Flowers in Bloom

PROLOGUE “Breathe. Just breathe,” she murmured in the split second before the camera went live. The moment was almost upon her and she didn’t know if she was terrified or excited. She hadn’t seen him in what felt like forever. The producer counted down in her ear, and then it was time. “Welcome back to the red carpet coverage of the 2018 Academy Awards, live from the Dolby Theatre in downtown LA,” she said. “Over the last few hours we’ve brought you interviews with Hollywood’s elite and the ceremony is now just half an hour away. We’re waiting for the last big name to arrive - a certain British Oscar nominee who is THE hot favourite for ‘Actor in a Leading Role’. “The atmosphere is electric. Everyone is genuinely excited, and I can tell you from my own perspective that not only is it a privilege to be here, but also jaw-droppingly surreal!” She flashed a dazzling smile at the camera. “Stay with us and we’ll be continuing our exclusive coverage right after the wonderful Carole Kirkwood brings you the weather.” “And you’re out,” the producer announced in her ear. Everywhere she looked, stars were dressed up in their Oscar finery, their jewels matching the brilliance of the afternoon sunshine. The air was thick with gushy superlatives as the great and good of the movie world greeted each other on the way into the theatre, there to celebrate excellence and to applaud the triumph of the individual. It was a glorious technicolour fantasy that was both intoxicating and bizarre. She heard a roar from the fans, tightly packed into viewing galleries with a great vantage point of stars rolling up in a never-ending fleet of limousines. She knew it had to be him. He was the only big name left to arrive. She gulped back her nerves and attempted to compose herself. “You’re back in thirty seconds,” the producer said into her ear piece. Suddenly, her skin prickled and the hairs on her arms stood on end. She could feel his eyes on her, burning through to her soul. She swung around and they came face to face. “Why are you here?” he gasped. He bent down and brushed his lips against hers. She felt her knees buckle and gripped his arm to steady herself. They were unaware of the commotion they were causing. Every television camera on the red carpet was now fixed firmly on them. Reporters from networks across the globe were commentating on a much-anticipated reunion and speculating on what it was that had driven them apart in the first place. It was complete pandemonium. Oblivious of their surroundings, their eyes were locked in an unbreakable gaze. They hadn’t seen each other for months, but she instantly knew his feelings for her had not diminished in the slightest. In that moment, she realised how cold and painful her heart had been without him. He whispered something in her ear, kissed her cheek and was quickly ushered towards the theatre. She watched as he walked away, silently willing him to check his mobile phone before disappearing from view. He fished it out of his pocket at the very last second and stopped dead in his tracks as he read the text. He turned and sprinted back towards her. “Seriously?” he asked breathlessly. “Seriously!” she smiled.