Free The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson Page B

Mom said that her husband needed to take some romance lessons from Jackie. The two mothers laughed a long time over that one.
    I told my father about the conversation between Mom and Rachel. Dad reminded me that since he worked in Manhattan, he didn’t need to write his wife love letters. I had to agree. My father worked long hours, but he came home every night. I counted myself lucky.
    On August 29, Jackie “hit for the cycle” with a home run, a triple, a double, and then a single in the same game! Jackie also stole a base, scored three runs, and knocked in two others. Seven wins in a row sent the Dodgers into first place. Boy, did we celebrate that night!
    The new school year started up after Labor Day. A new class and a new teacher!
    After a few tough breaks, the Dodgers ended their season in third place. We were heartbroken about their missing the playoffs. I refused to cry, but it took me a whole day before I could even talk about how sad I felt.
    Sena and I were on our way home from school. We’d been fourth graders for a whole month. As we turned onto our block, I spotted Jackie.
    â€œHi, Steve,” Jackie said as we walked toward him. “Is this your friend Sena?”
    â€œSure is.”
    â€œNice to finally meet you, Sena,” Jackie said, extending his right hand to her. “Steve talks about you all the time.”
    â€œHe talks to me about you, too, Mr. Robinson. You’re his hero,” Sena said.
    â€œI’m his friend, Sena,” Jackie replied, rubbing my shoulder. “How’s fourth grade?” he asked.
    â€œPretty tough. A lot more homework,” we told him.
    â€œDo you see much of Miss Maliken?”
    â€œI pass her in the hall every day,” I replied. “She asked if you were still my neighbor. She told me to keep up the good work.”
    â€œSena, did you have trouble with Miss Maliken last year, too?” Jackie asked.
    â€œYou bet,” Sena replied. “She had a right to be tough on us.”
    â€œFrom the stories Steve told me, I guess you’re correct.”
    â€œWere you okay with the Dodgers’ record this season?” Sena asked.
    â€œMy only disappointment was that we ended up in third place. We could have done better.”
    â€œBut you led the league in hits, doubles, triples, total bases, and runs scored. Plus, you were rated the best second baseman in the National League. You’ve got to be happy with those statistics,” I reminded Jackie.
    â€œBaseball’s a team sport,” Jackie replied. “No individual player can rest on his performance alone. Our team had a chance to be first and we blew it.”
    â€œWhat’s next for you?” Sena asked.
    Jackie rested his hands on his hips and stared down at Sena and me. “One thing for sure,” he said, “I won’t be eating as much as I did the last winter break.”
    Sena and I cracked up.
    â€œAre you and Rachel going to California to see your families?”
    â€œNot this year, Steve. We’re staying in New York. Campy and I are going barnstorming for a month. We’ll be playing with a Negro League team, the New York Cubans. But we’ll be back in New York by November to work at the Harlem YMCA.”
    â€œPhew,” I said, relieved. “I thought you’d be away for months.”
    Jackie smiled down at me. “As a matter of fact, Rachel and I have decided to plant some roots here in New York.”
    â€œWhat does that mean?” I asked, feeling happy and hopeful that the Robinsons would remain my neighbors.
    â€œWe’re house hunting. It’s time we bought a house with a yard so Jackie can play outside.”
    â€œYou mean you’re moving off Tilden Avenue?” I asked.
    â€œAt some point,” Jackie replied. I couldn’t believe it. Jackie and I had just become friends and now there was a chance he might move away? I was crushed, but I didn’t want Jackie to see