Big Top Billionaire

EMMELINE I closed my eyes, not containing the smile on my face as I took in the cheers and applause coming from the audience enjoying the show. They were eagerly awaiting our performance, which was the last one of the night. Many acrobats, clowns, and even fire breathers entertained them throughout the entire show; filling the circus tent with laughter. They banned animals  from being used, and I was glad they did, as those poor creatures suffered every day they were being trained. As I looked at them from behind the black velvety curtain, the steel aerial hoop and white silks that acted as our support system every night waited for us. There was a rush of adrenaline running through my body every time I would fly in the air. Many would call me "The Flying Dove" and it stuck, making it my stage name.  John and I were a sensation, always leaving the audience in awe of our acrobatics. He was not only my partner, but also my husband. This is where we first met five years ago, and where we got married last year.  I fell in love with his great sense of humor and kind heart. But I had to be honest, he was handsome as well.  He had long blonde hair, big hazel-green eyes, and a chiseled face. Can't forget the biggest attraction; his well pronounced abs and hard chest. I still blushed at the thought of him being my husband, and I just couldn't get enough of him.  We were as happy as we could be, and this was our life and our passion. “Are you ready, baby?” he asked, standing behind me while kissing my cheek lovingly. My heart swelled every time he was near, and no matter how long we've been together, he would always surprise me with his romantic gestures.  “As ready as I could be, handsome,” I replied, looking up at the ceiling as I suddenly felt my chest constricting. There was a gut feeling within me, and it was not a good one. I didn't like it.  I kept taking deep shaky breaths as Freddie Gaelick, the circus headliner, kept talking to the crowd, holding back our performance. “What's taking Freddie so long?” John asked curiously, as it was already time for us to go out to the arena. One of the circus crew men jogged towards us while Freddie explained about the slight delay they would experience. “What's wrong, Mark?” I asked, fidgeting with my fingers impatiently.  “One of the crew guys found a small defect on the hoop and they're trying to fix it. Since it's the one you'll be using, John, they need to make sure it holds your weight after they're done,” he replied, almost out of breath.  He held his headphone close to his ear, listening to whoever was talking to him on the other side. “I already let them know... How long will it take?” he asked. This must be a sign we shouldn't be up there tonight, but I wasn't sure what would happen if we canceled our performance.  “What if we just use the silks only?” I suggested, looking at my husband.  “Let's just wait, Emma. They're good at fixing this,” he replied, calling me by my nickname, but my heart began beating faster to the point I felt like fainting.  “Okay, you two. They fixed the problem. Ready for the show,” Mark said before jogging away.  We never knew what the defect with the hoop was, and they didn’t tell us. “I have a bad feeling about this, John,” I whispered, trying to take deep breaths to calm myself down. He stroked my back, smiled, and kissed my forehead. “It will be okay, my love.” His reassuring words were not convincing, and I could feel how nervous he also felt just by the way he squeezed my hand. His palm was sweaty, confirming my suspicions. “Well, my dear audience! We are now presenting the last and biggest performance of the night! Emmeline "The Flying Dove" and John Morales, who will delight you with a great acrobatic show!” He announced.  Pushing my thoughts into the back of my mind, we walked out with a big smile on our faces as the crowd's cheers rained down on us.  After taking our first bow, the hoop and the silk were brought down to our level so we could get on and start our performance. Before they pulled us up, John gave me a lingering kiss on my lips, putting his forehead against mine and smiling down at me. “You know I will always love you, right?” he asked.  “Why are you saying it like it will be our last time together?” I frowned.  He didn't say anymore and gave me a kiss on my forehead before he pulled away.  This is not right, this doesn't seem right at all, I thought to myself. As I was about to stop the show, we were already being pulled up in the air. My heart was not in it, but as we kept swinging back and forth and doing our tricks, I felt myself relax and smile, enjoying the moment.  Suddenly, I heard the hoop c***k, and everything stood still. Time froze as I watched John fall from the air; straight to the ground.  “John!” I screamed, extending my hands to catch him, but I was too late. My ankle got caught on the silks, leaving me hanging as I kept my eyes on my falling husband.  I could hear the crowd gasp and scream in fear as they all ran out of the tent while I stayed in the air. My ankle hurt, and I was sure it left a bruise, but I didn't care. I wanted to be with my husband; I needed to make sure he was all right.  When they finally pulled me down, I got myself untangled from the fabric, limping towards the medics who were tending to him. “Bring the stretcher!” One of them yelled.  John was immobile on the ground, but seemed alert and conscious.  “John, baby? Please, talk to me,” I whispered, holding his face in my hands as tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably.  “I love you, my dove,” was all he could say, but I tried my hardest to keep him talking. “Stay with me, don't you dare fall asleep,” I said, smiling down at him before I looked up. “Where the hell is the stretcher! He needs a hospital now!” I was frustrated and scared. I couldn't lose him, not now. “Baby, promise me one thing,” he mentioned in a raspy voice. “Anything, as long as you get through this,” I replied, holding his hand. Blood was coming out of his mouth and his breathing was becoming labored. “Promise me you'll find love again, and you won't turn your back on your passion and your happiness.” “Why are you telling me this? You're going to make it, don't talk as if this is the last time we'll see each other.” “Promise me,” he repeated. He was getting cold, his face was pale, and they were taking forever.  “Hurry up, please!” I screamed my lungs out, sobbing loudly on his chest. “Don't leave me, John! We have a future to look forward to and babies to make!” “Promise me, Emma.” With my eyes blurred from my tears, I kissed his bloodied lips, nodding my head. “I promise.” As soon as those words escaped my mouth, he smiled in relief, taking his last breath and leaving me screaming in pain for him. The paramedics took him away while I kneeled on the floor, hugging myself as he disappeared from my sight. “I love you.”