Ghost Writer
Originally posted on February 3, 2008
Continued from “I Love You…. Eternally”
Asher: I told you I was writing a new play. But I never let on what it’s about.
Kohana: Would you like to tell me now?
Asher: Yes, I would. But it takes some explanation. Remember I told you that when this theater was opened more than a century ago, the owner was a woman?
Kohana: Yes, I remember. Amanda….. something…..?
Asher: Amanda Berkeley Morgan. She was married to Edward Morgan, a local man with some political clout and entrepreneurial tendencies.
Kohana: Morgan – as in the county where we live?
Asher: Yeah, you’ve got it. Founding family, loads of money and influence, the whole nine yards. Amanda’s roots were a little less lofty, but not much. The Berkeleys were probably the second wealthiest family in the area.
Kohana: I’ve heard some about both families. It would be hard to live here and not become aware of at least a little of the local history.
Asher: This play is based on their lives. I hope to have it produced here for the second anniversary of the theater’s re-opening. That’s still several months away, but with all that needs to be done, time is actually getting tight.
Kohana: Do you need more time to complete your writing? I can keep my visits to a minimum so you have more…..
Asher: No, Kohana……..
Asher: Don’t even think about it. I didn’t mean that at all. No matter what else keeps me busy, you’re my number one priority, got that?
Kohana: Mmmm, got it. So…..you were telling me……?
Asher: Guess I’m trying to explain why I will be spending so much time up here. I can’t write this anywhere else.
Kohana: That doesn’t make sense, Asher. This room isn’t very comfortable at all – it’s dusty and drafty. Surely you could concentrate somewhere else just as well, if not better.
Asher: It has nothing to do with concentration, Sweetheart. It has everything to do with…. atmosphere. Oh damn, this is going to sound crazy no matter how I say it so I’m just going to say it. The play isn’t based on the history anyone can read in the archives at the local library; it’s a more personal account.
Asher: I have to write here, because I need help with my writing. And that help is here… because…. Amanda is.
Kohana: Amanda is….pardon me?
Amanda: It’s all right, Asher, Darling. I imagine with your young lady, seeing is necessary for believing.
Kohana: What was….who was that?
Asher: Kohana, I…..
Amanda: I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Sasaki. I’m Amanda Morgan.
Kohana: I don’t believe what I’m seeing… even hearing….a…..a…..
Amanda: Surely my dear, sometime in your life you’ve heard the term ‘ghost writer?
To Readers: Although there actually is a Morgan County (as well as a Berkeley County) in West Virginia, Amanda and Edward are fictitious characters bearing no resemblance to any real person. At least none that I know about!