Jack woke in a cold sweat, the memories of the past plaguing his dreams like they had for the past two years. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and blurrily examined his surroundings. This is a good one. Jack thought from his cocoon of blankets that were shielding him from the cold cement. He had found this spot on accident one day and it had worked out pretty well for him since. It was an old overpass that was rarely used and he could easily hide under. He had yet to be bothered in his new home and was hopeful he would be able to stay there longer.
Jack yawned and stretched his taut muscles. His body always seemed to have at least a dull ache. Today, however, had him cringing and cursing as he tried to lift himself from the small area he had been sleeping. Jack checked the cheap watch on his arm and pushed himself up through the pain. There were only a few more minutes until the show began and Jack refused to miss it. He packed his few items into his ratty backpack. He figured no one would want his ripped blankets so he left them in his makeshift bed, hoping they would remain untouched until he returned.
He stumbled down the steep concrete, sliding halfway down until he reached the road. He then used all his remaining momentum to run towards the park that was luckily not too far away. He climbed up the grassy hill and sat at the top staring down at the park below.
With a "Right this way, ladies" Jack knew he made it right on time. He grinned at the familiar voice. He pulled the cards from his backpack, they were still in such great quality. He was always sure to protect them. They meant more to him than anything else. He held them in front of his nose, breathing in the scent. He was no longer sure if it was his mother's scent or just his imagination but he found it comforting nonetheless.
Daniel Atlas, the magician Jack had worshipped for so many years was standing in the park below. Women of varying ages crowded around him. If not for Jack's vantage point he probably wouldn't have even been able to see the magician. Jack had seen Atlas' show in the park for the past week, but still couldn't quite figure out the man's tricks. It didn't matter how many times he watched, he was always impressed and always fumbling to try to teach himself the tricks.
"Pick a card. Any card!" Atlas began, as he always seemed to. He held the cards out in front of him. A blonde blushed a scarlet shade as she reached to pull a card from the deck. Jack watched from the hill, already amazed and the magician hadn't even really done anything yet.
"Now, if you please, put it back into the deck," Atlas purred, his lips curled up in a smirk. The magician turned his attention back to the deck and tossed it into the air.
He reached behind the blonde's ear and showed it to the crowd.
"Is this your card?" He asked, his smirk growing even wider. The women surrounding him were stunned. They screamed and giggled as they surrounded the magician like a group of man-eating sharks.
Jack, from atop the mountain, is smiling from ear to ear. Magic always seemed to have this effect on him. He watched in wonder as Atlas raised his hand and the deck somehow flew back into it. The sharks really seemed to enjoy that trick, especially the blonde who was gripping Atlas' arm which her manicured hands.
Atlas waved the rest of the group away while placing a hand on top of the blonde's. Finally, Jack thinks, I can get him semi-alone. For that past week Jack wanted to beg Atlas to teach him the magic but the group of women always seemed to parade around. With only one female to worry about, Jack slide down the hill, his old jacket flipping in the wind.
He tumbled once he hit the grass and quickly recovered, making his way to the man he had admired for all those years. Atlas' back was to the boy as he made his way to the taxi waiting for him on the side of the road. Jack pushed through the pain flowing through his body.
"Daniel Atlas!" Jack squeaked out before bending over trying to recapture his lost breath. He refused to just let the magician walk away after finally being so close.
"Yeah kid?" Daniel questioned, his face scrunched in annoyance and a hint of disgust.
"Please show me how you did that trick," Jack begged, his eyes full-on puppy dog and his cheeks pink with exertion and nervousness.
"Yeah-um...I'm busy right now," Daniel snorted, motioning to the woman on his arm who giggled at the insinuation.
"Maybe some other time," The magician continued flippantly.
"Please!" Jack croaked, but Daniel was already turned around and making his way to the car waiting for him.
Jack's eyes were wide as he watched the taxi drive away. He had always assumed the only reason he wouldn't be able to learn from the magician would be too many other people in the way. Instead he was left feeling deject and dumb. His shoulders fell and he curled into himself as he turned to walk away. He hadn't noticed the red haired woman leaning against a tree and watching him curiously.
From inside the taxi, Daniel threw his arm over the blonde and muttered, "Stupid kid."
The blonde laughed and whispered, "We need all the time we can get."
Atlas smirked and the woman licked her lips. It would be a long night for everyone.