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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Family & Friends
- Subject: Childhood / Youth
- Published: 01/26/2025
American Girl (Florida)
Born 1966, F, from Sarasota/Florida, United States.jpeg)
The blue and white circus tent stood tall beside the high school parking lot. While her friends played at the nearby beach, Zlata Melnik would spend her summer days swinging from the trapeze. Years and years ago, her great-grandparents were Ukrainian highwire performers. Enticed by John Ringling to join his circus, they immigrated to the United States. After traveling worldwide, they returned to Sarasota, Florida, during winter.
Zlata's father, Denys Melnik, carried on the highwire tradition, but her mother soared and somersaulted on the swings high above the crowd. Zlata felt torn between both acts. Her parents trained her from the moment she could walk, and her retired grandparents taught her circus and family traditions. They insisted she attend Sarasota High School to take advantage of the training tent inside the school grounds.
Tall and blonde, Zlata's well-formed, muscular body was perfectly trained to twist and flex in mid-air. Her gym bag contained a plain black leotard with matching tights. Like her mother, she performed barefooted. The summer camp she attended would practice for several hours daily and put on a show before school began in late August. Zlata looked forward to exchanging her practice leotard for a red and white sparkly costume similar to her mother's.
Zlata did not feel nervous about climbing the long rope ladder or standing on the skinny perch close to the circus tent's roof. Her Grandfather had carried her up the ladder for the first time when she was two years old. She sat on his shoulders while he carried her across the wire with his balance pole. The experience exhilarated her. She knew the circus was her family's life and hers.
"Are you ready?" Margot Holt asked, approaching her friend.
"I was born ready," Zlata simply responded.
"Yeah, right, it's in your blood," her friend stated, eyeing the large tent. "Actually, I don't know why I signed up for this. I'm going to fall flat on my face."
"You won't," Zlata assured her, squeezing Margot's hand. "You're good at rope climbing in PE. You should try the silks." The long, colorful scarves hung from the rafters. A performer climbed them and did acrobatics in mid-air.
"I'll do silks if you will," Margot suggested.
"I'm doing trapeze."
"I figured. Can't you do both? I'd feel better if you helped. You know more about circuses than I do." Margot glanced around the parking lot.
A few cars pulled in, and a senior group formed. Zlata and Margot were both freshmen. They felt small and insignificant, as compared to the older students. Blair Bevins glared at them when she sauntered past. She clung to Brad Markel's arm as though someone were about to steal him away. Tanya Wakes followed, walking in the popular student's shadow. Wherever Blair went, Tanya wasn't far behind.
"Maybe I changed my mind," Margot stated, turning away. She walked toward her bike chained to a nearby fence.
"Oh, no, you don't," Zlata exclaimed, grabbing her friend's arm and dragging her back. "We're in this together."
"Blair and Brad are stars," Margot groaned, trying to pull away. "They stole the show last year. We don't stand a chance."
"They had to start somewhere, too," Zlata remarked, hands on hips. "In four years, we'll achieve everything they have."
"You can say that; you have a head start," her friend complained. "You come from circus people."
"Well, not always," Zlata called over her shoulder. She headed toward the tent's entrance. Her great-grandparents started the circus tradition, but before that, her family consisted of simple Ukrainian farmers. "Come on, Margot, try the silks."
"Only if you will." Margot ran to rejoin her friend.
"Ok, ok, I promise."
The circus tent was a permanent structure on the school grounds. Inside, wooden bleachers formed a circle around the large rings. Zlata glanced upward at the trapeze rig and large net. If a performer slipped, falling into the net would prevent an injury. She had seen her mother fall only on two occasions. Olena Melnik took her slips in stride, and the audience cheered her nonetheless. It was all part of circus life.
"Welcome, High School Students, year 198 and 2," Oskar Wojcik announced, striding into the center of the ring. "I am pleased you decided to run away and join the circus. Ha-ha."
"Ha-ha," Blair echoed sarcastically. "Oskar makes the same speech every year."
"That's right, he does," Tanya confirmed unnecessarily.
Oskar Wojcik paused and glanced at Blair.
"I'm glad you decided to join us for your final year, Miss Bevins," he remarked, his voice flat. "I don't know what we shall do without you. Perhaps Miss Melnik will take your place in the spotlight. Welcome, Miss Melnik. I am most pleased you are here to represent your illustrious family."
Zlata felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Margot squeezed her arm, but Blair gave her a scathing look. A nervous giggle escaped Tanya's lips.
"I expect big things from you, Miss Melnik," Oskar continued, oblivious to Zlata's chagrin. "I have known your grandparents for years. We traveled together with the circus. Ah, Moscow, Rome, Sydney…" Wojcik continued naming places, lost in his own memories.
"We get the picture, Oskar," Blair cut in. "You were a big-time circus performer back in the day. You played for the crown heads of Europe and Maharajas in India, etc. We heard this last year, too. And the year before, and the year before."
"And the year before." Tanya couldn't resist seconding her friend.
Everyone, including Blair, looked disdainful at the less popular girl. Zlata considered Tanya. She wore her mousy brown hair in a short bob. Her hazel eyes were dull and sunk in their sockets. Tanya tagged along with Blair's group but wasn't part of it. She was more of a hanger-on. Zlata wondered what her unique circus talent was.
"All right, all right, boys and girls," Oskar recalled their attention. "Let's get into your tights and limber up. Then, we will discover your abilities."
After a few moments, the group assembled in the center ring. Zlata's eyes roamed amongst the students. Blair wore a colorful tiger-print leotard with orange tights and matching leg warmers. Margot appeared slightly plump in her red and blue workout gear. Her friend ogled Brad and a few other boys who appeared in tights.
Although Zlata was used to the male physique while traveling with the circus, she appreciated her friend's wonder at the boys' appearance. If she continued with the summer camp, Margot would become less in awe of working closely with them.
Already familiar with the warming-up exercises, Zlata began before the others. Oskar helped the newcomers and waved to her to assist. She felt embarrassed when he asked her to demonstrate her abilities on the trapeze. However, she climbed the rope ladder and performed a few simple maneuvers. Margot clapped wildly, and Blair even nodded in appreciation.
"I see my granddaughter is entertaining you on her first day," Mykyta Melnik exclaimed, entering from the sidelines. "It's good to see you again, Oskar." The older man extended his hand to the summer camp director.
"Your granddaughter is spectacular!" Oskar announced, his voice booming like a ringleader's.
"And you thought otherwise?" Mykyta chuckled. "I have come to bring you home, my darling."
"Thank you, Grandfather," Zlata answered politely. "Margot and I were going to St. Armands for ice cream."
"Come home first, and I will take you out there." He turned to greet his granddaughter's friend.
"I have my bike with me," Margot stated.
"We'll bring it in the van," Grandfather offered.
The girls grinned at each other and then ran to change into their regular clothes. They stopped in the door, their eyes wide open. Half-dressed, Blair stood in the middle of the dressing room with her leotard's top pulled down. She ogled herself in the mirror, shook out her sumptuous blonde hair, and raised her breasts in her hands.
"Aren't I just perfect?" she asked the other girls. Tanya nodded briskly.
"A perfect show-off," Zlata complained without thinking.
"Look who's talking, Miss Perfect Showgirl," Blair snorted. "Why did you even sign up for this if you're so perfect?"
"I'm not perfect," Zlata countered. She changed into her street clothes.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Blair blared, enunciating her voice, "I draw your attention to the center ring. The fabulous, spectacular Miss Zlata Melnik will now perform her most epic stunt for you. High up amongst the big top's rafters, on the high wire, she will bend over and stick her head up her ass."
"Not funny, Blair." Margot marched toward the older girl, hands on her hips.
"I thought it was hilarious," Brad Markel stated. He stood in the doorway, watching the girls change clothes.
Zlata and the other girls screamed and covered their exposed parts. Ignoring them, Brad strode into the dressing room. Grabbing Blair by the elbows, he bent her backward and kissed her lips. She didn't attempt to hide her naked breasts.
"Let's get outta here." Zlata grabbed Margot by the elbow and rushed her into the tent. "Those two don't care who they do it in front of. I bet Tanya watches them all the time."
"She would get her kicks outta that," Margot agreed, nodding. Both girls burst into laughter.
"What's so funny," Grandfather Mykyta asked.
"Oh, nothing." Zlata shrugged. "Is Grandma making her famous sochniki?" She referred to her favorite cookies made with cream cheese.
"Maybe, maybe not," her Grandfather teased, shrugging. Zlata knew that meant there was a fresh batch in the oven.
After placing Margot's bike in the van, Grandfather drove them to the Sarasota Trailer Park on School Street. Many other retired circus performers also lived there. Zlata stayed with her grandparents over the summer while her mother and father traveled with the circus. Although their home was cramped, she enjoyed it there. She liked talking to the older clowns and animal trainers who lived nearby.
The Greatest Show On Earth returned to set up their winter quarters in Venice during the winter. A long time ago, her Grandfather recalled, Sarasota was their destination. He told her where the old circus grounds used to stand and reminisced about those days long ago. He often took her to the John and Mable Ringling Estate—Ca' d' Zan—and they would walk around the museum.
"Ca' d' Zan—The House of John," Grandfather explained, his eyes reflecting his memories. "The Ringlings and P.T. Barnum were real show people back in the day. I remember John was bigger than life."
Zlata considered the old showmen. Their time was long gone, but the circus continued year after year. She couldn't imagine the tent ever folding.
Her grandmother served cookies and milk. Zlata loved the kindly older woman who cared for her. Circus families remained close, forming strong bonds on the highwire and trapeze. They had to trust each other; otherwise, they couldn't perform together.
The Melnik's piled into the van and drove across the bridge to St. Armand's Key. They parked in the circle surrounded by small shops and restaurants. Joining other shoppers, they poked in and out of the stores and finally stopped for ice cream at Kilwin's Chocolates. Zlata and Margot both selected cones, while the older couple picked cups. They sat on a bench to eat their custardy treats.
"Look." Margot prodded Zlata with her elbow.
Zlata glanced up and noticed Blair and Brad. The couple stood close by, arms around each other. They kissed passionately while shoppers streamed around them. Tanya hovered nearby as though on guard duty.
"They don't care what they do in public," Zlata stated aloud.
The grandmother and Grandfather turned their eyes toward the young couple. They watched for a short time before focusing on their ice cream.
"That girl won't finish high school, Zlata. She'll get pregnant and marry young. She will cut her life short and never accomplish anything," her grandmother stated grimly. "You, on the other hand, have a bright future as a trapeze artist. Think of it that way, my child, and don't worry about that other one."
"Yes, Grandmother," Zlata nodded. She knew her elder was a wise woman. "Let's look at the Ring of Fame on the circle."
The group crossed the street and stepped onto the traffic circle. Zlata and Margot strolled amongst the plaques, reading them aloud. The one representing her family was surrounded by the most outstanding performers of all time, including the Five Ringling Brothers, Master Clown Lou Jacobs, The Flying Wallendas, and Gunther Gebel-Williams, the famous animal trainer. Zlata thought she might have her own plaque in the Ring of Fame someday. It made her feel proud she was a member of a circus family.
American Girl (Florida)(Lea Sheryn)
The blue and white circus tent stood tall beside the high school parking lot. While her friends played at the nearby beach, Zlata Melnik would spend her summer days swinging from the trapeze. Years and years ago, her great-grandparents were Ukrainian highwire performers. Enticed by John Ringling to join his circus, they immigrated to the United States. After traveling worldwide, they returned to Sarasota, Florida, during winter.
Zlata's father, Denys Melnik, carried on the highwire tradition, but her mother soared and somersaulted on the swings high above the crowd. Zlata felt torn between both acts. Her parents trained her from the moment she could walk, and her retired grandparents taught her circus and family traditions. They insisted she attend Sarasota High School to take advantage of the training tent inside the school grounds.
Tall and blonde, Zlata's well-formed, muscular body was perfectly trained to twist and flex in mid-air. Her gym bag contained a plain black leotard with matching tights. Like her mother, she performed barefooted. The summer camp she attended would practice for several hours daily and put on a show before school began in late August. Zlata looked forward to exchanging her practice leotard for a red and white sparkly costume similar to her mother's.
Zlata did not feel nervous about climbing the long rope ladder or standing on the skinny perch close to the circus tent's roof. Her Grandfather had carried her up the ladder for the first time when she was two years old. She sat on his shoulders while he carried her across the wire with his balance pole. The experience exhilarated her. She knew the circus was her family's life and hers.
"Are you ready?" Margot Holt asked, approaching her friend.
"I was born ready," Zlata simply responded.
"Yeah, right, it's in your blood," her friend stated, eyeing the large tent. "Actually, I don't know why I signed up for this. I'm going to fall flat on my face."
"You won't," Zlata assured her, squeezing Margot's hand. "You're good at rope climbing in PE. You should try the silks." The long, colorful scarves hung from the rafters. A performer climbed them and did acrobatics in mid-air.
"I'll do silks if you will," Margot suggested.
"I'm doing trapeze."
"I figured. Can't you do both? I'd feel better if you helped. You know more about circuses than I do." Margot glanced around the parking lot.
A few cars pulled in, and a senior group formed. Zlata and Margot were both freshmen. They felt small and insignificant, as compared to the older students. Blair Bevins glared at them when she sauntered past. She clung to Brad Markel's arm as though someone were about to steal him away. Tanya Wakes followed, walking in the popular student's shadow. Wherever Blair went, Tanya wasn't far behind.
"Maybe I changed my mind," Margot stated, turning away. She walked toward her bike chained to a nearby fence.
"Oh, no, you don't," Zlata exclaimed, grabbing her friend's arm and dragging her back. "We're in this together."
"Blair and Brad are stars," Margot groaned, trying to pull away. "They stole the show last year. We don't stand a chance."
"They had to start somewhere, too," Zlata remarked, hands on hips. "In four years, we'll achieve everything they have."
"You can say that; you have a head start," her friend complained. "You come from circus people."
"Well, not always," Zlata called over her shoulder. She headed toward the tent's entrance. Her great-grandparents started the circus tradition, but before that, her family consisted of simple Ukrainian farmers. "Come on, Margot, try the silks."
"Only if you will." Margot ran to rejoin her friend.
"Ok, ok, I promise."
The circus tent was a permanent structure on the school grounds. Inside, wooden bleachers formed a circle around the large rings. Zlata glanced upward at the trapeze rig and large net. If a performer slipped, falling into the net would prevent an injury. She had seen her mother fall only on two occasions. Olena Melnik took her slips in stride, and the audience cheered her nonetheless. It was all part of circus life.
"Welcome, High School Students, year 198 and 2," Oskar Wojcik announced, striding into the center of the ring. "I am pleased you decided to run away and join the circus. Ha-ha."
"Ha-ha," Blair echoed sarcastically. "Oskar makes the same speech every year."
"That's right, he does," Tanya confirmed unnecessarily.
Oskar Wojcik paused and glanced at Blair.
"I'm glad you decided to join us for your final year, Miss Bevins," he remarked, his voice flat. "I don't know what we shall do without you. Perhaps Miss Melnik will take your place in the spotlight. Welcome, Miss Melnik. I am most pleased you are here to represent your illustrious family."
Zlata felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Margot squeezed her arm, but Blair gave her a scathing look. A nervous giggle escaped Tanya's lips.
"I expect big things from you, Miss Melnik," Oskar continued, oblivious to Zlata's chagrin. "I have known your grandparents for years. We traveled together with the circus. Ah, Moscow, Rome, Sydney…" Wojcik continued naming places, lost in his own memories.
"We get the picture, Oskar," Blair cut in. "You were a big-time circus performer back in the day. You played for the crown heads of Europe and Maharajas in India, etc. We heard this last year, too. And the year before, and the year before."
"And the year before." Tanya couldn't resist seconding her friend.
Everyone, including Blair, looked disdainful at the less popular girl. Zlata considered Tanya. She wore her mousy brown hair in a short bob. Her hazel eyes were dull and sunk in their sockets. Tanya tagged along with Blair's group but wasn't part of it. She was more of a hanger-on. Zlata wondered what her unique circus talent was.
"All right, all right, boys and girls," Oskar recalled their attention. "Let's get into your tights and limber up. Then, we will discover your abilities."
After a few moments, the group assembled in the center ring. Zlata's eyes roamed amongst the students. Blair wore a colorful tiger-print leotard with orange tights and matching leg warmers. Margot appeared slightly plump in her red and blue workout gear. Her friend ogled Brad and a few other boys who appeared in tights.
Although Zlata was used to the male physique while traveling with the circus, she appreciated her friend's wonder at the boys' appearance. If she continued with the summer camp, Margot would become less in awe of working closely with them.
Already familiar with the warming-up exercises, Zlata began before the others. Oskar helped the newcomers and waved to her to assist. She felt embarrassed when he asked her to demonstrate her abilities on the trapeze. However, she climbed the rope ladder and performed a few simple maneuvers. Margot clapped wildly, and Blair even nodded in appreciation.
"I see my granddaughter is entertaining you on her first day," Mykyta Melnik exclaimed, entering from the sidelines. "It's good to see you again, Oskar." The older man extended his hand to the summer camp director.
"Your granddaughter is spectacular!" Oskar announced, his voice booming like a ringleader's.
"And you thought otherwise?" Mykyta chuckled. "I have come to bring you home, my darling."
"Thank you, Grandfather," Zlata answered politely. "Margot and I were going to St. Armands for ice cream."
"Come home first, and I will take you out there." He turned to greet his granddaughter's friend.
"I have my bike with me," Margot stated.
"We'll bring it in the van," Grandfather offered.
The girls grinned at each other and then ran to change into their regular clothes. They stopped in the door, their eyes wide open. Half-dressed, Blair stood in the middle of the dressing room with her leotard's top pulled down. She ogled herself in the mirror, shook out her sumptuous blonde hair, and raised her breasts in her hands.
"Aren't I just perfect?" she asked the other girls. Tanya nodded briskly.
"A perfect show-off," Zlata complained without thinking.
"Look who's talking, Miss Perfect Showgirl," Blair snorted. "Why did you even sign up for this if you're so perfect?"
"I'm not perfect," Zlata countered. She changed into her street clothes.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Blair blared, enunciating her voice, "I draw your attention to the center ring. The fabulous, spectacular Miss Zlata Melnik will now perform her most epic stunt for you. High up amongst the big top's rafters, on the high wire, she will bend over and stick her head up her ass."
"Not funny, Blair." Margot marched toward the older girl, hands on her hips.
"I thought it was hilarious," Brad Markel stated. He stood in the doorway, watching the girls change clothes.
Zlata and the other girls screamed and covered their exposed parts. Ignoring them, Brad strode into the dressing room. Grabbing Blair by the elbows, he bent her backward and kissed her lips. She didn't attempt to hide her naked breasts.
"Let's get outta here." Zlata grabbed Margot by the elbow and rushed her into the tent. "Those two don't care who they do it in front of. I bet Tanya watches them all the time."
"She would get her kicks outta that," Margot agreed, nodding. Both girls burst into laughter.
"What's so funny," Grandfather Mykyta asked.
"Oh, nothing." Zlata shrugged. "Is Grandma making her famous sochniki?" She referred to her favorite cookies made with cream cheese.
"Maybe, maybe not," her Grandfather teased, shrugging. Zlata knew that meant there was a fresh batch in the oven.
After placing Margot's bike in the van, Grandfather drove them to the Sarasota Trailer Park on School Street. Many other retired circus performers also lived there. Zlata stayed with her grandparents over the summer while her mother and father traveled with the circus. Although their home was cramped, she enjoyed it there. She liked talking to the older clowns and animal trainers who lived nearby.
The Greatest Show On Earth returned to set up their winter quarters in Venice during the winter. A long time ago, her Grandfather recalled, Sarasota was their destination. He told her where the old circus grounds used to stand and reminisced about those days long ago. He often took her to the John and Mable Ringling Estate—Ca' d' Zan—and they would walk around the museum.
"Ca' d' Zan—The House of John," Grandfather explained, his eyes reflecting his memories. "The Ringlings and P.T. Barnum were real show people back in the day. I remember John was bigger than life."
Zlata considered the old showmen. Their time was long gone, but the circus continued year after year. She couldn't imagine the tent ever folding.
Her grandmother served cookies and milk. Zlata loved the kindly older woman who cared for her. Circus families remained close, forming strong bonds on the highwire and trapeze. They had to trust each other; otherwise, they couldn't perform together.
The Melnik's piled into the van and drove across the bridge to St. Armand's Key. They parked in the circle surrounded by small shops and restaurants. Joining other shoppers, they poked in and out of the stores and finally stopped for ice cream at Kilwin's Chocolates. Zlata and Margot both selected cones, while the older couple picked cups. They sat on a bench to eat their custardy treats.
"Look." Margot prodded Zlata with her elbow.
Zlata glanced up and noticed Blair and Brad. The couple stood close by, arms around each other. They kissed passionately while shoppers streamed around them. Tanya hovered nearby as though on guard duty.
"They don't care what they do in public," Zlata stated aloud.
The grandmother and Grandfather turned their eyes toward the young couple. They watched for a short time before focusing on their ice cream.
"That girl won't finish high school, Zlata. She'll get pregnant and marry young. She will cut her life short and never accomplish anything," her grandmother stated grimly. "You, on the other hand, have a bright future as a trapeze artist. Think of it that way, my child, and don't worry about that other one."
"Yes, Grandmother," Zlata nodded. She knew her elder was a wise woman. "Let's look at the Ring of Fame on the circle."
The group crossed the street and stepped onto the traffic circle. Zlata and Margot strolled amongst the plaques, reading them aloud. The one representing her family was surrounded by the most outstanding performers of all time, including the Five Ringling Brothers, Master Clown Lou Jacobs, The Flying Wallendas, and Gunther Gebel-Williams, the famous animal trainer. Zlata thought she might have her own plaque in the Ring of Fame someday. It made her feel proud she was a member of a circus family.
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Denise Arnault
01/26/2025As always your embue your stories with so many interesting factual details that they are a joy to read. I do admit that I almost took a break in the middle to satisfy a craving before finishing. OMG Kilwin's New Orleans Praline is the best ice cream in the world! I'm going over to Grapevine where we have one locally and get some later.
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Lea Sheryn
01/27/2025My favorite ice cream at Kilwins is Kahlua Crunch. It's been ages since I've had it. I have to get over there soon!
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