Elfie Unperfect by Kristin Mahoney

Author:Kristin Mahoney [Mahoney, Kristin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2021-08-10T00:00:00+00:00

Mom and I didn’t talk much on the ride home. I was looking out the window, and Mom kept making little burping sounds and saying, “Excuse me! That’s not bad manners; that’s good sauce!” (It’s a joke she stole from my grandfather, who always burps and says, “That’s not bad manners; that’s good beer!”)

As we pulled onto our street, Mom said, “I’m glad we went over there, Elf. Thank you for suggesting it.”

“You’re welcome.”

She parked in our driveway and looked over at me. “Did you and Rhoda have a good talk?” While Rhoda and I were in the kitchen, Mom had hung back and talked to Betty. I think she knew I needed time on my own with her.

“I guess. She seems okay, doesn’t she?”

“She does,” Mom agreed. “This won’t be easy, but Rhoda’s a tough bird. And I’m glad she has her family to help her.”

“She said her mom will take her to her chemotherapy appointments.”

Mom nodded. “Yes, Betty told me that too. They’re letting her adjust her schedule at the nursing home on the days Rhoda has her chemo.” Betty was an activities director for old people; she taught exercise classes and played bingo with them.

“Can we go with Rhoda on some of her chemotherapy days? She said she’ll have to sit by herself for hours.”

“Not by herself; Betty will be with her. I think Vanessa is going sometimes too.”

“Okay, but I bet they’ll get bored of each other. Maybe Betty would want company too.”

“Are you saying people get bored being around their mothers for too long?” Mom smiled. “Surely you would never get bored of me!”

“You know what I mean. Can’t we please go?”

“I’ll have to think about that, Elf,” Mom said. “Chemotherapy really weakens people; it might be hard for you to see Rhoda like that.”

“I don’t care; I can handle it.”

“I said I’d think about it. I’ll let you know, okay?”

“Okay.” Unlike some adults, when Mom said “I’ll think about it,” she didn’t always mean no. Sometimes, but not always.

Mom took the keys out of the ignition and opened her car door. “Did you finish your homework?”

My character study. Urft.

“Almost.”

“Okay, well, scoot up and finish it now,” she said as she opened the front door. “It’s getting late.”

Up in my room, I put Goober in his litter box (just in case he had to go) and sat down at my desk.

There were still three unanswered questions on my character study. I was so tired. I decided to just respond with the first things that popped into my head.

What are you secretly afraid of?

Answer: Something terrible happening to someone I love. Also, bugs.

When were you most worried?

Answer: When I found out that someone I love has cancer.

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?

Answer: I wish I knew how to make friends.

There. I was too tired to make up answers. Ms. Rambutan had asked for a study of my character, and now she would get one. I put the paper in my backpack and got ready for bed.

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