Looper Circus

Chapter 3

The next day, storms came.

It was pouring down rain, the dirt roads leading to the circus were muddy messes. Anyone who didn't own a giant 4 wheel drive truck couldn't come out.

We decided to cancel the shows for tonight, it would cost us more money to put on a show that no one comes to than it would to cancel it. We took the opportunity to practice on new routines.

Around noon, a black Ford F150 pulled up, the tires covered in mud.

Weston jumped out, his jeans tucked into work boots.

"Hey girl." He greeted with a smile.

His dimples showed, he gestured to his truck.

"Want to go mudding?" He asked

"Mudding?"

"Yeah, haven't you ever been?" He looked confused.

"I've never heard of it. Remember, I'm a homeschooled, friendless loser?" I laughed

"Get in the truck, I'm going to blow your mind." A sly grin appeared on his face.

I looked behind me at the tent, my uncles would be so pissed if they found out I left to go hang out with someone. I'm not allowed to have friends.

But there was a voice inside me yelling to just go. Have fun and break the rules for once and just let go.

I bit my lip, debating with myself.

"Come on, Hails.." He drawled, grabbing my hand and gently pulling me towards his truck.

"My name is Hailey," I snapped, "And I don't know, my uncles would be pissed if they found out..." I took a baby step towards the truck.

He opened the passenger side door for me, "Live a little."

My resolve completely faded.
"Fuck it, let's go." I grinned. He fist pumped in delight, letting out a small whoop.

We both jumped in the cab of the truck and took off.

"Buckle your seat belt." He warned me.

I did as I was told.

"So what even is mudding?" I asked.

"You just drive through crazy mud piles!" He laughed.

I felt disappointed, "That's it? You just drive in mud?"

He looked puzzled, "Well, yeah."

"That's what this town does for fun?"

He looked slightly offended, "What did you do for fun in your hometown?"
"I don't have a home town. I don't think I've stayed in one place for longer than a year." I shrugged.

He pulled onto the main road, heading to the other side of town. It was silent for a while.

"Can I ask you something?" He broke the silence.

"What?" I asked wearily.

"Why are you living with your uncles on the road with a traveling circus?"

I looked out the window at the small building passing by.

"My parents died when I was eight. Lucas is my mom's brother and was the only other family I had." I felt a pang in my chest. I missed my mom.

The rain picked up, it was raining so hard, we couldn't see the road.

"Fuck," Weston muttered under his breath.