I DON'T OWN DEGRASSI

A few days after my date with Terri, my book came hit Toronto bookshelves & I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much of a reaction. However, once the critics started saying how much they loved it, Panther In The Rye flew off the shelves. The week after it was released, Rick brought me a copy of the local newspaper. I was eating lunch when he came up to me.

"James, you didn't tell me that you wrote a book." Rick said excitedly. I looked at the review.

"Apparently, i'm a good one." I said, laughing. Rick read me the review.

"Panther In The Rye is a must read for teens. James Stark's brilliant novel gives teenagers an uncompromising look in the mirror. & hopefully can start a conversation about bullying in high school." Rick & I were discussing the review when someone came into the cafeteria & shouted that Kevin Smith was here.

"Kevin Smith, you mean the guy who writes the Jay & Silent Bob movies?" I asked.

"Yeah, apparently. after we went to rehab, they came & filmed a movie here: Jay & Silent Bob Go Canadian, Eh?" Rick told me.

"No shit." Rick & I walked over to the doorway & there they were: Kevin Smith & Jason Mewes They were talking to Mr. Simpson & Ms. Hatzilakos.

"You know, Paige & Manny actually starred in it." Rick said. A few minutes later, I saw Paige talking to Kevin & she did not look happy. I decided to go up to her.

"Everything ok, Paige?" I asked. Paige frowned at Kevin & Kevin turned to me.

"I was just telling her that I had to cut her out of the movie." he said.

"So no James, everything is not ok." Paige replied. Suddenly, Kevin got a surprised look on his face.

"Whoa, James...James Stark?" Kevin asked.

"Yeah" I said, confused. Why would Kevin Smith know my name?

"Holy shit man, I read your book & it was amazing. It touched me & I don't say that about a lot of things." he said as he called Jason over.

"Jason, this is James Stark."

"No way, you wrote Panther In The Rye?"

"Yeah?"

"Awesome!" Jason said as he high fived me. Then Kevin turned back to me.

"Look James, we have to go, but there is a premier & an after party for Jay & Silent Bob Go Canadian, Eh? & I want to see you there. I'd like to talk to you about the book." Kevin said as he handed me a VIP pass. "You can bring a plus-one, so please show up." He said as he & Jason headed out the door. I looked at Paige.

"Well, that was interesting." I said as she sighed & stormed off. My book was a success & Jay & Silent Bob wanted to meet with me. It was a lot to take in. I swear to God, it was.

WHAT WILL THE KIDS OF DEGRASSI THINK WHEN THEY READ JAMES'S JOURNAL? WHAT DOES SILENT BOB HAVE PLANNED FOR PANTHER IN THE RYE? REVIEWS & INPUT APPRECIATED.