JEANETTE'S LETTER TO BOBBY

A few days had passed before Bob came running up holding a sheet of paper.  He seemed terribly excited; it was Jeanette's reply to Bob's letter.  He handed it to me and asked me to read it; here is what I read:  Dear Bobby:  I was very surprised to get your letter.  When you did not appear for sixth grade, I wondered where you went.  We sat across from each other for five years and I looked at you alot. Even though you were a little shorter than me, I still thought you were cute and smart. One time, I looked at your lips and I wanted to kiss you.  Don't you dare tell anybody that.  I like sixth grade except for going to different class rooms every day.  I did not like Miss Church in third grade...she made you cry a few times.  I think it would be fun to see you again.  I wish you could take me on a street car ride, my Mom won 't let me go alone.  All we have to do is walk down three blocks to Glenoaks and catch the car.  There is a boy named Johnny Rohan at Toll who likes me.  He is really cute.  Please let's be pen pals because it is fun.    Jeanette   ...I handed the letter back to Bob and asked what he thought of it.  He told me he did not like Johnny Rohan.  I understood and told him that I thought the letter was very encouraging.  I suggested he write her another letter and  establish a little "bonding" before the street car ride.  I told him I would give him some money to take her out and he said that he made about thirty dollars a month from throwing papers.  He went back home to do his home work and I just puttered around and my memories went back to the old street cars.  My parents were very trusting when I was very young and allowed me to go just about anywhere as long as I used good judgement and was home for dinner...I sat down in an easy chair and closed my eyes......I could hear the music of the rails and I was on my way all the way down to Los Angelus to where my Dad worked in the Subway Terminal Bldg....and I will leave all of that kind of stuff for later.......(to be continued)