Odyssey... ~~33- Cheering Stars

Hana and Mario's relationship become more than two lonely people who were in search of fulfillment. Even though their intimacy becomes more meaningful than what it was at the beginning, it is not any more for satisfying a lost desire for any of them; but it is a part of strong love that roots deeply in them. As time passes, more qualities are added to their relation. They become best friends; and after so many years Hana feels that she has found her soul mate and lost dreams. Somehow Mario reminds her of Behroz, her dead uncle, whom she trusted and befriended. What makes this affinity so perfect is the totality of it not small details. Mario, who is the top executive of an oil company is not a man to use or abuse her. He does not need her money or support like Hamid, her dead husband did. They talk about various things; nonetheless, as they have similar interests, literature and philosophy become the center of their conversation. Should some one does not know they are lovers as well, he may think they are two colleagues teaching in university.

When Mario finishes reading her manuscript, he is astounded. He has thought Hana was just a solitary woman who put her feelings on the paper; however, this work, to him, is not only good but it is a sophisticated writing. He is the first to read Hana's writing, for she has never felt comfortable to have someone reading her works. Because of her lack of confidence, she has never believed that her writing was good. One evening when Farhad, Sylvie, and Mario are in her home, she hears praises by Mario about her work. First she thinks Mario's remark about her work is only for pleasing her; however during the conversation, she realizes that he means what he says.

"Farhad, did you know that your mother is a great writer?"

Farhad lays his fork on his plate and looks bewildered.

"Well, I know she writes. In fact, I've seen her writing all my life; but I had no idea what she writes. She never told or showed us."

"You should read this manuscript. It's excellent. The way she describes things and uses words is just fantastic.; and let me tell you about her poems, oh, my God. I've never seen anyone that English is her second language to write this well." Mario says.

Hana blushes and wishes Mario stops for she is not used to be admired.

"Oh, Mario, please..."

"Don't be so modest. Go and look at the books on the book shelves of the bookstores. Except the classics, they are filled with worthless books. I am sure there are still many good writers, but unfortunately today the market is flooded by celebrities who think they can write."

"I know. I've always thought why can't these movie stars, singers, sport figures, and politicians do what they know best and leave the writing for writers." Hana speaks something that perhaps it is the absolute irritation for real writers today.

Sylvie, as she is struggling for something to say, finally breaks her silence:

"Hana, Can I read your manuscript?"

Although Hana is pleased that someone shows interest in her work, she truly does not want anyone to read her work. Mario is different. He is her soul mate, her other- half, her childhood Mesa, and her double, Lila.

"Thank you for showing interest, Sylvie, but I need to work on it a little longer.

With Mario's insistence, Hana begins searching for an agent. She goes to library and writes down many names and addresses from the "LITERARY MARKET PLACE" book which can not be checked out from library. She sends query letters to them. More than hundreds of letters and sample chapters are mailed. Mario makes sure that with every rejection, she does change her mind or get disappointed. Meanwhile she begins retyping the whole manuscript so she can have a clean copy. Mario tells her to buy a computer.

"If you had a computer you didn't have to retype the whole thing. I know it is too late now; but it is not late to rewrite your manuscript in the computer so when you find a publisher and they ask you for changes, you just can go and change that part instead of retyping the whole thing since you're using a type writer."

"Oh, Mario, I don't know how to use a computer. Besides I am happy with my typewriter."

"You don't know what you're missing. Computer can speed up your writing and rewriting tremendously. As the saying goes, 'writhing is all about rewriting'. If you had a computer, you can write more. With your talent, I wouldn't stop with this book. Besides as smart as you are, I bet you can learn how to use the computer in no time."

Hana thinks about this man who admires her writing for real, who has becoming her double, and who admire everything about her and compare it with her former life and marriage. To Mario, she says:

"I think about it."

To Be Continued