[stylist] Need feedback. Do you find yourself absorbed in this?
Barbara Hammel
poetlori8 at msn.com
Fri Oct 30 20:46:09 UTC 2009
Chavy's family is more typical because most of the sibling groups I know are
almost constantly picking at each other.
Barbara
Snow is God's way of reminding us that beauty can be found even in the
coldest hearts.
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Judith Bron" <jbron at optonline.net>
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 3:33 PM
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Need feedback. Do you find yourself absorbed in this?
> Thanks, Barbara. In your opinion which family is "more typical"? From
> what you said one family is not as warm or comfortable as the other. I'm
> curious. It's a good thing for me to go back and look at. As for the
> definitions, I try to describe the foreign words with one word definitions
> within the text, but I have a complete glossary at the end of the book.
> Thanks Again!
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Barbara Hammel" <poetlori8 at msn.com>
> To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 4:05 PM
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Need feedback. Do you find yourself absorbed in
> this?
>
>
> For me the hook is that Chavy and Pessi are sixteen-year-old girls.
> Sixteen
> is such a fun age--just like four, eight and twelve. It's an age when you
> can be very grown up like these two girls or very immature. I like the
> contrasting families. One is very loving and the other is unfortunately
> more typical of families today. What is it that makes Chavy be such a
> kind
> girl? That's what would make me want to read.
> Do you define the Hebrew words in the first chapter? You can sort of pick
> it up throught context but it just feels better to me to really know.
> I like it.
> Barbara
>
> Snow is God's way of reminding us that beauty can be found even in the
> coldest hearts.
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Judith Bron" <jbron at optonline.net>
> Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 12:03 PM
> To: "Stylist" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [stylist] Need feedback. Do you find yourself absorbed in this?
>
>> Here's a sample chapter from my novel, "The Letter." I need to know if
>> the reader finds themselves becoming absorbed in it. Can you identify a
>> hook in it? Thanks! Judith
>>
>> CHAPTER Two
>>
>>
>>
>> The Same morning in Jenna, New York
>>
>> On this overcast morning Pessi quietly came up behind two schoolmates
>> after Sabbath services. She heard Miriam say to Ruthie, "Can you believe
>> she goes in public looking so disgusting? Her coat is a reject from a
>> charity sale. Those shoes haven't been seen since the Revolutionary War!
>> Her hair is a nesting place for rats with bad taste. Nothing in the
>> coatroom stood out like the moth holes in her coat! Gross! I hear she
>> has a family, but no one with any self-respect has claimed her.
>>
>> "Oh well, I have to get home. Rabbi Goldberg is speaking this afternoon.
>> Want to go?"
>>
>> Ruthy stopped laughing to answer her friend. "Sure. Everyone goes to
>> hear Rabbi Goldberg."
>>
>> "Great. I'll pick you up after lunch."
>>
>> Engrossed in their conversation Pessi didn't think Ruthy and Miriam
>> noticed her. Pessi had to smile at their creative comments. She knew
>> very well how she looked, but circumstances did this to a person. Could
>> girls like Ruthy and Miriam ever understand there were more important
>> things in a girl's life than clothes and beauticians?
>>
>> Under the overcast November sky Chavy Levy headed home from the synagogue
>> her parents attended for years. The most popular girl in her class,
>> Chavy had only three problems. She had to lose 10 pounds, her older
>> brother Yigal had to be the most obnoxious person in the world to live
>> with, and she hated math. She couldn't figure out why she had to be in a
>> class which had nothing to do with her future. She had no idea what she
>> would be doing after graduation, but becoming a math teacher wasn't an
>> option! Still, she had to pass or her parents would have a fit. While
>> strolling along on this Shabbos morning she admired her surroundings
>> where the men wore traditional hats and younger boys donned skullcaps
>> appropriate for children. Chavy tossed her shining brown hair over her
>> shoulder, and gave her attention to the passers by. Women walked with
>> husbands, children or with friends. All wore clothing reflecting the
>> special day. This afternoon Chavy and her friends planned to go to the
>> B'nos group or club for girls which met every Shabbos afternoon to hear
>> Rabbi Goldberg, the most popular lecturer in the series. Chavy honestly
>> believed her class to be the greatest. They all got along while having a
>> ball working together except for Pessi Goldberg who didn't talk to
>> anyone.
>>
>> At home her mother met her with the traditional Sabbath greeting. "Good
>> Shabbos, Chavy."
>>
>> "Good Shabbos, Mommy. What can I do to help?"
>>
>> "Can you finish this salad so I can get dressed?"
>>
>> After entering her house Pessi greeted her mother who had remarked that
>> morning, "Pessi, you have to become involved with the girls at school. I
>> know many of their mothers, and they are wonderful people."
>>
>> Pessi told her, "Some of them are probably very nice and the rest are not
>> my type. I have the right to be alone if this is the way I choose to
>> live my life."
>>
>> Her mother rebuked, "It isn't normal for a sixteen year old girl to exist
>> only for homework and her family. You are a beautiful girl with a lot to
>> offer others. You must make an effort to make friends with the girls at
>> school. Now you have to get to Shul. Do you want to put your hair in a
>> bun?"
>>
>> "Mommy, I've told you before my hair is too thick for a bun. One of
>> these days I'll get it cut."
>>
>> "Pessi, all I'm asking you to do is try."
>>
>> "Good Shabbos, Mommy." She had put on her ugly coat and headed for her
>> father's synagogue. She would ignore her mother's prodding. She
>> preferred being alone and running her life her way.
>>
>> Mrs. Levy returned to the kitchen where her daughter stood finishing the
>> salad. A few minutes later the family sat down to their Shabbos meal.
>>
>> The legendary arguments between Chavy and her brother Yigal started
>> almost immediately. "Chavy, where's the grape juice?"
>>
>> "On the door in the fridge."
>>
>> "Why isn't it on the table? You know I can't start my meal without it."
>> Yigal needed the drink to say the required prayer over wine or grape
>> juice before his Shabbos meal.
>>
>> "Go and get it. The bottle isn't heavy."
>>
>> Their father boomed, "I've had enough from the two of you! You can both
>> bring the juice to the table." They glanced at each other before getting
>> up. The Rabbi continued, "When you get back I don't want either of you
>> saying a word. Obviously you're not mature enough to talk decently to
>> anyone."
>>
>> Done straightening up after the meal Chavy and Chumy got ready for B'nos.
>> Yigal told his sister, "You better be home for sudat shlishit. You're
>> the only one who can prepare the third Sabbath meal so well."
>>
>> "It would serve you right if I couldn't be here. Then you'll be forced to
>> make it yourself!"
>>
>> "I can't even compliment you without some smart answer. O.K. Don't come
>> home to make your horrid food. We'll live longer without it!"
>>
>> "All right, Yigal. I won't be here. I'm sure I can find a place where
>> they'll take me in."
>>
>> "Don't bet on it, Chavy. It obviously takes a strong person like me to
>> put up with you."
>>
>> At the door to the school Chavy heard two tenth graders, Miriam and
>> Ruthy, behind her. Miriam said, "Do you think the reject with the rat's
>> nest on her head wearing her home for displaced moths will show up?"
>>
>> Her equally cruel friend answered, "I don't think she would have the
>> nerve to socialize with civilized society. B'nos isn't a place for
>> outcasts."
>>
>> Chavy's temper flared at the remarks of these petty children. She threw
>> them a dirty look. "Don't you have anything else to talk about? What
>> bothers you about a girl you don't know? Life contains a lot of hard
>> lessons. Someday you're going to find that out." The two girls returned
>> her dirty look before going to hang up their coats.
>>
>> Chavy entered the school auditorium, already half full for the Rabbi's
>> lecture. To her surprise Pessi sat alone in the back. She saw the
>> overgrown hair, ugly shoes, and sad eyes. Chavy wondered about this girl
>> who arrived at school just as the bell rang and always left when the
>> first dismissal bell sounded without a word to anyone. During lunch she
>> sat with her Psalm book saying nothing to any of the girls. Gossips like
>> Miriam and Ruthy entertained themselves with Pessi Goldberg jokes, but
>> most girls tried to get Pessi involved with the mainstream student body.
>> When it was obvious they failed, the feeling became pity.
>>
>> Now Chavy observed the brunt of jokes by the narrow minds, and object of
>> pity for most of the girls feeling bewildered. Well, the bewilderment
>> had to stop and once and for all she had to make contact with this
>> mysterious girl. She never remembered seeing Pessi before on Shabbos.
>> The contrast between Pessi's clothes and the others was glaring. While
>> most girls wore nice Shabbos clothes, Pessi wore a simple skirt and
>> sweater appropriate for the weekday. Pessi sat there reading the same
>> Psalm book she read all week. She knew the time had come to jump over
>> Pessi's self constructed barrier.
>>
>> With fortified convictions she approached her classmate. "Good Shabbos,
>> Pessi. How are you?"
>>
>> "Good Shabbos, Chavy. I'm waiting for Rabbi Goldberg. I need some of
>> the emotional support he always gives." Pessi returned to her book,
>> signaling the end of the conversation. Chavy never remembered Pessi
>> communicating more than a cursory greeting until now.
>>
>> Determined to help her classmate Chavy said, "Pessi, come sit with the
>> class."
>>
>> Pessi raised her clear blue eyes. "I have nothing in common with those
>> girls. I'm fine right here." She lowered her eyes to her book, again
>> conveying the end of the conversation.
>>
>> Though an assertive girl who always managed to control any situation she
>> found herself in, Chavy felt intimidated by Pessi who exhibited a certain
>> inner strength she couldn't match. Baffled, she sat down near the girl,
>> trying to think of what she could say to at least entice her to join the
>> group. "Pessi, you're a nice girl. From the way you say Tehillim,
>> Psalms, you're also very religious. You have a lot in common with all of
>> us, but you don't talk to anyone."
>>
>> "My life is different. I have nothing in common with any of you." Pessi
>> returned her attention to her book.
>>
>> Chavy stared at the girl absorbed in her Psalm book. Pessi could be very
>> pretty if she had a hair cut and wore nicer clothes. Her eyes seemed
>> sad. Witnessing the actions of an obvious loner, Chavy wondered what lay
>> under this façade.
>>
>> Both girls were sixteen, but Pessi had never been to a school social
>> event, a class birthday party or some one else's house for Shabbos.
>>
>> She had to try one more time. "Pessi, we want to be your friend. Please
>> come sit with us."
>>
>> "Chavy, I don't have time to get involved with the girls. I'm here for
>> the Rabbi's lecture, and have to go after he's finished. I can't stay
>> for refreshments."
>>
>> "Pessi, all I'm asking you to do is sit with us. If you want I can go
>> home with you afterwards to help you. I already told my brother I'm not
>> coming back to make Sudat shlishit for him. I don't feel like it. How
>> about it? Come sit with us, stay for refreshments, and I'll go back to
>> help you with whatever you have to do."
>>
>> In a soft voice she answered, "I don't want to impose."
>>
>> The well-rehearsed Chavy immediately shot back, "I don't want to go back
>> to my brothers today. I'll go home with you and call my father after
>> Shabbos to pick me up."
>>
>> Chavy was good. Pessi felt herself giving in. She smiled for the
>> first time. "All right, Chavy. Let's go sit with the others."
>> The two girls reached the front of the auditorium just as Rabbi Goldberg
>> started towards the podium. All the girls stood respectfully until the
>> Rabbi reached the lectern.
>>
>> The audience turned their undivided attention to Rabbi Goldberg, but no
>> one turned greater concentration to the speaker than Pessi.
>>
>> Today the theme of the lecture encompassed the difficult things
>> confronted by people, and how individuals should perceive challenging
>> situations. The Rabbi hoped his message wouldn't be transparent to his
>> young audience.
>>
>> "If someone isn't well we perceive that as unfortunate. It is terrible
>> to see someone suffer with illness. As Jewish people we're told to say
>> Psalms with the hope they recover. But what happens if they don't
>> recover? What happens if we said our Tehillim, and they pass away,
>> Heaven forbid, anyway? Should we think our prayers weren't answered?
>> No." The Rabbi looked straight at Pessi. "It has nothing to do with us.
>> Let me try to bring it down to a more comprehensible level.
>>
>> "Let's say I bring to one of you high school girls a blueprint from the
>> best architect in the country. He has drawn plans for the biggest, best
>> building this country has ever seen. You are high school girls and, to
>> the best of my knowledge, none of you ever studied architecture."
>>
>> The girls giggled and he continued. "So, I go to your desk, put down the
>> drawing and ask what you think of it. What are you supposed to say? You
>> have no idea how to evaluate such diagrams." The girls sat mesmerized by
>> the Rabbi's words. "Why are the heating pipes over there? Why are there
>> no windows on that wall? Considering the best architect in the country
>> drew the plan wouldn't it make sense he knew what he was doing? The
>> architect knew how different forces worked together to make the building
>> a viable one. You see girls, you have no right interpreting the
>> architect's drawing or expressing an opinion. Only someone of equal
>> stature to the architect has that right. If one of his peers asks why
>> the windows are where they are after studying the plan he knows what he's
>> talking about, but you girls don't. You don't understand airflow or
>> different infrastructures such as plumbing, heating, and electric. You
>> are in no position to judge the architect.
>>
>> "The Almighty is the architect of the world. Only He knows if something
>> is good or bad. Because we are not on His level we cannot objectively
>> judge what He does. As with the blueprint, we can say the windows look
>> better on the left rather than the right, but the architect knows about
>> the airflow in the building, and how the other infrastructures will work
>> together. We don't know architecture or understand the blueprint of the
>> world. But as the customer trusts the architect, we trust the Almighty
>> because only He knows what is best."
>>
>> Pessi understood the Rabbi's words, and turned closer attention to him
>> with tears streaming down her face. Chavy wondered about her reaction.
>>
>> "We can say we're saying Tehillim for the sick and, Heaven forbid, they
>> pass away. Weren't our prayers good enough? We know they were, but what
>> the Almighty knows is good is not always what we think of as acceptable.
>> In the end we don't even know how to judge good as it pertains to
>> individual situations. In short, girls, there are no answers, but we can
>> just do what we have control over. If someone is sick, and we say
>> Tehillim it is right. Why? Because it certainly won't hurt, and we know
>> it to be a great help in any situation. Is it a guarantee? Certainly
>> not. There aren't any guarantees. We have to place perfect faith in the
>> Almighty because He's our Father in heaven, and well aware of the total
>> plan for this world. We know our Father in heaven doesn't intentionally
>> hurt his children."
>>
>> Chavy noticed the Rabbi speaking directly to Pessi who continued crying.
>> She wondered why the other kids couldn't see the sparks flying between
>> the two. Chavy didn't wonder why the Rabbi addressed Pessi. Evidently
>> he knew the family, and understood whatever haunted this girl. If only
>> Chavy knew the problem perhaps there would be something she could do.
>>
>> The Rabbi continued, "We know the Almighty wants us to do everything with
>> joy because He wants us all to be happy as a father wants his children to
>> be happy. Every day we all ask for many different things from our Father
>> in Heaven as we try our best to please Him as a child tries to please a
>> father. This is the reason our lives are spent learning Torah or the
>> Five Books of Moses, and performing the Mitzvahs, religious obligations,
>> commanded us in this precious gift He gave us. Our responsibility is to
>> show our Father we love Him as we carry out His commandments with our
>> heartfelt joy. Before I leave I want each of you to take your Tehillim
>> book and say two Psalms for each of these people who are not well.
>> Hopefully, our prayers will be heard and these people will be granted a
>> speedy and complete recovery." He read three names using the Hebrew name
>> of the person followed by the Hebrew name of their mother. Pessi blinked
>> back tears and opened the book. A short while later the Rabbi said,
>> "Good Shabbos, girls" indicating the end of the lecture.
>>
>> The girls headed for the lunchroom where a beautiful dessert buffet
>> awaited them. Standing next to Chavy Pessi said, "I have a question for
>> the Rabbi. Be right back."
>>
>> Chavy found herself drawn to the dessert buffet, envying all the calories
>> she didn't need. She spotted fruit on the other table and reluctantly
>> took a plate of the colorful, but less fattening food.
>>
>> Chavy's friend Shayna came up to her with a plate stacked with delectable
>> goodies. "Chavy, are you the party pooper? How can you eat fruit with
>> all this gorgeous stuff staring you in the face?"
>>
>> "Shayna, when most of your clothes don't fit, we can open a second-hand
>> store. Until then you can eat your calories and I'll try to like this
>> stuff."
>>
>> Shayna laughed, and returned to other friends.
>>
>> Chavy glanced at Pessi talking to Rabbi Goldberg. She must have had a
>> simple question. She spent only a minute with the Rabbi before returning
>> to Chavy.
>>
>> Pessi picked up a pastry. "These pastries are great!"
>>
>> "You're so skinny you could probably eat the whole table and never show
>> it. I have weight to lose so I stick to fruit. Have some, it's good."
>>
>> Pessi laughed, reaching for another pastry.
>>
>> "Chavy, I have to go soon. My mother isn't well."
>>
>> "No problem, I can eat only so much fruit."
>>
>> In one corner of the room Miriam and Ruthy stood with a few of their
>> friends never taking their eyes off Pessi Goldberg talking to Chavy Levy.
>> Chavy saw them and could only imagine the venom they spewed. She wanted
>> to confront them, but turned her attention back to Pessi.
>>
>>
>>
>> When they finished eating Pessi and Chavy headed for the coat room.
>>
>> Pessi wondered if she was making the right move. How come she decided to
>> leave the school with Chavy today? Was she proving that despite her
>> strong resolve she needed someone? Absolutely not! Probably by Monday
>> Chavy would be totally bored with her and both of them would return to
>> their own corner of the world. That would be all the proof she needed to
>> demonstrate that she didn't need anyone else in her life.
>>
>> Pessi lived some distance from the school. On the streets they traveled
>> Chavy didn't see any of the sights she associated with Shabbos afternoon
>> in her neighborhood.
>>
>> Pessi clung to her pride, still not completely sure about letting another
>> girl into her life. Pessi glanced at Chavy's beautiful gray wool coat
>> with black velvet collar and cuffs. She remembered how it felt to be
>> wearing such a fine garment, but that was in the past.
>>
>> Chavy felt Pessi's discomfort. She tried chatting about school
>> activities, upcoming tests and the weather. Pessi wanted to discuss
>> classes and course work.
>>
>> Chavy envied the ease with which she discussed topics such as math and
>> chemistry. She still believed Trigonometry to be an obscure planet, but
>> in her soft voice Pessi discussed it with the ease Chavy spoke of her
>> favorite foods.
>>
>> Fifteen minutes later they reached Pessi's house. Like others in the
>> neighborhood the small, run-down structure appeared as if it had seen
>> better days. Chavy didn't care. Over the years she had been friends
>> with girls from the biggest and best homes and others from houses like
>> this. She didn't choose her friends according to their zip codes.
>>
>> The two girls entered Pessi's dingy foyer. Immediately a little boy
>> ran to her exclaiming, "Good Shabbos, Pessi!"
>>
>> Pessi picked up the child and kissed him. "Moshe, did you take care of
>> Mommy?"
>>
>> The little boy's expression turned serious. "Mommy read me a book."
>>
>> "I'm sure she enjoyed reading to you. Let's go see her."
>>
>> On the sofa in the dining room lay Pessi's mother, a gaunt and obviously
>> very ill woman. Pessi gave her mother a kiss before stooping to pick up
>> her blanket on the floor. She lovingly spread it over her. "Good
>> Shabbos, Mommy. This is Chavy Levy from school. Tatty said she could
>> come home with me."
>>
>> Seeing Pessi with a friend made Shayna Goldberg's spirits soar. "It's a
>> pleasure to meet you, Chavy. How are you?"
>>
>> Chavy hoped her shock didn't show. The Rabbi was Pessi's father? She
>> recovered her composure and answered, "I'm fine, Mrs. Goldberg. It's so
>> nice to meet you."
>>
>> "How did Tatty's lecture go, Pessi?"
>>
>> A bell rang in Chavy's mind. Whatever was in the Rabbi's speech today
>> had been planned to address an issue in his daughter's life. Gazing at
>> the emaciated woman on the couch Chavy began to understand the message.
>>
>> Pessi's eyes darted from her mother to Chavy. "Chavy didn't know my
>> father is Rabbi Goldberg. I never told anyone. The lecture was one of
>> the best he ever gave."
>>
>> "Why did you keep your father's relationship to you a secret?"
>>
>> "I feel better being a private person."
>>
>> "Even though people know who your father is, you can still be a private
>> person. Could you please set out sudat shlishit before Tatty gets home?"
>>
>> Pessi chose to ignore her mother's latest prelude to a fight. "Sure.
>> I'll do it now."
>>
>> After arriving home Rabbi Goldberg greeted their guest before turning to
>> his wife. "Shayna, can I help you to the table?"
>>
>> "I would like that, thank you."
>>
>> The Rabbi supported his wife the short distance from the sofa to the
>> table. He then said, "Everybody can go and wash."
>>
>> Moshe brought a bowl and cup of water for his mother to ritually wash her
>> hands. Mrs. Goldberg was too weak to wash at the sink with everyone
>> else.
>>
>> In the tiny kitchen with doors falling off the cabinets Chavy asked
>> Pessi, "Can you come to my house after Shabbos if I help you clean up?
>> My father can pick us up."
>>
>> "I'll ask." Back at the table the Rabbi said the blessing on the bread.
>> They all took a bite from their roll and Pessi asked, "Tatty, Chavy wants
>> to know if I can go to her house after Shabbos. Can I?"
>>
>> Mrs. Goldberg immediately answered, "Go, dear. It's good for you to get
>> out." Chavy noticed how quickly the frail woman, barely nibbling on her
>> roll, responded.
>>
>> Rabbi Goldberg added, "You can go if you have a ride home."
>>
>> "I'll ask my father, but it shouldn't be a problem."
>>
>> "In that case I give my permission. Have a good time."
>>
>> Two teenage boys entered the house. Pessi said, "Those are my brothers."
>>
>> Chavy glanced at the boys who were headed for the kitchen to wash in
>> preparation for their meal.
>>
>> Avi Goldberg heard his father say, "Chavy, your father and I are very
>> close friends. I know Rabbi Levy for many years. How is he?"
>>
>> "He's doing well."
>>
>> "Please give him my regards."
>>
>> Avi Goldberg stifled his own laughter. So Yigal Levy's sister was
>> Pessi's new friend. Why did Pessi pick up such a pain in the neck girl?
>> He heard all the complaints from his best friend, Yigal, about his
>> sister.
>>
>> After a brief talk by the Rabbi on the week's Torah reading Chavy quietly
>> said to Pessi, "I didn't know Rabbi Goldberg is your father. Why did you
>> keep it a secret?"
>>
>> Pessi thought about the giant plunge she had taken, wondering if she
>> should share anything more about her life. Seeing the sincere expression
>> in Chavy's eyes she decided to confide more. "Goldberg is a common name
>> so nobody drew the conclusion we're even related. I've heard the nasty
>> comments from some of the girls about me and am fully aware of the fact
>> that my being related to the Rabbi would mean little to them. No one
>> knows except you now. I'm happy being anonymous."
>>
>> The two girls said the blessing after the meal before going into the
>> dinette.
>>
>> Pessi started in a low voice. "My mother has cancer. She's getting
>> chemo once a week, but her reports aren't good. We moved to Jenna ten
>> months ago to be closer to better hospitals. My father used to have a
>> big congregation and good job, but since moving here he hasn't been
>> successful. I wear weekday clothes on the Sabbath because my last
>> Shabbos outfit doesn't fit.
>>
>> "I didn't want to get close to the girls at school. After taking one
>> look at me they didn't want that either. I desperately need a haircut.
>> Brushing the animal nest on my head everyday after my shower doesn't make
>> me look normal. I overhear some of the girls gossiping about me and the
>> way I look so have just worked harder to prove I don't need anyone."
>>
>> Chavy listened to Pessi with sympathy.
>>
>> "I'm so nervous about my mother that all I do is go to school, keep up
>> this house, help my mother and family, and pray. My father gave the
>> speech today for me. I love my mother and can't face what is happening.
>> I keep thinking if I do more for her she'll get better, but my father
>> claims it is out of my hands."
>>
>> Chavy never met another sixteen-year- old confronting so many challenges.
>> How did she do it?
>>
>> "You're the first girl I brought home from school since moving to Jenna.
>> My parents always say they want me to have friends, but I'm ashamed of
>> our situation. I prefer being alone with my problems rather than being
>> the object of pity or ridicule. This issue has been a source of conflict
>> between my mother and me."
>>
>> "Pessi, if you hung up a few curtains with some pictures this place
>> wouldn't be half bad."
>>
>> "We can't afford curtains, and don't have any pictures. We had paintings
>> where we lived before, but Tatty sold them for Mommy's medical care. The
>> drapes in the old house were custom made so we left them."
>>
>> "My mother has a closet full of curtains. Every time she sees a curtain
>> sale she replaces ours. Also, I have some clothes I got too fat for.
>> I'll show them to you later. Don't be ashamed. None of us lives in a
>> palace.
>>
>> "Also, there is Chesed at school. As you know this group does community
>> service. They can come and help you out a few times a week. I know the
>> girl in charge of it. I'll discuss it with her tomorrow."
>>
>> "Don't talk to her, Chavy. I'm ashamed. My beautiful mother is so sick
>> and looks terrible."
>>
>> "Don't be ashamed. There's nothing wrong with you. When your mother
>> recovers she'll look better."
>>
>> Pessi started crying, arousing Chavy's concern. "Pessi, I didn't mean to
>> upset you."
>>
>> "The doctors say now Mommy won't get any better. They want to stop her
>> therapy."
>>
>> Chavy put an arm around the shoulders of the sobbing girl. From what
>> little she understood about cancer she knew that when a doctor said a
>> person wouldn't get any better and stopped the treatment it didn't mean
>> they expected good news.
>>
>> "We all know it's the end. My mother is happy you came over today.
>> She's been telling me for a long time I need to find friends. I tried to
>> ignore it because I have too much to do and don't want anyone to know how
>> poor we are."
>>
>> "Don't worry about what the others think. Tonight we're going to raid my
>> mother's curtain closet. Do you have any family pictures?"
>>
>> "Sure. We used to take pictures all the time."
>>
>> "Great. Tonight we're going hunting. Tomorrow after school we go to
>> work." They smiled at each other. Pessi had a friend for the first time
>> in ages.
>>
>> Pessi had to admit having a confidant to support her through this crisis
>> felt good. Her parents had been right. In spite of her strong resolve
>> Pessi did need others to help her through this difficult time.
>>
>> Chavy called her father after they were done cleaning up. He agreed to
>> pick them up and bring Pessi back later.
>>
>> Chavy went to Mrs. Goldberg on her sofa. "Thank you for a wonderful
>> Shabbos, Mrs. Goldberg."
>>
>> "The pleasure is all ours, Chavy. It's wonderful to see Pessi with a
>> girl her age. My little one, Suri, is at a friend's now, but Pessi is a
>> wonderful girl who stays with me to do everything I should be doing
>> around here. I couldn't manage without her."
>>
>> "Mommy! I told you I help you because I love you. Don't make it sound
>> like I'm something exceptional when I'm just doing what I want."
>>
>> Pessi turned and led the way to the foyer where they waited for Rabbi
>> Levy.
>>
>> Back at Chavy's Yigal stood in the kitchen with a dishtowel over his arm.
>> He glared at his sister. "I'll get you for this, Chavy Levy! This is
>> cruel and unusual punishment! Mommy felt that since my mouth caused you
>> to not come right home I deserved this horrible fate. Our dear sister
>> Chumy insisted I dry. It should be illegal to have little sisters!"
>>
>> "Yigal, when you find yourself a good wife I'll help you pack your bags."
>>
>> Pessi joined the laughter unable to remember the last time she laughed
>> from genuine happiness.
>>
>> Yigal turned to Chavy's friend. "Is Avi Goldberg your brother?"
>>
>> Surprised, Pessi answered, "Yes. Do you know him?"
>>
>> "Sure. He's a great guy in my Yeshiva. I tell him about my pain in the
>> neck sister, but he says his sister is a doll. Can you teach my sister
>> to be a doll?"
>>
>> "My brothers look at me as a doll because we treat each other with
>> respect. Respect works two ways."
>>
>> "Yigal, after you learn from the Goldberg boys how to treat a good sister
>> perhaps Pessi can teach me a few things. Until then, cut the
>> complaining."
>>
>> Chumy said, "Back to work, Yigal. Only a few dishes to go." After
>> giving Chavy another dirty look Yigal returned to the kitchen.
>>
>> Mrs. Levy came to greet Pessi. Chavy asked, "Mommy, you know all those
>> curtains you have hanging in the closet?"
>>
>> "Yes, dear. Why?"
>>
>> "Can we go through them to choose some for Pessi's house?"
>>
>> "Sure. I'm sure Mrs. Goldberg will enjoy them."
>>
>> Bassie visited Shayna Goldberg every week since the family moved to Jenna
>> and they became good friends, but she knew the extent of her illness.
>> Last week she confided they were stopping treatment. Everyone knew what
>> that meant.
>>
>> Downstairs the girls started going through the closet. In time they came
>> back upstairs with curtains and a few paintings. Mrs. Levy approved
>> everything before the two headed upstairs to Chavy's room.
>>
>> Chavy smiled at Pessi. "You're a very pretty girl. All you need is a
>> good haircut. I cut Chumy's and some of my friend's hair all the time.
>> I enjoy doing it and they always come out of my bathroom looking great.
>> Can I do yours?"
>>
>> "If it's not too much trouble I'd love it. I can't remember the last
>> time I had a good haircut."
>>
>> In the upstairs bathroom Chavy shampooed Pessi's thick, luxurious black
>> hair. She took her scissors and began working her magic. Once done she
>> stood behind Pessi admiring the image in the mirror. "Pessi, you have
>> the darkest, thickest hair I ever saw. You'll be the envy of every girl
>> in the school."
>>
>> "When my hair is properly cut it's my best feature."
>>
>> "It isn't your best feature. Those beautiful blue eyes with your dark
>> hair are an unbeatable match."
>>
>> Pessi again admired her reflection in the mirror. "This feels great! I
>> don't know how to thank you."
>>
>> "Forget the thanks. This is my pleasure."
>>
>> In the bedroom Chavy took two outfits which no longer fit from her
>> closet. "Here are two good Shabbos outfits. If they fit they're yours.
>> Here's a pair of black shoes I outgrew. They're in perfect condition.
>> Want to try them on?"
>>
>> Pessi gazed at the lovely clothing. Her jaw settled into the same
>> stubborn line Chavy witnessed earlier. "Chavy, I can't accept this!"
>>
>> "Consider it logical closet cleaning. If I hadn't eaten myself into the
>> next size up I'd have nothing to offer you. Do me a favor, try them on."
>>
>> Pessi thought about her pride in never accepting charity. "I feel
>> strange accepting these beautiful things. I never took charity before."
>>
>> "This isn't charity. Keeping these clothes in the closet hurts me every
>> time I open the door to get my uniform. I don't want to keep pushing the
>> hangers that represent the way I used to be."
>>
>> Pessi took a long while to make up her mind. How much could she change
>> in one day? Eventually she decided this didn't represent charity, but
>> logic. She took off her sweater and pulled on the top to a black and
>> white outfit that matched the pretty black pumps. The shoes fit
>> perfectly. Seeing her reflection in the mirror she couldn't believe the
>> difference. She hadn't looked this good in ages. She tried on the other
>> gray and pink wool outfit which also transformed her into a fashionable
>> young woman.
>>
>> Chavy sighed. "I wish I could be as skinny as you."
>>
>> "Don't be silly, Chavy. You look fine the way you are!"
>>
>> "That's very nice of you, but I can read a scale. For now all I can do
>> is find good friends to take my beautiful clothes off my hands."
>>
>> Pessi sat on one of the beds observing Chavy's attractive room with white
>> walls and pretty blue plush carpet. Pictures of Chavy and Chumy growing
>> up hung around the room. She turned back to Chavy. "At first I believed
>> that by Monday morning you would have gotten sick of me and my problems,
>> and we would have both crept back into our own lives. But I was wrong.
>> I know you aren't turned off at our run-down house or my beautiful mother
>> who looks awful now. I knew from the beginning you didn't take a look at
>> my inappropriate clothes and figure they told my whole story.
>>
>> "I'm familiar with most of the girls. Tatty learns the holy books with
>> many of their fathers. A lot of their mothers visit mine.
>>
>> "If I didn't have to go straight home after school, I might be willing to
>> make friends with the girls. My mother has been trying to get me to do
>> that. We argue about it constantly. I have the right to run my own life,
>> but she feels that I'm too much of a loner. I love her, but this is one
>> topic we don't agree on. I'm just more comfortable being a hermit."
>>
>> "Are you really comfortable like that?"
>>
>> "I don't know right now. Let's see how it goes. I can be social with
>> the other girls at school, but our relationships will end at the school
>> door."
>>
>> Chavy ignored her last statement. "I want to get Chesed to go to help
>> you in the house. You need and deserve it. I'll just say one of your
>> parents isn't well so the responsibility for everything is on your
>> shoulders."
>>
>> "In spite of our poverty, I'm a proud person and never took such generous
>> charity."
>>
>> "It's not charity. Chesed girls go out to help people all week long.
>> When getting help from our community service group no one has to divulge
>> any private information about themselves. They say they need the help
>> for one reason or another and we send them girls."
>>
>> Pessi remained quiet for a long time. Chavy started to think she was
>> going to refuse her suggestion.
>>
>> "I could use the help. Thank you." For the first time in five years
>> Pessi admitted needing anyone. It shocked her to realize this big step
>> felt mighty good.
>>
>> "Tomorrow in school I'll try to be more a part of the class. I'll say my
>> Tehillim, but will also try to talk to the other girls."
>>
>> "For the fall holidays we attended your father's Synagogue. My mother
>> mentioned our fathers were classmates in Yeshiva. Did you know that?"
>>
>> "I know that our fathers know each other, but he never told me their
>> relationship dated back to their days in school."
>>
>> Mrs. Levy knocked on the door. "Girls, it's late. Tatty can take Pessi
>> home now."
>>
>> "I'll go with you, Pessi." Chavy helped Pessi take everything out to the
>> car.
>>
>> At home Pessi's mother lay on her couch and her father was studying the
>> Holy books in his office. When she entered the room Mrs. Goldberg stared
>> at her in surprise. "Pessi, you're beautiful! You haven't looked this
>> good in years. Who cut your hair?"
>>
>> "Chavy did it. She cuts her sister Chumy's hair all the time. How do
>> you like it?" She turned around to give her mother the full effect.
>>
>> "I love it. You must keep it up. You have such beautiful hair."
>>
>> Her mother's eyes fell on the bags she carried. "What do you have
>> there?"
>>
>> "Mrs. Levy buys curtains every time she sees a sale so has lots of them
>> in the basement. She gave me some to try to make this place look better.
>> Chavy also gave me a few paintings to spruce it up."
>>
>> Shayna sighed. She hadn't done anything for her home in a long time.
>> "I'll get Avi and Yitzy to hang up rods and picture hooks tomorrow. What
>> else do you have?"
>>
>> "Chavy gained some weight so doesn't fit into a few of her outfits.
>> There's also a pair of shoes she outgrew. I think they're real nice.
>> Look."
>>
>> Mrs. Goldberg admired the clothes and shoes. "They're all beautiful,
>> Pessi. You'll look gorgeous. Wear everything well, dear." Pessi kissed
>> her mother good night.
>>
>> Pessi headed to her room leaving Mrs. Goldberg stifling her smile until
>> Pessi climbed the stairs. Would Pessi use her friendship with Chavy to
>> become involved with other girls? Could Pessi finally realize that she
>> was indeed a beautiful, intelligent and fun girl? She knew Pessi had
>> withdrawn from the world of other girls because of their poverty and her
>> illness. She would take her guilt to her grave.
>> _______________________________________________
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