NEW MOVES
Chapter one
Dick stretched out and flicked back the curtain. He made a circular hole in the condensation with his finger.
Outside it was grey and drizzly. No one seemed to be up and about yet.
He sat up and wiped a larger portion of the condensation away.
Nope no one was up and about yet.
He couldn't decide whether to stay put or not, on one hand he was comfortable and warm, on the other he felt wide awake.
Then he felt the trailer shake a little and heard footsteps on the other side of the thin wall.
He could tell that it was his father by the tread.
His door opened and his Dad popped his head around it.
"Hey you awake? Come on we have a lot to do today, I want you to try a new move, well I want to try and work one out."
"Ok Dad."
Dick felt a flutter of excitement in his stomach. It wasn't that often they did something new. He had a feeling that this was going to be something special.
Dick slid onto the bench at the table as his Mom came from the bedroom yawning and running her fingers through her hair.
"What do you want for breakfast?" She asked.
"We'll have some oatmeal; we'll need the energy for today." Dick's father said as Dick turned his nose up.
"Good idea." Said Mom as she began to prepare breakfast. She poured Dick a glass of orange juice and placed it in front of him.
"Did you sleep well?" She asked him.
Dick nodded as he took a drink of the juice.
"What's the new move then?" He asked his Dad as he stirred the oatmeal trying to delay eating it.
"Oh you will see. Eat up come on; we need to get an early start. We will start with a walk through then we will see how far we get with a few moves on the floor."
Dick's shoulders sagged a little, but he dutifully ate the oatmeal.
"Right now pay attention." Dick's father ordered. "This new stunt is going to be very dangerous, but I have faith in your abilities to do it."
"Ok Dad, but what is it?"
"Listen carefully." His father held up a finger. "When you release the first part is a quadruple tumbling twist."
"A what!?" Dick's eyes went wide with surprise. "A quad!"
"Yes, then you coil into a quad roll…"
"Dad, come on no way!" Dick protested.
"Ok, now no more arguments, lets try doing the moves on the floor."
Dick eyed his father with disbelief. Triple moves were hard enough but quads, no way.
Dicks Mom and Dad stood side by side facing each other and lifted Dick so that he could move as if through the air. They helped him twist and turn.
"You see it's not so difficult." His Dad pointed out as Dick's feet touched the floor. "Now we need to walk through the middle section of the jump, and then the last bit. I have one problem though which I am going to need your help with."
"What's that?" Dick asked eyeing his Dad suspiciously.
"Well I haven't quite worked out how each move is linked together. Maybe you will be able to 'feel' what needs to be done."
"Me! Dad, if you haven't worked out the stunt how do you expect me to do it?" Dick sounded alarmed.
"Because I just know if anyone can do this it's you. Come on lets carry on. I want to get onto the low trapeze this afternoon. Maybe though I'll see if we can use a trampoline before then."
"John, Dick has a point, how is he meant to do this?" Dick's Mom said with concern.
"Ye of little faith. Just have some trust in what I am doing. I assure you it will all come right."
"Come on John that's enough, give the boy a break. Me too for that matter. Let's go get some lunch and then we can continue." Mary demanded.
"Ok, ok, I agree, come on son, let's do as your Mom says and then we can get back to this after."
Dick sighed with some relief and followed his parents back to the trailer. His arms ached and his legs felt like lead.
He sank gratefully down at the table and his Mom put a plate of sandwiches in front of him with a large glass of milk.
He had managed to eat half, when his Dad got up.
"I'm going to get the trampoline sorted out." He said over his shoulder as he left the trailer.
Dick's shoulders sagged; he had hoped that his Dad would not have carried on today.
His Mom stroked his hair back from his forehead.
"Sweetheart I know you will pull this off. Just please try, its important to your Dad. Please, I can't explain it to you right now, but he is right you just have to trust him."
"Alright Mom, I will." Dick took another bite of his sandwich. Something about the way his Mom spoke told him that it was really important.
If truth be known Dick actually liked using the trampoline. Occasionally he would use it to perform when they needed and extra act. It was almost as good a flying on the trapeze. It was also a good tool to use when trying new stunts as it gave the safe aerial lift needed.
He still wasn't sure about doing quadruple turns though, but if Mom said it was important to Dad he would have to at least give it his best shot.
"Have you finished?" His Mom asked. Dick nodded. "Go on find your father, I'll see to the dishes and be out in a bit."
Dick got up and slowly made his way to the door.
"Mom." He said slowly as he put a hand on the door handle. "Mom is it really important, this new stunt, I mean you know, really, really important?"
"Sweetheart, yes it is, but you mustn't beat yourself up if you find it too hard. Dad won't mind, as long as you try your best. He just believes you will be able to do it. He will explain why in time I'm sure."
Dick stood for a few moments contemplating what his Mom had said. He knew neither of them would ask anything of him they didn't believe he was capable of, if anything they held him back. His Dad said if he had any faults he was a little too fearless and a bit impetuous.
"Go on get along, your father will be waiting." His Mom chided gently.
Dad was stood talking to one of the clowns as Dick came into the big top. The trampoline was set up with crash mats around the edge. A couple of the 'Hands' were leaning on the trampoline. Dick knew that they were there for safety. These men managed the equipment during a performance, such as spinning the ropes for the Spanish web and Corde Lisse.
"Here he is the star of the show!" One of them laughed as Dick approached, ruffling his hair.
Dick coloured a little, he was never going to get used to the praise he got. Mr Haley had said that it was Dick's skilled performances that had all but saved the circus. Dick believed it was his Mom and Dad's skills that had done it. They were top billing at every location and drew large crowds.
He found it amazing to think that his Mom had never even been on a trapeze before she met his Dad. His Dad had said she had taken to it like a duck to water, or rather a bird to the air. Dick loved to watch her work the ribbons, she was so graceful, elegant and balletic.
"Ok up on the trampoline young man." His Dad put his hands under Dick's armpits and hoisted him up. "First of all I want you to get some height and then I want a quad tumble." He demonstrated with his arms. "Like this."
Dick braced himself, and then began to jump, up, and up. He heard his Dad shout 'Now' and tucked himself into a roll position. He heard the 'Hands' counting each rotation.
As he bounced up again he looked towards his Dad. He knew he had only done three rotations.
His Dad held up three fingers to confirm it.
"Ok again." His Dad told him.
Dick began to build up the height then tucked again. He could hear the Hands counting again. Again he only managed three rotations.
Again and again he tried; he managed to do a three and a half roll to a round of applause from the Hands.
"There you go, nearly there." His Dad encouraged. "Come on another try."
Dick stood motionless fro a few moments then began to bounce higher and higher, his arms swinging to help lift him. Then just as he reached the apex of his highest bounce he rolled, over and over….
The Hands clapped enthusiastically.
"Bravo! Way to go. Four perfect rotations."
Dick looked towards his father for confirmation.
There you are. I knew you could do it. Now we just need you to hit that every time. So come on keep at it."
As was usual once Dick managed to do a move it was as if his body remembered it perfectly and could reproduce it time and again, so needless to say he was able to complete the four turns every time after that.
"Ok I think that's enough for now." His Dad said.
Dick was pleased, he was so tired.
"Tomorrow we will see how long it takes you to try the other elements of the jump and then we can get on the trapeze."
"Ok Dad, but its going to be hard, I mean I still don't see how I can put the bits together to make a complete jump." Dick told him shrugging.
"I have every faith in you, I am sure you will work it out." His Dad told him winking and putting his arm around Dick's shoulders, hugging him. "Let's go see what Mom has cooked up for dinner."
"You bet. I'm starving."
"When are you never?" His Dad laughed cuffing him across the back of the head gently.
Dick laid in bed his mind going over the move. He could imagine each tuck and turn in his head as if he was actually doing it.
He could not 'see' how the jump could be done successfully. How as he to join each move?
He mentally tried several different things but they just didn't work. He knew if this new move was as important as his Mom had indicated he was going to have to pull out all the stops.
What was it about this move that was so special? Yes special, he had a feeling that there was something different about it. A quiver of excitement filled his stomach. He felt sure there was something his Dad wasn't saying and that he actually knew the 'linking' moves.
"Dick what are you doing still awake?" His Mom asked popping her head around the door as she always did before she went to bed herself.
She came into the room and crouched beside him, stroking his hair back.
"I just keep going over this new trick. I can't stop thinking about it."
"I know sweetheart but you do need to get your sleep if you are to be able to work tomorrow. We have a show tomorrow you know."
"I know Mom, I want to sleep honest."
Mom kissed him on the forehead.
"Come on snuggle down I'll sit with you a while."
Dick complied, if there was one thing he loved it was for his Mom to sit with him when he was going to sleep. Now and again he would protest he was too old for her to keep tucking him in at night, but he knew he would miss it if she stopped.
Mom tucked the blankets around him.
"Are you comfortable?"
Dick nodded.
"Ok come on close your eyes now." She told him. He felt her cool hand stroke his hair again, gently and rhythmically. Even though his eyes were shut he felt them getting heavier. He was vaguely aware of his Mom kissing his head again and whispering,
"Night, night my little Robin."
Dick sat up and rubbed his eyes. Outside he could hear people moving about. It was usual on the morning of a show for everyone to be up and about early as they tried to get time to rehearse in the big top. Some like the jugglers could rehearse anywhere there was a space.
The flying Graysons needed to use the equipment inside the tent. The neat thing was they could rehearse while someone else did so below. It was just their safety net that got in the way sometimes.
Dick peeped from the window. The morning was as grey as the day before. He swung his legs out of bed and sat on the edge of his bed yawning.
He stretched and then began to get dressed. His 'room' was small enough for him to be able to sit on the bed and reach everything he needed. His clothes for the day were on the chair at the side of the bed. His Mom had put them there the night before. They were the old costume he wore for rehearsals over which he donned a track suit. He pushed his feet into battered trainers and picked up the soft gym slippers as he slipped out of his room.
He padded over to the kitchen area and poured himself a glass of orange juice. Putting it on the table he went round pulling the drapes open to let in the grey daylight. He then found the comic he had been reading and sat at the table sipping his orange and waiting for his parents to get up.
He felt hungry but he didn't dare make himself anything. It wasn't that he wasn't capable but he knew that the food was very carefully budgeted for; he knew that money was tight, so he needed to be careful.
It was hard sometimes but he never really went hungry. Although he had realised not that long ago that sometimes his Mom and Dad had gone without so that he could eat.
Being a part of the circus though was like one big extended family and when times were hard everyone pulled together and this was usually the time when they had some of the most wonderful meals. The pot was brought out and set over the fire in the middle of the camp. Everyone contributed what they could and often wild rabbits were caught and popped in the pot. Most of the circus folk were expert scavengers; those that were not would barter their services in exchange for food from local farmers.
"Good morning." His Dad greeted him as he sat across from him with a glass of orange juice. "So are you ready for another try at the new move?"
"I guess." Dick said hesitantly. "Dad do you know how I can make it work, I mean it does seem, well hard."
"Dick I kinda know but I need you to work it out too. I mean if you can 'feel' what to do then it will be better. I will see what I can fathom as well. I'm sure together we will work it out."
Dick dropped his head.
"Mom says it's important to you, why?"
"I will explain it all if, no when you perfect it. You will just have to trust me on this."
"Ok I guess." Dick sounded disappointed.
"Ok let's get breakfast ready, I told Mom she could have a lay in this morning."
"Ok we will work on this till lunch time then we must get a rehearsal in for tonight's performance."
Dick nodded. He had forgotten that they had a show tonight.
His Dad boosted him up onto the trampoline and Dick began his bouncing ascent.
He tucked and executed a perfect quadruple roll.
"Well done!" His Dad clapped along with the 'hands' that were watching. "Let's try the next move."
Dicks Dad explained what he should do.
"Dad! I can't manage that." Dick looked horrified.
"Sure you can, you said that about the first move and you can do it easily now. Come on give it a go."
Dick sighed and began to jump. He twisted and tried to do the four turns but failed and missed his footing on landing, falling flat on his face.
"I think you need to lose a bit of height with this before you twist." His Dad told him as he helped him up.
Dick stood in the middle of the trampoline stationary. He began to imagine the move in his head trying to 'feel' it.
His Dad was about to urge him on, but realised what the look on his sons face meant.
Dick slowly began to jump.
Everyone in the big top stopped what they were doing to watch.
Dick rose higher and higher, then twisted. As he did so everyone held their breath. His feet hit the trampoline and he stopped dead.
"Bravo!" His Dad almost shouted with pride.
A ripple of appreciation ran around the other circus folk. This young man never ceased to amaze them with his abilities.
Since he had started to perform with his parents he had wowed audiences and brought in more punters as word got around. Some uttered a secret prayer that this young man would be the circuses saviour.
"You seem to be picking it up quicker than I had hoped you would." His Dad told him. "Can you do it again?"
Dick obliged, this time the move was performed easier. After several more attempts it was almost flawless.
"Ok I think you have nailed that bit, I think the last move is going to be hard as it's the bit where you are caught, but if we can manage the turn and get that right we can then practice the 'catch' when we get on the trapeze."
Dick nodded. He came and sat on the edge of the trapeze as his Dad explained the final part of the move.
He sat quietly for a few moments as he went through the two other parts in his head. He still could not see how he would link the individual elements of the move.
"You ready to try?" His Dad asked breaking into Dick's reverie.
"Ok, Dad just go through it again for me, slow. Please." Dick moved to stand in the centre of the trampoline.
His Dad patiently explained again.
This time Dick had real problems getting it to work, time after time he missed the landing or didn't manage to do the required number of turns.
"I think its time you both had a break." Dicks Mom said as she came to the side of the trampoline. "I brought some lunch in so we can get straight on with rehearsals after."
"Mom, I can do the first two bits but I can't get the last bit right at all." Dick told her with a mixture of pride and disappointment. "Can I show you what I can do first?"
"Go on then." His Mom smiled.
Dick demonstrated what he had been able to do.
"Very good, I'm sure you will be able to crack the last bit soon. Now come on have a drink and something to eat."
Dick climbed down from the trampoline and his Dad dropped a towel around his neck. They went and sat on the edge of the ring and his Mom gave him a tracksuit top to put on.
"Can't have you getting a chill." She chided when he tried to decline.
One of the Clowns came up to them and gave Dick a thumbs up sign. It was Bepé the diminutive little clown who was a deaf mute. He had been fascinated with Dick from the moment they had brought him home, and amazingly Dick and he could communicate via Bepé's unique sign language.
He was a much loved family friend. He often sought refuge with them when he was bullied by some of the other more transient acts who joined up now and again.
Dick seemed to remember his Dad threatening to punch one guy who had been less than kind to Bepé.
Dicks Mom offered Bepé a sandwich and a drink but he declined indicating he was going to rehearse soon.
Dick stretched out on his stomach on the raised perimeter of the ring and watched the others go about their warm ups and rehearsals.
His Dad shook his shoulder gently.
"Come on sleepy head. Time for our rehearsal."
Dick sat up and stretched. His Mom was already stripping off her outer clothes, revealing her rehearsal costume. His Dad did likewise.
Dick shrugged off his tracksuit top, and put his gym slippers back on.
Together they went through a gymnastic warm up routine, flexing and stretching, before they began the ascent to the trapeze.
Dick's Mom and Dad climbed a rope ladder at either side, Dick on the other hand went hand over hand up a rope to stand beside his Mom on the base board, as the hands erected the safety net beneath them. Once this was in place His Dad positioned himself on his bar ready to catch. He began to swing and as Dick began to swing on the bar opposite he let himself down to suspend himself by his knees in time to catch Dick as he leapt through the air, then released him as he leapt back to grasp the bar again.
Mom repeated what Dick had done and for a few moments they alternated.
Below them the other circus acts had stopped what they were doing to gaze upwards at the Graysons.
They just knew that this family were something really special. They held their breath as Dick spun through the air and his Father caught him cleanly. This small boy was just a natural on the trapeze.
Having seen the performance rehearsed all the way through once they drifted back to their own rehearsals or jobs, occasionally taking another look at the flying trapeze.
"I think we're ready for tonight." His Father told him as Dick hung from his strong hands swaying slightly too and fro.
Dad began to swing Dick again higher and higher then with a 'now' he let him go and Dick made the smooth transition to the opposite bar that his Mom had swung across.
Ever the showman Dick couldn't resist doing a roll around the bar as he swung towards her, landing at her side on the board.
Mom shook her head at him tutting, then waved to Dad to signal she was about to descend.
She took the easy route sliding down the rope Dick had climbed earlier.
Dick remained aloft as he watched his Dad make his way down too.
Mom and Dad went and stood either side of the safety net.
Dick rose on tiptoe at the edge of the board and for a moment he was almost motionless in mid air as he fell forward and dropped gracefully into the net, rolling as he landed and then doing a forward roll off the edge of the net into his Fathers arms.
"Bravo! I reckon it will be a good show tonight." His Dad said proudly hugging Dick.
"Come on you two lets go get some rest before then." Mom ruffled both their hair affectionately.
"The crowd doesn't look too bad tonight; we are about three quarters full now." Mr Haley told everyone as they assembled to begin the show.
"That's good, better than it's been for a while." Dick's Father pointed out.
"Yes but we are still way down on takings. We need to get something spectacular to draw in the crowds. I know having young Dick in your act is boosting the custom a bit but we need to be doing better."
"Well he seems to be coming on well with the new stunt, I reckon if that doesn't get the crowds in nothing will."
"The sooner the better. How long will it be before he's ready?" Mr Haley's voice was almost pleading.
"Look I don't want to rush this, it's a very dangerous stunt and his safety is my first concern, but I assure you once he has it perfected it will be the biggest thing ever."
"I hope so, because if something doesn't happen soon there will be no circus for him to perform it in."
Mr Haley was interrupted by the sound of the band striking up. He turned to the ringmaster and gently pushed him into the arena.
Dick's father went over to where Dick and his Mom were sat wrapped in warm robes waiting.
"Is it really bad John?" Mary asked worried.
"It's not good that's for sure. The crowd may be good tonight but it doesn't make up for all the bad ones."
"Dad what will happen to us if the circus closes?" Dick asked with a little panic.
"Don't you worry your head about that little man; I will always be able to find work of some kind or other."
"John maybe we should seriously look at the offer from Cirque du Soleil."
"Mary I can't leave Mr Haley in the lurch. He's raised me like his own son, he need us more than ever now. If the circus folds then we look elsewhere, I am sure we will be able to find work if that happens. In fact we have a better chance than the others, I'm sure the offers will still be there."
"I hope so John, I hope so."
"Come on Dick let's get warmed up and see if we can't wow the audience tonight."
The ringmaster announced them and Dick felt the usual excited tightening of his stomach as his parents stepped into the ring then he ran to meet them.
The audience applauded and there were a few 'aw's' as he entered.
He was used to this now but it still annoyed him at times, he wasn't a baby anymore. His Mom said it was because he was small and very cute.
"CUTE!" He had thought "Yuck!"
As usual they were the climax of the show. They climbed to the boards and began to perform. Dick made every effort to make sure he gave his very best.
Dad had even told him he could do his 'solo bit' in order to give a bit more pizzazz.
The main act drew to a close and Dick's Mom and Dad descended to the ring floor leaving his aloft.
"Just a minute." The ringmaster commented as he came into the ring supposedly to lead the applause for the Flying Graysons. "Haven't you forgotten something?" He gazed up to where Dick was still stood on the board. The audience looked up and chuckled.
"Oi!" His Dad shouted. "Come on down, what do you think you are doing still up there."
Dick waved at his Dad. Again the audience laughed, unsure if it was part of the act or if Dick was really being naughty.
"If you don't come down now I'm coming to get you young man." His Dad called.
Dick smiled, he loved this little play act.
As his Dad began to climb towards him he jumped grasping the bar with his hands and began to swing. As he did so his music began.
'Tonight I'm gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive and the world I'll turn it inside out – yeah
And floating around in ecstasy
So don't stop me now don't stop me
'Cause I'm having a good time'
As Dick began to swing slowly at first with the music his Dad descended to the floor again unobserved by the audience who were now transfixed by what Dick was doing.
The tempo speeded up and Dick launched himself in to a whirling performance of swings and spins and turns. He swung backwards and forwards to gain height before each manoeuvre. The audience were spellbound; their sharp intakes of breath were audible, as were their release. They could not believe someone so young could be so skilled, that someone so small could have the strength to do the things he was doing.
The music drew to a close and Dick dropped backwards his knees over the bar as he swung lazily back and forth.
'La da da da dahh
Da da da haa
Ha da da ha ha haaa
Ha da daa ha da da aaa
Oooh ooh ooh'
His Mom and Dad had moved to stand at the side of the safety net. Dick raised himself and then hung by his hands briefly before dropping rolling and landing in the net. He rolled to the side and did a forward roll out of the net into his Dad's arms. His Dad lifted him onto his shoulder as the audience went wild.
"Ladies and Gentlemen our youngest performer Richard Grayson!" the ringmaster shouted above the noise of appreciation.
Dick slid to the floor and the family took their bows.
"Well if that doesn't get the word out that there's something worth seeing nothing will." Mr Haley patted Dick on the head. "Well done you, that was brilliant, best I've ever seen you do."
Dick shrugged.
"Thank you Mr Haley."
"Go on lad get out there for the finale."
Dick stood with his parents in the queue waiting for their turn to march around the ring. He went up and down on his heels in time to the march the band were playing.
As they entered the ring in last place the ringmaster announced them and Dick was startled when his Dad scooped him up and sat him on his shoulder.
"Well I'm really proud of you tonight. You did an amazing job." His Dad said as he bore Dick on his shoulder as they headed back to the trailer.
"Yes you were wonderful." His Mom agreed.
Dick was unsure as to what to say or do. He was a little embarrassed by all the praise. Everyone had either shaken his hand or slapped him on the back or ruffled his hair. He just knew he was tired and he ached all over. He was a little bit pleased that his Dad was carrying him to be honest
His Dad put him down on the floor and unlocked the door. Inside Dick sank down onto the sofa with a sigh.
"Baby are you that tired?" His Mom asked brushing his hair back from his face.
He nodded; he had given it his all tonight.
"Ok I'll make you some hot chocolate and then you can go to bed. That sound ok?"
"Thanks." Dick nodded. Hot chocolate was indeed a treat.
"Alright but you need to go have a wash while I'm making it and get into your Pj's. You cant go to bed all sweaty. Dad will give you a hand wont you Dad?"
Dick sat back down on the sofa. He felt a little fresher and more comfortable in his night clothes. Mom handed him a large mug of hot chocolate.
He cradled it in his hands inhaling the aroma before tentatively sipping it. It began to get to hot for him to hold and he put the mug on the coffee table, occasionally picking it up to sip at it.
He felt strong gentle arms around him but he was too sleepy to react, as his Dad picked him up. He felt himself being laid down on his bed and the covers being pulled around him and tucked in. His Dad kissed him and then his Mom re tucked him in and stroking his hair back kissed him gently.
"Oh John, we have such a wonderful son." She sighed as she pulled the door to Dick's room closed.
"Yes he is definitely something very special." John agreed.
"I just wish sometimes that my parents would get of their high horses and meet him. They don't know what they are missing. I just wish they could see how happy we are together too."
"I know what you mean, but well you did run off with a gypsy and join the circus." He smiled gently at her. "It is difficult that kind of prejudice. You know I wish my family had been around to see him too."
"I know it is hard. I did send a letter and a photo of Dick when he was first born but well as you know they returned it unopened."
John wrapped his arms around her pulling her close.
"I hope I was worth all that heartache?"
"I wouldn't have changed anything. I know things can be difficult financially, but I know that I love you still, even more if that is possible and we wouldn't have had such a beautiful son otherwise. I'm very happy. Its just, well my family are the ones losing out not me."
"I'm glad we did what we did, although I feel guilty at times because of all the hardships we have had to endure. A man likes to think he is providing for his family." John added before Mary could object. "I'm proud to have you as my wife and Dick as a son."
He gently raised Mary's chin with his hand and kissed her lightly on the lips, before covering her mouth with his. He swept her into his strong arms and pushed the door to their bedroom open with his foot.
Dick stood looking at the trampoline; he had some trepidation at attempting the final move. He mentally went through the moves he had managed to do so far and tried to imagine how he could link them. It wasn't easy; he had to translate the moves into a horizontal plane after managing to do them vertically.
"Are we going to start then?" His Dad asked a little impatient.
"Sorry Dad, I was just trying to 'feel' the moves. Dick allowed his Dad to hoist him onto the trampoline.
"Ok son, now remember this is what the last bit should be like." His Dad demonstrated with his arms.
Dick stood for a couple of seconds getting his balance then began to bounce.
After several attempts he managed some semblance of the move.
"Dad, I'm sorry it's just too hard." Dick protested.
"Come on you nearly had it then, come on one more try."
Dick obliged and to his amazement he managed the move, albeit a little clumsily.
"There you go. Now we can begin to try it on the trapeze." His Dad said triumphantly.
"Dad, are you sure, 'cos I have no idea how I'm going to put it together."
"Yes I'm sure. You have a breather and I will go get your Mom. We will need her to help."
Dick went and sat on the raised edge of the ring, Bepé joined him.
"You seem to be getting the hang of it." He signed.
"Bepé I'm a bit scared, Dad reckons I will be able to do it up there, but if I cant link the moves I've had it."
"I'm sure your Dad won't mind if you can't do it." Bepé tried to reassure Dick.
"Yes but Mom says it's real important to him. I don't know why but she says it is. I think it has something to do with the circus needing more money, I heard Mr Haley saying they may have to close down."
"I heard that too, but maybe it has more to do with your Dad than the circus." Bepé told him
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know enough to say for certain, so I'm not saying anything." Bepé managed to 'sound' mysterious. Look here's your folks" He pointed.
Dick's father checked the rig as his Mom began a warm up. She indicated to Dick he should join her.
The safety net was hooked up and his Dad checked that too. The trapeze had been set up so that it was quite low, but giving enough clearance for the height needed for the jumps. This would also help if Dick fell during the attempt.
'Not so far to climb back up either'. His Dad had said laughing.
"Ok Son lets give it a go." His Dad said as they climbed up. Dicks Mom joined him.
"I want you to do the first part of the jump as if it was just that one part, understand."
Dick nodded as he pummelled the chalk bag with his hands.
Mom pulled the bar towards him and he grasped it, making sure his hands were secure.
"Just concentrate on the timing." His Mom told him as he began his swing. "Listen to your Dads instructions." She called.
Dick swung back and forth; he felt the pull as he did so. Moving his legs to get the momentum.
He could hear his Dad.
"On the next upswing release." His Dad shouted.
Dick took in a deep breath and let go twisting as he went. He just managed to get within finger tip reach of his Dads hands and he felt himself drop towards the safety net. He managed to land safely as he had been trained to do.
"Come on back up lets do that again." His Dad called.
Dick climbed back up to rejoin his Mom.
"Are you alright?" She asked him giving him a quick look over.
"Yes, I'm ok."
Dick chalked his hands again and grasped the bar.
This time he managed to get close enough for his Dad to catch him by one hand. Dick reached up and gave his Dad his other hand. His Dad swung him so that he could jump back to the bar his Mom had swung out to him.
"Ok we are getting there. Let's go again."
This time Dick's Dad caught him cleanly.
"You know it never ceases to amaze me how quickly you manage to learn the moves." His Dad laughed as Dick hung from his hands below him. "Ok back you go again; we need to get this bit really polished."
"Dad please. No more, I feel sick. Can we stop now?" Dick begged.
"Yes come on John he has done the jump flawlessly now several times." Dicks Mom insisted. "He will be too tired to perform tonight at this rate."
"Alright, alright. Let's go get a shower. I reckon its time we had a break. Come on then."
Dick gratefully accepted the towel from his Mom and trudged out of the tent.
"Perform tonight!" He thought to himself. He didn't think he could do anything more right now.
Dick stood letting the hot water cascade over him. He could feel the tightness in his muscles begin to ebb away. His Dad scrubbed his back for him.
"I'm very proud of you, don't think anything else. I know I'm pushing you a bit this time but you need to get it spot on as its dangerous, even when you manage to get it all together it will be the most dangerous thing you will have ever done, in fact probably the most dangerous thing you will ever do."
"I know Dad, and I am trying honestly."
"I know you are and I am sure it will all come together."
"Dad why is it important, I mean to you that is?"
"I promised to tell you when you perfected the jump and not before. Pease be patient."
Dick fell silent, he wanted to know what it was all about, but he knew better than to keep pressing his Father for an explanation.
He wrapped the soft towel around his waist and slipped his feet into a tatty old pair of flip flops and he and his father made their way back to the trailer.
Mom was already there brushing out her wet hair.
"So what are we going to have for dinner?" She asked moving to the kitchen area.
"Something light I reckon." Dad said coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
"How about chicken and rice?" She suggested as she accepted the embrace.
"Sounds ok to me." Dad nuzzled at her neck.
"Pull eeze!" Dick protested. "Yucky or what."
"You won't be saying that when you have a girlfriend of your own young man, anyway you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the fact I love your Mom so much."
Dick coloured slightly, young as he was he had some idea as to what his Dad meant. You didn't live in such confined quarters and not hear things, as careful as his Mom and Dad were. He had also witnessed the circus animals 'procreating' as his Dad put it.
"OK John let me get the meal ready, pass me the rice will you." Mom asked pushing him away gently, her eyes warning that he should be careful. "You and Dick can do the dishes after as well."
As bland as rice and chicken sounded in reality the way Mom cooked it was delicious. The rice was studded with vegetables, and the chicken accompanied with mushrooms.
Dick cleared his plate quickly and took it to the sink. He came and sat back at the table waiting for his parents to finish. Mom gathered their plates up and placed them in the sink too. Then she took something from one of the cupboards and returning to the table paced a large slice of chocolate cake in front of Dick.
"That's because you have been so good." She told him.
"Huh where's mine?" Dad asked looking upset.
"You can have some later." She told him laughing and winking at Dick. "When you and Dad have done the dishes you can go and have a lay own on your bed till its time to get ready for tonight. You can read or something if you don't feel like sleeping but I want you to rest."
"Ok Mom." Dick mumbled with a mouth full of cake.
Mom cocked her head at this behaviour but didn't say anything.
The audience burst into applause as the circus acts paraded around the ring. The flying Grayson's taking the last place.
The seats were not as full as the previous night but Mr Haley told everyone that the box office had taken a lot of bookings for the weekend performances. He hoped that a lot more would turn up on the night.
Dick was never as grateful as he was that night to get into his bed. He was so tired he even turned down the offer of some supper.
He slid into to bed and lay listening to his parents as the talked softly and drank their coffee.
He felt cool hands stroke his hair and soft lips kiss his fore head, but he was so tired he couldn't respond.
As he sank deeper into sleep he began to dream.
Images of the circus ring flashed beneath him as he flew across the void between trapezes. He was twisting and turning, then his father's strong hands grasped his wrists. Then he was tumbling over and over again this time grabbing the bar.
He turned in mid swing and leapt across once more, then he was falling, falling.
Dick sat up covered in sweat shaking.
The door opened and his Dad came in.
"What's wrong? You having a bad dream." He said softly.
Dick nodded. Dad sat down and drew him to him, lifting Dick onto his knee.
"Tell me about it." His Dad asked as he cuddled Dick to him.
"I dunno now, I can't remember." Dick said screwing his face up as he tried to recall what had roused him from his sleep.
"Don't you just hate that. You know something scared you but apart from being shaky you can't remember what it was."
Dick snuggled closer to his Dad, who tightened his hold.
"It's alright now I'm here and nothing is going to hurt you."
John gazed down at his son nestled in his arms. He seemed so small like this, but in other ways he was so big. Just a little boy but with a huge talent and personality. So ordinary most of the time but then extraordinary when it came to performing. Mary and he had been so blessed.
He rocked Dick slightly, then smiled as he began to snore gently. He was reluctant to put him back down in bed.
Eventually he was satisfied that Dick wouldn't have any more bad dreams that night and he gently rolled Dick back into bed and tucked him in, kissing the top of his head as he did so.
"Morning sleepy head." His Mom called as he walked into the main room rubbing his eyes. "Didn't think you would ever wake up."
"I'm sorry, I." Dick began.
"It's alright. Your Dad said you had a bit of a bad night so we decided to leave you. He said when you did wake up to tell you he would meet you in the tent after you had eaten breakfast. Would you like some juice?"
"Oh, er, yes ok please." Dick sat at the table.
Mom gave his a glass of orange. She then placed a bowl of cereal in front of him.
"Eat that and if you want I will make you a bacon sandwich too." His Mom told him
"Thank you." He said wondering why he was being treated like this.
His Mom sat opposite him with her mug of coffee.
"How is the jump coming on then?" She asked. "I mean have you had any ideas on how to link it together?"
"I got the first bit ok but its real hard Mom. I dunno if I will be able to do it at all."
"I'm sure you will, but you shouldn't worry about it so much. Just relax and let it 'happen'"
"I'll try Mom." Dick assured her.
"Now do you fancy that bacon sandwich? You can take it with you when you go to your Dad. In fact I bet he would like one too eh?"
"I bet he would." Dick laughed.
Dad was checking the rig when Dick got to the tent.
"Dad I got you a sandwich." He called to him.
His Dad came over to him and together they sat and munched their sandwiches.
"Ok we will practice the second move today. Your Mom should be here in a bit. Ha, here she is, speak of angels."
"What?" Dick looked puzzled.
"Speak of angels and you will hear their wings. Normally people say 'talk of the devil', but I reckon no one could ever describe your Mom as a devil, and besides it's much a much nicer sentiment, don't you think?"
"I suppose so." Dick said again not sure. "The devil may be evil but angels were dead people weren't they?" He thought to himself.
"Ok boys are we ready?" Mom clapped her hands shooing them up.
"Yes boss" Dad laughed saluting.
Dick made his way up the rope ladder to the lower board, his Mom following. Dad climbed to the other board.
"Let's do a few of the first move again." Dad called across.
"Ok Dad." Dick pummelled the chalk bag.
Grasping the bar and making sure he had a firm grip Dick rose onto his tiptoes Dick closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
He swung out; he felt the rush of air around his body as he flew across. He 'felt' the position in the air and judged when it was right to leap. As he let go of the bar he opened his eyes so that he could see to reach his Dad.
He felt his Dads hands close around his wrists. He grinned up at him pleased with himself that he had managed to complete the move again.
His Dad smiled back and swung him so that he could return to the other side again.
As his feet touched the base board a sudden idea came to him.
Mom pulled him onto the board and he turned.
"Dad!" He shouted. "I think I have an idea. I think I can link the first two moves together."
"Hmm, are you sure I mean it could be dangerous if you have it wrong." His Dad called back.
"Your Dads right you know." Mom insisted.
"Look I know I can do it, link the two first sections honest. I can 'feel' it"
Dad called down to some of the hands and they came and stood by the safety net to put it under some tension in case Dick didn't make it and fell.
"Ok son. Get some height before you start and remember be careful if you drop. I know it's not far but it's still dangerous."
"Ok Dad."
"Dick are you sure, I mean it's so very difficult." His Mom begged him.
"I'm sure Mom honest."
"Alright but please be careful." She again pleaded.
Dick pummelled the chalk bag once more and grasped the bar, adjusting his grip and rubbing the chalk from his hands onto the bar.
He closed his eyes and again went through the moves mentally, this time including the link he believed would work.
He pushed off and worked his legs to give him height.
Then he leapt off and did the four twists of the first part of the jump then moved into the second.
The 'link' worked but he failed to connect with his Dad and dropped to the safety net below.
He lay on his back smiling up at his parents.
"Well I have to admit son that was brilliant, now we need to get the timing right." His Dad called down. "You are alright aren't you?"
Dick nodded and rolled off the net and began the climb back aloft.
"Are you ready to try again?" is Dad called. "I reckon you had something there."
Dick took hold of the bar and again took a breath to settle himself.
Whop! He landed in the safety net again. It took the wind out of him and he lay for a few moments trying to recover.
After a few moments he scrambled out of the net and again climbed aloft. His Mom eyed him cautiously.
"Are you sure you want to try again? I mean I noticed that hurt that time."
"Mom I have to you said it was important. I nearly had it that time."
Mom shrugged.
"You ready to go again John?"
His Dad swung down into the catching position.
"Ok, concentrate." Dick thought to himself. "Think how it felt." He wriggled to get himself positioned better.
He felt his Moms hands on his waist as she held him back slightly till she was satisfied his Dad was in position.
Then they withdrew and he jumped.
This time he made sure he got even more height that before. He could hear nothing but the rush of air as he swung, then he was flying free…..
There was a sudden jolt as he was caught, the deceleration making his arms shudder, his shoulders stretch.
He looked up at his Dad and grinned like a Cheshire cat.
"That's my boy." His Dad grinned back at him. "I think you got it."
The hands and other acts in the ring below them were clapping, shouting 'Bravo'. They sensed that this was going to be something spectacular.
"Let me do it again to make sure." Dick half asked half instructed.
"Well ok once more then we call it a day." His Dad swung him again and with a "Now!" sent him flying back towards Mom.
Dick stood on the base board breathing a little heavily, partly due to the thrill of his achievement.
"Dad says once more then that's it." Dick told his Mom.
Mary looked across at John with concern etched on her face. She hated to think her small boy was being pushed a little bit too hard. Then on the other hand she also knew that it was difficult to make Dick slow down sometimes. When he was on the trapeze he was in his element. No wonder she had called him her little Robin. He was just like the small bird, brave, feisty and determined. Initially it had been because he had been born, albeit a little early, on the first day of spring, she had had no idea how appropriate it would be and even less aware as to how significant it would eventually become.
"Ok John just once more. OK?" She called across emphasising the 'just'.
Dick prepared himself again and then took off. He was caught by his Dad again cleanly.
"Ok Sunshine that's enough, I'll have your Mom moaning at me if we do any more with this right now."
"Ok Dad. Dick allowed his Dad to drop him and he did a perfect roll into the net. He was helped from the safety net by Mr Haley.
"Well done, it looks as if it's coming on great." He patted Dick on the back.
"Thanks Mr Haley." Dick smiled pleased but a little self conscious.
"John." Mr Haley went to greet Dick's father as he dropped to the floor from the rope ladder. Mary followed him.
"John I was watching, how long do you think it will be till you have it off pat?"
"Oh you know it's not something we can rush you know that." John pointed out.
"I appreciate that, I was just wondering."
"Dick picks the jumps up quite quickly as you know." Mary told him. "But you know you do have to remember good as he is he is still just a child."
"I know Mary, I know. But I am sure you can also understand if we don't do something quickly we are out of business and then no one will get to see his genius."
"I hate to sound argumentative but my son comes first. I know you have been very good to me and I fully appreciate that, but well, you know." John spread his hands wide. "We will do the best we can."
Dick stood absorbing the information. He felt his stomach churn at the thought of the circus closing. Was it so important he did the jump? Did the future of the circus really lie in his hands?
His Dad put his hand on his shoulder and led Dick away.
"Ok lets go get some lunch and then we can go into town this afternoon. Mom needs some things and you and I can go and have a look around after I go to the bank."
"Ok Dad." Dick allowed himself to be guided.
"Mom, you know how you said it was important to Dad I do this jump?" Dick sat up as his Mom was trying to tuck him into bed.
She sat beside him and put her arm around him.
"Yes, why is something wrong?" She noticed the worry in his face.
"Well Mr Haley said if I don't do it the circus will close, so its important to everyone isn't it?"
"Darling, it does seem a huge burden to put on your shoulders, but you mustn't look at it in that way. You have to do it for you no one else. Yes your Dad would love you to do it, and I am sure he will explain why eventually. But as to whether or not it will save the circus, well that's a different matter. I don't want you worrying your sweet head over it. Promise me you will just do your best and no more. If you can not manage to complete the jump then so be it. No one will be angry or anything else at you. You are far more important to both your Dad and me than anything else."
Dick looked into her face. He could see she was sincere.
"Now my little Robin lets have you settling down. Where's your Elephant, ah here she is." His Mom tucked the stuffed toy in with him. She lent over and kissed his forehead and then his nose and then his lips.
"Night, night now, sleep tight." She stood and went to the door. "I love you." She blew another kiss towards him, then smiled, as he was already asleep.
The weather had turned bad and everyone was forced to trudge through thick mud, huddled in heavy coats against the slanting rain.
Dick sat at the window watching the trickles of rain run down, having a silent bet on which one would reach the bottom first.
The door came open letting in the cold damp air. His Dad hurried in and stood dripping wet at the door as he pulled it to.
"Its getting awful, I doubt there will be any performances tonight. There's a river running through the middle of the ring." He told them.
Mary helped him remove his wet coat and hung it up to drip dry.
"Well I don't suppose anyone will come out in this anyway." She nodded her head towards the window.
"Well yes you have a point there."
"Dick stop daydreaming, you have an ideal opportunity to get caught up, in front even, with your school work."
Dick sighed and turned his attention back to his books.
"Do you need some help?" His Mom asked him sliding onto the bench beside him.
Dick nodded, a little ashamed to admit he was struggling.
"Ok lets see which one are you having the problem with?"
Dick tapped the problem with his pencil.
"Alright lets begin again and go through it slowly………. There you are, see it wasn't so hard was it?"
Dick was just about to say it was when it occurred to him he had just solved the problem on his own without realising it.
"Ok now lets move on to the next one."
It didn't seem to take long before he had done all the exercises in the section. When his Mom helped he could see the solutions more easily.
'Mom must be so clever.' He thought as he got out his essay book.
"Alright I will leave you to get on with that on your own. If you need any help with spellings just shout."
"Ok."
Dick chewed the end of his pencil. He knew what he should write about but just where to start was the problem. Somehow, what I did during summer vacation was a bit, well irrelevant in his case. He hadn't had a vacation, although some might think being in the circus was one long vacation. The kids who said they envied him had no concept of the hard work involved, let alone the way they had to go without things they took for granted.
He began to absentmindedly doodle in the margin. Then he sat up and pulled his scribble pad towards him.
He began to rapidly sketch his idea that had suddenly occurred to him.
"Dick you are meant to be doing an essay not drawing." His Mom pointed out sternly.
He pushed the pad away and began to write, his tongue poking out of his mouth as he concentrated
He sat back, his imagination deserting him. He scratched the back of his head with his pencil as he gazed out of the widow for inspiration.
"Daydreaming again?" His Dad tapped him on the shoulder.
"Well no, it's just that I couldn't think of anything more to write." Dick looked a bit chasten.
"How much did you write? Let me see." His Dad turned the book so he could see. "Not bad really, three sides. Better let Mom decide though."
"Ok thanks."
"Hey what's this?" His Dad caught a glimpse of the doodles on the scribble pad.
"Nothing really." Dick blushed. "I was just, well I kinda thought, well it was just an idea for the second link move. It doesn't feel right yet though."
"Is that so? Well I think it looks like a good start anyway. We will have to keep working on it."
"Dad, you know its really hard. I dunno if i can manage it."
"Oh don't be silly you are quite capable I'm sure. Come on put your books away for now and lets see what we can do with this."
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