I wasn't actually planning on posting any of this new story yet, but I figured, what the hell. So here is the first chapter of "The Rose". I've already got 5 chapters written on this one. I hope you enjoy it.

-Serendipity Kat

Leaving London

The night was perfect as the full moon let its light fall on the ancient white house. The circular drive was filled with cars and the fountain made soft gurgling noises as the water rose and fell in icy spurts. The lamps were lit and the moon shown through the windows. A large cream-colored door opened at one end of a hall. A dark-haired woman slowly wound her way around huge floral arrangements and fountains and made her way towards the ballroom. She slipped quietly along red carpet. Her floofy wine-red ball gown swished saucily around her curves as her hips moved from side to side. Her black shoes clicked methodically on the tiles once she came upon the stairs and descended. Her half-a-million-dollar diamond necklace and earring set sparkled under the lamps. As she approached the large and ornate wooden doors, she took a deep breath and let it out, steadying her nerves. The 2 servants at the doors looked simultaneously at her in question. She shivered and nodded. The one on the left opened it a crack and leaned his head out and nodded to someone on the other side.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Called the major domo, "May I present, the lady of the hour, patron of the arts, and the host of tonight's wonderful party, Miss Maureen Johnson!"

Both doors opened and out walked Maureen Johnson. She smiled gently and took a glass of champagne from a tray of a liveried servant. "As the head of the Board of Directors at The Rose Theater and founder of M. J. Inc., I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for gracing us with your presence tonight. You, as the patrons and benefactors, are the backbone of this organization. To date, since we've started 5 years ago, we've raised over $100,000 for charity." Clapping started. "We've brought the wonderful business of show business to those who are less fortunate and started drama outreach groups. We've awarded acting scholarships and placed talented individuals into internships. We've done what was one thought almost impossible, we've given those kids who were thought to be unruly and dangerous an outlet for their energy. "

The clapping rose immensely as she paused.

"And now, I'd like to introduce my new partner of M. J. Inc., Joanne Jefferson!" She swept a hand out over the audience and motioned to an African American woman standing near the back of the gathering. The woman smiled, made her way through the crowd, accepting quiet congrats, and began to ascend the grand staircase. "As some of you know, I am leaving for New York City within the week. I'm in the process of finding some local theaters to re-build and make useful." She paused and went on, "I have appointed Joanne to run the operation in my absence. Why should the theater be only accessible for the wealthy? I was once a starving artist and I know what it's like, so my next project is to use some of the money raised to bring the fine arts to parts of the city where the nicest thing they know is a community center. I plan to be gone at least a month or 2."

The crowd started clapping again and Maureen smiled and shook Joanne's hand. "Here's to a new future for those who are passionate about theater, yet can't afford it." She raised her champagne glass. "Cheers! If anyone is interested in seeing the full plan, talk to Carl Monty. Meantime, enjoy the party."

Everybody drank and then went back to mingling.

Joanne looked down at her copper-colored dress. "Thank you again, Maureen, for giving me this opportunity. I won't let you down."

Maureen smiled and waved her hand. "Don't worry about it, dear. You'll be just fine. And you know I'm only a phone call away if anything goes wrong. New York isn't that far from London. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go rub elbows with the crowd." She left the other woman standing and began to descend the stairs. God, she felt hypocritical. Here she was living it up as one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in London when her former friends were probably still freezing in the loft in the East Village. Well, she'd go down there and change that.

"Maureen."

She looked up from her thoughts and saw Mick standing there, smiling at her. She smiled back.

"Maureen, my muse; be still my heart. You look amazing, darling. How do you do it? You never cease to amaze me." He took her arm and began to gently lead her over a group of people.

Maureen smiled mockingly. "I amaze you? You amaze me. I don't how you manage to get those connections, but whatever you did works." She'd known Mick since she got out of the East Village, 12 years ago. He was her best friend, confidant, connection-holder, and an all-around good guy. Without him, she never would have been able to get her big break.

She had been performing at a run-down community theater as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Mick had come up to her after the show and informed her that he was impressed with her acting and singing ability and offered her a chance to go to London and audition for one of the world's top producers. She's accepted the job right then and there. When she got back to the loft, she found Mimi coughing on the couch and Roger trying unsuccessfully to get her to go to the hospital. Mark was fiddling with his camera and Benny was standing near the kitchen talking quietly to Collins. She burst out her news and was met with silence, save for Mimi's cough. Mark had just stared at her as if she was crazy. Benny smiled and congratulated her, Collins shrugged. Roger accused her of selling out and Mimi told her to go for it. She packed her stuff, and her and Mick headed out of New York. That same night, she slept in a soft bed in a penthouse suite in London. She never went back. And she never intended to go back… until now. And Mick was going with her.