Heart on a Tightrope

Chapter 1: Our Beginning

Wanted!
Unique Persons
and
Curiosities
Daring Acts
Wonders of the World

You stare at the flyer, one of many that had been put up around town. You had done good avoiding it at first, but your curiosity kept itching at you till you gave in and looked at it. You don't know why, but your heart told you this was where you needed to be and you had an act you knew would be perfect. With a small smile, you quickly grab the paper before folding it up and going on your way to Barnum's Museum.

When you arrived you were almost shocked at how many interesting people were lined up in the Museum, your eyes lighting up in excitement and wonder. They were all so amazing, you knew that this Barnum guy was definitely onto something that could be truly wonderful.

"You know, people aren't gonna like it if you put us on the stage" you heard a young man say from the front. Your heart sank a bit at him saying that, coming back to a harsh reality. It was true; many other people wouldn't see them the way she did and they really wouldn't take kindly to any of these people being on stage. These poor people could be torn apart by the crowd if that happened.

"Oh, I'm counting on it" you heard P.T. Barnum respond, making you excited again. This man had a plan and he was confident in it. That was all you needed to hear to know this was right.

---

A few more incredible people go through, all seeming to be accepted almost instantly and finally after what felt like a long time, it was your turn to face Mister Barnum. You were filled with excitement and nervousness all at the same time. You take a seat in the chair in front of his desk and He looks up at you "What's your name?"

"My name is Jane Sumerwell, sir" You replied, feeling yourself get a little more nervous with the way he stared at you.

"Ah, and what is it you do Jane?"

You took in a breathe and calmed yourself. "I dance" You watched as he examined you from head to toe. You knew what he was thinking now; you weren't an oddity or at least not from what he could see and a lot of people could dance. If dancers was what he was looking for he would know where to look, he wouldn't need flyers posted all over town.

Barnum let out a small sigh "Sorry Miss Jane but-" You grinned and stood up before he could finish, cutting him off. You quickly leaned on his desk, getting closer to him "on a tightrope" you drawled out the last word watching as his eyes quickly lit up again like they had when speaking to the others. "Fantastic!" He exclaimed as he jump up out of his seat and shook your hand "you're in" He said with the biggest smile on the face. You smiled as well, matching his own; full of excitement. "Thank you, Mr. Barnum!" You knew the next few days would be filled with hard work practicing for the first show, but you were ready for it all.