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 12

Time went on. Josh was out of remedial math after he got 100% on the Algebra  assignment. He was the only kid to do so. After he handed in the Climate Control term paper remedial science was history. The paper got an A++ mark. The teacher asked if he could submit it to an online Young Scientists blog. Josh agreed. English and History was namely catching up on reading assignments. Spanish was memorizing words and vocabulary, easy as pie for Josh. True to his word, Josh did it. In one month, he got caught up.

Mrs. Martin was beaming when she was able to tell him he was done with remedial classes. He asked, if they ever allowed student teacher aids, to help with the remedial classes. If they did, he would like to volunteer. He had helped quite a few kids while he was there and many were sad to see him go.

In Gym class, Jesse was often a captain and he always picked Josh first. One day they were playing basketball and losing by quite a lot. Most of the team kids were against Jesse, Josh and non-team kids. There was about 10 minutes left. Jesse on running up the court said "Let’s go, Mr. Outside, aren't you tired of losing yet?" Something snapped in Josh. He was back at St. Francis. Jesse was saying they had to go. Down the court, he passed into Jesse then back to Josh, BANG a 3 pointer; next possession the same thing, and again and again. The team guys started running people at Josh. A dribble, a side step, and bang. The 15-point lead was gone. They stayed home on Josh. Jesse had an easy layup. The coach, also the gym teacher was watching. Jesse and Josh were is perfect sync. They knew each other’s moves so perfectly; five team players against Jesse and Josh and some non-team kids. After class and showers coach went over to Jesse."

"Wow, now I know why you wanted him to try out."

"Coach, when we were in CYO at the end of the game he never, and I mean never, missed. And he is so smart sometimes I swear he knew where I was going before, I did. He would deliver the ball so perfectly, I just couldn't miss. He is special, Coach."

"He said, he didn't play ball for two years. How come?"

"He's had a hard time, Coach. His parents died when he was 8. He lived with his grandmother. She lost her house. They were homeless, living out of a shelter in the city for two years. Then she died and now he is living with someone he calls Pops. The school he went to while in the shelter was shit. It didn't teach to the grade level here. He took remedial and college prep courses at the same time; got straight A's and caught up in a month's time. He wants to start a student teacher's aide program to help the remedial kids."

"Wow, really."

"Yeah, really, you know every time I think of all the shit he has gone though and I see a punk like Mutt telling him to go back to grammar school, I get upset. If I hear he does it one more time, I'm gonna pound him."

"I can respect that ... never missed when the game was on the line?"

"Never."

"I hope, he has the time for some basketball and make sure he eats enough. Ask him to come see me."

Jesse was elated that Josh was in his classes now. Instead of him helping Josh; Josh was helping him. He had his own private tutor, so to speak. Pops was feeding Josh as if they had to use up all the food before it went bad. Plus, he went to the health food store and got a weight gaining supplement. To turn all that food into muscle; he got Josh a few weights and helped him do exercises. Josh, looking at Pops' spare tire, said he would do the exercises only if Pops did some, too. So, the old man and the young boy were on a health kick. Pops laughed and said Josh could have every pound he lost. Josh did a quick check and figured Pops had a good 30 to 40 pounds to lose. With each egging the other on, by the week's end another barrier was passed. Pops lost 5 pounds Josh gained 5 pounds. They both were looking better and feeling better. Pops said it wasn't fair, Josh could eat his way to health, he had to not eat. Josh pushed Pops "Come on, old man, give me another pound." Pops pushed Josh "Come on, kid, you got to eat everything so I don't." During the month since the start of school Josh gained 20 pound and Pops lost 15. It was a much healthier & energized Josh who had the break out game during gym.

Jesse caught up to Josh in the hall.

"Hey, Mr. Outside, Wow, you had some game during gym."

"Yeah, I got the feeling back, like when we played CYO. I don't know what happen; I just imagined I was back at St. Francis. Like when you said we had to go, not much time and I was there and we were doing it again."

"Hey, it was fantastic and Coach asked me about you. He wants you to see him."

"What did you say?"

"Only the truth; that you never, never missed in the 4th quarter when we played CYO."

"Well, he probably wants a new manager?"

"I don't think so, Josh, he was very impressed and look, you've gained weight. You are looking great, just like when we played CYO. Come on, go see him, for me."

"Jesse, it was one little gym time scrimmage."

"Against the freshmen starting five less one."

"Last time, I went to see him for you; they laughed me off the court."

"You're better now; you're the old Josh. I know you've never been a quitter. One more time, please Josh."

Josh never heard Jesse like this, he was almost begging him.

"I'll talk to Pops and let you know. I don't know if I am ready. I don't like being laughed at."

"You play like you did today and no one will be laughing; they'll be cheering."

That night Josh talked to Pops.

"Jesse said the basketball coach wants to see me"

"Really how do you feel about that"

"I had a good game in gym against the team's starting five. It was almost like, I played for St Francis in the CYO. I did make 5 three-pointers and feed Jesse for another couple layups."

"How did that happen?"

"I was running up court and Jesse was beside me and he said `Come on Mr. Outside, aren't you tired of losing?' Then, it was like I was playing CYO ball. I don't know if I want to do another try out and have the kids laugh at me."

"So, why do you think it happened?"

"That's it, I don't know, Pops."

"Wanna know what I think?"

"Please Pops, please."

"I think, when you tried out before you were run down, not 100% healthy, and you didn't have your confidence. It had been two years, since you touched a ball. You only did it for Jesse. You are healthier now. Jesse made you compete harder, like you did in grammar school. Because you're healthier, because you competed harder, Jesse gave you the confidence to play like the old Josh. Not like Homeless Josh. You know being homeless effects your psyche, your feeling of self-worth; it's like you're not good enough to have a home. You don't deserve it. Healing is not just about getting out of the shelter. Healing is about knowing that you are worthwhile and you belong. Healing is about having confidence to say “I'm Josh Fitzgerald I am a genius, a great student, a caring person, and a great basketball player".

"Pops, you are amazing, and I am a great basketball player. I'll see coach tomorrow, thanks again, Pops."

"What did I do? Did I make a basket?"

"Aw, Pops, you made me realize what's been wrong. I just needed my confidence, Jesse made me get it and up my game. I can do this."

"Good, let's eat."

"No, I'll eat and you watch. I'll take every pound you can give me."

After supper, Josh called Jesse.

"Hey, I just wanted you to know, I decided to go see the coach tomorrow and if he wants me on the team or a try-out, I'll do it."

"Wow, that is great."

Pops told me good stuff about being homeless and what it can do to your psyche. Remember, Coach, back in CYO, and how he talked about confidence. Well, besides being skinny and run down, I lost my confidence. Pops has been feeding me like food is going out of style. I got healthy and today you pushed me over the edge. I got it back.  I am Josh Fitzgerald, I have a near genius IQ, I am a great student, I care a lot about people, and I am a great basketball player."

"Oh man, that is so good to hear."

"Well, you did it. The crack about getting tired of losing. You know how I hate losing. You just made me compete harder and it was like I was back at St. Francis."

"Well, you sure did put on a show. I was loving it. I talked to my Dad, he said to just give you time and keep being supportive. He remembered how you played and how sweet your stroke was. He said you looked malnourished."

"Yeah maybe, I was. I wasn't eating so good until I got to Pops."

"You made my day, hell, my year. You know, we'll all be rooting for you over here. See you tomorrow then."

To be continued...

Posted: 11/12/2021