Lights, Camera and Love

And the Winner Is...

It's here. It's finally here.

The film contest has finally arrived.

I felt nauseated as I signed my name under contestant list. My hands were sweating crazy and I felt uneasy as I saw all the participants. I probably am the youngest contestant seing all the competitors looking like they're in the mid 20's.

"Don't be nervous, Liz. I know you'd do great," Jane encouraged. She agreed to come along with me as my support. At least I have one fan who will cheer for me.

Erin did not come along. We haven't spoken to each other ever since that day we kissed. I still felt hurt about what he did. Blaming him doesn't seem to be right. I should blame myself because I had my hopes up despite knowing that it might not be possible.

Jane asked me if something happened between us but I told her that it's just the usual fight. "You know him. All his jokes sometimes pisses me of," I told her. She did not bring up that topic again after that.

Before showing all the films, they first introduced the judges. Most of them were professors from prestigious Universities. One caught my attention. He looked younger than the others. His jet black hair falling neatly just below his ears. He looks very familiar, but I can't recall where. He looked important and well-known judging from his face and the regards that the other judges gave him as the host introduced him.

All the films took three hours total to view. I looked around and saw that the number of audiences didn't change. Maybe they are such a big fan of film making that they wouldn't want to miss this.

Before the judges made their decision, they were given an hour to choose the right winner. There were also special awards to be given. I took this opportunity to look around. Jane had to make a long phone call so she left me alone for a while. The competition is being held at a local convention center that's a few miles from where I live.

It was almost an hour and I decided to go back. But I couldn't seem to find my way back to the where the film contest is being held. I'm lost.

The security guards weren't much of a help. They gave me instructions but it just got me more confused. I am beginning to panic. My being late might result to my disqualification. There's only ten minutes left. Jane's phone was out of reach. Wow, talk about the unlucky week I've been having.

I was about to go back when I collided with someone who was behind me. Luckily he caught me by my waist before I fell down. "Are you alright?" He asked. It was one of the judges in the contest, the one with jet black hair. But I was shocked to see his eyes. They were my favorite eye color, hazel.

"I-I'm sorry. I got lost," I stuttered. Has this happened before?

He smiled. "You never change, huh? You still get lost easily." He allowed me to stand properly on my feet. I was confused. I do recall him, but I don't know when or how.

I blushed not knowing how to respond.

He continued to speak, "You got lost before in the woods and I found you back then, remember? I actually never got to introduce myself back then. My name is Alexander. You can call me Alex."

Now I remember! Those eyes and his nice manners. It's him!

I held out my hand to shake his hand, "It's very nice to meet you again, Sir."

"No need to be formal," he laughed. "Though I am one of the judges, you can treat me as your friend after this. Speaking of that, we should go back. We're announcing the winner and the special awards."

I remained quiet as we walked back. Jane saw me as I entered the hall. "Where were you? I was so worried! I couldn't call you because my phone ran out of batteries."

"Don't worry, she wasn't harmed. I saw her walking about and I figured that she was lost so I took her back with me," Alex told her before I can explain myself. The way he speaks intimidates me a bit. "It's nice to see you again, Jane. How have you been?"

Jane didn't say a word for a few seconds and smiled. "I'm good. Thank you for asking." It was all she said.

Alex excused himself to the judges table. We also went to our respective seats. I'm curious to find out his relationship with Jane and how she knew her. More importantly, why was he at my previous home about seven years ago? I figured his parents were acquainted with my mother and father way back.

I glanced at Alex, who was talking with another judge. Going past his intimidating aura, suit and neatly kept hair, he looked old enough to be a few years older than me; around twenty, maybe?

They were about to announce the special awardees for the contest. I wasn't hoping to get anything today. The other contestant's films were good enough to pass as a short Indie film while mine was just a simple documentary.

As I thought, no special awards were given to me. They are finally announcing the winner.

My heart fell when I did not hear my name called. Figures.

The winner was someone from a University near town. He smiled broadly and accepted the award on stage.

"Before we end today's contest, we would like to announce something exciting," the host said after the award and the price money was given to the winner. "The judges were impressed with the films that were presented this year. So they decided to give another special award plus a scholarship to any chosen University of the special awardee."

"Jane, let's go."

"What? They're about to announce something good. Let's stay a little longer."

"No, I'd rather go now." Anyone can see the disappointment on my face. Jane understood and we both got out of our seats.

"Ms. Elizabeth Walden." I stopped on my tracks and went to face the stage. The host called out my name as if he was referring to me as the special awardee. The crowd clapped their hands and wondered who it was.

"Ms. Walden has received the special award for Young Film Maker of the Year and the special scholarship to her chosen University," the host said.

"Liz! You got the scholarship!" Jane dragged me back and pushed me to go on stage. I didn't know what to say because I never expected myself to get an award.

Keeping my head down, I went to the stage to accept the reward. Alex was standing right next to the host. I shook their hands and we got our pictures taken.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to point out that this award was never planned to be given during this competition. Mr. Alex Winham," the host pointed to Alex, "generously gave this award and scholarship to the chosen candidate."

The audience clapped their hands enthusiastically at the mention of Alex's name. Judging from their reactions, he seemed to be a very important person.

The contest ended. Though I did not win, I still got something great. And for some reason, I missed Erin.