Creep

Chapter Twenty

We are the champions my friends. And, we'll keep on fighting 'til the end. We are the champions. We are the champions!~Queen

There was an audience of around two thousand people sitting with us watching the final ten films. We were all clapping aloud for the video that just played, Gerard's was next. It was the first time that we got to see it fully edited and completed.

"Our next film was made by the youngest entree yet, sixteen year old Gerard Diclamento!"

Everyone clapped and yelled excited phrases. Including himself.

"I can't believe this is actually happening." He said in awe.

"Me neither." I said.

I'm here. Watching a film that my friend produced on his own. My friend. Three friends. One being my girlfriend. I can't say "it's a dream come true" enough.

Then, the film started. Miriam, Ethan, and my name flash across the screen giving us credit. My face was flushed, while my heart was going at it.

Gerard's voice began to narrate while unused muted video clips started to play, "Everybody's different. Even those couple of people who try and be like everyone else have their own quirks. But, have you ever tried to become someone completely different? My friends and I conducted an experiment," the first photo of Miriam smiling consumed the screen, "This is my twin sister Miriam, yeah I know that name sort of reminds me of that fat old lady on one of those electric scooters in Walmart too." The crowd erupted of laughter.

"Usually she is pretty quiet. I mean sometimes I have to order her meal at Wendy's because she's so shy. So, we did this," an after picture of goth Miriam appeared, "We changed her look and personally completely. She had to be rambunctious and rude, and she did a pretty nice job."

The clip of her telling Finley off played. Then a mini interview came about.

"How did this experience affect you?" Gerard asked with a news reporter microphone.

"Well as much as I'd hate to admit it, a lot. Everyone seemed to like me more when I was different. I even ended up crying to Hen and kissing him; which was extremely strange. But that very same day, I learned that only the most special people love you for you!"

Gerard's narration took over once again, "Boy, am I glad that she had something good to say because I got scared for a moment." Everyone laughed again! But I think I'm going to stop telling you when people are laughing because I don't want to annoy you. It'd be like reading a laugh track.

"Next up was my dearest and most chilled friend, Ethan Montgomery," Now it was her turn to appear on the big screen,"Ethan is so cool. She tends to know everything about everything. Music that dates back to the 50's, that one actor you can never remember the name of, who's going to win the Super Bowl without even seeing one team play, I could go on but I'd feel quite bad if her's goes on longer than my sister's."

The photo was switched and weird Ethan took over, "I turned her into just about any other girl at school; slutty and snotty."

He played a clip of Ethan at the party. I was in this part. It showed me helping her into the bathroom, and then into the motel. Although, I felt embarrassed to be on camera, I couldn't help but feel good that I did the right thing for my friend.

"How do you think this experience affected you?"

"Well, there were actually three things I took from this. 1.) You have to be careful when you sit down in a skirt because your underwear will show 2.) I will never drink again, and 3.) Henderson is a really good friend."

"Now to the guy that got good reviews before his part even started; Henderson McAllister. It's pretty hard to sum this kid up. He's pretty complicated. I mean he's extremely quiet, yet sarcastic and funny. He doesn't raise his hand, but is a frigging super genius. He isn't great at conversation, but always knows how to make someone feel better. You picking up what I'm putting down?"

"For this project he went from that," a photo of Lovely and I appeared, "to this." (Trendy me)

After playing the part of me being all slick toward Ms. Humphrey, came the final questionnaire.

"How do you think this experience affected you?"

I shrugged.

"Henderson, I'm currently video typing this for the festival. Could you maybe make this sound good?!" Gerard chuckled.

"Oh um, I-I learned th-that...Well nothing really comes to mind but that girl's like nice clothes."

Gerard laughed, "Well there you have it folks! Even little changes can make big differences to others. Even though it seems that each of my buddies became more popular when changing, that's not true. The truth is one real friend that knows everything and loves everything about you makes you feel more like a superstar, than everyone simply knowing your name."

The final clip was of us all hanging at our place, talking and laughing and hugging. Gerard must've took this without us knowing.

. . .

"And the third place winner is Gerard Diclamento!"

He receive a trophy and a standing ovation by everyone in the audience. People were whistling and shouting, including Gerard's top three supporters/ actors. Getting third place while being as young as he was set records.

The four of us stayed after to congratulate everyone who competed, then we went out for a little celebration.

"Two or three scoops?" The lady with a waffle cone cap on asked.

"Four," Gerard replied, "and I want extra sprinkles too."

"Alrighty, and for you sir?" She looked at me.

"One scoop of vanilla with rainbow jimmies please."

"Coming right up."

We took a seat at the bar and played around in our spinning chairs.

When we received our desserts, Ethan held up her spoon, "To Gerard." She toasted.

"To Gerard." We said in sync and then clanged our utensils together.

"So, how'd you guys like it?" Gerard asked.

"It was good." Ethan answered his glance.

"I liked it!" Miriam exclaimed.

"Henderson?" Gerard raised his eyebrow.

"It was alright." I said all serious like, but then I couldn't hold back my smile any longer.

"Aw, thanks buddy," He ran over to me and gave me a big hug, "I'm glad you liked it!"

"Of course I did. You're really good at what you do." I said honestly.

"Oh stop it, you're making me blush!"