A Wall of Light - Edeet Ravel [27]
I don’t know which chair I would choose. I think the chair for two to curl up in. Maybe on different days I could sit in different chairs.
The reason we don’t have television here is the same reason we don’t have makeup or made-up hair. Pioneers don’t get fooled so easily.
One time in Canada Mummy took me to a department store and all of a sudden she said can you keep a secret Dori? And I said yes. And she said you have to promise never ever ever to tell anyone. I said I promise. Usually I’m not good at keeping secrets but I decided to keep this one no matter what. She said I’m going to try on that makeup. There were two women dressed like nurses putting makeup on for free. Mummy said I want to see what it feels like to be a real woman. Even I knew that was a silly thing to say.
Mummy sat in a chair and the two women put makeup on her face. I sat next to one of the mannequins and looked at the perfume bottles. Some were blue but most were plain glass. I love little bottles.
When the two women finished Mummy said thank you and we went to the bathroom. She tried to wash everything off but it wasn’t easy. Some of the makeup was stuck on. Mummy said they put on way too much—I look like I’m wearing a mask.
I never told anyone our secret and I never will as long as I live.
Thy Neck with Chains of Gold
ELI knocks on RITA’s door and enters without waiting for a reply. He is preoccupied. He carries a radio and his work assignment board.
ELI
I can’t finish the work assignments in the office.
Everyone comes in and gives me arguments. May I …
RITA
Of course.
ELI
The radio’s for you. It’s your turn this week.
RITA
Are you sure?
ELI
That’s what the Members’ Committee told me.
RITA
Thanks, Eli.
ELI
(manipulating the cards on the board as he speaks)
Deena wants two work days in the laundry. She’ll get
one because Dudi has to tie grape vines. There’ll be
carpentry tomorrow—Shmulik will spray the orchard.
Marina in sanitation—no, I promised her shabat.
Jonah—chickens. Morty will deliver the laundry and
kerosene to the nurseries and then he’ll help in the
garage. Benjamin, store-house. Sammy—sheep. Ricky
will clear rocks from field number 6 along with Tova,
no—she’s sick. The three Danish kids can help him.
What’ll I do with Peretz? Two left hands, three left feet
… let him continue in the library. And Paula mending
and ironing and that’s it.
RITA
You couldn’t let me have a few hours’ help tomorrow,
could you?
ELI
I’m afraid not. We have five extra people on guard
tonight. (Looks at chart, then at her) Well … Paula
doesn’t have to iron all day.
RITA
(hugs him) Thank you, Eli.
ELI
(to MICHAEL) You’d better look at this—you’re not driv-
ing for a couple of days. Marina told me it’s too hard on
her.
MICHAEL
Oh she did, did she?
ELI
I put you down for work on the kibbutz until Effie’s
well.
MICHAEL
This is ridiculous.
ELI
Marina’s falling off her feet. She can’t work properly.
MICHAEL
So you’re concerned with her work, not with the kid.
ELI
The child is the educational committee’s concern. (looks
at RITA)
RITA
Effie would be very happy—if his father were home
sometimes.
ELI
So Moishi will drive.
(RITA turns on the radio)
MICHAEL
But I’m the driver!
ELI
Maybe I’ll take you off the road for good. Some people
think you ought to work on the farm for a change.
MICHAEL
I work more hours than anyone on this kibbutz! Last
week I spent three days chasing around for building
materials which we didn’t have money to buy. I also
finagled all that feed for the sheep. I swiped two broken
army jeeps and Matty fixed them up so they’re good
as new. I’m not only the best driver around here, I also
have initiative, and you know it.
(The radio plays instrumental rock and roll music.)
ELI
Please change the station.
MICHAEL
This music too bourgeois for you?
RITA
Sure, Eli.
MICHAEL
So