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1536 Words
"For tonight's Best Actor, here are the nominees," Ynah unconsciously clutch the cloth of her dress when she heard Sir Anthony Hopkins, an award-winning actor, introduced this year's nominees. "And Hawk Cortez for The Man Who Stole Many Faces," dagdag pa ng batikang aktor.
Hinanap ng mga mata niya ang aktor na huling tinawag. Kahit nakatalikod ito ay hinding hindi niya maipagkakamali ito sa iba. Nakikita niya itong kinakausap ang isa pang aktor sa tabi nito. Hindi niya alam kung narinig ba nito ang pagbanggit sa sariling pangalan.
"And the Academy goes to......The Man Who Stole Many Faces, HAWK CORTEZ!" Sir Anthony happily clapped his hands.
Nakita niya sa screen ang pag-zoom ng camera kay Hawk. He's smiling from ear to ear, showing his perfect set of teeth. Hawk stood up and buttoned up his tux as he slightly bowed to people around him. Almost all the spectators stood up and clapped their hands, acknowledging the young man's victory. When he walks towards the stage, struts around like he owns the place, and when he stood in front of the microphone while holding his award, his domineering aura made him look like a king.
"Wow! This is wow!" Hawk looked at his trophy for a while then looks up at the people in the hall. "I didn't expect to win because all the other nominees are great actors. Ben, Shaun, Michael, Tom...all of you have been my inspiration to become a good actor, and never in my wildest dream that I will stand here, holding this prestigious award. I would like to share this with you." Loud applause of the crowd was heard. "To my family who's been my pillar of strength, I know you are all watching right now, I love you and you know that," Ynah can see a teat that wanted to escape his eyes. "And to the person who's been my inspiration for years, I love you. Thank you, everyone!" He took a step back and made a half-bow towards the crowd who all stood for him while clapping.
Ynah clutched her purse tightly. Hearing Hawk thanking that special person pierced her heart.
"Oh, My God!" The way Casper said it sounds like a silent scream as the cheering for the Best Actor is fading. "We make a killing, Ms. Editor!" Kita niya ang saya sa mukha nito. "An exclusive interview with Hawk who is currently the Best Actor this year, I can really say that Lady Luck tossed her coin to us!"
"Don't be too happy yet, Cas," saway niya dito. "You know Hawk. He's a very private person and I think what he said earlier is just one of his high jinks."
"I don't think so," kontra naman nito. "Meeting and being interviewed by you, Ms. Ynah, is a privilege." Umiling siya sa sinabi nito dahil hindi siya naniniwala na sikat siyang manunulat. "You're smart and beautiful but too naive," napalatak ito. "I will make sure that the interview will take place tonight," Casper confidently said to her.
"But it's okay if it will not..." sabi niya sa mahinang boses.
Nanlalaki ang mga mata nito nang bumaling sa kanya. "That interview will happen, whether you like it or not, period!" Umismid ito. "And I cannot understand why I can smell your hostility towards him. As far as I remember, you haven't had an encounter with him or else...." Casper twisted his upper body to face her and raised his right brow. "The two of you are meeting discreetly, huh?"
She softly laughs. "Crazy. I don't know him personally. I don't know but there is something in him that made me feel anxious. It's just me, okay?" Natatawa pa ding sabi niya. "Don't mind me. I will do this interview," then she winks.
She cannot jinx this one. She knows that others would die to have an exclusive interview with the young actor. And what Casper said is right. Having Hawk on the cover of their magazine means money.
In less than an hour, they left for the After-Party. The venue of the said event will take place at a lavish hotel, a five-minute walk from the awarding hall.
"This is what I love most at every party. Loads of food and drinks," Casper said excitedly.
She doesn't like big events that is why she hardly attends even though she often receives invitations from different bodies.
Casper left her to take a photo of the guests. She told him that she will grab some drinks. Alone, she walks towards the bar and orders a glass of sparkling wine. Settled herself on a stool, away from the crowd.
"Why you're sulking here?" She heard a familiar voice and her body automatically stiffen. That made her keep her head down, just looking at her glass.
The guy pulled a stool and seated so close to her. "Long Island, please," she heard him told the bartender.
She kept her head down and the guy beside her didn't say anything as well.
"Here it is," the bar guy placed sa small glass in front of the guest. "On the house, for your win. Congratulations!"
"Oh, thanks, Brother!" She slightly lift her head and she saw the two doing fist bumps.
Hawk took the drink in one big gulp to her shock!
"God! That's...that's strong!" He chuckled. "And I haven't eaten anything yet."
"ARE YOU NUTS?!" She cannot stop herself from yelling at him. "Are you going to kill yourself?! Long Island in an empty stomach is deadly!"
The left corner of his lips twisted. "And I caught you there!" He laughs! "I will not kill myself, don't worry. I ate something before I decided to follow and sit beside you."
"Jerk," she cursed and was about to stand up from the stool but Hawk hold her arm.
"Where do you think you're going?" He stopped her. "You're supposed to interview me, right?"
"Let's talk when you're sober," she told him.
He straightens his back. "I am. A glass of Long Island cannot knock me out," he boastfully said. "Let's do it."
"Ms. Ynah!" They looked at Casper who is running towards them. "I am done with....Ohhhh," Casper laid his right hand towards Hawk. "Casper here. I'm with Ms. Ynah," he used his seductive smile at the gorgeous man in front of him and he almost freaked out when Hawk took his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Casper," then tapped his arm. "Good thing, you are here. I want to start the interview."
"I told you I will not....."
He whispered to her. "I am sober, My Love," then withdrew himself and looked at Casper. "I am totally fine to be interviewed here but if you have some other place in mind..."
"NO!" Both guys gave her a wondering look. "I mean, let's stay here. There is no need for us to go anywhere."
The reason is, she doesn't want to be in a quiet place with him. That whisper that he did earlier gave shivers to her spine. She unintentionally wrapped her arms around herself.
"Are you okay?" She flinched when he touched her bareback. Hawk withdrew his hand when he saw that.
When she didn't answer, he removed his tux and hang it on her shoulders. "This might warm you up."
Casper didn't notice what is happening between them as the guy is busy looking for a place where they can sit.
"I found it! Come! Come!" He took a glance over his shoulder. "Hurry before someone sits there," he said.
Ynah gasps when Hawk holds her waist and angrily looked up at him. "Keep your hands on your pocket, Hawk!"
"No," he looks down at her. "Not unless you call me by my name."
She closed her eyes tightly because she's irritated by the way he moves towards her. But before she can even yell at him, Casper pulled her away from Hawk!
"I told you to hurry up!" He glared at her. "And will you please calm your nerves first?" He settled her at the soft couch.
Hawks settled himself on the opposite side of them.
"I will bring some drinks and a platter of cheese for the photoshoot," and Casper stormed off.
"Do you really hate me that you cannot even mention my name?" A line formed on his lips.
"You're Hawk for me now," she answered him. "Can we start the interview and get it over with?" She asked him.
Hawk didn't answer but looked at her for what it seems like an eternity. The way he looks gave her an uneasy feeling.
He sighs and nods. "You're right. let us get it done." He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows. "Where do you want us to start?"
Ynah swallowed hard and took her mobile phone then started the audio recording.
"Aren't you going to take my video instead of my voice?" He asks.
"I have another phone," and she took out the other one to start the video. "The headline will be 'The lost Prince of the vast Empire," she said to him. "Would that be fine?" She smirks.
He didn't answer her but lean forward to her. "Whatever you want, My Love," then he smirks back.
- Writer
