Bye! Oliver called, waving.
Hopefully, that would be the last hed ever see of Christopher Blue.
He slammed the doors shut and turned on his heel.
Head held high, Oliver picked his way through the messy lunch hall and strolled confidently through the corridors of Campbell Junior High. Hed never felt better. Nothing could top this feeling.
When he reached the exit, he pushed the double main doors open with both hands. A gust of clean, cold air hit him. He took a deep breath in, feeling rejuvenated.
And thats when he saw her.
Standing at the bottom of the steps looking up, stood a solitary figure. Black hair. Emerald green eyes.
Oliver couldnt believe it. His heart leapt, suddenly beating a mile a minute in his chest. His brain began to spin as it desperately tried to work out how why
His palms became clammy. His throat turned dry. A shiver of excitement ran up his spine.
Because standing there before him was a vision of beauty.
It was none other than Esther Valentini.
CHAPTER SIX
Esther? Oliver exclaimed.
He held her by the shoulders, drinking in the sight of every bit of her. He couldnt believe his eyes.
Oliver. Esthers face broke into a smile. She threw her arms around him. I found you.
Her voice was so sweet, like honey. It sang into his ear. Oliver held her close. It felt so wonderful to wrap his arms around her. Hed thought hed never see her again.
But then he moved out of her embrace, suddenly alarmed. Why are you here?
Esther flashed him a mischievous smile. Theres a time machine at the school. Hidden within the kapoc tree. I noticed a small X carved into it and since theres an X on every entrance that only teachers are allowed to use, I figured that must mean there was an entrance within it. So I did a bit of snooping, saw a few teachers disappear, and realized there must be a time machine inside. Strictly forbidden for students to use, of course.
Oliver shook his head. Of course the brilliantly talented Esther Valentini would find a hidden time machine. But no one would travel through one without a very good reason, especially not into a timeline in which one did not belong! From what Oliver had learned at the School for Seers, spending any significant amount of time in the wrong timeline put a real strain on the body. Indeed, hed felt rather odd just traveling back to his own.
And thats not even mentioning the sacrifice. There was no guarantee of ever returning. Leaving the School for Seers had broken Olivers heart and hed only done so to save Armandos life. So something must have driven Esther to come here. A quest, perhaps. A mission. Maybe the school was in danger again?
Not how? Oliver said. Why?
To his great surprise, Esther smirked. You promised me a second date.
Oliver paused, frowning. You mean you came here for me?
He couldnt understand it. Esther might never get back. She may be trapped in the wrong timeline forever. And shed done it for him?
Her cheeks went pink. She tried to shrug it off, becoming suddenly shy. I figured youd need some help.
Though he couldnt understand it, Oliver was grateful for the sacrifice Esther had made. She may well be trapped in the wrong timeline forever and shed done it for him. He wondered if that meant she loved him. He couldnt think of another reason why someone would put themselves through that.
The thought made him feel warm all over. He quickly changed the subject, feeling suddenly shy and bashful.
How was the journey through time? he asked. Did you get here unharmed?
Esther tapped her stomach. I was a little sick. And it gave me a terrible headache. But thats all.
Just then, Oliver remembered the amulet. He pulled it out from beneath his overalls. Professor Amethyst gave me this before I left.
Esther touched the amulet with her fingers. A portal detector! They go warm when youre near a wormhole, right? She smiled breezily. That might just guide us back to the School for Seers one day.
But its been ice cold ever since I got here, Oliver said glumly.
Dont worry, she told him. Were hardly in a rush. We have all the time we want. She smirked at her own joke.
Oliver laughed as well.
I have a new quest, Oliver told her.
Esthers eyes widened with excitement. You do?
He nodded and showed her the compass. Esther gazed at it in wonder.
Its beautiful. What does it mean?
Oliver pointed to the dials and the strange hieroglyphic symbols. Its leading me to my parents. These symbols represent certain places or people. See, those are my parents. He pointed to the dial that had never moved, the one that remained fixed on the image of a man and woman holding hands. These other dials seem to move depending on where I need to go next.
Oh, Oliver, how exciting! You have a mission! Where is it leading you next?
He pointed at the oak leaf. Boston.
Why Boston?
Im not sure, Oliver replied, sliding the compass into the pocket of his overalls. But its related to finding my parents.
Esther slipped her hand inside his and smiled. Then lets go.
Youre coming with me?
Yes. She smiled shyly. If youll have me.
Of course.
Oliver grinned. Though he couldnt quite fathom how Esther was so calm about the fact she may be trapped in the wrong timeline forever, her presence did lift his spirits. Suddenly, everything seemed much more hopeful, much more like the universe was guiding him. His quest to find his parents would be much more enjoyable with Esther by his side.
They headed down the steps, leaving Campbell Junior High behind them, and went in the direction of the train station, walking side by side. Esthers hand in Olivers felt smooth. It was so comforting.
Though it was a chilly October day, Oliver couldnt feel the cold at all. Just being with Esther kept him warm. It was so good to see her. Hed thought he never would again. But he couldnt help worrying she was a mirage that might disappear at any second. So as they walked, he kept glancing at her just to make sure she was real. Every time, shed give him her sweet, shy smile, and hed feel another burst of warmth in his chest.
They reached the train station and headed to the platform. Oliver had never actually bought a train ticket before, and the ticket machine looked very intimidating. But then he reminded himself hed defused a bomb so he could certainly figure out how to work a ticket machine.
He bought two tickets to Cambridge in Boston, selecting the one-way option since he had no idea whether hed ever return to New Jersey or not. The thought worried him.
The train to Cambridge was to take just over four hours. They watched it pull into the platform and then boarded it, finding a quiet carriage where they could settle in for the long journey.
How is everyone at school? Oliver asked. Ralph? Hazel? Walter? Simon?
Esther smiled. Theyre fine. We all miss you, of course. Walter a lot, actually. He says switchit just isnt the same without you.
Oliver felt a sad smile tug at his lips. He missed his old friends a lot too.
And the school? he asked. Its safe? No more attacks?
He shuddered at the memory of when Lucas had led the rogue seers in their attack on the school. And though hed thwarted Lucas in this timeline, he had a feeling he hadnt seen the last of the old, evil man.
No more glowy-eyed bat attacks, she said with a grin.
Oliver thought about that horrible moment during their date together. Theyd been walking through the gardensEsther telling him about her own life and family, about growing up in New Jersey in the 1970swhen the attack had interrupted them.
Oliver realized now theyd never finished their conversation. Hed never had the chance again to really find out who Esther Valentini was before shed entered the School for Seers.
Were from the same neighborhood, arent we? he asked her.
She seemed surprised that he remembered. Yes. Only about thirty or so years apart.
Isnt this strange for you? To be in a place you know so well but to see it how it is in the future?
After the School for Seers, nothing strikes me as strange anymore, she replied. Im more worried about running into myself. Im sure thats the sort of thing that could cause the world to implode.
Oliver pondered her words. He remember how old Lucas had been poisoning the mind of young Lucas to make him do his bidding. I think its okay as long as you dont realize its yourself, if that makes sense?
She crossed her arms tightly about her middle. Id prefer not to risk it.
Oliver watched her face turn serious. There seemed to be something hidden behind her eyes.
Arent you curious though? he asked. To see your family? To see yourself?
She shook her head suddenly. I have seven siblings, Oliver. All we ever did was fight, especially since I was the freak. And all Mom and Dad ever did was argue about me, about what was wrong with me. Her voice was low and filled with melancholy. Im better off out of it all.
Oliver felt bad for her. As terrible as his own home life and upbringing were, he had deep compassion for anyone whod had a tough time.
He thought about how all the children at the school had been alone, taken from their families to train. At the time, hed wondered why none of them appeared lonely or homesick. Perhaps it was because none had come from happy homes. Perhaps there was something about being a seer that set them apart from the rest, that made their parents wary, their homes unhappy.
Esther looked up at him then. Your real parents. Are you sure theyll accept you as you are?
Oliver realized then that he hadnt even thought about it. Theyd given him up in the first place, hadnt they? What if theyd been so terrified of their peculiar baby theyd dumped him and ran?
But then he remembered the visions in which his parents had come to him. They were warm. Kind. Inviting. Theyd told him they loved him and that they were always with him, watching, guiding. He was certain that theyd be pleased to be reunited.
Or was he?
Im sure, he said. But, for the first time, he was not so sure. What if this entire quest was ill conceived?
And what will you do once you find them? Esther added.
Oliver pondered her words. There had to have been some good reason as to why theyd given him up as a baby. Some reason theyd never come to find him. Some reason why they werent currently in his life.
He looked at Esther. Thats a good question. I honestly dont know.
They fell into silence, the train gently rocking them back and forth as it cut through the landscape.
Oliver looked out the window as the sight of historic Boston came into view. It looked wonderful, like something from a movie. A swell of excitement overcame him. Though he may not know what hed do when he found his real Mom and Dad, he couldnt wait to find them.
Just then, the announcers voice came over the speaker.
Next stop: Boston.
CHAPTER SEVEN
As the train pulled into the station, Oliver felt his chest leap with excitement. Hed never traveled beforethe Blues never went on vacationso being in Boston felt very exciting.
He and Esther alighted from the train and headed into the very busy station. It was grand-looking with marble pillars and sculptures dotted about the place. People in business suits whizzed around speaking loudly into their cell phones. It all felt rather overwhelming for Oliver.
Right, its two miles to Harvard University from here, he explained. We need to head due north and cross the river.
How do you know? Esther asked. Does your compass give directions too?
Oliver chuckled and shook his head. He pointed to a large brightly colored map hanging against the station wall. It showed them all the tourists spots, including Harvard University.
Oh, Esther said, blushing.
As they left the station, a gentle autumn breeze stirred the fallen leaves on the sidewalk and there was a hint of gold in the sky.
They started to stroll in the direction of Cambridge.
It looks very different than in my era, Esther commented.
Really? Oliver asked, recalling how Esther came from the 1970s.
Yes. Theres more traffic. More people. But the students all look the same. She smirked. Brown corduroy must be back in fashion.
There were indeed many college students walking along the streets, looking purposeful with their books in their arms. It reminded Oliver of the kids at the School for Seers, who were always rushing some place with serious, studious expressions on their faces.
How do you think everyone is back at school? he asked. I miss them.
He thought of Hazel, Walter, and Simon, the friends hed made at the School for Seers. But most of all he missed Ralph. Ralph Black was the closest hed come to having a best friend.
Im sure theyre doing just fine, Esther replied. Theyll be busy with class. Doctor Ziblatt was just starting her astral projection classes when I left.
Olivers eyes widened. Astral projection? Im sorry to be missing that.
Me too.
Oliver heard a hint of melancholy in Esthers voice. He wondered again what had propelled Esther to follow him here. He felt like there must be more to the story, something she wasnt telling him.
They reached the bridge that crossed over the Charles River. It was bustling with college students. In the water below they could see rowboats, canoes, and kayaks. It seemed like a very lively and vibrant place.
They started to walk across the bridge.
Has your compass changed at all? Esther asked.
Oliver checked it. No. Its still showing those same four symbols.
Esther held her palm out and Oliver handed it to her. She inspected it with a look of awe. I wonder what it is. Where it came from. Im surprised Armando didnt know, since hes an inventor.
I think its seer technology, Oliver said. I mean, only the universe knows the timelines and can guide someone along them, so it must be.
Esther handed it back to Oliver, who placed it carefully into his pocket.
I wonder if Professor Nightingale will know, she said. You did say he was a seer, didnt you?
Oliver nodded. He was curious about the compass, and even more curious about meeting Professor Nightingale.
Do you think hell know anything about your parents? Esther asked.
Oliver felt a little lump form in his throat. He swallowed. I dont want to get my hopes up. But all the signs are leading me here. So Im optimistic.
Esther grinned. Thats the spirit.
They reached the end of the bridge and headed along the main road. The traffic was very busy here, so they took one of the many side alleys that ran parallel to it.