A GIFT OF TIME

Episode 16

"Claire can I talk to you?" Danny called pulling me back after we pulled over in front of Hailey's building. Others including Hero, Charlie and Nicholas headed for the direction of the entrance while I waited behind with Danny. 

"what's wrong?" I questioned noticing the concern and worry evident on his face. 

"don't tell me you're involving Hailey in all of this?" he asked calmly and I felt my woman nature taking over that instant. 

"why? Got a problem with it?" I asked hoping my annoyance wasn't that evident in my tone. 

"Hailey is-

" Hailey is what Nick, does it make you inconvenient that you might get to see your ex often after this? " I queried and I was certain my annoyance was quite evident now because Danny's expression changed from Calm to despondent. 

" of course not Claire" he defended eyes prying me intensely. 

"then why Nick, oh you're worried she might get into trouble being involved or you still love her" I lashed quietly leaving Danny's mouth agape. 

"for heaven's sake Claire that's not what I meant" Danny quickly retort and I arched a brow. 

"then what exactly do you mean by the question? Why sounding so worried? Why looking so-" I was cut off by his lips on mine. Blood rushed to my cheeks immediately before he let go of my lips while he slowly pulled them forward with his gaze never leaving mine. 

" I love you alone Claire. Just wanted to warn you Hailey can be a chatter box and is not really good for the team. By the way you're cute when you're jealous" he smirked head tilted sideways a little as if etching my embarrassed face into his brain. 

"jerk" I spat punching his chest softly. 

"got me thinking you might still be hitting on her" I cooed. 

"who? My ex? Yeah, except this time it'll be with a car or a baseball bat. She still haven't pay for cheating on me anyway" he joked and I cackled.

"I wonder why I still like you knowing you're a total asshole" I asked myself walking to join the other's in front of Hailey's door. Danny dramatically placing a hand on his heart made me chuckle. 

"that's very sweet of you" his sarcastic compliment got me shaking my head in a dramatic way. 

"what took you so long?" Charlie asked with a frown and his voice tainted with his annoyance immediately we got to them. 

"did you two kissed?, you look flushed" that got me blushing even more because Nicholas had pointed it out right after Danny approached and my brother pouted his mouth into a 'o' at the realization. I rolled my eyes at them completely embarrassed blushing like a high school teenager, oh I almost forgot I was a high school teenager at the moment. The thought had me groaning. 

"Nicholas, it's your call" I informed beckoning him to the door. He groaned before climbing unto the porch and pressing the door bell. After the second ring the door opened to reveal Hailey in a baby pink top and white shorts. Her auburn hair was packed sideways of her head with a pink ribbon. She had pink flip flops on and had her phone in her hands. 

"Nicholas" she called sounding very delighted and surprised at the same time. Nicholas gave her his prettiest smile making my stomach growl in distaste. 

"you know, I was also afraid of this" Danny whispered to my ear making my stomach knot in excitement and my hair standing on ends as his warm breath fan my neck. Very distracting really. 

"afraid of what?" I finally found my voice turning to him trying to look unaffected by his actions. 

"you getting jealous if you watch me" he teased and I frowned. He chuckled at my expression. 

"guys. Come on in" he gestured us over as Hailey opened the door wide open for us to make our way into their living room. 

"Wow" I gushed silently while I stared into the interior of the big house. It was an interior with the touch of white and silver. Their couches were all white and attractively arranged in font of the TV. Their kitchen was at the other side of the living room while their dining room was attached to the kitchen right in front of it. Danny nudged me as I was extremely distracted but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of embarrassing me yet again so I threw him a haughty look making him stifle a laugh but couldn't for long as he broke into a light chuckle. 

"so, who do I owe this August visit?" Hailey smiled seductively at Nicholas while coyly playing with the ponytail of her hair. Her act of demure spike some feelings of revulsion down my throat. I swear I could puke. 

"get straight to the point Nick" my orotund tone came louder than I planned for making everyone slightly flinch in reaction. 

"isn't that the girl with the fainting disease?" she asked Nick with a rather devious look on her face. Her frankness made my blood boil and I refrained from drawing her hair out of her skull. The imagination had me smiling to myself. 

"you've got the laughing disease too?" she asked and Charlie stifled a laughter. I shot him a glare before deciding an answer for Hailey. 

"girl look I've got no time for this s**t of yours and I hope your boyfriend would do you some favor of telling you why we are here before I decide to shove my fingers up your throat. Picture that and make this very fast because I'm not the patient type" I countered and she flinched maybe at my words or the imagination I couldn't tell but I felt delighted to leave an expression. Danny knew better than to make any sound or expression when I decided to berate his ex. I was glad he gave me the space to have my wish at the least. 

"Now Nicholas fill your girlfriend in and let get the hell out if here" I exhorted moving away from the two unlucky couple slumping close to the door. For the first time I noticed Hero was distracted. He was sniffing and heading deeper into the house. 

"Hero. What are you doing?" I asked finding his action very strange because he was not a dog to go sniffing around anyone's house. 

"nothing" he said and for some type of reason I knew he was lying probably because he wasn't sure or wasn't ready to explain but I knew something was up. Something that got me furrowing my brows. 

"Please Hailey we need to talk to him" I heard Nicholas earnestly beg but I was running out of patience. 

"Hailey darling" an extremely plump woman probably in her late 40's came in a long flowery dress that was almost trailing behind her. She had golden blonde hair packed up in a messy bun leaving few strands out. 

"oh aunt Marie" Hailey smiled as her aunt made her way out of the room behind the silvery spiral stairs leading up. 

"darling, you didn't tell me you will have your friends over. Like I do not matter dear " Hailey's aunt insinuated and I arched a brow at her presence. Her accent sound funny. I suddenly fished out before I noticed her gaze locked with Hero. Why was she staring intensely at him? I subconsciously asked myself as I continue to study her closely. She quickly faked a smile to look at me while she noticed my intense gaze on her. 

"um aunt Marie, we are Hailey's friends and we came over for some party planning. We are just gonna go upstairs to her room. Sorry if we are being a little disturbing-

" oh not at all silly. Feel free angels" the woman smiled and I returned it warmly before turning to receive shocking gazes from the boys and cold glare from Hailey. 

"Hailey why don't we head to your room, or you're scared we might get to see how messy your room is?" I coaxed letting my mischievous smirk play on my lips. She scoffed and moved forward to stand right in front of me before deciding on her response. 

"I doubt your room could be that tidied. Come boys" she boasted before deciding to urge us to the stairs. I feel the eyes of Hailey's aunt on us as we made our way to the stairs. Hero was reluctant to follow us. His gaze was ridiculously locked with the strange woman. I really hoped to God my assumptions about the woman was wrong. 

"her room is very tidy if I should comment" Danny whispered and his husky voice made me shiver. I have other things to be worried about right now. I reminded myself trying not to get affected by Danny's close proximity. 

"feed your eyes girl" Hailey scoffed and I heaved a heavy sigh before moving to face her. 

"how long have you known your aunt?" I suddenly asked and she slightly moved away from me. 

"excuse me?" she asked finding my question weird. Of course it's weird. 

"Hailey, I'm not a fan of you alright but there's something big happening right now and I hope you don't get to find out anytime soon because you're not very strong for that. Hailey I need you to answer my questions correctly because I feel you're in danger" I muttered and her frown deepens staring at me with disbelief.

"where's your dad?" I questioned feeling my anxiousness taking over. 

"I don't have a goddamn father okay-

" Hailey-

"he killed my mom so he's not my father" Hailey replied with a shaky breath. Tears was making its way to her eyes now. 

"he didn't kill your mom-

" you don't know that-

"he didn't kill your mom. It was all a lie. Your dad is unto something huge and that's why they are trying to get to him. They framed him Hailey. I know it's impossible to believe me but you have to-

"Hailey" the woman's voice came again and I heard Hero sniffle. 

"she's your kind isn't she?" I asked Hero and he lowered his head timidly. 

"we have to get out of here. Right now. Hailey is there a way to get out of your house without using the door?" I asked but she was looking too dazed to give any answer to my question. 

"Hailey you're coming with us-

"you can't just come in here and tell me what to do" Hailey interrupted me giving me a scorn. 

" do you really want to know what happened to your mom, then you'll do as I say " I blurted and she gulped as my tone. 

" there's so much you need to Know Hailey and all you can do right now is concur with us" I urged studying her closely to make a decision. 

"so is there any other place we can leave without having to take the door-

"she has a balcony" Danny cut in and I nodded though I feel I was gonna ask him how he knew later. I moved to her door, locked it up before pulling her half couch to the door. I moved over to her balcony to see where it leads thankfully it lead down right into the front yard. I could see our car from there and fortunately for us. It doesn't seem that high.

 "I've made jump worse than this" I scoffed walking back inside to face the dazed and confused expressions. 

"Nicholas, Charlie don't just look at me do something" I bulged my eyes at them for standing so idle. 

"what's going on?" Hailey asked shocked as Danny moved inside her closet and brought out what seem to be a buttercup backpack. I knew because of the badge it had on it. 

"we are trying to save you.. I think" Nicholas guessed as Danny and I attach ropes and move to her balcony. 

"Noo" Charlie stressed after figuring out my plan. 

"Charlie. I don't think you want Hero to be two in here. Do ya?" I asked and his cranky expression changed to crushed. 

"good, you got my point. Now everyone you are going down" I announced as both Nicholas worked together in attaching the rope to the balcony rails. 

"Nicholas you go first, then Charlie, then Hero. We'll come after you are all down safe. 

" Hailey " the woman's voice came again anxious and vexed. 

" go go" I urged sharply and they all hurried to the balcony going down with the aid of the rope. Hero was about to leave when he halted after hearing whimpers from the other side of the door. I saw that green gleam in his eyes. 

"I won't ask you to come with us Hero. It's your choice but don't make me hurt you" I implored removing the g*n I had in my jeans. But I didn't aim it at him. Only the door. Danny decided removed his g*n which he had trapped under his jeans that instant and aiming it to the door like I did. I silently prayed Hero wouldn't turn against us as the whimpering got louder and angrier. Hero made his choice he moved to the balcony to also escape with the others. With a head nudge I ordered for Danny to leave as well while I slowly moved back. 

"Claire" Charlie called from downstairs and I rushed Danny to the rope after Hero successfully climbed down. The door was been banged heavily from the other side. It's like the woman was trying to force it open but thankfully there was an obstacle behind it. She successfully poked her head meeting my gaze. I gave her a smirk before slipping down the rope myself. I was halfway down when I heard the loud shattering of the door. I knew she was inside but my feet were already on the warm grazed grass before I saw her looking down at us. She met Hero's eyes whimper and whispering. I knew she was communicating with him but I had my g*n in my hand and studied his expression closely. Hero let out a loud yelp before hissing. Wasn't expecting that, he must have retaliated because he was now frowning. 

"Claire let's go" Charlie yelled poking his head out of the car through the driver's side after everyone was in. Hero moved to the car and I joined the massive crowd. Hailey groaned as Hero squeeze himself in. I never thought Hailey would be leaving with us to I made no reservation for her but I was glad to see her inconvenient sitting in between Hero, Danny and Nicholas. Okay maybe I was a little inconvenient too because she was right in between the two Nicholas and one apparently was my boyfriend. 

"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Hailey demanded as Charlie stepped on the pedal racing past speed limit. 

"Nick, what the f**k is going on, why do you need my dad, why are you abducting me-

" saving " I corrected but she caught on a bit late. 

" what? " she asked face furrowed into a frown that spelt her cluelessness. 

" I just corrected you Hailey. We are not abducting you but saving your-" goddamn a*s I mentally scoffed before deciding to complete my statement. 

" saving you" I concluded and she scoffed. 

"saving me from what exactly?, I was completely safe before you came-

" I wished that was true Hailey but that woman you claim is your aunt isn't your aunt. She's an alien pretending to be-

"did my dad also fed you his bullshit" Hailey cut in and I abruptly turned to meet her eyes. 

"you met your dad?" both Nicholas asked at the same time. Good to know there are thinking the same way. 

"yeah, he came three days ago telling me all these stupid stories. He wanted me to leave with him but I refused. He was a criminal" Hailey declared her expression sullen and voice timid. 

"he must have been truly hurt realizing even his own daughter didn't believe him, did you really believe your dad killed your mom?" I scowled at her in disbelief. 

"I know it's completely insane because they love each other but aunt Marie showed me a video of him doing it. She told me to tell her immediately I see my father. She said he needed to pay for his crimes but... I couldn't even bring myself to tell her when he came " she was crying now. Nicholas held her hand and she buried her face at the crook of his neck, an uncomfortable position if you ask me because they were so cramped up. 

" your dad didn't kill your mom. Aliens did and they are about to take our world. Some of these aliens can imitate us" I paused looking at Hero who was focused on the window watching the scenery I guess. 

"if I show you one, would you believe me?" I asked and Danny shrugged uncomfortably in his seat. 

"you would really show me one?" Hailey sniffled looking at me with an amazed expression. 

"yeah I would but you have to promise to believe me once I do" I wagered and she nodded. 

"step on it brother" I ordered and Charlie smirked. 

"would love to sis" he smirked pressing down on the pedal going way past speed limit. Charlie almost had his license taken away for over speeding. He love car racing and love to drive. Though mom would never let him go into the stuff, he had tons of car race video games in his room and he'd been hoping one day he could try it out but he feared been put on riding probation because any more report from the police to mom. Driving is off. We moved into the junkyard and I'm everyone except Hero sighed in relief to be out of the suffocating space. 

"this place again?" Hailey frowned looking at her boyfriend for explanation. 

"you'll love the place Hailey trust me. There's so much you need to find out. Come on" Nicholas urged and she sighed before following him. Charlie was putting the car in check and Hero was looking a bit lost as usual.

"Hero, are you okay? What did she tell you?" I couldn't help but worry. I knew something was going through Hero's mind and it's starting to make me doubt his loyalty. Was he even loyal to us in the first place? The thought was disturbing and I need to sort it out real quick. 

" she said traitor. She ask me to bring her. The girl or the grand chief will give me pain" Hero sadly interpret and I sighed. 

"I'm sure the prince will protect you" I assured and his eye gleamed in hope. 

"don't worry Hero. You're not in this alone. We are in it together. You're doing this for your kind. Help them realize this place isn't good for them. Don't feel too bad about it. Be confident because this.. Is.. The right thing to do. You are a hero Hero " I sermonized and he raised his head smiling. Didn't know he knew how to do that. 

" you look good when you smile by the way " I remarked making a smile gesture with my finger. His smile grew even bigger. 

" I think we should head inside now" Danny suggested his voice low and expression envious. What? Envious, what was he thinking. I mentally scoffed making my way into the workshop to see Tony cautioning Hailey from touching his gadget. Brian look bored and Tanya seem busy with her Tablet. Charlie passed by me to join Tanya who beamed on seeing him. Lucky them. 

" Hailey we need every information you have on your dad" I informed and she sighed. 

"how can I believe you, you promise to show me an alien first" she snorted and I sighed. I turned to Hero who had finally joined us and heaved a sigh before deciding how to make my request. 

"Hero, can you show us... Real you?" I asked studying his expression closely. Everyone seem to have stopped what they were doing and was now focused on him. Those ripples of embarrassment spreads again gaining Hailey's attention. 

"you have nothing to be afraid or embarrassed of Hero. We are all friends" I assured smiling at him. He returned the smile as his gaze never left mine. We all watched as he took his real form. It was the tentacles that grew first once the six tentacles were out of his head the middle of his head enormously glow green while the rest of body start changing. He shrink a little and the brown T-shirt he had on instantly become baggy and the trousers too, those puppy eyes looked watery as he watched other's horrified expression and whimper. 

"it's alright Hero" I assured stretching out my hand. 

"we are your friends" I assured and he reluctantly stretch out his hand to meet mine. He slowly put his hand in mine while watching me. His pouted lips grew into a strange smile. 

"this cannot be happening" That was Hailey' s last statement before slumping on the floor with a loud thud. Seriously! 

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