After Darkness

*10. The drama club*

They were already gathered at the drama club when Gawin arrived. Everyone was quieter than was really necessary, but Krist was happy to see the boy there. After the talk they'd had the night before, he thought this would be an excellent way to start over for them.

When asked if Gawin could join the drama club, Krist thought he might encounter some resistance from his friends, but they all accepted without too much trouble. The one who seemed to be most surprised by that attitude was Mike, but Krist explained that the two had talked during the Homecoming party and that Gawin felt lonely at the uni.

Only one person hadn't directly agreed to Krist but had signaled to Gun that he had nothing against it: New. The boy still hadn't forgiven his friend for not telling him about May's cheating. There would certainly be an awkward atmosphere between the two of them during rehearsals.

"Hello..." Gawin greeted everyone awkwardly.

Krist motioned for the boy to sit beside him. Mike looked puzzled at that gesture but said nothing. As the director of the play, Neo decided to make the introductions.

"You're welcome, Gawin! Krist told us you wanted to be part of our club and we're always open to new members. We're currently working on a story we call The Strange. It's a story about two people who meet on a train journey and talk about their respective love problems. We are thinking of starting performances in the summer, if all goes well."

Gawin smiled, excited by what he heard. "Sounds pretty cool!"

"Since we're in the middle of rehearsals, I'll try to find a role for you in the play, even if it's just a small character, okay? For now, if you don't mind, you can help me direct."

"Glad to!"

As usual Gawin was being reserved and polite, Krist thought. But it was good that he had at least come this far, even if he decided he had no interest in staying at the drama club afterwards.

"Now, let's introduce ourselves to you", Neo looked at his colleagues, and chose the person at the other end of the circle. "Mike, let's start with you!"

Mike still looked a little suspicious, but he smiled at the new member of the drama club and introduced himself.

"Hi, my name is Mike, I'm one of the founders of the drama club and I'm also on the uni basketball team. I like to party, talk about sports and hang out with friends."

After Mike, everyone else introduced themselves, following the order: Off, Gun, Mond, Mild, New, Krist, Gawin, Flower, Neo and Alice.

Once the introductions were done, they began rehearsals. Krist had a hard time concentrating at first as he couldn't stop looking at Gawin to see if his friend was getting along. And indeed, it took a while before Gawin seemed more comfortable helping Neo directing. He maintained that quietness of his for a while longer, until he finally started to open up to the director. Then, they were getting along very well that amazed Krist.

Krist's character was not a lead, so he had fewer scenes to rehearse. Still, Neo insisted that everyone watch the entire rehearsal, so that they would catch up with the plot. But he was wanting to know what Gawin was thinking about the drama club.

Realizing he wasn't being very helpful there, Gawin offered to get some juice and snacks while the actors continued their rehearsal. Krist took advantage of having finished his part and offered to accompany his new friend.

"What are you thinking?" Krist questioned as the two left the rehearsal room.

Gawin looked more relaxed than any other time the two of them had been together, which wasn't much.