The big school bus was full of sounds of children laughing and singing. Some were singing the charming songs that they had sung night before. But it still didn't distract Angie from becoming more and more anxious as the bus made its way along the bumpy road.

It was very hot with just a slight breeze from the ocean side of the bus. She could smell the aromas from the sugarcane fields and then the coffee fields as they passed them. You could see people bent over as they attended them. The fields seemed to go on forever until the reached the small village of Asturis.

Asturis was a small seaside village; it was very motionless and quiet looking with the exception of a few older men tending nets on a nearby wharf. Boats could be seen off on the calm horizon. It was more than likely that most of the villagers were the ones tending fields and fishing.

Passing through the village they met up with the local bus which they following up a gradual hill leading towards the compound.

As they came closer the huge electric wire fence on the outside became more apparent it had to be at least ten feet high with barbed wire curled on top of it. Angie's stomach tightened at the thought of her mother being confined within it.

Just before they entered the guarded gate Mira turned away from little Luke who had been commandeering her attention since coming to show them to supper last night at the convent.

She smiled at Angie and nodded as she whispered "Okay we made it this far, You can do this".

At the beginning of a long driveway there was a courtyard with a large water fountain in the center near the front of a building that looked to be the school. Further up the driveway was a wall that went on forever, you could just see the top part of a huge mansion with its rough white exterior and red roof, looking as if was partially built right into the hillside. The ocean surrounded the compound on the right. It was a well protected fortress.

Angie, Mira and Sister Claire followed the children as they filed by in a single row to the fountain for a drink and then into the main entrance of the school. The ceilings inside the school must of been at least twenty feet high and had large fans swirling. Angie made note of the surveillance cameras that were positioned for all angles. There were classrooms on both sides of the corridor. Along with a guard sitting midway down the corridor.

Further down the corridor standing in a doorway was an attractive woman. She was dressed in a long khaki shirt and a white peasant blouse. As they approached her Angie looked in amazement at her mother.

It was unreal how her eyes were such a match for her own it was like looking in a mirror. A swell of emotion was building inside Angie. It was so hard not to blurt out who she was. She just wanted to embrace her mother and have her do the same.

Sister Claire: Senora Morales this Sister Marie Palmerez and Sister Annie Rain from New York.

"Hello" was all that Angie could get out she was so preoccupied with studying her mother, she was so beautiful more beautiful in real life than she remembered.

Senora Morales: Welcome to our school. It isn't often that we have visitors from the States. It’s a pleasure to meet you!

Mira: Thank you, Senora Morales we are grateful that you agreed to have us visit. Shaking the Senora's hand

Senora Morales: Please call me Amanda, Senora Morales is bit much.

Angie's hand began to tremble at the thought of touching her mother. She thought to herself "Okay girl hold yourself together its not a good time for this."

When Angie's mother did shake her hand a bewildered look came over her as she eyed Angie with a long speculative stare.

Mira was quick to handle the situation by asking how many classrooms the school had.

Angie became immersed in watching every move and gesture her mother made as she took them on a tour of the school.

The library was similar to the one back at St. Michael's with the exception of a row of computers placed on a long table towards the back of the room.

Mira: I see you have some computers. Are they hooked up to the Internet?

Amanda: I'm afraid not. We are still having problems with just getting them to even set up to work right now. It’s a shame really the children are missing out on using them. Getting a technician to come here is almost impossible.

Mira: Sister Annie is good with computers maybe she could take a look at them… If anyone can do it Annie can.

Angie's Mother: My how times have changed. You should be proud of yourself for being able to do such work.

Angie couldn't help herself when she said " Anything to make my mother proud."

Mira: Annie has many great talents. Throwing Angie a darting glance.

Angie glowed from all the attention it was hard to actually believe what was happening. She wanted to tell her mother who she really was. But for now Angie was tickled pink that Mira had the smarts to suggest that she would be set up the computers. After all it would be the perfect way for her to be able to communicate with her mother without being seen or heard on the surveillance cameras.

Angie: I would be more than happy to help out.

Angie's Mother: Thank you the children will be delighted as well as I.

The smug look on Angie's face as she walked towards the computer made Mira realize that Angie was already spinning another plan.

Angie's Mother: Shall we continue our tour first.

Angie: If you don't mind I'll stay here and look at the computers.

"Certainly the sooner they get set up the happier the children will be." Angie's mother replied.

Mira and Angie's mother along with Sister Claire left the room and Angie took advantage of the situation working feverishly at getting the computers hooked up and running they were as old as dinosaurs but she was able to get them going and networked to one another. All she had to do now was to get her mother behind one.

Time passed quickly and the three women returned to get Angie for lunch.

Angie's Mother: I see you have been busy.

Angie: Yes they are all set up and ready to use.

Angie's Mother: You are very resourceful.

Angie: If you want to come behind here I will show you how to work them.

Just then a student knocked at the open door and Angie's mother went over to take the message. Angie waited anxiously for her mother to return so she could finally let her know who she was.

Angie's Mother: I would love to have a lesson but unfortunately right now I have to go, my daughter she is having a gown fitted for the Quinces and the seamstress is in a rush.

Angie's disappointment was hard for Mira to watch. She quickly responded by saying, " Maybe Sister Annie could give you a lesson later today."

Angie's Mother: I really don't think there will be time today.

Angie gulped as she replied "That’s okay maybe some other time."

Angie's Mother: Yes indeed maybe after the Quinces….You will be joining us for the celebration of the Quinces? Waiting for a reply she took the opportunity again to look straight at Angie's face, she couldn't get over dimple on the young sister's chin.

Angie and Mira nodded to say yes at the same time. Thanking her for the invite in unison.

Angie Mother: Thank you sister Claire for bringing Sister Annie and Maria for a visit. I will look forward to seeing you all tomorrow evening.

As her mother left the room Angie's heart sank with disappointment. They were so close that she got to touch her mother yet they where still so very far apart because of Morales and his fortress and now her sister. Angie thought of how she wished her mother had of been there for all the special events of her life. Like when she graduated from grade school and N.Y.U.

The bell ringing brought Angie back to the present. The three sisters then joined the student's and staff for a picnic lunch out in the courtyard. The driveway to the mansion was busy with delivery trucks coming and going. Picking at her meal Angie couldn't help looking up the hill towards the mansion where her Mother was probably fussing over her sister. Her emotions went back and forth from jealousy to hurt then curiosity she couldn't help wondering what her younger sister was like. It was all so unfair. She found strength in remembering Mira's story.

Mira: Wow it must be going to be quite the celebration.

Sister Claire: I'm sure you will be delighted with all the festivities.

Just as Sister Claire started to tell them all about it an older student came with a note telling them that Senora Morales would be closing the school for the rest of the day as they were falling behind schedule and she needed the school staff to help out. She also added a special a thank you to Sister Annie for setting up the computers and she would look forward to seeing them all at the Quinces.

The bus ride back gave Angie time to settle down and get more control of her feelings. Mira was once again being occupied by Lucas. Arriving back at the convent they remained outside with the children to play a game of baseball.

Mira: Hey Angie are you okay?

Angie: I guess so.

Mira: Why don't we play some ball with the kids to take your mind off things.

Angie wasn't too interesting in playing but after awhile she began to have fun. It was cute watching Mira playing with Lucas. He was such a handsome little guy his brown hair had such gorgeous golden streaks through it. He was really taking to Mira and she was quite engrossed with him.

The afternoon soon passed and they enjoyed another great meal before joining Sister Claire in the library once again for tea.

Sister Claire: Little Lucas had taken quite a shine to you Sister Maria.

Mira: He is quite the little character.

Sister Claire: You must have a way with children, Lucas has never opened up so much all the time he's been here.

Mira: He told me his parents are in Florida and would be coming to get him soon.

Sister Claire: I'm afraid that is what Lucas likes to believe but his parents drowned trying to leave the country illegally. They were both highly educated. Lucas is a very intelligent little boy, but watching both his parents die has left many scars.

Angie: That’s horrible no child should have do go through losing both parents at once.

Mira: Does he have any other family?

Sister Claire: None that we know of. We have a few more children who are in the same situation as Lucas no family at all.

Mira: Life certainly is hard on some people.

Angie: Sure is….. If you will excuse me, I think I will go get my laptop and check on some programs for the computers at the school.

Sister Claire: We are very fortunate to be able to have the use of your great computer skills.

Angie: Thank you…its amazing what you can learn from a computer.

Mira: Sister Annie is very giving person and I know she will be rewarded for all her great work.

Before calling it another night Angie and Mira discussed all the details of the day. They both agreed it would be best to take in the Quinces and wait until after to return to the school with the children and try again to get Angie's Mother at the computers.

With all the security it would be the safest way to do things.

Angie: My mother is beautiful isn't she?

Mira: Yeah just like her daughter.

Angie: Careful Mira you're getting soft.