“Wow!” Jesse gaped, seeing Morgan in return. “Hey, you’re not supposed to outshine the stars.”
Morgan giggled and he cocked his elbow.
“Hey Jesse!” Zac called after them. “Remember she’s my niece!”
Jesse laughed.
They arrived at the theatre and Morgan was instantly stunned by the sheer amount of people! The number of stars in one place, the number of media, the number of fans!
“Jesse... I’m walking on the red carpet...” she whispered.
“Yes you are,” he grinned.
Morgan could not believe she was at the Oscar's, and the fact that she was there in dress designed just for her was unbelievable. It was pink, with spaghetti straps and an empire waist, with a pink chiffon-over-satin skirt that flowed like water. She was also wearing long white gloves, and was perfectly content to be standing on the red carpet hanging onto Jesse's arm. On the way up to the door a few reporters stopped them. Jesse talked to them eagerly, but Morgan felt too shy to actually say anything. A little further up the red carpet Avie and Dylan were both talking to the reporters.
“This is Avie’s night tonight,” Dylan announced when asked a question about himself in regards to Monkey Business.
Avie smiled at him.
They went through more security at the door and an usher showed them to their seats. There was plenty of talking between the cast and crew of their respective movies, as well as some interaction between those of others that sat nearby. Jesse and Avie’s rows were on different sides of the theatre, although both were near the front.
Then the night began with a much amusing introduction. Then the statuettes started being presented. Both Jesse and Avie had awards to present. Jesse presented an award for best short film, and Avie for cinematography.
“And the nominees for best actor in a supporting role...” said the actress.
Despite his cool exterior, Jesse was gripping Morgan’s hand so tightly she started wondering if she would ever have feeling in it again. The nominees were announced.
“And the Oscar goes to...”
Jesse and Morgan clapped as the actor got up and headed for the podium. Morgan leaned over.
“Don’t worry. You were nominated weren’t you? You’ll get one someday.”
Jesse smiled at her.
“Is my disappointment that obvious?”
“Only to me, because it was my hand you were holding.”
“Sorry,” he said.
Finally the night came to the last three awards, best actor in a leading role, then best actress in a leading role and best picture.
“And the nominees for best actress in a leading role are...”
Avie chewed her lip nervously as the nominees were named, and managed a smile as her name was announced.
“And the Oscar goes to...” the actor flipped open the envelope, “Avery Hanson.”
“Oh my gosh,” Avie gasped, utterly flabbergasted.
Dylan gave a short laugh.
“Go on up there!” he encouraged her.
Avie stared at him for a moment, then gave him a big hug and a kiss as he helped her to stand up and, wiping tears from her eyes, she walked to the stage. There she was greeted by the presenters and given the heavy statuette.
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Okay, oh my gosh, I totally didn't expect this. Okay, so, I just really want to thank my family, especially my late parents, I know you guys are watching over me. And all my brothers and sisters: Ike, Taylor, Zac, Jesse, Mackie, Zoe, and Sarah, and all their spouses and kids." Avie tried to breathe, "I also want to thank my agent, my wonderful manager. Oh, and my boyfriend Dylan, without whom I would be even more of a nervous wreck! Oh my gosh, I just want to say that to God be the glory and not to me. I love you all!"
Avie was crying as she was escorted off stage.
The night seemed to go quickly after that. Avie, Dylan, Jesse and Morgan met up at the after party and none of them returned home until very early in the morning. Both Morgan and Avie slept in until well into the afternoon.