Wrestling the Kraken

Bridgett

Bridgett

March 23,1971

The room was a buzz with isolated pockets of nervous conversations. Collectively, they all sounded like a single hum in the background, with a screech of laughter here and there. Bridgett sat forward, eyeing the stage and the trapeze in the air.

Looking around the room, she saw the others in elegant costumes, brightly colored, shimmering, feathers. She glanced down at her own costume. There wasn't much time to put something fancy together, so she put on what she usually wore to practice. A long sleeved bodysuit with lace on the sleeves, black stockings, and black heels. To dress it up a bit, she wore a black ostrich feather headband that she picked up on her way here.

She set her coat down and adjusted her feather. No one was paying her any mind, but she felt whispers and stares directed at her. Practicing alone was one thing, but this was her first time in front of an audience. The nerves fluttered in her veins, but mostly she was excited. Unsure, but excited.

The crowd silenced, as three figures made their way to the front row. She recognized Vivianne Cordova. The star of the Karras and Rossini Circus. Personally, she didn't think Vivianne was all that talented, but she did put on a good show.

Bridgett had been a fan of this circus for years. Their shows were grand and magical. Even though they had let go of many of their acts like the elephants, the horse trick riding and sideshow freaks, they were still able to remain popular. They put all of their focus into their acrobats and aerialist, while still managing to keep a few side acts like the flame thrower and contortionist. This allowed them to side step the backlash many circuses were facing now due to animal cruelty, while at the same time, allowing them entrance into places such as the Marshall Theater. It pushed them forward into a contemporary category. Much of that success belonged to Dante Rossini who sat next to Vivianne. Dante took up a position as Creative Director. He had a knack for it too and she loved the shows he designed.

The third one among them, an elderly gentleman, still regal and emboldened with fiery passion, was the Master of Ceremonies- or Ringmaster in the traditional sense. He waited until all lingering whispers had ceased to welcome everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Good day to you! My name is Martin Enasco. Master of Ceremonies at the Magnificent Karras and Rossini Circus. Tonight! This night! Will be a glorious night! We'll see what the city of Fox Hollow has to offer. A chance for the best to rise and join us!" He waved a hand around him at the stage. "To be adored by many and have your fate sealed among the stars!"

At this, the crowd applauded. Martin pulled out a card and began to read names. "Marco, Elena, and Giovanni. You will be the first group up."

They took to the stage and performed their group act. Music played from the accompanying band. A standard upbeat tempo. The trio leaped through the air with grace. The two, known as Marco and Giovanni, caught Elena without a slip. At the end of their act, breathless, they took a bow. The crowd applauded- except for the front row.

The next group was called, then the next, until the group auditions were done. Then came time for the solo acts.

"Bri-dg-ett Mar-low." Martin read, her name not rolling off the tongue as the others, and he clearly did not like it.

Bridgett got up and made her way to the stage. Martin gave her one look over and left without a word. She ignored the sting and turned to the musicians off to the side. Handing the conductor her own sheet music, she noted his hesitation. The conductor turned to face the front row and through their own puzzled brows, gave a nod of approval. Scanning the sheet, he looked her over, then proceeded to hand out the music to the band.