Mimi’s salad is boring; the salad phase is over in their class. But boring is better than totally and utterly weird

No one brings tuna sandwiches for lunch in 11th grade.

No one, that is, except Kayla.

Mimi wrinkles her nose as she slides into the furthest seat she can find. She can smell the fish even from here.

Tzippy’s swirling cucumber sticks in some dip. Shoshana sips something warm and fragrant from a thermos.

Mimi’s salad is boring; the salad phase is over in their class. But boring is better than totally and utterly weird.

Mimi twists a piece of lettuce round her fork, stabs half a cherry tomato.

“I’m so tiiiirred,” Ella groans next to her.

“Me too,” someone says. “I was up half the night with that stupid history assignment.”

History. Mimi’s head swims. She pushes her salad container away, tries to smile. “Ugh, please, let’s talk about something else, we’re not in class.”

Ella titters. “How about the math test?”

“Or the navi assignment. It’s due tomorrow, right?” calls Bina from across the table.

“Nooo, seriously? I have no time to study. I have a wedding tonight.” Mali Kraus looks up and down the table, making sure everyone hears her. “Raizy’s sister is getting married. I need to leave riiight after school to get my hair and makeup done in time.”

“You’re getting your makeup professionally done for your friend’s sister’s wedding?” Breindy asks, sounding incredulous.

Mali sniffs. “It’s not just a friend’s sister, you know. I’m, like, practically part of the family. Raizy’s mother wanted me to skip school for the chuppah. But my mother was like, no way. I mean, she figured Rabbi Berkowitz wouldn’t be happy, because we have my brother’s bar mitzvah soon, and we’re going to Israel for two weeks for that…”

Mimi tries not to roll her eyes.