Spring of Clara

Clubs

“When can we get out of this place?” Andrew can't stand long periods of silence. As a naturally outgoing and vigorous person, talking to people is essential. Of course he talks extra at some special times.

“There are five minutes left until the end of class.” Clara pulls away from the world of mathematics and looks at the watch.

“Okayyyyyy.” Andrew springs up from the boxes, walking closer to Clara. “You prefer algebra to geometry?”

Clara nods while thinking he is kinda noisy. But just at some point, she has been activated by his energy. To be honest, she hardly ever met someone like him, a handsome guy who is tender and humorous while also being a little bit annoying and overconfident.

By the time the bell rings, students swarm out from different classrooms, filling the hallway with noise. The two in the room simultaneously head to the door and shout for help with slapping on the door.

“Holly s**t! Who’s in here? What’s wrong?” The two hear a voice coming from outside the door. Pleasure on their face, they can finally get out.

“Hey! We have been locked in this room as the door is automatically locked on one side. Could you please open the door?” It's a good thing this self-locking stupid door isn't soundproof. Clara transmits the key under through the door. With a crisp click, the door opens.

The guy standing in front of them is Derek. He is a member of the drama club and is well-known in school for the girls saying, “he is as hot as a god!”. Literally he is the god right now, for Clara and Andrew. Clara doesn’t know Derek much yet Andrew seems to have a good relationship with him.

“Oh my god! Thanks, buddy. You saved us!” Andrew hugs Derek heavily. After a few words, they both thank this guy again and leave.

Clara has never felt this good to see the artificial LED light on the ceilings. Andrew follows Clara’s steps. He has never felt that a class was that long. Yet honestly, it’s both a good and a bad thing this time. The little morning conflict between the two is resolved, and he also learns more about the girl, even if it’s just a little more. Just as both of them are gonna head into distinct directions, Clara suddenly turns around.

“Nice to meet you, Andrew.”

Andrew is stunned for a moment, this is the first time she has taken the initiative to talk to him. But when he realizes the need to respond, all he is left with is the back of Clara gradually blending into the crowd.

For following week days, they occasionally meet each other and regularly sit next to each other on math class. Andrew integrate into the school quickly and easily. He is funny and good-looking, which is the green light in high-school social circle undoubtedly. He also join the drama club and begins to enjoy a great time there. Derek who is also in the drama club helps him a lot. He encourages Andrew to join in the rehearsal of an original plays which will be performed in front of the whole school on April 25th. Although time hurries and he is new, Andrew says yes and attends to the practice everyday after school.

While on the same time, Clara focus on her own as always. She is getting more interests and learning more in math. She listens to Andrew’s words, no matter whether she wants to admit it. She reads more books about algebra and answers questions on class more often. She even joins the math club under the recommendation of the teacher. The club holds activities three times a week in the room next to the theatre rehearsal hall.

On the second Thursday of April which is also the last Thursday before the performance, Clara goes to her math club as usual. Just as she and other club members are dating with math problems, two guys break in to the classroom.

“Hey, are there anyone in your group can come to help us for the stage setting?” Derek pops in with a loud voice. His presence causes a little agitation which some girls in the math club start whispering. He wears the costume of the protagonist and the blonde hair perfectly match the ocean-blue eyes. He literally looks like a REAL prince walking out from the script and every girl’s dream. Even Clara who is not interested in men or love has to admit that she is astonished by the appearance. However, she changes her attention to Andrew who is standing behind the famous one. It's her first time to see him dressing in costume. The hazel hair now has be curled and the angular face has light make-ups on it.

“Hey, could you please come and help us?” Derek points to Clara who is quite shocked. She doesn’t want to miss the math club and not interested in helping drama settings at all. Before she can finish her rebuff, Andrew walks forward and pulls her away by grabbing her wrist.

“Pleasssse, it’s in hurry. Just think it as I own you a favor.”

Clara has no time to respond and be hauled out of the math classroom. The boy’s hands temperature holds on her wrist, leaving all the self-nomination shouting behind.

Clara followed the two to the rehearsal hall, seeing other members of drama club. The one who is standing in the center is the director, Mr. Steve. The boy who wears the cowboy hat is Frank and the girl who stands next to him is Fay. They are couple both in the drama and the reality. Among the other students, Clara knows Ben, Sarah, and of course, there are people she doesn't know and can't even identify the characters by their costumes.

The girl stands in the middle of the crowds is Vanessa. She is the goddess level beauty, chasing by nearly everyone in the school. She is the heroine of this drama, who couples with Derek, in the drama. When Clara comes in, she is wearing the costume and rehearsing the drama script.

“Hey guys, this is Clara from the math club. We asked her to come and help us for the stage setting.” Derek asserts to the others. Others cheer after hearing this news. Although Clara wants to correct the whole thing and claims that she doesn’t decide yet, the welcoming covers her voice. Andrew winks to her, saying softly, “Come on. It’s gonna be fun. Everyone is nice in the club.”

Clara hestitates, yet she still worries. “What about math club...”

“No worries. I already talk to the teachers.” Derek suddenly appears from behind, “And they both agrees. The math teacher says you already quite master in math, and he is glad that you can try something new.” He smiles. There are no excuses to refuse, Clara sighs in her heart. “Everyone is nice in the club. It’s okay for trying. I promise I won’t say another word if you want to quit during thw process.” Derek looks her eyes. Clara feels kinda reliable and believable from this gentle staring. She nods, leaving no idea how soon she will regret this.

Maybe just as how the banner which hanging on the wall of the rehearsal hall says, “Life needs passion and unexpectation.” Maybe just as what Taylor Swift’s lyrics says, “The best people in life a re free.” Either way, Clara joins in the drama club. And somehow unknown, the fate gear begins rotating...