Bentzi and the Peacock Feathers: Chapter 8
After recess we had dance tryouts. The director chose eight girls — including me!
Bentzi:
Batya was in the middle of telling us what Bubby said about her idea, when Moishy burst into the house. “We need to keep watch over Peaky. Someone wants to steal him!”
“What?!” We stared at Moishy, open-mouthed, forgetting all about the play.
“Who told you that?” I asked. “Asher?”
“No, Asher said I was just imagining things.” Moishy shuffled his feet back and forth. “But I saw him!”
“Who?”
“The boy who wants to steal Peaky.”
“Which boy is that?” asked Tova. “What makes you think he wants to steal Peaky?”
“Just a boy. I don’t know who he is. Yesterday he was standing near the fence, watching Peaky, and he was there again today.”
“So he likes looking at peacocks, what’s the problem? Why should you imagine he’s plotting something evil?” Batya winked at me. “Bentzi, Moishy is starting to follow in your footsteps…”
“But he is plotting! I know, because I went up to him to ask what he wanted, and he ran away!”
“Ran away? Really? Hmmm… That does sound suspicious.” On the other hand, I reminded myself, I had false suspicions during the adventure of the Museum Mystery. I must be careful.
Batya said in a soothing voice, “Moishy, he probably ran away because he was embarrassed or something. You have nothing to worry about.”
“But do keep an eye on things, and let us know if this boy comes again. Okay?” I asked.
Moishy nodded solemnly. “Sure!”
Batya:
“It took me ages to learn my lines by heart. I have so many!” Shaindy complained with obvious pleasure.
Stealing a glance at Esti, I could tell by the look on her face how hard it was for her to listen to this kind of talk. Poor Esti… Even though she realized it was only right for Shaindy to get the part, she was still disappointed.
After recess we had dance tryouts. The director chose eight girls — including me! I was very happy, because I really like dancing.
Esti was all smiles. “Batya, this is great! I’m so glad you were chosen!” She was very nice about it, but still I felt uncomfortable getting what I wanted while she hadn’t gotten what she wanted. I wished I could tell her about my plan! But she would only be in for another disappointment if it didn’t work out in the end. I needed to find out first if Mrs. Shulman was willing to help.
In the afternoon, just as I was setting out to go to Zchus Avos, it started raining. How annoying! I didn’t feel like going out in the rain, but I had to talk to Mrs. Shulman. I put on my raincoat and boots. “Did anyone see my umbrella?”
“Why are you going outside when it’s raining?” asked Shmuel.
“Because I have to go to Zchus Avos,” I told him.
“Again?” Tova was surprised. “You were there only yesterday!”
“Yes, but I need to talk to Mrs. Shulman about the play. And besides, I just like talking to her. She tells the most fascinating stories. Bye!”
to be continued…
(Originally featured in Mishpacha Jr., Issue 849)
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“Slow down. Let’s think logically. What exactly is suspicious here? Kids always like to look at animals”
Esti looked at me admiringly. “I would have been terribly scared... How did you know what to do?”
“It’s not fair!” Moishy burst out. “How come everything you say is a great idea, and everything I say you won’t do?"
“Which boy is that?” asked Tova. “What makes you think he wants to steal Peaky?”
