A/N: Everything belongs to Lin-Manuel Miranda. Okay this horse story is made up, but I really wanted to write a Schuyler Sisters story about their childhood, so here. Also, you guys are awesome. I appreciate each and every one of you.

1767

"Angie!" Eliza cried, grabbing her sister's arm. "Look!"

She was gesturing towards the front lawn. They were sitting in the drawing room, half heartedly practicing the piano, when Eliza spotted a graceful chestnut horse trotting past the Schuyler family mansion.

Immediately Angelica ran towards the front door, hiking up her skirts in an unladylike manner. Her two younger sisters, Peggy and Eliza, followed.

The three sisters, each one year apart from each other in age, trampled through the carefully manicured cobblestone path leading to the main road, and chased after the beautiful equestrian, desperate to get another glance.

Two blocks from their home, Peggy suddenly halted, causing Angelica and Eliza to turn around in curiosity.

"Daddy said not to go downtown," she protested, the nine year old girl crossing her arms as she spoke.

Angelica rolled her eyes, though she still retained a soft expression. They were losing precious time as they argued.

"Daddy doesn't need to know," the eldest sister retaliated.

Eliza cut off Angelica with a tone of urgent excitement in her voice.

"The horse is getting away! If we continue this discussion any longer we'll lose it."

With that thought in mind, they resumed their race, eventually catching up with their prize.

The magnificent horse was at least a foot taller than the young girls, but it's size didn't diminish its obvious gentleness. It extended its muzzle outward in a display of greeting, inviting the sisters to adoringly pet the animal.

Before they could, however, Angelica paused, her siblings obediently following suit.

A weather-beaten farmer was standing next to his prized horse. They had somehow found themselves in the marketplace, and Angelica assumed that the animal was up for sale.

"Sir," she began tentatively. "May we pet your horse?"

He smiled.

"Be my guest. His name's Lucky, by the way. A real nice fellow."

The Schuyler sisters curtsied gratefully, then began to coo over Lucky, chattering rapidly. They became so engrossed with the fantastical creature, however, that they didn't notice their angry father storming towards them.

"Girls!" The eldest Schuyler boomed, causing his daughters to flinch and back away slowly, heads dipped in shame.

"What on Earth were you thinking, leaving the house like that? God, you could've gotten hurt. You're lucky one of the servants saw you leave and alerted me. I expected more from you."

He glared at the eldest of the three children.

"Especially you, Angelica. You're in charge of your sisters."

Philip Schuyler was a fair man. He was as loving and doting upon his children as he was harsh and demanding, all within reason. Unfortunately for the Schuyler sisters though, he was more venomous at the present moment.

"Father, please." Angelica started pleadingly. While she stepped forward, Eliza and Peggy shrank back, but she didn't mind. She was doing it for their sakes, after all.

"I know we were reckless and foolhardy and ignorant but please don't take it out on my sisters. They were simply following my very ridiculous whims. I saw this beautiful horse from the drawing room window and I simply had to follow it. You know how I've been dreaming about one for months now. It's my fault that Peggy and Eliza came with me. You said it yourself father, that you're "an upholder of justice." Punish those who deserve to be punished for their crimes, but do not punish the innocent. Especially ones that simply look up to their eldest sister, who was unfortunately severely misguided this time."

Philip Schuyler paused in consideration of his daughter's words. She was brighter than most her age, without a doubt, and often used her skill with words to her advantage and his displeasure. Though he was upset with all of his daughters, he had to listen to Angelica's clear reasoning.

The older man sighed.

"Though it pains me to say it, Eliza and Peggy, go home. Directly and speedily, please. Angelica, a word."

Her sisters gave Angelica a relieved and grateful look, then scurried away, not keen to invoke more of their father's wrath. He let out a tired sigh again, rubbing his forehead.

"Don't think that I don't know what you're doing, Angelica. You're clearly taking the blame for your sisters. You know as well as I do that they would follow you to the end of the world, but they do have minds of their own."

He paused.

"Your selflessness is admirable, but put yourself first every once in a while. It might do you some good. And besides, Peggy and Eliza are more than capable of carrying their own burdens. Maybe not now, but when they are grown, absolutely. That will be all."

Angelica curtsied in silence in response, then hurried away much like the previous two Schuylers a few minutes ago.

Of course I'll do anything for my sisters, she thought dismissively. But does that sacrifice hurt myself? Is that even a sacrifice in the first place?

Angelica shook her head, smiling slightly. No, of course not. There's nothing wrong with filial loyalty. And besides, they'd do the same for me in a heartbeat. I know that. They know that.

Angelica had arrived home. As soon as she opened the door, she was bombarded by Peggy and Eliza.

"We were so worried!" Peggy cried.

"We feel terrible, you know," Eliza added disapprovingly. "You didn't have to do that for us."

Angelica's lips quirked upwards.

"Of course I did. I can't let my younger sisters take the blame for something I started."

Eliza shook her head viciously. She could be extremely stubborn sometimes.

"I began this whole mess, Angie, but that's beside the point. Peggy and I can handle ourselves. We're the Schuyler sisters. We're in this together."

Angelica held her hands up in surrender.

"Alright. You win."

Peggy grabbed her two older sister's hands.

"Work!"

Angelica smiled fondly at the mantra Peggy had created when they were younger.

"Work."

A/N: Sorry I did the most And Peggy thing ever. My apologizes. I'll make up for it later. Promise.