Kyle's Journal:
The Earth continued to burn as I recalled how I was able to learn what Latnok's plans for me were, thanks to a new ability. That ability was key to saving all the lives I could here on this ark.
(He looks around in pride at/of what he and others have helped him build to save humanity from perishing as two worlds collided outside the ark in a fiery hell).
Chapter Two - Abilities Abound
Declan is over visiting Kyle and watching as he pops light bulbs and makes a spectacular mushy mess of several oranges.
DECLAN: I think you're getting more anxious the more you zap.
KYLE: I have to get it right.
DECLAN: Maybe you're over thinking the charge it will take to fry that neuro-block.
KYLE: Maybe, but she'll be here soon. (He turns another orange into mushy only this time the orange pulp sprays on to Declan). Sorry.
DECLAN (grabs a tissue off Kyle's desk and wipes his shirt): I can take a hint when I'm in the way.
KYLE: You're not. (Then quickly understands when Declan gives him a look). I know, you don't mean it literally.
DECLAN: You're much better at catching on, except when you're anxious. But I probably should go before she comes. Good luck.
KYLE: Thanks.
Declan leaves and Kyle thinks that Declan is probably right, he is overthinking and worrying about hurting Amanda to get the charge exactly right.
Before the doorbell can ring, Kyle opens the front door. Amanda is there.
KYLE (smiles at her): Come in.
AMANDA (smiles back with a questioning look): How do you do that?
KYLE: I can hear your heartbeat.
AMANDA: How can you distinguish it from everyone else's?
KYLE (gives a modest shrug): They're all distinct to me.
In the background, Amanda can see Nicole come out of her office and stack a box. Then Jessi comes into the hall but not from the office but from Kyle's room and overhears.
JESSI: It's a mess in there, (she tells Nicole).
AMANDA (glances at Kyle): What's going on?
KYLE: Jessi's moved in. Sarah, her mother, is gone.
AMANDA: Oh no, you mean she left her?
Kyle nods.
AMANDA: I'm sorry. I know she was ready to leave with her on prom night.
KYLE: Yeah, about prom night...
AMANDA: I still feel tired and like I'm in a fog. I get stuck in my playing, like I can't go any further.
KYLE: I heard.
AMANDA: You said you needed to talk to me?
KYLE: Yes, let's go to my room.
JESSI (comes down the hall): Into that mess you've made? I don't think you're ready to zap her just yet.
AMANDA (glances from her to him): Zap?
KYLE: Um, I'll explain.
JESSI: That should be good.
NICOLE (comes out again to stack another box): Almost ready to move in your bed now, Jessi.
Jessi heads to the living room where only now does Amanda see a lot more boxes stacked along with a mattress and a bed frame.
JESSI: I'll bring it.
KYLE: Need help?
JESSI: I got this, besides you'll be busy with her. (She nods to Amanda then picks up the bed frame with ease).
KYLE: Come on, (he directs Amanda down to his bedroom).
NICOLE (watches them with a sympathetic look): If you need me, I'll be here.
Kyle nods which makes Amanda wonder what Kyle could possibly say to her and begins to worry.
She worries even more when she sees what kind of mess his room is in. Several burnt and discarded light bulbs along with a mushy mess of oranges.
AMANDA: Kyle?
He pulls out a chair for her to sit on and then perches on his tub.
AMANDA: Should this be a wallow moment? (She tries to make light of it when he takes her hand in his).
KYLE: Maybe.
And then he tells her the truth about himself and prom night. All she can do is stare at him in horror and shake her head.
AMANDA: No, no. They couldn't have, they wouldn't, didn't - who are these people? (Her voice rises and ends on a sob).
She rubs the back of her neck then eyes his hands as an electrical charge builds up.
AMANDA (shakes her head even more): Oh, I don't think so.
KYLE: It's the only way I can dissolve the block. Trust me.
AMANDA: Oh, God.
She stands up and he with her. As she raises her face towards him, he gently cups her face before trailing his hands down to her neck.
All she feels is a slight tingling sensation before he kisses her. Aside from a slight static charge which makes her jump just a little before he deepens their kiss. Now all she can feel is the pleasurable sensation of his lips on hers then how he takes the next step with a kiss she's never shared with anyone, a French kiss. She wraps her arms around him to pull him closer.
Just then Nicole comes into the room, having left the door open she doesn't expect them to be locked in an embrace.
NICOLE: Oh, sorry!
Kyle and Amanda break apart.
KYLE: That's okay, Nicole. It worked.
Amanda has her gaze focused on his lips but then places a hand on her neck, the cloudy tired feeling is gone. In its place though is the lingering desire to feel his lips back on hers. Did he distract her with that amazing kiss on purpose?
All kinds of horrible thoughts of those people race through her head and her nice safe bubble burst. She can never look at the world in the same way again. Worse, she almost hates him for it, which she knew isn't logical. He is just as much a victim as she and when he gazes back with sorrowful eyes, she knew he can tell how she feels.
AMANDA (chokes out): I have to go. (She barely has enough room to scoot by Nicole). Sorry, Mrs. Trager.
She runs from the room.
He looks sadly at Nicole while she comes over to him and gives him a supportive hug.
NICOLE: It was a lot to take in.
KYLE: I know.
Later that evening, Jessi bounces on her bed and looks around her room. It can't take the place of what she had with Sarah, but the generosity Nicole showed by giving up her office so she could have a room all to herself made this room very special.
Just as she thought about her, Nicole gives a light tap on her open door.
NICOLE: How do you like it? (She had seen her bounce as she grins at her, so Jessi knows it's a rhetorical question).
JESSI: Thank you, Nicole.
NICOLE: You're welcome. Supper's ready.
Jessi follows her to the kitchen where Josh and Lori have already taken their places. Steven is at the counter carving some meat.
With Kyle not there, it seems odd to share a meal alone with his family. He had gone to the conservatory to make sure Amanda can play her private recital without mishap.
She sits down in the chair he usually would have sat in if he'd been home.
JOSH: So, nice to have a room all to yourself, hey, Jessi?
JESSI: Yes, it is.
LORI: I'll say.
Jessi frowns picking up on their feelings of unease. They aren't sure what to make of her living with them yet Nicole had assured her, they all had agreed as a family to have her.
Maybe because she had beat up Lori, an action she still regrets and hates herself for. Why can't she have better control over herself like Kyle? Yes, she was programmed, but she still felt the residual after effects. Something she hasn't admitted to anyone yet because she knew they'd look at her with either fear or hate. One thing she can't do is look Lori in the eye and instead looks at all the food on the table.
JESSI: It looks delicious, Nicole.
NICOLE: Steven helped. (She winks at him).
STEVEN (smiles and winks back at her): The meat anyway.
That seemed to break the stiffness from Lori and Josh and they start talking about their day.
JOSH: You wouldn't believe the crowd at the Rack today. And on a Sunday. My girl was there in much needed support.
LORI (snorts): I was there, too. It was only a handful. You just didn't like how she ran you ragged with all her ordering.
JOSH: She wasn't the only one doing all the ordering.
Lori makes a face at him.
LORI: I want to thank you, Dad, for letting me date Mark.
STEVEN: Yeah, well, only if you follow the rules. Still can't believe he's only a year older.
LORI: He's very smart.
Just then her cell beeps.
LORI (checks the message): That's him now. May I be excused?
NICOLE: You may.
Lori gets up and hurries to the living room to talk in private.
LORI: Hey, Mark. We still on for tomorrow night?
MARK's voice: Ah, yeah, about that...I'm sorry, Lori. I have to cancel.
LORI: Oh, (sounding very disappointed but trying not to let it show). Something came up?
Cut to him as he sees Cassidy nod at him before walking down the hall. He's at the university, near the hub where Latnok meets.
MARK: Yeah, (Cassidy had come up and told him not to date the sister of the guy Latnok was trying to recruit). Ah, in fact, um... (but he just couldn't say the words to break up with her).
LORI's voice: Um, what?
MARK: I have a really busy schedule this week. I'm sorry.
LORI (cut to her as she frowns): Mark?
MARK's voice: Yeah?
LORI: You know that bad break up you guessed I was in?
MARK (voice fills with dread): Yeah.
LORI: He started out this way too, cancelling on me, before he actually broke up with me; so I'm feeling a strong deja vu here.
MARK (cut to him as he shifts uneasily): Ah, it's not like that, (but it was like that as he glares down the hall after Cassidy).
The choice couldn't be more simpler or harder. Latnok or Lori.
MARK (checks his watch): Not like that at all. Look, I have to work now but I'll call. Really.
Then he hangs up and calls himself all sorts of a fool and an idiot.
Cut to Lori as she takes a deep breath, fearing the worst.
LORI: Why do guys leave me? He's acting all shady just like Declan did before...before, (she starts thinking). That was because of Kyle. No, Lori, don't be silly. Mark doesn't know Kyle except that he's my foster brother. (She bites her lip).
What she doesn't see is who comes up behind her until she turns around.
LORI (places a hand to her chest): Oh, my God, Jessi! What are you doing skulking up behind me?
JESSI: I didn't skulk. I just walked in.
LORI (sighs): Fine. What do you want?
JESSI: You were talking to yourself.
LORI: Yeah, so?
JESSI (frowns in confusion): Your mom says the food is getting cold.
LORI: Ah, yes, her subtle way of saying time's up. Come back to dinner.
JESSI: Really?
LORI: Yeah, welcome to family nuances. You'll catch on, fast, I hope. Like Kyle?
JESSI: Likely. It's still confusing though.
LORI: I imagine it is, pod girl. (She smiles but before she can head back to the kitchen Jessi keeps standing there). Um, what now?
JESSI: You said you thought Mark was acting shady, like Declan. What do you mean by that?
LORI: Declan kept dodging me cause he didn't want to reveal the fact that he knew Kyle's secret. I'm sure I'm just being paranoid.
JESSI: You want to spy on Mark to be sure he isn't doing anything shady?
LORI: Uh, no! Well, (interesting thought but then that might make him think she can't trust him, but can she trust him?), I don't think so. (She tilts her head at Jessi). Why? You want the job?
JESSI: No. (But then she thinks of something). Unless that will help us bound. Nicole said finding things in common is one way a family grows closer. Even though we aren't blood related.
LORI: I'll think about it.
JESSI (gives a rare smile): Okay. (This time she moves aside to let Lori pass and follows her into the kitchen).
She really did have a lost dog puppy look like Kyle. A lot like Kyle. Maybe if she keeps thinking of Jessi as a female version of Kyle, it won't be so bad having her around like she feared.
When a week goes by and Lori hears nothing back from Mark, she knows her fears are justified.
LORI (wails to her mom in the kitchen as she helps her prepare supper): Mark isn't returning my calls. Just like Declan.
KYLE (comes in the room): I'm sorry, Lori. Did you want to talk with Nicole alone? (He rubs his forehead).
LORI: No, that's okay, he did say he was going to be really busy at work, so I could just be imagining things. (But it didn't sound like it was imagination).
NICOLE: You haven't heard anything from Amanda have you?
KYLE: No, and she hasn't been at school either. I hope she's okay. She played fantastically at her recital and has played every day since then.
NICOLE: I'm glad you were successful in removing that block.
KYLE: Me too.
Both Kyle and Lori don't look happy and both look like they fear that each of their boy/girl friendship may be at an end.
NICOLE (changes the subject as Steven comes in): How are you coming with your training Kyle?
STEVEN: Yeah, you've really made headway.
LORI: On what?
KYLE: To block a bullet.
Lori's jaw falls open in shock and glances from her dad to her mom. Josh strolls in.
LORI: When did this happen?
JOSH: A while ago, where were you?
Lori ignores him.
KYLE: Ever since Latnok shot me with that fake bullet, what if it had been real? I found a way to stop it.
LORI: How?
KYLE: I use a mental shield to have the bullet ricochet off it. Or have the shield be jello-like and act like a buffer to stop the bullet before it can hit.
JOSH: So, it's just hanging in mid-air? Sweet. That I'd have to see.
STEVEN: How Josh, by actually using a gun and shooting him to know if it works?
JOSH: Ah, no, but how does he know it will do that?
KYLE: Practice.
This time they all stare at him with alarm.
NICOLE: Practice for real, a real bullet?
KYLE: A blank one, Foss helped. We took every precaution.
JOSH: Cool.
STEVEN: I would have liked to have seen that.
NICOLE (frowns at him fiercely): I don't think so.
LORI: Agreed. (She shudders, not wanting to picture Kyle getting shot at).
Kyle and Steven share a look that could only suggest mothers and their instinct to protect over-riding the instinct to have Kyle be able to fend and defend himself from potential harm.
Jessi comes in feeling upbeat, a direct contrast to what Lori and Kyle were feeling moments earlier.
JESSI: Guess what?
NICOLE: What? (Glad for the distraction)
JESSI: I spied on Mark for you Lori.
LORI: You did what? Wait, I didn't ask you to do that for me. (She shakes her head at Nicole).
JESSI (aside to Kyle): And I listened in on Amanda for you.
KYLE (looks back at her): Why would you do that?
JESSI (suddenly not feeling as jubilant): I wanted to help. You were right Lori to suspect Mark. He's working at Latnok, with Cassidy. I hacked his cell.
They all stare at her in amazement and shock on hearing the real scoop on Mark. Steven and Josh wonder in at this point and have caught the tail end of her announcement.
JESSI: And Amanda's terrified of leaving the house. I overheard her mother say that it wasn't the flu keeping her housebound but demanding to know the real reason. Her mom suspects you, Kyle.
JOSH: I guess privacy is a thing of the past.
STEVEN (admonishes): Yes, some things, but in this case, call it a need to know. (He glances over at Kyle). Has Foss found out anything more on these people?
KYLE: Bank records, financial reports on their business practices, whether they are married or single. For the most part, no police records, they're all clean.
NICOLE: Ha! That doesn't stop them from being highly unethical. And Mark's a part of this organization?
Jessi nods.
Kyle rubs his forehead and then winces.
NICOLE: What is it?
KYLE: Just a headache, (he can hear a buzzing sensation, and has felt it for a number of days now).
JESSI: It's lasted a while.
She's new to keeping things private and he glances at her to let her know mentally he's not ready to say anything about his aches and pains.
JESSI: Why? (She says it out loud).
STEVEN: How long has your headache been, Kyle?
Now they all look at him in concern.
KYLE: A few days, (he admits reluctantly while glancing pointedly at Jessi to keep quiet).
Which she ignores.
JESSI: Isn't that a need to know?
NICOLE: I agree. I don't like the thought of taking you to the doctor and running an MRI but if your headache worsens...
KYLE: I'm sure it's just worry, about Amanda.
Jessi gives him a look like she doesn't believe him. Steven glances from her to him while Josh and Lori go set the table, listening in.
STEVEN: You've worried about Amanda before without this kind of reaction.
NICOLE: Have you heard from Adam? Oh, sorry, Steven, I interrupted.
KYLE (answers Nicole): Once, and he sounded ill. Foss fears he's had a relapse but at least he's being up front with me and not keeping me in the dark with what's happening to him.
NICOLE: I'm sorry to hear he's not doing well.
KYLE: Adam was appalled to hear what they did to me and agrees with me not to have anything to do with them.
Just as Steven is about to question Kyle further, the doorbell rings. Kyle frowns.
KYLE: It's Amanda and Mrs. Bloom. I'll get it.
Nicole wipes her hands on a dish towel and follows him, giving Steven a worried look.
STEVEN: Speak of the devil.
NICOLE (whispers): Hush.
When Kyle sees the state Amanda is in, who is trying to hide her shakes and sweaty brow, he blames himself.
KYLE: Amanda?
AMANDA: Hey.
CAROL: May we come in?
KYLE: Of course.
NICOLE (behind him): Hello, Carol. Amanda. Everything okay? (Then sees the panic attack Amanda's in). Not okay.
Carol and Amanda come inside and Kyle shuts the door which makes Amanda breathe easier. She tries to smile bravely at him. The buzzing in his head grows worse but he tries to bank it down, seeing to Amanda's needs come first. He'll do anything to help relieve her stress.
Inwardly he smiles as if he can hear Josh make a joke out of that last thought.
KYLE: What can I do to help?
CAROL: I'm wondering what you did do.
KYLE: I-
NICOLE (has entered the hallway): Carol, you're blaming Kyle?
CAROL: All I know is she fell apart right after she saw Kyle and barely made it to her recital that night. She's been a mess ever since and won't tell me why. (She's wringing her hands, worry for her daughter paramount).
KYLE (stares at Amanda): I'm sorry.
AMANDA (stares back): It's not your fault. It's- (she can't say the name of who is really at fault in front of her mom), you were just as, (this time she bites her lip).
KYLE: Still...
Carol is looking back and forth at them and speaking in a secret code that only they understood.
CAROL (points at them and at Nicole): See what I mean?
NICOLE (sighs): Carol-
KYLE (interrupts her): I was held hostage once, Mrs. Bloom.
CAROL (not the only one staring at him in aghast): What? By whom? Who would do such a thing?
Steven comes into the hallway, he isn't the only one who's been listening in but he decides to come out and makes a motion for the others to stay put.
STEVEN: Kyle, do you really think this is a good time?
KYLE: I think it will help. (Then he turns to Carol and waves a hand to the living room). Would you like a seat?
Carol glances at Amanda who gives her a nod.
CAROL: All right.
Amanda sits beside her on the couch while he sits down beside Amanda and takes her hand. Nicole and Steven take the chairs opposite.
KYLE: Several science formulas were passed on to me by my biological father. Some people know of it and, (he squeezes Amanda's hand), are not above threatening the people I love. They made such a threat to Amanda, on prom night.
CAROL: Prom night? Prom night? Why didn't you call the police?
KYLE: It's complicated.
CAROL: They make threats to my daughter, and, and... who is they?
KYLE: A science organization. But only a few members have been involved. I have someone watching them, he's an old friend of the family. In fact, I'm working with him to listen in on the organization to make sure they don't pull a stunt like this again. If this organization even looks the wrong way we'll have enough information this time to make charges.
CAROL: Well, that's not good enough. My daughter is scared out of her wits!
AMANDA: Mom, they didn't just hurt me, they hurt him, too.
CAROL: Well, that's, that's, (she glances at Kyle), how have they hurt you?
AMANDA (answers for him): They drugged him. Jessi helped.
CAROL: Jessi? How is she involved?
AMANDA: She helped Kyle.
Carol looks even more confused and anxious.
KYLE: Mrs. Bloom, the information, if anyone knows I have it, it could prove dangerous. No one must know.
CAROL: But these people already know.
KYLE: Yes, but they are very keen to keep what they know to themselves. They only want to use me and have me cooperate with them to get to the information. I know this puts you in a horrible and awkward position-
CAROL: I'll say it does.
KYLE: But it's very important no one else knows about it.
CAROL: How dangerous is this information and what is it anyway? Just a bunch of science formulas could hardly be that dangerous.
STEVEN: Actually, Carol, as a scientist myself, the formulas Kyle has stored in his head, is just that.
CAROL: You know what he has?
STEVEN (glances at Kyle who gives him a slight nod): I caught a glimpse of it, and it's very advanced. Equations I've never seen or knew existed.
Suddenly Carol is staring at Kyle as if he is the dangerous one or a science freak who has grown two heads.
CAROL: I don't understand. This is very serious, my daughter was hurt, and...
NICOLE: So was Kyle, (she says firmly). I can help with the panic attacks she's been experiencing. And from now on, (she too glances at Kyle), we'll keep you posted on this organization. If they even squeak the wrong way, we'll keep you informed. They won't get away with hurting either of our children.
She smiles in reassurance at Kyle and Amanda then at Carol.
CAROL: Well, I don't know, (she pats Amanda's arm who takes her mother's hand in hers).
AMANDA: Please, mom?
CAROL: There's more you're not telling me. (Then looks at Kyle).
KYLE: Yes, I hope to tell you the whole story, one day.
CAROL: I want to know everything about this family friend you hired.
KYLE: Just know that he has mine, my family, and all those I love, (glances at Amanda), interests at heart. He will protect them and me.
Carol heaves a sigh.
Amanda still has her hand in hers.
CAROL: All right, but if this heinous organization does anything to hurt my daughter, even speak at her the wrong way I intend to persecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
The buzzing sound in his head grows louder, making him wince and squeeze Amanda's hand a little too tight.
AMANDA (jerks then looks closely at him): You okay?
CAROL (feels her jerk and glances from her to Kyle): What? What now?
KYLE: Just a headache.
Amanda glances over at Steven and Nicole and catches their worried glances.
AMANDA: Maybe we should go so you could lie down? This must have taken a toll on you as it has had on me.
KYLE (caresses the hand he squeezed to tightly): Having you here is helping.
In fact, her touch is what brings to life a new ability, one he feels Jessi sense as she quietly enters the room and looks at him. He doesn't need to turn around to see her, he can already see her in his mind with the telepathic link they share. Now, however, the buzzing sound in his head is really the sound of other people's thoughts. He hears one thought above all the others.
AMANDA (thinks): I love him so much.
KYLE (out loud): I love you, too.
AMANDA (keeps thinking): He's been so brave, how could I have admitted to him about these stupid panic issues. I can't even walk outside without full blown shakes. Wait, what? (Then out loud as she smiles at him). I love you as well.
Carol frowns and looks at him oddly.
CAROL (thinks): He may be a sweet boy but the danger that follows him, (she gives a mental shudder and Kyle picks up on her strong maternal protective streak), we should move. (Then out loud). Well, Nicole, I trust you'll keep me informed then. (To Amanda). We should let him rest now.
NICOLE: Wait just a moment, Carol. I'll get Amanda a book on some coping tips. (She glances at Amanda). Anytime you start feeling panicky, phone me. I'll walk you through some steps.
AMANDA: Thank you, Mrs. Trager.
Nicole leaves the room for a moment.
Kyle is bombarded with more thoughts.
STEVEN (thinks): I hope we can trust Carol, that was quite a risk Kyle took in telling her even that much.
LORI (from the kitchen thinking): Why hasn't Mark called? And poor Amanda, I know the feeling of being spooked, (and thinks on Jessi then back on Mark).
JOSH (thinks): I should call Andy, yeah, wish I could tell her everything that goes on with this family. I'd be bummed to if my girl had been taken. Oh God, they better not harm her. Man, wish Kyle would let Foss do his thing. (Then he mentally winces). Okay, people actually killed bad, understand that part, but then we'd all be out of danger, wouldn't we?
Kyle holds his head as if to block out their voices.
Nicole then comes back in the room with a book, which she hands to Amanda.
NICOLE (glances at Kyle and sees his distress and thinks): His headache is worsening. But I can't take him to get an MRI. I wonder if Jessi can help, (and looks over to see Jessi giving Kyle a worried look and wincing along with him). It must be bad.
NICOLE (out loud): Kyle, would you like some pain killers?
CAROL (looks on): Oh, dear. I think we should leave now, Amanda.
They get up but when Kyle continues to hold his head, Amanda leans down to kiss him on the cheek before throwing Nicole a worried look.
Nicole just shakes her head at her.
NICOLE: I'll see you out, and remember, Amanda, call me.
AMANDA: I will, thank you, Mrs. Trager. (Then thinks). Oh, Kyle. What can I do? Play for him? I know he loves it, but what good will playing do if it's physical?
KYLE (answers her): I'd like that.
STEVEN (having got up suddenly looks down at him sitting on the couch): What would you like, Kyle?
KYLE (glances up at Amanda): Play me a song?
AMANDA: I'll do that, what song-(but then stops and stares at him in astonishment then thinks). Wait, did he just read my mind?
KYLE: Um, thank you.
But the thoughts keep flooding over him and he can feel himself on the verge of reacting mentally.
KYLE (stands up and moves away from them all): Sorry, I need to lie down.
He wavers as he heads down the hall to his room. Jessi follows after him which makes him pick up on Amanda's feelings of jealousy.
AMANDA (thinks as she and her mother head out the door): Why is she going too? Oh, right, she's the same as him, she can help him way better than I can. Oh, stow it, Amanda. If she has what he needs, to help him, not anything more, oh bother it.
CAROL: I hope he feels better, Nicole. (Then thinks), I feel bad for him, I can see why Nicole took him in, he does generate feelings of protectiveness, something about him...
NICOLE: So do I.
Nicole sees Amanda's worried glance as they walk down the sidewalk before she closes the door.
Cut to Kyle in his room where he has laid down in his tub. Jessi sits in his chair then watches in amazement as object in his room move to the walls and doors as if to insulate himself. Along with wincing with him from feeling his pain on hearing the thoughts of others. Okay, so having this type of ability is proving to be a downside, one she might not like to have. She can only hear the other's thoughts because she's mentally linked with him, she can't hear others on her own just yet.
The doorknob rattles. Books are piled in front but Kyle is making sure the door won't open.
NICOLE's voice: Kyle? Let me in.
Jessi concentrates and successfully moves the books.
Suddenly she can feel Kyle shut down mentally and remove the hold he had on the door. Nicole is able to come in. Steven follows close behind her. Lori and Josh hover just outside the door.
STEVEN (to Jessi): How's he doing? (Then frowns as he sees Kyle lying face up with his gaze focused on the ceiling).
JESSI: Not good.
NICOLE: What's happening to him?
JESSI: He can hear all your thoughts.
NICOLE: What?!
JOSH: No way! (He immediately thinks of having sex with Andy and then not trying to think of sex).
JESSI (frowns at Josh): Is that all you think about?
JOSH: Wait, what? You can read my mind too?
He and Lori look at her with horror.
JESSI: No, I can't but since I'm mentally connected to him, I can pick up anything he can.
JOSH: Oh, that's relief. No, wait, it's not.
Jessi rolls her eyes then gasps as if in pain.
Nicole immediately comes to her side and places a hand on her shoulder.
NICOLE: What is it?
JESSI: Our link is gone. (And stares down at Kyle).
NICOLE: Can you help him?
JESSI: No, I think he's trying to form a wall inside his mind to shut out all thoughts.
STEVEN: Is it working?
JESSI: It's like he's gone both deaf and blind.
They all look at him with even more concern.
JOSH (whispers): So he can't hear us?
STEVEN: Why are you whispering?
JOSH: Ah, so he can't hear me think?
LORI (snorts): Really, Josh?
STEVEN: Just try to guard your thoughts, guys. Likely he'll pick up what you want him least likely to hear.
JOSH: Ah, already thought of that, Dad.
STEVEN (glances at Jessi): I gathered, if it's what I think Jessi picked up on.
JOSH: I should go, (as if leaving the room would make it easier for Kyle not to pick up on his thought process).
Jessi tells them all what Kyle does to control his new telepathic ability.
First, since the wall he formed didn't work, he could still hear around it, he then formed a sphere like the basketball that sat on his desk. But he was still blind and deaf. Then he made it into a glass sphere, like a fish bowl he saw at the diner. He could now see but was still deaf. Then he formed the glass sphere into a sieve, filtering it so he could close sections off.
This made Jessi wonder if that's how he was able to compartmentalize all that information he stored away.
There was one connection he made like a tether line, straight to her so that his connection with her would never waver.
It is several hours later when he finishes. The family has long since left the room, coming in occasionally to check on how he is doing. Jessi smiles at him with a certain gleam in her eye.
JESSI: Now you can read the Latnok member's minds.
He hesitates.
JESSI: Yeah, I know you think it's an invasion of privacy, but-
KYLE (cuts in): I know, I'll need to read them in order to be a step ahead of whatever they have planned for me.
JESSI: They do have one.
KYLE (sighs despondently): It's the information. They want it. Everyone will want it.
How true those words were Kyle was later to find out.
