by Lee Magnus
“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.
On his way to meet Nick in the science lab, a short stocky kid strutted toward Trey. He wore a smug grin.
“Davis,” Trey said in a condescending tone.
“Trey! Nice to have you back,” he said significantly overdoing the sarcasm. “See you at practice today,” he said staring coldly at Trey then roughly bumped his shoulder as he passed.
Trey shook his head then moved on to the lab
Nick met Trey at the door of the science lab.
“Come see this.”
Nick took him to an object inconspicuously located in the corner by the far window.
“That’s the rock you were testing for conductivity, right?”
“Yeah. It is. But I’m not testing it for connectivity. I wasn’t really sure what it was I built until Lyza brought us back home.”
He uncovered the object revealing a dark igneous stone encased in a copper housing. A flat four-inch by four-inch panel remained accessible. The copper housing attached to thick shielded copper cables connected to long grounding rods buried just outside the window.
“I forgot about this after that morning. The stone looks just like…”
“A portal stone” Nick finished.
“Lyza was right.”
“Right about what?”
“That Khaitu or someone related to him wanted you to build this and get the Eye of Kartho. We did just what they wanted us to do. But it’s useless without a key to power the portals and Lyza has that and the Eye is missing.”
Nick held up the opened ceramic box displaying a copper colored key he recovered from the bird spider cave in Asia over the summer.
“You have a key too! We’re in it deep. Who else knows?”
“No one. Just you, me and I guess Lyza. But she doesn’t know I have a key.”
“And the creeper that led you to do it.”
“Yeah. I suppose that’s true. But why go through all that effort? Why not just send others loyal to Khaitu, or Commerand himself?”
“I don’t know. It looks almost the same as Don’s.” Trey ran a finger across the cold surface of the portal. “Maybe when his didn’t work out, they tried you. But if Commerand knew you had a key, he’d be here. Without the Eye, there’s no other way for him to get to the other dimensions.”
“At least none that Lyza has mentioned,” Nick countered. “Remember, Don said he thought Commerand could open the portal. Maybe he has a key.”
“Oh yeah. I forgot about that part. How many keys do you think are out there?”
“I have no idea. I didn’t even know I had one until yesterday. You know,” he said to Trey sincerely, “we talk about her a lot like she’s this great guardian doing us favors. What do we really know about her? I mean, I’m not positive, but I feel quite certain she was responsible for Seth and I getting jumped at the Cairo airport.”
“Really? That’s what happened? Her and a guy named the Phoenix were talking about that. Said you gave ‘em hell! That’s awesome!” Trey responded excitedly.
“We nearly died.”
“Oh yeah. That would’ve been bad,” Trey said tempering his excitement.
“All I’m saying is that I’m not sure we can trust her. Think of the mess she’s gotten you into.”
“I’ve been having the same thoughts. She did conveniently show up at my house right before the rogglets attacked us and she did haul me off to nearly get killed in the desert. And I just followed the plan and won the Eye for her. I’m so stupid!”
“No, Trey. You just did what you thought was right at the time. But just in case you see her again, don’t tell her about this portal or that I have a key. By the way, do you know how it works?”
“Yeah, she said you have to know the shape engraved on the stone to where you want to go and then think about where you want to go. Then as you saw, touch it to the stone. I wouldn’t try it though. If you get it wrong, bad stuff happens.”
“What do you mean bad stuff?”
“She tried to describe it to me but all I could imagine is falling forever until you die of old age which shouldn’t be too much longer for you, huh?” Trey said jabbing Nick in the arm.
“Very funny, funny guy! It’s about time for soccer practice, right?”
“Yeah, I need to get going.”
“Did I hear right that Rafiq moved you to midfielder?”
“Yeah. Said I missed too many practices this week. It makes sense since I don’t know how the team utilizes the new formation. It’ll be ok. Davis will be a good striker.”
“And you’re wicked fast. You’ll do fine,” Nick said proudly.
Teamwork
“Trey! Nice to have you back,” said a clean-cut brown skinned Puerto Rican boy with a friendly smile as Trey walked onto the soccer pitch.
“Thanks Phillipe.”
“Yeah! Nice of you to return,” Davis said with sly eyes.
Trey instantly recalled an interaction with Davis at Monday’s practice.
“You had a good game last week,” said a stocky brown headed kid with a crooked smile as Trey approached the south field where half of his teammates were waiting while others slowly pulled in. “That goal you set up for me was great. I keep telling coach to put me at striker so you can feed me more passes. I’m sure we’d dominate.”
Trey sat looking up at the thick-headed kid. “We already dominate this league, Davis. I think you’d do well in the position, though. I’ll do whatever coach wants me to do.”
“Don’t be full of yourself, Trey. You’d cry like a little baby if Rafiq placed you anywhere else on the field or worse took you out of the game.”
“It would suck, but the only way he’d do that is if I stop trying.” Trey said rising to his feet, facing Davis. “And I’m not gonna do that,” he finished coldly.
“Yeah. Whatever Trey,” Davis said stalking off to the other end of the bench.
Phillipe the center midfielder said to Trey, “Don’t let that guy get to you. He just wishes he was half as good as you.”
Trey smiled and returned to his seat as coach Rafiq approached the now full bench.
Trey returned from his memory to Davis gloating, “And by the way, you’re looking at your new striker, moron. I look forward to receiving lots of passes from you!” he said laughing, then walked away.
“Don’t listen to him. We’re gonna rock the pitch together!” encouraged Phillipe.
Phillipe was Trey’s favorite teammate. He always encouraged Trey to be a smarter player and is one of the friendliest people he knows.
“That’s right,” Trey said happily, but it’s been a long time since I’ve played midfield. I’m so used to you telling me where to go and what to do I may have forgotten.”
“Come on out, we can work on a few things before practice starts.”
Rafiq addressed the squad of teenagers after they all regained the bench. “Ok team!” he said in his typical intentional Spanish accented speech. He rested his hands on his hips. “We have our biggest match of the season tomorrow against Ridgeview. Remember, they are a very aggressive team – they will be on constant attack. We have been working on a new formation that provides a good transition from our normal 4-3-3. This should challenge them enough for us to have many opportunities to score.” H
e glanced in Trey’s direction. “However, the key to winning this match is proper and effective communication.” He resumed addressing the entire team. “I only want to hear soccer related communication, not how many points you scored in the mindless video game you played last night. You understand?”
“Yes Sir!” resounded the team.
“As you all can see, Trey is back so let’s get out there and settle him in to his new role. On three! One, Two, Three!”
“Pirates!”
After practice Trey said, “Can I have a word with you, Coach?”
“Sure, Trey.”
Trey looked uncomfortable to Rafiq, but he spoke strongly, “Davis was having a hard time making enough space for us to send him decent passes. I’m concerned if he isn’t able to get open, we will struggle to put points on the board tomorrow.”
“He had a tough day today. He has been doing better.” Rafiq regarded him knowingly. “I know it’s hard for you to see someone else in your position, but Davis is our striker tomorrow. We’ll have to see later about where to put you for the rest of the season.”
“No. That’s not it. I’m not trying to get my position back,” Trey said discouraged about how his coach took his request. “I just want you to help him be a better striker. He won’t listen to me.”
“I’ll have a word with him. Go on home and get some rest. You did good today but seemed a little unfocused. Let’s leave whatever is bothering you at home tomorrow. Ok?”
“Ok, Coach.”
“I’m glad to have you back.”
“I’m glad to be back. See you tomorrow, Coach!”
~~
“Hey Mom!” Trey yelled as he bowled into the kitchen from the garage door. “Mom?” He called again receiving no response. Trey’s mind sizzled as he imagined the worst. He rushed to her room thinking she may be in the shower – but no, the water wasn’t running, and she wasn’t in the back of the house.
“Mom!” he yelled more desperately.
He bolted through the sliding glass door to the back yard.
“Mom!”