Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The Dolby Theatre

The press afterwards was a blur for both of them. All the attention was a whirlwind for Zac. He just wanted to see his friends and family but of course, as the man of the hour, everyone else wanted to talk to him.

He embraced Melissa warmly as he made his way out, expressing heartfelt gratitude for everything she had done for him. A surge of pride overcame her, and she wiped away tears from her eyes. With an encouraging, "Go on! Go on!" she gently pushed him toward the awaiting press room.

The atmosphere in the post-Oscars press room buzzed with energy, yet maintained a semblance of order as questions were directed at him in a civilized manner, a stark contrast to the chaotic and pervasive paparazzi outside. Zac had stood poised by the podium, fielding inquiries from reporters. A distinguished figure, a bald man with glasses and a striking red tie, had risen from his seat to pose a question.

"Hi Zac, I'm Martin Crimm from the Independent. Congratulations on your remarkable achievement!"

"Thanks so much, man. I appreciate it."

"Did you see this win coming?"

"Honestly, not in the least. I was up against so many great guys - some of my personal heroes - I could never have imagined the night going the way it did."

"Your speech was heartfelt, raw and so honest, how much of it was prepared?"

"Aw, thank you. Yeah, you know what, not really any of it. I mean I had a few people I wanted to mention and thank who were at the forefront of my mind but it was such a surreal moment I didn't plan anything special because I wasn't expecting this. I'm just so grateful and I really just said exactly what I felt at that moment."

"Thanks, Zac!"

Zac nodded at the gentleman as a curly-haired lady in a gray evening gown stood up next.

"Hello, Zac. I'm Dianna from British Vogue."

"Hello!"

"Congratulations on the win. Where are you going to keep your Oscar?"

"Oh wow - that's a great question. I don't think I should keep it! Haha. I'll probably break it or misplace it so I think I'll give it to my mom. She'll keep it safe. Sounds like a good idea."

The reporters smiled warmly at his boyish genuineness.

"One last question from me. Your High School Musical co-star Miss. Hudgens handed you your award tonight. What was it like getting your very first Oscar from one of your very first co-stars?"

Zac had visibly softened at the mention of his old friend, but only those who knew him best would've been able to notice that.

"Incredible. Definitely. It was really a full circle moment."

"Thank you!"

"Sanjay here, Zac from The Times. Congratulations once again. How are you going to celebrate?"

"I'm hoping to find my family and friends and take it from there!"

"Amazing. What can you tell us about any new projects at the moment?"

"Not much but stay tuned. I think I'm going to be talking about this one for a while, though. Haha."

The press conference concluded as Zac thanked everyone and stepped off the podium.

Outside, Vanessa was being interviewed by red carpet hosts Kelly and Ryan.

"Oh my goodness, look at her. Isn't she a vision? Get over here," Kelly warmly waves Vanessa over to their space.

"You look beautiful tonight, indeed. We have the wonderful Vanessa Hudgens with us tonight. How are you doing?" asks Ryan.

"Hello! I'm doing great. The whole event was spectacular."

"We saw you and your team picked up a few awards - Congratulations! We also saw you presenting and killing it," exclaimed Kelly.

"Thank you! Yes, it's been a great night so far."

"Vanessa, I gotta ask…"

She eyed Ryan skeptically as he took a long pause. He was known to ask the questions no one else would dare to.

"How do you feel about your former leading man - I mean co-star winning best actor of the night?"

Oh yeah, thought Vanessa. He wants all the tea. Luckily, this wasn't her first rodeo.

"It's crazy! So wonderful."

"And you gave him the award! You must be so proud of your HSM family. I mean you guys grew up together," Ryan pushed.

"Of course! Definitely."

The previous year, she had skillfully avoided encountering her other infamous ex, Austin Butler, at the Oscars, along with deflecting questions about his nomination for the film Elvis. However, she sensed that queries about Zac were going to be inevitable this time. Not only had he emerged victorious that evening, but fate seemed determined to have them cross paths. Although she didn't indulge the reporters much and kept her media-trained responses concise, she unexpectedly found herself answering all the questions about her former co-star with genuine sincerity. There was no facade; she meant every word she said.

"You know what, we were talking about this before but you guys are just such a talented bunch. I can't even keep up with all your ventures. I mean you're on the big screen then you're on Broadway then you're launching a business there's so much going on," Kelly gushed. "Are we ever going to see you guys back on the big screen together though is the REAL question…"

Vanessa shrugged her shoulders as she grinned. "We'll have to wait and see."

"It's not a no! Haha, I'll take it," says Kelly.

"Have you had a chance to congratulate Zac? Are you going to see him at the after party?" Ryan pushes one last time.

"Definitely - I gave him the award haha! I mean the way tonight's going, I'm sure we'll bump into each other."

"Well, thank you Vanessa for your time. Have a wonderful rest of your night. Enjoy. You've earned it!"

"Thank you! Have a great night, too, guys!"

Laura was waiting on Vanessa to finish her interviews before whisking her away. She gave her a big hug.

"Congrats on everything, babe. You crushed it! Ready for the after party?"

"Thank you! Yes, let's do it."

Zac ran into Dylan right outside the press room. The brothers share a long hug.

"What'd I say?? What'd I SAY? I KNEW it was going to happen. I KNEW it! I'm SO proud of you." Dylan couldn't contain his wide grin.

"Love you bro. Thank you."

"Mom was crying - she can't wait to see you. Honestly, I'm not going to lie, I shed a tear too. She's sending you a big hug. I think Dad was so shocked he almost crashed the car haha. But they're so proud and can't wait to see you."

"Ahh, I can't wait to see them."

"MY MAN!" Ryan came in from behind and launched Zac into a hug.

Zac almost toppled over with the force of Ryan's embrace but returned his tight hug. "Thank you, brother!"

"So, after party?" asked Dylan.

"After party!" exclaims Ryan.

"Yes, sir. Let's go!"