Alice
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I walked out into the circus ring prepared to do my best as this was the last show on our German Tour. I’d been with the circus for a hundred years. And they’ve been a good hundred years. I’ve made lots of new friends, well, except for the fact that they’re all vampires. Unfortunately, I’m one too and a vampire run circus was the closest thing to home for me. They creeped me out a lot because, honestly, I hate being a vampire. I miss my short human years. That life seemed so long ago.
The crowd began cheering as I came out. I had begun to make a name for myself around Europe. You learn a lot of languages as a vampire so it was a good chance to try out my different accents when traveling. We could only go to the same country every thirty years or so because we never age. It would look a bit odd to see the same people every time the circus came not looking a bit older. Their cameras were flashing and they’d be a bit surprised to see that I wouldn’t show up in the pictures once they got home. The circus actually has an artist who draws portraits of us instead. He’s a human. One of the few who travel with us.
I stood in the center of the ring and bowed as the lights dimmed and the music began playing. My trapeze was lowered to the ground and I stepped in so I was standing upright on the swing. My partner Alex was about to swing forward as I swung down below the bar and shifted my body forward to get the swing rocking. Soon I was moving fast, gliding through the air. When I was performing, it was one of the few times I didn’t wear only pants. I had on some time of costume that was similar to what gymnasts wear but mine has a short skirt as the middle.
Alex came swinging towards me and grabbed me by the hand sweeping me off the trapeze swing and I was flipped through the air to another trapeze. I brought myself up on the bar to a handstand and readied to do my signature move: a back flip while swinging. It had taken me years to perfect and many bruises from hitting the bar. I stood up and slowly let go readying myself reminding me that the net would catch me if I fell. When I had straightened out, I lifted my legs up and flipped barely landing the stunt which made the crowd erupt into even more applause. I kept on smiling, but not too large. I was trying to hide the fangs.
Once my act was over I returned backstage while the tightrope walkers were getting up to the stage to perform. I grabbed a juice box from a snack table which was actually cow blood and poked my straw through the top. The stuff was disgusting to me but I needed it to survive. I watched through an opening in the tent as the tightrope girls began their act to some comical song.
“They think they’re so great.” I say to myself because no one is around. “Anyone can walk across a rope. Ooh.”
“I heard that.” Someone said behind me startling me. I wouldn’t passed out and died but I was alright sort of dead. Instead I accidentally spit out the blood I was about to swallow. It sprayed out in from of me. I gasped and turned around to see who was there. There was a boy I’d never seen before. He was probably someone from the audience but he didn’t look German at all.
“Who are you?” I ask. It’s not often I meet new people.
“My name is Sebastian. I’m a vampire too, and I wanted to ask you-,”
If there was blood in my mouth I would’ve spit it out again so I sucked so more in and spit. “Back up for a second. How’d you know I was a vampire?” I cringe at the word. “I hate that word.”
“I’m part of a Mythological Creatures Club that my friend Akira started and we want you to join. We have this tracking device of all the creatures around that world. So will you join?” Sebastian asks me.
“Well-,” I’m a bit hesitant because I do work for a living. I don’t get paid but I work. “I have the circus-,” I say trying to think of more excuses. Although this might be a good opportunity to make friends. .. I’m awful with that. I must’ve been lost in thought for awhile because Sebastian was waving his hand in front of my face.
“You’ll be on the next flight to Virginia with the others who’ve already come with us. I’m going around gathering all the others on the map.”
“Um, I’d have to ask first.” I’d have to ask my boss that is. He’s sort of the “father” around here as he’s an original vampire who got bored going to meetings all the time. His name is Jonathan but he changes it every twenty years. He doesn’t like to be tied down to anything.
“It’s fine with me.” Someone said from behind me. Again with the sneaking up on me. I turned on my heels and waved shyly. Jonathan really frightened me. I don’t know if it was the sharp fangs or his scary demeanor-or maybe the creepy eyes.
“Really?” I ask somewhat surprised that he agreed.
“Yes, you’ve been here a long time. Go, have fun, see more of the world where we can’t take you.” He smiled which was a first. “I’m proud of you and your hard work.”
“Really?” I’m still in shock from when he showed up. “Thank you.”
“Make sure she doesn’t get into trouble. She’s a graceful one but a bit clumsy off stage at times. She’s a strange vampire, still young though.”
“I am? Yeah, compared to you, I guess.” I say clasping my hands together. “I guess I’ll go pack.”
The boy, Sebastian hands me a plane ticket while smiling. Follow the instructions and you’ll get there safe and sound. I also booked you a night flight so you’ll leave in the dark and arrive in the dark. I know you’re sensitive to light.”
Was that a joke? Anyway, I was appreciative. “Thank you. It was nice meeting you.” I turn leaving them behind me engaged in a new conversation. Jonathan must be telling one of his stories of the past again. Life was going to get interesting from now one. Inside I was cowering with fear.

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