Serpentines Debut Chapter 10

The sun shone down as Evra and I lay in the tall grass. We had been taking it in turns to tell each other stupid jokes when after a while Evra went unusually quiet. 'Whats up Ev' enquired Jessie. Evra didn't reply but handed Jessie a battered leaflet that read: Weird and Wonderful World…it then went onto describe various acts such as the world's strongest woman. Then in bold letters it said 'snake girl' the girl with snakeskin for one night only. Jessie carried on reading and then looked up at Evra. 'What are you thinking Evra'?

Evra replied looking very determined 'it says for one night only, and its about 80 miles from here. But its not till next week, I could be related to her, I have to go. But the question is will Mr Tall let me, you know what he's like and I can't risk him saying no. So I have made up my mind, I will be leaving soon. I will leave him a letter and tell him my reasons why. The thing is Jessie, I am going on my own but I want you to do something for me'. Jessie sat thinking for a moment then said 'why don't you want me to come with you Evra and what can I do for you'?

'Firstly' said Evra very seriously 'I have not forgotten how bad some of these freak shows are Jessie and I do not want you seeing that. Plus Mr Crepsley would be furious with you and would come and find us as soon as it is dark. I am hoping because I am older that Mr Tall will let me do this and that I can check to make sure this snake girl is safe. Secondly I want you to take this mobile phone, I know we are not supposed to have one but if I get into any trouble I can ring you. Also you can let me know what Mr Tall does once he finds my note. Will you do that for me Jessie?'

Jessie hurtled herself at Evra and whilst hugging him said 'Evra I will come with you I cant let you do this on your own. If anything happens to you I will never forgive myself'. 'NO' shouted Evra 'I mean it Jessie you are my only friend and I trust you, promise you will do as I ask. Stay with the cirque and keep the mobile hidden at all times until it is safe, keep it turned off until you can read any messages on your own ok?'

The day turned into night and try as I might I could not concentrate on anything other than what Evra had told me. We sat and ate together but hardly spoke both of us thinking about what Evra was going to do. Evra and I avoided Mr Tall as much as possible and the night before Evra left Mr Tall spoke to Mr Crepsley. He was obviously speaking about Evra and I as Mr Crepsley looked over at us as Mr Tall whispered in his ear. 'This doesn't look good Evra come on lets go for a walk and don't say anything because Mr Crepsley could be right behind us listening in'. Evra's eyebrows went up then he grabbed my hand and we started walking around the edge of the cirque grounds away from the campfire and our mentors. Evra rarely held my hand, but it felt perfectly normal to walk with him tightly gripping it. Neither of us spoke, and we walked for over an hour having twice circuited the perimeter of the Cirque camp.

Then Evra said 'I am going to bed Jessie I am worn out (then he winked at me)'. 'Oh yes me too let me just go and tell Mr Crepsley'. Evra and I started to walk back to the campsite when I felt a tap on my shoulder making me jump.

'Do you two intend holding hands all night?' whispered Mr Crepsley down my ear. 'Oh, erm, hi Mr Crepsley' blushed Jessie as she released Evra's hand. 'Night Jessie, night Mr Crepsley' nodded Evra then quickly left. Mr Crepsley took Jessie's hand and started walking towards the campfire. Jessie was relieved to see that Mr Tall and the freaks had left, leaving the campfire deserted. Mr Crepsley sat on the bench and pulled Jessie onto his lap. He liked to study Jessie's face when asking her anything important for he had learnt to read it very well. Larten also noticed Jessie was fidgeting and looked nervous. 'Is Evra your boyfriend Jessie?' asked Mr Crepsley whilst lifting Jessie's face up to his. Jessie blushed 'God no Mr Crepsley we are best mates that's all'.

Mr Crepsley was not happy and growled 'do not swear Jessie, I will not tolerate it'. 'Sorry Mr Crepsley' replied Jess as she turned and gave him a big hug. Jessie decided she would bury her head in Mr Crepsley's shoulder until he had finished quizzing her, she hated it when he just starred at her, it was like he could see into her head and read all her thoughts.

'Jessie, Mr Tall thinks that you and Evra maybe troubled in some way. He thinks you have both been avoiding him and that neither of you have looked very happy. Has something happened to upset you?' Asked Mr Crepsley as he tried to lift Jessie off his shoulder and untangle her arms from round his neck. Before Mr Crepsley could see her face Jessie quickly answered 'no we are both fine, we have just been working really hard that's all. We haven't been near a decent town for ages though and we both get a bit tired of working and not going out that's all.' Answered Jessie.

Larten finally managed to get Jessie facing towards him as he studied her face. He wasn't convinced that Jessie's reply was truthful and a frown appeared on his concerned face. This didn't go unnoticed by Jessie who didn't want Mr Crepsley to worry.

'Mr Crepsley, I know you think I am up to something (Jessie deliberately said I instead of we) but I have nothing planned other than staying within the Cirque grounds and doing my chores so don't worry ok?' With that she leaned into him and kissed him on the cheek 'I love you Mr C' said Jessie laughing.

Larten looked down at his little Jessie who was so full of mischief that he couldn't help but grin at her. Her words seemed honest so this was a relief to Larten who wrapped Jessie up in his arms then started to throw her up in the air as high as he could and then catching her last minute making Jessie scream with laughter.

After training that night Larten carried an exhausted Jessie into her tent and placed her gently on her bed. 'You did well tonight Jessie, I will see you tomorrow, behave yourself ' said Larten as he left the tent casting a glance over his shoulder to see Jessie already falling asleep.

Jessie awoke to something sharp poking into her ribs. She quickly opened her eyes ready to attack when she saw Evra stood by her bed. 'I'm off now Jessie, I'm going before anyone else gets up. If anyone asks tell them you slept in and you thought I was already up. Keep the phone hidden and please do not say anything' with that Evra kissed me on the cheek and hugged me. 'Good luck Evra, just ring me if you need me and I ll be there for you, promise me ok? Cried Jessie. 'You ll see me within 3 days I promise. Now take care and don't forget to check the mobile as often as you can ok?' Evra left with his bag slung over his shoulder before I could say anymore and he turned and waved as he left the tent.

By lunchtime Mr Tall realised Evra was missing and came over to see me. 'Jessie where is Evra?' I tried to keep my mind free of any thoughts of Evra incase Mr Tall was trying to get inside my head then I told him I had found a letter from Evra 'It was on his bed and it says to give it to you when you noticed he was missing'. Mr Tall read the letter then handed it to me, it read: Don't worry had to go and help a relative will be back in three days, trust me, I will be fine Evra.

Mr Tall was starring at me so I quickly thought about Evra's snake and how I had better look after it until Mr Tall looked away. Then he asked 'do you know where Evra has gone because if you do I need to know Jessie?' Well this was going to be tricky uuhhmmm 'I am sorry Mr Tall there is nothing I can tell you, I just hope he's ok. I had better get going as I ve got Evra's chores to do as well. See you later Mr Tall'. With that I shot off leaving Mr Tall starring after me and clutching the letter.

I worked hard all day then ate early. I had decided to have a very early night, as I didn't want Mr Crepsley quizzing me, he would be far worse than Mr Tall. I saw Gertha Teeth who was just getting some food and asked her to tell Mr Crepsley that as I had been working really hard all day I was going to bed early and would see him tomorrow. Gertha said she would pass the message on so I sprinted to my tent to put my red baggy bottoms and cropped black top on and hopped into bed. I didn't have to fake sleep, I was truly exhausted.

Larten went in search of food and the smell of bacon cooking led him straight to the campfire. He helped himself to a bacon roll then Gertha came to speak with him and passed on Jessie's message. Larten frowned 'why has Jessie been working so hard today'? Gertha looked upset then said 'oh you wont of heard, Evra's gone missing Mr Tall is beside himself with worry. Jess has been doing Evra's chores as well as her own'.

Larten suddenly wondered if Jessie was in fact asleep or had she decided to go and find Evra. With this worrying thought on his mind he flitted straight up to Jessie's bed then stood and watched his assistant who was quite obviously in a very deep sleep. Larten couldn't help but notice the dark rings under Jessie's eyes and he decided he would wake before sunrise to check she had been drinking blood. He gently pushed Jessie's hair out of her eyes and kissed her forehead then went to find Mr Tall.

Mr Tall sat close to tears and showed Larten his letter. 'I thought Evra had no family?' enquired Larten. 'That is why I am so worried, his parents are both dead and neither he nor I have any knowledge of any other relatives. There is something not right about this Larten, and I think Jessie knows what it is. I tried asking her earlier but she said very little then ran off, can you speak to her for me Larten. I know she has gone to bed, but I will not sleep tonight unless I know where he has gone and why' croaked Mr Tall. Larten thought Mr Tall was right, Jessie and Evra were best friends and told each other everything. 'I will wake her now, if she knows anything I will get it out of her for you. I will return presently'.

Larten walked over to Jessie's tent and stood by her bed. Jessie was lying flat on her back with one arm and one leg hanging over the side of the bed. Larten reached down and grabbed her arm and leg and jerked her up in the air. Jessie woke instantly and started hitting out at her attacker until she saw the familiar red trousers as she hung upside down. 'Mr Crepsley what the hell, put me down' screamed Jessie. Larten swung Jessie round until he had Jessie by the waist. He then carried her over to the old sofa under his arm like a parcel.

Jessie was so mad, who did he think he was. Next thing Jessie knew she was plonked on the old sofa with a mad looking Larten sat next to her. Jessie folded her arms and looked away from him she had never in her life been so annoyed. 'Jessie look at me' shouted Larten. Jessie ignored him, she felt she deserved an apology before she spoke to him. Larten grabbed Jessie and put her on his lap, then forced her to look at him. 'Jessie where is Evra' whispered Mr Crepsley. Jessie hated it when he whispered to her like this, she would of preferred him yelling at her. Jessie just pushed her lips together and folded her arms. She tried to turn away from him but it was impossible. 'I will ask only once more Jessie, where is Evra?' Right he asked for it thought Jessie, she suddenly pushed his hand off her chin and jumped up yelling at him 'why didn't you just wake me up by saying my name, why did you have to pull me up like that, it hurt. I am still here, where ever Evra has gone he knew I would not go with him because I wouldn't leave you. I WISH I HAD GONE WITH Him! I hate you'. Jessie was shaking all over with rage but regretted her last words, 'I m sorry, its just sometimes you make me so mad I don't hate you'. Jessie stood looking at the floor, shuffling her feet and rubbing her aching arm.

Mr Crepsley knew Jessie had a temper, but he wouldn't stand for it. 'Come here Jess'. Jessie looked up at him and took a few steps closer but within Larten's reach. Larten took hold of Jessie's hands and pulled her towards him gently. 'I am sorry if I hurt you, I have just left Mr Tall and I have never in all my years seen him so upset. Please tell me all you know about Evra's disappearence'.

'Mr Crepsley, its really hard because Evra is my best friend and he asked me not to say anything and he made me promise. If I tell you he will never speak to me again, and if I don't tell you, you will just get mad and shout at me some more'. Jessie leaned in to hug Mr Crepsley who carefully wrapped his arms around her. 'I do understand Jessie but please don't leave Mr Tall to worry all night he has always been so kind to you'.

Jessie stood in Mr Crepsley's arms whilst he gently rubbed her back. 'Mr Crepsley' whispered Jessie 'I think I know what to do, will you wait here a second and I will be straight back ok?' Larten frowned 'do not leave the Cirque Jessie….I mean it Jess?' 'ok I wont be long'. Jess ran out of the tent and went to the ladies loo, she went to the one furthest away which had an out of order sign on then climbed on the seat. Stuffed at the back was a bag with the mobile in. Jessie turned it on and noticing Evra had not rung she rang him. After a few seconds Evra answered 'Yes I am fine, please don't worry I am hiding in an old hotel across the road from some caravans. It is definitely a dodgy set up, I am going to sneak into the camp later tomorrow'. Jessie was horrified 'don't Evra it will be too dangerous promise me you wont. Also Mr Crepsley is not going to stop yelling at me until I tell him what you are doing and Mr Tall is in pieces worrying about you. Please tell me where you are Evra'. The other end of the phone went quiet then Evra said 'ok Jess I don't want you getting in trouble over this, tell them what I am doing but also tell them I can look after myself and not to worry ok. I am switching the phone off now so don't ring until I call you ok?' 'Yes ok Evra but please, please, please be careful ok'. Jessie looked down at the phone, Evra had gone. Jessie wandered back into her tent and held her hand out to pull Mr Crepsley up. 'Come on lets go and see Mr Tall' said Jessie. Larten smiled at her as they headed to his van.

Larten sat down next to Mr Tall and said 'I believe Jessie has something to tell us?' Jessie perched on one of Mr Crepsleys knees facing Mr Tall. 'Evra showed me a leaflet a couple of days ago; it was from another show called the Weird and Wonderful World. On it apart from things like the worlds strongest woman it also had for one night only a snake girl. Evra decided he had to see if the girl was happy and to see if they maybe related in some way. She is supposed to be on tomorrow night. Evra didn't ask me to go with him, it is something he wanted to do on his own, he said it maybe dangerous and that he still remembered how other shows had treated him. But he left me with a mobile and I have just rung him, he said he was in a hotel opposite the shows caravans and he thinks it's a dodgy set up. He said he was going to sneak in tomorrow. I begged him not to, but he said he would be fine.

Mr Tall looked worried and Mr Crepsley said to Jessie 'where is the mobile phone Jessie?'. The last thing Jessie wanted was for Mr Crepsley to take the phone off her, if Evra needed her, she would go to him. 'I still have it but Evra said he was switching his phone off now and he will ring me tomorrow'. Larten didn't like the sound of that 'I think Mr Tall had better look after the mobile Jessie'. 'No I have to hold on to it I promised Evra and he may need me to …well to talk to' grumbled Jessie. Mr Crepsley shot up and check Jessies PJ pockets, where have you hidden it Jessie, tell me now that is an order!' snarled Mr Crepsley. Before Jessie could say anything Mr Tall said 'I have heard of this Weird and Wonderful World show, I will leave tonight and find Evra. I can not have him creeping in, we will sort this out together. I have many contacts I am sure I can find out where they are situated because the man who runs it is indeed a crook, please excuse me'.

Mr Crepsley and Jessie both nodded at Mr Tall and then they both left with Mr Crepsley tugging Jessie along. 'Can I go back to bed now Mr Crepsley?' yawned Jessie. 'You may, after you have given me the mobile phone' Jessie stopped walking and looked up at Mr Crepsley and said 'I told you I have to keep the phone'. Mr Crepsley was getting mad, Jessie could tell, he started talking quietly and got really close to her face and whispered 'give me the phone now Jessie'. Oh no thought Jessie here goes 'its my phone, Evra gave it to me I don't see why you should have it' having said that Jessie took a step back as Mr Crepsley looked ready to explode. 'You only have things that I give you or allow you to have. I am your mentor and you do as I say. Give me the phone Jessie NOW!' Jessie truly didn't know what to do, and stuttered 'but, but if if Evra needs me, I promised him I would help him.' 'How do you propose helping him Jessie?'

Jessie gave this some thought then quietly replied 'I said I would do anything I could to help him and I will, he's my friend'. 'Right that's enough' bellowed Mr Crepsley 'Give me the phone NOW this is my final time of asking'. 'Fine I will get it for you but I want it back' Jessie stomped over to the toilets and retrieved the phone then threw it at Mr Crepsley as she made her way back to her tent. Mr Crepsley clipped the back of Jessie's head for her rudeness then flitted to catch Mr Tall.

Back at her tent Jessie quickly got Evra's old mobile out and whilst it was charging texted him to explain what had happened and to ring her on his old number. Thank goodness Mr Tall had never found this old phone thought Jessie. I hope Mr Crepsley never finds out what I have done!