I’ll Be Home for Christmas: A Thorntons Christmas Novella

THE PRESENT TIME

REBECCA’S POV

“Welcome to the Writer’s Secrets, Ms. Javier! We are so elated that you have finally accepted our request to be a part of the show.”

I shyly smiled at Maribella. “My apologies that it took so long. The last time you invited me, I was busy writing the High School Love Affair. No matter how much I wanted to accept your invitation, the deadline was chasing after me.”

She laughed and patted her arm. “No worries, we all understand that. That is the most and greatest concern of all writers. But what can we do about it? A deadline is a deadline.”

I nodded and softly chuckled. “That is true.”

“That is why we are so glad that you are here since a lot of our viewers are actually curious about you. Can you tell us more about yourself?”

“I just started writing novels recently and I posted my first story online in a well-known reading app. Never did it occur to me that it will attract so much readers and attention that different companies started to contact me and offer a contract.”

“Wow! That means you are a talented writer!”

I wrinkled my nose. “Thank you.”

“What was the title of the first story you have written and what is the story all about?”

“The title was Taming Sunrise. The story is about twins whose bond was tested when a man named Caleb entered the picture. Dawn, the heroine was a man-hater while Caleb was a girl magnet. These two who has an opposite personality has to cease fire to help the other twin – Dusk with her role. This book is filled with humor, romance and… spicy scenes so I do not recommend it to our young readers.”

“I think I have a new book to hunt.” She chuckled. “Now, you mentioned the High School Love Affair earlier which was released last month, it was astonishing to see the progress of your book. It was immediately labeled as sold out in bookstores and was announced as bestseller worldwide. What do you feel about it?”

“I am highly ecstatic! Though there are moments when I just stare blanky at nowhere and question myself: is this real? Then my sister would yell at me and tell me over and over that this achievement is a hundred percent true. I’m really grateful to all of my readers and my family who supported me throughout my journey.” I faced the camera and sent kisses. “Thank you all so much!”

She looked surprised. “You have a sister? I thought you are an only child?”

“Oh! What I mean was best friend. She’s been staying with me for the longest time and our bond is just as strong as any other blood related sisters out there. So, she’s like a real part of my family.”

“I see…” She nodded. “So going back, it was indeed a magnificent breakthrough knowing that you just started writing novels this year so, I’d like to unravel your secrets on how to become a bestselling author.” Her smile widened as she intently stared at me.

I can’t help but swallow the air blocking my throat. I never really thought that being interviewed in this show was nerve wrecking.

“This is something that I always ask to my guests… What inspired you to write?”

Easy.

I smiled as the answer immediately surfaced in my mind. The tension I felt slowly disappeared.

“Well, ever since I was little, I already discovered my love for writing. The thing that influenced me the most was my diary that I hid under my bed. I would write things that happened to me all throughout the day and make a story out of it in my mind. My imagination during my teenage years was remarkable so most of the things I write today was a part of my teenage creativities or ideas.”

“So, what do you normally write on your diary?” She suddenly asked that made me feel flustered. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Uhm… normal stuff.” I feebly answered.

A sly smile slowly formed on her lips. “It’s about your crush, isn’t it?”

I timidly look away and heard her laugh. The crowd joined and teased her.

“I knew it!”

“I-Isn’t that what most young girls write about?” I defended my action. “About how they fell in love with their classmate, what does the boy of their dream looks like, or about their daily life with their classmates?”

She gave me a side glance while maintaining the teasing smile on her. “Well, you do have a point. Then I’ll move to my next question and please, answer this honestly Ms. Javier.”

Oh no… I don’t like that look.

“Is your book ‘High School Love Affair’ greatly influenced by your diary that was written by you during your high school life?”

I knew it! I shouldn’t have talked about my diary!

I tittered.

“Well?” She was waiting for my answer with great anticipation.

I was left without any choice but to admit it. “Yes.”

“Oh my God!” She squealed. “So that’s the reason why most teenagers got hooked with your newest released book! I actually started reading it yesterday and I can relate to most of the scenes there. If only I do not have work, then I would have finished your book in one sitting.”

I can see how much she really enjoyed my story and that made me feel happy. Still… It doesn’t mean that I am out of the hot seat right now.

“I am glad to hear such wonderful praise from you.”

“Seriously, the way you write it was superb! Who would have thought that your book was written with the personal experience you had when you were in high school?”

I let out a nervous laugh. Now everybody knows what I’ve been through when I was still a teenager.

“How much percentage of authenticity came out from your precious diary?” She curiously asked.

I bit my lower lip and contemplated whether to answer it or not but I finally made my decision. “I… I do not wish to disclose.”

She giggled. “Totally understandable! Especially if you guys have read the book.” She looked at the audience inside the studio. “Who among you has read her novel?”

I felt a bit suffocated after finding out that more than half of the people there has read High School Love Affair.

“But nonetheless, it is definitely worth reading.” She smiled at me. “I’d like to ask though… what was the most embarrassing thing that the heroine has done for the hero in your story?”

“There’s a lot.” I softly chuckled. “Sadly, I do not want to spoil the story to those who hasn’t read it yet.”

“Oh, right! Silly me.” She laughed. “Then, can you tell us the most embarrassing thing you have done when you were in high school to call the attention of your crush?”

Oh geez… There’s a lot too.

I wanted to roll my eyes badly but I stopped myself for doing so. I pinned a mental note in my head that I will never talk about my diary again.

I took a deep breath and let out a sigh to compose myself.

“Your fans are waiting.” She coaxed.

“What happened was…”