Characters and "Remember WENN" property of Rupert Holmes and AMC. No infringement intended. I'm just having fun. Copyright of story held by author, 1999. All rights that I can have are reserved.
September, 1945
All was quiet in the halls of radio station WENN, a surprising occurrence for the mid-afternoon. In the green room a buzz of activity could be found.
Maple swung a chair around. "Gee, I sure hope Betty is able to find Scotty. That airport will be jam-packed with soldiers. Too bad Victor'll have to miss this." Jeff kindly took over the placing of chairs from Maple.
Hilary stopped cutting the cake. "Let us hope Scotty makes it home on time. It would be just like him to miss his own wedding." She glanced slyly at Jeff. He returned her look with a boyish grin. Marriage agreed with them...again.
Mackie perched on the arm of the couch upon which Penelope Comminger sat. "A shame indeed." He smiled down at the top of her stylish head.
Penelope's hands were nervously occupied with her gloves. "Isn't there something I can do to help?" Her soft voice brought the bustle to a stop.
"No, Miss Comminger." Hilary finished arranging the cake-laden plates. "I think everything is ready? Yes." She adjusted the jacket of her suit while surveying the table. "All ready. Now we only need the guests of honor."
The doors of the Green Room swung open.
"Mr. Foley?" Maple put her hands on her voluptuous hips. "Eugenia? Where have you two been?"
Eugenia spoke before Mr. Foley could take a breath. "We found our gift for Scott and Betty." She smiled and turned to Mr. Foley, who nodded.
Hilary rolled her eyes toward the stack of presents beside the refreshments. "Just put it over there with the rest."
"Oh no, Hilary. We're having it sent directly to their house." Eugenia giggled, and Mr. Foley smirked. "It would hardly fit on the elevator."
"So what is it?" Mackie asked.
"Mackie, we agreed not to tell!" Maple dropped into a chair and crossed her legs. "I, for one, would rather be surprised along with them."
Mackie nodded his head at Maple, then turned back to Mr. Foley, who was sniffing the cake. "So what is it?"
No one noticed when Gertie entered the green room. "No banana oil in that cake, Mr. Foley."
"Who's watching out for them?" Jeff walked to the door and peeked into the hallway.
"Tom is keeping a look out." Gertie groaned softly and seated herself. "Betty said she'd be back by four o'clock."
Maple checked her watch before biting her lip. "Oh, will you look at the time?" Everyone turned to look at her. "What??"
* * *
Betty Roberts stood on tiptoe, watching hundreds of men spilling from the planes. Where was Scott? She hoped he would hurry. She had a taxi waiting. The war may have been over, but money still wasn't easy to come by. "Scott, where are you?" she whispered. Brown-capped heads pushed past her, hanging on to sweethearts or their wives and children.
"Betty, Betty, Betty!" met her ear, just as she was hugged. The strong arms, she remembered, but the force within them nearly knocked the air out of her. "Sorry to crush you, Betty." Scott pulled back and looked down to see the surprise on Betty's face. "Betty, I love you." He stared into her eyes. His expression mirrored the emotions in her heart.
She suddenly understood. What could be said? Words were so inadequate after a four-year separation. Betty curled her bare arms around his neck. "Welcome home, Scott." She kissed him thoroughly, forgetting those milling about the airfield. Her lover was home and kissing her like nothing she could remember.
When she pulled back, trying to breathe, Scott flashed his loveable grin. "I do believe you've missed me, Betty Roberts."
Tears gathered in her eyes, but she smiled. "I have. And there's a taxi waiting." Her eyes grew large. "Come on!" She grabbed Scott's hand...or did he grab hers?...and they hurried to the cab.
They did not speak again until settled in the car. "To the WENN radio station," Betty directed the driver. Scott cuddled Betty into his side with both arms encircling her body. She leaned her head back onto his shoulder.
"Betty, if I didn't know that you were going to marry me tomorrow, we'd stop by the courthouse before going anywhere else."
She smiled to herself and glanced up at Scott. "You know, I might even let you talk me into it." He kissed her cheek. "Are you sure you're okay with a wedding tomorrow?" She wrinkled her brow.
"Piece a' cake," he said with a wink.
Betty sat up straight and turned to look at Scott. He appeared surprised that she'd left his arms. His face grew worried as she scrutinized his appearance and touched his face. "You're here," she whispered. "Really here." Betty took his cap off and brushed that still-wayward lock of hair into obedience. "You are here."
Scott grinned. "Yes, Betty, I am here," he echoed.
She suddenly giggled with delight and threw her arms around him. "I just can't believe you are finally home, and you won't have to leave again."
Scott gave her a quick kiss. "Sorry, but I'm afraid you're stuck with me forever."
"What a shame." Her eyes sparkled. Suddenly, tomorrow seemed much too far away. Why had she agreed to a bridal party the day of Scott's return? All she wanted now was time to talk to this man, to catch up on his life, and to let him catch up on hers.
"What's the matter, Betty?" Scott snuggled her beside him again.
"The gang at the station are giving us a wedding party as soon as we get there."
"Hey, Betty." She turned her face to him. "We'll have plenty of time after tomorrow." He arched an eyebrow. "Very exciting."
"Hold that thought, Mr. Sherwood." Betty managed to speak calmly, but she hadn't counted on his persuasive brown eyes. Or that voice.
It was rather a mercy when the taxi stopped in front of WENN. Scott paid the fare and they entered the building arm-in-arm.
* * *
Mr. Eldridge shuffled into the green room. "They're here!"
Jeff, Mackie, and Penelope stood. Hilary moved to stand by Jeff. Maple hurried across the room to set her coffee on the table. Eugenia smiled. With wide eyes and baited breath, they stared expectantly at the portal.
The door opened. "For they're a jolly good..." The song came to a screeching halt.
"Betty?!" Hilary dropped back onto the couch. "Where in heaven's name is Scott?"
"He stopped off at the men's lounge." Betty moved to the coffeepot and began fixing a cup of coffee, presumably for Scott. After watching Betty's casual attitude, the others returned to their seats.
When Scott did enter a few moments later, Maple, Gertie, and Eugenia were the only ones to rush at him.
"Welcome home, Scotty!" Maple gave him a friendly hug. "You are one lucky guy!"
"Welcome back, Mr. Sherwood!" Gertie added.
"Yes," Hilary said dripping with sarcasm, "Hail the conquering hero."
"I've missed you too, Hildy," Scott grinned. Betty stood beside him and quietly handed him the cup of coffee. Scott kissed her cheek.
"It's Hilary!" She crossed her arms.
Mackie approached Scott with hand extended. "Well, Sherwood, so you've exchanged the military for the ball-and-chain of matrimony." He chuckled.
"Betty's regime is a bit more welcoming." Scott winked at his beloved. She blushed as she and Maple served plates of cake. Maple had the good grace to pretend oblivion, even as she shared a sly smile with Gertie.
"Very kind of you to say so, Scotty." Hilary swallowed a bit of cake.
"Jeffrey, now, if the bride and groom-to-be refuse to have any cake, then would they object to opening gifts posthaste?"
Jeff took the broad hint. "Uh, Hilary's right. We men have to be back on the air in fifteen minutes. And if we want to see the gifts, we'd better get started."
Mackie spoke up from his corner. "Now I'll get to see what you got them, Mr. Foley."
Mr. Foley turned up his nose and crossed his arms smugly. He nodded to Eugenia. "Well," she started, "as you all may or may not know, Mr. Sherwood can play the piano. And Betty can sing beautifully." Betty humbly smiled down at her own lap, while Scott grinned with pride and squeezed his fiancée's hand. Hilary crossed her arms and humphed. "So," Eugenia glanced at Mr. Foley, "we decided to buy..." Eugenia paused for effect.
Scott, Betty, and everyone else leaned forward. "Well, what?!" Hilary bellowed.
"...a second-hand piano." Eugenia clapped her hands in delight now that the secret was finally out.
"Oh, thank you." Betty stumbled mechanically over her words. "Oh, my." She stood and hugged Eugenia. "Thank you!" She kissed Mr. Foley on the cheek and smiled brightly.
Scott kissed Eugenia on the cheek. "Thank you both." He shook Mr. Foley's hand. "Nah, you don't have to say anything, Mr. Foley." Mr. Foley nodded before smiling at Eugenia.
"Yes, yes, very touching. Pumpkin, hand Betty our gift." Hilary sat forward on the edge of the couch in anticipation.
Betty unwrapped the package. "It's a set of knives." Her eyes became wide with surprise.
"Yes, dear. I know how you like to cook, and I'm told knives are very useful in that department." Hilary flashed a patronizing smile.
"Or in marital spats," Jeff chimed in. Hilary's eyes narrowed.
Scott stood and gave two pennies to Jeff. "Wouldn't want to chance our love being divided."
Betty smiled. "How romantic, Scott."
Jeff took the change before whispering to Hilary. "Do you think that's why your aunt gave us knives after we got back from Mexico?"
The pile of gifts slowly diminished. Mackie's turned out to be a toaster. Hilary remarked, "Mr. Originality." Mr. Eldridge gave them a set of glasses and a decanter. He then proceeded to quote a limerick involving the worlds "fine", "dine", and "swine". By the time Betty finished unwrapping the monogrammed linen set from Penelope, the men had to be back on the air.
"If anyone wants me, I'll be at home." Mr. Eldridge left the green room, after many thank you's from Betty and Scott.
"I must be going as well." Penelope Comminger shook hands with the couple. "I look forward to attending your wedding tomorrow."
"Oh, so do I," Betty called cheerfully as Penelope left.
"As do I." Scott came behind her, leveling the entire vocal powers of Simmons the Gardener at her. "With light heart and heavy pulse."
Betty reprimanded him with a look, or tried to.
"Twenty-four hours from now, you will have become Mrs. Sherwood." Scott offered his arm. "But may I walk you to the trolley one last time, Miss Roberts?"
"No, can do, big guy." Maple staunchly positioned herself beside him. "The women have some things to give Betty. Things you can't see for another," Maple glanced at the clock, "twenty-four hours."
Betty couldn't meet Scott's gaze. "Oh!" Scott conceded with mock seriousness. "Understood completely." He turned to Betty. "I'll watch the broadcast until you're ready to go."
"Mm hmm." Betty nodded. Trying very hard not to blush, she met Scott's gaze.
With a roguish laugh, he left the women to their party. Betty turned around to see that Hilary and Maple were rearranging the furniture into a semi-circle. Gertie and Eugenia fished beautifully wrapped packages from the lower cabinets.
"It was Hilary's idea," Maple grinned at Betty.
"Got that right, Mabel," Hilary shot at her.
Gertie rolled her eyes. Betty suddenly understood...completely.
"Come sit down." Eugenia laid the third and final gift on the chair beside the couch.
Betty sat down, not so much embarrassed, as she was unsure.
"This one's from me." Maple handed Betty the package. "It's not much, but..."
"Oh, Maple, that's all right." Betty smiled reassuringly as her fingers slid the box open. She lifted a strappy silk negligée from its tissue-like nest. "It's beautiful!"
"Lavender is a good color for you," Eugenia said admiringly.
The others offered their agreement just as Betty pulled the entire nightie from the box. Betty's face registered her amazement at the short hemline.
"Told ya' it wasn't much." Maple raised her eyebrows at Betty.
Gertie laughed. "Open mine next."
Betty folded the silk creation back into the box before starting on Gertie's gift. She stared at the contents for several seconds. "Um, thank you, Gertie." She furrowed her brow. "But what is it?"
Gertie giggled and leaned to whisper. Maple had full view of the inside of the box, as did Eugenia. The two organists laughed raucously.
"What is it?" Hilary leaned forward. "Betty is blushing brighter than Maple's henna."
Maple pulled herself together. Her whisperings to Hilary were interspersed with silent laughter. No sooner had Maple finished than Hilary's laughter bounced off the green room walls.
"Why, Gertie, I had no idea...it's too...wicked!" Hilary chuckled theatrically upon finding the right word. "Betty, don't be alarmed, dear. It's really very...normal."
Betty picked up the last gift. She had to do something to cover her embarrassment. Even now, she wouldn't forget Gertie's explanation. Just the thought of doing that caused another wave of heat to wash her face. She had the wrapping off before remembering to ask whose gift she was opening.
"Mine." Hilary laughed again.
Betty braced herself. Who knew what Hilary would consider appropriate? After all, Gertie had thought it proper to give...
"Hold it up, Betty," Maple said.
Betty obeyed. The ladies ooh-ed over the sweeping black chemise and robe. "It's lovely, Hilary." Betty tried not to notice the fact that she could see Hilary's face clearly through the material. "Thank you all for everything."
"Time for another show. Duty calls." Hilary sashayed out of the green room.
Maple helped Betty dispose of the discarded paper. "I'll get Scotty on my way into the studio," Maple offered.
"Thanks." Betty replaced the lids on all of the gifts, taking one last look at Gertie's offering.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Betty." Eugenia gathered her sweater and purse. "Oh, and Mr. Foley told the piano men to deliver it to your house next week."
"Thank you, Eugenia. It'll be nice to be able to start out in a house. It may be small, but it's ours."
Eugenia gave Betty's arm a squeeze. "I'm ready to play the wedding march," she said on her way out.
"Well, it's back to the ol' switchboard for me." Gertie started toward the doors.
"Gertie? Do you really, um...?" Betty twisted her engagement ring on her finger.
"Yep." Gertie laughed. "You really do." She shook her head at Betty's nervous aspect. "Don't worry, honey. When you're married and in love, it won't seem so awkward."
Gertie nearly ran into Scott as he entered the green room. "Maple told me that the coast was clear." Scott glanced around the room. "What have we here?" He started toward the stack of now-plain boxes.
"Uh-uh, these are not for your eyes." Betty scooped up the packages.
"Not yet, anyway." Scott took two of the boxes from her, but did not try to open them. "I'll get you a taxi."
"Do you know how good it is to hear you say that?" Betty smiled up at him as he guided her down the hallway.
"About as good as it is for me to do this," he said, sneaking a kiss behind her ear.
"Oh, Scott, just think. Tomorrow."
He nodded. "You have no idea how often I think of that word."
"You'd be surprised," she whispered.
They exchanged a good-bye kiss through the taxi window.
The End
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