John & Marlena's Through The Years
1985
John Black arrived in Salem in 1985 covered in bandages and suffering total amnesia. He was then known as "the Pawn."
1986
Early in 1986, John and Marlena became friends. As John became more acquainted with Salem he began to get foggy images, but no solid memories. Marlena tried to help John regain his memory via hypnosis. John's familiarity with Stefano DiMera's dealings and his Phoenix tattoo made Marlena think he could be Stefano, but after seeing a photo of John before his plastic surgery she realized he was her presumed dead husband, Roman Brady.
John assumed Roman's identity and fell in love with Marlena. On August 22, 1986 they renewed their marriage vows.
Near the end of the year, Roman (John) watched as his house exploded with Marlena inside. She was presumed dead.
1987
Roman (John) found Marlena being held hostage by Orpheus. Before he could rescue her, Orpheus put Marlena on a plane. The plane exploded and Marlena was again presumed dead. Before Marlena died, she wrote Roman (John) this letter:
My Beloved Roman:
I don't have much time. Orpheus will be here soon. He said he intends to separate us forever. There's a finality in his tone that I haven't heard before.
You know what's in my heart. but on the chance that this letter will reach you, there are some things I'll just feel better knowing I've said. Roman, You are, right now, in almost the exact position Orpheus was in seven years ago. Please don't do what he did. Don't become consumed with revenge. Please don't give Orpheus that victory. Please don't mourn my death too long.
Fill your life and the children's lives with love, and with laughter. It would not honor me to see you stuck in the past. it would delight me no end to see you get over this hurdle and get on with your life. And always, always to hear you laugh.
1989
Roman (John) suspected Marlena might still be alive and being held hostage by Stefano. Roman (John) went to the island where she believed her to be, but did not find her. Everyone finally accepted she was dead.
1990
John was back and forth between women, none of which he loved as much as Marlena.
1991
Marlena returned to Salem after finally escaping from Stefano. She remembered being with Roman, but not John. Their search for Roman led Marlena and Roman (John) to Mexico. There they discovered the real Roman was alive and Roman (John) was just a brainwashed John Black.
Marlena and John separated to make way for Roman, but remained good friends. They both still harbored a love for each other.
1992
When Marlena was trapped in a pit, John saved her. This rekindled old feelings, but they managed to control them.
1993
John and Marlena could no longer control their desire and they made love. Later, Marlena discovered she was pregnant and didn't know who the father was-Roman or John.
She later gave birth to Isabella (Belle) Brady. Marlena's older daughter, Sami, discovered John was Belle's biological father and kidnaped the baby to hide the truth from Roman. On Christmas Eve, Belle was found and returned to Marlena.
1994
During Belle's baptism, Stefano announced Belle's paternity and Marlena's affair with John. Roman then filed for divorce. John was now seeing Kristen Blake, so he did not pursue a relationship with Marlena.
1995
Due to Stefano's corruption, the devil was able to possess Marlena's soul. As the devil, Marlena tried many time to seduce John, but never succeeded. John, as a priest, was allowed to perform an exorcism. Near the end, Marlena appeared dead, but John's faith and true love for her were able to save her.
Late in the year, Tony DiMera shot himself and framed John for his murder. John was convicted and sentenced to die in the gas chamber. Although John was still involved with Kristen, Marlena stood by John and never lost faith in him.
1996
Marlena discovered she still had very strong feelings for John. She refused to tell him because she believes he is interested in her only for friendship.
1997
John finally found out about all of Kristen's schemes to keep him and Marlena apart. He left Kristen and reunited with Marlena. They planned to get married, but her ex-husband, Roman, showed up, thanks to Kristen and Stefano, and stopped there wedding.
1998
Roman learned the truth about John and Marlena, and declared that he was going to fight for Marlena. He finally stepped back to let John and Marlena be together. They went on a romanic trip to New Orleans where John hoped to discover clues to his missing past.
