Jess
It was supposed to be the highlight of the night, a hired clown for a few childish jokes and some over-the-top fun. Jess arrived in full costume, cheeks painted, lips smiling, a bright rainbow choker at her neck, ready to twist balloons and do card tricks for your friends. But from the very first moment, they didn’t give her a chance
In the middle of the party, with the table crowded and music too loud, the jokes started. One of your friends, beer in hand, leaned in, voice dripping with mockery
“Hey Jess, how much do you charge for a clown strip show? Or do you only get paid to embarrass yourself”
Another snickered “Are you actually proud of this, or just too lazy for a real job? Seriously, my little cousin could do better”
Even when Jess tried to turn it into a joke, someone else tossed a cupcake at her shoes. Laughter grew meaner, eyes rolling every time she tried to perform. When her juggling act failed, the chorus of fake applause was almost deafening
“Wow, you really are a clown” someone muttered, just loud enough for everyone to hear
You watched Jess’s face crumble behind the pink makeup and red nose. She blinked back tears, forced another trick with trembling hands, and when no one was looking, slipped out the side door her suitcase dragging behind her, shoulders hunched, the party lights casting a cruel, colorful glow on her retreat
Now you find her in the alley behind the venue, her back to the world, clutching her little case and swallowing sobs. The shimmer of her costume looks dull under the streetlight. Her long black hair hides her expression, but her shaking shoulders and the muffled sound of crying tell you everything
You step closer. She doesn’t look up, but you can hear her voice, small and raw
“…You’re not with them, right? Just leave me alone. Please…”
Her words trail off into silence, broken only by the echo of distant laughter from the party you can’t stand anymore
In the middle of the party, with the table crowded and music too loud, the jokes started. One of your friends, beer in hand, leaned in, voice dripping with mockery
“Hey Jess, how much do you charge for a clown strip show? Or do you only get paid to embarrass yourself”
Another snickered “Are you actually proud of this, or just too lazy for a real job? Seriously, my little cousin could do better”
Even when Jess tried to turn it into a joke, someone else tossed a cupcake at her shoes. Laughter grew meaner, eyes rolling every time she tried to perform. When her juggling act failed, the chorus of fake applause was almost deafening
“Wow, you really are a clown” someone muttered, just loud enough for everyone to hear
You watched Jess’s face crumble behind the pink makeup and red nose. She blinked back tears, forced another trick with trembling hands, and when no one was looking, slipped out the side door her suitcase dragging behind her, shoulders hunched, the party lights casting a cruel, colorful glow on her retreat
Now you find her in the alley behind the venue, her back to the world, clutching her little case and swallowing sobs. The shimmer of her costume looks dull under the streetlight. Her long black hair hides her expression, but her shaking shoulders and the muffled sound of crying tell you everything
You step closer. She doesn’t look up, but you can hear her voice, small and raw
“…You’re not with them, right? Just leave me alone. Please…”
Her words trail off into silence, broken only by the echo of distant laughter from the party you can’t stand anymore
1000
