Over the Edge Read Free Page B

called Alien Child. That did it. As soon as Morgan switched on the Game Boy, something inside him seemed to shut down. He didn’t so much as look out the airplane window for the rest of the flight to Phoenix. He kept playing the game as they stood in line to rent a car and as they drove, grunting a reply when Steven told him they’d just entered Grand Canyon National Park.
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    While the Landons strained to see even a shadow of what lay beyond the rim, Morgan concentrated on the Game Boy, its greenish light barely illuminating his face, his fingers deftly punching the tiny controls as his eyes stared, unblinking. Jack had never seen anyone so transfixed by something electronic. It was as if Morgan had fused himself into that tiny screen. He found himself agreeing with Ashley: Morgan really was strange.
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    â€œGet up, Jack. You said you wanted to see the sunrise hit the walls of the Grand Canyon. It’s time to rise and shine!”
    Jack felt a gentle tug on his covers, but he pulled them close and curled into their protective warmth. “Too early,” he muttered to his mother.
    Ignoring him, Olivia gave the edge of his bed a playful bounce. “Come on—up and at ’em! You too, Morgan. Throw on some clothes. You can shower when we get back. And Jack, don’t forget your camera. I’m turning on the light right…now!”
    â€œNo—” Jack began, but there was a click and a flood of light stabbed his eyes. His mother stood, fully dressed in stonewashed jeans and a hooded jacket. Although wrinkles lined the corners of her eyes when she smiled, Olivia looked young and trim. And full of energy.
    Morgan grabbed a pillow and put it over his face. “What time is it?” he asked in a muffled voice.
    â€œSix o’clock.”
    â€œSix?” The pillow flew off his face as he looked at her incredulously. “Six a.m.? No normal human being gets up this early. I’ll stay here while you Earth people go and do whatever homage you tree-hugging types do. I’m a creature of the night. I don’t do mornings.”
    â€œNice try. We’re doing this as a family, which now includes you.”
    â€œI don’t wish to be included.”
    â€œI’m afraid it’s not a matter of what you wish.” Olivia’s voice had an edge to it, although Morgan didn’t know her well enough to hear it.
    Flopping a long, thin arm over his eyes, Morgan looked as though he were trying to block out the light in addition to blocking out Olivia. “Look, I’ve already seen the Grand Canyon. Virtually. I got a view from the comfort of my own computer, which is the perfect way to experience it—no bugs or heat or fatigue. I don’t need the real thing.”
    â€œLet me assure you that there is absolutely no comparison between the two. Reality will always trump the virtual world. Besides that, I’m not leaving until I see you’re truly up.” She stood over him, her arms planted on her hips, until Morgan gave a loud, long sigh.
    â€œZealot,” he muttered.
    â€œGuilty as charged. And just one more little thing. I want to ask you a favor.”
    â€œNow what?” Morgan asked, his voice squeaking. “I’m already denying my physical body its sleep. What more can I give up?”
    Olivia hesitated for only a moment before saying, “I’d like you to leave the Game Boy here while we go to the rim.”
    â€œAw, man!” Morgan exploded.
    â€œI noticed that you do tend to get a bit—involved—with that thing. You need to experience the Grand Canyon with your whole being.”
    Pulling himself to a sitting position, Morgan swung his legs over the side of the bed. A large, white T-shirt hung on him like an oversize shroud, revealing how thin Morgan really was. Elbows protruded in knots from branch-like arms. His chest was sunken, as if he didn’t have enough muscle to hold his body in anything but a