Circus Escape (7 page)

"I don't know why your father has agreed to this," said Mrs. Jenkins. She picked up a cup of tea and took a sip, her little pinkie standing upright. "You should be staying here."

"It's time I left." She stood in a short ruffled light green dress of mid-thigh length, her waist emphasised with a black lacy corset and her legs protected with black tights and knee-high boots.

"Joy seems a lovely lady. She can stay here with you. I will enjoy the extra company."

Nessie sighed. "I have to make my own way."

"No, you don't."

"I'll be back mother." Nessie meant it.

She'd finally found the courage to go out and explore the world, and she wasn't going to delay this any longer. There was also Joy and potential relationship.
Joy
. There was plenty of exploring to be done. There was so much more to come, and a ripple of excitement fluttered low in her abdomen.
I can't wait
.

"You better." Her mother sobbed and dabbed her eyes with her lace handkerchief. "You better."

"Of course, I will." She rushed over and hugged her mother.

"You better write to me, not just send videos on the communicator." Mrs. Jenkins sobbed. "Every day, otherwise I'll send your father to come and get you."

"Yes mother, I'll be sure to write. I'll be back before you know it."

Mrs. Jenkins burst into tears.

"I've got to go. They're waiting for me." She was now the new part-owner of the Mecha Arena Pty Ltd, along with the secret investor—her father. Jim had been kicked off the moon as soon as the contracts had been signed last night. He wasn't about to bother her or Joy anytime soon since he was on his way to prison. Her father had made sure of that.

"Go, go." Mrs. Jenkins sobbed. Nessie gave her mother one last hug and then left as tears escaped from her eyes. "I'll be back before you know it."

Her mother waved her handkerchief and tried to smile. Nessie closed the parlor door and picked up her suitcases, one in each hand. She could hear her mother crying loudly. For a moment, a stab of guilt hit her.
No, I have to do this
. She walked out the front door.

Joy waved at her at the end of the garden gate. Nessie smiled back.

"Here, let me help you with them." Joy rushed forward and took the cases. "What have you got in here?" She strained under the weight.

"Just a few things."

"Your entire bedroom?"

"Of course not. A few important things for the trip."

"You won't be needing much." Joy winked at her.

"Really Joy, not here in public," said Nessie. They tied the suitcases to the steambike.

"Are ya sure about this?" asked Joy.

"Never been more certain in my life." Nessie kissed Joy.

Joy blushed. "Come on then, let's get this journey started."

Lilliana has lived on a farm in Australia, played with DNA, contemplated Jung's theories, and travelled, which has fed her imagination and spurred her to write. Lilliana conjures up fantasy worlds full of misguided monsters and fairies who can't fly and many more odd creatures who are all strangely lovable, and sometimes a bit frightening. She has a tendency to get (just a little) grumpy if she doesn't write every day.

Check out more of her work at: www.lillianarose.com.