Jules look at me intensely. I can't help but look away. I know i can do it, but I'm too afraid to fail again.
"I.. Don't know, Jules?"
Jules expression softens a bit. And grab my hand trying to convince me that the job is stable for a new start.
I smiled at her, but it wasnt genuine, it was a forced smile. It didnt reach my eyes.
But Jules never noticed it, how could she never noticed it? I guess she wasnt paying more attention to me.
But theres a glint of hope in her eyes like its saying, "You're growing up". I know she know im better than drowning in my own problem.
I opened my phone and called Dr Juanito, a Filipino writer, he was famous for writting novels, such as Point of view, Non-fiction stories.
"Hello? this is Dr Juanito, how can i help you?"
His voice is cold as i remember last time, i took a deep breath and opens my mouth.
"Uhh.. Hello, Dr Juanito, this is Maria your... Former student?"
I said gently but firm, i waited for his response, but for a few minutes i heard his voice.
"Oh! Its been a long time, Maria! Its been a long time since I've heard your voice? How'd you been?"
He asked, i clear my throat and smiled.
"Oh! Its been a while.. I was doing, just fine! Umm.. May i ask? Are you a young writter still vacant?"
I said with a pleading tone, i wasnt sure if its still vacant but who cares? I needed a shot to ask?
"Oh! Of course, you're perfect for that role!"
I smiled as i heard what he just said, i look at Jules with excitement expression.
"Y-yes! When will i come?"
I said stuttering slightly, Jules is looking at me intensely, very very intense like she could eat my soul.
"Tomorrow morning at 7 am."
He hungs up i look at my blank phone screen while smiling, i look at Jules and nodded.
"How long will you stay here?"
She asked, i shrug and look away very emberrased that i really need to stay at her place for a while.
"I.. After i got an apartment?"
I look at her, still doubting if i be able to have an apartment, maybe I'll stay a little longer?
"Why's that unsure tone?"
She asked, i know she knows that I'm still debating if I'll get an apartment or not? That's my home too! I can't just live here.
"Oh.. I'm still a mess for a while i think.. I can stay here for.. Uhh a month! Until i get my first.. Salary?"
Jules smiled and nodded, she patted my shoulder and sigh.
"You're still in a tough moment? I'm here to help you, I'm not just your best friend I'm your helper too! You should know that."
I smiled and nudged her shoulder, laughing at her.
"You talk too much."
We both laughed and talked for hours, we never noticed the time and we both had a great time together, still perfect as ever.
The next day:
I met up with Dr Juanito at the cafe he sent me, he is still looking... Gloomy as ever!
I smiled while keeping my gaurd up, I walked over at him and sat down.
"Uh.. Dr Juanito? You never changed.."
He looked at me up and down, like he was judging me, I kept expression stern and fidget my fingers.
"Maria, since you've taken the role i want you to... There's a university that we promised we'd find a writter and tell the students an inspiring story, I'm so glad you came!"
I looked at him and smiled, but it didn't reach my eyes.
"Is it my own story?"
He nodded, and i looked around the place, and nodded at him aswell.
"Well.. I'm looking for on doing it than!"
He looks at me and grab a folder lookihg abit stressed.
"You have a tight deadline, Mrs Maria.."
I look at him confused but still keeping my expression straight. I noticed his folder full of marked stories and one of them is made by me.
"You have.. 10 days deadline 20 sheets."
My eyes widened and stood up looking down at him shocked i scratched the back of my neck.
".. 10 days before deadline? Can we extend that? Its 20 sheets i can't keep that up, and you should know i, Dr Juanito!"
He look at me seriously, and i sigh sitting back down again looking at him seriously aswell.
"But.. The amount of money our company give you is very decent. 130 thousand dollars?"
My hands tremble and my head is full of things that shouldn't be thinking about. The thing that will happened once i got the money.
I nodded relentlessly and smiled.
"I can do it within 10 days."
He smirked and patted my shoulder.
"Don't let us down."