No more glowy-eyed bat attacks, she said with a grin.
Oliver thought about that horrible moment during their date together. Theyd been walking through the gardensEsther telling him about her own life and family, about growing up in New Jersey in the 1970swhen the attack had interrupted them.
Oliver realized now theyd never finished their conversation. Hed never had the chance again to really find out who Esther Valentini was before shed entered the School for Seers.
Were from the same neighborhood, arent we? he asked her.
She seemed surprised that he remembered. Yes. Only about thirty or so years apart.
Isnt this strange for you? To be in a place you know so well but to see it how it is in the future?
After the School for Seers, nothing strikes me as strange anymore, she replied. Im more worried about running into myself. Im sure thats the sort of thing that could cause the world to implode.
Oliver pondered her words. He remember how old Lucas had been poisoning the mind of young Lucas to make him do his bidding. I think its okay as long as you dont realize its yourself, if that makes sense?
She crossed her arms tightly about her middle. Id prefer not to risk it.
Oliver watched her face turn serious. There seemed to be something hidden behind her eyes.
Arent you curious though? he asked. To see your family? To see yourself?
She shook her head suddenly. I have seven siblings, Oliver. All we ever did was fight, especially since I was the freak. And all Mom and Dad ever did was argue about me, about what was wrong with me. Her voice was low and filled with melancholy. Im better off out of it all.
Oliver felt bad for her. As terrible as his own home life and upbringing were, he had deep compassion for anyone whod had a tough time.
He thought about how all the children at the school had been alone, taken from their families to train. At the time, hed wondered why none of them appeared lonely or homesick. Perhaps it was because none had come from happy homes. Perhaps there was something about being a seer that set them apart from the rest, that made their parents wary, their homes unhappy.
Esther looked up at him then. Your real parents. Are you sure theyll accept you as you are?
Oliver realized then that he hadnt even thought about it. Theyd given him up in the first place, hadnt they? What if theyd been so terrified of their peculiar baby theyd dumped him and ran?
But then he remembered the visions in which his parents had come to him. They were warm. Kind. Inviting. Theyd told him they loved him and that they were always with him, watching, guiding. He was certain that theyd be pleased to be reunited.
Or was he?
Im sure, he said. But, for the first time, he was not so sure. What if this entire quest was ill conceived?
And what will you do once you find them? Esther added.
Oliver pondered her words. There had to have been some good reason as to why theyd given him up as a baby. Some reason theyd never come to find him. Some reason why they werent currently in his life.
He looked at Esther. Thats a good question. I honestly dont know.
They fell into silence, the train gently rocking them back and forth as it cut through the landscape.
Oliver looked out the window as the sight of historic Boston came into view. It looked wonderful, like something from a movie. A swell of excitement overcame him. Though he may not know what hed do when he found his real Mom and Dad, he couldnt wait to find them.
Just then, the announcers voice came over the speaker.
Next stop: Boston.
CHAPTER SEVEN
As the train pulled into the station, Oliver felt his chest leap with excitement. Hed never traveled beforethe Blues never went on vacationso being in Boston felt very exciting.
He and Esther alighted from the train and headed into the very busy station. It was grand-looking with marble pillars and sculptures dotted about the place. People in business suits whizzed around speaking loudly into their cell phones. It all felt rather overwhelming for Oliver.
Right, its two miles to Harvard University from here, he explained. We need to head due north and cross the river.
How do you know? Esther asked. Does your compass give directions too?
Oliver chuckled and shook his head. He pointed to a large brightly colored map hanging against the station wall. It showed them all the tourists spots, including Harvard University.
Oh, Esther said, blushing.
As they left the station, a gentle autumn breeze stirred the fallen leaves on the sidewalk and there was a hint of gold in the sky.
They started to stroll in the direction of Cambridge.
It looks very different than in my era, Esther commented.
Really? Oliver asked, recalling how Esther came from the 1970s.
Yes. Theres more traffic. More people. But the students all look the same. She smirked. Brown corduroy must be back in fashion.
There were indeed many college students walking along the streets, looking purposeful with their books in their arms. It reminded Oliver of the kids at the School for Seers, who were always rushing some place with serious, studious expressions on their faces.
How do you think everyone is back at school? he asked. I miss them.
He thought of Hazel, Walter, and Simon, the friends hed made at the School for Seers. But most of all he missed Ralph. Ralph Black was the closest hed come to having a best friend.
Im sure theyre doing just fine, Esther replied. Theyll be busy with class. Doctor Ziblatt was just starting her astral projection classes when I left.
Olivers eyes widened. Astral projection? Im sorry to be missing that.
Me too.
Oliver heard a hint of melancholy in Esthers voice. He wondered again what had propelled Esther to follow him here. He felt like there must be more to the story, something she wasnt telling him.
They reached the bridge that crossed over the Charles River. It was bustling with college students. In the water below they could see rowboats, canoes, and kayaks. It seemed like a very lively and vibrant place.
They started to walk across the bridge.
Has your compass changed at all? Esther asked.
Oliver checked it. No. Its still showing those same four symbols.
Esther held her palm out and Oliver handed it to her. She inspected it with a look of awe. I wonder what it is. Where it came from. Im surprised Armando didnt know, since hes an inventor.
I think its seer technology, Oliver said. I mean, only the universe knows the timelines and can guide someone along them, so it must be.
Esther handed it back to Oliver, who placed it carefully into his pocket.
I wonder if Professor Nightingale will know, she said. You did say he was a seer, didnt you?
Oliver nodded. He was curious about the compass, and even more curious about meeting Professor Nightingale.
Do you think hell know anything about your parents? Esther asked.
Oliver felt a little lump form in his throat. He swallowed. I dont want to get my hopes up. But all the signs are leading me here. So Im optimistic.
Esther grinned. Thats the spirit.
They reached the end of the bridge and headed along the main road. The traffic was very busy here, so they took one of the many side alleys that ran parallel to it.