Blue Bird

Chapter One

JOE

I only step outside when necessary. Avoid contact as humanly possible. That is how I've come to be.

My novels are full of life where love triumphs over all...I went numb long ago...nevertheless feeding others with happiness and joy is a thing, I do.

- Hello, mother. Yes, I am alright... I miss you all too... I will come to visit once my manuscript is done...I promise. Yes... I will call you next week, same day. Take care.

Calling mother once a week, is what I established after her persistence.

I am content with my quiet life. The less contact I have with others the less it hurts. Avoidance is key.

My editor Louise suggested getting a cat and so I brought Max home. A full black stray. The house feels less empty with max's presence.

So my contact includes mother, Louise and Max.

I am happy.

A typical Sunday just like any other I usually have: breakfast, a quick walk around the neighborhood, Feeding Max and finally a full writing session aka me sitting in front of my laptop lamenting at a blank page until 7pm.

How can one get inspiration? Can I even be considered a romance novelist? I have not even held someone's hand in my entire life. I have plenty of knowledge whether about sex, relationships but only through books, I have never felt anything nor have I wanted to.

Monday is the checkup Louise day, of course our editorial meeting is held at home. Sometimes I feel like she is my friend but I suppress that thought immediately...Louise is my editor no matter how friendly we can be. I will not allow myself to be hurt, never again.

-So, Joe...have you written that first page we've been anticipating for two weeks now?

-Um, I still haven't decided if I want to write about romance...let alone an adult relationship...

-We've already talked about this. Your first book was well received, you're made for romance.

-I believe it was just a flock, I can't, I don't know how to, I don't even have any actual references.

-Okay...I understand.

-Thank you.

-Still, I am determined and will not give up easily. Tomorrow, meet me at 9am in the nearest coffee shop.

Eric

Due to my ways, my relationships with others tend to end quickly. "You're too serious" is what I usually hear. Growing up with a single full time working father, I've mostly relied on myself and tried to not hinder him as much as I could. He praised me well for being a mature child but now as an adult not many fancy that "Maturity" of mine.

Sunday...the one day where I get to sleep soundly, where wasting time will not affect you.

-Are you not going to make me breakfast? Proclaims the naked women across from me.

-Oh...not again...Good morning.

-Last night was amazing, you don't just have a pretty face, huh?

-Well, last night was something... I am terribly sorry but I need to head somewhere and I'm quite late.

I get up grab the nearest pair of jeans, a shirt and head out.

-Please, lock the door behind you. Oh...and thank you for last night.

I do not recall a thing.

I really need to get my act together, those idiots must have put something in my drink again.

I ran out as a thief and forgot to grab my wallet...I cannot believe my Sunday came to be like this...

And so I took a walk around the neighborhood. The smell of coffee from the new shop was intoxicating my nostrils. I curse Matthew, jack and Khalid as I pass by it.

I accidentally bump into someone.

-I'm sorry, she says while keeping her head down.

-Oh no, I should be the one apologizing, I got too distracted by the smell of coffee, I say, hoping she'd respond but she just keeps heading her way.

One thing for sure. I will grab my coffee here tomorrow.