Young and Hungry - For Life - 35. The Circus Leaves Town

The following morning, the circus was awake just before sunrise and they did two hours dismantling before breakfast.

At Hurstville the household was also up early, though a little later than the circus people.

While Alex was finalising his packing and James was texting Francesco, their mothers prepared a hearty breakfast for all, but mostly to set the traveller up for a busy day.

When called to the table, James broke the house rule of no phones at the table.

“But I have to answer Francesco’s texts, he’s leaving today and I miss him already”

“OK, just this once, since it’s such a special day for the family” said Hannah “But don’t think it will be allowed on a regular basis”

“Thanks Mum, I understand”

James barely touched his breakfast he was so busy continually texting Francesco. When Alex said “Why don’t you just ring him and talk?” James replied “It’s private stuff”

Being such a big family occasion they all bundled into the car and headed out west to the circus lot.

Half way there, Alex said “Bugger, I forgot to resign from the chicken shop”

“When’s your next shift?” Julia asked

“Tomorrow”

“Leave it with me, I’ll call and explain what’s happened. I’m sure they can get a casual to do your shift”

“Thanks Mum, what would I do without you?”

“I’m very glad you mentioned that” Julia replied

“Let’s not go there now” interrupted Hannah

“Go where?” asked Alex

“Your mum’s missing you already, but I’ll look after her, you just enjoy your adventure”

“Don’t worry about me Mum, it’s all going to be a lot of fun”

“I hope so, but I still worry, that’s my job. And you already have an injury from a wild monkey. What else can happen? You won’t be going anywhere near those lions, will you?”

“No Mum”

“You’re very quiet James. Still texting, you must have run out of sweet nothings to say by now” commented Hannah

“Oh we’re just making final arrangements”

“For what?”

“Nothing... just how we will miss each other and will ring and stuff like that”

“OK”

***

When they reached the lot, it hardly looked like a circus at all. The big top was down and all the workers were running around like busy ants, packing trucks and securing loads. Vans were being hitched to cars and trucks, horses were being floated and covers put over the animal cages, ready for travel.

“Oh my god” exclaimed Julia “Will you be able to keep up with the way those people work?” she asked Alex.

“Yes Mum, I’ll learn to do whatever is needed”

“I must say it does look like organised chaos at present” commented Hannah “They just miss each other by inches as they run around like a choreographed ballet, weaving in and out among the trucks and floats and stacks of equipment”

“It does look exciting” added Alex

“Frantic, I would call it” said his mother.

“Now you better go and check in Alex” Hannah added

“Sure, I’ll take my bags, find out what I have to do and I’ll come back to say goodbye”

“Aren’t you going to introduce us to Wanda’s parents?”

“Yeah, when I find them. You all wait here by the car, so I know where to find you”

“I’ll go and find Francesco” said James “I know my way around the lot”

“Just be careful, both of you”

<>

Ten minutes later, James came back to the car.

“Back so soon?” asked his mother

“They didn’t want me on the lot while the packing’s happening. Said it could be dangerous”

“See, I told you this place is a danger to life and limb” announced Julia “Where’s Alex?”

“I don’t know. Doing whatever he has to do”

“That’s not good enough, I want to meet these people and have them assure me they will take care of him”

“Just be patient Julia, I’m sure they’ll be here when they get the time” assured Hannah. “They’re obviously very busy at present”

It was almost an hour before Alex reappeared with Wanda and her parents in tow.

“Jack and Candy, this is my mum Julia and James’ mother Hannah. Mums Wanda’s parents”

“Pleased to meet you” said Hannah as she extended her hand.

Greetings were exchanged by all and finally Julia said “You will take care of my boy won’t you. This is his first time away from home, except for school camp”

“Oh Mum, please”

“He’ll be right Missus” replied Jack

“We take care of our own in the circus” added Candy

“See” said Hannah “I told you all would be right” Then to Candy and Jack “We are grateful for your confidence in our son and giving him this opportunity. I can assure you he won’t give you any trouble”

“If he does we can take care of that”

“What do you mean by that?” Julia snapped, but before he could answer, Candy stepped in.

“You’re not helping Jack. Can’t you see his mother is worried, she wants reassurance not threats?”

“Sorry Missus, I mean, we’ll look after him. After all he is my daughter’s boyfriend and if she’s happy, we’re happy” Then looking at his wife, he asked “Is that better, love?”

“Yes Jack, just what the ladies needed”

“Good, then if there’s nothing more, I’ve got to get this show on the road. Must have wheels rolling in an hour and be in Gosford before dark. Alex you will travel in our car today”

“Yes Sir”

“Nice to meet you ladies” concluded Candy and winked at the women in a manner that they understood to mean ‘I’ll take care of your boy and keep my husband in control as well’.

Alex gave his family and final hug and waved goodbye with just a little tear in his eye.

“Are you going to say goodbye to Francesco?” Alex asked.

“No, it’s all right” he replied.

Hannah and Julia looked at each other and both wondered why James seemed so disinterested. As he walked away, Hannah said “I think this separation has hit him hard and he’s not sure how to cope with losing his first boyfriend”

“Yeah, we’ll need to keep a close eye on him over the next few days”

Hannah went to get drinks for the family, while James and Julia watched the final packing up of the circus, from the nearby park. She returned just as the first truck drove off the lot and they waved continuously until the final vehicle left.

On the drive home, the texting continued at the same frantic rate. As they drove down King Georges road through Beverly Hills, James asked “Can we go to that cake shop near the station, I want to buy everyone a cake to have for afternoon tea as a little celebration of Alex’s new venture”

“That’s very thoughtful of you James. I thought you’d be too down to celebrate Alex’s success”

“Oh, I’ll be OK and you know how cake always makes me feel better”

As they parked, Hannah asked “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, no, I want to do this on my own. My shout remember”

“OK, have you got enough money?”

“Yes thanks, won’t be long”

James disappeared into the mall over the station and Hannah turned to Julia to say “Both of our boys are growing up fast. I’m so proud of them”

“Me too, and thanks for all your support today. I know I should have more confidence in Alex’s ability to cope, but hey, I’m a mum, worrying about our kids is what we do”

“Well I don’t think we need worry about these boys. We should congratulate ourselves on equipping them to be self reliant”

“I’ll drink to that” concluded Julia

“With tea, it seems will be the order when James returns with something chocolaty and creamy”

Julia laughed, then suddenly stopped when she saw James returning.

***

Fifteen minutes off the lot, the first vehicle joined the M4 at Wentworthville and headed west to the M7 junction. Jack always travelled at the rear of the convoy, so he could see if any vehicle pulled off the road with problems. Because of the size of the convoy parking was very difficult, so they stopped as rarely as possible. This trip to Gosford would be non-stop until they reached the lot, just outside of Gosford City at nearby Erina.

Alex sat in the back, holding Wanda’s hand so tight she felt the circulation slowing when she noticed pins and needles in her fingers. “Hey, can you let go a bit, I’m not going anywhere and Dad’s driving isn’t that bad”

“What...oh sorry, it’s not that, I’m just so excited to be travelling in the circus convoy. Look how everyone is looking at us as they pass. Makes me feel special”

“Don’t get too carried away, they’re looking at the animal floats more than at you”

“I know, but it’s still exciting to be part of it”

<>

In an effort to join in, Alex asked “So Jack, will we be setting up tonight?”

“No, there won’t be enough daylight left for that. We’ll just park the vans, check the layout for the big top and put up the smaller tents. That’s when you start work. As feeding and watering the animals is your responsibility then you also have to assist with erecting the animal feed tent”

“I can do that, I used to be a scout”

“That experience might help, but this tent is considerably larger than a scout tent. But you’ll just be assisting today, so listen to the instruction carefully and do exactly as you’re told”

“Yes Sir, I’ll be right on to it”

“Good man”

***

“Oh my god!” exclaimed Julia.

“What’s wrong?” asked Hannah

“Look out my side window and tell me what you see”

As Hannah looked across her partner, she asked “Is that who I think it is?”

“Yes, but why is he here with James? He should be half way to Gosford by now”

“I guess we’ll find out soon” concluded Julia.

Both women got out of the car and gave the approaching pair death stares that would have made Julie Bishop green with envy.

In an upbeat tone, James announced “Surprise!”

“But why are you here and James you lied to us, when you said you were going for cake” scolded Hannah

“Sorry about that Mum, but isn’t he the sweetest treat you could imagine?”

“James this is a serious matter and you, Francesco, what have you got to say?”

“Can I stay with you...please?”

“Do your parents know where you are?” asked Julia

“My parents are dead, I thought you knew that”

“You know what I mean, your foster parents, Jack and Candy do they know about this?”

“They might, I left a note in my caravan”

“You mean you didn’t tell them you weren’t going with the circus”

“But they’ll be worried about you”

“Oh sure, Jack will be worried about losing a headline act, but otherwise I don’t think they would miss me”

“I can see your point there” commented Hannah “But how come they didn’t miss you when the circus left?”

“I don’t travel with them. I just hitch a ride with anyone who’s got a spare seat and my van is towed by one of the equipment trucks”

“So, what you’re saying is no one would notice you missing because they all assume you are with someone else?”

“Yes, no one really cares till it comes to show time”

“Then we need to call them immediately, so they at least know you are safe”

“Maybe we should go home first, instead of discussing this on a public street” suggested Julia

“Good idea, Mum” agreed James, who was keen to get Francesco home, as that would be one more step towards keeping him.

***

When they arrived, Julia suggested “We need to discuss this calmly and consider what actions need to be taken. I’ll put on the kettle and James, you get Francesco settled in Alex’s room”

“Does that mean he can stay?”

“For tonight only, at this stage. It’s too late to catch up with the circus now” replied Hannah

“Then why can’t he stay in my room?”

“James, you’re already on thin ice, don’t push your luck”

“OK, I’ll take what I can get”

<>

When the four sat down together, Julia said “The first thing we must do is let Jack and Candy know where you are, so they won’t worry or report you missing. Do you have their number Francesco?”

“No, didn’t have a phone till you gave me one and why would I need to call them, when we all live on the one lot”

“Good point, then the next best thing is to call Alex. Does anybody remember Jack saying Alex would travel with him today?”

“Yes, I’m sure that’s what he said” replied James

“Good, here I go”

***

When Alex’s phone rang, he said to Wanda “I didn’t think she could go much more than an hour without calling to see how I am. Hello Mum, I’m fine, Wanda’s fine, we’re all fine”

“Don’t be cheeky, as it happens I’m not checking up on you”

“Oh, forgotten already, am I?”

“Is Jack with you?”

“He is but he’s driving, why do you want to talk to him; more instructions about me?”

“No and listen carefully, but don’t repeat anything I say. Have you got that?”

“Yes, don’t rep....”

“What did I just tell you?”

“Oh, I get it, over”

“Something has happened that Jack needs to know about, but don’t say anything now, just listen to me”

“Mmm”

“Good, nobody in the circus probably knows this yet, but one of your number is absent”

“You’re being very mysterious Mum”

“Just listen...Francesco did not travel with the circus, he’s here with us”

“But...

“Just listen”

“OK”

“We’re not sure yet why he left the circus, although I’m sure your brother had something to do with it. Anyway, more about that later. I’m really just calling to inform Jack and Candy, that Francesco is safe and we’ll sort out what he wants to do later. Can you get Jack to stop, so I can talk to him? But don’t tell him why”

“OK, give me a sec....Jack, my Mum’s on the phone and she wants to talk to you”

“I can’t stop now, I need to keep up with the convoy. I’m the rear guard and need to ensure everyone is still on the road. Can you take a message or I’ll call her when we arrive”

“Did you hear that Mum?”

“Most of it, I gather he doesn’t want to stop to talk to me”

“Yeah, what should I do?”

“Get him to call me when he can, but don’t tell him why”

“OK, bye Mum, love you”

“Love you too son”

As Alex hung up, Wanda asked “What was that all about?”

“Oh...I don’t know, Mum wants to talk to Jack. You know...parents are always worried about something”

“We must be nearly there” said Jack “We’re on the right road, but haven’t used this lot before. I hope all the facilities are there”

“I’m excited about my first set up. Oh, by the way, can you talk to my mum when we get there, I’ll call her on my phone”

“I’ll have more to do than talk to nervous parents of staff. Can’t you sort it out for now and I’ll talk to her after we get set up”

“Sure Jack, right on to it”

“Good man, that’s how I like things to work. I need to know I can rely on you”

*****