I twirl around my full-length mirror. I hardly recognize myself. Self-doubt creeps in.

Can I pull this off? I wrinkle my nose. Is the dress too tight, too sexy?

God, I can’t believe this is really happening. It’s crazy to think that I’ve made it to the Oscars.

Yup, that’s right—I got those nominations, and the big day has finally come. I have to admit, I’m excited. These past few weeks were hard—Todd has never left my mind—and I need the distraction.

For the occasion, I’ve purchased a full-length red dress. It’s cut very low on the back and goes all the way up to my neck on the front. My hair has been delicately up styled.

The makeup artist has done a brilliant job too. Sophisticated, sexy, and beautiful. I force a smile to my lips.

“Enjoy the night,” I tell myself and turn away from my reflection. The pain of not going to the most important event of the year with Todd is buried deep down, but I can still feel it.

On the way out, I grab a matching purse and spray my favorite perfume in the air to walk under it.

Mason whistles when he sees me. Like a true gentleman, he opens the door of the limo and helps me glide into the seat. Before I do so, he gives me a little kiss on the cheek—a great friend and true gentleman.

At the venue, our limo joins the queue of other limos, and for a few minutes we creep along before it is out turn to alight. I watch the street lined with keen onlookers.

We link arms and walk along the red carpet. I can’t believe I’m really here at the Oscar’s with my loyal film crew, hoping to win not one but maybe two or three Oscars.

“Pinch me, will you?” I whisper to Mason, who puts his arm around my waist. I’m happy he agreed to escort me—at least I won’t feel like a widow tonight.

We pose for photographs and soak in the atmosphere. All the big names are here. I feel like Cinderella at the ball.

Briefly I even manage to forget my broken heart.

Reporters are shouting questions, but I try and ignore them. Someone yells something about Todd and my affair, but I’m determined not to let anything ruin my night.

A loud cheer erupts from the onlookers, and I see a black limo pull up with one of the superstars. She’s wearing a daring nude-colored dress. Several of the men in the vicinity start to drool.

I keep walking along with Mason. The red carpet seems to stretch on forever.

This time there’s an almighty roar, and I see another limo unload another A-list superstar.

I catch a glimpse of a designer suit. The actor looks familiar, but I can’t recall his name.

The girls are shouting at him, and I think someone is throwing a pair of panties at him. On his arm hangs a half-naked, big-busted blonde. Briefly I wonder if he’s hired the girl or if they are an item.

Superstar after superstar arrives. Thankfully I still haven’t seen Todd.

All around me cameras are clicking away and flashlights are going off constantly. I hope my dress won’t feature in one of those trashy headlines of Oscar’s worst dresses for the year.

Mum chose it with me, and she’s an expert in what to wear to these occasions. In all her years by my father’s, she has never received a bad rap for her sense of dress.

Mason says something and points. I can’t understand him over the deafening roar of more cheering.

Whoever just pulled up must be a real crowd favorite. I’m swept away by the wave of excitement.

This is my night. I’m at the Oscars, and my film has been nominated for no less than five categories. Alice, Eric, Mason, and I watched the announcements on TV, and it was a fantastic night.

When Dad heard the news, he was thrilled. He told me to just enjoy the night and not get too upset if the film didn’t get the awards it had been nominated for.

I touch my clapperboard pendant. As usual, I have it around my neck. It’s my pride and joy…and my connection to Dad.

Finally we’re at the entrance to the Oscars. Just inside is a life-size statue of the smaller version we all vie for. My heart beats a little faster. I smile at Mason.

Alice rushes toward us.

“Can you believe it?” she squeals and grabs my hands. “You look amazing, Sophie.”

“Thanks, Alice.” I give her a brief hug. “You look just gorgeous. That dress is you.”

Alice spins three hundred and sixty degrees. She is in a long black V-neck tight-fitting dress. Around her neck is a gold necklace with a glass sand-art heart pendant, her eighteenth birthday present from my family.

She’s also wearing the matching earrings. They complement the outfit perfectly.

“I’ll show you where we are sitting.” She leads the way. We walk past little groups of huddled people. The hubbub is amazing.

As usual the night starts with a quirky, interesting, funny, and slightly controversial opening.

I laugh loud at the jokes and the digs. I’m carried away in the moment. All too soon, the emcee starts introducing actors to read out nominations and winners.

I clap enthusiastically for the winners, and I feel for those who lose.

And then the big moment arrives.

Best male actor. The nominations are announced. Todd is one of them. I resist the urge to crane my neck and find him in the larger crowded room.

As each name is read out, there’s a little film clip of various scenes of their film on the oversized screen. My heart beats a little faster as I’m taken back to filming times…to happier times.

As the emcee opens the envelope, every muscle in my body tenses. I’m on the edge of my seat. For Todd’s sake, I hope he wins.

“Please let him win,” I mutter over and over and squeeze both thumbs tightly.

A hush falls over the crowd as the emcee reads first to himself before announcing the winner to the crowd.

“And the winner is Todd Alexander.”

The audience erupts with applause. I join in.

I can’t help but be happy for him.