Since a long time ago... my dad has always prided me as his favorite pawn to compete with his brother, John who is none other than Susan's Dad.
When I was a little girl, I think my dad supported everything I did because I liked it. But it turns out that it was also his ambition to be the best against his brother.
However, one day, when I failed in the National Judo Championship. I found out that all this time I had only been a puppet that he could be proud of to compete with his brother.
Yes, I'm also quite proficient in judo. Let's just say, that time I've entered the
"It seems that you are no longer useful huh..." Dad's mumble.
"Fuck! Did I raise you to be a loser?"
But after that competition, I didn't continue anymore because I was hurt by my dad's words.
The words my dad uttered to me, all those years ago still clinging on my mind until today. At first, I blamed myself for the failures I had experienced so far. By the time I entered university, I was already fed up with all the expectations my Daddy had for me and abandoned them over time.
You could say, I staged a small rebellion. Just like I am doing now.
"Haah... shit! I don't feel like in a good mood right now!"
"Ah, I want to read Adam's novel at this time. Maybe I will find Adam's novel in the cafe library in the suburbs!"
The bus stop was near the suburban cafe library building. The cafe was a simple and modern cafe with a second floor and a sky garden, with dimly lit decorations and a beautiful garden. You can see their iconic statues and fountains from the cafe's beautiful windows.
Music classic was playing when I entered the cafe. I went to the second floor. The view was amazing, and the benches were comfortable.
So, I sat by the window and ordered a hot espresso and strawberry cheesecake. While I waited for my order, I started walking towards the bookshelves.
I was trying to find my favorite romantic comedy novel by my favorite author, which had just been published a month ago. While I walk around the bookshelves, suddenly I remembered my dad's words about finding a random man by chance in a bar.
*Snort*
"Random guy? What the hell!" I muttered with a feeling of disappointment.
After finding the book I wanted to read, I stole a glance. I looked around and observed the customers of the cafe. Not many people came at this hour, which made me feel like an unemployed person.
Then I went back to my chair with a black-bound novel called 'Fake Crocodile Tears By Adam Wechster'.
The first time I read Adam's book was in high school. In those days, novels were very popular among teenagers, and we had to make a waiting list to read books when the librarian brought out a new novel.
Adam was a mysterious newcomer at the time, but his first line steals the heart of everyone who reads his novel.
I have neither a good sense of humor nor am I a romantic type of person, but Adam's success made me laugh out loud and blush at the same time from the first paragraph.
He can develop the romance story smoothly with the comedy like a fresh and luxurious baked cake from a famous brand. Whenever I feel down, I always read his novel again and again, and I have officially become his fan by now.
To be honest, I tried to write novels too in high school. But then I realized, I enjoyed reading more than writing. I read the novel with pleasure and laughed for six hours in the café, trying to finish a book as my goal.
At last, I could forget my quarrel with my dad and my frustration. I feel lifted up and down at the same time when I know I have reached the last page.
On the final page of his novel. Adam writes a letter to his readers, announcing that he is going to stop writing the novel for personal reasons.
I can't believe it! How could I be in the future? I was frustrated with my life and now my only mood-booster would never come again.
"Nooo!"
" How could this happen to me? "Now I feel doubly disappointed.
I zone out as I eat the tasteless strawberry cheesecake that goes into my mouth. My soul is already flying away from my body, it feels so empty inside. Even the taste of bitterness from my hot espresso can't describe how bitter my situation is.
As I sat there in despair, I noticed a man coming in. He was tall, with a chiseled jawline and messy brown hair. He was wearing a leather jacket and black boots. He had a mysterious aura about him that fascinated me. He walked up to the next bench and then sat there while looking around and began to read a book.
As he turned away, our eyes met. Then I quickly looked away, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I buried my face in my book, pretending to read, while stealing glances at him.
'What the hell Clara! Are you a teenager? why you're trying to hide yourself?'
I couldn't help but notice that it was another Adam Wechster novel. Maybe he's a fan too, I thought.
After a few minutes, he looked up from his book and saw me staring at him. I blushed and quickly looked away. But he didn't seem to mind. Instead, he got up and walked over to my table.
"I saw that we were both reading the same book," he said confidently.
Feeling a bit unsure, I replied with a nod and a smile.
"Hi, I'm Liam," he introduced himself, extending his hand.
After shaking his hand and introducing myself, we began discussing the book. Before long, we were fully absorbed in a detailed conversation about Adam Wechster's writing style and storytelling techniques. We were lost in our world, immersed in our love for books.
While the night grew darker, we chatted and giggled, sipping coffee and eating cake. I forgot my past distress and disappointment. I felt alive and overjoyed.
Liam and I strolled to the bus stop, shared numbers, and vowed to meet again. Then the bus arrived, and I boarded, feeling thrilled and expectant for the first time in a while. As the bus departed, I glanced back at Liam, who waved farewell.
I grinned to myself, thankful for this unforeseen meeting and full of enthusiasm for what was to come. I checked Liam's records, and on his professional profile, I discovered that he worked as an editor for a publishing firm. That's why he knows a lot about books and writing techniques.
' This is a good opportunity! Maybe I could try writing a novel myself! '
Adam Wechster's retirement from writing could leave a gap in the market for a new romance-comedy author.
While waiting for the bus to arrive at my destination, I started brainstorming ideas for my novel on the bus. I wanted to write a romantic comedy, inspired by Adam Wechter's novels but with my unique spin.
I took out my notebook and pen. While scribbling, I came up with character ideas, plot twists, and memorable scenes, and felt my mood improve with every passing moment. I can't wait to potentially create a novel that will make people laugh and feel happy, just like Adam's books did for me.
The following day, I woke up feeling revived. I made up my mind to steer my life and follow my new ambitions, just like Adam Wechster did with his writing. I commenced writing my very own novel, incorporating all my personal feelings and experiences into the narrative.
" What the hell Clara! you look so lively! Did you have a boyfriend already?" Dad asked curiously, pausing the recording of a basketball tournament on TV.
" Soon you will find out," I said, walking out of the kitchen with a glass of orange juice.
" What? you know I'm not a patient person?"
" Alright then, I found a new career opportunity!"
" Really? That's nasty! I want you to find a partner, not a job!"
I ignored the words of my dad, who was sitting on the couch, watching a basketball replay while criticizing me thoroughly. I shut the door and started to focus on writing.
As time went on, Liam and I still met regularly. He accepted my request to become my private editor. Liam truly gave me a boost, as he ignited my inspiration and impetus, and also pushed me to persevere and never surrender.
"I'm so glad you're willing to help me write. I haven't written in a long time, I hope you'll give me some direction."
Liam shook my hand, he didn't seem to mind the help he was offering. Indeed, I still have a long way to go as a beginner writer, especially to be able to produce writing as good as Adam's.
"I heard there will be a writing seminar next month. If you're interested, I can give you the registration form."
"I don't know, I'm not sure if I'll be able to attend," I replied hesitantly.
"Why? Isn't it a good opportunity for you to develop your skills?" The event was on the day of my mother's death. Before I worked overseas, my dad and I would always make time to go visit the accident site, which we considered to be her grave.
I promised my dad that after I returned to my homeland, I would visit my mom's 'graveyard' again. To be honest, I wanted to tell him about this, but we weren't close enough to discuss personal matters.