Page 45 of Carnival Monster

Dan clears his throat, a hesitant smile playing on his lips. “So, Aurora, remember when you tried to juggle oranges in the break room?”

Aurora groans, her cheeks flushing. “Oh God, don’t remind me. I thought I was going to be the next circus sensation.”

Charlotte snorts, her earlier hostility melting away. “More like the next YouTube sensation. I still have that video, you know.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Aurora gasps in mock horror.

“I might,” Charlotte teases, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Consider it insurance when you’re off gallivanting with the carnival.”

Dan chuckles, shaking his head. “Remember to send us postcards from all the exotic locations. Like... Glendale.”

Aurora playfully swats at him. “Hey, every town has its charms!”

Despite my discomfort, a small smile tugs at my lips. Their easy banter washes over me, and I relax a touch.

“Speaking of charms,” Charlotte pipes up, “Dan, why don’t you tell Gage about your infamous karaoke night?”

Dan groans, burying his face in his hands. “Must we?”

Aurora laughs, sounding carefree. “Oh, we must. Gage, you haven’t lived until you’ve heard about Dan’s rendition of I Will Always Love You.”

Charlotte digs out her phone to bring up a video, and Dan cringes as she plays it. I must admit, I’ve never heard such a bad version in my life, and it brings a slight smile to my face.

“I think Gage is warming to us. He actually cracked a smile then!” Charlotte points out.

I grind my teeth. “Who couldn’t smile at hearing a song like that butchered?”

Charlotte and Aurora laugh while Dan groans. “I wish you would delete that video, Charlotte.”

“No chance!” She replies.

Their shared history hangs in the air, a tangible reminder of the bonds Aurora is preparing to leave behind. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, acutely aware of the stark contrast between their lighthearted reminiscing and the dark connection Aurora and I share.

As the conversation continues, I notice the looks Charlotte and Dan exchange. A pang of guilt twists in my gut, surprising me with its intensity.

“We’re really going to miss you, Aurora,” Charlotte says softly, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand.

Dan nods in agreement. “Glendale won’t be the same without you.”

I watch Aurora’s face carefully, searching for any sign of regret or hesitation. To my amazement, her eyes remain bright and determined as she smiles at her friends.

“I’ll miss you guys too, but this is something I need to do,” she says firmly.

I feel Dan’s eyes boring into me, his gaze filled with suspicion. He leans forward, his jaw set in determination.

“Listen here, Gage,” he says, his voice low and threatening. “If you hurt Aurora, I swear I’ll-”

His words fade into the background as a familiar darkness surges within me. My muscles tense, and I imagine wrapping my hands around his throat, squeezing until the light fades from his eyes. I picture slamming his head against the table, feeling the satisfying crunch of bone beneath my fingers.

Suddenly, I feel a warm pressure on my hand. Aurora’s fingers intertwine with mine, her touch gentle yet grounding. The violent thoughts dissipate like smoke, leaving me feeling oddly calm.

I meet Dan’s gaze, surprised to find my anger has vanished. Instead, I feel a strange sense of understanding. He cares for Aurora, just as I do.

“I won’t hurt her,” I say, my voice rough but sincere. “I’ll protect her with my life.”

I glance at Aurora. The trust in her eyes is overwhelming. For the first time, I want to be worthy of someone’s faith in me.

We finish our meals, and I feel relief wash over me. The constant chatter and expectant glances have been grating on my nerves, pushing me to the edge of my comfort zone. I’m not used to this kind of social interaction, and it left me feeling drained.

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