26. Aurora

26

As I leave Gage's trailer, my heart races with anticipation. The weight of my decision to leave everything behind and start a new life with Gage settles on my shoulders when I see Dan and Charlotte waiting to say goodbye.

Charlotte rushes forward, her eyes brimming with tears as she pulls me into a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you so fucking much," she murmurs. "Promise me you'll stay safe and call me every day."

I nod, fighting back my tears as I squeeze her tightly. "I promise. You know I couldn't do this without your support."

Dan approaches us with a solemn expression. He wraps his arms around us, and we stand momentarily, holding each other. "Are you sure about this, Aurora?" he asks.

I pull back, looking into his eyes. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life, Dan. Gage and I are meant for each other. I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready to face whatever challenges come our way."

Dan nods, his eyes searching mine. "Just remember that we're always here for you, no matter what. If you ever need anything, all you have to do is call, day or night."

A lump forms in my throat as I look at my two best friends, who have been by my side through everything. "I love you both so much," I whisper, my voice cracking. "Thank you for being the most amazing friends anyone could ask for."

We embrace again, holding each other tightly as we say our goodbyes. I know this isn't the end of our friendship, but the start of a new chapter for me.

I watch Tyson, the ringmaster, approach Gage with a stern expression.

"Gage, get the fuck on the bus!" Tyson calls out, his voice gruff and impatient. "We're leaving in five minutes, with or without you."

Gage nods, his jaw clenched tight as he turns to face me. "It's time," he says, his eyes searching mine. "Are you ready?"

I swallow hard as I realize that this is it. I'm really leaving everything behind to start a new life with Gage. The thought of being surrounded by loads of new people, people I've never met before, sends a wave of anxiety through me.

I glance back at Charlotte and Dan. "I've got to go, but I'll ring you once we reach our next destination."

They both nod and wave goodbye, tears streaming down their faces.

I step onto the bus, Gage's hand resting on the small of my back as he guides me up the steps. The door closes behind us with a hiss, and I feel a sudden wave of anxiety wash over me. This is it. I'm really doing this.

Gage leads me down the narrow aisle, past rows of curious faces. I can feel their eyes on me, sizing me up, trying to figure out who I am and what I'm doing here. My gaze remains fixed straight ahead as we go to the back of the bus.

We settle into a pair of empty seats, and Gage pulls me close, his arm draped over my shoulders. I lean into him, inhaling his scent, letting it calm my frayed nerves.

"You okay?" he asks.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. I'm scared and excited all at once, my emotions swirling in a way that makes me dizzy.

Settling into my seat, my heart is still racing. Suddenly, a girl in the seat in front turns around and smiles. She has dark brown hair and green eyes that sparkle.

"Hi there! I'm Alice," she says, extending her hand. "And this is Lily." She gestures to the stunning blonde woman sitting beside her, who gives me a small wave.

"I'm Aurora," I reply, shaking Alice's hand and feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Seeing other girls my age on the bus is comforting, and their friendly demeanor puts me at ease.

"So, what brings you here?" Lily asks.

I glance at Gage, and he gives me a reassuring nod. "Well, I met Gage at the carnival, and we just...connected. I couldn't imagine letting him leave without me."

Alice and Lily exchange a knowing look. "We know exactly how you feel," Alice says, her eyes twinkling. "Lily and I were swept off our feet by carnival workers, too."

My eyes widen. "Really?"

Lily smiles. "I met Cade three months ago, and everything just clicked into place. I knew I had to be with him, no matter what."

Alice chimes in, "And I met Lars at the same time. He's quiet and reserved, but something about him draws me in. I can't explain it."

A rush of relief and excitement washes over me, knowing that other girls on this bus understand what I'm going through and have experienced the same intense connection with someone from the carnival.

"It's crazy, isn't it?" I say, leaning forward in my seat. "The way they can just get under your skin like that. Make you feel things you never thought possible."

Alice and Lily both nod. "It's like nothing I've ever experienced before," Lily says. "Cade is intense. Dangerous, even. But I can't stay away."

I think of Gage, the darkness that lurks behind his eyes, and how he sees me in a way I've never been seen before. "I know exactly what you mean," I say.

As the bus rumbles away from Glendale, I feel like I belong. Surrounded by possible new friends who understand the pull of the carnival and the men who work there, I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.