Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 05

Gwen conferred with her friends during a break and at the beginning of the last set, she and Steve performed 'Billie Jean' complete with the dance routine they'd made so famous. As soon as the crowd realized what Gwen and Steve were performing, they began a thunderous applause. The band had to play the intro several times before the din abated enough to allow Gwen and Steve to be heard. By the time they ended their performance, the entire city reverberated with the cheers, whistles, and applause of the euphoric audience.

The concert lasted almost an hour longer than any the group had previously performed simply because the audience was so large, receptive, and appreciative. By the time Charlie signaled to the rest that there was no more to give, Steve realized that they had been performing for almost six hours and the crowd appeared to be even larger by the time they ended than it had been when they had begun.

"I know I've been saying this a lot on this tour, but I'll say it again," announced Charlie to the exhausted musicians. "That was the absolutely best performance I've ever been involved with, or have ever seen. Everyone played and sang their asses off for six hours. Lady in Red may just release a live triple CD box set, as well as a video. Proceeds would go to the World Health Organization, and the sum will be substantial. Once again, I have to thank all of you for joining us for this tour, and for giving it your best."

"I've been talking to my publicist and my accountants back in the states," revealed Kathy Perrine. "The downloads and sales of my music have sharply increased since I joined this tour. I'm going to make rather large donations to a few charities when I get back home. I've always been pretty selfish and self-centered. I refused a lot of requests for appearances to help some pretty good causes, and now I'm ashamed that I did.

"Seeing what President Hammer and Lady in Red do for people around the world has opened my eyes. I was a bit skeptical that anyone could be as generous and caring as Lady in Red was reputed to be. I'm a believer now. I've come to realize that the talent and opportunities I've been given come with responsibility. This tour is the best thing I've ever done on so many levels. I have to thank all of you for allowing me to be a part of it and for helping me see the big picture."

After what seemed like a very short night's rest, Gwen's friends and family joined her for the journey to her grandmother's birth place, which was just thirty miles from the small town that had been demolished by the recent earthquake. Caroline Varga had been born nearly eighty years ago in the small town of Encs, northeast of Budapest.

As the motorcade drove down the main street of the town, hundreds of residents waved flags and cheered. Never before had Encs had such important visitors and everyone was eager to demonstrate their appreciation to the Americans.

The motorcade stopped in front of the town's best hotel and soon Gwen and her family were sitting in a private dining room with seven people who had been complete strangers only minutes earlier.

Steve had been unable to conceal his surprise when he met Agnes Varga. The family resemblance with Paula and her daughters was obvious. While she spoke English very well, she appeared hesitant and nervous. Her grandfather, Marcell Varga, was not suffering from the same shyness as his granddaughter. He was unable to speak English, however, so he insisted that Agnes stand at his side and interpret for him.

After being introduced, Marcell explained how he had gathered six of Caroline Varga's closest relatives to accompany him to meet his American relatives. He explained that Caroline was his first cousin, as their fathers had been brothers. As everyone knew, Caroline's immediate family had left for America over seventy years ago. Since he was her only cousin his descendants would be her closest family members remaining in Hungary.

Caroline beamed as she hugged her cousin and his family and then introduced her family. "My daughter, Diane, didn't make the trip, but this is my daughter Paula. Next to her are her daughters Lisa, Kate, and Gwen. My granddaughter Stephanie is the pretty girl standing next to..."

That was as far as Caroline managed before Marcell interrupted with a hearty laugh and began speaking rapidly in Hungarian. When he finally stopped talking, Agnes began translating his thoughts into English. "Grandfather finds it very funny that you introduce the President of the United States simply as your granddaughter. She is the most famous, most beautiful woman in the world, yet to you she is simply Gwen.

"He is very proud of how well his cousin Caroline and her family have done since emigrating to the United States. He often boasts to anyone that will listen that his cousin twice removed is the Lady in Red, the President of the United States, and is also now known as the Queen of Peace. We are all very proud to be related to such inspirational, generous people.

"I apologize! We should have knelt when we first met," suddenly worried the beautiful young woman. "I explained to Grandfather that we should, but we forgot when you came into the room and greeted us so graciously. We were very excited to meet you. Would it be acceptable if we knelt now?"

"No! Please don't," responded Gwen catching Agnes's elbows just as she began to kneel. "You're family! I don't expect anyone to kneel before me, and certainly not family. I would like a nice hug from each of you. You're such a beautiful young woman!"

"I think we may have discovered the face for Lady in Red Productions here in Hungary, and perhaps beyond," suggested Stephanie as she waited her turn to hug the young woman. "With a little promotion with Gwen, Kate, and Lisa, she could become our Hungarian face for the Lady in Red."

"That's a great idea!" responded a smiling Kate. "That's why you're heading up our European division. You're always looking for opportunities to promote and improve the company."

"I guess we're getting ahead of ourselves and everyone is wondering what we're talking about, so let's explain everything," offered Stephanie. "Lady in Red Productions is going to make Encs a production center for the Lady in Red clothing line. We've already obtained the necessary permits and signed a very long term lease on almost fifteen acres of land.

"We'll build a state of the art clothing manufacturing facility here. We'll hire and train locals and pay them a very good wage. We're going to create the 'Caroline Varga Collection'. Doesn't that have a great ring to it? The designs will be unique from those made in our other facilities, and the quality will be top-notch."

Gwen's grandmother was in tears by the time Stephanie finished explaining Lady in Red's plans for the area. Agnes quickly translated Lady in Red's intentions to her relatives so they would understand the tears that were flowing down Caroline's cheeks.

"I wish your grandfather had lived to see this," sobbed Caroline as she hugged Stephanie. Then she embraced her daughter and granddaughters, along with their husbands and Jordan and Charlie. "This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me! What an honor! I guess I'll be coming back here pretty often to keep an eye on things, and to visit my relatives."

"That's right, Grandma," agreed Lisa. "We're having a nice home built not far from the factory for you, or any of the family to use when we're here. You should come over here as often as you like."

"We're glad that we've made you happy, Grandma," stated Gwen with a big smile. "We wanted to honor you for quite some time. This seemed the perfect opportunity. Now let's have a nice lunch before Stephanie addresses the media. This'll probably get Congress all worked up again, but we don't really care, do we."

Steve was standing in line for the buffet lunch when Agnes Varga approached him. "How's our little cousin doing?" asked Steve as he held his arms out to hug the young woman.

"You are so kind to me! I can't believe that I'm actually hugging you," effused Agnes as she wrapped her arms around Steve's solid frame. "You're so strong and so brave! I saw you on TV when you emerged from that old church after saving all of those people. I've watched all of your movies and have all of your songs saved.

"I followed you long before we realized that Gwen was a cousin. When I was a little girl, my aunt showed me the video of you and Gwen dancing that first time, when she became the Lady in Red. It was so romantic! Then this morning I saw on TV where you proposed a toast to Gwen for another child. I saw how you poured your love for her into your words and your kiss."

"You make me sound pretty old," chuckled Steve. "I guess you would've been a small girl when Gwen and I shared that dance all those years ago. Your cousin is a very special woman and I love her more than I thought possible.

"You're certainly following in the family tradition of beauty," offered Steve as held Agnes at arm's length and looked the blushing girl over. "Your cousin Stephanie seems to think you could be the face for our company here in Europe. Having a beautiful Varga represent the 'Caroline Varga Collection' seems like a great idea to me. How do you feel about it?"

"It's quite daunting," responded the young woman. "Your wife and her sisters are considered the most beautiful women in the world. Stephanie is beautiful as well. I'm less endowed on top, I'm not as attractive, and I'm totally inexperienced in things like this."

"Stephanie?" spoke Steve just loud enough to get Stephanie's attention and she joined Agnes and Steve. "Agnes was just telling me about her concerns about representing the 'Caroline Varga Collection'. She's worried that her boobs aren't big enough, she isn't beautiful enough, and she's too inexperienced. Sound familiar?"

"Boy, does it!" laughed Stephanie, moving closer to Steve and Agnes. "I used to worry about the same things, but one night in a hot tub with Steve pretty well removed those doubts. It's really quite simple, but sometimes we women complicate it. Men love breasts of all sizes and shapes. You have a wonderful figure. You're very lovely, and you'll learn everything you need to know quite quickly. If you're willing, we'll give you a contract today. You can have a lawyer look it over and discuss everything with your family. I promise you'll be pleased with our offer.

"As you know, Lisa, Kate, Gwen, Jordan, and the rest of us have modeled for Lady in Red over the years. You'll be working with us at first to learn the ropes, but by the time we begin production, you'll be the face of the 'Caroline Varga Collection' here and around the world. How's that sound?"

"Can you tell me more about the night in a hot tub with Steve?" asked Agnes, looking at Steve and blushing again.

"That's what caught your attention? You really are like the other women in our family! Maybe we can set something up for you. In fact, it's almost necessary since Steve has a thing about seeing every female in Gwen's family naked," responded Stephanie with a smile. "Don't ask. I'll tell you about it sometime when there are fewer ears around. Just know that it's a family tradition, you're a part of the family, and your virtue is totally safe.."

"My friend's cousin was one of those trapped underground with Steve in that awful earthquake. She told my friend that Steve saved all of their lives, and his strength was unbelievable. She's only sixteen, but she thinks she's in love," revealed Agnes.

"She's a member in a pretty big club. Falling in love with Steve is not an unusual occurrence," pointed out Lisa, joining the conversation. "When this world tour is over, we'd like to fly you to Sparta for some training and modeling with the rest of us Lady in Red representatives. Within the year, we'll be producing the 'Caroline Varga Collection' right here. You'll be representing us all over Europe, if you're willing."

"This is so hard to believe! I'm just a regular Hungarian girl and you're offering me this incredible opportunity. You just met me. Are you certain that I'm the one you want for this promotion?" asked Agnes nervously.

"We tend to make a lot of our decisions quickly," admitted Lisa. "We've become pretty good judges of character, plus you're family. Lady in Red is all about family and friends. You'll do fine."

A short time later, Gwen directed everyone to return to the motorcade. "We're faced with a much sadder chore now. There's a memorial service for the victims of that earthquake this afternoon. We have to attend. Agnes, please ride with us."

Gwen was impressed with the progress made in the small town in the two short days since she had left in a helicopter. Much of the rubble and debris had already been removed. Several of the destroyed buildings had been hauled away and reconstruction was already beginning. There was a lot of work yet to be done, but the progress was already encouraging.

A small platform with a canvas roof had been erected near the old church. The memorial service was to be conducted there. Several hundred people had already assembled in front of the platform when Gwen and her entourage arrived. The motorcade found the field that had been used by the helicopters to land rather crowded with tents, machinery, and construction materials. Eventually they came upon a small meadow suitable for parking and within easy walking distance of the church.

Gwen held Saint's hand and Steve carried their daughter, Vicky, as they began the trek toward the old church. Almost instantly, all machinery was turned off and work halted as laborers, volunteers, and citizens silently watched President Hammer and her family and friends approach the town. By the time Gwen and Steve reached the main street that led to the old church, people began dropping to one knee and bowing.

It occurred to Gwen that she would never become accustomed to the respect and reverence people demonstrated to her. She could only strive to become the person that so many felt she already was. A few small tears trickled down her cheek as she clutched Saint's hand a bit tighter and then slid her free hand into Steve's.

Everyone that had gathered for the memorial service was kneeling as Gwen approached. She realized that she recognized many of the faces. Some were children she had treated, and many were folks that had joined her that night in her long vigil at the cemetery as she prayed for the rescue of her son and husband.

"Please stand," began Gwen as she released Steve's hand and gestured for everyone to take their feet. As the locals began rising, Gwen moved into the crowd with Saint and Steve, who still carried Vicky on his hip. She hugged everyone that she could reach while Steve shook hands and gave one armed hugs to many of the women. The precocious Saint demonstrated an instinctive understanding of the situation and hugged everyone that approached him.

Gwen was smiling and beginning to offer encouragement to the young parents of the baby born in the basement of the old church when she saw Lena Kiss step up to Saint and hug him fiercely. She glanced at Steve. He winked at Gwen before returning his attention to Saint and Lena. When Lena finally released Saint, she stepped over to Steve, who gently bent and picked her up with his free arm and held her on his other hip as the lovely little girl wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"I knew you were the only man that could save everyone, and you did," whispered Lena. "You are the Warrior."

Steve simply smiled at the girl as he held her tightly and kissed her forehead. When he placed her back on the ground, Lena moved in front of Gwen and dropped to one knee. "Ma'am, you are our Queen", was all she said.

Gwen's eyes misted over as she knelt down by the little girl and embraced her. When she returned to her feet, the blonde girl rose with her, still in her arms.

"You're such a beautiful little girl," beamed Gwen through her tears. "Destiny will bring us together often, I'm sure. Just know that if you ever need me, Steve, or even Saint, we'll be there for you. Your parents have been told how to reach us any time of day or night."

Gwen returned her attention to the couple with the newborn baby boy. "I speak some English," revealed the young woman. "We named our baby Saint Steven Szabo."

"You named him after the patron saint of Hungary, as well as the very church under which he was born!" exclaimed Gwen. "That was a great idea. Our son is nicknamed Saint and we think it's a pretty neat name."

"Not exactly. We named him after your son and your husband," emphasized the young woman as her husband nodded in agreement. "That a boy named Saint, and a man named Steven would risk their lives to save complete strangers was difficult to accept. When you consider that they are extremely wealthy, yet treated all of us with respect and compassion, there was no real option. Our son will proudly bear the names of the two wonderful Americans whose heroics allowed him to enter this world"

"That is such an honor! May I hold your baby?" asked Gwen. "I want to remember the baby bearing the names of my son and my husband. He's adorable! You've been truly blessed."

"Madam President? If he had been a girl, we would have named her Saint Gwen," revealed the infant's mother. "My husband was there when you demanded that the rescuers search the old church for us, even though you had no possible way of knowing we were there. My husband believes you made the decision because the old church bore the names of your son and husband, but I think there was something else. I believe that God somehow told you where to find us. You are President of the United States, but you are our Queen, and God communicates with you. Thank you for blessing our family with such good fortune."

Before Gwen could respond, the newborn infant began to fuss and the young mother excused herself to find a suitable location to feed her baby. Steve stood close as Gwen struggled to recover her equilibrium. She worked to push back the many questions that had come to her mind as the young mother spoke of how God had told her where to find Saint, Steve, and the others. Deciding it was an issue for another time, Gwen forced her thoughts to focus on the task at hand and resumed greeting the people gathered around her.

Somehow, Lena remained in Gwen's arms as she continued to offer encouragement to the citizens of the small town. It did not go unnoticed that the President of the United States, one of the wealthiest women in the world, elegantly coiffed and dressed, never hesitated to hug everyone she could, regardless of their dirty, ragged clothes. It was obvious to all that she valued and respected them, regardless of their appearance, or their station in life.

Gwen's Secret Service agents were nervously hovering nearby, trying to watch for any possible threat to President Hammer while remaining as unobtrusive as possible. Having a president that insisted on mingling with people made their jobs more difficult, but it also filled them with great pride to serve a woman with the compassion and concern that Gwen displayed.

Eventually, a gray haired man stepped to the platform and began speaking Hungarian into a microphone. Gwen and some of the other women in her entourage were offered the few chairs that were available. Gwen simply shook her head and gestured invitingly to several older people in the crowd. Her intention was gleaned immediately and several elderly ladies were led to the chairs where they gratefully sat. The gray haired man spoke for about ten minutes. He managed to draw nods and a few tears from the people as he spoke. Near the end of his speech, Gwen heard her name mentioned as the man gestured for her to come to the microphone.