CELEBRITY CRUSH

The living room of the Okafor household was bathed in a soft golden glow from the TV. Outside, the crickets chirped a lullaby to the night, but inside, Chisom was wide awake, her eyes glued to the screen, heart fluttering with excitement.

Curled up on the couch in her fuzzy pink pajamas, she clutched a throw pillow as if it were a lifeline. The national entertainment award show was in full swing, and her favorite actor-David Isaac-was nominated for the biggest award of the night. Her face was lit with adoration, cheeks dimpling as she grinned at every flash of his face on the screen.

Just then, Daniella walked in, her wrapper tied lazily over her nightdress. She paused in the doorway and arched a brow.

"You're still up?" she asked, yawning. "This award show again?"

Chisom turned excitedly. "Yes, sis! Come and sit down, you'll enjoy it. They're about to announce the best actor of the year."

Daniella hesitated, then rolled her eyes with a chuckle. "You and this David Isaac. What are you even enjoying in all this glitz and grammar?" She sank into the couch beside her sister.

Chisom's voice dropped into a dramatic whisper. "I'm waiting to hear them call my romantic, cute, light-skinned guy. Just wait, you'll see. He's winning tonight."

Daniella shook her head with a smile. "You've truly fallen for this celebrity thing."

On the TV, the host, dressed in a sparkling gold suit, raised the microphone with flair.

MC: "Ladies and gentlemen... the moment we've all been waiting for... The award for Best Actor of the Year goes to..."

The hall on-screen fell into silence. Even Daniella leaned forward, caught in the suspense.

MC: "David Isaac!"

"YES!" Chisom screamed, jumping off the couch. "I TOLD YOU! I told you he would win!" She danced around the center rug like a child who just got extra meat in her stew.

Daniella glanced toward the hallway. "Better lower your voice before Daddy hears you. You know he doesn't joke with bedtime."

"Abeg leave Daddy matter," Chisom replied, flopping back onto the couch with a grin that stretched ear to ear. "Let me be happy for once!"

As David Isaac made his way to the stage on TV, Chisom clasped her hands together in joy.

He wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, his caramel skin glowing under the stage lights. The crowd roared as he reached for the mic.

Just then, a voice rang out from the hallway. "Chisom!"

She froze. Her mother's voice.

Chisom quickly dashed to the doorway to meet her.

"Mummy?" she asked, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

Her mother stood with her arms crossed, wrapper tightly tied, and one eyebrow raised. "You both are still awake? What are you doing in the living room by this time? Don't you know tomorrow is Monday? Go and sleep. Off that television immediately."

"Yes, Mum," Chisom said with a slight pout.

Her mother turned and walked back toward her bedroom. Chisom sighed and turned to Daniella.

"You see?" Daniella said, standing. "I warned you. Me, I'm going to my room."

"But wait na," Chisom whispered, walking back to the couch. "Let me just see his speech, please."

Daniella shook her head with a smirk. "If you like, get caught again. Just gist me tomorrow. Goodnight!" And with that, she vanished down the hallway.

Chisom tiptoed to the TV and pressed the volume down button until the sound was barely audible. She returned to her seat, heart pounding as David Isaac's voice came through the speakers.

David Isaac: "Wow... Thank you so much for this honor. I want to dedicate this award to my incredible fans, my family-especially my mum-and most of all, to God Almighty. Without your support, I wouldn't be standing here tonight."

Then, he smiled warmly and blew a kiss toward the camera.

Chisom gasped softly, holding her chest like the kiss was meant just for her. "Chai... so cute! One day... one day, I will meet you, David Isaac. Even if it's just once."

The screen faded to black as the show ended.

She stood up slowly, still in a dreamy haze, and turned off the TV. The living room now felt much darker, but her heart glowed like a lantern. She tiptoed to her bedroom, clutching the moment to her chest.

Inside her room, she shut the door gently and lay on her bed, still smiling. She reached for her notepad and scribbled in it:

"One day, I'll walk the red carpet too... maybe right beside David Isaac. Dreams are free, right?"

She placed the notepad under her pillow, turned off the bedside lamp, and closed her eyes-drifting into sleep with a smile, the echoes of applause still ringing in her ears.