‘I’ve shown this to the commissioning editor. She was looking for a new programme, and she lovesCharlotte’s Web. She thinks this is similar, but unique enough to be something more. An adventurous spider, changing the perception of spiders across the country. She loved it,’ Nigel says. ‘And the drawings are fantastic. What was your inspiration?’
‘Oh, um, Willow the spider is inspired by a true spider that I knew.’
‘Interesting.’ Nigel clears his throat, clearly not finding that part interesting. ‘We can tell them you have a love for spiders. Clive may have fired you, but there’s an opening on my team. Animator, but I’d like you to be a writer for this show, too. We want to commission a six-part series. We’ll set you up with a team. Free rein. Your work.’
‘You’re joking.’
‘I’m not,’ Nigel says. ‘Check your emails.’
I do, and in my emails there’s a contract for a programme from Nigel himself.
I want to jump and faint all at the same time.
Me? A writer, an animator, and having my show commissioned?
What witchcraft was this?
‘Nigel, is this a joke?’
‘No,’ Nigel says, laughing through the phone. ‘You’ve got talent, Will, and we’d be stupid to let you go.’
‘I will do it, but on one condition.’
‘What’s that?’
‘I get to work in Greece.’
‘Oh,’ Nigel says. ‘Sure, if that’s what you want. Most people ask for a lot of money.’
‘Oh, that too,’ I add.
‘I’m sure that can be arranged,’ Nigel says. ‘Welcome to the team, Will. I’m looking forward to working with you onWillow’s Adventures.’
He hangs up, leaving me sitting at a table with an iced latte, wishing I had champagne to celebrate. Had that really happened?Willow’s Adventures. It has a name and everything.
I almost forgot about Clive, still on hold.
‘Clive.’
‘Oh,Will,howdidit go?’
‘Clive, I told her the truth.’
‘Oh,wonderful,’ Clive begins.
‘About how horrible you were to me, how my working conditions were poor, and how I deserved better,’ I say. ‘And that the reason I’ve been off is because I can’t work with you anymore. Sorry, Clive. Hope you get it sorted.’
‘Howdareyou!’
I’m sure he had more to say, but I don’t have the time. I’m an animator with my own show, don’t you know? I cut the call and block his number. Sly Clive is a thing of the past.
I open the contract and read it over. Maybe I’ll need a lawyer, or something. How much is that going to cost me? But nothing can dampen my mood. By chance, someone has discovered me. Here, right in front of me, is everything I’ve ever wanted, could only dream of happening.
My work is being turned into a TV show.
I can’t believe it.
I drink my iced coffee, feeling the sun on my skin as the world goes by, and think:yep, this is it.
