I thought Ta likes him to be homeschooled. What made him decide to send him?”
“Punishing her isn’t going to make her feel bad for what she did. It’s just going to make…
Her mother brushed away a single tear. “I know, but it hurts me so much that Devory would…
“She accused you? Just like that? With no proof?”
“I can’t believe someone would blatantly lie about another girl regarding such a serious matter. I want to…
“Why am I insensitive? This kid has everything. Big deal if her housekeeper cooks instead of her mother"
“Being angry all the time takes a lot of effort, and it uses up so much of your…
Miri felt like a proud grandmother. Seeing her stepfather take interest in Eli filled her with immense joy
“Maybe you can talk to Devory,” Rikki said. “Tell her that her father is suing for so much…
“Okay, good.” Ruchie’s face was flushed. “So, let’s forget about what I said. It was totally lashon hara”
“Please, Hashem,” she whispered, “give me the ability to help Devory. She has so much pain inside"
Miri groaned. Who was she kidding? She wasn’t worried; she was downright petrified!
Shoshie stood there for a few seconds, hoping her mother would say more, but her mother was focused…
“You did it!” Rikki jumped up and threw her arms around her sister
Maybe she could let herself like Mr. Weiss. Maybe things would finally work out as her mother said…
Rikki’s shoulders dropped. She had been enjoying being part of the group again
“As much as it pains me, I will be forced to postpone or even cancel our annual eighth-grade…
“You are not going to believe this! I just saw Mrs. Klein call Miri into her office”
"I mean, it only makes sense that people would think your mother needs extra help"
“I know how much you sacrificed, and I want to make everything good and happy for you. Believe…
“I really think you should give her a chance. What are you afraid of? You think the girls…
"It was a neis, girls. His car is totaled. He’s bruised and has a broken rib, but baruch…
“For your information Devory Weiss, I’m part of the family whether you like it or not”
She didn’t want to consider her stepmother’s feelings. She was too busy dealing with her own
Devory jumped up. “Well, thanks for ruining the ending!” She slammed the book shut
“We take so much for granted,” Mrs. Levy said. “It makes you so thankful for the little things,…
“Great,” Rikki’s hands shot up into the air. “Just great! Now I’m the nebach who needs help from…
“I’m not sure how, but the girls suddenly speaking to me must be part of Devory’s plan”
“Rikki, the sooner you accept Chaya and realize she is a part of your life, the better”
Her husband’s chest expanded as he filled it with air then deflated when he released it. “It’s your…
Shoshi was quiet, and Miri felt a pang of guilt for having a healthy mother
"Devory told the girls in her clique to give you the silent treatment today”
“I bet Devory told all the girls not to speak to me. She’s the queen of the eighth…
"Tell her no! Be natural like you would be before Chaya came home"
The pang in her mother’s voice hit Rikki’s core. She struggled to speak. “I - It’s okay. I…
