NBC owns the characters. I just imagine what happens next. I'm an old fashioned romantic. Hopefully this portrays it.

Chapter One

After four encores I am exhausted. This golden dress suddenly feels heavy, I'm sticking to it. The blasted zip, can't reach, I can't move. Throngs of people are standing everywhere. Eileen catches me. 'Press the flesh, you're our star now.'

I meet and greet, smile and pose for photos. Every theatre director is here, trying to get me to sign on to their latest show. I politely decline. Maybe I say, after Bombshell. I see my parents, chatting to...Derek!

Now that is a sight, the mighty Mr Wills seems out of his depth with my parents!

'Mum, Dad, Mr Wills' I say the surname with a hint of sarcasm which he catches. 'Ah! Miss Cartwright! Having fun with your public? I was just saying that even at the audition, we knew we had to have you in the show. And look how it turned out. If you'll excuse me, I see the producer trying to catch my eye.' He left us with a smile and flourish.

'My! Isn't he a charmer?' Mum exclaimed. Dad says 'I am glad he seems to have what's best for you. He just wouldn't stop with all the high praise. Just don't let it go to your head; it's only your first night as a star.' 'Yes dad.' If you give me a while, I'll go put Marilyn back on the hanger and your daughter will be back to normal'

Hugs and kisses are given, and I'm off to the dressing room.

Once inside, the gloves and bracelets come off, the wig is put on its stand, the mike pack is sitting ready for me to take back when I'm dressed. It needs charged. Now, the dress. 'Blast, should have got mum to loosen it.' I chide myself. 'I could help, if you want.' I'm standing at the mirror and see Derek is sitting at the back of the dressing room playing with Jessica's good luck charm.

'Derek...You do know this is the women's dressing room, last I knew, you weren't a woman! Have a secret do you?' And the comical look in his face has me doubled with laugher. Still looking in the mirror I see a slight smile, oops never make fun of your director. 'Oh sorry, but last I saw you, you were talking to Eileen. I never thought you'd be here.' I say while walking to him. 'It's okay, now how can I help malady?' I point to the zip and he tugs it free. 'Thanks, anything I can help you with?' 'Nope, I'll see you out there. Don't take to long, you're public awaits.' He's out the door and shaking my head I finish getting ready.

Somehow there seems to be even more people, shaking my hand, offering congratulations. Even a little girl no more than six asks for a photo with me. How can I refuse? She's adorable.

Next I see my parents are being congratulated! They love the attention. I make my way over, 'Mum, Dad, you're stars!' I tell them I'll meet them for lunch tomorrow. I need my bed. I head for the stage door, getting stopped along the way. About half way down the street I am finally alone. Left to my own thoughts.

It's only a preview, one show, though I'm on cloud nine! The fresh air cools me, quiet streets calm my nerves. After the last few days I'm going to revel in my one night of glory. No Dev, no Ivy. Just that feeling. Of accomplishment. I find myself walking into the lobby; searching for my key card as I head for the lifts I hear 'Why aren't you Karen Cartwright? I've just seen you in Bombshell you were fantastic'. It's a mid western accent and as I turn to the sofa on my right, I catch Derek Wills doubled over laughing. I join him on the sofa, in my own exaggerated accent I say 'Why yes, yes I am. How kind of you to say. We're both doubled over. It seems exhaustion has hit us both at the same time. I only ever laugh like that when tired.

I sit up getting my breath back, and I feel Derek's hand rub my back. 'Karen.' 'Derek, no, you can't. You're tired, you would regret it tomorrow. You don't even like me like that. You like Marilyn. Think about it.' I turn and look into his eyes, hold the gaze. He hasn't spoken so I carry on. 'Ivy looks like Marilyn, Rebecca played Marilyn, and you had visions of me as Marilyn. Now I am playing her. What happened with the others? You don't know 'Karen' my favourite film, food or colour. You were kind to me; let me return the favour, go back to your hotel and sleep. You have been going on empty for a few days now. Tomorrow you'll feel better and back to being the Dark Lord'. I smile as I finish his hand still on my back but his face registers sense.

'Only you, Karen Cartwright could talk your way out of this. But you're right. I'm tired. And somehow I think you have a point about my fascinations. Maybe during previews, I can see you for you and not as the blonde bombshell.'

I start to stand 'Goodnight Derek, thank you, see you bright and early tomorrow for notes.' I'm in the lift before he replies. Poor Derek he looked so tired and empty. There is no way either of us is near ready for that. The gossip mill is in overdrive with him already. I really hope he sees sense and gets some rest. I open my door to my room, lock it, and take a bath. Plop into bed and in no time I'm asleep. Looking forward to tomorrow.

...

Derek's POV

I sit stunned as the doors closed. Only Karen Cartwright could talk me out of what I was thinking be for I had finished thinking it.

Derek stood, walked out of the lobby with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

He decided to take the long way back to his hotel. Hoping the cool night air might clear his mind.

What was I thinking? Karen was right; I hadn't seen her, in a very long time. I had only seen her as Marilyn. And yet she was slowly creeping under my skin without even knowing it.

The Boston skyline seemed to make Derek only think more of Karen. She had always been there, quietly learning lines, rehearsing dance moves. Wearing his shirt, now why did he think of that?

He entered the lobby wondering why that image had come to mind; he got into the lift and got out on his floor. Opened his door, closed and locked it. He sank on the bed with exhaustion. The image dancing behind closed eyes. Now that was Karen, scared bird one minute and a dream the next. The question he thought, Could he see past Monroe and get back to meeting her that night?

For the first time in a long time Derek dreamt of Karen and only Karen, from the first audition to his apartment. Even running lines at night rehearsals. He smiled in his sleep as he remembered going to her apartment and seeing that she wasn't a scared bird at all. To wear what she had on. She was a goddess. Maybe, someday his goddess.

If you would like me to continue, please let me know. Thanks for reading!