“I think a two-day trip sounds amazing,” she said to Ahuva, “but so does a yearbook. I don’t think I can wait until 12th grade for one.”

“Well, it’s either-or. We can’t have both.”

“Why not?”

“Rikki Dee, you’ve really been out of it! Like, hello, we can’t afford to do both. Mrs. Berman said the yearbook is crazy expensive.”

Rikki placed her elbows on her desk and leaned forward. “I get that. But maybe we can raise the money for the yearbook and get sponsors for the trip.”

“Who is going to sponsor so much money for a school trip?”

“Everyone should think of someone who will contribute.”

Ahuva gawked. “Not me! I am not schnorring money. Thank you very much!”

“I also don’t like schnorring,” Ruchie said.

Rikki laughed. “I know, me either.”

“Let’s just vote,” Ruchie said. “Yearbook or trip.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying from the start,” Matti said.

“Good morning, girls,” Mrs. Berman stood in the doorway. “Sorry to cut your conversation short.”

Rikki’s shoulders dropped. She had been enjoying being part of the group again.

“Whoops, sorry, Mrs. Berman,” Matti said. “We didn’t see you come in.”

“That’s okay.” Mrs. Berman placed her briefcase on her desk. “Take out your siddurim, please. We’ve got a busy day ahead. There will be plenty of time to continue your conversation later.”

Excitement for the coming day filled Rikki. Again, she wondered why she felt so at ease. She hoped it would last.

Still smiling, Rikki opened her siddur and began to daven ardently.

Miri laid her head on her arms and closed her eyes.

“Miri,” her teacher said, “are you okay?”

Miri sat up straight. “Um… I’m not feeling so good.”

“You look flushed. Why don’t you go to the office and have your temperature taken?”

“Okay.” Miri stood up and walked to the door, her head throbbing.

She stepped out into the hall and wrapped her arms around herself. It suddenly felt cold.

“Miri!” Her teacher rushed to catch up with her. “Do you think you’re up to giving this to Mrs. Klein on your way to the office? She needs it ASAP.”

Miri took the bulky manila envelope. “Sure.”

She shivered as she passed Devory’s class in the hall, on their way to the gym.

Devory looked her way for a millisecond, before flipping her pony over her shoulder and continuing her conversation.

Miri felt too sick to care.

She stopped at Mrs. Klein’s office and knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

She opened the door a bit.

“Hello, Miri, come in.”

Miri opened the door and stepped inside.

“My teacher asked me to give this to you.”

Mrs. Klein stood up. “Ah, yes, thank you, Miri.” She tilted her head. “Are you feeling okay?”

“My head and throat hurt. I was going to the office to see if I have a fever.”

“I can tell you do. Here,” Mrs. Klein handed Miri the phone, “call your mother to pick you up.”

Devory watched Miri through the opened door. Her eyes bulged when Miri handed a closed package to Mrs. Klein, and then Mrs. Klein gave her the phone. Devory had no trouble reading the principal’s lips. “Call your mother to pick you up.”

“OMG!”

It was déjà vu when Mrs. Weiss pulled into the driveway of their house.

“Why is his car here?” Miri asked.

“I’m not sure. It wasn’t here when I left to pick you up. I better go see what’s going on.”

Miri groaned as she walked up the steps. “Oh, my head.”

“I want you to get straight into bed, Miri,” her mother said once they were inside. “I’ll bring you Tylenol and water.”

Miri schlepped herself heavily upstairs and kicked off her shoes. She unzipped her hoodie and let it fall to the floor. In seconds, she was in bed.

Her mother appeared holding a glass of water and two small white tablets. “Here you go, sweetie.”

“Thanks, Ma.” Miri pushed herself up onto an elbow.

“You wouldn’t believe it,” Mrs. Weiss said. “Ta feels as miserable as you do.”

“No way!”

“He’s got a massive headache.”

Miri rubbed her temples. “Yeah, me too.” She handed the glass back to her mother and lay back down. “I hope he feels better.”

“Refuah sheleimah.” Mrs. Weiss blew Miri a kiss. “I’ll come to check on you a little later.”

Miri tried to return an air kiss, but her eyes were too heavy. She was asleep before the door closed.

“There’s your proof,” Devory said to Yael and Chanie. “I saw it with my own eyes. Legit!”

“I can’t believe Mrs. Klein just handed her the phone and told her to call her mother to pick her up,” Yael said. “I mean, how mortifying is that?!”

“It’s crazy. Miri doesn’t seem the type,” Chanie said.

“I know, right?”

“Hello!” Devory said. “How much more proof do you need?”

“Devory’s right,” Chanie said. “I think we should warn the other girls. Just because Miri returned what she took, doesn’t mean she won’t do it again, and who knows what she’ll take next!”

to be continued…

(Originally featured in Mishpacha Jr., Issue 816)