Cirque Periculum

Chapter 4.2

The rest of the celebration went by as a blur of faces and noises to Connor. Riley's voice kept echoing in his head. I'd say it's a bad thing. Connor realized that even to the freaks he was a freak, destined to be ostracized by his new peers and possible friends.

Adam didn't seem to care about Connor's potentially extra gift. He still chattered on about one thing or another. Connor just nodded his head and thought about how he could get out of this situation.

He was glad when the sun began to set and Mr. Summertin guided them both towards a tent.

"You'll have to share I'm afraid," he said as he stopped in front of the flap that led inside. "Training will start with the rise of the sun, so please be up and on time. You'll start with me. Good night boys."

Adam and Connor muttered their responses and entered the tent. It seemed smaller than the other tents, but they easily fit. Two cots were set up on opposite sides with a small table against the back. Other than that, it was just four canvas walls that sloped above them to a canvas ceiling. Connor let Adam pick which cot he wanted and then he went to the other one. He found a small pile of clothes at the head of it, but saw they were too small.

"These clothes are too big," Adam complained behind him.

"Those must be mine then. Here are yours," Connor said patiently. He took the clothes and changed out of the worn ones he was in. He found the pants were stained with blood and the shirt torn from his jump for the train. The new clothes consisted of black jeans and a gray hoodie. He noted the extra length between the bottom of his pants and the top of his shoes. His eyes turned to his shoes, weathered Converse sneakers, and turned to his bed to find bright blue high top vans with a white stripe down either side. He slipped them on and found that they fit perfectly.

Adam looked at the shoes jealously. His new pair were brown hiking boots, but they seemed to suit him. Connor took the shoes off and sat them next to his bed before crawling in.

"It isn't too bad here, is it?" Adam asked.

Connor smiled. "Nah. I mean, it'd probably be better if people weren't mad at me."

"Why would they be mad at you?"

"My extra gift."

Adam looked at me with a confused expression. "I thought it was cool that you had two. I wish I did!"

"I don't know why, but I'll find out tomorrow I bet."

Adam turned the lamp on the table off and laid down on his bed. He turned to me. "Are you excited about your instructors?"

I contemplated lying, but figured that he'd figure it out eventually. "I am about Meridian, but Mr. Salem already hates me."

"Why?"

"When I snuck onto the train during the performance, it was his train car I snuck into. He caught me."

"Oh," Adam said. "Well hopefully it goes well then."

"Yeah. How do you feel about your instructor?"

Adam rolled onto his back. "I don't know yet. I'll find out tomorrow."

Nothing followed after that other than the noises of the settling performers nearby. After a while, Adam's slow and rhythmic breathing reached Connor's ears. Soon Connor felt his eyes droop as he fell asleep.

***

A lot has happened in Chapter 3! If you haven't already, go back and vote if you would love to have one of Connor's gifts. Or if you liked the chapter of course!