Big Top

Chapter 21

Harry's pov

After a week or so, the lashes on my back started to heal and the pain lessened. Life went on even though it felt like it wouldn't. I got back to work with Rosie, poor thing acted like she missed me. When I saw her she wrapped her trunk around me and pulled me close to her, scared me to death for a second because I thought she was going to crush me. But she just held me tightly, making me laugh and hug her back.

Richard went back to talking normally to me as if nothing had ever happened. Believe me, I wasn't expecting any apology, but it still stung a bit. I tried my best not to talk to him at all, but since he's my boss that didn't work so well. He got a different lighting guy, thank goodness. I didn't like that job in the first place.

Today we have one of our night shows so there is a lot of free time for the performers. I was in the tent with Rosie when Martha and Audrey came in to see me. Audrey didn't look as bad as she did a week ago, but she didn't look completely better. Martha had an austere look on her face as they strode across the ground toward me. "Harry, we have a problem." She bluntly stated.

"What's the problem?" I asked. I picked up my bag, sensing there was something wrong I would need it for.

"Come with us."

***

"Martha, What's wrong? Why have you brought us all here?" Louis asked, sitting next to me. Martha brought Louis and I to his car, saying she and Audrey needed help. I didn't know what for, but it seemed serious.

"Audrey," She stopped pacing and looked at Audrey, "tell them." I was beyond confused.

"Why should I tell them?" Audrey spat back.

"Because they can help you." She pointed out.

"Help with what?" I asked cautiously. Audrey looked at both Louis and I with a grimace on her face.

"I-I'm pregnant." I watched Louis's face go white and I'm sure mine did the same. All she could do in the silence was look at us, pleading through her eyes for us to say something.

"P-pregnant?" Louis croaked, "How can you be pregnant?" All these questions were running through my mind but I couldn't make my mouth move. Louis has always been protective over Audrey. I think he sees her as a little sister, and the more I've gotten to know her I have as well. "Did Richard do this?!" His face contorted to anger and I could see the rage fuming as he fisted his hands.

"N-no." She shook her head, a tear falling from her eye. Louis bound to his feet and started pacing the floor.

"One of the roustabouts?! A performer?!"

She cried, "No, no." That was all she could get out.

Louis was getting so angry that Audrey had started full on crying, I had to step in. I stood and gently grabbed his arm to bring him back to the sofa. Thankfully he did, his breathing returning to a normal rate. "Then who?" He calmed his voice to the best of his ability for her.

"I don't e-even know who he is." She sobbed, curling her arms around herself, she was so thin right now, it nearly looked unhealthy. "I-it happened at one of the shows. He offered me $300, I-I couldn't pass it up, Louis." She wiped tears from her face.

"Why on earth would you need $300, Audrey? What were you going to do with that much money?" Louis asked her. I found it best just to sit back and let the two of them talk, there was no use in having two people interrogate her.

"I-I have a sister. She's in an orphanage in Kansas." She confessed, "She's two years old. When mom and dad died, the orphanage said they couldn't afford to keep us. So, I made a deal that if I went out and made the money to send back to them they would keep, Jean. That $300 paid for the rest of the year." She explained to us. I think it's safe to say we were all beyond surprised.