Duality: Duality Series - Duality

By M. R. Draper

Torn between dreams and reality . . .

Miranda is a beautiful girl just starting her life as a young adult when her vivid dreams cause a rift in her reality, lost in the space between. Conflicted with what is happening to her, she is forced to come to terms with her true self. On her journey, she meets several new beings she has never seen before. Only in myth have they existed. But now, a new reality of what is comes to her in her dreams.

Or are they dreams?

Living dual lives causes her to lose sight of where her home and family is as she has to find a sense of balance between both worlds. She comes to learn how her life separates her from the normal lives of those around her. Come take this journey with Miranda as she visits the place between time and space. She learns her true purpose and finds love in both lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524603250

M. R. Draper

M. R. Draper was born and raised in the state of California. She has written stories since she was a young girl. She has created many works of literature, from childrens stories, to poetry, and now novels. She has always used her ability to write as an outlet but found that her stories were loved by many, which is what inspired her to write novels. She puts a lot of emotion and imagination in her writing, which captivates the audience, and now her gift for words is available to the public.

Book preview

2016 M.R. Draper. All rights reserved.

Edited by Danielle George and Debbie Sanders

Cover art by M.R. Draper

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/14/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5246-0326-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-0324-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-0325-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016906029

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

1 Dark Paths

2 Unknown Territory

3 Dreamtime

4 The Getaway

5 Where

6 Destiny

7 Evidence

8 Something More

9 Here or There

10 Seeking Hope

11 Whispers

12 Patterns

13 Second Sight

14 Becoming One

15 Solitude

16 Understanding

17 Coming Together

18 Acceptance

19 Two Realities

20 Celebration

21 Dark Side

22 Guardians

23 New Friend

24 Home

25 Time with Friends

26 Missing

27 Return

28 Another

Author’s Message

DEDICATION

This book is a tribute to my family, my mom, my kids, and my father who recently passed from cancer. I love you dad, I wish you could have been here when the book launched. To my other family members and friends whom I hold in my heart; I hope you love this story as much as I do. To my extended family who always saw a spark of talent in me. And to my readers, I hope this book helps you find a little mystery and wonderment; our lives always need a little bit in every way. Never stop imagining and wondering, you never know what may happen!

R.W. Draper November 1951 – July 2015

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I want to express my gratitude to my family and friends for always believing in me and my vision to make this book a reality. Your support means the world to me, without you this book would not have been possible. I love you all dearly! This book has been in the works for many years with many obstacles to overcome to make it possible. I wanted to give thanks to those who pushed me to finish this book, even though there were many things keeping the process from continuing. I wanted to thank Ephraim Draper, Cassandra Prince, Danielle George, Cathryn Larson and Debbie Sanders for all your help getting the book out. Thank you all for believing in me and the story, making this book a success. I wanted to thank my mom and dad for pushing me forward even though I never shared many of the stories I wrote when I was younger. I hope that when you all read this book you know that the light I see in these characters I see in each of you. Thank you.

DARK PATHS

Chapter 1

There was darkness all around me. As I walked through the thicket of trees, I stumbled over roots and small bushes. Trying to feel my way out of the forest. Fear caused my stomach to knot and feel heavy, as though rocks were sitting in the pit of my stomach. My throat felt swollen. I felt as if I was chocking as terror rose within my body. I could hardly see anything around me.

With each passing tree I felt the rough texture of the bark; stopping every so often to remember to breathe. All around me was silence, which made me more afraid.

I started walking again, unsure of the direction I was going or what was looming around me. I was hoping to chance upon a road or a trail that would direct me in some sort of way. Instead, I was aimlessly wandering about this unknown wooded area.

Suddenly I heard a rustle of leaves. I could not tell if someone was approaching or if some creature was around trying to find its way around like I was. I heard the crunching of leaves. I stood frozen in terror, hiding myself behind the nearest tree trunk. I closed my eyes, trying to remind myself to breath and be calm.

I heard footsteps coming closer to me. Although I was not sure which direction they were coming from. I slid down the trunk of the tree and sat on the damp ground, pulling my knees close and buried my head between them. All I could do was listen. Praying that whatever or whoever it was would be gone soon, so I could continue to find my way out of this abyss. My breath was shallow, my heart racing. The beating of my heart was so loud I could swear that whatever was out there could hear it also.

Trying to relax a bit, I concentrated on the immediate area around me. A brisk breeze began to flow. As the treetops began to sway the noise of rusting leaves diverted my attention. I tried to regain my hearing by blocking out the sound of the rustling leaves. Whatever was out there was still around me. I could feel the presence as if it were stalking me in the darkness.

I stayed in the fetal position hoping and praying I would be able to find my way out alive. The wind finally subsided. I was able to hear once more, but there was nothing. I was not sure if I should be relieved or more frightened. I stayed where I was with my head buried between my knees, trying to regain my composure.

Satisfied with the circumstances. I raised my head to determine if I could see any better in the darkness. No such luck. There was only darkness and black shadows in the short distance before me. I was unable to decipher if a bush, or an animal, was around me. The darkness seemed to have swallowed everything around me, leaving me in pitch black.

Uncertainty and destitution began to drive me. I checked my surroundings knowing that if my eyes didn’t work here, my ears did. I took a deep breath and rose off the ground slowly, just to make sure I was alone. If there was something out there, I didn’t want to gain it’s attention. I kept my eyes closed as I rose up, concentrating on my own movement, ensuring I made little to no sound. I was afraid if there really was something in front of me. Maybe I could feel its presence instead of only relying on my ears. Silence.

Fear enveloped me once again, keeping me frozen in terror. I could still feel a presence around me. I suddenly felt hot breath on the back of my neck. My body began to shake in terror. With my back against the tree I could not see anything and I was not sure if I really wanted to. I opened my eyes eagerly to find a route of escape, hoping to see some sign of exit, or at least let my intuition guide me.

As my fear rose within me, hope was dwindling, my eyes were not adjusting to the black void I was trapped in. I needed to get out and find my way back to safety. Without a plan, I began to run as fast as my legs could take me.

It seemed as though every third step I took, I tripped over a root or bush of some kind. I felt the ground below me shift as it seemed to change to an incline. I was struggling up the hill, soon finding myself on all fours crawling my way to the top. I glanced back to see if there was anything behind. Whatever it was that was breathing on me, was too close for comfort.

I found myself alone. Defeated, I turned to sit on the hill I was attempting to conquer. My mind was reeling with many things; I did not know how to react first. Tears started streaming down my cheeks. I was not sure how to feel about what was happening to me. Several different emotions were swirling around, seeming to be out of control. But yet, relieved I was no longer in the presence of whatever was out there took precedence over all else.

Realizing I was still in dire circumstance, I wiped my tears away and looked up to regain my composure. As I was catching my breath I peered out into the darkness, in the direction from which I came. I noticed something: Two large glowing red eyes watching me.

I heard a wrestling in the bush beside me. I jumped and swung my head around to see what it could be. But of course I couldn’t see anything. I suddenly heard the sound of wings flapping off into the distance.

Terrified, helpless, and most certainly lost; I felt as though my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I looked back once more in the direction I saw the red eyes, to my relief they were gone. I was completely terrified. I turned around once more trying to get to the top of the steep inclining ground. I could feel the soft ground mushing between my fingers as I crawled forward with all the energy I had left.

Success, I made it to the top! I was exhausted from anxiety and desperation, I collapsed onto the ground. My eyes closed for what seemed like a moment. When I sat up I was in fight or flight mode. To my bewilderment I was in my bedroom, in my bed. I could not understand what just happened. My eyes searched the room. I was unable to move, in shock from all that just happened.

Suddenly my alarm sounded, making me jump. This infernal beeping I endured every morning should have been something I was used to. It took me a few moments to compose myself. I took a deep breath and convinced myself it must have been a horrible nightmare. Satisfied with my rationalization. I concluded it was time to start my regular morning routine, to get ready for another day.

†————————————————†

Miranda Woods was a quiet young woman. She had just finished high school. She was quite talented. She made friends with just about anyone she met. Her beautiful smile and bubbly personality always made people feel comfortable. Her friends shared all their secrets with her. Often wondering why they told her things they wouldn’t share with anyone else. She was intelligent, fun and easy on the eyes. She had beautiful emerald green eyes and light brown hair that shone golden in the sunlight. Her skin was a healthy tan even though she did not partake in the common tanning, like others her age.

Although there was something about her that was different, no one could quite put their finger on it. It seemed to set her apart from the rest of her peers. She worked hard for everything she wanted to do and completed most of her tasks with great success. She had a mysterious charm and energy around her that made her stick out from the rest. Her life was ordinary for any young adult just out of high school. She knew she was different but had no idea that soon things would change. She hid her own insecurities deep down. It is funny how no matter how hard you try to hide something it always comes back, like the waves of the ocean, ebb and flow.

As she was getting ready to start her day, Miranda realized she had dirt under her fingernails. There were also faint smudges of dirt on the palms of her hands. She quickly washed her hands and prepared to shower. Hoping to erase all evidence that reminded her of the horrors she did not want to remember.

The events she had experienced before waking were haunting her thoughts, each question unanswerable.

What happened? Where was I? Did this really happen? How did I get back? Was it a dream?

She turned the faucet on in the shower and stepped back so she didn’t have to feel the icy cold water before it warmed up. She calmly sat on the toilet seat lid determined to clear her mind. With her eyes closed she tried to push down the events of terror. As she had with many other experiences from her life.

Clearing her mind, she was determined to focus on the day she had set before her. She took a few deep breaths to clear the tension as she proceeded to step into the shower. She turned on her shower radio while she washed up. The warm water washed away any anguish that still lingered.

While Miranda washed her hair, she closed her eyes. At that moment she remembered the hot breath she felt on her neck. Quickly she opened her eyes, fearful all the terror she felt would come flooding back. Her breath became labored as if she was back in the darkness. She could no longer hear the radio she had blaring in the shower, she was again encased in silence.

In a daze she stood for a moment or two, until a burn in her eyes brought her back to reality. Ah! she screamed, as she scrambled to rinse away the shampoo that ran into her eyes.

The sound of the radio returned, as did the sound of the water that shot down from the faucet. She quickly finished her shower and got dressed. Determined to forget about the terrifying dream.

Miranda headed downstairs, quickly grabbed her keys and purse and stepped up to the door. As she was turning the knob to leave, the home phone rang and she had to run back to the kitchen to answer it.

Miranda? asked the woman’s voice on the other end.

Yes? she paused for a moment.

The voice answered back, Hey, where are you? You were supposed to meet up with me at the coffee house before we went job hunting. Why didn’t you answer your cellphone?

At that moment, Miranda realized it was Desiree, her best friend.

Oh, yeah, sorry. I was in the shower. What time is it? Miranda asked, feeling absent minded.

It’s 7:45, we have just a few minutes before most of the business offices open for the day. Desiree huffed into the phone, Hurry up!

OK, I’ll be there in 5, answered Miranda as she slammed down the phone and ran out the door.

Even though it was a small town there were surprisingly many job opportunities. Miranda grew up in the California foothills, near Yosemite National park. The town was small just outside Tuolumne County named Carson Hill. The town was surrounded by nature, and lush green half the year. When the seasons were warmer, the green changed turned to a golden color. Which is why California was nicknamed, The Golden State.

When she opened the door the sun shone inside making her flinch. She had not expected it to be so bright that early in the morning. She reached in her purse and grabbed her sunglasses to shield her eyes from the stinging rays of the sun. Her eyes were blinking quickly and frequently from the agitation.

Once she was in the car she removed the sunglasses to take a look at her eyes more closely. Her eyes were beginning to water, it took a few moments before she had a chance to examine them. They were red and irritated. She had dark circles around her eyes making her eyes look sunken in, as if she were sickly. She was considering putting off looking for work since she looked out of sorts. But dismissed her questioning. She was not going to change her mind. She threw the sunglasses back on her face and drove to the coffee house.

It did not take her long to get there; she hit all green lights. She found an open parking spot just in front of the coffee house. She grabbed her things with a grunt, took a deep breath and opened the car door.

UNKNOWN TERRITORY

Chapter 2

Desiree was sitting at the large counter on a bar stool seat facing out the window when she saw Miranda get out of the car. She picked up the two mochas and headed out the door to greet her friend. Desiree was dressed in black slacks and a lavender blouse with a v-shaped collar. She wore a matching black blazer, silver pumps, and purse to match her blouse’s accents. She stood on the sidewalk looking elegant with her fresh manicure sipping her mocha.

Hey Mandy, what took you so long?

Desiree asked as she come up closer to Miranda. She noticed that Miranda was not quite herself. Although she decided not to ask too many questions. Desiree handed her the coffee.

Here, drink this! Hopefully it will kick in quickly. I got you an extra espresso shot just in case.

She tried to smile at Miranda to hide her concern for her friend. She knew Miranda was not much for opening up right away about things. Both the girls made their way into Miranda’s car. The sat for a moment in silence sipping on their coffees.

Desiree finally broke the silence with.

Okay, let’s have a look. Remove your glasses let’s see what we are working with.

Miranda tried to keep calm and act normal, but she knew she was not pulling off the façade. Miranda looked at her friend apologetically and slowly removed her glasses.

I know. It’s bad. I got shampoo in my eyes in the shower and had trouble sleeping last night.

Desiree was a little taken back at the sight of her friend but tried to keep her cool.

No problem, it’s not that bad. Nothing a little makeup can’t fix.

Miranda saw through her friend, and gave out a little giggle, knowing she was putting up a front.

Come on Dez, don’t pull my leg! I have a mirror at home ya know!

Desiree half smiled with some concern.

Yeah… okay, let’s get you fixed up and go back out tomorrow to look for work. There is always the internet, right? I guess that will have to do for today.

Miranda gave Desiree a look of relief and appreciation, for her friend’s care and respect when she was in such an alarming state. Miranda did not divulge any information of the strange occurrences of last night. She was in no way ready to relive them again.

Miranda drove back to her house with her friend to keep her company and help her through the rest of the day. Having Desiree around always seemed to keep Miranda’s mood light and free. Even on days where things were less stressful.

On their way to Miranda’s house they sat back and turned the music up, Desiree’s favorite song came on. The happy tune was just what Miranda needed to lift her spirits. Desiree started to sing loudly, facing Miranda, as she drove down the road. Miranda finally laughed and smiled. Desiree urged her to chime in and help make the song better. Miranda finally gave in to Desiree’s elbow nudges and loud singing and began to sing with her. The two sang all the way back to the house.

By the time they pulled in to the driveway, Miranda’s mood had changed. Both of them were singing at the top of their lungs and laughing. Miranda waited for the song to end before she turned the car off to head inside. They grabbed their things and walked up to the front door of the house.

While they walked inside Desiree started to open the conversation to what was on Miranda’s mind. Hoping the music made helped some of the walls come down.

So, Mandy…. How come you didn’t get much sleep? Did you meet a guy? She said slyly with an eager smile and raised eyebrow.

Miranda was not quite ready for this conversation.

I wish it was something like that Dez. I just had a bad dream. I don’t really want to talk about it. … It was… traumatizing. Kind of on a psychological level.

Desiree recognized a small understanding of her friend’s distress and left the subject alone.

Okay, I get it. When you are ready; just know that I am here to listen. Whenever you need me I’m here.

Desiree said with a compassionate look toward her friend.

Alright, let’s get this day started! exclaimed Desiree.

Miranda looked at Desiree.

You know I love you, and yes of course I will come to you. You are my best friend. I just need to distract myself first for a while. I don’t want to have to relive the terror and anxieties of what happened. Let’s get started on this job hunting. Expand your horizons and all that, ya know?

Desiree walked over to the desk getting the laptop and placed it on the dining room table. She pushed the power button to turn it on, and sat down. Desiree sat down beside Miranda at the table ready to look up any prospects for work. Desiree knew that she just wanted a summer job to tide her over until she left for college.

Although Miranda had no idea what she wanted to do, or even if college was in the equation for her. She never really had any trouble finding anything before. With school it was all pretty much laid out before her. She just followed the plan and did her best. She always seemed to succeed in everything she put her mind to, although in this area she found conflict. She did not even have a slight idea of what type of work she wanted to do let alone which career path she wanted to follow.

Desiree found many possible options for work. But Miranda was a bit lost in the motions of trying to decide which area to pursue. Her mind was still reeling from the night’s events. She knew it was time to finally share her experience regardless of how troubling it was. Just to try to get some peace of mind.

Dez?

Miranda softly tried to get her friends attention and off the internet for a little bit.

Desiree answered her still looking at the computer screen.

Yeah, what’s up?

Miranda paused for a few moments to figure out how to word her sentences for the best reaction from her friend.

Have you ever woken up from a dream with evidence of it being real? Like scratches or dirt on your feet, or anything like that.

Desiree was caught off guard. She knew her friend was trying to talk about whatever had been bothering her. Some experience with a dream.

Desiree looked up from the laptop and turned to Miranda.

I’m not sure how to answer that …. I mean, I have woken up with a scratch or two but I think I did it. Like it was self-inflicted. Why do you ask? Does this have to do with your dream last night?

Desiree returned her focus back to the computer completely. Hoping to shield her friend from her puzzling facial expression.

Well…..

Miranda paused for a moment. Trying to find the right words hoping her friend did not think she had gone crazy.

I woke up in bed this morning with dirt on my feet and hands. Even some under my finger nails.

Miranda looked down at her hands and back up again.

In my dream I was stuck in a dark forest. I was running away from something. I don’t know what it was, but I could hear it and even feel it. I was seriously terrified! I felt its breath on my neck. But I couldn’t see anything! It was completely dark I felt like I was trapped in a black hole!

Desiree was scared for her friend. She did not even know how to react to what her friend was telling her. Taking a deep breath, all Desiree could manage was.

Hmm, interesting.

There was a minute of silence between them as they were both trying to think of what to say next. Miranda was concerned her friend would react poorly to what she just told her. But was hoping that Desiree would understand her experience.

Desiree mustered up courage, to reply.

I’m not sure Mandy. I never had anything like that happen to me before. Here! Let’s check online and see what we find. If we have to put job hunting off for a few hours, then at least you can find some peace of mind.

Miranda nodded her head, realizing that her friend was not judging her. Desiree always knew just what to say to make Miranda feel better. She was just trying to help. Desiree typed into the search engine, Waking up with evidence dreams were real. Several web pages popped up with pictures and statements from people around the world. Each having the same kind of experience Miranda spoke of. Cuts, bruises, mud, dirt, and blood. There was even a post with man who claimed that in a dream state had lost his legs. He then had them reattached and upon waking he had scars from the incident.

There were many stories that Miranda felt she might not be as crazy as she had thought. Desiree pointed out and read an article she found on the internet:

"In the Bibliotheque choisie de Medecine, by Planque, tome vi. p. 103, is the following case: A man, thirty years of age, healthy and robust, saw in a dream a Pole with a stone in his hand, which he threw at his chest. The vivid shock awoke him, and then he found that there was on his chest (dans le même endroit) a round mark, having the appearance of a bruise. Next day there was so much swelling, bruising, and trauma, that a surgeon was requested to see it, who, fearing a slough, scarified the part, and relieved it. The wound healed in a short time. Without more definite information, it would not be safe to build a theory upon this case; there appears no reason to doubt that the dream and the inflammatory action of the skin stood in the relation of cause and effect. - Influence of the Mind on the Body written by an English physician, Daniel Hack Tuke"

That is very interesting! It seems to have happened to many people that what happened to you must have been real. I wouldn’t get overly concerned about it though. It’s basically stating that the physical evidence is real. But the people or experience is not quite as confirmed to be real as the physical effects. I don’t think you should worry about it too much.

Desiree said, hoping to calm Miranda from taking it too seriously.

Miranda was relieved that she was not alone in her experience. Even though she was deeply bothered by the dream. She definitely felt better knowing she was not the only one to have this type of experience. Realizing this provided some peace of mind. She was thankful for her friend’s determination to help. Miranda hugged Desiree tightly and said,

I always knew you would be my best friend in the world. But in this moment, in my eyes you are much more.

Jokingly Miranda continued, as she fell into Desiree’s lap.

My hero!

They both laughed as Desiree gave into the acting.

When I see a damsel in distress they call on me! You are welcome my damsel, may distress find you no more!

Desiree pulled Miranda up out of her chair and swung her around, acting out her gallant bravery. Both of them now on their feet laughing so hard that they were bumping into each other. Almost falling to the floor. They used each other to keep themselves stable, grabbing each other’s arms for stability.

They walked out of the dining room to the kitchen for lunch, when Miranda turns to Desiree.

But seriously Dez. Thank you,

Just as Miranda and Desiree were finished up their lunch Miranda’s parents walked in the door. Their arms full of shopping bags. They were finishing up as intense conversation as they put the bags down on the countertop. Miranda’s dad turned to her unexpectedly.

Isn’t that right, Mandy?

Raising his eyebrow in hopes that his daughter would pick up on the need for her to agree. Regardless of the fact that she had no idea what they were discussing.

I don’t know dad. I would need to hear the opposing argument.

She stated with a sly smile, knowing she was not taking any sides with either of them. Everyone in the room gave a little giggle after Miranda’s response.

Miranda’s