A wide smile spreads across her lips before she turns around to face me fully. “Is that a challenge I hear?” she responds with amusement.
Her dark eyes twinkle with mischief as she takes another step forward, her movements graceful. “The thing is this is not just any Cirque. It’s not just dancing. It’s not having the time of your life. It’s extreme horror. It has no place for fear.”
When she halts in her tracks, her eyes flash with disdain as they fix on Eli, a silent judgment radiating from her as she continues. “You may have none and I can sense your bravery which I admire, but I can smell it from your pretty puppy here,”she looks at me again as she continues. “This place and the Hollow’s will eat him alive. We have no room for weaknesses.”
Eli speaks up beside me, attempting to prove he is worthy. “You're wrong. It was my suggestion to come here. I am not scared of this place.”
She stares at him, ready to respond with a condescending smile, but I cut her off. “Just let me show you what I can do and then you can decide.”
Her lips press into a thin line, her eyes scanning mine in silence. Suddenly, E’s grip tightens on my upper arm, his knuckles paling as he shifts uncomfortably under Madame’s scrutiny.
“Maybe we should just leave; we’re clearly not welcome here,” he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper, betraying his anxiety.
My brows furrow in confusion, an argument forming on the tip of my tongue. Now more than ever, I want to prove myself, to show what I am capable of, but before I can protest, the lady's soft chuckle interrupts, drawing our attention back to her.
“Yes, go. You two do not belong here,” she says with a wave of her hand, her tone final.
“Are you sure about that?” I say with darkness in my eyes.
After a moment of silent, intense staring between us, she finally responds with a knowing smirk. “Fine. You have five minutes of my time to convince me that I want you here.”
With a deep breath, I steal a glance at Eli beside me who gives a small grin. Once the lady strides past us toward the door, I ready myself and follow, determined to confront whatever lies ahead, despite the anxiety churning in my gut.
As we step into the huge expanse of the empty circus tent, it’s silent, except for the soft rustle of fabric and the creaking of wooden beams above. I glance around, noticing high above, the aerial silks hang still, their vibrant colours bright. Without the presence of performers, they appear like forgotten ribbons, waiting patiently for someone to breathe life back into them.
“Billy, you know what to do,” Madame instructs, her eyes shifting between me and the departing old man before finally settling on me. “You need to get undressed,” she adds.
As I meet Eli's wide-eyed gaze briefly, he gives a shake of his head, a wordless plea for me not to, which again, confuses me since this was his idea in the first place.
Ignoring him, I turn my attention back to the lady and nod in agreement because I know dancing in a hoodie and jeans will not do me justice. I begin to strip down, shedding layers until I am only in just my black panties and sports bra. I raise my head and arms, tying my long blonde locks into a scruffy bun atop my head.
Standing before her, I boldly reveal my scar-ridden body despite the potential judgment. Her gaze lingers on the blemishes, yet instead of scrutiny, I sense approval in her eyes.
When our gazes finally meet, she gives me a smile. “You are perfect,” she assures. “Now, let's see what you can do.”
I look over at the silks dangling above the stage, while Billy lowers a large silver hoop nearby, but confusion clouds my thoughts and I turn to Madame, “What about the safety net?”
She gives me a wicked smirk before responding. “Darling, we don’t practice safety here.”
Her expression changes to seriousness before she turns around and strides toward a nearby seat. I glance at Eli, who still appears stunned before I draw my eyes away from him and I mentally prepare myself as I ascend the steep steps leading up to the stage.
Nerves and anticipation course through me while I reach the platform, the familiar rush of adrenaline hinted with doubt. It’s been so many years since I last danced like this, and I can only hope that I still have the same rhythm and grace that I once had. I take a deep breath, pushing aside my worry and focusing on the task at hand. It's time to show her what I am made of.
As the hoop comes within reach, I grasp it firmly in my hand, the familiar texture smooth beneath my fingertips. I perch on it, crossing my legs before taking hold of the other side. I straighten my shoulders and look over at Billy, who waits patiently for my signal. Giving a small nod to indicate I am ready, the music comes to life, its pulsating bass filling the air and echoing through the huge area of the circus tent.
With a gentle tug, Billy begins to reel in the rope, propelling me upward into the air. I feel a rush coursing through me, the sensation washing over me like a long-lost friend. This is where I belong, high above the ground, free from the chains of gravity and reality.
As soon as I am at the highest point and the bass dips, I release my grip on the hoop without hesitation, allowing myself to drop backwards, surrendering to the free fall. The hoop latches behind my knees, and I twist my body, my arms dangling gracefully as I spin fast. With an outburst of power, I push my body upward, reaching for the hoop once more and I repeatedly propel myself through the hoop, holding on to it by my knees, the tempo of the music guiding me.
I drop again, but this time, catching the hoop with my hands, hanging beneath it, my body whirling, and I split my legs. I twist them with effortless skill and with each rotation, I feel a sense of freedom wash over me, the baggage of the world fading away as I lose myself in the dance.
I slow down, swinging myself beneath the hoop above me, my eyes fixed on the silk dangling from the beam above at a distance and as I push my body back and forth, the speed carries me higher and higher. As soon as I reach the peak of my swing, I draw a deep breath, readying myself for the moment of release. Then, with a burst of fearlessness, I let go of the hoop, flying through the air like a bird. With perfect timing, I reach out and catch the silk, the fabric wrapping around my hands as I come to a stop.
While I hang, I wrap it securely around my legs, feeling the smooth material enveloping me. Twisting and turning, I create complex patterns, weaving a web of beauty around me. Once the silk is firmly in place, I begin to dance, my movements effortlessly beautiful as I twirl and spin in mid-air. The fabric supports my weight, allowing me to execute each movement with ease.
As soon as I hear the music reaches its end, I seize the moment, wrapping the silk tightly around my body for the final act. I can feel a sense of excitement building inside of me, fuelling my will power to make this performance one to remember. When the music fades into silence, I release my grip on the silk, allowing my body to turn sideways and unravel. I spin rapidly, my arms stretched out above me as I descend, the fabric spiralling me like a tornado, until finally, I land on my feet at the bottom.
My chest heaves, each breath a struggle as I fight to regain my composure. Slowly, my eyes focus on Madame and Eli, their expressions a mirror of my own dizziness.
