Whispering Mind

By Nathaniel Taylor

Meet Daniel Elliot, a Psychology student from Belgium who wants to do the best he can to help others. But soon enough there’s a problem that may get in the way of his aspirations. Is it but a feint whispering of his turbulent past? Or is there something greater that stirs within?

Not even Danny knows. But as he goes on to find the things he needs to balance his life, and this mysterious reoccurring problem, things get complicated. Danny is sent on the emotional ride of his life as he discovers more about himself as well as those he’s closest to.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nathaniel Taylor
• Release date: Feb 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466177390

Nathaniel Taylor

I'm a 22 year old guy from Belguim who found a passion for writing some odd years ago. At first I started writing short stories and poetry which I posted on several art websites before finally moving on to books. Ever since, I've been writing and trying to find stories which could be liked by the general public.

Book preview

Whispering Mind

by

Nathaniel Taylor

Smashwords edition

Copyright 2011 Nathaniel Taylor

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

****

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, to my parents who gave me life and taught me to be the person I am today. Secondly to my brother without whom I’d never have known how to write a fight. Then, to my family whose intricate bonds inspired some others.

Then, to my friend Nicolas without whom I would have probably written more mistakes then anyone would ever like to read. You gave me hope, ambition and courage during the writing process. And thank you for helping with the cover.

To my many teachers who taught me to read, write and speak in a number of different languages. I’m sure I wouldn’t have known how to describe certain things without them. To my friend Lieve, whose proof reading gave me the hope and ambition to keep writing.

To those I haven’t mentioned by name, you haven’t been forgotten, but I do love you all equally.

To my friend Pieter-Jan who gave me a glimpse of how to relax as well as a great way of interacting with others. To my friend Eva who showed me what kindness and caring was in a way that I could write about it. To my friend Steven who may not read this book but gave me a strong friendship which inspired more than one of my stories.

To the publisher without whom you wouldn’t be reading this right now. To you, dear reader, for being so kind as to read the many words I plodded onto these pages. It means a lot to me, and I hope you enjoy the story. And finally, to Daniel, the child of my own mind who was kind enough to share his story with me.

****

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Trivia

Chapter 2: The Invention

Chapter 3: The Better Battle

Chapter 4: Some Things

Chapter 5: Autumn

Chapter 6: The Moon’s Pull

Epilogue

About the Author

****

Preface

It felt like something I’d seen before. Like a sweet story etched in stone. I was there and so was she, looking more beautiful than ever in her red Sunday-dress with a white flower pinned to her shoulder band. I stood there for a moment thinking none of this was real, but then I shook it off and slowly walked toward her. A slow piano music piece was playing and as people started to dance, we met dead-centre of the room looking at each other with sparkling eyes.

It was just one of those perfect moments where you can’t help but wonder what you did to deserve such a wonderful thing. I winked at her and she gave me a little crooked smile. That’s when I moved my hand in a gesture to dance to the music that was playing. And as I gave her my hand to start the dance she - in one fluent movement - took it and started the dance.

Surely there would be something bad waiting for me in return for this but I didn’t care. I was here, she was here and the lighting was perfect to accentuate her beautiful hazel eyes. I was absolutely enchanted and happier than I had ever been. It was, more than anything, a welcome feeling.

Danny, I’m so glad you came, She whispered as she laid her head gently against my chest.

So am I, I said, holding her tighter and kissing her head.

She looked up and smiled at me, then nestled into my chest again. The other people there were either smiling or drinking the punch, which Peter no doubt spiked. We were dancing and looking into each other’s eyes. I could hear the song winding down, so I slowed our dancing until the point where we came to a complete stop and she straightened up and leaned in for a kiss. I stood still then, in anticipation of her cherry lips’ touch.

Chapter 1: Trivia

I got up like I did every morning, just looking at the ceiling of my room. And, as always, it felt like my own little sanctum. It was my place, where I got dressed every morning and could forget everything that had come and gone that day. In an attempt to wake myself up properly, I pulled myself off my bed and went to my closet where I took whichever clothes would fit. A few sighs and a near-fatal fall from the stairs later, I was with my mother at the breakfast table.

As was the case every morning, she greeted me and set a bowl of cereal in front of me. She was a kind woman, if nothing else and she always knew how to make the small things worthwhile. Come to think of it, the times I didn’t smile sitting at the breakfast table were harder to recollect than the times I did. But it never lasted. After finishing my breakfast, I went back to my room to gather my school things and then made my way to the bus stop. Somehow I didn’t mind the routine I’d tried to avoid at first. It gave me comfort. It gave me the sense that, even though your life can get thrown around like a ragdoll, some things never change.

The warm touch of the sun on my face as my bus reached the school I was attending brought on a sense of nostalgia. Unfortunately for me, nostalgia tends to get absorbed by the chaos of everyday life. I was looking at that day’s classes when I noticed the word gym which I’d highlighted for some reason. All I could think of was that I was either excited or annoyed with that class on the day I highlighted it. But it didn’t matter that much. It was just an extracurricular activity. The school bell was an inevitable part of my morning ritual and from the moment it rang I was stuck anyway.

I was starting to wonder if the men in my class were just impolite or just trying to get me to fight them in school. I mean, every time I came out of the showers after practise, they’d just stare. They never apologized or said a word but I could see them gag, so I knew they’re looking at my scar. The big J-shaped scar on my chest which I got when I was eight. I still curse the day I got hit by that car. I was trying not to get angry at them but it was hard.

Hey, Danny, come here! I need to talk to you, Paul yelled all of a sudden.

I went over to him without thinking twice before greeting him.

Listen Danny, we’re going to The Vault tonight, you coming?

Thinking about The Vault made me think of a lot of things, none of them good, but I was willing to make an exception.

Sure, I could use a time-out, I said, holding back the resentment I felt towards the place.

Cool, we’ll see you tonight then. C’mon Jack, let’s get out of here! Paul yelled to his brother while snapping a towel.

I’d known Paul since I was five or something; he was always the reliable type though he did have a temper. I could only hope that he’d keep himself under control tonight as I got ready for my social psychology class.

When I got to class, Professor Hunter had already started his lecture. Nevertheless, I tried to keep up and concentrate.

Hey you, a gentle female voice whispered.

Do you know what he’s talking about?

This was breaking my concentration; and though I was trying to keep my voice neutral, it sounded like I hissed No. I started taking notes of this lecture’s essence when I felt a nudge in my shoulder.

Hey, listen, the same gentle voice said. "I can’t afford to flunk this class, so please, help me."

I hesitated, thinking about the times I’d trusted women and have it blow up in my face.

Okay, I agreed. He’s talking about the fact that people, who believe they are in danger and won’t be able to fight, will in fact deny themselves any chance of defence.

I couldn’t help but utter a quiet laugh at the thought.

What’s so funny? she demanded.

Nothing, just an inside joke of mine, don’t worry about it, I commented.

I could hear her chuckle at that sentence so I continued, He also says that while in this class, you need to know that however typical one’s behaviour might seem no person is predictable.

I continued writing for myself after this, and I found that it was easy to find out what it was all about. Until she interrupted me again.

Thanks, but could I ask you one more question?

I finished writing and then answered. I guess so, what do you want to know?

She chuckled again and asked her tough question, Your name, if that’s okay?

I wrote another part of the lecture down and answered.

My name is Daniel, last name Elliot.

She was silent, so I asked her, What’s yours?

I could feel her head moving forward until hers was next to mine.

"My name is Jessica,