by Lee Magnus
She looked at him like only a mother could when her child was hurting. She placed her hand on his and said, “No, baby. I didn’t know. Your father never mentioned him.”
Trey, a little more anxious replied, “Did you notice he and Mr. Smith left about the same time?” He shuffled again and continued, “You say you hardly talk to Dad anymore and he hasn’t come to see me in over three years. Do you think that maybe he’s in trouble too? Like Mr. Smith was?” He couldn’t help, just like any other thirteen-year-old, hide a hopeful expression.
“Honey,” she said in a soft voice. She touched his face. He looked down. “I don’t know what your father’s doing. All I know is that whatever he’s into is more important that you or I.” She then grasped his hand firmly, “I know it’s great that Mr. Smith is home.”
Her closed-eyed grimace held back all but one tear. She wiped that one away then continued firmly, “Your father is different. You can’t remain hopeful that he will dramatically return home one day.”
It was just like she slapped him. The truth, as painful as it was, is what Trey expected.
Trey thought to himself, I know it’s improbable that Dad will ever come back to us. Even if he were in trouble like Mr. Smith, what are the chances I could actually help?
“I know.” Trey replied. He thought he was stupid for believing just because Mr. Smith knew his father that maybe he could bring his own father home too.
He held his head for a second then a thought crossed his mind, that’s right! Mr. Smith knows my dad! He brightened up and said, “Thanks for the talk, Mom! I love you!” He then tossed his plate in the sink and rushed back to his room where he wrapped the disk in a sock and placed it along with the Etherios key and potions into a drawer. He picked up the sword, jabbed and sliced at the air a few times then hid it between his mattress and box spring. He gathered his backpack, then left for school.
His mind stirred endlessly on the way to school. Where was his father? Does Mr. Smith know? Does Lyza know? Would he be able to save him if he needed saving? He walked the sidewalk anxious and full of hope.
~~
“Kid! Where’ve you been?” Marcus said. He had too much gel in his hair. It was slick and shiny – distracting Trey from the conversation. “What’s the deal? You don’t answer texts anymore? Are you breaking up with me?” said Marcus jokingly to Trey in a school hallway.
“No, dork. I’m not breaking up with you. I was, uh, sick the past couple days. Sorry I didn’t call.”
Trey easily recalled nearly dying several times at the hands of ghoulish creatures in his house, Egypt and China; battling a zombie dog in a magical realm in the Libyan desert; literally dying when he defeated a demon in a fairy kingdom; and outrunning unwavering henchmen in a tiny oasis town. He believed his “sick” excuse was unsatisfactory at describing the past couple days to his best friend. He wanted to tell him. He wanted to share these experiences with him. He felt he needed to warn him of what might happen – no – what will happen (according to Grandpa and the Keeper).
But this information is too much for Marcus now. He thought. Marcus won’t understand. Plus, Lyza said we’d be safe for some time so there’s no urgency in bringing him in…just yet.
Trey had a terrible feeling Marcus would be involved. In every movie he had seen, the bad guy always goes after the protagonist’s family and best friend. It’s already been necessary to protect mom. It’s only a matter of time that they discover Marcus.
I have to keep him safe.
Marcus looked at Trey. Disbelieving eyes revealed he knew there was more to the story, but decided to wait it out and said excitedly, “You’ve missed a lot. Jenny Jacobson broke up with Tom. Do you think she’d go out with me?”
Trey pulled his attention away from the past days and Marcus’ hair gel, “Jenny Jacobson is one of the smartest girls in school.”
“Don’t forget she was also homecoming queen last year.”
“Exactly. Unless you pick up your grades or become a handsome jock, I think your chances are slim. But what do I know. I’ve never had a girlfriend.”
“I think she’ll dig my quirky comedian personality.”
“No doubt. I think, however, you’ll find more interesting news this week besides who dumped who.”
“Like what? You have good dirt on someone? Wait. I’m talking to the strait-laced Trey Roberts. If it’s not dirt, then what could be more important than Jenny Jacobson? Oh, crap. Don’t look, it’s Donald.”
Marcus turned toward the lockers, trying to become smaller so he wouldn’t be seen. Trey stepped out to greet his new friend.
“What’s up, Trey?” Donald said happily.
They high fived after which, Donald gave Trey a quick manly one-armed hug.
“Nothing much,” Trey responded with a playful smile.
“You have time to hang out before your game Saturday?” Donald asked.
“Yeah! Absolutely!” Trey wanted to talk to Don personally about his dad. Maybe he could make that happen Saturday with Donald. “Want to meet around 11 at the park then grab some lunch?”
“That’d be great. See you then!” He hugged Trey again just a little longer than before – he closed his eyes to feel it more. He then said with a whisper so only Trey could hear, “Thanks again. Dad told me what you did to rescue him. You don’t have any idea how much you mean to me and my mom.”
“It was my pleasure. I’m happy it all worked out.”
Donald pulled away. His eyes were watery and a little red but no tears. “See you at eleven. What’s up Marcus!” he said before walking off. Marcus stood bug-eyed as if he witnessed the most unbelievable occurrence of his life. His gaping mouth could hardly form the words, “What … the heck … just happened?”
“I told you something more interesting than Jenny Jacobson happened.”
“No. Seriously. What just happened.”
Trey smiled.
“Did Donald Smith; the guy that chased us through the playground earlier this week, the guy that I’ve been avoiding all week, the same guy that tormented you for years, just hug you?”
“Yeah.”
“What the heck. What happened? What’d you do to make him not pound you?”
“We made up.”
“Really? That’s all you have?” he said with low cut eyes.
“I helped him out with something.”
“Like algebra? Don’t tell me you’re doing his homework.”
“No. Nothing like that. I can’t really tell you right now. Maybe later.”
“You have to tell me. I can’t wait for later,” Marcus pleaded.
Trey smiled and turned. Marcus chased him down the hall.
“You mean like later next period later or after school later?”
“Just later.”
“Dude! You’re killing me! I have to know. Please?”
Trey stopped. “Look. There’s Jenny Jacobson.”
“Yeah.” Marcus said. He looked at the girl and said to Trey, “You suck you know.”
“I know. You gonna to talk to her?”
“No. I’m gonna go make her laugh,” he said with a level of confidence only Marcus Bouer could possess.
Marcus straightened his tucked in shirt then crossed the hall targeting a tall girl wearing a tight-fitting knee length skirt, blue top and long brown hair braided to one side. She smiled when Marcus casually approached with a quirky strut. Trey made out “Hey Marcus” from her lightly painted lips. She was easily half a foot taller than Trey’s enthusiastic friend. He said something to her at which she giggled, then returned a comment Trey couldn’t make out. Marcus waved bye, then returned to Trey.
“So, how’d it go?”
“She thought I was funny, just like I said.”
“Good for you Marcus. That’s the power of intention at work. Now all you have to do is ask her to the Homecoming Dance.”
“Holy crows I forgot about the dance! You think she’d go with me?”
“I don’t know bud
dy. You’re on your own with that one.”
“What about you? Who are you taking?”
“I’m not going. I’ve got too much on my mind lately.”
“Yeah? Anything I can help with? But none of that boring sciency stuff you’re into.”
“No. Just some personal things that I have to work out on my own.”
“Well to add to that, I’m still mad you didn’t text me.”
“I know. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I’ll get over it when you buy me ice cream after the movie this Sunday.”
“Sure thing,” Trey said.
“Uh Oh. You have one other thing to add to your personal list,” Marcus said looking up the hall.
“What do you mean? What is it?” Trey asked curiously – convinced Marcus couldn’t know of anything that would stand up against his issues with Commerand – but he was wrong.
“There’s someone else that would’ve liked a heads up,” Marcus said urging Trey to look ahead at Sarah waltzing down the hall toward them.
She wore a flower print sundress that waved as she swayed gracefully. The alluring article rose into two broad straps that barely draped each shoulder. Her rolling blonde hair fell to one side exposing a luscious neck on the other. She flaunted a smile that would suck the wind from the largest sail.
“Oh no! I told her I’d walk her to school Wednesday. Ahhggg!” he said putting his face in his hands.
“Yeah, she asked where you were. I told her I didn’t know. She didn’t seem mad or anything. More concerned. I’ll let you take it from here,” he said as Sarah took his place in the conversation. She settled on one hip, closer to Trey than Marcus but not so close they could accidently touch.
“Hey Marcus.”
“Hey Girl!” he replied giving her a high five. “I have to get. I’ll see you two later.”
He shot Trey a knowing glance as he walked off. Trey eyed him several seconds silently screaming for help.
Trey turned a forced smile to Sarah then said slumped in a disappointed posture. “Hey Sarah,”
“Hey Trey. Are you ok?” she asked with a scrunched brow. She held a couple books in one hand. Her voice was friendly and compassionate. “I figured you weren’t feeling well. It’s not like you to miss school two days in a row.”
She notices when I’m not here?
“Yeah. I was pretty messed up. I’m sorry I couldn’t meet you Wednesday morning. I would’ve enjoyed the walk.”
She shifted hips. “It’s ok. I waited a while for you. I thought you stood me up.”
“No!” Trey said with too much emphasis. “I mean,” he tried to correct his tone, “No, I didn’t do it on purpose.”
“I know. It’s ok. Kenny Parker picked me up and took me to school.”
Trey replied startled, “Kenny Parker? I didn’t know he could drive.”
“He got his driver’s license a few weeks ago. His parents bought him a new car last week. A convertible. It’s really nice, especially this time of year. Wednesday afternoon was a great day for a cruise.”
Anxiousness and fear crept into his voice. “So, he took you home too?”
“Yeah. We also stopped at Danucci’s for ice cream.”
“That’s cool,” Trey said dismayed. He felt his heart sinking. His stomach churned.
“He’s friends with Rhonda’s brother. I’ve known him for years. He’s a nice guy.”
Trey replied in the friendliest manner he could muster, “He plays on the varsity soccer team, but I don’t really know him.” He hoped she wouldn’t recognize his anguish.
“Yeah, he does. I went to his practice yesterday. They’re pretty good.”
“So, I hear. You went to his practice too?” He looked away then back to her and said, “That’s cool. So, you two are a,” he shuffled, “a couple?”
Trey felt embarrassed after the comment. He wished he could take it back. He didn’t want to know the answer – unless it was definitely no.
“No,” she said quickly. “Well, I don’t – I, uh – he’s just – we like talking to each other and it’s kinda neat hanging out with the high schoolers,” she finally finished.
She didn’t say ‘yes’ but Trey knew ‘yes’ was her answer. He looked at his aged shoes then said, “It’s really none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No. Really, Trey. It’s ok.”
Trey thought she seemed genuinely concerned and awkwardly ashamed for answering like she did.
“I, uh, have to get to class now. I’ll see you later Trey. I’m glad you’re feeling better,” she said uncomfortably before strolling away.
Dang! I really messed up. That stupid disk! Why me? Why did all this happen to me! Kenny Parker of all people. Arggg! How do I compete with a high schooler with a car?
He hung his head, then pressed it against his locker. When he pushed away something clanged against the metal door. He reached in his pocket to find the disk.
“Wha – How’d this get here? The spell Aunt Kathy told me about when she gave me the disk. The spell must force the disk to always stay with me. Kathy didn’t intentionally keep it in her purse. That’s just where it stayed. I guess I’m stuck toting this thing around with me forever. The weirdness just doesn’t end,” he said to himself as he turned toward science class.
He greeted his science teacher as he strolled into class, “Hey Mr. H. Nice to see you again.”
“Yeah Trey. Long time no see.” He moved closer lowering his voice, then said, “That was a crazy few days huh? Are you ok?”
“Yeah, I guess. I messed up with Sarah and woke up this morning realizing the past two days weren’t a dream. I’m having a really hard day.”
“Sarah huh? Is there already trouble in wonderland?”
Trey gave a discontented expression.
“Sorry,” Nick offered. “That was inappropriate. Seriously though, I think we’ve gotten ourselves into a big mess. Come by the lab after school today. I need to show you something.”
“Sure.”
Trey took his seat while Nick began discussing simple machines.
After science class Coach Rafiq caught up with Trey in the hall.
“Trey!” Coach Rafiq said urgently with a slow intentional Spanish accent.
“Hey Coach.”
“Where have you been? Tomorrow’s game day and you haven’t been at practice.”
“I know. I wasn’t feeling well.”
“You could have said something you know. You gonna be well enough to play tomorrow?”
“Yeah! I’ll be there for sure.”
“We are doing well with the 4231 with Davis at striker.”
“Davis? Argg! This day!”
“I know you are disappointed. I’m starting him in the position tomorrow. You’ll take his place at right midfield,” he smiled then continued with a soft chuckle, “assuming you remember how to play the position.”
He looked away from Rafiq and replied in a disappointed voice, “Yes sir. I understand. I’ll be fine at midfield.”
“You’ll be at practice today right?”
“Yes sir,” he said continuing his disappointed low voice.
“Great. See you then. Remember Trey, communication is the key to fútbol as well as life. Don’t leave your friends and family out of the loop again. Ok?”
“Ok Coach. Thanks.”
He turned to find a girl resting against the adjacent locker.
“That’s tough about your position,” she said wearing only a concerned smile for makeup. She held a book with both hands over her belly. Long auburn hair dangled in a ponytail as she leaned her head to the side. She looked up to make eye contact.
“Oh. Hey, Leslie. You heard my conversation with Coach?”
“Most of it. I’m sorry.”
He felt embarrassed she knew considering he hasn’t yet had time to process the news.
“It’s ok. I’d probably do the same thing if I were him. I’m lucky to be in the game this weekend.”
“If it matters, you played a great game last weekend.”
“Thanks,” he said smiling. “You came to my match – again?”
“I haven’t missed one yet this year. You’re fun to watch,” she said in a pinchy voice then straightened her posture. She briefly looked toward her athletic shoes before regaining eye contact, “You move the ball so well, like the other guys are standing still. That last goal for a hat trick was unbelievable.”
Trey looked over her head down the hall at two boys shoving each other. When the brief scuffle was over, he brought his attention back to the sparkling emerald eyes of the girl who pleasantly invaded his space – he failed to realize he didn’t mind her closeness. He lost his concentration in her gaze – like peering upon a lush green meadow after a spring rain. He could almost smell budding flowers and hear bees gathering their spoils. He forced himself back to the conversation, “Thanks. But many of them are standing still,” he said dismissively. “It’s just middle school soccer,” he said shrugging a shoulder. “Some of the other schools don’t have the pool of talent we have.”
She shifted her eyes toward the lockers then back to his. Her face brightened. “I joined the girl’s team last week!” she said gently bouncing on her toes and with a slight squeal as she completed the remark. “I don’t start,” she said lowering her voice. “But I’m fast,” she continued in her previously chipper tone. “Coach says I could be a great winger,” she said with a faultless smile.
“That’s fantastic,” he said casually – aware of his heart beating a touch stronger. “Let me know when coach plays you and I’ll come to a game.”
“Really? You promise?” she said with wide hopeful eyes. A light splash of freckles danced high upon her cheeks and nose when she smiled.
“Yeah, uh, sure. I’ll be there.”
“I hope so! See you later Trey!” she said then skipped off down the hall.
Trey watched her ponytail bop side to side as she flittered away like a butterfly bouncing against invisible objects along an undetermined flight path.
