Chapter 10
The vacation had started out as kind of a drag. It rained for the first few days being there, but when it dried up, it was nice. We were in a condo overlooking a public swimming pool which was nice. The pool was closed to children after 8, but me being so tall I was able to pull off looking much older than 14. Mom and Annie would go to bed early, leaving dad and I to chill in the hot tub out by the pool as it started to rain. It was a warm rain, much warmer than at home and it was comfortable. The first day of the good weather hit and the first place we went to was the theme park. Animal Kingdom I believe it was. I couldn't remember half of what there was to do, that's how much fun it was. Down Town Disney was probably one of my favorite places though. Although it lacked in rides, there were a lot of things to watch.
A couple days before it was time for us to pack up in go home; I was standing down by the pool. It was dark, like 9:30 or so, Dad had gone inside to shower and get ready for bed. As I got out I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around me. A pamphlet fell to the ground with a clicking thud and rested at my feet. Quickly I bent down and scooped it up –getting it soaked would only make it difficult to read.
Lifting it to the lamp by the edge of the pool I read it out loud. "Welcome to the Cirque Du Freak: A world of Adventure and Mystery." My heart stopped. A pamphlet to the Cirque Du Freak? I looked at where it was being held and memorized it. Grabbing my stuff I ran to the condo, careful not to crush the little lizards that littered the sidewalks. Running up the steps I stopped out the door and caught my breath. Arriving flushed and panting would make my parents ask questions, and what would I tell them? What could I tell them?
Once breathing normal I pushed the door to the condo open and walked in, drying off. There was a map of the roads and shops around the area that came with the condo. Walking over I looked around, noting mom and dad in the kitchen, the shower running. "Annie in the shower?" I asked, forcing a disappointed tone out. They nodded, sipping on some coffee standing by the sink.
"Yeah, she might be in there a while." Mom replied, shooting me an apologetic look. I shrugged and sat at the bar. I stared at the counter for a second, making it seem like I was bored. Reaching forward I grabbed the road map and opened it, making it seem that I was just looking through it for something to do, all the while repeating the address in my head.
Finding the address I stopped on it and saw that the Cirque was being held in a building that had burnt down recently. It was about a thirty minute walk from condo, but it would be worth the trek. Closing the book I stood and headed for my bedroom. "Mom, do you think I could have some money?" I asked, closing my door most of the way.
"Sure honey, what for?" She questioned from the kitchen.
"I found a cool shop downtown that I want to stop by tomorrow so I can pick some stuff up for Alan." I lied. I wanted money to buy stuff from the Cirque, but she didn't need to know that.
"Ok, I'll give it to you tomorrow. Would you like to use the shower in our room?" She questioned, the sound of her coffee cup clinking against the metal in the sink.
"Nah, it's good. I'll just head to bed. Night mom." Pulling my clothes off I hung them up to dry out on the balcony and got into my pjs. Heading back into my room I closed the door and shut the light off. I listened to them talk for a while, wondering why I was so eager to go to bed all of a sudden, dad saying something along the lines of I was excited for tomorrow to come, then everything went silent as I fell asleep, my dreams filled with the images of the exotic Cirque, and Steve's face when I told him I went and saw the Cirque for a second time.
CDF
The anticipation was too much for me. As the date for the Cirque drew closer, I began to get antsy. Finally the day came. But there was a problem. How was I supposed to get out? I couldn't sneak out the window like I did at home, but yet again, we were in a Condo. The walls were thick and I could always sneak out the front door.
Getting dressed I grabbed the map and slipped my shoes on. Carefully –and as quietly as I could- I snuck from my room, through the kitchen and to the door. Gently opening it I closed it, the door clicking loudly. I winced and waited for the door to fly open and mom to come rushing out, asking what I was doing, but nothing happened. Checking to make sure I had the correct Condo key I turned and headed towards the stairs that lead to the front of the complex. Pulling my map out I checked the path and ran, my heart pounding in excitement in my ears.
When I got there, I stopped and noticed that it was an old abandoned building. It looked to be a theater, or a museum that had gone out of business. Inhaling I walked forward, my hand dishing out the money in my pocket. Sure enough, standing by the door was one of those little creatures. Stopping I smiled and handed him the pamphlet to show him I was supposed to be there. It took the pamphlet and handed me a ticket, his hand outstretched for money. Exchanging some money for a ticket, I headed on inside but was stopped by a tall, dark, looming figure.
"Welcome back." The man smiled, his black teeth sparkling a bit. "You enjoy our show last time?" I swallowed, still feeling nervous around him.
"Y-yeah, it was amazing. I can't wait to see what kind of line up you have now." He smiled as I squeaked. "Do you still have the performing spider?" I quickly blurted before he turned his back on me to head inside.
"Why don't you wait, and find out?" He grinned, then vanished into the darkness. The walkway on the inside of the doors lit up with torches mystically. I stared in awe, a feeling in my gut telling me I shouldn't go in, but my feet seemed to move on their own.
Heading inside I followed, I spotted a small garden snake slither across the floor. I gasped and jumped back, taken aback a bit, but when it stopped and propped itself up, I realized that maybe…maybe it was a part of the act?
I took a step forward and it started down the hall again. Following it I saw it slip under two large double wide doors. Reaching out I pulled the doors open and there, every seat in the house full, was the stage. I smiled, my heart fluttering. I walked forward, my eyes taking in everything. I felt like I was at home watching it in the theater.
Finding a seat up front I sat down and waited. Once everyone got there who was supposed to be there, the lights dimmed and everyone settled down. The Cirque owner came out –I couldn't remember if he told us his name or not- and smiled, stretching out his arms as if expecting to embrace the crowd.
"Ladies, and Gentlemen. Children, and adults," He looked out over the crowd, his voice silencing everyone. "Humans, and freaks alike. Welcome, to the Cirque Du Freak!" Everyone cheered, including me, hooting and hollering. "I," He spoke again, everyone settling down. "I am Mr. Tall, your host for tonight." He grinned and looked at me. "And oh do we have a wonderful line up for you tonight. I must tell you now, ahead of time, I am not held responsible for the injuries, or death you might sustain tonight, so if you are easily frightened, or have any phobias, or fear death or bodily harm, leave now." He waited. Nobody got up. They just looked around like they were expecting someone to get up and leave, but when no one did he clasped his hands together and grinned. "Good, now, shall we start?" Again the crowd cheered.
We went through the first act which was the Wolf-man. He did his usually stuff; only this time, no one was attacked. Next were the twins, Sive and Seersa. A new woman came out though, a smile on her face. Standing in front of us she turned and opened her mouth.
"Hello everybody." She spoke. Her voice was Russian sounding. She was gorgeous with short, shoulder length black hair. She wore a Native American looking bikini –the cloth that Native Americans would use for their clothes and decorated the same way- with leather chaps and cowboy boots. It seemed weird. I wondered what she was going to do. "My name is Crisian." She smiled. In the back a man screamed something that pissed me off.
"Take your top off!" he hollered, his friends laughing.
"Grow up!" I snarled. The others laughed, even the freak on stage.
"Piss off you little ankle biter!" He shouted back. "Not everyone can be a fag like you!"
"Shut up!" Crisian stepped in. "Sir, if you do not keep quiet and let me move on with my act I will kill you myself." She growled her eyes narrow and serious. He kept quiet, everyone falling silent as well. Smiling she shifted, her arms crossing. "Now, seeing how my little knight in shining armor came to rescue me, how about he come up and join me on stage." She looked at me, winking. I swallowed. I was doomed. I didn't want to be called out in front of everyone! "Come now, don't be shy." She motioned me up. Come on Darren! How many people can sit there and say they got to participate in a freak show?
Shakily I stood up and climbed up on stage. The lights were hot on my back as I joined her. Reaching forward she smiled and lightly grabbed my shoulder. "What's your name darling?" She questioned. I choked, everyone eyes on me. I didn't think I was going to speak. Then Steve's face passed through my mind and I smiled. I got to tell him I was part of the act! That I was called on stage and he wasn't!
"Darren." I replied. She smiled.
"Ooo, Darren huh? I had a boyfriend named Darren about 10 years ago. He was quite a looker. Strong, handsome, and big, if you know what I mean." She laughed lightly. The crowd whooped for a bit as my face flared up. Signaling for everyone's silence, she turned back to me. "Ok Darren, I want you to reach your hand into my mouth and grab a key, which is shaped like this." She held up a key, the end of it a spiked ball. I looked at her shocked, but before I could protest, she opened her mouth up, unhinging her jaw. Everyone started shouting for me to do it. Biting my lip, I closed my eyes and reached forward, putting my fingers into her mouth first.
Her tongue squirmed around them teasingly, causing the heat in my cheeks to flare up all over again. Carefully I pushed my hand forward and into her throat. She didn't even so much as gag as I continued pushing my hand in. First up to my wrist, then half way up to my elbow, elbow and before I knew it, I had my whole arm in her stomach. I grimaced as slime wrapped around my arm. I could feel it pulsing and constricting around my arm, then loosening again.
It was a few seconds before my fingers slid across the ball of the key. Grabbing it I slowly pulled my arm out with the key. Removing my arm completely I looked at the object and saw that it wasn't a key, but was in fact a book mark. A solid gold book mark with a ball on one end. Everyone was silent through the act, but was now cheering loudly. "Congratulations." She spoke, her voice not affected by it at all. "Take that, darling, as a parting gift." She winked.
"Th-thanks." I stuttered, as she led me off stage and back to my seat. From then on out she finished up her act where she pulled her lower intestine out of her stomach and used it as a lasso. After she was up Gertha Teeth was next, then Rhombius Twobellies. The lights fizzled out, everything pitch black. The room got cold, my heart pounding.
"Keep very quiet." Mr. Tall's voice spoke out over the murmuring of the crowd. Everyone fell silent and listened. Something slithered over my foot, causing me to jump a bit, looking down.
"Ssscare you?" A voice whispered in my ear, sounding snakish. I stiffened up, feeling a pair of legs brush up against mine. I couldn't see a thing, but the voice…it sounded so familiar. The lights flickered on and right in front of me, a large boa constrictor wrapped around his shoulders, was the snake boy. He looked gorgeous; his hair feathered a bit, his face inches from mine, his large gold eyes peering into mine. Everyone gasped. He pulled back and smiled, his scales shimmering in the light. "Scared?" The boy asked, noting how stiff I was. A flood of snakes came from the back, slithering all around the theater. People started screaming. "Wimps," the boy whispered.
I felt mesmerized as the boy watched the chaos as people jumped over their seats to escape the tidal wave of snakes. His eyes weren't even on me. Reaching forward, I gentle dragged my fingertips across his scales. His flesh jumped a bit, his eyes sparking, shooting to me as my fingers glided from his collar to his hip. He exhaled hard, his eyes hard on me, his jaw tight. I couldn't read his expression, but the slits in his eyes dilated. Suddenly a smile snaked across his face. A twisted smile as he stepped forward so my hand was against him completely. "Go ahead, stroke me some more, if your heart desires." He grinned wildly. All over again I felt my face flush with heat. Laughing he pulled away, removing his snake from his shoulders. "You're the first crowd member to ever touch me. Cherish that." Jumping up on stage he turned and whistled. All of the snakes stopped and rushed back to him.
The rest of the snake boys act was his manipulation of the snakes, then he was off. Immediately after was the performing spider, Madame Octa. Just like before I was entranced. I knew from the moment she started performing that I needed her. I had to have her. And perhaps, if I ever met up with Sera again, I could show Madame Octa to her. I absolutely…needed her.
The show ended with a closing from the snake boy, then everyone got up to leave. I followed them out. My eye caught a door off to the side. Carefully I slipped out of the crowd and in through that door. I found that it was another hallway that lead to another part of the building. It lead in behind the stage which was perfect. But, I knew I couldn't go and get her just yet. I needed to wait until the crowds died down. I would wait for the crowd to die down, then sneak towards wherever she's being held, take her and run. I'd tell my parents I bought her from a vendor and he won't take her back. Then I could rub it in Steve's face that while he raped me and Evan, I got to see the Cirque du Freak again, touch the snake boy, be apart of an act and I had the poisonous spider! God he was going to be so jealous!
I waited, and hour and a half passing, I slipped back into the darkness, making my way down the hall. Spotting a door I opened it only to find a huge room with a coffin on the inside, the spider in a box on a table. I smiled, my heart racing. Walking forward I carefully leaned down, looking at Madame Octa closer. "Hi Madame." I whispered. Carefully I picked up the box and looked over at the coffin. I wasn't sure if he was in there or not, but I didn't want to find out either. Holding the box carefully I made my way through the room to the back door and slipped through it. I found myself out on the stage. Stopping I looked around, being careful so as not to be caught, listening carefully.
Nothing. Smiling I moved forward quickly and jumped off the stage. Whirling around I put the cage on the stage and looked at the whistle. It was linked up so that I had to open the cage to get it. Unlatching the door I slipped the key out but a slithering noise stopped me dead in my tracks, the whistle still in my hand.
"What do you think you're doing?" A hiss sounded behind me. "You're not supposed to be here right now." It was the snake boy, but he didn't sound angry, he sounded confused, just curious. Turning I saw him standing in the aisle between rows of chairs. He looked at me for a second then gasped once he saw what I had. "What do you think you're doing!" He ran forward. Grabbing my shirt he pulled me away from the stage, spinning me a bit. "You're stealing a poisonous spider?" He screeched at me. I stared at him horrified, my heart racing.
"I-I…n-no I…I just wanted a closer look at her." I lied, stuttering.
"You could have asked! Mr. Crepsley's going to kick your ass so hard you'll be shitting the soles of his shoes for a month!" He cried out, turning back to the spider. Walking over he opened the cage and stopped, stiffening up. "Where is she?" He whispered. He turned on me, his eyes wide with fear. "Where is she?" He whimpered.
"I..I don't know, she…she's not in there?" I pointed.
"Of course she's not in here! I wouldn't have asked if she was!" He screeched at me angrily, fear still obvious in his voice. "Where is she!" He screamed, suddenly he stopped, his head dropping. On his leg was the furry spider. He gasped, staring at her. Carefully he leaned down to try and gently pick her off, but it was too late. As if seeing what he was planning, she slammed her fangs into his leg and jump. The snake boy shrieked, hitting the floor. I gasped and ran forward to help him anyway I could, but it was too late. He curled up, losing consciousness.
I rested my hand on him, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my teeth. Looking at the spider, I quickly grabbed her and threw her into the cage, slamming it shut. I didn't know what to do, and I was panicking. I couldn't just leave and not get him help, but at the same time, I knew that if I did run to find help, I was going to be killed! I paced, pulling at my hair. Suddenly I saw a snake slithering off back stage, into the darkness. I stared at the darkness for a minute or two before a figure showed up. I gasped and cried, cradling my head. I was dead. I was so dead.
"What is going on in here?" The man with the red hair and scar came out. He looked at Madame Octa then at me and glowered. "You, what do you think you are doing?" He snarled. Then it clicked and he stomped forward. Grabbing the cage he swept the spider and the cage up and under his arm. "You were trying to steal her!" He snarled.
"Please, she…sh-she bit," I choked, my face drenched. I felt like a pansy, but I didn't mean anyone to get hurt from it.
"What?" He boomed. "She bit someone?" He looked at me shocked, fear in his eyes. He stopped and looked to the floor, and gasped. "Evra!" He jumped off the stage and scooped him up into his arms. "What happened!" The man growled viciously.
"I-I," I stuttered more, trying to calm down enough to tell him what happened. "I..I wanted Madame Octa, so…so I was going to take her and leave, but he stopped me and she got out, and he was screaming at me so she attacked him." I choked. "C-can you help him?" He sighed and stood up, picking the boy up.
"The antidote I have is made for humans, not his kind. I will have to travel to get an antidote for him made specially." Heading for the spare room with the coffin he growled. "Follow." Not hesitating I jumped up onto the stage and ran after him, following. Opening the lid to the coffin, he laid the snake boy in the coffin and laid him down.
"I…I hope you can save him." I looked at the coffin, biting my lip. The man turned on me, his forehead crinkled.
"Me?" He snorted. "I am not going by myself! You are going with me." He replied. My heart skipped a beat.
"What? I can't! I have to get home! I don't live here! I have to get back to my parents so we can get ready and leave the day after tomorrow!" I cried out distressed.
"You should have thought about that before you stole my spider!" He snarled back. "You have no choice! Take responsibility for your actions!" He turned and put the spider back on the end stand. "Besides, you will be handy for when I cannot move around in the sunlight." He muttered, getting his stuff ready.
"What do you mean?" I asked, feeling as if I were going to cry again. "What kind of freak are you?" Turning he looked at me seriously and sneered.
"What do you mean what am I? It is obvious what I am. I cannot go out in sunlight, I sleep in coffins." He shouldered a bag. Pulling out a small vile he dripped it into the bite mark on the snake boys leg. I thought about it for a second, then stopped, remembering the creatures in Steve's old comic books.
"A vampire."