The Club

Annie waits in the hall, tapping her foot on the linoleum floor. She and seven other people sit, waiting for their audition to become members of The Club. There had been forty-seven people in total auditioning that day. From their facial expressions, as they exited the room to Annie's right, not many were accepted. Annie was sure of herself and knew there was no way the Board would turn her away.

The door to the right opens, and another sad soul reenters the hallway, with red puffy eyes and a tear-streaked face. There was a cadence to the day. Upon arrival, Annie accepted a number. It seemed at random because she received the number forty-seven while others, who came after her, received lower numbers. No matter, Annie was not leaving her audition without a membership letter. The door opens, and the lady calls for number forty. A woman with dull wheat-colored hair stands then adjusts her glasses. She meekly walks towards the open door and disappears. Annie watches the door slowly close behind them. The paper in her hand drops to the floor. She reaches down to retrieve it, catching a glimpse of the scripted writing inviting her to audition. The Club held their auditions once a year, and you had to prove yourself before even getting an invite. Annie worked hard to hone her skills. Excitement coursed through her body, thinking of being part of the exclusive group.

"Number forty-seven." Annie looked up, noticing for the first time that she was alone in the hall. For what felt like an eternity, the day had finally passed, and her time was now. She stood, taking in a deep breath before approaching the thick wooden door. She peeks past the doorway, seeing the woman who held the door open for the first time. Behind the woman was a closed door. Annie walked through the doorway, following close behind the mysterious woman. As they approached the second door, the door behind them shut with finality. The woman turns and looks down at Annie. "When you enter, you will take a seat in the chair in front of the board." The woman turns without another word and opens the door. She holds it open, and Annie walks in. The room is large and mostly empty. The single chair is in the middle of the room, facing a long table where the Club's board members sit with unreadable expressions. Annie feels every eye on her as she approaches the chair. There are fourteen sets of eyes tracking her movement. She sits and notices that the woman who led her in, stand by the door as if she was guarding it to prevent anyone from escaping. A tall man, who looks like he stepped out of the 1920s, stands and walked around the long table. "Welcome to your audition for membership to the Psychic Visionary Club." His voice echoes around the room, causing an involuntary shiver down Annie's spine.  

"Our purpose and mission is an important one. We aim to deliver quality presentiment to the wealthy and influential who request our service. Our purpose is to better the lives of those to whom we provide our intuitive service by providing vital information. Those invited to join our club show both mental and psychic strength." He pauses, stretching his arms out towards the board members, then he points a finger at Annie, "Your job today is to show us what you can do. Our job is to determine if you and your intuition are worthy enough to become a member." He retreats to his seat at the center of the table, while the group continues to stare at Annie. She closes her eyes and takes cleansing breaths. With closed eyes, she points a finger to her left. "You will be taking a trip soon. Someplace warm." She opens her eyes and looks into the tanned woman's eyes to whom she was speaking. The woman seems shocked and opens her mouth to speak when she is interrupted. 

"Not strong enough, try again." Annie snaps her head to her right to locate the offensive voice. It belongs to a woman in a purple floral blouse. The woman wears an unimpressed expression, which throws Annie off. She stares at the woman's shirt, distracted by the circular pattern. Annie then looks up and meets the woman's impassive stare. She closes her eyes and meditates for more information. For the next fifteen minutes, Annie delivers messages and is shot down by different board members. She closes her eyes even tighter and reaches a little deeper, hoping to impress the committee. 

"Someone has a birthday coming up. They're --" 

"Everyone has a birthday coming up." The voice to the right of distracting shirt lady interrupts and laughs, cutting Annie off in mid-sentence. Ignoring the comment, Annie continues, raising her voice above the laughter, "They're not going to make it." Multiple gasps fill the room, followed by silence. She uses the silence to dig deeper, inhaling profoundly, followed by an audible hum as she exhales. "One of you will not even make it through the night." The Board begins to murmur before being silenced by the 1920's man. Annie opens her eyes and waits for him to speak again. "Despite the Board's reservations, we would like to pursue your last premonition. Leave us and return at nine a.m. tomorrow. If your premonition is correct, we may offer you membership into the Psychic Visionary club." From the corner of her eye, she notices the woman at the door move and opens the door. Annie takes the cue and exits.

***

Annie drives back to the nondescript building at nine a.m prompt. The same woman who led her to the room, the previous day, led her back to the single chair in the room. Annie takes her seat and looks at the Board. The place is eerily quiet. The 1920's man stands to speak, "As you can see, we are short one board member. Our dear Diane was found in her home early this morning." Annie looks and notices that there is one less person at the rearranged table. "You have a strong gift, and it would be an honor if you would join us." Annie smiles despite the somber expression on every board member's face. "The honor would be mine."

Annie exits with membership papers in hand. She tries to hide her giddiness as she skips to her car. At her approach, Annie notices something hanging from her passenger rear seat door. She pulls with some effort and takes a look-- purple floral print. With an inward smile, Annie stuffs the piece of cloth into her back pocket. She looks around the empty street as she walks around to the driver-side door. She gets in her car and looks at herself in the rearview mirror, "Can you keep a secret?" Annie smiles and winks at her reflection before driving away.