Craig Evans arrived, and Hazel introduced him to the others and encouraged him to sit beside her.She liked the fact that the local group continued to grow as more people her age took part in running the community.
When some people got up to leave, Hazel followed, suddenly realizing how exhausted she was.
###
The next morning, Hazel awoke and got ready for her tennis workout.She’d given Jed her old racket and packed her new one in its case, along with a canvas bag holding some things she’d need for work.
After she parked her car at the Center, she went around to the tennis courts and was pleased to see Jed waiting for her.
“’ Morning,” said Hazel.“Our tennis pro is back.I want him to meet you and to see how well you play.”
“Okay,” said Jed, looking up at Mike as he approached them.
“Hello,” said Mike, studying the boy.
“This is Jed Abbott, who lives nearby in a foster home.He loves tennis and wants to play here.I’ve given him my racket and will pay for any of his classes,” said Hazel.
Mike’s look of surprise was quickly masked as he turned toward Jed.
“So, you’re a foster kid.How did you learn to play tennis?”he asked Jed.
“At my other foster house, they sent me to camp.I learned there,” said Jed proudly.“Hazel is helping me here.I’m good.”
Mike chuckled.“Well, let’s see you play.Run ahead and get ready on the court.I want to talk to Hazel for a minute.”
Jed went through the gate and onto the court.
“So, this is the kid that Tracy complained to Ross about?She caught you one morning working with him and knew he didn’t belong here,” said Mike.
Hazel drew herself up.“Jed Abbott has as much right to be here as any other kid who can afford to play.I’m paying for him, so there should be no problem.”
“I agree.Foster kid life is tough, and if we can help him, I see no reason not to.”
“He’s a phenom,” said Hazel.“Anyone can see that.”She was furious that Tracy had run to Ross about it without talking to her first.
“Let’s see,” said Mike.
They walked onto the near end of the court.
Mike picked up a ball and tossed it over the net.
“Wham!”The ball came roaring past his ear.
Mike glanced at Hazel and grinned.“Okay, Jed.I’ll place the ball in different areas.Let’s see how you do with them.”
Ball after ball was tossed and returned.
Finally, Mike walked around the net to Jed and shook his hand.“You have more to learn, but you’re a natural.If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to your foster parents about your playing tennis here.”
“They’ll tell you they can’t afford for me to play,” said Jed.“Hazel and I have been meeting in secret.”
“Let me talk to them.Don’t worry about the expense, we’ll take care of it,” said Mike.“I want to make sure they know and approve of your time here.I see you have a racket.We can get you some proper shoes and whatever else you need.Understand?”
Jed’s eyes widened, and his jaw dropped.He darted to Hazel and hugged her.
Tears filled Hazel’s eyes as she hugged him back.Looking up at Mike, she could see emotion on his face before he erased it.
“Let’s go and meet with them now,” Hazel said to Mike.
