A Letter Away From You

Chapter 9

The troubled professor let out a sigh, a disheartened one. "Everything now has a price, eh?" 

Of course, nothing is free these days. 

"Okay, let me hear your offer, dear." He continued.

Actually, extending a condition wasn't a part of my original plan. I'd usually accept it right away but in the spur of the moment, came up with something unreasonable.

Okay, think Faye. The cold air-conditioned atmosphere in the school gym dislodged the loose tie I had tangling in my hair. It flowed so much that it mimicked the sound of my thinking. 

Money? Out of the question. I don't need money, it would be too easy for them. Professor Dean had been dangling his glistening gold watch all minute long, it really left me an impression. Even if they're just total strangers to me, my hunch notifies me right away that cash just grows out of their backyard bushes.

What could possibly be a worth it condition? Asking myself that question banged the Socrates in me.

"If you let us in as one of your actresses, then I'd totally accept your proposal." This was the best offer I could do. The feeling that this decision would draw me nearer to you. After all, if the school's theater play wins in the local festival, a ticket there can be guaranteed. A ticket to the place you told me to go, to the place where you said we'd meet. 

A cast-down look was imprinted upon the crowd. While Dean on the other hand just grinned at my proposal.

Yes, we have no talent in acting, I know.

"For starters Faye, I am not underestimating you and your friend," The professor began his lecture. I expected this to happen, yet didn't plan to avoid it beforehand. "But do you even have experience in this field? Let alone the basics of acting?"

Snatching the empty chair beside me, I rested my body on it. Experience? Basics? Sure, this kind of information isn't yet available at our vocabulary, but it doesn't kill to learn. Everyone can learn if they have the determination and willingness to do so.

"We're willing to learn Dean, and I promise you we won't be much of a big deal." Assuring you was the right step to take, I'm sure my words can beguile even a professor. 

A blank stare was all I got from him, although it was fine. But all the eyes of the 30 plus actors were pointed towards me, as if I was a target in darts practice. 

"Let me discuss this first with the team." Dean proceeded to huddle with his actors. 

They were focused on their craft, the only ones capable of performing the theater acts are the members of the club themselves. Having random people just join their lineup would be too much of a hassle, I can't blame them whatever the result of their decision might be.

While here we are, just waiting for the sun to shine on us. Thunder could be heard from outside, the strike sounded like it would c***k the earth anytime. My ears couldn't decide on who is noisier, the rainy heavens outside the gym or the hypersomniac snoring Jasmine is producing.

Placing my hand over her ears, I thought to myself. There are times Jas I'm jealous of you. Nine times out of ten is because of your sleeping ability. While others like me take 30 minutes to 2 hours before going to sleep, you take at least 1 minute. No matter what your position is, you seem to fall quiet quickly. Not to mention the fact that you can just fall asleep everywhere.

"Hey, wake up now." I repeatedly tapped the fluff of her cheeks. 

"Hmm, later Faye." She just turned her head to the side, replying with a yawn.

"We've got important things to discuss." Placing my hands on her arm, I wiggled her body over and over again. 

"Ahhh, a couple minutes more." Annoyed by my actions, she pushed my tiny hands aside.

I didn't know why I was chuckling at her being annoyed by me, maybe that is just how friends act.

Zooming in on Dean and the others, it seemed they have already finished their spontaneous meeting. The professor scampered his way towards us. Clutched in his hands is a stack of papers, to which I don't know the usage for.

"So, what's the verdict professor?" I stood from my seat to greet the tranquil instructor, thinking it might bring me more chances of joining. 

"Here, take this." He handed me the bunch of papers he was holding earlier. "In here, are the rulebooks and basics about theater play. Below are the forms you need to sign in order to join the club."

He continued with a smile, "Understood?"

It only took about the tenth minute of 2 pm to decide this. Was I that good of a persuader? Did my looks do the trick?

"Understood sir." I paved the way for my formalities, signifying a sense of commitment. 

"Remember, we're letting you in for the most part because of the fact that you can guide us and because you have much greater knowledge over the story." Dean eyed me with an important reminder. "For the rest, work hard to figure them out yourselves.

Right then and there, my responsibilities flew in and out of my body. I knew that joining this organization takes a lot of labor. It's different from the usual routine I had with a pen and my keyboard, just writing chapters. This would take a toll on my body, a physical but enjoyable one. 

"Okay, I got it." I stroked Dean with a bow.

"Now, come here as we wrap up our meeting for today." Dean invited me over. 

He moved to his usual spot, striking an announcement to the crowd. "Join me in welcoming our newest members of the club." I guess we're welcomed? A bad day twirled into such a wonderful chronicle of unexpected surprises. The offer was a hundred percent impromptu, yet the feeling of regret didn't haunt me. Just one conclusion, I like this. 

"The very own author of 'The Lone Delivery', Faye Fowler in the flesh." A wave was what Dean handed over to me. Hearing my name in full is quite new to my eardrums, I didn't quite fancy the sound of it.

I hope they didn't forget about my partner.

"And of course, together with her companion..." Disoriented was what I could see in Dean's face as he stopped announcing. He poked his eyes over to Jasmine, as if asking me for her name. 

"Jasmine!" I clamored my throat at the professor. Thankfully the lady beside me was asleep, or else her wrath would handle the situation in bay. 

"Of course, Jasmine!" Dean continued his speech. "Let's give them a round of applause please!" A herd of claps rattled the entire gym. My initial thoughts included the crowd being disappointed at Dean's decision of letting us in, but the applauding tells a different story. 

"It's such a pleasure having you." 

"I hope we can work well together."

"You ended the story very neatly, Faye."

"Let's have fun in this club."

Dozen of compliments and greetings was what I received from the group, it pinched my frown into a smile. 

While being merry at the gym, my whole bag vibrated the chair I was leaning on. It has to do something with my phone. I wiped the lens of my glasses to clearly see the shining brightness of my gadget.

"Uriah has sent you an email."