Page 46 of Carnival Monster

“Well, I guess we should get going,” Aurora says, sensing my discomfort. “We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

Charlotte’s face falls. “I can’t believe you’re really leaving.”

“Yeah,” Dan adds, his voice tinged with sadness. “It’ll be weird at work without you.”

“I’ll visit for sure,” Aurora says, smiling. “And in this day and age, we can talk daily!”

“True,” Charlotte admits.

Dan sighs. “We’ll come see you off tomorrow.”

“What time are you leaving?” Charlotte asks.

“The carnival moves out at noon,” I reply.

Dan nods, his eyes meeting mine briefly. There’s still suspicion but also a grudging acceptance. “We’ll be there.”

The tension drains from my body as we stand to leave. I’m thankful the ordeal is almost over. Aurora hugs her friends goodbye, and I nod stiffly in their direction.

Once outside, I take a deep breath of the cool night air, feeling like I can finally breathe again. Aurora loops her arm through mine, leaning her head against my shoulder.

“Thank you for doing that,” she breathes. “I know it wasn’t easy for you.”

I grunt in response, but I can feel a warmth spreading in my chest at her words. We return to her car, and I think about tomorrow when Aurora will leave her old life behind and join me in mine. I’ve been alone for so long that the thought is terrifying.

26

AURORA

As I leave Gage’s trailer, my heart races with anticipation. The weight of my decision to leave everything behind and start a new life with Gage settles on my shoulders when I see Dan and Charlotte waiting to say goodbye.

Charlotte rushes forward, her eyes brimming with tears as she pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you so fucking much,” she murmurs. “Promise me you’ll stay safe and call me every day.”

I nod, fighting back my tears as I squeeze her tightly. “I promise. You know I couldn’t do this without your support.”

Dan approaches us with a solemn expression. He wraps his arms around us, and we stand momentarily, holding each other. “Are you sure about this, Aurora?” he asks.

I pull back, looking into his eyes. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, Dan. Gage and I are meant for each other. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to face whatever challenges come our way.”

Dan nods, his eyes searching mine. “Just remember that we’re always here for you, no matter what. If you ever need anything, all you have to do is call, day or night.”

A lump forms in my throat as I look at my two best friends, who have been by my side through everything. “I love you both so much,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “Thank you for being the most amazing friends anyone could ask for.”

We embrace again, holding each other tightly as we say our goodbyes. I know this isn’t the end of our friendship, but the start of a new chapter for me.

I watch Tyson, the ringmaster, approach Gage with a stern expression.

“Gage, get the fuck on the bus!” Tyson calls out, his voice gruff and impatient. “We’re leaving in five minutes, with or without you.”

Gage nods, his jaw clenched tight as he turns to face me. “It’s time,” he says, his eyes searching mine. “Are you ready?”

I swallow hard as I realize that this is it. I’m really leaving everything behind to start a new life with Gage. The thought of being surrounded by loads of new people, people I’ve never met before, sends a wave of anxiety through me.

I glance back at Charlotte and Dan. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll ring you once we reach our next destination.”

They both nod and wave goodbye, tears streaming down their faces.

I step onto the bus, Gage’s hand resting on the small of my back as he guides me up the steps. The door closes behind us with a hiss, and I feel a sudden wave of anxiety wash over me. This is it. I’m really doing this.

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