Again Nbc owns Smash. I just like to imagine. Thanks again to everyone who has commented and added this story. Also thank you to JT for proofing my proof reading.
Chapter 9
Even though my home is in New York, coming home and being part of a Broadway show is an amazing feeling. The get in was hitch free, nothing was missing nothing was broken. Derek seemed distracted. That could possibly be down to me. I hadn't left his side since the night in Boston, well except to sleep of course. London was two days away. How was either of us going to cope?
He was standing centre stage; I entered stage left and joined him, looking out into an empty theatre. His hand found mine. No words were needed. We both had come so far and here we were standing holding hands while our heart had a secret conversation. Derek was the first to speak.
"Well Miss Cartwright, you are on Broadway, maybe not as planned but here you are." He finished with a sad sigh. "Why so sad Mr Wills? You get to have me to yourself very soon. And all of this will be a memory." Derek turned and looked straight into Karen's eyes. "It was meant to be you, I saw you as Marilyn. Not Ivy. Why are you not upset? Because I am."
Karen stares back, and sees the pain and confusion hidden in his eyes. "Ivy was always going to be Marilyn. No matter how stubborn you were or how you fought for me. It's in her blood. You can't be Leigh Conroy's daughter and be in the chorus all your life. I may not be Marilyn on Broadway, but I was, in Boston. And knowing you saw me as her means more than I could put into words. I won't win a Tony. But I think I've won something even more special." Derek was astonished at Karen's out look. She was like Pollyanna. Always trying to see the best in a bad situation.
"What about tonight?" He said. "Tonight at the end when they stand, it will all be for you Derek, your hard work and commitment to the show. I will also be applauding you. It is a masterpiece that will run on Broadway for years to come." "Karen…" "Go Mr Wills, go get ready. I have to go make myself pretty for the toast of Broadway. I'll see you before curtain up. Now go." Derek slowly lets her hand fall, not wanting to break the contact just yet. Karen starts to exit the way she came, she glances over her shoulder, and Derek is getting twenty questions at once from the crew backstage. The mask is back on.
….
I couldn't tell her, couldn't say that after this show, I would be heading off on the first flight back to London. I hope she can forgive me.
…
Opening night, stars of stage and screen were in the house. George Chakiris had come to see the show. Not only had he won an Oscar for West Side Story, but he had actually danced with Marilyn herself in Gentleman prefer Blondes. What an honour!
I was dressed as Norma Jean. Ivy looked every inch the star. She acted like it too. Poor Sam, he was running after her half demented while keeping an eye on her in case she did something stupid. Her mum came backstage and started going on about how she knew her baby girl would get the part eventually. All the while mother and daughter gave me the evil eye. I politely excused myself and left the dressing room. The hallways were bursting. Hardly anywhere to move. I spotted Tom; he seemed to be in the one corner of the building that had room to stand. I made my way to him.
"Have you seen so many stars in one place" I enthused.
"It is pretty amazing! Why aren't you in the dressing room with the others? It's still a big night for you." Tom said.
"Ivy is there, with Mama, giving me the evil glare, so I thought I could get five minutes before it started." "Same idea as me, and I've lost Sam." "Oh he's keeping an eye on Ivy." "Oh." "How is Derek holding up? I haven't seen him since this afternoon." "Probably busting a blood vessel" Tom said in a sarcastic reply. "You mean you haven't seen him? But this is his show; he has to make an appearance."
"Karen, ever since Eileen chose Ivy, Derek has stopped thinking of it as his. He wanted you to have your time in the sun and now, well I think he's looking forward to the break." Karen needed to find Derek. She turned from Tom, "You only have half an hour." "I'll be here, don't worry."
If there was anywhere Derek would be, it would be the green room. Karen made her way up the labyrinth of stairs. She found the room, opened the door, and there he was. "I know those feet!" Karen crossed the space to the sofa. "Not mingling?" She said sitting down. "No, Eileen said it was her job." "You are exhausted Derek, maybe not a bad idea." "You're in the wrong dress." He eyed her carefully. "No, I'm Shadow Marilyn, right dress." "Darling it's not fair; I only ever wanted the best for you."
"Derek, this isn't like you, what's wrong? Please tell me." Derek lifts his suitcase from the back of the sofa. "I leave tonight, not my choice. But I have to." Karen is stunned, she knew he was leaving in a few days, so why the sudden change. "Who said you had to go? Ivy? Eileen? Who."
"Eileen. As I kept fighting your case, I was told either put up or shut up. And I'm tired of fighting." Karen was at a loss for words. The internal radio called all cast to the stage. "Wait for me after the show; I'll go with you to the airport." She cupped his face and lent her head against his, her lips met his and they shared a tender kiss. "Just wait." She said after one last kiss.
Back at the stage, the mother and daughter team were throwing demands everywhere. Who should and shouldn't be around Ivy while she is performing. One is Karen. Karen who had just come down from the green room was ordered by Eileen to do the shadow shelf, but stay away from Ivy. Jessica, Bobby even Sam were all told the same thing. Yet with the staging and blocking it would look messy.
Tom was called and as soon as he arrived, without anything being said he knew Ivy was being a diva. He pulled Karen aside and said "What's going on? Where's Derek?" "Eileen told him if he couldn't get behind Ivy as the star, he had to go. Suitcase is packed and he's leaving after the show tonight." "And Ivy? What's with her?" "Only certain people are allowed to interact with her now. No Jess, Bobby or even Sam. I am sorry Tom."
"What we need is Derek! I can maybe place people about so it won't look too bad, but I need Derek." Eileen came over, "Problems people". "Just saying I can switch some people round so as to not interact with Ivy. Am I allowed to consult Derek?" "No." was the short reply.
So we were given our new positions by a very confused Tom. Five minutes to curtain. I knew somewhere Derek would be watching this and wondering what was going on. It kills me to think that he hadn't already left the building and the musical was in ruins. But the show goes on. It reaches the interval and poor Tom is a mess. Yet still no sign of Derek, panic shoots through me like lightning. What if he has already left for the airport?
Eventually the show ends, with a deathly silence from the audience. Ivy's last number should have them all standing. But no-one is. There is the odd clapping so we go on bow and go off. Ivy goes on to take her bow and it's the politest clapping I have ever heard. I am half changing in the wings and ready to run when Tom catches up to me. "He's left, he left already!" "Let's go then, we can't let him leave after seeing that. Come on!"
….
Tom and Karen rush out the stage door and flag down a taxi then jump in and tell the driver to go to the airport. When they finally get there and pay the driver, they rush in and see what gate Derek is going to be at, the one at the very end of the building. They run so quick that when someone calls their names they near miss it. It's Derek at one of the many little cafés in the airport. He wonders why they are here. Though both are out of breath they tell him about Ivy, the show, and Tom apologies for messing up Derek's show.
Derek doesn't know if he should laugh or not at the comical scene before him. It reminds him a little of Laurel and Hardy. So he lets them sit and get their breath back before talking. "Tom you weren't allowed to get me so you did what you could in ten minutes. Think I can forgive that" "Now Miss Cartwright, darling, what brings you here? As if I didn't know." "Well I got to kiss the sailor before he leaves right?" She winks while still finding her breath.
Karen was astounded that Derek was so calm after hearing his musical was going down in flames. Or maybe, he had just had enough, not caring anymore.
The three walk to the departure gate. Karen are Derek holding hands while Tom walks beside Karen. In his heart Derek knew it wouldn't be that long until he saw his beautiful Karen again. Still it was like a wrench to his heart. The public address system announces all passengers must board. But before he does, Derek kisses Karen and cups her face saying "It won't be forever." He turns to Tom "Take good care of her." Tom nods and takes Karen's hand. Karen stands. Silent tears streaming down her face, she watches until she can see Derek no more. Tom takes her into his embrace. They stand until Karen is composed. Then they decide to head over to the theatre to see what damage has been done.
When they arrive back, Jess rushes to Karen and hugs her tightly. Then Bobby. Over their shoulders Karen sees Eileen. Looking ready to murder someone. "Tom! Where did you and Karen go after the show?" She demands as she closes the distance.
Standing defiant Tom says "We went to see Derek off at the airport." "Your job is to be here, not running off with a chorus girl to wish her boyfriend goodbye." "I did what I thought was right and that meant going with Karen."
"Yes. Karen. How good of you to come back. Though pull a stunt like that again, you are cut from the show! Understand" "Yes Eileen. You will have my resignation letter first thing tomorrow."
Her friends are shocked all wanting to say something. But all Karen says is, "I'll go pack my stuff." And she walks off to the dressing room with Jess and Bobby following her. "What just happened? Bobby asks when they get to the dressing room. "I quit that's what happened." "But sweetie you love this show" Jess says trying to get her brain to catch up. "That's why I'm quitting. It isn't the show that we all started in, it's no longer the dream I thought I had."
"So, what are you going to do?" Bobby says while lifting her stuff from the table and putting it in a box. "I still kept the job at the coffee house, just in case this went wrong. Glad I did now."
As she's packing Tom walks in. "So you were serious? You're leaving?" "Tom, I can't, this isn't what I signed on for. You know that, we all do. Tonight just confirmed it for me." "So back to your old life?" "For a while, then I'm off to London." Even as she finished saying the word a smile spread across her face. In Karen's mind she had gotten the real dream. And finally the others realised it too.
….
Karen had for the last month, been working every shift to cover rent and her plane tickets. Yet she was happy, for the first time in a while she was happy. Derek rang her every day and when he wasn't ringing, he was writing. When she had told him what happened after he left, his response was, what ever made her happy made him happy.
Tom would come in every morning to get his coffee and tell Karen of the latest goings on. Jess and Bobby would also come in on their lunch or just before a show. They all noticed the smile on Karen's face never left her.
Before long the four friends were all in Karen's apartment, helping her pack. They had decided to have a quiet dinner before taking Karen to the airport. They talked and sang, generally just had a lovely time together. None of them were sure when Karen would be back. Or if she would be back. When everything was sorted out, Karen asked Tom to keep an eye on the apartment. Being the gent he was, he agreed.
The time arrived and the four friends got a taxi to the airport. Karen was taking an early flight, as with the time zones and fight times, she was afraid of not being on London Bridge for midday. She hugged and kissed her friends at the gate. It was so early, it was still dark out. The plane took off on time and even arrived in London earlier than planned.
…..
It takes her a few minutes to get her bearings. It's been a while since she was last in London. Bag and suitcase she sets off for London Bridge. Not far from the bridge there is a little theatre with a little café. She starts talking to the manager. It turns out his name is Billy and he is a good friend of Derek's.
"You can leave your case here if you like then pick it up after you meet Derek." "Thank you so much Billy, it feels like I've been pulling this with me for years." She says smiling. After a while he says "Don't you think you should get a move on? Its 11.30 can't have the poor lad waiting." He chuckles. Karen practically sprints out the door.
It's now 11.45, fifteen minutes to go. There are butterflies in her stomach. She hopes she is standing where Derek will be able to see her. There are people everywhere. Her heart is pounding. She scans the faces in the crowds. Big Ben rings out midday.
Then she sees him, head and shoulders above everyone. His eyes are sparkling. A grin appears on his face, Karen smiles back. Then he's there, in front of her. He throws his arms around her. "You came!" "You knew I would." He holds her back, looking into her eyes. He'll never say out loud, but he has missed those eyes, beautiful and dancing. Karen notices how young he looks, no worry lines, and no scowl. The time home has agreed with him. Then he lifts her chin and leans in capturing her lips. The kiss is intense and loving. Eventually he pulls back, his hand stroking her face. He finally asks.
"Where is your case?" "Oh, I was early." she smirks. "So I found a little theatre near here. Billy is so lovely. He let me leave the case with him." "Ah Billy, never a truer gent. We go way back. We'll pick the case up and head over to mine, I'm sure you're tired." "Tired? No, I'm too happy to be tired!" They head arm in arm to Billy's. Billy greets the two of them with a smile and hands the case over. Derek goes to lift it but laughs at the weight. "You never know what you might need." Karen smiles.
Derek walks her to his car and places the case in the back. They haven't stopped grinning since seeing each other. The car journey takes roughly twenty minutes. Still near the centre of London, Derek stops outside a semi detached house. To Karen it looks like a palace. Derek grabs the case and opens Karen's door. "Home Sweet Home." Derek announces as Karen looks on in amazement.
Derek opens the door to the house and places the case down. Smiling he says "Well what do you think?" "How big is it and will I need a map?" Karen laughs "Well… it has an indoor swimming pool, a large west facing garden, garage and off street parking. Five double bedrooms, four ensuite bathrooms, two receptions rooms an additional family room and dining room. But it's not that big." "Derek it's a palace!" Karen exclaims. "You've got a choice of where you want to stay."
Karen throws her arms around him. "I never expected this! I'm off to find my room!" Derek laughs as Karen runs up the stairs in search of the perfect room.
…
This is a palace, it's so big! Chandeliers as well! Most of these rooms are bigger than my apartment. I've got to text home; mum will be amazed to hear about this. Maybe later I'll text Jess, Bobby and Tom.
…..
Now that did my heart good. Seeing Karen love the house. I have been rattling around in it for the past two months. Now I think Karen will be changing rooms every night!
Karen eventually came back down the stairs and found Derek in one of the reception rooms. He was looking out into the garden. She went and stood behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissed his cheek. "Oh Derek! This house is amazing! Much nicer than I could have ever dreamed." He places one hand on top of hers. "I've been waiting for the right person to show it to. He slowly turns, "I am so glad my darling that I saved it, just for you."
Karen blushes. "I see you're no longer the Dark Lord, but a white knight." Derek laughs, and leads her to one of the dining rooms. "Dinner is served m'lady." Karen took in the table, candles all the way down the length of the table that could easily seat twelve people. She knew she was gaping like a fish. But this was amazing! A dream come true. "Well if we ever fall out, we won't have to sit beside each other." she laughs.
"Karen you can do anything you want. I want you to think of this as your home for as long as you want." Internally Derek thinks forever.
They eat in comfortable silence. It is growing dusk outside. Karen gets up from the table and crosses to the window. Derek comes and stands beside her, taking her hand while kissing it. Karen lets her head fall to Derek's shoulder. "Derek, in one of the…living rooms there is one with a fireplace. Can we go sit in there?" Her voice heavy with sleep. "Hmm…Yes, just let me clear this away, you go on in. Would you like me to bring anything through?" "No…thank you, just don't take long."
…
Derek put everything into the dishwasher in record time. As he went into the room he sees Karen looking at the cabinet at the side. "Just some old mementoes, of past shows." Karen smiles. She knows he is playing down his accomplishments, yet she was too tired to question it. "Would you like the fire lit?" "Now I feel like Jane Eyre or one of those characters. Yes please."
Karen watched Derek set about lighting the fire, and once lit he went and joined Karen on the sofa. She waited till he sat down then put her head back on his shoulder, and took his hand in hers and placed little circles on the back. Derek placed a loving kiss on her head. "I want to stay here, always with you Derek." Karen says while staring into the flames. "I want that too." His mind already working on a plan. Gradually sleep takes them both over. They lay smiling and holding hands even in their sleep.
