Oliver thought she looked utterly charming. He wanted to ask more about the beautiful girl but Hazels attitude seemed to suggest it was a sore topic, for her at least. She seemed jealous of Esther, even though she herself was very pretty, with her gray eyes and butterscotch hair. Oliver could imagine Hazel being the subject of many a boys crush; it just so happened that he himself was drawn to the ethereal beauty of Esther.

Suddenly a mechanized arm appeared and collected all the plates, bowls, and cups off the table, right from under their noses. Olivers unfinished pizza was whisked away. He reached for it with futility.

The table began to quickly descend, plummeting to the grounda most unpleasant experience after having just eaten. Once they reached the ground, Ralph instantly unclipped himself and came up to Oliver.

Wed better get to bed, he said. Its our allotted slot.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ralph directed Oliver out of the atrium. It was just as busy as usual with students. Filing out of the Z room looking fresh and eager to begin their lessons were a bunch of kids who looked to be around fifteen or sixteen. Oliver presumed they were in the years above.

The small group Oliver had shared dinner with walked around the huge kapok tree, heading for the door marked Z. There were other kids congregating outside and they looked up at Oliver with suspicious glances as he and his gang approached.

Ugh, Hazel said. Thats Edmund. Whatever he says, just ignore him.

But as soon as they reached the door, Edmund turned around and sneered.

Another new kid, he said loudly to his friend who had an equally sneering expression. Weve already had a ton of kids who are supposedly the most important, powerful Seer of all time and none of them have turned out to be. Im pretty certain youre not the one weve all been waiting for. He smirked nastily over his shoulder and addressed Oliver directly. You dont look like much to me.

Shove off, Edmund, Ralph said between his teeth.

He put his arm around Oliver protectively and led him some distance away from Edmund. As they walked, Edmund called out, I bet youre a cobalt!

A cobalt? Oliver asked, looking up at Ralph, who was hurrying him along out of earshot. Is that some kind of insult from the future?

He lamented the fact that there were bullies everywhere, from school, to the factory, to here, this magical place located in between time. At least he didnt understand their taunts here.

Just ignore him, Ralph said.

But Oliver couldnt help but note the troubled look on his face. Something Edmund had said had rattled him. Oliver got the distinct impression Ralph wasnt telling him something.

What did he mean? Oliver asked. Is there something youre not telling me?