Bessie by Linda Kass

Author:Linda Kass
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Media Whirlwind; Panic Sets In

August 1945

Bessie feels a hand shaking her shoulder.

“Bessie ... Bessie ... Sis!”

Helen’s voice is high-pitched. Bessie tentatively opens her eyes to find her sister hovering over her, her stare piercing through her tousled mouse-brown mop of hair.

“Ugh. Let me sleep. I had quite the night.”

“You’re a celebrity, Bessie! Look at all these papers!”

Bessie jolts up in bed, grabbing the newspapers out of her sister’s hands. Far below the block headline, “WORLD HAILS JAP SURRENDER,” in the Herald Tribune, she spots the photo taken last evening of her being crowned Miss New York City. The Daily News features a similar portrait with a caption, “Jewish girl from Bronx is Miss New York City!” Post gossip columnist Earl Wilson says about last night’s celebratory parties: “Bess Myerson’s sister is keeping the wolves from the door!”

“This ... this is unreal.” Bessie feels slightly nauseated, her brain foggy from the champagne and lack of sleep. She does remember that gorgeous man. What was his name again? He owned the Ritz Theatre. And all the other men. All the flattery. It was almost six when the limousine deposited her back home.

“The phone’s been ringing all morning for you, Bessie. Radio stations are calling. Reporters are asking to interview you. There’s a bunch of invitations—a lunch, a cocktail party. Someone even mentioned a television program! Imagine that!”

Bessie hasn’t seen Helen this animated since she won the Bronx Police Department music competition as a violin soloist three years ago. She throws off the covers, walks to the sink, and splashes her face with cold water. “Okay. Sit with me while I have some coffee and toast. Then I can deal with all this craziness.”

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