Mr. Black, she said over his head. Can you help Mr. Blue back to his seat?

As Olivers vision started to come back to him, he saw Ralph hurrying toward him. But Olivers gaze went past Ralph to Esther; his attention seemed drawn to her. She was looking down, averting her gaze. She must be deeply embarrassed on his behalf by his failure. It only made Oliver feel worse.

Ralph reached him then, scooping an arm around his shoulder. Dont worry, Ollie. Everyone struggles to begin with.

Oliver tried to take comfort in his words. But the background noises of Edmund and his friends giggling seemed to drown them out.

Mr. Black is right, Doctor Ziblatt added. Everyone struggles. Then, as she turned away, she muttered in a voice she must have assumed was too quiet for Oliver to hear, I guess hes not the special one weve all been waiting for after all.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Doctor Ziblatts words played on Olivers mind for the rest of the class. He felt like such a disappointment.

He was so consumed with his embarrassment that he hardly took in anything she said, and he didnt dare look to his left at Esther. The image of her crimson cheeks seemed seared into his mind.

When the lesson was over, Oliver couldnt get out soon enough. He hurried for the exit, trying to position himself in the middle of his group of friends. But in his haste to maneuver himself within them, Oliver bumped his shoulder against someone.

Sorry! he said, turning to see whom hed collided with.

He saw shiny black hair. Emerald green eyes. It was Esther.

Dont worry, she said quickly, immediately tipping her eyes down to her feet. Then she hurried away.

Oliver couldnt help but think she was trying to get away from him as quickly as she could. He felt crushed.

As the students made their way out of the lecture theater, Oliver felt a slap on his back. He turned to see Hazel smiling kindly.

Dont look so sad, she told him, encouragingly. You didnt do that bad!

I made a fool of myself, Oliver said glumly.

Walter grinned widely. At least you didnt barf, he quipped.

Oliver just grimaced.

Ralph looked down at Oliver with an empathetic expression. Just put it all behind you, he said. Theres always the next class.

Another chance to fail, you mean? Oliver said glumly. Great.

Simon patted his back. Cheer up, mate. Itll be fine.

Walter added, And it cant get any worse than it did back in Doctor Ziblatts class, right?

Hazel punched him in the arm.

Ow, Walter moaned, rubbing the spot where shed hit him.