A Welcome Slow Down

December 1981

With E.T. wrapping up and Harry Potter completed, James found himself at a crossroads. For the first time since his rebirth, there were no immediate pressures — no major projects demanding his attention, no critical decisions that needed to be made that very moment.

But he knew better than to stay idle.

His next move had to be calculated, setting him up for the future he envisioned. Acting had been a gateway, a means to gain credibility in Hollywood, but his ambitions extended far beyond being in front of the camera.

The final day on set was bittersweet. The cast and crew gathered for a wrap party, celebrating months of hard work. Spielberg took the stage, raising a glass as he looked over the faces of those who had brought his vision to life. "This was a special project, and I couldn't have asked for a better team," he said, his eyes landing on James. "And for our young star here, James Carter — remember his name, because this kid is going places."

Applause filled the room, and James smiled, shaking hands and exchanging heartfelt goodbyes with the people he had worked with for so long. Drew Barrymore hugged him tightly, already complaining that she would miss having him around. Even Kathleen Kennedy pulled him aside to say, "You're going to do great things. Don't forget us when you're running this town."

With the film officially behind him, James turned his focus back to his own projects. He had already started making moves for Harry Potter's publication. Instead of sending the manuscript blindly, his mother submitted it on his behalf, posing as the representative of an anonymous author. If publishers saw the book as written by an unknown adult rather than a child actor, it would be judged on its merit rather than his growing fame.

Just as they were settling back into a routine, James' mother surprised him with an idea. "We've had a crazy year. How about we take a real vacation? Just the two of us."

James raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

"Paris. We can spend Christmas in France. You've been working nonstop — you deserve a break."

He considered it for a moment before nodding. "That actually sounds perfect."

A week later, they landed in Paris, the crisp winter air greeting them as they stepped out of the airport. It was a far cry from California, but James welcomed the change of scenery. They stayed in a luxury hotel near the Seine, spending their days exploring the city. They visited the Eiffel Tower, walked through the grand halls of the Louvre, and indulged in some of the finest food France had to offer.

For once, James allowed himself to relax. He wasn't thinking about investments, business deals, or upcoming projects. He was just enjoying the moment, appreciating the life he had been given.

On Christmas Eve, they sat in a small café, sipping hot chocolate as the city lights twinkled outside. His mother smiled at him, her eyes full of warmth. "I don't say it enough, but I'm really proud of you, James."

He chuckled, stirring his drink. "You say it plenty. But thanks."

"No, really. You've accomplished so much already. And I know this is just the beginning."

James met her gaze, a quiet determination settling in his chest. "Yeah. It is."

With E.T. completed, Harry Potter in the hands of publishers, and a brief moment of peace in the City of Light, James knew one thing for certain.

This was just the calm before the storm.