Le Cirque des Lumires

By Selma Azzubair del Riego 4 ESO, I.E. V. Caada Blanch, Londres Certamen literario 2010-2011 Categora B Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, for one night and one night only, I introduce to you one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the marvellous, the enchanting Mariaska and Saturns lonely ring! Mariaska was an aerial acrobat. She used a hoop they called Saturns lonely ring, and, on the night, she wore a white dress, encrusted with jewels. The top half of the dress was a corset, and the bottom half was a ruffled silk skirt, that was longer at the back than at the front. Suddenly, all the lights were turned off, and one single spotlight was aimed at Mariaska. The whole tent fell silent and into a trance-like state. Every move Mariaska made was graceful, and, simultaneously, very powerful. She had the poise of a swan, but was as majestic as a lion. I stared at her in wonder. It was unlike anything Id ever seen before. The entire audience was spellbound. Then, when her performance came to an end, the spectators rose from their seats and clapped so passionately, the whole tent shook. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Her performance was truly breathtaking. To think I was only seven years of age when I first watched her, and yet I was so deeply moved. Even now, when I remember that night, I shiver with delight. I can see it still. The image, so vivid she seems almost palpable.

It was the first time Id been to the circus. I was in my room, reading a letter from my cousin Felicity, when my father came rushing through the door and told me to get dressed. Hurry up and get dressed. Im taking you to the circus, hed said. I was so excited that I darted to my wardrobe and pulled out my best dress. It was made from red velvet and had two little red silk bows on the sleeves. I ran downstairs as fast as my feet could carry me, and put my small, black, patent leather shoes on. It was winter, so, naturally,

my mother scurried towards me holding my coat, scarf and woolly gloves. I made the effort to put my coat on, but I was so eager to leave the house that I didnt even bother with the scarf or gloves.

* * * * * Le Cirque des Lumires, it was called, or the Circus of Lights. The main tent had red, blue, yellow and white stripes all over it. It was enormous and scattered all around it were the performers caravans. At the entrance of the main tent was the greater. He was dressed very much like the ring master, with a red suit jacket, a top hat and a thin moustache. Welcome, welcome, welcome to Le Cirque des Lumires, he yelled in a strong French accent. As he did this, he took off his top hat, held it against his chest and turned to the doors with his left arm stretched out towards them. Then with a creaking sound the giant wooden doors were opened, and from the tent came a sudden burst of colourful lights and loud circus music. My parents and I hurried inside to find a good place to sit. Whilst everyone was sitting down, in the ring were fourteen, beautiful white horse galloping and performing a routine with only the ringmaster to guide them. Once theyd finished the real show started, and Mariaska took to the ring. After her all the other acts were a bit of a blur. I remember there being a contortionist, tigers, monkeys, clowns, a freak show, aerial silk acrobats and many other acts, but none could compare to Mariaska and Saturns lonely ring.

That night I couldnt sleep, and the next morning I begged my father to take me again. But it turned out that wed seen their last show in England, and that the circus had already left to continue their tour around the world. I was heartbroken. It would be years before I got to see Mariaska again. * * * * *

The following year, soon after my eighth birthday, I overheard my parents arguing for the first time. I didnt know what to do, so I sat on the landing and pressed my ear against the door. I know now it was wrong.

How can you blame me? shouted my father. It has to be your fault. Im in perfect health, so I cant understand how Im responsible! replied my mother even louder. I didnt know what all the fuss was about. I was a firm believer in the stork theory, so I would have never thought the argument had anything to do with having a baby. We try and we try, and still there is no change continued my mother. I am not to blame, Rebecca. Im tired, Arthur. Im tired of trying in vain. Id never heard my parents call each other by their first names. Theyd always used darling, sweetheart, my love or any other nickname of the sort. In a sense, the fact that they were using their real names made the argument somewhat distant. What I mean is: it didnt affect me as much because they sounded like complete strangers. This was until I was brought into the picture. At that moment all became clear. In case youve forgotten, we already have a daughter. Isnt she enough for you? Dont you love her anymore? Would you like me to get rid of her? If it makes you happy I covered my ears in an attempt to blot out what my father was saying, but, unfortunately, I didnt succeed. How dare you question my love for her? I am no monster. I love her with all my heart, and I never will cease to love her. Then what do you want? asked my father helplessly. You know what I want I dont think I do anymore. He said this almost in a whisper. I loosened my hands slightly, but kept them firmly covering my ears. A child, Arthur. I want a child to care for, to love and cradle in my arms My mother had lost herself in her thoughts when she was interrupted by my father. Rebecca He said softly. Is it too much to ask? Another child thats all. Thats all, thats all? screamed my father in disbelief. A child isnt something you can fool around with one minute and abandon the next. Its a serious matter, which you dont seem to realise I am aware of the implications, and I would never abandon anyone Arthur!

But you already have. My mother froze. I went back to pressing my ears with such a force I thought my head would explode. I have not. How can you accuse me of such a crime? I adore our daughter, I do, I do love her, I do, I do, I do! My mother fell to the floor, gasping for air; floods of tears streaming down her face. Get out of my sight. She whispered firmly. Dont be silly Rebecca. Stand up this very instant. Said my father embarrassed. He offered her his hand, looking away as if he didnt want anyone to see. He was ashamed of her. My father had always been a caring man. He was deeply in love with my mother, and all three of us were happy as we were. He had always been proud to call us his family. We thoroughly enjoyed each others company, but, when required, my father could be very stern and serious. And yet, Id never seen him lose his temper, until that day. He was furious. I want to be alone. Youre being foolish now, Rebecca. Stand up. He ordered. My mother stood up, raising her hand threateningly. Get out! she shrieked. Then he hit her. My mother stumbled back; her eyes wide open in shock. I began to cry. My mother pressed her hand to her check trying to relieve the pain. I have done everything in my power to make you happy, but you continually desire more. Now I am the one whos tired. He made a pause and turned to look at her. In future, you will respect me and obey my orders. With that he left room only to find me cradled up on the floor. He didnt have to utter a word, his expression said it all. He was disappointed. * * * * * My parents continued to grow apart and I was left alone, to fend for myself. My relationship with my father had taken a turn for the worst. In contrast, my mother and I grew closer, but she was very fragile. Four years later, Id gone with my mother to visit an aunt of mine who was critically ill. I didnt go out often because we lived in a manor house on the outskirts of Bath. The house was immense and I was able to enjoy the various acres of land that were included in our domain. One of my favourite activities was horseback riding, which I learnt from my father. Hed always loved animals and we had a stable with eight magnificent horses. Another one of my

passions was reading. Id spend hours on end reading a good book. Finally, I loved to paint. During the summer, Id often take my easel to a far end of the woods and paint the landscape, or the creatures that inhabited the forest. The latter was called the Carlisle forest, after my fathers side of the family. Both my parents descended for wealthy families, and, since I was their only child I was to inherit all their belongings. In addition, I would have to assume the responsibility of maintaining my familys reputation. This meant I had to be well educated and would engage in the activities that were proper of a young lady of a certain calibre. I was taught at home by my governess. Otherwise, my parents would take on the role of teaching me anything else I needed to know. After my parents argument, they were forced to keep up appearances. Theyd always been seen as the perfect couple. They were seventeen when they married, and had a child four years later; a little boy called Aaron who died at the age of three from a severe case of meningitis. A year after his death they had me. My parents were invited to dinner parties or would host them frequently, and Id go with them every time. I wasnt seen as a nuisance. In fact, Id sing and play the piano for the guests on numerous occasions. Theyd compliment me on my voice and my performance, but I now realise that they didnt think I was gifted at all, I was just incredibly adorable. My long, auburn curls, my bright, blue eyes, my plump rosy cheeks, and my perfect smile could make a grown man weak at the knees. Well, as I was saying I was with my mother going to visit my aunt, when I came across a man dressed in a red tuxedo jacket with long tails, white riding trousers, knee-high leather boots, a bow tie, a top hat and had a thin moustache. It was the greater from Le Cirque des Lumires. They were back for one night, and the show was in two days. I begged my parents to take me. I even suggested I go alone. Their answer was always the same: a resounding no. I was furious. Then I remembered Mariaska. I hadnt thought about her in years. A week later I found an old bronze-coloured steel ring, big enough for me to fit in. So I had an idea. I took the hoop and roughly seven metres of rope from the stables, to the forest. I knew the perfect place to hang them. I chose a huge oak tree that I always used to climb when I wanted to paint. I tied the rope to the lowest branch and on the other end I attached the hoop. Over the next few years Id spend about half an hour every day on my very own aerial hoop.

After a few years Id learnt quite a lot, and I could almost perform Mariaskas routine to perfection. Then, when I was sixteen my parents announced that they had prepa a list of suitors for red me. I hadnt even thought about marriage, so this came as quite a surprise. I agreed half-heartedly to meet them all. Every single one was very handsome, wealthy and accomplished, but they were empty. None of them had any interest in the arts, and they all agreed that, although the circus was entertaining, an acrobat wasnt considered an honest profession. According to them, all acrobats were poor foreigners with beyond human flexibility. It soon became apparent that they all found it quite amusing to ridicule others, regardless of their talent or virtues. At that point I realised that my world was a meaningless one. The only thing that mattered was wealth, status and intelligence. But passion for anything was useless, and wouldnt get you anywhere financially. Even in holy matrimony, love was not required. Passion was a game of fools.

So I ran away, to the circus.

It could have gone horribly wrong, but I was determined. I knew what I wanted in life and it wasnt to get married at seventeen and be a housewife, hanging off my husbands arm for the rest of my years. I was lucky. Just the year I was to choose a husband, Le Cirque des Lumires was back in town. I asked one of my suitors to take me. He was the most agreeable one. At the end of the show I pleaded my companion to wait for me in the carriage. I snuck in backstage and met the ringmaster. I told him my story and begged him to let me meet Mariaska. He agreed, and showed me to her trailer. She was more beautiful than Id originally thought. The ringmaster, Mr. Tomlinson, introduced me to her. Just as Id hoped, she asked me to perform for her. I was terrified since it was the first time Id ever shown anyone what I could do. The moment I finished, Mariaska grabbed my arm and dragged me to Mr. Tomlinsons caravan. She told him that if he didnt give me a place in the show, she would leave immediately and hed have to find another headlining act for the rest of the tour.

After much deliberation, it was settled. I was officially part Le Cirque des Lumires, as Mariaskas partner. Shed start the act alone and then Id join her towards the end. We made the perfect double act. Everything couldnt have turned out better. I was surprised by how quickly it had all happened, and also by how I felt no regret. I didnt miss my family or my old life whatsoever, I was happy

What happened next, Grandmamma? I spent fourteen years travelling with Le Cirque des Lumires. By that time Mariaska had retired, since acrobats tend to have a very short career. I settled down in Paris, where I met your grandfather, and we moved back to England. I was reunited with my parents who, after coping with my disappearance together, had fallen back in love. They were proud of me for following my heart and not complying with what was asked of me. I was their little rebel. Soon after I had your mother and, well, you know the rest...Oh! Would you look at the time? Hurry up and get dressed sweetheart. Why, Grandmamma, where are we going? Why dont you wear this? What is it? Its the dress I wore for my first show with Mariaska. Thank you, Grandmamma, thank you ever so much! Youre welcome my dear, now be quick or well be late. Late for what? Where are we going? Im taking you to the Circus.

THE END