Too distracted by cooking breakfast, Marta did not hear Ezra and Atalia talking. She glanced up occasionally and saw the two were obviously speaking, but it was in hushed tones and their heads were low. Obviously they didn’t want Marta to hear. And she understood, but it also sat heavy on her heart. She did not doubt Ezra’s love, or worry that he would suddenly leave her for Atalia. But the two have known each other their whole lives. They were best friends; Atalia knew things about Ezra that she may never know. She even probably knew how to make him feel better sometimes than she did. Marta hoped one day she could know Ezra as well as Atalia, but for now, she accepted that even if she was the one who was in Ezra’s arms at night, she was the third wheel in this situation.

Marta finished the malawach, proud that they appeared to look almost like Edith’s. They were a little smaller in shape, but the coloring was right and smelled right. She put it all onto the plate, took out the tomato paste sauce used on top and carried it over to the table. She set it down, before running back into the kitchen to get everyone plates and utensils.

She sat down, feeling a little jittery because she was nervous. “I hope it is ok. I know it won’t be as good as your mother’s” she said glancing over at Ezra, smiling gently, “But I understand if you don’t want to eat it.”

It is still so hard to believe how much her life has changed just in a month. Last month, she had ever meal prepared for her, she was driven wherever she needed, she had her clothes cleaned for her and she hadn’t a care in the world. Now, she was cooking not only for herself, but other people. She helped Edith with the laundry, and cleaning around the house. And if she wanted to get anywhere, it was on her own two feet or the bus. But now that she was officially cut off from her parents, she would have to be more careful with the little money she had managed to save and keep on her. 

She ate her food, impressing herself a little. It didn’t taste bad, and it seemed to be cooked right, so she mentally patted herself on the back. She glanced over at the books Atalia brought before looking across the table at Atalia, “I would love your help with the books Atalia. I know that the journey a Jewish girl takes to become a woman is different. Bless Ezra’s heart, he has tried to explain it, but he is a little less knowledgeable in that area.”

Atalia smiled gently, “Of course Marta. Us ladies need to stick together.”