As the door to my house closed behind me, the memories of my still on-going childhood flooded my mind. I thought about the times that I smiled and laughed with my Dad, even though he never really smiled back. I had endless fun playing with my dolls and running around the house; finding joy in the confines of my household because I was never allowed to go outside. I practically went on adventures in that house, and doing so, I discovered every possible nook and cranny to claim as a hide-out.
These memories led all the way up to this very moment, the moment when I would leave my beloved home forever and become part of a sideshow. Tears invaded my eyes and trailed down my cheeks as I reminisced the past; the thought of being in a new place and new environment terrifying me. I'm not made for entertainment; I don't know how to perform like circus people can!
The boy approached a small horse-drawn market wagon. An old, looking brown clydesdale was hitched up to the cart and it peacefully nibbled on the blades of grass that grew near the road. The carriage itself didn't look too attractive; with weather-beaten planks of wood and a partially-faded painting of what I could only assume was the carnival's name. I don't know how to read so I couldn't say what the painting read.
The boy stopped next to the old horse and abruptly turned to me, surprising me at first when he addressed me.
"Wha's the matter?" he asked, the hand that was woven through my arm now wrapping itself around my shoulders comfortingly.
Is this a hug? I thought to myself, allowing him to comfort me despite my feelings of confusion. I tried to wipe my tears away through the muzzle, but after attempting several times but to no avail, I gave up.
"I don't want to leave home..." I answered quietly. Reggie frowned, the look in his chestnut eyes seemed to be sympathetic and I felt all the more safer seeing his kind features.
"Tha's okay, I miss me 'ome too. But don' worry! The carnival can be yer new 'ome! We promise to take good care o' ye!" He assured with a smile as he gently led me to the back of the carriage and helped me up into it. The cart was fairly cluttered with tools and crates; a coil of rope lay in one corner and a large crate of non perishables sat in another, surrounded by smaller crates with no markings of any kind. I sat closest to the box of the wagon and made myself as comfortable as possible despite the splintering wood.
Reggie climbed in after me and, after kneeling in front of me, asked me to turn so he could see the bonds that held my wrists. I did so in bewilderment.
"What are you doing?" I asked, sniffling. I tried to look over my shoulder, but all I could see where the chocolaty brown locks of his hair as he huddled over my bonds intently.
"Yer jus' a lil girl. What 'arm can ye do to anyone?" Reggie stated simply, just as my wrists became free and I felt the relieving sensation as I stretched my arms. As I stretched and revelled in my relief, I felt the boy's fingers graze the back of my head as he fiddled with the clasp of the muzzle. The vile cage soon fell off with a clatter and I couldn't help but smile as I massaged my aching cheeks.
I felt free again once my restraints were off, and in that moment once Reggie took his seat in the box and grabbed the horse's reins, I couldn't help but actually somewhat glad that I were leaving. It was as if the muzzle and the rags that tied my wrists were my last reminder of the "home" that I was leaving. I loved the house and I loved my room and the safe confines of my imagination… but it was not a home the more I thought about it. My father ruined that for me and now… I was being given my second chance.
I couldn't sit still throughout the ride; everything my uneducated eyes saw made me leap out of my spot and lean out of the carriage to get a better look. Everything was so new to me because I had never seen the town before! My whole life was just staring out of windows at the neighbourhood and I got bored of it all eventually but this was just eye-opening! The town was bustling with people, all scurrying somewhere to fulfill their routines for the day or simply running and playing with fellow children. A few children would stop to watch the beat-up wagon go by with sparkling eyes and I would give them a small wave.
The town was colourful and cheerful and the tall flats that littered the town made me think of the pictures of New York that I had seen in books. I was awestruck to see them in person and I made it it my mission to make sure I got a look at everything as we passed. However, unfortunately, our time in the town didn't last long as the elegant buildings soon faded into small shops and then small houses that lined the outskirts of town. Tall grass bordered the dirt road and clusters of trees would occasionally pass over us. I continued to stare on in awe; the fields of grass seemingly went on for miles and the trees were just so tall and beautiful. The sounds of birds chirping were echoing in my ears and it was more than I had ever heard at home. I even saw a rabbit bound across the road just before us and I gasped when I saw it.
Eventually, Reggie turned the wagon down a wide dirt path and the forest eventually faded into long green grass and flowers once again. I shifted my gaze ahead and saw the shape of a grand Ferris wheel turning slowly, and the iconic red and white tent glowing with light. The distant sounds of laughter and screaming filled my ears, and despite knowing I'll be a part of it, I grew excited and bounced in my seat like any other happy child about to witness the magic of a circus.
The boy turned to look back at me and chuckled at my excitement.
"Is that the circus?" I asked joyfully. The boy nodded, "Welcome to da Angels' Haven Circus! I 'ope ye like it 'ere." Reggie announced, his voice loud and firm like a ringmaster, but still managing to be sweet and gentle.
"It's so big!" I commented. Indeed, the circus was huge. I was thinking it would just be a single tent with only a few other attractions next to it; no, I was very wrong and clearly, so was my dad, who thought the tents would be made out of recycled rags. This wasn't just a travelling circus, it was a full-on fair!
"Yeah, I guess it is big. But in me eyes, it's boring. My Da doesn't 'ave any freaks or fun games the kiddies can play, so alo' of us are lef' bored before the show starts." Reggie explained. I looked back at the circus with a disappointed face.
No fun games? The statement repeated in my mind over and over again. "What are you going to do about it?" I asked Reggie.
"Well, I love cats, so I was thinkin': maybe once I'm Ringmaster, I'll make the circus cat-themed. Alo' o' people like cats, don't they? I'll even add in some games or a pettin' zoo. But fo' certain, I'll be gettin' me 'ands on some curiosities," He answered, smiling fondly as he explained his ideas.
"Petting zoo! I want to pet horsies!" I exclaimed, just as we passed through a back entrance and began following a narrow trail that led behind the grand red and white tent.
Reggie chuckled, "There's an 'orse at da front of dis carriage!" he pointed out jokingly, stopping the horse next to a small wooden cabin that looked no bigger than a hunting shack. I smiled at his comment and looked over at the massive stead that was leading the wagon. The boy hopped off the seat and went around to the back to help me out. He extended his arms for me and I carefully let myself down by holding onto his shoulders. Reggie held my waist as he set me down on the floor and together, we stepped up to the front of the shack-cabin, me lingering slightly behind so I could follow the boy.
He gave three loud bangs on the rickety door and we waited several seconds for his dad to come and answer. Loud footsteps emanated from inside, speedily heading over, and just as abruptly as they were heard, the door swung open to reveal a man with the same brown hair as Reggie and the same brown eyes as well. He was wearing a loose-fitted white suit and tailcoat, but the coat had silver buttons and sky-blue highlights here and there. The suit was actually quite beautiful.
"What is it, Reginald? I have to get the show started!" The man sneered hoarsely. Reggie cleared his throat and apologised quickly.
"Um... I brought da girl ye told me to git from da Vlamorae 'ouse," he stated firmly, handing him the same folded slip of paper that my dad had signed. The man took the paper and looked over at me and in that instant, his expression suddenly changed. His features grew calm and just as sweet as Reggie's. It was, honestly, a fascinating transition.
"Oh yiss! Come in my dear... come in. Make yourself at home, get comfortable. Do whatever you like!" he explained, motioning for us to come in. I followed Reggie into the apartment as if I were entering a lion den; I wasn't sure what to do and no one had really taught me about manners and etiquette, not even my nanny. Reggie slouched in an armchair not too far away from me and gestured for me to sit in the sofa across from him. Not knowing what else to do, I sat down in the most proper way that I could. The man who had greeted us appeared in the middle of the small room, looking over the now-unfolded paper carefully. Eventually, he looked up at me with a soft smile.
"Good afternoon, Tae! Welcome to the Haven! I'm Brian MacSeren, the Ringmaster, and that's Reginald, my son." Mr MacSeren introduced taking my small hand delicately in his and bowing slightly in greeting. I smiled at him and looked to Reggie, who returned my smile with a mischievous wink.
"I hope you find our quaint little carnival much more comfortable than your previous home… Yes, I'm aware of your father's unorthodox habits. As soon as he contacted me, I made a plan at once to 'rescue' you, so to speak, at once… I do admit my actions are a little avant-garde so I hope you'll forgive me," Mr MacSeren went on, addressing me as if I were a noble woman. I thoroughly enjoyed being treated like a lady, it made me feel important, something that I wasn't quite used to.
I nodded despite not quite understanding MacSeren's use of big, adult words and continued to smile politely.
"I would explain the basics of the circus to you, but I'm running short on time. I have to get the show ready before noon. I'll leave you in Reginald's hands for now until I come back," Mr MacSeren explained, before bowing slightly again and rushing into the halls to continue prepping himself for the show.
I looked over at Reggie and he got up from his seat to sit next to me, "So yer name is Tae?" he asked with interest. I nodded enthusiastically. He smiled, "Where'd a name like that come from?"
"Daddy told me it was his grandmother's name," I stated. That was about as much as I knew about my name or even the rest of my family for that matter; Dad did his best to seclude me from everyone and he succeeded because I know nothing about anyone except my father. Reggie nodded in interested then smiled again.
"It's a lovely name. Sounds European," he complimented.
"Thank you." I blushed shyly and smiled.
"So 'ow do ye think ye'll feel about this place?"
"I think I'll love it here."