Facing the Final Curtain
The work on Hilary's new apartment was indeed complete, and so she was more than happy to sign off on it for the contractor and accept her new keys. She planned to be moving in the following weekend, by which time she should have amassed the basic furnishings that she required; at the very least a bed, a table and chairs, and a sofa. She would have a desk, as her aunt had told her she could take the one that was in her current bedroom, and the rest she would accumulate from a variety of sources; she had the money to purchase everything new, but that did not mean she would; she liked the vintage look, and that was more easy to obtain from flea markets and second-hand stores. The Strand bookstore would be the source of the majority of the books that she intended to fill the ample shelves in her new living room…
With the apartment dealt with, she looked at her brother in a way which meant that he followed her to the nearest coffee shop, and she pointed him in the direction of a table in a quiet alcove. She noted that he now looked pale and worried, and much as this was a sisterly inquisition, she did not want to upset him. She also guessed that he had not had breakfast, so along with the cookies that she intended to go with their drinks, she ordered two of his favourite variety of danish. She set one down in front of him, then gestured at him to eat, which he did as if he had not eaten for a week…
She smiled at him, then pushed the plate with the second one at him as well, which made him smile broadly. His initial hunger was now temporarily sated though, so he did not eat it; instead, he took a deep breath, and then sighed. "Okay, so I wasn't at home last night, which you probably guessed. That was why I had to use the subway to get here. The honest truth is that I actually met someone on New Year's Eve in Times Square. It is a little different to what I expected, but now that I have them, it is exactly what I want, and have always needed I suppose. I didn't say anything, because I wasn't sure how long it would last, but it has, and well… I will have to introduce you to them both…"
Barnaby paused then, to take a bite of his pastry, and a sip of his coffee. He watched as her eyes widened a little at those final words, and now her face was frozen. She blinked, shook her head, then said, "I'm sorry, for a moment there I thought that you said both…"
"I did. I have been lucky enough to meet a couple who were looking for a third person to join them and complete their lives. I've always been bi, and you knew that, so being with a couple makes a lot of sense. I'm guessing that it is a bit of a shock for you though…"
"Yes, to be honest, just a bit…"
"Cards on the table, it isn't the first time I have hooked up with a couple, but this time… I have never felt such a connection in any liaison before; there is just a spark between me, Clyde and Audra. So, they are older than me, in their early thirties; they live in a gorgeous loft apartment in the Garment District, and they have good careers. I can see this lasting a long time, so it is right and proper that I introduce you all to each other."
"Well, I will meet them, but…"
Barnaby cut his sister off then, with the words, "I have never been so happy as I am when I am with them."
Hilary sighed, then said, "I don't actually doubt that for a minute. I have noticed that your smile was wider, that you were laughing more, but still… I can't help but wonder how some people will react to the news. It will come as a surprise to most folk, as you aren't exactly open about your sexuality. Having said that, I don't imagine anyone that really matters having too much of an issue with it, but I would love to be a fly on the wall if this ever gets back to Ohio and our dear parents…"
Barnaby chuckled, and nodded. "Oh, I know. I might just ensure it gets back to them, and have someone tell me just how badly they lose it! Honestly, the few times I have been with couples before it was almost an act of rebellion; I wanted them to find out, and that might have been why I embarked on those encounters. This time is different; I have fallen in love with Clyde and Audra, and they have fallen for me as well…"
Barnaby paused for a moment, then chuckled at the expression on his sister's face. "I really have fallen for them, trust me. They love that I am a studious, slightly preppy, geek. They make me feel loved and wanted in a way I never have been before. They treat me as an equal partner in the relationship, and all aspects of it are wonderful…"
Hilary held up her hand then, and said, "I will just stop you there before you go into too much detail. As long as your are happy, then I am happy for you, but just know that if they ever hurt you, then I will descend on them in fury, like any proper sister would."
"I know, and that is exactly why I love you," replied her brother, and then he leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. His cellphone buzzed then, and he pulled it out of his pocket, his smile widening as he checked the message. "It's from Clyde, hoping that I haven't been in too much trouble because they made me late… So, are you free for a couple of hours right now? He and Audra are heading to the Rockefeller Center for brunch, and he has asked me to join them if I am able to. I am really keen for you to meet them, and this seems like an ideal opportunity…"
"Won't they mind me tagging along?"
"They would be cool, trust me. They really want to meet you as well, and knowing that I was still likely to be with you, it wouldn't surprise me if they asked me to join them to give us just this opening."
Hilary thought for a moment, but then she saw the puppy like look on her brother's face. "If they are okay with me joining the three of you, then I can hold off on the few things I need to do for an hour or two. Just be aware, however, that I will be asking all of those awkward questions, grilling them on their intentions for you, like a concerned parent…" Barnaby could only laugh at that image, and sent a text to Clyde asking if his sister could tag along…
By the end of brunch that day, Hilary felt more at ease with her brother's situation. Clyde and Audra were erudite, respectable, and had the means to live a good life in what was an expensive city. She saw the way they felt about him in how they hugged him as he arrived, both of them whispering things in his ear that made him blush and laugh. There were little touches, tiny gestures, all the indicators of a deep affection for him. To her they showed the greatest respect, understanding that it might be difficult for her to comprehend the situation, doing all that they could to reassure her that their intentions for her brother were good.
The conversation over their meal was lively, but it was not trite, littered with politics and academia. She smiled internally at the way that they reacted when she casually mentioned that their late elder brother had attended the same school as, and known, the late son of Burt Hummel. She added to it by mentioning that another of his friends worked in the Oval Office…
"Barn mentioned Seth to us, told us the whole sorry tale, but he never mentioned your brother's connections," Clyde said with a smile.
"I didn't like to," replied Barnaby. "Just as I haven't mentioned that another of his friends works in the field of human rights at the UN, another is a much feted artist, and then of course, there is Sebastian Smythe…"
"We saw him in Waiting for Godot in December, and he is something!" exclaimed Audra. "Now all that you need is a connection to the world of fashion…"
Barnaby and Hilary looked at each other, and this time he left it to his sister to explain how they had links to a certain Isabelle Wright…
At that moment, over in New Jersey, the lady in question was in her study, ostensibly taking a couple of hours to finish off an article on the latest trends in summer fashion. In reality, she was doing her part in the planning of the farewell party for her brother-in-law and his husband. She knew that the whole thing was a difficult topic still for her own husband, and so she was keeping him in the dark about things, as well as Sebastian himself. Julian had mixed emotions, feeling a little bereft about it all, even though he knew that Sebastian had to go for the sake of Dave's career. He knew there was no other option, but that did not stop him from reaching out to a friend that worked for one of the sports channels, asking to be given any information about coaching vacancies locally. Isabelle was also aware that had it been possible, Julian would probably have wanted to move back to Ohio too, but both their jobs kept them tied to the metropolis. However, she was more or less resigned to the fact that when she retired, it would be to somewhere near Columbus…
The venue for the party was one of the most prestigious in the city, in one of its iconic buildings; the Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel. That hotel had been the scene of so many major and important events over the years, but the night in question would not be about the great and the good, the politicians and moguls. Yes, the host had lined up a smattering of big names from the stage, and almost all of Sebastian's main co-stars from his Broadway career would be in attendance, but the focus of the event would be on his and Dave's friends.
There would be music of course; Mercedes ones would be performing, always a huge draw, and her husband would join her on the stage. Most of the Warblers would end up singing at some point, of that she was more or less certain. It was all shaping up to be a grand send off, what Sebastian and Dave deserved. It was certainly going to overshadow the modest cast party that his current co-stars would be hosting for him next week at Sardi's…
By the time that Sunday 9th February dawned, Sebastian's mood had been fluctuating for an entire week. He had finished in shows before, played his final performance, but he had always then had a new engagement to prepare for. There had been a new script on his dressing room table for him to learn the new role he was about to play in the quiet moments of his current role. This time though there was nothing, and although that was for the best of reasons, he could not help but worry. There was a big part of him that felt lost, that did not know what he was going to do with his days now that he would not be performing. The theater had been his life for so long….
He knew that once they got to Ohio, once they were settled, he would surely find things to occupy all that time. There was theater in Columbus after all, and to them he would be a huge catch, a star performer… But there the shows were short runs, not the long runners he was used to on Broadway. He would have more time to spend with his children, that much was true, but school would soon beckon for them, and in any case, Mrs Carr would attend to them most of the time as she did now; he could hardly show his appreciation for her decision to move to Ohio with them by shoving her out of the picture. Yes, she and Paul Karofsky had become close, but that was not the primary reason she was giving up everything that she knew…
After each of his performances in that final week he also felt that he was not giving his best, that he was running through his lines on autopilot. He expressed his concerns on that score to Russell, but he just shook his head. "Trust me, you were as brilliant as ever, not a line wrong or a cue missed. I know what you are feeling in part; knowing that a show is ending leaves me feeling concerned and out of sorts too. However, you aren't just leaving a show, and that is amplifying all of that. Now, get your make up off, and get changed, or you are going to end up missing your train home…"
That train journey had started to feel odd as well, and did even more so on Saturday. He saw a lot of the usual faces, people that worked in the same business as he did as well as others in different fields. They would all still be there the following Saturday, but he would no longer be riding the train dubbed 'The Theater Express'. And then, as soon as the train pulled out of Penn Station, it began; those regulars began to come up to speak to him, to wish him farewell and best of luck. He could feel his eyes growing moist as it continued, and nearly burst into tears when one woman handed him a gift. As people alighted from the train, they waved at him from the platform, Then, as the train pulled into Maplewood and he stood up to head to the door, the applause started. He stepped off, the tears now streaming down his face, but he was a showman, and he remained on the platform to bow to them as the train pulled away…
He stood there head bowed for a few minutes, then headed for the parking lot, glad to see that it was now deserted. He got into his car, and then had a good cry for another few minutes, and then wiped his eyes, and started the vehicle up. He drove the short distance home, glad of the little washroom just inside the door, as he could pop straight in and wash his face before he went to greet his husband. Of course, Dave knew just how much Sebastian as struggling with the fact that his Broadway career was coming to an end; he also knew that to some extent, he was the one responsible for that, and that was he not married to a selfless man, he would be the one dealing with a dark empty future. When Sebastian joined him that night he did not ask about the show, just made conversation about what their children had done that day, a safe topic. After all, there would be plenty of time for post-mortems that following night…
The final performance of Waiting for Godot was scheduled for 3pm as every Sunday, which meant that brunch was the norm in the Karofsky-Smythe household. That day however Sebastian barely ate a morsel, his mind too full with the realisation that this would be his final performance on a Broadway stage for some time; indeed, possibly forever if fate was a cruel mistress. There had been so many people in the past, after all, who had been the darling of the theater world, who had then faded into obscurity; those whose attempts at a comeback had flopped in a different era. He probably would not have eaten at all had Mrs Carr not informed him that he was not leaving the house until he had eaten something, and he knew from her tone that she meant that. His last day on Broadway would definitely be that if he failed to show…
She was staying with the children as Dave was coming with him; not just to the station as he had originally stated, but all the way to the theater. Sebastian was at once infuriated with his husband for that and grateful at the same time. They sat in silence, side by side, as the train headed in the direction of that familiar skyline, then dived into the tunnel to enter the city. The silence remained as they made the short subway ride north to the theater, Dave walking with Sebastian right to the stage door.
"You should go and enjoy yourself now," said Sebastian as they reached it. "It is no fun sitting in a green room for hours."
"Well, I will be in the audience for the show, so it won't be for hours, Sebby. However, I guess that it wouldn't be a bad idea to head for a stroll to pass some time." Dave leant over then and kissed his husband, before saying, "I am the luckiest man alive, and love you so much. Oh, and as they say, break a leg.."
Sebastian headed inside, past the familiar backstage staff, those that worked for the theater and not the production. They would still be here in the days that would follow, preparing the building for the production that would follow on from his. It was how the system had always worked, and even in the leanest of times for theater, those key people were kept in a job; there was always something to maintain, rebuild or modernise. As he headed for his dressing room, Sebastian noted that the notices for the cast and crew had already been taken down, no doubt to be replaced by ones that would tell the new people where to go, and what they could expect. The room he entered was as bare; the personal items that he had gathered over the run had been gradually thinned out and taken home, and now only the most essential things remained…
It was sad, but the production had been good fun, and he had good memories. He had made a friend in Russell, and he knew that unlike with so many other people in the business, they would stay in touch as they had promised. They shared so much in attitude, belief and style after all. They had managed to take a play that some saw as dry and boring and make it a must see piece, one that sold out nightly; indeed, one that could easily have continued to run for weeks and months to come… Tonight was definitely the last night though; the performance that they gave would have the same intensity and vibe as every one they had done before. Then Russell would remain stateside for the remainder of the month, before he headed back to London for an engagement with the National Theatre. Sebastian couldn't help but think that by the time that he opened there, he would be living back in Ohio, the actor husband of the new football coach…
Dave would not be alone in the audience that day. He had known that he would have company in the shape of Julian, who having missed out on seeing his brother's first Broadway performance, was determined that he would be there for his final one, for now at least. Dave had also have expected to see Bette there, and in that he was not disappointed; what was a surprise was that she was joined by Carmen Tibideaux. The two ladies did looked a little sad at the prospect of the performance, but they had no anger or resentment about Sebastian's decision….
Ms Midler would put it best, when she said to Dave and Julian after they joined the two ladies, "He burst onto the Great White Way unexpectedly, and at once lit it up with his sheer talent. Yes, his flame will not be seen here for a while, but I know that it is not being extinguished entirely. He will be back one day, and then a new generation will be able to see why he is amongst the greatest stars this street has ever known. He will of course be playing older roles, and there are so many of them for him to choose from. I mean, for a start, I can see him as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, or starring opposite another actress blessed to get the role of Dolly Levi…"
"He will be wanted in the educational side of things too," added Carmen. There are a plethora of performing arts schools that would love to hear from a visiting Broadway star; then there are the groups that bring theater to kids at school, always searching for performers…"
"I know that Thad Harwood wants him to speak to the boys at Dalton," said Dave in response. "The problem is that he isn't sure if he is cut out for a teaching role, even just once or twice." Before anyone had a chance to reply, they had to end their conversation, as the light went down to indicate the start of the show…
The standing ovation that the cast received at the end of the performance that day seemed to last forever; they took bows, but the applause showed no sign of abating. In the end, Russell stepped forward, and held up his hand, the audience falling silent at his sign, retaking their seats.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I must first of all thank you for that wondrous reaction on behalf of the entire cast and crew. I can truthfully say that being part of this production has been an immense pleasure, and the fact that Beckett has received such a positive response is gratifying to us all," Russell began. "However, we are also under no illusion as to the real reason why so many of you have come here today. After a career on the Great White Way of a little under nine years, after taking on roles both musical and dramatic, the man once dubbed as a show saver, Mr Sebastian Smythe, is stepping away from the theater for the sake of his family. From the moment that he coerced his friends from his high school show choir into taking on the role of Mormon elders he has impressed; numerous Tony Awards, accolades from the great and the good, and even a request to give a command performance for her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in the role of the famous Prince of Denmark, would follow. Thus he leaves here today as a legend, someone whose name will remain in the annals of this street of dreams in perpetuity. So, I ask you all to put your hands together again, as he takes his final bow, for now. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Sebastian Smythe!"
The rest of the cast stepped back, and the lights faded bar a spotlight on the man in question, and as the noise of the applause grew to a deafening level, it was all the former Warbler could do, as he took that bow, not to just burst into floods of tears… And then, the safety curtain slowly descended, and the applause faded with it. Sebastian did not move however, remaining where he was as the rest of the cast filed off the stage, except for Russell. He waited until it was just him and Sebastian left, then with a nod to the crew in the wings, the lights were turned down, leaving the two of them standing in the twilight.
The crew headed away as Russell crossed over to his former co-star, and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He guided him over to the bench that was a focal point of the set, the place where the two of them had sat for so much of their run, and sat him down. He didn't speak as he sat down beside him, as he knew what was coming, and sure enough, Sebastian began to sob. Without hesitation, Russell pulled him into his arms and let him cry into his shoulder, the tears flowing unchecked. Only when the sobs began to subside did he finally speak.
"When the reality of a decision hits, it is often far harder to take than we ever imagined. You know that you have made the right choice for your marriage and for your husband, but right now, you feel cast adrift. The theater was the constant in your life, the anchor, the one thing that you could depend on existing every day, and for now, that is gone. But you will find something new to take its place, trust me. I have seen other people leave the business, and they always find a new purpose. I am sure that you will too. I mean, you can do film or television work, even in Ohio…"
"You have never seen the sort of TV they make in Ohio," said Sebastian sadly.
"Maybe the only reason that it isn't great television is because they have never had a talent like your starring in it before. Now, we do need to get out of here; Dave will be waiting for you, and I doubt that you want him to come in looking for you and see that you've been crying, because he will blame himself for it…"
Sebastian nodded, and stood up. "Thanks, Russell, for everything. I couldn't have wished for anyone better to be my last co-star on Broadway."
"I couldn't have wished for anyone better either, which is why we will be keeping in touch; one day, we will tread the boards side by side again," the Englishman replied. Sebastian knew that his words were not the empty promise that some people might make, and he let himself smile…
He had barely managed to get his make up off when he heard a knock at his dressing room door, and the sound of his husband's voice. Fortunately, he had already filled the wash basin with water, so he just had to grab his flannel, and soak it, then be in the middle of washing his face as his husband came in. "Sorry, my love, I am running a little bit longer than usual tonight. Russell kept me talking after the curtain went down. We have a permanent invitation to go and visit him in London, by the way…"
"Now that is good to know; he is a lovely guy, and it would be nice to keep in touch with him," replied Dave. "Now, I don't want to hurry you, but I might have reserved us a table at Sardi's for dinner in about forty minutes time…"
Sebastian sighed, the sound slipping out before he could stop it. "I really do think that I would much prefer just to head for home," he whispered, then looked up at his husband apologetically.
"I know, and I would agree, but it isn't a dinner for two; Julian is joining us, as is your Aunt Bette, and she would be very disappointed if we let her down. Your brother might be even worse…"
Sebastian nodded, knowing deep down how hard all of this was for his big brother. "Okay, we will go, but we aren't staying long. I appreciate the gesture; I know just how difficult it is to get a table at Sardi's on a Sunday night, after the theaters come out. Can you just give me ten minutes to finish getting freshened up, and then I will meet you out in the green room, okay?"
Dave nodded, then headed over to kiss his husband. Then he said, "I love you so much, Sebby, and what you are doing for me. I can never hope to repay you properly for this…" Before Sebastian could reply, Dave left, and the now ex-Broadway actor was left to ponder just how much of his real feelings over the last few days his husband was aware of…
When they walked into Sardi's, there was an instant murmur amongst the diners; a few brave souls asked for an autograph, and as always, Sebastian happily obliged. The maitre'd then escorted them through to the more private part of the restaurant, were Julian and Bette were already waiting for them. "Darling boy, you were as magnificent as ever. Your last performance, for now, was every bit as stunning as your first," exclaimed Bette as she hugged him.
Julian sniffed loudly at that, and Sebastian burst into laughter. "I am going to miss it, at first, but I see this as a new start. I will have more time for my family, and that includes my big brother. We might be living in different states in a few weeks, but I will now be able to video chat with him at night, instead of the occasional snatched moment at lunch. I can find new roles, and do new things; I have always wondered if I could write a novel, and maybe now I can. Plus I can also go and hang around at a football stadium quite legitimately, including in the locker room…" He winked then, and that set Bette laughing loudly, eventually joined by his other two dining companions…
"If there is a possibility that you could invite your aged Aunt onto the tour in question, then I would be more than willing to come to Columbus, Ohio," Bette eventually said, and Sebastian shook his head whilst chuckling.
"I am going to miss you, Bette. I am so grateful that I literally bumped into you that night at the Plaza."
"The feeling is entirely mutual," she replied. "Of course, now that you are leaving, I will just have to hang out with your brother…"
Julian for his part just stared at her then, not sure how serious she was being, and then said, "I'm certain that will be okay…"
"Right, just now I think that we should order, as if I know Sardi's, there will be a time limit on the table," Sebastian said. The others nodded, but knew that there wasn't; that in fact, the place would soon be filling up with a few people from Broadway that wanted to say farewell to the young man beside them…