Friday, November 5, 2010

Episode 110

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you the final daily episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 8

Yesterday, Thomas arrived for dinner and saw that Darlene had dollied herself up for it.  Meanwhile, Cy served up the dishes to be ate.  The dish he made was one of his own design, one which he dubbed Chicken Debralee after his mother. 
As we begin today, the dinner is about to become business...

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"Now, let's get down to the business at hand." says Conrad.

"What business at hand?" asks Thomas.

"The news." says Conrad.

"Can't we start eating?" asks Cy.

"We could." says Conrad.

"Good idea." says Cy as he puts a bite of food in his mouth.

"No, Conrad's right. I should tell you the news." says Darlene.

"What news?" asks Thomas as he swallows a bite of food.

"Thomas... I'm pregnant." says Darlene.

"What?" says Thomas after a moment of shock.

"I'm pregnant." says Darlene.

"Whose baby is it?" asks Thomas.

"Yours." says Darlene.

"Mine?" coughs Thomas as he tries to swallow another bite of food.

"Easy, Thomas. No use dying now." says Cy.

"Are you sure it's mine?" asks Thomas.

"You're the only man she's been with during the necessary period of time." says Cy.

"The only one, period." says Conrad.

"Darlene, why didn't you tell me earlier?" asks Thomas.

"Because she didn't wanting you leaving town." says Conrad.

"Conrad, keep out of this." says Cy.

"I wasn't sure how you would handle it." says Darlene.

"Darlene, I love you. You're the first one, besides Cy, to see more to me than an ex-con." says Thomas.

"Good one." says Conrad with a chuckle.

"Conrad, one more remark like that and I'll shove that plate down your throat." says Cy.

"Do you mean that?" asks Darlene quietly.

"I do." says Thomas.

"Remember that phrase." says Cy, taking a bite of food.

"Darlene, you mean a lot to me." says Thomas, getting out of his chair and walking over to Darlene's chair.

"I do?" asks Darlene.

"Yes. I know that you have one baby and now, we've made another." says Thomas.

"By the way, where is little Debralee?" asks Cy.

"Quiet." says Thomas.

"Okay." says Cy.

"Darlene, I wanna be by you during this, no matter what." says Thomas.

"You mean that, as well?" asks Darlene.

"With all my heart." says Thomas.

"I can't believe this." says Conrad to Cy.

"Believe what?" asks Cy.

"That Thomas loves her, if though she's carrying his child." says Conrad.

"I don't catch your drift." says Cy.

"Thomas should have left the very second he heard about that baby." says Conrad.

"Why would you think that?" asks Cy.

"Because that's what happened with you." says Conrad.

"My father was a truck driver." says Cy.

"This is your fault." says Conrad.

"What?" asks Cy.

"You brought these two together. He de-flowered my sister, knocked her up, and all you've done is to increase the damage." says Conrad.

"Increase the damage?" says Cy.

"You're ruining my sister and you know it!" says Conrad, who then gets up from the table and leaves the room.

"Touchy." says Cy as he takes another bite of food.

The next day, Cy is walking his way down the hallway to the green room. Where he gets there, he finds Phil on the green room phone, talking to someone.

"Fine. I'll tell him." says Phil, who then hangs up.

"What is this now? Replacing Loni?" asks Cy.

"I was just talking to Conrad." says Phil.

"Oh, yes. Did he tell you about last night?" says Cy.

"I managed to get a objective view out of his rant about it." says Phil.

"I thought I had damaged his sister, when it was only for the greater good." says Cy.

"Say, what happened after Conrad left?" asks Phil.

"Well, Darlene and Thomas spent the rest of the dinner talking about the baby and how to go about things." says Cy.

"And what did they come up with?" asks Phil.

"That he would stay around and move into his old house, so Darlene can move in with him and raise both little Debralee and her future sibling together." says Cy.

"That's a good plan." says Phil.

"I know it is. I just ate while they planned." says Cy.

"Conrad told me about that Chicken Debralee." says Phil.

"It's a wonderful dish. Remind me to give you the recipe sometime." says Cy.

"When did you come up with that?" asks Phil.

"When I was bored once making dinner. I just made it up and since it had a tendency to remind me of my mother, I named it for her." says Cy.

"I must try it sometime." says Phil.

"I make some for you." says Cy.

"Thanks." says Phil.

"Say, when did Conrad say he would in?" asks Cy.

"Oh, he said that he was not coming into work today." says Phil.

"Oh, more sickness?" says Cy.

"No, he told me he wasn't work with you ever again." says Phil.

"What?" asks Cy.

"He said that as long as you work here, he won't." says Phil.

"I guess this business of keeping our personal arguement off the air has failed." says Cy.

"I'm your new co-host, aren't I?" asks Phil.

"You are, until Conrad comes back." says Cy.

"But when will that be?" asks Phil.

"Leave that up to me." says Cy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This concludes the daily series of Life in Hyperion.  Tune in three weeks from today on Friday at 8:00 pm to see the first weekly episode of the series, which follows from this point in the storyline.  Tune in and see how Cy fixes his friendship with Conrad.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Episode 109

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 7

Yesterday, Darlene invited Thomas to join her for dinner, with the promise that Conrad will keep himself in check.  Meanwhile, Cy, having caught wind of it, has made his way over to Darlene and Conrad's house to prepare dinner while Darlene gets ready. 
As we begin today, the day soon passes...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The evening soon arrives, and in the kitchen, steam comes out of a couple of pots and pans scattered on the stove as Cy moves around and stirs and smells the dinner he is making.

"Perfecto." says Cy as he smells from a pot.

"How's dinner coming along?" asks Conrad from the living room.

"Just fine. Everything is set." says Cy.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings.

"There's the guest of honor." says Conrad.

"I'll get it, Conrad." says Cy as he rushes out of the kitchen and to the front door.

"If you insist." says Conrad as Cy opens the door to reveal Thomas.

"Cy? What are you doing here?" says Thomas as he enters.

"I decided to keep an eye on Conrad while you're here." says Cy.

"Good idea." says Thomas, who then smells the aromas from the kitchen

"Smell that?" asks Cy.

"That I do." says Thomas.

"That's my work you're smelling." says Cy.

"You can cook?" asks Thomas.

"That I can. Excuse me while I attend to my work." says Cy, who then rushes back to the kitchen.

"Welcome to our home." says Conrad.

"Thanks. Looks nice." says Thomas.

"Have you been here before?" asks Conrad.

"Once." says Thomas.

"I see. I must have been out." says Conrad.

"Good thing you were." says Thomas.

"What's that suppose to mean?" asks Conrad as Thomas takes a seat on the couch.

"Nothing. It means nothing." says Thomas.

"It better mean nothing." says Conrad.

"Okay, guys. The food is ready to be served." says Cy as he walks out of the kitchen.

"What's on the menu?" asks Conrad.

"That's a secret until serving time. There's a theme I wish not to spoil." says Cy.

"What else is new?" says Conrad.

"You know, we've got time until Darlene comes down, so let's talk." says Cy.

"About what?" asks Thomas.

"Anything that's on your mind." says Cy as he takes a seat on the couch.

"I don't have anything, really." says Thomas.

"I have something." says Conrad.

"We don't need to hear it." says Cy.

"How can you be certain?" asks Conrad.

"Trust me. I know." says Cy.

"Hello, boys." says the voice of Darlene from the stairs.

The three men's heads turn to see Darlene, dressed in a revealing black dress, posing herself on the stairs.

"Hello... " says Thomas.

"I can't watch." says Conrad.

"Then turn your head." says Cy.

"You first." says Conrad.

"Hello, Thomas, you hunk of man, you." says Darlene in a velvet voice.

"Darlene, nice to see you." says Thomas.

"Same here, Thomas." says Darlene as she walks slowly down the stairs.

"What's with the get-up, sis?" asks Conrad.

"I just thought I would dress up a bit." says Darlene.

"I'm feeling this strange combination of interest, sex, and incest." says Cy.

"I get the first two, but incest?" says Conrad.

"Look under Oedipus, my friend." says Cy.

"Let's save that for later." says Conrad, moving off towards the dining room.

"It must be big news if you're dressed like this." says Thomas.

"The tightness of that dress should leave no clue." says Cy to himself as he moves towards the kitchen.

"Darlene, you didn't have to do this." says Thomas.

"Trust me, I did." says Darlene as she reaches the bottom of the stairs.

"Why?" asks Thomas.

"You'll see." says Darlene as she walks towards the dining room.

"Must be big if Darlene is all dressed up like that." says Thomas as he follows behind.

"Ready to eat?" asks Conrad as Darlene and Thomas enter the dining room.

"I hope you are." says Darlene as she walks up to her chair, which Thomas pulls out for her.

"What a gentleman." says Conrad.

"I agree on that." says Darlene as Thomas takes his seat.

"Here's your dinner, all prepared by me, your master chef for the evening." says Cy as he wheels in a dinner cart with food on it.

"Oh, joy." says Conrad, sarcastically.

"Now, when I was planning tonight's menu, I was stumped." says Cy.

"Interesting." says Darlene.

"First, I thought about making each of you a separate dish." says Cy.

"What an idea." says Conrad.

"But I decided against it, so I turned on my thinking cap." says Cy.

"And what did you come up with?" asks Darlene.

"This." says Cy as he puts a plate down in front of Darlene.

"That looks nice." says Thomas.

"You should be. It's a dish of my own design." says Cy as he puts a plate down in front of Thomas.

"And what, pray tell, is your plate?" asks Conrad as he gets his plate.

"The name of this dish is Chicken Debralee." says Cy as he puts his plate down at his spot on the table.

"A dish named for your mother?" asks Thomas.

"One of my best ideas." says Darlene.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, we conclude the daily series with a discussion and news, the usual stuff that happens at a dinner table, or so it goes.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Episode 108

The Mutual Broadcasting System bring you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 6

Yesterday, Darlene told Cy and Conrad that she was pregnant, with Thomas as the father.  Conrad goes into a panic as he fears that Thomas has shamed his sister, while Cy gives his congrats while also thinking back to his own creation and fearing a repeat of events.
As we begin today, we head back downtown...

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Back at the library, Darlene walks her way into the area behind the reception desk, where she takes a seat at a table. As she sits, she breathes a sigh. She then reaches over and grabs a phone and begins dialing.

At the police station, Thomas is busy mopping up a section of floor in the main office area as Polly sits on a nearby desk, picking out notes on her guitar with her fingers.

"You're a great finger picker." says Thomas.

"I've had lots of practice." says Polly.

"Then why let Cy put the Sidewinders behind you, when your picking alone can accompany you?" asks Thomas.

"He hears only my voice." says Polly.

"Well, the next time you see him, make him hear your playing." says Thomas.

Suddenly, the phone on the desk starts ringing. Quickly, Polly picks up the receiver.

"Hello?" asks Polly.

"Hello, Polly. May I speak to Thomas?" asks Darlene at the other end.

"Who's calling?" asks Polly.

"It's me, Darlene." says Darlene.

"Thomas, it's Darlene." says Polly as she hands off the receiver to Thomas.

"Darlene?" asks Thomas as he puts the receiver to his ear.

"Thomas, I've called you to ask you over to my house tonight." says Darlene.

"What for?" asks Thomas.

"I need to talk to you about something." says Darlene.

"What?" asks Thomas.

"I'd rather saved that until tonight." says Darlene.

"Are you sure Conrad won't mind?" asks Thomas.

"He'll have to mind." says Darlene.

"When should I be there?" asks Thomas.

"At 7:00 pm." says Darlene.

"Got it. Be there." says Thomas.

"Goodbye." says Darlene, who then hangs up the phone.

"What did Darlene want?" asks Polly as Thomas hands back the receiver.

"She wanted me to come over to her house tonight." says Thomas as Polly put the receiver back on the phone.

"What for?" asks Polly.

"She didn't say." says Thomas.

"It must be important." says Polly.

"I just hope Conrad can stand me in his home." says Thomas.

"I'm sure he will. He may dislike you but he must treat you as a guest." says Polly.

"I hope so." says Thomas.

That afternoon, Conrad is sitted in the living room easy chair, reading the newspaper as Darlene makes her way inside the house. She then sneaks into the living room, making her way over to where Conrad is.

"Hello, Conrad" says Darlene in a sweet voice.

"Hello, sis." says Conrad, still reading the paper.

"How did your show go today?" asks Darlene.

"It went well, as it always does. Don't you listen to it?" says Conrad.

"I work in a library. Not a good place to listen to the radio." says Darlene.

"Well, how was your day?" asks Conrad.

"It went well. You were there today, remember?" says Darlene.

"Oh, yeah. I remember it well, even the part about me becoming a uncle, again." says Conrad.

"I didn't mean to make you feel that way." says Darlene.

"And, yet, I do." says Conrad.

"Well, I'm gonna make it up to you." says Darlene.

"How?" asks Conrad.

"Well, I'm gonna invite Thomas over here tonight." says Darlene.

"What on earth for?" asks Conrad.

"Well, I'm gonna tell him that he has a baby on the way." says Darlene.

"There's no need to tell him. Besides, he'll leave town on that news." says Conrad.

"He will not." says Darlene.

"How can you be sure?" asks Conrad.

"How can you be so negative?" asks Cy, entering the room.

"What are you doing here, Cy?" asks Darlene as he arrives at the easy chair.

"Thomas called me and told me about the special dinner he was having here tonight." says Cy.

"Why did he call you?" asks Conrad.

"Because he wanted to make sure you would behave around him." says Cy.

"Thank goodness you're here anyway." says Darlene.

"Darlene, I've decided to cook up that dinner, so you may get ready." says Cy.

"Thanks, Cy. You're worth a million." says Darlene, who then darts up the stairs.

"Tell me the truth, Cy. Thomas just told you about it." says Conrad.

"He did, but I felt you needed watching over, so as to not spoil the evening." says Cy.

"How could I spoil the evening?" asks Conrad.

"I can think of a few things." says Cy.

"Like what?" asks Conrad.

"Like telling Thomas the news and not Darlene." says Cy.

"He needs warning." says Conrad.

"He needs to hear it from Darlene, not you." says Cy.

"Name another way I could spoil the evening." says Conrad.

"Just your general personality right now. It's known to spoil a few things." says Cy.

"Leave me alone." says Conrad.

"I'm helping Darlene tell Thomas this news the best way she can, and I thought I would help by doing two things." says Cy.

"What two things?" asks Conrad.

"By making the dinner and keeping you in line." says Cy.

"How can you cook dinner?" asks Conrad.

"I'm an expert cook. Comes from constant viewings of the Food Network." says Cy as he walks from the easy chair.

"And many hours in New York's finest restaurants." says Conrad.

"I can't help that." says Cy.

"Sure you can't." says Conrad.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, Thomas arrives for the dinner as Cy finishes cooking and Conrad finishes fuming over it.  What a night this will be.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Episode 107

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 5

Yesterday, we began the final week of daily episodes with Officer Grace telling Cy that Darlene has been made the permanant mother of the foundling, which was Cy's plan all along with the temporary parent scheme, which Conrad struck out against after hearing about it.  Cy and Conrad then went down to the library to tell Darlene the good news.
As we begin, Darlene has just told the duo that she is pregnant...

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"You're what?" asks Conrad.

"Pregnant." says Darlene.

"I think that's what she said." says Cy.

"Keep out of this." says Conrad.

"Why should I?" asks Cy.

"Quiet. Are you sure?" says Conrad.

"Well, my friend was a little late, if you know what I mean." says Darlene.

"I get the idea." says Cy.

"Well, I took a test this morning, and it was positive." says Darlene.

"That's wonderful!" says Cy.

"That's terrible." says Conrad.

"Why is that terrible?" asks Cy.

"Because she already has one." says Conrad.

"The more the merrier, they say. Darlene told me that she wanted a sizable family." says Cy.

"When did this happen?" asks Conrad.

"There's only one man I've been with in the required time." says Darlene.

"Good ol' Thomas. He's the father." says Cy.

"That ex-con? He's the father?" asks Conrad.

"He has to be." says Cy.

"You keep out of this!" says Conrad.

"I have every right to be part of this." says Cy.

"You could have prevented this." says Conrad.

"How can I prevent this?" asks Cy.

"You could have left Thomas in jail." says Conrad.

"Thomas is a human being, same as your sister." says Cy.

"My sister's been volated by that man. Don't dare to pass it off now." says Conrad.

"Conrad, I believe you're losing it." says Cy.

"And why not? Thomas knocked her up and now, he's left her to raise it alone." says Conrad.

"Thomas is still with her, Conrad." says Cy.

"Actually, we haven't been together since that first date." says Darlene.

"So, is the relationship over?" asks Cy.

"It must be." says Darlene.

"I don't like the sound of that." says Cy, getting up from the table.

"Believe it. It's the truth." says Darlene.

"Excuse me. I must make my leave." says Cy, who then does so.

"I wonder why he left?" says Darlene.

"Who cares? Your honor is at steak!" says Conrad.

"My honor?" asks Darlene.

"People respect you. You don't need to have these children." says Conrad.

"Leave me alone, Conrad!" says Darlene, who then walks away, leaving Conrad alone.

Some time later, Cy arrives at his home. As he walks inside, he hears the sounds of Renee and Stacy coming from the study. He makes his way to the study to find them making out some, sitted on a small stool.

"Good day, ladies!" says Cy.

"Cy, why are you interupting our time together?" asks Stacy.

"I'm sorry. My mind's on something." says Cy, who then leaves.

"It must be serious." says Stacy.

"Keep out of this, Stacy." says Renee.

"I can't help it." says Stacy.

"It's none of our concern." says Renee.

"He helped us, Renee." says Stacy, getting up from the stool.

"Don't push it with him." says Renee.

"How can I push him? Nothing seems to get to him." says Stacy as she begins to leave the room.

"Until now." says Renee as Stacy exits the room.

Stacy walks into the living room to find Cy staring at the picture of his mother over the mantle. She stops and watches as he begins to speak to the picture.

"I fear that a cycle of events is starting all over again, Mama." says Cy.

"What cycle?" asks Stacy.

"Oh... nothing." says Cy, turning around.

"It must be something if you're telling your mother about it." says Stacy, walking forward towards Cy.

"I like to talk to her, so I don't feel alone." says Cy.

"What about Liberty, your dog?" asks Stacy.

"This requires a human response." says Cy.

"I'm a human." says Stacy.

"I guess you're right." says Cy.

"So, what's on your mind?" asks Stacy.

"A friend of mine is pregnant." says Cy.

"That's a wonderful thing. I don't know why you're so lackluster about it." says Stacy.

"I'm just remembering how I came into the world." says Cy.

"How do those two subjects relate, besides the obvious?" says Stacy.

"Stacy, I was the product of a basic one-night stand." says Cy.

"Really?" says Stacy.

"My mother and my father were together during a mutual bout of loneliness, so they decided to cure it with each other." says Cy.

"And what happened after that?" asks Stacy.

"Well, they moved on but soon, my mother found out that... " says Cy.

"The same thing happened to this friend of yours?" asks Stacy.

"It's starting to, but I feel I can do something about it this time." says Cy.

"As long as you believe that, it will happen." says Stacy.

"I hope so. My mother was always happy she had me. It could have been different." says Cy.

"I've met your father, and he's a good reason to love you." says Stacy.

"How's that?" asks Cy.

"Well, if things hold out, you'll turn out just like him." says Stacy.

"To me, that's part insult and part complement." says Cy.

"Nice to know that." says Stacy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, an invitation to a dinner is given, with the idea that big news will occur from it, if everything goes right, all to plan.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Episode 106

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 4

Last week, Darlene welcomed an addition to her family in the form of a baby, found outside the police station by Cy.  Cy, who didn't feel the baby belonged in foster care, handed it to Darlene as part of a new job he invented: temporary parent.  Darlene soon took the baby home and gave it the temporary name Baby Debralee, after Cy's mother.
Also, last week, we announced that this week will be the final one for the daily series, and that the series will be re-formatted into a weekly show.  So, let's begin this final week with continuing from where he left off, as Cy and Conrad engaged in another argument...

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"Well, your sister was, and you're next as her sibling." says Cy.

"I'm not turning into a human iceberg!" says Conrad.

"Excuse me, Cy?" asks the voice of Officer Grace at the door of the green room.

"Yes, Grace. What info do you bring us?" says Cy.

"It's about Darlene." says Officer Grace.

"She's gone crazy, hasn't she?" asks Conrad.

"Shut up, Conrad." says Cy.

"It's about her temporary parent role." says Officer Grace.

"What about it?" asks Cy.

"It's been upgraded to permanant." says Officer Grace with a smile.

"What do you mean?" asks Cy.

"Chief McIntyre has decided not to file with the county adoption agency and just awarded custody of the newborn to Darlene." says Officer Grace.

"What for?" asks Conrad.

"Because it has to go to someone and after seeing her and the baby yesterday, he decided to give it to her." says Officer Grace.

"So, Darlene's now a real mother?" asks Cy.

"That she is." says Officer Grace.

"I knew it!" says Cy.

"What did you know?" asks Officer Grace.

"Well, I thought that if I got Darlene off the bat, I could help her in her need of a child." says Cy.

"You planned this whole thing?" asks Phil.

"That I did." says Cy.

"Whoa! Cy, you're the best." says Phil.

"He played my sister." says Conrad.

"Now, I wouldn't say that." says Cy.

"There was a chance that Chief McIntyre would report it to the county adoption agency and take the baby out of her hands." says Conrad.

"I bet that he wouldn't. I know Chief McIntyre after spending so much time with Polly. Chief McIntyre is a first-come, first-served kind of guy." says Cy.

"That's right." says Officer Grace.

"That was quite a gamble." says Phil.

"I knew it would pay off." says Cy.

"Gotta go." says Officer Grace, who then leaves.

"Cy, I can't believe you." says Conrad.

"I sure can believe it. Cy's ruse worked and Darlene is now a mother." says Phil.

"For good, this time." says Cy.

"I can't believe you played my sister like that." says Conrad.

"I didn't play her. I only helped her." says Cy.

"In a way that could have killed her, which wouldn't be the first time." says Conrad.

"Stop bringing up that birthday party!" says Cy.

"Is that guilt talking?" asks Conrad.

"That's annoyence talking." says Cy.

"I think it is guilt." says Conrad.

"This whole thing is annoying." says Cy.

"Ditto here." says Phil.

"Conrad, when are you ever gonna let go of this?" asks Cy.

"Not until Darlene gets back to normal." says Conrad.

"She is normal." says Cy.

"I mean the way she used to be." says Conrad.

"You want an iceberg as a sister?" asks Cy.

"If it means keeping her safe from harm." says Conrad.

"Everyone gets harmed." says Phil.

"Don't I know it?" says Conrad.

"One day, you're gonna tell me what is keeping you from accepting this human Darlene." says Cy.

"I'll never tell." says Conrad.

"I know one thing." says Cy.

"What, Cy?" asks Conrad.

"I'm gonna tell Darlene the good news." says Cy.

Later that morning, Cy and Conrad silently enter the library.

"I would've been happy to tell her." says Conrad.

"I think it would sound better from me." says Cy.

"Why is that so?" asks Conrad as they near the stairs.

"Because I helped her get that baby." says Cy.

"Hey, guys." says Darlene as she walks out from a row of books.

"Hello, Darlene. Where's the baby?" says Cy.

"At home, asleep." says Darlene.

"That's just like her namesake. She like to sleep, too." says Cy.

"What are you doing here?" asks Darlene.

"Darlene, I come here with important news." says Cy.

"I could tell her myself." says Conrad.

"I wouldn't be the same from you." says Cy.

"What wouldn't be the same?" asks Darlene.

"It concerns Baby Debralee." says Cy.

"What about her?" asks Darlene.

"She's all yours." says Cy.

"What do you mean?" asks Darlene.

"Chief McIntyre has awarded custody of the baby to you, Darlene." says Cy.

"That's... great." says Darlene.

"I thought you would be happier." says Cy.

"I am happy." says Darlene.

"Something's bugging at you." says Cy.

"How can you know?" asks Darlene.

"I just can tell. Call it a way of reading people." says Cy.

"Cy, Conrad, I have something I wanna tell you." says Darlene.

"Should we sit down?" asks Cy.

"Yes, please." says Darlene, followed by Cy and Conrad sitting down at a table next to them.

"Now, please tell us what's on your mind?" asks Conrad.

"This seems familiar to me." says Cy.

"Maybe it's just your method of thinking." says Conrad.

"Quiet, please. I'm trying to say something." says Darlene.

"You will, if you please just tell us." says Cy.

"Cy, Conrad... I'm pregnant." says Darlene.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, Cy and Conrad question an expectant mother about the origin of her baby, beyond the obvious, of course.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Episode 105

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 3

Yesterday, Cy, Conrad, and Darlene made their way to Darlene's room, where she gave the baby a new home.  As they sat around, the two discussed baby names, after Cy's suggestions that the baby should get one.  After some talk, the baby named up being named after Cy's mother, being dubbed Baby Debralee by Darlene.
As we begin, we make our way to the following morning...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, Cy and Conrad walk quietly into the WHYP green room, where Phil is pouring himself a cup of coffee. He sees the two enter the room.

"Good morning, you two." says Phil.

"Good morning, Phil." says Cy with a smile.

"What's with you this morning, Cy?" asks Phil.

"Well, let's say that a friend of ours has entered the world of parenthood." says Cy.

"You?" asks Phil.

"Not me, althought I won't turn down the opportunity if it happened." says Cy.

"It's my sister." says Conrad, putting a coin into the pinball machine.

"She's knocked up?" asks Phil.

"No, she's a temporary parent of a newborn foundling." says Cy.

"Temporary parent?" says Phil.

"A county babysitter, so to speak." says Cy.

"That's Cy's big idea." says Conrad, beginning a game of pinball.

"I can tell." says Phil.

"Now, all we have to do is tell the world about my idea and the baby in order for it to work." says Cy.

"Not in that order, I hope." says Conrad.

"I'll mention the baby first." says Cy.

"What about the baby?" asks Phil.

"You know, Conrad, I think it's time we give Phil a lesson in radio copy." says Cy.

"What's radio copy?" asks Phil.

"It's what radio personalities read off of when doing their show." says Cy.

"Like a script?" says Phil.

"Like that, but with less notation. All that written down is the points to mention and it's up to the radio personality to make it flow." says Cy.

"I should write out the information and you'll deliver it on the air?" says Phil.

"That's the idea." says Cy.

"I'll start now." says Phil as he runs over to the green room table and grabs a piece of paper and a pencil.

"Oh, brother." says Conrad to himself.

"The first think you need to write down are the words 'baby found'." says Cy.

"Writing it down." says Phil.

"Next, you write down that it is a girl." says Cy.

"A baby girl. As I write, I learn more about this child." says Phil.

"The next step is to write down that it was found outside the police station." says Cy.

"Got it." says Phil.

"Next, it was left under safe haven laws." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Phil.

"Next thing was that the baby girl has been placed in the hands of a temporary parent." says Cy.

"Working your idea in." says Phil.

"And that this baby is now up for adoption." says Cy.

"That's great." says Phil.

"And wait until you hear what name is being used for it." says Conrad.

"What name?" asks Phil.

"I felt that this baby needed a placeholder name so she can be referred to without problem." says Cy.

"What name did you choose?" asks Phil.

"Darlene decided to name it Baby Debralee." says Cy.

"A namesake for your mother." says Phil.

"Isn't it absurd?" says Conrad.

"I think that's a wonderful way to honor your mother, Cy." says Phil.

"I can't agree with that." says Conrad.

"Accept it anyway." says Cy.

"What posessed you to give this baby to Darlene?" asks Phil.

"Yesterday, she told me about her desire to have children." says Cy.

"What brought that on?" asks Phil.

"Who knows, but she really wants to have children." says Cy.

"How many?" asks Phil.

"About three or four." says Cy.

"She really doesn't want just one. As an only child, I don't see the point in having a sibling." says Phil.

"I'm an only child, as well, and with Conrad, I feel I already have a brother." says Cy.

"If that's true, then Darlene must feel like a sister to you." says Phil.

"Only recently did I feel that way." says Cy.

"I see your point." says Phil.

"When are we gonna get to the negative side of this?" asks Conrad as he ends his pinball game and walks over to where Cy and Phil are.

"What negative side?" asks Phil.

"Cy is making this temporary. If she loses that baby, I wonder what damage it will do to her." says Conrad.

"Stop worrying. Everything will be fine." says Cy.

"Are you actually trying to kill my sister?" asks Conrad.

"Are you actually trying to question my judgment?" says Cy.

"You're ruining my sister and this baby thing might actually do it." says Conrad.

"Do what?" asks Cy.

"Just destroy her." says Conrad.

"Darlene wants children." says Cy.

"But making her a temporary parent must be affecting her, even now." says Conrad.

"It's making her happy." says Cy.

"Happy or crazy?" asks Conrad.

"Can't you two ever get off this subject?" asks Phil.

"I don't think Conrad can. In fact, I think I see some ice on his surface." says Cy.

"I'm not turning into a human iceberg." says Conrad.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Next week, many surprises are in store as life in HyThe next day, Cy and Conrad walk quietly into the WHYP green room, where Phil is pouring himself a cup of coffee. He sees the two enter the room.


"Good morning, you two." says Phil.

"Good morning, Phil." says Cy with a smile.

"What's with you this morning, Cy?" asks Phil.

"Well, let's say that a friend of ours has entered the world of parenthood." says Cy.

"You?" asks Phil.

"Not me, althought I won't turn down the opportunity if it happened." says Cy.

"It's my sister." says Conrad, putting a coin into the pinball machine.

"She's knocked up?" asks Phil.

"No, she's a temporary parent of a newborn foundling." says Cy.

"Temporary parent?" says Phil.

"A county babysitter, so to speak." says Cy.

"That's Cy's big idea." says Conrad, beginning a game of pinball.

"I can tell." says Phil.

"Now, all we have to do is tell the world about my idea and the baby in order for it to work." says Cy.

"Not in that order, I hope." says Conrad.

"I'll mention the baby first." says Cy.

"What about the baby?" asks Phil.

"You know, Conrad, I think it's time we give Phil a lesson in radio copy." says Cy.

"What's radio copy?" asks Phil.

"It's what radio personalities read off of when doing their show." says Cy.

"Like a script?" says Phil.

"Like that, but with less notation. All that written down is the points to mention and it's up to the radio personality to make it flow." says Cy.

"I should write out the information and you'll deliver it on the air?" says Phil.

"That's the idea." says Cy.

"I'll start now." says Phil as he runs over to the green room table and grabs a piece of paper and a pencil.

"Oh, brother." says Conrad to himself.

"The first think you need to write down are the words 'baby found'." says Cy.

"Writing it down." says Phil.

"Next, you write down that it is a girl." says Cy.

"A baby girl. As I write, I learn more about this child." says Phil.

"The next step is to write down that it was found outside the police station." says Cy.

"Got it." says Phil.

"Next, it was left under safe haven laws." says Cy.

"That's interesting." says Phil.

"Next thing was that the baby girl has been placed in the hands of a temporary parent." says Cy.

"Working your idea in." says Phil.

"And that this baby is now up for adoption." says Cy.

"That's great." says Phil.

"And wait until you hear what name is being used for it." says Conrad.

"What name?" asks Phil.

"I felt that this baby needed a placeholder name so she can be referred to without problem." says Cy.

"What name did you choose?" asks Phil.

"Darlene decided to name it Baby Debralee." says Cy.

"A namesake for your mother." says Phil.

"Isn't it absurd?" says Conrad.

"I think that's a wonderful way to honor your mother, Cy." says Phil.

"I can't agree with that." says Conrad.

"Accept it anyway." says Cy.

"What posessed you to give this baby to Darlene?" asks Phil.

"Yesterday, she told me about her desire to have children." says Cy.

"What brought that on?" asks Phil.

"Who knows, but she really wants to have children." says Cy.

"How many?" asks Phil.

"About three or four." says Cy.

"She really doesn't want just one. As an only child, I don't see the point in having a sibling." says Phil.

"I'm an only child, as well, and with Conrad, I feel I already have a brother." says Cy.

"If that's true, then Darlene must feel like a sister to you." says Phil.

"Only recently did I feel that way." says Cy.

"I see your point." says Phil.

"When are we gonna get to the negative side of this?" asks Conrad as he ends his pinball game and walks over to where Cy and Phil are.

"What negative side?" asks Phil.

"Cy is making this temporary. If she loses that baby, I wonder what damage it will do to her." says Conrad.

"Stop worrying. Everything will be fine." says Cy.

"Are you actually trying to kill my sister?" asks Conrad.

"Are you actually trying to question my judgment?" says Cy.

"You're ruining my sister and this baby thing might actually do it." says Conrad.

"Do what?" asks Cy.

"Just destroy her." says Conrad.

"Darlene wants children." says Cy.

"But making her a temporary parent must be affecting her, even now." says Conrad.

"It's making her happy." says Cy.

"Happy or crazy?" asks Conrad.

"Can't you two ever get off this subject?" asks Phil.

"I don't think Conrad can. In fact, I think I see some ice on his surface." says Cy.

"I'm not turning into a human iceberg." says Conrad.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Next week, many surprises are in store as life in Hyperion gets used to the new baby, and a conversation happens that changes the very nature of the series forever.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.
 
NOTE: Next week will mark the final week of the daily series of Life in Hyperion.  Starting on November 26th, after a three-week haitus, the series will return on Friday night at 8:00 pm as a weekly series, with new episodes being presented at that time. 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Episode 104

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 2

Yesterday, we began our 11th serial of the series with Darlene taking the baby to her living space in the house: the attic.  Meanwhile, Conrad has been voicing his opinion on the whole temporary parent issue, mostly in his usual negative tone. 
As he begin today, Cy and Conrad are about to enter Darlene's room...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cy and Conrad enter Darlene's attic loft of a room and Cy is taken in by the furnished trapping of the room itself. The room is filled with a writing desk, a brass bed, a table, and some chairs.

"This room is fit to live in." says Cy.

"It was my sister's choice to live here." says Conrad.

"Back when she was a human iceberg and needed a place to remain frozen. A cold attic is the right place." says Cy.

"I've made a few changes since then." says Darlene as she takes the sleeping baby out of the box.

"I can see them. Attempts to warm the place up, so to speak." says Cy, looking around.

"How are you gonna raise a baby up here?" asks Conrad.

"I'll figure that out." says Darlene.

"This is one big learning experience. I hope you're ready for it." says Cy.

"I know I am." says Darlene.

"That baby hasn't uttered a word since she was found." says Cy.

"Maybe it's dead." says Conrad.

"No, babies are well-known for being sound sleepers. They can sleep for up to 20 hours, which is why they keep their parents up for the same amount of time when they're awake." says Cy.

"Wonderful observation." says Darlene.

"I know it is." says Cy as he sits down at the writing desk.

"How long will this baby stay here?" asks Conrad.

"Just until a permanant home can be found." says Cy.

"You know, I'm getting tired of hearing this child not being refer to by name." says Darlene.

"That's because she doesn't have one." says Cy.

"She needs one." says Darlene.

"Shouldn't the real parents name the baby?" asks Conrad.

"I'm making up the role of temporary parent as I go along and I think the temporary parent should use a placeholder name until adoption." says Cy.

"So, what kind of name should we use?" asks Darlene.

"Names are very important. They reflect something about a person." says Cy.

"Is that so, Cyrus McLean Scott?" asks Conrad.

"Any ideas, Conrad Phillip Harris?" asks Cy.

"None comes to mind." says Conrad.

"It should be a girl's name. I think I have an idea." says Cy.

"We're not naming this baby after your mother, Cy." says Conrad.

"Why not? My mother was very proud of her moniker, for she was the only one to have it." says Cy.

"How did she get that name, Cy?" asks Darlene.

"If I remember, and seeing how you've forgotten since I rarely tell it, it was my grandfather who gave her that name." says Cy.

"How did he do that?" asks Darlene.

"Well, as I recall, one suggestion was Debra and another was Lee. Both are perfectly valid names and both were tied for the baby's name. My grandfather, always inventive, just combined the two and made the name Debralee." says Cy.

"A wonderful story." says Conrad with a sneer.

"At least it's a true story." says Cy.

"Baby Debralee." says Darlene.

"That's what my grandmother said when my grandfather first said it, only as a question of his sanity." says Cy.

"No, that's the name I give this child." says Darlene.

"Once again, a Debralee has entered the world." says Cy.

"But only temporary, remember?" says Conrad.

"I know that. I'm glad someone took it. I've passed that as a baby name suggestion for five years of writing to old friends, who have their own broods, with not a member sharing that name." says Cy.

"Baby Debralee, welcome to the world." says Darlene as the baby finally awakens in her arms.

"Look, she likes that name." says Cy.

"She's also awake." says Darlene.

"I noticed." says Cy.

"She hasn't utter a cry yet." says Conrad.

"She's happy to see me." says Darlene.

"If we're lucky, she'll always think of you as her mother and forget what has happened until now." says Cy.

"I'm your mama, little Debralee." says Darlene.

"That name still rings sweet in my ears." says Cy.

"Now, how are we gonna tell the both of them apart, Cy?" asks Conrad.

"Who cares? Darlene's a mother now." says Cy.

"She's a temporary mother and who knows what's gonna happen tomorrow?" says Conrad.

"A dark streak has entered your mind and making everything you say negative." says Cy.

"Quiet. Don't disturb the baby." says Darlene.

Taking a hint, Cy and Conrad make their leave of the attic and close the door behind them as they walk down the stairs to the second floor.

"Now that we're outta earshot, now maybe you can get what's off your chest." says Cy.

"What's on my chest is this whole Darlene as a temporary parent thing." says Conrad.

"What about this is eating you?" asks Cy.

"The fact that if someone other than her adopts that baby, the effects on her mind will be terrible." says Conrad.

"I'm sure Darlene will pass with flying colors." says Cy.

"What makes you so sure?" asks Conrad.

"I'm betting on certain things." says Cy.

"What things?" asks Conrad.

"Let's just leave it at that." says Cy, who then walks away and down the stairs and out of the house, leaving Conrad to think over what has been said.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, we end the week with a trip to WHYP, where Cy delivers a lesson in radio to young intern Phil, while Conrad offers only more opinions on things.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Episode 103

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Why Not Your Baby", Part 1

Yesterday, we ended our tenth serial with Cy and Darlene telling Conrad that he is the temporary uncle of a new-found baby.  Conrad voices a little distrust but he is letting it roll off his back.  However, as we begin today, Conrad is letting his opinions get their voice again...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cy and Darlene make their way over to the stairs. Meanwhile, Conrad is getting out of the easy chair and making his way towards them.

"I can't believe you're really doing this." says Conrad.

"Me, neither, but we're doing it." says Cy.

"Aren't you happy for me?" asks Darlene as she, Cy, and Conrad begin to walk up the stairs.

"Are you, Conrad?" asks Cy.

"Maybe." says Conrad.

"Want us to give you a minute?" asks Cy.

"Listen, Cy. I just know you put my sister up to this." says Conrad.

"Why must you blame me for what your sister has done?" asks Cy.

"Because of what you did on her birthday." says Conrad.

"I swear, Conrad, this whole thing is stuck on you like flies on the wall." says Cy.

"But you admit it." says Conrad.

"I admit that what happened has helped her." says Cy.

"And how does turning her into a drunk help her?" asks Conrad.

"She doesn't drink that much anymore, I believe." says Cy.

"I think she is drinking more." says Conrad.

"How do you know? You never talk to her anymore." says Cy.

"Quiet, you guys. You'll wake up the baby." says Darlene.

"There, she's acting like a mother already." says Cy.

"What makes you think she can take care of a baby?" asks Conrad as they reach the second floor.

"She can. I know she can." says Cy.

"That's your opinion, Cy." says Conrad.

"Can you take care of one?" asks Cy.

"I don't know." says Conrad.

"Then don't judge Darlene because she wants to prove herself as a warm and loving mother to a little baby who's had a rough entry into the world." says Cy.

"Don't make this into a grand thing, Cy. After all, your father might have something to do with this." says Conrad.

"How can my father have anything to do with this?" asks Cy.

"He must have pushed your buttons enough to make you go into this without looking ahead." says Conrad.

"You're actually starting to doubt me, aren't you?" asks Cy.

"I might be, Cy. After all, your actions lately haven't been up to snuff." says Conrad as they reach the stairs to the attic.

"Here we are, little girl. Your temporary home." says Darlene as they walk up the attic stairs.

"Listen to how she is to that baby, Conrad. I can tell she's a good mother." says Cy.

"What makes you an expert? Wait, don't tell me, your mother." says Conrad.

"I've also seen bad mothers setting bad examples, both personally and second-hand." says Cy.

"And that makes you an expert?" says Conrad.

"You know, your behavior is starting to get on my nerves." says Cy as he stops on the stairs, causing Conrad to also stop.

"Maybe it's because of what your behavior is making you do." says Conrad.

"You tolerated it before. I know, because this is nothing new." says Cy.

"Maybe it's because of what you've done to my sister." says Conrad.

"What I did to your sister or did not do must have really gotten to you, because it happened over a month ago." says Cy.

"Maybe you have that kind of affect on people." says Conrad.

"Guys, come on up here." says Darlene from the attic.

"Let's go see the baby in its temporary home." says Cy as he resumes going up the stairs.

"Let's do that, let's do that... " says Conrad as he follows behind.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, we see the place where Darlene has made her home in the one she shares with Conrad, and the baby gets its name.  Can you figure out what it is?
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Episode 102

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 6

Yesterday, we began the week with Cy delivering Darlene to report as the first temporary parent, in charge of the foundling.  Darlene manages to win the job and she takes the baby into her arms and gives her the love every child need.  However, Darlene is worried how brother Conrad will take to sudden unclehood, along with Cy.
As we begin today, we head to the Harris house...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Conrad and Darlene's house, Conrad sits in the easy chair, reading the newspaper as Cy silently opens the door and walks inside. He spies Conrad and quietly walks over to where Conrad is.

"Hello, Conrad." says Cy.

"Hello, Cy. What brings you here?" says Conrad.

"Something." says Cy.

"What something?" asks Conrad.

"Something interesting." says Cy.

"How interesting?" asks Conrad.

"Very interesting." says Cy.

"How very?" asks Conrad.

"Very." says Cy.

"Out with it, Cy." says Conrad.

"You think you're ready?" asks Cy.

"You're leading up to something." says Conrad.

"I might be." says Cy.

"I think you are." says Conrad.

"Well, I guess you're right." says Cy.

"I knew it." says Conrad.

"What I'm leading up to is very important, it seems." says Cy.

"What are you leading up to?" asks Conrad.

"It concerns your sister and housemate Darlene." says Cy.

"What about Darlene?" asks Conrad.

"Oh, she's doing fine." says Cy.

"Is she becoming her old self again?" asks Conrad.

"You know that her re-freezing is not a happy thing." says Cy.

"So, it's a happy thing?" asks Conrad.

"For her. For you, I'm not sure." says Cy.

"What would happy for her but not me?" asks Conrad.

"What makes you think that it might not be happy for you?" asks Cy.

"Because of what you just said." says Conrad.

"It could be happy for you. All I said that I wasn't sure it would be." says Cy.

"Cy, you're circling around something." says Conrad.

"Oh, am I?" asks Cy.

"I think you are." says Conrad.

"I might be doing that." says Cy.

"Cy, I'm not in the mood for riddles." says Conrad.

"How about one?" asks Cy.

"Go ahead, if it will help me." says Conrad.

"What's in a box and makes a lot of noise?" asks Cy.

"That's not a riddle." says Conrad.

"It is to me. Come on, give me an answer." says Cy.

"I give up." says Conrad.

"A baby in a box." says Cy.

"What an answer." says Conrad.

"And yet, that answer is the center of of what I'm leading up to." says Cy.

"That doesn't make any sense." says Conrad.

"Then, perhaps another riddle. What do a baby in a box, your sister, and you have in common?" says Cy.

"I give up, Cy." says Conrad.

"That all share the same house." says Cy.

"What does that mean?" asks Conrad.

"It means that this afternoon, I happened upon a abandoned baby girl that was left at the police station. I took her inside and felt like she's needed someone to take care of her." says Cy.

"And where does my sister come in?" asks Conrad.

"Well, she told me that her material instincts had kicked in and that she wanted a baby so badly." says Cy.

"Left me finish. So you had Darlene take the baby home with her." says Conrad.

"Only temporary. An idea I'm trying out." says Cy.

"What idea?" asks Conrad.

"Temporary parents. Sort of like a 24-hour babysitter for the county or state. They take care of children until real homes can be found for them." says Cy.

"That idea is among the most interesting I've ever heard out of you." says Conrad.

"Darlene is my test case. If she works out, I may consider popularizing my idea and make it an official job." says Cy.

"What if the temporary parent can't let go of their charge?" asks Conrad.

"They can adopt their charge, when it needed." says Cy.

"How do you prevent large families?" asks Conrad.

"I'm thinking on putting a limit on how many charges a temporary parent can adopt." says Cy.

"Have you thought up a number?" asks Conrad.

"I'm thinking four charges in total." says Cy.

"Sounds like a credit card bill." says Conrad.

"Don't belittle this idea, Conrad." says Cy.

"I didn't like your birthday dare idea." says Conrad.

"Darlene challenged me, so I responded. Besides, I like the result." says Cy.

"Let's not get back on that track." says Conrad.

"Conrad, you're gonna be a temporary uncle. The decision has been made." says Cy.

"Sometimes, I wonder if you do think of others first when you offer these ideas." says Conrad.

"Is that a pointed question?" asks Cy.

"It might be." says Conrad.

"Now cut that out!" says Cy.

"You gave me the royal run-around." says Conrad.

"It doesn't work in reverse, brother." says Cy.

"I'm not related to you." says Conrad.

"But Darlene is, so show some common sense around her." says Cy.

"Is it safe to come in now?" asks Darlene as she enters the house.

"It is. I think Conrad is calm enough to handle it." says Cy.

"Conrad, meet your temporary nephew." says Darlene.

"I can't believe this is happening." says Conrad.

"Cheer up, Conrad. It's only temporary." says Cy.

"But how temporary?" asks Conrad.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, we begin another serial with the baby being taken to its brand-new home, and with Conrad voicing his opinion of the whole thing, which should be interesting.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Episode 101

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 5

Last week, we had our 100th episode of the series.  We also saw Cy discover a baby outside the police station, left under the safe haven laws.  As the police department gathered around the child, Cy decided, rather than let the kid being moved around like a box, to enlist the services of what he called a temporary parent. 
As we begin this week, Cy has just asked his prototype temporary parent, Darlene, if she would accept the job, which she did, and the two are on their way to the police station...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cy and Darlene arrive at the police station and find that only Officer Grace is still at the desk, where the baby lays sleeping.

"Where's everyone?" asks Cy.

"Doing their jobs." says Officer Grace.

"I'm still around." says Thomas, sitting in a chair, next to the desk.

"I brought the temporary parent." says Cy.

"Darlene Harris, at your service." says Darlene.

"The doctor hasn't arrived yet. When the baby is deemed healthy, Chief McIntyre will allow you to take it home." says Officer Grace.

"Is there any paperwork to sign?" asks Darlene.

"Cy invented the role of temporary parent. It'll take awhile before someone invents the paperwork." says Officer Grace.

"That's when you know that an idea has taken off, when there's paperwork for it." says Cy.

"Is that the baby?" asks Darlene, pointing at the box.

"Yes, it is." says Officer Grace.

"She looks beautiful." says Darlene, looking in the box.

"That she does." says Officer Grace.

"Hi there, little girl. I'm your temporary parent." says Darlene to the baby.

"Look at that, already connecting." says Cy.

"I just hope the connection can be cut." says Chief McIntyre as he walks up to the desk.

"This is Darlene Harris, the first temporary parent." says Cy.

"Nice to meet you, Ma'am." says Chief McIntyre.

"It's great to have the honor of watching over this baby, for a while." says Darlene.

"Remember that, Miss Harris." says Chief McIntyre.

"Also remember that Darlene is to be in the running for adoption." says Cy.

"I keep that in mind." says Chief McIntyre.

"Thank you for this, Cy." says Darlene.

"No problem." says Darlene.

Some time later, the doctor from the county has arrived and is examining the baby quiet throughtly as Cy and company watch around the desk.

"How is she, doc?" asks Cy.

"She's doing fine. Did you give her any fluids?" says the doctor.

"I gave her a little milk." says Darlene.

"That's good. Just treat her right and she'll be fine." says the doctor.

"I can't believe whoever she came out of didn't want her." says Cy.

"Not many people want children." says Officer Grace.

"That's no excuse for throwing them away. Babies are people, not trash." says Cy.

"At least whoever it was was nice enough to leave it here." says the doctor.

"And that's the only good thing that happened to this baby so far." says Cy.

"What about me?" asks Darlene.

"I forgot. I do that sometimes." says Cy.

"I know." says Darlene.

"Well, she's healthy and ready to go." says the doctor.

"Nice to know. Now, I can take it home." says Darlene.

"What?" asks the doctor.

"An idea Cy came up, a temporary parent." says Chief McIntyre.

"What's a temporary parent?" asks the doctor.

"It's like a 24-hour babysitter. They have all of the responibilities of a parent but the job isn't permanant." says Cy.

"That sounds like a good idea." says the doctor.

"Also, the temporary parent can be considered a candidate for adopting their charge." says Cy.

"That could lead to large families quickly." says the doctor.

"Maybe we can install a limit once the idea gets off the ground." says Cy.

"We'll work on it, rest assured. I now release the child into the hands of the temporary parent." says the doctor.

"Thanks, sir." says Darlene.

"I'll explain this to my superiors." says the doctor.

"Include a letter of explaination from me." says Chief McIntyre, who then produces an enevlope from his pocket.

"Why give me this?" asks the doctor.

"Because any idea of Cy should include a letter explaining it." says Chief McIntyre.

"Thanks." says the doctor, who then leaves.

"The baby's all yours, Darlene." says Chief McIntyre.

"Good." says Darlene, who then picks up the box.

"I'll help you guide the baby to her new home." says Cy, who then leaves with Darlene.

"I hope Cy's idea doesn't ruin Darlene." says Chief McIntyre.

"In what way?" asks Officer Grace.

"I hope she'll be willing to give up the baby if she isn't selected to adopt the baby." says Chief McIntyre, who then retreats back into his office.

"Same here." says Officer Grace.

Meanwhile, Cy and Darlene are walking to her home. The walking slows down when Darlene decides to stop Cy in his tracks.

"I think we should discuss something." says Darlene.

"What about?" asks Cy.

"Conrad." says Darlene.

"I forgot about him. How are we gonna explain this to him?" says Cy.

"Do you have any ideas?" asks Darlene.

"Let me think for a minute." says Cy.

"Hurry up, before the baby awakens." says Darlene.

"I've got it." says Cy.

"What is it?" asks Darlene.

"I'll go in ahead of you and explain this to Conrad. When he's accepted it, I'll signal you to come in." says Cy.

"Great idea." says Darlene.

"I know that another part of my legacy will be surviving Conrad's reaction to him being a temporary uncle." says Cy.

"If you do." says Darlene as both get back underway.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, we end another serial with Conrad being told of his new status in life, that of a temporary uncle for the county, and we'll see what he says about it.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Episode 100

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you the landmark 100th episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 4

Yesterday, on our 99th episode, Cy, walking his way home, saw someone leave a box outside the police station.  Looking into it, Cy found that the box contained a living baby, left under safe haven laws.  Cy then took the baby inside and all inside are trying to figure out what to do with the foundling.
As we begin the 100th episode, Cy has just an a brainstorm of an idea...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What is it?" asks Officer Grace.

"Someone told me today that they would like to have a child." says Cy.

"Who is it?" asks Officer Grace.

"Conrad's sister Darlene." says Cy.

"Why her?" asks Officer Timmy.

"She told me today that her material instincts have finally kicked in overtime and she wants a child so bad." says Cy.

"Wait a minute, Cy. You wanna give this baby to someone who might not let go of her if someone else adopts her?" says Chief McIntyre.

"Where do you get that idea?" asks Cy.

"You just told us that she wants a child very badly. How do we know that she won't try to keep it?" says Chief McIntyre.

"Maybe you should have Darlene as one of the potential adoptive parents of the baby." says Cy.

"There's a thought. I keep it in mind." says Chief McIntyre.

"Do you also mind if I bring in Darlene for a look-see?" asks Cy.

"I don't mind at all. It'll be nice to see someone get this child on the right track." says Chief McIntyre.

"And then let someone else take over?" asks Officer Timmy.

"Just keep watch." says Chief McIntyre, who then retreats back into his office.

"I'll go get Darlene." says Cy, who then leaves the building.

"Cy's concern over this baby is a little unfounded." says Polly.

"What do you mean?" asks Thomas.

"I mean, he just offered Darlene up as a parent out of the blue when he ran out of us as parents." says Polly.

"So what, Polly?" asks Thomas.

"He should have let the county take the baby in until a parent could have been found for it." says Polly.

"Maybe he has the baby's interests at heart." says Thomas.

"I don't think Cy's being a humanitarian over this child. Cy's gist in this whole thing is tilted somewhat." says Polly.

"Cy's actions seemed normal to me." says Thomas.

"And yet, he seems to want this baby to go home with someone and he didn't even volunteer himself for the job." says Polly.

"According to him, he's got two boarders and a dog in that house of his. Trust me, there's no room for a baby." says Thomas.

"And his father until yesterday." says Polly.

"He was only here for two days." says Thomas.

"And he seems to have stirred Cy somewhat. I mean, if his father hadn't been here yesterday and the day before, you think that Cy would even be behind this baby?" says Polly.

"Maybe you should leave him alone. After all, he's bringing in what he calls a temporary parent to the baby." says Thomas.

"Is it just temporary?" asks Polly, who then moves off.

At the library, Darlene is overseeing those in the children's area. The kids are playing and reading as quietly as most kids are, so there is a slight din to the room. Darlene sighs as she see the children.

Cy then enters the library, walking a little fast. He looks around and makes his way over to where Darlene is. He then tries to speak and can't say a word. He then thinks a little about he is going to say.

"Hello, Cy." says Darlene in a depressed manner, causing Cy to snap out of his thinking.

"Hello, Darlene. See that our conversation didn't help you." says Cy.

"I can't help it. Every time I look at these kids, I just wanna have one of my own. A child to hold and feed and change and all of that." says Darlene.

"Well, I might have an answer to that." says Cy.

"What answer can you give that will help me?" asks Darlene longingly.

"As I was walking home, I saw someone leave something next to the police station. When I checked on it, I found that it was... a baby." says Cy.

"Are you kidding?" asks Darlene.

"You think that I would kid you about that?" says Cy.

"How old is it?" asks Darlene.

"It's a she and she's only a couple hours old. Let me tell you, it's a hard way to enter the world." says Cy.

"Why did you come here and tell me about the baby in the first place?" asks Darlene.

"Because I've decided to make you the baby's temporary parent." says Cy.

"Temporary parent?" asks Darlene.

"Yeah, someone who takes care of a child until real parents can be found for it." says Cy.

"Aren't those called foster parents?" asks Darlene.

"This is different. A foster parent is a real parent, for they adopt the child. A temporary parent is only acting in place of the state until a real home can be found for it, like a 24-hour babysitter." says Cy.

"Like a live-in social worker?" says Darlene.

"That's the idea. If your run as a temporary parent works out, I may popularize the idea." says Cy.

"How long is temporary in my case?" asks Darlene.

"Until someone comes around and adopts the child, althought in your favor, I have asked Chief McIntyre to make you a candidate for adopting the baby." says Darlene.

"And if I lose?" asks Darlene.

"I will have to give up the child to its real parents. Remember, the baby is a loan, not something to keep at this time." says Cy.

"I'll try hard to take care of the baby and hope that my time as a temporary parent will help in my selection as the baby's real parent." says Darlene.

"If no real candidate is approved by the county, the baby will be yours." says Cy.

"That's nice to know." says Darlene.

"The baby is down at the police station now. Would you like to see your temporary daughter?" says Cy.

"I would." says Darlene.

"Shall we leave?" asks Cy as he makes his way to the door.

"Let us do." says Darlene as she follows suit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Next week, we end our tenth serial and begin our 11th serial with Darlene's first day as a temporary parent for Van Buren County and the City of Hyperion, and that, my friends, is quite a mouthful of a title to give someone.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly,
the All-Mighty Executive Producer, Writer, Director, and Creator of The Show,
John Maxwell
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Episode 99

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Only one more to go until the 100th episode!!

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 3

Yesterday, Darlene told Cy all about her real desire to have a child of her own, after being such a hero to the children of Hyperion have stirred her maternal feelings inside.  Cy then went over her options, which didn't seem to strike her too well and he departed, with Darlene still thinking of motherhood.  Meanwhile, Officer Grace and Timmy shared a talk on being police officers.
As we begin, we head outside...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back downtown, Cy is walking up the streets, his mind lost in a sea of thought over what had Darlene said. Suddenly, he sees something interesting off in the distance ahead.

After a moment, he sees that it's someone walks slowly over to the police station and leaving something by the door and walking away. Cy takes in the sight and decides to see what was left behind.

Cy quietly continues his walk. When he reaches the police station, he quietly turns onto the walkway up to the front door. When he reaches the front door, he looks around and sees that a box has been left behind.

Cy walks up to the box and looks inside. There, he is stunned to find that the box contains a small baby, covered in blankets and fast asleep. Cy then picks up the box and knocks on the door.

"I wonder who that is?" says Officer Grace as she gets up from the desk and walks over to the door.

"Be careful, it could be a murderer." says Officer Timmy.

"Murderers don't knock." says Thomas, walking by the desk with a broom in his hand.

"Keep sweeping." says Officer Timmy as Officer Grace opens the door.

"Good day, Cy. What brings you here?" says Officer Grace.

"This box." says Cy.

"What's in the box?" asks Officer Grace.

"First, may I enter?" asks Cy.

"You may." says Officer Grace as Cy then steps inside the station and heads over to the desk where Officer Timmy is.

"Hello, Officer Timmy. Arrested any civilians today?" says Cy.

"May you joke about the law?" asks Officer Timmy.

"If I answer, can I plead the fifth?" says Cy.

"Cy, show us what's in the box." says Officer Grace as she walks over.

"Here." says Cy as he opens the box.

"Is that a baby?" asks Officer Timmy.

"Don't arrest it." says Cy.

"It looks cute." says Officer Grace.

"That's a girl, or a she." says Cy.

"How can you tell?" asks Officer Grace.

"I've seen my mother's baby pictures. Trust me, I know." says Cy.

"How old is she?" asks Officer Grace.

"Seeing how pink she is and remembering a few television shows, I would guess just a few hours old." says Cy.

"What a way to enter the world." says Officer Grace.

"I'll go get Chief McIntyre." says Officer Timmy as he leaves.

"I hope it's not so he can arrest the baby." says Cy.

"Put your paranoia away for now, Cy." says Officer Grace.

"I will. Welcome to the world, little girl. I promise you that this isn't a good way to start out in life." says Cy.

"I wonder who left her here?" asks Officer Grace.

"I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want a child." says Cy.

"It happens, Cy." says Officer Grace.

"It shouldn't. Babies should be welcomed, no matter what, and taken in, not thrown away as garbage." says Cy.

"This baby was left under the Safe Haven Law." says Chief McIntyre as he arrives at the desk.

"Good day, Chief McIntyre. I found this one outside your door. I thought I would bring it inside before the sun got to her." says Cy.

"Once again, you've done right." says Chief McIntyre.

"I was lucky enough. By the time this kid woke up, it could have been night and she would have died." says Cy.

"Ease up, Cy. The baby is safe." says Chief McIntyre.

"What are we gonna do with it?" asks Polly, standing behind Officer Grace.

"Well, I guess the main goal should be to find the lady a home." says Cy.

"First, let's call a doctor and see how healthy she is." says Chief McIntyre.

"Then get on the phone." says Cy.

"If you insist." says Chief McIntyre, who then walks away.

"This baby needs a home right away." says Cy.

"Relax, Cy. I'm sure the county will take her in until someone adopts her." says Officer Grace.

"That may be fine for you, but I think that someone ougtha watch over the baby with only the attention a parent can give." says Cy.

"The county hosiptal will take care of little Baby Doe just fine." says Officer Timmy.

"Baby Doe? That's another thing." says Cy.

"What's wrong with Baby Doe?" asks Officer Timmy.

"That's a bad name to give a newborn." says Cy.

"Standard practice is to let the adoptive parents name the child." says Officer Timmy.

"Maybe the baby can use a temporary name until she gets an offical name." says Cy.

"That's an interesting idea, Cy." says Polly.

"Maybe you would like to carry it out?" asks Cy.

"No thanks. I don't need any distractions from my career." says Polly.

"Do it for me." says Cy.

"No. Find someone else." says Polly.

"Officer Grace, my intern's girlfriend and noted friend to yours truly." says Cy.

"Your butter won't work on me." says Officer Grace.

"Any fathers?" asks Cy.

"No, Cy. I have enough trouble with my mother to deal with a baby." says Thomas.

"I don't need a baby on my record. I wish to remain unattached." says Officer Timmy.

"And I sure don't want it." says Chief McIntyre as he returns from his office.

"I'm still determined to get the baby a temporary parent until someone adopts it." says Cy.

"Why don't we just wait for the doctor to show up and give the baby an examination?" asks Chief McIntyre.

"Wait! I think I have an idea." says Cy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, on our 100th episode, we find out what Cy's brilliant idea is, and as we all know from experience, Cy's ideas tend to lead to great adventures, don't they?
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Episode 98

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Only two more to go until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 2

Yesterday, we began our tenth serial of the series with storytime at the local library with Darlene, who has become a hero to the children of Hyperion.  Cy, still stewing over the departure of his father yesterday, comes for a visit and is taken in by the treatment Darlene gives the children, very different from the times she tried to ban them as a human iceberg.
As we begin today, a topic stews in Darlene's mind...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Cy, can I confide in you?" asks Darlene.

"I'm sure you can." says Cy.

"I've been reading to the kids for a while, and helping them." says Darlene.

"I know that." says Cy.

"And it's awakened some feelings in me." says Darlene.

"I get it. Your long-domant material instincts are alive and well." says Cy.

"I just wanna have a kid of my own." says Darlene.

"It would be a good step in your return to humanity to raise a child." says Cy.

"I just I could have one." says Darlene.

"Well, there are three ways to get one. One, you can go the usual nine months, either by man or sperm donor." says Cy.

"What's the second way?" asks Darlene.

"Just take one, and if you go that way, I'll alert Officer Grace to a children count in case one turns up missing." says Cy.

"And the third one?" asks Darlene.

"Adopt." says Cy.

"But I wanna a baby to hold in my arms." says Darlene.

"It's rare that an adoption agency has a child under six months of age." says Cy.

"But then what is a mother to do?" asks Darlene.

"You're not a mother yet, Darlene." says Cy.

"One day, I will be." says Darlene.

"Why the rush to motherhood?" asks Cy.

"Because I'm 30 and I have no children." says Darlene.

"My mother was your age when she had me." says Cy.

"And only you. Remember that, Cy." says Darlene.

"How many offspring are we talking about here?" asks Cy.

"A nice-sized brood. About three or four." says Darlene.

"Don't worry. If you stick with Thomas, I'm sure he can help you with that." says Cy.

"Me and Thomas haven't really seen each other for a while now." says Darlene.

"All relationships go through a cooling-off period. It's normal." says Cy.

"Has it happened to you and Joanne yet?" asks Darlene.

"We had a touch of it, but me and her are in it for the long haul, it seems." says Cy.

"You sound like your father." says Darlene.

"Long haul means more than my father." says Cy.

"Tell me you never felt the urge to roam." says Darlene.

"Maybe once, but I quietly buried it." says Cy.

"You talk about your mother and never your father. I feel something wrong with that." says Darlene.

"Just because you want kids doesn't mean you can adopt me as yours." says Cy.

"I never even got to see him this time and show him the melted me." says Darlene.

"Maybe he'll head back this way soon, but I doubt that." says Cy.

"You and your father should get along better. To me, you seem alike." says Darlene.

"I'm not like him in the least. I stay in one place." says Cy.

"Then why all the talk about Polly and her career. Sounds like you're looking for an excuse to leave." says Darlene.

"Perhaps I better leave here." says Cy.

"See you around... Mitch." says Darlene as Cy makes his leave.

Down at the police station, Officer Grace is sitted at a desk as she fills out some paperwork. Meanwhile, Officer Timmy walks over to where the desk is, adjusting his belt as he walks.

"What a day, I say." says Officer Timmy.

"Right that you are." says Officer Grace.

"The sun is out and about." says Officer Timmy.

"I can see it." says Officer Grace.

"Just another day in the city." says Officer Grace.

"Trying to be a poet, Officer Timmy?" asks Officer Grace.

"Very funny. It's our job to keep an eye out for crime." says Officer Timmy.

"Seems to be very calm today." says Officer Grace.

"Just a few days ago, we learned that a dangerous man had taken up residence in our town." says Officer Timmy.

"But Cy put a stop to that." says Officer Grace.

"I hear you're dating one of his co-workers." says Officer Timmy.

"His name is Phil." says Officer Grace.

"Is he a shady character?" asks Officer Timmy.

"He's a very nice man." says Officer Grace.

"Well, be careful, he might be a shady character." says Officer Timmy.

"With you, I can see Cy's paranoia about cops." says Officer Grace.

"The way he puts cops is the way a cop should be. They shouldn't let their feelings cloud their judgement, not for a second." says Officer Timmy.

"That paranoia comes from cops like that roaming the streets of New York City." says Officer Grace.

"Trust in cops should be kept as much as trust in a deity." says Officer Timmy.

"I'll never be like that, and I hope to God I never see your side of the coin." says Officer Grace.

"What side of the coin?" asks Officer Timmy.

"The unfeeling, by-the-book cop that cares more about the law than the people. Cy has a name for it, 'Sergeant Friday Syndrome'." says Officer Grace.

"The day I care less about the law, may I be struck dead." says Officer Timmy.

"Then I better have you transferred." says Officer Grace.

"What for?" asks Officer Timmy.

"So you don't stink up the place when you die like that." says Officer Grace.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, Cy makes another important discovery, which leads to more important changes to those around him, as he always does when he makes discoveries, like Columbus.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Episode 97

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Only 3 to go until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Temporary Parent", Part 1

Yesterday, we concluded our ninth serial with the conclusion to the whole storyline begun in our sixth serial, with Renee and Stacy offering final thoughts on Al and Renee's thoughts on Cy, to which Stacy and Officer Grace commented on.  Meanwhile, Mitch, Cy's father, tried his best to get a conversation out of his son, to no avail.
As we begin, Mitch has made his departure and left Cy to stew for a day...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's another day at the library as Darlene sits in a chair, facing a group of children, sitted cross-legged on the floor. In her hands is a story book. Its open pages are facing the children as she reads them a passage.

"'The brave soldier faces the mighty... ' what?" says Darlene.

"Dragon." says one of the kids.

"Very good. Now, what is the soldier holding in his hand?" says Darlene.

"A sword." says another kid.

"Good. 'He then faced the dragon in the... ' what?" says Darlene.

"Face?" says the first kid.

"No." says Darlene.

"Eye?" asks a third kid.

"That's right. 'He then told the dragon, 'I must slay you.' Now, tell me, what does 'slay' mean?" says Darlene.

"It means to kill." says the first kid.

"Very good. Now, we turn the page and find the brave soldier charging at the dragon. 'He ran as fast as he could, looking at the dragon the whole time.'." says Darlene.

As Darlene reads the passage, Cy enters the library. As he looks around, he sees the sight and looks on with delight as the brave soldier in the story pierces the dragon's skin.

"Ouch." says Cy to himself.

"'The brave soldier then watched as the dragon breathed his last fiery breath. He then stood over the body, his sword held in triumph. The townpeople came up and saw the dead body of the dragon and carried the soldier back into town for a celebration of his deed.'." says Darlene, who then closes the book.

"That was great." says Cy.

"Okay, kids. Go off and read some more." says Darlene as the kids scatter around the children's area.

"Good story." says Cy as Darlene gets up from the chair.

"Thanks, Cy. What are you doing here?" says Darlene as she walks over to the main desk.

"I'm here to find something to do since my father left yesterday." says Cy.

"I can't believe he did that without meeting the rest of us." says Darlene.

"That's the first time you've cared about my father's departures." says Cy.

"Cy, I just love reading to those kids." says Darlene.

"And after all those years of snearing them and nearly banning them from this place." says Cy.

"Proof anyone can reform." says Darlene.

"Ain't that the truth?" says Cy.

"It has been wonderful." says a man as he walks over to where the two are standing.

"Hello, sir. Cy, this is the head librarian, Mr. Edward." says Darlene.

"That makes you Mr. Ed." says Cy.

"That it does. Miss Harris, your performance over the last couple of weeks has been marvelous." says Mr. Edward.

"Really?" asks Cy.

"Yes, Darlene has geninue feelings for our young readers now. She has read them stories and she has become their hero." says Mr. Edward.

"A hero to the younger set. I'm impressed." says Cy.

"I enjoy every minute of it." says Darlene.

"That so?" asks Cy.

"Yes, she does." says Mr. Edward.

"Mr. Edward, what are you doing here?" asks Darlene.

"I came here to ask if you would like to read to the kids some more." says Mr. Edward.

"I would be delighted." says Darlene.

"Pardon my ignorance, but who might you be?" asks Mr. Edward.

"I'm Cyrus McLean Scott, local radio personality." says Cy.

"I listen to you every morning. Ever think of writing your mother's life story?" says Mr. Edward.

"Always looking out for new books for the library?" says Cy.

"You caught me." says Mr. Edward.

"When Random House gives me a call, I'll get out the typewriter." says Cy.

"The world has Bennett Cerf to thank for the world's best literature." says Mr. Edward as he walks away.

"And What's My Line for his fame." says Cy.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tomorrow, Darlene offers up a topic that must be made in order to keep the human race going year after year.  Offer your two cents to it when it comes.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved

Monday, October 18, 2010

Episode 96

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Only 4 episodes left until the 100th episode!

Today's episode: "The Truck Driving Man", Part 7

Last week, we saw the arrival of Cy's father, long-haul trucker Mitch Jones, in Hyperion.  As Mitch meet Cy's friends, Cy himself proved very cold to his own dad, as memories of the past came back to him and Cy tried to deal with it the best he could.  By the end of the week, we saw Cy take his father on a tour of the town, which ended at Tom's Place.
As we begin this week, we continue as the aftermath of Cy's adventure is still being looked over...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Polly, Thomas, and Officer Grace scatter to various parts of the room, Renee and Stacy remain by the desk.

"I can't believe this whole thing is over." says Renee.

"Me, neither." says Stacy.

"I never thought that I would ever see you again." says Stacy.

"Same here." says Renee.

"Aren't you happy about this?" asks Stacy.

"Yes, I am." says Renee.

"The way you're talking to me, it doesn't seem so." says Stacy.

"I am happy." says Renee.

"You really oughta think Cy for getting us back together." says Stacy.

"I didn't ask him to do it." says Renee.

"He didn't have to." says Stacy.

"Did you hear what his father called him? Mac, just like every other New Yorker." says Renee.

"Isn't that his middle name? You told me the name once, Cyrus McLean Scott." says Stacy.

"That may be so." says Renee.

"And it's what truck drivers often refer to each other." says Stacy.

"You have an explanation for everything about him." says Renee.

"Why are you still against him, even after everything he's done?" asks Stacy.

"Because I still think he did this for his own benefit, not ours." says Renee.

"He doesn't strike me as self-centered." says Stacy.

"I told you, he doesn't have pictures of loved ones, only his mother." says Renee.

"Doesn't his mother count as a loved one?" asks Stacy.

"She just raised him." says Renee.

"Doesn't sound like that. She's very important in his life." says Stacy.

"You never even heard of her." says Stacy.

"I went online when Al wasn't looking and I found some info on her." says Stacy.

"And what did you find?" asks Renee.

"She was an actress and she was in a couple of good films." says Stacy.

"That doesn't mean a thing." says Renee.

"I also learned what she was like and she reminds me of you, pretty and tough."

says Stacy.

"She also raised Cy." says Renee.

"Who's a very intelligent person and I don't think Debralee would have accepted anything less from her offspring." says Stacy.

"Cy has a large painting of her above the fireplace and her urn. He's always surrounded by reminders of her." says Renee.

"I think, after seeing Cy in action, the whole world needs reminding and Cy does that well." says Stacy.

"I guess he must be more than the son of Debralee Scott." says Officer Grace, walking over to the desk.

"You've been overhearing our conversation?" asks Renee.

"Yes, and I've heard many opinions on Cy but never self-serving. As you said yourself, Stacy, his mother would not accept anything less than someone who knows right from wrong." says Officer Grace.

"Many people would say what we do together is wrong." says Renee.

"It's not wrong to Cy." says Officer Grace.

"You're right, Officer." says Stacy.

"I'm starting to see your point, but I'll need more." says Renee.

"Just tune a radio to WHYP weekday mornings and you'll get it." says Officer Grace, who then walks away.

"Maybe I should do that sometime." says Renee.

"I'll join you, tomorrow." says Stacy.

"It's a date." says Renee.

Back at Tom's Place, Cy and Mitch continue to sit and drink beer, as Cy continues not to offer much in talking.

"Mac, you haven't said much to me in the last 30 minutes." says Mitch.

"I haven't?" asks Cy.

"There you go again. You know, if you have something to say, say it." says Mitch.

"I don't feel like it." says Cy.

"You must feel like something." says Mitch.

"I feel fine, Dad." says Cy.

"Your feeling has gone down today since this morning." says Mitch.

"How nice of you to notice." says Cy.

"C'mon, Mac. From what I hear, you just had a great adventure. Lighten up." says Mitch.

"Maybe I should." says Cy.

Suddenly, a cell phone on Mitch's belt rings, with a old-fashioned phone ring-type ringtone, rings out.

"Excuse me, Cy." says Mitch as he answers the phone.

"Take all the time you need." says Cy.

After a minute of talking, Mitch hangs up the phone.

"Cy, listen. I've gotta tell you something." says Mitch.

"What is it, Dad?" asks Cy.

"I've just gotten an order to go to Kalamazoo to pick up a shipment and take it to Baton Rouge." says Mitch as he gets up from the bar stool.

"Dad, wait." says Cy as he gets up from his bar stool.

Cy and Mitch make their way out of the place and make their way back to Cy's house.

"Hate to drink and run, Mac, but I must go." says Mitch.

"If you say so." says Cy as he and Mitch reach the driveway.

"Explain to everyone else about my sudden departure." says Mitch.

"I will, Dad." says Cy as they reach the truck.

"I promise to back this way soon, Mac." says Mitch as he gets inside.

"Take your time." says Cy.

"If you say so." says Mitch as he closes the door behind him.

"Goodbye, Dad, again." says Cy as Mitch pulls the truck out of the driveway.

Cy then stares as the truck makes its way down the street, leaving Cy with a misx of emotions as Stacy and Renee make their way up to the house.

"I see Mitch is leaving. Where's he going?" says Renee.

"Off to Kalamazoo, then Baton Rouge, then to parts unknown." says Cy.

"A trucker's life. We didn't even get to say goodbye." says Stacy.

"With him, you never do." says Cy.

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Tomorrow, we begin our tenth serial of the series with a visit to the local library and the children's reading hour, hosted by.... well, just tune it and find out.
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
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