Inside a community hospital outside of the 'big city' a doctor confronts his
patient:
"Well, after running through several tests, I'm afraid there is some bad news.
You do have the unmistakable symptoms of cancer but the good news...it's been
detected early and I think..."
"What do you mean GOOD NEWS?!! This is CANCER we're talking about!!!" The woman
patient began to cry uncontrollably. "My whole life is ruined...RUINED!!!" and
nothing but sobbing could be heard as the lights faded.
CUT!!! And that's a wrap, folks!!!" yelled a voice though a megaphone as a bell
went off and all the lights came back on. The hustle and bustle of a camera crew
and personel came alive, scrambling around like ants at a picnic as the crying
woman sprang up from the bed, wiped away her tears and flashed a big smile.
"Great job as always, Jennique!" said a crew hand as they began to tear down and
put away the stage set. She stepped down and headed to her dressing room,
accepting accolades along the way for a heartfelt, moving scene.
Welcome to the exciting world of television and the daytime drama commonly
referred to as a 'soap opera' and for Jennique Britnae, the life and splendor of
the business is all she's known...the star of the series "Live For Tomorrow."
Inside her posh dressing room, Jennique sits down in front of the mirror to do
some facial touch-ups after another long day. Despite having a very youthful
appearance, it was still hard to believe the Miss Britnae's age was close to 50
years. She became part of the cast 35 years ago as the spunky yet lovable Jenny
Summers and became an immediate hit and fan favorite. During all the years, not
only did she grow up on the show, the viewing audience also watched her grow
from a teenager to a young woman. She became a household name amongst daytime
viewers and with that, the aclaim and awards came along, winning close to two
dozen daytime TV awards for her effort. Despite all the years on the air,
Jennique could easily pass for a mid-20's model.
Suddenly there was a known on the door and a man popped his head in. "You
decent, Jen?!!" It was her agent Sam Johns.
"I'm always decent, Sam. That's part of my charm. So...what's the good word?"
asked Jennique in her typical cheerful voice.
A somewhat sad look could be detected in his voice. "Sorry, Jen. I've talked to
everyone 'til I was blue in the face...no dice. You've been on the show so long
and been playing Jenny Summers all this time...everyone sees you as her and
because of that, no other studio wants to take a chance and hire you in a movie
or another series."
A sad look of dejection came over Jennique but she didn't let it show. She
flashed her trademark smile and told Sam "Well' Sam...keep trying. Though I love
"Live For Tomorrow" and wouldn't trade this experience for a lifetime, I still
long for a chance to appear in a movie, mini-series or something."
"You know, kiddo...despite all of this gloom and doom news, you still keep that
smile and upbeat attitude. I tells you, it's their loss for not considering you.
So...meet you later on at the bar for a nightcap and go over some more stuff,
per usual?"
"No problem, Sam though let's make it an hour later than usual? I have a few
errands to run in a bit. No down for me as you know..." as Jennique began to
gather her belongings.
"Still wish I could bottle what you have, Jen. You get maybe three or four hours
of sleep if even that a night and you'll as fresh as a rose." Sam said as he
held the door open for the actress as the both of them prepared to leave.
Jennique was diagnosed with a rare disorder that allowed her not to require much
sleep and not hinder or allow her life to have any negative after-effects.
As the two headed to the parking lot, a stage hand stopped them on the way out.
"Did you hear? That mystery guy showed up again last night and foiled a couple
of robberies." A small crowd gathered around a television set and the news
program detailing the events. The announcers spoke...
"Once again as been the case for several nights, a cloaked being was involved in
capturing known criminals. While the police and officially condeming his
actions, the public are falling for the hero. There has been sightings and from
what officals have told the media, it appears the mysterious person that has
graced the skyline has been dressed in a different costume and has shown
different physical appearances, leading to speculation that there is at least
three if not more people involved, like a army of the night. We'll pass on more
information when we have it..."
Sam tugged on Jennique's arm. "Come on...time is money. As the two drove away,
Sam speculated out loud. "Tells you what...whoever those guys are playing
nighttime hero...people are looking up from the crime-infested neighborhoods and
feeling good for once. Wish I could find out who they are...I'd make a great
agent for them."
Jen smacked Sam upside the head. "You're MY agent and don't forget that. Still,
I think you're right. Kind of makes you compare that...what's the news calling
him or them...'The Evening Star' to an actor albeit a bad one. From the pics
I've seen, it have to be several people playing the role."
The car slowed down and stopped in front ot the Star Hotel...where Jennique
lived. Sam gave her a light peck on the cheek. "Finish your errands and I'll see
you later tonight. Take care, Jen." After waving goodbye, Jen went to her
apartment to put her stuff away and change clothes.
Later on as her apartment was seemingly empty and void of any light source save
for the blinking night lights of the city, a shadow glided across the sky and
ran effortlessly along the rooftops, a long flowing cape and by its action, a
determination and dedication to erradicate the city of crime. The night belong
to the person known as The Evening Star.
