Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye Fan Fiction: "Dreaming Of a White Christmas" - Part 3 (Conclusion)

"Dreaming of a White Christmas" is published in three parts:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3 (Conclusion) - You are here.

"Dreaming of a White Christmas," by B.A. Rogers

continued from Part 2 . . .

SCENE 7 - At the school auditorium where the show is being held.

The auditorium has a large stage. The audience area is filled with round tables, which are filled with people. The stage is empty except for a piano, some microphones on stands, and a stool. Myles and the pianist are on stage. Myles is wearing a black tuxedo. The pianist is a middle-aged woman, a choir teacher. The colors have already been presented and the flags are in their stands, on one side of the stage.

Myles: (under a spotlight; into a microphone) I want to welcome all of you to the show tonight. Thank you for coming. Thank you for buying tickets. Thank you for helping us sell tickets. Thank you for giving so generously. As you know, we're here for one reason. Her name is Janie Webber. Airman First Class Janie Webber, proudly serving her country with the 185th Tactical Air Wing in Kadena, Japan.

Cut to a gaggle of high school marching band members wearing their band uniforms. They are sitting under a banner that says, "AHS Marching Band 4 Janie - Go Tigers!!" They immediately begin to play the United States Air Force song, "Off We Go (Into the Wild Blue Yonder)." (Heavy on the tuba.)

Cut to Jack and Bobby waiting impatiently on a train platform inside the Metro station.

Cut to the stage at the show. Under a spotlight, a quartet of two women and two men are singing "Carol of the Bells" in four-part harmony. The man singing bass is booming out his notes loudly, taking them lower and lower: "Ding . . . Dong . . . Ding . . . Dong . . .." The singers are wearing holiday-themed sweaters.

Cut to Jack and Bobby exiting a Metro train and walking hurriedly up a Metro escalator.

Cut to the stage at the show. A spotlight is shining on Myles and a little boy (about 5 or 6 years old) standing on a stool. The boy is dressed as a reindeer. Myles is holding the boy on the stool with one hand and has a microphone in the other.

Myles: (into the mic, asking the boy a question) So, Rudolph, what is it about your nose?

Boy: (into the mic) It's red.

Myles: (into the mic) It's red. Anything else, Rudolph? Anything else about that nose of yours?

Boy: (into the mic) (singing a line from "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer," without accompaniment) "You could even say it glows."

Cut to a wider shot. Several children, all dressed as reindeer, are gathered around Myles and the boy on the stool. The children put one foot forward, cup their hands around their mouths and shout, "IT GLOWS!"

Cut to Jack and Bobby standing outside a taxi that is pulled up in front of the school where the show is. Jack is paying the taxicab driver through the driver's window.

Cut to on-stage at the show. A spotlight is shining on Myles, who is sitting half-way on a stool near the piano. A middle-aged woman is playing as Myles sings into a microphone. He's singing "(I'm Dreaming of a) White Christmas." The crowd is enraptured with his performance; many people are swaying and singing along with Myles.

Myles: (singing lyrics, with piano accompaniment) "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, with every Christmas card I write. May your days be merry and bright . . . And may all your Christmases be white."

As the piano closes the song, the audience applauds enthusiastically. Myles stands up and addresses the crowd.

Myles: Thank you. (indicating the pianist) Thank you, Connie Huntsman, Senior Choir Director! And thanks to Irving Berlin and Bing Crosby for that wonderful song. . . . Speaking of "White Christmas," we have one more number for you from that classic film. Many of you here know that Janie is one of four girls in the Webber family. Tonight we're happy to have with us Janie's three older sisters --- (recognizing them one by one at a front-row table in the audience, sitting next to Webber) --- Stephie --- Claire --- and Madelyn. (applause as each woman stands up) With a special number for the Webber sisters, I present our own version of the Haynes sisters, the beautiful and talented Lucy Dotson and Sue Thomas!

The music to the song "Sisters," by Rosemary Clooney, comes up. Reminiscent of the scene with the Haynes sisters in "White Christmas," we see two bright blue artificial feather fronds crossed, concealing the performers (Lucy and Sue).

Cut to Jack and Bobby flying through the door of the school into the lobby area. They stop to look around and get their bearings.

Cut to on-stage. The fronds, which are held by two little girls dressed as elves, one on either side of Lucy and Sue, are "opened," revealing Lucy and Sue. The frond-holders leave the stage. Lucy and Sue look very glamorous! Again, reminiscent of the Haynes sisters' scene, they are wearing matching blue strapless evening gowns with over-the-elbow gloves. Their hair is styled in a French twist. They are wearing red lipstick and long, sparkly earrings.

Lucy and Sue perform to the original recording of "Sisters" sung by Rosemary Clooney. (The beat is emphasized.) They silently mouth the words and perform a very syncopated, stylized signing of the lyrics, along with a simple choreography (consistent with Sue being able to see Lucy and Myles). Even though the lyrics are heard, subtitles also appear on the screen when Lucy and Sue are shown signing.

Myles is off to the side with a music stand. He uses a baton to keep the rhythm and count visible to Sue.

The shots cut back and forth between Lucy and Sue on stage and the audience. The song continues to play over all the following shots.

Lucy and Sue: (signing, mouthing the words, and dancing a little) (lyrics voiceover) "Sisters . . . Sisters . . ."

Cut to Sue's parents , Dimitrius and his wife, Donna, and Tara at a table in the audience. Sue's parents are delighted. The audience applauds when the song begins. (Voice over, lyrics) "There were never such devoted sisters . . . "

Cut to Myles counting the time with his baton and mouthing the spoken words in rhythm with the music: "Never had to have a chaperone, no sir. I'm there to keep my eye on her."

Cut to Lucy and Sue: (signing, mouthing the words, and dancing a little) (lyrics voiceover) "Caring . . . Sharing . . . Every little thing that we are wearing . . . "

Cut to Jack and Bobby inquiring of an elderly woman sitting at a table in the school lobby. The table has a banner hung on it that says "We (heart) Janie Holiday Show."

Jack: (to the woman) The --- the --- (can't find the words)

Bobby: (reading the banner) The "We Heart Janie" show --- which way, please?

Woman: You're late.

Jack: We're very sorry.

Bobby: Is it ---- (motioning down one hallway, down the other)

Woman motions for them to go down one of the hallways. Jack and Bobby thank her quickly and take off at a brisk walk.

Woman: (calling after them) No running!

Bobby: (turning around) Yes, ma'am.

Cut to Sue and Lucy on stage.

Lucy and Sue: (signing, mouthing the words and dancing a little) (lyrics voiceover) "Those who've . . . Seen us . . . Know that not a thing could come between us . . . "

Cut to Jack and Bobby entering the cafeteria. The song continues as a voiceover: "Many men have tried to split us up . . ."

Cut to Sue and Lucy on stage.

Lucy and Sue: (signing, mouthing the words and dancing a little) (lyrics voiceover) "But no one can . . ."

Cut to Jack and Bobby standing inside the cafeteria, off to the side of the door they came in. They are staring with rather dumbstruck faces at Lucy and Sue on-stage.

Cut to Sue and Lucy on stage.

Lucy and Sue: (signing, mouthing the words, dancing a little) (lyrics voiceover) "Lord, help the Mister . . . Who comes between me and my sister . . . And Lord, help the sister . . . Who comes between me and my man!"

The audience erupts in applause. Myles steps away from the music stand and into the spotlight.

Myles: (cupping his hand to his ear) (to Lucy and Sue, a way to say "sing that again") What was that?

As an encore, Lucy and Sue perform the the last lines of the song again.

Lucy and Sue: (signing, mouthing the words, dancing a little) (lyrics voiceover) (crowd delighted, Lucy and Sue beaming, relieved, hamming it up a little more this time) (some in the crowd are singing along, which Myles encourages) "Lord, help the Mister . . . Who comes between me and my sister . . . And, Lord, help the sister . . . Who comes between me and my man!"

The song has a big musical finish. The audience erupts in applause, cheers and whistles.

Cut to the Webber girls in the audience. They leap to their feet, cheering and clapping enthusiastically. One turns and hugs her father, who also stands up as the crowd rises for a standing ovation.

Myles, Lucy and Sue wave and acknowledge the crowd. Lucy and Sue are relieved to be finished.

Cut to Jack and Bobby, who really haven't moved, and who still are looking at the stage somewhat dumbstruck. The audience around them is still applauding and cheering. Sue's parents are making their way from their table to where Jack and Bobby are standing.

Cut to Myles, Lucy and Sue on-stage. Other performers are coming out to take a bow. Myles is thanking the performers and the audience. Lucy and Sue motion to the Webber family to join them onstage, which they do. The cheering and applause continue. The pianist is on stage, playing music in the background with great gusto.

Cut to Jack, Bobby and Sue's parents in the back of the cafeteria.

Sue's Mom: (calling out as she gets closer) Jack! Jack!

Jack doesn't hear her. He and Bobby are still watching the stage, mesmerized, commotion all around them. Sue's parents walk up and greet Jack and Bobby.

Sue's Mom: (very effusive and gracious) Jack, it's so nice to see you. And you, too, Bobby. (taking Jack's hand ) We had a wonderful visit with Sue, and so much fun with her and Lucy at lunch today. And I'm just over the moon with what you all have done for the Webber family.

Sue's Dad: (to Jack and Bobby, pointing at the stage where Sue is) Hey, fellas, did you see her? That's my girl!

Sue's Mom: (to Jack and Bobby, laughing) He can't help himself. Anyway---

Sue's Dad: The truth is, if we don't leave now, right now, we definitely miss our plane.

Sue's Mom: (to Jack) So, please, give Sue a hug ---

Sue's Dad: --- and a kiss ---

Sue's Mom: --- for us.

Sue's Dad: And let her know ---

Sue's Mom: --- we had to run. Literally. . . . And . . . (catching her breath, then warmly shaking Jack's hand) . . . Merry Christmas, Jack. (shaking Bobby's hand) Merry Christmas, Bobby.

Sue's mom, dad and Jack and Bobby exchange greetings all around. Jack and Bobby each kiss Mrs. Thomas on the cheek to say good-bye. Then Sue's parents wave and turn to leave quickly.

SCENE 8 - Backstage after the show.

The backstage area is bustling with activity and general merriment. Some Christmas music is playing in the background.

Tara, Sue and Lucy are present. Tara is taking a few pictures at the request of one of the moms who is posing with her "reindeer" children. Lucy and Sue have changed into sweaters and jeans, but they are still wearing their makeup, earrings and French twist hairstyles, so they still look quite glamorous. People are milling around talking about the show, wishing each other merry Christmas, saying good-bye for the evening.

Several people come up to Lucy and Sue and give them hugs, kiss them on the cheek, shake their hands, pat them on the back --- more or less an endless stream of people come by to congratulate them.

As part of this stream of people, a man, whose face we can't see, comes up to Sue, says "Merry Christmas," quickly kisses her on the cheek and walks off. Before she's recovered from that, another man, whose face we can't see, quickly comes up from the other direction, says "great show, you two were wonderful," kisses Sue on the other cheek and walks off. A third man, whose face we can't see, is there before we know it; he kisses Sue on the side of her forehead and then we see that it is Jack.

Jack: (seriously) "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

Sue looks at him.

Jack: (backing off) "Hey, ask Bobby. . . . Your father made me promise to kiss you."

Cut to Myles, also in the backstage area. He's still in his tuxedo. He is talking to Webber.

Webber: All I can say is . . . That I don't know what to say. This has been such a boost for the girls. And for me. Wonderful. And, wow, everyone's been so neighborly and generous. It's . . . Thank you, Myles.

Myles: (shaking Webber's hand) My friend, Godspeed on your trip to Japan. And our thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family, and especially with Janie.

Janie's sisters walk in and see Myles.

Janie's sisters: Mr. Leland!

The sisters run to Myles and mob him with hugs and expressions of gratitude.

Myles: Okay. Group hug.

Myles motions to Webber to join in and Webber's daughters bring their dad into their embrace. Then Stephie starts taking pictures.

Stephie: This is for Janie. (holding a camera up and taking pictures of herself with her dad, sisters and Myles).

Cut to Dimitrius poking his head into the backstage area. He's bundled up in a coat and wearing a Santa hat. A few snowflakes are on his cap and shoulders.

Dimitrius: (to Myles, Jack, Bobby, Tara, Lucy and Sue) Everyone who wants a ride to the Prince Street Metro, better pile in now! We need to get going ahead of this snow!

Myles kicks off with singing the first line of the song "Snow (from "White Christmas"), by Bing Crosby. Bobby, Lucy and Tara join in.

Myles: (singing) Snow . . .

Bobby: (singing) Snow . . .

Lucy: (singing) Snow . . .

Tara: (pulled into the group; singing) Snow . . .

Jack and Sue laugh and applaud. All begin to pulll on their coats and hats.

Cut to the double doors of the school opening and the group stepping out into the snowfall. (Reminiscent of the after-show scene in "White Christmas.") They all look up and watch the snowflakes.

Jack: (smiling) It's not Wisconsin. But, it is snow.

Cut to a wider shot showing Dimitrius' pick-up truck pulled up in the road, where the team is standing. The truck's doors are open. Donna is still inside the truck. Dimitrius is walking to the back of the truck. He lets the tailgate down and pulls down a step. The team moves to get into the truck bed. Donna gets out of the cab with a pile of three blankets in her arms. She hands them out.

Donna gets back in the passenger seat as Dimeirius closes the tailgate after everyone has gotten on board. Jack and Sue are sitting together with their backs against the cab. The others are gathered around the sides of the truck bed. They are unfolding the blankets to share and getting settled.

The tailgate of the truck has a Christmas wreath on it with a large red bow. Snow is falling a little more now.

Some people who were at the show are still walking by. They wave and say "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays." Dimitrius honks the horn a little and waves to let everybody know they're getting underway. We hear a few sleigh bells in the background music.

We see everyone in the back of the truck talking and laughing, but hear only music.

In a close shot of Jack and Sue, Jack is turned a little away from Sue, talking. Sue is nodding off. When her eyes finally close for good, her head slowly falls and then she slumps over until her head is resting on Jack's shoulder. He is surprised by this. He looks over at Bobby and they laugh about it a little.

But while Bobby is looking at Jack, Lucy, sitting next to him, is nodding off herself. Soon she also is out and her head plops down on Bobby's shoulder, surprising him.

Tara sees this and her own situation suddenly dawns on her. She looks quickly at Myles, who is sitting next to her. Sure enough, Myles is nodding off as well. He has his hands folded in his lap and his head is bobbing. Tara is worried Myles is going to slump over and fall asleep on her shoulder, so she moves a little farther away from him. Myles gets more wobbly. Tara again moves a little farther away from him. Then, Tara watches, somewhat horrified, as Myles, in slow motion, falls all the way over until he's laying on his side, with his head fully in Tara's lap. Myles is totally out with exhaustion.

Tara turns to Jack and Bobby to implore their help.

Tara: (imploring) Jack!

Jack yawns and pretends to fall asleep, letting his head fall on Sue's head. Sue is still asleep with her head on his shoulder.

Tara: (imploring) Bobby!

Bobby also pretends to fall asleep. He yawns and bobs his head, finally letting his chin rest on his chest.

Tara: (incredible, pleading) Come on, guys. It's Christmas!

Cut to a shot of Dimitrius driving the truck with Donna sitting beside him in the cab. Donna glances over her left shoulder, looking out the back window of the cab at everyone in the truck bed. She smiles as she faces forward again. She snuggles closer to Dimitrius, then leans over and kisses him on the cheek.

FREEZE FRAME

THE END

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS and HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR!

***

You just finished reading Episode 4 of my Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye fan fiction, "Season 2.5." Check out these other episodes, with more on the way! Enjoy!

Episode 1 - "Missed Connections"
Episode 2 - "Ships at Sea"
Episode 3 - "Fly"
Episode 4 - "Dreaming of a White Christmas"
Episode 5 - "Without Words"
Episode 6 - "Bank on It"
Episode 7 - "Blarney"
Episode 8 - "Fame"
Episode 9 - "Viper"

Or check out the Season 2.5 Complete Episode Guide.

What's the real Sue Thomas up to? Find out!

Listen to audio clips of the music in Part 3 of this episode: Members of the AHS Marching Band play "The Air Force Song;" a quartet sings "Carol of the Bells;" Myles sings "(I'm Dreaming of a) White Christmas;" and Sue and Lucy perform to "Sisters."