Why do I feel pressure to look good for Zeesy? She’s my friend — shouldn’t she be someone I don’t feel any pressure from?

Naomi has an awkward encounter at the doctor’s office. She later feels bad that she turned down her mother’s offer of a ride.

I

roll over and stretch. It’s the first day of summer vacation, and I don’t want to move. I want to lie here all day, cozy and oh so relaxed. The phone rings, breaking the morning stillness. I reach over and pick it up, pretty positive that we Taubs are the only humans left using a house phone.

It’s Debbi. “Get up. Zeesy just landed. She’ll be at my house in an hour and a half and then we’re going.”

“Blah blah blah,” I grouch into the phone. It’s too early for her bossiness.

“Naomi Menucha Taub. Get up.” She hangs up.

The child is beyond pushy.

I roll onto my side and curl up into a ball. Mmmm, I’m excited for camp, but camp is not relaxing. At all. It’s a regular blast, but I wouldn’t mind another day or two of sleeping late with absolutely nowhere to go.

The phone rings again.

I snatch it up. “Debbi Simons. You are the world’s bossiest friend. I am going to poke you with my hair clip if you call me one more time.”

“Uh, hi. This is Mrs. Berkowitz from Bais Yaakov office. Is Mrs. Taub there?”

Oh, cringe cringe cringe.

“Um, can you call back in a few minutes?” I ask meekly.

Debbi is in soooo much trouble.