Strange Love

Chapter 13~ Drama Club

     The auditorium was quiet as the drama club stood on stage, headmaster Gon talking into a microphone. Every set was full. Eleanor and her non drama club roommates sat close to the stage, listening to the tiger speak highly about the club. She glanced at each student, she was about to meet them all.

     The words thrive and prosper were mentioned in the speech before the honor award was handed to the head actor, Louis. Kyoko sat straight in her chair. Eleanor noticed a few other girls had the same action as if it would help them hear the deer's words better. "Coexistence and co-prosperity. Our drama club will continue to demonstrate its glory on this stage." Those were his only words but the crowd seemed touched. Everyone clapped.

     Sheila was found waiting for the girls by the entrance. The students crowded the doors wanting to leave and relax in their dorm. She smiled and walked over to them when her roommates squeezed out of the door frame. Her arm linked with Eleanor's as they followed the crowd outside. Eleanor was about to have her first real day of drama club. A mostly nervous feeling washed over her. "You ready?" Eleanor nodded at Sheila. The cheetah looked over to the other felines. "We'll see you later for dinner, okay?" They nodded and went their separate ways. It wasn't long before the drama club started. There was always time to get changed into their white shirts and red pants or shorts.

     The costumes made their way out of Sheila's locker. She stored them in there for Eleanor while the award ceremony went on. Sheila offered, not wanting Eleanor to walk back to their dorm then all the way back to the drama room. Sheila knew she would be late if that was the case. The change into her clothes was quicker than the rest of the girls, Sheila was almost always there a little early to set up the speakers for the dance department. "Your clothes are already in that locker over there for you when you need them," The two girls left. "I'm sure Louis is in the office already. You can give him the clothes."

     The drama room was almost empty, some early students were moving boxes or setting up the background on the small stage. Class still didn't start for another few minutes. The door to the office seemed to be open just a bit. The pile of clothing was switched to one arm so the other could lightly knock on the door. "You may enter," The voice of Louis came lightly through the crack. When opening the door Eleanor almost couldn't see the deer in the chair. His leg was crossed over the other while reading what Eleanor could barely see to be a script. A pen in his other hand for notes. Hearing the slight struggle from the girl made his eyes move upwards. He then set his things down and gave Eleanor his attention. When hearing Louis' actions Eleanor spoke.

     "I've got the costumes all fixed up," She smiled, even though it couldn't be seen.

     "Great. I'll have someone take them out to the rest of the costumes. You should hurry and change. I'll introduce you to the ground when everyone is here," He said. Eleanor peeked over to a red chair to the side before gently laying them over the arm. She sent a quick smile to Louis and then left to the locker room once more.

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     "Everyone please, gather 'round. We officially have a new member of the drama club," Louis stood in the middle of the room with Eleanor next to him, students now gathered around them. "This is Eleanor and she will be joining the production crew, specifically helping with costumes." He looked at Eleanor. A moment passed before she cleared her throat and spoke to the crowd.

     "Um yes, my name is Eleanor and I am very excited to join the drama club. I hope we all get along," She almost said as a question. She wasn't the best at giving speeches. There was an awkward pause before Louis nodded and everyone dispersed back to their own corners of the room. Eleanor looked at Sheila who gave her a thumbs up and a smile. Eleanor returned the gesture with a faulty smile before spotting an anteater walk in her direction, he smiled once he got closer. "Hi, I'm Kibi," He held out his hand and Eleanor shook it. "I'm in the costume department along with those guys," he pointed to a red panda and a penguin. All three of them happened to be shorter than Eleanor.

     "So, what's the daily routine with you guys?" Eleanor asked. Kibi went into their day to day work mostly consisting of making new costumes or fixing the old ones. Leading up to one of their plays, they tended to each costume and the actor wearing it, making sure they fit.

     "But once a role is assigned they usually play that character every time. Like Louis for example. He's the only one who has played Adler in a long time." Eleanor nodded in interest. Kibi opened his mouth to continue the conversation but was called over by Louis. "Well, see you later," he smiled once again then walked over to the small office.

     Eleanor sighed, able to look about the room. Sheila and her team were jumping and turning to their song while two taller felines practiced what looked like sword fighting. She turned on her heel towards the door and looked up. Already looking at her was a wolf and a mongoose. She waved at Legoshi and he waved back as the mongoose leaned over and spoke to him while continuing to look at the human girl.