[Out of the inky darkness the rich sound of Laura's disembodied watery laugh echoes up to where John and Marlena sit bathed in the iridescent glow of the campfire--a sleepily contented child in each lap. Squinting, John tries to ride the tidal wave of sound back to its source. His tired blue eyes scan the shoreline. Hazy and indistinct, like the visions of an Indian shaman, two shadows metamorphasize before them--snatching rays of light away from the fire. Sensing the anxiety rush over him, John grasps Marlena's hand in silent support, feels her stiffen beneath his touch. A log collapses and a loud pop accompanies the sparks' flight into the night sky as the shadowy voices grow more clear.]

[Amused disbelief], No...tell me you're not serious? [Bob says nothing, but his eyes glow mischievously.]

John: Laura? Shane?

[Laura's face falls into half-light as she stumbles to a halt. With a heavy sigh of insecurity, her words escape dull and guarded.] Well part of the equation is right. [Letting the small camera bag slip from her shoulder, she hands it to Bob who presses forward.]

Bob: [Remembering his job description, Bob begins to set up his shot as a blanket of quiet settles over the group. Noting that Marlena is as of yet to speak, Bob focuses in on her. Softly], Marlena, I'm glad to see you're feeling better. [As a sliver of memory dances across her thoughts--trailing her fingers over Bob's lips through his beard, she leans forward...her voice a hot moist cacophony of vibration more than sound. Paling, Marlena nods imperceptibly and shifts back into the shadows.]

John: [Almost as if reading Marlena's thoughts, John bristles. His angry glare pinning Bob as he awkwardly struggles to hug Marlena without disturbing the children. With barely contained annoyance, he returns his attention to Laura.] So where's Shane?

Uh...I'm not sure...[shrugging sheepishly], maybe his ISA room...Last time I saw him he was sleeping...

John: Sleeping? What did you run away when he least expected it?

Marlena: [Pushing away from his chest, Marlena's hard stare settles on him.] John!

John: Don't "John!" me...You and Shane have both been worried sick about her and...

[Laura's throaty laugh interrupts John's thoughts. Dissolving into a torrent of giggles, she unsuccessfully tries to stifle them with the back of her hand.] Oh...I'm sorry John, but you really need to get your facts straight...'cause you obviously don't know half the crap that went on in your absence, and you certainly don't know just who was worrying about who. [Laura's lips curl into a crooked smile as she looks pointedly at Marlena.] You, my dear, have probably given me more wrinkles and worrylines than both of my children combined. [Pausing for a moment, her words fade into the distant crashing waves. As her eyes widen, a distorted fire reflects back at Marlena.] Lucky for you and me both I brought a lifetime supply of narcotics...[Still amused, Laura begins to make her way toward the tent but stops as she reaches Bob.] You are right about one thing though, John...I do need to make amends. [Leaning over, she pecks Bob on the cheek and whispers in his ear.] Thank you for making me see the possibilities. [Again she heads toward her tent, but pauses before entering--her back still to others.] Oh and Marlena, the first gray hair I find, you're paying to take me to the Salon...I'm talking the works--a full day of beauty. [And with quirky chuckle she disappeared behind the tent flaps.]
confessed by Laura at 5:12 PM