Prologue

Danielle, Anne, and Marshall were watching television when their mother walked into the

room and turned it off. "I know that things have been hard these last few months but I have

made a decision that is going to change our lives," she said excitedly to them. Five months and

two weeks prior to this day the children's father had passed away and economic depravation

had arrived in his place. "What's that mom?" Anne asked solemnly. Their mother hadn't had a

job since before they were born and the rest of their family wasn't much help either. "My friend

from high school Sandra is currently employed at Eden Hall Academy and she has gotten me a

small teaching job there. Its just Home Ec but its still a job," she said. All children looked on

excitedly. The mother noticed the change in attitude, "Dani, Anne, you two haven't even heard

the best part! You two get to go to school there for free!" Their faces dropped. "Mom, I would

really rather not go to school with a bunch of stuck up snobs if it's all the same," Danielle said.

"Yeah, I would agree with that sentiment," Anne followed suit. "Nonsense!" their mother,

Debbie, said. "It is a great school and this is a great opportunity. You girls are just as good as

those people there and I won't let you refuse to get a quality education."

They knew that arguing was futile and god knows their mother needed to job so they

dropped the topic. "When do you start?" Anne asked. "Well," Debbie said, "we are going to

have to move but school starts in two weeks so I will be starting then as well." "Can't wait,"

Danielle mumbled. "What honey?" Debbie asked. "Nothing," she answered. "What about me?"

Marshall asked softly. Change is hard for anyone but especially hard for a ten-year- old boy

who just lost his father. "You'll be attending the local elementary school baby. Just think you'll

make a whole bunch of new friends. Isn't that great?" "Terrific," he said. "Super," Debbie said

clapping her hands together. "We'll start organizing everything tomorrow. Oh this is so exciting."

With that said she left the room. The siblings all looked at each other and sighed.

"Why do I feel like I am getting the shaft?" Marshall asked. "Marshall," Anne said, "Don't

talk like that." Danielle giggled, "Wanna trade Marshall baby? I will go color at the local

elementary school and you can put up with those snobs." Marshall laughed, "Think that would

work?" Danielle looked at Anne, "Sadly no. I can't wait to see what those snobs have to say

about people who are there only because our mom is going to be working there." Anne tried to

look on the bright side, "Maybe there are several other people there in the same boat." Marshall

laid his head on Danielle's shoulder, "I don't wanna move." Anne sighed, "None of us do baby,

but it doesn't look like we are going to have a choice."