First off, I would like to thank AnyaTheRhymer and Kara. I am honored and so happy that two very good writers read/reviewed my story. Yay lol. Here's the next chapter!
Silence overtook the lot of them. The crowd that had gathered moments ago had huge eyes, their mouths hanging by the shock of this scene. It wasn't the fact that she set fire on something by dancing, after all they were freaks and used to abnormal things, it was the fact that she looked innocent, almost ignorant of it.
"Ashley, follow me now." Mr. Tall spoke in that deep voice, almost hypnotizing her. She did as she was told and, while passing several freaks, wondered if they would kick her out. Would they hate her and shun her simply because she lacked the control on her "gift"?
This brought a new fear in her heart.
Where would she go if they threw her out? What would she do now? Start a new life somewhere? Sure, since no one would really know her past. However, the question of where she was burned in her mind. They traveled for a day…they could be anywhere! They could be miles and miles away from a small town.
When they got to his long trailer, she felt reluctant to go inside. It symbolized rejection, shunning, and perhaps even anger. Inhaling sharply, she held her breath and stepped inside, the cold air nipping at her skin.
"Yes sir?" She whispered, fear choking her voice.
"Sit…and try to relax." He stated with certain calmness to his voice, as if that type of thing always happens. She snorted inwardly; what are the chances that one of his performers could touch the fire she created by showing off her dance moves?
However, she sat down and attempted to obey his orders, nay suggestions. At first she thought it would be as difficult as letting the Wolf Man free and live to tell the tale. Then, especially once she sat on the pillow with her back against the wall, she felt her body turn to butter. How odd…Perhaps it was Mr. Tall's doing? No, impossible! Wasn't it?
"I would like some sort of explanation for what just happened, Ashley. You're not in any trouble, I can assure you, and my performers will not grow angry. If anything, they will probably want to witness such a stunning thing again!" There was something in his voice that made Ashley blush. For once, she was grateful it was dark.
"I-I'm…You confuse me, sir, I thought you would be upset! Here I am, a mere child, a girl in young womanhood who can set fire if she dances and touch it without harm! I thought…" She hesitated, unsure of how to word her thoughts.
He finished it as though he had heard the same excuse before, "Thought that I would shun you for being different?" When she nodded, he continued, "You forget that in Cirque Du Freak, we are all different in one way or another. However, my dear, I would like an explanation."
Ashley looked down and twisted a free piece of yarn on her shirt. "Well…" She started off, unsure of how much to give away. After all, he was a stranger, somewhat. She would tell him of her past piece by piece as time went on.
"Well, I always liked to dance since I was…since I could walk, I guess! I remember my mother scolding me for I would run into walls and almost break things. She would smile when she scolded me though, showing she was proud that I possessed such a beautiful gift.
"When I was…ten or eleven, I don't remember exactly…my father had his friends over. I stepped into my room and shut the door. I began to hum a song I heard some gypsies play weeks ago. Then I started to dance…it was so hypnotic, so relaxing! I felt as though I had left my life and joined some sort of blissful place! I was so entranced that…well, that I didn't feel any heat.
"I stopped and looked around; the house was on fire! I ran out with hardly any clothes on but no burns. The village thought I set the fire myself since I wasn't harmed. I don't know why I am unharmed by the flames I make. My father, and his friends, died. They did not…they didn't know about the fact that my dancing started the fire. That's why I usually try not to dance so fast, like I showed you back there. The music was so…peaceful though!
"Please sir, I promise not to do it again! Please, just don't kick me out." Ashley finished, her head bowed and her shoulders shaking with sobs hidden.
A hand landed on her shoulder, stopping them instantly. She looked up, her brown eyes bright with tears. Mr. Tall's actions surprised her; he wiped away a tear before it fell. "Clearly it has not sunk into your mind, young Ashley. We are all freaks; we do not shun another for their gift. You're welcomed here, you won't be kicked out. Now…I suggest you rest for tonight."
Ashley nodded and, before she could express her gratitude, the man slipped away just like that. Relief flooded her body, relaxing her as she lay on her pallet of blankets. Closing her eyes, she smiled; she really thought she found a home. A real home this time.
The next few days were busy for Ashley Rouse. She would get up, talk to Evra as they ate breakfast and then do a few chores and odd jobs. It was pretty easy for her, having done similar things at the Orphanage. Neither Evra or Ashley spoke of their past or the dance earlier.
However, it was bound to pop up. Hans Hands, the fastest man on his hands in the world, asked her about it. He brought it up casually during dinner. The moon was full and the Wolf Man's howls were loud that night. She had shrugged and replied, "It's just an odd thing…Why do you ask?"
"We could always use another performer. Surely we'd find some way to put you on there." Hans answered, a smile on his face.
"I-I don't know…what do you all think?"
Immediately, all the performers that were there, which were five or six, started to talk about it. They encouraged her to try it, even once to see how much she liked or disliked the attention. "I'll talk to Mr. Tall tonight." She blushed, smiling from all the praise and attention.
They all knew that she slept in the same trailer. She wondered several times, especially right now, how come she was his assistant although she barely helped him out. "You can talk to me right now." His low voice spoke behind her. Evra snickered when she jumped, turning around. "Let's go for a walk." He helped her up like a gentleman and walked into the darkness.
The both of them walked down a beaten path. She was staring off into the forest area near by, unsure of what to say. Thankfully, he spoke, "If you wish to join us on stage, I'm sure we could find you some music to dance to. When you start a fire, perhaps you can pick it up and attempt some tricks. Only if you wish, Ashley."
"Sir…" She strayed from topic, "If I'm your assistant, why haven't I been helping you? I've helped Evra and nearly every other performer here…but not you. I don't want to be some girl you rescued by false names…"
The man chuckled softly. "You're sharp. You haven't been able to help me yet because we haven't started the show. When we get near a town, you will be passing out flyers with Larten. You'll help me direct the acts, help with practice. You'll be of use, don't worry."
"Yes sir." She mumbled softly.
"I believe young Evra Von would like to speak to you." He stated just in time for the two legged reptile ran over. When she looked over to say she hated how he did that, he was gone. She hated how he did that too.
"Hey Evra. What's up?" She smiled softly.
The boy's green eyes sparkled. "Let's go to my tent, I want to talk to you about something."
When they reached the tent, she gasped to feel the snake slither up her body. Smiling though, she giggled, "Hello there, I've missed you too." She spent several minutes with the snake, careful not to get bit. "What is you wished to talk about?"
There was a long pause. Suddenly, "Ashley…how do you feel about going swimming at midnight?"
Next chapter: Time skip! We go to where she roams in the town where Darren and Steve are. She talks to them and she lets slip, especially after her suspicious clothing, that she is part of Cirque Du Freak. They pressure her for tickets. Will she give them?