Oliver waited at the bus stop, its sign shiny now instead of rusted. The bus arrived and he climbed onboard. This one didnt smell of onions and greasy fries like the one of his old timeline, but of lingering aftershave and polish.
Arent you a bit young to be out this late? the driver asked.
Oliver handed him some money for the fare. Im just heading home now.
The driver looked concerned as Oliver took his seat.
Even the drivers are nicer than in my old timeline! Oliver thought.
As the bus pulled away, Oliver tried to remind himself what moment in time it was that hed be returning to. As far as Mr. and Mrs. Blue were concerned, Oliver had failed to return from school on the bus during the storm. It was such a strange thing to wrap his head around. For Oliver, hed had a whole adventure. Hed gone back in time and come face-to-face with Hitler, played a crazy game on the back of a genetically spliced creature from the year 3000, and made friends with kids from all different eras. And most important of all, hed learned that he had a mom and dad, real ones, not the mean Blues. As far as they were concerned, Oliver had failed to come home from school during the storm and he doubted theyd even be relieved to see him back in one piece. Theyd probably just complain about the worry hed caused them.
As the bus jostled Oliver, he took Armandos gift out of his pocket. It filled him with awe to look at. The brass was burnished and it was in need of a good polish. But other than that, it was a remarkable instrument. There were lots of arrows and dials and at least a hundred different symbols. With a sense of wonder, Oliver tried to imagine his parents with the compass. What had they used it for? And why had they sent it to Armando?
Just then, Oliver realized hed reached his stop. He jumped up and rang the bell, then hurried to the front of the bus. The driver pulled over and let him out.
Careful, kid, he said. The winds might start up again any second.
Ill be fine, thank you, Oliver told him. My house is just there.
He hopped off the bus. But the scene that met his eyes took his breath away. It was not what he expected at all. The once rundown neighborhood looked much nicer than when hed left. It didnt look like the sort of place his parents could afford. He was suddenly struck with the fear that perhaps this was no longer his home at all.
Quickly, he consulted the compass. The dials were still pointing to the sketchy image of a man and woman, as well as the wavy blue lines. If he was reading it correctly, then this was the right place. This was still his home.
Heart beating with apprehension, Oliver opened the garden gate and went up to the front door. He tried his key and was relieved to find it fit the lock. He turned it and walked inside.
It was very dark in the house, and very quiet. All Oliver could hear was the ticking of a distant clock and soft snoring. He realized it was nighttime so everyone would be asleep.
But as he walked into the living room, he was startled to discover both his parents inside. They were sitting on the couch, both their expressions pale. They looked disheveled, like neither had even attempted to go to bed.
Mom leapt to her feet. Oliver! she cried.
Dad dropped the telephone hed been clutching in his hands. He looked at Oliver like he was seeing a ghost.
Where have you been? Mom demanded. And what are you wearing?
Oliver didnt have an explanation for the blue workmans overalls. But that didnt matter because he didnt get a chance to speak. Dad launched into a tirade.
Weve been worried sick! We called all the hospitals! Called the headmaster at Campbell Junior High to give him an ear-lashing! We even called the press!
Oliver folded his arms, remembering the newspaper article in which theyd appealed for financial aid. It had happened in a different timeline but that didnt mean if Oliver had not returned home this evening, it wouldnt have happened in this one too.
Of course you did, he said wryly.
Why werent you on the school bus? Mom demanded. Chris managed to catch it. Why didnt you?
I think I know, Dad interjected. Olivers head was so far in the clouds he didnt even think to. You know what hes like, always lost in his imagination. He sighed heavily. Ill have to call the school in the morning to apologize. Do you know how embarrassing that will be for me?
Mom tutted and shook her head. Where have you been? Wandering the streets? Arent you cold? Then she folded her arms and huffed. Actually, I hope you are cold. At least that way you might learn your lesson.
Oliver listened to his parents tirades silently. For the first time their words bounced right off him. Their angry faces no longer made him tremble. Their harsh words didnt sting.
Oliver realized how much he had changed. How much the School for Seers had changed him, not to mention discovering that the Blues were not really his family. It was like becoming a seer had wrapped an invisible bulletproof coat around his shoulders and now nothing could hurt him.
He stood before them confidently, waiting patiently for a pause in their rambling anger.
But before he got a chance to say his piece, thundering footsteps came from the staircase behind him. And there was Chris.
What are you doing here? he bellowed. I thought you died in the storm.
Chris! Dad scolded.
For a brief second, Oliver thought maybe his parents were going to stand up for him. Stand up to their bully son. But of course, they did not.
Oliver folded his arms. He wasnt scared of Chris anymore. His heart rate hadnt even increased.
I was hiding. From you. Remember how you chased me down with your friends? How you threatened to beat me up?
Chris pulled an incredulous expression. I didnt do that! Youre a liar!
Mom buried her face in her hands. She hated arguing but never did anything to stop it.
Oliver just shook his head. I dont care if you call me a liar. I know the truth and so do you. He folded his arms. And anyway, none of that matters. I came here to tell you Im leaving.
Moms head popped up from her hands. What?
Dad glared at Oliver with horror. Leaving? Youre eleven years old! Where are you going?
Oliver shrugged. I dont know yet. But the thing is, I know youre not my real parents.
Everyone gasped. Chriss mouth fell open. The whole room went silent.
What are you talking about? Mom cried. Of course we are.
Oliver narrowed his eyes. No. Youre not. Youre lying. Who are they? My real mom and dad. What happened to them?
His mom looked like shed been caught out. Her eyes darted all over the place, as if searching for an escape.
Fine, she suddenly blurted. We adopted you.
Oliver nodded slowly. He thought her words would be hard to hear, but really it was a relief to get even more confirmation that the two people from his vision were his parents, not these awful people. That Chris wasnt his real brother either. The big bully looked like he was about to faint from shock at the revelation.
Mom continued. We dont know anything about your real parents, okay? We werent given any information about that.
Oliver felt his heart sink. Hed been hoping they would provide a piece of the puzzle of his identity. But they knew nothing.
Nothing? he asked sadly. Not even their names?
Dad stepped forward. Not their names, not their ages, not their jobs. Adopted parents dont get to know that stuff. Its luck of the draw, you know! You could be the offspring of a criminal, for all we know. A lunatic.