Listen to Your Heart

Chapter Nineteen-Part I

Awards and other such accolades were only recognition of hard work but in no way did they negate the work itself. No one, Stefani learned very early on, should bust their ass for the sole purpose of winning an award, nor for critical acclaim. It was a piece of advice given to her by Sir Elton John himself and she carried it close to her heart for years. She decided she would go into the Oscars the same way she'd approached all the award shows that season; not expecting to win a thing but eternally grateful that the labor of love they'd made was getting recognition at all. It had moved people and at the end of the day, that was what was truly important. The rational side of her knew that to be fact.

But the other part of her...the little girl who'd accepted awards in her bathrobe in her Grandma's basement as her family watched the telecast every year...she could barely contain herself. She was going to put on a black ball gown, straight out of old Hollywood, with long black satin gloves, her hair in an elegant updo. She was going to wear the goddamn Tiffany diamond Audrey Hepburn had worn. Hell, for one night, she was Audrey and even though award shows didn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, the fact was, a kid from New York was nominated for two Academy Awards. It was scary and thrilling and unbelievable, and she allowed herself to be swept into the excitement around her too: her family and The Haus were bursting at the seams with elation and with positive energy that she couldn't help but latch on to.

The morning was an extremely relaxing one. She'd enjoyed hot yoga and a swim before Bo came by and cooked everyone a healthy, yet delicious breakfast. She and Natali got mud wraps and spent some time in the steam room before it was time to travel to Hollywood and take up residence in the hotel room at The Waldorf Astoria where she'd be for the hours leading up to the ceremony. She preferred to be in her own home for as long as possible, as once she was at a hotel, she'd be stuck there.

"You nervous for tonight, girl?" Freddie questioned, combing through her tresses delicately. She'd given her entire team little thank-you gifts the night before and he had cried, absolutely tickled that he was doing her hair for one of the most important nights of her life. They'd seen a lot together.

"About singing with Bradley? No, that's gonna be cake," she smiled dreamily as Ashley handed her a glass of champagne. "Ask me if I'm worried about tripping over my dress and falling on my face."

"Bradley's got you covered on that one too," Natali piped up. "He's been your dress wrangler for this entire award season...and the press tour."

Among other things, her sister's eyes seemed to say as they met hers. Shut up, she made her eyes return. Natali smirked but didn't dare say a word.

"Well, you get that title tonight, kid," she beamed brightly. "Did you ever think we'd be at The Oscars, all those years ago?"

"I did," Natali replied. "We all knew you could accomplish anything you set out for, Stefi." Leaning down, she gave her a hug, careful not to impede Freddie's progress. "I am so proud of you, sissy. Enjoy this night, okay? Soak up every minute."

"You too," she returned, wiping her eyes. "I'm so happy you're going with me."

"Hey, hey," Freddie warned, beginning to shape her hair into a twist, "get all that crying out of the way before Sarah comes to do your make-up. She'll kick both of your asses."

"Whose asses am I kicking?" Sarah entered the room, smiling widely. "I come bearing gifts."

"We're just a little emotional," Stefani explained, gratefully taking a Kleenex from her sister. "Those flowers are gorgeous. They for me?"

"Who else?" Sarah swooped down to give her a kiss. She handed her the bouquet. "They're really spectacular."

"Read the card, Stef, don't keep us in suspense here," Natali urged. "I know they're not from Mom and Dad because they sent ones earlier." Her gaze drifted over to the large arrangement of tropical blooms and grasses that sat in a vase on the windowsill.