Circus ⚜ Ch. 10

Andrae was fortunate that his family hadn't left yet. He spread the word in town to try to get them to come to the bridge.

Later that same day, waiting there, he heard the rattling of cart wheels. Watching around the trees and outer buildings of the down, he saw a familiar figure, though not the one he was expecting.

"Hello baba."

The old man slowly walked over to him. "You broke their hearts you know. Not wanting to be associated with us."

Andrae sighed. "It's a tough world. But I think I see things more clearly now."

The man raised a brow. "Do you now?"

From behind him, two more people appeared, walking just as slow - though not because of age.

"Hello mama, papa."

They crossed their arms. "Are we still on speaking terms?" his mother asked coldly.

He went forward to meet them. "I'm sorry for being afraid of who I am. I know I still have to be careful, but in my heart, I've accepted it now." Putting on a small smile. "Mama, there is a ball coming up, and I'll need something to wear..."

Her stubborn expression slowly melted into a grin. "Are you sure?"

He nodded. "I am."

He watched her go back to the cart, excitedly getting the box. And in his heart, things felt right.

✧❈✧

Later on, Andrae went to the Arts Academy, going to the larger auditorium for Kezia's recital. Another forty girls would be performing both from her special class and the regular student body, but only the best got solos.

And Kezia had gotten solos all year.

Sitting in the audience, an old man came to sit by him. "You must be the circus boy. I recognized you by the freckles," he said.

"That's me. And you are?"

"I'm Kezia's baba," he smiled.

Andrae returned his smile. "Really? Well, I think you and my baba would get along nicely."

The lights then went down, and Andrae half heartedly watched the others, waiting for her to come onstage. He saw her in one of the groups, and mentally added up that she had been a part of six recital performances that year - far more than most.

And she obviously deserved it, dancing with a passion and grace that many of the others lacked. He found himself transfixed by the way she moved. And when it came time for her solo, he grinned, noticing many of the Roma's dance moves into the ballet.

He rushed to get to her quickly afterwards. "Kezia, you did beautifully," he complimented sincerely.

She smiled a little, though something seemed off. "Thank you."

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She glanced at the ballet professors. "I'm afraid that if they know who I am, they won't let me go to the Arts school."

Andrae shook his head. "They can't kick us out because of our heritage. We earned this, remember?" Again he gently tipped up her chin. "I think it might be time to learn how to be proud of who we are."

She met his eye, then embarrassedly moved his hand. "Why do you keep doing that?" she asked, blushing.

He smirked and raised a brow. "Do you not like it?"

Her blush alone told him otherwise. "W-well, I... That's not what I mean..."

Stepping closer to her, he stole a hand around her waist. "Then what do you mean?"

She smiled, embarrassed but loving every second. "I think you might be exactly what I need."

His expression softened. "And you're exactly what I never knew I wanted." He placed a tender kiss on her cheek, and when she whispered his name, kissed her lips.

✧❈✧

Thank you for reading and voting on the thirteenth installment of the Royal Academy Diaries series!

Keep reading to find out what will happen with a first year at the 'Hogwarts' of the Academies.