Manhattan – Soccer Practice
As I neared the Y, I could see that the soccer practice was still in full swing. I walked a little bit closer and signaled the coach over. The coached eyed me somewhat suspiciously. So my light brown hair was a little bit unkempt, and my faded jeans and dark blue windbreaker should probably be replaced. That was no reason to be a complete ass.
"Coach Timmons, my name's Jake. I'm here to pick up Max a little bit early. His mom called and wanted me to get him for her."
"No can do, buddy. The kids don't leave with anyone but their parents unless they tell me otherwise." Okay, so he was just looking out for the kids' wellbeing. Any other day I'd have just been stoked that he cared so much. Right now I just needed the kid, which alleviated some of my guilt when I pulled out my wand and waved it once in front of his face.
"I think that's everything you need to see." His dazed, vacant expression was all I really needed, but the half-smile and the slight nod weren't exactly unwelcome. I walked straight past him and called out "Max! Get over here."
The boy ran towards me. Okay, I'll admit it. Out of all the Russo children, I liked Max the best. I dunno what it was either. He wasn't the smartest. Justin and Alex were certainly sharper, both in their own special ways. He wasn't the best wizard either. Again, Justin and Alex were just much more clever…each in their own special little ways. He wasn't even a "good" kid. He'd gotten in trouble so much that I'd have guessed he was trying to take Alex's title. He was just likeable.
"Yo, Jake, what's up? Practice is still goin' on." He smiled. I guess I liked that he liked hanging out with me. Well, being 19 has its advantages, and every 12 year old on Earth is just thrilled when a 19 year old wants to hang out with them. The attention was nice.
"Sorry, bud, change of plans. You're coming with me right now. Get your stuff and come on. No goofing around, hear? I suppose he could hear the urgency in my voice, because, unlike every other time I went to get him, he was ready in under a minute. He hadn't even bothered to change back into his regular clothes.
"So, what's up? Where're we going?" We walked towards the street, and I started hailing a cab. Even if money was kind of tight, making good time was way more important than saving cash by walking. Besides, I could always charm the driver. I didn't mind doing stuff like this in special circumstances. Or when I was broke. Lucky for me, this fell into both categories.
"Nothing major, I hope. We're going to your place." A cab came by, and I ushered the boy in. After quickly making sure his seatbelt was on, I told the driver to take us to Waverly Place. I just hoped this guy would make good time.