Within seconds she was at the door, watching. The shiny black car pulled up to the farmhouse. As soon as the cloud of dust settled, an elegant woman stepped out of the driver’s seat. She looks so out of place, Lauren thought as she watched the woman pick her way past the border collie lying on the top step. The woman acted as if she thought germs were going to leap from the dog to her immaculate skirt. She raised her hand and daintily tapped on the door. Lizzie is going to hate being at this school, if that’s the kind of lady-like stuff they teach, thought Lauren. I feel even sorrier for her now. Lauren watched as the front door opened. “Welcome, Mrs. Carter,” said Lizzie’s dad. “Elizabeth is just finishing packing. Would you like a cup of…” The closed door cut off their voices. Lauren was about to pull back from the barn door when she noticed some movement out of the corner of her eye. Lizzie. She was sneaking around the side of the house. She had climbed out a window.
