Lost in Time ~ Five Hargreeves

Chapter 44

"I'm sorry? They are what?"

"I don't know the whole story either– not yet. But I know it's true," Rhea said quickly.

She wanted to tell Lila everything she knew… but she was worried Lila would hate her afterward.

"The Handler stole you, Lila. Both of you. Just like our asshole father took all of us," Diego explained.

"No. It's not the same thing."

"You're right. Because he didn't murder our parents. Listen to me, Lila. You were born October 1, 1989, the same day as all of us."

Diego tried to take a step closer, but Lila wouldn't let him.

"Stay back," she warned, pushing Rhea behind her.

"Wait. Wait. Hey! Lila? Lila, stop."

"I trusted you. I got you a job, I even introduced you to my mother–"

"She is not our mother."

"– and then you took off on me."

"Because I needed to save the world! She's using you, Lila. The Handler."

"You're wrong. She raised me– us. She loves us."

"Yeah, you know what? Love shouldn't have to hurt this much," said Luther.

There was a moment of silence, before both Lila and Rhea made a gag sound.

"All right, I tried."

"Hey, Lila," Diego spoke to her again. "Truth? She's dangerous. And you're scared of what she'll do with all that new power. That's why you dragged me to the Commission. Because I know what it's like to love dangerous people. Difference is… they love me back."

"Shut up."

Rhea stepped away from Lila– if anyone could convince her, it would be Diego.

The girl stopped next to Allison.

"The only thing she loves is power. Now, the minute she can't use you, she'll turn on you, and deep down, I know you know that," Diego continued, stepping closer.

"You don't know me, Diego."

"Don't I?"

"I know that we can be your family... if you just let us."

Lila looked at the others, who agreed with Diego.

Then someone pulled a trigger and one Hargreeves after another fell to the ground.

Only Lila and Riley were spared.

"No!"

Rhea ran over to Riley and crouched down next to her Parent.

"Riley, wake up! Please, wake up... Riley?"

But Riley didn't move.

"Aww."

"It's true, what Five said, isn't it?", Lila asked The Handler.

"My darlings, I need to know that we can get through this, be a happy family again. Hmm?"

Lila stood up.

"They're our real family," she said, looking at the Hargreeves.

"Do you even love us?", Lila then asked.

The Handler didn't answer, and Lila tried to attack her, but The Handler was faster and shot Lila.

"No! Lila!"

Rhea scrambled to her feet and ran to her sister.

"Lila!"

"Come on, Little Darling. We're done here. Let's go."