TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT

19

Olivia

I stayed at Tommy's for a while, a place that felt like a sanctuary amidst the whirlwind of my newfound fame. The success of my movie catapulted me to the top of stardom at an age when most teenagers were still navigating high school dramas and finding their footing in the world.

But there I was, at just 17 years old, an Oscar-awarded actress basking in the glow of achievements that many would only dream of.

The night of the awards ceremony was surreal; as I walked the red carpet, the flash of cameras and the murmur of adoring fans enveloped me like a dream.

My father, a figure of unwavering strength and resilience, stood proudly by my side, his eyes gleaming with tears of joy and pride as we made our way through the crowd. He had come to America years ago, fleeing the turmoil of the Middle East war, seeking a better life. It was a profound moment, filled with emotion, watching him stand there next to me, symbolizing perseverance and hope.

My sister, equally proud, shared in our joy, her exuberance infectious as we posed for photographs, capturing memories that would last a lifetime.

As I accepted my award, I stood on the stage, my heart pounding and a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

As I gazed out at the audience, a sea of faces filled with admiration, pride, and inspiration, I felt an overwhelming gratitude. Nothing could stop the high of standing before the world at that moment, a young girl turned woman, the youngest actress ever to hold an Oscar.

The weight of the golden statue in my hands was almost surreal; it felt heavy with recognition and light with possibility. I could hear the cheers and applause ringing in my ears, a harmonious blend of celebration and disbelief echoing my journey to reach this pinnacle.

Flashbacks of countless auditions, long nights on set, and the sacrifices made along the way played in my mind like a cinematic montage.

"I just want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my fans for your unwavering support and love; it has been the bedrock of my journey, and I could not be where I am today without your enduring belief in my craft. Your encouragement has fueled my passion and given meaning to every late night and early morning spent honing my skills," I spoke into the microphone as the entire world seemed to cheer. "I also want to extend my deepest thanks to my incredible friends—Sam, Fin, Selena, CeCe, and Tommy. Sam, you were my first friend in that lonely acting class, and your companionship made those initial steps feel less daunting; your laughter and kindness have truly brightened my path. CeCe, your unwavering guidance and support have been an anchor for me; you've always been there to push me forward, even when I doubted myself. And Tommy, thank you for believing in me years ago when it was much easier to walk away than to invest in the hard work it takes to pursue this dream. Your faith in my potential has been a constant source of motivation," I took a deep breath before continuing, "Alongside my friends, I must also acknowledge my family, especially my sister, who sat through endless years of me pretending to perform in the break room of the Hilton Hotel while Dad worked the door. Those moments were filled with love and laughter; your patience meant the world to me. And Dad, I will forever cherish the words you shared when I left New York. You looked me in the eye and said, "Everyone's going to know your name someday, Hollywood." I didn't realize it at first, but I began to cry as I watched my father from below shed his tears, "Dad, we made it," I said, holding up the golden statue. "I am living proof of your faith in my dreams, and it brings me immense joy to say that you will never have to stand outside of a door again because I made it. Thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey—your love and support have shaped me, and I can never fully express how much it means to me."

This was more than an award; it was the beginning of a new chapter where I would strive to rewrite my narrative.