Gary Brandt opens Book Two of his tale from The Dimension Of Mind Dot Com with the intense family drama and complications that come with supernatural sisterhood, as Ella fights tooth and nail for custody of her interdimensional 'twin' Helana.
The episode tackles the awkward reality of two look-alike teenage girls who shower together and share beds, creating understandable parental concerns about boundaries—forcing Ella to navigate her mother's worries while insisting their co ...
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The early September heat clings to Ella’s bedroom, the air thick with the scent of sunscreen and freshly cut grass wafting through the open window. Ella sprawls on her bed, her mom perched on the edge, folding laundry with practiced efficiency. The conversation has veered into uncomfortable territory, sparked by news from Eileen’s family. “So this girl, Helana—Eileen’s parents are adopting her?” Ella’s mom asks, her tone cautious as she stacks a T-shirt. “She’s going to live with them?” “Not if I can help it,” Ella says, sitting up, her voice fierce. “You said it yourself, Mom—she looks so much like me we could pass for twins. She’s my sister, my twin. You have to adopt her, not Eileen’s parents.” Her mom sighs, setting down a pair of jeans. “Eileen’s parents have her as a foster child. If anyone adopts her, it should be them, not us.” “No!” Ella’s voice rises, her hands clenching the quilt. “She’s my twin, not Eileen’s. She can’t have her!” “Have her?” Her mom’s brow furrows, a mix of concern and confusion in her eyes. “What do you mean, have her? You’re not—” “Mom!” Ella cuts her off, exasperated. “Why does everyone go there? We’re sisters, not lovers!”
“Ella, honey,” her mom says gently, “you’re turning fourteen this month. You’re young, and these feelings can be intense, confusing. The other night, when Helana slept over, you two shared the same side of the bed. You showered together. I didn’t want to embarrass her, but that’s not appropriate for girls your age. I’m worried about you living together, even if you’re twins.” “Oh, come on!” Ella groans, throwing her hands up. “That’s ridiculous. Even if we wanted to be lovers, you couldn’t stop us, whether she’s at Eileen’s or here. We can make the guest room hers—she’ll sleep and shower there, and you can spy to make sure we’re not ‘doing it.’ Happy?” “Let’s not fight,” her mom says, her voice firm but soft. “I’m allowed to be uncomfortable. This girl appears out of nowhere, barely speaks English, and you’re treating her like… like she’s your wife, not a friend. I’ll compromise: we’ll set up the guest room for her when she stays here, and you’ll see her every day. But she needs to live with Eileen. Okay?” “We shower together at school gym, so I don’t get why you’re making a big deal,” Ella mutters. “Fine, Eileen’s parents can adopt her, but she needs to be here more than there. We’ll sleep in separate beds, shower separately, and I won’t kiss her in front of you. That last part was a joke, Mom. Stop freaking out.” Her mom shakes her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips, and resumes folding.
At school, the first week of high school buzzes with the chaos of new schedules and crowded hallways. Mr. Danvers, Eileen’s dad, sits in a small office across from Helana’s English teacher, Ms. Larson, whose desk is cluttered with grammar books and colorful flashcards. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Danvers,” Ms. Larson says, her voice warm but professional. “I hope Helana’s settling in. She’s a lovely girl—we all adore her—but we’re struggling with her English skills. I’m a speech therapist, and I’m puzzled. Can you share more about her background? Where she’s from?” Mr. Danvers leans back, his expression careful. “I’ve shared what I know. Eileen and her friends met Helana at a Naval Academy summer program. They formed a deep bond, like sisters, which led to us fostering her. The Navy said she’s from India’s eastern coast, an orphan found as a stowaway on a ship. She’s extraordinarily bright—genius-level—which is why they included her in the program.” Ms. Larson nods, jotting a note. “The challenge is, she’s not learning English as a second language but as a first language. I have no baseline language to work from, so I’m using techniques for deaf children. Could she have been a feral child before the Navy found her?”
“Feral, like raised by wolves?” Mr. Danvers chuckles. “Unlikely. Her cultural knowledge, her sophisticated thinking, her spiritual beliefs—they’re advanced, beyond most teens. Somehow, she survived without needing language. She says her parents are ‘with her in spirit,’ so I assume they’re deceased. Beyond that, she’s a mystery.” “I’ve noticed she connects well with Eileen,” Ms. Larson says. “How does Eileen handle her language barrier?” “They’re uncanny,” Mr. Danvers says, a fond smile breaking through. “Eileen, Ella, Roxana—they just know what Helana’s thinking, like telepathy. Their bond is almost magical. Don’t worry about her English. I’d bet in a few months, she’ll speak fluent teenage slang, accent-free. I’d wager money on it.” “I hope you’re right,” Ms. Larson says. “For now, she’ll stay in Special Ed. She can’t read a textbook yet, so regular classes might be a year away. Congratulations on your new daughter—she’s wonderful, and I’m sure she’ll thrive.”
In the school courtyard, Helana sits with Eileen on a bench, the autumn breeze stirring fallen leaves. High school boys strut past, their laughter loud, their backpacks slung carelessly. “Earth boys are… unsophisticated,” Helana says, her voice halting but clear, her English improving daily. “Almost… slow.” Eileen grins, tossing her hair. “Boys here develop later than girls. They’re behind for a reason—so we can train them. Guys think they run the planet, but women really call the shots.” “So I pick a slow boy and train him?” Helana asks, her brow furrowing. “That sounds frustrating.” Eileen rubs her chin, feigning wisdom. “You could date an older boy, but that’s its own hassle. Dating’s frustrating, period. Don’t worry—Dad won’t let us date till we’re sixteen anyway.” “Oh, good,” Helana says, relieved. “Boys here are strange. I don’t understand them. You’ll teach me?” “Absolutely,” Eileen says, her tone mock-serious. “I’ll teach you everything about Earth boys. But don’t date anyone till I vet him. Some boys are dangerous.” “Your dad said he has to approve my dates too,” Helana says. “Forget that!” Eileen laughs. “Come to me or Ella for boy advice. There’s stuff Dad doesn’t need to know.”
“Ella says I shouldn’t date boys, ever,” Helana says, her voice soft. “But now that I’m a normal human girl, I want to try everything human girls do. I want to feel it all.” “Ella’s super possessive,” Eileen says, rolling her eyes. “But once she falls for some guy and gets all mushy, she’ll loosen up, and you can do what you want without her hovering.” “I hope she doesn’t forget me,” Helana says, her voice small. “Not like that,” Eileen clarifies. “She’ll just stop being so clingy. That’s all.” “Okay,” Helana says, brightening. “Can you help with my English now?” “Sure, but we’ll speak out loud,” Eileen says. “Others can hear, so be careful what you say.” “I—will—be—care—ful,” Helana says, enunciating each word with a grin.
At Roxana’s house, the kitchen smells of warm tortillas and simmering salsa. Roxana’s mom, chopping cilantro, glances at the girls sprawled around the table, giggling over something unspoken. “What’s so funny?” she asks, wiping her hands on a towel. “Helana told a joke,” Roxana says, suppressing a smile. “I didn’t hear her,” her mom says, puzzled. “She doesn’t speak much English yet, so we made a secret sign language,” Roxana explains. “Helana talks with her face.” “Body language!” her mom says, laughing. “You’ll have to teach me.” “You’re too old, Mom,” Roxana teases. “It doesn’t work for grown-ups.” Her mom shoots her a mock glare. “I’ve been meaning to ask—would Helana like to join us at Mass? What’s her religion?” “Slow down,” Roxana says, holding up a hand. “Let her adjust to life here first. You can convert her later.” “Fair enough,” her mom says. “The offer’s open. Eileen, how are your parents handling two daughters now? That’s a big change.” “Dad’s thrilled, like we got a new puppy,” Eileen says, grinning. “Mom loves Helana, but she’s… nervous. Having two girls is a lot, and she feels left out sometimes.” “Your mom’s the strongest woman I know,” Roxana’s mom says. “She’ll adjust. Besides, you girls are at Ella’s or here half the time anyway.” She laughs, returning to her chopping.
That night, a strange sensation jolts Roxana awake—or so she thinks. The room is unfamiliar, bathed in a soft, pearlescent glow, its walls shimmering like liquid glass. She stands in a circular chamber, Ella and Eileen beside her, their faces mirroring her confusion. “What’s happening?” Roxana asks, her voice echoing. “I feel weird. Where are we?” “This place…” Ella says, her eyes wide. “It’s strange. Eileen, do you know it?” “I’ve been here before,” Eileen says slowly, “but I can’t remember when. Wait—night school! This is night school!” Helana appears, her form solid now, her smile radiant. “You’ve all been here before, but this is the first time you’ll remember,” she says. “I want you to meet someone—my mom and dad, my real parents. They’ve been meeting me here, and they’re eager to know you.” A young couple, appearing in their thirties, steps forward, their faces warm with affection. They envelop the girls in hugs, the room thick with unspoken love. Their presence feels ancient yet familiar, their eyes holding a depth that speaks of other worlds.
“Are we asleep?” Roxana asks, her voice trembling. “Is this a shared dream?” “Your bodies are asleep, resting,” Helana explains, “but your spirits—the real you—are awake. Every night, your spirit travels, sometimes here, but your brain doesn’t retain it. You’ve graduated to remembrance level. From now on, you’ll recall these visits. You’re bi-located—here and in your body simultaneously. Spirit life is convenient.” “We won’t get lost? Unable to find our bodies?” Ella asks, her voice tight. “You’re still tethered,” Helana says. “This is my world, my school. I can’t return physically, but I visit in spirit, and so can you. Here, we’ll learn what Earth schools don’t teach, and I’ll learn what your world offers. We’ll be the smartest kids in the galaxy.” “Not quite,” Helana’s mom says, laughing, her voice like a melody. “But you’ll have rare advantages. Some of Earth’s greatest minds attended this night school, though few remember. You will, but keep it secret—others might envy your privilege. We’re so happy to meet you. We love you as Helana does, with all our hearts.”
“Is there homework?” Ella asks, half-joking. “Yes,” Helana’s mom says, “but not essays. Your homework is to live the knowledge you gain, to better your lives and world. You grade yourself. Better than book reports, right?” “Much better,” Ella says, grinning. “What’s tonight’s lesson?” Eileen asks. “A download on listening,” Helana’s mom says. “Listening to the thought behind the thought, and the sponsoring thoughts beneath. When someone’s actions seem senseless, a deeper, often unconscious thought drives them. Understanding these sponsoring thoughts helps you connect positively, without frustration.” “Has it started?” Roxana asks. “It’s done,” Helana’s mom says, “but it’ll take weeks to integrate. Be mindful, and you’ll feel it take root. Class dismissed. See you next time.” She waves, her figure fading as the room dissolves.
At 4 a.m., Ella sits at her desk, the house silent except for the hum of crickets outside. She opens her diary, her heart full and heavy.
Dear Diary, It’s been forever—18 weeks since I wrote.
I’m so sorry. I’ve been so busy: a dozen countries, the backseat of a fighter jet, missile launches from a Navy ship.
I should’ve journaled, but I forgot you when I packed. I watched Helana grow up! She was tiny at first, translucent like a ghost, but we fed her, used scalar wave treatments, and she got bigger, heavier, solid.
She’s my size now, my twin sister.
I love her so much—more every day. We’re in high school.
Helana’s in Special Ed until her English improves.
Teachers say it’ll take years, but I bet she’ll nail it in months.
She’s smarter than they know. It’s 4 a.m.
I just woke from night school, where Helana’s mom taught us.
It felt real—too real for a dream.
I’ll ask the girls tomorrow if they remember.
I bet they do. I hate that Helana’s at Eileen’s.
I miss her so much when she’s not here. I’m exhausted.
Goodnight, Diary.
Episode 12 — *“My Sister, My Twin”* — launches Book Two of *Ella’s Story* with emotional intensity, family tension, and stunning revelations. This chapter blends teenage identity, parental concern, cultural adaptation, and supernatural connection in a way that feels both wildly imaginative and deeply real. It’s an episode that made me laugh, cringe, reflect, and contrast my own experiences with friendship and belonging.
--- ## 📖 **Story Arc Summary**The chapter opens on a **heated kitchen conversation** between Ella and her mom about *who will adopt Helana*, the interdimensional girl who has become more than a friend — she’s practically *Ella’s twin sister*. Ella insists Helana should live with her family, not with Eileen’s parents. This sparks a *boundary-pushing negotiation* about shared showers, bed-sharing, and parental worry about appropriateness. In a classic teenage compromise, Ella and her mom agree to a guest room setup and daily contact.
At school, Helana’s adaptation challenges become clear. Despite her brilliance and deep bond with the girls — telepathic communication and all — she’s placed in *Special Education* because she’s learning English as a first language with no baseline to compare. Her teacher suspects her origin is extraordinary, yet her intelligence and spiritual depth shine through every misunderstanding.
Back at home, friendly moments — like secret sign language, cultural jokes, and light-hearted banter about Earth boys — provide comic relief. Helana’s humorous misunderstandings make her feel *real*, not alien.
The chapter’s supernatural heart arrives at night. Roxana, Ella, and Eileen find themselves in a **pearlescent, mystical realm** — revealed to be a *night school* where spirits learn alongside each other. Here they meet *Helana’s real parents*, who warmly embrace the girls and introduce them to an education that goes beyond Earth’s limits. The lesson — about listening to “the thought behind the thought” — is both spiritual and profoundly human.
The chapter closes with Ella’s heartfelt diary entry, capturing weeks of travel, interdimensional growth, and her intense love for Helana — now her literal twin sister in every sense.
--- ## 💬 **Favorite Quotes**“She’s my sister, my twin. You have to adopt her, not Eileen’s parents.”
This line perfectly expresses *teenage passion and devotion*. Ella’s conviction here is fierce and vulnerable at the same time.
“Even if we wanted to be lovers, you couldn’t stop us … we’ll shower separately.”
Ella’s mix of rebellion and negotiation made me *laugh out loud*. It’s honest, awkward, and completely human.
“Earth boys are… unsophisticated.”
Helana’s cultural commentary was a delightful mix of sharp insight and innocent confusion.
“You’re bi-located — here and in your body simultaneously. Spirit life is convenient.”
The night school explanation was *so surprising and cool* — it adds a metaphysical depth that feels both mysterious and empowering.
“She’s my twin sister… I love her so much.”
Ella’s diary confession is *heartbreaking and beautiful*, showing the emotional stakes of this supernatural bond.
--- ## 😲 **Unexpected Plot Twists**What makes this chapter *so strong* emotionally is how it mirrors real teenage experience — intense attachments, identity conflicts, and awkward family debates — while layering them with supernatural wonder. Ella’s fierce desire to *claim Helana as her sister* feels both endearing and complicated; it’s the kind of intense loyalty only young love and deep friendship can generate.
The adoption and boundary conversation with Ella’s mom was so human it made me reflect on my own family dynamics. Discussions about privacy, appropriate behavior, and affection often feel uncomfortable in real life — and this chapter captures that tension perfectly.
Then there’s the night school — a moment that shifts the tone into something *mystical and hopeful*. Meeting Helana’s parents and experiencing a lesson about deep listening isn’t just supernatural plot — it’s a metaphor for how we grow by understanding others’ internal worlds.
Finally, Ella’s diary entry — so filled with love, exhaustion, and admiration — struck me deeply. Her affectionate, almost tear-stained confession *“I love her so much — more every day”* made me think about how friendships sometimes *feel like family*, especially during intense shared experiences.
--- ## 🎯 **Final Thoughts***“My Sister, My Twin”* is an incredible opening chapter for Book Two — rich with emotional complexity, humor, supernatural depth, and character growth. Gary Brandt has opened a new chapter of the series that feels both intimate and epic, pulling readers further into the emotional and spiritual lives of these girls.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — This chapter made me laugh, empathize, and wonder about identity, love, and connection beyond any world we know. I can’t wait for the next episode!
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