Mr. Faire's Carnival (complete)

    The carnival came to town one day and, as much as I wanted to go, I knew it wasn’t my time yet. My friend and roommate begged me to go with her, but I knew in my bones I wasn’t supposed to go there yet, so I made up a story. Not really something I had to make up on the spot, it was a story my mother had been telling me for ages. It worked, at least, and I knew that once the carnival left, my friend would leave with it.

    Ever since I was little, I’ve had these strange premonitions, not like the visions and crystal balls you see in the movies. It’s more like a gut reaction, a small voice or whisper on the breeze and a sudden knowing and understanding. A sigh and a nod “oh, ok” is usually how it goes. My mom told me it started when I was little and I would tell my mom that we would need to buy a cake for so and so soon. My mom soon learned that when I said that, it meant someone was going to die. That wasn’t exactly what a horror writer wanted to figure out from her child, but the more I grew, the more the premonitions turned from death to other things.

    My mom figured I predicted deaths first because they were the strongest things I could sense. The older I got, the more I would be able to predict. I suppose it was lucky my mom wrote horror for a living. It gave her an insight and patience to deal with this strange gift I was given. She was very right about it too. The older I became, my predictions moved to smaller things, while death was still a heavy knowledge, lighter things became easier to pick up. My mom and I agreed to tell no one about this and I promised Mom it wasn’t something I could use at will. It really wasn’t. It was more like I was a postman for these strange messages.

    The carnival has often whispered to me. Something, perhaps even someone, kept me up to date on where it was. “Fifty miles away due north.”

“Seventy miles away if you go south-east.”

“Eighteen miles west on Sunday.”

I’m not sure why I have some sort of internal GPS for this carnival. All I can figure is that when I was little, I latched onto the story of the carnival my mother told me about. The story of the carnival and how my grandfather died. It didn’t occur to me until my best friend, June, decided to go to the carnival, that I had any clarity on my connection to it.

When June asked me to go, I realized I couldn’t. Not that I didn’t want to, I was crazy curious about the place. After all, I had been whispered to about its location all my life! How could I not want to go? But I was told I couldn’t go, it was far too soon for me to go. It was my friend’s time and she would be happy with what she found there. But for me, I would have to wait a little while longer.

When June told me she was going to have to move out, I understood. Whatever she found at the carnival was what she needed. After that, I decided to move back home for a bit and spend some time with my mom.

It happens one cold afternoon while I am checking the mail. A painfully sharp breeze blows past me and knocks my hat off my head. As I go to fetch it, I take a deep breath and watch as a piece of paper flies towards me down the street. It hits my leg and, before I even pick it up, I know what it is.

Mr. Faire’s Children of the Night Carnival.

“Now.”

I look up, clutching the flyer tight in my hands. My guts churn and a surge of cold nerves shoots through my body.

“It’s time.”

I pick up my hat from the ground and go inside, still holding the flyer in my hand. I can smell coffee from the kitchen, meaning my mom has come out of her office for a break from writing.

She is leaning over the counter, watching the carafe fill up. She sits up as I come in. “Anything good?” She asks.

    I had actually forgotten to check the mailbox, I got caught up in the moment. “It hadn’t arrived yet.”

    “Huh,” she looks out the window. “Could’ve sworn I heard the mail truck.” She then nods to my hand clutching the flyer. “What’s that you got?” She reaches out and takes it. Looking it over, her eyes widen, then narrow. “It’s back, then.” She takes the flyer and hangs it up on the fridge.

    “Is it the same one?” I ask with a very small voice.

    “I think so,” my mom murmurs. “It looks the same from when I was a kid.” She goes quiet suddenly, her eyes focused on the flyer and distant at the same time. The air in the kitchen goes cold and, for a moment, everything seems darker.

    The coffee pot beeps and my mom snaps to look at it. “You want a cup?” She asks as she takes another mug down from the cabinet.

    “Yeah.” I turn to look out the window as the sky gets brighter. “Might as well,” I sigh and take a seat at the table.

    For a few days, the flyer hangs on the fridge, like some sort of reminder to pick up milk and eggs from the grocery store. I know I will have to go soon, it is my time now. I just am not sure why now of all times.

    Then, one day, I get a phone call from June. 

    “You’re living with your mom right now, right?” She asks me with an excited and bubbly voice. 

    “Yeah, I am,” I answer, already knowing what she’s going to say.

    “We’re in the same town then!” June gasps. “You should come. I can even leave a special pass for you at the ticket booth. You’d really love it. I know last time you said it made you nervous and all, but...Listen, I really think you should come, you would enjoy it so much. There’s nothing here you need to be afraid of. Everyone is so nice and I really want you to meet Avo and-”

    “I’ll come,” I say simply.

    June is silent for a long pause, then she gasps and laughs. “Really? You will?”

    “I think it’s time,” I chuckle. “Can’t keep putting these things off forever just because of some childhood story.”

    “I can’t wait to see you,” June sighs. “Ok, I’ll leave a special pass at the ticket booth with Ballura. This is so exciting! You’re going to love it so much, Ruby.”

    “How will I find you?” I ask.

    “Avo’s troupe usually performs first, so I’ll be in the main tent then. If anything, Ballura will get you to someone who knows how to find me.”

    “Oh, ok,” I murmur, not exactly sure how to take that or the gut feeling I get when she tells me that.

    I go to the carnival that evening and, walking up to the ticket booth at the gate, I see a girl there wearing a red rain slicker and matching boots. She’s made up to look like a harlequin, otherwise.

    “Uhm-” I start as I approach the ticket booth.

    “Hi!” She says cheerfully. “One ticket?”

    I shrug. “Uhm, well, my friend, June, said-”

    Ballura gasps and makes an exaggerated gesture, spreading out her arms and then slapping her palms against her cheeks. “You must be Ruby!” She squeals excitedly. “She has told us so much about you! Of course!” She pulls out a pass hanging on a lanyard from the desk. “Ta-da!”

    I smile shyly at her as I take it. “Thanks, uhm...June mentioned that you could help me find her? Or someone who could help me find her?”

    “Oh, sure,” Ballura bobs her head. “Just let me get someone to watch the booth for a moment while I-”

    “I can help her out. I’m headed that way anyways,” a man replies as he walks out from behind the gate beside Ballura. “I couldn’t help but hear how excited you were and came to see what was going on.”

    “Oh, Father,” Ballura gasps at the man. “Are you sure? I know you’re busy right now.”

    The man grins, tilting his head to the side so that his long auburn hair falls off his shoulder. “Not busy at all. Just got to meander my way to the main tent, but since that’s where June is anyways, I can lead this lovely lady there.” 

    Ballura called him father, but he doesn’t look like he’s old enough to have a child Ballura’s age, whatever that is. He looks a tad older, but not by much. He is tall and slender with broad shoulders, his top half looks triangle shaped, actually. His hair looks lovely, but something tells me it isn’t his actual hair. He has sharp, beautiful eyes lined by thick, long lashes. 

    He then holds his gloved hand out to me. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” he says. “I’m Mr. Faire.”

    I cautiously take his hand. “THE Mr. Faire?”

    He grins and tilts his top hat. “The one and only.”

    I narrow my eyes at him. If my mom had seen this same carnival when she was a kid, then Mr. Faire should really be an old man at this point, not some young hottie. I keep quiet though, best thing to do.

    “Nice to meet you,” I reply.

    Mr. Faire dips down, kissing the back of my hand. “This way,” he says, leading me along a pathway lined by red diamond shapes.

    “Is June doing ok here?” I ask.

    Mr. Faire looks down at me and grins. “She’s been doing quite well. Her and Avo are very happy. It does my heart good to see them in such bliss together.”

    I frown a bit, wanting to take my hand away from his grasp. “I’ve been worried about her, is all,” I murmur.

    “She told me you had a slight fear of carnivals,” he replies. “But not to worry. This place is safe and home to some very amazing people. This carnival isn’t like any of the others of the world.” He flourishes his hands out to make his point, finally letting my own hand go.

    “This is the kind of place where dreams come true,” he sighs as he lets his hands float back down.

    “You do realize that’s what a lot of villains say,” I reply.

    Mr. Faire smirks at me, setting his walking cane down and placing both hands on the hilt. “She also told me your mother is a horror writer. But I assure you, I am no villainous trope, Ruby. At least, I really hope I’m not,” he laughs.

    “No one does. Everyone thinks they’re a hero,” I say as we start walking again.

    “Do you so rely on tropes?” He asks. “Old sayings and awful stereotypes?” Mr. Faire points his cane towards a booth. “Do you think all fortune tellers are creepy old hags?”

    I hesitate and shake my head. “No! Of course not!”

    Mr. Faire smiles at me again. “Good. Because I would hate for you to think of me as some crazy old fool at a carnival. Believe me when I say that your friend, June, is happy and well taken care of. We all adore her here and, because she loves my Avo, I love her.”

    I furrow my brow. “Your Avo?”

    Mr. Faire sighs. “I consider everyone here my children,” he answers. “My family.”

    “That explains why Ballura called you father,” I say.

    “Nothing creepy or illicit about that at all. No ‘daddys’ here, rest assured!” He whips up his cane and uses it to open the tent.

    I snort and look up at him. “I certainly hope not.” I walk into the tent, seeing stagehands getting things set up. I then look aside, seeing a few people working at the light booth. 

    “Ruby!” June stands up and waves at me. “Come over!”

    Mr. Faire walks behind me as I rush over and hug June tight. “It’s so good to see you!” June shakes me, then quickly sits back down, adjusting something on the control board. “Sorry,” she looks up at me. “This has become my job now.”

    “You’re good at it,” Mr. Faire says as he walks behind the booth, checking over things himself. “Did that one light get replaced?”

    “We’re working on it,” June answers. “Don’t worry, you’ll look your best tonight. I promise.”

    “I’m not worried about myself,” Mr. Faire laughs. “No one comes to see me at these shows, anyways.”

    “Do you do anything?” I ask.

    June snorts and covers up her mouth to force herself to be quiet.

    Mr. Faire lifts his head to smirk at me and my heart skips an actual beat. “I can do a great many things. Just stay and watch, Ruby. I’ll show you a thing or two.”

    I swoon for a moment then gather myself up and shove my hands deep into my pockets. Something is whispering to me, telling me over and over: “It’s him. It’s him. It’s him.”

    “No showboating,” June warns Mr. Faire. 

    “I would never,” Mr. Faire grins. He then looks at me and winks. “I should go and get to my spot.”

    “Yes, you should,” June fusses. As Mr. Faire walks down towards the center stage, June turns to me and laughs. “Great guy, isn’t he?”

    “Not sure,” I murmur. “He’s a little bit odd, isn’t he?”

    “Aren’t all the best people just on the furthest side of odd?” June asks me. “Take a seat towards the front, trust me, you won’t regret it.”

    I frown down at her. “He isn’t going to do anything to me, is he?” I ask. “I really don’t want to be dragged up on stage by clowns or anything.”

    “Oh, don’t worry about that,” June grins and waves her hand to blow it off. “The clowns don’t go on until after this act. You’re safe from them. Mr. Faire might pull a trick though.”

    I glare down at her and she throws her head back laughing.

    “I told him no showboating, so he may obey that order.” She turns back to the control panel and whispers something to the guy beside her. “Go on,” she shoos me. “Grab one of the good seats before they’re all taken up.”

    I huff and walk down to the front row where I take a seat on the aisle. I sit there, watching as the stage is swept and cleared off and the lights dim down low. Music starts to play, it begins with Bohemian Rhapsody and slowly melts into Mr. Blue Sky, which then turns into Smells Like Teen Spirit. A spotlight shines on an old fashioned organ that’s rising up from below the stage. Sitting behind it is Mr. Faire. His hair is now lavender and is cascading down his back and off his seat to the ground.

    As he rises to the top of the stage, he smashes down on the keys and stands up from the organ. He whips his hand off, and as he does, glitter and confetti go flying out on everyone. The way the light catches it makes it look like a burst of stars and galaxy. Then, it all collects in bubbles like some sort of Willy Wonka style magic. 

    “Welcome!” Mr. Faire announces loudly. "I am your master of ceremonies while you are here with us." He steps down from the organ platform and flips down into the center ring. His lavender wig flips around, somehow transforming into a coif of sapphire blue curls.

    "You may have seen my flyers," he grins and places his top hat back on his head. "I am Mr. Faire." He then chuckles and turns, his eyes landing on me. He winks at me again then looks back up towards the rest of the audience. "I know, my name seems quite a bit obvious. Then again, there is nothing subtle here, I can promise you that!" He then extends his hand out and I hold my breath when I see his gloves are gone and black diamonds are engraved into his palms.

    "Once again, welcome to all of you who are here! Welcome to the family, and welcome into our home." He extends out his left arm, and with his right hand, he pulls his cane out of the sleeve. He crashes the tip down onto the ground and the organ starts playing music again. "We hope to give you a taste of something more magical and breathtaking than you are used to in your daily lives. So," he grins up into the crowd. "I won't bore you any longer." he raises his cane and the tip of it explodes with fireworks and smoke.

    The smoke clears and standing in the center ring are a group of people, all with pure white hair, who start to sing and pose.

    “Did you enjoy my entrance?”

    I nearly jump from my seat and turn to see Mr. Faire sitting beside me. I could have sworn some old lady had been sitting there just seconds ago.

    “How did you-” I look around me, trying to see if anyone else noticed him there.

    “Look at the stage!” He grabs my head and turns it to look. Ribbons cascade down from the ceiling and some of the white-haired people start climbing up them and using them to dance and swing from. “There’s Avo,” he points. “Just look at them.”

    I settle back into my seat and watch the performance. “How can they sing and do acrobatics like that?”

    “Not sure. I still can’t quite do it myself,” Mr. Faire sighs, holding his cane under his chin. “It’s not for me, anyways. This is their art.”

    I steal a glance at Mr. Faire, seeing a wonder and beauty in his eyes as he watches the show. “Do you always watch from here?” I ask.

    “I usually just go backstage,” he leans back in his seat then. “But tonight, I decided to join you.” He pats my hand.

    My cheeks burn and I look back up at the performance. “I guess when you see it every night, it tends to get boring.”

    “Absolutely not,” he replies. “Every performance is different. The chance of the unexpected is very high with each show. You never know what’s going to happen.”

    “I get that,” I murmur.

    “I highly suggest coming back,” he replies. “Every night, you’ll see something new and something very much amazing. No matter how many times you show up, it will be different every single night.”

    “Are you trying to impress me, Mr. Faire?” I chuckle.

    “Quite possibly,” he whispers. “After what June told me, I want to change your mind. I want you to see everything that I see.”

    “I think you see more than others,” I whisper back to him. “It may be impossible for me to see as much as you do.”

    Mr. Faire smirks and taps his chin. “Well, I have a thought of my own about you, lovely Ruby.” He leans in closer to me. “You see more than you let others know. You probably see much more than any of us. Gifts are gifts, but some may not be worth sharing.”

    I turn and look at him, meeting his eyes. “What are you?” I whisper.

    “I am but a simple ringmaster who treats his people like his family.” He shrugs and turns back towards the stage. “I am all you want to see.”

    After the show ends and the audience starts to leave, Mr. Faire stands up and offers me his hand again. I see the black diamonds on his palm and realize they are neither tattoo or body paint, they’re burns. I take his offered hand and stand up beside him.

    “Will you stay for another show?” Mr. Faire asks. “The clowns are up next.”

    “No thanks,” I reply. “What sort of food is around here?”

    “Tons,” Mr. Faire remarks with a bright smile. “Just follow me!” He leads me from the tent, keeping a grasp on my hand. He shows me to the different food booths where I get my fill of fried foods for a lifetime. Mr. Faire then takes me down ‘Price Alley’ where he wins me a giant stuffed giraffe.

    “I really don’t need this,” I grunt as I carry it.

    Mr. Faire takes the giraffe, but drops his cane as he does. I reach down, picking it up and as I look at him, I see something else. I gasp, dropping the cane again from the frightening vision I had seen in his place.

    “Whoops!” Mr. Faire laughs. “Did I get popcorn butter on it?” He takes his cane up. “A little,” he rubs it on his pants leg.

    I’m still recovering. When I blink, I can still see the horrible creature before me. The six arms, the milk white skin. I rub my eyes and take a few deep breaths.

    “Ruby?” Mr. Faire says softly. “Are you ok?”

    “I, uhm-” I look at him, gazing into his soft expression. “I think I need to sit down for a moment,” I reply.

    “Oh, of course,” Mr. Faire gasps. He takes me to an area with picnic tables that’s relatively quiet for the moment. I sit down and Mr. Faire pulls a cold water bottle from his sleeve. “Will this help? I noticed you weren’t drinking any.”

    I laugh and take it. “How did you do that?”

    “Honestly,” he laughs, placing the giraffe down so he can sit beside me. “You haven’t realized yet that I’m magic?”

“Is there such a thing?” I ask as I crack open the water bottle.

    “Of course there is!” Mr. Faire gasps in shock. “How can you say such a thing like that?” He frowns at me and shakes his head. “Magic is important.”

    “Magic is sleight of hand or fairy tales,” I say with a shrug. “Nothing wrong in believing in it if you do. But I really don’t believe in it.”

    “Magic isn’t just spells and wizards and potions,” Mr. Faire scoffs. “Magic is…” he fumbles as he tries to get his words out. More than that, he struggles to get his feelings out in a way he thinks I could understand. He scoffs in frustration and takes hold of my hand.

    “Magic is chemistry between two souls. It’s feelings. It’s power beyond our control.” He looks into my eyes and, for a moment, I feel a push. Whatever whispers to me and causes my gut to react is pushing me, urging me closer to him.

    “Magic is that which we do not understand, but so desperately want in our lives.” Mr. Faire says with a beautiful smile. “Do you really not believe in that?”

    I swallow, trying to fight back against the pushing. “I’m not sure.”

    Mr. Faire brushes his knuckles against my cheek as he tucks my hair behind my ear. “Well then, I’m almost there.”

    I go home that evening, clutching the giant giraffe in my arms. I’m not sure what I feel, I am confused and bewildered and completely drawn towards Mr. Faire. He has invited me to come to each of the shows while the carnival is still in town.

    “I want to make you believe in magic.” He said. “Well, not make, that sounds forceful. I want to lead you to it.”

    I set the giraffe down and sit on the couch for a moment as I catch my breath. My heart is still pounding and my hands are a little shaky. Even after touching his cane and seeing that strange creature where he stood, I feel excited even just thinking about Mr. Faire.

    My phone chimes and it’s a text message from June. “What did you do to him?”

    “Do to who?” I ask.

    “Mr. Faire!” June replies back. “He keeps asking me about you. I’ve never seen him this moony before.”

    “Moony? Do people actually use that word?”

    “Shut up! He’s totally smitten with you. What did you do?”

    “I don’t know,” I answer truthfully. I wasn’t even really sure what he did to me.

    “Well, he’s gaga over you. I’ve never seen him this way before. Avo has never seen him this way before. No one here has! This is a big deal, Ruby!”

    I sit back and smile slightly. Even though I knew and I was told, I wasn’t prepared for Mr. Faire.