Chapter 2

The next morning was a nice quiet evening. In Allan and Sam’s house, nothing disturbed the peace and quiet, they made sure of that. At eleven in the morning, Allan awoke to Sam gently telling him to wake up. She was wearing her usual morning attire, a light blue tank top and gray sweatpants.

He smiled at her and sat up in bed. His hair lay about on his shoulders, split ends running throughout it. He got out of bed as Sam left the room to finish cooking breakfast. They both woke up slowly and wouldn’t talk casually for a few minutes. Allan was to take his work to the publicist at noon. It was a twenty minute drive away, and Allan wasn’t too big on being early.

Allan slipped on a new pair of blue jean pants, and walked out into the living room/kitchen area. He slipped a belt through the loops of his pants as he walked. He went shirtless till he left the house; he body only slightly muscular and in shape. He liked to keep fit, but was usually to tired to work out everyday. Sam usually persuaded him though.

Allan continued on to the counter, for they had yet to buy a table, and leaned on it, picking up a few pieces of bacon and placing them in his mouth.

“A bit too early for you, eh?” Sam teased. She laughed lightly at his yawn, “I swear, you’ve like this as long as I’ve known you. Even on the phone you are so dazed it’s hard not to laugh.”

“Maybe,” Allan said with a deep, hoarse voice. He was still waking up after all. “Thank you for the food, love” Allan used their pet name for each other. “It’s always good.” He laughed.

“What is with you complimenting me today?” She teased once again, “Are you hoping for more food?” She laughed again as well. Allan and she always loved teasing each other. It made it fun for the both of them.

“Only if you are willing to offer, your food is always the best.” He said as he placed another piece of bacon in his mouth.

“Yeah right, you know I barely know how to cook. Besides, you’re usually the one to cook anyway.”

“True enough, but anything made at your hands is great.” He said as he finished his last piece of bacon and headed for the shower. “I better get ready; I’m sure they would hold it against me for being late.”

“Ah,” she said with complaint in her tone, “I’m not allowed to join you this time?”

“In the shower? No, no, it would last the entire day if I let you do that, love. I know how you are.” He grinned.

“Of course, love, I was only joking.” She laughed and smiled as she took a bit of bacon.

“Whatever,” Allan teased as he closed the bathroom door.

“Hey! At least leave the door open!” Sam called from the door.

“Yeah right, love, as if I’d do that.” Allan laughed once again. Ten minutes later, Allan was out of the shower and dressed. He wore another long sleaved shirt with a black sweat shirt over it, the front unzipped down the middle. It was nearing winter where they lived. Allan kissed Sam on the cheek as he left her in their house. She worked on Saturdays or even Fridays at a roller rink in town. Allan himself did a few odd-jobs; or any job he could get.

They lived in the middle of a small city, a small yard around them. Many annoying neighbors, and Allan wasn’t too much of a social person either. He rarely stayed outside his house for this very reason.

Allan walked down the drive way towards a black car. He hesitated, but decided to go for his motorcycle. He preferred his motorcycle to the car. Both of them were black for Allan’s preference, Sam didn’t really mind the color. Allan brought his leg over the vehicle and placed a helmet on his head. He placed his folder in between his sweatshirt and normal shirt, and his glasses he placed in his pocket. Though he could see without them, he was able to read much faster with them, and could see much more clearly as well.

The motorcycle started at once and Allan was off. He made the twenty minute drive and finally was coming up to the building the publicist had arranged. He didn’t care what their name was, he didn’t even know it; he just wanted his book published. Allan entered and immediately headed for the reception desks. He asked for Arnold Remus, the name of the man who would publish his book. Thankfully, they gave him instructions without forcing him to wait or anything.

He headed for the second floor as instructed, then down the hallway and to the left. Allan slowly repeated the instructions through his head as he reached the room. “Arnold Remus” was printed in dull gray letter upon the door. Allan walked up to the door with one hand in his pocket and the other lightly tapping the door.

“Enter,” a deep, heavy voice answered, “you’re a bit late,” the man continued as Allan walked in. He glanced about the room with emotionless eyes. A broad deak stacked with hundreds of papers, some slightly tilting, others already on the floor, and some maybe even filed. There was a soft cushioned chair on wheels behind the desk; it was turned around. Arnold was looking through some files as he spoke, “not much on fisrt impressions, are ya’?”

“I s’pose not.” Allan said shortly.

“Well, neither am I; no let me look at what you’ve done.” Arnold said as he held his hand out for Allan’s book. Arnold slowly flipped through the pages. “Is the ending good?” he asked. “I remember only reading the first few chapters, because you hadn’t finished.”

I can say so for myself, but how can I say when it is my book?”

“True, true. Well, consider it published. I’ll give you a call once we plan on releasing it. It’s good to have you with our business,” Arnold said with a slight grin as he reached out to shake Allan’s hand.

Allan got up and took hold of his hand, “Thank you, sir.” He said with a slight smile.

“Can I expect books from you in the future?”

“I am sure you can.”

“And I’ll of course expect you to help me with any jobs I offer you, such as newspaper articles or reviews and such? I know you are an author, but I’ll pay you handsomely for it. What do you say?”

“I’ll be glad to do so, sir.” Allan answered with little excitement, but a warm smile.

Allan was excused, he closed the door and headed for the elevator. The hallway was empty except for a man who looked to be in his late twenty’s. He wore a black suit with long black hair covering half his face. The one eye showing was dark and cat like, a matching grin on his face. He walked down the other end of the hallway towards Allan. He smiled and nodded towards Allan. Allan nodded with a smile as well.

“We all get certain highs out of life,” he said as he passed, “but be careful with yours. You might lose the very thing that makes that high even possible.” Allan turned quickly as he heard the man’s voice. But when he lloked behind him, the man was gone. Allan shook his head and chose to ignore it. He was much too happy today to worry about such nonsense.