Denise and John

By DJ Wells

Humankind has only been known to use six to seven percent of their brain leaving ninety three to ninety four percent untouched. What happens if some individuals learn to ignore subliminal limitations set by mankind, and are able to do what others can’t. This is the world of the subconscious mind, the part of humans that never sleeps, and always thinks. It is the part that can understand everything, and opens up to a world of all new possibilities. This is the world of DENISE and JOHN.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543913828

Book preview

Beginnings

Chapter One

Let Go………..

Allowing the sleep to pull back from her eyes, Denise awoke confused. Staring up at her ceiling for a brief moment she gathered her thoughts.

Dreaming? She thought. Maybe… who knows…?

Usually when she dreamed she remembered them yet, now, no thoughts lingered. Denise was gifted and with her unusual talents she was able to have more control over dreaming than most people and now as she stared blankly at her ceiling there was nothing on her mind.

Reaching for her cell phone the luminescence read 5:57 a.m. She even managed to wake up before her alarm which was set for six thirty.

Well I don’t have to be up just yet… just a little longer… she thought,

She rolled over on her side and allowed her lids to fall to gain whatever sleep she could get before school. As her eyes made their final decent she once again heard the small voice echoing in her ears as though someone was whispering right next to her. She could even feel the slight breathing with the words….

Let go…..

More startled than before she frantically sat straight up and quickly reached for the dome light that was placed neatly in the bed frame within arm’s reach of her head. As her heart began to race she scanned the small surroundings. Her nightstand covered with yesterday’s clothes, her laptop, and a picture of her and her dad rested itself neatly next to the hampered laundry. Everything the way she left it. Her eyes made their way across the small area moving from the dresser with the neatly folded linens to the reflecting glow off the posters that clung tastelessly in her room and back again to the curtains that draped over her windows ensuring to protect the small amount of privacy she had considering she was the oldest of four.

Her room was no different than any other eighteen year old girl’s room. Posters of popular rock star icons hung on her wall, which she only kept them for show. Small piles of clothing littered the floor along with crayons, a toy car, and a coloring book with one page half torn out all belonging to her younger siblings. There was nothing out of the ordinary. No creepy shadows waited to pounce from any corner of the room, the toy cars didn’t drive by themselves nor did the crayons magically appear to be coloring in the books. But something had made her company and for the time being it was only limited to a voice.

Once again eyeing the vicinity of her room she made out every detail. Nothing stirred and no sound arose. She tilted her head listening for shuffling feet. Satisfied she slumped back down under her covers.

Besides being jolted by the sound she felt nothing disturbing about the entity. She was sure anyone else in her current situation would have made their way screaming down the halls frantically swinging some weird object around waking everyone in the house before eventually ramming their head into a wall and causing more harm than good, but, having a firm head on her shoulders, Denise knew that would do no good. Although she chuckled at the idea.

Shifting into a more comfortable position she listened for anything that may try to make contact but was not visible to the naked eye.

Because of her open-mindedness Denise didn’t believe in ghosts, poltergeists, or any other spectral anomaly that had some kook on T.V. claiming they could receive messages from. She knew whatever had made contact with her was on this plain of existence. She just needed to find the connection.

Whenever she chose to use her own ability a great deal of concentration had to take place. Thinking of her unusual gifts she ran through the scenarios that crossed her mind. She would have to focus and close her eyes, with thoughts of winter, hail and blizzards furiously racing until……

Feeling it she found what she was looking for. She closed her eyes and listened.

The voice arose once again. This time it was a little more than a whisper and came echoing from inside the walls with no general direction, as though it was from some distant plain and the harmonious sound reflected all around the small square footage of her room.

This time she could make out that the voice was a males.

Speaking softly he said. Let go…. She needs your help….. She is the key….

Answering back she asked. Who? Who needs my help…?

Before she could get an answer, she cut into the silence. Key? What key?

Let go…. You’ll find out.

Unsure of where to take the conversation she asked. Ok, let go of what?

Keeping her eyes closed the voice started to fade as though it was done with their feeble conversation.

…

As it washed-out in the distance she couldn’t make out what he said.

Feeling as though she was fighting a losing battle she asked once again in an attempt to bring the voice back. Ok who, who needs my help?

More faded than before she could hear a laugh in the man’s voice.

Look at you……

What key? Who’s a key?

Listening intently, the normal sounds of the house arose. She could hear the ticking from the kitchen wall clock, her brother snoring softly in the other room with small hints of his music playing from his cell phone, and nothing more.

Once again, the abnormality of her life seized her, this time the paralyzing grip would not let go. Most of the time Denise tried to keep a simple and very normal life, she involved herself in school activities that caught her interest, played video games with her younger brother, and always had a family night for the younger siblings to draw and spend time with her in her room. She avoided her mom seeing that they were exactly the opposite, but that was just as normal as any other girl her age.

Altogether there were four of them Denise being the oldest, John, Brianna, and JC. She practically raised her siblings. She hadn’t noticed any abnormal tendencies in them but her own uniqueness didn’t develop until she was fourteen. Still, because of their modest and down to earth life, she tried to make sure and keep it that way as well. Using her gift only when it seemed necessary. The only one of her siblings she shared anything with was her brother lil John. He knew of her talent, although, to her, he was more than just a brother he was her best friend.

She not only trusted him, she knew if he did happen to develop anything she would be his confidant as he was hers. Their bond was inseparable.

Feeling that this was the beginning of some mystery that has yet to begin to unravel itself, she flung herself out of bed. In light of the recent events she was not going to be able to fall back asleep. The paralyzing grip kept a steady hold on her conscious, as though abnormal was not just a word but a physical being that just decided this morning to wrap her arms around Denise with a loud voice and a giddy laugh screaming did you miss me?

Normally she considered herself very patient, though this morning she couldn’t help but grumble. The voice was vague with too many open-ended questions and no answers. She hated that kind of shit with actual people in the flesh this was much more frustrating. There was no one she could choke the life out of to get answers. She had to wait on someone else’s time, and that was not her style.

With her frustration placing itself firmly at her side she looked around her small domicile and gathered her things for a quick shower. Red laced shirt, black sweater, jeans, socks, underwear all was in order along with mousse hairspray and a straightener.

Heading down the hall she placed her belongings on the bathroom sink before heading to the rooms of her siblings to take a quick glance inside. Knowingly the voice was not that of someone lying dormant in her house still, she had her share of being over protective of the others, and now she felt the need to make sure they were sleeping soundly.

John shared a room with JC, at least until she moved out, although Johnny didn’t seem to mind not having his own space. John was not the average fourteen year old boy, and with him not grumbling over the fact that he has no privacy only fit his demeanor of kind, understanding and compassionate. The door was slightly ajar as she opened it she could hear both of them breathing and the soft tunes of John’s music playing through his cell phone. She slid the door closed into its original position.

Brianna’s room was right next door, peeking her head inside she listened quietly for the girl’s soft rhythmic breathing. Feeling appeased with the sound she allowed the door to fall shut. Skipping her mother’s door she headed straight into the bathroom.

It was no secret her and her mother didn’t see eye to eye on anything in life. Denise felt she couldn’t care less if someone had broken into her mother’s room. Somehow she didn’t feel the need to check and make sure. Besides she had the feeling if that were the case the intruder would be sorry as hell.

Taking a towel from the linen closet, she placed it next to her dwellings and closed the door to the bathroom. Normally she would wake lil John to allow him time to get ready as well. Even though that would lead to an argument and a race for the bathroom privileges, with one trying to lock the other out and get their shower out of the way first. Of course she always won when it came to that race. Today though she had no need to wake him just yet. Since she was woken considerably early she had plenty of time to make sure today was not going to be a hassle. Besides her mind was still wandering with the thoughts of the mysterious voice. A hassle was already making itself known the least she could do was have a shower in peace.

Feeling a little better, she started the water and tried placing the earlier incidences far in the back of her mind. At least this was one thing she could look forward to, a nice, normal day at school.

Chapter Two

Success!

O yea! Michael thought. That was easy.

Glancing at the time piece it read 6:00 a.m. Plenty of time.

Knowing there was time, it didn’t stop him from pacing through his house rapidly looking for the next things he would need for his next encounter with the girl. Unsure of her role just yet he knew she was important and hopefully, with his encouragement, she would pry herself for answers.

Finding the demonstration box he took it, and the vacuum that it once housed out of the closet. Placing them by the door he scoured through his house making sure to remember everything that would be needed. Sometimes in being led by his ability he would grab random items off the counters and place them in his pockets, this time though, he didn’t feel the need for any extra trinkets. He went straight for his keys and opened the door.

Knowing he wouldn’t need the items until later this afternoon, he grabbed both the box and its accessories and placed them outside the front door. Michael was smart, yet by today’s standards he considered himself to be more of a lazy genius. He didn’t want to have to make unnecessary trips.

Taking one last glance inside he scanned the moderate surroundings making sure everything was in order. The plush cushions neatly pressed on the sofa, the child locks fastened into the plug-ins that were unused, and no knives left down, with one lamp burning for illumination. Although taking such precautions was unnecessary.

Life’s a game, play it. He thought.

Following his motto in life was never easy, so he had to remind himself periodically throughout the day, as though, in those words it helped him keep his grip on reality. Taking first the vacuum he released the alarm on his SUV and placed it in the back.

The most he could hope for today was that when approaching the girl she would be moderately cooperative and willing to play the game. Running back up to the steps he took the box and placed it neatly next to the vacuum. His mind raced with today’s events.

Michael was good looking, standing at 6’2 curly brown hair and blue eyes, he always was paid a compliment that he should be a model. His physique was stunning as well with the occasional remarks of how he must’ve played high school sports though nothing in that nature ever interested him. He may have had the build but he lacked the motivation. Now he felt more like a high school nerd than a jock thinking about having to introduce himself to the girl. According to the girl’s mother she was not easy to win over.

Life’s a game, play it. He thought again.

He headed back into the house, made his way to the kitchen, and grabbed a box of crunchies from the cupboard. He placed the open box on the table within reach in case his nonexistent friend got famished. He didn’t get hungry often. Since he has been here, Michael has seen him only grab for food a couple times and it was mere table scraps not enough for a full meal or to keep his small body going. But somehow the child was still alive.

Just as he went to check on him the door to his bedroom opened softly as though, besides being the world’s lightest eater, he was also a mind reader. With ghostlike movements the boy headed past him and went to the love seat where he sat emotionless and empty eyed staring off into some realm that eluded Michael.

He couldn’t help but to feel bad for the youngster, but at this moment in time, there was nothing he could do. With his golden brown hair falling just to the side of his face, the boy could pass for any normal kid until you look into his eyes. His eyes were almost an ashen grey as if at one point in time they were blue yet all the colors faded. He felt the child himself was in danger of being erased from existence.

He wasn’t sure why but he had this pressing feeling he was running out of time.

Hey. He said, looking into the child’s deep grey eyes, even at that moment it looked like they were fading into a deeper, darker color. He looked away and continued. I’ll be back, ok? Watching the child he awaited for a response though he knew none would come.

The boy stared blankly through him. No emotion or sign of comprehension elicited his face.

So there’s some cereal left down for you in case you get hungry, and I won’t be gone for more than a couple hours. Ok?

This wasn’t the first time he has had to leave the child alone. Each time he has had to run out, the boy remained unharmed and in the same position, with the occasional wandering blankly around the house or sitting against the wall in his bedroom. Michael would’ve been considered a bad parent. Though he was not the boy’s parent he only knew of him. Thanks to his gifts he knows of a lot of things including the girl.

He was led to the boy about a few weeks ago and since then he has felt the peril of time running out to help the child. The child, the girl, and the connection…… all just some small puzzle he had to piece together.

Life’s a game, play it.

He didn’t ask for this job, but from the first time he accepted, and started utilizing his talents, he knew this was his destiny, his purpose, his mission.

Life’s a game, play it.

Standing up he made his way to the door with one final glance back. The boy continued to stare off into some distant realm. Closing the door he headed into the car and turned over the engine. Checking the time, by his calculations, he would be right where he needed to be at exactly the right time. Although he wasn’t sure yet where that might be or why he had to be there.

Listening to the engines soft purr he grew increasingly excited and nervous about the day ahead.

Life’s a game, play it.

Let’s do this!! He spoke aloud, his empty words of encouragement. With his stomach still in knots he pulled out of the driveway and headed off.

Chapter Three

Keeping her mind away from today’s earlier events, Denise got out of the shower and towel dried her hair. Between her and her brother they had to be to school at different times and since it was still early she figured she could get the rest of her necessities out of the way before waking him. Having one bathroom tended to cause some conflict. Throwing her clothes on she gathered together the items she pulled out earlier to complete her ensemble. Mousse, hairspray, hair ties, and…. Lifting the towel she just sat down she noticed the one, and, the most important thing for completion was missing…. The brush.

Ugh. She thought.

Waking up early she had more time than normal for getting ready, hell she could even sit down and eat a bowl of cereal at her own leisurely pace. That didn’t stop her from grumbling as she flew through the drawers looking for the small item. When she couldn’t find it anywhere in the bathroom her impatience grew.

Come on, think. She said aloud as though the comfort of the words would make the item magically appear out of thin air. Thinking back she was the last person to use it. She placed it on the edge of the sink before heading off to bed. The other kids don’t tend to use the brush as often as Denise. Brianna rarely brushed her hair so that ruled her out as the culprit. John and JCs hair was short and…..

Ugh… She thought again.

Suddenly as if to comfort her she thought of the male voice ….. "Let go…"

Not helping. She thought. Closing her eyes she braced her hands on the sink and as though it had never left she heard the male once again…. You have all the time in the world…

At that moment she could feel an eagerness transpire inside her. It felt like a growing intensity almost a longing. Embarrassed, she tried to look away from the mirror but found herself immobilized. It was as though she were no longer in control of her movements.

She was completely fascinated as the scenery in her mere bathroom changed around her. The walls disappeared and expanded. She could no longer see her reflection as the bathroom mirror faded. Instead a breakfast nook was in front of her with her hands moving furiously over the counter. She couldn’t see in any general direction to make out her surroundings. All she could do was focus on the task at hand even though her mind was not yet clear as to what she was doing. Whatever it is, this Denise did it with a grace and a skill she was unaware she possessed.

Even though this had nothing to do with her current ability she did not try to escape the events or will herself back to her own era. Instead she paid close attention feeling that maybe some new talent was being revealed to her. At least that was one thing she could have confidence in…. she knew she was not losing her mind.

Maybe this was what the mystery man was talking about.

As she immersed herself in the scenario she realized words had been spoken she hadn’t made out.

So much for paying close attention. She thought.

She did realize she was pouring some drinks. With no control over her hands, she placed the bottle of alcohol down and picked up the two half full glasses and she turned around. She was in the connecting living room to a small well-kept house. The adjoining area was bigger than her own and the decorations were all of Japanese descent. From pictures of concubines and nightingales decorating the walls, to the zabuton pillows covering the love seat and sofa everything was perfectly arranged.

Maybe this woman is Japanese.

Although she had no clue and could only guess. Even if she could see her face there’s no telling that she would recognize the woman. She was probably a complete stranger. However there was one face she did recognize as the woman’s eyes met his gaze.

Little John stood about ten feet away from her.

OK, this is getting even weirder.

Even though he was taller, lil John was only 4’8 hence his nick name. The man in front of her looked to be about 6’5. He was dressed in an all-black suit with a red tie and a fedora to compliment his attire. Even under the fedora, Denise could see the cold hard gaze of her brother staring back at her. Every line and feature on his face matched her lil John who at this moment in time snuggled, and listening to the sounds of the music on his cell phone.

Confused she watched herself as she went to hand Johnny the drink. Though his blue eyes seemed cold and distant they still radiated a sparkle. She also watched the fluidity of his movements as his look changed from a cold harnessed smile, to a confused look as though he was looking through the woman who stood before him and peering into Denise’s shocked hazel eyes. She was almost positive that’s what she witnessed.

Something wrong? She stated, but not of her own free will as the woman had noticed the same change in his demeanor.

In that instant Johnny’s wide-eyed expression changed yet again from the confused look to pure anger. He came at her quickly knocking the drinks from her hands. Denise felt the woman’s heart jump in her throat as if it were her own. Before she could turn to run in the opposite direction, the taller little Johns fist came flying at her at an accelerated speed knocking her against the wall and back into her own reality.

She felt the hit as if it had been her face receiving the blow but she didn’t get the pain that accompanied it. Standing up, palms sweaty and shaking, it didn’t stop her from checking the area of the blow. No swelling, no broken nose and she was sure an impact like that surely would’ve done some damage, just not to her. Staring at the small cavity she could see her nose was perfectly intact. She felt bad for the woman who had received the blunt force. She knew she was not so lucky.

Confused she looked around the room. Everything was as it had been and no trace of the woman’s life remained.

As quickly as the events had emerged there end was just as abrupt. Pale, shaky, and as her heart started to slow down she could feel the lump in her throat grow for the woman whom she just encountered.

Forgetting about her minor problem she headed back down the hall and into Johnny’s room, where inadvertently the brush laid at the end of his bed.

Weird.

She picked it up, and headed to