Bebe Goes To Hollywood 6 free porn video

"Live those dreams Scheme those schemes" ~ Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood XXX "I don't know, Bob." Rob Marshall sat in the booth at the recording studio and shook his head. "She's really not selling this song. It's just... flat and uninteresting. Is there anything you or the music director can do to make her sing it any better?" "Such as?" Bob Lopez, the co-composer of the music for the movie. "Her pitch is fine. Her timing is fine. Everything is... fine. She's just not bringing the emotion we need to the song. This is a first for me. I'm at a loss." "So... we bring in a singer to do the song and she lip syncs for the film. End of story." "Let's see if we can get more out of her," Bob's wife and writing partner, Kristen, said. "She's nearly there. She's great in the trios she's already recorded..." "Because those are just playful things and she's not featured," Rob shook his head. "She's a great little actress, but we're running out of time. The song came into the script late in the process and we have a drop-dead-date with this kid. She's having some kind of surgery on Monday. That only leaves three days to get this all done. Call that kid who you used on that Christmas special last year. I liked her. Bebe will lip sync to her voice. Agreed?" "Yeah." Bob nodded his head, resigned to the situation. "No," Kristen demanded. "No, no, no. She can do it. She's just never done it before. She's still a kid, guys. This is her first musical EVER. We can get it out of her. Bob, you know I'm right." "I do, Kris, but the clock is against us. She's got four scenes to finish this week and one of them features this song." Rob shook his head. "As far as I can tell, either we dub her voice or we cut the song." "We can't cut the song, Rob." Bob Lopez was surprised by the suggestion. "We rewrote the whole movie to lead to this song." "Then we dub?" Rob was done with the conversation. "Then we dub," Bob agreed. "Kris?" Rob waited. Kristen thought for a moment. "Give me till the day after tomorrow, please." "Ok," Rob said. "Then we put it to bed. Ok? We film the scene with that song in it the day after tomorrow. She can lip sync to her own track, but if it doesn't work, we use the other singer to dub the voice in post production." Bob nodded, but Kristen stood and headed for the door. "She'll do it. I guarantee it." When the door had closed, the two men looked at each other and shrugged. XXX When he heard the gold iPhone ring, Hank hit the record button on his memo app on his silver version of the same model. Then he hit the speaker button on the gold one. "This is Dave Rothman," Hank said into the phone. The phone had not rung for nearly six weeks. He was beginning to think it wouldn't. Six weeks ago, he'd had a second date with Miss Stephanie. This time he'd brought her back to 'his place,' a dummy apartment he'd set up to establish an home for Dave Rothman. "Dave!" a cheery, man's voice came through the speaker. "Yes. Who's this?" "My name's Jim, Dave. We have a mutual friend named 'Stephanie.' Ring a bell?" "Yeah, sure, I know Stephanie. What can I do for you." "The question is, Dave, 'What can I do for YOU?'" I don't understand." Hank pretended to be confused. "Here's what I can do for you, Dave." The voice remained upbeat. "I can make sure that the emails, the spread sheets and the other documents that Stephanie took off of your phone and tablet don't find their way to your superiors or the authorities. How does that sound, Dave?" Hank paused as if to process the offer. "Hang on. Let me close the door to my office." He left the phone on speaker, while he stood and closed the door to his office. "Umm," he sounded very nervous when he sat back down, "What, exactly, are we talking about here? Ransom? Blackmail? What?" "Oh, Dave, Dave, Dave, those are such nasty words. I'm just a friend who wants to help you out." "How much?" "Wow! You're the kind of guy who gets right to the point, aren't you. You don't ask about the files or which ones we have. That makes me think that maybe you have a lot to hide, Dave." "How much, goddamnit. I don't have time to play games." "Well, that's too bad, Dave, because I have all the time in the world. I think we need to meet. Let's say eleven o'clock tomorrow morning at your place. Sound good? Don't bother answering. We're coming, no matter what. Nice talking to you, pal." The line went dead. Hank smiled and nodded. "Keep it up, smart ass," he muttered as he shut down both phones. "You're going back to jail for good this time and, if daddy knows what's good for him, he'll let you rot there." XXX "It's a lovely home, Edward." Marilyn smiled at the tasteful opulence that Rose and Ed had created on the coast of Falmouth. It was a far cry from the little cottage that she had in Hyannis. "I wish you both many years of happiness here." "Thank you, Marilyn." Rose loved showing off the house to people. They'd been trying to get Marilyn and her new boyfriend, Joe McManus, to stop by the house all summer. They finally came by today - just a few days before Ed and Rose were scheduled to return to Los Angeles. "I'm so glad you guys could come by. And it's so wonderful to finally meet you, Joe." The pleasant man who lived across from Marilyn in Worcester and had proposed to her on Christmas smiled. "It's a very impressive place, kids. Congratulations." "And congratulations to you, two." Ed smiled as he handed everyone a fluted glass of champagne. "Have you set a date, yet?" "Next spring, some time, I think." Marilyn smiled at Joe. "We're taking it slow." "Not like you two, huh?" Joe teased. "Can't wait for married life, I guess?" Ed put his arm around Rose and blushed a little. "Well, when you find the right woman, why wait, right?" They laughed and Ed raised his glass. "A toast! To Marilyn and Joe. May you be happy forever." They clinked glasses and sipped the expensive drink. "And to Ed and Rose," Marilyn said. "May you also find happiness... and take good care of my baby." Both Ed and Rose looked at each other confused by the remark. Before they could clink glasses, Marilyn put hers down and turned to face the ocean, obviously upset. Joe gave Ed and Rose an uncomfortable look, then put down his glass and put his arm around Marilyn. "We agreed not to discuss this, today, honey. He rubbed her back. "Come on, now. What's done is done. Let's just be civilized and wish them well." "Oh..." Marilyn was suddenly very angry. "... to hell with being civilized. My son is having his penis cut off and I wasn't even involved in the discussion. I'm tired of being civilized." Joe looked over his shoulder at the younger couple, obviously embarrassed and uncertain as to how to proceed from here. "Marilyn," Rose said, softly, as she stepped in front of the distraught woman. "Sit down, please. I think we need to discuss this, now, before we leave for California." "Now!? NOW, we need to discuss this! It's Tuesday, Rose. My son is having himself castrated and reshaped on Monday, but NOW we need to discuss this? You two signed all of the forms. I guess that makes it all ok. No one asked for my opinion?" She was crying hard, now, and Joe guided her to one of the chairs that surrounded the table on the porch. Ed took a seat opposite John's mother with Rose to his left and Joe to his right. Rose took the older woman's hand in hers. "Marilyn... I'm sorry that you're upset. I wish you'd told us you were upset earlier. You knew about John's diagnosis and that he wanted to become a full woman, right?" "Of course I knew," Marilyn sniffled back tears and tried to gain her composure, "but I was never brought into the conversation about this surgery. I'm his mother, for God's sake. I should have been consulted" "You're HER mother," Ed said with patience, but a little more coolness than Rose expected, "and you turned HER care over to Rose and me. I asked Bebe if she told you and she said that you had a long conversation. Is that untrue?" "No, we talked," Marilyn sat straighter, now, "but I was more than a little surprised that all of the hospital forms were signed by you two and not by me. I should have some say in this, shouldn't I?" "Well, yes... of course..." Rose smiled and tried to comfort Marilyn. After all, Marilyn had been very gracious to her last summer and even invited her into her family. Ed, though, was not going to be quite. "Marilyn, you made Rose and me Bebe's guardians. From the moment that we took on that responsibility, we have not, not one time, thought of Bebe as anything other than a little girl who needed our help, our guidance and our protection." Rose chose not to correct that statement, since, when they first moved to Los Angeles, Rose and John were still involved in an affair. Ed was right, though - John didn't exist anymore. Just Bebe. Ed continued in a businesslike manner. "I was the one who fought with her when she didn't want to go back to school. I was the one who dealt with the school when she was in trouble. I was the one who took her to the hospital when her ulcers burst. The terms of our guardianship indicate that Rose and I are the sole guardians of Bebe Foley for as long as she lives in Los Angeles or until she turns twenty-one according to her new birth certificate. Legally, she is a fifteen year old girl who lives in LA and needs an operation. Legally, the signatures on the hospital form HAD TO BE either mine or Rosie's and I signed them knowing that you were aware of the surgery. Why is this suddenly a problem?" "Because I have been pushed out of my son's life, Edward! You... you... you usurped my role as a parent... both of you. It's unfair!" "Marilyn," Rose was still holding her hand, "we were only doing what you asked us to do. We never meant to hurt you." "And you do not have a son, Marilyn," Ed was firm, but patient in his tone. "You agreed to everything and no one forced you. I think it's very apparent that Bebe was always meant to be a girl, but nature has a funny way of screwing around with people. I could never do what she's doing. Honestly, she's a lot braver than I am. We acted on your behalf and in Bebe's best interest. I'm sorry if that's somehow upsetting you, but we acted as we felt we should. If you didn't think we were doing the right thing, I really wish that you had contacted us sooner." "And Marilyn," Rose's tone was much kinder and patient than Ed's, "Bebe is not being 'castrated.' Bebe's hormones were out of whack and would have caused her big problems later on. The hormone treatments and the surgery are one hundred percent corrective. She is going to be a much happier, a much healthier and a more complete girl after the surgery. We all need to support her, ok?" "Look," Joe said, "this has been a very hard time for Marilyn - with both the kids in Los Angeles, Nancy being in recovery and John..." "Bebe, Joe. Her name is Bebe and only Bebe," Ed sighed at having to repeat this very basic concept. "... ok, Bebe is having sex reassignment surgery. A year ago, both of her kids were close by. Now... they're a continent away and their lives are... complicated... and independent.. of hers. It's been tough for her. Do you understand that?" "Of course we do, Marilyn... Joe," Rose tried to be soothing. "Is this why your not coming out to the coast for the surgery?" Marilyn nodded as new tears appeared in her eyes. "Well, then," Ed said, "now that we've aired all that out, you should come out and stay with us. You should be there." "Oh, I don't know," Marilyn wiped her eyes. "Maybe he'd be better off without me." Before Ed could correct her, Joe interrupted. "'She,' yeah we know that Bebe is a 'she.' What do you say, Marilyn? Let's go to California for the surgery. It's the right thing to do and I know it's what you want to do." Marilyn looked defeated, but she knew, deep down, that she wanted to be there when her baby went into surgery and when he came back out, too. "Thank you," she said as she nodded. "I'll go." XXX "I'm so scared, Cassie," John confided in his friend back east in New Hampshire. "This is supposed to be a big opportunity and I'm blowing it. If they dub my singing voice, everyone will know and I'll be a laughing stock." "I really don't get you, sometimes, Beebs." Cassie shook her head on the computer screen as they Skyped. "I saw the footage of you on stage with Dusty Rose. You were unbelievable. Why can't you do that for the movie?" John shrugged. "I don't know, Cass. It's just... really different in the recording studio. I keep trying, but I either push too hard or I crack on the higher notes... I just suck at singing this song. AND ITS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SONG, too! I just wish I'd never agreed to do this movie. It's going to end my career." Cassie shook her head. "What do your other friends say?" "You know - 'You can do it. You're so good at this. You got this.' - the same stuff. It doesn't help." "Alright, then," Cassie shrugged, "then I won't say the same thing, but Bebe, you're more talented than anyone I know. If you asked me, I'd say that you're panicking for no reason. You need to calm the heck down and do your freakin' job." John stared at the screen for a moment. "Was that supposed to help me, somehow?" Cassie shrugged again. "Yeah. It was supposed to be a pep talk, I guess." "Well, then you really suck at pep talks," John gave a weary laugh. "Thanks, though. I gotta go to bed. I have to be in makeup at six o'clock tomorrow morning. So... say hi to Annie for me. I love you guys." "We love you, too, Bebe. Let me know how it goes, ok? Good luck." "Thanks, Cass. 'Night." "Night, Beebs." XXX "More wine?" Jim asked Nancy. This was their second date and Jim was trying to be as suave as he could be. "No," Nancy smiled. "I need to limit myself to just one drink. I'm back on the ward in the morning." Jim smiled. "Are you having a good time?" "I am," Nancy said, following the script that Hank had created for her. "I don't get out much." "It must be tough being your little sister's babysitter all the time." Nancy thought about that for a second. "We take care of each other." "Nice," Jim smiled. "Did you know that I know your sister? I mean, not from the show, but in real life?" Nancy looked surprised."You do? How?" He bounced his head from side to side in thought. "I used to be the coach at Notre Dame. In fact, I went to jail briefly because of your sister." Nancy sat up straighter. "Hey, Umm... What's this all about, Jim?" "Well, Nancy," he smiled a sleezy smile, "it's about money. Here's the thing - yesterday, I discovered that there were a whole bunch of Percocet missing from the dispensary on your ward. Now, no one has noticed that the drugs are missing, yet, but come tomorrow, I may have to tell someone about the missing drugs unless you give meeee... let's say... two hundred thousand dollars. That's what this is all about." Nancy looked surprised and hurt. "I... I don't have that kind of money, Jim..." "I know, Nancy, but I bet that your little sister does, doesn't she. Here's a thought - get the money from her before six o'clock tomorrow night or the hospital is getting an anonymous phone call indicating that the young, brunette doctor with the history of drug problems is having a relapse. Sound good?" Even though she'd expected something like this, the brazenness of the man opposite her was shocking and the threat touched an exposed nerve. "But..." "No, no. No 'buts,' Nancy. Have the money by six pm or you're going to have a lot of explaining to do. We clear?" Nancy just stared at him. "But... I thought you liked me, Jim. I really liked you." "Oh, poor baby," he grinned as he placed his napkin beside his plate and stood. "Two hundred thousand by six pm. Thanks for dinner? It's been a ball, babe. See ya," and he walked out the door. Nancy watched him go, then looked around, feigning embarrassment until she was sure no one was watching. Then, she paid the bill and left the restaurant texting to Hank as she walked. 'TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND BY SIX TOMORROW OR THEY ACCUSE ME OF STEALING PERCOCET.' Hank text back, 'OK. I HAVE A MEETING WITH HIM TOMORROW MORNING. THEY MUST BE PLANNING ON LEAVING THE COUNTRY SOON. DID YOU KEEP THE RECORDER ON YOUR PHONE GOING?' 'YES.' 'GOOD JOB, NANCY. AFTER OUR MEETINGS WITH THEM TOMORROW, I THINK WE GOT THEM.' XXX "It's going to be fine, Bebe," Joanne assured him as they headed into makeup. "I have a good feeling about today." The makeup artist worked her art on John's face. She barely chatted as she worked. John missed the constant chatter from the makeup artists on the TV show crew. Kristen Anderson Lopez entered and sat beside John. "Morning, Bebe. Morning, Bebe's mom. How are we doing this morning?" "Ok, I guess," John said without moving much. "She's very nervous," Joanne said. "She can do it, you know. It's just new to her." "Alright," Kristen nodded in agreement, "we're going to finish your scene with Anna, then you and I are going to work this song to death. Sound good?" John shrugged. "I don't know, Kristen. I'm beginning to think that I can't do it. I'm sorry." "Oh, for crying out loud," the makeup artist said, "don't start crying. I don't have time to do your eyes again." "Sorry," John sniffled. "Relax, Bebe," Kristen said as if that was all that needed to be said. "You can do this if you just relax and act while you're singing." "Ok," John sighed. XXX "You sure you don't need any more backup, Hank?" Don asked, concerned. They were in the living room of Dave Rothman's apartment. Jim and Stephanie were due at nine, but another couple of guests would be joining Don in the next room in just a few minutes. "The room has cameras everywhere, Don, and there are microphones behind every lampshade and picture. We'll have everything we need. I promise. Just relax and be a gracious host for our guests." "Ok," Don nodded, nervously. "You're the pro." A knock came on the door. Don went to the door and opened it, surprising the guests. "Don Ferry!?" The older man said. "I'm confused." Don smiled. "Come next door with me, Congressman. I'll explain everything. Good to see you Detective Brady." Don extended his hand to each man. "Good to see you, too, Don. Let's get ready." XXX The rehearsal studio was becoming stuffy - maybe not really, but between the constricting, Edwardian costume that John had to continue to wear in case he was called to the set and the amount of frustration and failure that filled the room, John was ready to melt into resignation and tears. "I don't understand what's going on in your head, Bebe," Kristen Anderson Lopez shook her head. "You're perfectly capable of opening up and doing a great job on this song, but you don't. We rewrote the whole movie to provide you with this showcase piece and you seem determined to not sing it. Why?" "I don't know how to explain it, Kristen... I really don't. I'm trying my best, but I just can't seem to find the... I don't know what I even mean. If I were acting, I guess I would say that I can't find my character. I kind of feel the same way when I sing the song. I feel like I'm too loud or too soft at all the wrong times and that I'm not in character. It's like I'm all over the place and not anywhere near where I want to be." "To be perfectly honest, Bebe, that's exactly what it sounds like, too. Take a break and think about what you want to get out of the song and we'll get back to it in ten minutes. Ok?" John nodded as Kristen headed to the ladies room. Joanne, who had silently been wishing she knew how to help, stood and crossed to Bebe and rubbed her back. "You ok?" "No, mom. I'm really not. I'm scared. I never felt this... inadequate... before. Like I'm in so far over my head that I know that I'm going to drown. I can't do this. I really can't. They're just going to have to dub my voice." Joanne bent so that her lips were next to John's ear and she whispered, "That's enough of that, young lady. The Bebe that I know doesn't give up. The Bebe that I know is a fighter. She has fought with every director she's ever worked with and she's won every battle. Who are you fighting right now, Bebe?" "Myself," he whispered. "Then figure out how to beat yourself, Bebe. Being a star isn't easy, but you are one. Now, put on your big-girl panties and be the woman you know you can be. No more tears. No more self pity. It's time for Bebe Foley to grow up. Right here. Right now. Think it through, Bebe. Be 'June' in the movie. You know her. You know who she is. Now, be her." John stood and nodded. "I will," he said as Joanne's phone buzzed and Kristen reentered the rehearsal studio at the same time. "Ready to get back at it?" Kristen asked. John nodded and kissed Joanne's cheek. "I am." He said. "I need to step out for a moment," Joanne said. "I'll be back in five minutes." John nodded. "Will you be ok?" Joanne asked, quietly. "I'm good," he smiled. XXX The knock on Dave's apartment door came at exactly 11:00. Hank opened it, looking just disheveled enough to look like a guy who'd had trouble sleeping, but was trying not to show it. "Hi, Dave," Stephanie said as she entered with Jim following behind her. "Long time, no see. How're you doing?" "Steph," Hank sneered. "Jim, I assume?" "You got that right," said the slime ball behind her. "Nice place, Dave. I think we may be able to work out a deal that allows you to keep it, if you're cooperative. What do you say we get right down to brass tacks and make this as undramatic and painless as possible?" "Sure," Hank indicated the dinning room table and they sat around it. Over the next twenty minutes, Stephanie and Jim showed Hank an assortment of emails and paperwork that Stephanie had managed to take off of his cell phone and tablet. All of it was very incriminating for Dave Rothman. "Jesus Christ," Hank muttered as he buried his face in his hands and grunted in frustration. "You two are pieces of work, I'll tell ya. Jesus, Steph, I thought we really clicked, you know? I mean... what the fuck!?" She smiled, "Sorry, Dave. You're a little old and pudgy for me, but don't worry. We're going to be seeing a lot of each other from now on." Hank looked confused. "What do you mean? Why?" Jim stood and patted Hank's shoulder. "Dave, my friend. You don't think that we're going to tell anyone about these papers, do you?" "You're not?" Hank looked surprised and relieved. "Of course not, Dave. I mean, if you go to jail, then I don't make any money and Steph doesn't make any money and, of course, you don't make any money. So, here's what's going to happen. We want a hundred grand when we come back here at nine-thirty tomorrow morning. Then, we'll take ten grand a week for... let's see... the rest of your life. Sound good?" "What!? Ten thousand dollars a week!? Are you nuts?" "Nope, and neither are you, pal. You're a smart guy. You can figure something out, I'm sure." "There's no way..." "It's nonnegotiable, Davy," Stephanie teased. "We'll be back at nine thirty tomorrow morning, my friend," Jim took Stephanie's hand and headed for the door. "See you then." When they closed the door, they heard the sound of something heavy hitting the door from the inside and the sound of Dave Rothman shouting, "Fuck! You fucking assholes! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!..." it continued until the elevator doors closed and they descended. When he was sure they were gone, Hank stopped, then looked at the closest camera and said, "Congratulations, Congressman. You must be very proud." XXX "Well, of course she needs a party," MK shook her head and rolled her eyes at Blaine's ignorance. "We want to welcome her to womanhood." "Yeah, ok, but," Blaine was concerned, "we can't invite a lot of people. This is all supposed to be a secret, remember?" "We remember, Blaine," Ella looked a bit offended. "We're not idiots, you know? We're planning on inviting Bebe's sister, her cousin, her uncle, you, your mom, Don Ferry and his wife. That's about it." "The theme," MK explained, "is womanhood. Makeup, pretty dresses, lingerie... stuff like that." "And where do you plan to hold this event?" Blaine crossed his arms and looked from one girl to the other. "If you have it at a country club or an event hall, people will find out about the operation." "We know," the girls said together, with very mischievous smiles. "Then, where to you plan on having the party?" "Your place." MK smiled. "My place?" Blaine was surprised. "I don't think we've EVER had a party at my house. We always go out. I don't know what my mom would say about that." "Seriously!?" MK laughed at his statement. "I don't know if you've noticed, Blaine, but your mom is spending more time with Bebe than she is with you. She's nuts about her. She won't say no to Bebe." Blaine shrugged. "That's probably true, but you guys should probably ask her about it. She has no problem saying no to me." XXX "Well, that's better, Bebe, but I need you to open up more. I need more emotion. Do you understand what I'm getting at?" John hung his head and shook it. "I know, but... see... I feel like I'm giving more, but it doesn't ever seem to come out on the recording. I don't know how to do what I want to do. I know that doesn't make sense..." Kristen nodded. "Actually... it makes perfect sense. There's a reason that Bob and I don't sing professionally, Bebe. We know what we want to do, too, Bebe, but... we can't make it happen, either. Maybe we're all in the same boat." John's nod was sad and resigned. He'd tried. He'd tried his best, but... he'd failed. Joanne opened the door to the studio and stuck her head in. "Excuse me, Ms Anderson Lopez. Could I see you out here for just a moment?" "Sure," Kristen sighed stood from the piano. "Take a break, Bebe. We'll talk when I come back." John watched her leave and caught Joanne's eye as the door began to shut. Strangely, Joanne winked at him as she turned and looked out into the hallway. The door didn't close all the way and John could hear voices outside. He couldn't make out who was speaking, but there were at least two people and they were complementing each other. He could only hear snippets, but he heard the words 'Big fan' and 'Love your work' several times. Then the conversation turned a bit more serious, but it got too quiet for him to hear. Finally, Joanne turned back towards John and she smiled as she said, "I think I found some people who might be able to help you." Joanne's smile was huge as she pushed the door open all the way, revealing two of the most famous faces in the world. "Chrissie!" John shouted. "Terry!" He leapt to his feet and ran to them as quickly as his Edwardian dress would allow. The two country music superstars from the band Dusty Roads spread their arms as the young actress approached and embraced them both into a three way hug. Abruptly, John pulled back and looked at the two superstars. "What are you doing here!?" "We hear you're having some problems, Bebe," Chrissie smiled. "We're here to help you, sweetheart," Terry said. XXX Nancy sat in the coffee shop and kneaded her hands nervously. She knew that Hank and Don were watching on a camera they'd hidden in the restaurant, but she didn't like being in this position at all. She'd do it to protect Bebe, but she didn't feel at all comfortable being here. Unexpectedly, a very attractive woman in her early thirties slid into the bench on the other side of her booth. "You must be Nancy," the woman smiled. "You really do look just like your sister, but I'm sure you're told that all the time." "Actually," Nancy took on a smug tone, "I'm usually told that I look like Zooey Deschanel." "Really?" The woman looked more closely. "Yeah, I can see that, too." "Is there something I can help you with?" Nancy asked. "There is, actually," the woman smiled a bit to friendly. "I'm here about some money that you owe my friend, Jim. Do you have it?" Nancy nodded. "I'll take it." "No." Nancy looked around, feeling real fear. She knew that she needed to get Jim into the payoff video in order to have them both charged with the crime of extortion, but she wasn't comfortable doing this. "I'll only give it to Jim. I need to talk to him. He owes me an explanation." Stephanie smiled. "Well, I suppose he actually does owe you some sort of explanation, doesn't he?" She pulled out her phone and pressed a number. "Hi. Yeah. She has the money, but she wants to talk to you, first. Ok." She disconnected the call and said, "He'll be right in." Within seconds, James Crawford stormed into the caf? and sat next to Stephanie. "Hey, girls," he sneered. "What's up?" "Your girlfriend feels you owe her and explanation," Stephanie laughed. "Oh. Ok. I'll explain. I was nice to you so I could take your sister's money." He looked at Nancy for a moment before adding, "Any questions?" Nancy just shook her head. "You're an asshole, you know that?" "I do, yes, but in a moment, I'm going to be an asshole with a lot more money. Give it to me, now." Nancy reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope. Jim opened it and looked at the bills inside. "I'll go out to the car and count it." He said. "I'll call if it's all there." "It is," Nancy said. "Then I'll only be a minute," Jim smiled and headed for the door, but he came to a dead stop when he ran into a man coming into the caf? with several other men. "Dad!?" Jim said. The congressman just shook his head at his son as another man stepped forward and produced a pair of handcuffs. "James Crawford, I'm Detective Brady of the LAPD and you're under arrest." Hank looked to the booth where Stephanie sat with Nancy and smiled. "Just stay put, Steph. We'll be right with you." XXX The next day on the set started much the same way that the previous day had. Makeup for an hour then John was squeezed into another beautiful, elaborate dress. This time, though, John felt much better about things. As he and Joanne walked onto the soundstage, Kristen, Bob and Rob were all talking near video village. "Come on, Rob," Bob was saying. "We have the time, it's the same set, she's in the right costume... what have we got to lose?" "I'm not sure," Rob Marshall shook his head. "I really hated the way this worked in Les Miserables." Kristen rolled her eyes. "I hated the way everything worked in Les Miserables, but think about Evita, Rob. They did it in just one scene. Jonathan Price didn't like his studio recording in the 'But on the other hand, she's slowing down,' scene, so they just used a piano player in the studio and mic-ed him. He walked through the scene and acted as he sang and it worked great! Then they added the orchestration later. Give Bebe just one more chance. Try doing it live and I think she'll do great." Rob shrugged. "Ok, but if it doesn't come together, we're done with all this nonsense and we dub her voice." "Thanks, Rob," Bob shook the director's hand. "Which one of you is playing the accompaniment?" Rob asked as he moved to a control panel. "Neither," Kristen smiled. "We brought in the big guns." Rob looked to where she was pointed and his eyes bugged out of his head. "That's not really...? The twins? The ones from Dusty Rose?" He could only have been more surprised if Paul McCartney or Mick Jagger had been sitting there. "It is," Kristen laughed, "and they got more out of her than I could ever have expected. You're gonna love it what you hear it. It's like a whole different song." Chrissie sat at the piano, just out of the camera shot, and Terry sat close by with an acoustic guitar. "Any time you're ready, Rob," Bob patted his friend's shoulder. Rob Marshall shook his head. "Unbelievable," he muttered. Then he spoke into a microphone. "Good morning, everyone. Can I have everyone at 'one' please? Everyone at 'one.'" Crew people scurried to their position and when everyone was ready, Rob said, "Ms Foley... if you would, please." John held his skirts clear of his steps and moved to his first mark. He glanced at Chrissie and Terry who each blew him a kiss. Then he looked at Joanne who mouthed, 'I love you,' and held two thumbs up. 'I love you, too,' John mouthed back and he smiled. "Lights, please," an assistant director called. "Sound are you ready?" The tech with headphones nodded and gave a thumbs up. A female PA stood in front of John and held a digital mark-board in front of her face. "'Our Father's House.' Scene thirty nine. Act three. Take 'one.'" She clapped the board and stepped to the side. "Action!" Rob Marshall called. "Go, Music," The assistant director cued Terry and Chris and they began playing. It was different than it had been before. Less driving, more relaxed and thoughtful. It encompassed a feeling of sadness that the previously recorded accompaniment had only hinted at and it immediately enfolded everyone on the soundstage in its magic spell of deep and anguished sorrow. And then John started singing. It was quiet at first, not tentative - sad. Sad and lonely. Sad and lonely and, somehow... defiant. 'Where am I going? Not where they plan Why does life seem so determined To make me settle on a man? Who am I really? I'm not like them Not a thing of beauty Not a shining gem I'll never be like like her I'll never find my way I'll never be the princess In a beautiful play. I just want to be the girl Who no one ever sees The one who no one bothers The one who is just... me.' Sensing that something unusual was happening on the soundstage, Anna Kendrick and Lily James both appeared from the makeup area, their hair still in curlers and their makeup half done. When they felt the energy of the performance, they stopped and stared at their younger 'sister' and they, too, became enthralled by the performance. 'Why don't they know me? Why can't they see, That I don't belong on a pedestal? That I need to be free? Do they think I'd be happy Just to be swept aside? With no say in my life, Just along for the ride?' As the song moved into its refrain, Bob looked around the studio and saw an entire crew of more than a hundred men and women standing still, enraptured with the emotion generated by the young woman at center stage. As he smiled, Kristen elbowed him gently. When he turned towards her, she used her chin to gesture to Bob's right. When he turned, he saw Rob Marshall, arms folded, walking slowly out of the video village area, moving towards the brightly lit stage area with his jaw hanging open, just a bit. As John?s voice grew in intensity and determination, the director continued to wander forward until he was at the edge of the lighted area. ?But I... I am electric and alive I will call lightning from the sky No one will hear me if I cry And I... I will not wait, I will not slow I will I will not stay if I should go I?m not the simple girl you know? Joanne shivered with emotion as she watched this child who?d always been so quiet and polite suddenly burst out of herself and become this powerhouse in front of her. She looked around at the mesmerized crew and the smiles on the faces of the composers and the joy on the faces of the amazing musicians she?d finally gotten in touch with and who?d allowed Bebe to find the song within her, and she smiled and she cried and she knew that Bebe had done what she needed to do. The song continued, ?Don?t condescend to me, don?t preach like I?m a child The world is new and bright, untamable and wild So, look and see my sparks of life as you watch me pass I?m not the girl you knew, my moment?s come at last! ?Cause I... I am electric and alive I will call lightning from the sky No one will hear me if I cry And I... I will not wait I will not slow I will I will not stay if I should go I?m not the simple girl you know? The song ended and John froze in place, waiting to hear the director?s call that the scene was over, as he?d been taught. But nothing happened. The sound stage remained quiet. No one moved, or spoke, or even seemed to breathe for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Robert Lopez prodded the director by quietly saying, "Rob... Rob..." As if being shaken awake, the director looked to his left and said, "What...?" Bob indicted the whole sound stage. Rob Marshall looked about and suddenly realized what was happening. "Oh, geez," he muttered. "Cut!" He yelled. "Cut! Cut! Cut! Everyone!" Then he turned back to the techs in video village and yelled, "Please, tell me you got that!" The techs all held their thumbs up and smiled. Rob turned to the set and spread his arms as he approached the sole actress on the stage. "Bebe! God almighty, Bebe! Where the hell did THAT come from!? That was the single greatest performance I have ever seen in my entire career!" Finally, the sound stage came to life with whistles and applause and John was swamped by people running up to hug and congratulate him. Joanne, still not aware of her tears, hurried to where Chris and Terry we?re preparing to leave. "How can I ever thank you?" "Don?t be silly," Chrissie smiled. "We are happy to have been able to help. I really love this kid. She is amazing." Just then, Bebe appeared at Joanne?s side, "Mom! Mom! Oh, my God, I did it! I can?t believe it!" "You sure did, Bebe!" Joanne hugged John harder than she?d ever hugged him before. "You were incredible, baby! I?m so proud of you!" John turned to Chris and Terry and smiled as he hugged each of them. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, so, so much! I never could have done it without you!" "Oh, don?t be silly," Terry said. "We just played for you." She pointed to John?s heart. "It was all right here, inside of you." "You really did a great job, Bebe," Chris smiled and kissed John?s cheek. "We?re very happy for you. If we can ever help you out again, just let us know." "Actually," John made a ?you?re going to hate me for asking this? face, but continued, "Can I call you tonight or tomorrow? I do have a favor to ask." "Of course," both of the twins said in unison. Before they could say anything else, John heard the director calling his name. "Bebe! Bebe! Come over here. I want a picture of you with me, Bob, Kristen, Lily and Anna! We want to preserve this moment! Then, we?re going to watch the rough playback." "Gotta go," John said to Chrissie, Terry and Joanne, "but thank you all, so, so much!" At least a dozen pictures were taken and the whole crew stopped to watch the playback. Even John, Who was typically embarrassed by his own performances enjoyed watching the scene. What a great way to wrap up his shooting schedule on the film! XXX "What do you mean ?there?s a twelve to twenty four hour delay!?" Ed was not a happy man. They had planned to fly to LA overnight on Saturday in order to be at the hospital in plenty of time to spend Sunday afternoon with Bebe before her surgery on Monday. "It?s August! There?s no snow out there, there are no tornados or hurricanes causing issues... Why is there a delay!?" "There was an attempted terrorist attack at O?Hare Airport in Chicago, Mr MacNeal," the serious young woman at the airline help desk explained. This was news to Ed and Rose. They?d been listening to music on the way to the airport. "They successfully blew up a power station," she continued, "so there?s no power at the airport. They found a bomb hidden in one of terminals and they are searching for more as quickly as they can, but, until they clear O?Hare of any bomb threat and reopen the airport, I?m afraid that everyone is grounded ? the entire United States? commercial fleet. Just like in the days following Nine- Eleven.?" The news seemed to drain Ed. He was a big, strong guy and he could be very imposing if he was riled, and he was very riled right now, but he knew that no amount of strong-arming or money was going to fix this problem. This was more than a travel issue. This was an attack on the country. "So, we suggest that people return home..." the young clerk tried to explain, but Ed interrupted her. "How long ago did this happen?" Ed asked, surprising the clerk. "Fifteen minutes ago, or so. Maybe not even that long. They shut us down just before you arrived at the counter." Ed looked around the crowded airport. It was filled with frustrated, angry and scared people, but his major concern was still getting to Los Angeles as quickly as he could. "If it just happened, then there should be hotel rooms available near by. Come on," he took Rose?s hand and headed into the crowd, "let?s see if we can find a room at The Airport Sheraton. When the airport opens, I want to be on the very next plane to LA." XXX "Alright, everyone," the nurse said as she came into John?s suite at the hospital, "it?s nearly nine o?clock and time for this young lady to get some sleep. She has a big day tomorrow." Don and Vivian had left about a half an hour earlier, but there was still a gaggle of people loitering in John?s suite. "Oh, damn," Ella said. "I wanted to see the end of the movie." "It?s ?Mean Girls,? Ella. You?ve seen it a billion times before," MK scoffed. Then she turned to John and smiled. "You?re going to be ok, Bebe, right? I mean... I?ll see you tomorrow evening when I come back, right?" John gave his sarcastic friend a tired smile, touched by her concern. "I?ll be here, don?t worry." It seemed like they?d taken gallons of blood from him over the last six hours and he felt very tired because of it. "Ok," MK smiled and kissed his cheek. "Please be ok," she whispered. Ella was equally concerned. "Be ok, Beebs, ok?" She kissed him, too. "Don?t worry," John smiled. "I?ll be fine." "Of course she will," Joanne smiled and kissed him as well. "See you tomorrow, sweetheart. Love you." "Love you, too, mom," John smiled and waved to them as they left the room, leaving just Blaine behind. John smiled at him, seeing his concern. "Are you scared?" He asked. John shook his head. "No, not at all. In fact, I?m kind of excited." He did feel a little excitement at the prospect of becoming fully a woman, but he also was very concerned about the operation ? especially since Ed and Rose had been delayed. He knew that they could do nothing to help him through this, but just having them nearby and knowing that they?d be there when he woke up would have been a bit comforting. "Are you ok?" Blaine smiled. "I?m fine, I guess. I?m just worried, just like everyone else. You?ll be fine, though. I know it." John squeezed Blaine?s hand and smiled. "I know it, too." Just then, the door opened and Nancy entered. "I?m here to throw you out, Blaine. Sorry. Bebe?s nurse is getting antsy out there." She smiled at him and indicated the door with her thumb. "Ok," he kissed John on the lips. It was a slow and tender and loving kiss. "I love you." "I love you, too." "See you tomorrow afternoon," "Ok." John let go of his hand and waved as he left. "How are you holding up?" Nancy asked with a smile. "I?m really tired." "You should be," Nancy laughed. "Between the blood they took and the drugs they gave you, you?re going to sleep well." He smiled. "Scared?" Nancy sat on the bed. "A little... Well... yeah... I?m pretty scared." Nancy checked her watch. "I?m off in about twenty five minutes. I?ll sneak back in then. How would you like it if I slept on the sofa over there for tonight?" "I?d really like that," John smiled at his sister. She kissed his forehead. "Ok. I?ll go finish up and I?ll be back as soon as possible." Nancy left with a small wave. When she returned, John was breathing softly and sleeping soundly. XXX "What?s your name?" Yet another nurse asked as she prepared some kind of medication. "Bianca Foley," John repeated once again, for the umteenth time. "And you?re here for what procedure?" "Sex reassignment surgery," he said, again. "And your birthday is?" The questions went on and on and John kept repeating the same answers, over and over again. When the nurse left, Nancy moved back beside his gurney and smiled at him. "You?re doing great, baby. I know those questions are frustrating, but they just want to be sure that there are no mistakes." John nodded. He?d only been awake for three hours, but he was already exhausted from the procedures that preceded the actual surgery. "Don called and said to tell you that he loves you and he?ll see you here tomorrow." "That?s nice," John gave a tired smile. "Blaine and Joanne are in the waiting room already. Unfortunately, hospital rules won?t allow them to come in, though." He laughed at Blaine and Joanne being so devoted to him. They should still be at home in bed. There was no reason for them to be here already. "When you go back out, tell them I love them, ok?" "Sure." "And kiss Blaine for me." Nancy laughed at that. "No, I don?t think I?ll do that. I think you?re already dopey and they haven?t even given you any anesthesia." Now, John laughed at Nancy. Just then, Dr Martinez came in followed by Dr Shapiro. "Well, look who?s hiding in here," Dr Martinez had a big, infectious smile. "Morning, Bebe. Morning, Dr Foley. Is everyone feeling GREAT this morning?" Nancy smiled and said, "She?s pretty tired, already, Doctor." Dr Shapiro was looking at the chart that had been assembled for the surgery. "Probably due to all the blood they drew yesterday. I bet you feel like a pin cushion, don?t you?" "I do," John smiled at the joke, but the same joke had already been made by several doctors and nurses. "Ok," Jorge Martinez moved to the other side of John?s gurney. "In a few minutes, some one is going to come in and give you drink. There?s a dye in it that helps us during surgery. It?s very sweet and you probably won?t like it very much, and that?s too bad for you, because we need you to drink it. Swallow it down in one or two swigs. Don?t prolong the taste any more than you need to." "Ok," John nodded. "Then, someone will give you a shot that will relax you a lot. With your weight being a hundred and seven pounds, it may even knock you out. After that, if you?re still conscious, they?ll offer you some headphones to listen to some music while you wait to be rolled into the operating room. Any questions?" John shook his head ?no,? but Nancy saw fear forming in his eyes. So, she moved to the top of the gurney and put a gentle, supportive hand on his shoulder. He appreciated that. "You?ll probably be asleep before you go into the operating room, but even if you?re still awake, I doubt that you?ll have any memory of going in there. The anesthesia usually wipes out your memory from about a half an hour before it administered until you?re completely awake after surgery. Ok?" "Ok," John responded. "Alright, then," Dr Shapiro squeezed John?s forearm and smiled, "I guess the next time I see you will be in the recovery room. Good luck, Bianca. You?re in the most capable hands in the world." Dr Martinez smiled down at John and laughed, "I?d love to be humble and tell you that Dr Shapiro is just being nice, but I can?t. He?s right. I?m the best there is, Bebe. Relax. You have nothing to worry about." The two men left the suite, leaving just Nancy and John. "Nancy?" John asked. "Yes, honey," Nancy moved to his side. "Just in case... you know what I mean? Just in case... please tell Blaine and Joanne that I love them, and tell mom too, and... tell Ed and Rose that I?m sorry for everything I put them through. I didn?t mean to be such a brat to them... ok?" "Bebe," Nancy smiled as sweetly as she could, "stop worrying. You?re going to be fine." But she could see that John was really getting nervous, now. "And tell Cassie and Annie that I?m sorry I lied to them, but I couldn?t tell them the truth. I wanted to, but I couldn?t." Now, he was beginning to cry and cry hard. "Honey, shhh." "And Don and Viv and Oscar... tell them I love them, too. And Ella and MK... tell them that they were better friends than I ever deserved to have. I love them, too." "Bebe, honey," Nancy was getting emotional now. "And Nan... I?m so sorry about how I treated you at Thanksgiving. I was such an asshole. I?m sorry." "Baby, baby," Nancy kissed his head. "Please stop. You?re getting yourself all worked up for nothing. I love you with all my heart, sweetheart, and I?m going to be here when you wake up this afternoon. Please, just calm down." Mercifully, at that moment, a doctor who identified himself as surgical assistant entered and produced the drink that Dr Martinez had warned him of. "Drink it in one gulp if you can," he instructed, "and resist the urge to vomit if makes you nauseated." With the help of the Doctor and Nancy, John sat a little taller and downed the drink in one gulp. "Ugg!" He groaned. "That was horrid." The doctor laughed. "I warned you. Do you feel ok, though? No feelings of vomiting?" John shook his head. "No. I?m fine." Nancy was at least grateful that the intrusion of the Doctor had gotten John?s thoughts away from his fears. As that doctor exited, another entered. "Good morning, Bebe," she was very cheery. "I?m part of your anesthesiology team. I?m going to give you a shot that will make you very relaxed, ok?" John nodded as the doctor took his left hand and injected the IV line that was already installed there. "You may feel a little discomfort here as the drug disperses through your body." "Ow," John cringed. "My hand really hurts. My wrist, too." "That?s normal, dear," the doctor told him. "Then you should have warned her BEFORE you injected her," Nancy growled. "Relax, baby. It?ll pass." Unperturbed by Nancy?s remark, the doctor disposed of the needle, then turned to John, again. "I have an MP3 player for you. We have found that concentrating on music helps our patients to relax. What kind of music would you like?" He thought for a moment, then asked for show tunes. The doctor scrolled through the playlists. "Hmmm, I?m sorry, but I don?t have a show tunes play list. Something else?" "Do you have any Dusty Rose?" Nancy asked. "Sure," The doctor smiled. "I have a country music play list and there?s plenty of Dusty Rose on there. Sound good?" John nodded. The doctor put the ear buds into John?s ears and pushed the ?play? button. Dusty Rose didn?t come through his ears, but a song he really liked by The Eagles did. ?There's talk on the street; it sounds so familiar. Great expectations, everybody's watching you...? Glenn Fry?s voice was very comforting. John could see Nancy and the other doctor talking, but he couldn?t hear them anymore. Nancy was nodding, occasionally glancing at John, smiling and looking supportive. ?Johnny come lately, the new kid in town. Everybody loves you, so don't let them down...? the guitars were so peaceful... John?s mind began to float. He saw another person come in and felt the gurney start to move. Nancy kissed his forehead and smiled. Part of him felt peaceful and part of him was terrified. ?You look in her eyes; the music begins to play. Hopeless romantics, here we go again...? the harmonies were so pretty. He watched the ceiling go by above him and the door frame passed. He knew he was in the hallway, but had no idea which way he was headed. ?There's so many things you should have told her, But night after night you're willing to hold her, just hold her. Tears on your shoulder...? Those lyrics were sadder than he remembered. He caught a glimpse of sign that had the words ?Surgery 3? written on it. He felt his gurney being turned to the left, and saw a door opening, but then there was a commotion. He didn?t know what caused them to stop, but he didn?t care much, either. Then, there was something in his sightline. Then two somethings and they were talking to him. It seemed important. He struggled to think. To focus. He knew them. They loved him. He loved them. ?There's talk on the street; it's there to remind you...? The song was confusing his thoughts. He finally knew them. "Uncle Ed. Rose." John tried to sound happy, but his voice sounded drunk and slurred. "That?s right, baby," Ed said, breathless from running down the hall. "I told you you couldn?t have the surgery unless my face was the last thing you saw before you went in. Remember?" John?s thoughts reeling in drug induced confusion. "You guys came..." He slurred and smiled a silly smile. "We did, baby," Rose said. "We?ll be here when you come out." "We really need to get her in, now," the doctor said. Ed nodded and kissed John?s cheek. So did Rose. "I love you guys," John muttered in a barely understandable voice. "We love you, too, baby," Ed smiled as he shook with nervousness. "We love you, too." The ceiling began to move above John?s head, again. ?There's a new kid in town. I don't want to hear it. There's a new kid in town. I don't want to hear it, Ahh, ooh...? What a nice song. He loved this song. Then his vision began to fade. There was a doctor that he recognized... Jorge was his name... Dr Jorge...that was a funny name. Then the bright lights of the room faded into darkness. Then the sound of The Eagles faded into silence.