[stylist] need feedback
Judith Bron
jbron at optonline.net
Tue Nov 10 22:14:12 UTC 2009
Thanks, Donna. Will check these out. Judith
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donna Hill" <penatwork at epix.net>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 11:30 AM
Subject: Re: [stylist] need feedback
> Judith,
> How long is long? I had concerns about novel length and recently did some
> internet research. There are a couple of sites you might want to take a
> look at. Basically, for a first novel -- and this is an approximate
> number -- publishers are looking for around 80,000 words.
> Here are the links:
> Bookends, LLC, a literary agency, Word Count:
> http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2009/07/word-count.html
>
> Nathan Bransford, literary agent, Novel Word Count:
> http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2008/02/novel-word-count.html
>
> Read my articles on American Chronicle:
> http://www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885
>
> Follow me on Twitter:
> www.twitter.com/dewhill
>
> Join Me on LinkedIn:
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/dwh99
>
> Or, FaceBook:
> http://www.facebook.com/donna.w.hill.
>
> Hear clips from "The Last Straw" at:
> http://cdbaby.com/cd/donnahill
>
> Apple I-Tunes
>
> phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=259244374
>
> Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind
> www.padnfb.org
>
>
>
> Judith Bron wrote:
>> 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.
>> _______________________________________________
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