London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 35. Daniel

The day flew by as usual. I met up with Soph to discuss a possible new project, I've been walking around London, and now I'm on my way to pick up Liam to take him to the game.

- Hey, bro, - he says when I meet him, - you ready? Today the game will be just right.

- I have no doubt about that. Except I'm on my way and I'm thinking, why did I give in to Alex's offer and ask her kid to play with us? He's been acting like a total freak with me, - I confess.

- Don't worry, we'll be quick to remind him to respect his elders, - Liam smirks. To be honest, his confidence makes me very happy.

By the time we get to Alex's house, Max is already standing on the porch with a bag in his hands. I quickly honk my horn and he hops in the car. He drops a short "hello" and stares out the window with his headphones on. Liam and I look over at each other in silence.

Guys are warming up on the set. I warned them in the chat room that we'd have a newcomer with us. And although we're usually fine with people, sometimes someone doesn't come. Today was one of those times. So Max gets right in the thick of it.

He calmly pulls on his uniform and goes to warm up. I look at him: I can see Alex in his features. Otherwise, he looks overconfident, even overdone in some places. I decide to concentrate on the game and not get distracted by the kid. But the sense of responsibility for the kid, previously unfamiliar to me, is very distracting. I don't know how well he can play, or if he can play at all. Maybe he was just showing off for his mother. And now he's getting rolled out on the field, and I'm kind of responsible for him in a way. Or I don't? I don't know. But that's how it feels. I'm confused.

We're splitting into teams. And Max ends up on the opposing side, as does Liam. The game begins. I'm watching him, Max knows exactly what to do with the ball, he's good with it. Apparently, he's not new to football. He's got the ball and he moves towards me. Moment of truth. I'm trying to get the ball away from him and I'm almost there when the kid gives me a hard footstep. Oh, no, kid, I'm not giving up so fast.

Liam sees this, unlike our referee, so starts determinedly ignoring Max on the field, not giving him a single pass. The kid boils over. Finally I get the ball and Max cheers up a bit. He runs towards me, but this time it's his turn to "accidentally" get caught in the mix. 1-1, little bastard.

It looks like our match is going beyond friendly play, it's becoming a game of principle for us. It's like we're marking territory. At some point Liam has no choice, Max is the only one he can pass to or we'll score them. So he makes an exception, passes the ball to Max, and he scores a beautiful ball on the fly. Which surprises both me and Liam. He seems to like this combination. I immediately understand from the reaction of a friend that he decided to test a new player. And now he's working on a new combination. Our team is losing.

- It was a good game, - says my friend, wiping his face with a towel. - I didn't know you are playing so good, Max, - he adds.

- Ever since I was a kid in football school, I love the sport, - Max shrugs. Interesting fact.

- Not a bad bunch you and I made, we should try it again, - says Liam. Max nods in response. - you might not have been such an asshole on the field, by the way.

- Grown men are a little scared? - The kid grins,- It was just a game moments.

- Do you need a ride home? - I finally ask.

- No thanks, I'll walk, - he throws back.

- Well, as you know. - Honestly, I didn't want to go with him at all.

We are changing clothes as Max gets his things and disappears into the evening London.

- Stubborn, - Liam says after Max. - Just like his mother.