Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed or favorite my story. Please if you have not already reviewed my story, give me some feedback. I want my story to be as likeable as possible. I write my stories using a lot of dialogue because I want it to be reminiscent of a SMASH episode.

I do not own smash!

Once again thanks for reading!

Karen arrived at rehearsals twenty minutes early, as always. She managed to encourage her hung over friends to join her for an early coffee, and as a result they were there early too. She managed to avid to many questions about her whereabouts the night before. They assumed that she was making up with Dev, an Karen let them. It was much easier to let them assume that she was reconciling with Dev, than tell them about her new boy...wait a minute. Could she really call Derek her boyfriend. He said he wanted to see her exclusively, but did that make him her boyfriend? She was giddy about it, like a little girl about to open a gift on her birthday. But she though t it must be too soon for that title, the agreed to take it slow. And Derek had been nothing but a complete gentleman for the past few days. He didn't take advantage of her in any of her fragile, or drunken states. He hadn't even kissed her beyond a small peck here and there. She recalled this morning, waking up in Derek's bed. She had slept for ten hours, and it had been the best sleep she had since bombshell. Derek was gone when she awoke. On his pillow lay a note that read I wanted to take you to breakfast,but you were snoring so much that I decided you probably need more rest. Ha ha, yes I said that. But nevertheless, grab yourself a coffee and that rowdy bunch of hung over friends you have. see you at the theater. Derek. Karen laughed at the note. She scurried out of the bed. She had to get to her room to change. She grabbed the $50 dollar bill he left and smiled at his thoughtfulness. The rest of the morning was a blur, until she got to rehearsals. Bobby, Dennis, Sue and Jessica went to the dressing rooms to find aspirin. Karen made her way down the rows of the theater. She hadn't seen Derek and she wanted to thank him for the coffee.

'Karen, may I have a word with you please." A sweet and endearing voice filled the silence around Karen. She turned around to see Eileen standing behind her. The last time Eileen tried to talk to her, she wanted to get rid of Karen. Karen felt her self get nervous, she just landed the part, as no sooner she was loosing it.

"Sure", she replied to Eileen, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

"I don't like to apologize to people for my love of this project, I only want the best for this production, because I believe in it. But I am afraid yesterday my words here too harsh, and I do need to apologize. Last night you were phenomenal. And I was honestly blown away by your performance". Eileen spoke softly as she looked at Karen.

"Thank you Eileen." Karen didn't know what else to say. "I was as shocked as everyone else yesterday. I really didn't understand why Derek chose me." Karens words were humble.

"You know dear, Derek, no matter how stubborn and arrogant, is a creative genius. He envisions things that we simply can't see. He always said from day one you were going to be a star, that you felt like Marilyn to him. I guess he was right. When we get back to New York and start working out the details to Broadway we will let you know the rest." Eileen stated.

"I know, i don't expect to stay Marilyn. I was just feeling the spot. But I was thankful for that moment. Thank you so Eileen." Karen really was humble, something you don't find in broadway so often.

"No Dear, when I say figure out the rest, I mean how much we are going to pay you to be our Broadway star. You're going to make a name for yourself in this town, and your going to get the pay you deserve!" Eileen smiled as she turned to walk away. "Much to do today". Eileen called to everyone who was in an earshot of her.

Karen was amazed at the words Eileen shared with her. She finally did it. She was Marilyn, and landed her first role on Broadway, as the lead. She looked around for Derek, she couldn't wait to thank him for all he was doing for her. He was nowhere to be found. Everyone was coming down from the dressing rooms sitting in the theater. she decided to run to the bathroom before rehearsals. When she returned from the bathroom, Derek was standing on top of the stage welcoming everyone to yet another rehearsal.

"Alright guys, as you all may have guessed, we have a new permanent Marilyn Monroe. Miss Karen Cartwright." He smiled, a huge smile, as she entered the theater. His eyes met her and she noticed how they glistened with happiness. This was a change that she could get used too.

Everyone cheered as he made the announcement. everyone but Ivy that was. She didn't even know why she was here. but she didn't want to upset Tom anymore. He had been so kind to her. He was one of her best friends, she couldn't betray his trust.

Karen sat down by Bobby as Derek continued to speak. She was glad she sat in the middle of the theater, because for the first half of his speech his eyes were glued on her.

"I am very proud of you guys, you did great work two nights ago. I want that energy to carry over into tonight's performance." Derek began to notice he was staring at Karen as he spoke.

"So lets get in our costumes and do a full run through shall we. " Derek was excited.

Karen wanted to run up and talk to him but she didn't want to risk destroying her cover story of being with Dev last night. However, eventually she knew she would have to come clean. She would have to tell everyone how she and Derek were...were, well she didn't know what to call them. She knew it would be best to figure this out for herself before she shared her the news with anyone else.

"Come on Iowa, let's go before he rapes you with his eyes again" Bobby was pulling at Karens arm.

"I think he was looking at Ivy," Karen tried to deflate the attention from herself. It did help that Ivy was sitting a few rows directly behind her.

"Right, and me and Jessica are dating." Bobby was sarcastic and tone, but had a large smile on his face.

"Hurry up people, we don't have two years. to get through a rehearsal...Move!" That was the Derek everyone knew.

Karen played with the necklace around her neck during the whole run through, that is whenever she wasn't performing her heart out. Run through went great. Derek barely yelled at anyone. And he never yelled at Karen, even if she made a mistake. He simply directed her, taking care with the way he spoke to her, gently moving her to her mark. They shared glances with each other through out the rehearsal, and even smiles. No one seemed to notice, at least none of her friends said a word.

"Karen we are going to go get lunch, and we refuse to let you ditch us again." Dennis said to her. He was joking, but serious.

"Ok guys, I just have to run upstairs and grab something I forgot. I will be right back." Karen really didn't have anything to grab, she simply was hoping to run into Derek. Besides the comments he made about her performance, and the few corrections he made, he didn't speak to Karen. She was unsure if it had been out of a courtesy to her privacy, or if something was wrong.

When she got upstairs she found Derek moving her stuff from the group dressing room to Rebecca's old dressing room.

"You decided you couldn't live without me and you want to go elope, I never thought you to be that type Ms. Cartwright." Derek joked, she always got his sense of humor.

"If I chose to elope, it would be so one of your crazy women didn't try to kill me. But I'm not even sure if I like you yet." Karen shot back at him.

"Oh, you like me" a smug smile came across Derek's face.

"Why are you moving my things", she asked, obviously knowing that she was getting her own dressing room.

"You need the space, for changes, intermission, make-up. I know you love being in the ensemble, but some things must change love". He said his words as if he already knew she would object. And he was right. "Would you like to grab lunch?" Derek asked her.

"I can't, I am actually going out with Bobby, Jessica, Sue and Dennis, They've complained about the lack of time we've spent together." Karen stated.

"And you don't want them to think it's because you are an uptight broadway star with no time for the likes of the ensemble. I understand." Derek words were sarcastic as always, but she could tell he was disappointed. "Well then, I will finish up a lot of work I have here. I will see you tonight then love." Derek continued trying to hide his disappointment.

"I'll see you when I get back." Karen said as she leaned in ans kissed him softly on the cheek.

They arrived at the same fish place that Derek and Karen went to the day before. She couldn't help but chuckle at the secret she was holding in. They order their food and placed drink orders. Karen orders a cobb chicken salad, trying to think smart about her figure for the skin tight dress that would adorn her body later.

"Isn't this where you tried to Kill Ivy." Bobby joked with her.

"Oh my gosh...isn't that Ivy with Derek in the corner with Ivy" Jessica said.

Karens head spun around so fast that she thought she would get whiplash. Her heart began to sink . And she was filled with anger. Derek looked up at her, he must of noticed she was staring because he raised an eyebrow and gave a half smile. Karen didn't want to let her friends know how upset she was, but she was livid.

"I thought they were finished." Said trying to hide the rage inside.

"It's show business, no one is ever really finished." Sue said.

"Huh," Karen let out.

"Oh my gosh, You like him Iowa!" Jessica Squealed.

'No, I didn't say that, it's just surprising that's all." Karen tried to hide her emotions.

"Do you know that when you lie, your voice gets really high-pitched." Dennis said calling her bluff.

"he is just being nice to me, since he gave me the part. And I don't want to see him get hurt.
Karen stated.

"Hey may have given you the part Iowa, but that's just because he wants to sleep with you! Besides Derek has hurt enough people in the business. Maybe he needs to get hurt." Sue explained.

"So what's the deal with you and Dev, are you guys trying to work things out?" Jessica asked seeing the discomfort of Karens face.

" Yeah, this is him calling now." She lied. Excuse me. She walked briskly to the bathroom, passing by Ivy and Derek's table.

"Hi Karen", Ivy's voice rang out. it was piercing. She knew that she was trying to get to her. She just kept walking.

Derek didn't even look at Karen, as if he didn't recognize her, as if she was nobody. How could someone share such an intimate moment with her, and then forget about all the words they said.

I am so glad I didn't sleep with him. He is a prick a horrible person. He did all of that convincing last night. I hate him. And to think I almost fell for him. She was trying to hold herself together. She couldn't let her crew see her crying. Unless she said it was about Dev. But how can she continue to work to work with Derek. The only reason she was able to work with him so well was because she trusted him. Karen dried her eyes, and gave her self a one over in the mirror. She felt miserable, but she looked pretty good. She had taken extra time this morning putting on her make up. She wore a light yellow v-neck t-shirt with a bright yellow sports bra. She was happy when she found out Derek's favorite color was yellow, she happened to own a lot. Right now, however, she hated yellow. Karen took a deep breath and then she pulled open the bathroom door. When she did, she saw the worst thing she possibly could. Ivy stretched her body across the table and passionately kissed Derek. Although her mouth was very much into the kiss, her eyes were focused on Karen. She raised an eyebrow to Karen as if to challenge her. On the inside, she felt defeated, but she wouldn't let it show on her simply smiled at Ivy and walked over to the table with her friends.

Everyone was excited during lunch, everyone except for Karen. They went on about the show, boston, and nightclubs. The group was young, and they loved to party. But Karen wasn't a big party person. She did her fair share of drinking and going out. However, Karen had never been a party person. She prefered intellectual activity like reading and writing. She'd rather spend a night at home playing the piano and singing, than in the club dancing to top 40.

By the time lunch was over Karen dreaded heading back to the theater. She knew Derek would be there sooner than later. She couldn't hide from him. She wouldn't let anyone stop her from doing what she came to New York to do. She wanted to be a star, and she wouldn't let Derek Wills, or anyone else stop her. But she walked in the direction of the theater anyway. Her friends were going to explore the city. All Karen wanted to explore were here dreams. She knew there was a comfortable couch in her dressing room thanks to Rebecca. She avoided going to the hotel because she thought Derek and Ivy might be on their way there. Judging by the kiss they shared, their day was not going to be over soon. Karen was absolutely miserable. She walked quietly into the theater, and into her dressing room. It seemed as soon as she hit the couch she fell asleep.

Karen performed to the best of her ability that night. And when it was time for the final scene Karen delivered. Her emotions were so raw, she cried, she slurred. She really portrayed the behavior of a woman committing suicide. She really delivered that night. Derek watched her entire performance from the audience. He was throughly impressed. He wore a smile the entire time. Even Josh his assistant director noticed that Derek was quite chipper. Derek couldn't wait to see her after the performance, but he decided to wait until they were at the hotel, he didn't want to alarm the cast with the affection he couldn't help but display around her. He also didn't want Karen's talent overshadowed by the fact he was sleeping with her. Well he wasn't actually sleeping with her, but dating her. So to keep it simple he sent her text message. Karen your performance was as amazing as you are! Come by tonight? Derek. Derek stayed in the theater for an hour talking with critics and giving his thoughts on Karen. He also announced that she would stay the headliner for the show on Broadway.

When Karen got the message from Derek she was half way to the hotel. She did not stick around the show. She told her friends that she had the flu, and ran out of the backdoor. She wasn't sure if they believed her, but she knew they would attribute her behavior to her relationship woes. Maybe that's why she fell for Derek anyways, she needed a shoulder to cry on. He provided that for her, but she felt such an attraction for him that she thought there was more. Or maybe he was manipulating her so she would have a great performance. Causing her pain so that she could perform with such raw emotions. But that seemed cruel, even for the dark lord of theater.

Derek I saw you with Ivy this afternoon. I saw the kiss. So do me a favor, and lose my number, premanently. Karen responded to his message. He had some nerve sending her a text, asking her to come and be with after he betrayed her. She didn't want to see Derek at all. The two days off wouldn't be enough for Karen.

Karen went to the hotel room and headed straight for the shower. She knew her cast mates wouldn't be back from the club until the early morning. So she decided to take an extra long shower, she wanted the water to wash away her trouble. When her shower was over she rubbed her self down with a body oil and slipped on a white tank top and her favorite pair of boxers, they were pink with white stars on them. She was comfortable. Karen plopped down on the bed and tried to make herself go to sleep. She wasn't having much success. So she forced herself to watch television. anything to take her mind off of Derek. That's when she noticed that she wasn't thinking about Dev. That was a positive side effect. But she wished somehow she could take her mind off of Derek.

Just as she began to fall asleep, there was a knock on the door. At first she thought it was the tv, but the sound got louder.

"Karen I know that you are in there." Derek was anxious to talk to her

"Karen open the bloody door, we need to talk." Derek tried to be quiet, he didn't want the neighbouring cast members to be disturbed if they were in there rooms.

"Derek go away!" Karen was so exhausted, and extremely pissed off. But she headed to the door anyway, maybe telling Derek off would be exactly what she needed.

"I will go away once you open the door", Derek was defiant.

" What is it De" Karen flung open the door and was immediately shocked into silence. Standing in the hall were two Derek's. Her eyes had to be deceiving her.

"Did I ever mention I had a twin". Derek said with a smirk.

"Oh my gosh, no!" Karen was astonished. She couldn't believe her eyes. Could it really be. This made so much more sense.

"Hello, I'm Eric" The gentleman that looked exactly like Derek responded.

It was quite amazing, they were identical. But as Karen studied the man before her she realized that his eyes were blue, and his mannerism were very different from that of the man she starting to adore. This biggest give away was his voice. His accent far less present than that of Derek's.

"I don't know what to say" The confusion, and realization were causing her to make an odd face.

"I am going to head back to my hotel you bloc! I can't wait to catch up with you tomorrow." Eric said to Derek. Then he turned and looked at Karen. "It was very nice meeting you, I hope this cleared up any confusion about the restaurant. I had no idea I was being played like a pawn." he gave a slight laugh about the situation and turned down the hall to walk away.

"Oh Derek, I-I-"

"Ssshhh love, don't worry about it, you need to get some rest, I can see it in your eyes. I just wanted you to sleep easy knowing I meant every word I said Karen." He smiled a gently kissed her on the lips.

"I'm sorry Derek" she said as she gazed up at him with her big brown adoring eyes.

"Don't be." he replied as kindly as possible. He looked down at her. Seeing her without heels for the first time was surprising. She wasn't short, but she fit perfectly into his arms. And seeing her without make was the best part of the night for him. He got to see how beautiful she was.

"I am going to go to my room Karen", he wanted to ask her up, but decided against it.

"Derek..." She paused, nervous about the answer that would follow her question. "Do you mind if I come with you"

He smiled," I thought you'd never ask". Derek said with a smile that stretch across his face from ear to ear.