[2] GIRL ALMIGHTY | T. HOLLAND ✔️

4.3 cheering for me

she felt like one of those girls from a romance novel, her wildest dream, the one she had never shared with anyone, coming true.

"they said your name." Tom sounded as dazed as she must be looking right now. "you got it."

Nina gave her cousin who sat on her other side a tight hug, both crying but not willing to admit. Martina and Jake gave her enthusiastic waves from the row behind. everyone the girl passed tried to congratulate her in a way. she squeezed Tom's arm so hard that he would probably have a bruise, at least she had managed to keep from ugly crying. all effort went down the drain when Meryl Streep gave her a motherly kiss before Donald joined Tom in talking her to the stage. in a touching moment before ascending the steps, she hugged the dark skinned man, profusely thanking him for all the help and support. her boyfriend got a quick kiss on the lips, and gave her a gentle push.

Marina Miranda belonged on the stage. in a moment that lasted forever, she saw all the people who had helped her be here and all the ones who couldn't make it. her parents, her friends, all the people from her home country. Lin, Vanessa, Amélia, Jake, Nina, her parents, Donald and so many more people filled her with confidence to deliver a speech she had not prepared.

"oh, wow. thank you." thankfully the statuette kept her hands from shaking. "never in a million years did I think I was going to be on stage during this festival's biggest night to actually receive an award, thank you jury for choosing me. This documentary was a labor of love and that's why I have to thank my team first. Adam, Don, Taika and só many more that I could stay here all night long listing of names that made 'This is America' the phenomenon it is. I also have to thank my parents for believing in me enough to chase my dreams with me, los quiero mucho a los dos. my cousin, Lin, and his wife who helped to open many doors for this project. also May, Jake and all the crazy family that is the marvel cinematic universe. and Tom, my love, I know we have lived a lot of things together these past months and I can't wait for the future." a small gesture reminded her that time was a little short. "as you may have noticed, this was a night of historical firsts. so many people fought for things that made my standing here today possible. we are all fruit of decades of struggle and it is our duty to make sure that moments like Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the ICE detainment centers and so many more never happen again. we need to use our voices for change. I stand here today as the first Puerto Rican female, the youngest woman, and so many more firsts. this is a night of firsts, let's hope it's not a night of lasts."