My Mama Told Me...
a.k.a – The Miseducation of Murphy Brown
by Lauren W.
Forward (Author's Note)
I have been working on this story for over 10 years. In fact, I started writing it around the same time I started writing 'Closing The Circle'. Over the years I'd switch back and forth, finally finishing and publishing 'Closing'. But it did take another five years to get this story in any kind of shape to actually publish. Within the story are throwbacks to actual episode events. The circle is once again coming into play. So here we are.
This story initially came from an online chat with a friend. We both wondered what Avery Brown Jr. would be up to today. It only seemed fitting to begin to release the story on May 18, 2013, which is the fifteenth anniversary of Murphy Brown leaving the airwaves, Avery's "21st birthday" and Diane English's real birthday. There will be two other parts to the story released sometime in the future.
I have to reiterate that I own none of these characters and no copyright infringement is intended. I hope you enjoy! R&R, no flames.
Chapter 1 – Hey Mama
"...And this has been another edition of FYI. Good night."
"And we're clear. Good show everyone." John, the stage manager, said as he moved quickly to start striking the set. The anchors stood and released their lovelier mics, laying them on the desk, before finally, and most importantly, releasing all tension caused by the stress of live television.
"Ms. Brown, you…um, have a phone call." Murphy heard the voice of the new executive producer in training, Troy. Troy was twenty five years old and just out of some ivy league school. He was hired because his uncle owned a large share in the network and knew all the right people. He had the perfect connection, but had absolutely no idea what to do on his first day. So instead of firing him, the brilliant minds at the network decided to title him "executive producer in training" and Murphy his trainer since Kay had been asked by the network to help get another show off the ground. Murphy didn't even bother putting this kid through all she had put Miles Silverberg through. She knew how he got his job, so she just made his life a living hell and had no mercy.
Murphy gave Troy a once over before snatching the phone from his hand. "Don't you have something else you should be doing besides answering phones?" As usual Troy had no answer, mostly because Murphy scared the hell out of him.
After watching Troy walk away, tail between his legs, Murphy, always the good reporter, grabbed her trusty number two pencil and a pad and in her best deadpan voice said, "Murphy Brown here."
"Give the new guy a break, Mom."
"Avery!" Her face lit up at the very sound of his voice.
"Great show, once again."
"Where are you?"
"School."
"What's all that noise?"
"Oh, just the guys." Avery put his hand over the receiver and all Murphy heard was his muffled voice. "Hold it down, will ya? Jeez!"
"How are you doing? Do you need anything? Money? Food? Money?"
"I'm fine Mom, really. I've got some news though."
Murphy felt her stomach flip. "News?"
"Well..." Avery delivered his news but as he did there was some sort of commotion in the studio and Murphy missed his words.
"I didn't hear you!"
"Mom, that hurt!"
"Hold on, honey." Murphy put her hand over the phone. "Hey guys! Break it up, will ya? I'm on the phone with my kid over here. I don't want to have to tell you again!"
"It's Avery? I want to talk to him," Frank said as he walked over to where Murphy was standing.
"No Frank!"
"Hi Avery!" Corky came over and yelled in the phone.
"Okay, I can see where this is going. I'm going to hold up the phone and everyone will say 'Hi Avery' then we'll be finished with this nonsense. Ready. Go."
"Hi Avery!" The crew of FYI said in unison.
"Did you get that?"
"Sure did. Tell everyone 'Hi' back."
"Everyone, Avery says 'Hi'. Now knock it off!" Murphy put the phone back up to her ear. "I'm back. So what's this news you have for me?"
As Murphy listened intently, Frank and Corky tried to put their ears to the phone, but Murphy swatted her hand forcing them to retreat. Murphy's mouth dropped as she heard Avery deliver his news. "Okay, I'll see you then Avery. I'm so proud of you. Bye."
Murphy slowly returned the phone back to its cradle, a dazed look planted firmly on her face.
"What's up, Murph?" Frank asked.
"Yeah. How's Avery?" Corky added.
Murphy turned to face them. "He's graduating early, with honors."
"Wow, I always knew that kid was smart." Frank said.
"He's coming in town tomorrow so we can drive to New York together. Oh guys, this is it. The day I have been regretting since he was born has finally arrived."
"Yes, our little Avery is all grown up." Corky said. "Gosh, I feel old!"
Frank and Murphy looked at each other, then at Corky. If she feels old, then we are old.
"I wish Jim were here." Murphy said with sadness dripping from her words.
"I know. I do too." Frank added.
"Me too." Corky finished.
The three of them reveled in their own personal moment of quiet sadness, missing Jim in their own way.
"What is this?" Kay Carter-Shepley asked as she walked on the set. "You were having a pity party and I wasn't invited? I'm really hurt."
"We were just thinking about Jim." Corky explained.
"He wouldn't want you to do this. That I'm sure of. Everyone smile!" Corky, Frank, and Murphy gave Kay a round of half smiles. "Well, good enough. Now how about some food for the best damn news team on the planet? Phil's is on me."
"Don't you work for another show now?" Frank asked.
"Yes, but please, those youngsters have a lot to learn. They think Watergate is some kind of river dam."
"You guys go without me."
"What? Murphy Brown is opting out of a free meal? Everyone look out for the flying pigs." Kay made dodging movements with her body.
"Avery is graduating early, with honors. I have to get ready to leave for his graduation."
"Wow, that's great Sis!"
"But I do expect that meal pronto upon my return."