A GIFT OF TIME

Episode 17

"Hailey, Hailey" I called repeatedly trying to get her to wake up after moving her to the same car seat I was laid after I fainted. 

"uh" Hailey groaned as we tried to revive her. 

"what happened?" she asked after she managed to get her eyes open. 

"sorry Hailey, I think you've contracted the fainting disease" I sarcastically declared. 

"what!?" she asked abruptly sitting up to face me. I think it's just serve her right to know what fainting feels like. I folded my arms and lock gaze with her while his boyfriend Nicholas stood behind me waiting for her to wake up. Other's were busy assembling the machine since Danny told us he needed all the hand he could get in getting the thing together so other's just work on the machine while I nervously wait for Hailey to wake up before taking my next move. But I ran out of patience and decided to shake her a little so she can open her pretty little eyes. 

"I'm so glad you're awake, you scared me" Nicholas sighed in relief pulling a chair to seat right in front of her. 

"but what really happened? I didn't really see an alien did I?" Hailey asked eyes nervously searching the crew probably for Hero before her eyes fell on him, he was busy chewing something. Only God knows what while watching other's work and thankfully he was back in a human's skin. 

"it can't be, can it?" Hailey asked rhetorically her eyes still fixed on Hero. 

"you asked for it and you saw it. Now I need every information there is about your dad" I demanded face void of any emotions. I was being straight and serious. It wasn't the time to joke around with her. 

"It's your delivery" Charlie announced walking in with several boxes of pizza's. Everyone groaned and sighed in relief leaving their work to get some food. The only thing Charlie and I could contribute to the team was food and finances. Tony and Nicholas brought the gadgets while Brian made all the resources in the workshop available for use. I felt relieved seeing the team work together. It wasn't easy but it was worth the trouble.

"I was beginning to think you'll never come" Brian commented looking so famished and tired as he moved to get his box of pizza. They moved the largest working table to the middle of the workshop after moving away the tools on it. Then they took the working stools to the table to seat around it before everyone decided to open their box of pizza. 

"Hey Alien boy. You eat pizza. Got you a veg one" Charlie informed and Hero blinked furiously before sluggishly standing to join us. He collected the box my brother had gestured for him and sniffed it for some second before putting it down to watch how others dealt with it. 

"why does he always sniff like a dog?" Brian asked studying Hero for a while. 

"well I guess he as to make sure the food is healthy for him" Tony replied before placing his lips on his slice of pizza. I realize Hero was as well studying others before his eyes fell on me. I smiled moving my focus to my box of pizza while glancing at Hero at intervals. I remove the box lid to grab a slice, Hero did the same. I moved it to my mouth biting down on it and he did the same. He watched me chew as well. It was basic so he got the flow. 

"so he really is an alien? " Hailey voiced like she still couldn't believe it while watching Hero's every move as she joined us at the table with Nicholas. 

"I thought we proved that to you already. You need more prove-

" what? No way. I'm good" she nervously rejected. 

"someone looks scared" I chortled as I focus on devouring my box of pizza. 

"I brought soda. Soda goes well with pizza" my brother informed moving the cans to the table for others to have their share. Hero try to take one but I stopped him with my hands on his while trapping down a can"

"I don't think it's good for you" I cautioned and he gave me a questioning gaze. 

"hey, leave the boy alone" Charlie blurted removing my hand from Hero's and I was forced to watch him. He watched other's open their can and followed their lead, handling the can exactly like them. 

"what if the organics are bad for him?" I turned to Charlie and he smiled. The professor didn't say anything about sodium. He only talked about too much oxygen. 

"I thought you were a business student-

" graduate " Charlie corrected Tony who was playing with his share of soda while slowly sipping it. 

" I'm no more a student " Charlie added and I scoffed. 

" you've forgotten you're heading for your masters. October right?" I asked and he paled. 

" I doubt I'll be able to in this mess" he pointed out and I nodded before my eyes fell on Hero who seem to enjoy the drink because he kept staring at it in wonder while drinking. Then I figured he was trying to see the inside too. 

"you'll make it pour if you keep looking at it like that" I informed and he looked at me in question. 

"drink it. Like this" I dictated showing him how to handle the can because he was slightly tilting it and Danny sitting right next to him might get a share of it. 

"how's the building going?" I asked Danny and he sighed before deciding on his answer. 

"we need few more stuff to get it to work and I think we might get them if we explore more of the junkies in the yard" Danny put in and I nodded. 

"about my dad-

" thank goodness" I breathed abruptly turning to face Hailey as she started with her revelation. 

"I do know where he is" Hailey said hands up in her hair, then she slipped two fingers into the band she had around her now dishevelled hair. 

"when he came. He told me he would be waiting for me anytime I feel I needed to leave aunt Marie. I didn't feel the urge to leave aunt Marie. Not anytime soon because aunt Marie was this sweet type of woman with no children. But I never thought she'd ever want me to turn in my dad afterall he was her brother. She started acting strange after arriving from her canceled trip to Las Vegas. I knew there was something off about her but I couldn't place a finger so I just act along with her. It never truly mattered to me because I got all I want except I was still very sore from the death of my sister Hannah. She is a very sweet kid compared to me. I was the rebellious one. I mean I left home when I was 17 and decided to live with my aunt-

"Hailey, that is a very interesting story you have up there but we're running out of time" I cut in tired of her little sad story which I don't think I'll care to hear. Hailey opened her palm to reveal a small folded paper after she lowered her hand from her head. 

"and what's this?" I asked taking the paper from her hand. 

"he told me to come find him there anytime I'm ready to leave" Hailey glumly informed. I removed the paper and glance through it. 

"the only thing written on this is 'central Park and sss T" I revealed meeting her eyes.

"hey, give it. Let me look it up" Tony offered taking the small piece of paper from me. Tony moved to his computer with his seat and his hands did the job as he swiftly moved them on the keyboard. 

"there's only one central park that has a place called sss. And the full meaning implies sss toys. It's right here in Jefferson. Around 5 miles from here" Tony calculated. 

"send me the location. I'm leaving" I announced standing from my seat. 

"but it's getting late. Can't we just leave for the place tomorrow?" Charlie suggested but I had to object. 

"we don't know if we have up to tomorrow before the alien strikes Charlie. We have to prepare for them and Professor Anderson know just how to. We leave now. But Danny you stay" my voice came soft and calm because I didn't want to sound commanding to Danny. 

"but.. But why?" he asked nevertheless. 

"the repulser, you really have to be quick about that" I replied almost pleading. 

"awwn, how lovely. I wish you'd always talk to me like that" Charlie purred and Brian let out a guffaw. All I did was glared at both of them before turning back to Danny who gave me his sexiest smile. 

"now she's blushing" Charlie mumbled and I scowled at him in response. 

"Charlie, Nicholas, Hero, Hailey... Let's go" I commanded and Nicholas groaned before deciding to stand. 

"so what's the plan?" Nicholas asked ready to leave.

"so when we meet up with Mr. Anderson we ask few questions probably dump his daughter for him then we head back here pack and get our asses home. Simple" I smiled and Charlie coughed. I turned to him with a squawk eyebrow. 

"about home Claire-" he paused his gaze fixed on me as he waited for me to realize what he meant. 

"don't worry. We'll sneak in and talk it out with dad tomorrow.. I hope" I sighed turning to the door ready for our next adventure probably. 

"Claire" Danny called immediately I was outside with the rest of the boys. 

"yeah" I answered turning to face him as he was just right out the door. He moved closer to me closing the space between. 

"be safe" he hoped placing a g*n in my hand and I smiled putting the g*n in my jeans before standing on my toes to give him a sharp kiss. 

"I will" I assured my eyes on his before I decided to pull away to join my brother in the car. 

"I think we have to drop by the gas station. We are running out of gas" My brother hinted before raving the engine to life. 

"yeah sure" I noted resting by back into the seat as we set to leave.

"if.... you meet your dad, would you leave with him?" Nicholas worriedly asked Hailey while I found myself slowly falling asleep, aw, how cute! I sarcastically thought. 

"I don't know yet Nick, all this happening its hard to digest. I can't believe I'll be sitting in the same car with an alien. Is that even safe?" Hailey asked and I could tell she was staring at Hero right now. 

"Claire you still haven't told us why you decided to tag along with him. Charlie was telling me in front of Hailey's house the other time but I didn't hear the rest of it after you guys came along" Nicholas inquired but I decided to ignore him and leave my eyes closed for Charlie to do the job of explanation he earlier started. And just like I thought Charlie resumed his explanation giving me more time to get some rest. How funny my life has turned. I had turned from being simple and carefree to commanding, bossy and cautious. Now I realize how fast people change. I felt the car being pulled over so I opened my eyes as I felt the urge to pee. 

"I might need to use the restroom" I informed opening my eyes as I moved my hand to the car door to get down. 

"yeah me too" Hailey intimated, voice low and timid like she didn't want the distracted Nicholas to make out but I doubt Nicholas didn't. It made me scoff. 

"Nick keep an eye on Hero will you?" I implored Nicholas as Charlie was already down trying to to get gas into the car. 

"yeah sure" Nicholas nervously replied unable to meet Hero's blank gaze. 

"don't worry, he doesn't bite" I jeered while making my way down with Hailey to leave for the restroom situated at the back of the filling station. 

"don't take too long" I warned before getting into a cubicle leaving her to do her thing. I felt relieved to have finally emptied my bladder while I made my way out. 

"Hailey" I called but there was no response so I freaked barge open the only occupied cubicle in the restroom. 

"what the f**k!" she exclaimed with a scorn as I came face to face with her while I watch her sitting on the WC. 

"sorry" I apologized slowly closing the door behind me. 

"why the f**k did you do that!?" she questioned from inside the cubicle while I wash my hands getting ready to leave. 

"I called you but there was no answer. So I thought something happened. I just wanted to make sure you were in there. Also it doesn't seem to me that you're peeing Hailey. I think the word for he action you're engaged in right now is pooping" I prompted back rested on the wall where the door hinges were attached. 

"yeah I know, but it's embarrassing to have to say that in front of my boyfriend" she stated and I practically rolled my eyes. 

"oh yeah? And you still whispered to me when you said you wanted to pee. Doesn't your boyfriend pee or poop?" I scoffed but there was no response just the sound of the toilet being flushed. 

"why didn't answer me when I called in the first place?" I asked immediately she was out of the cubicle. 

"well, I don't feel too convenient talking while pooping" She shrugged while washing her hands.

"that was quite silly Hailey" I commented opening the door after I figured she was done.

"I think I need to get chocolates. I'm running low of energy right now" I muttered heading towards the convenience store to get some chocolate bars. I was doing just that when the public TV screen on the wall with a reporter said something that got my attention. 

"Mrs. Anderson Marietta claimed her cousin Hailey Anderson was abducted by her boyfriend, Nicholas Robinson and few other kid we recognized to be Claire Chadwick and Charlie Chadwick. The kids requested a ransom of 100,000 US dollars before they would release her cousin" The reporter reported with a recent picture of me, Nicholas and Charlie. 

"what the f**k! Nicholas didn't do that!" Hailey exclaimed in utmost shock. Welcome to the club girl. I saw the old lady who was attending to us dialing numbers on her cellphone and I didn't wait another second before drawing Hailey and leaving in haste. 

"what took you guys so long?" Charlie asked as we made our way to our respective seat. 

"sorry, we have to go now!" I half yelled at my brother getting into the car immediately. 

"hello I'm not the one who took half of the entire time in the restroom" Charlie shot back. 

"sorry, there was a queue in front of the restroom and we needed to get something in the convenience store, took quite the time but you have to go now " Hailey sputtered and I met her eye gaping in disbelief.

"really Claire?" Charlie asked starting the engine before meeting my awestruck face. 

"yeah really but right now our picture is all over the news" I reported slumping by back dejectedly into the seat. 

"what!!" Charlie and Nicholas chorused the question sounding extremely surprised. 

"yeah, his fake aunt claim we abducted her and we are asking for ransom before letting her go" I added and Charlie almost halted the car. 

"I can't believe this is happening" Nicholas muttered still in shock. 

"so right now I'm a fugitive?" Charlie scoffed finding it hard to believe. 

"I assume so, so Step on it Charlie" I instructed and Charlie increase the car speed and before we know it we were pulling over at Jefferson central Park. As late as it is, the park was bubbling with activity. Giggles of children could be heard everywhere and every tent in the park as it's lighting making the park look extra attractive, the ferris wheel had few people on it as well as the Mary go round . Few children were running about, hormonal teenagers making out and parents trying to caution their children while some parents were relaxing under the tents. 

"stay with me guys I don't want me missing out on anyone" I informed moving forward as everyone has eyes on every stands, stores and tents checking out for sss toys. 

"I don't see any sss toys here" Nicholas sounded frustrated after the first 30mins search through the park. 

"let's ask around" I suggested but my phone ring tone distracted me. It was Tony. 

"you saw the news Claire?" his husky voice came blaring into my ears like alarm. 

"yeah saw it. A big shocker" I sighed watching as the boys except Hero asked around about the sss toy. Hero was getting quite fascinated at the things in the park. He was looking quite amazed as children play chuckle and ride on the ferris-wheel. 

" yeah, a huge one" Tony admitted gaining my attention again. 

"I do know a way you can get out of this mess" Tony claimed.

"I'm listening-

" have Hailey make a video of her and Nicholas having fun. If those dickhead thinks they can manipulate the public. Then we show them we can manipulate the media" Tony boasted but I was a little confused about his intentions really. 

"um... I don't get what you mean" I confessed and he sighed. 

"just have Hailey make a video of you guys having fun. Make sure Hailey is well captured having fun with Nick. They can't be kissing, giggling, chuckling. I don't care. Just make sure you guys are having fun and fortunately the park is a good place to do that " Tony hinted and I sighed. 

" yeah sure " I muttered before disconnecting the call. 

" um Claire, there's no place in the park named sss toys but there is a shooting center name sss. It's not very far from here" Nicholas relayed walking up to me looking exhausted. 

"yeah, we'll go there but right now we have to have fun" I announced and everyone frowned. 

"I don't understand" Charlie was the first to speak then Hailey folded her arms staring at me in question. 

"it's what Tony asked" I informed checking for a proper place to have the fun. Then my eyes caught on the ferris-wheel Hero had been staring at.

"I think I'm still confused. I mean we came here to find Hailey's dad and now you want us to have fun-

" Thank you " Hailey intervened giving Nicholas a grateful look for the enumeration. 

" Tony asked to help us. Charlie do you want to escape being a fugitive or not?" I asked and they exchanged curious glances. 

"yeah-

" of course-

"sure" the three chorus looking at me for details but I wasn't ready to explain because I felt even I, isn't aware of what we are doing. Everyone else except me already had their phone switched off so I helped use my phone for the video. We all moved to the ferris-wheel for a ride.

"nah, I'm not riding a ferris-wheel. I'm not a kid Claire" my brother complained and I let out an exasperated sigh. 

"seriously Charlie, do you wanna get crime off your head or not?" I cajoled and he groaned joining us afterwards. We did have a little fun because Hailey was scared and we couldn't help but laugh and chuckle as she squeaked on the plastic. Hero seem to enjoy the ride as he was grinning from ear to ear. Glad the alien is having fun as well. The only embarrassing part of the video was asking Nick and Hailey to kiss after we got down.

"hey Tony. You got the video?" I asked Tony over the phone after I sent him video we made. 

"yeah, could you ask Hailey for her email please?" he requested and I gave the phone to Hailey. I watched as Hailey conversed with Tony for a while before returning the phone to me. 

"I know what Tony is gonna do" Hailey revealed after we assembled ready to go look for the sss. 

"I don't care as long as I get to sleep in my dad's house tonight" I muttered in a shrug before turning to Nick. 

"where did you say the sss was?" I asked Nick who was looking pale out of exhaustion. His frown lines marred his perfect feature and his hand was folded complementing his perfect frustrated pose. 

"it's down that way" he replied and we all followed him as he lead us down to some few tents not far from the children's playground. There was a place named sss shooter. 

"hey gents. Try your luck for your girlfriends aim right get a toy" the man in front of the sss store urged us. He had a cap covering part of his face while he gestured us over to the toys full store where we could aim the metallic target and earn a toy. 

"this is it" I announced at the realization. 

"this is the place" I anxiously repeated meeting Hailey's eyes. 

"sss, that's the name of the place and the toys" I explained and they nodded before moving back to the man who my brother had paid to so we could move closer to the aiming stand. 

"excuse me sir can I ask a question?" I asked as others moved closer to me while I questioned the man who I haven't seen his face but was plump and short and he sounded like he was in his late 40's

"yeah, how can I help you?" the man replied his head slightly raised.

"please we are looking for Mr. Anderson?" I asked and I could swear the man flinched. He raised his head to meet my eyes before Hailey squealed in excitement running into the old man's arms. 

"Dad!" she exclaimed in excitement. Well thank God. I thought as I saw relief on everyone's face. Yeah, I'm glad we finally found the old man. 

"A ghafil!?" Mr Anderson muttered pulling Hailey protectively to his back while he removed a g*n and aimed it at.. Holy s**t! Hero! 

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