My Secret Admirer | 5 Minute Freewrite: Day 1855 - Prompt: today is a great day in your history

He knew the locals, and they knew him. Perhaps if more people from the outside would have come today, his antiperspirant wouldn't have failed him, thus allowing his armpits to moisten with anxiousness. But the announcement drew no foreigners. His left eye switched as did his upper lip when nervousness tugged. And he had a right to. It was imperative that he become someone, he thought; especially after remembering being labeled "the least likely to" during his school years.

Alvaro clasped his hands together beneath the table. Locals weaved in and out. But no one looked his way or approached him on the raised platform. He glanced to the side for reassurance. But his companion had abandoned him. A sinking feeling rose up in his throat. He hated these type of settings, but was assured it was necessary if he craved world-wide recognition.

Sweat beaded up in the ball of his palm. He was sure the veins in his neck were protruding as hard as his chest was thumping.

An overly plump man with a long cigar entered. The crowd ceased all activity as the man weaved his way through, parting a path straight to Alvaro. Then laughter rang out as all clapped behind him.

"Today is a great day in your history," the book agent shouted while extending his overly large, rough hand toward Alvaro. Stunned, Alvaro just stared at it as though in utter disbelief someone wanted to meet him.

He couldn't believe a nobody such as he, from an unheard of quaint town could compile a best-selling novel; and thriller at that.

His companion rushed over and nudged Alvaro in the side then whispered in his ear, "he's your ticket out of Quaintville. Today, you've just become famous thanks to Elton."

Alvaro thought for a moment, but decided to address it later after his meeting with the book agent.

Later that night, he searched his memorabilia. The name "Elton" haunted him. It was vaguely familiar. He wanted to look him up to see if any contact information was available so hopefully he could express his gratitude.

Flipping through college collection didn't reveal anyone by that name. He grabbed his high school senior year book, there in bold letters was a picture of Elton Jimenez standing behind him.

On the side of the photo page, he deciphered a handwritten note he'd long forgotten, "the least likely to, signed EJ."

Alvaro tossed the yearbook to the floor. Sliding a couple inches, it came to rest against the bed's endboard. He plopped down on his desk chair. Thinking of the good deed Elton performed on his behalf, he retrieved the book and wiped off the scuff marks.

He strolled over his work desk and shoved the novel outline notes aside. Opening the book, he quickly located the page. Underneath Elton's name, he added an updated comment, signed his own name, and inserted a smiley face.

Alvaro promised that one day, he'd send Elton a signed copy of his book.