Scars of Time

Chapter 39: "Astor"

Jo's POV

Time called and he seemed to be a little worried. He asked if I could come home but he wasn't joking or demanding. He really seemed like he needed something from me.

But why did he ask to meet at my house?

I asked for permission and I made my way back home, eagerly awaiting his arrival. It didn't take him much time to show up, and as I opened the door, I was taken aback to find him accompanied by Hope.

"Is something wrong?" I asked right off the bet. He didn't look okay.

He asked me if Hope could stay at my house, and of course I had to accept. But what I really wanted to do was follow him. He wouldn't tell me where he was going even if I asked. He only said something had come up.

I handed Hope a cozy blanket and excused myself to change into fresh clothes. I wonder what could be so important that he had to bring her to my house. Stepping outside, I noticed a flicker of concern in Hope's eyes, as if something troubled her deeply.

"Hope. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. You don't have to worry. I'm not that sick, but Time likes to exaggerate things. I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"No worries. You're not disturbing me at all. You hosted me the other day, so it's good to be able to return the favour."

Then thank you for accepting me. Even though I'm here against my will."

A chuckle escaped me upon hearing her statement. She tries to act cool even in this state. She can't even raise a finger without getting tired, yet she was sitting all neatly on the couch, trying to remind me that she doesn't like me.

The other day at the hospital, I may have been a bit tough on her. There's something she said that day that has been echoing in my mind ever since. She told me that their last name was their witness.

There is clearly something neither of them wants to talk about. I saw Time's body full of scars that day and I still have no idea how they happened. Then they had an intruder at their house where both got hurt. Clearly, it's something to do with that last name. And I have to admit, I was quick to judge without knowing them at all.

Maybe I should try to be friends with both of them for real this time. Maybe I should try to understand.

" Did something happen to you today? Time seemed to be bothered by something, and he wouldn't have brought you here if something hadn't happened."

"Our grandmother appeared today." she declared, leaving me completely bewildered as to why it was such a big deal.

"She is someone we've never met before."

"Oh, it must be weird to see a face you've never seen before claiming you are related" I'm sure their situation is different but I couldn't help but imagine myself in their place.

"It is weird" she said and let out a deep sigh.

"Why haven't you met her before? Didn't your parents talk to her?"

"Josephine. Time and I were adopted."

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

Time's POV

Right after leaving Hope in Jo's care, I hurriedly made my way to the hospital.

How could everything gather at once?! Can't I deal with one problem at a time please?!

Why would that woman show up all of a sudden?! What does everyone want from us?! Why can't they leave us alone?

Driven by determination, I raced towards the room where Evan Astor was lying. But my progress was abruptly halted as I collided with Scott, who promptly blocked my path, denying me entry.

"Time. Calm down first. Breathe."

"Let me go."

"Let me talk to you first. He can't run anywhere anyway."

"Let me go Scott."

"TIME" he shouted, his voice echoying all the way to the end of the corridor. Everyone started staring at us, which made him straighten his clothes and put on a professional front.

"Don't make me shout. This is a hospital. Calm down first."

I decided to listen but my mind was inside that room.

"He opened his eyes earlier but he is still paralysed. He can't talk and can't move at all. More importantly, he can't hurt you."

I looked inside his eyes, searching for a glimpse of a lie which I couldn't find.

'He can't hurt us' that was the word I wanted to hear. But why couldn't I believe it at all? Only the fact that he is alive is a threat to us. I've lied to everyone that he was dead. Most importantly, I'd lied to Hope so she could sleep in peace. But I haven't been able to sleep peacefully even one single night without fearing this day would arrive.

He woke up, instantly bringing all of my haunting nightmares crashing back into the realm of reality.

"Then let me see it with my own eyes." I said, and Scott made sure I wouldn't do anything stupid before moving out of the way to let me go.

I entered the cold room, in the middle of which he was lying down, surrounded by slightly less equipment than before. His eyes were open and I was convinced he could see me, as he had the same expression of hate on his face towards me. He can't hide it even in this state.

"Hello Father. I'm Time. I'm sure you know already but I just wanted to remind you. I've grown up so much since you saw me last. I've become stronger too, as you can see. Just how you wanted me to be.

Everyone fears me now.

Everyone is aware of what I'm capable of doing.

'If he was able to kill his own father, then he could do anything.' they say. They are right.

That's right. They think you are dead. Everyone has forgotten about you. All the people surrounding you.

They know I was the one who pushed you down, yet none of them did anything.

Now I truly understand the power of that last name. Because it wasn't you that they needed. It was the last name. Which I was lucky to have.

What do you think dad?

Aren't I fit to be an Astor?

Don't I look like Evan Astor's son now?"