Rachel's Roses by Ferida Wolff & Margeaux Lucas

Author:Ferida Wolff & Margeaux Lucas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 2019-09-02T16:00:00+00:00

• seven •

WORKING HARD

“Find a job yet?” Sophie whispered in line at the schoolyard.

“No talking,” said the girls’ line monitor.

It was time to go in. Rachel whispered, “I did. Tell you about it later.”

As the row monitors checked for clean fingernails and handkerchiefs, Rachel daydreamed about her roses. She could almost see them shining on her skirt. It was only the beginning of the day and already she couldn’t wait for school to be over.

She felt a tug at her hair.

“Wake up,” Izzy whispered. “Where’s your hanky?”

Rachel reached into her pocket. It was empty. Where was her handkerchief? She checked her notebook and her desk. It wasn’t there. Then she remembered—it was tucked around a penny in her dresser drawer.

“What is the delay, Isadore?” Miss Conway said.

“Um, er, Rachel is looking for her handkerchief, Miss Conway.”

“Speak clearly, please. Is Rachel prepared today or is she not?”

“I forgot my handkerchief, Miss Conway,” Rachel said.

“I believe I asked Isadore. You are the row monitor?”

“Yes, Miss Conway.”

“Then I repeat, is Rachel prepared?”

“No, Miss Conway.”

Rachel hung her head as Miss Conway put a demerit in her book.

“You will stay after school, Rachel, and wash the board.” Miss Conway looked around the room. “Is anyone else unprepared?” she asked.

Rachel hoped someone else would have to wash the board with her. It would take less time. The room was silent. The board was all hers.

Miss Conway marked papers at her desk after school while Rachel washed the chalky white dust off the front blackboard. She was halfway through when Sophie peeked in.

“Tell Bubbie I’ll be late,” Rachel whispered.

“This is not a social hour, Miss Berger,” said Miss Conway.

Rachel worked as quickly as she could but Miss Conway was fussy. Even a tiny square of chalk dust meant another trip to the janitor’s sink down the hall.

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