So after a long hiatus where I finally finished my previous story, here's a brief interlude with Betty. My series takes place in an alternate universe of Season 2, where the Meades turn to the Suarezes. Bradford Meade still passes away in "I See Me, I.C.U."
Chapter V
Oomph.
"Oh, I'm sorry! Pardon me, coming through!"
Betty Suarez swiveled this way and that, clutching a very heavy old fashioned gas street light. It was almost comical in a stooge like buffoonery as the length of the pole nearly knocked against several peoples' heads as Betty swiveled to where Marc directed her where to place the cumbersome item. It didn't help that he changed his mind every few seconds.
"No, I don't like the look of it over there. Let's try it over here, Betty!"
The poor girl trailed after him like a burdened mule.
The blonde fashion editor looked upon the belabored Latina with a fond smile. Seated in a plush leather chair, the figure wryly thought that Betty had a heart much too large for her petite frame.
"So, she's your new assistant?" The imperious, snide tone perfectly illustrated how the reporter felt about the latest change in administrative talent.
"I know she's not my usual type," her companion replied, "but Betty is a godsend."
Perhaps literally. After the traumatic events of the Meade patriarch's death, and the issue of the magazine's successor, things had been bad for a while. Really bad. It had been rock bottom, then sinking past rock bottom, i.e. working with Wilhelmina, and life seemed to spiral out of control again. She had thought after the Change, everything would magically become perfect, but that was a foolish notion. It would take much more than a face lift to fix the Meade troubles. In actuality, a surprise visit from a Suarez daughter was the key, and life finally looked appealing again. One always had to remember that the darker the despair, the brighter hope was when it appeared, and it would always appear. You just had to have faith.
Another desperate wail from Betty broke the remorse train of thoughts.
Ahh, that's right. Faith and friends. The hiring of Betty Suarez by the domineering and critical Bradford Meade had quite possibly been unintentionally the best thing he ever did for our family. She had been single handedly keeping our family together, and fighting for privacy from snooping reporters. Reporters like the one sitting next to me.
The pretty, statuesque reporter was watching Betty like a hawk, judging instantly from sight the girl's technicolor wardrobe, tacky glasses, and garish braces. If beauty was a reflection of one's inner self, Betty would outshine them all.
"Betty, come here."
She gratefully set down her heavy burden, instead ordering Marc to place it in her stead. Marc, realizing how heavy the lamppost was, promptly made a decision for its location.
It was nice to turn the tables on him once and a while. Betty always bent over backwards to gain his approval. In truth, perhaps the eternally optimistic girl wanted to save him. She was a sucker for damaged people. That must explain her stubborn headed persistence towards the Meade family, especially for this Meade editor who she now sat beside.
"Betty, meet the reporter from Fashionista Magazine. She's preparing the article on Mode's charity drive for the hospital." Perfect white teeth gave Betty a dashing smile, one with no vitriol or malice. The girl smiled back in turn.
The brunette haired girl immediately launched into the idea that Mode had to properly thank the magazine for responding to Bradford Meade's heart attack and sudden death. The hospital's concern and consideration for the Meade family's privacy and grief, especially in the wake of Claire Meade's unexpected appearance deserved to be repaid. In addition to a substantial financial donation, the Meade family volunteered to organize a fundraiser of New York's rich and famous with all proceeds going to the hospital.
To say that the hospital was ecstatic was an understatement.
No one knew however, that it was all Betty's idea. The Meades were originally going to only write a check, but Betty was the one who thought a charity drive would be a greater reward, for both the hospital and Mode magazine.
The Suarez girl's enthusiasm was catching and with the Mode editor's occasional interjections, the reporter soon had the complete story. The immaculately dressed Meade gave a pointed look in the writer's direction as she departed. She had better had a good story, or else there would be hell to pay. No amount of Betty's angelic intervention would stop a Meade's protection of their family.
Betty included. She had become family long ago.
Speaking of family...
"Betty, Daniel hasn't gone out in ages."
"I know, I'm worried about him."
The girl always had Daniel first and foremost in her thoughts. It's almost as if Betty was in love..."
Oh my God.
"I know! Papi's in a cooking mood and he always cooks way too much food. How about I invite Daniel over for dinner? Oh! Of course, you're invited too." The girl looked upon her boss with hopeful eyes. "Of course if you need me to keep working on the fundraiser..."
"No, no, we'd love to come."
"It'll be a blast, don't you worry." She scurried off to handle more preparations for the big event. Betty Suarez would personally assure that the night would be perfect.
Alexis Meade settled back into the smooth leather chair. Daniel had been so gracious as to loan her Betty for the week. She could see how appealing it was to have someone competent beside you, and who wasn't trying to backstab you at every turn. The distasteful image of Wilhelmina entered her mind. She couldn't believe she trusted that manipulative woman. Betty, of course, encouraged a reconciliation with Daniel. Alexis knew they would quarrel, but he would never hurt her intentionally. Regardless, she had not promised the same for him.
That would change though.
A perfectly manicured nail pulled out a sleek cell phone.
"Hello Mother? Let's meet for lunch. I have some interesting information about Daniel and his favorite assistant."
The gaslight was taken from a Christmas special called "A Christmas Kiss."
Another interlude chapter is ready to be uploaded probably later in the week. Afterwards, more point-of-view one shots.
As always please review,
Grignard