Batya dreamed for the day she’d be forever free of the responsibility of being a stable girl. It was so time consuming, and she has never liked it much. All of the other kids had a normal childhood, allowed to laugh and play, but never her. Thank whatever higher power was out there her friend was patient with her. Without him, she knew her life would just be a chaotic mess, she would never truly know what it was like to take a break, relax, and just have fun, like all young people should. In her mind, she was far too young to do so much back breaking work. She wanted to enjoy her youth while she still had it, but on the other hand her father was right. She had to earn a living somehow, and she might as well start young. Nothing in this world was for free.<br/><br/>When she finally sneaked out of the stables to meet with Iden, she knew better than to take a horse. Her father would be immediately suspicious if he noticed one of the horses was missing. It was a pain, but the man was just doing his job at the end of the day. It would be the end of him if he let horses go missing without his knowing.<br/><br/>The meeting spot was the stables that were on the other side of town. Quickly, she moved through a few alley ways, a specific route that the two of them had picked, in case something like this would happen, hoping Iden would still be there. The spot they had chosen was likewise convenient as well.  They always seemed to think alike, which worked to their advantage quite a bit. She had to slip by a few people she knew from the stables, who were aware she should still be working. While leaving… she kind of, sort of didn’t tell her father. She wasn’t finished with her chores, she was fully aware he’d not approve of her leaving just like that. But she could not help it. The circus was not going to stay here forever, this was her only chance. This once in a life time opportunity was not going to slip through her fingers.<br/><br/>Batya broke out into a run once she was in the clear. By the time she got to where she was to meet Iden, she was a little out of breath. “Sorry I’m late.” She said, slowing down to a jog and eventually coming to a halt about a foot in front of her friend and his horse. She reached out and gave Duke a pat on the side of his neck. Then, looking to Iden, gave an apologetic grin, “The usual held me up…” She had to look like a complete mess, to top it all off. She hadn’t bothered to clean up and smelled like dirt, hay, and horse shit. Before they got there she was going to need to stop by the river to at least clean off the smudge (which, or so she hoped, was hopefully just a smudge of dirt) on her face and hands.<br/><br/>“Alright.” Batya smiled widely, and reached into her pocket. As she had promised, it was her half of the entry fee. “The show should be starting soon. Let’s get going before our parents decide to come looking for us.” It felt odd to say those words; they made her feel like she was ten again. But she was right. Sooner or later, they would be busted. She was dreading that, the thought was constantly on the mind. However, despite her worry, in the end it, should they get caught, it was better to be busted while having fun than before the fun even begins.<br/><br/>At least they would have accomplished something and have no regrets.