Finding Her Again

10 - Awards

natalie

She never called. And now I'm at The Academy Awards! Best place on Earth, am I right!?

No. I can't get her out of my head. Every thought is accompanied by the reminder of her.

And I'm not going to get anything. By My Side was barely in the range for this years movies even being considered. I'm only here because I have to be. I'm Natalie Matthews.

And I'm here with my little brother. He's already sitting inside due to his horrible fear of cameras.

"Natalie Matthews." Vanessa Daye greeted me as I walked up to her just as I was assigned to do.

"Hello Vanessa. Lovely to see you again." I smiled at her then directly at the camera, because this is live. Number one rule of the Academy awards: keep a smile on your face.

"Please tell me about this beautiful green dress you're wearing." She stepped back and examined my gown, "It fits you in all the right places."

I laughed politely because that joke did not land. Of course it fits me, it was designed to. Why am I being a brat? "It is Versace. I lived in Italy for a year while studying abroad with one of my best friends so I have a lot of luck with Italians." I laughed at the fun memories I have from Europe with Cassie, "And it's green. My color in my movie is green. My bedroom was green growing up. I had these beautiful green Converse in high school."

She nodded, "So maybe green could be your lucky charm this evening? It has a lot of meaning to you."

I laughed again, "I can hope so."

"Well, in By My Side, you play a character named Eleanor who falls in love with her best friend and feels bad about it. Where did the inspiration for Eleanor and Mckenna come from."

I smiled politely, "Me, actually. I based my book off of my life in high school. The amazing friends, family, and partner."

"That is adorable. Do you think your cast and crew brought your story to life the best way possible?"

"I do. I really do. I based most of my characters off of people I really used to be so close with. I really think the casting was perfect, the acting was perfect, everything was exactly as I wanted it to be for this film."

She nodded as I spoke, "And where is Harrison this evening? Everyone has been dying to see Hollywood's newest it couple."

I laughed politely, "Harry and I are great friends but I doubt anyone will be seeing us kiss for a long time."

She raised her eyebrows, "Here we were thinking you and Mr Hollywood were together."

I smiled again, "More of a friendly bond, for sure."

"Thank you so much Natalie, I hope you have an amazing time tonight."

"You as well!"

We get an email about our seats and dinner orders a month before the event so there is no confusion. I am next to Billie and Finneas. I ordered a broccoli and cheddar soup with a side of sourdough and a lemonade twist with extra tequila.

A perfect meal in the perfect place.

That's what I've been doing for three months. Drowning in my sorrows. Because not only did Mackenzie never call me. She left for Spain three days later.

Who does that?

Like, tell me.

Shut up! You didn't talk to her for five fucking years. You deserve this. Every bit of it.

"Welcome back to the 95th annual Academy Awards! I am your host, Jimmy Kimmel."

And now I am zoning out. I hate Jimmy Kimmel. He's a dick. I went on his show last September and all he would talk about was the sex scene in the show. He's a weirdo.