Parts 9 & 10

"How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face..."
-W.B. Yeats

*Part 9

The ride to the Kodak Theater could be best summed up as organized chaos.  Police barricades were up, streets were shutdown, and the surrounding area had become a sea of limousines and people.  The occupants of the Lucas limo were having a good laugh at the people along the route, waving wildly even though there was no way to tell who was in each car.  George himself marveled at the lengths that people would go to for the people they admired.

Hayden thought he had prepared himself for this, but even the Star Wars premieres hadn't been this overwhelming.  The car pulled to a stop at the arrival area, the start of the legendary red carpet.  George left the car first, offering his hand to his daughter Katie.  Hayden followed and was joined immediately after by Natalie Portman and her boyfriend Shawn, who was looking rather ill.

"You ok?" Hayden asked, patting him on the shoulder.

"How do you do this?  This is insane!" Shawn stuttered in reply.

"Relax," Hayden laughed, "they're all looking at Natalie."

He had a point.  Natalie had outdone herself in a black strapless gown that trailed behind her as she walked.  The cameras were flashing so quickly that they became a blinding haze.  George and Katie started to make their way down the carpet, waving to fans and stopping to sign autographs along the banks of bleachers set up for fans.  Hayden followed, always gracious.  Natalie gave Shawn a small kiss and, holding his hand for assurance, they followed Hayden.

The trip down the carpet was a slow one, stopping for interview after interview.  As they walked, Hayden kept a constant eye out for Melissa.  He wondered where she was and if she were doing any better than poor Shawn, who was now a shade of pale green.  In the middle of yet another interview, Hayden finally saw her out of the corner of his eye.  The interview finished and everyone continued on, everyone except for Hayden.  He could only stand and stare.

Everything blurred for Hayden, everything except Melissa.  She was as clear as a summer night, gliding down the carpet with confidence and ease, her smile took his breath away.  He wanted to go to her, to wrap his arms around her and never let her go.  He knew there were other interviews waiting and by now, he was late for them.  He turned to catch up with George and ended up running directly into him.

"While I think it's admirable that you're turning away from an attractive lady for me, I don't think it would be in your best interests," George laughed.

"That's Melissa," he replied simply, having already told him that they were to meet.

"I gathered that.  Now, go see her and catch up with us when you can."

Hayden wasn't going to question, with his eyes fixed only on Melissa, he headed directly to her.  Her back was to him as she watched Jacob give an interview.  Without really thinking, he walked up behind her, put his hands on her hips, and leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"I was right, you know.  You are the most beautiful one here."

"Hayden!" she smiled as she turned around, wrapping her arms about his neck in a warm hug.

Never before had he become such a willing victim to his senses.  His hands had never left her waist as she turned to face him and as she came closer into him, his arms eagerly accepted her.  His head rested in the nape of her neck, where he was torn between the hint of jasmine in her perfume and the silky feel of her hair against his face.  Had he been asked to describe heaven, this would have been it.

"I'm glad you're here," he told her quietly as she pulled back just enough to let her hands rest on the lapels of his tuxedo jacket.

"I was about to say the same thing to you," she answered, not being able to hide her excitement at seeing him again.

"Beat you to it," he smirked before leaning in close again and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.  "May I?" he asked, offering his arm to her.

"Without a doubt," she blushed in return, not sure what to make of the way that simple kiss had caused her heart to race.

Jacob had completed his interview by then and the team all said hello to Hayden as they inched their way down the carpet.

"I thought you had to do this with George," Melissa asked.

"I was, we'll catch up with him a bit.  Don't worry, he knows where I am."

He stood a little taller with Melissa at his side, smiled a little brighter.  The feeling of her hand holding onto his bent arm was so soft that he found himself reaching across to caress it, each time expecting it to not be there and grinning when he felt her smooth skin under his.

"Oh my heavens!  Is that George Lucas?" gasped Karen, in between interviews.

Hayden and Melissa looked down the carpet to see George smiling at them.  With a slight flick of his head, they knew Hayden was needed.

"Do you mind if I steal her away for bit?" Hayden asked Jacob.  "I promise to bring her back."

"Keep her!" smiled Karen.

"Thanks a lot," laughed Melissa.

"I don't have a problem with that," Hayden answered, again placing his hand over Melissa's as they walked toward George.

There was no time for formal introductions as Hayden joined Natalie and George for a short interview.  Melissa took one look at Shawn, now a full-blown green.  She introduced herself to him before producing a small lipstick sized bottle from her purse, removing the cap and rubbing the opening over a block of linen. 

"Try this," she offered, handing him the miniature handkerchief.  "When you start to feel sick, put it by your nose and take a deep breath."

Shawn felt awful, so he tried it.  By the end of the interview, the color had returned to his face and he was feeling much better.  Natalie noticed immediately when she returned to his side.

"What was that?" she asked.

"Lavender, it's an herbal remedy for stress." Melissa explained.

"Thank you," Shawn smiled, "I feel better."

"I don't know if I'll ever know everything there is to know about you," Hayden said seriously, staring into Melissa's blue eyes.

"But it could be fun trying," she smiled back.

George and Katie rejoined the group and they took a moment for introductions before continuing into the theater lobby where they could chat while they waited for Jacob and the team to catch up.

"I saw Episode II," Melissa offered to George, "I can't imagine it NOT winning its categories tonight."

"We'll see," he laughed.  "If you want a sure bet, it would be your documentary.  That was the most emotionally moving piece I've seen in years.  To capture what you do in that format, it was astounding.  The director should be very proud."

"Thank you, that means a lot coming from someone of your standing.  I'll be sure and pass that along to Jacob."

"As far as tonight goes," George continued, "I'm here mostly because of Ron Howard.  I can't believe he's getting the Lifetime Achievement award.  Seems like only a few years ago we were doing American Graffiti."

"Isn't that the rest of your team?" asked Natalie, looking toward the lobby doors.  Karen had already seen Melissa and was leading the way.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," she laughed.

Melissa introduced everyone and George himself told Jacob how much he enjoyed the documentary.  While there was no photographic proof, the team was certain that Jacob floated to his seat after that particular conversation. 

With the show close to starting, the attendants were calling for everyone to please take their seats. 

"Do you mind if I walk you to your seat?" Hayden asked, once again offering his arm to Melissa.  "That way I'll know where to find you."

"Sounds perfect."

Jacob and the team made their way to the block of seats reserved for them and sat down.

"If you want to wait here after the show is over," Hayden explained, "I'll come back and get you."

"Ok," she smiled, "and good luck.  Forget what I said about the billions of people, it's not like you have to impress them or anything."

"No," he said placing a tender kiss on her hand, "I only have one person to impress tonight.  I'll see you in a few hours..." and with a smile, he was gone, right along with Melissa's heart.
 

*Part 10

For as long as Melissa could remember, she had sat in front of her TV for hours each year on Oscar night.  Tonight, as she sat in her seat and stared at the enormous stage, it was still unbelievable to her that she really was there.  All those years of wondering what it would be like to walk down the red carpet on the arm of a handsome man, had been answered.  She would have thought it a dream, but no dream would contain Karen's constant nosiness.

"Well, you two certainly looked wonderful together," she would prod.

"He is quite handsome in his tux, isn't he?" Melissa would vaguely reply.  Hayden was seated forward and to her right, making it easy for her to catch frequent glimpses of him.

"It looks like you two are getting along really well."

"Yes, it certainly seems that way."

Melissa didn't really mean to be short with Karen, but she was still a little unsure of what was happening between her and Hayden.  They were supposed to just be friends, but whenever he looked at her, she lost all sight of everything except his eyes gazing into hers.  Could she be just friends with someone who gave her chills simply by placing his hand over hers as they walked?  Would a friend kiss her hand before leaving her with the promise of his return? 

"What is going on with you two anyway?" Karen finally blurted out.

"I have absolutely no idea," she smiled back, "but whatever it is, I kind of like it."

"So is this a good time to tell you that he keeps looking back here?"

Melissa looked over at Hayden, finding him looking back and smiling.  As they acknowledged each other with a subtle wave, it was time for the show to begin.

*****

The ceremonies were moving along at their typical pace, painfully slow, when Melissa saw Hayden and Natalie get up and leave the theater.

"Karen, look!" she said tapping her shoulder, "it must be about time for them to present."

"What are they presenting anyway?  I don't remember you saying."

"I don't think he ever said," she laughed, "you think I would have asked."

"Maybe, just maybe, you're a bit distracted when you talk to him?"

Melissa gave a small smirk Karen's direction.  "Maybe."

Soon after, the crowd welcomed Whoopie Goldberg back to the podium.  She had a knack for making fun of movies throughout the broadcasts she hosted and tonight was no exception.  Dressed as Queen Amidala in Episode 1, she emerged from the stage wings in the very elaborate formal red gown, white face, and hair decoration that had been worn in the throne room scene on Courasant.  The crowd, especially George and Star Wars Producer, Rick McCallum, roared with laughter.

"Our next presenters are from the most widely recognized movie family of our time.  Please welcome The Skywalkers, Anakin, Padme, Luke and Leia; or, as they are known in this galaxy, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Mark Hamil and Carrie Fisher."

The audience suddenly came back to life, their previous boredom quickly forgotten.  Melissa was flabbergasted, she knew Hayden had never mentioned this; certainly she would have remembered!  While obviously heavily scripted, the four actors were flawless in their delivery.

"Father?" Mark asked, looking at Hayden and motioning toward the microphone.  "Shall I begin?"

Hayden merely nodded, his hands clasped comfortably behind him.  Melissa could tell he was trying hard not to laugh and she thought, just for a moment, that he was looking right at her.

"Far from the moons of Endor, in a small California town, there lived a young man with grand ideas."

"Like most headstrong teenagers," Natalie continued, "he wanted to be a drag racer.  While that dream never came to fruition, the experience became the starting point for over 30 years of incredible filmmaking."

"With the 1972 formation of Lucasfilm, Ltd., movie audiences would soon get their first look at the works of George Lucas in 'American Graffiti'" Carrie added.  "With a new Golden Globe under his belt as well five Academy Award nominations, George began work on his next idea, a little project called 'Star Wars'."

"The work on the Star Wars series would spearhead technological advances in the art of movie making.  With the creation of Industrial Light and Magic in 1975 and Skywalker Sound soon after, George pushed traditional movie making to new heights," Hayden continued.  "Revolutionizing movie theaters with THX Sound, forming Pixar Animations Studios and, most recently, becoming the first director to film completely in a digital format.  Here is a brief look at the works of Mr. George Lucas..."

The house lights dropped and a movie short began, flashing scenes from American Graffiti, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones.  Behind the scenes footage was shown of him directing over the years, as well as shots of Skywalker Sound, ILM, and the digital cameras he helped design with Sony and Panavision.  The lights came back up to find a misty eyed George, visibly taken aback by the tribute.

"For his continued..." Mark started, but was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Excuse me sir?  Master Luke? Master Anakin? I believe you've forgotten something."

The four actors turned to see C-3PO shuffling in from the side of the stage.

"I'm dreadfully sorry about this, he can be so tempermental you know!" he added, stopping midway across the stage and turning around to look behind him.  "Well, come on!  You've already embarrassed the Masters.  I do hope you're satisfied."

The crowd couldn't contain their laughter as R2-D2 came rolling out, lights flashing, emitting the beeps he was so famous for.

"May we continue now 3PO?" Mark continued.

"Oh by all means Master Luke sir."

"For his continued contributions to the art of movie making..." Mark finally finished.

"For his dedication to the people behind the process..." added Carrie.

"For inspiring the world to believe..." furthered Natalie.

"It is our pleasure, on behalf of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, to present tonight's Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. George Lucas!" finished Hayden.

The audience stood and burst into applause as John Williams lead the orchestra into a montage of Lucas film hits including Star Wars and Indiana Jones.  As George walked up to the podium, the four actors congratulated him and began looking to each other, each trying to portray their concern that they didn't seem to know who had the actual statuette.  George himself laughed when a carefully placed whack by C-3PO onto R2-D2 caused one of his front compartments to open, revealing the Oscar.

His acceptance speech was short and full of thanks.  Offering hugs to the actors who had paid him homage, and the promise of hugs to those who had gone along with him for the wild ride of his career.  He had special thank yous for his children and dedicated the award to them before leaving the stage with his presenters.

Only a few awards later, Will Smith and Lara Flynn Boyle made their way to the podium, with Will speaking first.

"It is our pleasure this evening to present the award for Outstanding Feature Length Documentary." 

Lara followed with "and the nominees are."

A taped video ran of the documentary nominees and as it did, the team silently reached out to hold hands.  It surprised them when Jacob leaned over Melissa to tell the team, "Whatever happens, we've already won."  Of course, this only made them hope more and squeeze their hands just a little tighter.

"And the Oscar goes to..."

"Silent Heros!  Jacob Rubio, director," Lara announced excitedly.

The team jumped up in cheers for Jacob, all hugging him as he made his way down the aisle.  Once he was on his way to the podium, it was the team's turn to embrace.  Still backstage, Hayden watched on the monitor and, more specifically, Melissa.  Jacobs's demeanor surprised them all, arriving at the microphone completely composed.

"Wow," he started simply.  "This is the second most amazing feeling I have ever been privileged to experience.  For both of them I first have to thank the search dog team who allowed me to follow them around and annoy them with interviews, all while they worked and trained.  Without them I wouldn't have any idea what it feels like to know true Heros, or what it would feel like to be standing here before you now.  They are here tonight, so thank you, from the deepest part of my heart.  Thank you to the Academy for this remarkable honor.  Thank you to my family for always being there for me.  Thank you to the search dog teams around the globe for your unwavering sense of duty and perseverance and for always being there whenever and wherever you are needed.  Quite simply, this award is for you.  Thank you."

The team had never clapped so hard or hugged quite so much.  There were only a few more awards to go that evening.  While Melissa was thrilled for Jacob, the one thought she clung too wasn't of him.  That belonged to Hayden.  Before long, he would be there to wisk her off to the after parties and to their promised dance.  Only a few more awards and she would be wrapped up in his arms the way he was wrapped up in her heart.