To Love Again

Chapter 11

The night of the Academy Awards had finally arrived, and the limousine was waiting for them. Sophia couldn't remember ever being so scared in her life. She certainly felt like a fish out of water. All she wanted to do was enjoy the evening, and not embarrass RJ.

As she came floating down the stairs RJ looked up at her with the biggest smile she'd ever seen. "Wow, you are the most beautiful sight I've ever seen" he beamed. And as she looked at him as she descended the stairs, said, "I'm going to break every woman's heart tonight. I have the most handsome man in the world escorting me this evening" she said, as she straightened his bowtie. "Shall we, Ms. Bowers?" he asked. "We shall, Mr. Hart."

As their limousine approached the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion the look of sheer terror came over her. "Oh, RJ...I can't do this...I'm so sca..." she was interrupted. "Baby, you look so beautiful. You are going to knock their socks off, I promise" he reassured her, as he squeezed her hand.

Lillian St. James car arrived, and the doorman opened the door for her. She arrived on the arm of one of her earlier producers. She got out, waving to the crowd. There were only a few camera flashes go off, and as she walked the red carpet she heard people whispering. "Who is she?" "Boy, her plastic surgeon must have been blind!" "I thought she was dead." Lil kept her head up, and as she walked she heard the loud uproar of the cheering crowd as they cheered and shouted for RJ and Sophia's attention. "RJ...WE LOVE YOU!"... "MISS BOWERS, OVER HERE" "OMG, IT'S SOPHIA BOWERS." "MR. HART, I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN." Flashbulbs were going off in their faces as Sophia glanced over at him, as he leaned over and whispered in her ear. "I told you...they love you Baby. Are you OK?" he asked. "As long as you're beside me I'll be fine...but the reporters...the photographers...the fans...this is terrifying" she said, giving him a nervous smile. "You're doing just fine. Smile and wave Baby, they love you" he assured her, squeezing her hand.

Lil stood up ahead, watching and listening as the fans behind the security lines called out to RJ and Sophia, and took their picture. "They should be screaming MY name, and taking MY picture. I should be the one on his arm. Soon Sophia, you'll pay for stealing RJ...very soon" she fumed to herself. The turned and went in to the venue, as RJ and Sophia stopped to talk to an entertainment reporter as they made their way across the red carpet.

They took their seat, and Sophia looked around the glamorous venue. She caught the eye of Sean Kahn, and he came over to talk to her. "Ms. Bowers, you look absolutely beautiful tonight" he told her, as he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "RJ my boy, good to see you" he said, shaking RJ's hand. "Mr Kahn, I'm so glad you are well enough to be here tonight" Sophia told Sean. "I'm much better, Ms. Bowers, thank you. I only regret not being able to work on your film. Perhaps one day I'll be given another opportunity" he said, kissing her hand. "I hope you both enjoy the evening", and with that he turned and went back to his seat.

As the evening went on, Awards were handed out, and speeches were made, and many tears were shed as unexpected winners took the stage to accept their award, and give their acceptance speech...Finally the time had come for the award in her category. The M.C announced: "And here to present the award for Best Screenplay...Mr. James Brolin. The audience applauded as James Brolin took the stage. Sophia turned white as a sheet as she watched him take his place centre-stage. RJ felt the hand get clammy, and suddenly turn ice-cold. Looking at her, he asked, "Baby, are you ok?" Sophia didn't answer. She couldn't take her eyes off James. "Sophia, are..." She replied, with a scared look on her face, "Fine...I'm fine. It's just..." and she couldn't go on. James Brolin began announcing the nominees. "...and Ms. Sophia Bowers for 'To Love Again'. He opened the envelope, "and the winner is...Ms. Sophia Bowers, for 'To Love Again' " The audience erupted with applause, and shouts of "Way to go, Ms. Bowers", and, "We love you", echoed from the Fan section. RJ took her in his arms, "I knew it was yours...go get it Baby. I'm so proud of you." Sophia made her way to the stage, shaking hands with people as she walked. She shook Mr. Kahn's hand, and he gave it a gentle squeeze as he whispered, "There was no contest." As she stood centre-stage she looked out over the crowd, wiping tears from her face. Clearing her throat, she began to speak. Looking out into the crowd, she saw RJ. The smile on his face, the love she could see in his eyes and the pride she knew was in his heart calmed her nerves. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this incredible award. To have had my work acknowledged and rewarded this way is truly humbling. I'd like to, first and foremost, thank my publisher, Monica Barclay, for bringing me this wonderful opportunity; a wonderful crew...It was an honor to work with all of you. To the wonderfully talented cast who took my words and simply made magic. I could never have dreamed it would turn out like this; and I would especially like to thank Mr. RJ Hart whose encouragement and support never faltered." Looking at him, she said "Thank you", then looking out at everyone she said, "Thank you all for this honor."...then she carefully picked up her award and exited the stage. As she made her way to speak to an entertainment reporter...a shot rang out, and Sophia fell to the ground...her beautiful dress covered in blood. "CALL 911...SOMEBODY GO OUT FRONT AND GET RJ HART." The stage hand held her hand, as a lighting technician kept pressure on her wound. "Ms. Bowers...Ms. Bowers...talk to me, stay with me...help is on the way." She tried to speak, but could only whisper. RJ ran up the stairs, and backstage. "Soph...Baby...I'm here" he said through tears. "Hang on...do you hear me...Baby, don't you dare leave me..." he sobbed as he squeezed her had, and leaned down to kiss her on the lips. "Stand aside" the EMT shouted, as he knelt down beside her. "She barely has a pulse...we're losing her" the EMT said to his partner. "Let's move" one EMT said as they loaded her into the ambulance. "I'm going with her" RJ insisted, as he got in up front. The doors were closed, ant the sound of the siren echoed through the streets of West Hollywood, with flashing lights lighting up the streets, as RJ watched them working to save the only woman he ever loved...his beautiful Sophia.