Spotlight's Fade

Part 2

"I Am…"

By Nick Maro

The chauffeur waited near the baggage claim holding a sign. Almost immediately David saw the sign and chuckled to himself. The sign read David 'Secret Keeper' Gabor. Kaori looked up at David in confusion at the sign. He just shook his head and grabbed her luggage for her. They followed the driver out of the airport to where the limo sat waiting. The driver opened the trunk and helped David put the bags inside.

The chauffeur hurried to the door and opened it for the young couple. Kaori got in first and looked around in mild awe. David slid next to her and kissed her cheek. "Welcome to America." He waited for the driver to get into the limo. "Driver, you have instructions on where to take us?"

The young man nodded. "Yes sir, I have orders to take you directly to Los Angeles County Memorial Hospital right away. Once there, I'm to wait for further instructions."

"Wait, why are you taking us there? We're supposed to head to the Gabor Estate. Is there something wrong with my sister?"

"Sir, Ms. Gabor called and said you and your guest are to be taken to the hospital immediately. I'm only following orders." The chauffeur started the limo when David nodded. He pulled out into traffic and headed to the hospital.

David put the divider up and sighed. Kaori rested her head on his shoulder. "[What's wrong? We're not heading to your home are we.]"

"[I'm not sure what's wrong, but we're going directly to the hospital. My sister wants us to go there right away. This sure wasn't the way I wanted you to meet her.]" He pulled his girlfriend close to him and closed his eyes. Together they began to drift into a light slumber. They were both exhausted from the plane flight from Japan.

Forty-five minutes later the chauffeur lowered the divider and woke them gently. David looked out the window and they were at the hospital. He stretched and yawned. The chauffeur had already opened the door for them. David got out first followed by Kaori who yawned and cracked her back. She looked at the sky and the buildings that surrounded her. She smiled at David and wrapped her arm around his waist, hugging him.

David led her to the hospital lobby, just inside he found Stormer waiting for him. She immediately hugged him and sniffed back a few tears. David hugged her in return and introduced his half sister to his girlfriend. "Mary, this is Kaori Umezawa, my girlfriend. She doesn't speak much English I'm afraid." He spoke to Kaori in Japanese. "[Kaori, this is my half sister Mary Phillips, Stormer of The Misfits.]"

Stormer smiled and nodded at Kaori. "Hello, Kaori."

"Nice to meetcha, Mary," Kaori said in her best English.

"So what's going on?" David translated to Kaori what he'd said.

Stormer led the way to the elevators. "It's best you hear it from Kimber or Rio. We're going up to a private floor." David translated for Kaori while trying not to sound confused. They followed Stormer into the elevator and waited. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Kaori held David's hand now more worried than excited to be there.

The elevator finally stopped and they exited the car. Stormer once again led the way to a waiting room where nearly all of his friends and family waited. David waited just outside of the room while Stormer went inside to tell Kimber he had arrived.

Kimber came out with red and puffy eyes. She began to cry again when she saw him. She led them into an empty room to talk where she hugged him tightly and buried her face in his shoulder. "I'm sorry, David, but Jerrica was in a bad car wreck last night. She just came out of surgery, but its more than that, the emergency staff knows she's Jem. One of the nurses removed her earrings and they fell apart. Now there's rumors and gossip flying all over the hospital about what happened." She heard David speaking Japanese to Kaori. "What are you doing?"

"Sorry Kimber. I'm just translating to Kaori what you said. I'm leaving out the Jerrica is Jem part." He gave her a comforting smile.

"[I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I've heard all about the great Jerrica Benton in Japan. She's a business woman that I admire and look up to. If her business sense is anything like her spirit and willpower, I know she'll pull through.]" Kaori took Kimber's hand afterwards and shook it.

Kimber smiled and hugged the Japanese woman. "Thank you. That was so sweet." She turned back to David, trying to hide her jealousy. "Listen, why don't you and The Misfits take off, okay? I'll give you a call when Jerrica wakes up. She'll be happy to see you again. Hell, everyone will be. I know I am." She glanced at Kaori and spoke a little more coolly. "Even if you have moved on with your life."

David didn't translate the last thing Kimber said to Kaori. "Kim, you know I would always come back for your sister, any of The Holograms and most importantly you. I came home for my sister to help her, but I'm here for you now and that won't ever change. I'm your friend and I love you." He looked out the window and sighed. "I didn't want you both to meet like this."

"[I'm going to wait in the hall. I'm just in the way.]" Kaori smiled and nodded at Kimber. "Very nice to meet you." After Kimber smiled, Kaori left the room and closed the door.

Kimber lightly touched David's back where he instinctively flinched slightly. She rubbed his back gently. "She seems like a very nice woman and I never doubted you or anything. You've never failed me, my family or yours. I'm glad you're here for us all. Now, go home and get some rest. I'll call you soon." She kissed his cheek and smiled.

"Thanks. And you always know what to say." He hugged his ex-fiancé and opened the door. Kaori was leaning against the wall, looking out of place and a little awkward. He turned back to Kimber. "Tell Phyllis we'll be at the house getting some rest." Kimber nodded and David shut the door. He grinned at Kaori. "[C'mon, we're going to get some rest and go some place that would better to meet my family.]"

They headed into an elevator and went back to the limo. The chauffeur drove them back to the Gabor Estate.

Softly knocking on David's bedroom door, Pizzazz opened the door a crack and peeked in. She found David and Kaori asleep in each other's arms still wearing the clothes they arrived in. David was even still wearing his shoes. She studied Kaori from the doorway. Kaori's hand twitched while she slept as she clung tightly to him. Pizzazz quietly entered the room and woke him up. She sat on the edge of the bed near her twin.

David slowly opened his eyes and blinked the sleep out of his eyes. He smiled and moistened his dry mouth. "Hey Phyllis." His voice was a dry whisper. "Is there anything new with Jerrica? Is she conscious yet?"

"Nothing new yet," Pizzazz whispered and glanced at the Japanese woman next to him. "I just wanted to ask you why you didn't tell me that Jerrica was Jem." She saw David's face turn slightly white and she giggled quietly. "I'm not mad. She told me the other night when I called you up. I was annoyed you didn't tell me before." She patted his arm.

"Jerrica asked me not to, so I didn't. I was just respecting her wishes." David checked to see if Kaori was still asleep. His new girlfriend stirred slightly and then fell back asleep. "So why did you call me just to call me an asshole and hang up?"

Pizzazz let out a louder giggle. "I was fucking with you and now I'm glad to see I did what I accomplished to do."

Kaori finally opened her eyes and looked up at David then at Pizzazz. A sleepy smile crept across her lips. "[You must be Phyllis. You have the same eyes as David does. I wish we could've met earlier. I'm Kaori.]" David translated for his sister. Kaori kissed David's cheek. "[It sounds like you're having a conversation I shouldn't be a part of.]" Kaori opened a suit case and grabbed a change of clothes and a bathroom kit. "[I need a shower anyway.]"

"[Go ahead, Kaori. We'll be down in the kitchen when you get out.]" David kissed her quickly before she could head out the door. "She's something special to me. I can tell Kimber is jealous, but that's life right?" David slipped his shoes off and let of sigh of pleasure and relief. "We got in the door and just crashed. I didn't realize we were that tired." He stretched and groaned.

Pizzazz hugged her brother tight and fought back her tears. "All of the entertainment shows are saying all of these cruel things. Just outside the gates are reporters from all over the place. Mom couldn't even get out without being ambushed by reporters." She half smiled in amusement. "They were throwing themselves on the hood of her car." She let out a soft chuckle.

David ran his hand through his hair and stopped when Pizzazz laughed to herself. "Yeah, the limo had a hell of a time getting through them. Everyone thought it was you. I had to roll down the window so they could see my face. I swear I heard a reporter boo the fact that I was in the limo and not you. But I'm here now and I'm not leaving. Kaori is going to apply for a long stay visa so she can stay as well. She's a manga writer and artist so she can work from here and ship her work out." He headed down the stairs to the kitchen with Pizzazz following closely. "I'm going to start house hunting today online."

Starting to make David and Kaori something to eat, Pizzazz nodded as he spoke. "So you'll return as the executive vice president of Misfits Music?" David nodded. "Good. Like I said the other night, I'm not cut out for this. I'm better off as a queen bitch of rock." She heard David laugh at the title and she started laughing herself.

"[What's so funny, David?]" Kaori asked still in her robe and towel drying her hair. She hugged and kissed him. David explained what they were discussing. "[Thank you for breakfast, Phyllis, it smells wonderful.]"

"Think nothing of it, Kaori. You're my brother's girlfriend and from what I understand it's your first time here in America. I just want to make you feel right at home, okay?" Pizzazz placed a plate in front of both David and Kaori. She then put silverware and drinks in front of them as well. She sat across from Kaori, and then picked a piece of bacon off of David's plate. She grinned when he protested. "Now, tell me about yourself."

Through David's translations Kaori and Pizzazz got to know each other better.

Sounds and light began to flood Jerrica's senses, her focus came slow. She smelled ammonia and anesthetic. That's when she felt the pain that racked her entire body. Jerrica endured it and looked around. Faint traces of light came from the window looking outside. It was night. She looked to the chair next to her. Rio sat in the chair slumped forward with his head resting on his arm. He held her hand.

Jerrica smiled and tried to swallow. She winced in pain at how dry her throat was. There was a glass filled with water next to her bedside within reach. She grabbed the glass and drained it within seconds. Carefully, she tried to pull her hand away from Rio without waking him. She got it free, but Rio stirred. Jerrica instinctively froze in place and waited a few seconds before grabbing the pitcher and poured herself a new glass.

The water had helped wake her up and become more aware. She sat up in the bed and tried to remember what had happened. She couldn't focus on the details, just that she was in an accident. Jerrica closed her eyes and concentrated. She could only remember the special on The Misfits. That was it. She sighed in frustration.

"Well, good morning, sunshine," Rio said yawning. "You really should watch your step going down those dark stairs. Never know when one of the Starlight Girls will leave their toys out." He shot Jerrica a quick wink. She giggled and felt herself blush. Rio's tone turned serious, more serious than she had ever heard him. "I'm glad you're okay. What do you remember of what happened? Take your time, okay?"

"That's what I've been trying to do." Jerrica weakly pulled Rio into her arms and hugged him as tight as she could. "How long have I been out?"

Rio gently hugged his longtime girlfriend and kissed the side of her neck. "You've been out for three days now. You were in a nasty car accident. The police pulled out two crossbow bolts out of your tires. It appears that someone tried to kill you or at least make it look like that. The doctor's say you have a nasty concussion, fractured skull and minor internal injuries. They weren't too sure if you'd pull through at first.

"There's one other thing and I might as well tell you now." Rio began to pace the room. Jerrica looked at him expectantly. "When I tell you just remain calm, everyone is working on it." He stopped, paused to take a deep breath and continued. "The fact that you're Jem is going around the hospital as a rumor. Apparently your earrings were severely damaged and Synergy couldn't keep your hologram up." Rio shrugged.

Jerrica just brought her legs up and hugged her knees despite the pain she was in. She slightly rocked back and forth in her bed while she thought about what Rio had told her.

"…and so I called this press conference to address the recent special, which aired on V-TV, about The Misfits." David stood behind the podium and looked at each of the reporters in turn. "At present time we are not considering a lawsuit against the station. We are looking at the makers of the so-called documentary for a case of slander and defamation of character. We have already accepted the apology from Ms. Pierce and heads of the studio and publicly want to say that we hold no hard feelings against them. It is the filmmakers and Ms. Horne that are responsible.

"I was absent when the special aired, but I saw it in Japan while I was on leave for family business. I came back immediately at the request of my sister and will once again take control of Misfits Music as Senior Vice President of the company." David paused and took a sip of water. "Now, are there any questions?" The mass of reporters began shouting questions. David waved them all down and pointed at a blonde female reporter.

"Mr. Gabor what do you know about the rumors that Jerrica Benton is really Jem?"

David sighed. "That is not a question for me to answer. What I do know is that Jerrica Benton is in the hospital after being in a horrible car accident. I still have yet to visit her." He pointed at bald man wearing red and green glasses. He had a spider tattoo on the right front side of his head.

"Yes, do you think it's the President who is behind this latest smear campaign because he wishes to keep the City free of musical expression?"

Pizzazz and David exchanged bewildered looks and shrugged. David smiled and chuckled. "Mr. Jerusalem, that is the furthest thing from our mind, but I have decided to grant you your exclusive interview with The Misfits after the conference. If you and your, ah, Filthy Assistants would meet us inside that would be great."

A weaselly looking reporter wormed his way through to the front. "Mr. Gabor, is it true that Roxanne Pelligrini and Sheila Jetta Burns are in fact lesbians? And do you think this is a positive message that they should be sending to America's youth?"

Roxy grabbed the microphone before David could answer. "Slurrman you little worm. It figures that question would be asked by a rag like Cool Trash, but I will answer it. Not for a rag full of lies, but for everyone here. Yes, we are lovers. She's my best friend and I love her with all my heart. I'm not about to go around telling everyone to become gay or a lesbian. This was a choice she and I made freely. I'm happy and comfortable with her." Roxy turned and looked at Jetta. She wiped a tear from her cheek. "I'm at peace with her and if that's sending the wrong message to the youth of America, then dammit, I'm guilty as hell and have no regrets."

When she turned around Roxy heard the gathered reporters burst into applause. She grinned to herself and at Jetta. David patted Roxy on her back and took the microphone again. "Well, I guess that's it. Any other questions can be filed through my personal assistant. Now, class dismissed and everyone behave." The sea of reporters began to leave. "Oh wait, wait. Pizzazz just told me there will be a new Misfits album released shortly the title is, ah," David turned to his twin, "the title has hasn't been decided yet." The reporters chuckled and left.

"That was a beautiful thing you did, Rox." David kissed her cheek and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She blushed and smiled as they went inside the Misfits Music building. 'You're definitely going to have to tell me the story of how this came about." David glanced up and saw Kaori in his office window waving with his mother. He smiled and waved back.

Jerrica flipped the channels on the hospital television. Her expression turned to a deep annoyance. She turned the television off and set the remote down. A knock came from her door and Kimber poked her head in. "Hey, Jer! How are you feeling today?" Kimber noticed the look on Jerrica's face. "All right, what's up? You look pissed about something."

"It's just that every damn daytime talk show is run on rumors and hearsay." She glanced at her sister and smirked. "At least David kinda helped us with his news conference. What I find the most annoying is that none of these so called investigative reporters have the guts to ask any of us about what happened." Jerrica frowned again. "Or have they and you're not telling me."

Kimber sat in the chair next to the bed. "Rio thought it would be best if you weren't bothered with this until you were on your feet. I know this will sound shitty, but we did do it for your own good. But, you look healthy now. If you want I can call a press conference right now and you can just tell the whole world that you're really Jem. Now do you really want to do that?" Kimber shot up from her seat angrily and went to the window.

Jerrica stood slowly and pulled her I.V. out. She walked up behind her sister and wrapped an arm around her. "I'm starting to think," she said slowly and softly in the redhead's ear, "that's exactly just what I might do. I'm tired of living this double life. I'm tired of pretending. It's starting to feel foolish and childish. I want people to know that it is Jerrica Benton who is the voice of Jem. That Jem is me. That she is nothing more than an alter ego." Jerrica sat on the bed closest to the window. "I just want to be me."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Kimber wiped the tears away from her older sister's face. "I'm sorry for going off like that. I didn't know it was eating you up inside. Are you sure this is what you want to do? You don't want to talk it over with The Holograms and Rio?" Jerrica shook her head no. "What about Synergy? How are you going to explain her?"

"Just going to say that much like a magician, I don't give out my secrets. And this is my choice. I can't let anyone influence me one way or the other on it." Jerrica let out a deep sigh. "I still don't know who did this to me. I mean, it's right there, but I can't grab it. It'll come back eventually." She gave Kimber a fake grin. "So, why did you stop by? It wasn't for an argument was it?"

"No, I came to tell you that you have two visitors." Kimber glanced at Jerrica's hand and saw that it was bleeding from where the I.V. was. "Maybe you should have that put back in."

Jerrica rolled her eyes. "It's fine Kimber. Please get a nurse and tell my guests to come in." Kimber nodded and ran out of the door. Jerrica went into the bathroom and washed her face and cleaned her hand. The color was beginning to come back to her face, but her eyes still looked slightly sunken. She splashed more water on her face and walked out when she heard the door open and close. A young nurse tended to Jerrica's hand and left.

A few moments later another knock came from her door and David poked his head in with his eyes shut. "I hope you're decent, Jerrica. I don't want Rio kicking my ass for seeing you in an indecent state," he joked. He opened his eyes and smiled. "I actually have someone who is dying to meet you." He opened the door fully and led a Japanese woman into the room. "Jerrica, meet Kaori." He switched to speaking Japanese. "[Kaori, this is Kimber's sister Jerrica.]"

Kaori and Jerrica both nodded. "Kaori is my girlfriend. We met while in Japan and well, she's someone special to me." David looked around slightly embarrassed. He held up a modest bouquet of flowers. "I picked these up on the way here." Jerrica took the flowers and smiled.

"[I made this for you, Jerrica.]" Kaori laid a portfolio envelope on the bed and unzipped it. She pulled out a piece of heavy stock paper and handed it to Jerrica. "[David gave me reference materials of you. I wanted to do something nice for a woman I've admired.]"

Jerrica covered her mouth when she saw the sketch that Kaori did of her. She listened to David's translation. "Thank you so much, Kaori. This is so lovely." She opened the room door and showed Kimber who was sitting in a chair with her chin in the palm of her hand. "Look at what Kaori made for me. Isn't it lovely?"

Kimber looked up slowly and stared at the sketch a moment. "Yeah. That Kaori sure is some talent." She stood up and pressed the elevator button. "I'm going for some food. I'll smuggle you something in later." The doors open and Kimber disappeared inside.

Jerrica re-entered the room. She hugged both David and Kaori then looked at him with a serious face. "David, go ahead and tell her."

"Tell her what?' David asked confused.

"Tell her that I'm Jem."

David blinked in shock. "What?"

"I'm going public anyway. I want her to know now. I've never had anyone tell me that they admired me. Sure I have as Jem, but never as Jerrica. I feel I owe her this."

David slowly nodded and spoke to Kaori. "[Jerrica wanted me to tell you something. Something I already knew but swore to never tell a soul.]" Kaori stared at David when she saw he was serious. "[Kaori, Jerrica is really Jem.]"

Kaori looked from Jerrica to David and back then began laughing. "[Come on, you're just kidding with me. Right?]" She looked back and forth again. "[You're serious. Holy shit, you're not kidding.]" She leaned closer to David. "[Why is she telling me this and how long have you known?]"

"[She says that she wants you to know because you admire her as Jerrica Benton. Also, she's telling the world soon. I don't think she wanted you to find out that way.]" He smiled sheepishly. "[I've known for awhile now. I promised that I would keep her secret safe and never tell a soul.]"

Kaori walked over to Jerrica and lightly hugged her. "Thank you, Jerrica," she said slowly in her best English.

"You're very welcome, Kaori." Jerrica turned to David. "If you'll both excuse me I'm a bit tired. I have so much to prepare for." She said her good-byes to her friends and stopped David before he shut the door. "Tell Phyllis I want you and The Misfits at the announcement." David nodded and shut the door to leave Jerrica to think of how she was going to write the speech and tell her friends what she had planned.

Sitting up slowly from working on the recording equipment, Chip massaged his lower back and complained under his breath. He scanned the floor for his screwdriver. It was on the floor across the room. That's when he saw a pair of feet in front of him. He slowly looked up and saw Stormer standing in front of him holding a bag of fast food and some drinks. She smiled sweetly at him and sat on the floor next to him.

"I figured you'd be hungry, so I brought you something to eat." Stormer began pulling out the food. "I didn't know what you'd like so I just got regular burgers. Take as much as you'd like." She handed him a drink and started eating. She spoke in-between bites. "I swear, I'm going to kick Roxy and Pizzazz's asses if they say you're my boyfriend again."

Chip choked on his drink. "They said what?"

Stormer giggled. "They called you my boyfriend because of how shy you acted in front of me when we first met." She watched him wipe his face a moment. "So, wanna go out? Nothing fancy or anything. Go see a movie or go for a walk." She shrugged and sipped her drink while watching him blush.

"Uh, sure, I guess," Chip took a bite of his hamburger. He chewed a moment in thought and smirked himself. "If Clash ever found out that you asked me out and I said no, I would never be able to live it down. Besides, I've been here two months now and I haven't been able to see the sights. My only friends are Clash and TR. And I think you're extending your hand in friendship and I'm not going to be blind to it."

"Great, I'll take you some place fun and not a tourist trap." Stormer and Chip exchanged smiles and continued to eat in silence.

The next two weeks went by quickly with the excitement of an announcement by Jem in the air. Every entertainment station and internet site was buzzing about it. Jerrica sat in her office watching the reporters gather in front of her building where the stage was set up. She sighed and went over a few papers. She glanced at Rio out of the corner of her eye. "Don't give me that look. I know what I'm doing."

"Do you, Jerrica? Do you really know what you're about to do?" Rio pointed out the window at the reporters. "Those vultures down there are going to eat you alive after you do this. After you do this, there may be no more Jem and The Holograms. Think about what you're going to do."

Jerrica stood and poked Rio in his chest. "I've had two weeks to think about this. And every time I do I feel sick to my stomach at how I've deceived my fans. How I've had to live a double life. I'm tired of it. It's gone on too long." Jerrica changed into Jem and headed for the door. "Now I'm going down there to make a statement that will change my life. I'd like the man I love to stand beside me and support me. Not the man who likes to think he's with two women."

Jem got into the elevator and held the door open button for a minute. Rio came running out of the office and into the elevator. She smiled at him as he hit the button for the lobby. "That was low of you, Jerrica." He kissed her on the cheek. "I do have faith in you."

"Yeah, I know."

The elevator doors opened a few minutes later. Jem walked confidently up to the podium and cleared her throat. She smiled at The Misfits and Holograms who were waiting next to the stage. Rio joined them looking like he just lost an argument. Jem cleared her throat a second time and tested the microphone. "Thank you everyone for coming today. I have an important announcement that I would like to make to the whole world. I have a secret that I've been keeping from you, a secret that I've kept for far too long.

"Now before I tell you what it is, I just want to say I won't answer any questions until I have explained myself." She took a deep breath and whispered, "Show's over." Pink light engulfed Jem and she revealed herself to the world. Jerrica Benton now stood before the podium. She stuttered nervously before actually speaking. "I-I'm really Jerrica Benton. I always have been."

TO BE CONCLUDED IN "JEM NO MORE?"

PART 3 OF SPOTLIGHT'S FADE