The Tears Of A Clown

Chapter Nineteen

The circus had travelled to stay in England for a week, so Melanie had arranged to meet up with her father and Isabel during that time.

George Maria and Carlos would dutiful go along with her, their grandfather rarely seen them, except for twice a year, when they visited England. Once whilst the circus was there, then also during winter break, when they would spend a week with them, around the Christmas, New year holiday period

Although Ricardo made no objections to these visits, and on the occasion he and Melanie’s father did spend time together over the years. they got on amiably enough, Ricardo still preferred not be included in these visits if he could help it.

He never felt really comfortable around people who were not part of the circus

This time it was no different, he was happy enough to let George drive them to Donald McAllister’s home, whilst he stayed behind with the circus.

They spent a pleasant day catching up with Melanie’s father and the extended family, whom had also gathered for the occasion. Both her half siblings Simon and Emily were both married, with young children of their own.

Donald and Isabel had moved since the first time Melanie had visited them.

After her father’s Lawyers firm had become an success they had been able to buy detached house in the countryside, where they now lived. Though it wasn’t too far for him to commute to his offices in town, ten miles away.

With a large rear garden and patio area, they spent most of the day outdoors, where the younger children could romp and play, and the older teens could sprawl out and enjoy the sunshine. The rest sat around the patio table, sipping cool drinks and chatting.

When it came time for them to go, Melanie hugged her father, then seen the rueful expression on his face “It’s been lovely having you visit, I just wish, I could get to see more of you and the grandkids, they seem to have grown up more quickly than I even realised, ” he told her

“I know,” Melanie smiled, but at least we can keep in touch by phone if nothing else”

“Tell Ricky I was asking about him, and maybe hopefully this Christmas he will come with you and spend some time with us” her father then said

“Maybe,” Melanie replied, but inwardly didn’t hold out much hope for it happening, knowing her husband’s feelings on the matter. She was just grateful he let her and the children spend time with her family.

Maria and George of course shared their fathers point of view, and even though they enjoyed spending time with their Grandfather, they were happy to return to the circus where they belonged.

George more than ever was glad now to be returning, even though they had only been away half a day, he was already missing Jelena.

And when they returned, the first thing he did was go and seek her out. He found her in the back area near of the Big Top, where the performers usually were found before going out to do their act.

She had just finished and stood with her brother’s, Yuri and Luka, all of them still in their clown garb, they were having some sort of animated discussion in Russian and Jelena was totally unaware of George sneaking up behind her ,until he swiftly snatched the shiny silver wig she had been wearing, as part of her clown costume from her head. She swung around indignantly to see who was responsible

Catching sight of George standing dangling the wig in front of her face grinning, her expression immediately softened.

“So you are back?” she smiled

“Yep,” he replied, closing the small distance between them, slipping his arms around her and pulling her close to him, before setting the wig lopsidedly back on her head then kissing her briefly on the lips, “Did you miss me?” he then asked