Circus in the Clouds (The Balloonist Chronicles Book 3)

by L. J. Higgins

  They grabbed my hands, pulling me to the centre of the room where they both danced and swayed to the music. The pop rhythm made my body hum as I danced along with them, a happiness I’d never experienced before filling up every inch of my being. I was so thankful I’d found these girls and they were my friends.

  When we finished dancing, I had to convince Suzan I wasn’t wearing any makeup before we pulled on our dresses and admired ourselves in her mirror. We looked so different from the girls who sat at lunch together every day at school.

  “It’s six o’clock. Are we ready to go?” asked Suzan, adjusting her bust. She’d opted not to wear a singlet under her dress.

  I smoothed down my own dress for what must have been the millionth time. “I guess so.”

  “Well, that’s enthusiasm, isn’t it?” said Becca. “I’m ready.”

  “I’ll let Mum know.” Suzan left the room.

  “I’m kind of freaking out,” I told Becca.

  She grabbed my hand. “You’ll be fine. We’ll stick together, even if lover girl over there disappears on us. Okay?”

  “Okay.” Excitement clashed with anxiety inside my stomach, making it queasy.

  “Bad news,” said Suzan when she returned. “Mum’s had too many wines and can’t take us.”

  My shoulders sagged.

  Mike jumped into the doorway. “So, you get me as your driver.”

  His wide eyes found me and lingered a little too long before he shifted his gaze. My body warmed and I hugged my stomach.

  “Are we ready to go?” asked Suzan.

  “Let’s do it.” Becca linked her arm through mine and gave me a reassuring nod as we all made our way out of the house, saying goodbye to Mrs Fitzer, and went out to the car.

  “I can’t wait until one of us has our license,” said Suzan.

  “Me either,” said Mike. “Do you think I like driving you around all the time?”

  “Don’t pretend you don’t love it,” she teased.

  “Yeah, I love my ears bleeding from your constant talking,” he said. “I don’t mind driving Lucy though. She’s better company.”

  “Well, if she’s such good company, she can have the front seat,” said Becca.

  “We can all fit in the back,” I said.

  “No way, too squishy,” said Becca. “You have the front.”

  “It’s a ten minute drive max,” added Suzan.

  We all climbed into the car and I tugged on the hem of my dress so it met my knees. Running my fingers through my hair, I put on my seatbelt before Mike pulled out of the driveway.

  “Why aren’t you coming to the party?” I asked Mike.

  “He’s too old,” yelled Suzan.

  “I hate to admit it but she’s right. I wasn’t invited. It’s just kids your age.”

  Kids my age. He did see me as his little sister’s friend. Not that I cared. I no longer had a crush on Mike. Then why did my heart sink into my stomach?

  The first hint of the party was when Mike pulled into the street and we spotted groups of kids walking along the dimly lit footpath. More lingered out the front of a two-story wooden clad home, its garage door open revealing more teens and bursts of red and green lights. A deep bass throbbed through the car as Mike pulled over and I peered out of the window, unsure if I’d made the right decision to go.

  “You okay?” asked Mike.

  His words pushed me to find the doorhandle. “I’m great.” I opened the door, but hesitated as the girls climbed out of the back seat.

  “Are you sure? You don’t have to go in,” he said.

  I didn’t turn to look at him as I slid out of the seat. “Thank you for the lift.”

  “Lucy?”

  Turning to face him, our eyes met and my stomach fluttered. I tugged on the hem of my skirt and ran my fingers through my hair for the hundredth time.

  “Don’t worry,” he said. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” Did he mean it? Or was he trying to be nice?

  “Be safe and call me if you want to bail early,” he offered.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” I offered him a smile and released a long breath.

  “Are you coming or what?” called Suzan.

  Mike and I exchanged one more look before I closed the door and joined my friends.

  “You okay?” asked Becca.

  “We’ll stick together, right?” I said.

  “Promise.”

  11

  Lucy

  BILSTONE, AUSTRALIA

  A techno beat mashed with R ‘n’ B filtered out through the open garage door along with laughter and chatter. Suzan turned to look at Becca and I, wide eyed and wearing a grin. Becca and I exchanged a nervous glance. Swallowing hard, I followed Suzan, Becca by my side, towards the garage where different coloured lights flickered through the air showing silhouettes of people in the darkness. The music grew louder as we approached and stepping into the darkness I spotted an open door revealing a room full of people dancing. That was where the music was coming from.

  As we wove our way through the crowd, I recognised a few people from school, but none of them gave me more than a quick glance. A scream made me jump and I moved closer to Becca, turning to see where it’d come from. Two girls jumped around holding hands.

  “You two need to relax.” Suzan’s voice made me jump again. Maybe she was right? She looked at her phone. “Sam’s out back.”

  Offering a tight smile to a girl who bumped into me, we made our way through the garage to the backyard. We couldn’t have been in the garage for more than a few minutes, but my shoulders relaxed at the open space and fresh air. It was much calmer outside. The yard was quite simple and not too big, its green lawn framed by well-manicured hedges. People milled about in groups having conversations, and some sat on hay bales that’d been covered in blankets.

  “There he is.” Suzan gestured towards a group sitting on bales across the yard. “How do I look?”

  “Beautiful,” said Becca. “Although, I still would’ve worn a singlet to cover your hoo-has.”

  “Ignore her,” I said. “You look great.” I wished I had the confidence to show off my hoo-has, not that I had much to show.

  “Okay,” she breathed out. “Let’s go enjoy our first ever party.”

  I did my best to exhale my nerves as we made our way over to the group. As we approached, Sam stood, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Suzan. He made his way towards us, flicking his blonde too-long fringe from his face. He was a tall, gangly kid, but it was obvious he was happy to see Suzan.

  “You look great,” he said.

  “Thank you.” Did Suzan blush?

  “You too, girls. I kept checking my messages. I was worried you were all having such a good time at Suzan’s you’d decided not to come,” he said.

  “Not a chance,” said Suzan. “Looks like there’s a few people here.”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty busy inside. That’s why we’re out here. There are a few kids from Tapinton High here too. Wanna join us?” Sam gestured towards a group of three boys and two girls.

  “Sure,” she said.

  Sam held out his hand and Suzan took it, the excitement oozing off her, and lead us over to the group.

  “You know Ethan and Dylan from school,” said Sam.

  Ethan and Dylan both said hi, Dylan giving us a wave. Ethan was in a few of my classes. I’d seen Dylan around, but I’d never had a class with him. Ethan had a similar build to Sam, gangly and tall but with short, light brown hair. From what I could tell in class, he was quite smart but he stayed as quiet as I did through lessons. Dylan was a head shorter with shaggy dark hair. He pushed it from his face revealing his earthy brown eyes and I turned my attention to the others.

  “And Aidan, Emma, and Maddison are from Tapinton High.”

  Aidan had short cropped dark hair and looked to be quite fit. Emma wore round rimmed purple glasses and a cute purple dress. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail, which reminded me of Rache
l. Maddison’s blonde hair hung in waves over her shoulders and she was almost as tall as Sam.

  “Have a seat.” Emma patted the bail next to hers.

  I did as she asked, keeping Becca close as she sat beside me.

  Suzan sat on a bail beside Sam. “Do you guys know Tilly? She goes to your school.”

  “Yeah, we have English with Tilly,” said Emma.

  “She’s hilarious,” added Maddison.

  “I’ve known her since we were little,” said Suzan. “Lucy and I play touch with her and a bunch of other kids from your school.”

  “What’s your team name? Can’t touch this?” asked Emma.

  “That’s it,” said Suzan. “It’s good fun. Hey, Lucy?”

  They all turned to look at me and I gave an awkward smile. “Yeah, it’s fun.”

  “Becca’s too ‘cool’ to join us,” said Suzan.

  “I’m not into running, or exercise of any sort,” said Becca.

  “I’m with you,” said Emma. “I’m more of a chill at home and read a book kind of girl.”

  “Be careful,” said Sam. “You’ll offend Aidan, he’s a gym junkie.”

  “I like to look my best that’s all.” Aidan flexed his muscular arms.

  “Well, you should see Lucy in action. She’s the quickest on our team.” Why did Suzan keep bringing the conversation back to me? I was more than happy to be a wall flower.

  “We’ll have to come watch you in action if you’re so good,” said Dylan.

  My heart missed a beat and then speed up again.

  “We wouldn’t say no to a cheer squad,” said Suzan.

  “You’d look good in a skirt, Dylan.” Sams teasing tone elicited a round of laughter.

  “What type of books do you read?” I asked Emma, quiet enough the others couldn’t hear as they continued on with their conversation.

  “I’m reading a fantasy at the moment. But I’ll read anything,” she replied.

  “You girls drinking?” Aidan held up a black can.

  As I looked around the circle I realised everyone had a drink of some description.

  “We didn’t bring anything,” said Suzan. “My brother Mike dropped us off and he would’ve told Mum for sure.”

  “I’ve got some rum cans, if you like rum?” offered Aidan.

  “Aren’t you a health nut?” asked Emma.

  “Saturday nights are cheat nights.” Aidan gave her a wink.

  Suzan looked at me and I gave a subtle shake of my head.

  “I’ll have one,” she said. “Becca?”

  Becca looked at me and shrugged. “One can’t hurt. As long as you have enough cans to share.”

  “He put enough in his eski to get everyone here drunk,” said Sam. “We already had a couple at home before we came.”

  “How about you, Lucy?” Dylan’s dark eyes met mine, sending a flutter through my stomach.

  “I’m okay, thank you.” Dad would kill me if he smelled alcohol on my breath. I’d never be allowed out again.

  “I’m not drinking alcohol either,” said Emma. “I have a cola here if you want one?”

  “That’d be great thanks.”

  She leaned back to an eski sitting behind her and grabbed a drink for me.

  “Cheers.” Dylan leaned forward, holding out his can.

  We all raised our drinks and clinked them together, Dylan giving me a smile as I settled back onto the hay. Emma and Becca started talking about an anime show they enjoyed watching but I kept being distracted by Dylan giving me little glances across the circle and I hoped it was because he liked the way I looked in my dress not because he was recalling the image of my head on a boy’s body from the time Tracey had tried to humiliate me in class.

  By the time they’d finished their first drinks, the girls were much more relaxed and chatty. Becca moving to sit beside Aidan, and Maddison between Dylan and Ethan.

  “Looks like it’s you and me,” said Emma.

  “Looks that way. Do the non-drinkers always get singled out?” I asked.

  “Only drunk people seem to understand drunk people. Alcohol creates some weird language barrier I don’t understand.” She laughed.

  “Have you ever tried alcohol?” I asked.

  “No. My parents would kill me. Plus, I like being in control. I’ve been to a few parties now and watching the drunk people say things I know they’ll regret and getting all sloppy has turned me off for life.”

  As if on cue, two guys stumbled out from under the house, arms around each other’s necks, barely able to walk straight. One guy fell, pulling his friend down with him.

  “Case and point,” she said. “Have you ever tried it?”

  “No. My Dad would kill me too. He doesn’t really drink. I think I’ve seen him have maybe ten beers my whole life. I’m lucky I was allowed to come tonight.”

  “Okay, is it just me, or does Dylan keep looking at you?” she asked.

  Without a thought I looked over to him and he gave me a side glance before turning back to talk.

  “Is there something going on between you two?”

  “To be honest I’ve never spoken to him.”

  “Maybe you should go talk to him now?” she asked.

  “He’s just drunk.” I hoped that wasn’t true.

  “Hey, Dylan,” she called out. “How about you just come over and talk to her?”

  Dylan grinned. “I wasn’t sure if she wanted me to.”

  They both looked at me and my body heated as though it might cook from the inside out.

  “Of course she’ll talk to you.” Suzan gave him a push.

  He rose to his feet and so did Emma.

  “I’ll give you two some privacy.” She winked at him as they passed each other.

  “She’s subtle,” he said.

  “Very,” I agreed.

  “So, what is it you want to talk about?” he asked.

  “Me?” I looked to Becca and Suzan for some form of help, but Suzan gave me a little wave and Becca avoided eye contact. “Nothing.” Nothing? What a stupid answer. Anything was better than nothing.

  We sat in awkward silence for a moment.

  “I’ve seen you around school,” he said.

  “Yeah, I’ve seen you too.”

  “We’ve never talked though.”

  “No, we haven’t.”

  More awkward silence.

  “Sorry, this is so awkward,” he said.

  I laughed, the tension lessoning. “It is a bit. I’ve never done this before.” I gestured toward the house.

  “Me either. Usually, I hang out with Sam and Ethan and play video games. Do you play any?” he asked.

  “No. I only just got a mobile phone.” I held it up.

  “Can I have a look?” he asked.

  I passed it to him and he swiped the front and started typing.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, leaning forward.

  He held it closer to his chest, hiding it from view before finishing what he started. His phone began to buzz in his pocket and he pulled it out, handing my phone back to me.

  “Now we have each other’s numbers,” he said. “So, you’ll have to come over and I’ll teach you to play Fantasy Wars sometime.”

  “Fantasy Wars?” I asked.

  “The video game we play.”

  “That was smooth, by the way,” I said. “Getting my number like that.”

  He laughed. “You like it? I’ve got more moves if you hang around. Do you dance?”

  “As in dance moves?” I shook my head. “That was terrible.”

  “The worst,” he admitted. “I never said I was good at this.” He held up his rum can. “And I’ve had a few of these for courage. So, do you dance?”

  “I don’t know?”

  “How do you not know if you dance or not?”

  “Did you say dance?” asked Suzan.

  “Lucy wants to dance with me,” said Dylan. “What can I say? I’m irresistible.”

  “I think you’ll find that the
word is irresponsible,” said Emma.

  “Or irrelevant,” added Maddison.

  “He’s pretty irregular,” said Aidan.

  “You guys are hilarious,” he said. “Nerds.”

  “Says the guy who just asked Lucy to play Fantasy Wars with him sometime,” said Ethan. “We were listening.”

  “Are we dancing or what?” Suzan jumped up and pulled Sam with her. “Becca?”

  “Averse to exercising, remember. Have fun though.” Becca took a swig of rum.

  “I’ll stay and look after her,” said Aidan.

  “I’ll dance.” Maddison swayed as she stood.

  “I might come keep an eye on her,” said Emma.

  “I don’t know.” I almost wished I’d had a can of rum for some courage. “Maybe I should stay and look after Becca.”

  “I don’t need you to look after me.” Becca put her hand on her chest in mock offence.

  “Promise I won’t take advantage of her,” said Aidan.

  “Well, that’s boring,” huffed Becca.

  “We said we’d stick together,” I reminded her.

  “You’re not leaving, you’re going to dance,” she said. “I’ll be fine.”

  “Maybe try convincing her to have a drink of water,” I said to Aidan.

  Becca took a big swig of rum in protest, wiped her mouth, and raised her eyebrows. Suzan burst into laughter, as did the rest of the group. Dylan reeled it in when he noticed I didn’t think it was funny. Dad was picking us up at ten-thirty and the last thing I needed was for Becca and Suzan to be drunk. I looked at my phone. Three hours to go. Hopefully they’d sober up.

  “Somewhere to be?” asked Dylan.

  “My dad is picking us up at ten-thirty,” I said. “I promised I’d meet him out front.”

  “I’m sure they’ll sober up by then. I’ll stop drinking and maybe they’ll follow,” he suggested.

  “Are we dancing or what?” Maddison twirled in a circle, nearly falling over.

  Suzan grabbed my hand and yanked me to my feet. “Let’s dance.”

  I shook my head. “We’ll be back to check on you Becca.”

  “Sure, sure. Go have fun,” she said, a pitch higher than normal.