Chapter 155

Chapter 155
Hope

“So.” My father sat forward, as I took Faith from my breast and began to burp her. Each one of my movements was on autopilot just like my voice had been when I had told them the story. 
And what a story it had been. Full of ups and so many lows, of pain and despair but they listened intently and didn’t once interrupt me. I was glad of that because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to continue if they did.
The only thing that kept the words coming was their silence.
“You went to the future?” My father asked and there was absolutely no emotion in his voice. He didn’t sound like he didn’t believe me but then he didn’t sound like he did either. I didn’t say anything. I just continued to rub small circles on my baby's back until she let out a small but loud burp.
“And we weren’t alive?”
My eyes snapped up to my fathers face. What kind of question was that?
My mum's sigh was loud. “She said it was two hundred years from now. Of course we weren’t alive. If we had been we would have protected her. There’s no way we would have allowed those things to happen to our daughter.”
My father grumbled in agreement and I didn’t have the heart to tell them that they wouldn’t have been able to protect me even if they had been there.
“I know it sounds far fetched and if I need to show you the scars I have now to prove it to you then I will but I need you to be aware that the bombs are coming-“ I trailed off. “Or the world will end for good even sooner if what Justin said is true.” I shook that thought away. I couldn’t keep thinking about Lincoln being here even if my body was screaming for me to go and find him.
He would struggle in this time, it was so different to his. 
Was he struggling? Starting fights? Dead already?
I shook the thoughts away.
“We believe you, Hope.” My mum said softly. “Isn’t that right?”
My father nodded energetically. “How can we stop these things from happening?”
I couldn’t help it. I laughed. It was so typically my dad. Always looking for a way to fix things. 
“I’m not sure we can but there’s someone who is here that is trying to do that.”
“Justin?”
I shook my head. “Justin is the reason this has happened so no. Someone else.” In my arms Faith snuggled into my chest and closed her eyes. I stared down at her for a second. 
“Our grandchild’s father.” My dad said softly. “Is he a good man?”
My mother answered before I could open my mouth. “Of course he is. He followed them across time and space just to make the world safe for them. And our daughter would not love someone who wasn’t a gentleman.”
My smile stayed frozen to my face. Lincoln was many things but a gentleman wasn’t one of them. 
“Then we need to meet him. He won’t know anyone here. And we could help.”
Hope blossomed in my chest. My parents were amazing. They heard my crazy story and believed me. More than that they wanted to help.
“Both of you are amazing.” Tears stung my eyes and I had to blink rapidly to stop the tears from falling. “I love you so much.” My voice broke. “I’ve missed you so much.”
And wasn’t that the truth. In the years I had been gone I’d missed them more than words could ever describe. To them I’d only been gone a day or two but for me it felt like an eternity. 
My mother’s arm went around me and like a child I let my cheek rest on her shoulder. This was what I needed. My parents, just so I could be Hope for a little while and not an omega, or a slave or someone who needed to save the world.
I just wanted to be a normal girl.
For a little while.
“You’re exhausted.” My dad said.
I laughed before I could stop myself. “It’s been a rough few years.” I admitted with my eyes closed.
“Then you need to sleep. Your room is just how you left it and you dad will get your old crib from the attic for baby Faith.” My mum looked pointedly at my dad who stood up instantly.
Someone knocked quietly on the door and we all froze.
“Are you expecting anyone?” My voice shook with sudden fear. 
My mother shook her head. “Could it be Justin?”
“Maybe but-“ I knew it wasn’t Justin. He wouldn’t be back so soon.
Sensing my unease my father glanced towards the door. “You ladies stay here.” He ordered. “I’ll get rid of them. I’m sure it’s just a salesman or-“ the knocker sounded again. 
Why were they knocking when they could ring the bell? And why hadn’t the camera picked them up.
“The doorbell cam broke. We meant to get it fixed.”
My father headed away and closed the living room door behind him. I held my breath when I heard the front door open. I could hear my fathers voice and then another male voice but it was too quiet for me to tell who it was.
Then there was silence.
“Hope.” The living room door opened and my father appeared. “This man says he is a friend of yours but you just say the word and-“
He stepped our of the way and my heart stopped. It wasn’t Lincoln but it was someone I knew. Someone I loved.
Bundling Faith into my mothers arms, I stumbled upwards and into his arms.
“Deacon!” Pushing my face against his chest I sobbed and this time I didn’t try and stop the tears. They flowed freely.
Deacons arms went around me tightly. “Long time no see Hope.”
“What are you doing here?” I mumbled.
“No idea, when I left you I was going to find help, remember and then the still freeze happened. I barely had any shelter and I must have fallen asleep.” He chucked. “I didn’t expect to wake up but when I did I was here. God that was confusing.”
“You’ve been here all this time?”
“I would have come here sooner but the city is confusing as hell. It’s taken me a while to get my bearings.” Holding me by the arms he stared into my face. “When did you get back?”
“A few hours ago. Justin brought me.”
A line appeared between his eyebrows and I realised he had been gone for that part of my story. “I’ll explain later. But Lincoln is here somewhere as well.”
He mulled over my words. “That makes sense he would follow you anywhere.” Deacon said softly. 
“I take it this is a friend of yours?” My mum said softly and i turned with a nod.
“Deacon, these are my parents. Deacon is from the future as well. He’s Lincoln’s best friend.” 
Silence followed my words but then my father broke it with a laugh. “Any friend of Hopes is a friend of ours. You’re welcome to stay here Deacon. We could use the help.”
“Help?” Deacons eyebrows shot up.
“To stop the bombs and save the world.”