Black Butler and the Modern Reader S1

54 | Unfortunate Band Of Freaks •

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Your POV:
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     As luck would have it, The Emory Freak Show was open for try outs! Welcoming all freaks who felt they didn't have a place in the world, offering them work and a home. How charitable. I wasn't buying that nice act for a second, not after all I've seen. I arrived on scene early morning before the freak show opened its gates to visitors, the time allotted for the unusual who had interest in becoming star performers. There weren't too many others, but I was sure to blend amongst them in my clever disguise, though it wasn't much of a disguise at all, but my true godly form. My skin flickered with pixels, making me stand out like a sore thumb. It was perfect.

     Who would have ever guessed that the man in the main tent who was introducing the original members was Mr. Emory himself? It was him and his wife, Emily Emory who interviewed me. The second I stepped into view, their expressions seemed to light up.

     "Aren't you a vision! A spectacle unlike anything I've ever seen! Magnifique!" I acted humble, thanking the man for his kind words as though I've never heard them before.

     "I appreciate your kind words, good sir. See, I've come searching for a place to belong. I was abandoned by my family when I was very young. I had no where to go, and no one would ever look twice at me. When I heard about your show, I was so thrilled! I thought it would be the perfect place. I would be so happy if you might consider me joining. I promise to be of good use to you." I falsified an accent, though my features were distorted enough that no one but a person close to me would recognize my face. I had to be cautious.

     "I can tell you're an honest girl. Do not fret, my lady! We've made this place a sanctuary for the unusual and unwanted! We offer food and a place to sleep, in exchange for your services."

      'So, not even proper payment, huh? Greedy bastard.' After seeing the amount of business this place rakes in, the least he could do was spread the wealth around to those who actually filled his pockets. However, I supposed to someone less fortunate, free meals and a place to lie your head at night was a luxury in its own right. Even so, I could see right through those fake smiles and flattery.

     "Really? That sounds great!"

     "Yes, I'm sure the crowds will just adore you! Don't you think so, my dear Emily?" The old man smirked at his wife, who grinned right back at him as if I were blind.

     "Absolutely! She'll fit in perfectly with the others."

     "Why don't you go get acquainted with your fellow cast-mates? Before opening, we like to let the others stretch their legs and help out."

     "Thank you so much, Mr. Emory, Sir. You won't regret this!" Oh, but I'm sure he will if my intuition is right. I bow my head gratefully before walking out of the tent, taking the opportunity to investigate without the crowds. My form caught the stares of many, even the so-called freaks, which was a bit unnerving. I couldn't distinguish the emotions behind the glances, though some were haughty while others were fearful. Many watched dully, with neutral expressions, as if they were zombies. Not paying attention, I accidentally bumped into someone carrying an oversized crate, sending me straight to the floor, while the other person didn't budge an inch.

    "I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was— Huh?" The man who I recognized as The Strongman kept walking as though I was never there. Well, that's very welcoming. Though I did just ram into him, so I'll let it slide. Sighing, I sweep off the dirt from my clothes. "No manners."

     I decide to try my luck at the meal line, where most everyone was gathered to receive their rations of breakfast. It was there I spotted the Skeleton Twins, who even with their faces hidden under their potato sacks were unmistakable. They sat in their shared cage with the door wide open, legs dangling off the edge of the cart with no food in sight. Maybe they just weren't hungry? Deciding to introduce myself, I walk up, but do my best not to startle them when I call out. They seemed a little skittish last week met.