Read Online The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson - Free Book Online

face those boys again.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. Did he know? “My school’s closed,” I mumbled.
    â€œDoesn’t matter,” Jackie said. “Let’s go.”
    We walked slowly, without words, for the first few minutes.
    â€œAnything on your mind?” Jackie asked me.
    I covered my mouth with my hands and coughed. “Maybe,” I replied.
    â€œWant to talk about it?”
    â€œUh . . . There are some boys at the school yard who aren’t very nice,” I said.
    â€œTell me more,” he pressed.
    I stopped walking and faced Jackie. “You know, don’t you?”
    â€œSort of,” he replied. “Sena’s mother called your mom, who told Rachel . . . well, you understand. But I’d like to hear the story from you,” Jackie said.
    â€œGot into a fight,” I admitted. Then I gave Jackie the blow-by-blow.
    â€œYou’re not a sissy, Steve,” Jackie said flat out. “But there are better ways to fight back, especially when you’re outnumbered and much younger. Can you think of a better way to handle a verbal attack?”
    â€œI’m not strong like you, Jackie,” I protested.
    â€œYes, you are, Steve. Every situation is different, but in general, punching someone who has verbally attacked you will only make things worse. The bee sting was unfortunate and bad timing, but it wasn’t your fault. Your attackers were looking for a fight. If you can, take the high road next time. You missed the ball. It happens. You strike out. The important thing is to get back up and do your best. And as for the glove,” Jackie chuckled. “That was my mistake to give you a mitt intended for a man twice your size. Sorry about that. I meant for you to keep it safely in your room. Maybe show it to your friends, but it’s not for you to play with now. Besides, it’s meant for baseball, not softball.”
    I laughed so hard that all the tension left my body. “You’re right about that!” I said. “But, Jackie, those boys had no right talking bad about you.”
    â€œI can handle it, Steve. Please don’t try to defend me. I’ve heard a lot worse. Besides, I did come back to work overweight. It’s up to me to get back to my playing shape. I’m almost there,” Jackie said. “So should we pay those boys a visit?”
    â€œYou mean go over to the school yard?” I asked.
    â€œThat’s right,” Jackie replied.
    â€œWow! You mean you and me?”
    Our slow walk up Tilden Avenue was interrupted every couple of feet by autograph seekers. Jackie was patient and polite to all the kids. I stood four feet two inches, but I grew taller with each step. By the time we reached school, I felt ten feet tall.
    The softball game was breaking up as we approached the field. The kids who’d been mean to me an hour ago now stood silently. When the shock wore off, they flocked around Jackie.
    I stepped back, but Jackie grabbed my arm and pulled me to his side. We were a pair. I beamed up at him. We were friends. As the realization sank in, I relaxed.
That’s it!
I thought.
Jackie Robinson has become my friend.
    Jackie’s face eased into his signature broad, warm smile. “I was hanging out with my friend Steve, and he suggested that I come by and meet you all,” Jackie told the kids.
    â€œReally?” one of the boys asked.
    â€œWe didn’t mean to chase Steve away,” another said, and several chimed in.
    â€œYou don’t look fat, Jackie,” a chubby boy suggested.
    â€œShut up,” one of the big boys warned.
    â€œNo need for that,” Jackie chastised the boy. “He’s right. For the first half of the season, I was overweight. It affected my playing. I’m known for my speed on the base path and for stealing bases. It’s hard to be daring and fast when you’re out of shape. My weight’s almost back where I need to