Living Like A Lion-The Circus

Chapter 12-I Do the Show, She Saw

12.I Do the Show, She Saw

I gently laid her back onto the couch and moved to a chair, while I waited for the Ringmaster to return. He soon did and he seemed troubled. “You can't go out right now, looking like a man-beast,” he complained as he paced.

“I can't now, but during the show I am,” I said as I tried to cheer him up.

“You? In the show? Looking like that? Don't play with me,” he asked confused and not finding me amusing at all.

“I'm not playing sir. You need someone for the Big cat show and I know it all,” I replied as I stood up.

“True, but you will need some clothes to cover up most of your...fur,” he thought out loud before he rushed back out of the trailer.

Annie woke with a yawn and commented, “You are doing the show? Dad, people will see you!”

“Yes, I know that; but maybe people will just think it is a costume. Right now, I need your help,” I replied kindly as our eyes met. “Do you have some rubber bands?”

“Yes Dad,” she answered as her tiny hand dove into her bag.

“Now put one in the back and one to make a beard. Quickly dear,” I commanded as she pulled my mane back into the rubbed bands. “Good dear,” I said as I kissed her forehead and she laid down again.

“Here put these on,” ordered Ringmaster as he rushed through the door, tossing me a t-shirt and jeans in the process. I slipped them on as he said, “James, I need you to have one practice session before the show.” He left us again to get himself ready.

“Rest dear. I'll be back soon,” I promised as I kissed her pale forehead; then I ran to the Big cat cages. I released my cat friends and led them to the circle cage. I lined them into one line and told them exactly how I wanted each to stand; then I had them go over and under the others. I had them hop onto the platforms and jump through the hoop; but I didn't dare light it in case I might catch my fur on fire. I put the plank with poles up and lit the top of each before having them weave through them. “All done. Good job,” I roared happily before I returned them to their individual cages; then I turned to return to Annie.

“Simba, what happened to you?” Karen asked confused and I glanced back at her.

“Don't worry, I will be back to normal soon,” I purred as I walked back to her cage.

“How soon?” she asked and I knelt back the door of her cage.

“After the show,” I answered as I let her out again. She began rubbing herself against me and we both purred.

“What about Louis and Annie? Why couldn't they do the show and you perform with us?” she questioned as she laid beside me and I stroked her. I began to trace her stripes and found them amazing.

“Louis is gone and he hurt Annie before he left,” I answered sadly as I pressed my face to hers; then I had to put her back and I made a dash for Annie's trailer.

“How did it go?” Annie asked as I strode through the door.

“Good,” I replied as I tucked her under the covers. “You need to rest.” She fell asleep quickly on the couch; so I laid down on the bed.

Hours passed and a little boy appeared with a tray full of delicious and various foods. I gladly took it from him and closed the door before Annie and I shared it.

“It is almost time for the Big cat act,” announced the doctor, when he walked into the trailer.

“Annie, hand me another shot please. I can go changing back yet, can I?” I laughed as she reluctantly gave me one. I stuck the needle into my arm and injected the medicine into my blood. I kissed her quickly before following the doctor to the huge circle cage.

I left the doctor at the edge of the tent before slipping under the curtain of the circle cage. I stood in the middle as I listened to the crowd yell; then I heard Ringmaster announce, “Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce the majestic BIG CATS and their trainer, ALPHA LION!” The curtain rose and I bowed before starting what we had practiced earlier. We finished the curtain slowly began to fall and I took my final bow; then I saw Anna, sitting among the crowd. When the curtain reached the floor, I climbed out of the cage and ran to Annie's trailer.