Gifted, A Donovan Circus Novel Read Free Page A

stereotypes, flunking math, and awkward dances. It must be a hundred times
worse with a gift. I would not trade the circus for any of it.”
    “I wouldn’t go back for all the
money in the world. I can’t wait to not worry about accidentally scaring
someone with a flame from my hand.”
    She smiled and pulled her long
hair into a ponytail. “Have you met anyone besides me?”
    “Not yet. I’m pretty nervous
about meeting the Firestarters and the rest of the troupe. Anything I need to
know beforehand?”
    Delia gave a strange half smile.
“Well, you lucked out since people view me as abnormally friendly. But
sometimes it can get a little…interesting around here. A lot of them keep to
themselves, but some flaunt their gifts every chance they get. We all feel at
home together, so we use gifts very openly when strangers are not present.”
    “You’re not the first to say
something along those lines. Should I be scared?”
    “No, it is only that it can be a
large culture shock coming here if you are from a smaller troupe or one that is
more human. A few people have joined and left in a matter of days because it
was so different they could not handle it. It has been a while since you have
been around large groups of us.”
    “I have a pretty open mind. Will
they be offended if I act surprised at their gift?”
    “Most likely not the first time,
but after that, probably. Ready to go?” she asked. Before I even realized it,
she had blurred past me, and now waited at the door.
    I followed her out into the bright
sunshine. “Do you do that a lot? Leave people in the dust, I mean?”
    “I try not to, but I am
impatient. Why take your time when you can be there in an instant?”
    “Understandable. Uh, but do you
think for the next few days you could slow it down for me? You’re my lifeline
right now, after all.”
    Delia laughed. “Sure. But I can
only babysit so much on the grounds after tomorrow and you will be thrown in
whether you like it or not. Think you can look after yourself once you know
some people?”
    We passed the grouping of
campers and continued through the maze. The campers were grouped behind the
tents and booths, and I could hear the low buzz of people nearby. Workers had
just finished getting up The Big Top tent, the main attraction where the
performance occurred each night. It sat on the back corner of the lot, guarding
the living area with its side entrance providing easy availability to the
performers.
    “This way,” Delia said. She
motioned for me to follow her.
    We followed the already worn
walkway around a corner, where a sea of activity blinded me. Whereas the
campers were quiet, the actual circus grounds thrived with members preparing
for the day.
    My senses hit
overdrive—colors, smells, and sounds assaulted me. Costumes covered in
sequins and feathers were traded off between artists; my nose detected popcorn
machines, sawdust with hay, and sweat, both human and animal. And the sounds!
It was so loud between the people yelling, animals’ screeches, and equipment in
use to set up stands and booths. I would have to shout at Delia to be heard.
    I suddenly became very aware of
why Sheffield and Delia warned me against being surprised. People made no
secret of their gifts in safe company. I saw another Runner dart in and out of
the crowd while Levitators floated seamlessly between the bodies. Birds flew
all over, carried messages or small objects such as tools or costume props. The
air filled with sounds of conversation, animals protested their displeasure of
cages, and men barked orders on the best way to get tents up fast.
    My heart jumped when I saw two
other male Firestarters walking together. One was dressed in half a clown
costume. The other one flicked a lighter and began to juggle fireballs with the
clown; they walked simultaneously as they tossed them back and forth to one
another, gradually creating greater space between them. Walking five feet
apart, they continued juggling and