Chapter 4
Hi guys! Sorry for the delay. I'm so excited you guys are enjoying this story. Thank you for your comments - they make my whole day! Initially I was going to end it pretty abruptly but now that I've seen people following it I'm thinking of making it a bit longer. EEE I HOPE U ENJOY THIS CHAPTER :D MUCH LOVE. (P.S. Don't worry they are going to have longer interactions lol I just made it slow burn so it's more exciting when they do finally properly re-connect :) )
The Dolby Theatre
Lights…Camera….Action
As Zac and Vanessa proceed deeper into the venue, a relentless barrage of inquiries from both reporters and eager fans continue to be hurled their way.
"Vanessa, have you watched Zac's movie? Do you think he's going to win?"
"Zac, what did you think of The Black Kaiser?"
"How was it like reuniting with Vanessa? Is this the first time you've seen each other since High School Musical?"
"Are you guys back together?"
As Laura skillfully steers Vanessa away from the whirlwind of chaos, she can't help but wonder what her best friend is thinking.
"Well that was crazy!" exclaims Laura.
"It really was. Haha," says Vanessa, gradually coming out of her momentary daze.
"I mean, what's it been, 10 or 12 years?" muses Laura.
"Something like that, give or take a few more years. I honestly thought it would be way more awkward than that. No one likes running into their ex."
"But you handled it so gracefully, as always," Laura praises.
"Haha, thanks. That definitely wasn't on my bingo card for tonight. I mean, what are the odds?"
"Well, honey, given the odds of all the things that have happened in your life I wouldn't say this is the wildest possibility! I'm just surprised it hasn't happened sooner."
"True. I can't wait to see Evan. He's going to find this so amusing."
"Well, you've only been here for a few seconds, and you're already on the verge of becoming global news! Way to make your mark, Hudgens!"
"Oh, hush! Haha."
"Come on. Let's get you inside and ready to present."
Behind them, Melissa, Zac's publicist, swiftly intervenes, ushering Zac to the side for a quick debrief. Meanwhile, Dylan and Ryan stand rooted to the spot, their disbelief palpable after the unexpected reunion.
"DUDE!" exclaims Dylan.
"I know," grins Ryan.
"DUDE!" repeats Dylan.
"I KNOW! Honestly, I think we're more shocked than Zac. I mean I knew she'd be here but I can't believe we just bumped into her like that. We've barely been here ten minutes."
"I KNOW. It's pretty surreal. But nah, he's definitely processing in his own way. I don't think he's that shocked anymore, though. He actually looks pretty happy."
Melissa pats Zac on the back, signaling the end of their conversation, and moves forward.
"Shit, here he comes. Act natural, Dyl."
Ryan and Dylan sober and straighten up as they notice Zac approaching.
"Hey, man, how's it going?" asks Ryan.
Zac senses the shift in their energy and eyes them skeptically.
"All good, dude. What's up with you guys?"
"Just 'good'?" Dylan grins. Zac looks at him questioningly. "Bro, you haven't wiped that grin off your face for the past 5 mins."
"Aww, shut up," Zac says playfully, realizing what Dylan was insinuating. He nervously runs his hand through his hair. "Come on, Melissa told me we gotta head inside soon. Let's go."
"Let's find our seats," prompts Ryan.
As they enter the theater, they are escorted to their seats. Zac takes his place at one of the reserved tables for The Iron Claw cast and crew, greeting his co-stars with handshakes and hugs.
"Dude, I almost didn't see you out there," remarks Jeremy.
"Oh, I know, he was SWARMED. Someone was interviewing me and cut it short half way to run towards Zac. Haha," says Sean.
Zac laughs and quickly changes the subject. "Hey, where's Lily?"
"Right here!" Lily James waltzed by the boys in a white and sapphire floor length dress. Her golden curls are done up in a side bun, and her facial features are emphasized with soft dewy makeup. She greets all the boys at the table with a hug and a kiss before taking her place next to Zac.
"Well hello, Mr. Superstar! How are you? The press surrounded you so thickly I couldn't even see you out there!" She beams at her fellow costar.
"Yeah, haha." Zac scratches his eyebrow awkwardly. "It's so good to see you, Lil!"
"You too!" Lily begins conversing with the others as Zac surveys the crowd. He'd attended the Oscars before, but this felt different. The only other time he was this nervous was when he had performed on stage alongside Beyoncé, Hugh Jackman and Amanda Seyfried. He remembered feeling so scared to make a mistake, not just in front of the audience but in front of his idols. He was so relieved after the performance was completed successfully. But back then, he felt grounded for another reason - he had someone with him who was feeling everything he was feeling too. He had Vanessa by his side throughout.
A few tables away, Vanessa was seated alongside her dedicated team from The Black Kaiser. The film had garnered numerous nominations, specifically in the categories of best production design, cinematography, as well as costume and makeup. While it wasn't Vanessa's first film being nominated for an award, it held a unique significance for her this time. She was reunited with the same team she had previously collaborated with on her movie Polar, making the experience all the more special. The journey to this moment had been filled with challenges, and the recognition they were receiving felt particularly gratifying after putting in so much hard work.
As she scans the room she notices Zac's table not too far from her own. During her second sweep of the room, Zac's eyes met hers, and a subtle yet charming smile graces his lips as he locks onto her gaze, responding with a swift, instinctive wink.
Taken aback by their second spontaneous interaction of the night, Vanessa's eyes widen in surprise, a quick and radiant smile running across her face. Without further ado, she promptly redirects her focus to the captivating stage before her.
Moments later, the lights dim as the ceremony commences. The next few hours are filled with laughter, heightened emotions, tears, admiration, inspiration and more.
As the ceremony proceeds, The Black Kaiser takes away three prestigious awards for production design, cinematography, and costume. Recognizing The Black Kaiser as Vanessa's film, Zac makes it a point to show his support by clapping loudly for her category each time it is announced.
Soon enough, it is time for the most coveted award of the night.
Vanessa appears on stage with her co-star Mads Mikkelsen. Mads chivalrously guides her to the podium as they prepare to announce the nominees.
Vanessa reads off the teleprompter and Mads concludes by stating, "Here are the nominees for best actor in a feature film."
The screen above projects the name and photograph of each nominee as well as clips from their respective movies. An automated voice takes over as it reads out each nominee's name and film.
As Zac's name is called out, he smiles graciously as the camera focuses on him. Lily leans over and squeezes his hand reassuringly and gives him a look as if to say, 'you've got this.'
Vanessa unfastens the envelope in her hands and looks out to the audience.
"And the Oscar goes to…."
OMG, thinks Vanessa as her eyes scan over the name of the winner. He won.
"Zac Efron!" Both Vanessa and Mads exclaim as the crowd goes wild.
The camera closes in on Zac's reaction as he stares stunned for a few moments before shaken out of his reverie by his co-stars. The sound of applause in the audience is deafening. Lily gives him an encouraging hug while the boys stand up and applaud loudly. Zac finally gets up from his seat with a huge grin plastered across his face. He hugs his director Sean as well as Kevin before he makes his way up the stairs.
As he approaches Vanessa and Mads, he stares incredulously at the statue in front of him but also at Vanessa holding the statue. He approaches Vanessa and gives her a big hug and kiss on the cheek as she whispers congratulations in his ear. She hands him the golden statue as he breaks away from her. He acknowledges Mads and quickly shakes his hand before turning his attention to the crowd.
This can't be real, thinks Zac. He'd imagined this moment so many times as a child. How many times had he given fake Oscar acceptance speeches in his bathroom mirror? But there was nothing fake about this moment. Decades of hard work had led him to be right here right now. He had so many thoughts rushing through his head. Somehow he had to be coherent enough to address everyone. Here goes nothing, he thinks.
"Oh my God… this…" he trails off as he looks down at the award in his hand. "This… means everything…" He looks up to address the audience. "I really don't have the words for this. As an actor or even as a kid wanting to be an actor you always kind of dream of this moment, but now that it's here, I wish someone would have written a script for me for this because I'm definitely at a loss for words. Haha." The audience laughs with him as he rubs his eyebrow before he clears his throat and looks up at everyone more confidently. "Thank you. This award means so much to me and especially because this film is based on a true story. The Von Ehrichs and Kevin Von Ehrich you guys are legends. Thank you for letting us share your story and for letting me be a part of it. I hope I did it justice and I hope we made you and your family proud. Sean, thank you for the role of a lifetime. Lily, Jere, Harris, Stanley, Maura, Holt, and every single member of the cast and crew - thank you for your dedication and for being the absolute best team to be on this journey with. I'm so grateful to know all of you. To my fellow colleagues nominated in this category, thank you for the work you do. I'm honored to be even considered worthy of being recognized alongside you."
He looks back towards Mads and Vanessa. "And…to be presented this award by Mads. Wow. You're someone I've looked up to my whole career. This is absolutely surreal." Mads gives him a supportive nod. "It also means SO much to me to be presented this award by one of my oldest friends and co-stars, Vanessa. Vanessa, I can honestly say I wouldn't be here without you or have this career without the work we did together so thank you. I'm so grateful, and I appreciate you so much. A huge shout out to Kenny Ortega for taking a chance on us way back when and taking a chance on me when I was just a kid from the streets living in an apartment and thinking about going to film school. Haha. My HSM fam - I love you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me …." He trails off as he looks back at Vanessa as they share a smile "And in us from day one…"
"Mum, dad, and my little brother Dylan, you're my rocks. I don't know what I would do without you. This is for you. I love you, and I couldn't have asked for a better family. Grandma and grandpa, I know you guys are watching from above. I miss you so much. Thank you, and I love you. Ry, one of my oldest friends, thank you for being here tonight and for my guys watching and supporting at home - I'm honored to call you family.
Henry and Olivia, if you're up past your bedtime at home and watching, hi guys, I love you." Zac waves and sends out an air kiss to the camera.
"You inspire me everyday. I hope to be the best mentor, friend and brother for you.
I know I'm forgetting a hundred different people, but thank you. Thank you to anyone who has ever believed in me from the time that I was a kid singing and dancing when I probably should've been studying. Thank you to every mentor I've had along the way, my friends, family, everyone I've met thank you for your guidance and support.
Thank you, of course, to the academy and thank you to my fans for supporting me on this crazy journey. I love you all. Thank you, and good night!"
Zac steps back from the podium as he lifts the award in the air. The audience cheers as he walks away. Vanessa and Mads guide him offstage.
In that moment, all the years and distance between them melt away as Vanessa feels exceptionally proud of her old friend. They had grown up together. They had been on the same journey and trajectory, and they were lucky enough to still be doing what they loved and being respected for their work. They were living the life they had once dreamt about.
Zac is still in a state of shock. He also feels a shift in the atmosphere he hadn't before. Yes, he knows he's famous. He knows people care about him, and there is always a lot of attention on him, but somewhere inside he knows now that this is going to be different. While he is someone who wanted to perfect his craft and strive to be the best, he never wanted to be in the limelight. And now, he fears, the spotlight will shine brighter on him than it did before. But before the anxiety of the future creeps in, he looks to his side and feels comforted by being next to someone who was there when it all felt so overwhelming the first time. Someone who understands.
"Holy shit," exhales Zac under his breath as he walks offstage.
Vanessa turns to him with a soft smile. "You did it, Efron."
"It doesn't feel real," he repeats more to himself.
She pats him on the back. "It is. Take it in. You deserve it."