The Player Meets His Match

Chapter 3: Getting Motivated

FOR the next few days after I sold my first novel, I was inspired to write more stories. I bought myself a new laptop since I was just using a desktop which I shared with my siblings. I know it’s a luxury but I convince myself that I have to invest if I wanted to be able to write more stories.

Because we only have one computer at home, I can only write whenever my siblings are not using it, I am not able to write to the best of my abilities. I tried writing on a notebook, but it proved to be futile as my hands are already cramping even before I got to finish one chapter. Besides, my hands can’t seem to catch up with my brain when I am handwriting as opposed to when I’m using a computer.

In two weeks, I have already finished two novels, and I was on my way to writing a third one. I was working on my outline when my computer pinged and I saw an email from Mr. Froilan Chua. I smiled and opened it excitedly. I got more excited as I read it.

Froilan asked me to come by his office the day after tomorrow. He didn’t tell me why he’s asking me to come by, and he didn’t ask me to bring any of my novels. He just wanted me there. I replied to his email and confirmed that I will be there, and I decided I will bring a copy of some of my novels anyway.

I kept writing until my eyes got heavy, and I felt really sleepy. I backed up my work before shutting my laptop down. I fell asleep excited at the prospect of having another one of my novels getting bought. When I do, I plan to buy a motorcycle for my dad, which he can use. I also wanted to have a small store built in front of our house. If I get paid the same amount, I might even have enough to get our house fixed.

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I left the house early to meet with Froilan in his office. I previously bought a case that contained a copy of my novels which I plan to show Froilan. I dressed up in a less formal attire, opting for jeans and a long sleeved button down shirt. I wore sneakers and had my hair up in a bun. My sister wanted to put it up in a high ponytail but I just don’t feel comfortable having loose hair.

I still had my glasses, which I can’t live without. For today, I put on some powder and some lip balm. Aside from meeting Froilan, I was also excited to see Janus, the friendly employee from the publishing house. I think I have a crush on him, and he might like me too, which is why he is so nice to me.

As I entered the office, I greeted the receptionist Jolene and told him I’m meeting Froilan. I was smiling at him but she sniggered at me before picking up the phone. After a few minutes, she told me to go on ahead after getting my ID and issuing me a visitors pass. I kept smiling but she just kept frowning the entire time.

As I walked towards Froilan’s office, I kept looking around hoping to see Janus. He doesn’t seem to be around, so I just went straight to Froilan’s office. Maybe I’ll see Janus on my way out.

I knocked lightly, and when I heard someone say “Come in,” I opened the door and greeted Froilan.

Emmy: “Good morning.”

Froilan: “Good morning, Emmy. It’s nice to see you again. Come on in.”

Emmy: “Thank you.”

I sat down on one of the chairs in front of his desk as I was told. When he asked if I wanted anything, I asked for water. He got a bottle of water from a mini-fridge inside his office, and handed it to me. The entire time I was thinking how it was to have a mini-fridge inside your office.

I opened the bottle and took a sip of water. It was hot outside, and the shirt I was wearing made it worse, so the cold water quenched my thirst.

Froilan: “So, Emmy. How have you been?”

Emmy: “I’ve been great. I bought a new laptop and have been writing more stories. I actually finished two novels in two weeks. I’m working on my third one when I got your email.”

Froilan: “Wow, you’re a fast writer.”

Emmy: “I work fast when I’m motivated. In fact, I brought some of my stories for you to read. Maybe you’d like some of them.”

I handed him the case containing my stories and he took it from me and laid on his side.

Froilan: “I’ll take a look at them when I get the chance.”

I was a little disappointed because I was hoping he’d read some of them now and hopefully issue an advance payment check, but I was thinking too greedily.

Emmy: “Okay.”

Froilan: “Actually, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you which is why I asked you to come.”

Emmy: “Oh. Okay. I’m all ears.”

Froilan: “We really like your writing style and we think that you’ll be a great asset to the company. We’d like to hire you full-time as a ghost writer.”

I was shocked because first, I am being offered a full-time job, and second, the job is as a ghost writer. This means that I will not be credited for any of the books I will be writing. It will be published under another person’s name. If the book becomes popular, another person will get credit for writing it.

I’m not sure how I feel about this. I am ready to have someone take credit for my hard work in exchange for money? I figured I’d like to hear more about the offer before making a decision. I owe the company that much for buying my first novel.

Emmy: “Uhm, what does that entail?”

Froilan: “Well, I have the job offer right here if you’re interested.”

I nodded and Froilan pulled out a document out of an envelope and handed it over to me. I was shaking a little as he handed it over. The document is quite thick, about 20 pages long. I was intimidated as I saw the first few pages containing legal terms I’m not sure I fully understand. Froilan stood up and made a move towards his door.

Froilan: “I’ll give you a few minutes to peruse through the offer. I’ll be back.”

Emmy: “Okay.”

I went ahead and started reading the document. The way I understand it, they are hiring me to work full-time in the company as a writer. It didn’t specifically state that I will be hired as a ghost writer, but it does say that the company will own the copyright to all my works and that I may not be credited as the author for them. Essentially, the company may or may not choose to credit me for the work and I won’t have any say.

I don’t feel very comfortable about this, but when I saw how much I will be paid, I gasped. I will be paid a basic salary of 50 thousand pesos per month, and will earn a 100 thousand peso commission for every completed work that gets published. Thinking of how fast I write, I could make as much as 400 thousand pesos per month with this arrangement.

The offer also includes health insurance, life insurance, and an annual bonus commensurate to production. I gulped as I thought of how much I could earn if I accepted this offer. It seems too good to be true financially. I used to earn minimum wage, and never earned more than 20 thousand per month.

The only downside is that I may not be credited for the work I will be doing. I’ve always wanted to be a published writer. Can I accept not seeing my name on a book that I will be writing? Is my pride more important than earning more than enough for my family?

I wasn’t able to read the remainder of the offer anymore as my eyes started hurting. Besides, the legal terms are making my head hurt. I understood that there’s a confidentiality agreement that comes with accepting the job, which means that I cannot tell anyone outside the company what I do there. If anyone finds out, they can sue me for breach of contract and I will have to pay a penalty of 5 million pesos.

I thought long and hard and imagined the things I can buy with the amount of money I could earn. I could buy my family a new house, and even help my parents start a business, and even buy a car. What’s more, I can send my siblings to private school and pay for their tuition until college. I can even go back to school and finish college myself. I know I’m getting too ahead of myself, but I can’t help it. I will finally have the chance to improve our life.

I was still contemplating when Froilan came back to his office. He had Jolene trailing him with two cups of Starbucks coffee and a tray of pastries. She left right after setting the tray down on Froilan’s table. He thanked her and she gave her the sweetest “You’re welcome.” I’ve ever heard. I had to do a double take to confirm if it was indeed Jolene who was talking.

I looked at Froilan as he offered me the coffee and pastries. They looked delicious but I suddenly didn’t feel like eating or drinking. I said “Thank you,” but didn’t make a move.

Froilan: “So, what do you think of the offer?”

Emmy: “To be honest, the offer is very enticing. I never thought I’d get a job that pays this much.”

Froilan: “But?”

Emmy: “But I’m not sure if I’m okay with my work getting published under someone else’s name. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a published writer.”

Froilan: “Well, just think of this as a stepping stone. Who knows, in a few years, we could be publishing books under your name. The point is, once you get a job in a publishing company, it will be easier for you to achieve your dreams.”

I agree with what Froilan said. I did think I could at least use working in the company as a stepping stone towards achieving my dreams. At least they recognize my talent, and that they are willing to pay me for writing.

I didn’t hesitate anymore. I’m willing to forego my dream, at least for now. I can’t afford to be prideful. Froilan smiled from ear to ear as he heard my decision.

Emmy: “You’re right Mr. Froilan. I accept the offer.”

Froilan: “Excellent. You just made the right decision.”

I hope I really made the right decision.