The Crossover

School’s Out

Mom has to work late,

so Dad picks us up.

Even though JB’s

still not talking to me

Dad’s cracking jokes

and we’re both laughing

like it’s the good ol’ times.

What are we getting for Christmas, Dad? JB asks.

What we always get. Books, I reply,

and we both laugh

just like the good ol’ times.

Boys, your talent will help you win games, Dad says,

but your intelligence, that will help you win at life.

Who said that? I ask.

I said it, didn’t you hear me?

Michael Jordan said it, JB says,

still looking at Dad.

Look, boys, you’ve both done good

in school this year, and

your mom and I appreciate that.

So you choose a gift, and I’ll get it.

You mean no books? I ask. Yes!

Nope. You’re still getting the books, player.

Santa’s just letting you pick something extra.

At the stoplight,

JB and I look out

the window

at the exact moment

we pass by the mall

and I know exactly

what JB wants.

Dad, can we stop

at that sneaker store

in the mall?

Yeah, Dad, can we? JB echoes.

And the word we

never sounded

sweeter.