Title: Who Is He This Time?
Author: Another Tracy
Rating: PG-13
Classification: H/M Shipper
Spoilers: Anything including and after "Exculpatory Evidence" through
season 8.
Summary: Meredith needs some help bringing Shakespeare to life for her
students.
Author's notes: Apologies and thanks to Kurt Vonnegut, author of "Who Am I
This Time?" a short story in the collection "Welcome to the Monkey House"
which is a must-read, and the inspiration for this story. My apologies to
anyone not familiar with American pop culture of the late '60's and '70's.
There are a few references in here that might have some folks scratching
their heads. Email me for explanations.
A long walk to the well, but I promise a refreshing drink!!!
Admiral Chegwidden's Office JAG Headquarters Falls Church, VA Tuesday, 2 September 1500 Zulu
"AJ, it would be so helpful to me. It's entirely voluntary," Meredith pleaded. "Your officers would not be obligated to participate."
"Meredith, if you think my officers are not going to feel obligated to their C.O.'s fiancé," AJ warned. "You have learned nothing from me about military life in 18 months together."
"But it will be fun," Meredith continued. "I'm sure they'd love to do it!"
AJ sighed. She could be persistent, and he was likely to end up in the doghouse with Dammit if he didn't give in on this. 'Pick your battles' he thought. 'Save it for the wedding plans, when she wants Elizabethan costumes.'
"Tiner," the Admiral barked into his intercom. "Please ask Rabb, MacKenzie, Roberts, Simms, Turner and Coates to report to my office immediately. You may join us as well."
He turned to Meredith. "I'm going to invite them over for a little barbeque this weekend, and you can pitch it to them then."
Meredith gave a little jump and a yelp "AJ! Thank you so much!" she gushed. "It will all be terrific, I promise." With that, she sped out of the office, greeting AJ's staff as they trooped past her into his office.
As the officers and enlisted all came to attention in front of his desk AJ quickly signaled them to stand at ease. "You are all invited to a barbeque at my home on Saturday evening, 18:00. You need bring nothing except yourselves, and if any of you wishes to bring a date, feel free to do so. Tiner, please keep track of the RSVPs for me, so that I know how many to cook for."
Tiner nodded "Yes, Sir."
"Dismissed."
"Thank you, sir." The group chorused as they filed out of the office.
"That's strange," Mac said as she and Harm picked their way through the bullpen back toward their offices. "If the Admiral was going to have a get- together, why didn't he do it last weekend? Labor Day is a traditional picnic weekend."
Harm shrugged. "He's the boss, it's his prerogative."
He hesitated outside Mac's office as she continued on to walk behind her desk and pick up a file. He stepped forward to stand just inside the frame of the door. "Uh, by the way," he started, a little uncertain. "Were you going to, uh, you know, uh, bring a date?"
"Not unless I can tear Jingo away from his plans," Mac chuckled, not picking up on Harm's tone. "You want to ride together?" She was reading the folder in her hand, and hadn't really processed the possibility that a) he might bring a date or b) he was worried she might bring a date.
"Yeah, sounds good," He let out a breath. "I'll pick you up at 17:30, ok?"
"Deal."
Admiral Chegwidden's Home McLean, VA Saturday, 6 September 0100 Zulu
Most of the JAG staff was sitting either on lawn chairs or at the picnic table with plates of grilled chicken, salmon and vegetables. The Admiral and Meredith were refilling drinks and once everyone was settled, they came to stand in the middle of the group.
"May I have your attention, please?" AJ started. "I am glad all of you were able to join us this evening, I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. I confess that I had an ulterior motive in inviting you here. Meredith would like to ask a favor, but I must stress that you are under NO obligation to participate in what she is going to ask of you. Meredith, now that I've scared the heck out of them, do you want to explain what it is you need help with?"
"AJ! You surely did scare them!" Meredith laughed, looking at the startled and nervous faces of the people she was coming to think of as friends. "As you know, I teach Shakespeare at George Mason. Each year I try to think of new ways to bring these wonderful 500 year-old plays to life for my incoming freshmen. I am hoping that this year, some of you might consent to help me."
Not seeing anyone rushing for their cars, she plunged in. "I wonder if any of you might consider participating in readings of the plays for my students? There is something about hearing the poetry of specific scenes read aloud, in character, that is especially moving and valuable to the study of Shakespeare."
Sturgis was the first to speak. "Professor Cavanaugh, would you need time from our work day?" He looked at the Admiral with some apprehension.
"No, Sturgis," Meredith assured him. "This would be a special program, one night a month, for extra credit for the students who are either struggling, or simply hoping for a better grade. And please call me Meredith?"
"In that case, ma'am, I'd be happy to participate," Sturgis offered with a smile. The rest of the guests looked at him with surprise. "I've always loved Shakespeare, and feel strongly about education. This is something I would like to do," he explained, and turning back to Meredith he continued. "If you don't mind, I'll check to see if Congresswoman Latham would like to join in the effort?"
"Oh, Sturgis, that would be wonderful!" Meredith beamed.
Lieutenants Roberts & Sims, who were entertaining AJ and their new little girl, spoke up next. "Ma'am, uh, Meredith," Bud started. "We'd love to help, but with a new baby, that's probably not realistic."
"I understand, Bud," Meredith said with a smile. "I expected that answer from you two, but I was glad AJ included you in the invitation. You are like his family, a family I want to be a part of, too, if you let me." Harriet returned her smile; she liked to see everyone paired off and happy. Bud was convinced that Harriet's vision of the world included a strict adherence to the principle of Noah's Ark: two by two.
"Meredith," Mac started. "I'd like to help, but I confess I've never done anything like this before."
"Mac, anytime you make a closing statement, you are acting," Meredith laughed. "You'll be fine, and you would make an amazing Beatrice. But that means that I need a Benedick," She finished, looking pointedly at Harm.
"OK, I'm in. It'll be fun. I used to do a little acting in high school," Harm smiled. "But we don't have to wear costumes, do we?" An nightmarish vision of tights flashed through his head as he frowned apprehensively.
"No, it's just readings of the plays," Meredith explained. "With that in mind, though, you will want to read the plays ahead of time, and rehearse the dialogue with your partner so that you are comfortable with the text."
With Jason Tiner and Jennifer Coates' agreement to participate as well, plans were made to get together later in the week to discuss which scenes from which plays, who would be read which parts, and the schedule for the readings.
Mac's Apartment Georgetown 0300 Zulu
Harm walked Mac to her door, as he always did. With an offer of a cup of tea and some homemade cookies, she lured him into her apartment. As she put the tea kettle on the stove and got a plate out for cookies, Harm walked Jingo. He didn't like her out late at night; even with a dog for protection; even in a neighborhood as reasonably safe as hers.
Hanging up Jingo's leash by the door, Harm toed off his sneakers to make himself at home, as he always did at Mac's. Mac smiled at the familiar gesture as she came into the living room with the refreshments and placed the wooden tray on the coffee table. Harm sat on one side of the sofa with his arm across the back.
"So, m'lady," Harm gestured for Mac to join him on the sofa. "Whaddya think? Much ado about nothing?" He grinned at her, pleased with his little joke, grabbing a cookie and munching away merrily.
"Har, har, Commander," Mac chuckled back at him, sipping her tea. "Have you read the play? Or did you see the film?"
"I read it in English lit," Harm admitted. "There's a movie?" He remembered that Beatrice and Benedick ended up together at the end, but couldn't remember how they got there.
"Yes, with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson?" She teased. "Well, it just so happens that 'Much Ado' is one of my personal favorites. And I think it's particularly ironic that you and I would play these characters."
"OK, Mac, you have me at a disadvantage," Harm arched an eyebrow at her, warning her to spill. "Give me the scoop on the play."
"Oh no," She grinned. "You'll have to figure this one out all on your own. NO, NO Harm!" She screeched as Harm came at her sides, fingers wiggling and tickling her. "Stop! Stop it!" She begged, laughing so hard that tears ran down her face.
"You give?" Harm asked, holding her down with his weight on her, one arm holding her across her middle to keep her arms from fighting him, still tickling with his free hand.
"NO! Never!" Mac laughed harder. "But if you don't stop, I'm going pee my pants!"
Laughing himself, Harm let her up and as soon as she was sitting upright, she slapped his shoulder. "Stinker!" she cried.
"And on that note, I leave you m'lady," Harm stood and bowed to her with a sweeping gesture.
Escorting Harm to the door, she gave him a quick hug before sending him on his way. As she closed the door behind him, she leaned her back against it with her arms around her waist. She took just a moment to remember his weight on her, his arms around her. Even in play, it was a very nice feeling. With a little happy sigh, she flicked off the light and headed for bed.
George Mason University Robinson Hall Fairfax, VA Wednesday, 10 September 0100 Zulu
The group had gathered in a meeting room down the hall from Meredith's office. Meredith distributed a schedule for rehearsals and performances. The first piece would be excerpts from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in which Bobbie and Sturgis would perform as Titania and Oberon in early October. They all laughed that Tiner and Coates would be considered a little too old for the parts, but they would still be playing the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet" in November. Harm and Mac would finish the semester in early December by portraying Beatrice and Benedick in "Much Ado About Nothing".
Each pair would have about four weeks to prepare for the reading. The readings would take place on the first or second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm, and based on past experience, Meredith said to expect anywhere from 10 to 20 students. She said that any questions that they asked, she would be prepared to answer, but she would also be happy to hear their insights into the plays as well.
Meredith also distributed copied of the plays and made arrangements with Bobbie and Sturgis to get together to discuss the text and begin the preparations for their reading.
"Would anyone mind," Mac looked around the group tentatively. "If the others came to watch their respective performances? I just think it would be helpful to understand what it's going to be like . . . " she trailed off. She wasn't sure how she'd feel about having Sturgis, Bobbie, Jason or Jen in the room when she and Harm did their reading, but she figured it would be worth it if it meant she were better prepared.
Harm was startled by her suggestion, but the others nodded. Even Bobbie and Sturgis, who would not benefit from the option, agreed. Their assignments in hand, the group dispersed.
Harm slid behind the wheel of his SUV after opening Mac's door for her. They had come to the meeting together straight from JAG Headquarters, still in uniform. "Thanks for the built-in humiliation factor, Mac," he said. "Do you realize how much mileage Sturgis is going to get out of this? I would have appreciated a little warning, partner."
"Harm, you will have just as much ammo on him," Mac countered. "And don't forget, he's playing the fairy king!" They both burst out laughing at that. "Buy you dinner, flyboy?" Mac said as they settled down and Harm started toward Georgetown.
"I'm really tired, Mac."
Mac focused on a point far ahead of them, trying not to let her disappointment show.
"Do you mind if we just pick up something and eat at Chez MacKenzie?" Harm finished.
"Sure, Harm, what do you feel like?" Mac grabbed his arm and felt it, an old joke between them.
"Very funny, Marine," Harm smirked. "How about if we stop at that Italian place down the street from your apartment? Maybe they can whip us up some manicotti, or something like that?"
"And a tiramisu chaser!" Mac interjected. "They have amazing desserts."
"You and your sweet tooth." Harm shook his head. "How do you put away the groceries you do and still look so great is beyond me. You'd put Jethroe Bodine to shame!"
Ignoring his crack, Mac smiled. "You think I look great?" She asked shyly.
"Come on, Mac, a guy would have to be three days dead not to see how beautiful you are."
Her eyes opened wide, but she didn't dare look at him. 'Ah, sweet mystery of life at last I found him' came Madeline Kahn's voice in her head. 'Does it get any better than Harmon Rabb telling you that you are beautiful?' If asked later, she could have not told anyone what they ate or discussed for the rest of the evening.
As she got ready for bed, she tried to go over the previous few hours with Harm. She could only hope she didn't embarrass herself. After Harm's description of her appearance, it was all a blank.
Over the following weeks, Mac re-read the play, familiarizing herself with the story and the dialogue. Harm had been away on a carrier for two weeks, and then in Norfolk for another two weeks. When he finally got back, it was time for Sturgis and Bobbi's reading, and he and Mac decided to go together. Harm hadn't had the opportunity to look at "Much Ado" yet.
George Mason University Lecture Hall Wednesday, 8 October 0130 Zulu
Bobbi and Sturgis were seated on stools on the floor of the lecture hall. Meredith was in the first row, about 15 students were scattered throughout the room. Mac, Harm, Jen and Jason were sitting together in a row in the back of the room, in civilian dress.
"Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania." Sturgis' deep voice boomed.
"What, jealous Oberon? Fairies, skip hence. I have foresworn his bed and company." Bobbi responded haughtily.
They continued the fiery exchange between the fairy king and queen, and when they were finished, the students applauded enthusiastically. Meredith stood to answer the students' questions. Bobbi and Sturgis looked pleased with the response they had received. Their colleagues in the back of the room had joined in the applause and were duly impressed with the performances.
As the group walked out to the parking lot together they congratulated the two readers on their accomplishment. "Sir, that was REALLY good!" Jen gushed to Sturgis.
To be continued . . .
A long walk to the well, but I promise a refreshing drink!!!
Admiral Chegwidden's Office JAG Headquarters Falls Church, VA Tuesday, 2 September 1500 Zulu
"AJ, it would be so helpful to me. It's entirely voluntary," Meredith pleaded. "Your officers would not be obligated to participate."
"Meredith, if you think my officers are not going to feel obligated to their C.O.'s fiancé," AJ warned. "You have learned nothing from me about military life in 18 months together."
"But it will be fun," Meredith continued. "I'm sure they'd love to do it!"
AJ sighed. She could be persistent, and he was likely to end up in the doghouse with Dammit if he didn't give in on this. 'Pick your battles' he thought. 'Save it for the wedding plans, when she wants Elizabethan costumes.'
"Tiner," the Admiral barked into his intercom. "Please ask Rabb, MacKenzie, Roberts, Simms, Turner and Coates to report to my office immediately. You may join us as well."
He turned to Meredith. "I'm going to invite them over for a little barbeque this weekend, and you can pitch it to them then."
Meredith gave a little jump and a yelp "AJ! Thank you so much!" she gushed. "It will all be terrific, I promise." With that, she sped out of the office, greeting AJ's staff as they trooped past her into his office.
As the officers and enlisted all came to attention in front of his desk AJ quickly signaled them to stand at ease. "You are all invited to a barbeque at my home on Saturday evening, 18:00. You need bring nothing except yourselves, and if any of you wishes to bring a date, feel free to do so. Tiner, please keep track of the RSVPs for me, so that I know how many to cook for."
Tiner nodded "Yes, Sir."
"Dismissed."
"Thank you, sir." The group chorused as they filed out of the office.
"That's strange," Mac said as she and Harm picked their way through the bullpen back toward their offices. "If the Admiral was going to have a get- together, why didn't he do it last weekend? Labor Day is a traditional picnic weekend."
Harm shrugged. "He's the boss, it's his prerogative."
He hesitated outside Mac's office as she continued on to walk behind her desk and pick up a file. He stepped forward to stand just inside the frame of the door. "Uh, by the way," he started, a little uncertain. "Were you going to, uh, you know, uh, bring a date?"
"Not unless I can tear Jingo away from his plans," Mac chuckled, not picking up on Harm's tone. "You want to ride together?" She was reading the folder in her hand, and hadn't really processed the possibility that a) he might bring a date or b) he was worried she might bring a date.
"Yeah, sounds good," He let out a breath. "I'll pick you up at 17:30, ok?"
"Deal."
Admiral Chegwidden's Home McLean, VA Saturday, 6 September 0100 Zulu
Most of the JAG staff was sitting either on lawn chairs or at the picnic table with plates of grilled chicken, salmon and vegetables. The Admiral and Meredith were refilling drinks and once everyone was settled, they came to stand in the middle of the group.
"May I have your attention, please?" AJ started. "I am glad all of you were able to join us this evening, I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. I confess that I had an ulterior motive in inviting you here. Meredith would like to ask a favor, but I must stress that you are under NO obligation to participate in what she is going to ask of you. Meredith, now that I've scared the heck out of them, do you want to explain what it is you need help with?"
"AJ! You surely did scare them!" Meredith laughed, looking at the startled and nervous faces of the people she was coming to think of as friends. "As you know, I teach Shakespeare at George Mason. Each year I try to think of new ways to bring these wonderful 500 year-old plays to life for my incoming freshmen. I am hoping that this year, some of you might consent to help me."
Not seeing anyone rushing for their cars, she plunged in. "I wonder if any of you might consider participating in readings of the plays for my students? There is something about hearing the poetry of specific scenes read aloud, in character, that is especially moving and valuable to the study of Shakespeare."
Sturgis was the first to speak. "Professor Cavanaugh, would you need time from our work day?" He looked at the Admiral with some apprehension.
"No, Sturgis," Meredith assured him. "This would be a special program, one night a month, for extra credit for the students who are either struggling, or simply hoping for a better grade. And please call me Meredith?"
"In that case, ma'am, I'd be happy to participate," Sturgis offered with a smile. The rest of the guests looked at him with surprise. "I've always loved Shakespeare, and feel strongly about education. This is something I would like to do," he explained, and turning back to Meredith he continued. "If you don't mind, I'll check to see if Congresswoman Latham would like to join in the effort?"
"Oh, Sturgis, that would be wonderful!" Meredith beamed.
Lieutenants Roberts & Sims, who were entertaining AJ and their new little girl, spoke up next. "Ma'am, uh, Meredith," Bud started. "We'd love to help, but with a new baby, that's probably not realistic."
"I understand, Bud," Meredith said with a smile. "I expected that answer from you two, but I was glad AJ included you in the invitation. You are like his family, a family I want to be a part of, too, if you let me." Harriet returned her smile; she liked to see everyone paired off and happy. Bud was convinced that Harriet's vision of the world included a strict adherence to the principle of Noah's Ark: two by two.
"Meredith," Mac started. "I'd like to help, but I confess I've never done anything like this before."
"Mac, anytime you make a closing statement, you are acting," Meredith laughed. "You'll be fine, and you would make an amazing Beatrice. But that means that I need a Benedick," She finished, looking pointedly at Harm.
"OK, I'm in. It'll be fun. I used to do a little acting in high school," Harm smiled. "But we don't have to wear costumes, do we?" An nightmarish vision of tights flashed through his head as he frowned apprehensively.
"No, it's just readings of the plays," Meredith explained. "With that in mind, though, you will want to read the plays ahead of time, and rehearse the dialogue with your partner so that you are comfortable with the text."
With Jason Tiner and Jennifer Coates' agreement to participate as well, plans were made to get together later in the week to discuss which scenes from which plays, who would be read which parts, and the schedule for the readings.
Mac's Apartment Georgetown 0300 Zulu
Harm walked Mac to her door, as he always did. With an offer of a cup of tea and some homemade cookies, she lured him into her apartment. As she put the tea kettle on the stove and got a plate out for cookies, Harm walked Jingo. He didn't like her out late at night; even with a dog for protection; even in a neighborhood as reasonably safe as hers.
Hanging up Jingo's leash by the door, Harm toed off his sneakers to make himself at home, as he always did at Mac's. Mac smiled at the familiar gesture as she came into the living room with the refreshments and placed the wooden tray on the coffee table. Harm sat on one side of the sofa with his arm across the back.
"So, m'lady," Harm gestured for Mac to join him on the sofa. "Whaddya think? Much ado about nothing?" He grinned at her, pleased with his little joke, grabbing a cookie and munching away merrily.
"Har, har, Commander," Mac chuckled back at him, sipping her tea. "Have you read the play? Or did you see the film?"
"I read it in English lit," Harm admitted. "There's a movie?" He remembered that Beatrice and Benedick ended up together at the end, but couldn't remember how they got there.
"Yes, with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson?" She teased. "Well, it just so happens that 'Much Ado' is one of my personal favorites. And I think it's particularly ironic that you and I would play these characters."
"OK, Mac, you have me at a disadvantage," Harm arched an eyebrow at her, warning her to spill. "Give me the scoop on the play."
"Oh no," She grinned. "You'll have to figure this one out all on your own. NO, NO Harm!" She screeched as Harm came at her sides, fingers wiggling and tickling her. "Stop! Stop it!" She begged, laughing so hard that tears ran down her face.
"You give?" Harm asked, holding her down with his weight on her, one arm holding her across her middle to keep her arms from fighting him, still tickling with his free hand.
"NO! Never!" Mac laughed harder. "But if you don't stop, I'm going pee my pants!"
Laughing himself, Harm let her up and as soon as she was sitting upright, she slapped his shoulder. "Stinker!" she cried.
"And on that note, I leave you m'lady," Harm stood and bowed to her with a sweeping gesture.
Escorting Harm to the door, she gave him a quick hug before sending him on his way. As she closed the door behind him, she leaned her back against it with her arms around her waist. She took just a moment to remember his weight on her, his arms around her. Even in play, it was a very nice feeling. With a little happy sigh, she flicked off the light and headed for bed.
George Mason University Robinson Hall Fairfax, VA Wednesday, 10 September 0100 Zulu
The group had gathered in a meeting room down the hall from Meredith's office. Meredith distributed a schedule for rehearsals and performances. The first piece would be excerpts from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in which Bobbie and Sturgis would perform as Titania and Oberon in early October. They all laughed that Tiner and Coates would be considered a little too old for the parts, but they would still be playing the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet" in November. Harm and Mac would finish the semester in early December by portraying Beatrice and Benedick in "Much Ado About Nothing".
Each pair would have about four weeks to prepare for the reading. The readings would take place on the first or second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm, and based on past experience, Meredith said to expect anywhere from 10 to 20 students. She said that any questions that they asked, she would be prepared to answer, but she would also be happy to hear their insights into the plays as well.
Meredith also distributed copied of the plays and made arrangements with Bobbie and Sturgis to get together to discuss the text and begin the preparations for their reading.
"Would anyone mind," Mac looked around the group tentatively. "If the others came to watch their respective performances? I just think it would be helpful to understand what it's going to be like . . . " she trailed off. She wasn't sure how she'd feel about having Sturgis, Bobbie, Jason or Jen in the room when she and Harm did their reading, but she figured it would be worth it if it meant she were better prepared.
Harm was startled by her suggestion, but the others nodded. Even Bobbie and Sturgis, who would not benefit from the option, agreed. Their assignments in hand, the group dispersed.
Harm slid behind the wheel of his SUV after opening Mac's door for her. They had come to the meeting together straight from JAG Headquarters, still in uniform. "Thanks for the built-in humiliation factor, Mac," he said. "Do you realize how much mileage Sturgis is going to get out of this? I would have appreciated a little warning, partner."
"Harm, you will have just as much ammo on him," Mac countered. "And don't forget, he's playing the fairy king!" They both burst out laughing at that. "Buy you dinner, flyboy?" Mac said as they settled down and Harm started toward Georgetown.
"I'm really tired, Mac."
Mac focused on a point far ahead of them, trying not to let her disappointment show.
"Do you mind if we just pick up something and eat at Chez MacKenzie?" Harm finished.
"Sure, Harm, what do you feel like?" Mac grabbed his arm and felt it, an old joke between them.
"Very funny, Marine," Harm smirked. "How about if we stop at that Italian place down the street from your apartment? Maybe they can whip us up some manicotti, or something like that?"
"And a tiramisu chaser!" Mac interjected. "They have amazing desserts."
"You and your sweet tooth." Harm shook his head. "How do you put away the groceries you do and still look so great is beyond me. You'd put Jethroe Bodine to shame!"
Ignoring his crack, Mac smiled. "You think I look great?" She asked shyly.
"Come on, Mac, a guy would have to be three days dead not to see how beautiful you are."
Her eyes opened wide, but she didn't dare look at him. 'Ah, sweet mystery of life at last I found him' came Madeline Kahn's voice in her head. 'Does it get any better than Harmon Rabb telling you that you are beautiful?' If asked later, she could have not told anyone what they ate or discussed for the rest of the evening.
As she got ready for bed, she tried to go over the previous few hours with Harm. She could only hope she didn't embarrass herself. After Harm's description of her appearance, it was all a blank.
Over the following weeks, Mac re-read the play, familiarizing herself with the story and the dialogue. Harm had been away on a carrier for two weeks, and then in Norfolk for another two weeks. When he finally got back, it was time for Sturgis and Bobbi's reading, and he and Mac decided to go together. Harm hadn't had the opportunity to look at "Much Ado" yet.
George Mason University Lecture Hall Wednesday, 8 October 0130 Zulu
Bobbi and Sturgis were seated on stools on the floor of the lecture hall. Meredith was in the first row, about 15 students were scattered throughout the room. Mac, Harm, Jen and Jason were sitting together in a row in the back of the room, in civilian dress.
"Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania." Sturgis' deep voice boomed.
"What, jealous Oberon? Fairies, skip hence. I have foresworn his bed and company." Bobbi responded haughtily.
They continued the fiery exchange between the fairy king and queen, and when they were finished, the students applauded enthusiastically. Meredith stood to answer the students' questions. Bobbi and Sturgis looked pleased with the response they had received. Their colleagues in the back of the room had joined in the applause and were duly impressed with the performances.
As the group walked out to the parking lot together they congratulated the two readers on their accomplishment. "Sir, that was REALLY good!" Jen gushed to Sturgis.
To be continued . . .