FicWad

The next morning Jenna and Max was out early doing the horses as usual. After a while they could hear some movement over by the big top of the other circus guys setting up. Once they'd finished the horses they went over to meet them for a brew. Max had gone ahead of Jenna as she was just sorting her outfit for the performance later that day. As Jenna walked over she over heard a conversation that wasn't meant for her.
"So what do we do, do we tell Jenna or not." Seraya who had her back to Jenna said before any of the others had noticed her.
"Tell Jenna what exactly?" Jenna asked suspiciously knowing that they sounded serious. They all looked a mix of shock, unease and worried. No one said anything as Jenna looked between them all.
"Max?" Jenna asked knowing out of all of them he would be the one with the most loyalties to her regardless.
"Tell her." Max said sternly to Seraya.
"OK so..." Seraya said slowly as if stalling and cringing for Jenna's reaction. Jenna just looked a her impatiently.
"Right well you see thing is me and Paul went out for dinner with Joel and Rachel. Yeh I know not the best choice of double date but it was Joel who approached Paul so I went along with it thinking of building bridges and keeping the peace and all that." Seraya waffled on in one breath Jenna again looking at her wondering where she was going with all this and when she was getting to the point.
"Anyway when we got there Benji was there too which again was fine Joel just said he was at a loose end so he joined us... But then after we'd been there for a bit we'd ordered drinks and was waiting on ordering food Mia walks in says she's been stood up and joins us." Seraya said again cringing waiting for Jenna's reaction as did everyone else. Max was eyeing Jenna trying to read her more than listening to what she says. Jenna just looked blankly for a minute as if letting what Seraya had just said sink in then gave a nod.
"OK." She sighed and then carried on with making her tea. Everyone sort of looked around confused as if there was a lit firework that hadn't gone off.
Jenna walked back round and sat down sipping her tea as they watched her.
"Seriously guys stop watching me. Don't make this into a bigger deal than it needs to be." Jenna said trying to brush it off and not get sucked into drama.
"Yeh your right Jenna it was probably innocent and coincidental." Seraya said cautiously.
"Well you was there how did it seem to you?" Jenna asked coolly.
"err well yes I suppose it was. I mean they was sat together and talking but that was it." Seraya stuttered.
"Well then I'm sure Benji can reiterate that too." Jenna said calmly. Everyone seemed to be looking from Jenna suprised at her cool reaction to it and then to Max as 'oh shit what do we do'. Max just shrugged and shook it off as if Jenna's fine she's fine.
"Seriosuly guys I just want to drink my tea, stop watching me." Jenna laughed feeling all their eyes on her. They all tried to get back on with their morning brew and make conversation between them selves. Max walked past Jenna to put his cup in the RV he gave her shoulder a squeeze on the way past as a way of communication and she gave him a slight nod. Meaning are you really OK and I'm here for you from Max and thank you from Jenna.
The rest of the day was fairly uneventful them all getting on with their performers and roles within the circus.


The next morning it was business as usual within the circus. Jenna did the finishing touches on the horses whilst Max went over to the big top to help out.
"How's Jenna getting on Max-i?" Jackie asked.
"She seems OK to be honest." Max answered honestly in regards to just what they discussed the previous day. He decided it wasn't his business to disclose the other heart to heart they had whilst they was away about her being unsure of she could ever feel like she could fully let Benji in anyway.
"Really?" Jackie quizzed him.
"Yes she's been relaxed and calm. I think she's just had enough of all the drama." Max said.
"OK well I know you will be keep an eye out for her." Jackie said and Max nodded.
Before long the first circus show was underway. Paul and Dean had come to watch and visit.
Jenna had just come out of the horse box from getting changed out of her sequins. Max had just finished lunch time routine for the horses.
"Right let's go have some lunch." Jenna said as they started to walk over to the RVs.
"Jen, are you ok?" Max stopped to ask her more for his own peace of mind to make sure he wasn't missing anything after Jackie asking him that morning.
"Yeh, I'm fine. Obviously got stuff on my mind but I'm OK." Jenna said. Max looked her over satisfied with her answer and nodded to carry on walking.
"Jackie been quizing you?" Jenna laughed.
"Yeh she caught me this morning." Max admitted.
Everyone from the circus plus Paul and Dean was sat outside the RVs when they arrvied everyone said their hellos.
"No Benji?" Jenna asked coolly in the direction of Paul and Dean.
"Erm no they've got some business to deal with for MDDN that's why Josh is here too." Paul said. Jenna gave a nod the rest of the circus guys looked at her slightly cautiously after what had come out in the open last night.
"Oh really, there was me thinking he came because he cares." Jenna said in her dry sarcasm knowing after their last encounters there was no love lost between Josh and herself.
"Oh I'm sure there's a social side to the visit too not strictly business." Dean tried. Jenna gave him a nod and smile that said nice try.
"Well it's good to see you two anyway." Jenna said bending down between them putting an arm around each of their necks giving them a bit of a squeezey hug.
They all chatted for a while until it was time to get ready for the second show. Dean and Paul said their goodbyes and left them too it.

"Do you think Jenna was getting at something before?" Dean asked Paul.
"Hmm I'm not sure. Not much gets past Jenna. I know there's been a few words exchanged between herself and Josh. He thinks she's messing Benji around because she's taking her time with things." Paul said.
"What about that meal you went to with Seraya and Mia turned up whilst Benji was there?" Dean brain stormed.
"Hmm I can see how that can look bad. They've most likely already told Jenna about it too, Seraya can't hold her own water." Paul said.
"But surely Benji's talked to her or going to talk to her about it. I mean it was innocent wasn't it." Dean said.
"I'm not so sure you remember how long it took to get him to tell Jenna he had a girlfriend in the first place and the mess that turned into." Paul said Dean nodded.
"But it was a just flooke that you was all there at the same time wasn't it?" Dean asked sounding slightly unsure himself now.
"I'd like to hope so." Paul said.
"You don't sound too convinced?" Dean said.
"Well I can definitely say I don't think Benji invited Mia out right but I don't think it was accident that Mia turned up or that Seraya was there too." Paul said.
"So you think Rachel's back up to her old tricks?" Dean asked.
"Most likely but also I'm not sure I'd have been quite as... welcoming as Benji seemed with Mia that was a bit concerning." Paul said.
"You don't think..." Dean looked worried.
"I'd like to hope not. Benji's just a bit easily lead sometimes." Paul said for lack of better way of putting it. Dean just nodded.
"Well I hope for everyone's sakes especially Jenna's, that things aren't going to be kicking off again." Dean said.
"Me to Jenna doesn't deserve all this. Benji needs his head testing." Paul agreed.

After the second show Max had finished helping at the big top and went over to help Jenna finish off the horses.
"What's your plans for this evening?" Max asked.
"What oh erm I don't know nothing really food and bed." Jenna said seeming distracted.
"Thought you might have wanted to try and see Benji whilst he's here?" Max suggested.
"Hmm." Jenna said not seeming too convinced. Then her phone started ringing. Max seen her look at it then swipe it off.
"Was that him?" Max asked meaning Benji.
"What, who?" Jenna said still seeming distracted.
"Benji? On the phone." Max said getting a bit concerned.
"Oh no its just a private number keeps trying to call me. I haven't heard from Benji." She admitted.
"Have you answered to see what the person calling wants?" Max asked.
"Yes, but the line just goes dead. I think it must be the wrong number or something." Jenna said he could tell she was a little on edge.
"Want me to answer it next time?" Max said.
"Go for it." Jenna shrugged.
They finished the horses off making usual conversation. Then went into the horse box, Jenna went for a shower. Whilst she was in the show her phone rang with a private number again so he answered it. As he said hello there was a moment where he could hear some one breathing on the other end of the phone then hang up. He thought that seemed really weird and that he was going to keep an eye on it with Jenna.
As Jenna came out the shower and he was going to talk to her about it but there was a knock at the door Jenna opened the door and Benji was stood there.
"Hey." She said walking in so Benji could follow. He looked inside hovering by the door and gave Max the guy nod but looking a little akward.
"So I thought maybe you might like to hang out or we could go get some food if you haven't already eaten?" Benji asked Jenna.
"Yeh sure I'll just grab my things." Jenna said nipping off to the back to get her bag and shoes.
"Do you want me to bring you anything back?" Jenna asked Max.
"No your OK, have a good time." Max said handing the phone to Jenna before she walked out the door.
"Thanks see you later." Jenna smiled to him.

Max made his way over to the RVs in thought about Jenna and those phone calls. He went over to Brad's RV where AJ was too. The girls Erin, Jackie and Seraya had gone out together once they knew Jenna was already out with Benji. Max sat with AJ and Brad having a few beers.
"What's up Max you seem like you've got something on your mind?" AJ said eyeing Max noticing he was quieter and not a bubbly as normal.
"Oh I think it's probably nothing. I'm just a bit worried about Jenna." Max said in thought.
"What is it, or are we best keeping out of it." Brad said they all knew by now although they, all wanted to help, sometimes with Jenna it's just best to leave the likes of Max and Frankie to it.
"I'm not sure. I found out she's been getting some private number calling her but hanging up, she seems a little spooked by it." Max said.
"It's maybe just the wrong number?" Brad suggested lightly.
"I'm not so sure as she's had three calls today alone that I know about and I answered one there was just someone breathing on the end of the line then it went dead." Max explained.
"That sounds a bit odd." AJ agreed.
"Could it be her family trying to get in touch but too nervous to speak at the moment." Brad said trying to look on the brighter side.
"I don't think her family would try to make contact and if they did they're very direct I doubt they'd be hovering on the end of a phone line." Max explained Brad gave a nod.
"Do you think she needs report it?" AJ eyed him.
"So far there's not alot to report and you know what Jenna's like she doesn't like to make a big deal out of things." Max said they nodded.
"Well we're all here, we can look out for her. Maybe if she turns her phone off for a few days they'll get board and give up." Brad suggested.
"I can suggest it. I'm not sure she'd be to convinced about giving up her phone for too long though." Max laughed. "Just keep this quiet for now, I don't want her thinking we've been discussing her behind her back." Max said and they nodded understanding. They enjoyed the rest of their night making a good dent in the create of beer from Cal.

"So um, how's you day been?" Benji asked Jenna as they walked closely down the street.
"Not bad, the shows went well." Jenna said. They both felt like the other was holding back from telling them something and there was tension. Benji with dinner with Mia and Jenna with the werid phone calls on her mind but Benji couldn't help but think was it something to do with Max she wasn't telling him about.
"That's good." Benji said not wanting to push her for what was bothering her so that she didn't push him.
"How's your hotel?" Jenna asked.
"It's alright, been in much worse." Benji said letting out a little laugh.
"So how's the studio been going, I've not heard much from you." Jenna said.
"Good we've been pretty productive putting some things together. It's nice to have a bit of a break." Benji said.
"Bit of a bus man's holiday coming out here though." Jenna laughed at the thought of them having a break but being out at the festival in a hotel.
"Well I suppose you can call it a working holiday. We've actually got some MDDN business to sort whilst we're in the area so kind of two birds one stone." Benji smiled Jenna nodded. There was a small part of a feeling that if he wasn't there for work would he even have been there at all rather than coming because he 'wanted' to see her.
They got to the little diner that they decided to eat at keeping it more causal. They got a table and ordered with the waitress.
"How are things at MDDN?" Jenna asked trying to get him talking more. She noticed him holding back.
"Good it's doing well. Josh does a great job keeping it running whilst we're doing band stuff then we jump in where he needs us too." Benji said. Jenna nodded.
"And how are you doing?" Jenna asked with a smile.
"I'm good, yeh." Benji said with a nod.
"Are you sure?" Jenna asked after a slight pause looking him over to which he tried to act like he didn't notice.
"Yeh, why wouldn't I be?" Benji said trying to put his most convincing smile on.
"You seem a bit quiet." Jenna said directly.
"Aw I'm sorry I don't mean to be. I'm tired I've been up most of the night going through some cords for a new song." Benji said trying to make his excuse as convincing as possible. Their food came and they went silent for a few minutes. Jenna felt like she was pulling teeth trying to get Benji to open up.
"So tell me about the monster truck event?" Benji said breaking the silence he decided it would be better he asked Jenna the questions to avoid her asking him more.
"It was good, we missed the circus but was a great experience and for the horses too. We had so much free time not having to do all the extra jobs setting up the big top for every performance we didn't know what to do with our selves." Jenna laughed. Benji forced a smile but felt that tingle of jealousy thinking off the time she would have spent with Max if they wasn't busy working as much.
"So what did you get up to in your free time?" Benji asked.
"Not an awful lot to be honest. I spent time working with the horses more on their schooling and a few more ideas for routines. We went out for drinks with some of the guys few times too but that was pretty much it. Was nice to chill for a bit too as even at home with Frankie we end up doing more as we have the yard with her horses that we help with too." Jenna said not thinking anything into it but all Benji could think of was her calling Frankie and Max's home her home. He knew it was all a bit silly and that he should just trust her like he used too but he just couldn't help with with all what Rachel and Josh was saying too.
"It's good your have time to slow down for a change your always so busy." Benji smiled.
They talked casually whilst they finished their food then made their way back to the circus. As Benji's hotel was closer than the circus Jenna insisted she was fine walking the rest of the way back herself. She knew there was a massive 'elephant in the room' between them and the tension was giving her a head ache.

When Jenna got back from food with Benji she did the night shift with the horses as Max still wasn't back. Just as she was finishing up Max came staggering over. Jenna didn't notice a first then turned and visbaly jumped as she seen him out of the corner of her eye.
"Jesus chirst Max." She said. Max laughed a little.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you." He said swaying a little.
"I am suprised you even managed to sneak up on me like that." Jenna laughed at him struggling to keep his balance.
"Hey, hey, I'm not that bad." He laughed.
"Really." Jenna smirked raising her eyebrows at him.
"Really see." He said in an attempt to walk a straight line towards the horse box but doing a terrible job of it.
"Yeh looks great Max." Jenna laughed.
Jenna caught up to him to stop the horse box door from hitting him in the head as he stumbled going up the horse box steps. He landed on the steps causing her to trip and almost land on him too. She managed to hold the door frame to save herself. As she was suspended above him for a minute before she could push herself back up right there was a brief moment where their eyes met and they felt a sprak. Neither of them really understood it or even thought the other felt it, they'd been so close for so long but always as friends virtually like family. They could both appreciate the other was very attractive but the thought of anything more had never crossed either of their minds. They shook it off Jenna pushed herself up and held a hand out to pull him up.
"Right drink this and bed." Jenna said handing him a glass of water. Both returning to normal as if the moment hadn't happened.
"Bossy." Max said in jest.
"Well I'm not carrying you tomorrow if you're worse for wear." Jenna laughed.
"If you think I'm bad you should see Brad and AJ." Max laughed flopping down on the sofa after downing his water.
"Oh for Fucks sake." Jenna laughed rolling her eyes knowing already the state they'd all be in tomorrow