Limelight
Epilogue
By: Karisma
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Alt, Romance
www.geocities.com/karismafanfic
Karisma456@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimers Apply
May 2001

     Serena Eddington walked down a red carpet with a tall man in a tuxedo by
her side. Smiling for the plethora of cameras and reporters, she looked around
the eddying circles of mingling stars to find the couple she was looking for.
While she craned her neck, cameras flashed, taking in her ice blue gown. The
small straps held up a tight bodice that skimmed down to her hips and then
flared out slightly. The unique trademark about the designer dress was the
abnormally long scarf of the same color and light material that she wore around
her neck whose two ends trailed behind her.
     Her hair had been simply styled, half of it pulled back with a diamond clip
and the rest left in loose waves and curls.
     Spotting them, she led the handsome man next to her to greet her husband.
Turning, Darien saw his wife walking toward him with Andrew near her. Mina
Kinsleyshe opted to keep her name after marrying Andrew Clarkesmiled up at her
husband and easily switched places with her sister, kissing the blond man
happily.
     Darien followed suit and leaned down to greet his wife properly. Bulbs
flashed and Serena smiled against Dariens lips before they pulled apart.
     Well, enjoy this night, Darien. Mina said as the foursome walked into the
large building where the award show would be held. Itll be the last time
youre nominated for best actor. Soon youll just sit behind a chair. She
shuddered at the thought and Darien laughed.
     Ill consider it a blessing.
     I still cant believe you decided to switch to directing. Andrew shook
his head admiringly. Never would have imagined you as a director type.
     Hey! Serena protested, linking her arm through her husbands. She stroked
his cheek teasing. Just because hes a pretty boy doesnt mean he cant do
anything but look nice!
     But of course! Mina admonished. He also has to sit prettily too! She
flopped down on a chair elegantly, straightening her dress. She was modeling a
gown for an unknown designer, hoping to give her some public recognition. Panels
of black velvet fell from a single, diamond studded clip on her left shoulder
and went straight to her feet, leaving her other shoulder and arm bare.
     Ha-ha, Mina. Darien said dryly, sitting next to his wife in a comfortable
chair after pulling hers out for her.
     But, seriously. Mina wiggled to look at him. You deserve this Oscar and
itll be sad to see a great actor like you leave.
     He smiled gratefully and turned back to his wife. She looked at him
uneasily. If you dont get this award, youll get plenty more once your new
movie comes out.
     Darien looked at her, his heart bursting at the agitation she was feeling
trying to reassure him. I know, he said, kissing her nose lightly.
     The night went on and the emcee made many barbs about actors, movies, and
directors, some of which were directed to the foursome, particularly with the
shocking news that Mina Kinsley had a twin. The media had bee astounded and for
weeks, the tabloids covered nothing else but the great love swap the twins had
made. Of course, Serena and Andrew had never been an item, but it made a great
headline nonetheless. However, only the four knew the truth about how the twin
switch had been pulled off. The public had no idea that both the Kinsley twins
were in the movie nominated for best film of the year.
     The three most coveted awards were saved for last and Serena whispered
something to her husband and then slipped out, positive that the cameras were
not focused on her at this time. She quietly went backstage to change and heard
the two announcers call out the nominated for best actress, among the names was
Mina Kinsley for Only You.
     She held her breath, tying on the gold strap of her sandals to her ankle.
And the Oscar goes to the man paused, letting his female partner tell America
the name.
     Mina Kinsley for Only You!
     The applause was shattering as Mina got up, kissed her husband and Darien,
and strode elegantly to the front, her black velvet gown swishing by her heeled
feet. She accepted the golden award and turned to the large audience, a genuine
smile breaking on her face. Some how, it doesnt seem real yet, she laughed,
holding up the Oscar. Well, the crew and cast behind Only You, I share this
with youwithout you this entire project would have never been possible. To
Darien, who is a friend as well as a brother-in-law. To Andrew, my loving
husband whom I adore. To my late parents who I know are smiling down at me even
though they cant be here. She smiled again, her eyes shining with a fine cloud
of mist. But most of all, to my sisterwhose courage and gentle strength never
ceases to amaze or inspire me. Serena, this is for you. I love you. She turned
to leave the stage, applause behind her, before coming back to the mike. Oh,
but Sere. Everyone knows I m the pretty one! And then she left, the audience
tittering and clapping wildly.
     Serena stood back stage, her own eyes clouding with sentimental tears.
Galvanized into action by the quiet whisper of the stage manager, she smiled
brightly and walked onto the stage, her gold sheath dress sparkling with every
step.
     She stepped up to the mike her sister had surrendered and smiled dryly.
Im Serenajust in case you all were confused. Winking at the audience, she
uttered one more statement before starting her speech. And Mina, everybody
knows Im the pretty oneI mean, who got stood up on prom night again? Waiting
for the laughing to subside, she looked straight ahead and read off the
scrolling screen perfectly, telling the prestige of such an award and giving a
brief history. After reading the nominees, she paused dramatically, relishing in
the pregnant silence. And the Oscar goes to she cracked the seal and kept her
face blank as she read.  Darien Eddington for Only You!
     The camera focused on Darien while he shook hands with Andrew and Nigel.
The backdrop behind Serena changed to show a silenced clip of him giving one of
the serious monologues that helped him win the award. He accepted the trophy
from his wife, pausing to kiss her on the cheek. Wow, he said, looking down at
the golden man in his hand. Laughing lightly, he looked up. Like Mina said, the
cast and crew were indispensable in this pictureNigel and Elainewe all love
you guys. I share this with you. To my wifeSerenawho helped me in my decision
to turn to directing. Her support has meant everything. He held out his hand
for her and she came, blushing at the sentimental noises that emitted from the
crowd as he kissed her deeply. And finally for to the Academyfor making my
last acting film a memorable one. With one last smile to the audience, he left
the stage, his arm around his wifes shoulders.
     The movie also bagged the best film of the year, causing Nigel to cry and
hold his wife Elaine tightly while she patted his back in exasperation.
     Elaine came up to her once in the wild excitement of the all night party.
If you ever think of acting, Serena, well be here.
     Serena shifted uneasily, I just dont think its my forte. She laughed
lightly, diverting her gaze from Elaines keen gaze.
     Really? I have an award that says we couldnt have done it without you.
The older woman embraced the younger one, shocking Serena with the realization
that she and Nigel knew. Then Elaine had winked and was whisked off to dance
with her still misty husband.
     When the night and morning had come, the cast party over and done with,
Serena and Darien went home, too exited to sleep.
     Oh! I almost forgot! Serena leapt up, her bare feet barely making a sound
on the crme carpet. Darien watched her go, admiring the way her gown hugged
her. When she came back, she was holding something behind her, grinning broadly.
She had taken the confining clip out, letting waves of soft blonde hair frame
her face like a halo. She looked down at his resting form on the couch, her eyes
glittering wondrously.
     What? He said lazily, lifting his arm to capture her free hand.
     Well, she began dramatically. Im not sure if its as good as an Oscar,
but
     Serena, he said warningly, his gaze not leaving her face once to look at
the gold trophy he had dropped haphazardly by his discarded jacket in his haste
to carry her over the threshold.
      She sighed the breath of a martyr. Fine. The glint returned to her eyes
as she shoved a dozen roses out to him, Congratulations, Mr. Eddington. Were
pregnant!
     He stared at her shining face for a moment before pulling her to him,
crushing the flowers between them. He kissed her hungrily, tangling his hands in
her fragrant hair. When the doorbell rang, he groaned, his lips never stilling
on her neck. Dont answer it, he commanded, his voice trying unsuccessfully to
sound menacing.
     I have to, Serena giggled as he hit a particularly sensitive spot behind
her ear. Its probably Mina.
     If were quiet, maybe shell go away. He whispered, tugging at the strap
of her dress.
     She knows were here, remember. We told her at the party. Sitting up on
the couch, she straightened her tousled hair and dress and stood up, smiling at
the bereft expression on his face. Ill be back. She promised.
     She winded down the long corridor to the front door and sure enough as she
opened it, she sawher reflection.
     Hello, Mina.
     Hi. Mina denied the offer to come in, tactfully noting her sisters
rumpled appearance. This will just take a second. She pulled out her award. I
want you to have this.
     What? Serena gasped, not reaching out for the proffered Oscar.
     Please, Serena. Mina implored, pushing it out to her. You deserve it,
The Academy didnt know it, but you finished Only You and you deserve this. Her
tone turned lighter. And besides, Ill get a couple more in the future.
     Serena laughed and took the gift, her smile watery as she pulled her sister
in for a hug. Thank you. She whispered when the pulled apart.
     No, Serena. Mina said, her face the picture of contentment. Thank you.
     The meaning was clear and Serena nodded, watching Mina squeeze her hand and
the gracefully declined down the steps to her stretch limo where her husband was
waiting for her.
     Serena shut the door and walked through her warm home, in search for her
own husband.
     I was just about to send a search party. Dariens voice greeted her in
their bedroom, a bottle of chilled cider in his hand.
     Mina gave me this, Serena said in awe, looking down at the heavy metal in
her hand. The weight was unusually comforting as she placed it next to his own
award.
     I know, he said simply, pouring the cider in two champagne flutes. Serena
looked at him and realized he had known what Mina had planned to do. He looked
over at the glinting men. A matching pair. He announced, handing her a flute.
     Cider? She cocked a brow.
     Of course, he admonished. You think I want to corrupt my son?
     Son? Serena said indignantly. Who said anything about a son?
     He sighed heavily and when he spoke, his voice was full of mirth. If you
must have a daughter, we can try later.
     How much later?
     He put down his glass and reached for her. Now.



