The guest's applause could be heard loudly from inside the Rendezvous Theater Club auditorium, located on the outskirts of Paris. The sound seemed to break the silence of the dark sky that usually touches the surroundings of this tree-filled cultural center. The parking lot is filled with cars, ranging from luxury cars to cars that are not too new. For a car that is not very new, no one knows that this car belongs to one of the members of this theater club.
The cars lining the building's parking lot currently don't only belong to theater cast members. The cars of coaches, cultural figures, famous figures and former club members also crowded the parking lot. The horn sounds never stopped. The parking attendants are busy dealing with cars that want to park or leave. Every year at the end of January, the Rendezvous Theater Club Awards event is always lively.
Rendezvous Theater Club became a comfortable place for Eiffel to develop her acting talent on the theater stage. One reason is that this theater club does not limit the diversity of backgrounds of people who register to become members. As is known, Eiffel has mixed French and Indonesian blood. In fact, it wasn't because of her mixed blood that made her uncomfortable. Since shewas little and still lived in Indonesia, shewas a victim of bullying. Many of his classmates teased her with the name 'Evil'. In fact, her name is Eiffel.
Eiffel herself only lived in Paris when her late father died. Because her mother, who is of Indonesian descent, became depressed, the two of them moved to Paris together with one of their siblings who helped with all their mother's needs. Unfortunately, after they moved to Paris, no one from their father's family visited them. They are thought to be the cause of the death of Thomas, Eiffel's father.
" And...The Winner is..... " the judge with heavy make-up brought her lips closer to the stage microphone. As in previous years, she had to read out the nominations and announce the names of the winners. This year, she was seen reading the nominees and winners for The Best Actress of the Year category. As a former winner of this category ten years ago, she wanted to go back to her college days. The period when she was so lively playing theater with her colleagues on stage.
All the attention of the audience in the auditorium suddenly focused only on the red curtained stage. The air-conditioning breeze that touched their skin seemed to make their feelings even more uncertain. They are very tense with the results of the best actress of the year .
The judge took out a silver leaflet from the envelope and put her mouth close to the microphone "Mademoiselle..." a sweet smile spread across her face. Then she raised her right hand and shouted...
"EIFFEL MARCEAU!"
As soon as Eiffel's long name came out of the jury's mouth, the audience's applause immediately enlivened the atmosphere of the previously silent auditorium. All the lights in the auditorium turned on simultaneously. The mini orchestra music played by the students was clear. Without waiting much time, Eiffel got up from her chair and walked up to the stage.
Finally, you win the Eiffel too! thought a spectator sitting on the upper balcony. During her three years as a member of the campus theater club, Eiffel was always nominated every year. However, she never won. However, who would have thought that this year she would be able to take home the crystal-covered award? Yesterday's last drama entitled Jeanne d'Arc made her name famous. For the judges, the way Eiffel portrayed the brave female soldier from France really gave goosebumps. Her eyes were sharp and cold throughout the performance.
Tonight, someone sitting on the balcony above was amazed by the appearance of the Eiffel which was different from her daily life. Her fair skin, which is usually covered by casual clothes , is now elegantly covered in a long white Sabrina dress. Her long curly hair, which is usually just tied up in a bun, now hangs down beautifully with several flower clips on the top left side. Now, the war soldier has transformed into a graceful, feminine woman.
With a confident walk, Eiffel went beyond the steps on the left edge of the stage. After receiving the award from the jury, she walked over to the small table with the microphone that the judge had used to read out the category nominations. Now is the time for her to express gratitude and thanks to everyone.
" Bonsoir à tous , good evening ladies and gentlemen..." Her resonant mature voice sounded classy and calm.
"Thank God for the presence of Almighty God..." her words were not much different from the winners in other categories. She expressed many thanks to God and everyone who had been present in her life, for a moment or a long time. Because according to him, they are all actors who have been her inspiration during theater.
" Vous êtes acteurs extraordinaires…..Mes inspirations. Vous donnez la couleur dans ma vie…. Merci beaucoup..., " she said with a hesitant smile.
***
After the event was over, Eiffel left through the back door. Carrying the award and her high heels , she walked down the corridor towards the exit. After every event, she always went through the back door.
Seeing Eiffel running towards the back door, someone sitting on the upper balcony immediately got up and followed her. He entered the backstage door which was actually only allowed to pass by the committee, nominees and performers. But he didn't care, the officers wouldn't stop him either. They already know who he is.
"Eiffel!" he shouted calling Eiffel who was walking quickly towards the exit. However, Eiffel paid no attention to it. "Huuuh….That's a child! Like pretending not to hear! I thought I was a fool before I knew how you felt!" he ran after Eiffel. His sling bag swung to and fro so that it often hit the officers standing along the corridor.
"Eiffel!" Finally he arrived at where the Eiffel was. With big spirits, he hugged Eiffel's body tightly.
"Congratulations! Congratulations! HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH!" While patting Eiffel's back, he wiped the sweat that was starting to trickle down his forehead. He gasped so hard.
As usual, Eiffel was expressionless. She was happy that Finn had taken the time to attend this big event. However, that doesn't mean she has to show off her happiness to the general public.
Eiffel is indeed a talented actress. She is able to play sad, happy, confused or afraid expressions on stage. Her body language always emphasizes the existence of each character she plays. The words that come out of her mouth always show the character of the character to all the audience. But on the everyday stage, she is just a 21 year old girl who is very flat, doesn't like to talk much, and is bad at socializing. She doesn't know how to interact warmly with people.
"FINN?! You come here?" Eiffel's reaction was too late. Then, she let go of Finn's hug which made her breathless.
"Finally, Eiffel wins too!" Finn's smile was sweet on his filthy face. Looks like he hasn't showered yet tonight. He's lazy. Even if you look closely, her cute face is quite attractive. Unfortunately, his dirty nature and laziness in managing himself reduced women's interest in him.
The full name of this 24 year old amateur photographer is Finn Marceau. Of all the family members of Eiffel's late father, only this man still maintains a relationship with Eiffel and her mother. Since childhood, for some reason, he has had a special interest in the Eiffel. According to her, his female cousin, who rarely smiles, has a special charm that is attractive from all camera angles. Of course Finn wasn't exaggerating. For him, Eiffel's less expressive expression does not make her look 'Evil', but instead shows the true meaning of the Eiffel Tower, namely elegant, beautiful, but standing firmly and ready to be the center of attention.
"Thanks Finn. Now let's just go home, come on." Eiffel turned around and intended to walk towards her car. Honestly, she doesn't really like crowds.
"Why did you decide to go home now?" Finn, who already knew about Eiffel's character, only pretended to be surprised. "You don't want to greet fans or take a photo with me?" Before he had even taken a step, Finn had already taken out his analog camera and taken a photo of the cousin he admired.
"CLICK!"
The flash of light shocked Eiffel. However, that didn't stop Finn. His fingers are still enthusiastic about taking pictures.
"Finn! Stop! Of course you already know that I don't really like flashes! Especially with the camera!" Eiffel protested.
"But, as a famous artist! You have to be prepared for popularity!" Finn was firm with his argument this time.
"Who is famous?" Eiffel didn't want to lose the argument. "Famous artists are those who play films, TV series or Netflix series! I'm a theater actor!"
"You're so funny, Eiffel!"
"Why?"
Finn blocked Eiffel from taking a step, "You are a theater actor, but from the way you explain that you don't want to be famous, that's why you chose theater, indirectly, you have ostracized the art of theater itself."
"Who excludes? I'm just speaking the truth."
"Why not think that who knows, you might bring the art of theater to fame? You are now an icon of the theater itself."
"Do not exaggerate!"
"I manage your Instagram! Many people say that!"
"I don't even know what condition my Instagram is in now? I never thought about having social media. This was all your idea, Finn. I just want to be a theater actor, not someone who looks for attention on social media."
"But in nowadays, it's impossible for people not to have social media."
"Possible,"
Click!
"FINN!"
Annoyed by Eiffel's behavior, Finn took another photo of his cousin. He no longer paid attention to Eiffel who continued to protest. Just let her continue to get angry. His only wish is to make Eiffel more successful in carrying out his passion at the theater club.
"Click!"
"Click!"
And...
"Click!"
In her heart, Eiffel was actually annoyed by her cousin's paparazzi-like behavior. But, this time shetried to understand it. However, Finn had attended and congratulated her on winning as best actress of the year . Not just tonight. It's been years since loneliness hit her life, Finn is always there to brighten her days. Although very annoying, Finn is a real friend to Eiffel. Not like the dark-skinned guy who was only her imaginary friend in her sleep.