Winters Family Psi Chronicles 2: Project Onyx Read Free Page B

traditional psychic burnout or just a phase that a lot of level ten talents go through during their teen years.” The specialist typed in some more notes and asked a lot more personal questions about Brian’s state of mind and physical wellbeing. Finally, the session was at a close. “There is no reason to miss another day of school as long as your condition doesn’t deteriorate. I recommend you see me in about a week.” He turned to direct his attention at Paul. “Did you want to schedule another appointment while you are still here, Mr. Winters?”
    “Yes, for the late afternoon. If you have something open after four, that would be great. I don’t want Brian to miss any more school if possible.”
    “I believe that could be arranged. Stephanie has my appointment book at the front desk. I look forward to seeing you. Hopefully, your condition will remain stable,” Bettinger said.
    He opened the door for them and Paul thanked him again for arranging to see them on such short notice. A young woman in her early thirties was waiting in the lobby and leafing through a magazine. The doctor ushered her into his office while Paul set up an appointment for his son next week. Paul didn’t have much to say until they’d almost arrived home.
    “How are you feeling?” Paul asked.
    “A lot better. My empathic abilities are completely under wraps now and I’m not as exhausted as I’ve been all week,” Brian said.
    Even though his energy was returning and it was a huge relief to know that everyone’s emotions weren’t screaming at his psionic senses, he felt nervous about someone working so closely in his mind and having access to his innermost thoughts. Because Brian was taking a lot of psychology courses in preparation for his career as a psychologist, he knew that a lot of his memories and thoughts had seeped into Bettinger’s mind. Even though he was a doctor and everything he learned was kept strictly confidential, it still bothered Brian a great deal.
    “A lot of level ten teens have similar problems with their abilities so there is nothing to worry about. I’m sure after a few more sessions, you won’t have any more problems with this,” Paul said.
    “Or I may have psychic burnout in which case I’ll have to see a shielding specialist at least once a week for the rest of my life,” Brian said.
    “I know that it’s common but most level tens don’t suffer from that condition,” Paul said firmly. “You have nothing to worry about.”
    Brian didn’t argue but he knew his dad merely spoke hollow words of reassurance. Paul was a psychologist but he had no experience working with high level talents and since he wasn’t a level ten telepath, he would never be able to do so. Only level ten telepaths could learn the skills necessary to strengthen and repair someone else’s psionic protection.
    “Once your mother returns from her assignment, she can help you build your shielding and you won’t have to see the specialist as often or hopefully ever again,” Paul said.
    “Great.” Brian’s expression turned sullen.
    “I know how you feel but it’s necessary for someone to work on your protection until you’re able to manage it on your own,” Paul said.
    Brian didn’t respond even though he knew his father was right. Maybe spending two hours working on his shielding wasn’t such a terrible price to pay after all if he could avoid allowing others access to his mind. Paul allowed an unspoken quiet to descend over them for the rest of the trip home. In the late afternoon, Amy arrived with Brian’s homework. Before he could escape to his room, she asked how the appointment with Dr. Bettinger went.
    “It looks like it’s psychic burnout.” Brian threw his sister a dejected glance.
    “We have an appointment next week,” Paul interjected. “This may just be a temporary problem. A lot of high level talents have this difficulty.”
    “Do they also have nightmares?” Brian demanded.
    “Yes, some of