Chapter 15: The end of the school day

The students head to the biology room for their next lesson. The room is permeated by the familiar smell of chlorophyll and chemicals. Mrs Dubois, a woman with greying hair and round glasses, is already waiting for them.

The students settle down at their desks. Eli sat next to Alicia, while Julia sat behind them. Page, once she has recovered, will sit next to her.

"Today we're going to start our project on local ecosystems," announces Madame Dubois. "You'll have to do some research and then give a presentation to the class. I'm counting on you to do a thorough job."

Eli lets out a sigh. She hates class presentations where everyone stares at you. It's going to be a long day...

After two more lessons, it's finally the 3 o'clock break. Eli is starving. The trio head for the school cafeteria, grab something to eat and sit outside. When the weather's nice, almost everyone eats outside.

Kelly approaches them shyly and asks if she can join them.

"Of course," says Eli with a smile.

"Sit down with us, we need to know more about you," adds Julia mischievously.

"Isn't he with you, Tayden?" asks Eli, with a hint of curiosity.

"Thanks for asking. And no, he left after class, I don't know where," replied Kelly.

"Oh," says Eli, slightly disappointed. But it's only a postponement, she'll see him often for group work.

"By the way, Kelly, aren't you going home? It's time for club sports activities at 3.30pm. Do you want to join a club?" asks Alicia.

"I'm not sure... What kind of club would you recommend?" replies Kelly, hesitating.

"Firstly, you have to know what you want to do, a sports club? More of a cultural club?" asked Eli.

"More cultural. Is there a drama club?"

"Yes, there's one with Mme Roselin. According to the feedback, it's really not bad. The end-of-year show's really nice," confirms Alicia.

"But you'd better hurry if you want to sign up, she doesn't like latecomers. Go to room B-120. It's the building next to the gym," adds Julia.

"I think I'm lost. I'm having trouble finding my way around. It's a big school," said Kelly, visibly confused.

"If you want, I'll come with you. If I'm late for training, the coach won't mind," Eli offered.

"Thanks." Kelly looks relieved.

Eli and Kelly get up together, leaving their friends to finish their meal. They cross the campus, chatting about everything and anything. Kelly seems more and more relaxed as they approach the B building.

"Don't worry, Kelly," Eli says with a smile, "the school may seem big at first, but you soon get used to it. And once you're in a club, it's easier to make friends and find your place."

"I hope you're right," Kelly replies with a shy smile. "Thanks for helping me out. It's good not to feel totally lost."

They finally arrive in front of room B-120. Voices and laughter burst from inside. Kelly hesitates for a moment before opening the door. Eli gives her an encouraging sign and Kelly takes a deep breath before turning the handle.

Inside, Mrs Roselin, a slender woman with auburn hair and glasses perched on the end of her nose, is leading a group of fifteen students through a script.

"Hello," says Kelly, a little nervously. "I'm new here, and I wanted to join the drama club.

Mrs Roselin turns to her, a benevolent smile on her face. "Welcome! I'm Mrs Roselin. Come and sit down, we were just reading our next play. What's your name?"

"Kelly," she replies, stepping forward shyly.

"All right, Kelly. Take a seat, we were just reading the second act. Do you want to read a character to see how you feel about the text?"

Kelly nods and picks up a script handed to her by another student. Eli, reassured to see Kelly welcomed, gives her a wave before leaving for her training session.

Running back to the gym, Eli thinks about the day. She really hopes that Kelly will find her place at this school. When she arrived in front of the gym, she rushed to the bench to put on her trainers. The coach, Mrs Lefèvre, an athletic woman with a strict but fair attitude, greeted her with an understanding look.

"You're late, Eli, but I assume it was for a good reason."

"Yes, Coach. I was helping a new student find her club."

Mrs Lefèvre nods. "Fine, but don't take that as an excuse for being late every time. Come on, join the others for the warm-up."

Eli joins his team-mates on the pitch. The training session is intense, but it allows her to clear her head. Once the training session was over, she headed for the changing rooms, exhausted but satisfied.

The three girls shower together. Eli rests her head on the shower tile, letting the water run over her body. She lets out a small, satisfied sigh. It's so nice to take a hot shower after intensive training. She gets out of the shower and starts to get dressed.

Alicia comes up behind her and slaps her bottom. "Come on, hurry up, we've got to get to Page."

Eli looks slightly sideways at Alicia, but hurries anyway. They need to get to Page before it gets dark. The girls finish getting dressed and head off in the direction of the hospital.