Ah, love is in the air. Anne and Phillip are new newly-weds, enjoying the nice winter air. Phillip had surprised Anne with a grand white manor.
With the star-crossed lovers finally together, everything seemed perfect. Or that's what they though...
As expected, Anne got the flu. She woke up the next morning drowsy and hot. Nonetheless, she got out of bed, clearing her throat as she woke Phillip up.
"Hey..." She said quietly, stroking his hair tenderly as she kissed his forehead. "I'm off to the circus. If you need anything, there's cold soup in the fridge and medication in the drawers, and–"
"Hush," Phillip chuckled, covering his mouth to avoid coughing. "I'll be fine. Though I don't think I'll be able to attend tonight's show."
"That's okay. I'd rather you stay home than outside." Anne said quickly, a pang of sadness seeping through her. He's never missed a show before, but she only wanted the best for him. She quickly patted his shoulder, grabbing her coat and hat before heading out the door. "Christmas is in two weeks, I love you. Get well soon."
Phillip blew her a kiss as she started the automobile, driving yet again down the alleyway toward the city.
***
Lettie came barging into the circus with fury in her eyes, she held the newspaper in her trembling hands, waving it in Barnum's face.
"You idiot!" She screamed. "You slack off too much! You could've stopped this Nathaniel dude you–"
Barnum put his hands up in surrender. His brows furrowed as she put his hands on his hips testily. "Look who's talking!"
Lettie raised her hand up in shock and dramatic innocence. Anne barged into the conversation, snatching the newspaper and reading it sternly.
The Daily News
Friend or Foe?
Featured editor of The Daily News, Nathaniel Jackson, had recently been caught sexually harassing former trapezist Anne Carlyle. An unknown man stepped into the scene, seemingly protecting Miss Carlyle from the assault. Who is this man we hear? It's far too early to become suspicious, but it is quite intriguing. Nathaniel Jackson is hereby banned from The Daily News, his editorial badge was burned the moment after the 'circus act'.
Although Anne was surprisingly happy by the news of Nathaniel, she couldn't help but feel a pang fury in her body. Was the unknown man Damian? Oh no, dear God no. Damian is simply nothing more than a co-worker. She simply can't let him get involved. She stuffed the newspaper into Barnum's hands as she left to find Damian.
She saw him putting in his acrobatic uniform, his chest with nothing on it. Anne feebly walked over to him, looking him in the eye. Damian cocked his head, smirking.
"Hey there," Damian said coolly, throwing on his shirt as he turned to face her. "Why the long face?"
"I'm sorry, but the newspaper's suspicious about you," Anne said sheepishly, her lips tightening in pure guilt.
"I know," Damian put his hands on his neck as he stared up at the sky. "I read it this morning. So long as I'm anonymous, I'm perfectly fine. I would've done anything to protect you."
Anne smiled, nodding. "But still, I apologize."
Damian chuckled, taking one of Anne's hands as he softly looked at it. "You really are something, aren't you?"
Anne jerked her hand away, she didn't want to seem rude, but he didn't realize he was getting too close. She put her hands behind her back. She let out a harsh cough, cupping her mouth as she stumbled back.
Damian looked concerned, he placed his hand on her cheeks casually. But to Anne, she froze. "You're ill. You shouldn't be performing if you're ill, Anne."
"I'm fine." Anne lied, choking back an urge to wheeze. "I'm fine, don't worry about me."
"No, Anne, you're not," Damian said, stroking her cheek. "You should go home and rest. That'll do you some good."
Anne fought back the urge to punch him in the face. What did he think she was? A damsel? "I want to perform, and I will. No one is going to stop me. Again, I sincerely apologize for the small uprising the press conjured up. But I think it's a little inappropriate to touch a woman without her consent. I appreciate you trying to care for me. Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment."
Anne whipped her head around, facing the opposite direction, and strutting off. She needed to talk to one last person.
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Author's Note: Thank you all for reading Five! Please don't forget to follow me and share this book with your friends and fellow readers! I appreciate each and every one of you all! Also, I'm very open to fanfiction request, so feel free to comment! Don't forget to send your feedback :D! Farewell Bookworms!
