A GIFT OF TIME

Episode 28

"why did you stop?" Tanya asked directing the question to my brother who immediately furrowed his brows in annoyance. 

"why would I purposely stop?" Charlie asked trying not to look into the back of the van as he might shoot Tanya a glare for her assumption. 

"I don't know probably to cling again-

" I'm not as low as you think of me Tanya. And I'm definitely not clingy" Charlie sharply retorted. 

"I can't vouch for your second statement" okay I'm annoyed. How could Tanya say that to Charlie. Charlie is like the sweetest boyfriend when he's in love. I can't believe she only think of him as clingy. 

"is that what you really think of me?, clingy?" my brother frowned and Tanya paused as Charlie abruptly turned to look at her at the back of van. 

"I don't know" Tanya's voice made Charlie frown deepened. He was hurt and I could see it on his face. Probably trying not to cry at Tanya's statement. 

"loving you wasn't something Charlie planned. And because he did, he deserve some respect. You need to respect what he feels and caution what you say at him-

"is that what this is. Brother and sister taking me out to give me a f*****g relationship lecture. Sorry I think I'll pass" I really wasn't expecting this from Tanya. Maybe she was good at all things but extremely terrible at using the appropriate words for the appropriate moment. Charlie saw the anger in my expression and held my hand probably to calm me down. Yeah right because I was furious. How could she say that to Charlie. I inhaled and exhaled deeply probably to keep my anger in check because I knew I was so close to snapping. I might snap but I still had to consider my brother's feelings on this. 

"I am quite disappointed Tanya. What the f**k did you see my brother as. A s*x toy?-

" you told her? " Tanya's voice was tainted with disbelief. 

" of course yes he f*****g told me. I'm his sister Tanya " I reminded and she scoffed. 

" if you don't love him, you shouldn't have had s*x with him or give him any hope Tanya. But you don't even know what you want. You kept trying again but still isn't sure of your feelings. I know you like him or maybe I was wrong you were merely lusting for him-

"excuse me I'm not a whore." Tanya retorted sharply. 

"that explains s*x without commitment-

" Claire-

"don't f*****g Claire me Charlie. How could you let her toy with your feelings. I expected more from you. She isn't the only girl in the world. Maybe she doesn't want you just forget about her because she made it f*****g clear" I finally snapped and Charlie flinched at my outburst. Tanya seem taken aback too but she was just were I wanted her. 

"what's my brother worth to you Tanya?. He loved you enough to want to do repeats but chose single. You have no ounce of feelings for him do ya? I can't believe you. I was expecting more. Clingy?" I scoffed finding it hard to believe she just said that. How could she call my brother clingy?, Unbelievable. 

" you make it sound like it's a crime to love you Tanya." I concluded glaring at her for her stupid act. Then I realize Nicholas was in the van with us. I was not in the mood for silly talks but I do want to hit the road soon probably because I wasn't comfortable staying any other minute with Tanya. 

" can you figure out what's wrong with the repulser?" I turned to Nick and he nodded, reluctantly moving out of the van. I climbed down moving to the engine compartment with him. 

"That's good thing you did back there. Putting up for your brother. It's really impressive" Nicholas remarked eyes fixed on the car which engine cover was already raised for removing the repulser. 

"I would do that for anyone. Tanya was clearly a stereotype. Expected more from her" I sighed helping him in getting the damn thing off the vehicle. 

"do you mind grabbing the tool box for me?" Nicholas implored meeting my gaze for the first time. But it wasn't long enough for any effect as I break away from the locked gaze to move back into the van. I disregarded Tanya's sullen presence and grab the toolbox. 

" here it is "I announce to Nicholas who grabbed a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. He did some unscrewing exposing the setting of the repulser. 

" I thought Danny said this would work, why isn't it working?" I asked turning to no one in particular. 

" maybe it could have if Danny and Brian had done more test, probably take the repulser put of the building to really know. We were using the large repulser back in the penthouse. Do you think Danny-"I flinched as Nicholas suddenly slammed the wrench on the car edge. 

" Danny, Danny, Danny" he complained meeting my gaze. 

"you love me. Only me Claire" Nicholas emphasized cupping my neck with his rough palms. 

"I... I... I love Danny" I stuttered and he scoffed. 

"you don't look so confident about it. The Claire I know was always confident and buoyant in her decision. Why stutter Claire?. Why do you have that doting look in your eyes when you look at me if you truly love Danny?" I gulped at his question. It was quite confusing. I love Nicholas. Both of them. The complete and the incomplete. But this Nicholas without his memories of the future isn't complete to me. I want them together. In one body? As selfish as it may sound that's what I wanted. I suck in a breath as he pulled me closer such that I'm resting on him. Closing the proximity between us. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I watch him. 

"you have a girlfriend" I pointed out for him. That was a dumb attempt I know but I just couldn't think of anything else. I was a genius but I was completely lost of words at his action. He was getting jealous of himself as much as I wish I could tell him everything to solve this mess once and for all I can't. What about Nicole, Mr Nathaniel, Mrs. Evens. It wasn't right to let them know the mess the aliens had created. Nicholas after studying me for a while released me and focus on fixing the repulser. 

"I'll deal with her but until then. You're mine Claire-

" I'm not yours Nick. Don't get me wrong. This is supposed to happen. You have to wait until Hailey cheat on you-" I frowned on realizing what I just said. 

" Hailey cheated on me? "he asked meeting my eyes briefly. 

" that's what you told me in the future though. But Nick, you really have to stop mixing things up. This is the past not the future. Right now we are not supposed to have feelings for each other, don't you get it-

"I can't help it Claire. I love you. And I'm not scared to say it. Not when I know you love me too" his words made goosebumps rose on me. There was no way I could make him understand without telling him. I sighed and watch as he switch on the repulser. It worked for some minutes and stopped again. Then again. For every time it works the van's headlight shone but immediately it died down. It also died. 

"how's your aunt by the way? I'm quite surprised you didn't mention anything about her since we arrived here" I observed. 

"she went to visit her son in Denver. My cousin is a doctor. He could help her with her health condition. She thought she'll be safer staying there" Nicholas informed and I nodded watching as he tried to make the repulser work. And with one final touch it whirl to live. I sighed as the headlights remained on this time. I helped him pack up the tool box but he gave me a sharp kiss before making his way into the Van and I followed after recovering from the shock of his sudden action only to meet Tanya straddling my brother during a hot heated make out session. I groaned slamming my palm across my face. 

"he just never listen" I muttered as Tanya paled on our appearance and made her way to where I was originally seated. 

"I should be sitting there-

" Claire" my brother called giving me a warning then an apologetic look. I groaned annoyingly butting the bench behind the driver's seat at the back of the van whilst folding my hands in annoyance. Charlie resumed driving smiling dotingly at Tanya once in a while. We got to the convenience store to purchase bulk things drawing attention from people in the store. We didn't really park close to the store since we were afraid the car might draw unnecessary attention but our cat didn't. Our bulk buying did and it draw attention because we were there with cash which we had managed to safe before electricity sap out. The salesman was listening to a one-way radio. An antenna radio. Old system. The government must have figured it's the only to communicate with the people. Like my past life. The government still haven't figured out who invaded us and what type of invasion it is. I wasn't shocked. They were too slow to comprehend everything and most of us ended up dying for it. 

"you don't need a walkie-talkie?" the salesman advertised showing us several packages of walkie-talkie. 

"why do we need those?" I asked furrowing my brows in question and he frowned giving me a skeptical look at my question. Why is he being incredulous about it. It was just a question. I wondered studying the man for a while. 

"you know, since the phone isn't working. The walkie-talkie is one of the gadgets that's still works. You might need those for communication" the sandy blonde man probably in his late 40's informed. Even his mustache was sandy blonde. 

"thanks" I muttered moving to the walkie-talkie section. It's actually occupied a shop shelf. 

"4000$?" I exclaimed before Tanya pushed her shopping cart to my side. 

"don't mind them. It's one of the essential needs now that's why it's so expensive. Just ignore it we don't need it" Tanya suggested but I decided to ignore her instead of the walkie-talkie. 

"Claire" she called but I didn't mind her. I decided to ignore her again. I seriously don't wanna talk to her. I'm still freaking upset at her. I consider her attempt to start a conversation with me foolish. 

"Claire I'm talking to you" she held my hand and I couldn't help but give her the attention she seeks this time. 

"What is it Tanya? Haven't I made it obvious enough?, I don't wanna talk to you" I jacked her hands of me and decided to head away but her confession shocked me. 

"I love Charlie Claire...I swear I really do. It's just. I had a boyfriend" okay this is interesting I thought slowly turning to her with a straight face. 

"I wanted to have him but I wanted him to just... Give me some time to sort things out with Freddie" Tanya revealed and I scoffed. 

"you should be telling him that. And one advice, you have no idea what we are going to face with the alien invasion. Don't expect much." I advised moving away from her. After leaving the convenience store. We head for the grocery store. And after that we head to the pharmacy and we left there to biggest of our lives. 

" you've got to be kidding me? " I muttered as I saw someone trying to steal her car but immediately he saw us, he pointed a g*n at us to hand over the keys. 

"I'm going to own the only car that works doing this crisis" the psycho with the bleached blonde hair chuckled and I rolled my eyes. 

"didn't you know. Lights back on and the cars are now working... Ours is not the only car that works. Look at that one opened " Tanya pointed to one of the abandoned cars opened at the other side of the street. The man reluctantly turned his gaze and in one swift action Tanya hit him in the jaw and took away his g*n. 

" stealing is bad loser " Tanya said kicking his face and knocking him out in the process. 

"wow, an AK rifle. Tanya observed studying the weapon she had picked up from the man who was now sprawled on the floor obviously unconscious. 

" He could do a better job next next time. Let's go Tanya " Charlie smiled pecking Tanya but I rolled my eyes immediately my eyes met with hers. The psycho man wasn't the only man that saw us using the track and it made many more man hiking the road run after our car shocked it was working. I understand because I've been there. My brother speed up and soon we were sauntering down to the villa. Then up to the the penthouse. 

"thanks goodness you're back, how was it?" Danny asked immediately I moved into the door with a bag full of supplies. 

"I have supplies in my hand Danny" I notified trying to move up my ladened eyes up for him to see but it was too heavy. 

"sorry let me help with that" he offered taking the two bags from me. 

"and thanks for asking, the car stopped a meter away from the villa. Trust me. Not a good thing" I informed following Danny to the store which was still quite full if you ask me. 

"I thought mom said we were running low on supplies. This isn't anywhere near low." I voiced staring at the boxes full of different stuffs. It was all unpacked. How could mom still ask to get more groceries?. I groaned as Danny fill up another empty box with supplies. He chuckled lightly at my act of inconvenience. 

" hey you're back already. Are you not?" Danny asked moving close to give me a sharp but toe curling kiss. 

"we have something to show you. Come" Danny urged me to the hallway leading to the living room. We passed by Nicholas and my heart leaped at the cold gaze he gave me while walking past me but I didn't get to dwell on it as I appeared in the living room where Mr Stewart, Mr Anderson, Mr Robinson and my Dad and other's had assembled. 

"Claire. We were finally able to get it together. The Oz-aim from the world ozone aim. We made this g*n" Mr Stewart presented a g*n similar to a machine g*n but unfamiliar barrels. Then I noticed the ozone tube fitted perfectly inside. 

"this is an ozone shooter and it is designed only to face the aliens. It wouldn't do any similar damage to human" Mr Stewart explained but their voice sounded far. I knew that moment I was no more there with them. I was drifting again. I felt myself slipping out of consciousness and before I knew it. I was in the similar field with my little alien field. Funny enough he wasn't that little anymore. 

"Good to see you Claire. You are taking too long on stopping the driller. Why are you hesitating Claire?" The prince asked. 

"you really can't be expecting me to walk out there without knowing what we are dealing with and perfectly preparing for it" I quirked studying my anxious alien friend. I wonder why he was so anxious about it. 

"Claire we do not have much time. The second attack is closing in and a lot of your people will die. You have not make any move in forcing my uncle down the ship. The only place that could make him vanish is the center of the earth and he knew it. That is why he is destroying it. You have to stop him Claire. Be quick about it Claire. My uncle is moving faster than you know it. They are about moving the driller " his voice trailed as I found myself fully awake when everyone was clapping at the older man for their accomplishments shocking because I didn't feel any pain this time and that was my fastest recovery. 

" Um Claire "Tony called snapping me out if my reverie. 

" yes" I abruptly answered tuning to Tony's direction too distracted to ponder on who called me. 

"just wanted to inform you I finally got the structure. It's just like any oil drilling machine we know. It's had it hoisting system, the rotary table-

" why don't you save me the talk Tony and tell me how to stop it? "I asked feeling my heart pound against my chest all of a sudden. 

" you just have to cut the wire connecting the mud cycling device to the electric drive and to the hoisting system. But there's something different in this structure though. It's a rotational fan like an elephant ear just bigger. It is connected to the drill string. That massive thing could sink the whole Sahara if we are not careful" Tony explained and I nodded. 

"thanks Tony and that's why we leaving now" I patted him and he blinked furiously before registering my words. 

"what-

" Mr Stewart how many of those have you made? "I asked somewhat impatient, anxious and nervous. 

" three" Mr Stewart replied quite doubtful but I don't think I was ready to ask him in certainty. That will just be enough. 

"Charlie, Hero, Danny, Brian, Tony, Tanya. We are leaving now" I informed setting my pistol and digging it into my jeans. 

"leaving where?-

" what about us?" Nicole and Hailey asked at the same time. 

" maybe when you excel in your self defense classes we would go together on dangerous trips like this. Guys we need to stop the drillers. The prince just told me the moving is about to start. 

" what? How?"Charlie asked sounding a little confused because during my communication with the alien friend I always passed out. 

" I know it's shocking but it's true. We need to get going now" I insisted and they all hastily start to pack. 

"Claire. I've managed to make 20 ozone tubes and I'm still making more. I'll get you those I've made. Be careful Claire. Your mom is resting right now but I'll tell her you'll be fine. Take care dove" my dad smiled hugging and planting a kiss on my head before I made my way out with others. 

"why do Hero need to come with us. The dude can't really do anything?" Brian asked walking past me with a box of weapons in his hands while he head to the van. 

"you'll be surprised what he can do" I muttered moving into the van. I wish I do not have to go out in that van again. I was exhausted and wish I could have a nice rest. But we needed to stop the drill from moving to Egypt. There was no way I was going to Egypt to stop it. I could only do as much. There's a big chance the whole Gaza pyramid might be forced to sink because according to Mr Anderson's research they might be a massive water body deep under the pyramid. All they need was just that giant driller. And if the whole Sahara is forced to sink. We might never be able to stop the greedy Ghafil. Not so easy I thought. After some meditation I figured I was sure to go to Egypt sooner or later. We have to get the greedy alien uncle there. Not cool though but if it was gonna ensure a peaceful home for my family. I was willing to do it and do it again.

"here's the satellite picture of the driller and here's the sketch of the structure" Tony informed passing two pictures to me in the front seat to go through. 

"why is the fan so huge?" I asked studying the elephant ear structure at the drill string. 

"I don't know but I have a feeling it's not so good. Claire, for you to stop that thing you have to climb it and move inside the chambers of the hoisting system. It's huge and you might be able to fit in. You will need some tools which it won't be easy taking with you to cut it-

"I'm going with her" Danny volunteered. 

"me too" Nicholas added and both boys nodded. Not really my day. But there was another surprise in store. 

"I will go with you" Hero's voice had all of us staring in surprise. 

"they will sense you. The guardians will sense you. I will cover your scent" he explained and I wish he had used guards instead because I don't feel too good with the world he used. 

"o.. Okay, that's settled" I said nodding though I still don't feel comfortable going on a sabotage mission with the three boys that likes me! 

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