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Katherine is sitting on the couch, the lights bright around her as the make the final sound checks. There might be some nerves going on, her posture is rigid and she looks pale. People are rushing from one place to another, Mitch is drinking a bottle of water. Everyone else looks calm. She leans forward, picking up the half finished cinnamon roll from a plate and takes another bite. Then she tries to breathe. So far so good. "Heather!" She calls out abruptly, glancing to the side where the woman is standing. "I don't think I can do this. I think you picked the wrong person. This is not me."
*
Heather was berating some assistant, quietly, when she hears Katherine's worried words. A wave of her hand to dismiss the assistant before she makes her way over to the hostess, a warm smile on her face - which actually seems sincere. She crouches down, taking Katherine's hands in hers as she looks up at her. "Hey. Calm down. There's nothing to worry about." Her tone is warm and soothing. "I think you are perfect for the job. You're warm, approachable, sincere, people /like/ you. Lots of people. Heck, they /love/ you. All youhave to do is behave like you normally do. Just chat. Interact. Make people feel special. Don't worry about the cameras or the lights or all these other people. Just make that honest connection with people that you always have." A little squeeze of her hands. "And how could I have picked the wrong person? I never make mistakes" she winks to Katherine.
*
Katherine focuses on Heather, taking a breath when she tells her to calm down. She nods, at her words, repeating some of them under her breath as they're spoken. She snorts at the end, rolling her eyes. "You never make mistakes?" She says, sucking in a breath that puffs her cheeks. She blows it out slowly, closing her eyes and muttering under her breath. "I can do this." She finally says out loud. Then the assistant calls out, "Two minutes!" and the panic sets in again. She squeezes Heather's hands, nodding and swallowing convulsively. Mitch makes his way over, taking a seat on the couch and patting her thigh with a meaty hand. "We're gonna be fine Kathleen." He jokes, winking at Kate.
Kate grimaces and looks as if she might snap at him, but then someone is waving at her before pointing at the main camera.
*
"Katherine" Heather reminds Mitch with a steely ice cold glare. "Not Kath, Kat, Kathleen, or Kate. Katherine, until she tells you otherwise." Nothing like the boss to lay down the law. But she is all smiles again when turning back to Katherine. "Okay, there were some mistakes. Like dating, what was his name?" She narrows her eyes in thought. "Chris? Chris Dickson. You remember him, he always said that was his name because he always wanted to 'gets his dick on'. Why the fuck did I date that guy?" She leans in to whisper. "He really should have been called 'Dicks-gone'." Another fond squeeze of Katherine's hands. "You're gonna kick this so far."
Outside there is a (small) crowd of onlookers, holding up signs as if they were on the Today Show. Heather glances over to the assitant. "We have a camera on the people outside?" A nod in reply. Heather indicates a screen facing Katherine. "Remember, that is what the people are seeing, so you'll know when you're on commercial or we're showing film. Just treat the camera as if it was someone you were having a conversation with, because that is all it is. Okay?"
*
Katherine glances from Mitch to Heather, eyes wide as Heather murmurs quietly to her. When she whispers about Chris, there is a moment of laughter, and she seems to relax. "I'm gonna kick it." She says, nodding as she glances from the onlookers to the screen. "Okay. I..yeah, this is..this is fine."
The person next to the screen finishes the count down, the last five seconds silent with just his fingers ticking off the seconds. For a moment, it seems as if she might freeze, and then a warm smile finds its way on her features and she tilts her head, patting the couch. "Welcome to Wake up Calaveras, your local spot for entertainment, news and of course — the weather. Today our first topic will be the new royal baby. We're taking bets here on the name that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will choose, what's your thoughts?" She turns her head to Mitch and continues, "Here today with me is Mitch Buchanan, how are you doing today Mitch?" She asks, shifting to pick up her cup of coffee as he responds, smiling toward the camera himself. She's signaled to wrap up for a commercial, so she flashes the camera a smile. "We'll be back with the local weather, right after this short break."
As the commercials start, she purses her lips, looking thoughtful. "Okay, that wasn't bad."
*
As the first piece is being broadcast, Heather watches a monitor with a professional, and very interested, gaze. There is no change in that expression though when the commercial finally comes around, she does manage a smile and a thumbs-up to Katherine. "Natural."
The camera scans the crowd outside before the next segment begins. About half a dozen people cheering and waving. One of them holds a sign - it's Bruce 'Biff' Bosworth. The high school footballer who claimed took Kris's virginity, as well as half the other girls in that year. He is now /very/ overweight. His sign reads 'I did Katherine in high school'. He flips it over to show the other side. 'And Heather in the class'. To show his high level of wit, he has crossed out the 'cl'. And to show his high level of intelligence, he has no idea the writing on that side is upside down after flipping the cardboard. Heather sighs as she sees it before turning to the assistant. "Get rid of that sign…and the guy too."
Fingers count down to bring the hosts back on.
*
Katherine tries not to laugh at the sign, taking a deep breath, her chin rising as the count reaches zero. "Welcome back, Calaveras. I hope your day is going well, because according to Sunny Day.." There is a bit of a cheesy smile at the name. ".. we're in for some weather. Mitch, are you looking forward to some snow?" He tilts his hand from side to side, shrugging. "It's getting to be that time of year, Katherine, best to just be ready for it and stock up on the hot cocoa."
Kate nods her agreement, turning to smile at the camera. "Hey Sunny, why don't you give us a look at our next seven days?" The scene shifts to the studio, showing Sunny in a bright yellow frock with lace peeking out of her sleeves. The segment is short, giving the highs and lows and chances for rain. When she passes it back to Kate and Mitch they're both holding their cups of coffee. "It's nice to see people who made it by.." She gestures to the onlookers, smiling still. "..and now we have some local news and some spotlights for locals businesses. Have you had a chance to visit the new spa, Mitch?"
They talk about the new spa that has opened, and discuss a few local eateries, plenty of jokes and information sprinkled in. The next commercial comes up, and an assistant rushes forward to pour more coffee for both hosts.
*
Eagle-Eyes Heather continues to watch as each segment rolls around. Every now and then she will whisper into her headset, talking to the director or a camera man; the director is back in the studio, the camera man standing next to her, but she still uses the mic for both. When the next ad break happens, she also rushes in a make-up artist for a quick touch up to both hosts. "You're doing great" she informs Katherine. Mitch has been at this for years, he doesn't need boosting. And he might not even deserve it.
A quick check over the list of upcoming segments. It's a morning show, it needs to be light, at least on Katherine's first show. This means crossing out talk of the Jiminez murders or crime in general. A wince as she sees the next thing on her list. "Katherine, can you try and mention the Miss Snow Bunny compeition? Encourage everyone to enter?"
*
Katherine aims a quick smile at Heather, looking down at the notes she's handed with raised eyebrows. "Miss Snow Bunny? They're still doing that?" She exhales out a slow breath and nods at Heather. "Okay, I'm on it." The countdown begins again, so she tilts up her head so they can brush powder on her face to take away the shine. Soon enough the light is back on, and she shifts on the couch, smiling again. "So Mitch.." She begins, turning to her co-host. "When is the last time you entered the Miss Snow Bunny competition?" Mitch snorts out a laugh and sits up straight, thrusting out his chest. "Last year, of course." Kate glances from his chest to his face, laughing. "Well it's that time of year again…" She says, turning to face the camera. "Every year, Miss Snow Bunny helps us with lots. She cuts the ribbon for the yearly opening of the ski resorts. She hosts the Christmas in Calaveras, events and she joins Santa for breakfast for the kids!" She brushes her hair back, the smile staying. "We need a Miss Snow Bunny, so gird your loins, pick out an evening gown and get downtown to sign up. It's not only a fun event, it's good for the community!"
*
"I didn't win though" Mitch playfully grumbles before moving onto the next bit. "Bunyons. Everyone has them. Everyone hates them. But there is a revolutionary new cure that's just hit the shelves and here is Cynthia Bright to talk to you about it." The feed cuts to a segment being done in the studio which allows them a bit of free time.
"Sheesh, Katherine, you almost convinced me to sign up for Miss Snow Bunny" Heather grins to the hostess. "I think we really need to drag this town into the twenty-first century."
Mitch looks sad at this conversation. "But I always got to judge the bikini section" he whines. "And it's good for the community. And charity." Heather does not seem convinced by Mitch's viewpoint.
"Next segement is about the Halloween Carnival. Give it your all, Katherine" Another thumbs up from Heather before she steps back next to the camera, eyes on the monitor.
*
Katherine rolls her eyes at Mitch, reaching out to pat him on the arm. "It's okay buddy, at least they still have the bikini section. They yanked that from Miss America, you know?" The countdown is done and she turns back to the camera. "Welcome back! I hope you have your costumes handy, because tonight is the first night of candy madness. The Halloween Carnival will be setting up downtown with events around it to celebrate one of our favorite holidays here in the city." She takes a drink from her coffee. "Mitch, are you ready for all of the games, rides and most importantly, food that will be served tonight?" She glances at her coworker, smiling in his direction. Mitch gives a thumbs up as he says, "It's one of my favorite holiday events. All the pumpkin spiced stuff, the corndogs, the funnel cakes. They're even better in the cooler weather, you know?"
Kate turns back to the camera, winking. "Get dressed up, bring your kids, and join us tonight as we go full speed forward into the holiday season!"
*
Another break as an ad for 'Big Al's Big Discounts' plays. Heather shakes her head. "How can they even have a bikini section? It's Miss /Snow/ Bunny. Who walks around in a Colorado winter in a bikini?" She playfully glares at Katherine and points a finger at her. "Don't say a word. You know there was a reason for that." Another quick check of the list. "Not too long to go, Katherine. You're killing it. You too, Mitch. We have the call-in segment and then you can wrap it up and get ready for the Cavalcade."
The first caller is a Ms Peabody from Saminaw Road. "Hello? Am I on? Long time fan, first time caller. I just wanted to say you're doing a great job, Katherine, but I also wanted to complain about those hoodlums who ruined our block party. Are they going to ruin the cavalcade too? What are the police doing about this?"
*
"Hey Ms. Peabody." Katherine says, listening to her words with an understanding nod and grimace. "I was there, got pelted with some rotten eggs myself." She holds up a finger, a smile appearing on her lips. "I heard that there will be a police presence tonight, so everyone come out and take part. If the Dracula's and others show up again, rest assured that they'll be dealt with." She brushes her hair back, gazing to the side briefly before she smiles. "Thanks for the call Ms. Peabody, hope you're bringing some of your cider to the Carnival!" She holds up her cup and smiles. "Next caller?"
*
The next caller is a Mister Stroke from Pene Street; a street that Heather can't remember but she hasn't been back in Calaveras long. A nice, refined male voice is heard. "Hello? Is that Katherine? I just wanted to say that I'm really enjoying the show and you look incredible." His breathing gets a bit more rapid. "I love what you're wearing. What are you going to be wearing tonight?" His voice starts to shake. "Something sexy? I'm imagining something s…" Heather signals for the line to be cut…right now! An apologetic look to Katherine as she encounters a darker side of fame.
The next caller is an elderly old lady who is hoping to get some recipes from Katherine. Her expertise with the cooking is well known. Maybe a cooking segment for the show would be a good idea. She is also looking forward to seeing 'The Singing Vet', because the doctor is so dreamy.
*
Katherine greets Mister Stroke when he's introduced but when it's clear what kind of call it's going to be, she just makes a face at the camera, covering her mouth with a slender hand. "Hope your day is going well, call back again when you have a question I can answer, sugar." The next caller makes her perk up, clapping her hands as she spouts out two easy recipies, answering a few questions for the woman with a smile on her face. Mitch looks a little put out that nobody is asking him questions, so Katherine turns to him with a grin. "Do you use your slow cooker, Mitch? We were thinking of doing a segment on easy meals that one can do every day!"
*
Mitch grins and shakes his head to Katherine. "I'm afraid my slow cooker divorced me…and took the slow cooker. But now that I'm a free man again, I should probably learn to cook. Those segments sound like they're just up my alley. Looking forward to them, just like all of Calaveras will be." He turns to smile at the camera. "That's about all we have time for…" Heather is also giving wind up signals. "I hope you enjoyed the show. Remember, when you wake up in Calaveras, you wake up happy." He looks over to Katherine to let her give the final goodbyes.
*
"Good morning, Calaveras. We hope to see you tomorrow." Katherine waves at the camera, a bright smile on her face. The cameraman nods when the next programming starts, and Kate gets to her feet, wincing. "Was that okay? It seemed…" She exhales and turns to smile at Mitch. "Thank you so much, I was so nervous." Her shoulders twitch and she walks to the dining room table to pick up a bottle of water. "Shit."
*
"And clear" Heather announces to cast and crew. "Okay, everyone, let's pack stuff away and let Katherine have her life back." A pause. "At least until the next show." Her crew move quickly while Mitch gives the newbie a thumb up before removing his mic and calling over the hair stylist for a touch up. "Bob…" He seems to the cameraman everywhere…or maybe Heather calls them all Bob. "Make sure we have everything we need for the Cavalcade. "It was great, Katherine" she remembers to reply, but it seems she has gone. Heather follows her into the dining foom, and, horror of horrors, puts a comforting hand on her frenemy's back. "You did great" she states soflty and with certainty. "Handled everything with aplomb and, dare I say it, class. You are a big success. You okay?"
*
"I'm okay. This week has been pure shit." Katherine turns to look at Heather, brow furrowing. "It seems like everything horrible seems to happen at once." She takes a drink from the bottle of water, picking up an apple and biting into it. "I need the carnival tonight to kind of…get my brain off the topic of home. Are you going to it?" She asks, taking another bite. "It should be fun. I hope it's going to be fun."
*
"Of course I'm going" Heather smiles, reaching up to push an errant hair behind Katherine's ear. "It's news." She considers the other woman for a moment. "Unless you don't want me to come along. I know that I'm not your favorite person in the world." She isn't sure how to say the next thing, but she will do her best. "Do you want to talk about what is bothering you?"
*
Katherine aims a startled look at Heather, frowning in her direction. "My least favorite person right now is a high school boy named Gary who has an abnormal amount of acne on his face." She grunts softly and leans against the wall, watching Heather. "You really think I don't like you, but sometimes I just don't understand you. I might have been a bit of a terror in high school, but I've changed. I just want everyone to be ..okay, and happy. Especially my family." She exhales out slowly and frowns. "Lynn is pregnant. She spit that out at me two days ago, and I'm not sure what to do. I am…terrified. Don't tell anyone, please. I'm not sure what to do."
*
"Wow…that is a big one" Heather has to concur. "Those talks didn't really help out then" she muses before pondering the dilemma. "This may not sound helpful, or even what you want to hear, Katherine, but you don't have to know what to do. It's not your life. It's Lynn's. She has to decide what to do and you have to support her in whatever she chooses. Don't tell her she's wrong, don't even tell her she's right. Don't yell at her. Don't cry. Shove down what /you/ want to happen, and listen to what /she/ wants. Hell, we were that age once, and you know the one thing we hated was someone else telling us how to live our lives. I'm not saying Lynn has all the answers, we didn't at that age, but you can't tell her what to do. Be the support she needs to work it out herself. Trust me, she's just as frightened as you. More so." Heather takes a deep breath. "And if she needs a good /clinic/…I might be able to help her with that." A frail smile for her frenemy. "Don't tell anyone about that either."
*
Katherine listens quietly, her eyes on something across the room. She turns to look at Heather, nodding slowly before she murmurs. "You're absolutely right." She exhales and then adds. "It is my life though, in some says, who do you think is going to have to take care of this baby if she has it?" She raises both eyebrows and frowns. "Lynn? She can't even take care of herself. I never wanted kids, now I have to take care of my little sister who is trying to spawn on me." She clenches her fist and closes her eyes. "Oh god."
*
"No, it's not your life. It is Lynn's. You are part of it because you choose to be. You're family, so you think that means you have to be mother to two generations. You don't. And you're making assumptions about your sister that may not be true. That's not supporting her…which is what a mother would do…that is deciding she is a failure before she even tries. How do you think she feels knowing her big sister thinks she is useless? Do you /know/ what Lynn wants? Have you talked with her or just at her?"
*
Katherine closes her eyes as Heather's words wash over her, breathing deeply and evenly before she opens them again. "I never have tried to make her feel like she's useless. I asked her what she wanted, and she said she didn't know. I told her I would make her an appointment, she said she didn't want to see a doctor. That's one thing I can't bend on, she needs to have medical care, Heather." She folds her arms over her chest and glances away. "I gave her condoms, got her on birth control, she just ignored the pills and …" She goes quiet as she tries to get her head right. "I don't know if I'm the best person to help her. I did okay with Sarah, but I can't seem to get anything right with Lynn. Not even when I ask Lynn for help. When I ask her what she needs."
*
"You might not have tried, Katherine, but she's definitely not feeling very self-confident. I'm not saying it is your fault either. What happened to your family was horrible, and everyone was going to take it their own way. You became more caring, wanted to keep everyone safe and controlled. Lynn went the opposite, she needs to keep everything distant and random. She loves you but she can't show it because it will break her world." Heather must have been working with too many television psychiatrists. "Do you think she blames you for the accident? No one things straight in these situations. Yes, she needs to see a doctor, no matter what she decides to do. I can try to help. You're helping me with the station, it's the least I can do. And this kind of thing might be out of Julian's wheelhouse." A little chuckle. "You can even tell Lynn how much you don't like me. Might put me on her side and she'll be willing to listen. Worth a shot at least."
*
Katherine looks lost, just watching Heather as she speaks, and speaks and speaks some more. She does nod when help is offered, smiling at Heather. "I'll see what I can do, I'll set up an appointment and if you can take her to it, that ..would help me a lot."