"What the heck is this?" I said while looking and flipping over each bunch of papers that Kyle left on my working table. Instead of getting some answers, I became more confused; the files are mine; those are the research materials I asked the office to send for my next novel. What amazes me the most is the fact that James is the one who brought the files tonight.
Many questions run into my mind, and I will not be able to sleep if I won't be having any form of an answer to these questions. Because of that, I decided to call the culprit of that night, James.
"Hi!" he said.
"Hi, James. How are you?"
"I'm fine, how are you?
"I'm great. I am confused with the files you left for me?"
"Yea, what about it?"
My eyes narrowed because he seemed to not understand why these things puzzle me.
"I can see that you do not understand why I am confused, am I right?" I tried my best to not show that I was becoming a bit irritated, but I guess I am not good at hiding my emotions. I heard him chuckle on the other line and then said.
"I can also see that you are not fond of reading your emails, am I also right?" When I heard that, I hurriedly opened my computer and checked my working emails. The previous days are too eventful that I haven't really checked them properly. I scrolled down on the hundreds of emails I received from my editor, my boss, and even my fans. Amidst those tons of emails is an important announcement that I failed to check. I was stunned, so all along, he knew me, and I was supposed to know him as well. James is my new editor! I can't even remember why I need to change editor. I can somehow recall a conversation, or maybe it is an email I am not sure, informing me of the shift- I was so out of it these days! I should have been more attentive. I literally melted on my couch.
"Hello?" James' voice sends me back to reality.
"Ye-yes, I am still here," I spontaneously said. I heard James laughed a hearty laugh. The only good thing about what is happening tonight is that at least he can't see me right now, or else I will absolutely die of humiliation.
"Anyway, I will see you at the office tomorrow," James said,
"Ye-yes, see you tomorrow," I abruptly hung up the phone; my finger missed the hung-up button twice. "Wait, what is up tomorrow?" I asked myself, I think I am becoming more and more forgetful these days. "Google, what is the date tomorrow?"
Google answered, "It is September 5, 2022. Reminder, Monthly meeting and feedbacking for new novels at exactly 10 AM…." Google continued its reminder notification while I was still in shock! "OMG," I frantically shouted in thin air. Tomorrow is the date of feedbacking while my novel is still a million miles away from being done! I wasted so much time crying over my lost love that I forgot I am a signed author with responsibilities. I can see lawsuits in front of my face right now. While I am sitting in front of a judge wearing a black robe, the sound of the wooden mallet fills the air as the word "Guilty" resounds all around the dark courtroom.
"Ahhh!" I shouted while dismissing these ugly thoughts, "Let's start working now, Angel, or else you will be eating your next meal on a cold holding cell somewhere far! Fighting!" I turned on the coffee maker, put out some snacks, put on my anti-radiation glasses, and started my battle.
"The time now is 7 AM." I was finally able to hear it because I removed my AirPods. I stretched my arms and back, moved my head side to side, and melted on my seat. I was able to finish my novel right on time-Sleep is a small price to pay. I helped myself with another heaping cup of coffee while waiting for the instant rice in the microwave; fried some eggs-this is a decent breakfast on my standards. You should not lose both; you either lose some sleep or lose breakfast but never both- it is best to have them together, but some of us don't have that luxury, don't we? After an hour and a half, I was ready, driving my way to the office. I dreaded people! I am blessed that I have a writing talent, and because of that, I have a very alibi to good avoid humans at all costs. I am an introvert, aren't most artists are? I hated office meetings, office people, office workers, anything about any office. I do not enjoy small talks. Maybe because I can easily read people. It is easy for me to segregate humans from plastics- most people in the office are plastics. I really wish we also have a recycling system for plastic humans. Plastics are not good for the environment; obviously, it is not good for the office environment!
When I was younger, I actually had a lot of friends. I enjoyed everyone's company and thought that the world was such a happy place- what an illusion! I was woken up by this dream when my parents died of a car accident; when I had nothing more to give, I received nothing as well!
"Good morning Ms. Angel. The place seems brighter now that you are here!" The General Manager of the company greets me. I just smiled casually and took my seat. "This is James, your new editor. I think you already know each other?" He continued. I just nodded slightly after saying," Nice to meet you again,"
"Let's start," James said while handing out some files for the meeting.
The meeting ended earlier than expected. My new editor is very competent in convincing people; the possibility of my novel turning into a movie is very high at this time. I smiled with everyone while bidding goodbye, "See you next time," is what I said, but inside I am screaming, "I just hope it is not anytime soon. I need to recharge-this is very draining!"
I was about to go out when James called my name, "Ms. Angel, please wait for me." I pretended to not hear him and continued walking. He ran fast in front of me, holding my arms, smiling, and said, "I know you heard me." I blushed a little. His back is towards the wall made of glasses; the sun's radiant rays hit his smiling face. I looked down a little; I felt concerned that he might be able to notice the sudden rush of blood in my cheeks. "I didn't hear you. I was thinking of something" I looked away while removing his hands from my arms. "Anything I can help you with?" I am facing him now confidently, he smiled. I smiled back. That is how contagious a smile is.
"I think we need to talk more about some parts of the novel that needs revisions," He said while showing me the manuscript that I emailed him earlier this morning. "Very well, would it be fine if we set up a new schedule for that? I actually have a prior appointment set," I said. There was actually nothing; my appointment is with my bed, I am dead tired, and I need my sleep.
"Sure," he responded in a somewhat disappointed tone," How about tomorrow?" he continued. I nodded and said, "You can send me a message, and I will check my schedule. "Great! See you tomorrow then." He smiled and went on his way while I went on mine. On my way to the parking lot, I felt that someone was following me. I looked back and saw no one behind. I thought, maybe this is my body's way of telling me that I ate too much ramen and had less sleep. I walked a little faster towards my car, but when I was about to open my car, I was hugged by a person from the back!