Chapter Nine
It's a dark, chilly Monday afternoon, and I don't think I've ever felt this foggy in my entire life. I feel sullen and drained of energy walking from Language, my last core class. However, I brighten up as I remember the wild Saturday I had with Rin and Len. An awkward smile creeps upon my flushed face as I remember the incident with the road roller.
"Hi!" I hear a loud voice in front of me. I jerk my head up in shock. Right in front of my face stands a green-haired girl with an orange dress. She has a bright freckled face that carries a huge smile. "I'm Gumi Megpoid!" she smiles, reaching out her hand and leaning forward even closer to my face. I smile awkwardly at the gesture and take it politely.
"Hi, Gumi, I'm Madoka." I say.
"You're new here, aren't you?" she asks, raising an eyebrow. I nod my head. "I really like that outfit you're wearing," she says, eyeing me from head to toe. I take a step back and uncomfortably thank her. "There isn't a chance you'd want to be on the Dance Committee," she asks. I tilt my head in confusion.
"There's a Dance Committee?" I ask, now interested. I walk beside her as we get to the locker area.
"Totally! Did your old school not have one or something?" Gumi asks. I shake my head.
"Well, I'm head of the Dance Committee, and we need a lot more members this year. You look like a perfect representative!" she compliments me.
I smile widely. "Thanks! So, who's on it this year already?"
"Just me, Sweet Ann, Luka, and Ia," she answers. I don't know half the people she mentioned. I look fascinated, wanting to meet everyone!
"I'm totally in!" I beam. Gumi shifts her weight from toe to toe in a restless, vivacious dance.
"Yay!" she squeals, jumping up and down. I have a feeling I'm going to like her. "What class are you going to last?" she asks.
"Special," I read from my schedule. "Gumi, what is that?"
"Well, now that you decided you wanted to be on the Dance Committee, that's going to be your class!" she informs me, clearly thrilled. I smile. I can't wait to meet Luka and Ia, the two others on the Dance Committee!
As soon as I push open the door, Gumi follows behind me. "Alright, guys, we've got a new member!" she announces.
I wave awkwardly. Sweet Ann appears delighted to see my face again. Today, she is wearing a silvery dress that resembles her white one from my first day. Except on this one, the lace is black, and her beautiful, long blonde hair is swept up with a black clip in it to match.
The other two girls in the room I can only guess are Luka and Ia. They seem to resemble each other, but the girl on the left is taller, wearing a long black dress and has long, pink hair. The girl on the right is smaller, meeker, and is wearing light pink. She has pearl-colored hair that, in the front, two small sections are braided into two braids while the rest falls behind her back.
"Girls, this is Madoka. Madoka, welcome to Dance Committee," says Gumi proudly. All three other girls wave back at me.
"Hi, I'm Luka," says the tall girl in black. She has a mature, motherly voice and figure. "I'm in charge of music," she adds.
"I'm Ia, Luka's sister," smiles the girl with the two braids. The resemblance between the two seems to connect clearer. "I'm in charge of the social part."
"I'm Ann. I'm also in your English class," says Ann, smiling openly. I smile back at all the girls. "I'm in charge of decorations," she speaks humbly.
Gumi suddenly seems distant and pensive, wrapped in deep thought. "Guys, what is Madoka going to be in charge of?" she asks. Everyone seems to concentrate as well.
"Well, I could use some help with music," admits Luka.
"Same with me for decorations," adds Sweet Ann.
"Those flyers aren't going to make themselves," utters Ia.
Gumi and I both exchange a look in unison. "Maybe you could help everyone with everything!" she suggests. I nod considerably at the idea.
"Yeah!" agrees Ia, cheering up a little. Luka nods as well with a toss of her long pink hair. Sweet Ann expresses an approving smile.
"Alright, let's get started," says Gumi, shifting her weight with her hand on her hip.
"One second," I say, running out of the room while holding up my finger behind them. Gumi stares after me, a muddled countenance on her face. As soon as the door shuts behind me, I dash around the corner, stopping at a drinking fountain in the hallway. A large jumble of words begins to form lyrics in my head as the clear water shoots out of the fountain. "Why not, scream out, give up, just a bunch of noise…" I think in my head. However, it just doesn't sound right. It's too…
Sad.
What I thought would bring happiness to others can't even satisfy myself.