i'm not bad

------ They all say -- “Darling, what did you do for those pearls?” ------------What?! I am a good girl.

[imdrawnthisway]

maintenance post

[laughing-boy]

Reunited

imdrawnthisway

[laughing-boy]

Roger didn’t know how long it had been.Days, weeks? — Months? It was hard to tell, without his phone, or any contact to the outside world. It certainly felt like a long time, that he had been locked away.

Away from his friends, and happy walks around the carnival — away from Jessica. It had been difficult, the first few night to sleep, not knowing where she was, or if she was safe. At least before they had been able to text. But with the confiscation of their phones, there was no way of knowing. There was just that ever-present, gnawing uncertainty, and the growing understanding that something had to have been terribly wrong, for this to be happening.

The moment they had been moved from the small car, and into the larger dining car with everyone else, Roger only had one thing on his mind. Find Jessica.

It had been a frantic search. Pushing through the thick crowd for that familiar face, but finally he found her, and no one would have been able to stand in his way at that point.

"Jessica!" He shouted, perhaps a little too loud and too enthusiastically for the people around him.

[imdrawnthisway]

While she was glad to see everyone else alright and happy they had a change of scenery from where they had been locked away, Jessica was about ready to start knocking her head against the side of the wall. 

She didn't like being useless. She was used to if something wasn't being done, or wasn't being done right, she'd get it done one way or another, whether it had to deal with her job or her personal life. But there was so little she could do where she was, what with the locked doors and the confusion and the lack of information, and she felt so useless that she'd confined herself to the back wall for now. At least here she could keep an eye on the room. 

She wished she had her cell phone. At least she'd been able to talk to Roger that way, but after it'd been taken from her - well that had obviously been put to a stop. What she really wanted was to be able to text him to find out where he was. This place was small with how many bodies were jammed in and moving around was difficult, meaning finding her husband might just be a giant goose chase knowing his luck.  So she stayed in one spot and waited it out, knowing he had to pass by eventually.

Drumming her fingers on her knees, she kept her eyes out watching through the giant mob of a crowd they had all become in hopes of catching sight of that thatch of flaming red hair. 

Then there was a sound, the very loud, very enthusiastic, very familiar sound she'd been waiting on that jerked her from her thoughts and she was up on her feet searching for him. 

"Roger?" She called out, able to pinpoint where he was by the awkward moving of the group, suggesting that someone was trying to push their way through and having a hard but very dedicated time of it. "Darling!" She reached for him and dragged him to her as soon as he was within reach, covering his face in kisses. "I've missed you," she said between kisses, "so, so much."

[lilahpayne-deactivated20180404]

Wendy quickly let her arms fall to her side so that she didn’t risk hitting the woman a second time. That would have been pretty terrible. “I do?” she questioned before chuckling. “I’m going to keep that in mind. Perhaps i’ll take up boxing now.” she joked. “And yes, I am fine. Your arm wasn’t quite hard enough to cause damage.”

The young woman was seriously relieved that the other was not hurt or upset about being hit in the arm. That was never a good way to make friends. “I’m Wendy by the way.” she said after a few moments. 

[imdrawnthisway]

Chuckling, Jessica said, "I hear boxing is a good exercise and a good place to release all the frustrations of life. Say, being stuck in these cars. Oh, well," she went on, still joking. "Don't tell my manager I'm going soft, he'll be so upset."

"I'm Jessica. It's very nice to meet you, Wendy. Do you mind if I sit?"

[lilahpayne-deactivated20180404]

Wendy managed to throw herself into a corner in the car. She hoped that it would give her a little bit of space and help her avoid being pushed and shoved. Closing her eyes, she lifted her arms in order to stretch and accidentally hit someone. Her eyes flew open as her hand flew to her mouth. “I am so sorry.” she quickly apologized. In such a crowded area, she’d have to get used to keeping her hands at her sides. “Are you okay?”

[imdrawnthisway]

"You're alright," Jessica winced, rubbing her arm. "You pack quite a punch." She laughed slightly, moving out of arm reach of the other woman. "But I'm fine. Are you okay? Didn't hurt yourself or anything?" 

There wasn't as much room as there could be. Sure, this place was built to hold a number of people, but probably not everyone at once. Thankfully, Jessica had been dealing with crowded all her life so it wasn't exactly hard, just still surprising. 

[winterwilder]

I guess it just makes me so nervous to even think about. I know what you mean, but I think it might take me a little bit longer to grow my hair back out again than you.

Thank you for even inviting me, I’d love that. I’ve almost gotten managing it down to an art, but any little bit that would make things simpler is welcome! And I have no idea how you could stay out of there, it’s one of my favorite places. Whenever I’m not performing, I go watch the others in the ring, I’ll never get tired of all the incredible things the people here can do.

[imdrawnthisway]

I've always been career focused. It's a habit you can't exactly break. Though I've tried harder for Roger, but when I work I try to make sure I not only give my best but that I earn enough to make my share of a living. So if I'm not at work, I'm rehearsing. If I'm not rehearsing, I'm with Roger. - she paused- Mm. I should be better about that. If all of this blows over without much consequences, I'll have to get out more.

How long have you been doing your act? I mean, was it something you did before you came here?

[winterwilder]

When I was growing up I just never got it cut, not even a trim, I guess I never really thought of it. Once I was older enough and it was long enough for me to question it, my mother told me it was a part of me now and I’d regret cutting it off if I did. I guess she was right.

Nothing really, no. Though when I use it, I always keep the little conditioner packets, they’re the absolute best! It smells incredible and make my hair so soft.

Don’t worry, I’m the last person trying to get in trouble here. I usually perform every night we have a crowd, but only once or twice. I can come and see you and one day you can come and see me.

[imdrawnthisway]

Oh, well, if you never want to cut it, that's your choice. I cut my hair years ago, a short, short style. I hated it with a passion, it took years to grow out. That's, of course, not to dissuade you from cutting yours if you do ever want to, just make sure you go to the right stylist. 

When all of this is over, come by my car. I'll show you some things I have to take care of your hair so it doesn't break. I imagine it's a lot of strain on your hair and it would be a shame if it was damaged. If you want to, I mean, no pressure. 

-she grinned- You come see my show, I'll come see your show. Now that I think about it, I don't think I have been inside the big top since before I got the job and that was only once. It would be interesting to be an audience member again. 

[winterwilder]

It did in the beginning, but I guess I’m getting used to it. Plus, I’d be lying if I said I’d never tried to make a swing out of my own hair before back at home. When you’re not allowed to cut it, you get very creative.

Maybe I will then, when I can sneak away. There’s so many different parts of the carnival to see, I don’t think I could ever run out of tents to poke around. But I’d love to see you perform.

[imdrawnthisway]

Do you have any treatment you do for your hair to keep it from breaking or weakening? If not, I have a few things you could do that should keep it healthy and strong. I use it for my own and it's worked wonders over the years.

Not allowed to cut it? Why not?

Don't get yourself in trouble. The schedule is given out with each flyer for the carnival, I'm sure there's a good time for you to come see. And I'll have to come see you perform, I don't think I've ever heard of such an act, I'm sure it's beautiful to watch. 

[gamblingwithlife]

Too Close For Comfort : Open

[gamblingwithlife]

Charlie smirked, nudging Jessica with his shoulder, “You’re the only good thing about my day, don’t ruin it.” As more people flooded in, he felt himself being pushed in the back. His mouth formed an angry snarl as he considered barking at the people behind him. As she hauled him away, his face relaxed and and he breathed a sigh. 

"Ok, mom. I don’t why you have to be so practical.” He protested this time, but ultimately he was thankful she was anchoring him in such a trying time. She had that kind of personality. 

He slid into the seat, allowing his body to be lax and breathing a breath of air that was his and his alone. However, his lazy position perked up as she started his story and he realized he had a story to tell her too, that he wasn’t entirely without information.

"There was this man, in my car. He got out. I guess not. My best guess says that it wasn’t a joke."

"I’m worried about the others, Itchy, Penny, the other performers. I haven’t seen any of them." 

[imdrawnthisway]

"Careful, Charles. If you're giving me mom rights, I will use them." She turned to watch everyone filing in, noticing her original car mates were doing what they could to get out of the way of the rest of the train's occupants. She wondered if the dwindling space was going to be a problem.

"I just don't understand what's going on. Our car hasn't been interviewed and I don't know if we will be, so then what's the point of just sitting around? Where are we going to go? The train keeps moving, we can't get away or avoid the matter forever, not with so many patrolling."

"Got out? Of his car? What happened - you're not saying you think the dogs were sent after him do you? That's barbaric!" 

At his words, she reached and placed her hand over his. "They're sure to be in here, darling. It's supposed to be everyone, I'm sure they'll all show up." 

[gamblingwithlife]

Too Close For Comfort : Open

[gamblingwithlife]

The tension in his body eased, having a woman you knew and were friendly with squished against you was much better than a total stranger. Not completely, but more than enough. He knew he should’ve payed attention before he started snapping, he didn’t snap at his girls. Keeping a good relationship with the performers started out fairly professionally, but as time went on, he got rather fond of them despite his best efforts. “Out of all the people that could be taking up all of my space, I’m glad it’s you Jess.” Ideally he wanted to be crushed between no one, but he was worried about her anyways. “A grand time,” he laughed to himself, shaking his head. It was a crazed, distant laughter. “I fucking swear if they plan on keeping me in here for another day.” His voice had only a whisper of a joke, with a hard bite to it. He ran wild and free and this was severely cramping his style. “How’ve you been? What’ve you heard?”

[imdrawnthisway]

"I'm sure," she replied dryly, though teasing well enough. She felt she had a good enough relationship with Charlie. He was a good boss, knew how to run a business and how to promote it, so there was usually a full house every night. He kept his hands to himself which was the biggest plus Jessica could think of. 

"If they plan on keeping us here another day, we'll go with it until it's time for it to be over." She said, a warning note in her casual tone. "It shouldn't be much longer now."

She looped her arm through his and said, "Oh, look, an open spot." And pulled him with her to the window in the corner, sitting down at the table back there and watching the others file in. "Apparently, the dogs were loose the other night." She told him in a low voice. "And from what I've been told, someone was going down the hall talking about someone dying? I was asleep at the time, I didn't hear it." She crossed her legs and put an elbow on the table, setting her chin in her palm. "I don't know if it was a joke or not nor do I know if it was security or not. I would like to think they wouldn't be so... callous. But everyone else were in separate cars, right?"

[gamblingwithlife]

Too Close For Comfort : Open

Charlie was bumped and shoved just like everyone else on the journey through the hallway to the dining car. It wasn’t much better, but hell he was walking. His legs creaked and popped with days of disuse and he didn’t make note of anything being herded towards the destination. He felt like cattle, and he didn’t like it. Charlie was a lot of things, but he was not a sheep to be herded. He was independent, and dangerous, at least in his own head. He considered trying to slip away, but he’d never been tasered before, and he wasn’t jumping to add it to his list of ways he’d been put in his place. As he was pushed into the car, a bit more grumpy than usual, he grunted to the person pressed up against his arm. 

"Look, I know it’s tight, but go shove someone else why doncha."   

[imdrawnthisway]

"I know you're my boss and all, Charles, but I really can't move much anywhere else." 

And Jessica wished she could move, truly she did, but it wasn't something that could be helped. She and her other car mates had had to move around since realizing that they were going to be joined by not just a few more people but the entire train. And her own attitude, while under control, still was a little rough after being held up in a room. Not that her company had been bad, she was hoping that perhaps she had at least made some positive acquaintances, but that she'd seen the same walls for so long without the leisure of leaving and going elsewhere. And she hadn't seen head or tail of her husband which was making her worry. But hopefully, this move was a turn around for everything and everyone, she was certainly happy to see new faces, and it was signalling that it would all be over soon. 

"But, seeing as you're here, how have you been doing locked up in your own little car? I'm guessing it was a grand time for you."

[winterwilder]

Well, I use my hair! I’m sort of a hybrid acrobat-trapeze artist except I come with my own hanging equipment already installed.

It’s nice to meet you too.. I think what you do must be so much fun. I always here the music coming from there, but I’ve never actually gone inside.

[imdrawnthisway]

Oh? That sounds interesting, it doesn't give you headaches or put too much strain on your hair?

I enjoy it, it's one of my favorite parts of the day. Rehearsing or performing. The costumes are nice and I've always loved the music. If you're eighteen, you should come see a show sometime.

[winterwilder]

The industry? Oh-Oh, right! Aren’t you one of the girls who performs? The singers and dancers?

Rapunzel. I don’t think I know yours either.

[imdrawnthisway]

The burlesque tent, yes. What do you do?

Jessica. It's nice to meet you, Rapunzel, even if it is under these circumstances. 

[winterwilder]

-laughs a tiny bit at her last comment, shrugging her shoulder- Well, Lilo snuck me into the kitchen, you might find something to calm your nerves a bit there. I feel like alcohol just funk with your stomach, but honestly, not like I know about that.

I guess you are right though, we’ve just gotta take it slow and not overreact. We’ll be free to go so and then everything will make sense.

[imdrawnthisway]

Alcohol funks with more than just your stomach, sweetheart. Which is why I want it. But I did say no more when I left the industry, so I'll be good for now.

I'm sorry, I don't think I know your name? Or it's slipped my mind. 

[winterwilder]

About people getting hurt or.. killed. Probably just crazy exaggerated stuff. I don’t know how you stay so calm when all this is going on. I could sure use that skill.

[imdrawnthisway]

What?

Hurt or - or killed? That's nonsense... Did they say who? -her mouth thinned, her arms wrapping around her waist even as she gave the younger woman a small smile- It's a practiced trait. I learned to count to ten before any big meetings or decisions or performances early in my career; I found it made everything slow down and gave me time to decide what I wanted to do. There's no point in making things harder for yourself. Eventually, I didn't need to count anymore... though I would do just about anything for a shot right now. 

[noherojustzero-blog]

Yes. Do you think the hounds found something to help use figure out what’s going on? 

[imdrawnthisway]

That would be a small margin of that happening wouldn't it?

But if they did... what do you think they found?

[winterwilder]

You don’t think anyone got hurt, did they? Some one was shouting about it, it sounded serious.

I hope everyone’s alright, at least. Including the dogs.

[imdrawnthisway]

I would hope not. But we're all in our cars, so I would think, no. Shouting about what?

I'm sure everyone's fine. This all should be over soon, it shouldn't be much longer now.

[little-ball-of-mayhem]

Do these windows open?

[little-ball-of-mayhem]

"It may not seem fair but try not to dwell on it too much. There is no use getting to upset when you don’t know the whole story. It’s hard to do but like have you ever gotten mad at someone but then you hear the whole story and you feel really bad for thinking or saying bad and angry things? That’s like this. I think. I’ve already talked too much I can’t remember what I was talking about" she laughed and shrugged though she felt a bit embarrassed by her lack of attention span and focus.

"I’m no afraid of bugs, or wild animals, or thunder, or heights, or taking risks, or trying new things, or clowns, or ghosts, or graveyards, or all the other things people are normally afraid of. But feeling trapped man, makes me freak out." She took a deep breath and let it go, she was okay for now. Talking made her feel better, she’d have to remember to apologize for all the gabber later. 

Lilo giggled and did as she was told, “Okay! Jessica is a nice name too, Lilo is great but sometimes I wish I had a normal name like that. Help me fit in more. Well yeah like everyone’s important in their own way but not like, grown up important.”

[imdrawnthisway]

"That is very wise, I'll try to remember that next time I get upset. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes, hm?" She waited until Lilo sat down in front of her and started running her fingers through her hair gently to untangle any knots.

"I'm afraid of puddles if you want to know the truth." She laughed. "You never know how deep they are and all the consequences, broken leg, twisted ankle, disappearing completely, those unsettle me something awful. Thankfully," she went on, carefully pulling apart a tangle, "my husband, Roger, he'll put his jacket down over it so I know that it's not too deep or he'll offer me his arm and walk me around it." She smiled fondly. "But that you're only afraid of closed spaces? That's not uncommon in people nor is it something to be ashamed of. Don't worry, it's not as small as you think it is." 

Lilo had such gorgeous hair, thick and shiny and Jessica wished she had better accessories to do something beautiful for her, but she'd do what she could. . She parted her hair into three sections, one section over each of Lilo's shoulders, and started french braiding the middle section, starting at the crown of her head. 

"Lilo is a beautiful name, darling, for a child or an adult. I promise you, there's no such thing as normal, it's all made up, take it from me. There's many things beautiful about you, from the way you look to the way you talk to your name. Carry it all with pride, confidence is everything. And I'm sure your parents picked it for a reason, besides, it fits you."