But her school was different. Her school was the reason I dragged myself out of bed before dawn every single day to sell breakfast burritos until my hands cracked. Every dollar went toward keeping her enrolled.
I wanted her to have the best education money could buy.
What I forgot was that even the best school is still a miniature society.
Teachers and students alike adjust their treatment based on who your parents are.
When I was Mrs. James, Moira was the little princess everyone fawned over.
The moment I left the marriage with nothing and became a street vendor, her standing collapsed overnight.
The same teacher who had stood by while Moira was bullied was now drenched in cold sweat. He bowed and apologized, over and over.
Neither Moira nor I acknowledged him.
My mind was already working through the logistics of transferring her to a new school.
Alvin finally spoke. "Hailey. We need to talk."
I was quiet for a moment, then nodded.
I was about to follow him out when someone grabbed my sleeve and held on tight.
"Hailey, where are you going with him?"
