You make it sound so easy, Oliver said, and to his surprise the class started to giggle.

He looked over at the blur of faces, and somehow through them all he was able to focus on Esther laughing at his joke. She looked even prettier when she was smiling, her usually serious demeanor lightening momentarily. His gaze lingered on her.

Suddenly, he heard a smattering of laughter.

Someones got a crush! Vinnie shouted loudly.

Oliver realized, with dismay, that the image of Esther was reflected back in huge holographic precision behind him. His face turned hot and flushed red. He quickly looked away, his vision clouding over again.

Settle down, Doctor Ziblatt told the class in a sharp tone.

The hubbub died down, and Oliver watched through misty eyes as Doctor Ziblatt took something from her drawer. It looked like a very large, shiny piece of white cardboard. Right in the center was a black dot.

More training wheels? Oliver asked.

This will help you focus on a point, she confirmed. And then, hopefully, through that point and beyond into the next plane.

Oliver nodded. He was determined to do this. It was so exciting!

He searched the white card, his blurred vision struggling to focus on the black spot. Then he gritted his teeth. It felt like every ounce of his body was needed for this one task, even using the gizmos that were meant to take the hard work out!

But finally the fuzzy shape started to sharpen in his mind. The dot became a stark black shape against the contrasting white background. Then it began to change color, from black to red then to blue. The flashing colors made Oliver feel suddenly very sick.

Whats happening? Oliver asked, feeling a little panicked.

Your mind is attempting to look through the dimensional layer, Doctor Ziblatt explained. It is a very unusual experience, especially the first time. Human brains arent exactly designed for this kind of work.

Olivers heart started beating very fast. His palms started sweating. He reached up and tugged at the collar of his shirt. He could feel perspiration running down his neck.

Suddenly, he could take it no longer. He dropped the card on the table and tore off the goggles. He grabbed the table to steady himself, fighting back the urge to dry heave.

Haha! he heard Edmunds sneering voice. Oliver cant even do it with the goggles!

Mr. Branner, Doctor Ziblatt snapped.

As Oliver gasped for breath, he felt Doctor Ziblatt rest a gentle hand on his back. Perhaps you ought to see the nurse?

No, no nurse, Oliver stammered. He was embarrassed enough as it was. Hed never live down having to go to the medical room on his first attempt to access his powers. Im fine.

He stood, his head swimming, his stomach swirling. He felt his legs weaken beneath him. Doctor Ziblatt gripped him by his elbow.