The Ring Master's Obsession

Episode 4 Storm's POV

It had been 2 months since I had seen her and she plagued my every thought, my every dream, the way I acted with Elerian the last time we were together was appalling, it took every ounce of strength I had in me to not kiss me, I will always remember the way she looked in that moment her, beautiful light complexion, her pink plump lips, her round cheeks and her hair hanging just so around her face she was like an angel I was amazed by her but the thought of being vulnerable with her was terrifying me and she didnt deserve to be just another girl she was worth more than that.

"Storm ... oi earth to storm are you here?" Greg said nudging my arm breaking me from my thoughts.

"yeah, sorry I'm here what's the answer then?" i asked

"what?!" Kristen asked

"whats the answer?" i repeated

"answer to what?" greg asked as both kristen and greg looked odly at each other,

"storm whats going on? we werent talking about anything that needed an answer we were talking about the new routine we had for the circus?" Kristen said

"oh ... sorry" i said running my hands over my face bringing myself back to the present,

"whats going on? why are you so distracted?" greg asked

"I can't stop thinking about how I left it with Elerian i was so cruel to her, she didnt deserve that and i told us to leave because of how I treated her" i said

"I wish ... I just wish i had spoken to her to explain what was going on in my head?" i said

"maybe one day soon you will get a chance to speak to her but right now you need to get the head in the game we need our ring master get your s**t together man" kristen said wrapping his arm around my shoulders and tapping my chest, he was right i needed to get my head out of my ass.

"ok boys lets do this" i said clapping my hands together and giving myself a pep talk,

"first things first get my bag packed for our first training session" i said i walked off up stairs to my room, the last month we had found and moved into our new home,

Lytham St Anne's. Was where we found ourselves taking up residence in a brand-new home with a modern and stylish finish that infuses the latest technology with magnificently refined rooms, with an interior filled with the latest 21st Century technology and fittings. Situated on just under an acre of land, this unique property is not one to miss out on.

The entrance to this outstanding property is via a large Pivoting door with electric locking mechanisms, opening to an impressive entrance hallway. Featuring a curved floating staircase leading to the first floor with a polished plaster decorative wall to one side and a media wall comprising of 6 monitors to the other. 3D Hexagon LED lighting is fitted to the ceiling, with colour changing options, flowing through the ground floor main living space. The porcelain tiled floor guides the eye over the Open Plan Living Dining Kitchen area and towards floor-to-ceiling windows and 4 sets of bi-folding doors overlooking the landscaped gardens.

The Kitchen has a range of fitted wall and base units with a unique Stealth Kitchen Island. combi-microwave/oven with warming drawer, 5 area induction hob, sink with 5 in 1 Quooker boiling water tap, 2 dishwashers, and full-sized fridge, freezer and wine fridge. There are also multiple wireless charging points built in. The Dining Area features 1 set of bi-folding doors opening to the side patio area and rear garden, with a wall mounted TV disguised as a mirror. The tiled floor then steps down towards the Living Area comprising of 3 sets of bifold doors which overlooks the rural surroundings and floating Sun Deck area with water features beyond. The Lounge also converts into a Cinema Room with the help of all round automatic blinds, there is a projector and electric drop-down screen, complete with speakers, woofers inset into the walls, an added party feature are the various lasers.

Access to the ground floor Bedroom and Gym Room is via an archway with LED strip goal post lighting. The large double bedroom includes fitted furniture with access to Ensuite featuring His & Hers wash hand basins and dual shower heads. Fully equipped Gym Room includes a range of 5 different CV pieces, a large multi piece with smith’s machine and two fitted TVs, with internally concealed sliding door opening to side garden.

The floating staircase takes you to the first floor, where the polished plaster wall continues and the floor to ceiling surrounding windows look over fields as far as the eye can see, contemporary design including floating pebble lighting, LED goal-post lighting, and circular style wall art that doubles as a lighting feature. The first-floor benefits from an additional living space with incredible views over the gardens and rural scenes beyond, with access to the rear Balcony. A feature fireplace with electric fire and inset TV with inset speakers and woofers is the main focal point of the room. There is also an upstairs Kitchen / Utility Room with sink, wine fridge, freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer with separate WC.

The Master Suite also has access to the rear and side Balcony, and benefits from its own Walk in Wardrobe/Dressing Room with range of fitted furniture. The bedroom is completed with its own fully tiled suite with rose gold fixtures; comprising of freestanding bath with floor mounted waterfall tap, walk in shower, Japanese self-cleaning toilet, and his & hers wash hand basins. Finalised with feature LED lighting and wall mounted waterproof Aqua Vision TV.

Bedroom Three features has fitted bedroom furniture, including wardrobes and bedside tables, with access to a fully tiled three-piece Ensuite with automatic LED lighting. Bedroom Four is currently presented as an office with fitted desk area and shelving, with access to a fully tiled three-piece Ensuite.

Outside there was a set of electrically operated security gates leading onto a block paved wide circular driveway with water feature situated in the middle. To the front there are artificially lawned areas and off-road parking spaces for multiple cars with electric car charging points. the perfect indoor-outdoor living vibe with a fully fitted outdoor kitchen, floating sundeck area, and outdoor seating area complete with a large double firepit and artificial flower wall. Multiple tiled bedding planters are filled with mature plants, shrubs and water features with lighting and hidden speakers. There are also a range of architectural white arches with goal-post lighting and six water features.

At the very end of the garden with the privacy of mature shrubs there is a full-sized tennis court / 5 a side football pitch serviced by a Bar with personalised Holly Bank Wimbledon Signage. We had a fully Equipped Gym including Treadmill, Multipiece, Rowing Machine & more plus 2 TVs A full length swimming pool with jacuzzi, the last 10 years I had seen myself living only the best life but somehow this time it felt empty it was just bricks and mortar, it wasn’t a home. I shook off the disappointment I felt walking around my new home and headed to my bedroom, I took my gym bag out of the wardrobe and began gathering all the things I needed to practice with my costume trousers, tape and a towel for any sweat, I had also treated myself to a new ride, a gorgeous range rover sport with every mod com you can think of. We headed off to the tower I parked up in the private carpark just round the corner from the tower, I knew the owner to the car park he said I could park there as long as I needed to. We got out I locked the car and we all walked round the entrance of the tower, it was 8am so everything wasn’t open to the public yet.

“Morning mum, morning dad how are you today?” I asked

“Morning son” my mum Georgie said as she gave me a cuddle, towering over my mum by at least a foot, mum stood at a tiny 4 ft 9, she was talented, petite and easy for my dad to hold during their performances together. I dropped my bag on the floor and grabbed hold of my dad for a cuddle I was taller than him not by much.

“it's good to see you both so well” I said to them both they smiled at me.

“it's good to have you back sweetheart” mum said

“Come on then get changed let's get this show on the road” dad said pulling his costume on he was part of the trapeze act with my brothers Cameron, Samuel and Jackson and my sister Hattie, my mum wasn’t part of the trapeze act she knew the routine encase she ever had to step in for anyone. That’s the way it was we all learned each other's act so that if any of us needed support we were all there helping each other. We were a family that’s the way it always was... well that was until...

NO! Enough I wasn’t going to think about that today was a fresh start no more thinking of the past until it was the time too.

I got changed into the ring master's uniform I took a moment to admire the jacket I had watched all these years be worn by my father, grandfather and great grandfather and now it was my turn, my fingertips ran along the edge of the opening feeling the red velvet, I was instantly transported to a child watching my dad performing making thousands of people and happy families laugh and bringing them enjoyment. The feelings of excitement and anticipation watching all the amazing and talented acts perform each one making their mark in the circus world and this time it was my time, not only would I do it for myself I would do it for my brother Freddie. I took it off the hanger.

“Come on Storm lets go” my dad shouted I smiled and threw the jacket on I ran out into the ring music and lighting was being tested.

“Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the king circus of Blackpool tower, my family and I have had the pleasure of performing here at the tower for over 80 years and we have had the pleasure to witness and be a part of an ever-growing family, as a child I was amazed and fascinated by how some of the most death-defying stunts and acts are performed and now here I am I'm honoured and privileged to be here today as your new ring master.” I said through the mic, I was dressed in black leggings, shiny black boots, a white loose shirt, a stripped waist coat and the red military style jacket made out of red velvet material with black and gold embellishments, of buttons and chains. I felt so confident I introduced each act and played my part when the different apparatus was being set up such as the Russian wheel, or the trapeze lines and balance poles, my uncle Joey joined me in telling jokes and making those transitions funny for the audience. Once I had gone through the whole performance, I felt my old self beginning to return, adrenaline feeding my hunger for the circus. I thought of Freddie all day but I didn’t let it stop me from my mission of making my family proud especially Freddie. After practising I decided to get changed into my normal gym wear, I decided I would try the routine Freddie and I worked on that I never got the chance to perform. I set up the apparatus in an empty room and began working on how to balance through all the gym sessions I had over the years and core strength I was well experienced my fitness was the one thing I carried on and worked hard on.

I began remembering the routine, the music that Freddie played through my phone. Flash backs of us training together flashed through my mind then came the nightmares I could never escape from, my concentration began to falter and I fell off the platform.

“STORM!” I heard in a loud whisper from the shadows in the room I was in,

“STORM!” another whisper came again and again, panic ran through my veins my heart was pounding,

“WHO’S THERE?” I shouted but again I heard my name

“STORMY!” I heard I froze suddenly on the spot; Freddie was the only one who called me that, but Freddie was dead how could I be hearing my name being called I was losing my mind it was just the adrenaline from being back I've done too much

“STORMY” I heard again

“FREDDIE IS THAT YOU?” I shouted

A hand landed on my shoulder breaking me from the terror I felt, when I turned it was Greg,

“hey man you'll want to see this” he said

“Ok im coming” I said

“Hey you ok?” he asked

“Yeah, I'm fine what is it?” I asked picking up the towel I had and wiping the sweat from my brow,

“Greg what is it what's going on?” I asked again as we neared the curtains, he pointed to look out and there she was Elerian she was stood with my family how did she know my family? There was Jess and Kimberly too what was she doing here? Jackson what the hell is going on? So many questions and I didn’t have a clue on how to find the answers, I turned away looking at the floor.

“Storm there your chance to speak to her she’s out there now get out there?”

“NO!... WAIT” I said we stood at the curtains and listened to what was said before I made my decision to go out and see her.

"Hey?" Jackson said stopping her from moving,

"What can she do?" Dad asked Kimberly and Jess,

"She can sing, dance, play a guitar and a flute, she has aerial skills on a hoop and ribbon our El has hidden talents," they said I watched as I Jackson and Elerian stared at each other jealousy rose up in my throat and I couldn’t stand back anymore I walked across to the crowd Elerian couldn’t see me she stood with her back to me.

"Elerian?" I said her body stiffened

"You know Elerian?" Dad asked

"Yes, as does Greg and Kristen," I said as she slowly turned around

"Elerian was kind enough to look after us when the booking was mixed up at the hotel when we first came back," I said looking at her my god she was so beautiful,

Jackson stepped to the side of her and put his hand on her back he could see from the way I looked at him he knew it bothered me.

"So Elerian, I want to know more about these talents you say you don't have?" Dad asked her as he held out his hand and directed her through everyone, Cam and Sam unhooked the ribbon as they hooked the trapeze bars back in place.

"Oh Ben, please, compared to you, all my talents are an abomination to the name circus" she said trying to persuade him to drop the subject but Jess and Kim both encouraged my dad even further.

"El you do not give yourself any credit you are an accomplished woman don't hide them from the world we believe in you," Kim said as she and Jess both nodded to her, Dad let her hand go,

"But I'm not wearing the right clothes for this," she said trying one last pathetic chance to get out of showing everyone.

"Come, I will help you with that," jess said as she ran towards her and dragged her back stage, Kim followed closely behind them.

“So you know our mystery guest?” Jackson said as he looked at me,

“yes I do I met her when I first came back, she was very kind to all of us, she was good enough to share her flat with us for a few days the booking had gotten mixed up and the solution Elerian came up with in order to help out her boss and family” I defended her

“that is very kind of her?” dad said

“yes she is” I said turning my head to watch for her coming out from back stage.

“do you know what she can do?” dad asked me

“no I don’t what did Kim and jess tell you about her?” I asked

“just that she is amazing at ribbon work, she is a musician and can play the guitar and flute, oh and that she is amazing at the hoop if she can do that, we need her in our show” dad said “but why?” I asked

“Because son we haven't had anyone on the ribbon or hoop in 15 years and I think and act like that would be new and exciting for the circus especially if you’re to take over!” he said

He had a point but both of us working together after the way I treated her would she want to? I guess the apology I planned on giving her needed to be extra special.

Kim and Jess ran out from back stage and knocked all the lights off, everyone sat down in the seats and I watched as I seen a figure walk out to the centre ring, it was Elerian, my heart was pounding in my chest and a million questions ran through my head, would she be able to do it? Would she be as magnificent as I knew she was? Would she forgive me? Suddenly a spot light pointed to a spot in the air and Elerian was nowhere to be seen where was she. The music started and on a certain part of the music she dropped into the light. She took my breath away she was out of this world, she began dancing, twisting the ribbon around her legs and body, her body moving to the music with slow sensual moves, my god she did know exactly what she was doing I couldn’t take my eyes off her, her face full of concentration, her curves and tattoos for the world to see her last move was to stand on the cushioned arena frame, she ran around so far and jumped into the air and flew around in circles creating different poses, she finished in the middle with the ribbon spinning her in circles in the middle of the arena, when the music dropped out she had dropped from the top of the ribbon to the bottom and landed in a graceful pose with the lights off and the spot light on her. I hadn't realised that from the music and the way the lighting had been adapted she had gained a bigger audience, Jess and Kimberly were cheering for her and claps were heard from the front row, as the lights came up there was at least another 20 people all clapping and cheering for her from different areas of the arena. My mum and sisters being two of them all part of the circus all ready for their chance to practice before the shows at 1pm and at 3pm. Jess and Kim both ran up to her as she held on tight to the ribbon. I was stunned by her performance and the way she looked in her costume only made me more determined to make her mine, I had no idea where this woman came from or how her life was before but my god if the gods are on my side, she would be mine. Both Jess and kim cuddled her as we all joined them to talk to Elerian dad was right she had to be in the show she would bring more people and more of an audience in to the tower.

"Well, if you can perform on the ribbon like that, I would love to see your hoop work and singing that was flawless, absolutely beautiful," dad said

"Please Elerian perform with us tonight?" Jackson asked, stepping towards her, she looked at me I couldn’t take it I was going to do something I regretted if I stayed there so after taking another look at both of them I walked away leaving them there.

"yes Elerian please perform today?" I heard dad say before I left the arena, I stood at the end of the corridor when I seen Elerian run my way she hadnt seen me and bumped right into me tears streaming from her eyes. What had happened I had only just left them all in the arena, I gently reached for her and held her in place she looked up at me tears down her cheeks I wanted to kiss her she must have remembered the way I treated her back at the hotel when she backed off

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you," she said

"Hey, what's happened?" I asked

"it's OK, I'm fine, I need to ...I need to go"

She said, running off again, It took me a few moments then I ran after her she ran until she came to the dressing room, I watched as she took hold of her clothes and hid in the dressing room Jess and Jackson came in, I hid in the shadows.

"I hope we find Elerian. She's my best friend. We never meant to push her like that," she said

"Me too she was amazing. Why is she so frightened of people?" he asked

"Elerian has had a heart-breaking past, please don't ask me anymore than that she's my friend and I love her very much I would never betray her trust like that" she said I felt so much pride knowing she was my friend.

"Was it really that bad?" Jackson asked

"You can't even imagine that's why she ran off it's too much for her, she's not one for being the centre of attention because she's never been there, I wish she would believe in herself because she has so many talents her singing is so beautiful, she's got such a huge passion for what she does if only she could see how much I love her" Jess said I instntly remembered the scars on her back when she lifted her arms in the kitchen I was still waiting for donny to get back to me with information about her but he hadnt come back with anything yet I must remember to contact him again.

"she's our sister," Kimberly said as she walked in from the arena

"Always," Jess said

slowly Elerian opened the curtain and walked out

"I love you both too," she said as she stepped forward towards them, they wrapped their arms around each other,

"we're so sorry, el we didn't mean to push," Jess said

"You didn't. I'm sorry for running off and making you worry," she said

"You had every right to, sweetie," Kim said

They stopped cuddling. She looked at Jackson and stepped towards him. I dropped my head and my fists clenched how could this woman make me feel like this.

"Tell your dad I will perform tonight, but only once to see how I get on?!" She said once was better than nothing, maybe I could convince her to come back when I apologised to her.

"Really?" he asked, smiling. She turned and looked around at Jess and Kim, then back at him,

"Yeah, my girls believe in me, and so do I," she said

She turned round and joined in the girly screams and cheering. It was the first time I had seen her genuinely happy it warmed my heart knowing she had girlfriends she could trust.

"Oh, come on, we need to get you another outfit and your hair and makeup done,"

jess said they dragged her to the dressing table and began getting her ready,

"I'll go get you something to wear for now while we get you your new costume sorted," Kimberly said

"I'm so proud of you, sweetie," jess said

"Thank you," she said

"You're going to knock their socks off, and you're going to be loved," jess said

"Thank you, by the way, for not telling Jackson about my past," she said as jess looked at her, shocked she had heard her, I stayed hoping to hear some of the things she had been through I wanted to know so I could stop the pain she was in.

"El you mean the world to me, my sister I would never betray your trust like that, what's happened to you is your business and its your story to tell not mine" jess said she gave Elerian a cuddle from the back and she cuddled her back. Jess curled her hair and did her makeup. Kim arrived back she had a costume that was similar to before, body suit style, white with nude material up at the top and over both arms covered only in sequins and diamanté's covering the skin no lace, the lace was as high as her breasts then broke away in a spray of sequins and glitter, Kim had also brought her back a mask that matched, and a set of white knee socks, my god if that wasn’t enough to get more people into the circus it certainly got my blood racing through my veins I wanted her in every way I possibly could

"Is she ready yet?!" My dad asked as he was ready to start the first show, she wasn’t to do the first show but the second show with me I was to do the second and last show of the night my dad would announce his retirement from the circus in the first show and I would be introduced in the second. I stepped from the shadows as if I hadn't been there all this time still dressed in my gym clothes.

"she's nearly ready give her another 5 minutes" jess said when she was finally ready she stepped out of the dressing room she had her mask on Jess, Kimberly, my dad, Jackson and I were all outside waiting for her. The anticipation for seeing her in the outfit I had witness her been given was driving me wild, she finally opened the curtain and my legs nearly give way,

"Wow El you look fantastic," Jackson said. She smiled, "Thank you," she said

"he's right, you look amazing," dad said just before he ran into the ring,

I got ready and changed into my uniform, the first show came to a close, and it was only half an hour until the 2nd show, I seen Elerian stood by the curtain watching the new audience to come in, my god her curves and the way she looks into her outfit i couldn't stop looking at her I was mesmerised I stood behind her, the way she was gripping the curtain I could tell how nervous she was,

"Don't be nervous. You're going to be amazing," i said, standing close behind her. As I stood there behind her I took in her fruity scent that drove me wild when I stayed with her.

"Congratulations for taking over your father. You will do him and your family proud" she said as she turned around to look me, we both couldn't help but be mesmerised by each other after a moment or two she turned her head away and looked out into the seats that were filling up,

"Let's go bro first show you up," greg said, tapping storm on the shoulder.

"Good luck," Greg said

"He doesn't need it," she said, winking at me I smiled, ran out of the curtain to start the show I performed everything the way I practiced it was her turn.

"ladies and gentleman boys and girls tonight we have a special performance a woman who has amazing skill and can thrill and excite with her death defying stunts ladies and gentleman the masked angel," I introduced her, she performed, I finished the show and ran back stage I had no idea what both of us was thinking, I picked her up and spun her around.

"You were amazing El" I said

"So were you, well done" she said still in my arms. All of a sudden realising what we were doing we pulled apart and stood awkwardly.

"Elerian, after what skills and passion you have displayed tonight for all to see, please think about joining the circus, become part of the King family?" dad said

"I will think about it, I promise," she said

I seen her say bye to Jess and Kim, I followed her out.

"Elerian!!" I shouted

"Yes" she said turning to looking at me.

"You're... well, you were out of this world, Elerian, " I said, I walked in front of her to stop her.

"Thank you. I appreciate your kindness," she said

"You're welcome." I smiled, and she smiled back

"Where did you learn to do that?" I asked

"It's a long story," she said

“Well, how about we have supper together and you tell me all about it?" I asked

"Supper sounds great" She said

"Good I will pick you up about 7 at the hotel is that OK?" I said she nodded and i watched as she walked away