Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78011 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78011 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Yes,” I tell him, and then I wonder if he’s worried about being able to pay for it. “But my father said he will pay for it.”
“Forget it,” he says, putting his glasses in his pocket. “I’m going to cover it. Things have changed now that I’m in the picture.”
“But—” I don’t have a chance to say anything when the buzzer sounds, unlocking the door and allowing us to step into the hallway. We walk down the light gray floor with blue trim. Colorful pictures are up all along the walls. A classroom door is open, and you can hear the teacher inside reading them a story. A couple of kids are in the hallway walking, blue lockers fill one wall. We follow the sign to the main office, walking into the big room. A counter is in the middle, and a woman sits at the desk behind it.
“How may I help you?” She gets up and comes to the counter.
“We have an appointment with Mrs. Lambert,” I tell her, and she just nods at me when a little boy comes in.
“Mrs. Hope,” the little boy says, “I fell in the gym and hit my head.” She walks around the counter and squats down in front of him while she touches his head.
“Okay, go have a seat. I’ll call your mother in a second,” she tells him, and he walks to the seat propped against the wall. She walks back behind the counter going to the door on the left knocking. “Mr. and Mrs. Coco are here for the visit,” she says, and I see Luca look at me, but I just stare ahead. Mrs. Lambert comes out of her office, and I stop and stare. The woman must be in her early thirties with long blond hair curled to her waist that must be a size zero. Her gray skirt hugs her, matching the fuchsia button-down shirt that shows off her pale skin and blue eyes. She smiles at me and then turns and smiles at Luca.
“Mr. and Mrs. Coco.” She holds out her hand to me to shake.
“I’m Mr. DiMarco,” Luca tells her, and she smiles at him. I swear I can see a little twinkle in her eye, and I almost roll my eyes. I’m standing right here. How does she know I’m not with him romantically?
“Nice to meet you,” she says, shaking Luca’s hand, then looks down at Aiden. “And you must be Aiden.”
“I’m six,” he tells her, and she ruffles his hair, laughing.
“I’m Ms. Coco,” I say, holding out my hand for her, and she smiles at me, not saying anything.
“Let’s begin the tour,” she says, walking out of the office and turning right down the hallway. “The school sits on two floors, grade kindergarten to three is on the first floor and four to six is on the second floor.” We follow her, both holding Aiden’s hand.
“How big are the class sizes?” Luca asks, looking around.
“Each class is with a maximum of fifteen students,” she answers his question.
“Are there any special clubs?” Luca asks again as we follow her down the hallway.
“What do you mean?” She turns to look at Luca.
“Is there a chess club, math club, science club, music club?” I look over at him, and I have to smile. I wouldn’t have even asked these questions.
“Yes, those are all available, depending on what the student wants,” she says and then adds in, “We have a great music option that many students take.” We slowly stop in the cafeteria.
“Is the food cooked here or brought in?” I ask her.
“It’s cooked on site. Every child has the option to either bring in their lunch or buy it,” she tells us.
“How much is technology used?” Luca asks her.
“Each child has their own laptop and iPad,” she says, smiling at him.
“That sounds great,” Luca says, “but I want to know that my son is able to write. How often would you say they actually write?”
Her smile fades a little, and mine perks up. “I would say it’s a good balance. Of course, writing is also our focus as is literacy.”
“What about extra-curricular activities?” I ask. “Or after-school programs?”
“We have a great soccer, football, and even a hockey team,” she says. “As for after school, there is a whole list of activities that you can sign him up for.” The tour remains the same with Luca asking the majority of the questions. “If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.” She smiles, and Luca nods at her.
“We will discuss this and get back to you about our decision,” Luca says.
She smiles at him, and her handshake lingers a touch longer than it should. “I look forward to it,” she says and then turns and walks away.
“Well, it was nice meeting you also,” I say under my breath and then look at Luca. “She didn’t even acknowledge me.”