All the characters in this story except Katherine Singer, Vivian Singer, Peter Comstock, Jessica Comstock, John Comstock and Thomas Barnes, Anne Barnes, and Will Barnes belong to Rupert Holmes and a certain nameless television channel. This is just a fanfiction, and no copyright infringement is intended. Italics denotes memories
September 1943
"Scott, I had such a good time tonight," Betty said.
"Me too, Betty." They kissed goodnight. She walked into her apartment and closed the door. He walked away with a sadness in his heart. He knew that he might never see her again. Several hours later he got to her door and placed a note in her mailbox. He almost knocked, but decided not to. He placed the note in her mailbox and walked away. October 1954
Scott Sherwood sat on a train bound for Los Angeles with his head in a newspaper. The conductor shouted "Last stop, Los Angeles."
Scott got off the train and began to walk into the station. He heard someone call his name. "Uncle Scott, Uncle Scott!"
He turned around to see his 9 year old nephew, Will, running toward him. Scott put his bags down and hugged Will. "Hey, Will how are you?"
“Fine,” Will replied.
“Where are your parents?” Scott asked.
“They're coming."
Scott heard a female voice say “Hey, little brother”. Scott turned around to hug his sister, Anne, and to shake hands with his brother-in-law, Thomas.
“So, Scott, how was the train?” Thomas asked.
“Okay,” Scott replied. Then Scott realized that he was hungry. “Where can we get something to eat? I'm starved."
“We can stop at the diner on the way home,” Anne replied.
“So, Will tell me about this school play of yours,” Scott asked.
Will was about to tell Scott when his mother said “Will, tell Uncle Scott about your play at dinner." They walked out of the train station and to the car.
Two nights later was the school play. Thomas dropped Will off at the school early so he could get ready. An hour later Scott, Anne and Thomas arrived at the school. They got to their seats just as the lights were dimming. During the middle of the show a girl came out to sing. She had a pretty voice and reminded him of someone he once knew. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind. After the show he asked Thomas who that girl was. “Oh, tha'ts Jessica Comstock. Her mother is a writer on "Life With Hilary" and her father was killed in Korea," he explained.
“I knew a Victor Comstock once. Don’t know what happened to him. Haven’t seen him in a long time”.
Scott heard a male voice calling him. He turned around to see Jeff Singer. “Scott Sherwood, what are you doing here?” he asked.
“My nephew was in the play. This is my sister Anne Barnes and her husband Thomas. This is Jeff Singer, an old colleague of mine."
Scott heard another familiar voice. “Jeffrey, where are the girls? Did they run off again?”
“How are you doing, Hilary? Scott asked.
“Fine, and you, Scott?”
“I'm fine,” he replied. “Hilary Booth, this is my sister and brother-in-law, Thomas and Anne Barnes."
“It's nice to meet you Miss Booth. We're both big fans of your show."
“Thank you” she replied.
Hilary felt a tug on her on her dress. “Mom, Dad, where are Jessie and Katie? We want to get ice cream before the shop gets too crowded,” Vivian Singer asked. “Mom went to get them and she told us to wait with you and Uncle Jeff."
“Scott, this is my younger daughter, Vivian, and Betty’s boys, Peter and John."
“Kids, this Scott Sherwood, an old friend of ours”.
Scott suddenly heard the most familiar voice of all. “Aunt Betty, how do you think we did?” the young girl asked.
“You both did very well," she replied.
“Mom, do you think that Dad would be proud?” another young girl asked.
“I think that he would have been proud of both of you tonight."
“Hi Mom, hi Dad” the dark haired girl said.
“Katie, Jessie Im so proud of both of you!" Hilary beamed.
“Hello, Betty” Scott said.
“Hi Scott," Betty whispered.
“How are you, Scott?” she asked.
“Fine. And you?" he replied.
“Fine,” she replied.
“Well, I think that we should get going. It's getting late,” said Scott.
“It was nice meeting all of you,” Thomas said.
When they got to the car, Anne asked “Scott, how do you know all of them?"
“Do you remember that radio station in Pittsburgh that I worked in for a few years?"
“Yes."
“Betty was the writer and Hilary and Jeff were the principle actors."
“Oh, ok. Scott, Thomas and I are going to bed. Do you need anything before we go?"
He was about to say no, but then asked her for the phone book. She told him that it was next to the phone and went to bed.
The next day Scott looked up in the phone book and found Betty’s number. He decided to wait until he knew that she would be home. About 5:30 he decided to call. He dialed the number and the phone rang.
A young voice said “Hello."
“Can I speak to Betty Comstock, please?"
“Just a second."
“Can I speak to Betty Sherwood please?” Scott asked.
“Hang on a second. Mom, phone for you."
Scott heard Betty say in the background “Peter, help John set the table. Jessi, check the fish." “Hello,” Betty said into the phone.
“Betty,it's Scott."
"Oh, hi Scott," she replied.
“I just wanted to apologize about the other day if I embarrassed you."
“That's okay Scott,” she replied.
“Listen, I was wondering if you wanted to have coffee sometime. Ya know, just to talk about old times."
“I’d like that Scott, but I really can't talk now. Dinner is almost ready and then I have to help the kids with their homework. Can we talk another time?"
“Sure, Betty, not a problem,” Scott said.
“Anyway, call me when you want to do something," Betty said.
“O.K. Betty, good night."
"Good night, Scott."
“Mom who was on the phone?” Jessica asked.
Before Betty could answer, John said “I know who that was. That was Scott Sherwood, the man who was staring at you during the play."
“Scott Sherwood is an old friend. He worked with me and daddy during the war. That's all."
“I think that he looks like Rock Hudson,” Jessica sighed.
She and Peter started to giggle. “I suggest that the three of you stop talking and start eating the delicious fish that your sister made."
Later that night, after the kids went to bed, Betty was reading. She stopped reading at looked at the picture of her and Victor on their wedding day. “Victor, why did you have to go to Korea and get yourself killed? Scott, why did you have to come back now?" she thought to herself. Then she shut the light and went to bed.
A few days later Hilary walked into Betty’s office with a smug look on her face. “Betty, I would never have thought that your Jessica would be a blabber mouth. I heard that a certain former station manager/con artist who we both know very well called you."
“Hilary, where did you hear that?" Betty asked.
“Let's just say I love children when they talk, especially when they talk about their parents."
"Hilary, are you saying that Jessie told Katie and Katie told you?” Betty asked. Hilary just continued to smirk.
"First of all, Hilary, Scott and are old friends. Whatever romantic relationship we had disappeared long ago. Second of all, Jessie is just having a childish dream. Third of all, why would I bring a new person into the family when the kids are finally getting settled? Peter never knew his father and the older ones miss Victor so much. When I look at John, all I see is Victor. Why would I bring Scott into the family when the kids and I are very much settled? Fourth of all, I don't have the time for a relationship."
“Uh huh," Hilary replied with the same smirk on her face.
“Miss Booth, you are needed on the set," a voice in the speaker said.
"I think you're rationalizing and I also think that whatever you had with Scotty still exists somewhere in you. Betty, I've known you too long and I know you too well," Hilary said. With that she walked out of Betty’s office and headed to the set.
Later that night, while the kids were doing their homework, Betty pulled a box out of her closet. In it were her most personal items that even Victor didn’t see. In the jumble of papers was an old letter. It was the letter that Scott had put in her mailbox all those years ago. As she opened the envelope and began to read the letter all the memories began to come back.
The moment was broken when she heard Peter calling her. Betty put the letter back in the box and put the box back in the closet. Later that night, after the kids went to bed, she again pulled out the box and pulled out the letter. The pain was as fresh as it was all those years ago. Although the original tears had dried, the pain was still there. Betty pulled the letter out of the envelope and began to read it.
My dearest Betty,
If you are reading this letter than I am out of Pittsburgh. I am sorry if I hurt you. I just have stuff that I have to take care of. I don't want to bring you or the rest of the staff into it. You can run the station, I am confident of that. Victor hopefully will be back soon to help you. Know that I will always love you. Never forget me.
Yours, Scott Sherwood.
Betty began to feel tears coming when she heard Jessie say “Mom, are you okay?”.
“I'm fine, baby. What are you doing up at this hour?"
"I can't sleep. Can I stay with you for a little while?"
“Sure, climb up."
"Mom, what's in the box?" Jesse asked.
“Oh, just stuff," Betty replied. Betty got out of bed, put the box in the closet and shut the light.
A few days later Betty got a call from the security guard that there was a man to see her at the gate. Before she could walk to the gate, Jeff walked into her office with Scott.
“Scott, what are you doing here?" Betty asked.
“I was hoping to see you today. Jeff saw me at the gate and let me in," Scott explained.
“Thanks, Jeff," Betty said.
“No problem," Jeff replied and walked out.
“So, Betty would like to go to lunch? I noticed a diner a few blocks from here," Scott said.
“Scott, I can't, I have work to finish. If you like you can get a tour of the studio and see Hilary and Jeff in rehearsal."
“Sure,” Scott replied.
“Tim," Betty called. “
"Yes, Mrs. Comstock?" Tim asked.
“This is an old friend, Scott Sherwood. Please give him a tour of the studio. I should be done in about 40 minutes." Tim and Scott walked out of Betty’s office.
A little while later Scott walked into Betty’s office. “Ready to go?” Scott asked.
“Yes,” Betty replied. They walked out of the building and headed toward Scott’s car.
“Nice car,” Betty said.
“Thank, it's a rental,” Scott admitted.
They drove to a diner a few blocks from the studio. After they sat down and ordered their food Scott asked “So, Betty, what have you been doing since WENN?”
"You mean, since you left?"
"Yup," Scott replied. There was an awkward silence between them.
"Well I worked at WENN until it closed, married Victor, had my kids and have been working as the writer on "Life With Hilary". You?"
"You know me," Scott said. “I'll do anything to make a buck. After the war ended, I did a lot of different jobs. I worked at a construction site. I managed a movie theater or a few years. I've done a few voice overs and a few small acting jobs."
“Oh," Betty replied. Again there was an awkward silence. The silence was broken by the waitress bringing them their food.
"Scott, I have something to tell you. It's about us. I just want you to know how I feel about you. Whatever we had or might have had is gone. You’ve changed and I've changed. We both have separate lives. I just want to be friends."
“It's okay, Betty. I wasn’t planning to have a relationship with you or anybody. Heck, I didn’t know that you were living out here. I just came out to see Will in the school play and to look for a job."
“That's a relief," Betty said. "Have you spoken to Maple?"
"A few times. I see her every few years. She was in Chicago last time I saw her. She was doing voice overs and had a few bit parts in local radio shows. Nothing too big."
"Okay. Scott, I need to get back to the studio."
“Sure, Betty, let me pay the check and we'll go," Scott said. When they got the studio gate, Betty thanked Scott and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She walked into the gate and waved goodbye. “Well Scotty boy, you did it," Scott said to himself.
A few days later Scott called Betty to ask her out again. They went out several times in the next few weeks. Betty kept telling herself that they were just going out as friends, but she found herself falling in love with him all over again. Every time they went out Scott also couldn’t help himself. Betty was just as beautiful and intelligent as she was all those years ago. Scott knew what he had to do. He had gotten a job as an actor at a local theater and he had found an apartment. One day after work he went into a jewelry shop and bought necklace that he knew that she would like. He also got tickets for Betty and her children to see the show. On their date the next night he planned to give her the necklace and the tickets.
After dinner the next night they took a walk to the beach. They sat down on a bench and he took the box out of his pocket. “Betty, I have something to give you," Scott said, and handed her the box.
Betty opened the box, saw the necklace, and smiled. “Scott, the necklace is beautiful."
“Thanks. I knew you would like it." As he put it on her, his hand touched the back of her neck, and she felt a tingling go through her back.
"What are these tickets for?" she asked.
“They're for you and your kids. I want to meet them. Knowing you, they must be great," Scott said. The next thing Scott knew, Betty was kissing him. He kissed her back. A little while later when Scott dropped her off at her house, Betty felt different. It was as if she was a school girl again and she had a case of puppy love. But it wasn’t puppy love and she knew it. When she got into the house she paid the baby-sitter, checked on the kids and went to bed.
The next night at dinner Betty said "Kids, I have a surprise for you. I got tickets to the theater. Scott got them for us. He wants to meet you guys."
"Is this the same Scott Sherwood who you have been going out with these past few weeks?” John asked.
“Yes, why?" Betty asked.
“Because I don't like him. You're gonna marry him and forget about Dad!" John said and ran into the living room.
Betty got up from the table and told Jessica and Peter to follow her. Betty sat down next to John. “John, there is no way in a million years that I will forget your dad. We had a special relationship. We had you, Jessie, and Peter. Scott understands that if we marry, that he will never take your dad place in your heart. You know what? Every time I look at you three, all I can see is Victor, especially in you, John. I promise that if I marry any man I will check with you guys before I say yes, because right now, you three are the most important people in my life."
“Okay” John said with a sulk on his face.
"Mom, do you think that Scott will like us?" Peter asked.
“I think so,” Betty said. They all walked out of the living room and back into the dining room.
The next Friday night, Betty and the kids were getting ready to go to the theater. Betty was almost done getting ready when she heard Peter yell “Mom, we're ready!"
“I'll be there in a second!" Betty replied. She checked her appearance one last time and walked out of the room.
A little while later they got to the theater and got to their seats. Before the show started, Betty pointed out the picture of Scott to the kids. The play went by fast. After the show the four of them walked to the stage door to meet Scott. After a few minutes of waiting Betty heard her name being called. Scott walked over to them, gave Betty a light kiss on the lips and Betty kissed him back. John rolled his eyes and Jessi and Peter giggled.
“So,” Scott said, "these must be the kids that I've heard so much about. You must John, young man," he added. “Betty was right. You look exactly like your dad. This must be Jessica. You know, you are like your mother. And this little man here must be Peter," Scott said. All three kids said hi at the same time.
"Anyway," Betty broke in, "I'm hungry. Scott, kids, are you hungry?"
All four nodded. “There is a diner a few blocks from here," Scott said.
When they got to the diner, they sat down and a waiter came over to take the order. “Hey, Mr. Sherwood, how are ya doing?" the waiter asked.
“I'm doing fine, Henry. Do me a favor. These are my guests. Get them anything they want."
“Sure thing, Mr. Sherwood,” Henry said.
“Mr. Sherwood, how do you know that man?” Peter asked.
“First of all, Peter, call me Scott. I came here everyday during rehearsal for lunch."
“Okay," the boy replied. Dinner flew by fast. A little while later, Betty kissed Scott goodbye and got into the car.
When they got home the kids and Betty went to bed. Betty started dreaming. In her dream Victor came to her. He told her that he understand about Scott and told her it was okay. He also told her that he would always watch over them. Then he disappeared. Then Victor appeared to the kids in their dreams. He told them that it was O.K. for their mom to love Scott. He also told them that it was O.K. with him and he always knew that Scott was the right man for Betty. He also told them that Scott would take care of them and Betty and he told them that he was always watching over them. Then he disappeared.
The next morning John said to Betty, "You know what, Mom? Jessie, Pete and I have been talking. We have decided that we like Scott. If you want to marry him, then its okay with us."
"John, you mean it?” Betty asked.
"Yup," John said.
“Come here, you!" Betty said, and hugged her son.
A few weeks later Scott proposed and Betty accepted. A few months later at the church, the priest said "Do you, Scott, take Betty as your wife?"
"I do," Scott said.
”Do you, Betty, take Scott as your husband?” the priest asked.
"I do," Betty said.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." They kissed and the guests cheered.
The next year in the hospital the doctor said “Push, Mrs. Sherwood, you're almost done." A second later the baby came out. The baby was cleaned and the doctor called Scott into the delivery room.
"Congratulations, Mr. Sherwood, you have a daughter," the doctor said.
Scott kissed his wife and his new daughter. “Betty, what should we name her?"
. “How about Anna Louisa?"
“Perfect name," said Scott. Scott and Betty kissed.
The end
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