Someone was coming. Jake reached down and snatched the medallion from Matt, then scooped him up in his arms and whispered to Jessica. "Quick! Take his clothes!"
She squatted down and gathered Matt's old clothes into the pile of cast-offs she was carrying. "This is awesome! He looks just like my little brother Joey did when he was five! Those were his underpants. We are cleaning out the garage, and my Mom always hated throwing stuff out."
"I wanna grow up again!" Matt's lower lip trembled and a tear slid down his cheek. "I don' wanna be little. Pwease, Jake! Make me a big boy again!"
Seeing Mr. Perkins, the Vice Principal comeing towards them, Jake whispered, "Behave yourself and we'll fix things later. Say anything to get us in trouble, and you'll be starting first grade next year, not college. OK?"
The little boy's eyes widened, and he nodded. Just then, Perkens reached them, and scowled at Jake. "What is that child doing in school? And why aren't the two of you in class?"
Jessica hefted the pile of clothing. "I was just taking these old clothes to the band room, Mr. Perkins. We're having the rummage sale this weekend?"
Thinking quickly, Jake hugged Matt closer. "This is my little brother, Andy. The babysitter had an emergency and left him with me. I'm gonna take him home and wait for my mom."
Perkins smiled and nodded. "Well, I am impressed that a young man such as yourself is so responsible. But I will need a note from your mother later, OK?" He reached out and tweaked Matt's nose. "Cute little kid." Then he continued down the hall.
Jake and Jessica breathed a sigh of relief. The girl grinned. "I got to take this stuff to the band room." Her eyes sparkled. "I got a great idea. Come on!"
Matt looked at her, then scowled at Jake. "You said I could be a big boy!" His face started to twist into a pout. "I wanna be a big boy! You pwomised! Make me a big boy, now!" His voice got louder and he started to kick in Jake's arms.