The schoolhouse looked prettier during the day. It had a large porch on the front and the wood was painted a bright white that gleamed in the sun. Large windows let a ton of light into the main room, which was filled with tables. Kids worked in groups of threes. A few older ladies walked around, pointing and making comments.
“Follow me,” Claudia said.
I did, and Raphael took up the rear.
Claudia didn’t knock. She just walked in. Everyone stopped.
One of the women rushed to the front. She was wearing a pair of wide- leg jeans and a flowing top with a paisley print. Her hair was fully gray, but it hung long and wavy down her back. “Claudia. Raphael. You know that Luciana doesn’t want her here with the other students.” The woman moved toward us with her hands out, as if to say we shouldn’
