Music to my ears (Working title)
an excerpt

For as long as I can remember, I’ve never felt alone. I don’t mean as in company, friends and such, but in myself. All my life, I’ve felt as if there’s been some sort of presence within me, like when you get a song stuck in your head. But its comforting.

Familiar.

Reassuring.

He’s all mine, my secret. I learnt in a short time when I was younger, not to mention it. It’s not normal to other people. It is to me. (Although even to this day I still think that other people have their own ‘voices’ and, like me, don’t tell anyone.) I mean, its not like it’s a bad thing, is it? The voice is something I don’t have to share. Not that Adrian would like that anyway.

Over the years, I felt obligated to name the little whisper in my head and decided that the name ‘Adrian’ fitted. It was the name of my lovely grandfather, the man who used to sit me on his knee when I was younger and read me stories and crap jokes that used to make me laugh so hard I wet myself once. I wouldn’t laugh at such ridiculous jokes now, but at the time, they were the best thing since sliced bread. Not that I’ve ever understood that quote. What did people used to do with their bread before? Just bit chunks out of it then pass it to another family member? Probably. But back on point. Where was I? Oh yes, my Grandfather. He was wonderful, I loved him very much. He always used to smell of roast pork and toffee and had a long snow-white beard that used to scratch and tickle me. Too bad he died. Some say it was heartbreak that killed him, the loss of his dear wife took its toll on him, but I say it was the shock of seeing his latest bill. He was in debt, you see. He liked a bit of a gamble. It was after my Grandfather died that I really started to notice the presence. I was eight. Adrian comforted me in indescribable way. He saved me.

RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

I fumble with my handbag after being prematurely ripped from my thoughts, and pull out my small silver mobile phone. It vibrates in my hand, tickling. I lift it to my ear.

“Hello?”

“Holly, where the bloody hell are you? You were meant to be at work half an hour ago! I told you not to be late!”

I frown, trying to remember when she said that. No such luck. Well you do have a memory like a fish A deep, warm voice whispers in my ear. I grin.

“I’ll be right in,” I reply, my voice false and cheery. It was the tone I used specifically for work. As I slip my coat on, I drop my phone into my small blue handbag.

Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. She won’t fire you.

I smile and reply. Thanks. Then I shut the door with a snap, my handbag bumping against my thigh and a smile on my face as Adrian tells me a new joke as I walk.

On the outside, I look like a normal girl, with ordinary brown, wavy hair and matching brown eyes, but inside I know better.

Inside, I know that I’m special.

Little was I to know just how much my life would drastically change.