Saturday night Ben talked to his parents about the opportunity offered to him at the circus. His father wanted more for Ben but he understood his passion right now for the circus. Ben’s mother was concerned too but was also proud that her son was offered a job of his interest. Ben’s father reminded him that he still had a week left before his graduation.
“I know dad. I am passing all my classes and my job doesn’t start until next weekend,” Ben said.
Even though he was worried, Ben’s father signed the paper along with his mother before going into the den. Ben’s mother gave him a hug and whispered that she was proud of him. The feelings of joy, nervousness, and excitement overflowed Ben’s body.
He took the permission paper, went to his bedroom, and sat down with a pad of paper and a pen. He wanted to put together a to do list for the next couple of weeks. First thing he needed to do was take the signed paper back and figure out a mask to wear.
The next morning, Ben told his parents that he was going to go to the circus to take back the permission paper. His mom offered to give him a ride but he wasn’t ready for his parents to meet his new bosses, yet.
“Thanks Mom but I’ll get a ride from Darren.”
“Okay honey,” Ben’s mother said.
Ben went into the other room and called his friend but found out that he was working. So, he called for a taxi like before.
When the taxi arrived, Ben told his mom that he would be back later in the afternoon. From the kitchen, his mother wished him well and told him to be safe.
“I will Mom,” Ben said as he closed the front door behind him.
When the taxi driver pulled into the circus parking lot and stopped at the gate, he asked Ben if he was sure about getting out there. Ben told him that he was going to be working there now, so yes.
The driver shrugged his shoulders and said, “okay, it’s your life kid.”
Ben looked at him strangely because he wasn’t sure why the taxi driver said that. He just knew that he was excited about his new job. Ben closed the door and then wandered through the main entrance. When Ben looked back he saw the first few customers of the day drive in. It was 9:45 in the morning after all and the circus was set to open at 10 on Sundays.
“I got to find Miss Nancy and let her know that I can start work next weekend,” Ben walked toward the ticket booth.
“Hello young man, we don't open until ten but do you need a ticket?” The ticket handler asked.
“Good morning sir, no, I’m looking for Miss Nancy’s trailer. I hadn’t come in this way before so I’m sort of lost,” Ben said.
“What do you want to see Miss Nancy for?”
“My name is Ben and I’ll be working here starting next weekend.”
“You don’t say… Well Ben, I’m Chester. You will find Miss Nancy’s trailer that way. Just look for the big top tent and her trailer is past it and toward the back of the property.”
Ben looked in the direction that Chester pointed and then turned back towards him, “thank you Chester, have a good day.”
“Oh, you too Ben, and nice meeting you,”
As Ben walked toward the big top tent, Luke happened to see him and trotted over to him, “so you got a job here, huh kid?”
“Yep, I start next Saturday,” Ben smiled.
“Are you sure that you have what it takes?” Luke asked.
“How hard can it be to impress the people who come here?” Ben said.
“It’s not the visitors that you need to be concerned about,” Luke said before he smirked and walked off in the other direction.
“What do you mean?” Ben called out to Luke.
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