CHAPTER 5

"Guys, have you heard?" Bobby came rushing into the dressing rooms.

"What?"

"Ivy's out of the hospital. She's coming back. No more Elena."
"Oh thank God, she needed that little shove off the show," Jessica rolled her eyes.

"You guys are so mean," Karen laughed as she put on her wig, marvelling at the Marilyn that gradually materialized in the depth of the glass before her.

"No, not mean. Realistic," Jessica corrected.

"We're up in ten," a voice suddenly peaked in. A familiar curved figure pushed it aside, and strolled in with a viciously stern look that spread across the room.

"Ivy, glad you're alright," Bobby awkwardly joined her side, breaking the silence that settled in.

"I'm sure you are, Bobby," the woman replied, and smiled hypocritically. "Karen, congratulations. I never got to tell you that properly," She looked genuine for a second. Then she squinted her eyes at Karen with ferocity, and the air was gone. "Jess! I missed you, girl!" She took the ensemble member into a tight embrace.

"You, too, Ivy."

"Sam!" the blonde turned to her friend, giving him a squeeze as well.

"We really should get going," Dennis interjected, heading for the door. All followed suit, leaving Ivy to get ready for her role.

"Thank you, even though I know you didn't mean it," Karen's austere words lingered along the edges of the door frame, pausing Ivy in her make-up for a rare instant.

As the igniting star departed for her journey, the other prepared to vanish in her dimming wake.

"Karen, a little more enthusiasm, please," Derek interrupted the song, sending a usual flame of alarming chills down her spine. "You do love him, remember that."

They restarted song. She sang. He listened. She sang it again, he listened once more. Her voice broke graciously on some lyrics.

It was perfect. Doll-perfect, arranged marriage perfect, surface perfect. Derek Wills did not like such dishonest perfection.

"Stop the music. Karen, please come over here," he tugged her aside into the wings where no one could see them.

Her eyes held guilt even though she didn't know what she was appointed for.

"Karen, I don't want to know what's wrong, though I know you're unhappy for some reason."

She suddenly remembered him yesterday. The way the dignity and elegance seemed to flow so freely through the softness of his touch; because he was free. And now, as she was standing before him, his tyrannical temper keeping a stoic furrow across his features, she unexpectedly realized the love she saw in his eyes last night. As though his own memories made him sensible, as though he was a completely different person when he let his mind wander to the good times.

"Karen?"

"I have to be free. Because I love him. We need each other," she gave a small smile before taking her spot with Michael on the bench. 'Mr and Mrs Smith,' they were going to give the audience.

The night approached with aggravating speed.

When it arrived, it was greeted with a spectacular "Bombshell" performance. Every participant in the production was intoxicated with the outcome of yet a third night. Half of the shows in Boston were complete with great reviews. Then they'd be going for Chicago with six dazzling nights in store. New York would be the final destination, and if they were to be successful there, they would travel through

other major cities of the US.

But that is still ahead of us, Derek thought, propped up on an elbow on his hotel bed, looking out into the dark city. He had thought about joining a lady in the bar, but something was pulling him to the white sheets beneath him.

A knock rattled on the door. Maybe he should have left for that drink.

He walked to the door, opened it, and his eyebrows jumped at the sight. "Ivy."
"Derek. Can we talk?"

"Sure, come in." He had a bad feeling churning in his stomach about what the topic might be.

"I miss you," she whispered, and he discerned an air of Marilyn in her desperate tone as she approached him leisurely.

"It's great to hear, Ivy. I think we've been over this."

"We have. But don't you miss me?"

"Ivy..."

"I love it when you purr my name," she slid her arms down his chest, and around his waist, all the while staring at his lips. Then she lifted her eyes to meet his confused ones, and all he saw was pure lust.

She was faking, of course he knew that. It wasn't the first time he had been through such bribery. But he still felt drawn to her, or at least down there he did. Maybe one more night?

"Ivy, it's over. I don't know why you're still after me. I really don't," he said sternly, pushing her away.

"Alright, Derek. I get the message. It's over. I just thought we could spend some time together, as 'consenting adults', but apparently the feeling isn't mutual." The blonde stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Derek thought the walls would shatter.

Perhaps that drink would do some good?

The next day, they had another show. The nights went in pairs, with a day off between them, so it wouldn't become too tiring for everyone.

"Ivy isn't here for rehearsal yet. Did she drug herself again?" Jessica snickered.

"And I thought you were friends with her," Karen protested with a serious air.

"Were. You made the clarification on your own. And I heard she bitched on Derek. I literally heard!" Bobby laughed hard, clutching his stomach in his seat.

"Really? Oh my God, spread the gossip!" Jessica nearly jumped on him from excitement.

Once he collected himself, he retold the conversation he had overheard. More so on purpose.

"Gosh, I never thought she was the type to go back on a digested sausage. Wow. That sounded so disgusting," Jessica said, and everyone fell over their laughter. Only because it was so true.

"Hey guys, what's so funny?" Ivy entered the room with a glossy smile.

"Nah, nothing really. Bobby just tripped over the chair," Dennis explained, still unable to regain his breath properly. The excuse seemed authentic, since Bobby was in fact on the floor, next his chair.

Ivy didn't say a word, for smart people don't speak when they know they have been despised for their foolish actions. She simply set her stuff on her seat, and calmly walked out.

"What got into her?"

A/N : I really needed to end it there even though I have more written. Otherwise the story wouldn't make much sense.

I'm really sorry for my long update! It's been nearly a week since I gave you the last chapter. Shame on me...

This chapter doesn't really bring much to the story, but it gives Ivy's comeback which is important for future chapters.

Chapters 6 is also going to be up tonight!