Meet the Robinsons: Time Will Tell

Chapter 3 - Future Shock

It was 6:55PM and the sun was still barely out. Wilbur sat there anxiously in the passenger seat, tapping his finger on his crossed arms while also fidgeting his leg. "Can't you drive any faster?" he asked.

"Nope!" said Carl, "The speed limit is thirty-five, we can't go anywhere above."

"Why can't I drive?" Wilbur insisted, "I drove just fine at the age of thirteen."

"Yeah, and who wrecked the time machine?" Carl gave his little buddy the side eye.

"Wasn't my fault..." Wilbur mumbled.

"Tell that one to your dad," said Carl.

Yeah, because he can get away with it, Wilbur thought with a salty taste in his mouth. He couldn't wait for driver's ed classes to start up next school year.

Flying through the glorious city full of life, Wilbur eyed Robinson Industries seen off in the distance. The very building his father was at this very moment. He was still pretty uptight about the whole situation, but he also felt worried for his dad, possibly overworking himself. Although his dad loves working a lot, Wilbur didn't want him to overdo it.

What mostly concerned Wilbur was the fact that he hadn't received a single call from his dad, not even a simple text message. It was odd that he told his mom about the issue instead of waiting for Wilbur to get back from school and telling him then. Maybe he knew he was going to be so busy, he wouldn't have time to use the phone and that's why he could only talk to mom. Perhaps Wilbur could try giving him a call once he's back home? Then again, maybe he shouldn't interrupt..?

Psh! Surely dad will answer for a brief minute and wouldn't ignore his own son...

"Okay, we're here!" Carl announced, parking the car by the drop off area and opening the hatch, "Get a move on, little monkey."

"It'll only be a minute!" said Wilbur, leaping out of the vehicle and running to the entry doors.

Opening the lid to his chest, Carl pulled out a stopwatch and started the timer. "We'll see about that..." he mumbled.

Just as the Robinson boy approached the doors, a guy walked out of the building, pulling out a pair of keys and putting them in the keyhole.

"Wait, mister!" Wilbur shouted, the man looking at him.

"It's seven o'clock, kid," the man said, "gotta call it a day."

"I know, but listen!" Wilbur pleaded, "I left something important inside and I need to get it before the next sunrise! All I have to do is grab and go. I won't be long, I promise!" Giving the man the puppy eye look with his hands folded.

The tired and grouchy man sighed, "Alright, but make it snappy." he said, opening the door for the young teenager.

"I appreciate it, sir!" Wilbur thanked him, dashing through the doors.

"Yeah, yeah..." the guy muttered while pulling out his watch.

Finding his way to the gym, it wasn't completely dark as the evening daylight shone through the windows. Surveying the wide room, Wilbur searched desperately for his glove.

...There it is! Over by the bleachers!

At long last, he and his glove reunited... He almost wanted to hug it against his cheek, until he remembered how filthy it was. "The moment we get home, you're getting a bath." Wilbur talked to his glove. Not like there was anyone watching. That'd be embarrassing, haha...

Suddenly, Wilbur began having this strange feeling in his chest. He didn't know why, but it felt like he wasn't alone at the time. He looked around to make sure, but there was no one there...