Upper Class: Chapter 4

I look at her. Don’t say it, I say silently. Don’t say it don’t say it don’t say it
The waiting room in Dr. Treister’s office is by far not my favorite place in the world. Like at all. Especially because he has a photo of me up on the wall, sitting on Ma’s lap, getting a tetanus shot. Thanks, Ma, for the boy-haircut. Major cringe.
But at least it’s quiet and I can relax and review my camp packing list. Let’s see—
“Naomi?”
I look up, so startled that my ponytail actually hits me in the face. Awkward. “Shani! Hi!”
Shani Berman is in 10-B and really cute. I almost ask her what she’s doing here, then realize that’s not a socially normal question in a doctor’s office. She settles next to me, and I show her my papers.
“Going through my camp packing list.”
She peers at them. “Nice. You go to Ashreinu, right?”
“Yeah. You’re in Yaldot Midwest?”
She bounces in her seat. “Yup, it’s amazing. I can’t believe we’re TCs this year!”
“I know!”
We squeal and then remember we’re in public.
“Naomi,” she says suddenly, “I’m really glad I bumped into you.”
I look at her. Don’t say it, I say silently. Don’t say it don’t say it don’t say it.
“It’s about your mother.” Oh, man. She said it. I force my face to look open and pleasant and not murderous at all.
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