It's been a week since he sent his story to Ed. James didn't leave his apartment within that period, he spent his days reading all of his books for no reason. He wanted to know the difference between his current book and his old one.
He just paid half that it should be because the director didn't like his story. His most of income is came from movies and books, but now he didn't have an adaptation for his book. James couldn't afford his need in another month, he needs to get side jobs.
James needed to get money to buy all his cigars and liquor, it's become the essential part of his life right now. It lifts his weight on his shoulder. When life didn't turn into his expectation and people didn't react like he wanted to, all he's did is smoking with wine on the other hand.
James didn't check the internet after all the critic and dislike for his book. A lot of media have to discuss James and the rumor why he's not made any adaptation, etc. He's annoyed by all the talking and gossiping, he barely opens his phone because of that.
He tried to enjoy the empty and quiet apartment, with no music or any entertaining stuff. He just sitting trying to solve his financial problem and moved on to the next project. He could be relieved when comes to the third glasses of whisky, everything seems clear when he got high. Because he couldn't face it alone, he's fragile and vulnerable.
#
"What happened with JN, the huge steps down—" that's a title that popped up on the television. Diana wondered what that's about. She recalls that JN is short of James Nathaniel, she is shocked and turned up the volume.
She listened to the presenter with full attention, and couldn't believe what she just heard. 'James come with another book, he never told me about that. But the review is horrible and mean, it must be painful for him.'
Diana wanted to know more about his book and his life. She worried about his mental and she knows about his habit too, but she must go to work. She could do nothing, and it makes her worried even more.
"What happened? You seem anxious," Alice asked when looked at her sister.
"Huh, nothing. I'm just ordered this book,"
After heard about the review, she went opened her laptop and ordered his books. She didn't buy just one but most of his collection. When she looked at the website, there was a lot of hate and disrespectful comment. A lot of fans were furious about the genre-changing.
"What kind of book? You're looking serious about it,"
Diana eyes still glued at the comment and news about it, "Mmm…I don't know, this is my friend book so I wanted to read it,"
"What, you kidding! I have a friend who writes a book too." Alice giggled, "I wonder how his progress right now… maybe I should call him."
"I don't care, you have a class right now. Leave now! I'm also wanted to go to work."
Diana closed her laptop and get ready to go back into her routine. She still wondered why James has a lot of hate for his new book. She kept thinking about it on her way to the office, she knew that James probably drank too much right now. She knew he's one of the people who always felt gloomy on a sunny day.
#
When the suns get real low James opened his door and walked out for some coffee. He tired of being drunk all day long, he left his phone and other stuff while went to the café. He sicked of reading hate comment in his book, some of them could understand and take it slow. But most of them were mean to him, and this was shocking for him.
The reason why he got depressed wasn't the comment. That's not the money or the bad news that's been on social media, but it's the management and director. They always pushed him to write a new story every month. He almost couldn't write anymore but he survived, when he wanted to stand with his feet, they kicked him down.
They didn't show some respect to him, even a little meaningless word like "I appreciate your hard work". That's the most tragic part of his job right now. James figured that out with a coffee on the table, looked to the pink skies with grey clouds around it.
"James, hey!"
He heard someone shouting his name. James looked around the café and Ed's stand in front of the door. 'What the hell he been doing here?' James didn't look so happy when saw his face. He didn't have a choice because Ed already came towards him.
"Can you leave me alone?" That's the opening line when Ed sat in front of him.
"Yeah, okay but let me tell you something really quick."
James sighed, "Fine! But give me your cigarette, I forgot to buy one."
Ed gave him his cigar, he let James relax because he didn't felt to talk with angry people. He knew that James is under pressure right now. It showed on his face, with eye bags under his eyes. Ed knew James didn't get enough sleep as always, but he wanted to make sure it's not getting worse.
"I know you don't have enough money right now, and I wanted to offer you a job. I have got looked for a job that suits you. In case of my apologies—"
"You don't need to apologize, I've told you that before right? You didn't do anything wrong,"
"Okay, but you wanted this job or not?"
James thought about it for a second, "What kind of job?"
"Teaching, you can give a writing class at one of highschool in town. I know you'll regret this but the money is good."
"What!? Teaching? Did you know what it means?"
Ed sighed, held his breath for told him about his job, "Yeah I know, but you can see the good side of it."
James took a deep inhale just to calm his head, "There's just one high school that has writing class in this town… and that's where Christy worked."
Ed couldn't argue with that, he just wanted to help James through something that he able to do it. James's furious, he had been trying to move on and get rid of Christy this past month. He couldn't believe that he'll in touch with her again.
Whenever he wanted to make everything right, he should wreck something that he had done. James speechless, told Ed that he needed more time to thought about it. The coffee that he drinks tasted more bitter than before. No matter how much he put sugar on it, a part of his life will be bitter like a coffee.