[stylist] need feedback
Judith Bron
jbron at optonline.net
Thu Nov 5 23:10:43 UTC 2009
Have fun at the convention! I'll look forward to hearing from you next
week. Judith
----- Original Message -----
From: "James H. "Jim" Canaday M.A. N6YR" <n6yr at sunflower.com>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: [stylist] need feedback
> Judith,
> I'm not ignoring reading your story and I have the updated chapter 2 in
> front of me.
> tomorrow is the first day of our kansas state convention and I have a lot
> in my hands to do. so it'll be next week when I can look at it.
>
> I'll be helping on mic for the live stream if you're curious.
> www.nfbks.org
> live stream is accessible there. our own peter O'donahue will be doing
> it, so I get to meet him for the first time at the convention.
> jc
>
> Jim Canaday M.A.
> Lawrence, KS
>
> At 04:07 PM 11/5/2009, you wrote:
>>Thanks! In the manuscript there is a blank line between Jennifer's story
>>and the other characters. I keep Pessi's and Chavy's story together.
>>When you read it you see the difference by the person who begins talking
>>at the beginning of the dialogue. When it is just two girls having the
>>dialogue, they are identified and the first one who starts speaking begins
>>the paragraph.
>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Barbara Hammel" <poetlori8 at msn.com>
>>To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 3:18 PM
>>Subject: Re: [stylist] need feedback
>>
>>
>>>I think you're doing a fabulous job. The sweetness of these girls brings
>>>tears to my eyes.
>>>Since I listen to the story, is there a visual way that you separate when
>>>you are changing characters? If not, you might want to. I had to
>>>scramble every time there was a change.
>>>I love the story. If you've not finished it, do so.
>>>
>>>Another thing I'm wondering is how long will it be before the characters
>>>meet? Since you frequently changed from Pessi to Jennifer, I'm guessing
>>>it's soon? The frequency of change makes me anticipate something
>>>happening. Or is this the cruel means by which you keep the reader
>>>interested? In "cruel" I am being funny.
>>>Barbara
>>>
>>>The Hawkeyes are 9 and 0! Let's go Iowa Hawkeyes!
>>>
>>>--------------------------------------------------
>>>From: "Judith Bron" <jbron at optonline.net>
>>>Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:48 PM
>>>To: "NFBnet Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>>Subject: [stylist] need feedback
>>>
>>>>Here is chapter three. Many of you have been kind enough to read
>>>>chapters 1 and 2. Since most publishers and agents request the first
>>>>three chapters of your book, I have to know if this chapter, combined
>>>>with the other two, gets the reader more interested and leaves them with
>>>>questions about what is coming. The novel is very long. I don' think
>>>>I'll be sending more chapters. Thanks! Judith
>>>>CHAPTER THREE
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Sunday morning Dr. Green began his rounds with Jennifer. "Hello,
>>>>Jennifer. How do you feel?"
>>>>
>>>>"A bit weak and sore."
>>>>
>>>>"I want to walk with you to the nurse's station. Are you up for it?"
>>>>
>>>>"I'll try."
>>>>
>>>>The doctor disconnected the oxygen. "We'll dispense with the oxygen
>>>>today."
>>>>
>>>>Jennifer reached for the robe Sheila's husband Ted brought her the
>>>>previous night. Sliding carefully off the bed she felt an unfamiliar
>>>>stiffness in her knee, but remembered she had suffered a now bandaged
>>>>wound in the accident. Ignoring the discomfort she started slowly
>>>>towards the nurse's station. By the time she got there traveling had
>>>>become easier.
>>>>
>>>>"You're looking good, Jennifer. I want to run a few tests tomorrow.
>>>>I'm not restricting your diet. I anticipate you feeling better soon."
>>>>
>>>>Jennifer slowly returned to bed. A few minutes later a nurse entered
>>>>the room to help her take a shower. The warm water felt so good. After
>>>>the shower she slipped into her nightgown before glancing into the
>>>>bathroom mirror. Yikes! She looked horrible! She couldn't go back to
>>>>school like this. She wouldn't give her classmates more humor on her
>>>>behalf.
>>>>
>>>>When she returned to bed the phone rang.
>>>>
>>>>"Hi, Jennifer. It's Randy."
>>>>
>>>>"Good morning, Randy. I just took a shower, and looked at myself in the
>>>>mirror. Why didn't you tell me I look like Frankenstein's twin sister?"
>>>>
>>>>Randy laughed. "Jennifer, you were in an accident. In a few days
>>>>you'll be your gorgeous self. I'm about to leave for the hospital. Can
>>>>I bring you anything?"
>>>>
>>>>"No thanks, Randy. See you soon."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Pessi arrived at her all girls' school that morning to the sound of the
>>>>ringing late bell. The girls immediately noticed the stark contrast
>>>>between last week's ragamuffin, and the girl who entered the classroom.
>>>>With head held high, Pessi smiled at Chavy.
>>>>
>>>>The day started as usual with the Morning Prayer service. Afterwards,
>>>>Mrs. Rosenstein announced that Hanukkah was coming. "Girls, this year
>>>>the eleventh grade classes have been given the assignment of hosting a
>>>>party for the entire high school. This class has charge of food. The
>>>>other eleventh grade is in charge of donations, entertainment, and
>>>>games. I'm giving out the jobs. Who wants to volunteer to set up?"
>>>>She took down the names of the volunteers.
>>>>
>>>>She continued, "The school cook will prepare the traditional Hanukkah
>>>>potato latkes, pancakes, but I need girls to make cakes, cookies, and
>>>>arrange fruit platters."
>>>>
>>>>To the shock of the girls Pessi raised her hand first. "Mrs.
>>>>Rosenstein, I can make a frosted cake."
>>>>
>>>>Pessi never did anything with them. What happened between last week and
>>>>today that made such changes in this loner?
>>>>
>>>>Pessi couldn't believe her actions either. Why did she volunteer so
>>>>readily? What would happen if the cake flopped? She knew how to bake a
>>>>cake, but what would happen if the girls hated it? She hoped her
>>>>mistrust in herself didn't show in her expression.
>>>>
>>>>Chavy was the next to raise her hand. "I'm selfishly volunteering to
>>>>prepare a fruit platter so I have something to eat. I'll also bring a
>>>>few bottles of diet soda."
>>>>
>>>>Amidst the laughter Mrs. Rosenstein replied, "Thank you, Chavy. I'm
>>>>sure your efforts will be appreciated by more girls than you."
>>>>
>>>>When the recess bell rang they pulled snacks from their backpacks before
>>>>wandering into the hall. After saying her Psalms Pessi sought out
>>>>Chavy. She found her speaking to Shayna. "Good morning, Chavy. Thanks
>>>>for everything yesterday."
>>>>
>>>>Chavy flashed a broad smile. "No problem, Pessi. I'm sure you know
>>>>Shayna."
>>>>
>>>>"Pessi, your haircut is phenomenal! Who cut it?" Shayna's reaction to
>>>>the haircut embarrassed Pessi.
>>>>
>>>>Chavy answered, "Her hairdresser has golden hands. I love it!"
>>>>
>>>>"You look super."
>>>>
>>>>Chavy needed to see Toby from Chesed to set up the help for Pessi. She
>>>>found her with classmates. "Good morning, Toby. I have to speak to you
>>>>about Chesed. Let's grab a private corner."
>>>>
>>>>In an empty classroom Chavy began, "A serious situation has come up.
>>>>There's a girl in our school who's poverty stricken with a mother dying
>>>>from cancer. Their house is a rundown converted summer home, and all
>>>>the work has fallen on her shoulders. The problem is this isn't a
>>>>project for everyone. She'll only accept Chesed if the situation is
>>>>held in confidence. For this reason I want to restrict it to the two of
>>>>us. The girl is Pessi Goldberg. Rabbi Goldberg is her father, but
>>>>that's also a secret. She doesn't want anyone pretending to like her
>>>>because she has a well-known father. I want to go there four days a
>>>>week starting tomorrow. Are you in?"
>>>>
>>>>Toby thought about the request. According to the guidelines of Chesed
>>>>no one got help from the community service group more than once a week.
>>>>Obviously this was a special situation. "If it wasn't serious you
>>>>wouldn't be telling me this, and insisting on Chesed four days a week.
>>>>I'm in. We'll take the bus with Pessi tomorrow. By the way, I saw her
>>>>today. She's stunning! Who did her hair?"
>>>>
>>>>"Her hairdresser has golden hands. Thanks a lot, Toby. See you later."
>>>>Chavy started happily down the hall toward her next class excited things
>>>>were working out for Pessi.
>>>>
>>>>When the Goldberg boys came from Yeshiva at lunchtime Mrs. Goldberg told
>>>>them she wanted the curtain rods in the basement hung up. The boys did
>>>>this wondering what would hang on these things. They never thought the
>>>>pile of cloth on the table could be anything but cleaning rags.
>>>>
>>>>Their mother coordinated the first decorating job in years from her sofa
>>>>by beginning, "I want those sheer curtains with white embroidery hung up
>>>>in this room. Take the floral print ones to the kitchen and dinette.
>>>>The pink curtains will fit perfectly in the girls' room. You can put
>>>>the blue ones in your room. The striped curtains will match my room and
>>>>Tatty's office. On the table are picture hooks. Please hang this
>>>>picture of a library over the couch, and the one of a flower garden on
>>>>the wall common with the staircase."
>>>>
>>>>She glanced around the small room noting the big difference these lovely
>>>>things made. This room almost looked nice! Shayna remembered how
>>>>lavish the house they had to leave had been. This place would never
>>>>mirror that one, but at least now it had an air of elegance.
>>>>
>>>>Yitzie and Avi remembered their mother in better days. They recalled
>>>>her visiting the sick the way ladies visited her now. When she attended
>>>>social events with their father she had to be the loveliest woman in the
>>>>world. They fondly remembered her helping them with their homework, and
>>>>giving them an encouraging hug and kiss when things got rough. Now they
>>>>knew what was happening and dreaded it, but today she was involved with
>>>>something that put smiles on their faces. Could this small event be the
>>>>start of better days?
>>>>
>>>>When the Rabbi entered the house after the boys left for school he saw
>>>>the curtains and newly hung pictures. "It looks so nice, Shayna. Who
>>>>directed this whole thing?"
>>>>
>>>>"I did, dear. It's nice to know I haven't lost my touch." The Rabbi
>>>>was thrilled to see her beautiful smile again.
>>>>
>>>>After being driven home by Rabbi Levy, Pessi's shock was visible as her
>>>>eyes scanned the dining room and dinette. This place almost felt
>>>>normal! "It looks so nice, Mommy. Did you tell the boys where to put
>>>>everything?"
>>>>
>>>>"Yes, dear. It's not the old house, but I think it looks better than I
>>>>ever remember."
>>>>
>>>>"I agree. Even the walls don't seem so drab. You did an outstanding
>>>>job." She ran up the stairs before her mother could ask her questions
>>>>about the girls at school.
>>>>
>>>>That afternoon Chavy stopped at a variety store in the neighborhood to
>>>>pick up a picture frame with a mat cut to accommodate lots of
>>>>photographs. This would be perfect for Pessi's family pictures.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Jennifer went through the medical tests on Monday morning. Monday
>>>>afternoon Dr. Green appeared at her door again. "Hi, Jennifer. How's
>>>>everything?"
>>>>
>>>>"I'm feeling much better. How did the tests turn out?"
>>>>
>>>>Dr. Green took the chair beside her bed. "The test results were good.
>>>>They showed you have a slight problem with your heart. This is not a
>>>>big deal. I'm giving you medication you'll take once a day. I want to
>>>>see you back here in a month when we'll repeat the test."
>>>>
>>>>"What's wrong with my heart?"
>>>>
>>>>"There seems to be some irregularity with your heartbeat. I've read
>>>>your medical records from your family doctor, and you never had this
>>>>problem before.
>>>>
>>>>I just want to make sure it isn't cause for future concern."
>>>>
>>>>"I'm a cheerleader. Can I still do that?"
>>>>
>>>>"I would prefer if you hold off until after your next appointment."
>>>>
>>>>"Our last football game is Saturday. Can I stand on the sidelines
>>>>screaming cheers?"
>>>>
>>>>Dr. Green smiled. "Let me think about it. Hopefully you can go home on
>>>>Wednesday."
>>>>
>>>>"Thank you, doctor."
>>>>
>>>>Before the doctor left the room Jennifer reached for one of the books on
>>>>her table. "Are you reading that play for school?"
>>>>
>>>>"No. This is my own reading."
>>>>
>>>>"You like Shakespeare?"
>>>>
>>>>"Sure. He's exciting."
>>>>
>>>>The doctor nodded. His thoughts about Jennifer not suffering brain
>>>>damage from the accident were almost confirmed. "Enjoy your reading,
>>>>Jennifer."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>After school on Monday Chavy and Toby took the bus with Pessi. Pessi
>>>>never took this bus before. She always ran home thinking it would take
>>>>too long with all the stops the bus had to make.
>>>>
>>>>Toby was pleasantly surprised to find Pessi a fun girl. She talked with
>>>>them about current events, different classes, and the upcoming Hanukkah
>>>>party.
>>>>
>>>>Outside the Goldberg house Pessi started apologizing for the rundown
>>>>dwelling. Toby smiled. "Don't be ridiculous, Pessi. None of us lives
>>>>in a palace."
>>>>
>>>>Inside Chavy immediately headed for Mrs. Goldberg's sofa. "Hi, Mrs.
>>>>Goldberg. It's so nice to see you again."
>>>>
>>>>"It's good to see you also. Pessi's hair is gorgeous. Thank you."
>>>>
>>>>Toby wondered, "When did Chavy become a hairdresser?"
>>>>
>>>>Chavy continued, "Mrs. Goldberg, this is my friend Toby Teitelbaum.
>>>>She's going to be coming here with me to help Pessi."
>>>>
>>>>Mrs. Goldberg's smile could have lit up the house. "It's a pleasure to
>>>>meet you, Toby. Your mother is one of the special ladies who visit me
>>>>every week. I feel terrible that the responsibility for everything has
>>>>fallen on Pessi's shoulders. She needs more time to be a teenager.
>>>>Thank you so much for helping."
>>>>
>>>>Pessi blushed. Why did her mother insist on embarrassing her? "Mommy,
>>>>stop making me sound like something I'm not. Everything I'm doing I do
>>>>because I love you. Stop feeling guilty!"
>>>>
>>>>Chavy was shocked at Pessi's outburst. She took charge, handed Pessi the
>>>>picture frame, and told her to fit family photographs into it. Pessi
>>>>thanked her. She gazed at the frame trying to imagine it with their old
>>>>family pictures from better times placed in the mat. She would begin
>>>>working on it later. Perhaps her mother would enjoy creating the
>>>>collage.
>>>>
>>>>Chavy announced, "I'll do the kitchen with Pessi. Toby, can you vacuum
>>>>the rugs in the dining room and bedrooms?"
>>>>
>>>>"No problem."
>>>>
>>>>Alone with Pessi Chavy said, "I figure I can clean while you make
>>>>dinner. How about it?"
>>>>
>>>>"I just want to throw a load in the washer. Be right up."
>>>>
>>>>By the time Rabbi Levy beeped his horn the Goldberg house was starting
>>>>to shine.
>>>>
>>>>After they dropped Toby off Chavy said, "Tatty, I have to pick something
>>>>up for school in the grocery store. Can we stop there?"
>>>>
>>>>The Rabbi nodded. Chavy ran into the store and returned a few minutes
>>>>later carrying a small bag.
>>>>
>>>>Seeing the tiny parcel her father asked, "What did you have to get?"
>>>>
>>>>"I noticed the silver in the Goldberg china cabinet is tarnished so I
>>>>bought polish to spruce it up. Toby and I are going there Mondays
>>>>through Thursday. This should take some of the pressure off Pessi."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Jennifer's CAT scan Tuesday morning revealed there was indeed no brain
>>>>damage. The doctor reiterated he wanted her to remain in the hospital
>>>>until the following morning for observation. Sheila was busy with the
>>>>kids, Randy had school, her roommate Cindy called her a few times, and
>>>>none of her classmates were going to go out of their way to go to the
>>>>hospital. So Jennifer was alone with Shakespeare, text books, and
>>>>thoughts. She knew if her mother allowed her to stay she would be dead.
>>>>But besides Sheila and Randy, who would care? Jennifer knew she would
>>>>be happier in a place where she didn't have to worry about love, bigoted
>>>>remarks and loneliness. Yes, being dead would be a lot better than the
>>>>life she had to live. She reached for Shakespeare again.
>>>>
>>>>She could hardly wait to get home and back to her sewing machine. But
>>>>she derived enjoyment from her craft, not happiness.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Before dinner Pessi approached her mother. "Mommy, I volunteered to
>>>>bake a cake for the school Hanukkah party. Is that all right?"
>>>>
>>>>"I'm thrilled that you are taking part in the party. Before you start
>>>>bring me my cook books so we can pick out a delicious recipe."
>>>>
>>>>"Do you want a tray here or should I help you to the table?"
>>>>
>>>>"I'm not hungry now. Perhaps later I'll eat something. Now go and enjoy
>>>>your dinner."
>>>>
>>>>Pessi knew that "later" would never come. This was a nice way of
>>>>refusing to eat for the second day in a row. Each morning Pessi put out
>>>>a breakfast tray for her mother, but when she got home she found most of
>>>>the food in the garbage. Her father served her lunch, but often
>>>>admitted very little was gone from the lunch tray also. With her
>>>>serious illness could she survive by eating nothing? Pessi turned her
>>>>attention back to serving dinner, but these worries lingered.
>>>>
>>>>The next morning Pessi came in to the sound of the ringing late bell as
>>>>usual. This uncommon entrance was still a mystery to her classmates.
>>>>For whatever reason her new friendship with Chavy Levy validated her
>>>>strange behavior. The girls assumed Chavy knew the reasons, but had
>>>>been asked not to tell anyone.
>>>>
>>>>Every morning Pessi showered and dressed before preparing breakfast for
>>>>the younger kids. That done, she hurried to her mother's room, assisted
>>>>her in getting out of bed, washed, dressed and ready for the day. She
>>>>served her coffee and breakfast. After this routine she quickly ate her
>>>>own breakfast and ran to school as soon as her father returned from
>>>>morning services.
>>>>
>>>>The community made arrangements for at least two ladies to visit Mrs.
>>>>Goldberg each day. Bassie Levy's visiting partner was busy on this
>>>>Tuesday so she stopped at the bakery to pick up some pastries and juice
>>>>before going to visit her friend. Upon entering the house she
>>>>immediately saw the improvements in the room. "Shayna, this place is
>>>>looking so nice."
>>>>
>>>>"Thank you, Bassie. I appreciate you giving the curtains and pictures
>>>>to Pessi."
>>>>
>>>>"My pleasure. How do you feel?"
>>>>
>>>>"My husband just increased my pain medication. It's getting more
>>>>difficult to cope with, but a big part of the pain is gone. Bassie,
>>>>have you any idea how much of a difference your daughter has made in our
>>>>lives?"
>>>>
>>>>Bassie felt herself blush. "I just know Chavy is very impressed with
>>>>Pessi and your family. I know she comes here every afternoon, but after
>>>>dinner she's on the phone with your daughter while doing her homework.
>>>>Shayna, your daughter is an absolute beauty. When I saw her after the
>>>>haircut the other night I could see instantly that she's a duplicate of
>>>>her mother. With Pessi as her friend my daughter seems happier, does
>>>>her homework more willingly leaving her less time to harass her brother.
>>>>Shayna, I should be the one thanking you." The two ladies laughed, and
>>>>Bassie carried in the tray with Shayna's snack.
>>>>
>>>>The gaunt woman with the sunken cheeks and sallow complexion smiled at
>>>>her friend. The only things about Shayna Bassie recognized from before
>>>>were her winning smile and pretty, albeit frail, voice. "Thank you,
>>>>Bassie. This looks so good."
>>>>
>>>>"Then don't spend time admiring it, but start eating it."
>>>>
>>>>"I'm not hungry right now. Perhaps later I'll have a better appetite."
>>>>Both of them understood this answer to be nothing more than a polite
>>>>excuse.
>>>>
>>>>"Shayna, I feel so bad. I mentioned my daughter a lot over the past few
>>>>months when there were other ladies here, but you never mentioned Pessi.
>>>>Why didn't you talk about your daughter?"
>>>>
>>>>"Pessi felt self conscious about our poverty and my illness. She figured
>>>>if anyone knew about her family they would befriend her out of pity, and
>>>>not for herself. My daughter didn't want anyone knowing who her father
>>>>is. She didn't need anyone pretending to like her because she has a
>>>>well-known father. With Chavy's friendship and help my daughter is
>>>>happier than I've seen her in ages."
>>>>
>>>>The billowing silence hung heavily over the room before Shayna
>>>>continued. "All of us know what the doctor meant when he decided to end
>>>>my treatments. I know I won't be here to see my daughter graduate, but
>>>>seeing her these past few days has made me feel like I have more energy,
>>>>and a greater ability to smile. Ever since I got sick Pessi has
>>>>withdrawn from the world of other girls, and devoted herself exclusively
>>>>to me and the family. Bassie, if I have to leave this world tomorrow at
>>>>least I'll go knowing my daughter has a bright future in front of her."
>>>>
>>>>She reached for a tissue trying to hide the tears, but Bassie's tears
>>>>ran down her cheeks.
>>>>
>>>>Bassie put an arm around Shayna. "Shayna, we can never give up. Pessi
>>>>is doing well, but we can't stop concentrating on making you better.
>>>>All of us are praying for your recovery every chance we get." Shayna
>>>>started nibbling on a pastry.
>>>>
>>>>Bassie stayed a few minutes longer before kissing Shayna good by. She
>>>>hoped and prayed her friend would recover, but had an awful feeling that
>>>>she wouldn't.
>>>>
>>>>Miriam and Ruthie noticed Chavy and Toby taking the bus with Pessi for
>>>>the second day in a row. Miriam had to give her conjecture as to why
>>>>the most popular girl in the school, and the head of Chesed were doing
>>>>this. "Ruthie, the only reason I can come up with is that Pessi lives in
>>>>a real dump so Toby and Chavy are going there to make it more livable.
>>>>The problem is it's against school rules to have Chesed go to the same
>>>>house more than once a week. Is her family using Chesed as cleaning
>>>>ladies?"
>>>>
>>>>They boarded their bus convinced Pessi's family was using Chesed in a
>>>>way that was against the rules.
>>>>
>>>>When Chavy and Toby arrived at the Goldbergs after school Chavy glanced
>>>>at the china cabinet with the tarnished silver. "Toby, want to wash
>>>>what I polish?"
>>>>
>>>>"Sure."
>>>>
>>>>Watching from her sofa Mrs. Goldberg smiled thinking that her house
>>>>could once again look decent. She couldn't believe what these girls
>>>>were doing for her daughter and family. Once done with the silver they
>>>>washed all the decorative pieces that adorned the cabinet. Chavy and
>>>>Toby stepped back to admire their work.
>>>>
>>>>When Pessi came up carrying the last load of laundry she heard her
>>>>mother say, "That china closet looks fantastic! I almost forgot how
>>>>nice our things could look."
>>>>
>>>>Pessi saw the pretty cabinet with the newly cleaned and polished items.
>>>>"Thank you so much. You did a fabulous job. For once I'm caught up
>>>>with laundry before Friday."
>>>>
>>>>The completed Goldberg family composite Pessi and her mother put
>>>>together the previous night caught Chavy's eye. "That family collage is
>>>>wonderful. Those pictures of you as a little kid are adorable."
>>>>
>>>>"Thanks, Chavy. My mother loves it. It brings back beautiful
>>>>memories." Pessi noticed a picture of her mother years ago with her two
>>>>older brothers. The elegant woman, so straight and tall with a face
>>>>that looked like Pessi's, didn't begin to resemble the woman she now
>>>>called Mommy. The memories were great, but also sad. It hurt to realize
>>>>this woman had disappeared.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Dr. Green discharged Jennifer on Wednesday morning. "Don't forget to
>>>>make an appointment in a month. Also, if you start feeling anything out
>>>>of the ordinary I want to be called immediately. I mean that, Jennifer,
>>>>immediately. For now go home, relax, and don't go back to school until
>>>>Monday at the earliest. I remember you mentioning the football game.
>>>>You can go if you stand on the sidelines. No gymnastics, dancing or
>>>>anything else that is strenuous. I'll see you next month." Jennifer
>>>>happily left the hospital with Sheila.
>>>>
>>>>On Friday the older girls didn't have school because they went on
>>>>Sunday. Mrs. Goldberg told Pessi, "If I sit in a chair I can peel the
>>>>potatoes for you. If you give me the soup vegetables I can make the
>>>>soup so all you have to do is fill the pot with water. Let me sit with
>>>>a garbage can, peeler, knife, and you do the cooking."
>>>>
>>>>"Mommy, I don't want you using the strength."
>>>>
>>>>"Its no big deal, but very odd. They gave up my chemo because they
>>>>claimed there's no hope for me, but I'm starting to feel stronger.
>>>>Whatever the case, as long as I have the energy I'll use it. Now help
>>>>me to the kitchen chair." Pessi brought her mother to the dinette, and
>>>>Mrs. Goldberg prepared all the vegetables for Shabbos. It amazed Pessi
>>>>when she finished her work in half the time.
>>>>
>>>>"Thank you, Mommy. It took less time than usual."
>>>>
>>>>The next morning Pessi dressed in one of the outfits and shoes from
>>>>Chavy. She wished her mother good Shabbos before leaving for her
>>>>father's synagogue. It felt so good to get dressed in normal, beautiful
>>>>clothes. A part of her also wanted to see the expressions on Ruthie's
>>>>and Miriam's faces when she entered the Shul.
>>>>
>>>>Pessi realized that for the first time in months her mother didn't
>>>>badger her with complaints about her reclusive lifestyle. Yes, she had
>>>>come out of her self constructed closet and into the world of the
>>>>living. What her mother didn't know, and Pessi didn't want to tell her,
>>>>is that the only two girls she had a relationship with were Chavy and
>>>>Toby. She felt comfortable with that. At the synagogue she took a seat
>>>>in the women's section, and opened her prayer book. When the services
>>>>ended she prepared to leave. In the coatroom Ruthie and Miriam stared
>>>>at her. She smiled at the two of them before going out into the cold,
>>>>crisp November air.
>>>>
>>>>The yentas followed her out. Miriam observed, "I can't believe it!
>>>>Someone must have taken her in, and bought her new clothes. With her
>>>>new haircut, and those clothes, perhaps someone is showing our reject
>>>>what it means to look like a normal person. Why does she wear those
>>>>ugly shoes to school when she has those stylish ones in the closet? I
>>>>guess you can take the reject away from the garbage, but can't take all
>>>>the garbage away from the reject. Her coat should be declared illegal!"
>>>>They laughed at Miriam's petty remarks, but this week Pessi didn't
>>>>linger close enough to hear their reaction. She knew she looked
>>>>terrific. Even the nasty remarks of the yentas couldn't dampen her
>>>>spirits.
>>>>
>>>>When she got home she greeted her mother before going upstairs to change
>>>>out of her good clothes. She would put them on later if she decided to
>>>>go out. What a difference compared to last week! The girl who spent
>>>>last Shabbos morning putting up her defenses against the world today
>>>>came in singing. She went in the kitchen to prepare the salad. It
>>>>shocked her to see a completed one on the counter! "Mommy! When did
>>>>you do this?"
>>>>
>>>>"Suri helped me to the table, and brought me everything. Now all you
>>>>have to do is set the table."
>>>>
>>>>Pessi kissed her mother before getting the silverware.
>>>>
>>>>After the meal Pessi asked permission to go to Chavy's house. Her
>>>>father quickly answered, "Go ahead, Pessi. Your brothers and I will
>>>>take care of Sudat shlishit. Have a good time."
>>>>
>>>>Pessi dressed in the same outfit and black shoes she wore that morning,
>>>>spending extra time doing her luxurious black hair. She looked good
>>>>despite the ragged coat she would be putting on in a few minutes. In
>>>>the dining room her mother remarked, "You look spectacular, dear. Have
>>>>a good time."
>>>>
>>>>Pessi made her way leisurely under the brilliant November sun. It had
>>>>been ages since she went out on a Shabbos or any other day just to have
>>>>fun.
>>>>
>>>>Ambling down Chavy's block she spotted a little girl with red hair
>>>>standing on her front porch watching the world go by. As Pessi neared
>>>>Chavy's house the child ran up to her asking, "Do you know Chavy Levy?"
>>>>
>>>>A surprised Pessi answered, "Yes, I do. Why?"
>>>>
>>>>In a serious voice Chaya Kravitz started, "She's the meanest girl in the
>>>>world. I don't think nice people should be her friends."
>>>>
>>>>"Chavy is a nice person, and my friend. I think little girls should
>>>>find something better to do with their time than gossip about older
>>>>girls. Good Shabbos."
>>>>
>>>>When Pessi knocked on the Levy door Chumy answered. "Good Shabbos,
>>>>Pessi. Come on in."
>>>>
>>>>Chumy called her sister at the same time Yigal passed them on his way
>>>>out. "Pessi, just teach my sister to be a doll like you! There's only
>>>>so much a guy can be expected to take!" Pessi blushed, and Yigal left
>>>>the house.
>>>>
>>>>Chavy greeted her friend. "You're just in time. I'm picking up Shayna.
>>>>We were going to pick you up for B'nos, but you beat us to it. Want to
>>>>go?"
>>>>
>>>>"Sure. Who's speaking?"
>>>>
>>>>"Mrs. Newman. They're also serving a delicious dessert buffet after.
>>>>This is where all my weight comes in. You're so skinny it doesn't
>>>>matter what you eat. Some people have all the luck!"
>>>>
>>>>Pessi told Chavy about her encounter with the curly topped red headed
>>>>child. Chavy's face blazed with anger. "Chaya Kravitz is trouble.
>>>>I've known her since the day she was born, and spent many afternoons
>>>>dragging her back to a worried mother who didn't have a clue about her
>>>>whereabouts. Chaya blames me for all the trouble she gets into, but no
>>>>one can convince her that if she didn't do something wrong to begin with
>>>>nothing I do would make a difference. Don't worry about Chaya Kravitz.
>>>>Luckily she's not our problem." The three of them headed for B'nos
>>>>leaving Chaya Kravitz eyeing them from down the block.
>>>>
>>>>That afternoon Mrs. Newman shared her insight on the topic of chesed.
>>>>As if responding to the actions of the past week the principal mentioned
>>>>in her description, "Girls, many of you may think that when going on a
>>>>Chesed assignment you are doing something nice for someone else. The
>>>>truth is that you are, but in return you're getting something greater
>>>>back. While giving to others you will find yourself in many situations
>>>>where you take away incomparable experiences with people that can't be
>>>>taught on a university campus. Over the years I've seen situations
>>>>where Chesed girls go to people's homes and come out with a good friend
>>>>for life, the knowledge of something they would have never learned if
>>>>not for the people they started out helping and more understanding of
>>>>the world in general. Chesed is not a school requirement just because
>>>>people need help, but we want our girls to learn that there is a big
>>>>world out there. Where ever you end up we want you to know you have the
>>>>ability to make a difference."
>>>>
>>>>During Mrs. Newman's weekly visit to Mrs. Goldberg Shayna raved about
>>>>the girls who came four days a week to help her family and were
>>>>instrumental in bringing her beautiful daughter into the world of
>>>>teenage life. Until that discussion Mrs. Newman had been unaware of
>>>>this project and smiled listening to Shayna Goldberg tell of her
>>>>students' activities.
>>>>
>>>>She simply responded, "Shayna, I love my job because my girls make it
>>>>easy to love. I'm glad they are helping out Pessi. She's a lovely girl
>>>>and deserves the help."
>>>>
>>>>Going through Pessi's mind were the questions, "Can anyone learn
>>>>anything from helping my family? What can girls learn from a dying
>>>>mother and dire poverty?"
>>>>
>>>>She had a feeling Mrs. Newman was referring to Chavy and Toby going to
>>>>the Goldbergs' four days a week, but wondered what she was talking about
>>>>when she implied that when helping a family like hers someone could come
>>>>away with knowledge they wouldn't otherwise have. Her mother mentioned
>>>>the other day that Mrs. Newman visited and she told the principal about
>>>>what her Chesed girls were doing, but Pessi still couldn't understand
>>>>anything of value Chavy or Toby could take away with them.
>>>>
>>>>Going through Chavy's mind was the question, "How can she begin to know
>>>>what helping the Goldbergs has contributed to our lives forever?" Chavy
>>>>knew she would never look at anything the same again.
>>>>
>>>>On the way out of school Chavy asked, "Pessi, Want to come over for
>>>>sudat shlishit?"
>>>>
>>>>"Yes. My father told me the boys would take care of it at my house."
>>>>
>>>>"Perhaps your brothers would tell my brothers how to do it. Yigal is
>>>>still complaining about having to make tuna salad and drying dishes last
>>>>week. Those guys are worthless! "
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Jennifer spent a lot of time that morning putting makeup over her
>>>>healing bruises. Once that was done she put on her cheerleader's
>>>>uniform, and headed for the field. On Jennifer's way out Sheila voiced
>>>>her opinion. "I don't think you should be going out so soon after the
>>>>accident."
>>>>
>>>>"Sheila, I'm fine. I'm a big girl and can take care of myself. Stop
>>>>worrying!" With that she left the house.
>>>>
>>>>She stood on the sidelines helping the cheerleaders inspire the crowd
>>>>with their enthusiastic cheers. A few of the girls came up to her to
>>>>inquire about the accident. Some of the guys welcomed her back while
>>>>others couldn't resist commenting about the bruises on her face.
>>>>
>>>>Jack, one of the guys on the team, strode up to her during half time.
>>>>"Jennifer, I'm sorry that your beautiful Jewish face had to suffer.
>>>>Maybe there's a Jewish prayer that will help it heal faster." Holding
>>>>the hand of another cheerleader he continued through the club house
>>>>laughing.
>>>>
>>>>She stared after him wondering about his comment. Did Jews pray? Just
>>>>another Saturday at the football field.
>>>>
>>>>When she got home she heard Sheila on the phone. "Hold on a minute.
>>>>She just came in." Jennifer took the phone.
>>>>
>>>>"Hi, Jennifer. It's Randy. I just got a call telling me that the other
>>>>team lost. The trophy is ours!"
>>>>
>>>>"Congratulations, Randy! I know how hard you worked for this."
>>>>
>>>>"The dance tonight will be our victory party. Will you go with me?"
>>>>
>>>>"Randy, we've been through this. Enjoy the party. You deserve it."
>>>>
>>>>Jennifer knew that Randy felt things for her that were probably
>>>>indicative of teenage love. But Jennifer didn't know how to love. She
>>>>liked Randy a lot, and couldn't mislead him into thinking that her
>>>>feelings could be more serious than close friendship. She changed out
>>>>of her uniform and ran downstairs to her sewing machine.
>>>>_______________________________________________
>>>>Writers Division web site:
>>>>http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>>>
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>>>_______________________________________________
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>>>http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
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