I walked down the corridor to the dining hall with Austin, trying to look inconspicuous as we entered the room with our hands linked. Although, I think everyone already knew about our relationship.
I got my food and sat down at a table, which Gabs and Jonathan were already sitting at. They weren't talking, as usual. They never do, but, I think they secretly like each other. I started to eat, as I waited for Austin to join our table, then remembered that he had a meeting with the other staff about the bus arrangement.
Great, I'm stuck with the love birds (I don't know whether I can actually call them that ever since they have never shown any romantic interest in each other at all). I wasn't even eating now, just playing with my food, like a toddler. Waiting for time to pass. I didn't even notice Jonathan had gone, until Gabs tried to make small talk.
"So, what do you think of the circus? Sounds fun, right?"
"Yeah, should be good." I said as I was still playing with my food. When she didn't answer, I looked up. The house-mum had called an announcement. She discussed the arrangement of the buses.
Dinner over already? I suppose I wasn't eating anyway. We all took our plates to the trough and left them there for the kitchen staff to clean, while we all went to our rooms to get ready. Gabs and I returned to our room and I sat on the bed while she was getting into warmer clothes.
I strongly dislike my "parents". If only they'd left in that orphanage. I probably would've been happier than I am now. Much happier. I don't get it. Me? Of all the kids that would've been there, they chose me. It's not even like I came with money or anything.
"Are you alright?" Gabs sounded concerned and it was only then that I realised that I was crying.
"Umm, yeah I'm fine." I said trying to subtly wipe away the tears. I really wasn't, but I didn't want her to share the load of my terrible family.
"I think the food was just a bit spicy." I said, not liking to lie.
"We had sausages and mash potato."
"Umm, I must've gotten pepper on mine..."
Gabs gave me a weird look, then pulled me along with her outside. The air was cold and crisp with bone-chilling abilities. We got on the bus as Austin did a head count of the kids. We sat up the back, away from the others and stared out the window for the entire time. Gabs wasn't much of a talker. Neither was I.
It was a short ride, considering that the hostel was in town. The bus arrived and we all piled off at the foot of the circus tent. A box of popcorn was shared between two and we sat up the back, in the cheaper seats. It was dark inside with no sign of life. Then, the lights turned on.
YOU ARE READING
The Ringmaster's Keeper
Fantasy"This year's challenge," Claudius said as the medieval bridge lowered behind him, "is them." He took a step to the side and gestured towards him. Austin. When Beth is sent to a magician's mind to retrieve her boyfriend's memory of her, she finds o...
