A/N: So here is the new chapter. Enjoy!

I woke up with the warm glow of sun on my face. I groggily turned trying to turn away from the light. That's when I realized that I was not in a bed. I was on the ground under a tree. It only took moments for the memories of the previous day to come flooding back. My heart began to feel heavy, heavy with deceit and betrayal. I felt tears stinging the back of my eyes. Yet I refused to cry. Even though my mother was willing to lead me back to him, knowing what he had done. I had never felt more unloved then in that moment. She didn't care. She didn't care if he demeaned, abused or beat me. That fact hurt me more than I cared to admit. It certainly hurt more than anything anyone, including James, had ever done. What's worse is now I am completely alone with no food, money or a place to go. My bother and old sister moved to America a few years ago. I briefly considered contacting them or heading that way but disregard it as quickly as it floated in. How could I contact them I didn't have an address for them to send a letter to? That and the months that it would take for one letter to be sent either way. I leaned back against the tree, there was tightness in my chest. I was holding my breath. I let it rush out and with it come the tears. I sobbed into my skirts. What was I asuppose to do now? How was this a smart idea? I had become the example of the phrase "between a rock and a hard place". If I returned to James he'd surely kill me, perhaps not intentionally but the betrayal of desertion is worse than a few choice words and a slap, and I am still bearing the reminds of that night. And yet if I didn't return I would surely die of starvation or exposure. I had no friends or relatives anywhere nearby. The closest one was my sister in Paris. Paris. Why hadn't I thought of that before? It is a long way from England to France but that I might be able to manage. It would certainly be easier to get to France than America.

So with that decided I stood up and headed in the direction I thought France would be in. It is foolish I know but at least it was my choice. I had regained my freedom. It was a liberating thought, and the long trek ahead no longer seems as daunting.

I walked all day and by nightfall I come across what appeared to be a small city. It had a series of tents, carriages, and what appears to be moving houses. I had never seen anything like this before. I walked towards it anxious of what to expect. Was I hallucinating? I remember reading stories as a child about people lost in the desert seeing visions of pools, and springs. Is that what this was? A mirage created by my sleep deprived mind?

*Bang*

I gasped and stepped back. Could hallucinations be auditory as well?

I proceed forward into the strange array. I glanced around when a gruff voice came from directly behind me "You can't be in here."

I turned around locating the source of the voice. It was a short, pudgy man with a large bushy moustache, thin greying brown hair and small watery eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. What is this place?"

"Have you never heard of a circus? Or gypsies for that matter?"

"A circus? Really?" I had never been to a circus. Though I had often read about them in books. I was also not very well acquainted with gypsies or their culture.

"Yes. But we are not open now; we are travelling so I must ask you to leave. We recently lost some staff as such we are very busy."

"Oh! Of course, just if you don't mind me asking where are you going?" My mind was reeling. My heart flew to my throat.

"Down through England, over to France then into Italy."

France! "I know that this is rather unusual, and well, I know that you probably don't, but you mentioned you are a few people down. Is there a chance that there might be a place that I might fill?" I couldn't make eye contact. I could feel my heart beating. Please, please. I braced expecting a rejection.

"Hmm... are you any good with a needle and thread? We recently lost a seamstress. "

"I am excellent with sewing!" This couldn't be happening, what a lucky break, the words were tumbling out in, I am sure, a very undignified manner. "Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Well show your thanks with your work. The pay is not the greatest but it's decent. I am Malcolm by the way." He said offering his hand.

"Sara." I offered mine. "So what do I do for food and lodging?"

"Well, I will show you to your new lodging. Meals for non-performers are in the main tent at 6, 12, and 7. Unless there is a show then they are out in the back area. After hours you can try the kitchen but the cooks can be less then pleasant. Come follow me."

I was elated. I had a job, housing and food. My life has been turned upside down in a day. I followed Malcolm to my new room. It is in one of the trailers. It was small, much smaller than any room I had ever seen. There was just enough room for a small mattress on the floor.

"I am sorry it's so small, but we don't have a lot of space to work with..." Malcolm began but I cut him off.

"It's perfect!" It may not be large but it was mine. Mine and mine alone. I was not forced to share it with an abusive spouse, a betraying mother, no one.

"I am glad you think so. Dinner is in an hour, if you are hungry. Main tent. I will introduce you to the others then."

I nodded my assent. I was starving. I fell onto the pillows as Malcolm exited. This was going to be an exciting change in my life. I had literally ran away and joined the circus. Things were starting to look up.