I feel myself flush red, and my ears start buzzing. Alright, then. Time to show her exactly who she’s messing with

I sit back weakly and smile at Mrs. Fine as I get used to the new sensation clouding around me: the disapproval of Tamara Fine

I swallow hard, and it occurs to me for the first time, that I just might be out of my league here

“Rachel Ahuva, I will explain the situation to Abba. Please leave the kitchen until we are done speaking”

Being liked by Tamara Fine is no small matter. I’ve seen the way the other girls look at me whenever she calls out a sunny, “Hey there, RaRa”

Mommy laughs and then puts her mug down. “So, tell me again, eight other girls really got your backpack just because Tamara complimented you on it?”

“RaRa, where’s Hadas today?” I swallow and shift from foot to foot. Mommy’s green eyes flash, she doesn’t say anything.

As I step over the threshold into my new classroom, I’m certain I’ve just altered my life forever. I just don’t know if it’s for better or worse