Dont worry, neither will I! Ralph said jovially. I mean, you saw me with the leaf. Im useless.

At least you can do that, Oliver replied. I cant do anything!

His failure in Doctor Ziblatts class was still consuming his thoughts.

Just then, Edmund reached their bench. He was pushing the cart with the boxes on it, each with a white mouse inside. Edmund dumped a box in front of Ralph, then one in front of Hazel. When he got to Oliver he held up a box different from the others. It was covered in wires and had a computer attached to one side.

More training wheels for Oliver, he sneered, dumping the box down. Most of us can do transformation without tools. But youll have to rely on some help just like those goggles in the last class. He paused and grinned devilishly. Speaking of which, it was so embarrassing for you. Everyone saw you staring at Esther in the holograph! And then your little panic attack! Haha, it was hilarious.

Oliver felt his cheeks growing hotter and hotter as Edmund spoke. Not just from embarrassment but from rage. He thought hed finally escaped the bullies in his life but clearly he had not. Even here, at this wonderful, magical place, he was being picked on. He tugged at the neckline of his overalls.

Beside him, Hazel spoke under her breath. Just ignore him, Oliver.

But Edmund wasnt done. He could tell hed gotten under Olivers skin with his comments. He laughed nastily. You should know you dont stand a chance with Esther Valentini, by the way. Shell only ever date the best switchit player in the school. And that is me.

A sudden lump formed painfully in Olivers throat at the thought of Edmund and Esther together.

Walter leaned over suddenly. Edmund, we all know Im the best switchit player. If Esther cared about switchit, shed be dating me!

Edmund snapped his mouth shut and glared at Walter. You wish, he spat, before storming off.

Oliver deflated. He looked over at his friends. Thanks, he muttered.

He turned his attention to the task at hand, and looked down at the box. It was covered in buttons, screens, and other electronic components. Inside, a small white mouse scurried around.

Am I going to hurt it? Oliver asked with concern. Rearranging its atoms sounds painful.

It wont feel a thing, Hazel told him. The first thing to do is suspend it in time.

Of course… Oliver murmured.

Mr. Lazzarato began reminding the class on the first steps to freezing their mouse in time. Oliver, however, just had to press a button. It felt like cheating to skip out that first step, but his powers werent strong enough for him to attempt such complex things without his training wheels.