Freak Show

Naming Ceremony

We entered a big tent with all of the kids chosen for the "Clown Group" last night. There were 20 odd of us in there, all chattering and talking about costumes. Then, the clown man, C1R1, stood and spoke, loud and clear. He got everyone one of us, one by one to go up and he'd give us a name. Me, Laura and Thomas watched as the first group slowly walked up. He announced their names. After a few more groups, it was our turn. My legs were trembling under me but I managed to pull a brave face.

The man looked at Laura, thought about bits and said, loudly, Penny.
She looked me in the eyes and fear ran through me, her eyes went blank. I shook my head, trying to stop hallucinating, but then I saw Thomas look at me in fear. He can see it as well. The man grabbed Laura's shoulder and her eyes came back to colour. She looked confused. Then he looked at Thomas. Thomas looked away, undearing to make eye contact. The man mumbled under his breath and said Pogo. Then, the same thing happened to Thomas as Laura. His eyes went white and he looked confused. Then the man looked at me. It didn't take him long to shout my name out, Harley.

I saw white and nothing else for a few moments.
I was confused and scared but then I saw it. A heart. I small hear tattooed on someone. That someone was me.

I forgot every worry I had. Or at least Lucy had. I am Harley now.