It was just getting to be too much for you. You joined up with Norma to help her write a script for a few weeks...not be her boytoy prisoner. You thought it would just be a quick job and you desperately needed the work...

But soon she insisted you stay with her in her home,constantly flirted with you despite being twice your age,made script demands despite not being a writer and now tricked you into spending New Years eve with her insisting it would be a grand party...when really it was just the two of you alone.

You pitied her sure...She was still a beautiful and talented actress...forty really wasn't that old but the industry was cruelly treating her like a hag...And it was clearly breaking her heart. She longed to give the world new ways to dream again...yet she was rejected at every turn. And she was beautiful...and it was nice having the attention of such a beautiful rich ex starlet...

But the New Years eve trick was a bit much for you. Just you and her all dressed up in a ballroom that would never be full again...you needed out of the house. You needed space.

So you found yourself at the Paramount work party. Shedding the out of date suit Norma had stuffed you in and half drunk remembering what it was like to be with young actors, writers and composers your own age!

You're having a good time until you get a call from Norma's butler...She's apparently terribly distressed at the fight you two had and was having one of her episodes...the only thing that would possibly calm her was you...

And so...what could you do...?

Soon you were back at the mansion...And you felt like the villian now. Norma was eccentric and moody but she was fragile...and it was clear now...she loved you. The idea of you leaving...even for a few hours to go to another party was enough to send her into a spiral...

If you truly wanted to be there for her...it would be a commitment. But maybe one you needed to make...She looks at you melancholic...but calm, her silken hair falling over her shoulders. She sighs softly. "You're back? Well...happy new year darling..." She says, softly, sadly. Her voice faint with sorrow.