Hazel nodded and turned back to the training game.“Jed is really something.Mike is so patient with him.”
Mike noticed them and called Tracy.“Come here and play with Jed so I can study his moves.”
Sighing noisily, Tracy grabbed her tennis racket and went onto the court.
Mike came and sat beside Hazel.“Okay Tracy, play an easy, slow game so I can take notes on Jed’s movements.”
Hazel kept quiet as Mike studied the game on the court.After several minutes, he stood and called Jed over to him.“Tomorrow, when you practice with Hazel, you will work on your backhand.Remember what I told you.”
Jed said, “I will.”
Hazel stood.“Jed, I have some things I want you to try on.Please come to my office when you’re through here.”
“Okay,” Jed said, his eyes lighting with excitement.
In her office, Hazel lined up shorts, shirts, socks, and shoes for Jed.Seeing them like this, satisfaction filled her.The Sports Center required tennis wear on the courts, and she didn’t want him to feel left out or unable to compete with the other kids socially.
###
When Jed walked into her office and saw the clothing laid out on her desk, he grinned.
“I’ve got different sizes for each item so we can make sure they fit you properly,” said Hazel.
“They’re all new,” Jed said, and Hazel realized he wasn’t used to that.
“Let’s see.”She held up various shorts for him to try on and quickly decided on the T-shirt size for him.
“Go ahead and try the shorts on in the men’s room and come show me.I’ll be standing outside the door.We want to narrow it down to one in white and another in black.”
Hazel followed him to the men’s room and waited for Jed to appear.
Grinning, Jed modeled three different pairs of shorts on him, and they quickly selected two.Then they chose four T-shirts with varying sayings of tennis and logos, plus two Sports Center shirts.
“Now for the sneakers.Here are some socks.Try this pair.They look about right for you.”
Jed sat in a chair and slipped on the sneakers, tying them carefully.
Hazel checked for room in the toe.“This one will do.”
“These are all for me?”asked Jed.
“Yes.If you’re going to be part of the tennis program here at the Center, you need the right clothing and equipment.”She handed him a small canvas bag.“Inside are some towels, a visor, a cap, and a water bottle.Oh, and a can of tennis balls, even though we will provide them for the classes.”
“This is like the best Christmas I ever had,” said Jed, beaming at her.“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.It’s wonderful to have you be a part of the Center.You’re a really good player, Jed.We’ll help you any way we can.”
“I’ll practice every day,” Jed said solemnly, and at the gratitude she heard in his voice.Hazel felt a sting of tears.
Mike knocked on the door and entered.“Is our young champion ready now?”He glanced at the clothes and shoes.“It looks that way.Thank you, Hazel, for taking care of this.”
“You’re welcome,” Hazel said.“It makes a big difference.”
Mike studied her and grinned.
Tracy stopped in.“There you are, Mike.I’m done for the day, and you promised me a dinner if I’d take one of your classes.”
He checked his watch.“Let’s say eight o’clock.I still have to give Hazel a lesson and then I’ll get ready.One of the staff will close up the tennis courts for me at dusk.”
