Catalina listened to the children as she drove them to school. Her children, Lavanda and Enrique Sanchez, already knew her brother Sergio's children, Anna and Kevin Ribeira. Two families of children were talking among themselves as one family. Catalina liked that idea, she was as happy as the children as she turned from the road onto the Sandy Beach intermediate school driveway.

All four of the kids jumped from the car still talking, the subject was a lunch meeting about government. Between fast talking children and driving, Catalina did not have the full story.

Catalina explained one more time, as most mothers do, "Enrique will show Anna which bus to ride home and Lavanda will show Keven. Then you will all know your way around together." They all agreed there would be no problem with bus rides home. Lavanda and Kevin would walk only a short distance to arrive at Sandy Beach high school.

There was not much time but Catalina was curious; "What is this computer program and new form of government you are talking about?" She asked before the kids were too far away to answer.

Though the four young students were already diverging on their paths to the two different schools, they were still a group when they stopped. "We have a computer program contest that divides countries into government regulated population sizes," Enrique answered, "I was there yesterday, mom. This is for real. All the congresses and parliaments in the world will soon have their membership shuffled. I'm not making this up, that's what Maria said. We kids are taking charge before it's too late."

Catalina looked at the children slightly awed. Enrique, her son, was so serious she was torn between laughter or a wide grin. She kept a relaxed and calm face.

"And both schools are involved with this?" Catalina asked.

"Maybe every school in the world by now," Lavanda answered her mother with a genuinely proud smile. "Kids all over the world are writing constitutions. It's becoming very fun learning what everyone in the world wants to do." Lavanda concluded with a wave.

Catalina blew the children a kiss, waved goodbye, and drove away. She was amazed by the children and excited to see her brother Sergio and his wife Mora. Catalina loved Mora as a sister and friend. Her husband was working at the vaccine research center and couldn't meet them for breakfast at Rosie's cafe. She thought they would probably all meet later in the day.

Anna watched Catalina drive away and then asked Enrique if they could walk by the door to the room between floors.

Anna's question prompted Lavanda to remember the unknown rumor spirit. She had heard stories about the spirit from those who attended her brother Enrique's school when they were younger. Lavanda liked spirit stories, remembering the stories brought her a happy laugh as she pointed the way to the high school for Kevin. "We will see you again in that very room after lunch," she said as she and Kevin turned to walk toward the high school.

"So, we are both seventh grade," Anna said when she and Enrique were alone and walking up ornately carved stone steps into the intermediate school. "Do you think we will be in the same classroom?"

Mom said we stay together now and see whatever the future brings," Enrique replied as they pushed open the school door.

“Que sera, sera,” Anna responded, smiling. “What will be, will be.”

© Garrett Tobin Connelly