Making Our Mark

Chapter 7: Theatre

I kicked off Saturday morning with a trip to Frat Row. On a typical weekend, I would sleep in and, given how exhausted I was from dancing the night away with Terri and Terry, I should have done so. However, I knew that I had to talk to Violet as soon as possible if we wanted to get the ball rolling on the Latin Fusion dance classes that were scheduled to begin the following week. Plus, being me, it was difficult to get any sleep knowing that something was on my plate.

Slugma Slugma Kappa's house was located between Slugma Oozma Python's and Python Nu Kappa's. It was a three-floor building of brick and concrete, modest in size, with curtain-covered windows, a full bike rack, and a paved driveway with a basketball hoop on one side and a hockey net on the other. The sorority's giant purple letters were plastered just above the doorway for the entire Greek community to see. It pretty much screamed athletic pride.

As I approached the front door to the house and raised a hand to knock on it, it quickly opened and I immediately smacked myself mentally for having such terrible timing.

Percy Boleslaw was standing in the doorway, his JΘX jacket hanging over one arm, looking mortified at having been caught doing what many female monsters have done before after spending the night with Johnny back home: the walk of shame.

Keeping my gaze on his eyes rather than on his exposed chest, I said, "Good morning, Percy."

Percy cleared his throat and replied, "Danica," by way of acknowledgement before hastily stepping around me and walking rather briskly towards what I assumed was his frat house.

I cautiously turned back to the doorway in time to see Violet appear, clad in a fluffy white robe and looking shocked at the sight of me.

"Danica!" she gasped, tightening the string of her robe in pure embarrassment.

"Morning, Violet," I greeted, feeling a tinge of guilt in my bones. "Sorry for the bad timing."

"Honestly, your timing could have been worse if you had showed up fifteen minutes earlier," Violet pointed out with a smile.

"I could have gone my whole life not knowing that," I told her with a shudder and a laugh.

"Heh, sorry," said Violet before clearing her throat and stepping aside. "Come on in."

I nodded and entered the house, specifically its foyer with lavender-painted walls, a hardwood floor, and a staircase leading up to the second level of the building. An open closet revealed coats, jerseys, and various sports gear hanging inside while the white shoe racks held several pairs of roller skates. Hanging proudly on the walls were shiny plaques, hooks of polished medals, and shelves of glimmering trophies, all showcasing the athletic accomplishments of all of the Slugma Slugma Kappa sisters who had been initiated since the sorority's founding. Quite a number of them, I noted, were earned by Violet.

Speaking of Violet, she ended up leading me down a hallway and into what looked like the dining area of the sorority house. The walls of this room were also painted lavender and the floor was also made of hardwood. The rectangular oak table in the center of the room, complete with four chairs and a long bench, appeared to seat six. Sitting atop the table was a thick binder and a manila folder.

Taking a seat closest to the files, Violet looked at me and asked, "I assume you're here because you made a decision?"

I nodded with a smile as I seated myself across from her. "Yeah, you have yourself a dance instructor."

"I'm so glad to hear that!" said Violet, beaming with happiness. "Thank you!"

"No, thank you for the opportunity," I replied gratefully, "so how would you like me to prepare?"

"Well, there is some paperwork that you would need to fill out first," Violet explained, sliding the manila folder over to me. "Inside, you will find a copy of the contract. Take the time to read it over and sign it when you're finished."

Opening the folder, I came across the stapled set of documents that Violet was referring to and scanned it carefully, noting the details of the job description, the start and end dates of my position, the list of my responsibilities as a dance instructor, the schedule of my classes, and my salary. After verifying that everything seemed to be on the up and up, I accepted the pen that Violet had passed me and signed my name with a flourish on the dotted line, topping the 'i' in my name with my signature star.

"Thank you," said Violet as I handed the contract back to her, "now the next document in that folder should be an application for employment at Monsters University."

Returning my gaze to the folder, I picked up the document that Violet had mentioned and noticed that half of it was already filled out with Violet's personal information.

"I have already completed the staff section, so all you need to do is complete the applicant section with your personal information and submit it to the Department of Monster Resources," Violet instructed. "The sooner you get this in, the sooner the university can issue you an employee number, the sooner you can get on the payroll, and the sooner you can get paid."

"I'll take care of it first thing today," I promised.

"I trust you will," said Violet with a smile. "Inside the folder, you will also find a copy of the dance class schedule and studio locations, with your classes and studio locations highlighted in yellow. I've also put my contact information in there, so you can get a hold of me if you have any questions or concerns."

"This is very helpful, thank you," I said kindly as I closed the folder. "How would you like for me to go about preparing for the classes?"

"However you see fit," Violet answered cheerfully. "I trust your expertise. You already know which levels you're teaching and when. All I ask is that you show up about half an hour before each class to set up any equipment that you need and to ensure that your studio is ready to go in time."

I nodded. "That I can do."

"Great," said Violet. "As your schedule says, I've already booked Studio D at the MU fitness center for the Latin Fusion classes for the rest of the school year. Once I shower and get dressed, I'll be heading out to notify everyone who signed up for the classes that they will indeed be starting this week."

"Sounds perfect," I said, standing up with the folder and pen in hand. "Well, if that's all there is to be discussed, I'll get going and let you go about your day."

Violet nodded with a smile. "Alright, if you need anything, you know where to find me."

"I know," I said, smirking at the cyclops, "that's why I'll be coming by to speak to you anytime in the late afternoon from this point forward."

Violet blushed as she stood up and accompanied me back to the front door through which she showed me out.

Walking back up Frat Row and towards East Campus, I pulled out the application of employment, rested it again one of the binders that was in my bag, and proceeded to fill out the applicant section of the form, including information like my name, my birthday, and my social insurance number. Now that I had official documentation in hand, the idea of teaching the Latin Fusion dance classes was quickly becoming reality. I was eager to get started on planning the first week of classes after my trip to the university's Department of Monster Resources.

When I looked up for a moment to make sure that I was not about to bump into anyone or anything, I saw a notice board outside of the Gamma Roar Roar frat house, causing me to drift towards it in curiosity. I spotted a particular red and black poster, advertising the first of six professional-caliber plays put on by Monsters University's young theatre artists. Recalling an assignment due for one of my courses next week, I figured that seeing and writing about this play would cross that off of my growing to-do list.

"¿Que pasa, chica?"

I jumped with a startle and turned to glare at the monster who had suddenly popped up next to me. "Geez, Rios, you scared me!"

"Good," said Javier with a satisfied grin. "I'm a Scaring major after all."

"I never would have guessed," I quipped sarcastically as I turned my attention back to the eerie-looking poster.

"What are you looking at?" Javier asked.

"Just checking out when the campus theatre is putting on their next show," I answered, inspecting the table of show times for the next two weeks during which the play would be showcased.

"Thinking of seeing one?" Javier inquired.

"Have to," I told him. "My Pedagogy of the Arts course this semester has an assignment that requires me to write a critique on an arts performance."

"So what's playing?" Javier asked, turning his attention to the same poster that I was looking at.

"'Love and Monster Remains'," I answered. "Supposedly, it's a critically-acclaimed dark play of comedy and drama."

"Intriguing," Javier remarked with genuine interest.

"I'll say," I agreed. "It should be an interesting piece to write about."

"Well, if you're free tonight," said Javier, "why don't we check it out together?"

"We?" I questioned, eyeing Javier skeptically. "You're willing to actually sit through a play that's nearly two and a half hours long?"

"Hey, I'm all for two and a half hours of comedy, darkness, and drama," said Javier with a grin. "Plus, you'll be there, so it'll be a good time."

I pressed a finger to my chin in mock thought. "Hmm, two and a half hours of sitting next to you. Is it even worth the A?"

"I'll even spring for popcorn," Javier added in a sing-song voice.

I laughed at his proposal. "You sound like you're trying to bribe me."

"More like trying to catch your attention in a culinary fashion," Javier corrected with the eloquence of a skilled orator, "so what do you say?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Fine, I'm in." Looking at the poster again, I said, "Play starts at eight, so let's meet at the campus theater at quarter to eight."

"It's a date then," said Javier, winking at me. "Later, chica."

I watched with a stunned look as he walked off in the direction of the RΩR house and shook my head.

What the hell did I just agree to?

The rest of my Saturday morning and afternoon proved to be quite productive. After stopping by the Department of Monster Resources to drop off my completed application of employment, I spent the rest of the morning brainstorming lesson ideas for the first week of dance classes. I stopped to take my lunch break in the cafeteria before returning to my dorm to outline and finalize the lesson plans, deciding that the beginner class would be learning a cha-cha and hip-hop combo, the intermediate class would be trying their claws at a jive and foxtrot number, and the advanced class would be challenged with an intense paso doble and tango fusion.

The alarm that I had set on my clock was what snapped me out of choreography mode and reminded me that I had an hour left to grab dinner if I wanted to make it in time to purchase tickets for the show. After another quick meal in the cafeteria, I returned to my dorm to freshen up and make sure that my messenger bag was equipped with a couple of pens, a multiple-page notebook, and my wallet. With a quick glance in my full-body mirror to ensure that none of my dinner got stuck in my teeth, I left my dorm.

Walking into the Angelina Jawlie Dramatic Art wing of the School of Liberal Arts and Monstrosities, I was greeted by an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. There were about a dozen monsters already in the lobby; some were in line by the ticket booth to purchase tickets while a few were crowded around the vibrant promotional posters on display that were advertising the shows for the upcoming semester.

Since Javier towered over most monsters, I easily spotted him casually leaning against the railing of a staircase that led to the second floor of the building, sporting his RΩR cardigan with pride. I smiled and proceeded to walk towards him.

Javier's eyes lit up when he saw me approach him. He grinned and said, "Thanks for not standing me up."

"Well, a big chunk of my grade in Pedagogy of the Arts rests on this critique," I explained, pulling my notebook out of my bag, "so I would hate to miss this show."

Javier nodded with a smirk. "Whatever you say, chica."

Looking up at him, I asked, "Shall we get our tickets?"

"Already did," said Javier before flicking his wrist to reveal a pair of orange tickets between his claws.

"Wow, you waste no time," I remarked with an air of surprise as I slid my hand back down to my bag. "What do I owe you?"

"Only the pleasure of your company," Javier assured me with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Raising my eyebrows at him, I asked, "Are you trying to pay me to like you?"

"I don't have to when you already do," Javier pointed out with a sly grin. "You're here tonight, aren't you?"

"Again, for the assignment," I insisted, but a part of me was attempting to strongly convince me that that was a lie. "You really didn't have to."

"I know, but I wanted to," said Javier, handing me one of the tickets.

Taking the ticket, I asked him coyly, "So, does that offer for free popcorn still stand?"

Javier nodded with a grin and gestured for me to follow him towards a pair of open doors nearby that led into the theatre. Since we were students, we received a discount on tickets to on-campus theatrical productions, so the monster who greeted us by the open doorway asked to see our student IDs to verify that we were indeed eligible for the discounted tickets. Once she was satisfied with our identification, she handed us two copies of the program in exchange for our tickets and we walked through the doorway.

A squid-like monster was waiting with hopeful eyes from his place behind a long table of snacks and beverages. He accepted the few bills that Javier had forked over in exchange for a large bag of popcorn and two cans of Blort. He took the snacks into his arms and we walked through another open doorway into the actual theatre.

About a fourth of the five hundred seats in the dimly-lit theatre were filled with monsters. I recognized a few of the monsters from my Pedagogy of the Arts class scattered around the room, but they were ones with whom I did not really interact.

"Any place in particular that you want to sit?" Javier asked me.

I paused to consider the available seating in the room before I answered, "Let's sit in the middle where we can be close to the stage, yet be far away enough from it to take in the whole production."

Javier nodded and led me up a nearby set of steps. When we got to a row in the middle of the center section of seats, he gestured for me to go first. He then edged his way along the empty row, following me from behind, and seated himself next to me in the very middle of the row.

Making myself comfortable in the seat to his left, I asked, "This good?"

"Yeah, looks like a good view to me," Javier replied, passing me one of the Blort cans.

I accepted the can with a mumble of thanks and slipped it into the cup holder to my left. I glanced back up at the open stage, complete with pieces of white and wooden furniture, all bathed in a soft glow of blue light. A simple layout, but one that propelled me to start writing.

Feeling myself smiling broadly, I flipped open the notebook on my lap to a brand new page, grabbed a pen from my purse, and immediately started jotting down my thoughts – observations, interpretations, and questions - that had crossed my mind.

An open performance space, white multi-level stage, black backdrop…contrast?

"Writing already?" Javier interrupted with a chuckle. "The show hasn't even started yet."

"I know," I said without taking my eyes off of the page, "but there's so much to write about the stage itself."

"Really?" Javier asked, his voice rising an octave in interest.

"Oh, yeah," I replied, scribbling down more of my thoughts. "For instance, there seems to be symbolism behind the setting."

"How so?" Javier asked curiously.

"Well, you don't just throw furniture on a stage without a purpose behind it," I explained, pointing to one area of the stage with my pen. "Look at the futon and coffee table there. What does that look like to you?"

Javier looked to where I was pointing and shrugged. "A living room?"

"Probably," I agreed, jabbing my pen towards another set of furniture on a higher level of the stage, "and see that table and those two chairs?"

"Is that a kitchen or a dining room?" Javier asked, his gaze having shifted to the furniture in question.

"It could be either," I told him, "or it could be a restaurant of some kind."

"Why have two different locations on one stage at the same time?" Javier asked with an air of confusion. "Wouldn't that complicate the play?"

"If executed properly, I don't think so," I answered as I resumed my note-taking. "I'm looking forward to seeing how this play unfolds."

"You and me both, chica," Javier murmured before flipping open his copy of the program.

I was not entirely sure how long Javier and I sat in silence (he was busy reading the program and I was pouring my thoughts onto paper), but before we knew it, a pink serpent-like monster shut the doors to the theatre and cheerfully reminded us of the duration of the play and when intermission would be. The lights dimmed, enveloping the theatre in total darkness, and silence fell among the crowd.

The play kicked off with an introduction of the six main characters before the play unfolded scene by scene. As the play progressed, so did the speed of my writing. It seemed that each scene was more intriguing than the one before it, keeping me on the edge of my seat and my pen on the paper. Every scene was characterized by a different theme or a mix of themes, making the scenes that followed impossible to predict, but that was part of the thrill.

Comedy, darkness, thriller, love, purpose, candid, desire…

Occasionally, I would steal a glance over at Javier who, to my utter astonishment, was sitting upright in his seat, completely engrossed by the events transpiring. It appeared that he was actually enjoying the play, which made me smile for two reasons: he was having fun and his fascination with the play gave me the freedom to take notes.

As I watched a spirited argument erupt between Candy and Jerri, I resumed my writing. I was very impressed by the actors and the manners in which they took on the personalities of the characters with ease and brought them to life. Some were alike in a lot of ways, but also exhibited qualities that made each of them different. Their attitude, behaviours, and actions elicited so many feelings from within me, which only an excellent performance could really do.

Candy…headstrong…confident…torn…vulnerable?

Jerri…crazy…obsessive…feelings of sympathy and hatred…possible love disorder?

Cole…power…sharp…witty…vulnerable?

A sudden light pressure on my left hand caused me to shift my attention from my notes to the armrest separating my seat from Javier's and I was surprised to find one of Javier's hands gripping mine lightly. Looking up at him, I saw that his attention was still on the former lovers bickering onstage. I wondered whether he took my hand out of anxiousness (the argument between Candy and Jerri was getting even more heated after all) or in an attempt to be more affectionate. Regardless of what the purpose behind the gesture was, I responded in the only manner that seemed appropriate for the situation: I turned my hand over, intertwining my fingers with his claws, and squeezed back.

Javier peeled his eyes from the play to me and I saw the hint of amusement within them.

Looking back up at him, I asked, "You good?"

"Never better," Javier answered with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes playfully and turned my attention back to the show.

I was still flipping through the several pages of notes in my book as Javier and I were leaving the theatre and then the School of Liberal Arts and Monstrosities itself. I did not bump into anyone by accident on the way out, mainly because I could feel Javier's hands on my shoulders as he was guiding me around other monsters and any obstacles in our path.

A dimly-lit campus, a contrast to the dark sky above, met us the moment we stepped foot outside. The temperature had apparently fallen while we were inside watching the play because it was a tad chillier than it was earlier in the evening.

"I must admit, chica," Javier spoke up, "that was a pretty awesome play."

"I thought so too," I agreed, finally closing my notebook with a satisfied grin.

"It seems like you have plenty of notes to refer to when writing your critique," Javier remarked, nodding his head at my notebook.

I smiled as I tucked my notebook into my bag. "I think I will be fine."

"Fine?" Javier scoffed with a chuckle. "I was worried you would need another notebook."

I laughed. "I was close to needing another one, but the play fortunately came to an end."

"But tonight hasn't yet," Javier pointed out. "Let me walk you back to your dorm."

"Thanks, but I can manage," I assured him. "It's not too far from here."

"I know, but I can't have you walking back to your dorm by yourself in the dark, no matter how safe this campus is," Javier explained gently.

"My hero," I remarked sarcastically.

"No, just a gentlemonster," Javier corrected with a grin. Holding an elbow out to me, he said, "Shall we?"

I paused before I shrugged and took his arm.

The walk back to the dorm building was spent chatting about the play, sharing our takes on different aspects of the performance. I talked about the points that I could remember from the numerous bullet points that I had jotted down over the course of the evening such as the behaviours of the characters and how what they yearned for reflected the various themes of the play. At the mention of the characters, Javier remarked with a laugh that aside from his preference for the romantic company of men, David reminded him a lot of Johnny. I could not help but laugh at that in agreement.

As the dorm building appeared in the distance, Javier said, "Well, here we are."

"Looks like it," I simply said it response.

"I had a great time with you, chica," Javier added, gazing down at me.

I let out a light laugh. "We just saw a play, Rios."

"Doesn't matter where you go or what you do," Javier explained. "It's who you're with that matters the most."

"You were with me," I pointed out bluntly.

"Exactly," said Javier as we reached the main entrance of the building "Even if we were watching grass grow, it still would have been a good time."

I arched my eyebrows at him. "You're easy to please, aren't you?"

"You make it easy," Javier told me fondly as he released his arm from mine and took my hand in his.

I cleared my throat at the sensation that I felt from our hands being conjoined again and said, "Well, thank you for walking me back."

"De nada, chica," Javier replied, bringing my hand up to his lips. With his eyes locked on mine, he kissed the back of it tenderly and said, "Bueñas noches."

I was too surprised by the unexpected gesture to reply, which was alright since he simply winked at me before turning around and beginning the short trek to Frat Row, not once looking back at me. He held his head high, his entire demeanor exuding confidence, causing me to shake my head in disbelief.

Usually, when a guy made a move on me, I would make it clear that their advances were not wanted. In the past, I had physically repelled guys for invading my personal space, grabbing my hand, and even trying to kiss me. Javier did all three in a span of one evening.

So why did I let him walk away with his entire body intact?