Unfolding Truths: KO x LMM

One

The breakup had been bad. That was all either knew. It had happened backstage at the Richard Rodgers Theater an hour before the opening number.

"Karen, now isn't the time to think about this." Lin had started. He should've known he'd screwed up then, but he continued. "We can't think about settling down until the year has been up."

"I'm not talking about having kids!" Karen shot back at him. "I'm just saying maybe we could move in together."

"Your 12 month contract isn't even half up!"

"Well off-Broadway was factored in for me because of West Side Story. So actually, it is half up!" Karen was getting angrier. "Everyone said 'don't work for your boyfriend' and I'm starting to believe them! You prioritize this show over us!"

"I have worked my ass off since college to get this show on Broadway, Karen! You of all people should know that!" Lin's voice raised, only slightly.

"Well fuck you and fuck this show! I quit!" Karen said, running out of the theater, still in their street clothes. They ran out and got in their car, crying in the drivers seat before eventually pulling out and driving home.

Now, 15 years later, as Karen and their daughter sat on a plane, she was worried news of their return would somehow get to Lin. They didn't want to see him. They were ashamed of how things had been left and had no clue what he was up to, other than what Gracie had told them.

According to Gracie, he had met and fell in love with scientist-lawyer, Vanessa Nadal in about June of 2008 and gotten married to her in 2010. Something about how fast he had moved on stung and had to do their best not to let it show.

When Alex and Andy had reached out about doing Hamilton in Chicago, Karen had been intrigued. But once they'd learned it had been written by Lin, they declined, staying away from Broadway and musicals even longer than planned. Eventually they had found their way back for Moulin Rouge but left early due to abuse allegations against someone else in the production.

After leaving Moulin Rouge, during the height of the pandemic, Karen, their husband, stepdaughter and Gracie moved back to Wisconsin where two months later, they were divorced a second time.

Gracie listened to Hamilton through their earbuds throughout the two hour and 15 minute flight. As soon as they landed, Karen grabbed their carry on and instructed Gracie to do the same. Once the two had their bags, Karen led their daughter to baggage claim where they got their other suitcases and caught a cab outside.

The two slid in and headed for their two story house in which Karen had already received their key for and had asked for the second to be placed in the mailbox just in case they accidentally packed the first. They'd taken out a mortgage to help pay, not willing to go back to a two bedroom apartment.

When they arrived, Karen grabbed their two suitcases and Gracie grabbed hers. "Mom? It seems kinda...eerie." Gracie mentioned as they walked toward the house.

"I'm sure it's just because it's dark out and all the lights are off inside." Karen responded, going to unlock the front door.

Once the door was open, the two walked into Mandy's planned surprise housewarming party.

"Oh my god!" Karen yelped in shock as everyone jumped out from their hiding places. "Beast!" They dropped their bag to hug Mandy.

"How are you Kare Bear?" Mandy asked, letting go of her best friend.

"I'm doing well. What the hell is all this?"

"You really think my best friend is allowed to move back to New York and not get a housewarming party?" She asked, hugging them again.

"You're too kind." Karen chuckled.

"Also, fair warning, Lin might show up. I didn't invite him, just gave him a heads up you were back." Mandy said.

"Why the hell would you do that?" Karen asked, dragging Mandy into the other room. "You didn't tell him about Gracie did you?" Mandy's silence spoke volumes. "Please tell me you at least didn't tell him she was his!"

"I didn't tell him that. Just that you and your daughter were moving back."

"As long has he has no suspicions." Karen sighed. "Anyway, I should go say hi to everyone else."

The 46 year old headed to say hello to Andréa Burns next, needing to know if anyone else has told Lin. However, they had only told Mandy that Gracie was Lin's daughter too, knowing she wouldn't blab about that. "Karen, it's so good to have you back in the city." Andréa mused.

"It's nice to be back. How are you?"

"I'm good. How are you?"

"I'm alright."

"Heads up, Chris asked Lin if he wanted to come. They're carpooling over." Andréa said. Karen gulped. They hadn't seen Lin since they quit In The Heights on March 15th, finding out they were pregnant two weeks later.

"Why would he do that? He knows how bad our breakup was!"

"Honey, we all know. We were there." Andréa said, placing her hand on Karen's arm. "I think what you need to do is try to mend a friendship, or at least try. He's married now, and he misses you." Karen groaned. They didn't miss him. "Just try."

"Okay." They gave in and went to get a beer.

By the time they came back from the kitchen, Lin and Chris had arrived and they could hear Gracie freaking out. Karen walked over to their daughter. "Gracie, why don't you go talk to Mandy." Karen said gently. Gracie groaned but nodded. "Hi Chris."

"Hey Karen." Chris took them into a hug. "I know I should've given you a heads up." He whispered.

"It's okay, Andréa did." Karen whispered back, pulling away from Chris. "Hi, Lin." They said, sheepish.

"Hey Karen." Lin squeaked out, rubbing his neck. "Long time, no see."