Scars of Time

Chapter 12: "Happy after forever"

Hope's POV

As I stepped out of the house, I couldn't help but feel irritated. Instead of using tears as a weapon to make him feel guilty, I unexpectedly found myself feeling sorry for him. He looked really sick, and I genuinely wished he would allow me to stay by his side, so I could take care of him. I'm worried he might collapse again.

I shouldn't have listened to him. It would have been better if I had stayed.

What do I do now? I'm already outside.

I concluded that it was best for me to go, since he didn't want me there.

I hopped into the car and began to drive off.

"I don't care if he collapses...Or dies." I said out loud, however as I pondered over the final statement, a brief pause filled the air.

"Noooo. I can't goooo." I simply cannot bear the thought of something bad happening to him.

With a quick flick of the gear, I shifted my car into reverse and came to a stop in front of the store to purchase medicine, before redirecting my course towards his house.

I knocked on the door but it took a while for it to open, which got me even more worried.

"Where are you? Why are you not opening the door?"

"I was sleeping. Why are you here again?"

"I bought some medicine." I said and held up the bag for him to see.

With complete disregard, he swiftly grabbed them from my hand and proceeded to close the door.

"Let me take care of you. I'll leave as soon as I see that you look better, I swear." I held onto the door, refusing to let it close on me.

His eyes scanned me from top to bottom, as if weighing the decision of whether or not to allow me and then decided to leave the door wide open behind him as he entered inside.

"That means I can come in, right??" I called out eagerly as he casually ignored me and continued on his way.

"That means; do whatever you want."

With a grin on my face , I wasted no time in stepping inside, ensuring to close the door behind me.

Usually, it's me who keeps guys waiting outside my door; yet here I am, happy that this boy let me in. This is what makes him truly unique.

From the moment I laid eyes on him that day, I could tell he was unlike anyone I had ever been with. There was something about him that set him apart from the rest, and I knew right then and there that I would stop at nothing to make him mine.

As soon as I managed to get him to take the medicine, he relaxed and closed his eyes. Concerned about his sweating, I quickly fetched a cloth to tenderly wipe his face, hoping to soothe him.

As my hand moved across his neck, my gaze fell upon a shimmering ring delicately hanging from his necklace. I was taken aback and ceased all movement!

That's the ring he bought that day! That's her ring. And if he is still holding onto it, it's a clear sign that he's still clinging onto the hope of marrying her one day!

Instantly, I retracted my hands from him as if I had accidentally touched something that rightfully belongs to someone else.

While he was in a deep slumber, I seized the opportunity to look around. His house was a sanctuary of memories, filled with photographs and keepsakes that undoubtedly belonged to her.

I found myself unable to control the surge of jealousy that engulfed me, even though I know I have no right to feel that way.

I wanted to be in those photos.

I wanted everything in here to be mine.

I was reminded of a photo a little girl used to hold by her bedside at the orphanage. That was the first time I wanted to be in someone else's place.

Within the frame of that picture, she stood at the center, embraced by two grown-ups whose eyes were filled with adoration and compassion towards her. With a gleam in her eyes, she shared with us that they were the people who were going to adopt her. I was 4 and a half, but I still remember that photo clearly.

Sometimes I wonder where that little girl might be right now.

Were those people really nice parents?!

Did she live a good life?

I hope she didn't, because if she did it would plunge me into even deeper misery than I am currently experiencing. Because if I hadn't met her, I wouldn't have been so excited about getting adopted.

Because of her, I actually thought it was a good thing.

.....................

Time's POV

I was standing right in the center of the road, and I was smiling. I don't even know why I was that happy, but it doesn't matter. I was happy. After a very long time...After forever.

Gently clasped in my hand was a dainty doll that I was planning to give to that girl. I would often catch glimpses of her playing in the park, so I I had made up my mind to ask for her name.

After searching every corner of the orphanage, I finally caught sight of her. She was prettier than usual today. She had on a lovely dress and her hair was beautifully braided.

But suddenly the sky transformed into an abyss of darkness. And there, standing before me, was the haunting visage of my Father, his face twisted into a sinister grin.

With a bone-chilling voice, he whispered, "Is she the one you like?" Fear surged through me, causing my heart to thump rapidly, its beats echoing in my ears.

"NO. I don't like her. Don't do anything to her."

Out of nowhere, a torrential downpour began, drenching everything in its path. I immediately clung onto my father, desperately attempting to restrain his sinister approach towards that girl. I was determined to shield her from his wicked intentions.

"No....Father stop...please..."

With a chilling glare, he stared into my eyes, his hand ominously rising to hit me. I couldn't help but flinch, my eyes instinctively shutting tight, shielding me from the impending terror.

"Time...open your eyes...Time."

I carefully opened my eyes and instead of my dad's face I was met with the beautiful face of Jo.

I let out a sigh of relief as I got up, pulling her into a comforting hug. To my surprise, she hugged me back in comfort.

"It's okay. You're okay now." she assured me, which had a strangely calming effect on me, instantly putting my mind at ease.

I'm okay now.

I can't fathom why that little girl suddenly made an appearance in my dream!

How does my Father find a way into every dream of mine? That was not how that event occurred.

I ended up giving the doll to that girl. A beam of joy spread across her face as she planted a sweet kiss on my cheek. However, before she could utter her name, two individuals swiftly approached and took hold of her hand. It was evident that they were her new parents.

So it was a happy day for her. How did it become so dark in my dreams?!

I hadn't even met Father back then.

"It looks like your fever has gone down. You should take a shower." She suggested, gently pulling away from my embrace.

It was tough for me to release my grip on her, but I understood the importance of letting go before she started feeling uneasy.

That embrace was exactly what I needed and it filled a void within me that nothing else could.

"You're still here?!"

"I made it clear that I can't abandon you when you're feeling unwell. But now, finally, I can take my leave." As she attempted to rise, I firmly grasped her hand, locking eyes with her in an unwavering gaze.

"And I made it clear to you that it was a one-time offer."

With a triumphant grin on her face, she declared, "I already have your keys because I anticipated you would say this!"

I couldn't resist a playful taunt as I waved the keys in front of her stunned expression. "I had a feeling you'd pull that move, so I swiped the keys from your pocket."

"You....that's why you hugged me."

"You weren't complaining."

"Give them back" she demanded but I shielded them from her grasp.

I cunningly kept them out of her reach, concealing them behind my back. This playful act made her stretch and lean over me, attempting to grab them.

The keys were no longer my concern as my attention shifted towards the quickening of my breath. As soon as she became aware, she got up on her feet and fixed her clothes.

After enduring an excruciatingly intense atmosphere, she finally mustered the courage to utter, "I want to go home."

"Alright, alright, I was just messing with you. Let me hop into the shower real quick, and I'll send you back home."

"I don't believe you."

"I'll send you back. Trust me." I said, locking my gaze with hers, hoping to convey my sincerity. And this time, it felt like she finally believed me.

A nod from her confirmed that she was going to wait for me as I went inside to take a shower. And, of course, I made sure to take the keys along for safekeeping.

The moment I turned the doorknob and closed the door, a burst of joy erupted within me, making it impossible to suppress my beaming smile any longer.

I was happy.