Back to Reality

“What the hell was that?!” Tim yelled, back in the classroom. The world was still frozen, in contrast to his heart, which was racing.

“Family reunion,” Justice said, “Drama, am I right?”

“That man…”

“My father,” she cut in, “I think he likes you.”

“He was terrifying. I think he might have done something, but I can’t remember…”

“He has that effect on people,” Justice said dismissively, “Don’t worry. He’s more of a creator than a destroyer. Now my mother, on the other hand, just be glad she wasn’t there. I once saw her peel the skin off of someone she considered insolent, then she kept them alive until they ate it.”

“The skin?!” Tim was disgusted.

“The skin,” she nodded her ancient head, “You can see where my sisters get their sunny disposition.”

Tim shivered. His situation was far more horrifying than he had realized. This world that he found himself encountering was more than dangerous. He couldn’t even comprehend the things he was seeing, the consequences of his choices.

“Forget about all of that,” Justice said, hobbling over to the the professor’s frozen body, “He said he was fine with it. Your real problem is right here,” she tapped Doctor Morgan’s head with a gnarled finger, “you need to make a trade to avoid this ugly fate.”

Tim realized the immortal was right. If the old man was good to his word, he was safe from the wrath of Justice’s sisters. He wasn’t safe from being kicked out of class. How could he avoid the fate that Destiny had laid for him?

“Why hadn’t it worked?” Tim asked, remembering what had happened before time froze, “I was telling her to give me another chance and she wouldn’t. I thought I had all that extra authority now.”

“You do,” Justice answered, “But our little Doctor here has quite a bit herself. Your little gift won’t work on everyone, so don’t rely on it too heavily. People like Doctor Morgan can resist you, some other people will be able to laugh you off. I’m sure you’ll still find lots of ways to have fun with it, though.”

“Okay, so I can’t command my way out of this, so you’re right. I need to make a trade,” Tim looked around. The classroom had emptied during the conversation with the professor, leaving him only her with him.

“Maybe I could take something from the professor,” he thought out loud, “or maybe…”

Tim ran to the door and looked in the hallway. There, just as he hoped, was what he was looking for. It would solve his problem perfectly!

“I know what I want!” He announced excitedly.

“Lay it on me, sport!” Justice echoed his enthusiasm.

Tim threw the door open and pointed to the short red-headed girl in the miniskirt and boots. Stacy, the girl he had sat next to in class. The girl who had done so well on the paper that she had whooped.

“I want her grades!”