Circus ⚜ Ch. 4

It took a while to find time for an actual planned date, and Andrae decided to take Kezia to the fanciest place in town to make up for it.

When the evening arrived, he waited for her at the foot of the stairs in the dorms, as was the tradition. Seeing her arrive at the staircase, her hair perfectly curled, her scarlet dress showing off her dancer's figure, her dark complexion looking like rich chocolate in the soft golden glow of the lights... he just couldn't stop smiling.

"You look positively ravishing, Miss Cioaba," he said, taking her arm.

She grinned. "You certainly fix up nicely yourself, Mr Moreau. Shall we?"

"We shall." He led her out to a waiting cab, holding the door and getting in after her. They drove down to the restaurant and walked right in with a reservation. They both had to take a moment to admire the place before even glancing at the menus.

"You were right, this place really is unique," Kezia said, looking at the crystal chandelier.

"There's nowhere else I know with a glass roof. And I hear the food is amazing. Do you like pasta? Or maybe I already asked you that," he chuckled embarrassedly.

She smiled. "You asked the other day, but yes, I love it. I do hope they have fettuccine alfredo..."

They ordered their food and talked while they waited for it. Everything seemed normal until a group came in that seemed excited about something.

"Did you see them? What a wonder!" a woman was saying.

"What a disgrace, I think. What are they doing here in town?" another replied.

"I wonder what they're going on about," Kezia whispered.

"No idea." Andrae looked back at the menu at the desserts to get his mind off of one possibility.

After they'd eaten, they left the restaurant and started walking up the street. It wasn't long before they saw what everyone was talking about.

"Oh no..."

"Oh wow!"

Andrae and Kezia exchanged a glance before looking back at the small diner being overrun with circus performers. They weren't in full costume, but some were close enough to show ready.

"I wonder if they're performing nearby?" Kezia asked.

"I'd heard they were in southern France. They must be stopping by Andorra for an encore tour before going to the Netherlands." He tried to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

"Well, what newspapers are you reading? Granted the school's is usually so dull I never pay it any mind."

He nodded, picking up their pace just a little, hoping his old friends wouldn't notice him. He was glad for it as they got to a cab. Trying to keep upbeat for Kezia, he chattered on the way back about something else.

As they got out however, she frowned. "Are you okay? Something seems off with you all of a sudden."

He shook his head. "Nothing's off. Nothing at all. I had a great time. And great company. Thank you again for coming, Kezia." He kissed her hand and winked.

She giggled. "You're such a charmer. Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Can't wait." He held the door into the dorm and watched her go for a moment before heading across the way to the boys' dorms.

When he got inside, everyone was buzzing.

"Woah, what's going on?" he asked.

"Haven't you heard? The circus is in town!" his roommate said.

Oh no...

"Yeah, we want to go this weekend. It's a two night show only."

It was too late. Word had spread. By tomorrow after school he wouldn't be able to slip by to say hello without being seen.