Ty stood up from the end of his bed suddenly. He felt incredible excitement to learn just what he was capable of, now that he had reconciled to his new ability. What were his limitations? Could he truly do anything he desired? A million thoughts raced through his head at once. For the first time in many years, he felt distinctly happy and thrilled. This was going to be a wonderful birthday after all! The only question now was where should he start?
He heard the shower turn on across the hall and decided to try something simple first. He closed his eyes and concentrated on releasing his power again. This time the feeling deep within was stronger and more attuned. “I wish I just had a shower!” Ty said. As he opened his eyes, he found himself dripping wet and refreshed. Awesome! He grinned at his success, let himself dry off, and hurriedly put on a pair of briefs, his blue jeans, and a plain red short sleeved shirt. He was positively buzzing with excitement.
He walked downstairs to the kitchen table and sat down for breakfast. Mark happened to lower his newspaper as June began setting out plates and noticed Ty sitting with a big grin. “Well,” Mark roared with a hearty laugh, “look at this! Not only is Ty already awake, he’s actually here without an invitation.” He smiled himself and nodded. “I like to see that.” Ty began to beam with pride at actually having been complimented.
Eventually June had to go upstairs and get Dustin out of the bathroom and down for breakfast. Apparently altering Dustin’s history and age didn’t include altering his wardrobe, as he nervously came downstairs in an oversized pair of slacks and an ill-fitting sports shirt. Mark took one look at this and scowled. “Jesus, Dustin. Why don’t you use that allowance I pay you to get some decent clothes instead of all those video games?” Dustin whimpered, “but!” Mark silenced him with a finger and shook his head. “Just eat your breakfast.”
For once, Ty was actually allowed in on the conversation as they ate breakfast. Things were really starting to turn around! Eventually, as they always did Saturday morning, Mark and June announced they were going out for the morning and would be back in the afternoon. This couldn’t have been better for Ty, who was just aching to try the things dancing around in his head begging to be played with. He calmly started on the yard as Mark and June drove away, and waited until they were well out of view before wishing the yard was cleaned up. It worked, of course. Their lawn had never looked cleaner! Mark was going to be really happy.
Now, Ty relished the time he now had alone with Dustin. As he ambled back inside he found his foster brother sitting on the living room couch watching TV. Dustin looked at the giddy Ty with annoyance and growled. “What, Dustin?” Ty asked sweetly, “isn’t it a beautiful day? You should be really happy to help me on my birthday!” Dustin snorted, “help you? With what?” Ty grinned and sat down next to Dustin. “Haven’t you been wondering just what happened to you?” Dustin gulped and clicked off the TV, turning his full attention to Ty.
“Y-Yes.” Dustin said in an uncharacteristically shy way. Ty realized just how screwed up Dustin must be right now, having had his role in the family reversed in the space of just a couple hours. He actually felt bad for Dustin now, and somewhat guilty. He explained. “Well, Dustin. Uh, I don’t know whether you believe this or not, so I’ll just say it. In the last 24 hours I’ve developed this power that lets me change stuff.” Dustin’s voice was trembling as he spoke now, more out of fear. “I believe you!” he said quickly, “I felt… that it was you doing something to me. I just knew. Oh, Ty! Please change me back! Please!”
Ty smiled and patted Dustin on the head. “I will change you back completely, but only if you help me test just what I can do.” Dustin went pasty white and swallowed a lump in his throat. “On me?”
Ty nodded quickly and let a wicked grin cross his face. He was really going to enjoy this!