ACT 9
The circus
By the time Annie and Liezel reached their destination, it was already early evening. The wind started to pick up, but Annie could see that there was no stopping the circus crew. The tents and rides were already erected. And she could see that there were groups and groups of people flocking to the site. There was a ferris wheel, a huge swing, a merry-go-round, a small rollar coaster, a fun house, the haunted cave, and other attractions. There were also a lot of different tents that holds different entities and acts. And many different food booths.
Annie looked around in amazement. She had never seen something so shimmering and flashy and colorful. She eyed the different candies and food on display as the venders set up shop.
Annie - Liezel, do you have any money?? I'm starving.
Liezel - No.
Annie - My stomach is growling like madness.
Liezel - That's your problem.
Annie - Liezel! Urghh.
She shrugged at Liezel and kept on walking. Other than the carnival itself, the people around Annie amazed her as well. They were young, they were old, they were fat, they were short. She never interacted with anyone besides Liezel, so this was a whole new world to her; nevertheless, Annie was jumping with excitement. What a marvelous place this is. So many possibilties. She already had in mind what she wanted to ride first.
Annie - That ferris wheel looks like a lot of fun, Liezel.
Liezel rolled her eyes.
Luezel - What's so fun about being spinned around in a cargo? And possible falling to your death or even worst, getting your head chopped off by one of those cables?
Annie - Liezel!! You're impossible! I'm not going to listen to a word you're saying anymore!!
Liezel - Fine, suit yourself, you silly naughty girl; but I'm warning you!
Annie - I hope Kale isn't mad at us for running off like this. I should have left a note.
Liezel - That jerk off probably doesn't care anyway.
Annie - But he's our friend.
Liezel - I'm your friend.
Annie - Yes, you are.
Just then, Annie passed a chubby little boy about 5 or 6 years old eating candy apples. He was sitting on a bench alone and eating away at the caramel glazed apple packed with peanuts. Annie licked her lips and her stomach flip flopped. Oh, just one bite would do her good, but what to do? She hasn't got a penny on her. Annie looked left and right, and there were no one around, so she walked towards the boy and whistled while acting casual. She sat next to the boy and hummed.
Annie - Look over there, it's superman!
Annie pointed to the right of the boy towards the sky.
Boy - Where?? Where?
When the boy looked away for superman, Annie quickly grabbed the candy apple out of the boy's hand and ran.
Boy - Hey!!!! That's mine!! Hey!! You come back here!! Mommy!!!
The boy tried to catch Annie, but was soon out of breath. His chubby legs couldn't get him far enough.
Annie cried out in victory as she hid behind a tent and quickly devoured the candy apple.
Annie - Ooops. Did you wanted some?
Liezel made a face of disgust and shook her head.
After she was done, Annie looked around to make sure that chubby boy wasn't waiting in the shadows for her. The coast was clear, so she continued her adventure. Within a matter of minutes, the crowd started to double and the place started to get rowdy and nousy. There were couples holding hands and there were children running about. Annie walked to the ferris wheel gate and watched the people in line. She noticed that there were a lot of couples waiting on the ferris. A girl in a blue skirt and white blouse kept on kissing at her boyfriend's neck as they waited to get on the ride. The boyfriend was carresing her body as she kissed his neck. Annie couldn't help, but stare at them. She has never kissed a boy before, let alone got so close to one like that. As she was staring at the them, the boyfriend caught her gazed and gave her a quick grin and licked his lips as he groped his girlfriend. Annie then quickly covered her face and ran off.
Liezel - You saw how that jerk off grinned at you?
Annie - Yes, so?
Liezel - That's how all boys are. They are sick and only got one thing on their minds.
Annie - And what's that??
Liezel - You know.. the things Mother always told you to hide. Don't trust anyone of them, I warn you! Not even that other jerk off, Kale.
Annie frowned and tried to ignore Liezel. When she was about to walk away, a tent caught her attention. There was huge sign with faded letters on them that read -
SIDE SHOW FREAKS!
Annie - What are those, Liezel??
Liezel gave a loud hearty laugh.
Liezel - Why, silly girl.. they are us.
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Kale's head was throbbing so bad that he had flinched. He had left the apartment in a rush that he forgot a jacket and his car didn't have heat. His thin long sleaved shirt wasn't keeping him warm at all. But that was the least of his worries. As he drove down the road, he scanned for Annie on the streets and sidewalk. When he got to an intersection, he decided to pull over and ask around, perhaps someone had seen her.
He jumped out of the car and ran around checking nooks and corners, and even poking his head into the shops. He came upon a flower stand.
Kale - Excuse me, ma'am, would you happen to see a young woman dressed in black pants and a blackish blue hooded jacket come this way?
Flower shop lady - No. Haven't seen her.
Kale - Okay, thanks.
Kale decided to walk further down the sidewalk and ask around. He spotted a newstand.
Kale - Excuse me, have happen to see a young lady wearing black pants with a hooded jacket?
Newstand owner - Beats me, man. There are a lot of girls that fit your description.
Kale - Uhmm, but do you happen to see a -
Newstand owner - Look, I'm too busy to noticed okay?
Kale - Okay, thanks.
He walked down the sidewalk in panic. What to do now? Calling the cops would be out of the question. She could be anywhere! He cupped his head with both hands, trying to think.
Okay, if I were a crazy young girl trying to hide from the cops, where would I go? Ughh, that's wrong. She's not crazy! Think, Kale, think!! Kale thought to himself as he looked around the town.
Then from up front, he heard a man's voice advertise his goods.
Hotdog vender - Come get your dogs guys! I'm about to close in 10 minutes. I've got 2 dogs for $4. Or get the combo for $3.50. It's jicy and hot, guys! Come get it.
Kale ran to the hotdog vender.
Kale - Excuse me, sir. Would you happen to see a girl about 20 years old, wearing black pants, and a bluish black hooded jacket?? Black hair? About 5'2??
Hotdog vender thought to himself for a second, and remembered the girl who begged for a hotdog. She sure fit the desription.
Hotdog vender - Actually, I did. There was a girl here who was trying to hustle me for a dog. She said she'd pay me later, but I told her to scram.
Kale - Sir!! Would you happen to know which way she went????
Hotdog vender - Well, she rushed out of here when I told her to scram, but she went that way.
The vender pointed towards the end of town, where the ferris wheel and other carnival rides could be seen from a distance.
Kale - Thanks.
He ran to his car and jumped in. The only thing at the end of town is Sea Side park, and tonight, the circus is in town. Kale ignited his car and sped off, confident that he'd find Annie at the carnival.