Ok guys, so since you are freshmen this year, the school is going to have a club fair so you can see all of the clubs you could possibly join," Cory announced to the class. Riley and Maya looked at each other. They've never really joined a club before, so this'll be fun. But in reality, Maya wasn't exactly excited.
The next day, the gym was all set up with the booths that showed off the clubs. The room itself was a lot to take in; vibrant colors seen everywhere.
"Why do we have to go to this? It's so stupid" Maya groaned as she and Riley walked into the gym
"Because, it's the club fair! It's our chance to get involved in our school, make new friends, try new things! Doesn't that sound like fun?"
"No, it sounds like a lot of work"
"Oh come on Maya, give it a chance. You might find something that you enjoy"
and before Maya had a chance to reply, Riley had grabbed her hand and pulled Maya further into the gymnasium. There were tables set up and decorated everywhere.
"Why does there have to be so many?"
"Because, Maya, then everyone can find a club they will enjoy, even you."
Maya rolled her eyes and mockingly mouthed Riley's words as she was being dragged along by her arm. Suddenly there was an abrupt stop.
"Maya, LOOK"
"Oh no Riley, no way. You are NOT joining the SPCA club. The last time you saw a commercial of a dog, you cried for an hour…. and it was just PLUTO"
"I didn't like how Mickey was dragging him along, ok"
"Yah, wouldn't that just be terrible" Maya said sarcastically, looking down at her arm that Riley was still grasping
"Maya, it's not a joke"
"Riley, he's a cartoon dog"
"Well he's real to me"
"Riley, if you can't handle Pluto you will not be able to handle the SPCA club. Do you even know what those letters stand for?"
"Special Puppies and Cats Association"
"No Riles, I'm sorry but that's not what it stands for."
"Then what does it stand for?"
"I don't think I can tell you"
"Because you don't know either" Riley replied in a mocking tone
"No, because I don't want to spend this whole fair trying to make you stop crying"
"Maya, that won't happen"
"Yes it will"
"Excuse me, Miss?" Riley said turning to the girl sitting behind the table
"What does SPCA stand for?"
Maya made a big "no" symbol with her hands. Getting the message, the girl replied "Special Puppies, Cats, and Animals"
"See Maya, I told you I could handle it"
"You got me there Riles. I guess you were right" Maya said playfully, throwing her arms up in the air
"So can I sign u-" but before Riley had finished her sentence, Mr. Matthews was over, grabbing the pen from Riley's hand.
"No, no, no, no Riley. You can't do that. We do not need a repeat of the Pluto incident."
"But dad"
"Move along please"
And with that Maya and Riley were on their way to the next booth. As they continued to wander aimlessly and take in the environment, a sign caught Riley's eye.
"Hey Maya, there's an art club here," Riley exclaimed excitedly.
Maya glanced over and said, "So?"
Riley nudged her and said, "You should go check it out, it'll be fun!"
Maya sighed and followed her overly enthusiastic friend. But then she found herself smiling at all of the cool art pieces there. She loved art and people told her she was good at it also.
Riley smiled and said, "Mesmerized Maya?"
Maya looked at her and said, "I'll never be as good as these guys."
Riley nudged her playfully and said, "Aw come on, you're amazing. You can do what these guys do too."
Maya sighed again and started walking away. "I'm not like them."
Riley grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
Come on Maya, just this once? You can do what you love," Riley practically begged.
Maya groaned and said, "What I would love to do is leave this Club fair."