Some Time Next Year

Some Time Next Year
by Pat C

It's the night of the Cedars Ball - New Year's Eve - and Holly gets back to the Journal after a late meeting just in time to see Fletcher barring the door of her office to prevent two men from removing her desk.

Holly: What's going on here?

Mover: We're trying to make room for . . .

Fletcher: These guys think they're taking this desk

Mover: (ignoring Fletcher and looking at Holly) Are you Ms. Lindsey?

Holly: Yes . . .

Mover: Then this is your desk, right?

Holly: Yes . . .

Mover: Well, if you want your new desk in here we're gonna have to get this old one out and this guy doesn't want to cooperate.

Holly: Can I see the new desk?

Mover: Sure. Right this way.

He leads her out to the hall where Holly is not surprised to see the desk she fell in love with at Dotty's last week.

Mover: Is that the right one?

Holly: Oh, yeah . . . that's the one all right.

As Holly flashes back to the kiss on the desk with Roger, we cut to Roger and Leo at the costume shop.

Leo: I thought you already had your costume, Rog.

Roger: Wrong. I have your costume, Leo.

Leo: My costume? But, Roger, you didn't have to do that . . . I never expected . . . well, you're a real prince . . .

Roger: Don't bother sucking up, Leo. I'm not doing this for you. This is about what you're going to do for me.

Leo: Oh, anything, Rog. You know I'm always here for you . . . but . . .

Roger begins browsing through the costumes, only half listening to Leo.

Roger: It occurred to me that it just might suit my needs to conceal my identity during the evening. (Turns to Leo) . . . and should that need . . . arise, we wouldn't want my little wife to worry, now would we?

Leo: No . . . of course . . . your dear wife . . .

Roger looks at Leo with irritation and cuts him short by strolling off to another rack of costumes. We cut to Holly at the Journal. She notices an envelope taped to the top of the desk, with her name on it. She quickly grabs it and stuffs it into her pocket, just as Fletcher rushes by on his way to cover a story.

Fletcher: I'll meet you at the ball.

Holly: But you don't know what I'll be wearing!

Fletcher: Sure I do. You're Little Bo Peep' and I'm your sheep. They're gonna deliver the costumes here so I can change when I get back. See you later.

Fletcher leaves and Holly stares after him, her mouth dropping open in stunned disbelief.

Holly: Little Bo Peep? (She throws her things down on Nick's desk) I'll be damned if I'm going to parade around in front of all of Springfield dressed like a shepherd . . .

Holly picks up the nearest phone, dialing quickly.

Holly: (mutters to herself) I'll give them a peep, all right . . . but it won't be of Little Bo . . . (speaks into the phone) Yes. What do you have left for tonight. . . for a woman? Good. I'll take both of them. You're making a delivery to the Journal. . . just send them along with the others. Yes, send them all. And make sure it's billed to Mr. Reade. Yeah, that's right. . . he's the one who's going as a farm animal.

We cut to Roger in the costume shop. He overhears the clerk on the phone with Holly.

Clerk: Yes, Ms. Lindsey. We'll deliver them within the hour. That's the Cleopatra costume and the Helen of Troy. Both excellent choices!

As he hangs up, Roger approaches him.

Roger: Do you have anything left in the way of. . . oh say. . . Caesar . . . or perhaps one of the other Roman Emperors?

Cut to Holly as she hangs up the phone. She turns to the nearby mirror and brushes her bangs down over her forehead, then grabs some eyeliner from her purse and begins experimenting. She notices the movers looking at her with amusement.

Holly: Well, what are you staring at? Get those desks moved. . . I've got a lot to do in the next hour and it doesn't include being your entertainment for the evening. . .

Cut to Roger and Leo leaving the shop. Roger is carrying a costume.

Roger: I'm going to have to start out the evening in my original costume, so why don't you take this one and we can trade off when we get there.

Leo: Well, of course you know I'd do anything to help, Rog. . . but don't you think this is risky. . .

Roger: Exactly why we're doing this, Leo. I think our lives have gotten much too tame lately. . . It's been over a year since the snake caper. . .

Leo: Uh. . . well. . .

Roger: (handing him a watch) Keep this with you at all times. And don't lose it.

Leo: What's this?

Roger: This is what you're going to use to gather evidence, Leo. . . evidence of my wife's indiscretions this evening. . . it's a camera.

Leo: I see. . . uh. . . by the way Rog. . . what will I be . . . uh . . . dressed as tonight?

Roger: A werewolf. . .

We cut to Holly at the Journal.

Holly: (to herself) Well, maybe Fletcher's planning to change here, but if I'm going out for the evening, I've got to have a shower first!

As she's getting ready to leave with her costume, the cleaning woman enters.

Holly: Happy New Year, Margaret. Got any plans for tonight?

Margaret: Oh, my brother's an orderly at the hospital so he got me an invitation to this ball, but I can't afford a costume.

Holly: Well, I just happen to have an extra one - it's all yours.

Holly hands her the "Little Bo Peep" costume, and she's suitably thrilled. Holly leaves, basking in the warm glow of the cleaning woman's appreciation, (not to mention her amusement at Fletcher's probable confusion) and resolves to do a similar charitable act at least once a week in the coming year.

We cut to the Cedar's Ball, where Roger and Dinah are just arriving, successfully disguising their identities as a werewolf and a vampire, respectively.

Dinah: Roger, it was so clever of you to suggest these costumes! This will really show people that we don't care what they think of us.

Roger: Anything to make you happy, my sweet! (He spots Leo across the room in his Nero costume.) Do you think your friend Marcus is here?

Dinah: Oh, you're right! He was supposed to get out on bail today.

Roger: Maybe we should mingle for a while. After all, that's what these things are all about - making contacts.

Dinah: Okay. But don't stay away too long.

Roger: Oh, don't worry. I don't plan to let you out of my sight for a moment.

Roger kisses her briefly and nonchalantly makes his way to Leo's side of the room, signaling him to follow him out of the main ballroom.

Shortly after they leave by the side door, a tall, slim, dark-haired woman arrives alone. She pauses at the top of the stairs to observe the crowd, before descending into the ballroom. The lights reflecting off of her long, gold, sequin-covered, gown, attract the attention of everyone in the room. All eyes are on her as she descends the stairs. Blake walks over to her and gives her a hug.

Blake: Mom you look gorgeous! Gold is definitely your color. Does this mean I've got my real Mom back, at last?

Holly: What do you mean?

Blake: Well, you've always been such a party person, but you've hardly been anywhere for months! I thought maybe you'd left town. (Sees Holly's frown and gives her another hug) I just mean I missed ya, Mom, that's all.

Holly: Well, I'd like to be able to say you've got your real Mom back, but you know, honey. . . it's not something I can control. It's surprising how disabling a pregnancy can be, really. . .

Blake: Yeah.. really! I may have to rethink this baby thing myself. Seeing what it's done to you. . . Hey, Mom, maybe you could be the next poster girl for Planned Parenthood!

As Holly and Blake laugh about this, Blake notices the man dressed as Nero walking by and greets him.

Blake: Hi, Leo. (To Holly) Hmm.. I never noticed what nice legs Leo has!

Holly: Mmmm. . . but not as nice as Ross's I'll bet. What's he wearing?

Blake: No, definitely not as nice as Ross's, and since I'm supposed to be a 1920's flapper, he came as Elliot Ness.

Holly: Good! I may want to borrow his gun, later, if I catch sight of a certain wooly looking journalist.

Blake: (laughing) I'll warn Ross to keep you away from the gun. But really! I don't blame you for the impulse to kill him. Little Bo Peep? What is he thinking?

Holly: Oh, I doubt he was thinking about me at all. He just so enjoys playing the little lost lamb. . .

Blake: Well, there's a certain Fifi dog who's getting ready to pounce on my little lost lamb, so I'd better go rescue him.

Blake notices Leo standing nearby and leads him over to Holly.

Blake: No sense in you two waiting for your dates alone. Why don't you dance?

She joins their hands together and heads determinedly towards Ross and Amanda.

Holly: I can see you're not in a dancing mood, Leo, so why don't we. . .

Leo immediately takes her in his arms and they begin to dance. Leo is unusually silent so Holly tries to make conversation.

Holly: Actually, it's fortunate that I ran into you, Leo. . . I mean, Cleopatra certainly couldn't dance with anyone but a Roman Emperor, now could she? (She's encouraged by his quiet laugh from behind the mask) Which one are you? (He doesn't answer) Oh, let me guess! Caesar? (He shakes his head and she frowns) Oh, heck. . . . well, then. . . Caligula? Oh, please tell me you're not Caligula! (He quickly shakes his head). . . hmmm. . . .well, it's gotta be Nero because that's the only other roman I can think of . . . (he nods) . . . oh, good. Nero wasn't so bad . . . if only he'd stayed away from fiddles and matches. . .

Holly's beginning to feel like this conversation is getting way too one-sided.

Holly: So who's your date for tonight? (Leo points to his throat and shakes his head). Oh, you have laryngitis? Oh, I understand, believe me. I had that a month ago and the only way I got rid of it was by not talking for a week - and I know how frustrating that can be . . . I'm still making up for lost time, so excuse me if I talk too much but I guess I'm just enjoying having you as a captive audience, and one who doesn't feel the need to get in a few words of his own. (Holly pulls back slightly and gives Leo the once-over) Actually, Leo, I must tell you that in addition to being a charming conversationalist, you're an excellent dancer! You'd make a great catch for some lucky woman. I've often wondered why you've never married? (Leo shrugs his shoulders and Holly pats him on the cheek) . . . and modest too! My. . . there's just no end to your good qualities, Leo!

Suddenly Holly takes Leo's hand and pulls him behind a group of tall potted plants decorating the edges of the dance floor. She's doubled over with laughter and trying to hide behind him while at the same time trying to get a good view of the dance floor. Leo turns in the direction she's pointing in time to see a man dressed in a sheep's costume walk up behind a woman and put his arms around her. The woman screams, turns and slaps him in the face. Her date looks like he's getting ready to attack the sheep as well, but the sheep appears to be apologizing profusely and soon beats a hasty retreat out the door. Holly's still trying to remain inconspicuous and contain her laughter, but with little success. Leo shrugs, and she remembers that he doesn't realize that was Fletcher.

Holly: That sheep was my date. (This thought sets her off once again and she collapses against him in laughter) Actually. . . ha ha ha. . . that costume was. . . ha ha ha. . . quite flattering . . . ha ha ha ha . . . don't you think?

At this point Leo starts laughing too and they are holding onto each other for support. Leo's laughter soon turns into coughing, and Holly pulls away, her laughter changing to concern.

Holly: Oh, Leo, I'm sorry. . . I know this isn't good for your throat. . . are you okay? (He puts his hand to his throat). Here, let me get you some water. . . I'll be right back.

As she walks away, the werewolf approaches Nero.

Leo: Look, Roger, we gotta switch back now . . . this isn't working. . .

Roger: Did you get any pictures?

Leo: No. And there aren't going to be any pictures. That wife of yours won't leave me alone. Geez, Rog. . . she's so needy. . . how do you stand it?

Roger: Well, now you know how important this is. We've got to get this evidence. . .

Leo: Sure, and who's the hot babe you've been making time with? (He studies Holly who is standing at the bar) Wait a minute. . . that's not. . .

Roger: None other. . . but don't get too excited. This all happened by accident. . . she doesn't even know who I am.

Leo: What? Oh, Roger, this is not good. She's going to be so mad when she finds out. . .

Roger: Well, it's not my fault. I sent her a note today telling her I'd be coming as a roman. I guess she never read it! At first I thought she was just playing along for fun. By the time I realized she really didn't know who I was, I didn't know how to tell her without spoiling her evening.

Leo: Who does she think. . . ? Me? She thinks you're me?

Roger: Yes she does. And you'll be happy to know that she seems to be quite fond of you, Leo! Just exactly how close did the two of you get back then when you were dating?

Leo: Dating? No. . . we went out a few times . . . it was never serious. . . at least not on her part. . . I assure you, Roger. . .

Roger: Okay. . . forget it. I believe you. Actually I'm enjoying this little masquerade, and I'd like to prolong it a bit. So why don't you go hide out for a while until Dinah starts going after Hart. I'll let you know when it's safe to come out again.

As Leo walks away, Holly returns carrying drinks.

Holly: Here, this should help. And I ran into Ed and he gave me these (she hands him some throat lozenges). You'll feel better in no time. (She watches as he takes a drink and puts a lozenge in his mouth) Better? (He nods) Good. Feel like dancing again?

He takes her hand and they walk to the dance floor.

Holly: You know, (she looks up at him with a smile) I'm kind of glad your date never showed up, because if Fletcher ever gets back I don't think he's going to be in any mood for dancing.

They finish the rest of the dance in silence, just enjoying the movement and the music. They maintain this state of relaxed contentment for the next two or three dances. But a few minutes into the next dance, another man cuts in and Holly doesn't see Nero again for the next several hours. Nevertheless, she's kept pretty busy on the dance floor for the rest of the evening.

Having danced with most of the men at the ball, she decides that Nero was by far the best dancer and shortly before midnight she begins searching the room, hoping to get at least one more dance with him. At five of twelve she feels a tap on her shoulder and turns to see her favorite dancing partner. She goes into his arms and they move around the dance floor as if they've been dancing together all their lives.

When the dance ends, the band begins the countdown to midnight. As the crowd erupts into cries of "Happy New Year" and everyone around them is kissing, Holly and Nero just stare at each other, not sure what to do.

Finally, Holly smiles and says, "Happy New Year. . . " she lifts up the bottom of his mask and kisses him on the cheek, then walks away. Suddenly she turns back to him with a smile and adds, ". . . Roger."

-The End -