Strange Love

Chapter 15~Showtime

     The room was so dim and an eerie presence overcame the room. The only source of light came from backstage. Little lamps littered the tables and the soundboards, allowing just enough light for those who needed it. You could hear a pin drop while suspense filled the air.

     Light shuffling creeped up on Eleanor and the main actor stood in front of the human. He looked at her but she didn't see him, she saw his hard work and his determination to bring his role to life. Eleanor remembered her job and gave a quick glance over his outfit. Her hands guided the collar of his cape open more and then stood on her toes to tilt his hat a tad back, uncovering his skull mast. Both thumbs went up and he turned to the stage. She did the same gesture to another stagehand and he quietly talked into the microphone around his head. She looked up at the wolf who seemed to be perched on the small of a catwalk the spotlight switched on.

     Students took in quick breaths or let out ones they didn't know they were holding. Eleanor stepped back as Louis took his stance then pounced on stage. His movements always seemed so smooth like waves but quick and with purpose. Eleanor now understood why he caught the eyes of many.

     Before stepping on stage, Eleanor looked over many of the actor's costumes looking for anything that needs fixing. She even has a little bag that holds needles and different thread in case of an emergency.

     The production was smooth sailing even with the nerves from everyone that seemed to amplify as it got towards the end. Louis spoke the words, "Being with you is my true desire. I'm the Grim Reaper. I'll prove my love, through death." Then the girl in his arms slowly slipped away and Eleanor's mouth fell open. It was so meaningful and deep, she couldn't believe how involved she became into the plot. Louis then spoke his last words and applause erupted from the crowd.

     Cues were made and the curtain began to fall. Another student from the crew nudged Eleanor's arm, "It's good huh?" He asked and Eleanor nodded in agreement. Then a thud was made and Louis was lying on stage.

     "Someone call the nurse!"

     "Oh my. Is he alright?"

     "What happened? What's wrong?"

     Confused faces spread as they looked at the deer when a few ran to his aid. Not long after the medical team arrived and rolled him off the stage. Sanu, the main manager, rushed the actors back onto the stage for their recognition. Slight smiles were shown as the audience made noise of appreciation, although the actors still had worry.

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     It seemed like half of the drama club stood outside a room where Louis was placed. The sun was gone and most of the school was back in their dorms getting ready to sleep. Eleanor stood with Sheila and the ground by the door. It was quite amongst them. The door opened and a nurse stepped out and looked at the group with surprise. She sighed and spoke,"Louis is injured and is asleep right now."

     "What happened?" Sanu asked.

     "It seems he broke his left leg."

     "Can we see him?" The nurse paused and contemplated her answer.

     "You can go in but you must be quiet, understand?" Nods littered the group and she stepped aside. Everyone filed in and gathered around the wounded deer. Legoshi stood next to the human along with Sheila on the other side. After the play their roommates congratulated them but eventually went off to bed.

     Time went by as slow ticks that could be heard from the clock on the wall. Whispers could be heard from some of the students and Eleanor looked up at the wolf next to her and gave him a small smile. His presence next to her sat in her mind the whole time he was there. It was a weird feeling and Eleanor had to acknowledge him. He made a similar gesture back and a rustling of cloth was heard from the bed. Louis slowly sat up and looked around. His mind flooded with his last memories and he looked at everyone. "The audience," he said. Sanu spoke up.