Scars of Time

Chapter 38: "A face to hate"

Hope's POV

It's absolutely ridiculous!

The elderly woman I encountered that day is making the audacious claim of being our grandmother. As if we didn't have our fair share of family until now. Time seemed to be shaking because he was so furious. And he has every right to be.

Does she think she can come into our lives just like that? Just because she has a document in her hands!

Maybe she heard that we were rich, that's why she decided to show up.

It sickens me to remember how she had the nerve to hug me and provide comfort, all while pretending she had no knowledge of who I am.

Time mercilessly grabbed hold of her arm and forcefully pulled her out of the door.

"Do not even think about coming back here. This is private property. If you dare to set foot here again, I won't hesitate to contact the police."

"Time, please at least let me explain."

"Don't you dare utter my name, as if you know me." Time stared at her with a profound sense of disgust, while she turned to face me, hoping that I would help.

"Hope get inside. And don't open the door to anyone."

I nodded in response and promptly made my way indoors as instructed. However, a sudden change of mind took hold. The intense sobbing of the old lady behind me compelled me to come to a standstill and turn back.

I really want to know the reason.

"Where are our parents?" I asked curiously, which made Time shoot a deadly look towards me.

"I said get the hell inside, Hope! he snapped, and begrudgingly accompanied me indoors, but only after confirming that she had finally left.

"Get ready. You're coming with me." He said and I damn well knew that when Time is raging, you better not question his orders. So, I got ready without any idea of where I was going.

He drove me to a house I didn't seem to recognise. After ringing the bell, the door swung open, and I was surprised to see Josephine behind it.

With a hint of concern in her tone, she inquired, "Is something wrong? Why did you ask me to come home urgently?" It seemed like he had already given her a call before coming.

"Can she stay with you today?"

"She can...but what's wrong?!"

"Something important came up, and she is sick, so I can't leave her alone."

After she agreed, he wasted no time and left right away. Meanwhile, I remained perplexed, unsure of what I was suposed to do. They talked and understood each other as if my opinion didn't matter.

I'd rather be home alone.

"You can make yourself comfortable" Josepine assured me before disappearing to fetch a warm blanket for me. I forgot I was even sick because of the shock I had to overcome earlier.

Our grandmother appeared!!!!

Someone from our literal blood. How crazy is that?!

"I took the day off work, so I'll be home today. Feel free to ask if you need anything" she said as she made her way towards her room.

"Josepine. Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you have a grandmother?"

"I've never had the chance to meet her in person but my parents have always painted vivid pictures of her through their stories. They always speak of her with such fondness, describing her as a truly wonderful lady who would have been overjoyed to meet me. It's often said that grandparents have a special affection for their nieces and nephews, even more so than for their own children. That's why I really wish I had met her.

But why do you ask?"

"Just curious."

"Oh okay. I'll go get changed. Call me if you need anything." She informed me and walked into her room.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as I listened to her story. It must be comforting to know that you are cherished, regardless of any circumstances. Her words made me reconsider the idea of meeting my own grandmother. I know Time would never allow it, but I want to talk to her at least once. We are owed an explanation. I don't care if it's a good or a bad one.

I want to know why I had to endure everything I've been through.

I need a face to hate.

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

Alex's POV

This is the exact reason why I never take time off from work. I was just lounging around at home, feeling utterly bored, when it dawned on me that Jo had requested me to pick up her stuff the other day.

Without a second thought, I embarked on the task, starting with her clothes.

Nial is hardly ever in town, but even on the rare occasions when he is, he chooses to stay at his girlfriend's house for the majority of his time. So Jo used to come over whenever she wanted. We mostly hung out at her house, but it seems like we also spent a considerable amount of time here because I never realized she had so many stuff left behind.

It's understandable that she wanted to take them back since half of her wardrobe was still here.

I might have some of my stuff at her place as well, so perhaps I should go and collect them instead of inconveniencing her to bring them to me.

But, I wonder what Hope is up to these days! I've been searching for a valid excuse to reach out to her, but it's disheartening to think that she may not even care about me anymore.

Doesn't she wonder what I'm doing?

I decided to look up her social media. Maybe she has posted something there. Unfortunately, her account was set to private, so I took a chance and sent her a request, which she promptly declined.

Did she really just ignore me?!! Aren't we friends!

Annoyed, I decided to search for Time, and his account was public, although he only had one post. It was a photo of a scenery that looked familiar for some reason. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but it really felt like I had been there before.

While browsing, I stumbled upon a few fan accounts dedicated to him. Although they didn't have that many followers, people still knew him enough to make videos about him. His dad used to be famous though and his funeral became a big hit all over the country. There were some clips from his funeral too on this account.

I decided to look at the videos because I had nothing else to do anyway. All of them were of Time, but there was a particular one of Hope.

"The one that can bring a smile on his face." was the caption, and it was the only video where he was smiling proudly while attentively listening to Hope talking about something.

It made me admire their relationship a little more. He could do anything to protect her, and now I know the reason why.

I wish I had someone who cared about me the same way they care about each other.

Would I be a different person if I had a sibling?! Maybe I have one somewhere, but I doubt the people who let me in a dumpster when I was four months old would raise another child if they had one.

They are not capable of human emotions, let alone raising a child.