“Sawyer,” Marlena cried out—her face twisted in pain. He has never seen a woman like that before, in so much pain. The floodgate to Sawyer’s emotions finally cracked, and a glimpse of concern had caught in his green eyes. He reached out, held her hand tightly in his, keeping one palm on her bent knee. “I need to call 911, would you be all right alone for a few seconds?” he asked.

 

Marlena didn’t even complain or put up a fight about it, which meant she was hurting badly right now. “Don’t worry,” Sawyer declared, dialing the number in his cell. While he started speaking to the operator, her mind came back to John, to Belle’s labor, how she was thrilled that he was there to deliver his daughter. She couldn’t have this baby here, it was too early, and it was too dangerous.

 

She heard him saying “Her water broke...that has to mean this is—” Marlena screamed, a horrific, blood-curdling scream. Sawyer’s grip tightened on her hand, as though he was holding her life in his hands.

His body tensed, suddenly he had an urge to hug her close to his chest, to wrap his arms around her body, but he simply held her hand “I want…John...I need to get to University Hospital in Salem,” Marlena demanded, hot tears rolling down her cheeks. Sawyer rubbed her knee and squeezed her hand. “It might be too late for that. Your water just broke and-” He checked his watch.

“There’s still time! You gotta get me to the jet.”

It hit him. She was in labor, and the jet was nowhere in sight.

 

Wanting to believe that each little pain wasn’t the real thing yet, she couldn’t let this baby to be born in this horrible place. Marlena stood up, leaning against a bar stool, she clutched her legs. “Sawyer…get me outta here...now” The fear in her voice rang through the pool house, chills biting his neck. He held her shoulders, he noticed a tear on her cheek and wanted to brush it away, but he did nothing.

“I won’t let anything happen to you or your child. You’re going to be fine.” She could tell that he was partly convincing himself. She didn’t know him, but she knew how to read people and something about him told her that he wasn’t lying, but she was scared. They were stranded, and the baby was coming.

 

Marlena started shaking her head at Sawyer, and his fingers firmly held her in place so she would stop. “Marlena,” he said softly, “your body is ready to have this baby. And if you just let go, your mind will catch up. But as I said, I’ll get you to the hospital in time.”

“I’m scared,” she cried, wetting her cheek with her tears. Sawyer's eyes grew red as he stifled more emotion.

“I’m not leaving you. C’mon, put your arm around my neck, I’m getting us outta here” circling one arm around the woman for support, they left the pool house. Sawyer squinted his eyes at a distance, trying to concentrate on finding their car while mumbling comforting words to Marlena.

 

She hated that. Their conversation right before her water broke echoed in her brain, she couldn't believe he talked like that. Her mind was racing, she needed to contact Laura.

A sharp pain resonated through her body, starting from her lower back, spreading out to her abdomen. Sawyer held her tight while she took a long deep breath, encouraging her with his words.

He spotted the ISA car at a distance, hoping it had enough gas to get them to the airport, where the ISA jet was still waiting for them. “Hold on, Marlena…we’re almost there..”

 

The aircraft was quiet, her contractions came twenty minutes apart, and she tried to keep her strength in between. Sawyer was already off the phone, asking Laura to meet them at the delivery room upon Marlena’s request.

Marlena’s forehead wrinkled as another contraction began. She shut her eyes, and Sawyer glanced at her, “Marlena, the EMT explained that you need to-”

“Mmmmmm…..please...stop talking…”  taking a deep, loud breath in, ”I need you...to...leave me..alone ....” she panted between breaths.

“I...but, Marlena I-”

“Don't ...shhhhh...” she breathed harshly, “I don't want…. anything to do ...with.. you...” It looked like she wanted to scream again, but the noise died in her throat as she concentrated on her breathing.

 

The last contraction was longer, much more painful than the last one and she started worrying that Sawyer might have to deliver this baby by himself. Closing her eyes, Marlena tried to stay calm,  to focus on her breathing. That’s it, you’re doing great, she encouraged herself. How she needed the love of her life to be there with her, take her hand in his and promise her that everything was going to be ok. She ran the numbers in her head, she was 8 months pregnant, that was too early, and she was scared. Afraid that something’s not right with the baby, that something might happen to it after childbirth. No, Marlena, stop this at once, don’t think about it. Breathe. Breathe in, breathe out, happy thoughts, C'mon, only happy thoughts...John..oh…

Taking the time to gather herself together between contractions, she heard him clearing his throat, and she opened her eyes to see him leaning against the corner sofa, staring at the big dark rain clouds.

 

“She was pregnant, you know...” he said suddenly, still not looking at her, his voice was calm, as though everything was all right with the world, as though he was not stuck on an airplane with a woman in labor.

“What?”

“The agent. My partner” he mumbled sadly.

It suddenly hit her.

Agent Jones.

“I’m sorry” Marlena wasn't sure what to say. She knew he was working alone, but she thought that it was because that’s how he wanted it to be. Agent Jones wasn't showing at all, and if what he was saying was true, She must have been no longer than a few weeks in.

Closing her eyes, she could almost feel the rough branches scratching her skin as she ran away from Kit at the woods, right after Erica had saved her life...

 

 

...Inhaling deeply, she extended her arm to push the heavy door open; hot night air filled her lungs, and the night’s hum was like music to her ears. Finally, air, freedom.

The first phase of the plan was complete; they were out. Stepping through the door, Marlena noticed the full moon and big trees, her heart was pounding, and she was sweating, even though the temperature underground was much cooler than the heat outside. Erica walked right behind her, grabbing her arm she turned her quickly, “Listen, there’s a highway, north from here, about 1 mile away. You gotta get there; I saw a gas station on my way here”, Erica shoved her hand into the deep pocket of her blazer, taking out some small change, “Here, it's not much, but you might need it,” Marlena closed her sweaty palm around the metal coins, putting them into a small pocket on her dress.

“Aren't you coming with me?” she asked, some fear in her voice.

“No, I’ll stay behind. I can handle Kit. You have to go, Marlena”, Erica was agitated, she didn’t know how much longer do they have. The two hugged, Marlena squeezed Erica’s forearm, genuine gratitude in her hazel eyes, “I would never forget what you’ve done for me…” Suddenly, a loud thud broke the silent; their heads turned to see the shelter’s heavy door had slammed with a loud noise.

Still quiet.

They both inhaled deeply, looking into each other’s eyes “Thank you, Erica..” Erica merely smiled, she was relieved she did the right thing. Suddenly, a loud growl echoed from the ground, followed by vigorous steps

“MARLENA!!!”

“Run!”

 

Marlena shook her head, thinking about that night was too hard on her, especially now, when she was in so much pain. She was in pain that night too. The twigs and rocks against her bare feet when she ran. She could almost hear that gunshot from a distance. Only later she learned that in fact, he killed Agent Erica Jones.

 

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” she said again, opening her eye to look at him.

He nodded, and she felt awful. A woman and her unborn baby died because of her. It was her fault, she was starting to believe it.

“I wish I could meet her husband. Tell him of how courageous his wife was, how she stood in the face of danger and looked fear straight in the eyes.”

A sharp pain ran across her lower abdomen, causing her to flinch with pain and her breathing to get caught at her throat.

“Marlena” sawyer stood up and kneeled in front of the pregnant woman.

“I’m fine” her hand raised up to put distance between them

“He shot her...” the words just fell out of her mouth, she was in pain and pain makes you do unexpected things, “Kit. She was helping me to escape the hideout once she learned the truth about his true nature..she asked me to run...I left her behind. She asked me to leave her behind...I will never forget the moment I heard that gunshot..” she looked at the floor, her palms to her stomach as she was trying to catch her breath again

He was mesmerized, he drank in her words as they came out of her mouth. That was it. Finally, now he will know what happened.

 

Marlena flinched with pain, and let out a loud scream, ”Oh god...I need John….” he could see tears at the corners of her eyes, and something inside of him just broke down.

 

“Marlena, breathe….take a deep breath in..and a exhale...good, you’re doing great,” she noticed the change in him but wasn't sure what was it that made him calmer, or maybe not calmer, but nicer. He quickly sat right next to her, “lean forward a little bit” he asked, and she glanced at him with confusion, “trust me,” and she did.

Squeezing his hand into a ball, he massaged her lower back, relieving her pain.

“But how..how do you know all of this?..” she hissed as another contraction pierced her body

Marlena looked exhausted, her eyelids heavy. “Sawyer…it’s too much… I won't make it to the hospital”

“Marlena, Marlena, keep your eyes open.” He checked out her body before he said, “You’re mentally capable of anything, even this.” Marlena held in a breath, and then abruptly, Sawyer unfroze from his state. He stretched his arm to clasp Marlena’s hand, who was shaking and sweaty and the minute Marlena met his gaze, she noticed he was in tears too, "I've read all the baby books she bought..." his voice cracked and it was over for both of them.

They started crying.

It finally hit her, like a ton of bricks, “your partner...Erica...she was..she was...your wife.”

“Yes,” he admitted.

She choked back a cry.

With one hand on the sofa, he balanced himself to stand up, his eyes fixed on her face, “I will get you to John and to that hospital. I promise” he stifled a choked chuckle through the tears, “try to keep it inside. We’ll be there soon”  

Marlena collapsed back against the sofa, but her eyes stay like nervous pinpoints on his face, hoping he was right.

 

*****

 

Exhausted. It was the only word she could think of to describe how she was feeling – Exhausted. As she was running for hours. She was also in pain. As though someone has cut her open with a scalpel, the pain not sinking in until the flesh began to separate and she was bleeding out. She could hear the cry of her son as he took his first breath. Slowly, he was pulled out of her, one limb at a time. Until she was hollow. Hollow and yet, in excruciating pain – but still alive. Still. Alive. Above her, there were sterile and industrial fluorescent lights. One of the bulbs was threatening to go out, and it flickered, buzzed, and struggled to stay alive.

 

Don’t think about him. Don’t think about him. John. Don’t think about him. There was always someone there. There was someone to take care of her. One to watch her heart, another her breathing, one to keep her numb. Don’t think about him. John.

In the corner of her mind, she saw him, watching her, standing next to her. “He looks so beautiful Doc,” said imaginary John. He smiled.  She cried. Loud sounds came out of her, so violent they shook her whole body. She couldn't make it stop. She wanted John.

 

“It’s a boy!” The doctor cried out triumphantly from between her knees. Her son’s first cries of life were like music to her ears.

 

~~~~~~~

 

The room was cold, too cold for his liking and it was too quiet too. What was that beeping sound? It irritated him. Thinking about that sound made it harder for him to concentrate on something else, so he took a deep breath and slowly opened his blue eyes, looking around him, John was confused. He had no idea where he was. He tried to think of things, but his mind was completely blank. He didn't understand what was going on. He groaned.
His head was pounding...
 

 

~~~~~~

 

“You did so good Momma,” Laura murmured, peppering her head with kisses. “So good.” She beamed down at her, looking at every inch of the proud mother.

Marlena smiled weakly up at her. She was exhausted but happy that the pain was done. Her labor was fast, faster than her previous three, but the most painful one yet. It was worth it though, so worth it. The past few months haven’t been easy, but Laura has been by her side the whole way, and it felt like every day she missed him more and more.

 

John was so good to her, he treated her like a queen, and was an amazing father. She missed him so much and wished he could be there with her, support her. She wished he could be there with her.

 

~~~~~

 

A young woman in a white lab coat walked into his room, he wasn't sure if he ever saw her before but she was smiling. "Oh thank god! Mr. Black, you're awake!" the woman exclaimed happily.

He smiled nervously back at her, the brunette walked closer to him. "Have you been awake for long? Why didn't you call me?" concern filled her features.

As he didn't reply.
"John? What's wrong? Are you feeling ok?."
"My head hurts," he finally spoke. His throat hurting from dryness.
She gave him a glass of water and scribbled something down on the clipboard she was holding.
"Besides a headache, is there anything else wrong?" the short-haired woman asked sitting down next to him.
"No," he responded hesitantly. She raised an eyebrow at him. "Just confused." He added.

She placed her clipboard down "It’s quite normal, You’ve been off for a while. You’re at University hospital" she stated, “Oh, I can't wait to tell Dr. Evans the good news!” smiling again, she stood up, placing the clipboard back to the front of his bed.

 

~~~~~

 

 

They were happy once, she felt safe and content. The nurse whisked her son over to a little station that was set up, taking his weight and vitals down while the doctor finished up attending to her. “How do you feel, Marlena?” doctor Baider asked, rolling away from her bed and standing from her stool. She pulled off her gloves and tossed them in the trash.

“I feel good, just tired.” The doctor nodded. “That’s to be expected. Everything looks good, but you should take it easy for a few days. Do you want something for the pain?” she shook her head, “Yes.”

Doctor Baider smiled, looking at her. “I’ll write up the script, and someone will be around shortly with it. Do you have any questions?” Marlena nodded her head, “when can we have it done?” her tired face looked worried.

“Soon. I’ll let you both rest for a while, ok?” her warm smile eased her mind some and she nodded again.

Dr. Baider stepped forward, caressing Marlena’s shoulder. “Congratulations Marlena. I’ll be around later to have it done.”

 

“He’s just so beautiful…” Laura smiled at the little baby, holding him softly in her arms, she gave it to her, gently placing him where he belongs.

“He’s like a little angel... Marlena,” she sighed and looked at her, leaning down, kissing first his head then Marlena’s head.

“Yes,” she softly agreed with her. Unwrapping the blanket he was swaddled in, she took a moment to brush back her son’s black, downy hair and then bringing him up to her breast. He latched without hesitation.

 

“You sure about the name?” Laura asked softly. “Yes, I’m sure. I like James best.”

“Very well,” Laura sighed. “James it is.”

 

~~~~~

 

He saw the door to his hospital room opening, it took him a while to see who it was when suddenly, he saw her. She was beautiful, she looked like an angel, and something about her was glowing. Her smile beamed when she looked at him, calling out his name.

He was up for a few hours now, they ran some tests, and he heard some doctors talking about a long recovery but he was awake, and the world seemed like a wonderful place to be alive at. The room was semi-dark, they explained it was due to his sensitive eyes, told him it was a long time since he was out at the sun, but when she got in, he felt like she has brought the sun with her.

 

“John!” she yelped with joy, something about her walk was slow and a little weird but he didn’t care, she was so beautiful that he just wanted her to come closer, noticing she was wearing a hospital gown, just like the one he had on.

Why?

“Oh my god, baby! I’m so happy to see your beautiful blue eyes again! Oh my….I thought...I thought..I’d never see them again...you look, great honey, oh, you truly do. Are you feeling ok?” Marlena couldn’t stop talking, this was it, the day she was dreaming of for the past few months. Her son was born, and John was finally awake.

“Y-yes, I am, but-” his voice was hoarse, and he tried to clear it to no avail.

“Shhh...baby... don’t try to talk, here” she grabbed the small water bottle on his dresser and opened it up, bringing the straw to his lips. He drank the cold fluid, and it eased his throat.

 

The door opened up again, doctor Baider walked in.

“Good evening, Momma,” she greeted her.

In her arms, she held James, swaddled up tightly in his blue blanket.

Marlena smiled with joy.

“What are you doing here?” Marlena asked, reaching for the little baby.

“Oh, I wanted to talk to you. They told me you were in to see John.” Dr. Baider smiled towards them, “It’s so good to see you awake John.”

He frowned his eyebrows a bit and smiled politely.

“Oh? What news?” she asked sharply, her mood changed drastically, and the doctor came to stand right next to her, leaning into her, she whispered something in her ear.

“What?” Marlena asked in surprise and jumped, looking at the woman next to her. Marlena's eyes widen as the doctor leaned closer and offered James to her. She gratefully accepted him and hugged him to her chest, tears in her eyes, she turned to look at John, hearing the door closing behind her, she realized they were alone again.

“John” she started, her voice choked with tears, “I want you to meet James. Your son”

She couldn't stop crying with joy, she didn't believe this was finally happening, this was the happiest moment of her life for the past months.

“Baby?” she continued when his expression seemed puzzled. John looked at the beautiful baby in her arms and on her angelic face and spoke with a low husky voice, “Tell me, who are you?”