The hallway was filled with parents and guardians waiting for their turn to speak with Ms. Ruiz. Lily sat on a bench nearby, next to her brother, watching people come and go. She noticed the few curious glances thrown at her and her brother, words spoken behind the papers they were holding.
The time on Lily's watch read two in the afternoon. Their Aunt Arianne had yet to arrive, and Lily was starting to think more than she should. It was the first time their Aunt Arianne had not arrived on time. The sudden change unsettled her more than she expected.
"Stay here, Leo," she told her twin brother. "I will get something."
Lily hopped off her seat and walked toward the table set outside their homeroom teacher's office. She picked up a pamphlet for their trip and returned to her brother.
Ms. Ruiz stepped out of her office and guided the parents and guardians to wait in the meeting room on the third level. She provided the room number.
