Circus in the Clouds (The Balloonist Chronicles Book 3)

by L. J. Higgins

  “Thank you. That was getting intense,” I said to Adrena as we left the training room.

  “I was worried this was going to happen. Lukah’s parading you around like a prize he won at a show and he knows it’s going to upset people.”

  “People being Loretta?” I asked.

  “Especially Loretta. I’m sure it’s quite obvious she’s in love with him. Trust me. You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of it. If you’re smart, which I’m sure you are, you’ll keep your distance from my sister.”

  We pushed through another door and walked up a set of stairs.

  “I know you’re new and you didn’t choose to be here, but you can’t expect a free ride. We all have to work to earn our food and board, so you’ll be expected to do the same.”

  “Of course,” I said. “I don’t expect to stay for free.”

  She sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she turned to me. “I’m sorry. I’m sure this is all overwhelming.”

  “A little,” I confessed.

  “Once you get to know everyone and your place on the ship, you’ll love the crew and they’ll love you. It’s been a big few days with finding you and your balloon.”

  “Do you know where they’re keeping it?” I asked.

  “Keeping what?” She turned and started walking once again.

  I followed. “My hot air balloon. Lukah said it had been stowed away…”

  “We’ll worry about that later,” she said. “Here, this is your room. I can’t see why you can’t stay in here. Sure, it was a storeroom before you arrived, but there’s already a bed and a dresser. A nice blanket and a picture on the wall and it’ll be fine.”

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “I’ll let you settle in, and tomorrow I’ll introduce you to Sonita, the head cook in the galley. I think she’d appreciate your help,” she said.

  “That sounds great,” I replied. “I appreciate you looking after me.”

  “I’ll see you later, Olivia. Welcome to our motley crew,” said Adrena before leaving me alone in the room once again.

  Dropping onto the bed, I rubbed at my face, exhaustion from the entire day making my limbs heavy. I was on a flying ship that was also a circus… and they had a dragon. Laughter burst from my lips, and I laughed until it turned into tears. I wasn’t home with Edith. I couldn’t tell Audrey and Narelle about my adventures. I’d left Nova and Tora for what? Another unknown? Another place full of people I didn’t know or understand. Tears ran over my cheeks and I lay on the bed, curling my knees to my chest and hugging them.

  A hand brushed the hair from my face and I jolted up, wiping the tears from my face. The young girl stood beside my bed.

  “Why are you sad?” she asked.

  My shoulders relaxed and I let out a breath. “I miss my loved ones.”

  She nodded. “I miss my loved ones too. I have my brother here with me, but I miss home.”

  “Who is your brother?” I asked.

  “His name is Blaze,” she replied.

  The fire breather from the training arena. As her golden eyes met mine, there was no doubt.

  “Where is home?” I asked her.

  “It’s a long way from here. A small town called Provone.”

  “Why don’t you come sit with me and tell me about it?” I patted the mattress beside me.

  She climbed onto the bed with my help, and we pulled the blanket up around us. “My favourite part about home is the Ember flowers. That’s where my mother got my name. They are snow white all through the winter but for a week in summer they turn the brightest orange you’ve ever seen.”

  “They sound incredible.”

  “They are. And while they were orange, we’d have a festival, we’d dance and sing and eat sweets.”

  “We used to have a festival like that where I come from.”

  “Is that where you were going when they found you? Were you going home?” The gold in her eyes shifted like molten lava.

  “I thought so, but I’m beginning to think I’ll never return.”

  She rested her head on my shoulder. “They won’t let me see Ebony.”

  “Who’s Ebony?” I asked.

  “My dragon. She’s the most beautiful thing you’ll ever see. Her head would fill this room.”

  “She sounds magnificent. I’d love to meet her one day.”

  “I’ll take you to her once they let us be together again. Lukah says it’ll be when we arrive in Skycliff. Blaze says he’s scared of the relationship Ebony and I have.”

  “How did you find her?” I asked.

  “You don’t find a dragon,” replied Ember. “Dragons find you, and when they choose you, you’re bonded for life.”

  “You’re lucky to have her and Blaze.”

  She nestled into my shoulder and closed her eyes. “Ebony will like you. Your hair will remind her of the Ember flowers in summer.”

  A knock at the door made us both jump. A moment later, a piece of paper shot under the door, sliding across the floor.

  Climbing off the bed, I made my way over, picked it up off the ground and unfolded it.

  My dearest Olivia,

  Please give me the pleasure of your company this evening over a dinner in my quarters. I will send someone to fetch you when it is time.

  Yours truly,

  Ringmaster Lukah

  A grin tugged at the corner of my lips as I turned around to find Ember was gone. My chest grew empty at her sudden absence. Had she really been there? Or had I created the entire conversation in my mind because I was lost and alone?

  10

  Lucy

  BILSTONE, AUSTRALIA

  “So, what did your dad say?” Suzan’s butt had barely touched the bus seat before she asked.

  “You know he doesn’t like me going out,” I said.

  Her shoulders slumped. “That sucks.”

  “I begged, but he kept saying no.”

  “That sucks. Hopefully Becca can come. I’m definitely not going on my own.”

  “But…”

  Her eyes widened and she crossed her fingers.

  “He had a chat with Catherine and decided I can go,” I said as fast as I could.

  “Really?” She gripped my leg.

  “Yes. But he insisted on picking me up at ten-thirty, no later. I hope that’s okay?”

  “That’s more than okay. I can’t believe you’re coming. This is going to be epic.”

  “Where are you going?” Mike leaned across the aisle.

  “None of your business,” Suzan said with a snarky attitude. “Haven’t you got a hot date with Charity or something this weekend?”

  “Just because she’s my girlfriend doesn’t mean we spend every minute together,” he said.

  “You’re always on the phone. Oh Charity, I miss you so much.” She made kissing noises towards him.

  I shifted in my seat.

  “You’re so mature. What does Sam see in you?” he asked.

  She poked her tongue at him and turned back to me. “Why don’t you mind your own business lover boy?”

  “I don’t know how you put up with her.” Mike aimed his words at me as he turned to face forward in his seat.

  “You shouldn’t tease him like that,” I whispered to Suzan.

  “He’s my brother, I’m supposed to.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to look after each other?” That was why I’d always wanted a sibling. Company and a friend.

  “We do. If anyone did anything to hurt him or upset him, I’d kick their butt. But that doesn’t mean we can’t tease each other.”

  I shook my head. Their relationship was so weird.

  “Anyway… now I hope Becca can come and by some miracle Rachel asked her parents and they said yes. It would be so awesome if we could all hang out together out of school.”

  “Dad said I can get ready at your place too.”

  “That would be so much fun. Mum can drop us to the party when we’re ready. We can order sushi, I’d say pizza but
we don’t want bloated belly when we’re going to a party…” Suzan talked so fast I was worried she might pass out until the bus pulled up at school and we said our goodbyes and headed to class.

  When I stepped through the doorway to the library courtyard at lunch, Suzan and Becca were jumping up and down holding hands.

  “Becca’s parents said yes.” Suzan yelled when she spotted me.

  “That’s great.” I couldn’t help but smile. “How about you Rachel?” I slipped into the seat beside her, and Becca and Suzan sat across from us.

  “I didn’t ask,” she said. “I told you. It’s not my thing. You girls need to make sure you send me photos.”

  “It won’t be the same without you,” I said.

  “We’ll have to find a Rachel parent approved activity for after school hours so we can all hang out together,” said Becca.

  “If it makes you feel any better, my dad was a hard no,” I said. “His evil girlfriend convinced him to change his mind. Now I’m worried the whole night is cursed.”

  They all laughed.

  “At least she’s come in handy for something,” said Becca.

  “And she makes awesome scones,” added Suzan.

  “I might not be coming with you,” said Rachel. “But, I want to know what you’re all going to wear.”

  “Do you think they’ll like my dress?” I asked Dad as he pulled up out the front of Suzan’s house.

  My hands were clammy and my throat tight. The idea of getting dressed up and going to a party was sinking in along with nerves and anxiety. I’d tried my dress on to get dad’s approval before putting it in my bag and pulling on a pair of denim jeans and a t-shirt.

  “You looked beautiful. That’s why I think we should’ve got you a potato sack or something to wear,” he said.

  “A potato sack would be itchy and give me a rash or something,” I said.

  “Then I’d have to pick you up early,” said Dad. “Do we still have time to go get one?”

  “Dad,” I groaned.

  “I’m joking. Kind of. It’s hard seeing my little girl growing up in front of my eyes. Do we need to go over the rules again?”

  “No. I’ve got it. No drinking alcohol. No touching boys.”

  “Don’t even look at them and if they try to talk to you run away screaming,” he said.

  “I’m not doing that.”

  He sighed. “I want you to prove to me I can trust you to do these things. Please be out the front at ten-thirty when I come to get you. I don’t want to have to come into the party calling out your name,” he teased.

  “I’ll be outside twenty minutes early to make sure that doesn’t happen. You wouldn’t really do that, would you?”

  “You bet I would.”

  I looked up to spot Suzan waving wildly from the gate, Becca beside her.

  “I better go,” I said.

  “If you decide you want to come home earlier, you can call me, okay?” he said. “I didn’t realise how big of a deal this was for you.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “Love you, Luce.”

  “Love you too.”

  He squeezed my hand and I grabbed my backpack and climbed out of the car.

  “You’re finally here,” cried Suzan.

  “She’s been pacing around the house like a wildcat,” said Becca.

  I turned and waved to Dad, hoping he wasn’t right in his concerns of the party as he drove away.

  “Did you bring the dress you were talking about?” Suzan guided me inside.

  “Yes, but I’m so nervous. I’ve never worn a dress in public before,” I replied.

  Inside, Mrs. Fitzer was sitting on the couch with a glass of wine. “Olivia, thank goodness you’re here. Suzan was driving us all crazy.”

  “I think Dad was trying to delay me getting here,” I said. “He said he had to check the chickens and then the pump before we left, which he never does.”

  “He’s very protective of you. It’s sweet. Suzan had to persuade me to let her go too. But you’re all good girls and I know you’ll do the right thing,” she said.

  “That’s great, Mum. Can we go to my room now?” asked Suzan.

  “Yes. I’ll let you know when the sushi gets here,” she said.

  “Thanks, Mrs. Fitzer,” both Becca and I said before following Suzan to her room.

  The bright colours of her room assaulted my senses as I took them all in, having forgotten how crazy her room was from the last time I’d visited.

  “Are there more colours in here now? I feel like it’s even crazier than last time?” asked Becca.

  “No, same amount.”

  “How do you sleep in here?” I asked.

  “Colours make me happy. Stop judging my room and show me your outfits,” she said.

  I put my overnight bag beside her desk and pulled out my white dress, laying it on her rainbow duvet and smoothing it out. Becca lay a short sleeved yellow and white dress beside it.

  “They look great,” said Suzan.

  “What are you wearing?” I asked.

  She held her finger up and opened her wardrobe, pulling out a low cut red dress with white polka dots.

  “How about this?”

  “It’s pretty, but also booby,” said Becca.

  “I know, but I really want Sam to like it,” she said. “I bought it because you girls said you were wearing dresses, but now I’m freaking out. Should redheads wear red?”

  “You’ll look awesome in it,” I assured her.

  “And if you feel it’s too booby you can always wear a white singlet underneath,” suggested Becca.

  There was a knock at the doorway, and Mrs. Fitzer appeared with a tray of sushi. “Here’s dinner. Mike and I already grabbed some so the rest is for you girls.”

  The mention of Mike being home made my breath hitch.

  We all thanked Suzan’s mum and sat on the floor around the platter.

  “I love teriyaki chicken,” said Becca, grabbing a piece.

  I wasn’t sure what was inside each roll but took a piece with something crumbed sticking out the top. “I thought you said Mike wouldn’t be home?”

  Suzan bit into her sushi roll. “I thought he was going out with Charity but maybe she realised he’s a loser and cancelled.”

  “Are you going to eat that, or just look at it?” Becca asked me.

  “I don’t know what it is,” I confessed. “I’ve never had sushi before.”

  Both of their mouths dropped open, Suzan's full of rice.

  “What? Dad likes meat and vegetables, not seaweed and rice. I eat what he eats,” I said.

  “Well, welcome to the world of sushi,” said Becca. “You’re about to take a bite of tempura chicken and avocado.”

  I took a bite and scrunched my nose at the strange texture but relaxed my expression as the taste of avocado, rice, and chicken filled my mouth. “That’s pretty delicious.”

  “You’ve been missing out on so many things,” said Suzan. “Thank goodness you found us.”

  Once they made sure I tried every flavour of sushi, Suzan turned on the music she promised we’d love because it was the top songs in the country right now. She was right. I couldn’t help but smile and tap my feet to the pop rhythm.

  “Pull your hair out of that ponytail,” she instructed me.

  “What are you going to do to it?” I asked, looking to Becca.

  Suzan flicked a switch and held up a set of what looked like weird tongs clicking them together. “We’re going to straighten your hair.”

  I slid out my hairband, pulling it over my hand onto my wrist. “My hair’s already straight.”

  “She has a point,” said Becca.

  “No it’s not. You have a permanent kink from having it up in a ponytail all the time. Trust me. You do trust me, don’t you?” She batted her eyes at me.

  The tongs beeped.

  “What does that mean?” I asked.

  “You seriously haven’t seen a hair straightener before?”
asked Becca. “Do you think my hair’s naturally this straight?” She swished her hair back and forth. It was silky blonde and smooth.

  I shrugged.

  “I do mine every day,” she said.

  “Okay, let’s do it then,” I said.

  Suzan turned her chair around and patted it. I sat down.

  “Stay still. I have been known to burn an ear,” she said.

  “Burn an ear?” Maybe this was a terrible idea?

  “It gets pretty hot. I burn myself all the time,” said Becca.

  “I won’t burn you,” said Suzan.

  Swallowing hard, my shoulders tightened as she started running it over my hair the heat of it seeping into my scalp.

  “Have you heard from Sam?” Becca asked Suzan.

  “Yes, he’s got a few friends going who want to meet you both,” she said.

  “Should you be talking?” I asked her. “Maybe you should concentrate on not burning me.”

  She clicked the tongs beside my face, making me jump. “Sam said one of his friends is keen to get to know you, Lucy.”

  “Yeah, right,” I said. The thought made my stomach flip.

  “Who is it?” asked Becca.

  “You’ll find out,” said Suzan. “Done.”

  She turned me around to face the mirror on her wall and swayed my head, watching my light brown hair shine under the light. It sat neatly around my oval face and I actually thought I looked pretty.

  “Thank you,” I said to her.

  “Now I need you to do mine, Becca,” she said. “I’d ask you, Lucy, but you didn’t know what a straightener was.”

  “I wouldn’t trust me either,” I said.

  “Are you sure this is going to work? Your hair has a mind of its own.” Becca took the tongs from her.

  Despite her reservations, Becca set to work and somehow, she managed to turn auburn curls into straight strawberry hair.

  When she finished, she stood back admiring her work. “Maybe I should be a hairdresser when I finish school?”

  “As long as you don’t turn out like Catherine,” I said.

  “Isn’t she the reason you’re here?” asked Suzan.

  “You only like her because of her scones,” I said.

  “They were good scones,” she argued.

  A new song came on, and both of their eyes widened. “I love this song,” they said in unison.