A GIFT OF TIME

Episode 9

"How can you say that Charlie?" I was gritting my teeth in anger now. I mean he knew I wanted dad safe more than anything. How could he challenge me like that. He knew just how much dad mattered to me and he still ask me that stupid question.

"How can I not say that. We are supposed to find a way to save him, to bring him home not you smooching around with your long lost love-

"Charlie!" I literally screamed his name. He sighed studying me closely. I couldn't hold back in my anger anymore and when I can't. I cry. A funny cry too. It's an attitude of mine. I broke down into a sobs unable to take the pain and the hurt I felt by Charlie words. Danny stood and bring me into his arms.

"It wasn't her fault Charlie. She was crying when I came up, trembling and trying to figure out what to do. All I did was to calm her down and I'm sorry if that makes you mad. But I want you to see her effort here. She's going through enough here. Give her some credit" Nick sneered at Charlie who merely nodded and leave. I knew he was still mad but I was more upset. How could he say that to me?, I was upset really but not for very long, because rested on Danny's frame while sitting on my bed got my cells retiring from the days work. All I felt was my rigid body hitting something soft and I could tell it was Nick laying me to bed as my eyes was closed. I heard the fictions of fabric and I felt my covers move to my body and I knew it was Nick covering me up. He was still a gentleman that he is. I opened my eyes. Immediately I heard the door cringe closed. I turned on my phone recorder just in case I go alien informer again but fortunately. I had a good rest and I woke up late. Past dinner. My stomach also complained with a slight grumble and next I knew I was sauntering downstairs. I met my mom and Charlie in a heated argument. Obviously about that's issue of coming home.

Mom wouldn't allow it and it was certain but my brother feared for him. He was scared and he wanted to save him.

"You can't have me calling your dad to come home except you've got a reason. Why? Why? Why?, I've been asking you that for hours now. Don't push it if you've got no reasons Charlie" my mom's annoyed voice came blaring alarms.

"You want reasons mom?" I asked and both turn attention to look at me on the stairs my face straight and void of any emotions whatsoever.

"Yeah?" my mom replied in a voice that says 'isn't it obvious?' of course it was obvious she wanted a reason why. Mom's red hair was pulled behind her in a ponytail, the hair band playing the role was quite obvious and the bangs she had was neatly trimmed such that it was showing off her perfectly metallic Grey eyes. She had her hand pressing firmly on her waist showing all seriousness. She was in a purple fitted shirt and black jeans which was very baggy at the edges. Perfect mom like dressing I must admit. I heaved a heavy sigh as I finally made my way down to face my mom.

"It has a reason mom" I told her and she arched her brows like she knew but wanted more details.

"And-

"What are you doing Claire? "my brother asked arching his brows at me in question.

"She wanted a reason Charlie. We should give her one" I replied my brother briefly turning to her.

"Claire!" my brother called out in protest not quite much in support of me sputtering to my mom what awaits us by the end of the week.

"Mom, the reason is... There is likely to be a blackout in the whole world and Dad might be trapped down in Korea forever-

"You don't know that" my mom voice showed every ounce of disbelief she had in her.

"Yeah I do know that" I corrected.

"And how do you know Carla?" I groaned at the name. It was my middle name. Because I was referred as dad's little angel, so when mom is taunting me she used it.

"Mom you have got to trust us on this. My brother and I kinda stumbled upon it on the internet. Mom please" I cooed moving close to my mom hoping to coax her into believing us.

"Okay but on one condition. If the blackout did not happen. You both are going to be in a very big trouble" my mom wagered.

"What's the stake?" my brother asked eyebrows shot up in question.

"I'll be thinking about it" my mom said before grabbing the house cell and dialed dad's phone.

"I don't know why I'm even believing you two. You had better be right about this" my mom grumbled as she pace the sitting room waiting for dad to pick his phone.

"Hey love" my mom said into the phone grinning widely.

"No, not at all. Everything's good" my mom gave a nervous smile.

"Nah, she's fine honey. She's doing alright" she was smiling dotingly now briefly meeting my eyes. I wonder how they managed to be so in love after so many years.

"How's your research going honey?" my mom asked and I felt anxiousness course through me. Wasn't only me in that boat, Charlie was nervously tapping his feet.

"The central research facility got sunk?" my mom questioned eyes furrowed deeply now.

"What about your research?" my mom twitched her lips in anxiousness.

"On hold?" my mom asked as if finding it hard to believe.

"Okay, well I was wondering if you could come home early for Claire's birthday, she'll be very upset if you don't make it" that got me exchanging look with my brother. My birthday wasn't until weekend, well it's a good thing. At least my dad was going to be here.

"Yeah of course, her birthday is this month.. Yeah it is" my mom cooed and I stifled a giggle at the way her lips slightly pout.

"Both want you to come home sooner" my mom informed.

"I understand honey. Two days is it" my mom finalized meeting my brothers and I curious gazes.

"Okay, love you too honey" my mom concluded her conversation with my dad finally lifting done the phone from her ear and I felt relief wash over me.

"So when your dad comes home you cannot tell him I lied about your birthday. He never recalls anyway. And you better be right about the blackout you warn off" she muttered and tried to head away.

"Actually mom. My birthday is this weekend" I reminded and my mom froze.

"Is it?" my mom asked for clarity and I arched a brow at her.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart. It totally skipped my mind" my mom apologized softly brushing my hair with her hand.

"I'm so sorry honey, I always thought your dad was the forgetful one" my mom chuckled and I couldn't help but smile.

"And that's why you two are perfect for each other" Charlie was headed upstairs now.

"I'll take that as a compliment" my mom glared at my brother at that and I chuckled.

"Thanks mom" I pouted hugging her briefly before moving to the kitchen to get myself something to eat because I was literally starving. I went through my text messages while eating. I saw a text from Danny and I felt myself blushed. He just wanted to know who I was and how I was doing now. He added he wanted me to be fine and if there's anything he could do to help he was willing. I threw a smile emoji in reply before finally telling him I was okay and also sorting everything out with mom. There was no reply so I concluded he might be asleep.

I went inside the kitchen do the dishes before heading back upstairs. I was seated in my room and on my chair researching about any recent changes to the world at large. There hasn't been any strange sightings but there were so many occurrences that warn of the apocalypse that I couldn't ignore. The abnormal rising of the tides at sea. The frenzy weather. The persistent rain. Everything was a warning to me. I printed out few stuffs from the internet and clipped them to the shelf of my books. My eyes caught on a article which an astrology professor released about eight days ago but trying to get the into the site and generate the article I realized it had been taken down. I wasn't bothered though. I texted Tony about the article and he asked for me to send the link which I gladly did. I was wrote down own few things that might actually get us more clues on the alien because I was unsure how they come to know about us. I mean, they must have been studying us for long before they figured we cannot do without water, food and air. I mean they were completely using our life sources at us got me wondering how they know all that about us. There. Was something more to it I was certain. I was too lost in what I was doing and jumped when my brother called my name to drawn my attention.

"Why are you so distant?" he asked gently spreading the work sheets on my table to see. What I was up to.

"Nothing. Just making more findings" I simply replied and Charlie sighed.

"Claire, about earlier... I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said that to you, that was not very considerate of me-

"Charlie" I called interrupting whatever he had to say left.

"It's alright. I understand, this whole thing is riling us up. I know you just wanted dad to be safe" I smiled and he returned the smile warmly.

"Thanks Claire" Charlie softly let out and I nodded watching him leave. I changed into my pj's after a warm shower making my way to bed but not without switching on my recorder. I gripped the sheets in a vice as I felt myself slipping into somewhere unfamiliar. I saw a very large ship hovering right on top of land but it stayed right in place. I could feel very part of me and I could think. I briefly scanned the surroundings and realized nothing but plants surrounded the area. I walked moving closer to the ship. Until I got to a huge rock and saw similar figure of the alien that had approached me. But they were different just like humans. Some had bigger heads, larger nose, smaller eyes. There were some distinct features about them but they were exactly the same. I found another way around the ship and headed towards it. But it was so huge, the walk made my leg heat up. I found myself facing two aliens. I seriously had no idea they were gonna see me. I tried to run but it was useless as I turned to face the bumpy huge alien the little one had being trying to hide me away from. He had a ridiculous and mischievous smile on his extremely reduced mouth which the hole was no bigger than an asshole. Thinking of it it does look like an asshole. It was relatively squeezed shot and flexes with every movement. I had no idea he was talking until the two alien holding my hand in place tightened their grip around my arm. The place would be bruised I thought. But I didn't thought it will show the mark. Their greenish color tainted my skin. Just that moment I saw the little alien that had always protected me came with a, gush they had a woman. I mean I could tell by the multiple number of tentacles on her head and her chest was heavier. Another discovery they had the mammalian gland. It was completely obvious under the shredded material she used to cover her body. She had long lashes and she was more slender compared to the huge bumpy aliens surrounding me. She had something I would have called gold tappings if I wasn't next to giant ship. It was around her extremely pointy ear.

"Hahums" she called me the same name the other alien had called me the first time he sensed me. I think I'll let that be humans. Then they started to have conversation and I saw the little alien whom I had suddenly grown fond of eyes darkened. He was talking back at the huge one now and suddenly he looked over at me and I felt pulverized. The pain I felt was excruciating. But I was glad to wake up right that moment. Charlie and Danny were in my room and I could hear my mom talking right in front of my room.

"Mom she's awake" my brother informed loudly and my mom rushed in heaving a heavy sigh of relief.

"I'm so glad you're okay sweetie. Your heartbeat seized again. I got scared" my mom revealed and I smiled happy I was back with them.

"I wish you'd stop scaring us like that, you didn't wake up for the past 2hours we've been calling you. You got us all riled up Claire" Charlie expression was exanimate and voice despondent. I know how hard it was for him to think that I might one day sleep and not wake up but it was what had to be done.

"I'll be fine Charlie" I assured not able to stop the tear I had slipping off my cheek. Danny caught it and I smiled.

"Claire, did you noticed that?" my brother pointed to my wrist after mom went outside to cancel for the ambulance that had delayed coming to get me after I refused to wake up. I looked down to my wrist to see the green color which had tainted my white skin. This is not good.

"We'll talk about it when we meet the team" I shrugged hoping it was nothing poisonous.

"Are you sure it's fine, what's that by the way? Looks like fungus?" Nicholas frowned and I cackled at the look on his face.

"I'll be good boys, now do me a favor and let me get dressed. I can't believe you have to see my bedroom figure-

"I see it all the time" Charlie scoffed and I frowned at him before both decided to leave.

I had just finished dressing up for the day and ready to go out when Danny moved inside.

"Nich" I called softly as he suddenly and slowly wrapped his hand around my waist getting more flushed.

"You scared me Claire, you scared me a lot Claire. I'm not going to lose you again. If this is the only life I have left to live I want you in it" he muttered his forehead meeting mine.

"I know you feel the same way for me back at camp and I knew something was holding you back. I won't let it hold us back anymore. Date me Claire?" his confession was soft and appealing, quite tempting if I was asked.

"Nick" I called out, though I wanted it to sound like a protest but it came out merely as a soft groan. He grunted and lean in to take my lips in his. His hands pulled me so close to him that I felt even air couldn't pass through. I moaned to his lips before slipping my hand around his neck and responding to his kiss. No matter how much I tried to convince myself that he was using Danny's body, I couldn't stop myself from wanting more of him. Nick had me wrapped around his little finger. I loved him and there was no denying it. I slowly allowed him to take dominance as his tongue pushed through into my mouth. I didn't know if he was the one who tasted strawberry and Vanilla or Danny but it got me craving for more. I was completely out of breath by the time he pulled away. We were both panting heavily like we'd just run some meters race but I was still completely trapped in his arms.

"Date me Claire. If this is the only chance I have left then screw it. I want it with you" his language got me chuckling.

"I love you Claire" he confessed and I deliberated for a while before replying him.

"I love you too Nick" I revealed and he hugged me tighter.

"Charlie told me you were going to see Tony?" Nick asked pulling the escaping strands of my hair to the back of my ear as he stared intensely into my eyes.

"Yes, you should tag along too. He texted me the address of Brian's garage. It's where we are headed. Since you need to join the team" I informed and he smiled.

"Yeah, I should" he replied with a light smile.

"How's Danny by the way?" I asked and he sighed.

"Not very happy if I'm to be honest. I'm taking too much control and he doesn't really like it" Nicholas informed as I lead him out of my room and downstairs to my brother who was extremely concentrated on the crisps in his hands.

"You ready?" my brother asked dropping the packets of crisps on the dining table and I nodded.

"Nicholas I mean Danny, is tagging along with us" I informed my brother who was now at the door ready to go out.

"Good to know" that was all Charlie managed to say before we exited the house. Fortunately mom was at work and we didn't have to pass through any interrogation about where we were going. The drive was quite short maybe because we hardly talked. I realized just how big the auto garage was after passing by the gates.

"Wow, this is huge" Charlie commented and I smiled. I wasn't the only one gushing about the place. Nicholas was the only one who doesn't really look surprised.

"You've been here?" I found myself asking.

"Should I remind you I'm Brian's best friend. You don't have to give me GPS to get the place. It's Brian's and I best spot. We crash here all the time. Anytime neither of us wanna go home. I doubt he'll show you guys his auto room. Well, we call it that because Brian built it from auto scraps " Nicholas explained and I giggled but Charlie wasn't so surprised.

"He said he'll be in the auto workshop" I read the message which had dinged my phone right out my Jean pockets.

"I know where that is... Follow me" Nicholas beckoned and we did as told. We trailed behind Nicholas passing by mounted car scraps and junks. Not a pleasant sight.

"Here's the entrance, be careful you might need to pull that chain for the door to open" Nicholas informed pointing to a chain which was hanging right on the wall above the door.

"Charlie" I abruptly turned to my brother who flinched at my sudden action.

"Yes?" he answered an eyebrow arched at me in question.

"You cannot tell the team about Danny Nick. He's Danny. My boyfriend and our neighbor" that got the two of them looking at me with bewilderment.

"Okay...okay. Hold on a second, you're dating now?" my brother asked with the shock never leaving his face.

"Excuse me for a second Danny" I said pulling my brother to a out-of-hearing distance.

"Charlie. I told you what I regretted most before dying was not reciprocating Nick's feelings for me back at camp. I'm not letting it happen again. I don't have much time left but I can as well spend it with the person I love" my brother paled at that. I want going to pretend I wasn't close to my death. I died once. As much as I don't want to do it again I have no choice. My brother nodded giving me an assuring smile.

"Carry on Claire. Be happy" my brother assured hugging me briefly. Seriously I wasn't going to care if Nick was in someone else's body. As long as he knows I love him too. It was enough. I smiled on meeting his curious gaze after I returned to our earlier spot with Charlie. I knew he was refraining himself from asking what we discussed about but he didn't mind and returned the smile warmly. Pulling the chain we heard metals clicking and soon the door was unlocked and we finally made our way in. The music blasting in the stereo hit me first. That's definitely Brian's work. I met Nick's eyes and gave a shy smile before meeting that of Tony and Brian.

"They are here" Tony announced and Tanya emerged from the other end of the garage. All that was in the workshop was equipment and two wrecked cars.

"hey, glad you're here" Tanya said before meeting my brother's gaze. Did she just blushed? I couldn't tell as a result of her chocolate skin but I knew those two had an attraction which I wasn't ready to dwell on.

Took me some time before realizing the haughty look Nick was giving Danny. What did I expect. He looked back at me with a curious expression probably expecting an explanation or an introduction.

"Um everyone" I called everyone's attention which seem to me it was already on me.

"This is Danny. My neighbor, a classmate, and my boyfriend" I introduced and turned to Charlie who had his jaw down. Seriously, I told him already why the shocked look. Maybe he want expecting me to be that blunt.

"This guy, right here is your boyfriend?" Nick asked and I watched as both boys exchanged dangerous look. I really hope this was going to go well. If looks could kill, both of them would be some feet below dirt.

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