My hot mentor

Chapter six - New story

Ethan's POV:

The new year has started. I have two new teachers. I signed up for classes with familiar faces. They know me and my ambitions. I decided to try a longer story. It might turn into a novel. I haven't decided yet. This will be a good one. I was struggling with its genre. I have never written such a thing before. On the other day, I bumped into a girl. I don't know who she is, but it doesn't matter. What happened gave me an idea for the beginning of the story. This happened twice. I have no idea why, but she barely said something. Usually, I don't talk about my personal life with anyone. Well, the book might help me with that. I'm not desperate to have a girlfriend, but she might help me with my work. If this year is different, I would like to write it down. In the meantime, I will continue with my short stories. I have received comments from people asking me about the next one. I appreciate that they like them, but I have other work. It's my last year of university. I have to graduate with an exam or to write something. I don't know which one is better. I have some time to decide this. This novel might not end well, but I'll try to see where it will take me. Maybe I'll have success with it. This is a start to my career. It can help me a lot. I hope that I won't give up on this and finish it.

I wrote the first two chapters of my novel. The first one was descriptive. People should get to know the characters. The second chapter is when they meet for the first time. It might be too early, but I have no idea how long it will be. I have to think about this. I might give up and stick to the short stories. That is if it doesn't end well. My next one will be about two people who just met. It's different from what I used to write. The break was good. I found my inspiration at the beginning of the new year.

Currently, I'm in class. I posted my short story yesterday. It has more than ten thousand reads for less than twenty-four hours. One of my teachers reads them as well. Tyler told me it was great. It was something new and refreshed. We have discussed one of my stories in class. I believe today, we'll do the same. The teacher looked at me. I don't mind discussing this. I prefer not to brag about it. This is not the best story in the world. Also, I'm not that famous.

- Today, we'll discuss your work. Many of you have written stories during the summer. I have told you to send me your work. Ethan, I want a favor from you. Well, if you don't mind. - the teacher said

- Do I have a choice?

- Yes, I want you to present the next lecture in my class. It's with the first graders.

- Why me? There are other students.

- We'll discuss different books and stories every week. I want you to talk about your work. Maybe you can inspire them.

- I doubt it, but ok. I'll try to do something.

- You can give them ideas for their work. I plan to make them write something at home for the next class.

- I wonder when this one will start.

- Fine. We can talk after class.

- Did you like my work? - Chloe asked

- Yes, I did. All of you did a great job. Why don't you publish them? The best advice I can give you is not to look at others. Be yourself and do it however you want.

- The competition is heated.

- Do you want to be like the rest?

- No, but.

- There is no but. It's your story, your life. Don't let anyone tell you how you should write it.

- I get it. Thanks.

- James, your story is good. I see you have followed a path. Why don't you break a little bit?

- I tried. Writing is not for everyone.

- It is. That is a great start if you stop thinking about how it should look and focus on your feelings.

- You think?

- Yes. This is why I'm telling you this. Be yourself.

- I can try that.

- Rewrite the story and bring it to me. You can send me an email as well.

- Sure.

- If I comment on every story, the class will end.

- We don't mind. - Tyler said, and everyone laughed

- Instead of reading books and combining the stories in one, try to do something on your own. Find the inspiration.

- I'm not Ethan.

- I didn't say that you have to be.

My teacher and Tyler always had a beef together. I don't think this will change. Also, no one gets hurt. It's funny if you ask me. After this class, Tyler and I went for coffee. I always bring my laptop with me. For now, no one knows I'm trying to write a novel. Let's say that many people will support me. I don't want to disappoint anyone. If I finish it before the end of the year, that will be good for me. Hopefully, it will be successful. First, I need to figure out what it will be about. My life is not that interesting.

- I have to congratulate you on your last story, my friend. It's amazing. How did you do it?

- Do what? The story?

- Yes. The others seemed identical but with different characters. I mean, the main events were similar. Here, it's a different.

- Let's say that I found my inspiration.

- Who should I thank for that?

- No one. - I said, thinking about this girl

- No, no. Someone influenced you. Is it a teacher?

- I won't tell you anything.

- Are you sure?

- Fine. I saw a video online. Someone was talking about a book they read. I took the storyline and turned it into a short story.

- Ok, don't tell me. I'll ask around.

- Don't you trust me?

- For everything else, but not this.

- Does it matter how it happened?

- Maybe. I never thought you would write something like this.

- Why?

- Many girls have talked with you, but you never seemed interested. This story makes me think you met someone.

- I didn't meet anyone. Our classmates are the same since the first year.

- Yes, but new students came. No one said it's from our career.

- Can you drop this? Please. I don't want to talk about it.

- Fine. I hope whoever inspired you to write this will continue to do it.

- Me too.

I won't tell him how I got the idea because he will keep bugging me. Also, I didn't get it from the girl. I still would've gotten the same idea, even if it had been someone else. I went back to my apartment and checked my account. Another five thousand people have read it. Is this what I needed? It happened so naturally that I can't believe it's mine. After some time, I went to the coffee shop. The girl was there with a friend. Should I thank her? No, I won't do anything.

- Hello, mister.

- Hey, Chloe. You are in a good mood.

- I had a good day. I can say the same about you.

- What do you mean?

- I see that you decided to listen to me.

- Fine. You were right.

- I know. It's nice to hear it, but won't you say thank you to your inspiration?

- It's not because of her. I still would've gotten the same idea. No matter which girl it was.

- Are you sure? The way you have described it says the opposite.

- I don't even know her name.

- It won't kill you to ask. She is over there.

- No, thanks. I already have an idea for my next short story. Let's say that the first one paid off.

- See? You can get me a coffee for that.

- Don't you want too much?

- It's a cup of coffee. Also, you earn enough to afford that.

- You can start doing the same.

- I might be writing something.

- What is it? Won't you share it with me?

- I don't know if I'll finish it. It's not going as smoothly as I thought. I still haven't thought about every event in the book.

- You have time. Is there a deadline?

- No, I'm the boss.

- Then why are you worried? It will be fine. Can I read it when you finish it?

- Sure. I would love to hear your opinion. Tyler can read it as well. He is always honest.

- That is true.

Chloe and I kept talking. I wonder what she is writing about. She has always liked dark books. Mysterious. Maybe she is writing a criminal novel. I'm sure it will end well. She is stressed out because of the university. I called my parents to ask them for dinner. We can go out. I haven't seen them in a while. Let's say that I got caught up with my work. I haven't told them about the novel. I don't plan on doing it. I want to see how this will turn out.

- Hello.

- Hey, honey. We were surprised by your invitation. - my mom said

- I had no one else to go out with. I need more friends.

- Tyler can't be with you every day.

- He can. We have classes.

- You know what I meant.

- How is your work going? The last story was good. I didn't expect you to write such a thing. - my dad said

- I had an inspiration.

- I can tell. Who is the lucky one?

- What? No one. I saw something at university.

- Honey, you can't lie to us. We won't judge her.

- Mom, there is no girl. I haven't met anyone. Don't you trust me?

- Let's say that we do. Do you plan to move on from the short stories?

- I don't know. I would like it, but I don't have that many ideas. I'll keep it to the short ones for now.

- If you find an inspiration, this might change.

- Since when have you been so interested in my work?

- You have a great success. We owe you an apology.

- Mom, don't be ridiculous. You didn't say anything. Parents always react this way.

- Yes, but we should've been more supportive. You are doing a great job. Your work is paying off.

- I'm glad you think this way. I appreciate it.

- What will happen if your first book becomes a hit? - my dad asked

- I haven't thought that far. I'll be happy about this.

- You can invest in something.

- Dad, I won't do this now. I have enough money to live well. That's it. I don't save much.

- It's never too late to start.

- Can we not talk about this right now?

- Sure, but you won't escape from this. - he said, chuckling

- I know. You don't need to remind me.

- Do what makes you happy. You are too young to worry about this. Enjoy your life.

- Thanks, mom.

We stayed in the restaurant until 10 pm. I went back to my apartment. It's not that big, but I live alone. Also, I prefer to spend my money on things I need. It was good to talk with my parents. Mom won't say it, but she worries that my work will take over my personal life. These are different things. They can collaborate, but there won't be a mix. I will keep them away. It's not like something is going on in my personal life. Part of me is avoiding this. I love my work a lot. I don't want anything to stop me from doing it. After all, I want to be successful. I hope that my novel will go well.