Chapter Three: "A Sip of Circumstances"

"I'm sure she will be here soon enough."

Glasgow kept a large smile on her face, though she was panicking underneath. She wasn't sure what was going on. She had called Mana a while ago and she should have been there by now. It wasn't like Mana to be late, especially if Glasgow mentioned it was important. Mana took stuff like this – stuffed that involved her work and livelihood – seriously.

Across from the worrying middle-aged editor was the person she was trying to entertain and keep there. The pale male sat across from her, sipping his black coffee seemingly uninterested. His dark hair fell in front of his face, though Glasgow was still able to see his light brown eyes due to his thick-framed glasses displacing some of the shaggy hair. He didn't have an irritated expression, which Glasgow was thankful for and hoped that that meant there was still a chance to impress the guy. He just seemed more focused on the coffee.

"This is good coffee," he finally said.

Glasgow paused for a second and then replied, holding back a thankful sigh that he didn't mention Mana's absence.

"Yes, it is. That's why I always come here," she responded.

"Ah, but I like Naka's better and it is always nice to support a local "Ma and Pa"-type shop," he said.

"Oh, I guess I should check it out sometime," Glasgow said.

The guy paused to take another sip before placing the cup down and taking a deep breath.

"I was surprised to hear back. It seems now a days most authors are refusing to have their creations turned into movies," he said.

"Oh, no. It's us who are truly the surprised ones. To have Jarik Kensaki come to us to turn a book into a movie; it is an honour. No one in their right mind wouldn't be excited about such a proposition," Glasgow said.

The guy, Jarik Kensaki, simply smiled at the compliment. He knew his name was getting big, even though he had really just stared directing the previous year. His first movie had gotten great reviews, but it was still not enough for everyone to hold faith in his abilities. He was still being shot down by companies and authors alike.

"I was impressed by Miss Haoma's book. The idea having two characters with seemingly different personalities and even different morals, forced to cooperate to survive was interesting. And though many have tried to use this tactic before, I felt like her way of doing it was unique," Jarik explained. "I was truly impressed and that is why I'm happy to actually have a chance to discuss putting the book to script."

Glasgow nodded. She was excited to and was actually going to surprise Mana with this. This was the first time anything like this had been presented to either of them, the writer or the editor. Glasgow thought the young author would have been so excited for the chance to see one of her books on the big screen. But if Mana continued to be so late, there was a chance that the possibility would pass her by before she even got to know about it.

Where is she? wondered Glasgow.

As her smile faltered, Jarik went to say something to the editor. She looked nervous, though Jarik questioned why in his head. With the way traffic always is in the city, that was most likely why Miss Haoma was late. He could understand that and was more concerned about the editor having a panic attack more so than how late the author may be.

"Miss Glas–" but before Jarik could finish, he was interrupted.

"Oh my!"

The shout came from the back of the store. A waitress stared in horror at a television screen, gasping loudly. The entire store went silent as someone turned up the television.

"Monsters have been sighted," the newscaster said. "This is no prank people. Monsters – black and red dog-like creatures – have been attacking cars heading in to the city. Reports say that there have been much damage and injuries, though how much damage or how many injuries and to what extent has not been determined yet. We ask that anyone trying to enter the city or planning on entering the city, to not. Stay inside and if you're in a car, get inside as quickly as possibly."

It sounded as if a prank. That is until an amateur video popped on of the monsters they explained. Small dog-like creatures were shown ramming cars and chasing people. It looked like something out of a movie. Glasgow gasped along with the rest of the café. Jarik just stared at the television silently. He didn't know how to react. However, he did have the need to react and do something; how, he just didn't know.

I'm back from my short break. I'm sorry guys. I decided to take the past two weeks off due to the holidays. I wanted to spend time with my family. I did update "My Precious Bell", but decided to leave my Pokemon stories alone during the time. I just wanted a break. I'm back now, albeit with a smaller chapter. I was trying to think of what to write, and decided this route. It isn't really a big chapter, but it isn't technically a side chapter; so there's that. I should come back to Mana's situation next week and we should get some possible explanation… Maybe.

Anywho, remember to review. It is what keeps me going! :)