The Two-Family House(42)

Finally the principal stood and tapped the microphone at the podium. When they were done hearing from him, the school district superintendent and a multitude of class officers, they still had to suffer through the presentation of student awards by Vice Principal Kaplan. There was an award for service to the school, service to the community and another for the best scholar-athlete. By then, Rose was more than ready for the ceremony to end. She groaned silently as another speaker she did not recognize stepped up to the podium. “Good morning. My name is Abigail Morhardt, and I am the college counselor for William Wheeler High School.” Her name sounds familiar, Rose thought, but she couldn’t place it.

The attractive woman in the elegant cream suit continued, “Principal Singer asked me to present the final award to the valedictorian of this year’s graduating class. For three years, I have had the pleasure of watching this young woman develop her academic talents. After reading one of her freshman essays, I knew that she was a very special student. She has managed to complete all school course requirements in only three years, and I am so pleased that she will be continuing her journey this fall at City College. Ladies and gentlemen, I am thrilled to announce the valedictorian of the class of 1952: Judith Berman. Judith, please join me at the podium to accept your award.”

Rose looked over at Mort, hoping he wouldn’t be angry that they hadn’t known about the award beforehand. Mort didn’t look upset, but his face was difficult to read. He was straining his neck, trying to get a glimpse of Judith, but the graduates were sitting in alphabetical order at the front of the gymnasium and it took Judith a few minutes to make her way out of the crowd. When Rose finally saw Judith, she was relieved. The look of shock on her daughter’s face was unmistakable. It was clear she had no idea about the award. Rose watched as Mort leaned back in his chair.

When Judith finally made it to the podium, Mrs. Morhardt shook her hand vigorously and whispered something in her ear. Judith smiled shyly and cleared her throat into the microphone. “This is a tremendous surprise and a great honor. Thank you all so much.” Principal Singer stepped forward and handed Judith a wooden plaque, which she carried with her on the way back to her seat.

Teddy was clapping vigorously for his sister, even though he had no idea why. He slid off Rose’s lap and clapped until Rose told him to shush. “I told her she should have let me do her hair this morning,” Mimi whispered under her breath. “But did she let me? No…”

Rose silenced her with a glance, and Mimi went back to her compact mirror. Dinah had woken up just as Judith was headed back to her seat and wanted to know what she had missed. “Your sister was given an award for being the valedictorian,” Rose told her.

“What does ‘valedictorian’ mean?” Dinah asked.

“It means she’s the smartest one of all of them,” Mimi said.

Mimi loved to tease, so Dinah wasn’t sure if this was true. “Is that right, Papa?” she asked Mort. “Is Judith really the smartest?”

The entire family turned to Mort for his answer. “Statistically, she has the highest grade point average,” he answered.

“What does that mean?” Dinah asked again. Mimi, sensing her father’s impatience, pulled her sister aside and whispered loudly, “It means she’s the smartest. Now stop asking questions.”

After the last diploma was handed out, the graduates and their families filtered out of their seats and reunited on the small grassy area in front of the school. Rose was happy to be outside, but the boost to her mood was overshadowed by what she saw next. Nearly all the girls were holding small bouquets given to them after the ceremony by their families. Several were holding their bouquets in front of them like bridesmaids as they posed for photographs with friends. Rose felt guilty and then increasingly annoyed. How could she have known she was supposed to buy Judith a bouquet? Why had no one bothered to tell her?

A few moments later Mimi was waving to her cousin. “Happy graduation, Harry!” she called out. Harry, joined by the rest of his family, was walking toward them. Judith appeared at the same time, carrying her plaque, and Rose watched as Harry swooped her up in a congratulatory embrace. “Wow! You’re the valedictorian! Can you believe it? That’s fantastic!” Judith wasn’t used to so much attention—she was speechless. Abe hugged Judith next. Rose didn’t notice the small bouquet of yellow roses Helen was holding until her sister-in-law planted it firmly in her own hands. Rose turned to Helen, confused, but Helen motioned for Rose to be silent and take the bouquet. Helen wanted Rose to give it to Judith.

When Abe finally let Judith go and she saw the bouquet her mother was holding, her eyes welled up with tears. “I didn’t think anyone would remember my graduation bouquet. I know it’s a silly tradition, but it’s so beautiful.” Judith kissed her mother on the cheek. “Thank you, Mother, thank you!”

Rose accepted the kiss and the embrace that accompanied it. She had never seen Judith look happier, but she wasn’t able to enjoy it. Helen had come to her rescue yet again, this time with the bouquet. No matter the occasion, Helen always seemed to be one step ahead of her. The move to their new home, Rose decided, couldn’t come fast enough.





Chapter 32





HELEN


They moved a few days after the graduation. Helen had been packing for weeks, and every night Abe brought home a few more boxes for her. “Perk of the job,” he’d say when he carried them through the door. The boys groaned, but Natalie laughed every time.