Shelter Kid
By: Jon Stewart
(© 2021 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

jstewart@tickiestories.us

Chapter 8

Pops brought Josh to Hopewell High School. He spoke briefly with the clerk. They said Josh needed to be tested so they would know what classes to put him in. Pops went over the testing with Josh and left.

Josh was brought to an empty classroom and waited for the teacher. Another much bigger kid came in as well.

"Are you a new kid, too?"

Josh "Yup that's me ... new kid, two."

The bigger boy smiled at Josh's lame joke, but he was studying Josh intently.

"Say, did you ever play CYO basketball for St Francis in Queens."

"Yeah, I did a couple years ago. How did you know?"

"You don't recognize me, do you? I'm Jesse, Mr. Inside. You're Mr. Outside, Josh Fitzgerald."

"Wow, who would have guessed. What, are you doing here?"

"My dad's work got transferred here to Jersey. So, we moved out of the city. He picked Hopewell, because the schools are good here, and they have a pretty good basketball program. Do you still play?  Whatever happened to you? "

Josh fumbled a little bit. But then remembered Jesse was really a good kid. So, he thought he would man up and tell the story."

"My grandma lost her house a couple years ago. After that happened, we had no place to live. We were homeless. After a month or so, we got into a homeless shelter. It wasn't too clean, but we each had a bed and were off the streets. So, we lived that way for almost two years, until grandma died a little before Christmas. The shelter director, a really nice guy, called his Dad to see if I could stay with him. That's where I am now. Pops is like the grandfather I never had. So, no, I haven't played basketball in two years. I would like to play again. “Pops says;” Josh laughed a bit "Pops says it's like jerking off, you never forget how."

Jesse laughed at the jerking off part too. But inside his heart was aching for his old friend. Here he was now a 6 foot 1 and 165 pounds pretty much all teen-age muscle. Josh was still 5 foot 6 inches like he was two years ago. If anything, he looked like he lost weight. He thought I guess being homeless can do that to a guy. Jeez, he looks like a stiff wind could knock him over.

"My Dad said he was going to talk to the freshman coach to see if I could have a tryout to join the team. Do you want me to have him ask for you, as well?"

"Jeez, I don't know if I'm ready. I haven't touched a basketball in a long time."

"Come on, tryout with me. At least, give me some moral support."

Josh not wanting to let an old friend and hopefully a new one down relented.

"OK, but if I get embarrassed, you got to stick up for me."

"Hey, when we played CYO, you always stuck up for me. I can't forget that. You always said it was me, who got you the shot. Hey, we are both new kids; we got to stick together. I promise nobody will give you shit or for sure, I'll pound them."

"Jeez, Jesse, don't get violent now."

"Well, you know what I mean. It's good that you are here, now. I just want you to know, you can count on me."

"Thanks, Jesse, I'm glad you are here too. You can be new kid one."

The teacher, actually student advisor, Mrs. Martin, came in and administered the placement tests and snuck in an IQ test.

Jesse placed at grade level and was approved for all college prep courses with average to above average intelligence. Josh tests came back crazy. A year or more below grade level, but intelligence was tapping on genius. Jesse was given class assignments and told to join his math class. The teacher held Josh back.

"I want you to take the tests again, Josh."

"Something wrong, you don't think I cheated, do you?"

 "Oh no, Josh, you are an exceptionally bright young man, as a matter of fact, some would grade you a genius. But your grade level is way below where we are at here. Why do you think that is? Yet, your records all indicate an A plus student."

"The school I went to in the city was so easy. I mean stupid easy. I never had to study and always got 100's on the tests. I never thought they were good teachers but my grandma said it was the only school, I could go to."

Mrs. Martin, thought a bit about what to do. Perplexed she asked Josh.

"Well, we have remedial classes which you could take and for sure you would get up to grade with them or you can go into the college prep classes and be behind and playing catch up. What do you think is best?"

"I don't suppose I would get extra help in the college prep courses. Would I?"

"Probable not as much as you would need."

Josh's brain was working overtime, and then it hit him.

"What about, I take the remedial on an accelerated schedule while also being given the college prep assignments. That way I won't fall farther behind, then, when I'm up to grade you transfer me in. Could you test me every week to see when I can get out of the remedial? I'll probably get bored out of my mind. I've never had a problem with school work, Mrs. Martin. "

"Well, that is a very ambitious program. But if you think you can do it, I'll see if it can be arranged. According to your intelligence score you can handle it, but it will mean a lot of extra work to catch up."

"Mrs. Martin, you got to understand where I'm coming from. My parents were in an accident when I was 8, both died. So, I went to live with my grandmother, then when I was 12 the bank foreclosed on her house and we were homeless. We got into the shelter system in New York city and lived there for 2two years. Just before Christmas my grandma died. If it wasn't for the kind shelter director and his father, I would be in some half way house getting the crap beat out of me every day. It will be a pleasure to have extra work to get a good education and I know my Pops will help me all he can."

Mrs. Martin now understood all that wasn't on the school forms. She made a commitment to herself to always be there for this special and brave young man. She set up a schedule for Josh, with remedial subjects, and immediately sent notices to all the college prep teachers that she wanted a schedule of assignments and course material (books, etc.), for a new student. She sent a notice to all the remedial teachers that Josh was to be given an accelerated course and he was to be tested weekly by her. Without going into a lot of detail, she said Josh was easily very qualified to be taking college prep courses but due to his past school's poor performance was behind in grade level. But she expected him to be at grade level in a month or two, at most, with an accelerated program.

Josh found Jesse at lunch, and as expected the only class they had together was gym, but they also had homeroom together. They were both disappointed. Josh told Jesse the situation with his classes. Jesse said he could help him because they both had the same college prep classes, where Josh would only get the assignments. They arranged to always have lunch together so, Jesse could bring Josh up to date on the college prep classes. They exchanged phone numbers, as well.

Just before the final bell, Mrs. Martin had Josh report to her. She had a stack of books on her desk, as well as the assignment for the coming week from all the college prep teachers. She told Josh she would coordinate getting his assignments to the teachers. She said, he could drop them off any day after final bell. She was always there at least an hour past final bell and if he needed any help at all, he was to tell her. She said if she found out he needed help and didn't ask, he would be in big trouble.

Josh got a text from Pops that he was there to pick him up. With the load of books, he had to carry, Josh was most grateful.

Jesse's Mom, was there to get him as well.

"She asked how it went."

"You know Mom, sometimes, you forget how good you have it. If I ever complain again, KICK ME OR SOMETHING."

"Why Jesse, what happened?"

"Do you remember a kid on the 5th & 6th grade, St Francis CYO team, Josh Fitzgerald? "

"Sorry Jesse, I don't think so"

"Remember he was Mr. Outside and I was Mr. Inside. Jeez, at the end of a game he never, never missed a shot. When everyone was congratulating him, he always said it was me, who got him the ball."

"Oh yeah Jess, he was very good and such a good team player."

"Well, I meet up with him today. We are both new and took the placement tests together. He is orphaned; his parents died when he was 8; he lived with his grandmother; she lost their house; he's been homeless, living in a city shelter for the past two years. Now his grandmother just died on him as well. He hasn't grown at all; if anything, he's lost weight. The school he went to didn't teach up to grade level here, now he has to take remedial courses, as well as try to do college prep assignments so he won't fall behind in the college prep while he catches up with the remedial. I just feel so bad for him, every break has gone against him."

"Wow, he's certainly had it hard. How did he land here is Hopewell?'

"The shelter director, set it up for his Dad to take him. He says he's the grandfather he never had, ‘til now."

"Well, that is a good thing Jess. I know you will be his friend and look out for him. Anyway, we can help, you just tell me or your Dad."

"I told him, I would ask dad, to ask if he could have a tryout, too, when he asks for me. But I'm not sure if that is a good thing. I'm guessing he's only 115 maybe, at most 120 pounds. Kids will knock him over like a feather."

"Why don't you talk to him some more before you talk to Dad. Make sure it's something, he is really ready to do. If he still can shoot like he did in grammar school, maybe there's a place for him. If he hasn't touched a basketball in all that time he might need to practice."

"Good idea. I'll call him later."

Pops asked how Josh's first day went.

"Well, remember the kid I told you about that I played basketball with, Jesse. Guess what, he's a new kid too, just like me."

"Really, so you already have a friend."

"So that was the good thing. I didn't do so good on the placement test, but I tested genius on the on the intelligence test."

"Really, I'm living with a genius? That sounds strange. I looked at your record and you got straight A's in every course."

"Yeah, it seems that the city school was not teaching to the grade level of Hopewell High School. So, I have to take remedial courses, and do the college prep assignments on my own. It's the best way until I catch up. It was my plan and Mrs. Martin agreed to it. I'll be tested every week and be moved into college prep as soon I catch up. She thinks, no more than 2 months. I’m hoping, if I really am genius IQ, I should be able to do it in a month and then be in the same classes as Jesse. He said he would go over the assignments with me at lunch, which will be a help."

 "Well, let me know any way I can help. Of course, you can use the computer whenever you need to and maybe I'm not so old that I can't look up stuff for you."

"Thanks Pops, I told Mrs. Martin, you would help. She's a nice lady and I think she kind of likes me, especially after I told her my story."

"How so?"

"Well, she was acting like I couldn't do it. So, I told her where I came from and that working the two course studies would be a pleasure compared to what I've already been through. That's how I got her to agree."

"Good for you Josh; I’m happy, you were able to speak up for yourself."

"I told Jesse what you said about basketball."

"That it was just like riding a bike and you would never forget."

"Nope, that you said it was just like jerking off and you never forget how once you learn."

"Jeez Josh, for sure he thinks I'm a pervert."

"No, he was falling down drunk, from laughing."

"He talked me into trying out for the team. His Dad is gonna talk to the coach. Pops, you know he's 6 foot 1 and 165 lbs. If the other kids on the team are his size, they'll send me back to grammar school."

"Like I said, we need to put some muscle on you. What do you think? Wanna be like the kid who slew Goliath. What was his name?"

"Pops you having a senior moment, David, of course."

"Right David, do you feel like you have some David in you?"

"You know David practiced a lot with that sling shot. I haven't touched a ball in two years."

"Maybe just for the experience, so you'll know what it's like next year."

"I'll think about it. That's another thing, I don't know if I'll have time for it with all the book leaning."

Later that night, Josh and Pops were hard at Josh's studies when Jesse called."

"Hey, what's up?"

"Homework, the remedial was silly easy, but the college stuff keeps making references, to stuff I don't know."

"Yeah, I can see that would be a problem."

"I’m driving Pops crazy looking up this and that but he's doing it really good. He sure does know his way around search engines."

"So how come you called?"

"I was just thinking about the basketball tryout and I kind of pressured you into doing it. You sure, it's something you want to do?"

"What's the matter, Mr. Inside, think I'll show you up?"

"I would love to have you do that. You were always the better shooter."

"Well, BS aside, I was having second thoughts. I got all this school work and if all the kids are kinda like your size, they'll want to send me back to grammar school. "

"I don't know how big they are but probably smaller than me. When my Dad talked to the coach before we decided to more here, he said they were looking for a good strong forward or maybe even center. If I make it, I want to be a forward. Anyway, that's gotta be the biggest positions on the team."

"Do you think, I could think about it until tomorrow. Pops said I might go for it, just to find out what the tryout is all about. Even if I don't make it, I can be there to root for you. Jesse, I haven't shot a basketball in two years."

"Ok, sure. My Dad said he was going to call the coach tomorrow night."

"Hey Jesse, thanks for the call. You're a good friend. I'm so glad you are new kid one."

"OK new kid 2, I'll see you tomorrow at home room. I think we have gym together, too."

Josh went back to his studies. Pops had him quit at 10pm and watch a little TV.

"Thanks for your help tonight, Pops. I don't think I'll be able to do this without you."

"Hey kid, that's what I'm here for. It was fun, but I don't have to worry about getting a grade, you do."

Josh was pleased. He got one assignment done for math and started a paper on climate change for science. He made a note to tell his remedial teachers to move him up a notch.

Come 11pm it was a weary Josh and Pops who climbed the stairs to sleep. Josh missed seeing Pops take his meds. Maybe I pushed both of us too hard, he thought.

"Hey, Pops did you take your meds?"

"Jeez, no Josh, thanks so much."

Pops turned to go down stairs but before he could get to them, Josh was already half way down. "Which ones, Pops?"

"The ones marked PM, my fair-haired genius."

" Ok, ok. I didn't get a chance to read them, I was just thinking ahead."

"I know, I am so pleased that you scored so high on the IQ test. I just had to tease you."

"I was kind of shocked when she told me, too."

"Thanks son. I know you are going to try sleep in your bed, but I'll check on you when I take my middle of the night pee."

Josh hugged Pops, and Pops kissed him on the forehead. First day of school was done. Pops did check on Josh during the night. He was tossing and turning and screaming in his sleep. Pops gently woke him and half carried him to his bed. There he held him until the shaking stopped and the breathing was regular and restful sleep had returned to Josh. For sure he knew he loved this boy and said a prayer that all would be good for him at school.

Pops woke early, but instead of taking his shower he went down stairs to make a good breakfast for Josh. He could shower later after he dropped him off. Josh awoke a few minutes later. He was surprised that Pops was out of the shower, so he went ahead and had his. When he came down, Pops had breakfast all ready, pancakes and sausages. .

"Juice or coffee or both my fair-haired genius"

"Aw, come on Pops, cut it out. What if there was mistake on the test and I'm really not so smart."

"By what I saw last night, that's impossible. I know it's gonna be hard keeping up with your two course schedules so I figured the more I help you remember, that you are a genius, the harder you'll try. What if we put a limit on me calling you my fair-haired genius? Say three times a day."

"OK Pops, if it makes you happy. I'll believe it when I'm out of remedial and in college prep."

"Only 29 more days … here's your coffee and juice."

 "Thanks."

"Did you decide what to do about basketball?"

"I think, I'm gonna try. I probably won't make it. But being there will make it easier for Jesse, and he's the only friend, I have."

"What about me?"

"You're my grandpa. Of course, we are best friends."

Josh finished his food, Pops went to warm up the van. Josh went to get his books and jacket.

Sure enough, Jesse was waiting there at homeroom.

"Hey buddy."

"Hey."

"What time did you finish last night."

"Pops made me stop at 10 ... 8:00 to 2:30 here and then 4:00 to 10:00 with an hour supper break."

"Wow, that's like a workaholic. What about basketball?"

"Well, I know, I won't make it but it will be a good experience for next year and I'll be there for you, like I promised."

"You don't have to worry about me. Jeez you have enough on your plate."

"I said I would, and you don't renege on a promise. Hey, us new kids gotta stick together. You are a friend and friends take care of each other."

Jesse was learning a whole lot about character and especially Josh's.

"OK, I'll tell my Dad, thanks buddy."

"But next year when I stuff on you. You gotta bow down and kiss my feet."

"When you stuff on me, wow, big talk from a little guy."

"OK, next year, we'll be on."

The bell rang, homeroom attendance, and announcements. Then Josh off to remedial and Jesse off to college prep. Josh tried to tell the remedial teachers he had to go faster, more work. They said he needed time to absorb it. Gym wasn't bad, dodge ball, he went out next to last and was first picked by Jesse who was captain. Lunch with Jesse was good.

"Hey, you were pretty good at dodge ball, today."

"Yeah, escaping and getting to a bunk first were valuable skills in the shelter."

"What was it like?"

"Well, it was just surviving till the next day. There was a song some people sang, I guess more of a hymn. 'One day at a time, dear Jesus, one day at a time'. Showers were kind of creepy. There were these weirdoes that hung out in the showers, like wanting to do things to guys. Me and my best friend, Billy, we had a pact We always showered together; so, if one of us got grabbed, the other would run for help. Knowing speed would be vital, we promised each other we would run for help naked if we had to. It was kind of funny practicing running, covering your privates, as you ran. He's still there and he doesn't have any back-up now. Pops had him come out over New Years. It was great to see him. I hope he's alright. The bitch about the shelter is you have to be gone by 9:00 in the morning and can't come back till 6:00 at night. Once you get permanent status you always have a bed. You had to fight for it but you had one. After a while the folks who had permanent status protected everybody’s spot. When my grandma got sick, the folks got together and helped us move close to the heat. You know, for my grandma's funeral about 100 of them came, half of them walking about 10 miles in the snow in 10-degree weather with shitty or no coats and no boots. It's a shame, there are so many good people there. Many through no fault of their own, lost their homes to the banks and all the rich bankers got bonuses for stealing people houses. Bet you're sorry you asked. I didn't mean to go on."

Jesse was stunned. He didn't think it was a fun place but he didn't think it was like that. He was getting an education.

"That was your grandma. It was the day we were moving. I was asked to serve the funeral mass. Oh shit, I am so sorry, I didn't. I didn't know, Josh."

"Hey no worry, she had a great send off. I mean as far as those kind of things go. I think, it was done nice. What did you do in Algebra this morning?"

They discussed the lesson which was on the assignment Josh did it. Josh was smiling ear to ear. Math came so easy to him. "Hey what's up? Why the big smiles."

"I did it last night, and from what you say I got it all right. I'm gonna hand it in after final bell to Mrs. Martin."

The bell rang, lunch was over. Josh went to the rest of his remedial classes.

"I'll call you, if I find out about the tryout."

Josh got all the same answers about moving up the pace and more work from his afternoon teachers. He decided to talk with Mrs. Martin about it.

The final bell sounded, and Josh was off to Mrs. Martin.

He handed in the Algebra assignment.

"Well, Josh, so quick well done."

"Yeah, I talked to my friend, Jesse, who has that class. He explained what the lesson was in class and I did everything the way he said it was supposed to be done. I think I did pretty good."

" Great, Josh!

"I started the term paper for science. It's supposed to be on the effects of climate change. I am kind of interested in it, and did a lot of studying on it in the library. So, I'll just review the chapters in the text book and then use my own references."

"Wow, Josh you are committed to moving up fast."

"Mrs. Martin, you said if I had any problems, I should tell you."

"Yes, I did . Problems already."

"Yeah, the remedial teachers. All of them are not giving me enough work. I know they typically deal with kids that have learning difficulties. I tried to make them understand my situation, but they said I have to understand the concept, fully. Mrs. Martin, I don't want to sound like a know-it-all. My grandma always said not to be like a big shot. But I read something once, or do something once, I got it. Really!! She said I was blessed and I agree it is a blessing. Can you talk to them for me?"

"To be honest, Josh, I was afraid that might happen. You are right, those teachers are all used to kids that have learning disabilities. I will send them all another note and speak to as many as I can in person. I really didn't want to show them your IQ score but this time I will and demand that they keep it strictly confidential. I'll again explain that you are taking their classes to only catch up on the work your other school didn't cover and as soon as you are caught up, you'll move to regular college prep courses. Give it to the beginning of next week and let me know if it improves or not. I want to know. I won't have a boy of your ability stifled by lazy teachers!! OK?"

"Wow, Mrs. Martin I like your style. I'll not say a word and get back to you on it next week. Thanks, Mrs. Martin."

"Glad to help Josh. From what you've told me you have had more than enough crap thrown at you in your young life and as far as Hopewell High School goes, I want it to stop here."

She put a hand on Josh's shoulder and gave a little squeeze. Josh went to hug her, stopped, looked around and did it anyway.

"Thanks, Mrs. Martin, I counting you as a friend."

It was the same routine after school; Pops got Josh went home, got a snack, told Pops about his day. Pops brought out an old leather basketball.

"Hey the sun is out, take a break and let’s go shoot hoops. As far as winter goes you are not going to get a better day. I checked the courts at Copeland School and they are cleared of snow."

"Really, Pops, you think we can?"

"Yes Josh, I'm sorry we can't have an indoor gym, but you can get in an hour of shooting."

Josh ran up and got his sneakers. Switched to his hoodie and was ready to go. Unfortunately, shooting a basketball was not as easy as riding a bike. Certainly, Josh made a few but it wasn't anything like he was able to do in grammar school. Pops told him it was his first day and we'll do some more each day.

To be continued...

Posted: 10/29/2021