The circus air seemed different today. After practicing some of her routine in the field, Zia walked to the dressing area to prepare for the show this evening.
When she walked into her dressing area, a large bouquet of white tulips decorated her dressing table.
Zia looked around surprised.
She walked over to the flowers and pulled a card out of them.
"You were always my favorite. Sorry for everything. Good luck tonight." It read with no name on it.
Zia scanned the flowers and was in awe at the beauty in front of her.
She walked over to her clothing rack, realizing that her costume was completely ruined when she got injured during the last show.
She was shocked to find a new costume on her rack that was even more beautiful than the last style she wore.
Zia touched the glimmering stones on the costume and smiled.
"So, I see you found everything, ok," Damien said, startling her.
He had been watching her the whole time she stood at her clothing rack.
"What is all of this, Damien?" Zia asked as she tried to keep her distance from Damien. She knew she could not trust him no matter what.
Damien moved towards Zia, took her hand in his, and kissed her knuckle.
Zia was in complete shock at Damien's actions.
"Things got out of hand. I hope you can forgive me at some point in your life." He said.
She was speechless. She had never seen Damien behave this way.
What has gotten into him? She wondered.
Finally, able to arrange her words, Zia spoke.
"Uhm, thank you. Everything is lovely. I have never received flowers before."
"Well, you deserve it. Just so you know, the ring you will be using will be lit on the sides the same as before. If you feel uncomfortable, let me know or give the stagehands a signal. Two fingers in the air usually work. See you later." He said as he disappeared into the dressing area separations.
Zia was so confused that she plopped down in her chair and dropped her head into her hands, as she massaged her temples.
What did she just experience? Who was that person? What changed? She wondered.
She stood up, retrieved her costume, and began getting dressed. Even the feel of the new costume going up her skin felt so smooth. It was a perfect fit.
Hanging behind the costume was a small pouch. When Zia opened the pouch, it contained a new crown and pretty bracelets along with other adornments.
She carefully decorated her costume and her body with the beautiful jewels. She added her makeup then stood in the mirror.
She smiled at the reflection looking back at her.
The arrangement of performances was similar to before. Gemini and Orion performed before Zia.
She wondered if Orion made sure of that so he could stay close by. He was even less trusting of Damien than she was.
Just as Zia laced up her ballet shoes, someone grabbed her by her wrist and pulled her through the dressing division.
Just as Zia was going to scream, Orion placed his hand over her mouth showing her it was him.
She punched him in his arm as he released her mouth and ran his fingers through the back of his hair from her reaction.
"You scared me, Orion!"
"I am sorry. I didn't what anyone to see me kidnap you." He said, shrugging his shoulders with a smile.
"Next time, not so abruptly. I almost choked on my spit."
Orion looked embarrassed.
"What's going on?" Zia asked.
"I wanted to say good luck and to see how you were feeling about your performance."
"You are so sweet, Orion."
Orion looked at Zia from head to toe.
"You look so beautiful, just like your old self." He said as he reached his arm around her and moved her soft white hair over her shoulder.
Zia blushed, as she looked down and played with her fingers.
"Hey, can we go see Gemini?" She asked, distracting herself from her rapidly beating heart.
"Sure, we have a few minutes before we start."
Orion took Zia's hand in his as they walked to visit Gemini.
What they didn't notice, was Damien glaring at them both with fire red eyes as they left hand in hand.
Orion kept Gemini close to the performance area whenever there was a show so it would be easy to keep him secure.
"Hey boy, I have a surprise for you." Orion said excitedly to Gemini.
Gemini's ears perked up as soon as he heard Orion's voice. He began making circles in his cage and jumping around.
"He looks so happy to see you." Zia smiled.
"I think he's happy to see you." Orion corrected her.
"Come here boy." Zia whispered as she reached her hand into Gemini's cage and pet his heads, one at a time.
By the time she was done, he had slobbered all over her hands.
"Oh, my goodness. I think he really likes me." She teased.
"You think?" Orion replied.
"I guess we better go. The show starts soon."
"Come here, there is a washroom over on the other side." Zia followed Orion to wash the doggie spit of her hands.
Orion opened the door and turned on the light. Zia could tell he was the only one who used that washroom. It was spotless and smelled like his bathroom in his cabin.
She reached for the vanilla-scented handwash and washed her hands. Orion passed her a hand towel and waited outside the washroom until she was done.
"Orion, are you ever nervous," Zia asked.
"Never. He took her hand in his. "I only worry about you." He said.
He looked down at their interlocked hands as Zia went on her points and kissed him on his cheek as she threw her arms around him.
"Thank you for caring." She whispered.
Orion held Zia tightly, breathing her in. He knew he had to pay extra close attention to her tonight. Damien was capable of anything.
"I guess we better head back." He said, slowly releasing her.
"I could hug you all day." She teased.
Orion was surprised at her words.
Zia said her goodbyes to Gemini as Orion guided her back to her area.
"See you later, Zia. Be careful. I will be there for you when you finish." Orion said before he left to begin his performance.