Disclaimer: Characters belong to Showcase and Prodigy Pictures except for the ones I've created.
Notes: Thank you for reading and the reviews.
One of the things I loved about the movie is its theme by John Barry - watch?v=esrTfwBiOM0 It is still one of my favourites.
The story is based on the movie, Somewhere in Time, which was based on the book, Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson.
Chapter 8
It was a crazy mess inside the hall.
In one corner, the costume and prop crew were looking over the dresses, holding up one and another. At the side entrance, men were hauling boxes in and moving things around, their damp shirts sticking to their backs. Up front, just beneath the stage, the conductor was flipping through the music sheets as he talked to the musicians.
People were walking around, blocking Lauren's view as she sat in the middle row. Voices mingled loudly; Lauren wondered how the actors would be able to focus with so much chaos.
Lauren's eyes drifted to Bo standing by the side of the stage as the director, a short, balding, portly man that reminded her of Danny DeVito gave out instructions. Next to Bo was the actor playing Gavin Dishart, tall with broad shoulders and a chiseled face that was sure to fill the heads of young girls with heady daydreams.
His name was Todd Manning, which Lauren thought didn't suit him. It should be something grander befitting the golden years of Hollywood, such as Douglas, Glenn, Franklin, even Reginald.
Bo cast an occasional glance at Lauren, her face lighting up. It flooded Lauren with warmth each time.
Bo was taken with her, that much Lauren was sure of. She ran over their conversations in her head, and all that she had learned about Bo. Every new reveal just endeared Bo more to her.
She noticed too the little things Bo did; the delicate way she would tuck her hair behind her ear, how she would look away just for a tiny moment before she revealed something personal about her, and the way her lips would part when she's listening attentively.
Lauren sighed out loud. She could spend her life watching Bo and it still would not be enough.
Her thoughts were jarred by the booming voice of the director, "Quiet!"
Immediately, a hush fell upon the hall and the stage cleared, leaving only Bo and Todd. Lauren was impressed by the authority he possessed.
With a nod from the director, Bo stumbled back as if in fear from Todd, her voice low in a warning, "You must never speak to me in that way again."
Todd stepped forward. "In what way?"
Bo's eyes blazed in fury and passion. "You will never understand me. I daresay I might be more like other people now, if-if I had been brought up differently." A pause, her voice now filled with determination rose, "Not that I want to be like others. Do you never feel, when you have been living a humdrum life for months, that you must break out of it, or go crazy?"
Lauren was mesmerised as she watched Bo transformed herself into Lady Babbie, the willful noble woman disguised as a gypsy to aid the villagers.
She had viewed Bo as reserved, but there, on stage under the bright lights was a different woman altogether. Bo effortlessly captured the fiery, passionate and unrepentant spirit of Babbie in each movement and each word she uttered.
She understood now the emotions that engulfed Bo when she saw Marilyn Miller perform for the first time. It was, as Bo claimed, magic. If critics were critical of Bo at this point in her career, Lauren could only imagine how much more powerful Bo's acting would become after 1938.
All too soon, the scene ended. Lauren could hear the director praising Bo, "You were magnificent! That's what I wanted from you. You, Miss Dennis, is all Lady Babbie. Bravo!"
Feeling absurdly proud of Bo, Lauren stood up and clapped, yelling, "Yay!"
All eyes flew to her. Lauren felt her cheeks heating up and she said sheepishly,"Sorry, I'll be quiet now. I'll sit down."
She saw Bo covered her face with her hand and her shoulders shook, likely in laughter. At least, Bo saw the humor unlike the disapproving looks she was getting from everyone else.
As other actors took to the stage to prepare for another scene, Bo and Todd stood to the side. Lauren observed their interactions with interest.
Todd stood with his legs spread about a shoulder's width apart, hands in his pocket, chest out and gut in, his head titled slightly to one side. His brows constantly raised in a surprise manner, and he maintained lingering eye contact.
Lauren knew that pose well; it's the manly courtship stance. She had seen plenty of that pose directed at her in high school. Boy, were those guys barking up the wrong tree.
Bo's stance told a completely different story; her back leaned against the wall, she had her arms folded across her chest, and eyes darting back and forth between the on-goings on stage and Todd.
Poor Todd, he was wasting his time. Bo looked over at that moment, giving her a smile that reached her eyes. She turned her body towards Lauren and waved before the director caught her attention.
Lauren waved back. Now, that was positive body language.
"Good afternoon, Miss Lewis," a familiar voice said behind Lauren.
Lauren almost groaned. Was it too much to ask for one Julia Morland free day? She put on her brightest smile and turned around to face Julia, "Mrs. Morland, how lovely to see you."
"I see that you're getting a special preview of the play. I hope you're enjoying what you've seen so far," Julia said pleasantly.
It was a little unsettling to see Julia being so cordial. Maybe, she shouldn't be so cynical, Lauren thought.
"I'm enjoying every single minute."
"I'm very pleased to hear that. Mr. Barrie's work is always of the utmost quality and the cast we have gathered is of an unmatched caliber. I'm sure you'll agree with me."
Lauren noticed the slight flare of Julia's nostril and the subtle challenge in her tone. She knew it was too good to be true; it appeared that Julia was employing the same tactic as her. Well then, two could play the same game.
"I definitely do agree with you and it's not just because I adore Bo," Lauren said, seeing the slight tightening around Julia's mouth.
She stood up and gestured towards the empty seat next to her. "Would you like to join me, Mrs. Morland?"
"Why, I thought you'd never ask." Julia smiled.
Lauren waited till Julia was seated before she did the same. They sat in silence for a few minutes, watching Bo act out a scene.
"She is remarkable, isn't she? She's just bursting with talent and charisma," Julia said.
Lauren eyed Julia, there was no mistaking the sincerity in her remark and for that alone, she would try a little harder to be nice to Julia. "Yes, she is. It's hard to take your eyes off her when she's on stage."
"She is going to be a big star one day. Her name will be remembered for generations to come. I admire her tenacity and passion greatly. She has toiled endlessly over the years to perfect her craft, she deserves all the fame that's coming her way," Julia said in a hushed tone, eyes fixed on the stage.
Lauren wasn't sure what to say. She had always thought Julia only saw Bo as a product to market and to make an obscene amount of money from. This side of Julia was a surprise.
"I'm glad you saw that talent in her early on," Lauren said honestly.
Julia turned to Lauren. "MGM is interested in signing her. The contract is ready, all she need to do is sign on the dotted line. RKO has also expressed an interest. As a matter of fact, the studio has sent a talent scout to see the play but it's just a formality. I have spoken to the gentleman and was told the studio is ready to make an offer, and it's more money than MGM. So, you can understand why this play is very important to Bo's career. She can't afford to be distracted."
The hint was not lost on Lauren. "Mrs. Morland, I wish nothing but the best for Bo. She deserves no less, and I assure you that I have no intention to distract her from anything."
Lauren turned her sights to the stage where Bo was acting out an emotional scene. The pain was clear in her voice and her expression was one of a woman torn.
"Look at her," Lauren breathed. "She is pouring her heart and soul into the role. That is not something you see in a distracted woman. I hope that you will trust in Bo, trust that she is a consummate professional who would not give anything less than her best on stage, no matter what happens in her private life."
Julia was silent, her lips drawn in a thin line. Lauren continued, hoping to reach a compromise with total honesty, "Mrs. Morland, there is no reason why we can't co-exist in Bo's life. I admit I have misjudged you to be a woman who's only interested in Bo as an investment, but I have come to see that I was wrong. For that, I apologise. We both care for Bo and want only the best for her."
"And you think you're what's best for Bo?"
Lauren gave her a small smile. "That is up to her to decide but, yes, I believe so."
Julia sat back stiffly and inhaled. "Very well then. I shall take my leave, I have a meeting with the scout from RKO."
Lauren stood together with Julia. "I'll see you around. I must admit that it's rather strange but nice to have a cordial conversation with you, Mrs. Morland."
Julia merely smiled in response. "Would you like to dine with Bo and I tonight, Miss Lewis?"
"Thank you very much for the invitation, I would love to."
"Good, I'll see you this evening."
Lauren watched Julia make her way out of the theatre, unsure what to make of their conversation. She wanted desperately to believe they had reached a turning point in their relationship, but there was that nagging voice at the back of her head, telling her to be careful.
Don't be so cynical, Lewis, Lauren told herself as she sat back down to enjoy the show.
The rehearsal went on longer than expected. By the time they were done, it was already past five thirty.
Lauren had waited for her patiently, sitting in the same spot. Bo went over for a short bit to tell Lauren to give her more time to do fittings for the play.
Bo listened distractedly as the costume mistress went on about the dresses. She was concerned when she saw Julia and Lauren conversing during rehearsal. She had learned that leaving those two alone for longer than a minute was never a good idea.
But Lauren could certainly hold her own against Julia. The thought brought a smile to her face.
It was thrilling to look over and see Lauren watching her during the rehearsal, always with an encouraging smile. She couldn't help but wonder if it was Lauren's presence that created this new bursting energy in her performance today.
Never had she felt more connected to Lady Babbie. It was as if she had developed a deeper understanding of the character.
She felt the turmoil and confusion in Babbie as Gavin impulsively kissed her for the first time. That warring desire to both run and stay struck the core of her heart as it did Babbie.
"Bo?" the costume mistress waved her hand in front of Bo's face to get her attention.
Bo snapped out of her thoughts apologetically. "I'm sorry. What is it?"
The costume mistress smiled. "I said we are done here."
"Thank you, I'll see you tomorrow." Bo hurried out of the dressing room, anxious to see Lauren again.
She found Lauren in the orchestra pit, standing on the conductor's rostrum. Bo stopped just out of Lauren's view and watched her gingerly pick up the baton.
She stepped forward and said, "Go on, show me what you can do."
Lauren jumped as if she had just been caught doing something bad. "God, you scared me. Um...I was just looking around."
"You must have conducted an imaginary orchestra at least once in your life," Bo teased.
"Ah, you know me well. And I should tell you, my orchestra was outstanding. Audiences threw flowers at our feet and some were even moved to tears. Oh, do you know that an early form of conducting is cheironomy, which uses hand signals to indicate the course and character of the melody? It dates as far back as the Middle Ages," Lauren said as she climbed out of the pit.
"How do you know all these things?" Bo was both amused and amazed. One thing was for sure; life would never be boring with Lauren.
"I read a lot and I'm also very smart. At one point, I was seriously considering studying molecular biology and wanted to join the space programme, but in the end, I decided writing was my true calling," Lauren said without a hint of arrogance.
"I have never heard of molecular biology and space programme." They sounded complex to Bo but whatever they may be, she thought Lauren was certainly smart enough to tackle both.
For some reason, Lauren looked startled at her question. "Um, they are both new fields of study, which I shall not bore you with. At least not now, we have more urgent matters to attend to."
"Oh, we do?"
"Yes, and I am to escort you to your room immediately."
Bo arched a brow in question as Lauren offered her arm, rather gallantly she thought.
"Yes, you'll need to rest and get ready for your dinner with Mrs. Morland."
Bo smacked her head lightly. "Oh, I forgot all about dinner with Julia."
"But our time together will not end yet, she invited me to join you." Lauren pulled Bo closer once the latter wrapped her hands around Lauren's arm. Together they started the slow walk back to Bo's room.
Bo's eyes widened in surprise. "She did?"
"Yes. I was very surprised when she extended her invitation, but I suppose, this is as good a time as any to mend fences with her." Lauren shrugged.
It was unlike Julia to do something like this, considering she had never been kind to anyone who showed an interest in her, which Bo was mostly fine with because she had no interest in any of them. This was different, Lauren was different. She couldn't help but fear Julia was up to something.
"Lauren, you don't have to come if you're not up to it. I saw you talking to Julia earlier, I hope it was a threat-free conversation."
"We actually had a cordial chat. Don't worry, I want to join you and Mrs. Morland."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm very sure."
Bo nodded. Perhaps, it was not a bad idea. Julia and Lauren would have to learn to get along one way or another. She planned to keep Lauren in her life for a long, long time and Julia would just have to deal with it.
Lauren headed back to her room after walking Bo to hers. It took them both a while to say goodbye, like those long phone calls between lovers who just couldn't say goodbye to one another.
It was silly, they were going to see one another in a short while. She laughed at her own lovesickness but she was delighted to notice Bo was just as reluctant to part company.
It was a good sign, a very good sign.
Lauren found her freshly cleaned pantsuit waiting for her on the bed. She considered wearing it for dinner tonight. In the end, she decided to go with the dress instead.
The dinner started off well enough. While there were lulls in conversation, Julia was pleasant enough.
However, Lauren knew Julia was digging for information on her by the questions she was asking. Julia asked about where she's from, her family, profession and such. Lauren gave her answers truthfully, but vaguely. Full details were reserved for Bo.
Bo was generally quiet, preferring to listen than talk. Bo tried several times to shift the focus from Lauren but Julia skilfully directed the conversation back to her preferred subject.
That voice in Lauren's head came back, telling her to be careful of Julia.
They were halfway through their entrees when Julia suddenly stood up and waved, her face beaming. Lauren turned around to see none other than Todd strolling towards their table.
"Todd, what a delight to see you," Julia greeted, all warm and charming while Bo tensed.
"It is a pleasant surprise. I'm here for dinner."
"Just yourself?" Julia asked.
"I'm afraid so, just lonely old me." Todd looked at Bo as he spoke. Bo returned a feeble smile.
"That will not do. Why don't you join us?" Julia suggested. She swiftly moved across the table and offered Todd the seat next to Bo.
Lauren groaned inwardly. She didn't believe for one second that Todd's appearance was just a coincidence. For a man who was a pretty good actor, Todd was terrible at faking surprise.
Lauren should have known Julia's sudden friendliness was too good to be true.
One look at Bo told Lauren she was not at all happy with the turn of events too.
After Todd was introduced to Lauren, he immediately turned his attention to Bo. "You were wonderful today, Bo. I must say I'm a very lucky man to have you as my leading lady."
"Thank you, Todd. You were wonderful too," Bo replied.
"Praise from my leading lady! I may not sleep at all tonight."
Lauren looked down, trying her hardest not to roll her eyes at Mr. Leading Man's terrible lines. She wondered if Todd could hear his own words. Probably not, since he went on and on, slipping, 'my leading lady', into his sentences every so often.
Meanwhile, Bo gave mostly one syllable answers and shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Todd crowded her.
How could anyone be this dense? Lauren wondered, tempted several times to yank Todd off his seat.
"Bo, I believe you have found your date to the premier of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in February," Julia said suddenly, acting as if the idea had just occurred to her.
Lauren decided she was back to disliking Julia at that point.
"I don't know about-" Bo started to say, but was cut off by Julia.
"Bo, don't be silly. Todd is the perfect person to escort you to the premiere. Two upcoming stars on a date? The press will go crazy. Let's not argue, the matter is settled. Todd will be your date for the premier," Julia said with glee then turned to Lauren. "Todd has just signed with me and is well on his way to sign a contract with a major studio."
Directing her attention back to Bo and Todd, she added, "As a matter of fact, I spoke to Mr. Lester from RKO this afternoon and he's interested to cast both of you in an epic romance the studio is working on. I've asked him to draft the contracts. It will be ready in a few days for both of you to sign."
Lauren visibly cringed at Todd's reaction, who nearly squealed like a 12-year old fangirl at the news. She wondered how long it would take for him to start hyperventilating.
"That..I'm speechless, Julia!" Todd exclaimed.
Lauren hoped he was really speechless. She wasn't in the mood to listen to him go on and on about the opportunity and being able to work with Bo again. Unfortunately, Lauren's relief was momentary.
"Thank you so much, Julia. This is a dream come true. And Bo, Isn't it just wonderful? We get to work together again. I'm beginning to think you're my lucky charm. From the moment I met you, my life has gone from good to amazing. " Todd lowered his voice, a brow arched suggestively, "In every possible way."
He raised Bo's hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "We will make magic, you and I. There is really no one better for you than me."
Bo grimaced as did Lauren, then glared at Julia. "I didn't know you're talking to RKO, Julia. I thought we're set with MGM."
"Oh, I wanted to but you were..." Julia glanced at Lauren, "otherwise occupied."
The accusation in Julia's voice was clear to Lauren. She was ready with a retort, but Bo beat her to it.
"I saw you yesterday and even had dinner with you. Are you trying to tell me you couldn't find a single minute to tell me the news?" Bo asked, grounding out her words slowly. "You may be my manager, but that does not give you the right to make my decisions for me."
Both Julia and Todd appeared to be startled by Bo's obvious anger. Lauren quickly ducked her head to hide her smile.
"I'm trying to ensure the best for you, Bo and trust me, I know what is best. You'll be wise to let me handle your affairs for you. A little gratitude would be appreciated. Your attitude is deplorable," Julia huffed.
Lauren looked up to meet Bo's eyes. She gave Bo a smile of encouragement and a discreet thumbs up.
A genuine smile spread across Bo's features for a few seconds. Then, it was back to fuming as she stressed to Julia, "I do appreciate your efforts, Julia but I should have a say in deciding which direction my career should take. It is my career and my life."
Todd interjected, "Bo, I'm sure Julia knows what she's doing. Have faith in her, she has gotten you this far. If it were me, I'd leave all my decisions to her."
Ass kisser! Lauren couldn't keep quiet any longer. "Well, it's a good thing Bo isn't you then, Todd."
"This does not concern you, Miss Lewis," Julia snapped.
Bo clenched her jaw, ready to unleash on Julia but Lauren quickly placed her hand on hers to stop her.
Calmly, she said to Julia, "I'm afraid it does, Mrs. Morland and you know why. Bo is my friend and I'm not going to stand by and let you continue to dismiss my friend. She deserves respect from you. I do believe you have good intentions, but your method leaves much to be desired."
She turned to a shocked and finally speechless Todd, wagging a finger at him. "Todd, I'm sure you're a nice guy but Bo is not interested in you. You're an actor for God's sake, I would think you would know a thing or two about body language. Either you're really persistent, or you're just plain dumb."
Lauren stopped her tirade, afraid she had crossed the line. Her fears were erased when she found Bo staring at her with a secret smile.
"How dare you!" Julia slammed her hand on the table.
Without taking her eyes off Bo, Lauren sat back and calmly folded her napkin. "I guess it's sufficient to say I have ruined the evening."
"No, it's not you who have ruined the evening." Bo threw an accusing glare at Julia.
Lauren saw Julia's knuckles turning white from her increasingly strong grip on her steak knife, nostril flaring. Lauren wanted to leave but she didn't want to leave Bo on her own with them, so the best option was to take Bo with her.
"Bo, would you like to join for a stroll this lovely evening? Lauren asked.
Todd instantly placed his hand on Bo's forearms possessively. "Actually, I was going to ask Bo to join me for a drink in the lounge."
Without looking at Todd, Bo took his hand and placed it back to his side of the table, and Lauren knew she would be enjoying Bo's company tonight.
Unfortunately, it was not to be as their attention was drawn to the man approaching their table.
"Good evening, . I hope I'm not interrupting. I was having dinner and saw you, thought I come over for a bit," the man greeted pleasantly.
It was amazing, Lauren thought, how Julia's entire demeanour could change in a split second.
Julia beamed, tone light as she said, "Mr. Lester, you came at the right time."
Does everyone staying at the hotel dine in this restaurant? Lauren wondered. Surely, there must be a good restaurant in town.
Julia stood and introduced Bo and Todd to Lester. When Julia came to Lauren, she could hear the reluctance in Julia's voice as if it would kill her to speak her name. "And this is Lauren Lewis, an acquaintance of Bo."
Lauren shook his hand politely and caught Bo's eyes, who smiled at her sadly. Lauren shrugged in return, knowing this would be the end of their day together.
Lester said something about the proposed movie, which Lauren didn't bother to pay any attention to.
"I've an idea, why don't we adjourn to the terrace for a drink and discuss this further? It would be a shame to waste a lovely evening indoors," Julia suggested.
Todd immediately jumped to his feet. "Yes, I think that is a brilliant idea." He extended his hand to Bo, "Shall we, Bo?"
Bo didn't move, eyes darting between the three waiting figures and Lauren, obviously torn.
Julia spoke up, "Miss Lewis, please don't feel obliged to join us. I'm afraid it would be a rather boring discussion for someone not in the business. I'm sure you have better things to do."
Bo glared at Julia but said nothing. Lauren wanted to whisk her away, but thought better of it. Whether she liked it or not, this was important to Bo's career and besides, she really did have something better to do.
"You're right, it would be boring for me." Lauren rose to her feet, gaze fixed on Bo. "Thank you for a lovely evening."
After a round of fake pleasantries, Lauren made her way out of the restaurant. She had just about reached the entrance when she heard Bo call her name.
"Lauren, I'm so sorry about this."
"It's fine, don't worry about it."
"No, it's not. I would really rather be with you, but I don't, I can't..."
Lauren took Bo's hands in hers. "It's really fine. I understand and you should stay. This is an important opportunity for you, go and see what he has to say."
Bo sighed in resignation. "I'll see you again, right?"
"Of course, you're not getting rid of me that easily. If you need anything, I'm in room 309."
Bo beamed. "How about breakfast tomorrow? Nine o'clock?"
"It's a date. I think you better go before Julia bursts a blood vessel or hits me with her cane, whichever comes first." Lauren chuckled.
Bo let out a little laugh and hesitantly let go of Lauren's hands. She waited and was rewarded with one final smile from Bo before she disappeared to the terrace.
Lauren set out to change her clothes and find a car to take her to town. If she hurry, she would get to the shop just before they close. There's that little matter of buying a white rose hairpin she needed to attend to.
