Mouse

chapter thirty one

 

By the time Ricardo was preparing to finally do his triple somersault way above my head, I was joined by his Mother and father, who stood next to me along with Lisa; all of us had our eyes glued towards the trapeze act high in the tent above our heads.

The Ring Master having announced what Ricardo was going to attempt to do, now stood aside, and the spot lights concentrated up near the roof of the Big Top shining on Ricardo and Alex.

There was almost silence except for the sound of the drum roll and a few of the children in the audience shouting and talking.

Alex had taken his position hanging upside down on his trapeze bar, going back and forth, and Ricardo was on the platform with his sisters grabbing the Trapeze at his end, then launching himself into the air.

I found I was almost holding my breath and going tense, poor little George wriggled and cried in protest making me realising I was holding him tighter than was comfortable, so I immediately slackened my grip and kissed him on the forehead soothing him in apology

Part of me didn't want to watch, but at the same time I could not tear my eyes away as Ricardo build up the momentum, swinging back and forth.

The drumming stopped when he released his hold on the trapeze, his body curling up into the position as he launched into thin air, flipping and twirling deftly once, twice, three times.. then he reached out and caught Alex's hands, and I felt myself sag with pure relief as the crowd roared and cheered in delight.

With a quick twist Ricardo launched himself back onto his own trapeze and swung his way back onto the platform where his sisters stood. Giving a triumphant bow

He had done it! My adrenalin levels had probably shot through the circus roof as I hugged George in delight, just glad that it was all over with. Then turned and hugged Ricardo's parents as well.

Then I found there were tears in my eyes, as I suddenly found myself thinking about my Grandfather.

Afterwards, when Ricardo and the others were on the ground again, I watched as his family and circus comrades gathered around him to congratulate him, I remained standing a little way apart from them.

I had George, who was tired being in my arms and wanted down to walk around, I was standing holding his hand, so he couldn't run off and disappear amongst the 'After show melee' of everyone still rushing about.

Ricardo was grinning like a Cheshire cat; he was obviously still hyped up from his success as he received hugs and was patted on the back in joyful congratulations.

Then glancing around, he caught sight of me standing in the background.

In truth we had hardly exchanged two words in private all day, because I had been with my Father and Isabel for most of the time and he had been practising and rehearsing for tonight's show.

So I had just expected him to smile or wave in acknowledgment to me, but instead he pushed through the crowd around him, making a beeline in my direction.

The next thing I knew his arms had swooped around me, practically lifting me of my feet in a tight embrace that made me almost gasp for air. The unexpected surprise of it all made me laugh a little, as I found myself looking into his dark eyes, which were still dancing with excitement

"I did it!" he then said in triumph

"I know," I smiled, now letting my arms go around his neck, "and I know my Grandfather would be so proud of you tonight, just as I am," I told him a little shakily suddenly overcome with emotion

He smiled back, then planting a wet sloppy kiss on my mouth, before glancing down, realising George was crying for his attention at my side.

Chuckling, Ricardo released me so he could heave George into his arms and kissed him too, much to our son's delight.