Page 90 of Last Letters to Ara
“You okay, there?” A reserved, but friendly voice says, encouraging me to lift my head from my hands. I watch him eye the manuscript laying to my side and look back to me. “That yours?”
I nod. To my surprise he leans down, gently picking it up, and takes a seat next to me.
“Is it any good?” There is a kindness about him which is authentic and genuine. I haven’t gotten to experience much of it in my life, so I could recognize it anywhere.Kindness.I cherish the bits and pieces of it that I have received and try to put more of it into the world every day.
I nod again. Normally I would say more, get up and shake this man’s hand with respect and introduce myself, but he doesn’t seem to mind.
“Mind if I have a look?” You can tell that he was especially handsome in his day. He’s got light brown hair without a lick of gray, and a hairline my father would pay millions for. The way this man dresses though, simple and practical, tells me he would never be the kind to pay for such vanity.
His hazel eyes are still on me, and I shake my head because I don’t mind at all. I know my manuscript is good, I only need it to be seen by the right person. Until then, at least I can share my characters with this man.
“You must be Theo?” It shocks me for a second, until I remember that he’s peering at a manuscript that I wrote under my own name, bolded below the title.
“Yes, sir. It’s nice to meet you.” I reach out my hand, preparing for the tight manly squeeze to no doubt show me who is in charge. Instead, he takes my hand gently with quiet confidence.
“My name is William and it’s nice to meet you, too.” He releases my hand and casually flips to the beginning of my manuscript. He’s quiet for a while, and I relish the feeling of someone finally getting to meet the people I’ve come to love so much: my characters.
“Are you trying to get Puffin Press to have a look at this?” His question is intelligent, connecting the dots fast as to why I’m here, sitting on the steps as a broken man after failing yet again. The cleverness would have surprised me had I not already seen it in his eyes.
“Yes, sir.”
“Call me William.” He waves his hand. “Don’t bother with thatsircrap.”
This makes me smile, and for some reason I begin to imagine what it would be like to be this man’s son. I imagine him to be wise, giving sound advice whenever you need it. Logical, yet warm, understanding and patient. He wouldn’t yell or even raise his voice. He would be an amazing cook and an even better baker. Really all that anyone could want in a father. All the things I never had in mine.
“I’ve been trying to get my manuscript looked at for a while now, but it’s been...challenging.”
“Are you going to give up?”
“I think about it sometimes, but I don’t think I could even if I wanted to.” He’s quiet, waiting for me to explain, so I do. “This story, it kind of exploded out of me. I couldn’t keep it in even if I wanted to.”
He smiles at that, and I keep going.
“I’m not sure I can explain it without sounding crazy, but it’s as if these characters chose me and I’m their messenger, helping them tell their stories which need to be told.” I shrug. “What I’m trying to say is that even if I decided to give up, they would keep haunting me until I tried again.”
“Hmm…” he says in agreement, as if what I said sounded remotely normal. William has almost perused to the end of the first chapter when he sets down my manuscript. “You’re right, though. Thisisgood.”
“Thank you.” If there is one thing I’m certain of, it’s the fact that this story needs to be out in the world.
He sighs. “This is probably going to be weird, but I have an offer for you.”
I raise my brows.
William clears his throat uncomfortably. “I, uh, need a... favor. It’s kind of a big favor, so I’m prepared to make it worth your while.”
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued. What could this man possibly want from me?
“Phil, the head of Puffin Press, happens to owe me a favor.” He nods toward my manuscript. “I’ll get you and your manuscript in front of him. He’s not stupid enough to turn you away once he gets a look at it.”
The ground seems to fall out from under me in that very instant. Could I possibly be this lucky?
“I will ask him either way, but if you’re willing, there is something you could help me with in return should you wish.”
“Anything,” I say too quickly.
He chuckles. “Maybe you should hear what it is first before you agree.”
“Sir, sorry—I mean, William, this is a huge moment for me. There’s not much I wouldn’t do, besides maybe hurt someone.”
