At Your Service (Book Two)

Chapter 20 - The Show Must Go On

Vicência felt like she still sat facing the same mirror that she faced just this morning. The only difference now is that she is in the backstage of the main tent. Gathering closely to her were two makeup artists that were busy working on her appearance. One was attacking her face with face powder to make her look paler, and the other was arranging her beautiful hair into a bun after Vicência combed it herself.

She was the fourth in the queue to be worked on in the makeup station, under the orders of Santiago that the main stars of the show must be well-prepped before their parts go to a commence. The backstage was massive, big enough to fit a few hundred people. Performers were busy being clothed in the dressing room and a few of them were ready, waiting in the green room while some stagehands were busy in the equipment storage preparing everything.

While figurative chaos and calamity ensued in backstage, it's the outside that held the magical wonders of a circus the most. The air crackled with anticipation as dusk settled upon Salvador. The evening was fueled by triumphant circus music playing through speakers all around the venue.

Fireworks set off in the sky as a signal to welcome everyone in the city into the fantastic world of Vanderbilt Entertainment. Prompting show attendees to be excited were the loudspeakers that announced the performance being or to be shown next in the main tent. People were thrilled to take part in the event as they chattered and laughed in joy appraising the kaleidoscopic spirit of the circus.

A few employees sport matching red, yellow, and blue striped suits that fit with the colorful surroundings of the venue. Two of them stationed themselves by the single entrance. Another set of the guardful members of the venue was standing by the crowded food stands surrounded by people eager for snacks. Interestingly, most of the attire-matching employees that were guarding the main tent kept their positions by the backstage, their unfaltered focus watching over Vanderbilt's most valuable player.

Everyone that joined the venue would come with a promise of a wonderful time full of joy and laughter, but not always everyone.

"I hate clowns." Passing through the entryway was Swift, commenting on the circus employees dressed as clowns. He always has this uneasy feeling looking at their uncanny appearance, highlight on their facial makeup.

"So do most people," Tom added, following him through the entrance. "I'm surprised they aren't banned worldwide since they are one of the most feared things ever."

"They just don't look human. It's weird." Swift remarked. "Are you afraid of clowns, Tom?"

Tom shakes his head a little, "Kind of. They're a bit... off. In terms of looks." Right after, his nose acted out of control when he caught the scent of hot dogs from one of the colorful tents. "Food smells good."

"We're not here for a show, remember? We're here to get her out of this hellhole." Swift muttered as the two of them walked past a couple holding cotton candies.

"Maybe after?" Tom added, to Swift's amusement. The both of them walked collectively to the biggest tent in the circus grounds, blending in with the other patrons that were heading to the same tent. Before they could enter, they needed to go through a ticket booth, which thankfully Swift had the spare money for.

"Okay. You remember the plan?" Swift asked.

"Yeah, yeah. Split up, look for Vicência. Maybe sneak backstage if needed. I got it, I got it."

A troupe of agile acrobats appeared, their bodies being a canvas of strength and grace. They soared through the air, defying gravity with each elegant leap and twist. Gasps and oohs of amazement escaped the audience as they witnessed the seemingly impossible, their hearts racing in time with every daring move that the performers made.