Even with all the arguing, she thought, the table felt so… friendly. They could say whatever they wanted; the warmth, the love, was still there

"So, Tamar.” Mrs. Weiss addressed her over Hawaiian chicken and noodles. “I heard you helped put together one fantastic banner. Not that I’m surprised.”

Tamar smiled. It was Wednesday, but after color war and then putting in extra hours at Tassel the day before, Tamar had asked Mrs. Weiss to cancel her appointment with Yael Baum. It was actually nice to eat supper with the family, Shaindy on one side of her, Yanky and Mendy on either side of Mrs. Weiss to prevent fighting. “I didn’t really do that much,” Tamar replied, bashfully, “it was close to finished when I joined.”

“I’m sure you were a big help, though,” Mrs. Weiss had a broad smile playing across her lips.

“Thanks,” Tamar muttered, turning back to her chicken. She was never sure what to say when Mrs. Weiss said these things.

“Now onto the next big thing,” Devorah sighed. “Midterms.”

“Tamar, can I see your banner?” Shaindy asked, looking up at her with adoring eyes.

“Sorry, Shaindy,” Tamar ruffled Shaindy’s hair. “I’d love to show it to you, but it’s hanging in the school building.”

“Yeah,” Devorah grumped, annoyed at being interrupted, “and they don’t let babies in.”

“Well what does that make you? You weren’t allowed into the high school building last year either,” Shaindy shot back, sticking her tongue out at Devorah.

“Let’s see you handle midterms,” Devorah retorted.

“Here we go again,” Yanky announced grumpily, “can’t a guy eat in peace around here?”

“Okay, everyone,” Mrs. Weiss said, “Let’s start this again. Yanky,” her voice took on a warm tone, “how was yeshivah?”

“Good,” Yanky grunted, shoving a forkful of noodles into his mouth. “Me and Stein found a toad jumping in the bushes in the yard. I told him he could take it home ‘cuz you’d never let, Ma.”

“Eww,” Devorah squealed “Please! I’m eating!”

“What about you, Devorah, how was your day?” Mrs. Weiss asked, ignoring her last comment.

“Good. Except that every teacher we have gave us a list of topics being covered on the midterm. It’s going to be murder!”

“I remember those days.” Mrs. Weiss smiled at her.

Tamar looked around the table. She couldn’t imagine fighting with Danny and Sam the way these kids bickered. Maybe when they were younger. Like, much younger. But still, even with all the arguing, she thought, the table felt so… friendly. They could say whatever they wanted; the warmth, the love, was still there.