“Mostly I’m studying with — Kayla. My sister.” The words are strange and weighty on her tongue

T

here’s what, three days left of 11th grade? Why is Mrs. Stern calling her over now?

Mimi follows the mechaneches to her office, feeling awkward. She never has too much to do with her teachers. Last time she was in here must’ve been for that make-up Chumash test, the first time Kayla helped her study.

Wow, they’ve traveled a long road since then.

“Sit, sit.” Mrs. Stern pulls out two chairs, seating herself on one of them next to Mimi instead of across from her, behind the desk. Oh, no, does this mean it’s going to be a whole conversation?

Mimi perches gingerly on the other chair and wonders if it will look rude to check her watch. Recess is so short.

“So, Mimi, I wanted to check in with you. How is it going? Studying for the test, I mean.”

The test. The seminary test. Well, the teachers didn’t really call it that, it was more like a final on all kodesh subjects combined, but everyone knew that this was the grade that mattered most.

Mimi shrugs. “I think it’s going okay.”

Mrs. Stern leans forward. “Yes? You’re feeling confident about how it’s going? Any questions on the material or anything?”

Nothing Kayla can’t answer. The words flit through her mind, but she swallows them. “Um, I don’t think so,” Mimi stammers, instead.

“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy you’re feeling like it’s going well.” Mrs. Stern nods slowly, like she’s hoping Mimi will take up the conversation again if she waits long enough.

“So, who are you studying with? Ella, Shoshana…?”

Mimi wants to raise her eyebrows. Why does that matter? But this is her mechaneches asking, so she swallows and says, “Uh, sometimes, but mostly I’m studying with — Kayla. My sister.” The words are strange and weighty on her tongue. Mrs. Stern looks surprised but pleased.