those unhappy teenagers
As Boobala entered her teens, Mildred became a protective bear, not allowing her to have any friends, boys or girls, except Myrtle Weinstein, a daughter of one of the members who attended her synagogue. Because the Finkenbergs were financially secure, they were able to provide her daughter with comforts and pleasures without spoiling her.
They also tried to instill in him the desire to learn. Mildred decided to hire private tutors to enhance Boobala’s learning experience. She was preparing Boobala for the future acquisition of Finkenberg’s Clothing Company. Whenever she had the chance, Mildred would send her daughter to the store to work with her father after school to learn the trade while she mingled with the customers. Mrs. Finkenberg knew that her daughter was extremely unattractive, though quite intelligent, and she believed that she would make a devoted wife to any man. They hoped that one day Boobala would marry someone wealthy, or at least a professional, who would provide for her daughter well after they left.
At seventeen, Boobala was a serious and calm person. She remained very private as she secretly struggled with self-esteem issues. It didn’t matter that she had the highest grades in her class or that she had a best friend who liked her. She always fought for the unattainable.
Boobala was an extremely unhappy person with no social life. In his solitude, he immersed himself in fiction books. Romance novels were mostly at the top of his list. His eyes sparkled with passion as he fantasized about the person he imagined himself to be and the life he would like to have. He sometimes visualized himself on a cruise ship with a tall, dark, handsome captain acting like Prince Charming to him. Ahh, it was so peaceful to imagine being held in her arms. She wouldn’t dare tell Myrtle about her fantasies for fear of being ridiculed. This was her secret and it embarrassed her. How she wished she could go on a real cruise to the Bahamas, but that wasn’t possible. Mom and Dad never went anywhere because they were always working in the store. It was a dream she would never give up on. “Someday,” she told herself, “someday I’ll go.”
Her only friend, Myrtle, talked constantly whenever they were together. It seemed as if Boobala could never utter a word. That was fine though, he didn’t care, since he wasn’t what you’d call a talkative person. Besides, her life was so boring that she didn’t have much to say. He adored his friend Myrtle, who was a very sweet person. Her happy disposition was contagious.
Myrtle was so captivating and graceful. Sometimes, Boobala secretly wished he could be like her. Myrtle loved to imitate, and Boobala could never resist laughing out loud at the way she did her impressions. How different these two intellectual girls were from each other. Myrtle was tall and slim. Her golden curls framed her delicate features. She had large hazel eyes that sparkled. She was not only charismatic, she was also exceptionally beautiful and funny.
Boobala, a brunette with dark hair, was slightly stocky and of medium height. Her shoulder-length wavy hair was always pulled back in a ponytail. She was not wearing makeup or jewelry. Her hazel eyes looked small behind her black-rimmed glasses. From time to time, a frown would appear between her bushy eyebrows, which added to her serious nature. Her clothes were too big and unflattering. She was, simply put, a homebody. Her rare smile changed the simplicity of her features, making her momentarily pretty, but not pretty enough. Myrtle understood Boobala and knew her better than anyone.
No.: 3 (6-5-2011)
To Be Continued: Part 3 of 9 Boobala Darling Wins a Cruise