Strange Relations by Sonia Levitin

Author:Sonia Levitin [Levitin Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-375-89174-8
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2007-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

“Put it on the list,” Esti squealed, hopping up and down, pulling on Marne's arm. “Purple ribbons. And some glitter.”

“I don't need a list, Esti,” Marne said, biting her lip. It was exasperating. Going to the mall with Becca turned out to be major. First Chaya had to make a list of everything they were supposed to look for. Chaya and her lists! Post-it lists were stuck onto the telephone, the cupboards, and the walls, everything from grocery lists to people who needed phone calls because they were sick or lonely or coming for Shabbos.

“Does your mom want you to have glitter?”

“Why not?” said Chaya, rushing in with the baby on her hip. “Yossi, come on, honey. You and Bennie are going for your checkup. Yossi, bring Mama's diaper bag, that's a good boy. Jonathan, help Nissim with his model while we're gone. Twins, you have a playdate with Leslie. Her mom is coming for you. Get your shoes on, Esti! Come on, let's get this show on the road!”

At last they were settled in the car, and Marne shoved the list into her shoulder bag, a large, multicolored patchwork. Becca, sitting beside her, jiggled with anticipation, smoothing back her hair, lifting and replacing her headband constantly.

“Have you got your wallet?” Chaya asked as she left them off.

“Yes, Mom. I'll have Marne keep it in her bag.”

“Fine. Now, we'll meet you back here in exactly two hours. This entrance. Remember it.”

“Don't worry, Chaya,” Marne said. “We'll be here.”

“And don't forget Esti's ribbons, please. She's been driving me crazy.”

“We'll get everything, I promise,” Marne said, hoping they would find all the stuff on that list: a pacifier for the baby, a bathing suit for Elias, two beach towels to replace those that the campers had ruined, some pieces of lace, red thread or string, a large package of beads … The list was ridiculous, Marne thought, but it was worth it to get away for a couple of hours. And Becca was excited.

“Let's go for me first,” Becca said. She ran to the directory to locate her favorite boutique. “Here, it's on the third floor. Hurry!”

“Let's take the elevator,” Marne said. “Since you're in a hurry.”

“Okay.”

The elevator skimmed down, the doors slid open, and a horde of people emerged. Someone called out, “Marne! What are you doing here?”

She whirled around, and immediately her heart hammered as Jeff hurried in beside her. His hair was curly and sun-streaked, rather longer than before, and he was wearing a pale yellow T-shirt that set off his tan, and cargo shorts with rows of small pockets down his legs. “I'll ride up with you,” he offered, smiling broadly.

“I thought you just came down.”

“Now I'm going up! How great to see you.”

A song poured out from the speakers, matching Marne's joyful mood. It was as if she had been waiting for him, and now he stood right beside her. “Where have you been?” she said. “I never see you on the beach anymore.” She hoped she didn't sound too whiny, as if she owned him or something.

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