Janet's Quest

Scene Fifty-eight...The Performance Time: Evening, Saturday, July 20, 1946 Place: Miami Auditorium Storyteller: Janet "Front row seats!" I can't believe our good fortune. "Nothing but the best for you," replies Doc Sasser. Madame "C" is sitting between Doc and me. She squeezes my hand and smiles at him. The program answers my question. Nancy is playing Odile. What's come over me? I'm actually happy for her. Sergey and Anna are exquisite together...can't imagine any other Siegfred and Odette," I whisper to Madame. "You'll be the White Swan someday," she assures me. It's Act III...almost the end of the Black Swan pas de deux. Odile starts to spin. I count...thirty-two fouettes! Hooray! I clap for Nancy. After the final bows, applause, and flowers, the Brodskys walk down to personally speak with me. I hug her and shake his hand. "That was inspirational. May I return to your school?"

Scene Fifty-nine...At the Barre Time: Afternoon, Saturday, July 27, 1946 Place: Ballet school Storyteller: Janet It feels so good to be back in the Plymouth, headed to a ballet lesson, wind blowing my hair. In class, everyone is nice except Nancy. I make a point of complimenting her on the thirty-two fouettes. Life's too short to bicker. Boy, the accident has turned me around. We warm up at the barre. Anna makes me stay there when the other students move to centre practice. No pointe shoes and no fifth position either. Nothing remotely challenging. I have a long way to go.

Scene Sixty...The Fall Time: Afternoon, Saturday, August 3, 1946 Place: Ballet school Storyteller: Janet "She has a long way to go," says Sergey to his wife as I open the door. A few minutes later Anna begins. "En croix." In the shape of a cross. I go from fourth position front, to second, to fourth position back. Then I fall! My right leg is weak. The entire class runs to me, even Nancy. Sergey makes them return to centre. Slowly I stand at the barre. Pupils and teachers stare, while holding their breath. Sergey tells Anna to teach me strength exercises. Then he says something in French before continuing to instruct the students. Mistress says, "Adagio, for the next week." She is telling me to exercise at a slow pace. "Eleve," she says. I rise onto the balls of my feet. "Plie and then releve," says Anna. I go from a demi-plie to the balls of my feet. These will strengthen legs, ankles, and feet. "Battle

Scene Sixth-one...Honeymoon Time: Afternoon, Friday, August 9, 1946 Place: William's boat Storyteller: Janet "Tom's ear looks completely healed. I can hardly see the scar. He's letting me pet it. Where's William?" "Boxing. The three of us did a good job on that cat." Betty is giving me credit for doing nothing. She's such a kind person. Wonder if I can talk her into taking me with them? "You know I've been to Bimini, but never to the Bahamas. Please take me along? I'll be good as gold." "Are you crazy? This is our honeymoon!" "Belated honeymoon. How did the both of you manage to get time off work anyway?" "Doc called all over Georgia. Hired doctors and nurses. He even talked Daddy into letting Maria work at the hospital part time. You still need her, but not full time." "What about Tom?" "Sal loves him. We'll sail at dawn tomorrow." "Pretty please?

Scene Sixth-two...More Ballet Time: Afternoon, Saturday, August 10, 1946 Place: Ballet school Storyteller: Janet Dance, that's what I need...not the Bahamas. More ballet lessons...maybe Brodskys will agree to let me join their Tuesday adult class...if I act very mature. It will only be til school starts; school really takes a toll on my Rockettes career. "Janet, pay attention. You missed a step." Anna caught me day dreaming. "Echappe," she says. We do an escaping or slipping movement to the second or fourth position. Feet go from closed to open. Both move equal distance from the beginning spot. Class is finally over. I bring up the adult lessons to Anna, hoping she'll make an exception for me. "Okay, give it a try. See you Tuesday." She waves goodbye. Would love to go for a dip, but don't want people gawking at my bruise. My Bermuda shorts will cover it. The water is knee deep. I scan for sharks. Someone says "Hi.&q

Scene Sixty-three...The Singer Time: Night, Saturday, August 10, 1946 Place: "The Coral Breeze" nightclub Storyteller: Victoria (This is Connie Jane speaking. Please treat yourself to Ava Gardner's rendition of the classic song, "Bill". It will put you in the mood to meet the one and only Victoria.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCsYSS6ddT4 Storyteller: Victoria "Think I'm gonna like The Breeze." I say to Steve. "How long you been tending bar?" "My entire life, but only been here a couple of years. How long you been singing?" "My entire life...and I better do that right now or Jake will fire me." I smile, turn, and flirt my way up to the stage. People are clapping. I adjust the microphone. "Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. Thank you. How about a Dinah Shore favorite?" Clapping gets louder; some whistles. "How many of you know a special man named Bill?" Hands go up;

Scene Sixth-four...Unlike Him # 2 Time: After ballet, Tuesday, August 13, 1946 Place: The Million dollar Pier Storyteller: Janet "Bye Anna." I wave and leave my first adult dance lesson. What a nice group of ladies. No shenanigans. Mom should try it. William says dance is great exercise for diabetes. I meander by the Corsair Hotel, where the Brodskys live. What more could a couple without children want? Art Deco, private bath, elegant, walk-in closet, solarium, private beach. It's first in line on the south, next to the park. I'm in the park now...thick coconut palms and a bandstand in the middle. A dance floor and stage, with plenty of folding chairs. No wonder Anna raves about the free, live music, a few nights a week. Following the path from the park, I see the concrete Million Dollar Pier jut several hundred yards out into the ocean. I walk to the end. There are restrooms and a smaller bandstand. The roofed seating area is a good place to prop up my

Scene Sixth-five...Medical issues #1 Time: 6:00 PM, Saturday, August 17, 1946 Place: Sal's Seafood Storyteller: Victoria "What a great idea, Paul. We'll have plenty of time to eat before I have to be at work." "Too bad my sister and her husband are out of town. They live close by and I'd like you to meet them." "Betty, you mean?" "Yea, you'll have more in common with her than the baby. Oh, but you and Janet both dance." "How's she doing, since the accident?" "Keeps busy dancing. We're all in shock. She's so driven." The waitress wants our drink order. Paul tells Gail my usual, gin and tonic. He's a "Bud" man. "Wish I knew more about football, since you played it. We only went to one 'Bears' game." "Wow. They're the champs now. How about baseball?" "My husband took me to several 'Cubs' games. We didn't live far fro

Scene Sixty-six...Unlike Him #3 Time: After ballet, Tuesday, August 20, 1946 Place: The Million Dollar Pier Storyteller: Janet "Janet, your right leg seems stronger already, but don't overdo it," warns Anna. Class is dismissed a few minutes early. Think I'll take Mom's advice. She keeps talking about the gold and silver glitter pasted on lobby walls of "The Calvert". I head down Ocean Drive to take a peek. The small, family hotel is a block from Pier Park. I enter through a pink door, pretending to be a tenant. I sniff the pink roses in a pink vase before exiting through another pink door. According to the brochure, Mrs. Mitnick, the owner, provides pink ceiling fans, refrigerators, beds, and sheets! Mom always has been a sucker for pink, ever since her "Dogwood Queen" days. Let's see what's happening on the pier. Hopefully no shark sightings; they give me the creeps. On my way, I buy a bagel. From the pier, I see a shi

Scene Sixty-seven...Unlike Him #4 Time: After ballet, Tuesday, August 27, 1946 Place: The Million Dollar Pier Storyteller: Janet "Anna, I'm so sad. Next Monday is Labor Day. And next Tuesday is school." She gives me a hug and says, "This isn't goodbye. See you Saturday." I walk briskly to the pier and pull out my binoculars. There's the Hudson. Silver. Navy. This is not like my dad. He's addicted! I cling to the railing and face east. The ocean. "William, please hurry home. Otherwise I'll have to pour my heart out to Paul. Do you hear me? Come home!" My voice travels across the warm water. People are staring. I better stop talking to someone in the Bahamas.

Scene Sixty-eight...Bill Time: Night, Friday, August 30, 1946 Place: The Breeze Storyteller: Victoria The taffy is melting in my mouth; it's slightly sweet, but salty caramel. "Boo!" Paul sneaks up, gives me a kiss, and sits down. "How can you eat candy with gin and tonic?" "Remember, I worked at 'James Original Salt Water Taffy.' It's an old habit." I kiss him back. He looks serious again. "I haven't wanted to pry, but may I ask a question?" "Shoot." "Was your husband's name 'Bill?'" "No, his name was Jimmy. Bill was my fiance, killed in WWII. My father was killed in WWI." "No, stop. You've been through too much heartache. How do you stand the memories?" "Think about the happy times, like when I met Bill." "Go on." He squeezes my hand. "It was June. Hot. Umbrellas dotted the wide beach. I was only fifteen, sunbathing on

Scene sixty-nine...Medical issues #2 Time: 6:00 PM, Saturday, September 7, 1946 Place: Sal's Seafood Storyteller: Victoria "I'll pay the bill tonight. You're a college student." "A college student with a job. Don't insult me." "If you insist. This seafood platter is delicious. I should try different foods more often." "How about a Budweiser?" "Not that different." We laugh and click our glasses. "Victoria, I told you my sister is a doctor." "Yes...I'm not sick." "She'll be back from the Bahamas soon. Would you feel comfortable talking to a woman about that medical issue?" "Oh, the ovary. I was afraid to bring up the rest of that story." Paul turns white but replies, "You can tell me anything." "Remember the surgeon said I might not be able to have kids?" "Yes, which is why I recommended Betty." "You need to

Scene Seventy...New Dress Time: Night, Friday, September 13, 1946 Place: The Breeze Storyteller: Victoria "Oh, no, no, no. See the back of that giant up there talking to Steve?" Paul says. "Brownish-gray hair? 220?" "That's my dad." "And he's coming our way. Smile." "What a surprise to see you, Paul. Introduce me to your beautiful friend." "Dad, this is Victoria Marconi. She sings here. Victoria, this is my father, Harry Robertson." "Miss Marconi, what will you be singing tonight?" "Mood Indigo, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, My Man, and of course, The Breeze and I." "Wonderful songs." Harry approves. Paul excuses himself and walks toward the men's room. "Mr. Robertson, Paul told me you asked him to join your law firm, but he turned you down. What could he be thinking? Maybe it's shell shock from the war." "Call me Harry. I keep hoping he comes

Scene Seventy-one...Welcome Home Time: Evening, Sunday, September 15, 1946 Place: Robertson's dining roo m Storyteller: Janet Victoria isn't here yet, but I hate her. Everybody knows Paul is supposed to marry Doris, my best friend. "Ding, dong." I run to the front door. There she is with a scrubbed face. Where did she find that frumpy dress? "Come in. I'm Janet. Everyone's in the dining room." "Nice to finally meet you," says Vicky. "Victoria, this is my mom, Mrs. Robertson...Betty and William...and you know my dad and Paul. Let's eat." Paul is obviously smitten. Why doesn't he see her for the little gold digger that she is? He probably thinks she loves him for his personality. And Betty is even worse. "Victoria, it broke my heart to hear about your fiance and husband. If you ever need to talk about it, I'd be happy to listen." I bet she's lying about both men. Dad should have her f

Scene Seventy-two...The Fib Time: Evening, Sunday, September 15, 1946 Place: Robertson's powder room Storyteller: Janet Vicky's drink must have gone down the wrong pipe. She can't stop choking. Her face is wet with tears. Paul gets to her first. He bangs on her back. Betty tells him to stop it and get away. Finally Vicky is breathing normally. William pronounces her okay. Paul returns to her side. "Let's go to the powder room," I say. "You need to fix your face." She follows me upstairs and reapplies a little make-up. I plop down in the hall chairs. "Want to relax for a few minutes?" She sits, then asks more nosy questions. "Yes, actually Paul has had a steady girlfriend since high school." I fib. "Doris goes to U.M. and is working tonight." "Really? He's never mentioned her," she says. "That's a man for you. Doris and Paul enlisted together. That's quite a bond. T

Scene Seventy-three...Guy talk Time: Evening, Sunday, September 15, 1946 Place: Robertson's patio Storyteller: William Paul says, "Sam died at Midway...Jonah is buried at Normandy. Doris was awarded the Purple Heart. And I come home without a scratch. It doesn't seem right...not right at all." I add, "How do you think I feel, with all the death I've witnessed?" Harry's turn. "What about me? Didn't even enlist. Talk about guilt. I confessed to a priest and I'm not even Catholic." "And he confessed back to you." I point out. "I'm so proud of our Doris. I'd like to adopt her, but I'm hoping Paul will wise up and marry her after law school." "So now you're picking my career and my wife, Dad?" Paul is shaking his head. He looks mad.

Scene Seventy-four...Bill Again Time: Evening, Sunday, September 15, 1946 Place: Robertson's patio Storyteller: Janet Vicky and I join the men's table. Paul looks mad as heck. "Speaking of careers, Janet, have you picked a college yet? How about U.M. for undergraduate like Betty? That would thrill your mother." "Remember Dad, I'm going to New York City to become a Rockette. Then Vicky shocks me into submission. "You're so lucky. I quit growing at 5'4", too short for Rockettes. At least I can sing." "You sure can. Let's hear 'Just My Bill.'" Paul practically begs. Dad echoes his request. "Please, Victoria. I haven't heard you yet." "If you insist." Vicky is blushing, or is it too much rouge? "Along came Bill, an ordinary guy..." The men are eating it up and she knows it. The women hear her melancholy voice. Betty and Mom join us. "But along came Bill,

Scene Seventy-five...Vivien Time: After dark, Monday, September 16, 1946 Place: William's boat Storyteller: Vivien I give the boat a once over. It's definitely Bill's. In my purse is a .38 revolver. I knock on the door. "Victoria...come in." Betty says cheerfully. William stands and extends his hand. I refuse it and look him in the eye. "You killed Bill." Betty gasps. "No, Vivien. You killed Bill." Betty drops onto the sofa. "You're Vivien Winters. I figured it out in the middle of that beautiful song," says William, "but I didn't kill him." "Then how did you get his boat?" "He gave it to me because he was dying." "So he's dead?" "He's M.I.A. under my name, Moses Smith. Sit down, Vivien. Would you like a drink?" "Gin and tonic." Betty mixes three. "Did Bill write you about training me to function as a doctor?" "

Scene Seventy-six...The Mob Time: After dark, Monday, September 16, 1946 Place: William's boat and dock Storyteller: William "Guess I'll have to do some jail time," I say. "You most certainly will not! We'll talk to Daddy in the morning." "He might decide I belong in jail." "Do you seriously think he would allow the man who saved his daughter's life...and married his other daughter...go to jail? And the entire Rotary Club knowing about it? Ha!" There's a knock on the door. I peek out the window to see if Vivien is back. Nope. A large man, possibly Italian. "Betty, I'm going outside for a few minutes. Stay put." I step out. "Is Vivien Marconi home?" The voice has a Chicago accent. "No, my wife and I live here." "I saw her go through that door." He points. "You must have dozed off, because she left." "What's her address?" "I'

PART IV...Scene Seventy-seven...P.I. Report Time: 8:00 AM, Tuesday, September 17, 1946 Place: Harry's home office Storyteller: William We wake up to a peachy-pink sunrise and twiddle our thumbs until Betty decides it's time to face her father. "Thank you for seeing us before work, Daddy." She gives him a kiss. "No problem. What's up?" Harry's at his desk. Betty and I are in the client's chairs, facing him. Lucy's at my feet. The dog must sense that I need her for moral support this morning. I get it over with...the bizarre identity switch story. Harry didn't interrupt. He looks at Betty. "Did you learn this before or after the marriage?" "Before." "I trust your judgment. How can I help?" My wife explains Vivien's blackmail threat. I add the part about the gangster. Harry erupts in a belly laugh. "Don't worry about Vivien. Early August the bartender at 'The Breeze'

Scene Seventy-eight...High Noon Time: 12:00 N, Tuesday, September 17, 1946 Place: Harry's home office Storyteller: Vivien I call Harry's firm. The secretary says he's working at home today. "Would you like to make an appointment for tomorrow?" she asks. "No, thanks. Click." So here I am, on Robertson's front porch. Hope nobody's home except Harry. Oh, here comes Lois, wearing a blue artist smock. Darn, that mean dog is with her.  "Hi Victoria. Come in. Forget something the other evening? Stop growling, Lucy." "No, Mrs. Robertson. I have an appointment with your husband." "It must be about your singing career. Follow me." Lois taps on the door. "Harry, your appointment is here." "Thank you, Darling. Now go back to that landscape. Sorry to interrupt." "Please shut the door, Victoria. Take a seat." Why isn't he surprised to see me without an appointment? He ha

Scene Seventy-nine...Confidence Time: Afternoon, Saturday, September 21, 1946 Place: Ballet school Storyteller: Janet Rumor has it, Vicky and Dad had a "pow wow" recently. Maybe he paid her to leave town? Well, it's too beautiful a day to dwell on that woman. Miami weather is convertible weather. I'm half way across the bay, hair in a bun for ballet, but a few strands are blowing wild. I'll tidy up before class begins. My confidence soars through warm ups. The Tuesday lessons were exactly what I needed to help strengthen my right leg. Of course Maria's P.T. and Madame's Tap and Jazz deserve credit, too. "Bourree," says Anna. Oh, good. I do little quick steps in fifth position releve. After Labor Day, Sergey said I could dance in fifth again. My weight shifts from one foot to the other. I travel in several directions. Class is over. They want to speak with me. Sergey says, "We suggest you try out for 'The Nutcracker."

Scene Eighty...The Nutcracker Time: Afternoon, Saturday, September 28, 1946 Place: The Million Dollar Pier Storyteller: Janet No sign of rain, but it could surprise me. Nancy and I are walking toward the pier after "The Nutcracker" auditions. "Clara is such a great character. Her transition from a girl into a woman...I love the way she comes of age," says Nancy. Hummm. Just when things are going so well between the two of us, my friend wants to be Clara. Thank goodness she doesn't know that half the students tried out for that role, including me. "Let's get a bagel before walking the pier." I change the subject to something less controversial. Bagels in hand, we approach Joe's restaurant. I'll be darn, Dad walks out. He blushes, but heads our direction. "Janet, who is your pretty friend?" "Nancy, this is my dad, Mr. Robertson." "Pleased to meet you, sir." "What are you girls doing ove

Scene Eighty-one...I'm telling Betty Time: After school, Tuesday, October 1, 1946 Place: William's boat Storyteller: Janet "You need to hear this story. Thankfully Betty is working," I say. "What's in the bag?" He changes the subject. "Avocados from Mom's tree...but more importantly, remember I took adult ballet classes on three Tuesday's while you were honeymooning?" "Yes. They helped strengthen your right leg." "Thanks to school, I've been too busy to tell you the bad part. The Hudson was in the Kennel Club lot all three times." "You're not allowed there! It's not safe!" "I wasn't THERE. I was safe and sound on the PIER, looking through binoculars. And before you kill me, Nancy and I saw him leave Joe's on Saturday. Guess where he was parked?" "They're only a couple of blocks apart, Janet." "If I see Dad or the Hudson at the dog track

Scene Eighty-Two...The Kennel Club #5 Time: Lunch hour, Wednesday, October 2, 1946 Place: Harry's law office Storyteller: William Mr. Robertson doesn't want Betty to pop in on us at the boat, so he asked me to come to his law office. "Harry, I've been covering for you since May, but Janet is suspicious and worried. She said, and this is a quote, 'If I see Dad or the Hudson at the dog track again, I'm telling Betty.'" "Lord, she can't do that. Betty will tell Lois and I can't lose my wife." "William, did Betty tell you about Easter of '27?" "No. That was a generation ago." "It's yesterday to me." Harry's eyes turn to the window. "I'm in Miami. The family is in Ardmore. Betty's Grandma Allen takes her shopping for an Easter outfit in Philly. Paul, only two, is napping. Lois washes her hair. She steps out to check the mail. The door slams and locks her out. She isn&

Scene Eighty- three...Let's Move Time: Evening, Friday, October 4, 1946 Place: William's boat Storyteller: William "Let's get out of this town. Since Janet's accident, we've been getting way too much publicity." I look at Betty. "I know. I know." "People treat me like I'm 'Superman'. I just want to be Clark Kent." "Yes, this is far too risky." "I want to be a boring research scientist, not a surgeon." "We need to move. I'll be the doctor. You'll publish your findings," Betty agrees. "What about Janet?" I ask the obvious. "That girl's a miracle. She has Maria, Madame, Brodskys. Daddy will buy her additional help if she needs it. She'll miss us, but be fine." "So how about telling the folks tomorrow night at their anniversary party?" I suggest. "Okay, but be sure to call it their Church Wedding Celebration," Betty remi

Scene Eighty-four...Lucy Time: Evening, Saturday, October 5, 1946 Place: Robertson's Storyteller: Janet "Happy Church Wedding!" William gives Mom a kiss and Dad a handshake. "Thank you. Let's have champagne before dinner. Paul, go get it." "Betty, do you want to tell them?" William asks. "Go ahead, William." "For heaven's sake. Are you pregnant?" I want to know immediately. "No! Whatever gave you that idea?" Betty sounds sure. "Because you're married." "We're moving." William can't wait any longer. Mom says, "We left our parents and moved to Florida. How can I criticize you?" "Where are you going?" I ask. "Nice, France," Betty answers. Dad looks dizzy. He sways. Sits down. We all notice. Lucy runs to him. We all run to him. Lucy whimpers. We all talk at once. Betty shouts, "Please. Everyone except William, back up. Pa

Scene Eighty-five...Lifestyle Changes Time: Afternoon, Sunday, October 6, 1946 Place: Viridian Hospital Storyteller: Janet Lucy is sleeping beside Dad's bed. Mom appears white and frozen in the corner. "Paul, stop pacing. You're driving me nuts." I've lost all patience. Doris is checking Dad's pulse. Her face is dry, but tear stained. "Betty, don't you have work to do? Like finding Dad's test results?" I ask. Doc Sasser walks in, all smiles. "It wasn't a heart attack." The room erupts in cheer. Lucy wakes up, looking confused. "But you do have early signs of heart disease," continues Doc. "High blood pressure, ankles swollen, shortness of breath." Everybody is subdued again. "You're going to have to make some lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, especially those Camels. Switch from deep fried foods to grilled. Work less overtime; better yet, retire." "Betty will tel

Scene Eighty-six...Clara Time: Afternoon, Saturday, October 12, 1946 Place: Ballet School Storyteller: Janet What a relief.  Mom told me not to quit. I better pay attention to Brodskys. They're holding hands, asking for quiet. "Competition for 'The Nutcracker' has been fierce," says Sergey. "Robert, come up here." The tall boy blushes and moves forward. "As you know, I usually play the part of the prince, but... Robert, your dance technique has improved so much since 'Swan Lake', you deserve to be the male lead in our Christmas performance." Everybody claps and some whistle. "Anya, would you like to announce who will play the beautiful Clara?" "Certainly. Nancy, come here..."

Scene Eighty-seven...Sugarplum Fairy Time: Afternoon, Saturday, October 19, 1946 Place: Ballet school Storyteller: Janet I drive east across the bay, still trying to figure our my true feelings. Last week it was disappointing when Brodskys gave Nancy the role of Clara. But now she won't be throwing rocks at the Plymouth; that's good news for Paul. Why am I even thinking about this childish stuff? Two weeks ago Dad almost had a heart attack...and today, I'm alive and walking and dancing. The war is over; all is well. Just as Anna asked, I'm early for class. She looks excited...and anxious to chat. "We picked you for the 'Sugarplum Fairy' character!" "But you always dance that part. It's the most challenging." "It requires artistic and technical skill at a high level. You are ready, Janet." "This is every girl's dream come true. Thank you for the opportunity." Mistress adds, "We thought it wi