the book (hosie)

idol 2

Sometimes, busy days were the norm for Josie saltzman. Every waking moment it seemed to her was filled with something to do. Almost all of her time was left to her work, with a small portion dedicated to meals and maybe, just maybe, a sliver out of her schedule could be carved out to herself. But that was her life as an animator.

Josie was the head animator for Mercy: Guardian Angel, a global anime sensation ever since its unexpected appearance. Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of fans loved it for one reason: Mercy, the protagonist that was based on Josie's likeness.

Despite her constant busy schedule, Josie loved her work, and on the same note loved her fans even more. Fans adored her and would constantly flock to the young blonde animator at any convention she made an appearance in.

And convention was what Josie was trekking back to her hotel room from. Although she loved the fans, the constant photos, autographs, and questions left her drained and seeking nothing more than her own bed.

Josie entered her room and walked in until she hit the bed's edge. She proceeded to collapse right into the soft surface and let out a long groan. She turned onto her back, staring at the ceiling and content with just lying there when she heard a knock at her door.

Josie squinted and walked to the door. She opened it and found she had to look up because the person knocking was much taller than her. It was a woman, maybe older than Josie, with slicked-back red hair, mismatched colored eyes, and wearing a shirt with Mercy's insignia.

"Oh my God! Josie saltzman!" the woman said excitedly.

Josie smiled as she realized it was another fan. "The one and only," she said with a smile.

The woman grinned and introduced herself. "My name's Hope! I'm such a huge fan!"

Giggling internally at Hope's behavior, Josie asked, "Well, what brings you here, Hope?"

"Well, I've been at the convention for the past three days and was never able to meet you. Then, the line to see you was far too long and before I could reach you, you had left. I just had to meet you so I followed you here," Hope explained. She scratched the back of her head and added, "S-Sorry if that seems weird."

Josie shook her head. "Believe me, I've experienced things far creepier. You're fine." She stood back and said, "Why don't you come in?"

Hope nodded in excitement and walked in. Josie closed the door and turned back around. She looked at Hope and noticed she was holding a padfolio.

"What's that?" Josie asked.

Hope blushed lightly and answered, "Oh, nothing. Just some..." she trailed off and said, "...drawings."

Josie was intrigued. "Really? Can I see them?"

Hope shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I don't let anyone look at my drawings."

"A bit shy, isn't she?" Josie asked in her mind. "Well, can I see them if I show you some exclusive drawings of my own?"

Hope's eyes widened. "Really?"

Josie nodded and walked to her suitcase. She reached in and grabbed her own padfolio. She sat down on the bed and said, "Please, sit with me." Hope hesitantly sat down as Josie opened her padfolio.

Hope was awestruck as she saw the pictures. Some were of Mercy in her regular angel outfit but in different colors, but most of the pictures showed her in different ones. They each had names next to them, such as "Valkyrie", "Sigrún", and "Winged Victory".

"These are amazing," Hope whispered. She turned a few more pictures and found another labeled "Pink".

Josie smiled. "Thank you." Once she was done, Hope handed the padfolio back to Josie. "Now, I believe I'm owed a peek at yours."