Time-Bound

Chapter 28

Fifteen Hudson yards,

Manhattan,

New York.

"Welcome back home." The Chaffeur said as he stopped the car.

"This is home?" Mercy asked.

"Yes." The Chaffeur smiled.

They all got out of the car as the Chaffeur helped them get their luggage from the boot.

"No, no, no." Anthony stopped him. "Mercy should be able to carry those."

"But she can't carry all." The Chaffeur said.

"Let her carry some and you can handle the rest." Victoria said.

"Alright sir." The Chaffeur said.

"Wow! This is really cool." Mercy said admiring the tall building before her. "Is the whole building really for us?"

The Chaffeur chuckled. "No. You'd live in the penthouse up there."

"No way! Daddy is that where we would really live?" Mercy asked.

"Why don't you go up there and find out." Anthony snapped as Mercy rushed into the building.

"You didn't have to be harsh." Victoria said.

"What could I have done? She's just being naughty." Anthony said.

"She's still your daughter." Victoria said and walked into the building.

"Imagine that." Anthony hissed and took Brenda's hand. "Come jare."

They all walked into the elevator as soon as Anthony and Brenda joined them.

"How many floors are in this building?" Mercy asked.

"You're behaving like a child. You'd find out later." Anthony said.

"We should tell her if she's curious." The Chaffeur said.

"Matthew," Anthony sighed. "She has been disturbing you since we arrived."

"I'm fine with it." The Chaffeur turned to Mercy. "We have 88 floors in this building and you live on the last floor."

"How much does it cost?" Mercy asked.

"Why are you asking? you want to pay for it?" Victoria asked.

"The building or your...?" The Chaffeur asked.

"Our Penthouse." Mercy said.

"3 million dollars."

"Wh-What?! Wh-Where d-d-did you f-f-f-find such money?" Brenda asked.

"Oh wow, She speaks." The Chaffeur smiled.

"Of course she does. Her words are just limited." Anthony said.

"And she stammers too? Is that why she doesn't speak?" The Chaffeur asked.

Anthony gave him a look.

"Sorry, my bad. I was just surprised. Stammerers here don't keep mute. In fact, they speak a lot. No one is going to laugh at you dear." The Chaffeur said.

"I-I-I'm 21." Brenda said.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" The Chaffeur looked at Anthony.

"You shouldn't talk to her like she's a kid or something." Anthony said.

"Oh. I'm sorry. I was just used to your sister's..."The Chaffeur stopped himself. "Oh, we're here."

They stepped out of the elevator and walked into the penthouse.

"How are we here? I don't remember knocking on any door before...." Mercy said.

"Welcome to New York child." The Chaffeur smiled.

"Thank you and I am not a child." Mercy said.

"You sure act like one." The Chaffeur said.

"Th-This is beautiful." Brenda said.

"Glad you like it." Anthony and Victoria said in unison and then laughed.

A woman in uniform walked out and smiled.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Johnson." She smiled.

"Hello Sarah." Victoria said.

"I...uh...we separated." Anthony said.

"Ahh, I see." She sighed. "Welcome back."

"Thank you." Victoria said.

"I suppose these are your children." She smiled. "Hi, I'm Sarah."

"I'm Mercy and this is my sister Brenda." Mercy said.

"Nice to meet you both." Sarah said.

"Our pleasure." Mercy said and was about to say something when Anthony stopped her.

"Sarah, Have you prepared dinner for us?" He asked.

"Yes, I have." Sarah smiled. "I think you all should go freshen up and then come out to eat."

"Sure." Anthony said.

"Where is our room?" Mercy asked.

"Brenda is taking the master bedroom and I'm taking the room next to hers, you and your mother can suit yourself." Anthony said.

"I don't w-want t-t-the..." Brenda said.

"Why does Brenda get the Master bedroom?" Mercy asked.

"She's your elder sister and you know her- Why am I even telling you? I'm saying she gets the master bedroom and that's final!" Anthony said.

The Johnsons went to their different rooms with their luggage as Sarah prepared to serve them dinner.