Acclimatization ✧ 4

Taking Ivone’s words into consideration, I ventured to chat with other members of the Circus. I became acquainted with the sound crew, some of the dance performers, and even got to talk more with the talented young gentleman Adal. I almost couldn't believe how warm and welcoming everyone was… I could definitely get used to this feeling of belonging!

Mimi seemed to enjoy meeting them as well, despite being the intensely introverted sort. I supposed them being fellow Aberrants had melted even her indifferent heart.

Before going into the Director’s caravan, I went into the portable bathroom they had set outside. I wanted to check in with Mimi about our current situation without interruptions. I shut down the door behind me, and started jumping in place.

“Mimi, oh Mimi! They're so amazing, and I'll get to be a part of all of this?!”

She tried to sound cool, but I could sense her excitement as well.

“It's not official just yet. That being said… it does feel a bit too good to be true. Like a dream. We are not in one, right?”

I playfully pinched my arm. “Ow ow, yeah! This is as real as it gets, Mimi~”

I inspected myself in front of the mirror. My eyes were shining like tangerines dropped into a jar of glitter. I ran my fingers through my hair, ensuring they looked perfect before I went to talk with Director Emery and made things official.

“Say, Mimi… what do you think about us being the Ringmaster?”

“Conflicted. While I know you can do it perfectly well, I really don't know what I'd do in the case of a sudden switch.”

“Aw, come on… I could prepare a script beforehand, and you can just memorize it. That way you won't have to be nervous, yeah?”

“That's… that doesn't change anything about hundreds of pairs of eyes staring at us, inspecting every little moment and sound.”

She… was right. It was possible that even I would blank out when the moment came to be…

I shook my head, as I took out a lip balm from my handbag.

“We still need to check with the Director anyway. Maybe we won't be given the permission of such a grand role.”

“...would it be rude to say I kinda wish for that.”

I groaned as I applied the lip balm. “We came all the way here! We might as well as—”

Someone from the crew opened the door of the portable bathroom, and saw me facing the mirror and ‘talking to myself’. They raised an eyebrow, and I quickly stepped out of the bathroom, politely bowing my head down a few times.

“Arghhhh, not everyone knows my Aberrance yet… I need to be careful, I look like a lunatic…”

“It's fine, I'm sure everyone does it from time to time.”

“I was not talking to myself though…!”

“Yeah, well. I am plenty aware.”

I grumbled slightly, and hastily stepped towards the Director's caravan. Somehow, I was not feeling as nervous this time around. If anything, I wanted to talk to her as soon as possible. I knocked on her door, hoping to hear a positive response.

“Come in.”

She was indeed inside! I put on a professional and bright smile, and entered.

“Hello, Director Emery! I have made my decision.”

She was handling some paperwork, and this time she had a pair of reading glasses on. She set the papers aside and gestured for me to sit down in front of her.

“Did you like the ambience? Come, tell me your decision.”

I sat down, and neatly folded my hands in front of me. With a confident nod of my head, I expressed my thoughts.

“Yes, I was incredibly moved by how welcoming everyone was towards me. It would be my honor to be a part of this beautiful group.”

As expected, her facial expression did not change in the slightest. She coolly opened a drawer and withdrew some files.

“I am glad to hear that. You might be relieved to know that you don't need to make a permanent decision right away, as our next stop happens to be in Salen. After that, you can decide if you'd like to participate in our next tour stops.”

My eyes widened. Salen? After this?

“O-oh! That's great! This will definitely make things easier to explain to my parents.”

“Gosh, no… don't tell me you'll invite them to watch, that's embarrassing…”

“Mimi, shh!”

Director Emery had placed two files in front of me, so I felt like I needed to have peak concentration.

“Here's two things you need to sign. The first is about becoming a member of FHN, you will simply need to write your name, age, home address, Aberrance type and sign it. There's no fee.”

Becoming a member… the sound of that made my heart pound. For the first time in my life, I was becoming a part of something. Cities were truly wonderful places… Lands of opportunity and bright smiles…

As she told me a bit about the organization (which she also seemed to be the head of) I wrote down the needed information, with almost shaking hands. While I was fussing over whether my handwriting was legible enough or not, Mimi complained that I had signed it without reading it thoroughly.

“Ah, come on, who cares! It's not like there's an entrance fee so it's okay.”

“Please read the second one at least.”

The Director explained the second file a bit more in detail, as it was my employment contract. There was a fixed payment for each show, and on top of it the ticket sales would be divided by a certain percentage and shared within the staff.

“I would advise to not expect much from the ticket sales, though. Most of it goes to our charity resources.”

I quickly nodded my head. “Of course, of course. It's more important that the money goes to the ones in need.”

I looked at the contract carefully as Mimi had advised, and it was practically about what the Director had said. There were also some points about conducting acceptable behavior at all times and respecting the crew members, but such things I would not have any trouble with.

With one final stroke of my pen, my sign had found its place on the contract. I couldn't help my smile getting bigger and possibly less professional.

“Thank you, Director Emery… I will do my best…”

She collected the contract papers from me and put them in a crowded two-pocket file folder. “My pleasure to meet a bright young lady as you… or should I say, yourselves?”

“Wow, an unexpected cute comment from the Director.”

I chuckled softly. “Both of us thank you.”

“I hope I can get to talk with Miss Mimi sometime as well. Right, as for what sort of role you wish to do, that's completely up to you two. I don't really meddle in the performance matters, feel free to discuss it with everyone else. Ah, one final thing…”

She suddenly seemed to remember something.

“Earlier, your friend Nilsu’s mother called.”

My eyes slightly widened at the mention of her name, followed by a pang in my chest. Your friend, she had said. Was that even true anymore?

“You probably already know this as she's your friend, but since Nilsu works as a tailor it was difficult for her to visit today. She aims to visit in two days, and she expressed interest in joining as a costume maker.”

A rare smile graced her features. It almost took my breath away, with how beautiful she looked.

“Who knows, maybe she will get to make an outfit just for you. I look forward to seeing what you two–or, three?–decide to do.”

“Eugh, she kinda got the wrong idea here… we aren't even friends.”

While that was unfortunately true, I didn't want to correct her misunderstanding. Especially when what she said had made my heart pound rapidly… Nilsu was a tailor… and maybe she'd make an outfit for me…

Ah…

“Ew. Seriously. Get a grip. Don't get dazey here! Not in front of the Director…”

I did my best to snap out of my dreamy trance, and stood up from my seat to shake her hand.

“We won't disappoint!”

When she stood up to return my handshake, her smile had already disappeared, making me question whether I had dreamt it up…