Finally, Chris let him go. Oliver staggered back, rubbing his sore head. He patted down his hair, which had become frizzy with static. But more than the humiliation of Chriss bullying, Oliver felt the sting of disappointment from failing to summon his powers. Maybe the whole kitchen table thing was just a coincidence. Maybe he didnt have any special powers at all.

The girl who was hovering next to Chriss shoulder spoke up. Cant wait to get to know you better, Oliver. She said it in a menacing voice that Oliver could tell meant quite the opposite.

Hed been worried about bullies. Of course he should have anticipated the worst bully of all would be his brother.

Oliver shoved his way past Chris and his new friends and headed for the lunch queue. With a sad sigh, he grabbed a cheese sandwich from the fridge and headed, heavy-hearted, to the restroom. The toilet cubicle was the only place he felt safe.

*

Olivers next lesson after lunch was science. He wandered the corridors looking for the correct room, his stomach churning with the certainty that it would be just as bad as his first two classes.

When he found the classroom he knocked against the window. The teacher was younger than hed been anticipating. Science teachers, in his experience, tended to be old and somewhat strange, but Ms. Belfry looked completely sane. She had long, straight, mousy brown hair, which was almost the same color as her cotton dress and cardigan. She turned at the sound of his knock and smiled, showing dimples on both cheeks, and beckoned him in. He opened the door timidly.

Hello, Ms. Belfry said, smiling. Are you Oliver?

Oliver nodded. Even though he was the first one there, he felt suddenly very shy. At least this teacher seemed to be expecting him. That was a relief.

Im so pleased to meet you, Ms. Belfry said, holding out a hand for him to shake.

It was all very formal and not at all what Oliver was expecting considering what hed experienced of Campbell Junior High so far. But he took her hand and shook. She had very warm skin and her friendly, respectful demeanor helped put him at ease.

Did you get a chance to do any of the reading? Ms. Belfry asked.

Olivers eyes widened and he felt a little hitch of panic in his chest. I didnt realize there was any reading.

Its fine, Ms. Belfry said reassuringly, smiling her kind smile. Not to worry. Were learning about scientists this term, and some important historical figures. She pointed at a black-and-white portrait on the wall. This is Charles Babbage, he invented the…

...calculator, Oliver finished.

Ms. Belfry beamed and clapped her hands. You already know?