Water for Elephants – Annabelle and Jacob's Story
I sat at the window of the carriage as the landscape flashed past. Every state of America that the train sped through was a blur.
I was the twenty-one year old daughter of Marlena and August Rosenbluth, a ringmaster and star attraction of the Benzini Brothers- Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Momma was sitting on her and my father's bed, reading Gone With the Wind as my father played poker with his friends.
"Annabelle Darling," Momma asked and I turned to look at her. She smiled at me and gestured for me to go to her. Her tightly curled blonde hair and blue eyes were looking at me with that natural nurturing warmness that was always present when I saw her. She was such a beautiful woman, meeting my father when they were both only young. My father was always on the circus train, and always a loose cannon. He was very controlling when it came to the acts and the workers. Sometimes Momma and I would be scared.
"Yes Momma?" I asked softly as I sat beside her. She sat up and ran her fingers through my long, bronze hair. She always wondered why my hair and blue eyes had been the way they were. She always called me her angel. I loved it.
"We'll be stopping soon... I might need your help with Silver's leg," She grinned. She knew I loved working with her horses, well all the animals. I nodded eagerly and she chuckled. The train slowed and Daddy came in with Earl by his side and another strange, young, handsome boy standing behind them.
"Hello my two lovely ladies! We have a new addition to our crew... This is..." My father turned to the young man, asking for help with his name.
"Jacob Jankowski sir..." His soft voice was soothing as his eyes locked on me. I smiled softly and Daddy looked at me.
"Yes, Jacob is our new Ivy League Veterinarian... This is my wife Marlena..." He pulled Momma to his side, smiling. Momma smiled.
"Welcome aboard Jacob.." She smiled softly and reached for me.
"And my beautiful daughter Annabelle..." I smiled and Jacob smiled back.
"Hello..." I said shyly and he chuckled lightly.
"Hello Annabelle, nice to meet you..." He grinned and I held back a giggle. The train slowed to a stop and my eyes were still on Jacob, his on me.
"We were just going to check on Starlight for you Darling..." Daddy informed us and Marlena narrowed her eyes.
"I already told you what was wrong with him..." Momma said sternly and pulled away, walking out, towards the horses carriage. I sighed and followed and heard everyone else follow...