Wishes

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The sleepy little town in rural North Carolina slowly came to life as the sun’s first rays peeked through the treetops. It would be a special day. This would be the day when wishes would come true. 

Sleepy thoughts and dulled senses would soon be replaced by anticipation of the day’s events. The small town of Forward had never had a celebrity to visit much less one of Cassie Carlton’s stature. But today the whole town would be abuzz as the world of entertainment focused its attention on their humble existence. 

The local cause was a young man named Jimmy Franklin. He had just turned eighteen and was soon to graduate from the local high school. When he was eight years old, he was diagnosed with chadinistis. This extremely rare condition saps the patient’s energy and stamina until they no longer are able to maintain bodily functions. It is found only in children and the lifespan is usually ten to fifteen years with no one known to live past twenty-five. There has only been one person ever cured, and scientists are clueless as to how this occurred. 

Jimmy had lived with the disease for ten years and doctors were at their wits end in trying to find a cure. Two weeks ago, the day before his eighteenth birthday, he underwent an experimental treatment in hopes of slowing the disease’s progress. Everyone knew if a cure was not found soon, Jimmy’s days were numbered. 

This affected everyone for miles around since Forward was such a small town. Everyone knew Jimmy and his family and was well aware of what was happening. The whole community had embraced him and wanted to do something special for him. 

He had always been a big fan of Cassie Carlton ever since he saw her first movie, My Universe. She was his favorite topic of conversation to anyone who would listen. A highlight in his life was when he ordered an autographed poster of her in the skimpy black negligee she made famous in The Right of Wrong. The week the poster arrived most of the town came by his house to see the happy young man. He said it was the best day of his life. 

Mayor Cubbins was moved to tears when he saw Jimmy gazing lovingly at the poster. It was at that moment the good Mayor realized the town needed to do something for their adopted son. So, with the permission of Jimmy’s parents he asked him if he could wish for anything what would it be? Without hesitation Jimmy said he wished he could spend an hour with Cassie. At the next town council meeting the board unanimously passed a resolution asking the Wish-Come-True Foundation to look at his situation and work toward granting his wish. Mayor Cubbins personally wrote the letter and actually got the lieutenant governor of the state involved in soliciting the Foundation. 

Several months went by but a letter finally came stating Ms. Carlton had agreed to come to Forward and grant Jimmy his wish. Her agent, Josh Dixon, called the Mayor the next day and worked out the arrangements for her visit. The Mayor in turn coordinated everything with Jimmy, his parents, and the whole community. 

It was now Thursday; the day Cassie Carlton was coming to town. The local media from the nearby city was en masse to cover her visit. Even the national news organizations were showing interest. This was mainly because she was nominated for an Oscar as best actress in the film Smoldering Bridges. Everyone recognized this was her best work to date and she was the leading contender for the award. 

Josh Dixon knew this would be great publicity for his aging star. This was a perfect time for her to be seen doing some charitable work as the Academy members would be receiving their ballots over the coming weekend. He wanted to make sure when they thought about voting for the year’s best actress they not only remembered Cassie’s outstanding work in the film but had fresh in their minds what a good and decent person she was to grant a dying boy’s wish. Maybe this would be just enough to push the vote in her favor over her rival for the award, the charming young prodigy, Mindy Morrows. 

Highland Avenue was a busy hive of activity as the news media parked their trucks and vans on the street. Out of respect for the Franklin family everyone stood in the street and away from the yard. Sheriff Andrew Hawkins had some of his deputies block the street to any flow through traffic. Everything was set for the visit of the Hollywood star. Sheriff Hawkins made sure of this. He could not have wished for a better opportunity to influence voters just weeks before the upcoming primary election. His chief rival for the job had asserted the Sheriff was becoming senile and was incompetent in today’s modern world. This was a great opportunity to show the entire county they could trust Sheriff Hawkins. He and his men would get the job done. 

As word spread that Cassie’s plane had landed, and she was on her way in a limousine, the news reporters swung into action. Reporter Kyle Taylor of station WXC-TV knew this was his chance to shine and bring national attention to himself. It was a wish come true and the break he had been waiting years for. The national network was going to take his feed as he reported the event. They had planned to send their own reporters but the plane had been snowed in and the flight cancelled. For the first time in his career Kyle would receive national exposure as he interviewed Jimmy and Cassie. He was well aware the impact this could have on his career and was determined to provide an interview worthy of the trust given him. If he played his cards right this could lead to the fulfillment of his wish of becoming an anchor with a major network in a New York City studio. 

So, Thursday was the day for wishes to be fulfilled. Mayor Cubbins had no special personal wish. His wishes had come true years ago as he became the richest man in the county. But he was one to take personal pride in the community he helped build. His wish was for the town of Forward to shine on this auspicious day. The publicity could only help the small town. Hopefully, this would move investors and business interests to take a closer look at what his rural hometown had to offer. Of course, with him taking the lead it would insure his legacy as the man who put Forward on the map. 

Josh Dixon’s wish was for the event to come off as planned and his client to receive the recognition that would lead to winning the Oscar. This would afford her the opportunity to climb the Hollywood status ladder even higher and make her value as an actress soar. Of course, this would mean more prestige for him, bigger commission checks, and the opportunity to add more clients to his agency. 

Cassie Carlton’s wish was to win the Oscar over Mindy Morrows. She already had good looks, money, and a list of former lead actor lovers that was the envy of Hollywood. Now was the opportunity to crush Mindy. There were few people she despised more. It was nothing Mindy had specifically done to irritate her. The young actress could not help but be cute and charming. It was the way she would smile and act so sweet whenever a camera was nearby. All the reporters could be falling all over each other to interview Cassie until Mindy walked into the room. She could be in mid-sentence when their attention would immediately turn to the adorable and charismatic star leaving Cassie all alone and stewing. The chance to rub the award in Mindy’s face would be a dream come true. 

Beth and Will Franklin, Jimmy’s parents, had only one true wish: A cure for their son. Besides that they wanted their son to enjoy his day. They both knew without a miracle he only had a few years left at the most. He had never asked for much, and it was their intent to make sure, if it was within their power, he received everything he wanted. 

Jimmy’s wish was to spend an hour alone with Cassie. This had been his wish since he was thirteen. Now, on this day, it was finally coming true. 

Breathing deeply to calm his voice and his nerves, Kyle checked one more time to make sure everything was perfect before getting the cue to speak into the microphone. A quick glance at the monitor showed his dyed black hair was still in perfect form thanks to the massive amounts of spray he had used a few minutes earlier. Smiling at the camera he made sure his lanky frame was straight and true. This was not the time for the world to see sagging shoulders. 

“This is Kyle Taylor reporting live from Forward, North Carolina. We are just minutes away from the arrival of the most important visitor to ever come to this humble community. We are standing in front of the Franklin home where Jimmy Franklin will have his wish fulfilled today. It was ten years ago he was diagnosed with chadinistis. With little hope of a cure he and his family have made his life as normal as they could. This story would only have a sad ending if it was not for the whole community coming together to grant Jimmy his one wish in life, and that is, to meet his favorite movie star, Cassie Carlton. Mayor Cubbins spearheaded the effort to get her to come here. Mayor, may I have a moment?”

“Yes, Kyle,” replied the Mayor as he beamed with pride into the camera. His portly round face with his receding hair line filled the screen as his image was transmitted to the millions of homes watching the events unfold.

“Was it difficult to get Cassie interested in fulfilling this wish?”

The Mayor straightened his tie and said, “No, not all. On behalf of everyone concerned I wrote a letter to the Wish-Come-True Foundation explaining the situation and what we would like to do. Those fine folks went to work and convinced her to come. It’s very generous on her part. Not every star would be willing to come all this way just to meet a fan.”

“Well, Mayor you can certainly take pride in what’s happening here today.”

“Thank you, Kyle,” continued the Mayor as he smiled at the thousands watching. “That’s the way we do things here in Forward. That’s what makes this a great little town.”

“Mayor, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I’ve just received word that Cassie’s limo is only five miles away. You can feel the excitement building as we get closer to the actual moment of her arrival. Back to you, Jake, in the studio.” 

In the limousine Josh Dixon was trying to remain calm as his doting star carried on her rampage. He should have been used to it by now. Sometimes she could be the most obstinate person he had ever known. At other times she was almost normal. His fingers toyed with his closely cropped beard as he listened to her ranting. He had been her manager for twenty years and she was still the same egotistical jerk she was when he first signed her. Her talent was unmatched in Hollywood, or even in the world, but so was her self-centered, all-about-me attitude. He had seen many stars and those who wanted to be, but he had never seen a star, much less a person, who was as self-absorbed as she was. 

She was older now than when he had first met her, but she still looked good. This was largely due to surgery and hair dye. He could not complain as he was convinced the breast implants she had before the making of The Right of Wrong added just the right touch when she was filmed in the skimpy black negligee that became all the rage at the time. It definitely drew attention which drew more lucrative movie offers and tripled her value. He was willing to go along for the ride all the way to the bank. Besides, the more money the more tolerable he could be of her and her conceited ways. 

Looking out the tinted window she snarled, “What’s the name of this hell hole again?”

“It’s Forward, North Carolina,” he replied as he bit his lip. “The heart of rural America.”

Cassie made a gagging sound and sneered, “Looks like inbred America. I tell you Josh, if I have to piss, I’m not using an outhouse.”

“They have indoor plumbing,” he declared as he shook his head at her ignorance. “You’re still in the civilized world.”

She laughed the throaty laugh that showed she had not completely given up cigarettes, “Hmmph, are you sure? I bet they don’t know their asses from a hole in the ground.”

“Well, for the next hour and a half they’re going to be your audience. So, put on your pretty face, smile, and make them think you’re the most awesome thing to ever grace their lives,” he encouraged as the limo made a turn onto a state highway.

“Josh, this is just bull shit, that’s all it is,” Cassie barked as she pulled down a mirror to check her makeup. She made a mental note to have her hair roots touched up before the weekend. “You couldn’t come up with something better than this? Something that I would enjoy doing?”

“What you enjoy doing is sacking up with every cute dick in Hollywood,” he snapped. “That’ll get you notice by the press but for all the wrong reasons.”

Cassie glanced at him and smiled, “Ooo, Joshy baby, are you getting pissed at little ole me?”

He looked out the window and carefully chose his words. “All I’m saying is: You need to take this seriously and do your absolute best. Your future in Hollywood depends on it. Everybody will be watching, and it can mean the difference between winning the Oscar and losing out to Mindy.”

“I ain’t losing to that little bitch,” Cassie declared. “If they give her the Oscar then I’m going to tell the whole Academy they can kiss my ass.”

“You lose to her and I’ll kick your ass,” Josh asserted as Cassie finished smoothing her makeup. She smiled and said, “Don’t worry. You know I’m a damn good actress. I know how to play my part for a dying kid.”

“You’d better give an award-winning performance,” he declared. “When the Academy members get their ballots tomorrow, I want them to be thinking how the famous Cassie Carlton was humble and caring enough to grant a boy his dying wish.”

“You’d think my performance in Smoldering Bridges would be enough,” she said as she pouted her lips to add a little more gloss. “I was fabulous in that movie.”

“Yes, you were, but no it’s not enough,” reflected Josh. “You know how political these things are. But I tell you, Cassie, you win the Oscar and the sky’s the limit.”

“Yeah, I’d like to get $20 mil for my next picture,” she declared. “I’m worth it.”

“You can do it if you win the Oscar,” smiled Josh as he reflected on how much his commission would be on that sum of money. “Listen, I was going tell you after the awards show but you might as well know now. Your name’s being bantered around for the lead in A Heart Comes Home.”

Cassie’s eyes widened with excitement, “The Francine McDowell story? Are you shittin’ me?”

“No, it’s true,” he asserted as she slammed the mirror shut. “Word has it that it’s between you and Mindy, but you win the Oscar and it’s in the bag for you.”

“Mindy’s trying for the part?” Cassie laughed. “Oh, that would be too sweet. Kick her ass at the awards and then grab a part the little bitch wants.”

“She’s in the running because some people think you’re getting too old for the lead,” he revealed.

“I’m not that old!”

“I agree, but that’s what’s being said,” Josh asserted. “So, that makes it even more important for you to come in here and wow the locals and the media. Then you can work on your acceptance speech and prepare for your next award winning performance.”

“I can do this, Josh,” she declared as she batted her eyes at him. “I’ll be the best goddamn caring actress you’ve ever seen, Joshy baby.”

“Good.”

“By the way, who is this little jerk off I’m supposed to see?” she asked as she crossed her arms in total disinterest.

“His name is Jimmy Franklin. He’s been a fan of yours ever since My Universe,” replied Josh.

“He’s not contagious is he?”

“No, it’s one of those DNA things, so don’t worry about that,” he revealed as sirens could be heard. Sheriff Hawkins had provided some of his deputies to join the motorcade as escorts.

“It probably was the inbreeding going on around here that caused it,” she sneered as she put her shoes on.

“No, it’s just one of those things,” offered Josh as he rolled his eyes in disgust at his star’s coldness. “It’s just a freak of nature.”

“How old is the little creep?”

“He just turned eighteen,” he replied. “So, you’ve got to be good to him. Boys that age can be sensitive. Besides, don’t forget, he’s dying.”

“Oh, God! I’m gonna be stuck with some pimple headed freak,” she sneered as the procession turned onto Highland Avenue. “If he turns out to be some kind of shit head, then when this is all over, I’m gonna cut your balls off.”

“Now be nice,” smiled Josh. “It’s show time.” 

The crowd cheered as the sirens died out and the limousine came to a halt. All cameras were focused on the car door as Kyle Taylor continued his reporting. “This is the moment we all have been waiting for. Ms. Cassie Carlton is about to emerge from her limo to the cheering of hundreds of adoring fans. This town has never seen anything like this.” 

The door swung open and out stepped Josh. He quickly turned and offered a hand to Cassie as she gracefully exited the vehicle. Her blonde hair swirled in the morning breeze as she smiled and waved to the crowd. Some were waving signs that read “Welcome to Forward Cassie!” A man somewhere in the back yelled “I love you, Cassie!” She blew him a kiss as Kyle approached with the Mayor. 

“Cassie, can you tell us what it feels like to be greeted by such an excited crowd? It appears you have a lot of fans here today.” Still smiling, Cassie looked directly into the camera and said, “Oh, this is one of the greatest things I have ever seen. I’m just taken aback by all these nice people and how they’ve rallied around Jimmy. It certainly touches my heart.”

Kyle pulled the Mayor to front and center and said, “Here is Mayor Cubbins. He has a few things to say to you.”

Beaming with pride the Mayor cleared his throat before beginning. “Ms. Carlton on behalf of the good people of the town of Forward I want to welcome ya’ll to our small community. We know you are a busy person and could have easily declined our request. I think it says a lot about your character to be willing to come all this way just to spend an hour with one of your fans.”

Cassie shook the Mayor’s hand and then kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Mayor and everyone for such a warm welcome. Of course, to me Jimmy is not just a fan. He’s special. When I heard about his condition, and how his one wish was to meet me, I told my agent Josh to do whatever it took to make sure we could come here today. I can think of nothing more important.”

Kyle worked his way to where he could ask another question. “What do you plan to do during the hour you spend with Jimmy?”

Batting her eyes to emphasize the tenderness of the moment she replied, “Well, I’m very interested in how he’s doing and what he thinks about all this great support he’s been receiving. The time we spend together is his time. If nothing else, I’d be willing just to hold his hand if it would bring any comfort to him.”

Mayor Cubbins gently touched Cassie’s arm and offered, “If ya’ll allow me, I’ll escort you inside so you can meet Jimmy and his parents.”

“Why, thank you Mayor. You’re truly a southern gentleman.” The crowd parted so Cassie, the Mayor and Josh could make their way into the Franklin home. 

The Mayor introduced the visitors to Jimmy’s parents. They were a middle-aged couple who looked older due to the emotional strain they had endured over the past few years. After some small talk Josh asked, “Where’s Jimmy?”

Beth Franklin replied, “He’s in his room.” Will added, “He’s somewhat shy.”

Mayor Cubbins looked a little frustrated and blurted out, “Why, he needs to come out here. These fine folks have come all the way from Hollywood, California just to see him. I believe it just wouldn’t be hospitable to lock himself away in his room.”

Josh, realizing the importance of not causing any problems, offered a solution, “That’s perfectly fine. If he wants to stay in his room then Cassie will join him and they can have the hour alone together.”

The Mayor asked, “Are you sure that is okay with you Ms. Carlton?”

She smiled through clinched teeth and replied, “Whatever would make Jimmy happy is fine with me.”

Beth hugged her and said, “You certainly are a wonderful person. I understand now why Jimmy has been so taken with you.”

Trying to maintain her composure Cassie declared, “Oh, it’s the least I can do.”

“We do want to thank you for your kindness,” offered Will.

Cassie smiled at him and said, “Think nothing of it. Josh, may I see you for a moment?” 

Josh was well aware of the look she was giving him. He had seen it many times over the years whenever she had wanted to kill him. “If you will excuse us,” he said as he and Cassie stepped toward Jimmy’s room.

In a hush tone she angrily said, “What the hell are you doing? I’m not going in there by myself much less spend the entire hour alone with him!”

“Oh, yes you are,” declared a determined Josh. “You’re not going to cause a scene.”

“I’ll be damned if I do,” she muttered back.

“Okay, you go ahead and make a ruckus over this,” he said as he felt his anger rising. “You screw this up and the press outside will have a field day. Not only will you kiss the Oscar goodbye, but you’ll be flushing your career down the toilet. Is that what you want?”

Cassie stared at him long and hard. Finally, she snapped, “Okay, I’ll do it. But don’t you go anywhere. I’m gonna kill you when this is over.” 

Josh returned to the Mayor and Jimmy’s parents as Cassie knocked on the bedroom door. The Mayor asked Josh “Is everything all right?”

“Oh, sure,” he replied as he smiled the biggest smile he could. “She just wanted to remind me of something she needed to do after we leave here. That’s all.” 

Jimmy opened his door and said “Hello.” Cassie smiled and held out her hand, “Hi, Jimmy. I’m Cassie Carlton.”

He shook her hand and invited her in. After he closed the door behind her she looked around his room. It was the typical teenager room with a TV, computer and posters hanging on the wall. There on the back of the door was her poster from The Right of Wrong. She still liked the sultry way she looked in the negligee. No one would ever know how much the picture had been touched up to reflect just the right image. 

Jimmy looked to be a normal teenager. He had curly brown locks and a freckled face. Cassie thought he looked harmless enough. She decided that if she played the big sister routine maybe the hour would go by fast and she could get out of town without needing a cigarette and stiff drink. Besides, she thought he was cute in a plain and homely way.

“So, you like my picture?” she asked.

“Yep, I like that one,” he replied as he flopped down on the bed.

“That’s from my movie The Right of Wrong,” she offered as she found herself still admiring the poster.

“I know,” he said as he kept his eyes on her.

“What part of the movie did you like?” she asked as she turned to look at him.

“The whole movie was okay,” he said.

“Is there a particular scene I did that you really liked?” she continued.

“No, not really,” he replied.

“You don’t talk much, do you?” she asked as she smiled her famous Hollywood smile.

“Nope.”

“Well, I thought you were such a big fan of mine,” she mused.

“I am,” he said as he dropped his head with a hint of embarrassment.

“So, you don’t really like my movies that much, you just like me,” she said with building annoyance.

“Yep,” he offered as he started to stare at her again.

“Well, then, Jimmy why would you make all this big to-do about wishing to meet me if you don’t care for my acting?” she asked as she felt resentment and bitterness welling up inside her over his snooty attitude.

“I wanted to see you,” he replied.

“Well, if that’s all there is, then here I am,” she said as she did a mocked pose for him. “Well, what do you think?”

He stared at her for a moment and then blurted out, “I wanta touch your tits and fuck ya.”

She looked at him in disbelief. “You what?!?”

“I said I wanta touch…”

“I know what you said you little pervert!” she yelled as she interrupted him. “Who the hell do you think you are?!?”

Ignoring her outburst he calmly opened a drawer on the nightstand. “I’ve got some condoms. They’re multicolored.”

“I don’t care what you’ve got!” she continued yelling. “You think I came all this way just so you could get laid? I wouldn’t let you screw me if you used somebody else’s dick!”

He just stared at her and muttered, “Oh.”

“I’m leaving! You can fuck yourself!!” she declared as she went to the door and opened it. 

Josh saw the door open and the look on Cassie’s face. Without the others in the room seeing, he motioned for her to go back into the room. She gave him a look that begged for him to get her out of there. He drew his hand across his throat and shook his fist at her. “Don’t you dare screw this up!” he mouthed. She gave him her best pleading puppy dog look. Ignoring her protest, he pointed to the room and between clenched teeth muttered, “Get back in there!!” She gave him the finger and closed the door. After gathering herself and taking a deep breath, she turned to look at Jimmy. He smiled at her. 

Kyle Taylor waited for the signal to start his broadcast. Looking at the camera he said, “We’re here in Forward waiting for Cassie Carlton to emerge from her meeting with Jimmy Franklin, the adopted son of so many in this community. It has been about an hour since their scheduled meeting, and we expect them to appear momentarily.” 

The bedroom door opened, and Cassie came stomping out followed by Jimmy. Beth hugged her son and asked, “Did you have a good time?” He replied “Yep” as Cassie grabbed Josh’s arm and pushed him outside. As everyone headed outside to the waiting crowd and reporters the phone in the living room rang. Will told his wife he would answer it and for her and Jimmy to go on outside. 

Cassie was doing her best to go directly to the limousine, but Kyle stopped her for an interview. He smiled at her and asked, “Doesn’t it give you a warm feeling inside to know you’ve done a good deed?” Josh pinched her arm so she would answer, “Uh, yes, it was quite an experience.”

Kyle continued, “And Jimmy, let me ask you, was it hard when you finally met the woman of your dreams?” He smiled and replied, “Well, not too hard.”

Turning back to Cassie he asked, “What will you be taking with you from this encounter?” She bit her lip and said, “More than I ever imagined.”

Kyle turned to Jimmy and sympathetically offered, “I hope this didn’t take too much out of you. Why don’t you give Cassie a hug to show your appreciation for her effort here today?”

Before Cassie could say “That won’t be necessary” Jimmy grabbed her and kissed her on the lips. Away from the cameras his left hand reached for her breast. Kyle laughed and spoke to the camera, “Whoa, that’s the way it should be. Two people from two different worlds getting to know each other.” 

The cheering of the crowd was interrupted by a shriek of disbelief from Beth as Will whispered in her ear. She came running to her son and hugged him with all her might. They were joined by Will as Kyle approached to investigate the cause. Will yelled, “Our son, he’s not going to die!” Kyle motioned for the camera to keep rolling. “Did I hear you right? Is Jimmy cured?” Catching his breath, Will shouted, “He’s in remission. His doctor just called and said the test from the other week showed a mark decrease in the disease’s progression. It’s not a cure but it’s the next best thing!” 

Cassie looked a Josh. “He’s not dying?!?” she muttered under her breath. He weakly smiled and said, “It appears so.” 

Kyle continued his reporting, “Wow! This has been a day to remember. Miracles have happened. Young Jimmy’s wish of meeting his favorite actress has come true. And then, beyond that, his parent’s wish for their son to be cured of his terminal illness is well on its way to being granted. What a day! Cassie, could you have imagined all this happening when you first agreed to come here? Isn’t this wonderful?”

She just stared at him as she tried to control the anger that was making her tremble. Josh quickly spoke for her, “Yes, it is. We’re speechless.” 

While the crowd cheered and celebrated the good news Josh ushered Cassie into the limo.  Everyone waved as it started down the street escorted by Sheriff Hawkins’ deputies. No one could see through the tinted windows and no one noticed how the vehicle rocked back and forth as it turned off of Highland Avenue. Inside Josh was frantically blocking the assault of Cassie as she tried to get her hands around his neck. “He’s not dying!” she yelled as she desperately kept trying to punch him in the face and kick him in the groin. “I let the bastard fuck me and he’s not even dying!!” 

The sun hung high in the sky as the crowd dispersed and the camera crew’s vans rolled away from the rural town of Forward. It had been a day when wishes had come true. Mayor Cubbins was pleased. His wish for his town to shine and be noticed as a community that cares had been granted. Sheriff Hawkins was pleased with the response of his deputies and how his coordinated effort had come off like clockwork. He felt sure his wish of being reelected would be realized. Kyle Taylor was completely satisfied with his reporting. He knew he had been noticed by the national media. His wish had come true. He was more determined than ever to follow his dream and do everything possible to become a news anchor for a national network. 

Will and Beth Franklin’s wish for their son had come true. Not only did he meet his favorite movie star but now there was the distinct possibility he could lead a normal and long life. They were thrilled beyond belief. 

And last, but not least, Jimmy’s wish had come true. It was a day he would never forget. 

However, Cassie’s wish to win the award for best actress did not happen. The next day when the Academy voters received their ballots the media was abuzz with the news of Mindy Morrow surviving a plane crash in Africa. She had been on her way to a third world country to help deliver medical supplies and moral support to an orphanage. The image of the adorable young actress with her arm in a cast was splashed across the headlines around the world. She received enough sympathy votes to give her the Oscar for best actress. At the awards show Cassie smiled and did her best to hide her disappointment. The next day she fired Josh. 

Mindy immediately hired him to be part of her team. He delivered the starring role for her in A Heart Comes Home. She was paid $20 million for the part, and it led to her second Oscar for best actress. As for Cassie, at least her wish to be in the movie was granted. She was given the role of Mindy’s mother. 

THE END

Copyright ©2010 by Jerry W. Crews