The Invisible Circus by Lindsey Bakken

The Invisible Circus by Lindsey Bakken

Author:Lindsey Bakken [Bakken, Lindsey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-30T16:00:00+00:00


Chapter 19

“Catch!”

Eve tosses a ball my way, trying to get me to handle objects and Turn simultaneously. My darkest emotions and coordination must come together to create an eye-catching show. “We can’t just have you stand up there, Turn, and leave,” Titus reminded me.

I drop the ball.

It’s nearly August. Weeks of training and late-night sessions with Eve toned my skills and body, but the intensity of training made me miss hours of sleep; I’m on edge and overly reactive.

“Sorry,” I say, not meeting her disappointed gaze.

“Don’t be so sensitive, Mikey. We can’t afford that nonsense.”

“How can I not be sensitive?” I hiss, low enough that those around us can’t hear. “Especially with everyone watching me all the time.” Eve shoots me daggers. “And you looking at me like that.”

She softens. “Like what?”

I pinch my lips together and my jaw hurts from clenching. I force myself to remember all the time and help she’s given me. To put all of that gratitude into perfecting a simple trick. “Okay. Toss it again.”

She throws it and, finally, I’m able to Turn the moment the ball touches my hands. She claps, but it’s a tired sound. “That’s better. Again.”

My jaw comes unclenched and I all but growl, “Can we take a break?”

She spins around, and the motherly figure I’m fond of has been replaced by the lead star with an edge and little patience. She speaks slowly and lowly, so I don’t miss a word. “No. This is practice, Mikey. You agreed to this.” She makes it sound like a curse.

My shoulders slump and Eve deflates. I sink to the floor and bury my head in my knees. I feel a wave of tears coming on, and I’m not a big crier, so I know I can’t push sleep off any longer.

She falls next to me and says, “It’s in everyone’s best interests for you to succeed.”

“I know.”

Her eyes blaze brighter. “Do you know?” She sighs. “The circus isn’t in the best financial situation.”

“Okay…”

Eve puts her hands out, laying all the cards on the table. “Titus expects you to save us. So, whatever you have to do, do it.”

My anger rises, never really gone. “You mean embracing the sad place?”

Eve pauses. Catches her breath. She’s struggling to be gentle. “Yes, Mikey, that’s what you signed a contract to do.”

The truth hits me hard today. “My job is to be sad.”

The more I try to figure out right from wrong, the more my head hurts and the less interested I am in the answer. But I do need to talk to Titus. I find him lurking behind an RV, alone. Shivers run down my spine as I square up in front of him. He’s shocked to see me, straightening and plastering on a smile.

“Don’t bother with that,” I say.

His lip twitches just a bit. “How can I help you, Michelle?”

I hate when he uses my full name. I accuse, “Is it true that you expect my powers to save the circus?”

“My dear, you know your powers are an asset to us.



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