Chapter 13. Farewell to the floodlights
Six weeks went by quickly with sold out houses almost every night. Each night Sarah would rush off stage, race to the dressing room in hopes of a glimpse of a man who never came. There were no cards, no notes no flowers, nothing save for the original bouquet that Sarah had pressed into the pages of several books in an effort to keep the magic of the moment she'd found them waiting for her. She would stand and turn the ring on her finger, and sigh dejectedly when she'd find the empty dressing room waiting for her. Every night, Jeremy would drive both the Williams actresses back to the brownstone, ushering them past the ever watchful eyes of Hayden who was looking for one break. Papa seemed to have been rejuvenated by the acclaim received with the play.
On the closing night of the play Sarah raced to the dressing room only to find it empty. She leaned on the door frame and turned the little ring, wondering if she were behaving like a fool. She tugged at the ring, toying with the idea of removing it, and tossing it into a box to be as forgotten as she felt. A voice behind her ended that thought, she didn't have to even look to know it was Hayden.
"What the fuck is it about that dressing room that you race to it once we are done?" He groused.
"I just like being able to unwind from the role," she said. "I get here, and I become Sarah again." She turned and looked at the man with a calm face. "It was a good run, don't you think?"
Hayden smirked. "Did me good," he acknowledged. "That film I turned down, well they were held up in production and now the actor who got my part is dropping out…Looks like I get that part as well."
"I'm so happy for you," She said masking the sarcasm that was lacing her voice. "You'll do wonderfully."
Hayden shrugged, "I suggest you get changed, the cast will be gathering for the closing night party…its one night you don't get to run off!" He laughed as he headed toward his own dressing room.
Linda had heard him; she took Sarah by the hand into the dressing room. "He's right, you know. The closing party is really a command performance for the money boys." She smiled at Magda who was dressed a bit more formally. "Even the Designers are on command call."
Magda patted Sarah's shoulder as she helped her out of the metal work. "Don't fret kid, we're all there."
"I just want to go home." Sarah whispered. "I'd like to sleep for a week."
Linda shook her head, "Tenderfoot!" she scoffed teasingly. "I'll be hitting the pavement looking for my next role come morning."
"School starts in three days." Sarah moaned. "Good thing I got my books and started to read up on the schedule."
"I'm glad you're staying in the city." Linda said. "It'll be nice having you so near."
"I'm glad you didn't mind me passing on the dorm." Sarah said. "I like the idea of being someplace that's… home."
Magda snorted, "I like that."
Linda had left the stage makeup on, and was pulling on her formal gown. "Well your father was not sure he liked it."
"Daddy is just overly protective Mom." Sarah had not brought a formal gown, but was dressing in a silk poet blouse, and a long denim skirt. She looked dressy without being so.
Magda smiled, "I like the idea of you being in town as well, we can have girls' lunches!"
Both actresses chuckled at the thought of Magda having anything so mundane.
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Puck stood beside Papa who was watching the tables and refreshments being setup. Puck could see what no one else wanted to see. Papa was fading. He placed a hand to the other's elbow. Papa turned to look at him, and gave him a wistful smile patting his hand. "I'm alright, Hobbson."
Puck shook his head, "I know better."
"Can't fool you?" Papa whispered with a grimace. "Keep my secret tonight."
"And ever after," promised the Hobgoblin.
Papa patted the hand on his elbow. "Thank you." Papa gave the area one last look. "I'll miss this the most." His words were reflective. "I'll miss the magic…so…." Puck gave the elbow he was holding a gentle squeeze. Papa again patted the hand.
Hayden joined them as the backers began to gather. There was loud talk and Hayden seemed in his element. Puck watched as most everyone enjoyed the closing party. Everyone save for Sarah, she wandered off to a little corner and sat alone.
Magda sighed, "I wish there was some thing I could do for her." She said to Puck when he came to her side. "She should be enjoying this moment of success… instead she's moping about a man who's not here."
"It's more than that." Puck cautioned, feeling pity in his heart for the girl.
The Goth girl frowned, puckering her lips and shaking her head. "You'd think the son of a bitch would have sent something, a card a note! But nothing?"
Puck looked up, feeling eyes watching the scene, "I would think." His voice held a edge he hoped would travel though the veil. "I certainly would have sent something."
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Mismatched eyes, like storms at sea, watched. The owner of the eyes contemplated the exact wording of the High Queen's edict. He decided the urgency in Puck's tone was more important. "Nicole!" He called out softly. "I have need of your help." He lowered his long legs from the arm of his throne. "Nicole?"
A moment later the Fae woman appeared, her face was quizzical. "Yes?"
"I need to send some kind of gift to Sarah, this was closing night and …" He stood up, "I need you to help me get it to her… I can't send it directly…. I can't even make it… Your mother's edict."
The dark haired Fae nodded her understanding. "Tell me what you want, and what you wish to say… and it will be done."
Jareth tapped his chin, and snickered. "Oh this is perfect."
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Lady Allison moved among the mortals undetected, her finery made them see her as an investor in the play. She moved to where Hayden was standing trying to impress a banker. She placed a hand on his sleeve and the banker made a hasty escape. Hayden petulantly turned to the woman ready to scold, but her face froze his words. She pointed to the dark corner where Sarah was seated alone. "She is vulnerable, and alone." The Fae said coldly. "Give her kindness in this dark moment and she will be yours."
Hayden, like a slithering snake moved toward the girl sitting with a half drunk drink in her hand. "Sarah, you look so sad…. Thinking of how much you're going to miss all this?" He smoothly sat down beside her.
Allison moved to the photographer, whispered something in his ear and moved on.
Sarah looked at Hayden, "I was thinking of how fleeting our time on stage was." She confessed easily. "Six weeks and it's over…."
"Well it was really more than six weeks if you count the rehearsals." Hayden teased gently, placing his hand on the back of her chair. "But that my dear is life in the theater."
"I don't know how you all do it over and over," she said forlornly looking about the stage that was now devoid of the sets. "My heart is breaking just looking at all this."
Hayden was trying his best not to laugh in her face; compassion would get him where he wanted he thought. "Poor dear," he moved to put his arm about her.
"Excuse me, are you Miss Sarah Williams?" A young delivery boy stood before them.
Sarah looked up, nodded and accepted the parcel that was extended toward her. Hayden tried to take it from her hand, and she glared at him. He pulled back, as she opened the box. A little card was inside it said. 'Wishing I was there.' And it was signed J. Sarah opened the little velvet box that was beneath the card. On a white satin bed sat a perfect little circlet of fine sliver links. On several links were little silver charms depicting characters in the play. In the center was a man with a donkey's head being embraced by a little fairy. "Oh how sweet." Sarah exclaimed as she lifted the charms bracelet off the satin. Fastening the bracelet on, she sighed. 'He hasn't forgotten me.' She thought to herself. "Isn't it beautiful?" She asked not really caring if Hayden liked it or not.
Hayden took hold of her hand and looked at the bracelet. "A bit childish, if you ask me."
Sarah pulled her hand back, unaware that a picture of them holding hands hand been taken. "Well I think it's beautiful." She said defensively.
"Sarah, don't take on so." Hayden's voice was very quiet; he didn't want the backers to hear them argue over the trinket. "I didn't mean anything by it."
"Yes you did."Sarah stood up. "You don't like anything that has nothing in it for you." She turned on her heels and left him sitting there mystified and befuddled by the sudden change from melancholy in the girl.
Hayden cast a side ways glance about; no one seemed to be aware of events of the last few moments. He rejoined the party.
Sarah had returned to the little dressing room, only one light was on and she closed the door so she would not be disturbed. "I'm so glad you remembered." She said aloud before dissolving into tears. She sat down on the settee that was now cleared off; no costumes remained in the room. Nothing was left in the room at all that would have said it had inhabited. Everything was gone. Sarah wept, not sure why she felt the need to cry. Curling up on the settee, she mused it must be the let down from the end of the show. She'd heard Linda tell her father once that she was very moody when a show ended. Holding the bracelet up to the light she mused that she'd have such nice memories of this production.
Linda tapped on the door, entering quietly. "Sarah, it's time to go home." She said quietly.
Sarah dried her eyes and nodded. "I'm sorry; I just could not sit there."
"I understand." Her mother said helping the girl to her feet. "I remember my first show," she confided. "I was so lucky Sarah. My first show was a hit, much like this one was." Pulling her daughter into her arms, she hugged the girl. "But when it's over, it's so sad."
Sarah enjoyed the motherly embrace given, "I love you Mom, thank you for letting me share just a bit of your world."
Linda closed her eyes, not wanting to say anything else. She nodded. Mother and daughter gave one last look at the dressing room. Arm in arm they exited the room and the backstage. Linda knew in her heart of hearts that this was the last time they'd share the stage life. This was Sarah's farewell to the floodlights.
