Lightning Strikes
by Rebecca Immich
Disclaimer: These characters belong to Rupert Holmes. I'm just borrowing them to try to
resolve the unresolved. However, all original characters belong to me.
Author's Note: When I first started to write this story, it was meant to be a simple story
that was my explanation of the events that occurred after "All Noisy on the
Pittsburgh Front." However, the characters took over (especially Hilary!) and
demanded a more in-depth explanation of their actions. Comments are always welcome,
especially on this part because I haven't written that much about Hilary and Jeff.
- - - - -
Part One: A History Worth Repeating
The sky opened up and a large bolt of lightening sliced through the sky, striking WENN's
transmitter. The station lights flickered slightly and then the entire station was
enveloped in darkness. Lester was the first one to react, instinctively grabbing the
flashlight that was located in the control room and finding his way to the transmitter
room. After he entered the room, Lester looked around in disbelief. A thunderstorm in
December? he asked himself. Oh well, stranger things have happened.
"Though now I don't have to listen to Jeff and Hilary fight," he said, chuckling
over the numerous disagreements that he had been a witness to. "I wonder who she is
married to." Concentrating on the fuse box, he settled down to work.
- - - - -
Hilary stood in the darkness, a million thoughts running through her head. What was Jeff
going to say? How was she going to explain this to him? What was she thinking, telling the
entire radio audience at home that she was already married? Hilary slowly slid to the
floor, saying a silent prayer of thanks for the consuming darkness. It made things a
little easier - at least she couldn't see Jeff's wounded face any more.
"Hilary?" Jeff asked tentatively.
Hilary took a deep breath and counted to five before answering. "I'm down here,
Jeff," she called out. In her mind, she could see the puzzled look on his face as he
tried to determine where she was. Slowly Jeff descendedto the floor and reached out for
her. His hand cautiously brushed against her face. "You found me," she said,
trying to keep her tone light.
"Ah, yes, I have," he replied, sliding over next to her and reaching for her
hand. "Now Hilary, I don't want to...to... Oh hell. I don't know how to put this
eloquently. I know that I hurt you badly with the entire Pavla affair, but this is coming
out of left field. What do you mean, you're already married?"
Jeff could feel Hilary's hand tremble slightly within his grip. Damn. That hadn't been the
right way to go about things. "I didn't mean it that way..." he started to say
when Hilary shushed him.
"There isn't a gentle way to put this," she said. "We've had more marriage
problems than anyone deserves to go through in a lifetime."
"I know," Jeff agreed. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I thought
that since my divorce was going to be finalized soon that we would finally get off on the
right foot, but now we have this to deal with. By the way, what is this?"
Hilary smiled at Jeff's attempt at casual humor. "Where should I start?"
"The beginning is usually the proper place," Jeff replied, resting his chin on
her head.
Hilary leaned against his shoulders and took in a deep breath. "It all began when I
was first starting out as an actress. I haven't always been Hilary Booth..."
- - - - -
The man scrutinized her, his blood-shot eyes taking in everything, from her unfashionable
dress to the thick reddish hair. After running his hands through his dark brown hair, he
announced suddenly, "Booth."
A much younger Hilary asked, "Booth what?"
"That, my dear, shall be your name," he said in velvet tones.
"But I already have a name," she protested. "Hillary Mae Winslow."
"No," he said firmly, looking at her face intently. "That is not the name
for you. You shall be Hilary - with one L, of course - Winslow - so that you retain part
of your old self - Booth. With your natural acting skills and the apparent heritage that
the Booth name will bring, you shall become the toast of Broadway."
"Really? Me, the toast of Broadway?" she squealed.
"Well, after you get rid of those teenage mannerisms of yours, it will become
possible. You shall be Juliet to my Romeo, Cleopatra to my Marc Antony, and so on. We'll
be a famous duo."
"But Mr. Smythe..."
"Please, Hilary, call me Alec. Whenever I hear Mr. Smythe I think of my father and I
don't want to think of my father right now," he said, smiling.
"Alec," Hilary said tentatively, "the only Booth that I know is John Wilkes
Booth. Didn't he kill Lincoln?"
"My dear, what kind of an education have you had?" Alec asked. "John Wilkes
Booth was the black sheep of the Booth family. Haven't you ever heard of Edwin Booth? He
was John's brother and a very famous actor."
Hilary frowned. "Well, I didn't learn theater history at school!" she announced.
"I finished eighth grade - quite an
accomplishment for a girl."
Alec shook his head. "Well, that level of education might be commendable in - where
were you from again?"
"Maine."
"Oh, so that's why you have that beautiful accent. That will help with everything
else."
Hilary looked confused. "What else do I have to do? I thought you were just going to
help me get a part in the chorus of that new musical?"
Alec frowned. "Hmmm. Where exactly did I meet you?"
"You were at a party to celebrate the opening of a new show and I was part of the
entertainment. A dancing girl, remember?"
"Well," Alec said, smiling as he remembered the number of champagne glasses that
he had drank, "that part isn't exactly clear to me, but I'm glad I did. You, my dear,
could never be a chorus girl. You," he announced loudly, "were born for better
things. And I shall help you attain them. First of all, we have to teach you French. Or
maybe Spanish. That will help you with your diction. And for acting, I shall take you to
my acting coach. Together, we'll conquer Broadway!"
- - - - -
"Okay, Hilary, I get it," Jeff interrupted. "You married Alec Smythe or
whoever he is."
"Jeff, you're ruining my story," Hilary said indignantly after poking him
sharply with her elbow.
"Ouch!" he bellowed.
"It didn't hurt that much," Hilary said. "You're the one who told me to
start at the beginning."
"I thought you would start at the beginning of the important stuff. Like how come you
are still married to this cretin. And it did too hurt!" Jeff sighed loudly.
"Okay, no more interruptions. But could you speed things up a little bit? Who knows
when we are going to be back on the air and I don't think you want this story going over
the airwaves."
"I guess you're right. Well, Alec Smythe was the first man that I met after I left
Maine for New York. He was a wonderful actor who recognized my natural acting ability
right away..."
"I'm sure he noticed a few other things too," Jeff mumbled cynically.
"...and brought me to Giles Aldwych to learn. While I was being taught by Giles, Alec
appeared in a few Off-Broadway productions. He was making a pretty steady income for an
actor and because I was still polishing my skills, we decided to get married. After I
finished at the Academy, Alec and I stared in 'Romeo and Juliet' in an Off-Broadway
production. I got great reviews but Alec wasn't even noticed by the critics. Our marriage
was still a secret back then - we pretended to only be seeing each other - but when I
finally got cast in 'The Rivals' things went downhill. The success that we were suppose to
have as a couple had never materialized and he was extremely jealous. Alec was drinking
pretty heavily and one night he didn't come home."
Jeff could feel Hilary's involuntary shivers throughout his body. Thank god it was still
dark in here, he thought. Hilary would never have told him this story with everyone
watching them. He reached up and stroked her hair. "It's going to be okay, darling.
What happened to Alec?"
"Alec was in a terrible accident," she said quietly, clutching his hand tightly.
"It affected his mind. He hasn't been the same since. He didn't remember me or
anything else. Alec lives at an institute in New York. His parents have been taking care
of him since I left a year after the accident."
"Why did you leave him?" Jeff asked.
"At first I thought it was only going to be a temporary condition. That he would
suddenly recognize me one day and everything would be fine again. But I finally realized
that Alec was never going to know who I was ever again. 'The Rivals' was starting a
national tour that spring and I decided to go with it. Alec's parents understood what I
was going through so they encouraged me."
"If his parents understood your reasoning for leaving," Jeff asked, sounding
puzzled, "then why haven't you divorced him?"
"I don't know," Hilary said. "Maybe because I hadn't wanted to give up that
piece of my life yet. Maybe because I thought our relationship wasn't permanent. Why else
would I want to get married in Mexico twice? I was starting the procedures when I found
out about you and Pavla. And that hurt so much that I needed to have something to hurt you
as much back."
"Or is it because you still love him?" Jeff asked quietly.
Hilary laughed harshly, a laugh that was filled with built up anger. "Heaven forbid.
The Great Alec Smythe didn't love anyone. I was merely an actress with talent to him, a
ticket to the Great White Way. He realized from the moment that I met him that I could
take him there. Alec wasn't afraid to tell me that either. He was a bitter drunk and he
would always tell me all about the plans that had failed because of me."
"Then why are you clinging to him?"
"Because I love you," Hilary said gently, the anger fading out of her voice.
"I was afraid that I was going to end up like Alec - bitter because my success was
not what I wanted and because yours will overshadow mine."
"Hilary, how can my success overshadow yours? I'm more famous for being your husband
than anything else. Unless you are returning to Broadway, I am planning to stay in
Pittsburgh at WENN. And," he added, turning to face her, "I would like nothing
else than to marry you. After, of course, we get these other marriages settled."
"Oh Jeffery!" Hilary exclaimed. "I can't believe that you are taking this
in stride."
"It's the least I can do for putting you through everything with Pavla. I am not
taking this in stride, I'll have you know. I'm desperately jealous of this Alec Smythe for
having known you when you were Hillary Mae Winslow."
"You wouldn't have recognized me, Jeff," Hilary declared, laughing at her old
self. "No, you would not have known me at all."
"Hilary, I would know you anywhere."
With that final decisive statement, the couple embraced passionately in the darkness of
Studio A.
- - - - -
Part 2: Triad
Just as the lightning took out the power, Betty stared incredulously at Victor and Scott.
She knew that a decision was inevitable, but right now? How could she decide between them?
Victor first introduced her to radio. His passion for important causes was his most
enduring trait although at times also the most annoying. Then there was Scott. He was the
most exasperating man on the face of the earth, with all those schemes that always had to
be cleaned up after. His persistence at what seemed to be a lost cause was so enduring
though. She never considered herself beautiful, but the way these two argued over her,
sometimes it felt that way.
Blackness filled the room. Betty blinked, making sure that she hadn't been seeing things,
and decided to take a seat in the chair at the desk.
"Betty?" Victor said, his mellifluous voice filling up the room.
"This isn't normal," Scott said. "Thunderstorms don't happen in
December."
"Especially December in Pittsburgh," Victor added in agreement. "It must be
a freak storm. Lester should have things taken care of shortly though. Well, Betty, have
you made up your mind yet?"
"No."
"Well," Scott said, "we're ready whenever you are."
"I don't think I'm ever going to be ready," Betty replied firmly. "This is
so childish, making me decide between the two of you. I care for both of you and I don't
want to hurt any one's feelings. I don't want you two arguing over me."
"Betty," Scott said, "we have been waiting patiently for you to make up
your mind for...oh, would you look at the time? I have get going - unless my orders are
miraculously changed in the next four minutes."
Victor nodded in agreement. "We've given you enough time to make up your mind. Deep
down inside, you must know what you really want."
Betty frowned. "No. I am not going to be forced into making a decision before I'm
ready. And I am definitely not ready now. This decision will not only affect me, but whom
ever I don't pick to stay here could possibly die."
"C'mon, Betty," Scott whined. He was becoming impatient, something that he
learned not to do around her. But, he reassured himself, it had been too long for her to
waver between the two of us. Even Betty has to make up her mind sometime.
Betty folded her arms across her chest and tried to look defiant, although it was a futile
effort in the dark room. "I'm not in charge of where you two are going. I'm only a
writer at this station and I refuse to be involved with your military work."
"All right then," Victor said. "Scott, I guess you should be getting to
your military transport. I'll be staying at WENN and no one will be going to London."
"Sounds good to me," Scott said. "What do you think, Betty?"
Betty rolled her eyes. Sometimes even Scott needed to learn when to quit.
"I'm not getting involved. Victor, I'd like to say good-bye to Scott in
private."
"Um, Betty," Victor said, "I can't really go anywhere in the dark."
"Sure you can," Betty said. "Just go out the door and wait out in the
hallway."
"Well, all right." Victor groped around the room and found the door. "I'm
out in the hallway now," he called out.
"Now close door, please," Betty said. Victor complied and she reached out until
she bumped into Scott. "There you are."
"Well, I guess it's good-bye now."
"Yes. Do you remember those honesty points from the last time that you left
WENN?" Betty blushed, thankful for the consuming darkness. She couldn't believe that
she was going to do this, but then again, it was Scott's last few minutes at WENN.
"Well, they've added up over the past year...and you can get what you wanted."
"And what is that, Betty?" Scott asked. He knew what she
was alluding to, but he wanted to hear it from her.
Betty blushed an even deeper shade of pink. "A good-bye kiss."
"Okay," Scott said, smiling. "If it's what you want."
He leaned over and, after finding Betty in the darkness, he kissed her ardently. After
breaking apart the embrace, Scott whispered, "Good-bye, Betty Roberts."
"Good-bye, Scott Sherwood," she whispered back.
Scott released her and found his way out the door. He opened it and left, shutting the
door gently behind him. He bumped into Victor in the hallway. "Victor," Scott
said.
"Yes?"
"Take care of Betty while I'm gone, would you?"
"Of course. Good luck, Sherwood."
Suddenly there was a great hum and the lights flickered and came back to life. Scott
blinked a few times and looked around at the station that had been his home for the brief
time he was in Pittsburgh. "Good-bye, WENN," he said quietly as he opened the
station door for the last time.
- - - - -
Part 3: And They Lived Happily Ever After...
As the lights in the station slowly flickered to life, a blushing couple emerged from the
writer's room. Eugenia had a happy grin on her face as she scurried down the hall to the
ladies room. Mr. Foley turned and sauntered back to Studio A.
Mackie, who had been in the green room with Maple during the blackout, was making his way
to studio A when he noticed Mr. Foley's aura of self-confidence. "Something's
different with you," he said.
Mr. Foley opened his mouth to tell his news, but Mackie stopped him, saying, "No -
let me guess. Hmmmm..." Mackie walked around Mr. Foley, scratching his chin.
"Nothing physical has changed, but you look like a new man."
Mr. Foley smiled and cocked an eyebrow.
Inspiration struck Mackie. "I know! Betty's given up on Victor and Scott and is going
to date you!"
Mr. Foley's smile melted into a frown and he shook his head vehemently.
"No...well, you haven't seemed too interested in Betty lately. Something with
Eugenia?"
Mr. Foley began to grin again.
Mackie's eyes widened. "Mr. Foley!" he crowed. "Are you two engaged?"
Mr. Foley nodded emphatically. Mackie slapped him on the back as they entered Studio A.
"Well, this deserves a celebration! O'Malleys tonight - my treat! Oh, and you've got
some, ah, lipstick on your cheek." Mr. Foley blushed as he tried to rub it off.
- - - - -
Meanwhile, Eugenia fussed over herself in the ladies room. The toilet flushed and Maple
emerged from one of the stalls. "Hiya Eugenia," she said while washing her
hands. "You look a little pink. Are you feeling okay?"
Eugenia flushed an even deeper shade of pink and, much to Maple's dismay, burst into
tears.
"Oh, Eugenia," Maple said, patting her on the shoulder, "what's the
matter?"
"Maple," Eugenia said, "I'm so happy!"
Maple looked confused. "Then why are you crying?"
"Because I'm so happy!" Eugenia smiled and her tears slowly subsided. "Mr.
Foley and I are engaged!"
- - - - -
Victor poked his head into the office where Betty was sitting in a daze. "Did you
just hear that?"
Betty shook her head, trying to clear the muddle it had become. "What, Victor?"
"That scream. I believe it came from the ladies room. Perhaps you could check it
out?"
"Okay." Betty got up and walked into the ladies room. Gertie had already decided
to investigate and was in the middle of giving Eugenia a hug. "What's going on in
here?" Betty asked. "And who screamed?"
"That was me, Betty," Maple explained. "I was just so excited."
"About what?"
Eugenia smiled her brightest smile and announced proudly, "Mr. Foley and I are
engaged!"
"Oh, Eugenia," Betty exclaimed. "That's wonderful!" Betty rushed over
and gave Eugenia a congratulatory hug.
Knock-knock. Victor poked his head through the doorway, shielding his eyes with his eyes
with one hand. "Um, ladies, would you mind keeping it down? Your screaming can be
heard all the way down the hall."
"Oh, Vic," Maple scoffed, "you can uncover your eyes. We're all
decent."
Victor removed his hand, and, after examining the ladies for any signs of injury, asked,
"What is all the fuss about?"
"Mr. Foley and I are engaged!" Eugenia announced again.
"Oh, well, that does deserve a fuss. May I be one of the first to congratulate
you?" Victor thrust his hand out at Eugenia. She placed her hand into his and gave
him a hearty handshake.
"Thank you Victor. We haven't decided on a date yet, but when we finally do, could
both of us possibly have a week of vacation for our..." Eugenia blushed at this,
"...honeymoon?"
"Of course," Victor said. "Consider it a wedding present from WENN
Enterprises. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." Victor left the ladies
room to go congratulate Mr. Foley on his upcoming nuptials and to find out how soon WENN
would be back on the air. He pushed open the studio door and ran into Jeff. "Hello,
Jeff," Victor said. "Where's the fire?"
Jeff frowned. "What fire?"
"I meant, where are you going in such a rush? We're going to back on the air
in..."
"Two minutes," Lester said as he strolled back into the control room. "And
who's Hilary married to?"
"Hilary's married?" Victor exclaimed.
"Yes, I am," Hilary said pointedly. "But I don't see how that is anyone's
business but my own...and Jeffrey's, of course."
"Of course," Victor added quickly. "Just don't let it interfere with WENN.
But for the real reason I came in here -
congratulations, Mr. Foley, on your engagement to Eugenia!" Victor walked across the
room to shake his room.
Mackie elbowed Victor. "Can you believe it - he's finally speechless! And to
celebrate this momentous occasion," Mackie announced, "I am taking everyone to
O'Malley's tonight - my treat!" "I guess we'll have to go," Hilary said to
Jeff, "for this is another momentous occasion. Mackie Bloom is
offering to pay!"
Lester gestured from the control booth. "Thirty seconds," Victor said. Eugenia
and Maple entered studio A with mere seconds to spare as WENN got back on the air.
The End