Makoa and Danae were getting close to the meeting point that Kahlua texted them to meet. The duo wore casual clothes and some bags with food and water just in case the circus food was expensive. The night was setting, and Danae looked at the ocean waters; they were calm but knew the waves would get strong as night arrived. "Hey Danae, any word if Akamu and Malia made it to the meeting point?"
The young woman looked at her phone and saw a text message from Malia. "Yeah, I'm surprised that Malia is arriving early and on time since she had a history of making her and Akamu late. She texted me that the guy is a hunk alright, but he gives off a strange vibe."
"Well, Kahlua always had a history of dating good-looking whackjobs. We're just going to this circus to make Kahlua happy, and then it will end." Makoa turned to the left lane, a road leading to the pier where the group would meet.
"Makoa, you've known Kahlua longer than I have. She has gone through so much crap since she exited that abusive relationship; she won't even talk to her parents, who want to help. Just being friendly with her is not going to be enough. We're only enabling her to make the same stupid mistakes. Kahlua wants it all in a man, but sometimes it's impossible; she needs professional help."
Makoa kept driving on the road until he saw the pier from afar. "I know, but Kahlua does need some support from people, someone to listen."
"Look, Makoa, if this event goes wrong, I'm done being part of this charade. Akamu and Malia are tired of Kahlua's actions. We all are doing this because of your guilt trip. Since you work with people who face hardships, I know you tend to have hope for those from broken backgrounds. However, you must also understand that not many people want help; I can't pretend anymore."
The young man was silent as he parked his truck in the parking lot, where there were other couple cars parked as well. "Alright, I respect your decision. I know Kahlua can be difficult to be with."
Danae nodded as she got out of the vehicle. The only reason why she was part of Kahlua's friend group was because of Makoa. Akamu and Malia were also convinced but tired of Kahlua's troubling personality. Whenever they tried to walk away, Makoa would make them feel guilty and sorry for her. However, Danae had enough and wouldn't let Makoa guilt-trip anymore; she was going to see how the event would go.
The duo saw Malia, Akamu, Kahlua, and her date on a small yacht. "You guys made it!" said Kahlua as she waved at them.
"Sure did. Luckily, there was no traffic," said Makoa.
Danae went with the twins, who were looking at the tickets. At the corner of her eye, she saw Kahlua's date. She couldn't believe that he was good-looking. He looked like a model since he wore tight clothes that showed his muscular body. He had nice wavy blonde hair, light blue eyes, and a light beard that was slowly growing. He had a slightly broad face with a crooked smile and dimples. Danae couldn't believe that a man like him would date Kahlua; she didn't want to sound rude, but it felt off due to Kahlua's dating history.
"By the way, this is Zachery. Zachery, this is Makoa and Danae!"
Makoa and Zachery shook hands; Danae did the same, but it was cold when she touched his hand. "It's nice to meet you all. I can't believe that there are more people like us! Thanks for coming out since all these tickets were expensive." Zachery gave Danae and Makoa tickets. When Danae looked at the tickets, she noticed they were black with flowing red outlines; they were something she had never seen before.
"Hmm, the Hidden Shadow Coven Circus?"
"Yup, only certain people can see their shows; it's not entirely for the public. Kahlua told me that you guys like..."
Kahlua stopped him as she hugged his left arm. "Of course they do, babe! We need to get to the island before the waters get stronger! We also don't want to be late for the show, right!?"
"You're right. I especially don't want to miss this since people don't get to see these shows often. Come on, guys. My yacht is right here."
As the group was being led to the boat, Danae and Malia stood beside one another. "Something is off. Kahlua is probably lying to this guy to get to him," said Danae.
"I agree, but these tickets look a bit off too. It says that all people's nightmares come true. Do you think this guy is onto freaky crap?" asked Malia.
Danae shrugged as she and the others got into a small yacht; Zachery turned it on and drove it toward Molokini Island, which was not too far. Everyone was silent as Zachery drove his yacht toward the island, but Danae couldn't help but feel curious. "Hey, Zachery, what do you do for a living?"
"I work in the stock market and came here to see if I want to live here."
"Wow, you must be very smart. I can't imagine how stressful it is to have a job like that," said Makoa.
Zachery chuckled. "Not at all; I enjoy what I do but like to change pace." Eventually, they all arrived at the island pier, and he parked his yacht where other boats parked. Zachery and Makoa exited the small yacht and helped tie the rope around a wooden pole. "We're here! I'm so excited about this since I have been waiting for an opportunity to see the show."
Everyone saw dark-colored lights, tents, and what looked like booths; music was also heard. Kahlua walked next to Zachery and held onto his arm, and he let her. The couple led everyone toward the path leading them to the circus. Everyone was quiet, and as they were getting closer to their destination, they saw some people walking around, and many had masks. Four men in clown masks looked deranged and sadistic; it made the group nervous.
They all stopped when the four men asked for their tickets and showed them. "Very well, you may enter, but be warned not to speak of this of anyone, or you know the consequences."
Everyone but Kahlua and Zachery were confused as they were motioned to the circus. Danae and Malia stood beside one another and before the men. "What is this place?" whispered Malia.
There were many stands where the operators wore clown or monstrous masks with evil and sadistic looks. There were jewelry, clothes, capes, food, and other things being sold. Danae felt very uncomfortable; the music played in the background made it worse. "I don't know, but I feel bad about this place."
While walking around, the group saw many acrobats making impressive moves or dancers doing suave dancing. No one in the group but Zachery and Kahla decided to buy drinks. Danae then looked at Makoa. "Something is not right here; everyone here looks off."
"We must keep an open mind; this circus is very different. We have to see how this plays out."
As Danae was about to speak, a man walked out of the main tent with a speaker. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you all can come inside, the main event will begin soon!" Everyone stopped what they were doing and walked inside the main tent. The group was also among the attendees going into the tent. Danae felt her stomach quench in pain; she couldn't help but feel scared.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JoDw13P1S
