Rehearsals aren’t as bad as I thought they would be. They’re worse

Play practice!! 4:45 p.m. in the auditorium!!! ATTENDANCE IS A MUST!!!! blares a large, bright yellow sheet of cardstock in Chaya’s large, expressive handwriting. Bring your ruach and bring your ENTHUSIASM! Scripts will be provided.

PLEASE BE PUNCTUAL!!!!

“Hey, first play practice today, did you see?” Baylee greets me. Usually, we walk to school together, but today — one day after the parts were given out — I was late.

“Yeah, I saw.” I almost roll my eyes.

A bunch of girls stand around Mindy Kagan’s desk. Typical — now that she’s landed the starring role, everyone’s her best friend.

“I’m so excited. Production is sooo fun.” Baylee plops her bag onto her desk and takes out her siddur. “Hello? Earth to Rena? You’re quiet today.”

“Tired,” I mutter. I pull the hood of my non-uniform sweatshirt over my head. “Gonna rest until Mrs. Becker comes.”

The last thing I see before I close my eyes is Baylee, heading over to join the crowd around Mindy.