The night was bitterly cold, but watching Celia on the television as she accepted her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress brought a warmth no garment could ever provide.
Her success filled me with a joy I never thought I could feel. As she delivered her speech on that glamorous, red-carpet stage, my heart swelled with pride. I found myself stepping closer to the television, and when the screen focused on Celia, I pressed my lips to it—hard enough to chip my tooth. But the word pain never even crossed my mind. All I knew was how unbelievably happy I was for her.
For how little I cared about that damned award show—if Celia hadn't been attending—I headed upstairs and sank into bed, letting the alcohol I'd just drunk cool in my veins. I hadn't been there five minutes when I heard a car pull up outside. Instantly, I knew it was her—my Celia.
The door opens.
"You've been drinking, huh..?" she said with a soft smile, her glamorous dress catching the light as she held her Oscar in her right hand. The happiness on her face was so bright it almost sobered me.
I smiled back, my voice a little tipsy. "You know you didn't have to do this for me." But deep inside I'm so happy she's made the effort for me.
Celia climbed onto the bed beside me, resting her head against my chest, tucked into the crook of my neck. In a gentle voice, "Evelyn, being there means nothing compared to being here with you." she snuggled closer, her warmth seeping into me.
"I only wanted to celebrate with you."
"At least take off your shoes" i said slightly teasing her with a small laugh.
She kicked off her shoes instantly. "I missed you all night."
"Im so proud of you darling."
"And I'm even happier that you're here beside me, Evelyn, winning this award."
"You deserve the world," If only you knew. "What did I tell you this morning? I was right, wasn't I?"
Celia grinned, snuggling more closer to my body than ever.
With Celia beside me, I felt like I could do anything—and I knew she felt the same. The night seemed far too short when we were like this, wrapped so tightly in each other's presence.
When morning came, I was alone in bed. Celia's dress from last night now hung neatly in the wardrobe. The faint smell of food drifted upstairs, and I knew without needing to think—that it had to be her.
I made my way down the stairs slowly, still heavy with sleep. When I reached the bottom, Celia looked up at me in the eyes and smiled. Her blue eyes seemed to glow, her red hair catching the morning light.
I didn't say a word. I walked straight to her and wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her into a gentle embrace. In front of her, bacon sizzled softly, and plates of eggs were already cooked.
Celia melted the moment I wrapped my arms around her from behind, her smile softening before she spoke. "Good morning. Breakfast will be ready in a minute, Ev."
"Good morning, sweetheart…" Pressing a light kiss to her neck as she flipped the bacon. "Did you sleep well?"
"Absolutely did," she said, turning off the stove before facing me. Her eyes met mine, warm and bright. "I mean, who wouldn't when I was wrapped in your arms all night?" She slipped her arms around my shoulders, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Then i leaned and kissed her while my hands on her waist.
More than any fame I had ever received, more than any fortune I had ever spent—though I couldn't deny they had changed my life for the better—none of it could compare to this. To being here with Celia. To the feeling of loving her, and being loved by her.