After a wave of goodbye to Fritz Alice was quick to take note of Sapphire’s discomfort. “Oh sweetie...” Alice sighed down at her tears. Feeling a distinct pull at her heart strings. Her free hand came up to stroke the girl’s blonde hair. Crouching down to be eye level with her younger sister. “It’s okay to cry.” Alice felt her own eyes tear up in response to little Sapphire’s pain and she continued, “Let’s go to the office together then I’ll walk you to class.”

Standing up she took Sapphire’s hand once again and was more than happy to keep the girl at her side a little longer. Sapphire needed some time to compose herself and Alice wasn’t about to deny it. Pulling out a blue and white hankerchief from her back pocket and handed it to Sapphire to dry her eyes. 

As the sisters entered Alice looked up into the faces of a handsome teacher and a the older secretary. She gave them both a bright smile and stepped up to the desk. “Hi, I’m Alice Hawthorne. I called yesterday and was told to come in to pick up paperwork and get any school work for Fritz and Sapphire.” Alice felt shame almost rise into her throat. She was their sister and the look the secretary was giving her was one of confusion. “I’m their sister.” She handed over the required documents, Driver’s Licence, Birth Certificate etc. Alice could almost regret not being in their lives before.