Time Orb, by Libra

Chapter 3
Time Orb, Part 3

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Chapter Description: By Libra

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Back at Norman’s house.

Norman nearly worked non stop until 2:00 a.m. trying to find a weakness or any way of beating his dad invention. Unless he could get hold of it, there was no simple way of doing it. He had half thought of telling his dad, but figured he had enough problems at the moment.

Between work and the big problem at home, his father was going through hell already. Besides this was his problem and his mess to clean up.

Norman switched off the light and decided to spend all of Sunday working on the problem.

Finally Monday came and Shawn and Norman meet up just before classes were due to start.

Shawn was looking very eager to see if Norman had the answer to all their problems.

“What’s that?” Shawn asked as he saw Norman pull something like a compass out of his pocket.

“It’s sort of an alarm and compass to the Time Orb. If anyone uses the device it will go off with a small beep and point in the last direction it was used in. ” Norman explained as he showed off the speaker and the simple compass arrow.

Shawn gave him a look of disbelief and turned away looking at the doors to the school.

“I think I have better luck with latest gossip. Anything strange happens we will discuss it in study hall this afternoon.” Shawn said, looking around to see if anyone was nearby.

“Keep your eyes open for any changes in students or teachers. There’s no telling who has it now.” Norman said as they split up to go to their first class.

Only thing that was odd that day was the lack of students and amount of talking that was going on. Nearly thirty teens were absent Monday. Some teen’s parents called in saying their son or daughter were sick, while for others students there was no words on the status of the person. Even Norman had noticed the extra talking that was going on. Teens were huddling in small groups between classes and even the teachers looked worried.

Norman even overheard the wild stories of a super virus that was going around or someone spiking the punch bowl with some drugs at Cindy’s party. Cindy herself wasn’t there, but being held at the police station under some unknown charges. Most thought the drug story was more truthful. The idea of all of it being a drug induced hallucinated nightmare seemed to make people feel more at ease.

Norman joined in by saying that someone could have done it with a device. This story got more laughs than nods saying they agreed. By the end of the day the retelling of what had happened at Cindy’s party had been told over so many times that it became a work of fiction in Norman’s opinion.

Shawn had little luck with his skills of getting information, but did manage to shorten the list of who might have it to a few people. Then they met in their last class.

Norman looked at the hand writed list and saw it was down to three guys on the football team and two girls. One of them including Amy.

“Are you sure about this?” Norman asked while pointing to the list.

“Pretty much. They all left or came just before we got there. So it makes sense one of them got it. ” Shawn said, thinking back to all the people he had to question.

“Just thought of something. None of the people who were ared two nights ago were on football team or cheer leader squad. I think your list is pretty much on the nose.” Norman said before looking puzzled at Shawn confused face.

“Ared?” Shawn asked with a confused tone.

“Age regressed.” Norman said briskly.

“Oh.” Shawn said now rolling his eyes.

“I wonder why the police or some government agency is not out here right now. You would think that after something this strange happening our little town would be crawling with reporters and such. ” Norman said while looking at the window.

“Maybe they think its some kind of hoax, or they’re just going to hush everything up, hoping it goes away.” Shawn said looking around the room.

Here and there in the room there was whisper talks between teens in small groups. Shawn noticed the teacher up front was checking her reflection in her compact mirror at least once every five minutes.

“I do think they want to keep it quiet until they can figure it out.” Norman said while looking at the teacher.

“Looks like the virus story has gotten to most people.” Shawn said almost with a laugh as he watched the teacher now checking her head for fever.

“Come to think of it. Have you seen Amy or Brad at all?” Norman said as he peered down the list.

“No, I haven’t. Quite strange that they’re be absent because they left before the trouble started.” Shawn said as he remember some gossip about a fight they had.

“Don’t think Brad has the device do you?” Shawn asked a second later.

“Makes sense if he does have it. Put something like that in the hands of a guy like Brad and you create a madman.” Norman said, his face getting paler by the second.

“How are we going to get it back? I don’t think he will just hand it over if we ask nicely. He is more likely to send us back to preschool age than hand over something with such power back over to us.” Shawn said, his own face getting pale as well.

“I’m going to ask Sharon for help. She is one of Amy’s friends. Maybe she can convince Amy to help us out. Brad would have told her about the device. ” Norman said after a short pause in the conversation.

“I agree with you. We do need another person to help us out. Call her up and I will meet up with you later” Shawn said as he noticed it was nearly time to leave.

Norman and Shawn rode on the bus home and said nothing more. There was a risk of being overheard due to the fact that the bus was only half full.

Norman got off the bus first and raced upstairs. Norman then began to assemble any item and clothing he thought he might need.

Maggie, the Nanny his father had hired to take care of the house and his infant mother walked to the doorway of his room.

“Big date, Norman?” Maggie asked innocently as she adjusted the baby girl on her hip to a more comfortable position.

“Kinda.” Norman said politely.

“Can you look after your baby sister while I make a quick run to the store. Your dad had to go in early today, and I will be sure to be back before your date comes.” Maggie asked looking like she needed this favor.

“Okay.” Norman said and took the baby in his own arms.

“I promise I won’t be long and make it up to you later.” Maggie said as she reached for her keys in her purse. Norman hadn’t notice she had carried it in.

“Be right back pumpkin.” Maggie said, giving the baby girl she adore a small tickle.

After Maggie left Norman thought it was fate that they should be left alone for a while.

Norman thought it best to wait in the living room for Shawn. After calling Sharon and telling her he had some very urgent news to tell her, he begged her to come over. After what had happened just two nights ago Sharon was eager to know if Norman knew something she didn’t.

Norman thought over what he would say. In the end he decided to keep it short and only reveal that he had inside knowledge of the time orb and who might still have it.

His stomach did back flips as he played in silence with his infant mother.

With some surprise Sharon finally arrived then Shawn came in through the door.

“Shawn, It’s time to tell Sharon what we know about the time orb at the very least.” Norman said in a low tone.

Quickly the pair filled in Sharon on everything about the time orb. Sharon after hearing all this noticed something strange about the house. It was clean, but didn’t have a motherly touch to the place.

“Is the baby your mom?” Sharon asked not meeting their eyes, but staring at the infant.

“How do you know?” Norman asked and then giving Shawn an accusing stare.

“Well, it’s just that your mom has been on that so called business trip for a while now . My mom was just saying something about it yesterday.” Sharon said, wondering why she didn’t see it before. After what happen at the party she thought it was dumb not to suspect it.

“It was kind of a accident. She got a younger body, but her mind went along with her body. My dad is still trying to figure out on what went wrong.” Norman explained, looking like he didn’t want to say much more.

Luckily for him the front door opened.

“Sorry dears if I kept you waiting.” Maggie said as she entered the house.

After a quick round of introduction Maggie went to the kitchen to put away the groceries. Then returned to take Norman’s infant mother for her afternoon feeding.

“I think we should go see Brad. Sharon here can go up the house while we wait behind. I imagine he won’t suspect her knowing anything and she might get some information for us.” Shawn said and looked at Sharon for her response.

Giving a quick glance at the kitchen in the distance where Maggie was strapping in Norman’s infant mother in a high chair she nodded her head in agreement.

Norman could only imagine what it was like for Sharon to be suddenly caught up in a unbelievable adventure. Then thinking what Shawn was thinking, Norman could only conclude that Shawn was thinking about Amy’s safety. Brad was after all the jealous type.

After a quick goodbye they rode in Sharon’s car to Brad’s house. Sliding down in their seats in the back they waited as Sharon pulled into the driveway and got out of the car to knock on the door.

Shawn took the risk of taking a peak.

“Doesn’t look like anyone is home.” Shawn said giving Norman the heads up on what was going on.

“The door is slightly opened, but she’s coming back.” Shawn said now sitting up.

Norman followed Shawn in sitting up to get a better view then opened the door.

“I don’t think Brad is here, there is someone inside. They are sitting in front of TV. Looks like Brad’s dad.” Sharon said from the side of her car as the boys got out.

“Lets do it. Sharon you keep Brad’s dad busy and I search Brad’s room for the device. And Shawn, you can keep a look out for Brad’s car if he returns.” Norman said now sounding like a general about to lead his troops into combat.

“Okay.” was all Sharon had to say.

“Yes, sir.” from Shawn came soon after.

Slowly they entered the house. Half the lights were out, but they could still see their way around.

“I think he is asleep.” Shawn said to Sharon looking at the figure in the living room.

Norman was already down the hall looking into room to room. He saw Brad room almost right away.

A scream from the living room had Norman running back into it.

“What is it?” Norman asked as he turned the corner.

Shawn was standing by a lamp he had turned on and looking shocked.

He took a look at Sharon first then the person in the chair.

An old man maybe 80-years-old or older was breathing slowly in the chair and looked to be in a deep sleep.

“Is that Brad’s old man?” Shawn said, not even meaning to slip in the pun.

“It is.” Sharon said before taking a few steps back then running to the bathroom.

Norman followed after her and saw she was getting a cloth wet for her head.

“It’s okay. We can change him back after we get the device back. There....” Norman said to ease her worries. Then he was interrupted by a sound he knew very well.

“Sounds like a baby?” Norman asked while looking around. A very small thump sound came from the bathroom tub. Pulling back the curtains he saw a baby girl with blond hair staring up at him with pleading eyes.

“Must be Lulu.” Sharon said then grabbed a towel to wrap the baby in.

“Lulu?” Shawn asked as he came in the room. He only heard Sharon say her name.

“Brad’s new stepmother. I heard they were planing to get married.” Sharon said now using the wet washcloth to wipe down the baby girl’s privates. Lulu was horribly squirming, making it very hard for Sharon to clean her up. The smell of urine was strong in the room now since the curtain had been pulled back.

“Judging from the smell alone I say she’s been in here for a while.” Shawn said covering his nose.

“Hold still.” Sharon said then smacked the baby bottom on the side. Little Lulu stopped moving at once and looked shocked from being slapped on the butt.

“That’s better.” Sharon said and finished up.

“Sharon, why don’t you take her to the living room and see if Brad’s dad is still ok.” Norman suggested and then back away from the door.

“Alright. I think she’ll like to see her boyfriend is still alive.” Sharon said while wrapping the baby in a towel from the waist down before carrying her out.

While Sharon was in the living room of Brad’s house. Norman and Shawn tore up Brad’s room looking for the Time Orb. Neither of them were too careful with Brad’s things and tossed most of it aside in their search.

“It’s not here.” Shawn said as he turned over Brad’s bed.

“Compass isn’t sensing it either. So it’s not close by either.” Norman said still looking hopeful at the compass as if it would beep any second now.

“Any luck?” Sharon asked as she allowed baby Lulu to pat Brad’s dad on the chest, trying to wake him up.

“No, you?” Norman asked.

“He wakes up every once in a while and mumbles something then goes back to sleep.” Sharon said now picking up the baby in her arms. “Where could he have gone?” Norman asked the pair.

Lulu at this point seemed very excited and pointed to a picture.

“Amy’s” Sharon said following Lulu’s very small finger.

On the desk by the tv was a picture of Brad and Amy taken at the prom.

Minute later they all were in the car. Baby Lulu in Norman’s lap looking excited. The boys did have a short argument with Sharon about taking Lulu with them. Sharon simply refused to leave a baby with no healthy adult around to take care of her. Shawn’s face showed more anger than Norman’s.

‘One more problem for us to worry about.’ Shawn thought as Sharon’s flew down the country road back to their block.

“Amy’s parents are at work until late tonight. There is Amy’s car over there and Brad’s car parked beside it.” Sharon said pointing them out as they stopped at the end of driveway.

“Park your car in front of both of theirs. So they can’t leave without your keys. Hide your keys somewhere.” Norman said as if he had this planned all along.

“Any ideas?” Shawn asked as the car stopped to park position right behind Brad’s and Amy’s Car.

Before anyone could say anything Norman’s compass went off. Loud beepings filled the car with their sound and as Norman pulled it out the arrow pointed straight at the house. The baby girl shifted to his other arm.

“Brad’s just used it.” Norman said, looking curious at the house. There was no sign of any movement inside.

“Let’s go.” Shawn said sounding eager to get inside.

“We can go straight in. I’ve been over here so many times I‘m as good as a sister to her.” Sharon said as she opened the unlock door.

“Yeah and best not to alert anyone we are here.” Shawn whispered as they crept in.

Norman and Shawn exchanged a strange look at each other as they went in. Last time they were here they had nearly turned into babies. For Norman, one hope he had left was that his own house was so close now. Maybe he could escape there if things were to go South.

Norman sat baby Lulu on the floor. She sat in silence looking around curiously. Norman was glad she had her adult mind and was staying quiet. “Hear that?” Sharon said looking around.

From somewhere in the house a crying sound was coming from somewhere in the house.

Shawn stepped forward and walked from the living room to the kitchen. The crying sound stopped and Shawn looked around carefully. The kitchen chairs looked untouched, the only thing that looked out of place was the slightly opened door to a pantry.

Shawn glanced around once more and motioned for others to come in.

Without a word and out of sight of the cracked door he pointed to the slightly opened pantry door.

Sharon moved forward with Norman and Lulu crawled away into a corner leaving her towel-like diaper behind.

“Amy?” Sharon said then opened the door slowly.

Norman and Shawn stood back just in case this was a trap.

“Look out!” Sharon said as she backed away from the pantry then turned her head to look somewhere behind Norman.

Norman duck out of way as the compass beeped in his pocket. Shawn fell to the floor then scudded to the other side of the room.

Amy had her back into the wall and appeared to be untouched.

“Sharon?” A young female voice came from the doorway to the kitchen. Seeing each other now in full view answered Amy’s question.

“Amy, how did you get that from Brad?” Sharon asked while pointing to the device.

Shawn and Norman stood up slowly. Shawn had lost a few years and now looked like a preteen boy as a minute or two passed.

“So you know about this.” Amy said and grinned.

“Sorry about sneaking in.” Shawn said apologetically as his voice went slightly higher then normal.

“Didn’t mean to scare you or anything.” Norman said, looking relieved that Brad no longer had the device.

“Yeah we were worried that Brad still had it.” Sharon said.

“I assume this is yours. ” Amy said looking almost lovely at Norman.

“Yeah, kinda.” Norman said going slightly red in the face.

“Wonderful little toy. Brad told me all about it and how he got it. Come out of there, Brad.” Amy said and then looked at the pantry door.

Norman and Shawn looked at the open door and saw a boy no older than 5-year-old step out dressed in an oversized t-shirt that dropped past his knees.

“So you took it from Brad?” Sharon said, smiling broadly. Brad bent his head low and looked too scared or ashamed to say anything. Norman could only guess he had been younger much earlier and suffered some kind of punishments.

“He gave it to me. He wanted to use it to get rich and be the top football star forever. I decided that he was being childish and I wanted this little toy all to myself.” Amy said and still pointing the device at Sharon who was the closest to her out of the trio.

“Amy, you can’t keep it. It belongs to Norman and it’s too dangerous to play around with.” Sharon said in a pleading tone.

Amy laughed then looked seriously at the group.

“With this I can be a young and beautiful woman. I can have a fortune that will rival my own parents money and if anyone gets in my way I simply send them back or forward into diapers.” Amy said with such joy in her voice it chilled Norman’s blood.

“Just think of it Sharon. We can rule the school with other girls we trust. We could have a lot of fun with this and age anyone we don’t like to any age we choose.” Amy said pointing the device at Norman. With a sense of dread Norman aknowledged that he was now the greater threat for her out of the group.

“This is crazy.” Sharon said, buying some time.

“Just look at Brad. With his parents unable to care for him he’ll be stuck with some foster parents and play peewee football until he is old enough to play big boy’s football again.” Amy said in a mocking manner. Amy seemed to be taking even more joy in belittling Brad further.

Brad looked like a shell of his former self. He sat down in a sitting ball position and started to cry again. Brad was almost in a fetal position and his thumb looked dangerously close to his mouth by the time Norman looked away.

Shawn grinned slightly at Brad’s behavior then went back to a stone face as he looked back at Amy.

“I won’t make them babies. They can be kindergartners and if they are good little boys maybe I will let them grow back to normal in a little time. I know you’re kinda sweet on him.” Amy said now looking at Norman. “I saw you talking to him at the party.”

“The way he was looking at me. I say he likes me the way most boys do.” Amy said looking at Shawn.

Shawn blushed and only looked a little shocked.

“Come on Sharon, What is your answer? Join me and babysit these kids or join them in learning ABCs again.” Amy said waving the orb around almost unconcerned of where it was pointing.

Shawn and Norman both felt frozen with fear and dread and could only guess the other one felt the same.

“No. That thing has made you mad with power like it did with Brad. I won’t become like that. ” Sharon said while glancing briefly down at something behind Amy’s feet.

Norman and Shawn were on the other side of the table and unable to see anything beyond Amy’s body in the doorway.

“She must have a plan.” Shawn whisper to Norman.

“Shame. I guess I didn’t know you as well as I thought I did. Hope you like diapers.” Amy said, adjusting the Time Orb to a lower age than she had it set to.

“After a few years in diapers I am sure you’ll change your mind. Should be interesting babysitting you.” Amy said before rising the device to fire.

“Ouch!” Amy said and looked down at her leg. A baby girl had just clawed her on the patch of bare skin that showed between her pants and the floor.

Firing the device at the baby she realized too late this was a mistake. Sharon, Norman, and Shawn jumped forward and easily forced Amy to the floor.

Norman heard the device fire again as he finally pulled the device loose from Amy’s fingers.

“Got it!” Norman said, backing away from the pile up of teens on the floor.

Getting up Shawn and Sharon looked at each other looking for any changes. A full minute later after they all questioned each other if they felt any different, it was Amy who answered the unknown answer each of them had asked.

Amy was crying and her shirt was deflating in the chest area. Her clothes were already baggy looking. While on the floor Lulu was getting older. Soon she was standing and covering her privates, smiling at Amy’s misfortune.

“Who will be babysitting who, now?” Sharon asked as she now started to tower over Amy.

Shawn was interested in seeing Amy’s trip backwards through time. It was like watching a home movie in reverse. Slowly Amy’s chest flattened as her height diminished greatly. Soon she was the same height as Brad then getting shorter as she got younger.

Brad was grinning from behind Sharon’s legs and enjoying the show more than Lulu.

Poor Amy went from a beautiful teenage girl with ample breasts to a cute flat chested girl then to an adorable 4-year-old girl, now naked as her clothes pooled all around her feet.

Lulu had walked to the door and wrapped a towel around her own 5-year-old body to allow herself some modesty.

“Looks like one of us hit the arrow button.” Norman said almost laughing. Amy was a little shorter than Lulu. A good two inches shorter in height.

“She’s so cute.” Sharon said bending down to Amy’s height.

Amy picked up her adult t-shirt and held it close to her body in order to hide her small naked body.

“Little shy.” Shawn said, tugging playfully at the shirt.

“Nooo!” Amy said grasping the shirt tightly and backing away. She seemed to be too much in shock to say anything else.

“She even sounds like a baby.” Sharon said in a stunned tone. Norman had forgotten this was all new to her.

“Make me older.” Brad ordered as he tugged on the bottom of Norman’s shirt.

“Sorry, slugger. I think you should stay like that, but you will need someone to look after you.” Norman said before looking at Lulu whose towel loosely wrapped around her body.

“Promise to keep this little orb a secret if I make you a teenager so you can wear Amy’s old clothes. I will make his dad the same age so you can have a long life together.” Norman said looking at Lulu then looking down at Brad.

“Ok.” Lulu agreed, looking shocked by the sound of her own voice. High pitched and girlish.

After firing the device at Lulu she gathered up Amy’s discarded clothes and ran upstairs to one of the rooms.

Brad looked fearfully up the steps and then back at the pair of teen and pre-teen who all were a lot taller then himself.

“Hey mate. Don’t forget about me.” Shawn said trying his best to keep his own jeans from falling down.

“Oh, sorry” Norman said and fired the device at his friend to restore him to his original age.

“We have a lot to clean up.” Shawn said after his own body finished getting older.

“Fine mess Brad made for us. I figure it will take us days to restore everyone age back to normal.” Norman said, looking menacingly at little Brad.

“You know, kindergarten is too good for these two.” Shawn said pointing at Brad and Amy.

“How about terrible twos instead?” Sharon suggested. Sharon looked slightly evil, eager as she was to get some revenge on Amy for trying to put her back in pigtails and jumpers outfits.

“Yeah.” Norman agreed and adjusted the device.

Both Brad and Amy panicked and made a run for the door. The door knob was just inches from Amy’s fingers and Brad was having a hard time turning the knob with Amy’s little fingers in the way.

Shawn rushed forward and kept the door closed with one hand succeeding at trapping the pair.

The pair held each other in what looked like a hallmark moment as Norman aimed and fired. Slowly they got younger and were soon a cute pair of toddlers no older than 2-years-old and Brad only slightly taller then Amy. The toddlers broke their hold on each other prefering to cover themselves.

“They do make a cute couple.” Lulu said as she descended the stairs. She was wearing Amy’s old pants and looked like she found some clothes from Amy’s closet. Along with a few diamond rings and one necklace.

“Hope you don’t mind dear. It’s not like you’ll be wearing this for a while.” Lulu said to toddler Amy.

“And you young man will respect me in the future. I will teach you to leave me helpless when we get home. ” Lulu said picking up Brad and putting him to the side of her body.

Brad looked too scared to say anything or beg not to be punished. Instead he cowarded in fear against her warm body.

“Lulu, do you mind if we leave Amy with you before we go home?” Norman asked while looking at Shawn. Both boys were at walking distance of their homes.

“I would be delighted to take care of her. I’m not quite sure how to explain to her parents how she became a toddler. I will take Brad’s car to get home. I found his keys in his pants pocket in Amy’s room.” Lulu said looking as if she discovered Brad had done something bad.

“Just think of some story. I’m sure Amy won’t tell the truth unless she wants to be a baby for a long time.” Norman said in a threatening voice toward the toddler girl that was now hiding behind Lulu’s leg for cover. Her shirt was laying forgotten in the middle of room far away from the door. Amy could still stand on her own two legs and by the look on her face she wanted to stay like that at the very least.

“I will drive you home, Norman.” Sharon said smiling and pulling her own keys out from her hidden back pocket.

“Have fun you two.” Shawn said heading for the door. Lulu followed Shawn out after she grabbed Amy’s hand then pulled her out of the door. The toddler looked saddened to leave her home. Everyone knew the toddlers would kept silent of the truth or they would see the bars of a crib for a long time.

“Let’s get out of here.” Norman said eager to leave Amy’s house for the first time in his life.

Minutes later Norman was home with Sharon’s car in the driveway. Sitting in it Norman was back to his original age and Sharon was a little older than him. He felt silly sitting in the passager seat next to a girl that was older than himself. She was at least two years older and he wasn’t old enough to drive yet.

“You know. You’re pretty handsome even if you’re a little younger then me. Wanna watch a movie sometime?” Sharon asked after seeing Norman was too shy to say anything.

“Sure.” Norman said quickly and feeling like he could walk on the ceiling.

Sharon leaned in and gave him a kiss on cheek.

“See you Friday then?” Sharon said with a funny smile.

“OK, see you later.” Norman said and stumbled out of the car. The kiss had threw him for a bit of loops.

Norman waved goodbye and nearly forgotten he had the Time orb in his pants pocket. He pulled it out and played with his fingers before stepping inside.

Norman’s good feelings left him as soon he stepped through the door. There sitting at the table was Norman’s dad looking completely unlike himself. Slightly unshaved and looking very tired.

Judging from his face Norman’s dad looked like he had the same old bad news. His face changed as he looked at Norman’s hand with the Time orb in it.

“How did you get that?” Norman’s dad asked looking at his son with a very confused look.

“Dug it out of trash and fixed it up a bit.” Norman said holding the orb out for his dad to see.

“Norman, you just saved your mother.” His dad said taking the device and giving his son a hug.

“What?” Norman said before following his dad down the steps as his dad carried his mother in his arms.

“Data on this orb was the key to reversing what happened to her. I’ve been trying for weeks for another answer to the problem. I thought I made another wrong by throwing this away. I’ve been going crazy thinking I screwed things up more. Thank god for you Norman.” His dad quickly explained as he walked into the lab.

Norman glanced around curiously for a minute. He had only caught small peaks at this lab before now.

“There are a lot of records on here.” Norman’s dad said looking at the screen. Apparently the computer was downloading everything from the orb. His dad was using the same port Norman used to add more programming to the orb to make it safer and to recharge it.

“Yeah, Shawn and me kinda used it a few times and the orb has been used a lot lately.” Norman confessed.

“We will discuss this later. Right now we should get your mother back to normal. ” His dad said briskly and not sounding the least bit angered with his son.

“There it is. The file I need.” Norman dad said as the computer was copying a file that looked like to be one of the oldest in the device.

Norman watched as his dad picked up another orb device that was slightly bigger than Norman’s. The newer model as Norman called it for the moment.

“Here we go.” His dad said after he finished copying the files back into the new orb and changing something in the programming. Quickly he adjusted the device and fired it at the baby girl sitting on the floor that was playing with her toes.

Slowly the baby girl turned into a toddler then a young girl. Suddenly she seemed to have some understanding about her environment. Norman’s dad put a shirt over her head after he took off her diaper during the slow progress to normal.

“Where am I?” The little girl asked before staring wildly at the much older boys who were staring back at her.

Norman watched as his dad questioned her on her age and her name. His mother seemed to think she was 7-years-old and still lived with her own mother. Norman watched as she aged a little more to a 10-year-old and looked worried to be in a strange room.

Once again Norman’s dad asked her her age and what was the last thing she remembered.

Norman smiled as he realized that his mother was returning to normal, but had to relive all her old memories as she aged. As the preteen told about her skiing trip she was just on. She had a panic deer look in her eyes.

“Did I have a accident?” She asked after a moment. She thought perhaps this was a doctor of some sort.

“You did, but you’re getting better by the moment.” Norman said cheerfully looking around the room for more clothes.

Norman had handed her another old t-shirt his dad had left in the room just in time. Soon his mother was a teenager looking worried about being nearly naked in front of them.

Norman watched as his father comforted her and told her that he was her husband. Seconds later she remember him even if he looked older.

“But, Norman is only a baby and how did you get so old?” The former teen said after she aged to a young woman. His mom was looking confused at the pair.

“Norman, go grab the bath robe from upstairs.” His dad ordered.

Norman left the room and noticed the two old t-shirts that covered his mother were providing little cover now. Minute later he was back down and noticed the lab door was shut.

Knocking lightly the door opened a bit and his dad took the robe from his son.

Norman waited outside after the door was shut.

Finally the door opened and his mother stepped out. She was her old age, before she ever used the orb for the first time.

His dad followed suit and looked greatly relieved.

“Hey son.” his mother said sweetly, now fully recognizing her son.

Norman stepped forward and hugged her as tightly as she hugged him.

 

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