something entirely different. He would not understand this and she knew it.

Roman saw the look of panic on her face. “Marlena is there some reason you don’t want to do this?”

She tried to cover her tracks. “Roman you should have discussed this with me before you arranged all of this.”

“I know but I was so excited. We can do it again; officially with a priest in Saint Lukes and I promise I’ll let you be in charge of everything. I just wanted to show you how much I love you.” He pulled her to her feet. “Are you ready to face our friends?”

“Roman I can’t do this.”

“Why not?”

She couldn’t tell him the real reason. She had to come up with a lie. She said the first thing that popped into her head. “I’m not properly dressed besides I don’t have any vows prepared.”

“You look beautiful and all you have to do is say what’s in your heart.”

Marlena didn’t know what else to say. Roman opened the door and they walked back into the Pub.

“If I can have everyone’s attention. My beautiful wife has agreed to once more marry me in front of our family and friends.”

John was all packed and ready to leave. Boaty was sitting in his car seat and his suitcase was ready. They were waiting for his driver to pick them up. He looked at his watch. Perfect he thought, he had just enough time to stop at the Pub, grab something to eat with Boaty and tell Shawn and Caroline goodbye. Just then his phone rang.

“John Borne.”

It was the limo driver announcing he was on his way upstairs to collect John’s suitcases. John opened the door and handed him his and Boaty’s bags. He told the driver he would be right down. As John picked up Boaty and walked towards the door his phone rang again. He put Boaty down and answered.

“John Borne.”

“Mr. Borne this is Dave the pilot. I’ve checked the forecast and it looks like we might run into a little rough weather later on tonight. If we leave in the next half an hour we should stay ahead of it.”

“Thanks Dave, I’m on my way.” John hung up the phone and picked up Boaty. “Well kiddo it looks like we won’t be having dinner at the Pub after all.” John headed down to the limo. As soon as he strapped Boaty’s car seat in he gave the driver new instructions. “Straight to Mr. Kiriakas.”

After dropping off Boaty at Victors’, John headed straight for the airport. He was on his way.

***************************************************

Everyone inside of the Pub began to clap. Marlena stood beside Roman dumbfounded. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her. What the hell was Roman thinking? She needed to put a stop to this. She needed help.

Laura saw the panic in Marlena’s face. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. She had to do something to help her friend. But what? What ever it was it needed to happen now before the ceremony started. She started smiling and walked to towards the happy couple. Laura leaned in and hugged Roman and Marlena.

“Well Roman, this is some surprise. I had no idea this is what you had in mind when you called me earlier.”

“I know, I started to enlist your help but then I was afraid Marlena would find out and I wanted it to be a complete surprise.” He didn’t say the truth… that he was afraid she would try and talk him out of it.

“Well mission accomplished. I can honestly say neither one of us had any idea you were planning something so elaborate.”

“Thank you.”

Marlena finally found her voice, “Roman I need a moment with Laura.”

“Doc, we’re about to start.”

Laura came to her friends’ rescue, “Actually I was just about to ask Marlena if she needed anything done.”

“Roman I need to freshen up just a little bit. Maybe put on fresh makeup.”

“Doc, you look beautiful to me. You don’t need to do a thing.”

Again Laura spoke up, “Roman don’t tell me you still haven’t learned that there are times when a woman needs to feel like she’s beautiful even if everyone else has already told her how beautiful she is. This is a special occasion; you went through a lot of trouble…don’t you want Marlena to feel special?”

“Well since you put it that way…”

Laura grabbed Marlena’s hand and pulled her away. “We won’t be long.” They walked into the back room.

As soon as the door closed Marlena collapsed in the chair. “I can’t do this, I can’t do this.”

Laura stood over her. “I know sweetie, I know.” The problem was she didn’t know how to stop it or if they could stop it.

**************************************************

Roman was walking around the Pub laughing and talking to everyone. He was a happy man. Everything was going according to plan. Well almost everything. He hadn’t counted on Marlena resisting the idea as much as she did but then again, it was probably because she hadn’t a say in any of the planning. The next time they did it, in Saint Lukes, he would let her do anything she wanted. All in all, not bad for a rush job.

Bo and Hope were quietly talking to one another as they waited for Marlena to come back in.

“Boaty, if you ever do anything like this, I’ll kill you.”

“Abe and I both tried to talk him out of this but you know Roman…stubborn as a mule.”

“Must be a Boaty trait.”

“Hope listen to me, I would never do this without you knowing about it.”

“Smart man; now is it just me or did Marlena look unhappy about this.”

“No it’s not just you. I thought the same thing. You know Roman mentioned …” Bo suddenly stopped talking. He didn’t want to betray his brother’s confidence.

“What did Roman say?”

“Just drop it Hope.”

“Ok Boaty, I’ll drop it.” She wouldn’t press him right now; she knew eventually he would tell her.

****************************************************

Laura sat next to Marlena. “Honey we don’t have a lot of time. What do you want to do?”

“I don’t want to do this. I can’t stand up there and lie in front of all of these people, in front of my children.”

“I don’t know what to tell you. You have two choices. You can go through with this or you can stop it. You’re pretty much caught between a rock and a hard place. If you choose not to do this than you better have a damn good reason. Roman will not be pacified with some lame excuse. And if you go through with this, what are you going to tell John? I mean renewing your vows, even if it’s not official, is a big deal.”

“I know, I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. This must be my punishment.”

“Punishment, what the hell are you talking about?”

“Laura I’m cheating on my husband, I’m sleeping with another man. I’m willing to break up my family for this man.”

“John is not just any man and you know that. Your circumstances are different. You didn’t meet him in some bar and decide to have an affair. You were married to him for Gods sake. Now stop feeling sorry for yourself and tell me what you’re going to do.”

“I’m going to go out there and renew my wedding vows to Roman and I’m going to pray that John will understand.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?”

“No, but I don’t have a choice. I don’t know how to stop this. I’ve racked my brain and I can’t come up with anything. Can you?”

“No I can’t. Short of divine intervention I don’t think you have a choice.”

“I just have to make John understand what happened. Do you think he will believe me?”

Laura shook her head, “I don’t know…this is not easy for John either. I know he’s not happy about this entire situation with Roman, but if he loves you the way he says he does, you two will overcome this. It’s just another obstacle thrown in your path.” She prayed she was right; that they would be able to move past this, if not, Marlena would never be happy with any one else and neither would John. “Ok then, let’s get this over with.” Laura pulled out her makeup and began to apply it to Marlena’s face. They walked out together.

As they entered the room, applause broke out. Roman rushed to Marlena’s side. He was in charge of this show. He directed Marlena to middle of the floor. They would be surrounded by their family and friends…a circle of love.

“Doc, you stand here and I’ll stand next to you.” He motioned for Carrie, Sami and Eric to also join them in the circle. “You kids, our children, the proof of our undying love for one another will be our witnesses.”

Marlena said nothing.

Again Roman took charge. “Before we get started, I just want to thank everyone for coming out on such short notice. And I would like to give special thanks to my brother Bo and my best friend Abe who helped make all of this possible.”

Bo yelled out, “No thanks necessary bro. This was all your idea.”

Roman continued, “Well anyway thanks. I know this is a little unorthodox but here goes. Marlena and I will recite our vows before all of you, the people who mean the most to us and then we’ll share a dance to a song that’s special to us. After that food and drinks are on me.”

Cheers and whistles rang throughout the crowd at the mention of free food and drinks.

Roman raised his hand for silence, “Ok now I know why you’re all here. It’s the free food and drinks.”

Everyone laughed.

“But seriously, thank you.” He turned back to Marlena and took her hand. As they faced one another, he looked into her eyes and began to speak, “Marlena, let me first say, ‘I love you.’ Besides our children, you are the one constant in my life. I couldn’t believe that a mere cop like me could actually land a woman like you. The day you agreed to marry me was the happiest day of my life until the day you married me all those years ago. And here we are, years later, standing before our family and friends once again pledging our love to one another. We have definitely had our share of obstacles to overcome throughout the years but somehow we always manage to find our way back to one another. I promise to love you each and every day and I will always be faithful to you until death do us part.” As he finished saying his vows he leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips.

Now it was her turn. She felt sick to her stomach. Just say what you know in your heart to be true she told herself. “Well Roman, you’re a tough act to follow.”

Laughter trickled throughout the crowd.

She continued, “When we first started dating I remember how you used to tease me. You said I was spoiled and that a woman like me could never be happy dating a man like you…a cop. I had champagne taste and you were a beer drinker.”

Roman shook his head in agreement remembering that particular conversation. “I’m still a beer drinker.”

“But to everyone’s surprise we somehow made it work. I also remember the day we were married and like you it was one of the happiest days of my life.” So far so good; please let me make it through this she pleaded silently.

“And because of that day we share three beautiful children. I would like to thank you in front of everyone here today because I can’t imagine my life without them.” That much was true; never in her wildest dreams could she have known how much joy her children would bring her everyday.

“And you’re correct when you say unforeseen circumstances caused us both pain and heartache. But I believe we’re stronger people for it. Because of what we’ve been through I believe with all of my heart we can handle anything life throws at us. My dream for the future is that we both find the happiness we want and deserve.” It was true; hopefully one day he would find someone who would love him with her entire heart… the way he deserved to be loved.

Was it her imagination or was it getting warmer by the second? She could feel drops of sweat pop out along her forehead. Marlena felt as if someone turned on the furnace full blast and stood her directly in front of it. She closed her eyes trying desperately to concentrate.

Roman could see something was wrong. “Doc, are you alright?”

She could see his lips moving but she couldn’t hear a word he was saying. “Roman, I…”

The next thing she knew she was sitting in a chair, Roman was fanning her and Laura was taking her pulse. “What happened?” She struggled to stand up.

Roman answered, “You fainted.”

“I feel much better now, I can get up.”

While still taking her pulse, Laura barked orders, “Marlena you’re not going anywhere just yet. Your pulse is racing. Roman get her a glass of water; I just want her to sit for a few minutes.”

As soon as Roman walked away Laura asked, “What happened? You scared the hell out of everybody.”

Marlena looked at her confused, “I don’t know. One minute I’m standing there facing Roman and the next thing I know you’re taking my pulse.”

“It’s slowing down now. It’s probably just a case of nerves. But I still think you need to schedule that physical we talked about earlier.”

“It’ probably just the stress of everything.”

“Maybe, but I’d feel better if we knew for sure.” She looked up, “Here comes Roman.”

“Don’t say anything about a physical; I don’t need Roman wondering about my health.”

“As long as you promise me you’re going to get one.”

“I promise. Shhh here he comes with the kids.”

Roman strolled up with a glass of water in his hands along with Carrie, Sami and Eric. They were worried to death about their mom and he had to reassure them she was fine. He tried to sound as convincing as he possibly could, “See I told you she was fine. It was just too much of a surprise.”

Eric wasn’t sure if he believed his dad, “Are you really alright mom?”

Marlena pulled her to him and gave him a hug, “Yes sweetie; I’m fine. It’s just like daddy said; too much excitement for one day.” She stood up, at first a little wobbly on her feet but she soon recovered. “See I’m fine.”

Roman took Marlena’s hand and squeezed it. “She’s just fine. Laura, do you mind getting the kids something to drink?”

“No not at all. Let’s go.”

Eric wasn’t ready to leave Marlena’s side, “I don’t want anything. I’ll stay here with you mom.”

Marlena could see he was still worried about her. Out of the three, Eric was the one most like her. “Sweetie, I’m fine. I just need a minute alone with your dad.”

“Ok, mom but I’ll be right back.” He walked away with Laura but kept glancing back to make sure she was fine.

“Doc, are you really alright?”

She could hear the concern in his voice. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Whew! One minute we’re saying our vows and the next minute you keeled over. I was lucky I caught you before you hit the floor. You just fainted. What happened?”

“It’s just like you said, I think I was overwhelmed with all of this.” She gestured with her hands. “I was just expecting a quiet dinner.”

“I’m sorry Doc, I tried to surprise you and it looks like the surprise was on me. What do you want to do?” If Marlena was still feeling a little shaky he would insist they go home; but if she was fine than they would stay. Secretly he hoped they would be able to stay. He had a gut feeling that it was important they finish their ceremony.

“I feel fine but I wouldn’t mind going home.” She didn’t think she could handle any more surprises today.

He tried to keep the disappointment out of his voice, “Doc, all of our friends and family are here. Mom and Pop went through a lot of trouble…unless you really don’t feel well.” His voice was now full of concern, “Is that it? Do you still feel dizzy?”

Her voice came out a little harsher than she meant it to be. “No I’m fine.” She could tell by the expression on his face that he was surprised by her tone. “I’m sorry Roman; it’s just that I feel so embarrassed. I can’t believe I fainted in front of everyone…especially the children.”

“Doc the kids know you’re ok, they’ll be fine… the question is: are you sure you’re ok?”

“I told you, I’m fine.” This back and forth between her and Roman was beginning to work on her nerves. She could feel herself losing her temper if he kept it up much longer. “Roman for the last time, I’m fine. Now no more.”

“Than let’s stay.” He took her hand and once more called for everyone’s attention. “Ladies and Gentlemen, intermission is now over.” A few people laughed at his attempt at humor. “If everyone can take their places once more we can continue.”

Slowly the crowd began to reform the circle.

Marlena whispered in Roman’s ear as they waited for everyone to take their places, “Roman I don’t think I have anything else to say.” Everything she’d said so far was true. She didn’t want to declare her unwavering love for him and she certainly didn’t want to pledge her fidelity to him in front of everyone.

“Shh Doc, don’t worry, I’ll handle this.” As soon as the room was quiet he continued, “Since Marlena was just about finished reciting her vows it’s time for our dance. Pop, can you start the music?”

Someone from the back of the crowd shouted, “What happened to the kiss?” Others began to join in, “Yea, where’s the kiss? Kiss, kiss, kiss….”

Roman looked at Marlena, “Doc I completely forgot but fortunately they” he pointed to the crowd, “remembered.” He pulled her close to him, “Marlena I love you with all of my heart.”

The time had come. She had to say it. Please forgive me John. “I love you too Roman.”

In the beginning the kiss was sweet and gentle but she could feel his tongue trying to gain entrance into her mouth. As the kiss turned more passionate he pulled her closer to him, pressing his body into hers; letting her feel how much he wanted her.

Their kiss drew whistles and cat calls from the crowd. Finally she pulled away; her face scarlet. “Sorry Doc, I just got carried away. I can’t help myself when it comes to you.”

Before she could walk away the music began: Unchained Melody.

Roman grabbed her hand, “They’re playing our song.”

There was nothing she could do. There was no way to avoid the dance just like there was no way to avoid the kiss or the re-commitment ceremony. She had to grin and bear it. They danced together surrounded by family and friends.

Roman whispered in her ear, “See Doc; today is the beginning of a new chapter for us. We’re starting all over. From now on it’s just us. If you want, we can celebrate both this date and our wedding anniversary. We can have two anniversaries.”

Marlena remained silent. There was no way she would ever celebrate today as a new beginning for her and Roman. What she feared the most was that it was the end of her and John. How could she make him understand? He wanted honesty between them and she’d kept a secret from him. The only thing she could pray for was she would be able to tell him before he found out through someone else. Please, she prayed, let me be the one.

Just as the song ended, someone called both their names. As soon as they turned, a flash exploded before their eyes. Someone had just taken their picture. Still blinking from the flash they were greeted with applause and everyone coming up and congratulating them.

Among the first guests was Laura. She pulled Marlena into a hug and whispered into her ear, “How’re you doing?”

Still hugging her friend she answered, “I can’t believe this just happened.” Because so many people were waiting to congratulate them she couldn’t say anything else.

Noticing the line forming behind her Laura gave her another quick hug and said, “It’ll be ok.” She moved to let the next person congratulate the happy couple.