Written ✓

Ten

     Anne lay bare beside Phillip in the bed, her hands touching his chest as his firm arms held her waist. She felt warm and safe. She didn't want this moment to end. Phillip was already awake, his blue eyes twinkling up at the ceiling. Anne planted a kiss on his neck, snuggling herself closer to him for warmth.

     Phillip slowly turned his head to face her, stroking her cheek affectionately. "The joy to be found in winter's season is easily found with you."

     Anne smiled, she enjoyed him by her side. "Four more days until Christmas."

     "P.T's taking a temporary leave, he's out on vacation with Charity," Phillip began, getting out of bed and wrapping himself in a silk robe. "The circus ticket prices had increased."

     Anne surged out of bed, giving out a large yawn. She clothed herself in a coat and pants, throwing on a scarf and boots. "Are you ready for our movie?"

     Phillip politely brought his arm out, Anne slipped her hand under and they headed out the door happily, the cool winter wind joyfully blows through their hair.

***

     "Took you two long enough!" Lettie scowled, throwing Phillip his top hat. "Ten more minutes until showtime."

     Phillip nodded, catching the hat. Anne ran into the dressing room to change into appropriate attire when she bumped into a familiar face.

     "Anne," Damian scowled, licking the inside of his lips as he looked down at Anne's body. Anne shuddered when Damian rubbed his hips. "I see your–"

     Anne froze when Phillip walked up to them, punching Damian in the face. Phillip didn't like it. Phillip didn't like him.

     "You're fired," Phillip said, shoving him towards the exit. "Stay away from our life, do I make myself clear?"

     "You can't fire me," Damian scoffed ignorantly, dabbing at the red spot on his cheek. "The crowd loves me. As far as I know, they think that kiss was an act. They'll be suspicious if they don't see me again."

     Lettie emerged from the dressing room with anger on her face. "Just leave him be. Barnum will figure it out."

     Phillip and Damian shared heated gazes before Anne took Phillip by the waist and steered him away with a worried expression on her face. She felt guilty for him being like this. She held both his hands and stared into his eyes. "Can you please control yourself? It was nothing, Phillip. It meant nothing."

     "I kind of find that hard to believe, Anne." Phillip spat in annoyance, jerking his hands away as he slipped the top hat on his light brown hair. "We have to show to run."

     Anne looked at him with pleading eyes, opening her mouth to protest when her chest rose. She cupped her mouth, reaching out for an available trashcan and vomiting in it. Phillip whipped his head around, holding the stands of her hair out of her face and comforting her.

     "I'm alright," Anne insisted, her voice scratchy and dry. Her face red and her eyes swelled up. "I'm fine, just a little nervous is all."

     Phillip held her waist in concern. "Are you sure? Would you like to stay home?"

     "No. I'm fine," Anne replied, fixing her pink wig and rushing out to the stage. Was it something she ate? No, it couldn't be. She removed it out of her mind and put on a bright smile, heaving herself up onto the ropes and clinging on to them with W.D.

     Phillip emerged from the stage, and the audience gasped and cheered. Damian didn't look convinced, he gave him a light shove that looked more like a hug in front of the audience, and Phillip replied by patting him too harshly on the back, causing him to stumble. Anne shook her head as she glided around the room, letting her arms gracefully move around.

     Author's Note: Thank you SOOOO much for reading Ten! I wonder what'll happen next...! I love you Bookworms! Stay tuned for more! Don't forget to support me by SHARING and VOTING on this fanfiction! Also, FOLLOW me on Wattpad for more updates! Farewell!

- E.S.M (AuthenticBookworm)