| A TWICE WEEKLY SERIAL OF BIG TOP FOLK BY
SIMON PARKE |
|
EPISODE 30
THE FIELD OF FEAR
The mystery of Julie the disappearing elephant is not a mystery for long. It is Jess who first sees her, in a field across the road. Ronan and Danny are in attendance, attempting to teach her new tricks.
"Hey, lads," says Jess approaching them. "Shall we take Julie back now?"
"Oh no, if it isn't Jesus Christ come to save the elephant!" says Danny.
"She'll be getting frightened," says Jess, longing for courage.
"Nothing to what you'll be getting, Joey Boy, if you don't disappear."
But he doesn't disappear, because why should he? Instead, he stands there, watching. He doesn't know what he can do; but he can at least stand as a witness.
GD and Samantha are next on the scene, followed shortly after by Burt, Teresa and Ted. By this time, however, the Fiery Fernandos not only have Julie; they also have Jess, seemingly tied to the drinking trough.
"Stay away!" shouts Ronan. "We're rehearsing for tonight. Julie will be doing some new tricks!"
Ronan and Danny have a wooden pole, which they are using to "instruct" Julie.
"Do they know what they're doing?" asks Davido.
"Oh yes," said Daisy. "They've watched and they've learned. It's not uncommon for elephants to be struck behind the ears, under the chin or on their legs – for control."
"And then guess what!?" shouts Ronan with a glance at Jess. "The circus Joey turns up! And of course we remember him, because he got us thrown out of the circus last time! Remember, Joey? So bad, weren't we! And you were the fucking snitch!"
Danny lights a fire stick, and blows a flame in the air.
"Got to be careful of wind direction!" he shouts. "Health and safety! Otherwise someone could get seriously hurt."
"Oh my God," says Teresa.
They want to act, but what can they do? A cordon of fear seems to hold them back; but not Jess, however:
"Be of good cheer, my friends!" he calls out – "and play the man! For we shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust by God's grace shall never be put out!"
"What's he talking about?" asks Davido. "Has he gone completely mad?"
But already Teresa is walking; walking towards Julie and the Fernandos, who blow further flame from their mouths.
"Do you want the Joey roasted?" calls out Ronan. "Clown roast?"
But Teresa keeps walking, ever closer, walking forward, forcing a finale.
More clowning around |
