Forgotten
Venessa
Or
The
Lost Bell Girl of the Cirque de Rouge Circuit
Hatred
is a Conniving Essence
The
nearby tower rang its bells loudly. This was the one sound I truly remember
from that night.
My
parents were rushing me towards an open box car. My bells and jewelry softly
echoed through the night. Papa lifted me into the car, handing me some of the
bags we were carrying. Mum then climbed in, pushing some hay away to make room
for your luggage. The car had a sudden jolt as Papa scrambled in. The sound of
yells and train whistles were muted as Papa used all his strength to close the
sliding door.
“Papa,
what’s go-“Mum placed her hand over my mouth. Why were we on this train, it wasn’t
the Rouge company train. Most importantly, where were we going?
Through
the cracks of the door I could see the glow of a lantern accompanied by the sniffling
of a dog. Mum pulled me closer to her; she didn’t take a single breath. After what
seemed like minutes of high tension agony, the sniffling soon disappeared after
the lantern’s glow. My parents let out a soft sigh of relief.
The
train began to gain speed as the engine roared through the night.
“Sleep
darling, we should be there by sunrise.” Mum said as she released me for her
hold. “Where should we-“She hushed me.
“There’s nothing to worry about Venessa.” Papa reassured me as he pushed some
hay together. I lay down while rubbing my eyes. My eyelids felt heavy. They slowly
closed on a lasting vision of my Papa wiping off the last of his clown make up.
Pitch
black, utter silence.
I
awoke to a stream of sunlight that shown through the boards of the box car. I
lifted myself up so I was sitting on my knees. I searched the area and found my
parents were nowhere. A wave of panic
arose in me. I stood up quickly and froze at the absence of my bells.
I
observed myself to see that not only my bells were missing but my earrings,
bracelets, and necklace were gone. Even my anklets were removed. Had someone found Mum and Papa? If so, why wasn’t I taken? They couldn’t, wouldn’t
leave me, right?
The door was slightly opened. I quickly walked
over to the door. It was opened just enough to fit my arm and shoulder through.
With all my might I pushed to open it further. Nothing. It wouldn’t budge. One
more try, and another, then another; each more desperate than the last. Still nothing.
I leaned on the opening, completely wore out.
The
barking of a dog was in the distance. I ignored it. Suddenly it was louder. Too
tired to even care. Unaware of anything of that moment, pain travelled from my finger
tips to the realization in my brain. Coming back to reality, I was on the floor
of the car. The dog had jumped and to bite my hand. Its powerful grip had lead
me to my current position. The dog’s teeth were so deep in my hand; I desperately
tried to pull my hand away.
The
usual train whistle went off followed by the sudden jolt in result of the
engine starting. It was enough power to send the door slamming shut. I remember
screaming, then nothing.
Pitch
black, utter silence.
The
pain was too much. When I woke up there was a figure sitting across from me. I couldn’t
make out a face, just a form that was darker than the shadows surrounding it. I
attempted to sit up but fell back against the floor boards when my left arm
failed.
It
seemed like this startled the figure. Two bright orbs flashed through the
darkness. It reaches towards me, slowly pointed its finger. I looked down at my
left shoulder-
That
led to nothing…
My
arm. There, there was no arm there; just a stub that was tightly wrapped in my
bandana. I was in complete disbelief.
I
looked back at the figure, only to be met with and empty void. The door of the
box car opened with the figure standing in the doorway. The mass formed together
to resemble a big time gambler.
“Who
are you?” I asked standing up. “I am the Wheel Spinner. I’m a deal maker. Do as
I say and I’ll be sure to keep my end of the bargain.” It said walking towards
me. “What do you mean a deal?” I asked backing against the wall. “I lost a pair
of crooks last night and the only way to find them swiftly is looking for them
during the day. I don’t do so well in daylight. Let me use you as a vessel and I
shall return the favor.”
“If
I do this, will you help me find my parents?” I asked. “Well of course, Venessa. A deal’s a deal,” It said with
a sinister grin. “That is on a slight condition. If these crooks cannot be
found by the fall of two moons, then you’re mine.”
It
held out its enormous hand. Unsure of the situation, I blindly set my hand in
the figure's.
Pitch
black, utter silence.
TO BE CONTINUED.
