Tylen- Closing the gaps (Book 2)

By Dipika Patel

Joshua Tylen wasn’t normal. He was different. He looked like an average teenager and his limbs worked fine but he wasn’t normal. He craved to find others like him that would understand him.

Then he met her.

She was like him.

He had found what he was searching for so what was stopping him from closing those gaps?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9781446110898

Book preview

Chapter One

Panicked. Frightened. Worried. These are just some of the emotions that I could feel from her. I could sense her getting worse as we rushed past the trees and used all our energy just to keep going. We weren’t going to escape from them but I was going to make certain that Chloe would.

Chloe… I reached for her arm to stop her behind the trunk of a tree and leaned against it. I can slow them down. I lied.

How? she whispered, clearly out of breath.

You have to keep running. Don’t look back and keep on going. I peered from the tree to look back. When you reach the road, flash your light and I will be there in no time.

I’m not letting you do this alone. She gripped onto my hand tightly and I could feel the pain that was taking over her body.  I won’t go without you.

I leaned closer, stroking my hand against her soft cheek and touched my lips with hers. I held onto her for longer because I knew I wasn’t going to see her again. Reluctantly, I lied to her again and hoped that she would believe me.

I will be there. I promise.

Her hand loosened, taking my last words with her which I was struggling to say out loud.

I love you too.

I smiled, realising her ability to read thoughts. I’ll be right behind you. Just keep going.

  The strong, powerful wind was pushing her forward and I could feel the tug of my heart as she disappeared beyond the trees. Looking up, I let the breeze brush past my face as I inhaled and took a few steps into the clearing. They were going to be here and I was waiting for them.

Look who finally saw sense, snarled one of the Snatchers as he gestured for the rest of them to surround me.

They moved slowly as if any sudden movement would make me react causing a whirl wind. I could sense the giddiness from them as they were realising that they had made the catch of the day.

Pass me the list Troy! he demanded.

Here you are Byron, replied Troy, handing him the parchment. I could feel how petrified he was as he edged closer to him.

So you must be Joshua Tylen, right? he read as he circled around me.

I remained still, not reacting to anything he said or did and this sent a rippling effect of terror through the crowd. All of them were feeling joyful but at the same time terrified of what would happen next. As I watched them I noticed the protective armour they wore and the weapons they possessed. From knives to various fire arms were either in their hands or packed away in their bullet proof vests.

I asked you a god damn question. Answer me! he bellowed.

    Point of weakness for a man with power is showing them how it doesn’t affect you and I was going to demonstrate exactly that. I smirked which was like a punch in his face as he raised his rifle and collided it against my head.

The only thought running through my mind as my knees weakened and I buckled to the ground was that I hoped I stalled them enough for Chloe to be safe. That is all I cared about.

He wasn’t saying anything…..

My eyes started to flicker open, bringing my senses back and I could feel the restrictions in my hands as they were cuffed together behind my back. If only it was rope and tied by John I could have easily escaped. John. He was an amateur Snatcher and you could figure that out by how easy it was to kill him to how many little mistakes he made.

Get him to speak then!

I raised my head slowly to stare at the metal door as I did I started to shuffle myself back until I felt the cold wall against me. These four walls were barricading me in this dark room but they were the only support I had.

We think they found the other one.

The door was pushed closed before I could get to it and I could hear the rattling of the locks. My heart was palpitating as I started to think the worse. They couldn’t have found Chloe. No. I couldn’t see them torture her but my mind was already playing how they would thrust her fragile body and torment her.

Wait, I will tell you what you want! I shouted, knowing that no one was going to be listening but I had to do something. Wait!

As the silence pervaded the corridors and seeped through the tiny gap underneath the door, I grew weaker and couldn’t shout any longer. The thought of them laying a finger on my Chloe made my insides twist in agony and the only way I could subside my pain was to let out of my rage.

* * * *

Get in there and get him to speak or it will be you who suffers the consequences!

It felt like deja vu as the door opened again and I hoped that I wouldn’t be staring into her beautiful face. The room filled with coldness as the hot air escaped and my eyes lay upon her.

She put down the tray that she held in her hands and turned round to close the door. Guiltily, she came towards me and I started to breathe more heavily. The anger in me was rising, the temperature of the room followed as I realised who she was.

Did they hurt you? She bent down, moving her hand towards my head but I moved it away from her. Look this is not what-

You went to Uni with us. I was trying to stop myself from raising my voice. You sat with Chloe in her classes! I failed. What the hell are you doing here?

She didn’t flinch.

I asked you a question and you better answer me!

Or what? she retorted, throwing the damp cloth into the tray, pushing her jet black hair back as she stood up. What will you be able to do? They have already stripped everything in my life and I honestly have nothing more left so do your worse Josh.

    Her words were breaking, making my resentment subside and I watched as she aggressively wiped the tears that were trailing down her face. She stomped her way back to the tray, pretending that her mini break down had not occurred.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shout at you.

This might hurt a bit, she said without giving me eye contact and pressing the cloth against my wounded head.

I winced as the pain started to increase but held in the agony so that she couldn’t see how much it was really hurting. Strangely, as much as I could feel my pain I couldn’t feel anything from her. It was as if she had no emotions at all.

Did they find anyone? I asked.

This time she looked up at me as if she was trying to read my mind but I knew how Snatchers didn’t possess any abilities and if they did they would have been forced to become a Snatcher to save their own lives. Most of those would have killed themselves before they had to hunt their own people.

Why, was there anyone they should have found? she asked, taking a silver key from the tray and walking to crouch behind me. Well?

The stiffness in my wrists remained even though they were free from the cuffs because I wasn’t sure of her intentions. I wanted to be ready for her next reaction and as my hands were free I was willing to use them. Scrutinising her every move, I stood up slowly with my hands by my side ready.

No one.

That’s not true Josh.

She was standing across of me without a care and I really started to feel the absence of my ability. My ability had been a part of me since I was thirteen so not being able to use it now was proving to be difficult to handle. I stepped closer to her, noticing how the blackness of her outfit was camouflaging into the walls. 

John found you two and he reported it but it seems you got rid of him and escaped. So we all know that it wasn’t just you. The love of your life was there too. Ch-

Before her name escaped from her lips I closed the gap we had between us and placed my hand to cover her mouth. Surprisingly, she didn’t hesitate and I could feel her warm breath against my hand.

Don’t say her name.

She nodded, enabling me to feel comfortable to let her go and I realised I had tightly gripped her arm too as she started to rub it. Swiftly, she grabbed the tray from the floor, taking the key with her and made her way towards the door. I grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop and turn round.

Please, you can’t tell anyone what she looks like. You are the only one who knows.

I could see Chloe in my mind, her brown, long hair resting upon her shoulders and her infectious smile. I could feel her presence as if she was here with me, her gentle touch brushing against my fingers, weakening me. I needed to see her. I needed to be with her right now. The only way I could envision that happening is if I escaped from here first and I needed someone from the inside to help me do that.

Please promise me you won’t mention her, I pleaded, taking her hand into mine.

I could see her shuffling uncomfortably, making me smile inside as I realised that this was going to be easier than I had anticipated. She leaned in closer, tip toeing to reach my ear and I could feel her breathing escalating.

I promise. She smiled and rested her hands on my arms. Only if you promise to help me.

How? I asked, curiously.

You don’t mention that we know each other.

Her words were not resolving the situation but making me feel more confused as if there was a lot more of the thread left to unwind.

As far as they are aware we are strangers to each other.

Melissa left, leaving her words lingering in the air and taking her answers with her.

Chapter Two

    Thump! Thump!

It felt like the four walls were closing in on me, making the thumping of my head reach my ears. I had no idea how many days I had been here now and it felt like I was never going to leave until I took my last breath. Thinking about that day was becoming a day I was starting to long for. I pressed my hands against my head which was making me feel worse but it was helping to keep the thumping slow down. My eyes closed, the darkness taking me in and my thoughts travelled back.

Shall we sit here? I suggested, gesturing to the table near the window which had an incredible view of the landscape.

Yeah sure. This looks perfect, Chloe replied, sitting down as I pulled out the white, patterned chair for her. Thank you. You can be such a charmer…sometimes. She started to giggle which made me smile.

Just count yourself lucky that it is when you are around.

I do anyway. She stretched her arm out to reach my hand.

    A simple touch or look from her would send an electrifying sense through my body and little did she know how lucky I felt to be with her. When I was this close to her I forgot everything else around us because none of it mattered. The only person that mattered was Chloe.

Josh are you liste-

I snapped back into reality as I could see her lips move and then heard her words. I could feel that she was annoyed but even that made her more attractive.

Sorry. I was listening.

Sure you were, she said sarcastically, throwing the napkin at me.

I blinked and when I opened my eyes again everything around me had altered. The people had vanished, the place deteriorated into tiny pieces and Chloe was gone.

I tried to hold on to all the little details of her so I could survive another day in this Death room. There were days where my throat felt like the inside of a blender at full blast as it hurt to swallow. My thirst and hunger were growing rapidly each waking day but luckily there were days where Melissa kindly sneaked in food and water on the pretence that she was helping to heal my wounds. I knew that they were allowing her to do it so that I would be alive enough for them to torture me for answers.

    I lifted my top gently, well what was left of it and stared at the purple gashes bulging from my skin. It hurt to stand, walk or sit but I would never let the Snatchers know where or who Chloe was. I would take all the torment they could lash out on me if it meant that Chloe could live her life.

    The dreaded noise of the door opening scraped at my ears and I glared at Troy as he forced me to stand up. He had to use all his energy to take me out the room as I used all the energy I had to make it difficult for him.

We wouldn’t have to go through this every day if you just told us what we wanted to hear, said Byron as I entered the room and was slammed against the chair.

    They had stopped putting me in cuffs as it was clear that I had no energy left in me to fight back. Like always I was in another room with four blank walls staring back at me but the only difference was this one was filled with weapons and had a bright light that shone directly at me. It was the only light I ever saw in this dump.

    The only sound that made my ears ache was the sound of Byron’s boots edging closer to me. My heart was weak but the dread I felt from what was coming next was perturbing me and making it beat faster. The beads of sweat were already escaping from me, forming an image of vulnerability that I didn’t want Byron to witness so I started to think of the one person that helped me seep away from reality.

Where can we find her? he shouted, picking up his favourite weapon to use. You know we won’t stop until you start speaking.

He raised his hand and I knew what was coming next so I closed my eyes. I could see her, feel her next to me.

See, I knew you would like it.

I love it.

This was one of the features that made my parents buy the house. I looked over at her and I could see her admiring the view. Who can say that they have a house with a glass ceiling where you can gaze at the stars?

I kept my eyes on her and watched as she leaned on her elbows, looking back at me. She leaned into me; kissing me on the cheek with her soft lips and I could feel her again. It felt so real. Thank you so much.

Thanks for coming. I couldn’t have spent…..

The stinging pain tried to crack through my thoughts but I forced myself to over shadow them with more memories.

Josh… I could feel her grab my arm, preventing me from leaving. You have done so much for me… She paused and I could feel how much she wanted this. Accepting my illness as a part of me is worth giving us another try."

Another try, the words that I had been longing to hear from her lips filled me up with excitement. I stepped closer towards her and lightly brushed her hair back from her flawless face. I held her close, trapping the air that we had between us and kissed her. That was the perfect moment.

Finally, the beating had come to a standstill and I was being dragged into the shower. Another Snatcher shoved me inside, sneering as he knew what I was going to experience. I stood inside, listening for the tap and as the icy water hit my face I cried out in agony. It felt like I was being ambushed with icicles. When the water finally stopped I glanced at the red water being sucked into the drains. I stepped out slowly, shivering as new clothes were thrown at me.

    Once I was back into the Death room, I felt so weak that I had no idea of my actions or anyone else’s. So when the door opened, I looked up even though my vision was slightly blurred and managed a smile.

Oh my…Josh! I’m…so sorry. She rushed to me, grabbing hold of my hand but I couldn’t feel the impact as my body was vibrating with numbness. I promise I will fix you.

    Each time I winced she apologised and I tried to speak but I couldn’t do it. Moving my lips apart was like separating a laminated piece of card apart.

Chloe… I reached out but failed to touch her face. I miss you.

My hand was being placed gently on my lap and I used this chance to hold onto her soft hand.

Please….take me with….you.

Each word was sending an excruciating pain through every part of my limp body but I needed her to hear. I needed her. I reached out again to touch her face and this time I could feel her tears brush against my fingertips.

No….don’t cry. It was hurting me to know that I had upset her. This isn’t    as bad as it looks…I’m…

Before I could finish my sentence, my body gave up and I was warped into a spiral of darkness.

* * * *

You said that this would be sorted by now?

He won’t just tell me everything.

Well make him. Do whatever it takes!

The voices were clear but I had no idea who was speaking and whether I was hallucinating or not. I was drifting in and out of consciousness as if I was only allowed to stay awake for snippets of the day. It had been happening for quite some time since I had woken up but I wasn’t complaining. It just meant I was missing parts of the day which I rather not live through.

Hey sleepy head, you awake?

You’re early, I replied, sitting up and rubbing my eyes trying to take away some of the fatigue. Troy is in here before you.

He’s not coming today.

She lifted up my top and started to dab some substance on it which stung. I moved slightly.

Sorry.

Why are they not coming today? I asked, noticing that there was something on her mind.

I told them that you have had enough torture.

And they listened to you?

Not exactly. She continued to bandage my wounds. It just meant someone else got tormented.

She always knew how to confuse me and sometimes I thought that she was doing it on purpose. I wasn’t very sure of her intentions but she was the only one who treated me like a human being in this place. It was frustrating that I couldn’t use my ability to help me and it became apparent how girls were very hard to read.

Who?

Oh don’t worry. It’s not your beloved girlfriend, she snapped back, clearly annoyed. I mean she’s too precious to harm right? She slowly stood up, holding onto her back and grimacing.

I stood up to help her, surprised how most of my pain had subsided already but she pushed me away. It didn’t make an impact but I moved away from her and waited for her to look up. However, she remained to look away so I walked up to her and gently lifted her face. Her tears were streaming down her face and I wasn’t sure whether it was okay to comfort her.

Melissa, what’s happened? I asked as I went to put my arm around her but she pushed me away again. Okay if you don’t want to talk then leave.

This caught her attention; she wiped her tears with her sleeve and made her way back to the door with the tray. Before she exited the room she stopped, holding the door open with one hand.

"While you have been keeping your mouth shut your girlfriend hasn’t been able to keep her legs shut! She slept with Dan!"

With that she stomped outside, shutting the door, the sound vibrated off the walls. I stared at where she last stood, my rage boiling inside of me and it made me rush to the door.

You can’t say that and then walk out! I shouted, clashing my fists against the door which was sending pain through my tensed arms. Come back!

    After accepting that I was not going to get a reaction from anyone, I stepped back and my focus turned to my fists. My body was heaving, unable to stop myself, I let out my rage.

She wouldn’t do that!

Not Chloe.

Chapter Three

    There’s normally a light at the end of a very dark tunnel, there’s normally a silver lining in every bad situation and there’s normally something to hold on to, to keep you going because there’s always hope. My light, silver lining and hope was Chloe.

While you have been keeping your mouth shut your girlfriend hasn’t been able to keep her legs shut! She slept with Dan!

Those words were like a running reel through my mind and I couldn’t stop myself from believing it. I tried to remember her but it was frightening me that I was already forgetting the way she would laugh, how her eyes would light up when she smiled and her gentle touch.

    To make matters even worse Melissa had not come into this Death room for some time now. That meant that I had been starved and it felt as though my stomach was starting to eat it self. All I could hear was the acid rumbling around trying to send a signal to notify me of my hunger each slow minute. If that wasn’t enough to kill me I was also experiencing the symptoms of dehydration. My eyes, mouth and lips felt dry and it was getting difficult to see things clearly without seeing the whole room spinning. I decided that day what I needed to do when I would see Troy’s heavy black boots step into the room. I was ready.

    Relief surged through my body as the door opened and I stood up ready to exit but instead my eyes were met with Melissa’s which were overpowered by purple bruises. She put her bag down and started to take out its contents as I kept my eyes on her. My imagination took the better of me as I imagined Byron abusing her with his intensive supply of weapons.

Are you going somewhere? she asked, watching me until I sat down in front of her. Here eat this.

I did as I was told as the aroma of the food was sweeping through me, making my taste buds come back to life. She watched me eat, smiling as she could see how appreciative I was.

Take this as well. She passed me a tablet. It’s a vitamin supplement.

I hesitated and watched as she swallowed it and then took another one out for me from her pocket.

It’s to help you get your strength back.

Strength for what? I asked rhetorically. I’m here till they decide to murder me or I get to kill myself.

Don’t say that, she snapped as if I had shattered her hopes.

I doubt I have much hope if they are starting to abuse their own people.

As if it was a reflex her hand went to her swollen eye and I saw that it still hurt her. She winced but kept her hand there as if she could disguise the extent of the bruise but it had taken over most of her face.

Snatchers don’t like to hear the word no.

Why would you refuse to do what they wanted you to do? You must have known what the consequences were.

I had to try.

Why? I asked, confused at why she would want to put herself through torment. What would give you the courage to say no?

I could see the hesitation in her as she couldn’t look me in the eyes.

It’s not important. She picked up her leather bag. What’s more important is to get you out of here.

Her words surprised me because she sounded confident as if it was possible, as if she had been thinking about it for a great deal of time. I, on the other hand had given up the thought of ever seeing the sunlight again, ever feeling the breeze brush past me or ever remembering how it felt to touch her again.

How do you plan to do that?

Well I’m glad you asked. Number one is to build up your strength again. You are going to need it if you want to get past them.

It was like I was looking at a different person as she continued to tell me how she would get hold of the weapons, how she would leave the door ajar so I could make my escape. Apparently the only Snatcher I would encounter is Troy and my aim was to kill him or at least make him unconscious.

Hold on…. I held out my hands, trying to get her to stop talking but she continued. Melissa just stop.

This time she did.

"You