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I heard that intro I had practically memorized at that point. I quickly sat up, still in a daze. It was hard to process what I was seeing. With no glasses, all I saw was light-- blinding light in magnificent colors-- just light. I reached for my glasses. Putting them on, I wondered... Was I really here? Did I make it? They've already started the show without me, haven't they?No... It was just my morning alarm...
I had spent too much energy last night wondering. It was audition day, that was real. But my restlessness was causing me to exaggerate what I saw. I popped two anxiety pills in my mouth to hopefully ease my worries. I doubt it would work. As I tidied myself for the audition, I played an episode of their show. Hopefully the last I would watch before seeing it in person. I put on my generic outfit so they would get familiar with me. I had studied the cast for years. I knew what they wanted in a cast member. As I was about to head out the door and turn off my tv, Rowlf performed a bit. I smiled. "Oh... today's the day dear. You'll know my name..." I muttered before heading out the door.
Wearing platforms was a bad idea... I was hardly used to walking in these. I know those like Gonzo or Walter would find it funny if I slipped in these, but Rowlf... I couldn't think only about Rowlf. This was a job for The Muppets not JUST Rowlf-- but I would never be able to do my job if he hated me-- that's my trouble. I might not even get this job, but they really seemed desperate after Rizzo left. I'll be okay... I'll be okay...
My heart raced as I stepped up to the building. I've been here so many times seeing new shows... why am I so nervous now? I went to reach for the door leading backstage until it opened in front of me. "Chiba, right? Come on in." a familiar voice said. Kermit. He really said my name, he did! It took every fiber of my being not to faint, but I somehow managed.
"It says here you'd like to do costume design, correct?" he said, smiling. I nodded vigorously. "Yes, Kermit- Sir- Uhm..." I kicked my legs in an attempt to calm myself down. "You seem nervous. Well, if you'll follow me I'll show our current closet," he replied. He stood up, expecting me to follow him. I stood up and shakily followed him to the closet. I heard talking in there... familiar talking...
"Ey, Woofs, no need to worry, okays? I'm sure the newbie will be very nice and hot."
"Ehh... It'd just be nice to have someone who appreciates me around here, you know?
"Yes yes, well you're on your own with that, Woofs. I leaving now, okays."
Pepe opened the door to the costume closet after that conversation was over. He wore oversized clothing that didn't look all too good on him. I couldn't concentrate on him, though. I heard Rowlf. I KNOW I did. My knees locked, my heart raced faster than I had ever felt it beat before. I could appreciate him. I could be what he wanted. Yet the thought was scary- bittersweet almost. I swallowed my pride and followed Kermit inside.
"Rowlf, this is Chiba, he is auditioning to be an intern," Kermit said. He hadn't bothered to introduce Rowlf to me. Not like he needed to. I had carved his name into my wall to never forget it. My face turned a deep shade of red as I looked at the floor and shakily stuck out my hand to shake his. He grabbed it gently and smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Chiba." I could only let out a squeak because my throat was so tight. He really talked to me. He said my name.
"Well, we here at Muppet Studios haven't ever really had a costume person before. How about you organize this closet and we'll say you got the job?" Kermit said. My face twisted into a huge smile. "Really, Kermit? Oh, thank you... thank you I'll get right on it!" I bounced up and down. "Rowlf, why don't you help him?" he added. Red poured through my face once again. "Heh, of course, I will. I'd like to get to know him anyway," Rowlf replied. He looked at me and smirked, somehow in a soft and caring way.
After Kermit left, it was time to start organizing. I could barely concentrate on organizing. I just kept staring at the other dog in the room. He eventually took notice. "What's wrong, cat got your tongue?" he said chuckling. "No... no, I'm just really amazed I'm here. I love you- guys," I quietly said. I stepped near him for a second to grab a scarf off the ground when I felt something running through my fur. His paw, gently petting the top of my head.
I could barely process everything that was happening. I felt myself fall... fall onto the ground. I knew it was a mistake wearing these platforms. An attempt to look impressive was just going to make me look like a clown. The bedding of clothes lining the ground protected me from being hurt physically, but my eyes grew teary knowing what I had just ruined.
Rowlf kneeled next to me. "Hey, don't cry. You're okay, see?" he reassured me. I looked at him with glossy eyes. It felt like some force-- some mystical force-- acted upon me and made me hug him. It was warm and cozy, I didn't want to let go. He was hesitant at first to do anything, but he eventually slowly hugged me back. Nothing else mattered to me at this moment. Whether it was imaginary or not, I felt loved for the first time.
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