Falling Waters

By Gary D. Henry

Preston Rhodes was an extraordinary writer. However his actress wife, Carly, didnt want him to over-shadow her talents so she set out to squash every opportunity that came his way. His father died and left Preston an extraordinary gift. It was his memoirs and Preston immediately saw that the book was literary genius. He set out to write a script and it was immediately touted as the next Gone With the Wind. He set out to sell the movie around the country until an errant bullet to his head sent him to a magical town where all the old Hollywood actors dwelled long after their starlight had been extinguished. Falling Waters was the town where spirits thrived and he was sure it was real. He was accepted and spent a lifetime amid the old stars of Hollywood. He met and interacted with all the greats. When he came out of his coma he tried to convince everyone that the town existed but nothing he could do would convince his friends. That is until they understood that miracles do happen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781467870542

Book preview

Contents

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

DEDICATION

As always, dedicated to my family and friends.

Live your life to the fullest. Create a wealth of memories in your lifetime, and relive them as often as you can because memories will be your riches when your allotted time on this earth is expended. Reflection will be your last greatest moment.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to thank my editor, Belinda R. Bell, for her professional editing expertise. She edited The Books of James C. Patch: The Barrier, The Books of James C. Patch: Returning, The Books of James C. Patch: Utopia, and Legacy of the Unsung, The Abel Conspiracy, and Abraham Markem and the Amazing White Dog and did a fine job. I look forward to working with her in the future.

INTRODUCTION

Preston Rhodes was a brilliant and gifted writer. He was a scriptwriter and destined for great things when he graduated from college. He married his high school sweetheart, Carly, who was a gifted actor. They decided to move to California to attempt to solidify their individual and collective talents. Preston did not need the trappings of the entertainment industry, but he could see that Carly was as star struck as any new open-minded starlet caught in Hollywood’s trap could be. At some time during their stay, Carly changed. She was no longer the sweet innocent with whom Preston had fallen in love. Fame and money had become her only interests, and keeping her happy had become Preston’s full-time job. She lived well beyond their means. She demanded that Preston give up his dream of becoming a scriptwriter and get a real job. In fact, he got two and put all of his aspirations aside.

Carly would never allow anyone in the industry to see any of Preston’s writings for fear that he would be more successful than she was. Her ego would allow only her to be successful.

She and Preston had many friends, and Jack and Jill Tilson were their best friends. Jack was an award-winning playwright having developed many plays and movie scripts from New York to California. Jill ran a few design shops around the city. Preston’s father died and left him a book that he had spent his last twenty years writing. Preston loved the book and adapted a screenplay from it.

Jack accidentally read the script that Preston adapted and was amazed by Preston’s talent, much to Carly’s dismay. Jack delivered it to the head of the studio he worked for, and the studio immediately purchased the rights to make a movie from it. The production company touted the movie as the next Gone with the Wind, and the marketers asked Preston to go on a yearlong tour around the country to promote the upcoming film. Preston was making a name for himself and traveling to all the television and radio stations, where he told the country about his book and impending movie.

His tour took him to New York City, and Jack joined him there to be with him on his East Coast leg of his tour.

While in New York, a mugger and an errant bullet to Preston’s head caused him to create a fantasy in his mind while in his comatose condition. In the fantasy, he came upon a town called Falling Waters, Virginia. The tiny town was a strange one because its townspeople were old movie stars who had died many years earlier. Hope, Crosby, Gable, Wayne, Garland, and Astaire were all there. The clean quaint town accepted Preston and allowed him to live among them. Preston lived to a ripe old age within the town’s limits. Preston had given the old movie icons a gift, and the town wanted to give something back. Preston had written a book during his stay and adapted a screenplay from it. The old stars got together and made a few films just for his eyes on a particular pink computer.

On the day Preston died in the town, he awoke from his coma and told Jack about the town, but neither Jack nor anyone else believed him. They all told him that what he saw was an illusion or a dream since he was right there in the hospital the entire time. Jack finally convinced Preston that what he experienced did not happen, and once the hospital released Preston, he and Jack continued with the promotion tour.

The film earned Preston an Oscar, but Carly and her agent, Rick, conspired against Preston because he had fired Rick. Because of that, Carly and Rick did what they could to prevent any success Preston might have earned and enjoyed because of his Oscar.

Carly and Rick began a romantic affair, which drove Preston to madness, and he finally died in an old actors’ retirement home in California. What he left his friends in his will would shock and amaze the world and forever answer ancient questions about life after death.

CHAPTER 1

Tough Times in Tinsel Town

Preston Rhodes was a young, brilliant, and gifted visionary. He was in his second year at UCLA, and it had become evident to his teachers at a very young age that he would stand out among other students. Preston had an uncanny ability. He could tell which movie would flop and which would be a box office smash just by reading the corresponding book.

During his sophomore year, he met Carly Carlson. She was a theater major and took an instant liking to young Preston and he to her. Preston had a keen eye as to what worked and what did not with regard to theatric endeavors, and she used his advice to excel in all the plays in which she appeared. Preston even changed the script up at the request of her teachers to maximize her talent. The writers had no problem with Preston changing the script because what he wrote was much better, and they knew it. Carly always looked out to the audience and knew exactly where Preston was sitting. She had told him that his presence made her perform much better. They did everything together and were nearly inseparable all the way through school. Just before graduation, Preston proposed, and Carly quickly accepted. It was a good year for Carly because that same year she also got an agent. Rick Reynolds heard through the grapevine that Carly was a can’t-miss actor. He attended one of her plays, saw her performance for himself, and signed her on the spot.

Preston was excited for Carly but her signing did not take away from the fact that they would be married prior to her getting her first role. Still, Preston wondered if her pending career would change her in any way. They set the date for their wedding eight weeks after their graduation date. Preston and Rick got along very well, and Rick was good enough to allow Carly and Preston a few weeks in Barbados before he would launch Carly’s career. Rick was also interested in signing Preston because Carly had touted Preston’s extraordinary script writing talent.

Preston and Carly were married on a Saturday. Upon their return from Barbados, Rick landed her a role in a few commercials for a major car producer. It did not pay much, but it was enough to cover a few months of rent. They had just graduated from UCLA. Preston set out to be a writer and was itching to get into the movie industry. Carly had made her start, and Preston wanted to contribute as well. He did not know how to begin and Rick, even though he tried, could not help him. He did know he would have to work free for the first few years given the studios would hire no one while there was a pool of young graduates willing to work without pay. Preston was different though. He was an avid reader and could instantly envision a script after reading a book.

He and Carly were certain Hollywood needed such a gift. Preston could spot a good story very quickly and could automatically picture the movie in his mind. It did not matter whether the author was a good writer. Preston could create from any story a screenwriting epic. Getting that first shot was the problem. He knocked on many doors and sent out hundreds of resumes, but cracking through the movie industry doors was next to impossible for a young guy who had just graduated from college. He and Carly did not have much money and knew he would eventually have to take any job that could keep food in their mouths while he formulated his plan to open a few doors. Carly continued to hold her own and for a while was the only breadwinner in the newly formed twosome. Carly did not mind since she was convinced that her talented husband would soon be making more money than they needed.

He decided to collaborate with a few new authors offering to adapt their books into movie scripts at no charge, with one condition. If he were able to sell it to a studio, then he would collect a portion of the proceeds. Preston gathered about twenty books all with great stories. He worked with the authors and reached an agreement. He would adapt their books and present the scripts to studios. He knew he was talented and knew if he could get the studios to read just one of them, then they, too, would see his talent. He got a job outside of his talents that did not pay much but allowed him to have a car, an apartment, and enough money to keep him and Carly fed, but he remained hungry for further success. They did not need the frills in life that most in the film industry flaunted. In fact, they needed very little at all to make them happy.

They just had a small one-bedroom apartment in a relatively safe part of town. Preston actually loved it there. However, Carly thought their place was a bit too small, but they had to have a place to stay. Preston was satisfied with a bed, a laptop, and a phone, although he and Carly did not often share the bed while both were awake. When he got off work, he went to his laptop computer and worked on adapting books until it was time to go to bed. This was his standard day for two years.

Carly continued getting frustrated with Preston’s busy schedule. She was usually on set working for fourteen hours and was dead tired when she got home. Invariably, she would arrive home to find Preston tapping away on his computer where he stayed long after she had already gone to sleep. There was a time when he wanted to give it all up, but quitting had never been part of him or his family’s makeup.

Prior to his graduation from college, his mother and father worked very hard to send him to the University of California. He was luckier than most because his parents started saving for Preston’s education the very day he was born. His folks were not rich, but they did want to give him every possible advantage in life. Neither of his parents attended college, and his mother never even graduated high school. That made no difference to Preston’s father because he loved her. She eventually did get her GED but still struggled to hold a few jobs just so they could add another twenty dollars to Preston’s college fund. His father was a teacher. He also wanted to be a journalist, but the long hours teaching prevented him from pursuing that goal. Preston’s dad was quite a good writer and was always pushing forward with his seemingly never-ending novel. He spent years writing it but never finished it.

Preston asked him, Dad, I see you writing all the time. You’ve been writing for forever. Do you ever think you’ll finish your book?

Preston’s dad removed his glasses and answered, I suspect one day I will. Preston, there’s something I need to tell you. The book has taken me this long, son, because my life is still going on. This is the story of my life, and I suspect I’ll keep writing, if I’m able, until the day I die. I want to write the book well. I’ve thrown out whole chapters just to rewrite them. I want it to be good.

Preston asked, Dad, do you ever think about how difficult it would be to find a publisher if you ever did finish it?

His father replied, Son, I won’t have to find a publisher. I’ll be leaving this to you when I die. I want you to finish it after I’m gone. It’s not just the story of my life but also the story of your mother’s life as well as yours. There have been times when we’ve had problems. I disciplined you all the time, but I’ve always loved you. Every time I raised my voice or turned you over my knee, I had to go write how I really felt about having to do so. There were times when I felt bad and times when I was angry, but I must say that regardless of what is written in this book, both your mother and me have always been very proud of you.

Preston was just a kid at the time. His father, it seemed, was always under a lot of pressure. It was a hard life trying to bring up a child the right way in Southern California. Everything was expensive, but his parents always provided food and insured his clothes were always clean. He would have liked to spend a bit more time with his parents, but they were always working.

Even his father was tutoring students after he got off work to gain a few extra dollars. Preston was a rare kid. He saw how hard his parents were working and tried his best not to make life any tougher for them. He stayed away from the drug culture and did not allow himself to associate with people caught up in it. He did not really get into that much trouble as a teenager and was happy to help the family out when he was old enough to work. He happily turned over his paychecks to his mother, and she was very thankful for his contribution. Invariably, however, all of the money he gave her went directly into his college fund. His parents never had much, but Preston never heard his mother or father for that matter speak of wanting anything other than their most basic needs.

That trait stayed with Preston. His fellow students always had a new car and stylish clothes, but Preston held no envy because of what the other kids had. He was even happy for them. Material things and the trappings of an elegant society were never his priority. He was satisfied with the few loves in his life, which were Carly, his family, and his desire to write. He always thought and dreamed of being a great novelist and wanted to be as dedicated as his father was in that pursuit. The only difference was that he did not want to spend twenty years writing any one book.

Sadly, Preston’s mother died of cancer during his first year of college. Her death hit him hard as he nearly gave up his dream of becoming a best-selling author. She meant everything to him, but his father made him go on. Preston wanted to quit school to help his father out with the bills, but he would not hear of it.

He said, Preston, you will not quit college. We don’t have much, but the Rhodes family does not quit. Your mother sacrificed the most. You didn’t know this, but she would always come home and cry because another day without seeing you had gone by. She walked into your room just about every night to kiss you goodnight.

Preston said, Yes I know. She woke me up a few times.

His father continued, Yes I know. She told me. Preston, it broke my heart to see her in such pain. I begged her to quit one of her jobs, but she always said she had to work because you need college. She went on to say she would work a third job if it became necessary to get you there.

The following year, Preston’s father died of a massive heart attack in his classroom, and Preston was alone.

His father left him enough money to finish school, but the most precious gift that he left Preston was the novel that had taken his dad twenty-two years to write. Preston would not read it at first. Perhaps he thought if he delayed reading his father’s book, his dad would remain alive in his mind for a few more months.

He read only a page a day just to prolong the experience. From what he read though, he believed the book was the best one he had ever read, and he didn’t think that because his father wrote it. He really felt the power of the words.

Preston had little time to read it because he had a script to sell to get his career going. Carly tried to be supportive, but even though Preston had a part-time job, she brought in the bulk of the money.

Rick was getting her a lot of work, and she was constantly on the television in a myriad of commercials. Rick was supposed to be Preston’s agent as well but could find no contact that wanted to listen to Preston or read one of his scripts.

The authors that collaborated with Preston started to pressure him because he had sold none of the scripts even though he had given them a great gift for essentially free.

It usually cost five thousand dollars to adapt a book to a movie script, and Preston did it for nothing but a few hundred dollars and the hope that a studio might buy one of them. Rick was able to secure Preston interviews with a few of the studios, but they were not interested.

Preston lacked a Hollywood pedigree, so garnering the attention of the people that matter was next to impossible. He felt guilty that years had passed and he hadn’t sold a script. Eventually, he gave each of the twenty authors the scripts for their books completely free of charge. He wouldn’t even get a commission should any of the scripts eventually sell. He tore up the contracts leaving the authors with scripts for their books. A few of them liked Preston and wouldn’t allow him to leave with nothing for all the work he had done. Those few told Preston that should they ever sell a script, they would give him a percentage. With no more pressure by the authors, he needed another story and attempted to do what he had always wanted to do. He wanted to write a book, but struggled to think of a story. He pondered for weeks for an idea, but nothing came to him for months. Carly came into the house and excitedly told Preston, Honey, I did it. I got a costarring role in a high budget drama with some very big stars, and it’ll be directed by Douglas Banks, the three-time academy award winning director.

Excited for her, Preston asked, Are you serious? We have to go out and celebrate. Congratulations, Honey.

Carly replied, Now you may not have to get a job. If this turns out the way I want, it could be an important stepping-stone to something much bigger. I can’t wait because I want a bigger house.

Preston looked around at their clean little home and said, What’s wrong with what we have. I kind of like it here.

Carly replied, Honey, it’s nice, but it’s just too small.

Just as he was about to respond, Rick knocked on the door and asked both Preston and Carly, Who’s the best agent in the world? Both of you, gather your things. We’re doing it up big tonight. My treat.

Preston said, My God, Rick, what happened?

Rick looked at Preston and said, What? Carly didn’t tell you? We’re going to the big time, Preston. I got her one million dollars for this upcoming movie.

In the bedroom brushing her hair, Carly heard what Rick said. She let out a loud scream then ran out in her robe and hugged Rick while Preston looked on.

Preston said, Um, Carly? Remember me?

Carly replied, Oh damn, I wasn’t even watching who I was hugging. I thought it was you.

Smiling, Rick said, Hey! How am I supposed to feel about that?

Preston smiled and replied, Okay, Carly, it’s Rick’s turn.

The three friends went to Hollywood and played hard the rest of the night. They dined at the best restaurant and partied at the best clubs. Rick hired a limousine for the night, and the three enjoyed a celebration to remember. Preston was now essentially a kept man. He could even quit his part-time job. To relieve his boredom, he decided to continue reading his father’s book. Carly was away on location for five weeks and felt lonely when Preston wasn’t around. She begged him to visit her in New Mexico. Preston had never been to New Mexico and couldn’t wait to get there. He arrived in about a day and a half and went to the hotel where Carly had checked in, but she didn’t arrive at the room for hours. She was filming a very important night scene, so she didn’t return until midnight. She was very happy to see Preston but was exhausted and had to go to bed because she had a 7:00 a.m. call time. Preston drove her to the set, and the only time she could see him was when she had to have her makeup reapplied. He had forgotten to bring his father’s book and told her he was going back to the hotel room and would see her later.

Carly said, I’m so sorry, Honey, the shooting schedule is crazy, and they’re making me do a dozen or more takes a scene. I should see you about eleven or twelve.

Preston answered, No problem, Sweetheart. I brought my father’s book. I’ll see you at eleven.

He kissed Carly goodbye, returned to the hotel room, settled in, and picked up where he’d left off in the book. He marveled at the story. He read things about his father and their family that he had never known. An idea then came to him. He would attempt to adapt the book into a movie. He already could tell how he would go about writing the script. Preston couldn’t wait to tell Rick and Carly of his epiphany. After all, his father’s book was excellent, and he knew he was an excellent scriptwriter.

Preston continued reading the huge book while he waited for Carly to get back to the hotel. He called Rick and told him about his idea.

Rick asked, Is it really that good, Preston?

Preston answered, I can’t describe it, Rick, except to say that it has everything people like. I think if this were ever made into a movie, it would be a blockbuster.

Rick asked, Well when are you going to get started on it?

Preston replied, I’m leaving New Mexico tomorrow because I never get to see Carly anyway. She’s constantly busy.

Rick said, That sounds great. I can’t wait to read it. By the way, Preston, I’m sorry to bring this up now, but I’m going to have to raise my rates a little because my bills are killing me.

Preston answered, Well I think you’ll have to discuss it with Carly since she’s really the only one of us who’s producing at the moment.

Rick replied, I did. She wanted me to discuss it with you. She seemed to be okay with it once I told her what the increase would be.

Preston said, Hey, Buddy, if Carly said it’s okay, then it’s okay. Besides, you got her a good gig, and I’m sure there will be many more.

Rick replied, Thanks, Preston. I knew you’d understand. I’ll see you when you get back to California.

Preston said, Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow morning.

Rick replied, Well I’ll be on the golf course tomorrow morning, and I have a lunch date at 1:00, but I should be free at about five or six.

Okay. I’ll give you a call then, Preston replied.

Preston thought it was strange that Rick couldn’t pay his bills but could afford to play golf for most of the day. He then reasoned that everyone needs something to relieve a little stress, and perhaps playing golf was just Rick’s way to do so.

Preston continued reading the book then looked at the clock, and it was midnight. Carly was an hour late, so he called her cell phone but got no answer. He was genuinely worried about her because she was never late and, whenever she was going to be late, she would always call. He walked to his car and drove to the movie set, but the only people still there were those that had stayed to plan the next day’s shots. One of the grips told Preston that all the stars left about 10:00. Preston went back to the hotel and saw that she had arrived while he was gone. She was very irritated that Preston wasn’t there. He had never seen Carly so agitated, and she didn’t believe him that he was actually not there because he was out looking for her. Preston asked her where she was, and she said she got off work at 11:30, and a few of the other actors went out for a drink. She then accused him of checking up on her.

Preston raised a hand and replied, Easy, Honey. I wasn’t checking up on you. I called your cell phone, and there was no answer so I was worried.

Carly snapped, Preston, I worked my ass off! I deserve to go out and have a drink with my friends. When I come home, I expect you to be here.

Preston responded, I agree. I would never say you couldn’t do anything. Please don’t say crap that I know you don’t mean. I know you’re under a lot of pressure, but don’t take it out on me. I’m on your side, remember.

Carly knew she was wrong and had said things she didn’t mean, but she didn’t apologize. In fact, she wouldn’t even sleep with Preston that night. There were two beds in the room, and they each used one of them that night. Preston could not believe what had happened the night before, and she was gone before he got up the next morning. He called her cell phone, and she apologized for all she had said and didn’t know why she had gotten so angry. She told him she didn’t want to wake him that morning because he was sleeping so soundly.

Preston accepted her apology and told her he would talk to her when she was done with the movie. He told her he was going to adapt a screenplay from his father’s book, but she didn’t seem to like the idea and suggested that he should just get a job. She then said something that hurt Preston’s feelings. She told him that maybe he should give up writing because he had yet to sell any scripts and didn’t like the few she had read. She suggested he try just a regular job outside the entertainment industry. Preston couldn’t believe his ears. He loved Carly, but lately she had been intentionally mean to him.

Preston angrily retorted, Listen, you’re my wife so I’ll give you a little slack, but do not ever treat me like that again. I’m a writer, and I know I’m good at it. Doing a few commercials and one movie doesn’t give you the right to be like most of the idiots in Hollywood. Got it? I would have thought I could get a little support from you. I’ve always and will continue to support your dreams and aspirations. I’m a writer and soon you’ll see how good I am at it.

Carly quickly backed down and said, I’m so sorry, Honey. You’re right. I don’t know what has come over me. I hate those kinds of people and thank you for letting me know that I’m turning into one. Your being straightforward with me is one of the reasons why I love you. Don’t ever change that, Sweetheart. I love you. Please adapt the book. I know it’ll be great.

Preston didn’t know what was going on with his wife, but he was satisfied with her response. Sadly, Preston had to end his father’s book because his father died so abruptly that he couldn’t finish it. He took another two weeks to finish the book, and he was excited and anxious to start to adapt it to what he believed would be the best movie ever. His father spent twenty years writing it, and he was going to take his time writing his script. Preston spent many months trying to secure a commercial publisher, but none could see the possibilities since the author was a relative unknown, so they wouldn’t touch it. Out of options, Preston self-published the book. It actually got good reviews although it sold only a few copies. Preston was in his element because he loved writing. His dream was to write his own book, but that one great story still eluded him.

Preston worked day and night on the script but had only a few pages done when Carly came home. She was in an extremely good mood as she walked into the room and demanded most of Preston’s time while she was there. Each attended parties and events arranged to promote her film. Preston was happy to be there with her even though it really wasn’t his kind of crowd. Most of the parties had the usual temptations such as drugs and a never-ending supply of alcohol. Preston was proud of Carly because she steered clear of both. He had a few beers and genuinely had a good time. Carly was bouncing around the room like the social butterfly into which she was slowly turning. He arrived at each of the events with Carly,