Page 15 of The Circus in Me


  Vacationing in the volcano land made me itch for freedom. Hawaii catered loveliness to the directory of good memories. Returning to school was the worst mistake I made all semester, besides Briggs Byington.

  He came around the next day after finals had finished and classes were let out. Despite the wonderful daydream about him catching me in bold grip. I ignored the good intentions displayed. I was getting ready to leave to the airport, when I saw him walking toward the apartment steps.

  Let the grudge match begin!

  Not making the first motion to ignite our conversation. Too captivating in to resist.

  “She left before finals.” I indeed talked of his artificial figure; Ashlee.

  “I know.” His hands in his pockets.

  “Did you forget something? Maybe your dignity or Ashlee’s virginity?” I tried to balance my backpack with the weight of the duffle bag. He didn’t notice the tussle or I’m sure he would come to the rescue.

  “Nope. Both are still intact, thank you for your concern. Ashlee will be happy how worried you were about her wellbeing. I thought I would stop by before you left for summer.” I assumed he was going back to Utah where his audible aunt loved to govern him.

  “Okay.” I managed to wrangle the straps in the directions I wanted them to go.

  “Hey, Trae.” Briggs leaned against the door frame.

  “Hi, MIA Byington. Did I happen to overlook the engagement we are having on my doorstep?” My belongings out on the porch, ready to go.

  “Took a short vacation to an Amish paradise.” His grin gave a sick feeling inside my stomach.

  “You went to…” Nearly fainting from the words.

  “Whitley County, Indiana. Met the lovely little sister, Aubrie Ayn. Coincident she is dating your old circus mate Tamer.” Confessing the sight of my sister, longed for an answer of her wellbeing.

  On another important note who in heavens name told him he could go to my birthplace.

  All thoughts contested to my attention, stopping as I came to the guilty conclusion it was not my place to care for them anymore.

  “Did you hear what I said? I met your family, well your father is a bit stubborn and wouldn’t talk to me open.” His rambles of the intense conversation carried on, all my mind could conceive is his visitation to my home.

  “Why would you do that, Briggs? It is not your place to go globetrotting across the country in exploration of people you are not related too.” My throat dry.

  “I thought I would surprise you and talk your sister into visiting you. She seemed very excited I came with news of you. Tamer invited her to your circus dinner. I thought maybe it would make up for my ignorant attitude and playboy persona.” Palms face up, trying to make amends for speaking truthful for my behalf.

  “I understand you were acting out of interest for me. I would have not asked that of you, you’ve made the conditions of my shunning even more obsolete.”

  “Thought it would heal the broken part of you. You could let it go and come to agreement with the trials in your youth.” His concern for my wellbeing, attracted me momentarily to him.

  “What did she say?” Vision back on the important part of the aspect.

  “Trae Lae, I wanted to know that different side, the part hidden most. The secrets shown to no one, except your own mercenary.”

  “How is she?” Eyes filling with pools of clear water.

  “She’s good, Trae. Very good.” Confessing his scout tactics worthwhile.