A New York Re-Adjustment
A short story
Main Characters: Bobby DiSimone, Bobby’s parents, Bobby’s girlfriend/wife Trish Flaherty, Bobby’s friend Jim Branigan, Jim’s fiancée Maureen Boyle, and attorney & family friend Mr. McGrath.
Setting: 1970’s and early 1980’s New York City, mainly Queens, and later Nassau County
Plot: Bobby is a non-conforming New York City 20 something. His interests include photography, the local baseball teams and the subway. He has a Toyota mini-pickup that he got when he was stationed in Georgia with the Army. Once he got home he faces some challenges re-adjusting.
Introduction:
Bobby DiSimone lived with his mom and dad in Flushing from the time he was born in 1949 until he graduated from City College in 1971 with a degree in biology. He wanted a career in the Navy as a judge advocate after he graduated from St. John’s Law School. But he picked the wrong day in 1949 to be born: September 14th, number 1 in the first draft lottery that was done in 1969. He had bad eyes and flat feet, but by 1971 the Army and Marine Corps were not fussy when it came to cannon fodder. Thanks to his bad eyes he could not be an officer or a pilot but could be drafted to be a “grunt.” Since the home front was not supporting the military, he knew that if he did not come back in the same way he left, he would have been told that it served him right for losing an arm or leg or it served Mr. & Mrs. DiSimone right for becoming Gold Star Parents. But if he enlisted he could choose his specialty (MOS) and that would not be infantry. And 6 weeks after the graduation ceremonies in Upper Manhattan, Mr. DiSimone drove Bobby to Fort Hamilton where he raised his right hand and swore to defend the Constitution of the United States and defend the country from all enemies, domestic or foreign. In 1971 the country could have used him and the others to defend it against the domestic and foreign enemies. That night Bobby joined about 50 other enlistees on a bus to Fort Dix where they were processed in and driven to their barracks and met the drill sergeant. It was an experience that he would never forget. After basic training was over he was sent to advanced infantry training at Fort Sam Houston to learn how to become an operating room specialist (68D). His first permanent party assignment was Fort Benning in Georgia. It’s nowhere near Atlanta so Columbus was just OK. And since there was not that much to do on base or off base, he soon wanted reassignment. He also needed a car. But in 1971 nearly everyone in the South had a pickup truck so why not get one for himself. Growing up in New York City got him interested in imported cars since they used less gasoline and were easier to park. So why not a small Toyota mini-pickup. It was smaller than a Ford or Dodge pickup, and also smaller than most American made cars back then. One of the other guys in his company drove him to the nearest Toyota dealer in Columbus. In February 1972 he paid cash and soon drove his ‘72 mini-pickup back to Fort Benning. Then in 1973 he got orders for reassignment to Germany – a 24 month assignment that started in mid-1973 but would make him eligible for separation in 1975 instead of 1974. But after being in Georgia for over a year he knew he would be crazy to turn it down. He spent the last year at a base in Hamburg before he came home in March 1975. Like his cousin Bill who was in the Air Force on Guam, the Army had a reduction in force and sent him home early, in March instead of July. Once home Bobby bought his pickup truck back from his dad for $1 and soon landed a job in the accounting department of a bank in Manhattan, thanks to his taking accounting courses while in the Army.
Verse 1: A Fateful Night
He did not have a steady girlfriend before he left in 1971 and only dated sporadically while in service. In 1975 his friend Jim Branigan was engaged and his fiancée Maureen Boyle had a friend, Patricia Flaherty, who was unattached. Jim had met Maureen in 1974 while on vacation in Ireland and was bringing her here to marry and settle in the States. Trish came too since she wanted a change of scenery. Bobby said that he would love to go out with her, at least once. “Ya bet I’d be int’rested” he told Jim. So one hot Saturday night - August 2nd - he drove over to meet Jim, Maureen and Trish at a pub in Sunnyside called the Jolly Tinker. After parking his truck he walked into the place and saw the 3 of them at a table in the back. He had seen pictures of Trish and corresponded with her from Germany but this is the first time that he was going to be with her in person. He soon shook hands with Jim and gave a kiss each to Maureen and Trish. Then they each ordered a round. Bobby asked for a JD-7 - Jack Daniels with 7-Up, a favorite from his days that the NCO Club in Germany. He was soon asking Trish about herself. “’s a pleasure t’ meet ya.” What part o’ Ireland are ya from?.” “County Waterford,” Trish answered, naturally with a brogue. Bobby joked that now he was not the only one there with an accent. “I love modern dance, books, plays and film,” she told him. Bobby was not that much of a reader at the time and only went to the movies on occasion while in the Army. This might be a problem for him. But Trish was interested in his stories about Georgia and Germany. “Ya know, March 17th was just anudder day of da year ‘n’ Columbus. Was a shock fer me. Da holidays were absolutely dead. Was happy to get the ‘ell out of dere and head overseas. Whatta ya’ plans while ‘ere in New York? Ya plannin’ t’ go t’ college?,” he asked her. “No, I plan to go to university,” she replied. Then Bobby realized that in Europe a college is just a high school and the term university covers what the Americans refer to as college or university. And since he was in Germany in 1974 and early 1975 he should have remembered that since he spent time off-base. Trish mentioned the possibility of Columbia, St. John’s or New York Universities. Bobby then plugged CCNY, saying that City College is inexpensive and a good school. “I kinda enjoyed City” he told her. “Got t’ meet people from all over da city and I ever had a few classmates from da suburbs! Maybe we kin visit da campus and I’ll show ya aroun’”. “That would be interesting” she told him.
Just then the waitress came over with the menus and it was time to order dinner – pub grub. He noticed that she was drinking orange soda. He was surprised because he always thought that Irish people loved their alcohol. Here was an exception. When the waitress returned they placed their orders. ”I’ll have a cheeseburger wit’ fries” he told the waitress. “What widd jou like, Trish?.” “I’d like a hamburger, but no chips” she said. “She means French fries,” he told the waitress, who was giving Trish a blank look. Bobby was soon enjoying his meal but a bit apprehensive about Trish. She was cute looks wise with red hair, maybe a 7. But then he was no Adonis himself and with his somewhat sporadic record with ladies he realized that he cannot be choosy. Being too fussy with very high standards for so long was one reason why he did not have too many lady friends in the prior years. After they were done Bobby paid for Trish and himself and they walked to his truck. She told him that she was staying with Maureen at the Branigan house in Bayside.
“No problem taking ya’ home,” he said and she got in with him. As they were heading east he apologized for the fact that there was no radio. “When I bought it ‘n 1972 da bank ‘n Columbus wouldn’t len’ me da money because I was only an E-2 – private firs’ class. ‘Hadda borrow two grand from my dad t’ have enough money to pay for it in cash. Didn’t have enough fer both a radio ‘n’ an automatic transmission. ‘N’ since I hardly eva drove a stick I didn’t wanna risk boinin’ out a clutch so da radio lost out.” While they were heading east on the Long Island Expressway they rode past Flushing Meadow Park and then Bobby’s neighborhood, Queensboro Hill. “We’re passin’ trew Flushing Meadow Park right now. Ten years ago we had da World’s Fair. I had a great time checkin’ out all da pavilions ‘n’ exhibits. Ireland even had one, which I kinda liked. ‘N’ here’s my neighborhood – Flushing on Da Hill. Mostly Irish and Italian Americans, like me.” Soon they were talking up a storm while they headed further east along the LIE. Bobby was fascinated with Trish’s stories about Dublin, Waterford, and some of the Irish playwrights.
“I read James Joyce’s Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man when I was at City University. Was very interestin.’ From whacha sayin’ ‘bout Synge, Playboy of the Western World also looks good. I’ll have t’ check out da Flushing libr’y ta see if dey have it. But since I was a science maja, I only had two English courses while at City.” When he got to her home on 214th Place he stopped the truck and they continued to talk for a little while before he walked her to her door. He gave her a kiss and asked if he can see her again, and she said yes. He then headed back home along the Expressway to his parents’ house on Lawrence Street and crashed onto his bed. The next morning was a Sunday and before he headed to church he had breakfast with his mom and dad and told them what transpired the night before. “I met up wit Jim at dis pub over on 48th Street and met this nice Irish born goil name Patricia Flaherty. She is a friend of Jim’s fiancée and apparently’s unattached. So I was her date for da night. After we had a pub dinner I drove her to her place in Bayside, since she’s staying at Jim’s house wit’ his fiancée and parents while dey look fer work. But I asked her if I kin see her again and she said yeah. We’re goin’ to da movies over in Fresh Meadows next Saddaday. Not sure what’s playing dough.”
Verse 2: Only the Movies
After he came home from Mass Bobby relaxed by listening to some jazz music. He always liked to be different. Really different and not unique/just like everyone else. When he was in high school at McClancy he liked Delta blues (Negro Blues was the term used in the 1960’s). When he was at City he also developed a taste for just about anything that was not in the Top 40. Of course, some of the big men on campus did not like that and since he always had solitary and eccentric streaks in him, he never joined a fraternity. His cousin Bill was also a bit eccentric but when he was away at college his scumbag of a roommate arranged to have to the room filled with newspaper while we was away on a 3 day weekend. Bill got a new roommate after that who put up with him, but his dad yanked him out before he could flunk out since he enjoyed the sauce too much. He finished his college days at St. John’s University before he went into the Air Force. So today Bobby would enjoy the sound of John Coltrane LP’s on his new stereo that he bought at the PX in Germany. While stationed in Germany, his post was in Hamburg. Like at Benning, he spent time off the post and found time to go to the St. Pauli Football Club’s matches and treat himself to a team jersey and a tee shirt. Once he returned to New York in March, he would wear them and people would ask about the team.
The next day was a Monday and that meant back to the rat race. He got up in time to shower, get dressed in a jacket & tie, have breakfast, scoot down for the Q-58 bus to take him to the Main Street subway station to get the #7 to Grand Central and then walk to the office at 200 Park Avenue. This bank was a wholesale bank that catered to the savings banks in New York State. Bobby worked in accounting on incentive savings plans. He liked it, but his mom said that he should try working in on computers like another cousin was doing. When he arrived at his desk he was still thinking about Trish and their night out, but it would be the same stuff, different day until Friday. When Saturday evening came he dressed in khakis, a golf shirt, and desert boots and drove out to Bayside to pick Trish up. When he got to the house he went inside and talked with Mr. & Mrs. Branigan about what he and Trish planned to do. “We’re goin’ t’ da Meadows to see a movie. Trish picked it out ‘n’ I’m pretty sure dat it’s a decent one.” Soon she came out of the room that she shared with Maureen. Like Bobby, she wore glasses. She had on jeans and a tee shirt and Dr. Scholl’s exercise sandals. Interesting, he thought. “Ya ready, Trish?” “Yes, let’s go.” They drove down Bell Boulevard to the Expressway and then to the parking lot behind Bloomingdale’s. The movie was The Wind and the Lion with Candace Bergen, Sean Connery and Brain Keith. Bobby liked it even if it brought back memories of his army days. After the film was over they drove to a coffee shop in Bayside and it was coffee for Bobby, tea for Trish and a scone for each of them. He then took her home and they planned a day in “the City” for the following weekend. “How ‘bout the Museum of Modern Art? I was dere a cuppla months ago and it was great. I really liked Guernica and The Starry Night. “That would be great.” “But we’ll have t’ take the subway in since parkin’ s a hassle in Manhattan. I kin pick ya up and we kin drive t’ my parents’ place and grab da bus t’ da subway. Is dat OK?” “Sure it is,” Trish replied.
Verse 3: City Kid
Bobby drove to Bayside on Saturday morning and picked Trish up and they headed to his parents’ place on Lawrence Street. They went inside and he introduced them to Mr. & Mrs. DiSimone. “Mom, Dad, dis is Trish Flaherty. Shesa frind of Jim’s fiancée ‘n’ from Ireland like her. We’re going into da city inna li’l while. I’ll leave my truck here ‘n’ we’ll take da bus ‘n’ da subway. Maybe hit da Museum o’ Modern Art.” “Why not the Met. It’s got a much larger selection of art and Central Park is right there,” said his mom. “Great idea, Mom!” Trish and Mrs. DiSimone talked for a little while before Trish and Bobby walked down the block to get the bus to Main Street and eventually they were on the #7 subway to Manhattan. When the train came out of the tunnel, Bobby starting to show Trish the “sights.” “Over on da right’s Shea Stadium. We got two baseball teams here in New York, and this year both are playin’ dere while Yankee Stadium’s being renovated. ‘N’ on the other side’s Flushing Meadow Park. Ireland’s pavilion was not too far from da main gate.” When they got to the 46th Street Station he pointed out where the Jolly Tinker was. Soon they were in the tunnel and about 5 minutes later they got to Grand Central. “We gotta change trains here, t’ go uptown. ‘N’ once we’re at our station we walk t’ 5th Avenya and head inside”. They soon were upstairs on the Lexington Avenue platform and grabbed the first train that came, a #5 to Dyre Avenue. “We take dis t’ 86th Street and den walk. “Tsa really nice neighborhood.” Soon they got to 86th and walked the few blocks to 5th and then reached the Museum. There was no set price but Bobby gave the ticket taker $5 for the two of them. “I started t’ git int’rested in dee Impressionists a little while ago” he told Trish. “Da ya have any favorite artists?” “Ireland does not have any painter of renown like France and Holland do, so why not check out those countries’ artists?” “Dat’s a great idea,” Bobby said. They checked out the Van Gogh paintings as well as the works of Vermeer. Then it was the works of Degas, Monet, Manet, and Renoir. There were other exhibits, like antique firearms and a medieval room, which they checked out. The firearms brought back some memories to Bobby, even if he was a medical person while in the Army. “I love dese muzzle loaders frim da 17th ‘n’ 18th cent’ries” Far cry frim what I had when I was in dee Army.” Soon they went down to the 1st floor and admired the rooms from the middle ages.
They stayed for a couple of hours and then Trish asked if they could go to Central Park. Bobby said why not. They soon walked across the Great Lawn and the ball fields and spent a few minutes to watch part of a game. “Didja eva play softball back ‘n Ireland?” “No, softball is not popular there. But there is a game called rounders that is similar to your game of baseball. I have seen them play that back in Waterford.” “Wish I coulda seen one of dose games.” “Actually we call them matches.” Soon they were at the Reservoir. “Paul Simon ‘n’ Art Garfunkel used da reservoir as a back drop on one uh dere albums. Wanna walk around da shore?” “Yes, I’d love that.” They were by the Tennis Center and the Gothic Bridge in about 10 minutes when suddenly they heard a lady screaming. “My baby, my baby.” Bobby and Trish ran over to the shore and asked the lady what is going on. “She is under water over there,” pointing several feet offshore. Bobby learned first aid while in the Army and also CPR and being an operating room specialist also helped. Even though he was not a very good swimmer and suffered from aqua-phobia, he kicked off his docksiders and asked Trish to hold his wallet and glasses before waded into the reservoir and swam out to the toddler and grabbed her and swam back to the shore towing the little girl. She was not breathing so Bobby laid the girl on her back and tapped her – no response. He pointed to some bystanders and told them to get help. That was not the easiest thing in the world since in 1975 cell phones were 20 years in the future. But a few people did go off and contacted a police officer who radioed for help. Soon an ambulance and a police car would be arriving. But Bobby could not wait so he checked for a pulse and breathing (no luck) and then adjusted the little girl’s head and started chest compressions. After 30 compressions he gave two rescue breaths. He did that for several more cycles until a police car and an EMS ambulance arrived and a paramedic took over and the girl came to. The police officer asked the names and address of the mother and her child. “My name is Jeanne Dillon and my daughter is Eleanor. We live at 177 West 95th Street”. The officer came over to Bobby and asked about him. “My name’s Bobby DiSimone ‘n’ I live ‘n Flushing, 57-24 Lawrence Street”. “What made you risk your life to save the little girl?,” the police officer asked him. “Just felt that it was da right thin’ ta’ do.” Bobby said. The paramedic came over to Bobby and told that it would be a good idea if he came with them in the ambulance to get a hepatitis shot, since the water in the reservoir was not the cleanest. “OK, but kin my lady frind come wit’ me? Can’t leave her here ‘n’ she don’ know where Mt. Sinai is..” “I don’t see why not,” he answered.
The ambulance headed over to the Mount Sinai Hospital Emergency Room on Madison Avenue with the paramedic, Jean, Eleanor, Bill and Trish crammed into the back. Jeanne and Eleanor went right into the nurses’ room so Eleanor could be examined. Bobby was sent to an alcove and Trish waited with him. “Bobby, that was really something that you did. I never thought that you could do something like that.” “Was nuttin” he replied. “But somehow I need t’ git some clean dry duds. Looks like I’ll have t’ phone my dad ‘n’ have ‘im come and wit’ some clean stuff..” He asked a nurse if there was a pay phone nearby but she told him that he can use the one in the office. He thanked her and then rang up his dad. After a couple of rings Mr. DiSimone picked up. “Hi Dad, ’ts me Bobby. I’m at da Mount Sinai ER with Trish. We’re OK but I got wet. Swam into da Central Park Reservoir to pull a toddler out ‘n’ naturally I got all wet. Can ya come down wit’ some dry clothes?“. “It’ll take me a while but sure. What do you want me to bring?.” “A pair of khakis, a golf shirt, ‘n’ underwear.” “OK. Give me about an hour.”
Soon Jeanne came into alcove and gave Bobby a hug. “You’re something special. You saved my daughter’s life. What made you do that?.” “Like I told da police man back in da Park, ‘ was da least I kid do. The Army taught us CPR ‘n’ first aid ‘n’ I guess I remembered what dey taught me. ‘N’ bein’ an operatin’ room specialist prob’bly helped too.” Jeanne said to a smiling Trish, “You have one special boyfriend here!.” Soon a nurse came over to Bobby and directed him to roll up his sleeve all the way. “This is the first shot. You will have to come back at the end of September for the second shot and then in February for the third.” “Do I have t’ come here or kin I go to da hospital near me? Da Booth Memorial ER’s a short walk from my house.” “Yes, you can do that. Or go to your family GP,” she replied. Bobby and Trish waited for Mr. DiSimone to arrive and in the meantime talked a bit more. Trish was talking about some events in Irish history and Bobby was all ears. “You know that in 1922 a free Irish State was established under the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 1921. That treaty ended the three-year Irish War of Independence. Ireland was a dominion in the British Empire but would become a totally independent republic in 1949. But 50 years later they still can’t solve the mess between the Protestants and Catholics in the North”. “Why is dat? Can’t dey just kinda live ‘n’ let live? ‘S just religion, like here.” “I wish it was that easy,” she told him. She went on to tell him about her plans while she was here in the United States. “I hope to go to university here and then become a teacher. But first I have to get a work visa. The one I have is going to expire in a few months.” “My cousin Bill went t’ St. John’s University and tol’ me dat dere were a lotta foreign students attendin’ dere. Maybe he kin help by askin’ one o’ dem what dey hadda do.” “That would be great.”
After about an hour the nurse told Bobby that his dad was here and soon an aide brought him over to Bobby. “Danks, Dad. I kin change here if you ‘n’ Trish step outside ‘n’ I close da curtain.” They obliged and soon a freshly dressed Bobby emerged from behind the curtain. “I’ll take the both of you back to the house. You’ve probably had enough excitement here for one day,” he told Bobby and Trish. “I dink dat’s a good idea, Dad. Let’s go.”
Verse 4: A Surprise at Home:
The three of them went out to the parking garage and piled into Mr. DiSimone’s new Dodge Dart. Bobby put the wet clothes into the trunk so as not to damage his dad’s new upholstery. They headed uptown along Madison Avenue to 125th Street and they got onto the Triborough Bridge. Bobby was admiring the skyline and pointed out some of the landmarks to Trish. “You kin see dee Empire State ‘n’ Chrysler Buildings frim here, if ya look over dere. ‘N’ dere’re some udder skyscrapers that we kin check out an udder time. Ya int’risted?” “Of course.” Soon they were going past LaGuardia Airport and Shea Stadium before getting onto the Van Wyck Expressway. The Mets were playing that day but they managed to miss the traffic of the people leaving Shea. While they were passing Shea, Bobby mentioned that the Mets will be on the road until Labor Day after the next day. “If da Mets’re gonna be away ‘ntil da foist o’ September, maybe we kin go to a Yankees game? Dey’re not doin’ dat well dis year but it shou’ still be fun. Trish, widd jou be interested?” “I guess so. It would be a first for me. And if I am going to live in New York I may as well see their teams play.” When they got to the house Mr. DiSimone parked the car and they all went inside. House number 57-24 was a row house, part of a block long assemblage that stretched the entire block to 58th Avenue. Once Bobby opened the door he yelled out to his mom, “We’re home!!.” Mrs. DiSimone came running to him and embraced him. “Thank God you’re safe.” Not only did Mr. DiSimone tell his other half about what Bobby did, but the police officer also called home, as did News 11. And News 11 wants to interview him! This was a Saturday and the crew wants him to be in Manhattan the next day. They want to interview Bobby, and also Trish! But right now, all Bobby wants to do is relax for a little while and watch a ball game. “I wanna really wash up ‘n’ git dat Reservoir water off o’ me.” Bobby went upstairs and washed thoroughly at the sink and then came back downstairs. We kin relax fir a li’l while before we go out to a restaurant. It’ll hafta be here in Flushing instead o’ dee East Side. How da ya feel about dat?” “Fine” she replied. “We got a slew o’ Chinese restaurants over on Main Street near da subway station. Dere’s also a great spot called Da Shanghai House dat we kin walk to if ya wish.” “I don’t mind walking since it will give us some time to talk more and get some exercise. And we Europeans don’t mind walking to places.” So soon they were heading north on College Point Boulevard, past the edge of the Queens Botanical Gardens (and holding hands). “Right over there is the end of da Queens Botanical Gardens. Dey put da Gardens up aroun’ 10 years ago when dey built da Fair. Dey used to be by da train tracks because dey were an exhibit left over from da foist World’s Fair in 1940. At least dat’s what my mom says. Do dey have a botanical gardens in Dublin?” “Yes, we do. They are located on the north side of the Liffey River near Addison Park. I have been there several times with my sister. My older brother lives in Raheny and I have stayed with his family several times.” Soon they were on Maple Avenue and then the corner of Main Street, where the Shanghai House is located. They went inside and soon the hostess brought them to a booth. They waitress brought over a tea kettle and tea cups, and Bobby poured a cup for Trish and then for himself. “Da Chinese tea’s pretty good. Not as strong as dee Irish tea dat we tried over at Jim’s house dough.” Soon the waitress brought them menus and they studied them. “Actually, I have had Chinese food in Dublin. There is a good Chinese restaurant on O’Connell Street by the General Post Office. You know, that is where the 1916 Easter Rebellion started”. Bobby was interested and asked her to tell him more. “But the British Empire forces came in and suppressed it and most of the leaders were executed.” One was spared because he was an American citizen, and from New York City. His name’s Eamon De Valera and he’s still living as of today but has been in poor health. What are you having, Bobby?.” “Are ya willing t’ try somethin’ different? We kin split some dim sum ‘n’ den we kin each get somethin’ diff’rent. Da soups are good. I’m going wit’ da braised beef noodle soup.” “I think that I’ll go for the rice cake with shredded chicken.” When the waitress came they each told her what they wanted, and then gave the menus back to her. Bobby also asked her to bring two pairs of chopsticks with the order. “Dere were some Chinese restaurants in ‘Amboig that I tried a few times when I was in Goimany. But I really learned how t’ use ‘em afta I got home ‘n March. Flushing’d started t’ become more Asian while I was away and I kinda like that. De’re nice people and da restaurants serve really authentic Chinese cuisine. I know dat you’ll like what ya ordered.” Trish talked more about the works of William Butler Yeats and Bobby just listened. When the chopsticks and dim sum arrived they split the order. Then he showed her how to work the chopsticks. She caught on pretty quickly but Bobby had a head start on her so he was somewhat better with them. They each enjoyed their main courses and relaxed for a few minutes before Bobby paid the tab and they walked back along Main Street towards Queensboro Hill and home. When they walked past the Queens Botanical Gardens they saw that it was closed since it was past 8 pm, even thought it was fairly light out. “I’d like to check it out some day. Maybe next weekend?” “Don’t see why not.” When they got to the top of the hill they turned and went down 57th Road towards Bobby’s house. When they got to 134th Street Bobby pointed out the great view of the Manhattan Skyline. “Trish, check dis out. We’re sev’ral miles from Manhattan but da skyline’s quite visible. I never git bored walkin’ up da block t’ look at it. Now all I need’s a telephoto lens to put onta my 35 millimeter cam’ra ‘n’ take some great photos. I kin also take some photos o’ you too if ya like.” “Yes that would be fun.” Soon they were at 57-24 and upstairs in the TV room, getting ready to watch Yankee game. Before they went upstairs they described to Mr. & Mrs. DiSimone what they ate at the Shanghai House. This game was in Kansas City and started at 7:30 Central time, meaning 8:30 Eastern time. Soon they were in the TV room watching the Yankees play the Royals in Kansas City. Bill reached over for Trish’s hand and she clasped his. He told her that they would have to wait until later to do anything else since his dad will probably be upstairs in a little while. And Mr. DiSimone did come into the TV room to watch the game with them. “In rounders we have 9 players on a team, but the bases are marked by posts. You have a much larger bat and there are ball and strikes, which we don’t have,” Trish said to Bobby and his dad. In the end, the Yankees lost to the Royals 3-0. Around 11:30 pm Bobby drove Trish back to Bayside. He walked her to her door and they hugged and kissed for a minute or more. “I really got a catch” he thought to himself. He told Trish that he will be by at around 8 am to pick her up because they have to be at the News 11 studios at noon.
Verse 5: The spotlight
Bobby had sent the alarm and to go off around 7 am so he could take a quickie shower and do pick Trish up at her place. She had on a skirt and a blouse, and her Dr. Scholl’s. Bobby had on khakis and a golf shirt and docksiders. “My dad’s gonna drop us off at da Shea Stadium Station. We take da train t’ Grand Central but dis time we git out ‘n’ walk over t’ da studios at 2nd Avenya. After Mr. DiSimone dropped them off by Shea Stadium they went upstairs to the platform and waited for the train. On the way in Trish was reading a book of William Butler Yeats’ works and Bobby kind of looked over towards her looked on. The poem that she was reading was titled Sailing to Byzantium. Bobby took his knapsack and had put his 35 mm camera in there, as well as the New York Times Magazine, since he was going to try and do the crossword puzzle. When they got to Grand Central they exited to 42nd Street and, holding hands, walked to the Daily News Building at 2nd Avenue. “Da News 11 studios are ‘n dis buildin’. From what my mom was told, we have t’ go to dee 11th floor”. They went right into the lobby and to the elevator (since this is 1975, there was no heavy security like there would be after 9-11). When they got to the 11th floor they exited the elevator and went to the receptionist. Bobby introduced Trish and himself and said that they were there to be interviewed for his saving the young girl’s life the day before in Central Park. She escorted them to another room where Jeanne and Eleanor were already waiting. Bobby told Jeanne that after his dad picked Trish and him up they went to his house to relax and go out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant. “Flushing’s becomin’ like Manhattan’s Chinatown. Trish ‘n’ I went to a nice Shanghai style rest’rant dat both liked. Then we headed home t’ watch da Yankee game. Dey played da Kansas City Royals ‘n KC and lost 3 t’ nutting. Maybe dey’ll do better t’day.” “I like the Yankees too, since it was a single subway ride to the Stadium until they decided to renovate it. Now we have to take two subway trains to get out to Shea,” Jeanne said. “It looks like you can walk to Shea.” “Yep, all I have t’ do is walk through Flushin’ Meadow Park ‘n’ I’m dere. But I was outta da the country for over a year wit’ dee Army and only got home in March. Got some lost time t’ make up fer.” Soon the host came in and escorted the four of them into a room with cameras and bright lights. It was a good thing that both he and Trish dressed lightly for the occasion. Soon they heard “Take your places” and “Roll cameras.” The host described what had happened the day before at the Central Park Reservoir and then he asked Bobby, “Tell me, Mr. DiSimone, how does it feel to be a life saver?.” “I actually don’t feel any different dan I did b’fore Sattaday. I felt that I had t’ do what I dought was right. My mom ‘n’ dad taught me t’ always lend a helpin’ hand ‘n’ git involved if ya can. “’N’ I was an operatin’ room spesh’list in dee Army ‘n’ also learned CPR and foist aid so I knew that I had da means t’ help.” “And Ms. Flaherty, how did it feel to watch your friend go in to help young Eleanor?.” “I was a bit scared for him. He never talked about any heroics and comes across as a quiet and modest bloke.” “Mrs. Dillon, I imagine that you are grateful that Mr. DiSimone and Ms. Flaherty came by when they did.” “Yes, I am, and will be forever grateful to both of them.” “Mr. DiSimone, now that you are a hero, do you have any new plans for the future?” “Right now, I’m jist tryin’ t’ doing my best at my job at da bank ‘n’ maybe find some time t’ go to a Mets game. Maybe next year I’ll go back to school under da GI Bill.” “So how was it in the Army? When you enlisted in 1971 the War was still going on and you figured that you would be drafted”. “Yep, my birthday was number 1 in da lottery so I volunteered so I could pick my specialty. Since I did well on dee aptitude test I was able to get t’ be an op’ratin’ room spesh’list in AIT.” “What is AIT?,” the host asked him. “Advanced Infantry Training. But not all of it’s combat training. Since I had a med’cal speshilty, my school in AIT was med’sin. My first post was Fort Benning and then in 1973 I got a chance to go t’ Goimany so I extended my enlistment by a year. But the armed forces had a reduction in force dis year so I got out a bit earlier than planned.” They then continued to interview the three adults for a little while longer and then it was time to go. When they got to the street Bobby asked Trish if she would like to go for a walk in Tudor City. Soon they were holding hands again and heading in the direction of Tudor City Place and when they got there, Bobby told Trish that he would like to take some photos of the neighborhood, with her in them. Bobby took photos of the buildings themselves, as well as the dead ends of 41st and 43rd Streets and also Tudor City Place. He was even able to get shots of the UN Building and the East River. Trish posed at the 43rd Street dead end with the UN in the background, and in front of some shops. They also went into the park on the west side of Tudor City Place, and Bobby took more photos of her. In the park Trish was able to take off her Dr. Scholl’s and walk barefoot in the grass. Bobby got to take several shots of her on the grass and on the Trishhways, with some of the poses in modern dance mode before they sat down on a park bench to relax, and he was able to massage her feet before she put her shoes back on. “Where widd ja like t’ go fer lunch? Dere are some fast food places like McDonald’s and Boiger King. Or we kin go to a coffee shop.” “McDonald’s is fine with me. I have gone to one in Dublin, and once I got here, Maureen and I have checked out the one in Bayside.” So they walked hand in hand to McDonald’s and ordered lunch for the two of them. Once lunch was over they continued to walk west on 42nd Street to Vanderbilt Avenue and then past 200 Park Avenue, where Bobby’s office is located. “My office is here in dis building. It’s da Pan Am Building since it’s da headquarters of dee airline. Dey still have helicopters taking off ‘n’ landin’ up on da roof. Did ya see Clint Eastwood’s movie Coogan’s Bluff? Part of it included his landin ‘n’ takin’ off in a helicopter up dere.” “Oh yes, I remember seeing it when it played in Ireland. Was a bit violent but he did mellow a bit in the end.” Then they walked towards Bryant Park and also stuck their heads into some of the souvenir shops but did not buy anything. "If ya want something dat sez “New York City,” we kin stop by Shea Stadium. Dey have baseball caps 'n' t-shirts of both da New York teams". Once inside the Park Bobby took more photos of Trish in some nice poses. Finally they went downstairs to the 5th Avenue subway station and were on the #7 train back to Queens. They held hands on the train and Bobby even had his hand around Trish. Yes, he felt that he had hit the jackpot. When they got home Trish stayed for dinner with Bobby and his family, and then they went upstairs to watch Masterpiece Theater on channel 13. Bobby finally took her home around 11:00. When they got to 214th Place he stopped his truck and they finally embraced and kissed up a storm. He did grab her boobs after she put his hand there. He was tempted to pull her panties down put held off. Not this night. Since tomorrow would be Monday, he then headed home but he know that he has a keeper.
Verse 6: Maybe a new career?
On Monday he got up at the usual weekday time, showered, put on his suit and had a quick breakfast before heading to the subway. This morning to save time he walked through the Park to Willetts Point and would grab the #7 train there. It was the same stuff, different day at the office and it would be for the rest of the week and the week after that. Maybe it’s time for a new career. When he was at the News 11 Studio on Sunday he mentioned going back to school under the GI Bill. But what would he study? He is doing OK at the bank but there is little room for advancement if you are too ethnic and his degree was in biology, and he does not like the idea of have to take two weeks off at one time. But he did like the idea that he helped save a life and was impressed with nurses and other medical people in the Mount Sinai ER, and also while in the Army. Maybe study nursing? But this is 1975 and male nurses were not that common yet. But who can he talk to for advice? His parents want him to study computers like another cousin did. Maybe he can talk to an advisor at CCNY and it’d be an excuse to bring Trish with him to show her around. Great Idea. He soon called the Science Department at City College and made an appointment for Saturday the 23rd. He then called Trish and asked her if she would like to come, as he did mention showing her around the campus. She said why not. That Saturday morning he picked her up and they drove to the Shea Stadium Park and Ride. Soon they were heading to Times Square to switch for the 7th Avenue Train to go to the City College 137th Street Station. It was then a quick walk to the main campus on Amsterdam Avenue and then he found the building at #160 Convent Avenue that housed the Science Department. They were a bit early and since Bobby had his trusty 35 mm camera in his backpack, there was a time for a photo session. Trish wore a skirt again, but ballerina flats and not her Dr. Scholl’s. Bobby was able to get nice shots of her by the Gothic buildings, and he showed her how to use the camera – like when to push the shudder button. There was the aperture, shutter speed and light meter to consider. He said that “when da needle pierces da donut, then ya have da right amoun’ o’ light and yar good t’ go.” This way Bobby could now get into some of his pictures. They went inside the science building and to the office of the advisor whom Bobby made an appointment with. They sat down in the office and Bobby introduced himself and Trish. “My name’s Bobby DiSimone and dis is my goilfriend Patricia Flaherty” I graduated in 1971 ‘n’ den wen’ inta dee Army. Since April I’ve been workin’ inna bank but I think that it might be time fer a new career. I have considered nursin.” The counselor asked him what his undergrad degree was in, and he said biology. “You will need some pre-requisites to get started. And the program is located at Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing on 1st Avenue”. “Dat’s no problem fer me. I kin take da subway t’ 23rd ‘n’ Park and den walk if it ain’t rainin’”. “When do you want to start classes? It is a bit late for the fall semester. Is January all right with you?” “That’d be fine wit’ me. I’d have t’ get my GI Bill benefits set up, anyways.” “After a few more discussions Bobby and Trish left the office and walked downstairs to the Nat Holman Gymnasium, holding hands. When they got there the men’s basketball team was practicing. “Da gym’s named after a coach who took da Beavers, t’ two tournament championships 25 years ago. But unforchanetly gamblers conned some players t’ cheat so da gamblers would win bets ‘n’ that was dee end. Some players went t’ jail ‘n’ da program has never been da same since.” After a little while, they went back to the street level and walked around the campus some more. They decided to rest on a bench for a short spell and then kissed up a storm, in public (!). That was only for a few minutes but it looks like these two realized that they were meant to be a couple. They walked back to the subway and headed pack to Flushing. Once home they relaxed at Bobby’s house, watching the Mets play the Giants in San Francisco. Naturally with his parents in the house, Bobby and Trish could do little more than hold hands with each other. For dinner, Trish stayed with them and at the table Bobby discussed his plans with his parents and Trish. “Trish ‘n’ I were up at da campus today ‘n’ I spoke wit’ a counselor ‘bout a new career. Ya know, after my visit to da Mount Sinai ER, I was impressed wit’ what der noices were doin’ and made me dink about a career change. I also worked wit’ noices in dee Army. Of course, I won’t be starting any classes ‘til next year. Hunter has a good program ‘cordin’ to what the couns’lor said.” ‘N’ besides, it sucks dat I have t’ take 2 weeks of vacation all at once. If anything comes up durin’ da year it’s hell to try ‘n’ git time off. “N’ it looks like da manij’ment is prejudiced. Dey treat da blacks and Hispanics like garbage. And Cousin Bill says dey do da same t’ing at his bank. Wit’ our last names, we kid be next.” “We will leave that up to you. You might want to touch base with some of your other cousins and see what they have to say,” said his mom. Then she asked Trish, “Since you are here on a visa, what do you plan to do later?.” “I hope to go to university here. Not sure where yet. I liked the City campus that we were on earlier today.” “But what are your plans on staying here in the States?” “I am not certain yet. Maybe a student visa?” Mr. DiSimone mentioned that the father of one of Bobby’s grade school classmates is a lawyer and immigration law is one of his specialties. He then said that he and Bobby could get her an appointment to see him. “I’ll give Mr. McGrath a ring t’morra and see when ya kin stop by. He’s helped a lotta immigrants over da years.”
Verse 7: Both of us have plans
The next day was Sunday and Bobby gave Mr. McGrath a call to tell him about Trish’s situation. “Hello Mr. McGrath, dis is Bobby DiSimone. How are ya doing? And how’s Tom doing? My new goilfriend’s from Ireland ‘n’ she wants to stay ‘n’ go to college here in the US. Would ja be able t’ help her?” “I will have to see what the situation is. When can she come by? And Tom is working for the Government and won’t elaborate on his job. Must be classified.” “I think dat we kin come by t’day. I’ll have ta call her first” OK. Do that and get back to me.”
Bobby hung up and then called Trish. “I spoke to Mr. McGrath and he said that he can speak to you today about your situation. You available this afternoon?.” “Yes. I can be ready by 2.” OK. I’ll tell ‘im that we kin come over at 3. Dis way we don’t have t’ rush over.” At 2 pm Bobby was at the Branigan house to pick Trish up. Again she had a skirt and blouse on, and a nice pair of pumps. They headed down the LIE to Main Street to Mr. McGrath’s nice Tudor house on 58th Avenue near St. Ann’s Church. Once they arrived he parked his truck and they walked up to the front door and rang the bell. Mrs. McGrath answered. “Good afternoon, Mrs. McGrath. Dis is my goilfriend Patricia Flaherty. We’re here so dat she kin speak to Mr. McGrath ‘bout her immigration status.” Mrs. McGrath led them into the living room and called Mr. McGrath. In about half a minute he entered the living room and they introduced themselves to each other.
Mr. McGrath spoke first, “So Ms. Flaherty, you want to move to the United States and go to a university here?”
“Yes. Mr. McGrath, that is what I have planned. But I have not chosen a school yet.”
“Before you apply, you will have to get your immigration status up to date. You can get a student visa, and also marry an American citizen. Your boyfriend Bobby and you seem very fond of each other.”
“It might be a little too soon to consider marriage. We’ve only been a couple since the beginning of the month,” she said.
“Then a student visa is the first priority. Since 1965 Irish people no longer have the favored quotas over people from other countries. Once the National Origins Act was repealed, it’s first come, first served. We should definitely get started.”
“What should we do?” Bobby asked.
“Leave that to me,” said Mr. McGrath.
They both shook hands with him and the missus led them to the door. They both said goodbye and drove down to Lawrence Street to Bobby’s house to watch TV and enjoy some music – Oscar Peterson this time. And hold hands. Since the Mets game was on, they watched that. It was a double header against the Giants. The Mets would win the first game 9-5 but lose the second one, 6-0. After the game Bobby suggested that they go out to dinner. “Dere’s a good Italian restaurant on dee LIE dat’s not far from here. Jim and I have bin dere before and we liked it. How do you feel? “I’d love to,” Trish replied. So they drove up to the service road near 159th Street and went inside. The hostess led them to a table and soon they ordered. They decided to split a regular pizza and have a coke each. “No need to splurge. This is fine with me,” she told him. After dinner it was a bit late and tomorrow was Monday so after they finished Bobby drove Trish home. This time when he took her upstairs nobody else was home. Maybe he can score this time? Not yet. It turns out that both of them were virgins and they worried about blood on the sheets or on the floor. But they did kiss up a storm and Bobby got to feel her boobs and massage her feet again, as well as feel up her nether region for the first time. It was not shaved but who cares. Trish got to feel his member. “Perhaps another time?” they both said to each other. “Yes.” Since tomorrow was Monday Bobby kissed Trish good night and said that he would call during the week.
The next morning he went to work at the bank and thought about the possibility of nursing school. He mentioned it to Russ, a coworker, who said go for it, but in the meantime why not join a volunteer ambulance corps. Russ told him that there is one in Corona that is first due at Shea Stadium, and also stands by at events there. “D’ ya have deir address ‘n’ phone number?,” he asked him. “Here it is.” Bobby transcribed it and when he got home he drove to their barn on 47th Avenue to check it out. “I’m int’restred in joining’” he told a member. “OK. You might want to become an emergency medical technician, or EMT, if you want to join..” “Okay, where do I go fer courses?.” “There is one being offered at a site in Flushing on Main Street, by Northern.” “I’ll check dat place out.” He gave them a call on Tuesday afternoon and they told him that a course is starting in October but it would go for four months, into his spring semester at Hunter College. When he got home he called Trish and told her. “I joined da Corona Community Ambulance and I will be riding dee ambulance wit dem. But I won’t be takin’ an EMT course because I’ll be startin’ noicin’ school at Hunter at dee end o’ January. Two courses at da same time wouldn’t be a good idea. I’ll skip dee EMT course ‘n’ go d’rectly t’ nursin’ school. I kin maybe be a driver or just an assistant ‘n’ still ride. And I’ll still have time fer you.”
Verse 8: Family Sadness but Coming of Age:
On Wednesday Bobby’s uncle stopped by the house to tell Bobby’s mom that their father was terminally ill with cancer and only has a few weeks to live at most. When Bobby got home from work his mom broke the news to him. He had seen terminal patients in the Army hospitals and that made him a bit stoic. “Nobody lives forever” he thought to himself, even though he was very sad to hear the news. He called Trish to tell her and that when there is a wake, he will pick her up so she can come with him. In the meantime he went back and forth to work and looked forward to his date with Trish on Saturday. On Saturday afternoon he picked her up and they head out to the Shea Stadium Park and Ride to get the 7 train and change at Queensboro Plaza for a Broadway train since they are going to Chinatown for dinner and then walk around the area. Soon they were at the Canal Street Station, walking past the subway signs in Chinese and English and up on the street. Naturally he brought his camera and started to take pictures. Trish was nicely dressed in a skirt and blouse, and her Dr. Scholl’s. Bobby had on khakis, a golf shirt and docksiders. They walked towards the Manhattan Bridge and saw several photo ops, and then down to Pell and Doyer Streets. These alley like streets were perfect for photos. And since Trish now knew how to work the camera, Bobby was able to get into several of the photos. “Didja ever have duck before?,” Bobby asked Trish. “No, but I will try it.” “OK, dere’s a rest’rant on Mott Street that we kin try.” Still hand in hand, they walked over to Peking 21 on Mott and were seated. The each ordered egg drop soup and roast duck, and Chinese green tea. After they finished they walked past a newsstand to get some gum and then went into Columbus Park for another photo op, similar to Tudor City. Naturally Trish posed for him on the grass with and without her Scholl’s and when it was over they kissed a lot on the park bench. And like Tudor City, Bobby got to massage her feet, and now this time her boobs as well. They were not huge, but a decent size. They then walked back to Mott Street to a Chinese gift shop to check it out. They each liked the little Buddhas and good luck cats. They got one of each – the Buddha for Trish and the cat for Bobby. They each agreed that they would make great decorations in their respective rooms. After a little more walking and exploring they hopped the subway back to Queensboro Plaza to grab the #7 train to Willetts Point to pick up Bobby’s truck. Once there they got in and went to Bobby’s place. His parents were out so maybe this could be the night. Yes, his heart was pumping, and he figured that Trish’s was too. When they got to 57-24 he parked his truck and they went inside. “Yep, my mom ‘n’ dad are out.” Soon they were in his bedroom on his bed kissing and feeling each other up. Yes, her pussy was a bit hairy but European women rarely shave theirs. And his member was hard to her touch. She asked him to get a towel to put under her. She had already shed her shoes, and soon was taking off her skirt and blouse to just her bra and panties. Bobby came back with the towel and he put it on the floor. Soon he was down to his underpants and then he started to unhook Trish’s bra and pulled down and tossed her panties to the side until she was nude, and she pulled down and tossed his underpants aside. He had remembered too take the condom from his truck and Trish helped him put it on, and then they started to lie down on the towel. They kissed and felt each other up some more and told each other “I love you” (which they did). Bobby was soon trying to put his member into Trish’s vagina and since she was a virgin, like him, it was a bit difficult at first. Soon he felt her hymen break and blood did come out onto the towel, but he did enjoy hearing her breathe heavily and soon she made a few more noises of pleasure as he shot his load into her. He kissed her some more and said that he loved her, and she said the same to him. And talked for a little while and then Trish got up to walk into the bathroom to take a leak. After she was done they realized that they have to wash their intimate areas up. A shower would not be a good idea since his parents would get suspicious. They had to sponge wash each other and then dry off. Then they got dressed again and went downstairs. Bobby took the bloody towel and would put it into his truck for disposal in a dumpster. The other stuff went into the washing machine in the basement. When they got back to the first floor they made tea and over tea, they told each other that they each had a great time and loved each other. They soon went out to Bobby’s truck. He opened the tailgate and tossed the towel with the condom into the back (nobody would see it since the bed had a cap). Then they got into the cab and they drove to Bayside. “I had a great time tonight,” she told him. “So did I,” he responded. He brought her to her place on 214th Place and they kissed and told each other that they loved each other. Bobby and Trish had both come of age on August 30th, 1975.
Verse 9: Death in the Family
On Wednesday the 3rd Bobby got a call at work from his mom to say that her dad, Bobby’s maternal grandfather, had passed away at the VA Hospital from cancer. His two uncles are making the funeral arrangements. When he got home his mom told him that the wake was on Friday the 5th at the funeral home on Northern Boulevard and the funeral Mass was on Saturday the 6th at St. Ann’s Church. He asked his mom if Trish can come with him and she said yes, even though none of his relatives had met her yet. He managed to squeeze a bereavement day out of the bank and in the early afternoon picked her up and brought her to the funeral home with him. He introduced her to his uncles, as well as his mom’s sister who is Cousin Bill’s mother. She told Bobby that Trish is a lovely girl and he should not let her get away. She also told him that Bill could not make it this afternoon since his bank was not too generous with bereavement days. He’ll be by in the evening. After the afternoon viewing was over Trish, Bobby and his parents went to a nearby American style restaurant for dinner. Then at around 7 pm the 4 of them walked back to the funeral home. Bobby and Trish met a few more friends and relatives of Mrs. DiSimone and then they decided to leave after about an hour. “It looks like ya’ll hafta meet Bill some udder time. He mus’ be running late.” They then drove back to Bayside and they went inside Jim’s house and talked with the parents, as well as Jim and Maureen. Jim said that he and Maureen plan to get married in December up in Connecticut. “We will send out invitations to you soon.” “Why not here at Sacred Heart?,” Bobby asked. “We are not city people. I really don’t like New York City and a lot of the people who live here.” “Dat’s interesting. Trish and I love da city and what’s dere. ‘N’ I saw enough small town life in dee Army t’ las’ me a lifetime. But of course, we’ll be dere. What ‘bout snow?.” “I am not worried,” Jim replied. The four of them watched some TV and Bobby asked Jim if he and Trish could watch the Mets game. Jim obliged. “Trish’s getting’ int’rested in baseball. We haven’t gone t’ Shea yet but we do plan on goin’ to a game before da season ends. Wouldja like t’ come wit us?” he asked both Jim and Maureen. “No, we’re not really baseball fans.”
The next day was the funeral Mass at St. Ann’s Church and Bobby and Trish were there along with Mr. & Mrs. DiSimone and Bobby’s maternal relatives. Since his grandfather was a World War I veteran, the casket was draped in the American flag which was folded and given to his grandmother after the Mass. Then they all rode out to Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale for the burial. Then the 4 of them all went to dinner with the other relatives at the Milleridge Inn. One of Mrs. DiSimone’s wealthy brothers paid for everything. Then they went back to Flushing to relax and watch the Yankees play the Orioles and win 6-5. Bobby asked Trish and his Dad about the possibility of the 3 of them going to a Yankees game over the following weekend. “Dey’re playin’ dee Indians ‘n’ it’s a double header on Saturday. We shid prob’bly only go t’ da sekind game. I kin pick Trish up ‘n’ we kin all go t’gether.” “Sure. After you get back here we can walk through the park and be there in about 15 minutes”. “Sounds great,” Bobby said.
Verse 10: Trish’s First Ballgame
On Saturday afternoon Bobby drove out to Bayside to pick Trish up and go back to his parents’ house. Mrs. DiSimone made Mr. DiSimone, Bobby and Trish a nice Italian dinner so that they won’t have to pay for meals at the ballpark. When dinner was over they relaxed for a little while and then they walked down 57th Road to Flushing Meadow Park and started towards Shea Stadium. Trish had on sneakers this time so walking was no problem for her. Both Bobby and his dad talked about the New York World’s Fair and some of the pavilions when they walked past the sites where they had been 10 years earlier. Soon they were across Roosevelt Avenue and outside the ballpark. They decided to get seats in the middle, not too close but not too high. Once inside Bobby bought Trish and himself Yankees caps, and then both he and Mr. DiSimone bought programs to keep score. They found their seats and both Bobby and his dad were filling in the lineups for the two teams. This was the second game of a double header, and since this was Trish’s first baseball game, they decided that one game would be enough for her the first time. And she must have been their good luck charm because the Yankees the Indians, 4-3. Both Bobby and his dad kept score in their programs, and after the last out they for the subway platform to take the #7 one stop and then grab the bus home. Once home Bobby gave Trish his program a as gift. “We only need one, so we’ll keep my Dad’s.” She had also brought night clothes and a change of clothes for Sunday since she was staying overnight. She would have Bobby’s bed while Bobby gets the couch downstairs in the living room.