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

third-grade class and felt left out. “How come you didn’t get my class tickets, too?” she pouted on our way home from school.
    â€œGee whiz, Sena! I didn’t forget you. Miss Maliken saved you two tickets so your mother can come with you.”
    â€œYippee!” Sena shouted right there in the hallway leading to our classrooms.
    â€œWhen the game starts, I can sit with Mrs. Robinson or with my class.”
    â€œIf I were you, I’d stay with Mrs. Robinson,” Sena suggested. “Her seats will be better.”
    The morning of June 24, I was up early. Mom and I walked over to the Robinsons’ home and found Jackie Senior playing stoopball with little Jackie.
    â€œGood morning,” Jackie called out as we approached.
    â€œGood morning,” Mom and I said in unison. I continued to play stoopball with little Jackie while Jackie Senior and my mom talked out plans for the day.
    â€œAre you excited?” Rachel asked after she came outside and Mom headed back home.
    â€œCouldn’t even sleep!” I answered, lifting Jackie Junior into the air.
    â€œEvie.” Jackie Junior giggled as I swung him around and around until my arms ached. “Down,” he said.
    I set little Jackie down. “Did you hear that the subway fare is going up to a dime on July first?” I asked.
    â€œI heard,” Jackie replied. “But we’re not taking the subway today.”
    â€œWe’re not?”
    â€œIt’s a special day,” Jackie replied. “We’re taking a cab to Ebbets Field,” Jackie Senior told Rachel. “Steve, hold Jackie’s hand while I grab us a cab.”
    A few minutes later, we piled into the backseat. Mr. Robinson pulled his son onto his lap. I sat between Rachel and Jackie as though I was a member of their family.
    We reached the player entrance and hopped out of the car.
    â€œOnce we’re on the field, I’ll send for you,” Jackie said as he leaned in for a kiss from Rachel. “Steve, we’ll get you down to the dugout before the game starts. I’ll get a ball so you can get a few autographs. Sound good?” Jackie asked.
    â€œYou bet.” I was smiling so much my cheeks ached.
    Jackie smiled back at me. “Shouldn’t be a problem,” he replied, lifting Jackie Junior up so he could give him a kiss. “Wish Daddy luck.” Little Jackie leaned over and planted a kiss on his dad’s cheek. “That’s my boy.”
    Â 
    Jackie rushed off to the clubhouse to change into his uniform. And Rachel hurried us through the turnstile and into the belly of the ballpark. Our seats were several rows up from the Dodgers dugout. I could hear the players joking around with one another.
    I couldn’t stay in my seat. Luckily, neither could Jackie Junior. It was so early that the stadium was practically empty. Jackie Junior and I stood in our row and tossed a ball to each other. A couple of times the ball got away from us. Little Jackie clapped and jumped up and down.
    â€œEnough,” Rachel scolded the third time it happened.
    Jackie cried out in protest until his mom hoisted him onto her knees and pointed to his father on the field.
    The Dodgers were wrapping up their batting practice when we were escorted down to the Dodgers dugout. The players stopped by to greet Rachel and tickle Jackie Junior while I collected autographs from Arky Vaughan, Preacher Roe, and Gil Hodges.
    â€œGee, thanks” was all I could think of to say.
    While the Pittsburgh Pirates took batting practice, Rachel got us hot dogs and orange juice. We brought bags of peanuts back to our seats in time for the start of the first game. I yelled from the moment the Brooklyn Dodgers took to the field. In the bottom of the first inning, Jackie hit a line drive into the right field, stole third base, and scored.
    Rachel turned to me and said, “You and your class are bringing Jack good luck!”
    â€œI hope