Chapter 12 The Invitation

It has been two weeks, since “The Witching Hour” performance being a huge success and it seems it is the only thing everyone in the city continues talking about. They do not even notice it is already the middle of November. This means people will be getting ready to take off for their winter vacations before final exams.

Even the weather begins to become a bit cooler and the leaves the trees begin changing colors, making it the most beautiful time of the season for the city.

As for Risa and Sara, they have other plans in mind for this holiday season since they are being given two weeks off from Dream after the big success of their new show. In Risa’s case, it is getting back to work on her campus duties.

“Oh, it is good to be back in our own beds for a change,” Sara comments, as she is stretching on her bed.

“Um...,” Risa’s replies, like she was not paying attention to what she was saying.

“So, care to tell me what the email was about?” Sara asks.

“It is nothing important. Charles was sending me some documents to look at before the next performance with the Infinity Blossoms takes place.”

“Ok, but why does it seem like it is bothering you?” Sara asks out of concern.

“It is not. I am just busy trying to play catch up with paperwork for the academy.”

“Alright, that is fine then. Oh, before I forget, thank you for the spa trip. Clear and I had a great time.

“Ah-ah, no problem,” Risa responds, continuing not to listen.

“Are you even listening?”

“Huh, oh, sorry. I was reading some emails Abigail recently sent me about the upcoming meetings, but I am asking her if she can attend in my place since we are going to be busy soon,” Risa explains as she is typing on her phone.

“We are back here for less than ten minutes, and it is already back to work. We should be relaxing since we did have back-to-back shows with Circus Dark,” Sara complains.

“I am sorry, but I do have students and events to take care of as Student Representative,” Risa calmly replies.

“I understand. I will leave you to your work,” Sara said, sounding irritated.

Sara was flipping through the channels and stopped on the circus channel where it was showing scenes from latest productions in the circus community and this time it was for the Snow Majesty’s performance.

“And that ladies and gentlemen, there you have it, the latest performance piece from our current Snow Majesty’s show reproduction of “Falling Snow”, the reporter announces to anyone who is watching.

“Tell me Aliya, how you came up with such amazing show?” interviewer asks, the Snow Majesty.

“Thank you. It took a lot of effort and creative focus to bring this show together; I would have to say it helps if you have determination and focus to create an amazing show,” Aliya replies with such kindness.

“Right, do you think being the Snow Majesty helped you to get to where you are?”

“I believe becoming the Snow Majesty has been a great honor and creating these shows has been amazing. I will admit, I do not think I can compare my talents to my predecessor. She was an incredible performer,” Aliya confesses.

“Yes, I would have to agree. In case anyone does not know, Risa Amane was the previous Snow Majesty and a performer we will never forget. Sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances left the circus world. She has been missed.”

“Yes, I truly miss her performances, she was one of a kind. Now tell me, Aliya, I hear you have an announcement to make to the world?” The reporter asked.

“Yes, that is correct. Thank you for reminding me. This year I have decided to step down from my Snow Majesty role after my four years due to a career change. So, I have decided to host a circus showcase to find the next Snow Majesty,” Aliya announces.

“And dare I ask what brought this up?” The reporter asked.

“I have decided to pursue a career in theater, so my last act as the Snow Majesty, will be crowning the next Snow Majesty,” Aliya announces.

“Well, you will be missed in the circus world, dare I ask when this event will take place and who are able to enter,” The reporter asks, curiously.

“Yes, this will take place in a few weeks during the season of snow. As for who can compete in this competition, as to its tradition only individuals with circus performance skills who show promise may enter. I do believe the invitations have already been sent out as we speak. I do hope we get to see incredible talent and have them be part of history,” Aliya answers with great joy.

“Yes, I am looking forward to it. Do you believe Risa will make a surprising appearance?”

“I really do hope so. I would love to see her perform again before I step down,” Aliya said, wishing her dream would come true.

“We will love to see her once again shining her bright light taking on this role she once made special during her career.”

“Yes, I would agree.”

“Yes, we would all love to see that. Thank you, Snow Majesty Aliya, for being here with us today and we wish you the best of luck in your new career,” The reporter says, as he ends the interview.

“Yes, thank you for having me. I am glad to be here,” Aliya said, waving to her fans.

Sara mutes the television and thought to make a comment to attack Risa.

“Geez, I do wonder if the REAL Snow Majesty will make an appearance,” Sara slyly says to Risa as she slips out of bed.

“Maybe she will. It is about time I regain my crown,” Risa declares with a fiery heart.

“Oh, the queen is back,” Sara teases. “I do hope you get an invite.”

“Yes. May I will.”

A second later, Sara’s phone makes a sound and takes out her phone from her pocket. She unlocks her phone, and she sees a text from her friend. Then she begins to read it. “Oh, it is a text from Marissa. She is inviting us to have lunch with her and the rest of the girls,” Sara explains reading the text out loud.

“Sure. I can use something to eat.”

“Yes. I will text her that we are on our way.”

The girls quickly changed into their comfortable clothes and headed out of their dorm to meet up with their friends. Along the way, Risa and Sara are greeted by fans wanting to see their idols. Risa and Sara kindly acknowledged their fans and signed a few things for them.

About twenty minutes later, they finally arrived at the cafeteria and met up with their friends. “Hey Risa! Sara! Over here!” A girl shouted, spotting them.

“Hey Marissa. Thank you for saving us some seats. This place sure is busy today,” Risa thanking Marissa with great kindness.

“No problem. I am just glad you are here with us. It has been a while since we last hung out since you are so busy with work,” Marissa teases.

“Sorry. I know it has been a long time since we last seen each other. With the work I am doing for the city, academy, and Dream, I have a packed schedule,” Risa apologizes.

“We understand. It is not easy being a friend of a celebrity,” Rina teases.

“Yes, it really is tough,” Risa replies.

“How is gymnastics training coming along?” Sara quickly asks to change the subject. “Are you ready for the competition coming up?”

“It has been going well. We have been working hard since the winter conference is coming up, but it would be easier if you two were still on the team,” Rina admits.

“Yeah, it is not the same without you two. I even hear the competition is going to be tough to beat this year,” Marissa said, sounding a bit sad.

“I am so sorry. I wish I could help you, but Dream keeps us busy,” Sara apologizes.

“What about Emily and the rest of the upperclassmen?” Risa asked.

“Well, most of the upperclassmen are prepared to compete, but we are short three people due to injuries. As for Emily, she left Rika Academy two months ago to join a circus in a different city after passing on Dream,” Rina explains.

“Huh, interesting. I am sorry to hear that. I am surprised Emily will pass of sending the team to the nationals,” Risa wondered.

“Tell me about it,” a voice said behind Risa.

She turns to see another old friend coming to join them.

“Daisy. Flora. It is great seeing you,” Sara said, hugging their other friends.

“Yes, I sure missed you two,” Risa said, greeting them.

“Ha-ha, yes, I guess we have all been busy to see one another, how are you, Risa?” Daisy asked, taking the seat next to Risa.

“Fine, thank you. How are the auditions for the winter recital coming along?” Risa asked.

“Yes, we do not start auditions until next week. It is ashamed, we will not have out have a leading star on stage again. I do miss seeing you perform in a tutu,” Daisy teases.

“Ha-ha. Very funny. I believe my ballet days are behind me,” Risa answers as she laughs at the idea.

“At least I tried. I do miss you in the spotlight,” Daisy said, praising her friend.

“Yes, performing is behind me. Now it is great seeing all of you, but I have some work to catch up on, so I will catch you later,” Risa said trying to excuse herself to leave.

“Hold it right there. I know you heard the news, and we want to know if you will be competing for the crown this year,” Flora asks.

“If I get an invitation, now excuse me,” Risa replies and begins to leave the table.

“I am sorry about her mood. She has a lot on her mind right now. Speaking of which, I better go too. I have some homework to finish up. It was nice seeing all of you again,” Sara said, also leaving to check up on Risa.

Leaving the cafeteria, Sara spots Risa walking back to the dorm without caring to speak to anyone. Sara runs up to Risa wondering what is wrong with her.

“Hey, don’t you think that was kind of rude?” Sara asks. “We haven’t had the chance to spend time with our friends for a long time, and you get up and leave like that.

“I am sorry. I will apologize to them later,” Risa replies.

“I hope you do. I know you are under a lot of stress, but you can try being a little nicer to our friends,” Sara pleas with Risa.

“I promise the next time we have a gathering; I will invite them to my house and treat them to whatever they want to do,” Risa purposes.

“Very well, at least that is a start,” Sara agrees.

“Thank you. I am going to get back to work,” Risa said, jumping on her laptop and getting back to work.

Two days later, Risa continues with her work while Sara is taking care of things around campus. The other task she oversaw was managing the upcoming shows taking place in the city since the other founding members refused to do paperwork. The only person that seems to put in a bit more effort is her longtime friend Charles, who she hardly speaks to anymore after what happened to her.

It was late into the afternoon one day when Risa managed to take a break from her work and decided to go downstairs to check her mail. She heads out the door and walks down the stairs, being greeted by her classmates to the wall of mailboxes to open her mailbox. She greets them briefly and takes her keys out of her purse to open her mailbox. She grabs her mail out of the box and locks it. She quickly looks through her mail, and it seems she finds her invitation to the circus showcase. She was about to open it, only to be interrupted by a text from the student council president asking her to come to her office. Risa thought this was perfectly timed and wondered if she was behind this. She puts the rest of the letters inside her purse and starts walking to the student council office.

Sara coming back to the dorm after her errand, sees Risa distort decides to follow her.

“Risa, what is the matter?” Sara asks for concern.

“It is nothing. I got to go to the student council office, see you soon,” Risa said, as she quickly hid the letter from Sara.

“Do you want to come to the café with me after?” Sara asks.

“Sorry, I have a few more meetings to finish today, maybe tomorrow,” Risa explains.

“Ok, take care. See you later,” Sara said, worried about Risa’s sudden change of behavior.

As Risa continues walking towards the student council, she could not stop thinking about how rude she was to Sara and she had to make it up to her in some way. In any case, she must deal with this student council meeting before she gets even more pissed.

“Student Representative Risa Amané reporting in.”

“Oh, Risa, good you came,” Karina said kindly.

“Are you behind this?” Risa asks as she shows her the invitation.

“No, but it is great you got invited to the show case. After all, we all know about your former career,” President Karina comments.

“And what does it have to do with you because I feel like this text was really well planned,” Risa asks, sounding angry.

“The invitation is all you. The text however is to get your attention.”

“About what?”

“I would like you to represent Rika Academy in the circus showcase.”

“No.”

“Why?” Karina asks.

“This matter has nothing to do with the academy. I am doing this for myself as I will represent myself.”

“Hum. I guess this is personal. I was going to ask you to represent the academy to get more press but seems to me you do not care about that.”

“You are right about that.”

“Good. I wish you the best.”

“Yes, well, I do not need your comments. I will reclaim my crown without anyone’s help. So, if we are done here, I would like to discuss with you the current schedules for the clubs heading aboard for their competition and the students staying in the city. I am also going to discuss with the other clubs about their plans as well.”

“Very well, have a good show. Thank you for going all of this.”

“Yes, well, it is my job,” Risa said, leaving to head over to the theater house located on the other side of campus.

“Damn that bitch,” Karina angrily whispers.

The crowds continue to be excited to see their very own circus star made it even harder for Risa to just do her job around campus. All she can do is deal with it and make her fans happy. She gives them smiles and hugs while continuing walking towards the theater where she can finally take a break from the fans.

“Thank you all for coming in such short notice. I know you are busy with your upcoming club activities, so i will make this quick,” Risa begins.

“Yes ma’am!” Everyone shouts, ready to listen.

“Good. I know many of you are busy preparing for your shows and tournaments aboard, and I know you would all love me to come to cheer you on. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend your tournaments and shows due to personal reasons, so I wish you all the best of luck.

this year, due to personal reasons. Luckily, I have asked some of my personal friends to be your chaperones for your events. I will not ruin the surprise, since you will find out soon. Now please pick up your schedules on your way out and I will miss you all during the winter break,” Risa announces.

After her announcement, Risa says her good-byes and handed her students their schedules. It was painful for her not being there for her fellow classmates, but she believes they will be fine.

Once the last club left, she took a deep breath and headed out the door.

Sara arrives, seeing Risa finally able to breathe.

“I take it this meeting went well?” Sara asks as she approaches her.

“Yes, the meeting went well. They did feel sad about me not being able to attend their shows, but I think they will be excited for the surprise I have for them,” Risa teases.

“That is nice and what about the student council?” Sara asks.

“Apparently Karina denies the idea of having something to do with the invitation to the circus showcase, and she also had the nerve to ask me to represent the academy,” Risa explains.

“Really? “So, what are you going to do?” Sara replies curiously.

“I am going to the circus showcase and representing myself,” Risa explains.

“I support you in your decision, so shall we head over to the training room?” Sara asks, supporting her friend.

“Yes, let’s go,” Risa agrees, walking with Sara.

Risa and Sara continue walking to the training room but are stopped in their tracks by a voice from the distance. “Risa! Risa!” A voice shouted. They turn around to see Theo running towards them waving something in his hand.

“Theo, what are you doing here?” Risa asks, surprised.

“I wanted to show you this. Dream has been invited to perform in the circus showcase,” Theo explains between breathes.

“Really, well so have I?” Risa said, showing off her invitation, too.

“Wow, a solo invitation. That is great. Care for a partner?” Theo asks.

“I am sorry, but I have already decided to do this alone,” Risa admits.

“Oh…ok. It would have been nice if we did something together. You should also let the boss know,” Theo said disappointed.

“I think I will,” Risa replies.

An hour later, they walked over to Dream to give their boss the news.

“Are you telling me you are refusing to perform with Dream for the showcase even though you are under contract,” the boss says a bit frustrated.

“Yes, that is correct. My invitation invited me to do a solo act and that is what I am going to do,” Risa explains.

“Hum…, very well. If I cannot change your mind, then I will allow it,” the boss said, giving her the final decision.

“Thank you, sir. It will be a performance you will never forget,” Risa said thanking the boss with grace.

Risa leaves the room, and Theo does not take his eyes off her leaving.

“Right, now that we are down a performer. I want all of you to work hard to come up with the best performance you have ever performed before,” the boss orders.

“Sir, yes, sir,” the cast agrees.

“Theo care to train with me and later have some dinner together?” Laurel offers.

“Sure, I will meet you at the training room later,” Theo said, brushing off Laurel, as he leaves the room.

Outside, Theo begins running after Risa, which he sees at the bridge watching the ocean.

“Risa!” Theo shouts out.

“Huh, Theo. What do you want now?” Risa asks annoyedly.

“I just wanted to see if you are ok,” Theo teases.

“I am fine. Why are you here?” Risa said, not buying his cute act.

“Why are you doing this solo?” Theo asks.

“If you must know I am doing this to reclaim my title.”

“Your title?”

“Yes. I am the former Snow Majesty everyone keeps talking about.”

“You were?”

“Yes. I was. I never liked to advertise my success as the former Snow Majesty because I was the youngest performer to win and quit right after. Now I am ready to reclaim my title,” Risa explains.

“That sure is amazing. I really do know royalty,” Theo teases.

“Yeah, I guess you are right. Ha-ha.”

“See that is what I like, you smile.”

“Thanks. I guess I needed that.”

“No problem,” Theo said, brushing Risa’s hair out of the way.

Theo closes in and kisses Risa. She seems to enjoy it but shoves him away. She quickly runs away trying to forget the kiss.