Mother gave him strict instructions. Never leave the house or the grounds. Never ask why. Good boys don’t question their Mother. All he needed was inside the mansion’s walls. From the endless shelves of toys and clothes she gave to him since he could remember. So many, he could never play with them all before he grew out of childish things. Substitutes for her presence because his half-brother required most, if not all, of it. From thirteen on, it was music lessons. Pianos, harpsichords, violins and a teacher to sing with because he had no one else. There weren’t any children who were allowed into the house and he wasn’t supposed to leave to find them either.
So many nevers. Never follow Dandy. Never be near Dandy. Never be alone with him, most important. Mother didn’t know sometimes Dandy would come and play. Or keep him company. Tell him stories that were terrifyingly impossible to be real even though Dandy said they were true. One strict rule. Never sing because it sounded awful. That’s what Dandy said. As long as Blaine never sang a note, Dandy was his only friend. Another never? Never go past the garden. But.. Blaine often watched the Dandy sneaking across the great lawn and disappearing into the woods. One day, he decided to not listen and followed.
He walked forever, losing track of Dandy within minutes. Completely lost, the sky was dark by the time he found it.
The Freak Show he heard rumors about from his tutors and the help that would come to see him. It was magic. Quiet. Mostly lit up with strings of lights that rattled in the breeze and glowing tents. Blaine bit his lip, thought about going back even as his feet carried him closer. The tent he stood beside a metal trailer that looked far worse for wear. His heart pounding in his chest (was this was real excitement for something new felt like?), he leaned to peak between the billowing fabric sheets. Just a glance. Just to see what was inside.. So enraptured and caught up, Blaine didn’t hear the approaching foot steps until they were right beside him. His gasp was sharp, his blood went cold as he snapped his attention towards the noise. Owlish eyes blinked at the seemingly normal guy. “I.. Hello. I’m sorry for sneaking around. I’m Blaine.. Please don’t call the police?”
pianokeysandbowties 