Bridges Of Time

Chapter 12

2004
Cooperstown

Sorry, Alexander. Dad said no.

Alec paces up and down his living room.

They have to leave for the senior school trip to Washington in 24 hours, and he still doesn't know how to convince Asmodeus to let Magnus go. Isabelle watches her anxious brother thinking and calculating, with her book spread in front of her. She'd suggested a few minutes ago that Alec should trust Magnus and let him convince Asmodeus, but Alec is more than aware of the devious nature of Magnus' father. He would never budge from his original decision.

The door to their house clicks open, and Robert walks in. He places his leather bag on the side, noting his two kids animatedly discussing something. "Here's an idea." Isabelle looks up in the direction of his father. "We could ask Dad to convince Magnus' father. Dad to dad. It'll be a lot more convincing for him if it comes from a fellow parent." She suggests.

Alec's eyes brighten up. He likes the idea.

.

(A few minutes later)

Robert looks between his kids, walking to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. "I have no idea what this is about, but I don't think it's alright to get involved in other parents' decisions," he shrugs, downing water from a glass. There's a sudden chill in air from the cold emanating from the refrigerator. Alec groans and drops dramatically on one of the chairs.

"But Dad!" Isabelle protests, taking the lead on this because she knows he can never say no to her. "Magnus' father is pretty unreasonable. He's not letting Magnus come to the school trip for a good reason. It's just his stubbornness," she makes a case. "You're a lawyer, you know how to talk to people. Please just give it a try." She pleads, pouting.

Robert sighs, putting the empty glass of water down on the kitchen counter. "Okay, I can try." Alec's eyes light up. "But I can't promise anything," he raises his hand in his defence. "Give me his father's number, will you?" Robert pulls out his phone and opens his keypad. Alec happily rushes to his room and returns with the number of Magnus' landline. The excitement in his boy makes Robert scoff.

Asmodeus picks up after a few rings. "Hello?"

"Hello, Am I talking to Mr Bane? This is Robert Lightwood, Alec's father." Robert introduces himself.

"Yes, hello, Mr Lightwood." Asmodeus grunts.

"My son and your son are in the same class at Idris High, and I wanted to speak with you. I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time." Robert loosens his tie, leaning over the counter. Alec and Isabelle cross their fingers, intently listening to their father.

"What do you want, Mr Lightwood?"

Robert frowns, placing a firm hand on the mic, and pulling the phone away from his ear to look at his children. "Isn't he an absolute delight?" He hisses very quietly so that it's just Alec and Isabelle who hear him.

"I told you!" Alec whispers back.

Robert clears his throat and puts his phone back on his ear. "I wanted to discuss the upcoming school trip to Washington. I understand that you have decided to not let Magnus go for the trip."

"That's correct. I don't think he's going to go. He has responsibilities at home, and I can't have him gallivanting off on some school trip."

Robert rolls his eyes, and then puts on his lawyer diplomacy. "I understand your concern. However, I think there's some misunderstanding here. This isn't just any school trip. It's an educational opportunity. The students will be visiting key historical sites, which will be greatly benefit their academic projects. Magnus is exceptionally bright, and I believe he would gain a lot from this experience."