Clubs and Activities
The day before classes began, the students were called to the large lecture hall for an orientation meeting. Chloe, beaming with joy and excitement, headed to the lecture hall with Red, Ella, and Bridget. For Red, this outing was less exciting; she was going mainly because she didn't know anyone else and she had no choice. But she didn't dare to intrude on the girls' conversation.
She walked in silence, discreetly observing her new classmates. Chloe enthusiastically discussed the upcoming events, and Ella and Bridget responded with the same energy. Red, still wary and reserved, was content to stay back.
When they arrived in the lecture hall, the students took their seats, and the ambient hubbub gradually calmed down. Fay, the school's dean and fairy godmother, stepped up to the podium and greeted the students with a kind smile. "Welcome, everyone," she began. "Today, we're going to talk about extracurricular activities. In order to validate your application this year, each student must choose an activity."
A parade of representatives then began, each presenting their club with passion and conviction. The chess club gave an impressive strategic demonstration, followed by the debate club, which brilliantly illustrated its oratorical skills. Then it was the turn of the baking club, whose presentation visibly delighted Bridget.
"I feel like I'm going to love this club!" Bridget whispered to Ella, who smiled back.
Red, for her part, was watching each presentation attentively. She noticed the discreet glances and tender gestures between Bridget and Ella, gestures that neither Chloe nor the students themselves seemed to notice. Red had a hard time understanding how they could be so blind to their own feelings, when to her, those signs were obvious.
Then it was Coach Jay's turn to introduce the fencing club. His passionate speech and infectious enthusiasm immediately captured Chloe's attention. "I'm sure I'll join that club," she whispered with a bright smile.
Finally, Deputy Headmaster Harry Hook took the stage to talk about the Chemistry Club. With humor and enthusiasm, he described the fascinating experiments the students could perform, sparking a keen interest in Red. Although she was reluctant to follow rules and socialize, the prospect of being able to express her passion for chemistry appealed to her.
The girls listened attentively, each one being carried away by the different possibilities offered by the clubs. Chloe, visibly excited at the idea of joining the fencing club, couldn't help but share her enthusiasm with her friends. "Can you imagine, maybe we could even participate in tournaments!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
Bridget, for her part, had a mischievous smile. "Well, I think I've found my calling with the baking club. Nothing like making delicious cakes to make friends! "
Ella, more reserved but just as interested, intervened in turn. "Me too, I think I'll sign up for the pastry shop." But Red suspected that it was more out of interest in Bridget than in the activity in question.
Red, listening to them all with curiosity, felt a mixture of fascination and apprehension. She had never had the chance to participate in extracurricular activities, and this new prospect frightened her as much as it intrigued her. But seeing the enthusiasm of her friends, she found herself hoping that it would be different this time.
Bridget, curious, turned to Red. "And you, Red? What did you like?"
Red hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should share her thoughts. "Well... I like chemistry," she finally said. "But following rules and socializing with others isn't really my thing." She shrugged, true to form.
Chloe smiled softly. "Don't worry, Red. You don't have to decide right away. Take your time to think about it."
Red nodded, grateful for Chloe's understanding. She knew that this new life in Auradon would be full of challenges, but perhaps in time, she would find her place among these kind people.
Back in the bedroom, Red lay down on her bed, her mind swirling with thoughts. She recalled the events of the day, still feeling like an outsider in this world of kindness and generosity. But something inside her was starting to change. Maybe, against all odds, she could find a way to thrive in Auradon.
Chloe, for her part, lay down on her bed with a smile. She was determined to help Red feel at home, no matter how long it took.