Open Case File [COMPLETED]

An Odd Encounter

"Already repeated some so thankfully that disaster has already been faced, gone through, and survived."

"If your books were made into movies would you keep the same casting?"

"Only for Zendaya, I think everyone else wouldn't fit anymore."

"Hi I have a million questions I want to ask."

Joy took a breath and looked a little startled but smiled all the same. "A million, really? I mean if only I had a dollar for every question you were about to ask, man that would solve so much. How about you don't ask all one million of them, I'll limit you to five. Sound good?"

A massive reduction but even Mason thought five was a little too many. How many questions had this girl already answered? He didn't know how people were still listening. He didn't count himself among them, after all he still had a reason to be sitting there. He had a muffin to eat.

"I can do that. Do you co-write your books? Because I find it interesting you can write different POVs in the most interesting way."

"Nope, it's all me. I don't really know, each character has their own voice and so I can't change who they are but merely listen."

"Do you wish to be reborn in one of your books? Like grow up in the world and only be a character in the background of your other characters."

"No. I like my life and where I live. Besides, I really don't think I could survive in a majority of the places I've created."

"Okay, connected to that last question, if you were to be in one of your books and interact with your characters, would you use your knowledge to help them or sit back?"

"Sit back." Joy carelessly waved her hand. "They're fine. I made them to be strong, if they hit hardships and fall down, well then they have to learn how to get back up just like everyone else."

"Interesting. If you would change one plot in any of your books what would it be and why?"

"I don't think I would, each plot has hours upon hours of thought put into them and I like how they've turned out."

"Last question, do you consider yourself to be a true writer? Why or why not?"

"I'm definitely a true writer. A true writer is anyone who puts effect and heart into their writing. That's true even if someone is never published. Okay, I'll take one more reader then I will sign copies. Yes, how about you?"

"What is your goal when you write?"

"To brighten someone's life."

Joy stood and bowed slightly to the crowd. "Thank you for the great and wide variety of questions. I'll be waiting to sign your books."

As she left the platform, Mason remained seated. That was... something. A distraction. But now he still need a present. What was he supposed to get a girl he merely tolerated?

Mason watched as person after person stepped up to the table and Joy signed their books. When the line dwindled, he made his decision. A signed book meant something, right? Well, it was good enough to him and he didn't want to think about it more.

Grabbing a set of the Loria series, he approached the table.

"Hey, Mason," Joy said, holding out her hand for the books.

Mason froze and Joy was left holding out her hand.

"You know who I am," he said.

Joy cocked her head, resembling the puppy he'd already likened her to.