If you don’t, you’ll ruin your sister’s life.”

“I’m going to work,” I said.

I walked past them toward the school entrance without turning around.

Behind me, the sharp heel of my mother’s shoe hit the pavement twice, but neither of them followed me through the glass double doors.

At eight fifteen, Principal Davis caught my eye from the doorway of the main office.

He motioned me into the quiet alcove next to his office.

“Rachel, have you got a quick minute?” he asked.