Page 25 of The Wonder of You

Immortal Land

Golden Valley

1914

After a century or so, it is a pleasure to see Lukas caught up in his own love. He is so deserving of this and I cannot be any happier for him. Cheri holds his hand as they stand around us. We’re all sat in a circle after a long day at the circus. Phoenix wraps his arm around me and pulls me closer to him. He is my warmth in these cold winter months. Everyone watches Lukas and Cheri expectantly.

Cheri is very calm, but Lukas is almost dancing on the spot with what looks like a mixture of excitement and nerves.

“Get on with it, then!” Henry drinks from his beer, a smirk on his face. Of course he is being light-hearted. Lukas knows that, which is why he returns the smile and pokes his tongue out. Cheri huffs, she still hasn’t quite grasped Henry’s humour in the decade that she’s been with us.

“Well, we know that our leader, Gabriel, is setting rules on reproduction now that our world is rather populated. I’m not sure how he plans to set that, how to stop… you know,” she sighs. I see the way Lukas squeezes her hand to reassure her it is okay. Cheri’s nervous babbling reminds me why we became friends wh en she joined us. There is something in the way she looks around the circus that says she isn’t as in love with it as the rest of us are. She has moments of saying something sarcastic or slightly harsh. I can tell she is far from Henry’s biggest fan and she barely engages with Toni or her girls. Initially, this worried me, but she has settled down and I found many sweet parts of her personality. I see the side of her that loves Lukas, that likes getting involved. Where the rest of us like to get together, she is reserved and needs more time away from the group. Of course, there are times when Phoenix and I barely leave the cabin, wanting to spend time with only each other for the day. However, it’s never done because we dislike the rest. I hope Cheri doesn’t dislike some of us, despite her occasional frustrated glances. I like her, I enjoy a giggle or two when I visit her in their cabin.

“Anyway, what I am trying to say is… it’s a good time, you know? To have a baby.” She drops her head, as if she’s embarrassed.

We all gasp.

“And we are… Cheri is pregnant!” Lukas blurts.

I stand up and clap like a child. “You guys!” I squeal. “This is amazing. I am so happy for you.”

Handshakes and hugs are thrown around until Cheri comes over and whispers to me.

“This is a bit much, chat later?”

I nod. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”

She nods, but she looks uncertain. I hope she feels like she can confide in me. I watch her walk away and wish I knew more about her so I could help. I’ve tried numerous times to broach the subject of family and background history. I can only assume she has a similar story to mine. People don’t just turn away from their family for no reason and I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss that sometimes. Cheri is quick to shut the questions down though, and change the conversation to something circus related. I don’t want to push her, but it leaves me, even after all this time, feeling uncertain about our friendship.

My thoughts are distracted by Phoenix wrapping his arms around my waist. He snuggles his head into my neck. I hold onto his hands as I look out at the camp and the view.

“Do you think she will be okay giving birth? Medical care can be so hit and miss here,” I whisper. Lukas is still wandering around and I don’t want to put any fear in his mind.

“She’ll be fine, Lukas will keep her comfortable.”

“Do you think she likes me? I really like her, but I sometimes wonder…”

He cuts me off. “Everyone likes you Renée, you are one of a kind.”

“Bleh, you are so obsessed with me,” I joke. Phoenix almost chokes on his laugh; he kisses my neck and I feel the smile forming on his lips. “That I am.”

“Hey, love birds,” Lukas says as he walks up to us. “This is my moment!”

I smile.

“Congratulations again, Lukas. If you need anything you’ll let us know, right? I know Cheri can sometimes feel awkward asking,” I tell him softly .

“Yeah, she gets embarrassed, it’s silly really.” He looks serious, but his smile quickly comes back. “Well, I hope the little one doesn’t get my big red nose.”

We all laugh. “She’ll still be beautiful; I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Oh? She?”

“I have a feeling.” My heart swells at the idea of a little girl running around the circus. I will willingly help out Lukas and Cheri if they want it. I don’t have much experience with children, but this feels like I am getting a niece and that is exciting. It will be something new to the circus. I wonder how it will change us.

“We are welcome to stay, right?” Lukas bites his lip as he nervously looks at Phoenix. I feel him straighten himself, but his arm remains firmly around my waist.

“What?”

Lukas’ hands fiddle around awkwardly. He gulps. “Well, we’ll have a baby, I assume that’s okay?”

“He’s joking, isn’t he?” Phoenix looks at me in shock and I giggle. I reach forward and grab Lukas’ hand.

“That isn’t really a question in your mind, is it?”

Lukas shrugs, suddenly looking embarrassed. I wonder if this is his question or Cheri’s. It makes me want to hug them both for their insecurities.

“I didn’t want to assume,” he mumbles.

“Lukas, you’re the closest thing I’ve ever had to a brother. Of course you’re staying. My, you are a plonker!” Phoenix playfully pushes Lukas shoulder, who laughs in return.

“Wait until I tell Henry! ”

“Oh, please don’t,” Lukas cringes. “I won’t live that down.”

Phoenix and I walk back to our cabin hand in hand, I can’t wipe the smile off my face thinking about how our circus family is growing.