The Devil's Carnival

The onlookers, Part 2

Michael had been quiet since Reptillia made her first appearance. He didn’t want to even look at Allen. He was too jealous and far too angry. How could she choose him? She had been staring at him the whole time and should have come to him but no she chose Allen. Michael just knew Allen had something up his sleeve but he had no intention of letting him get any closer to her. As for everyone else, they were preoccupied with something else. Or rather something was preoccupied with them. Long before they even saw the ring master stepping on to the platform they saw that wolf. Wearing a massive spiked collar and walking on a leach it burst through the banner growling at its spectators. “Easy now.” Surprisingly, the ring master was strong enough to control him but it was very clear that the wolf did not intend to follow his orders. “f**k! Look at the size of that thing!” Brian, fascinated, took a stepped closer. It snapped its jaws at the onlookers and again right at Brian. The only reason it missed his throat was because the ring master yanked back its leach but this didn’t deter Brian in the slightest. “Ladies and gentlemen, the attraction not even Barnum could get his hands on. Presenting, the real werewolf!!” The banner behind them depicted a monstrous black wolf on its hind legs howling at a room of terrified people. It didn’t do the real thing justice, the real thing was far more terrifying. The ring master yanked on the leach and the wolf stood up on its hind legs, towering above not only its handler but the crowed as well. Lu-Ellen leaned on all fours over the edge of her platform as close to the wolf as she could. She smiled and seeing her calmed him right down. The ring master let him drop down on all fours and lean towards her. The two had a special bond and the wolf licked her cheek making her laugh. “That’s so sweet.” Danielle leaned on Lu-Ellen’s platform while a nervous Mina stood well away, running her fingers over the pendent around her neck. The gentle display made Brian think of Amanda and how he had destroyed what they had. He felt his heart sink as he pulled the ring from his pocket and stared at it. “Hold up! What do we have here?” Danielle and run up to the platform hopping she could touch the supposed werewolf and spotted the ring in his hands. Unable to contain her excitement she reached for Mina and pulled her closer, pointing at the ring. It wasn’t too long before she too was off the walls with excitement. “Don’t tell me...” Danielle was just loud enough for everyone to hear. “I’m so happy!” Danielle had Brian in a bear hug before he could explain anything and by now Bob had joined in as well. He slapped Brian on the shoulder before shaking his hand. “Congratulations!! One married man to another? Best decision you’ll ever make.” Brian couldn’t hide his troubled expression but Bob knew what it was. “Haven’t asked yet?” Brian nodded but didn’t dare say why. Bob, being none the wiser, wrote it off as nerves. “Don’t worry. I’ve seen the way she looks at you. No need for worry there.” Releasing his grip on Brian he, for the first time, noticed the Amanda was not with them. “And where is the lucky lady?” Brian looked down at the ring and shook his head. He didn’t dare tell them the real story. “We got into an argument and she stormed off.” It was something Bob knew well. “There will be those my boy.” “What have we here?” The ring master let go of the leach and kneeled down at the ring Brian was still twirling through his fingers. “Congratulations are in order. You have all my best wishes.” He tipped his hat and half bowed. Brian thought it nice but made him just a little uncomfortable. “That something so wonderful should happen under my roof. We must celebrate.” He declared as he got to his feet. “But first, there is more.” “Step right up step right up!! See the conjoined bride!” The ring master vanished and in his place the man in the hat beckoned them forward as another banner flew open. Danielle had her arm hooked into Mina’s before she grabbed Brian and dragged him along. The man in the hat beckoned the crowd to follow and they did. As they walked away Lu-Ellen waved before her canine friend leaped from his platform to hers. All the banners had opened and the performers waited for them. “The Salem Bride. Two faces and two very different personalities.” The woman in the wedding dress walked out one foot in front of the other smiling from ear to ear and blowing kisses at the crowd. Although her dress was faded the embroidered details were breathtaking and she looked stunning. By now they expect shock but when the smiling woman turned her other half still holding the bouquet left every one more than a little sad. The poor thing was deathly shy and did her best to hide behind her flowers. Her portion of the dress was just as beautiful and had the same delicate embroidery. Although she was so terribly shy she was beautiful. The woman turned again shielding her other half from the spotlight as she curtsied. The man in the hat was already past the next banner and was continuing his walk. It would seem he is not interested in the slightest in entertaining them. Either way it didn’t bother them, they simply continued on by themselves. There was still an air of celebration around them despite Brian’s glum mood and so Bob took it upon himself to educate the young man in the way of women. Even Danielle gave her opinion. “It’s great. First it’s the wedding, the there’ll be the baby shower and a ton of rug rats, dirty dippers and then the rap sheets.”