The Tiny Ringmaster (16 page)
Read The Tiny Ringmaster Online
Authors: Jennifer Clark
The party continued all the way back to the tents. The performers set off into the Banquet Room to enjoy the victory celebration that they had been planning for years. Ruth was lost in the bitter sweetness of the situation. She ducked out quietly and returned to her room. She sat under the stars for the last time. When Tryfod, Eritol, Ginger, and Pepé walked in, she was already in tears. Ginger tried to calm her first. “Oh Ruth, don’t cry. We are really not as far away as you think.”
“So I can come back?”
Tryfod stepped in as Eritol blew his nose. “Well yes, my child! You must come to see the village… once it is clean again. And of course, you’ll have to come for those magic and history lessons Eliza has been so desperate to teach you.”
Ruth’s tears fell even harder. “But you’ll have to turn the stars off so Druskov can’t come to Earth.” Tryfod laughed. “Oh, he’ll be going to Earth. We’ve got a few places we can drop him off.”
“But… but… you’re going to let him go to Earth? What if he comes back mad?”
Tryfod chuckled again. “Oh child, you underestimate us. His will only be a one-way journey.”
Ruth blushed. “Do I have to take down my stars at home?”
“No! How do you think you’ll get back here?!”
Ruth nodded and walked around the room giving her good-bye hugs. She squeezed everyone as hard as she could. Tryfod hurried her along. “We’ve had to take care of some things back home. Just play along, and no one will ever know the difference. Don’t be too sad. You’ll be back here before you know it.” He scooted everyone out of the room. He unrolled the covers so Ruth could climb into bed, and he turned off the lights. Ruth wasn’t sure how she was going to fall asleep, but, as soon as her head hit the pillow, she drifted off into a deep slumber.
Beepbeep. Beepbeep. Beepbeep.
Ruth opened her eyes and shot out of bed. Her bedroom door flung open, and her mom rushed in. “Can you not turn off your alarm?! That thing has been driving me crazy for the last ten minutes! You better get up! It’s talent show day, and you don’t want to be late!”
Ruth’s eyes got wide. That was impossible! It was still a week away!
“Well don’t just stare at me! Get dressed! Let’s get some breakfast. You must have really slept hard last night. You’re acting strange.”
Ruth rushed over and hugged her mom. Darla was caught by surprised but hugged Ruth back tightly. Darla smiled gratefully. “Where’d that come from? Honey, I really am proud of you for working hard in Math and bringing your grade back up. Mr. Lucus called yesterday and said you’ve been like a different kid!”
Ruth bit her tongue. “Play along,” she thought, “Play along.” She cautiously responded. “Thanks mom. Let me pack my talent show bag, and I’ll be downstairs.” Darla nodded, patted her on the head, and walked towards the door. Ruth spotted an old pair of drumsticks on her floor. “Hey mom! Do we have any silver glitter?”
“In the office cabinet, top drawer. But don’t make a mess, I hate that stuff.”
Ruth took a deep breath as she finished dressing. She heard her other band mates scurrying around outside. It was déjà vu.
“Ruth! RUTH! Why are you taking so long?! Lindie Meez just finished! Her backup dancer fell off the stage! Everyone booed! We’re up next!! HURRY!!” Ruth stepped out of the bathroom stall. The lead singer, Lucy, looked at her confused. “What are you wearing!?”
Ruth grinned as she straightened her sparkly red tie and black hat. She pulled her freshly-glittered drumsticks out of her pocket.
“This old thing? It’s just my lucky outfit.”
To my parents and my brother, my three-person audience and safe haven. Your love and acceptance has led me to some of my greatest accomplishments. You never silenced my stories, even when they caused me to act like a space cadet. You always made this quirky wallflower feel like a rock star. I love you more than you know.
To Chris, my husband and my soul mate. Your unconditional support (and occasional kick in the butt) has pushed me to become more than I knew I could. You taught me to believe in myself again, and you helped me realize my dream. I love you always.
To James Machen, my incredible mentor. Your gentle encouragement (and hallway high fives) reminded me to stand firm and keep pushing. You fortified my strength and reserve. I am forever grateful.
To Chicka Chicka, Jerry, Oma, and Opa, my adopted family. You were with me when I thought I would have to go it alone, and your hugs are food for my soul. Thank you for always playing along with my shenanigans and fantasies of fame and fortune. You’ll always have tickets to my private jet.
To Allen, my love. You taught me that life is painfully short and that we must seize the moment before it’s gone. Your home is now my heart. I miss you every day.
Jennifer L. Clark has written four NanoWrimo novels and countless poems and short stories. The Tiny Ringmaster is the first to be self-published. She currently resides in Louisiana with her husband and lots of books.
For more information on her other works, please visit
www.jlclark.org
.
Table of Contents
Chapter 2: The Giants Beyond the Forest
Chapter 5: The Townspeople on the Hill
Chapter 9: The Training Begins
Chapter 11: The Dress Rehearsals
Chapter 12: The Tunnel Beyond the Waterfalls
Chapter 14: The Tiny Ringmaster