“Each of us represents a star in the sky. Sometimes, we shine with the rest. Sometimes, we twinkle alone. And sometimes, we fall and make someone else’s dream come true.”

-Anonymous

Prologue: Here’s To The Night We Felt Most Alive

There were cameras flashing everywhere that it was almost impossible to see. Photographers of all shapes and sizes were waiting, while the crewmen carried lights. The managers, agents, and the publicists were all there, giving last minute instructions to the press. There were celebrities, supermodels, and media personalities present, dressed in the latest designer threads that were either fashion hits or misses. Entertainment shows were lined up for an exclusive. Thousands of screaming fans scattered around the vicinity while the police secured the place. There were millions of viewers from all over the world, anticipating the arrival of Hollywood’s crème of the crop. The red carpet beckoned.

Ah yes, just a day in the life of Dash Parker.

But it wasn’t just an ordinary day. Why? Because it was Oscar day. Yes, the 80th Annual Academy Awards. For a movie star, the Oscars would probably be the most important day of their careers. That is, until next year’s Oscar comes.

Dash Parker was no exception. He was seated in his limo, sipping a pre-Oscar Champagne to calm the nerves. Not that it was his first time to attend, but it was the first time he was actually nominated. And that was definitely a big thing. At just twenty years old, an Oscar nomination is pretty amazing. Showing his transition from a teeny-bopper idol to a serious actor, the movie ‘Meat’ was Dash’s most mature role to date. It was a very controversial role that made people question as to why he was doing it. He wasn’t exactly pictured as a male prostitute, and everyone had doubts when Dash was cast. He knew he could do it, and he vowed to prove it to everyone. He shocked everyone when the movie came out and earned the industry’s respect. He had already won the best actor award in the Golden Globes, and critics predicted that he would probably bring an Oscar home too.

“I’ve really made it.” Dash thought, much to his amusement.

He was looking out the tinted window of his limo in disbelief. There were thousands of fans standing outside the Kodak Theatre and it was surreal for him to see that many people screaming his name and holding banners with his face on it.

“Wow!” he said out loud.

“What?” asked the beautiful blonde seated beside him.

“Look at all the people! Wow.. can you believe it?”

“What? You mean the fans? Whatever. As if you’re not used to it already. I just hope that I’ll be like, the best dressed tonight.” She said, not even bothering to look away from the mirror.

Adrianna Cartwright could not care less about the fans. Why should she anyway? It’s not as if they matter to her. Plus, she had everything she could ever want; she was half of Hollywood’s most beautiful couple, she was filthy rich, and she was a full-fledged star. But most of all, she was beautiful. She was seated prettily beside Dash, her couture gown occupying more space than her actual body. It was a gift from a famous designer, especially made for her. The pink Serpentina cut gown, which showed of her 5’8 figure, had diamonds embellished on them. Her blonde hair, handled only by the professionals, were curled at the ends, giving her a soft romantic look. Her make-up was impeccable as well, as shades of pink and peach accentuated her fair skin. Her blue eyes popped out seductively, and her lips were stained as if it had just been kissed. She looked every bit of a movie star.

“Oh my god, why can’t they hurry up? I’m like, dying already.” She said impatiently, her voice high-pitched and whiny.

She looked at the long line of limos ahead of theirs and sighed. Of course, it being the Academy Awards, it was expected that each of the stars would have their own limos. It’s a crime not to. A faux pas even. Adrianna didn’t understand any of that. As far as she was concerned, she was Hollywood royalty and she shouldn’t be made to wait.

“That’s it. If I spend another minute here, I’m calling my manager. We shouldn’t be treated like this.” She snapped.

“Chill, babe. We’ll get out soon enough.”

“How can you like, tolerate this kind of treatment, Dash? This is agony!”

“Champagne. It’s very therapeutic. Want a sip?” he said, offering her a glass.

“Eww, no. My lip gloss will just get ruined.”

“Suit yourself.”

Dash looked out the window again, observing the scene. Thousands of sweaty bodies compressed in a small space. Just to get a glimpse of him.

“Amazing.” He muttered to himself.

“So, what are you wearing to the Vanity Fair party?” Adrianna asked, eyes still glued to the mirror.

The Vanity Fair party was the most coveted exclusive party after the Oscars. Every year, a lot of stars aspire to get into the list. Some have failed, some have succeeded. It was what separated the struggling actors and the has-beens from the brightest of stars. It was like securing one’s place in the A-List. And almost everybody wanted to be in the A-List.

“I don’t know..” he shrugged.

“What?” Adrianna finally looked away from the mirror and gasped. “Are you kidding me? Babe, we have to match. Oh god. What would the people think? We can’t go there and like, not look the part, right?”

“Okay, okay.” He sighed. “I’ll have my manager call your manager. To coordinate or something. Happy?”

“Thanks, honey. You’re the best.”

Dash leaned in to kiss his girlfriend but Adrianna just freaked out.

“Not now, Dash. You’ll ruin my make-up.” She said as she rushed to the mirror to check for any ‘damages’.

“Ade, stop obsessing over how you look. You’re perfect!”

All Dash wanted was to cuddle with his girlfriend. He was so nervous about what awaited him and strange as it may seem, she was the only one who could really make him feel better. “If only she would stop obsessing over how she looked”, he thought.

Finally, the long queues of limos were gone, and the driver parked the car directly in front of the entrance.

“Ready, Ade?” he asked as he took a sip of his drink for the last time.

“Oh please, I couldn’t be more ready.”

He gave the go signal to the driver, who in turn nodded to the bodyguard guiding the door. Pandemonium erupted as soon as the limo door opened. The photographers shuttered away like there was no tomorrow and the fans screamed at the top of their lungs.

“It’s show time.” Dash said as he flashed his signature smile.

And out went the most beautiful couple of the night.

Meanwhile in a small town called Corry in Pennsylvania, streets were quiet, shops were closed, and the televisions were on. Who said the Oscars were only for celebrities? Not in this town. Particularly in one household in a little street called Amethyst Lane.

Jessica Jameson looked forward to Oscars more than she probably should.

“What’s the fuss, anyway? They’re just celebrities.” Her mother said in annoyance.

Jessica Jameson’s mother did not understand celebrities or their world for that matter. Unlike Jess, she didn’t obsess over the lifestyles of the rich and famous. She was contented with her life as it is.

“Because their lives are much more exciting than mine.”

Jess had always been fascinated with the entertainment world, but ever since a certain Dash Parker entered the scene, her showbiz fascination escalated. The same Dash Parker that Jess, along with million others all over the world, was crushing on. Shortly after her mother retreated to her room, Jess breathed a sigh of relief. She preferred to be alone while watching the Oscars, much like a personal ritual.

She was in the family den, plopped on a beige sofa that has seen better days. It was worn out and lived in, yet it was one of Jess’s favorite places in the world. Actually, the sofa was just like the other furniture in the Jameson household. Old and worn out.

“Has it started already?” Rayne asked as she sat beside Jess.

“No. What are you doing here?”

“I’m going to watch the Oscars.”

”But you have your own television.”

“ I like your company.”

Jess just rolled her eyes at that comment. “Whatever.”

Even though Rayne was her big sister, they never really shared the “sisterly love”. It was partly because Jess thought of her as a competition. A standard she could never reach. Although she would never admit it, Jess was simply jealous of Rayne. Ever since she was young, she was always under Rayne’s shadow.

“Jess, can you please get me some chips? And a diet coke.” It wasn’t a question, but more of an order.

“You get it. I can’t miss this.”

“Please? And you should do it. You could do with some exercise, you know. It’s time to get movin’.”

Weight has always been a sensitive territory for Jess. Even though she was thin when she was a child, over the years she grew bigger and bigger when she reached her teens. Much like every other girl in the world, she didn’t like being reminded that she was fat and that she needed to exercise.

“Bitch.” She muttered silently as she got up to get the chips and diet coke. She was still in a foul mood when she returned to the couch, especially since Rayne didn’t even bother to say thank you.

“Stupid.. show-off.. bitch.. mood killer.. fun sucker..” she cursed in her head.

As soon as she heard the words red carpet, though, her thoughts about Rayne and her annoying attitude quickly disappeared. Her mind was occupied with the little fantasies she always had.. that dream of hers to become a celebrity. She loved the perks that came along with it. For one, she would always look good because she could afford to be.

A good thirty minutes (and a bag of chips) later, the moment of truth arrived. The A-Lister’s were pouring out of their limos here and there. Although Jess expected Dash to arrive with Adrianna, it still did not sink in until she saw the two of them together. There, in her little television screen, was perfection personified. Dash, arguably the hottest guy that ever existed, and Adrianna, the epitome of a modern day goddess, was the most beautiful couple she has ever laid her eyes on.

Awestruck at the sight of them, Jess couldn’t help but feel envious of Adrianna. Who said you couldn’t have everything? Adrianna seemed to disprove that. Her looks alone could make even the most confident girl insecure. How could anyone look like a talking, breathing, and living doll? More than Adrianna though, Jess’s eyes were focused on Dash. He was the guy of her teenage dreams.

“Look at him. God, I think I’m falling in love.” She said out loud, completely forgetting that she wasn’t alone.

“Who? The blonde guy? Yeah, he’s hot. But he probably can’t act to save his life.”

She was so fixated on the T.V. screen that she didn’t even mind Rayne’s criticism of Dash. He was so perfect that Jess couldn’t believe he was actually human. His blonde hair looked so soft and shiny that she couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel like to comb her fingers through it. His eyes, twinkling as he posed for the camera, were a startling shade of blue. His smile, so full and yummy, was curved into a smile. He moved as graceful as a man could, too as he waved to the crowd.

She closed her eyes and sighed.

“I wish I was part of that world..”

A/N: Thanks to Arabella_Knightfair for beta-ing the prologue. Hats off to you! Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please do review. Thanks :D