Epilogue

Clara painted another layer of cherry red lipstick on her lips as she pouted into the mirror.

''Clara, post is here!''

Annette, one of the backstage workers shouted as she threw a stack of envelopes onto a chest of drawers just inside her room.

Clara stood from her seat and expertly walked to the drawers in her high heels. She was in character, the main star of the theatre. It was all thanks to Rose. Even though she missed her best friend, she had to admit her career had soared because of it. Over the last seven months she had been on magazine covers and had even taken a small part in a film. Hollywood wasn't calling, yet…but it would…

She fingered through the mail, most of it was written by fans and she stashed it away to read later. A postcard caught her attention and she turned it over to see the familiar handwriting of Rose.

She smiled, sitting back at her vanity unit and taking a cigarette from the case which sat at her desk. She lit a match and began to smoke. She inhaled deeply, she had been awaiting word from Rose for some time.

My dearest Clara,

I am so happy to hear you are now the star of the show! I knew you would make it someday! I am sorry I couldn't be there to see it for myself but rest assured as soon as you're the star of your own movie I will be at the theatre watching it at the front row.

As for me, I have started teaching language at a small school here in England. We kept wondering around the country until we settled just outside of London in Suffolk. It is such a small cosy village with not many people but I find having a home is actually what I wanted after all. Jack has been doing odd jobs and then he recently starting volunteering at the school teaching art. There is talk of pay soon which will be very handy as running the house on one salary is hard. He sends his love.

I also became Mrs. Dawson just last month. We finally got married! Although, it feels no different to be referred to as 'Mrs' is rather grown up.

I do hope you can visit sometime. I enjoyed the ship journey over here, something I never thought I would say. Perhaps one Christmas you and Steve could come see us. The snow is wonderful, very much like New York.

I must say goodbye. Find the time to write back soon. I very much look forward to your letters.

All my love,

Rose.

Clara placed the postcard beside her perfume bottle. She finished her cigarette and stamped it out in the ashtray.

''Clara, you're on in three. Remember, tonight is the night Mr. Bigshot movie director is here!''

Nerves bubbled in the pit of her stomach. Tonight, was her night. She could feel it. One last glance in the mirror assured her she had never looked better and beneath the nervous exterior, she knew she was a great actress who was deserving of good things.