Time-Bound

Chapter 33

November 5th, 2019.

Times square,

New York city.

The Johnsons and The Barkers - Elizabeth's family, were hanging out at Times square.

They were at H&M clothing store and Elizabeth was checking out new outfits for Brenda and Mercy. She felt that Victoria doesn't have a good fashion sense when it came to the girls because of what she said about their Halloween costumes.

“Oh wow! Beautiful boots.” Mercy exclaimed.

“You like them? Take it all.” Elizabeth said.

“I'm not paying for all those stuff.” Victoria said.

“You don't have to. The bill's on me.” Elizabeth winked at the girls. “Brenda, See anything you like?”

Brenda shook her head.

“Aww...C'mon. Don't be shy. Take anything.” Elizabeth said. “Okay, I'll have to choose for you then and you must wear them.”

“O-Okay.” Brenda said.

“She's not been saying anything since. Is she okay?” Damon whispered to Anthony.

“I don't know.” Anthony shrugged.

“She's been like that since Halloween. Some kids mocked her stammering and she's been embarrassed to speak.” Alex said.

“Really?” Anthony turned to face Alex.

“Yeah.” Alex said.

“How do we get her to speak? She needs to be better. That's what the doctor said right?” Damon asked.

“Yes.” Anthony sighed.

“I have an idea. Chloe talks a lot. We could use her help.” Alex suggested.

“Psst...Chloe!” Damon called out.

“Yes Dad?!”

“Shh...Don't get too loud. Come here.” Damon said.

Chloe walked over to them and they told her what she needed to do to get Brenda to speak often.

“Can you do that for me please?” Anthony asked.

“Sure. You can always count on me.” Chloe smiled and walked away.

“Hey Brends.”

Brenda waved and managed a smile.

“You don't wave to someone in front of you except you're  going away. Or are you?” Chloe asked.

Brenda shook her head.

“So Brends, why don't you...?” Chloe cut herself off. “Wait, do you like Brends or should I call you Brendie?”

Brenda shrugged.

“C'mon! Say something already.” Chloe yelled.

“Sorry.” Brenda said.

“She didn't stammer!” Anthony noted from behind them as they walked into Mc Donald's restaurant.

“Psst...Chloe.” Damon called. “Keep trying.”

They all sat at a table as Chloe kept trying to talk to  Brenda.

“Talk to me Brenda.” Chloe said. “You know, I've always wanted new friends because most of my friends betrayed me.”

“Ahh! I know how that feels. But I still end up making other friends even with the people I once  hated.” Mercy said.

“Oh cool.” Chloe sighed. “Brenda, what would you like to eat?”

Brenda picked up the menu. “Bacon clubhouse b-bu-burger.”

“Did you hear that Vic?!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “She didn't stammer.”

“Oh yes, she did.” Victoria said.

“Yes, at the end but she...” Mercy said.

“She's doing pretty well. Chloe c'mon!” Anthony clapped his hand.

“Did you tell C-C-Chloe to do this?” Brenda asked.

“She's stammering in between.” Mercy noted.

“Did you?” Brenda stared at Anthony.

“Yes, forget it.” Anthony paused. “Who heard that? She didn't stammer!”

“I did!” Victoria exclaimed.

“Keep talking Brendie!” Chloe clapped her hands.

“You're doing a great job.” Alex said.

“Th-Thank you.” Brenda said and their smiles disappeared.

“Oh no!” Victoria slammed her hand on her forehead.

“Don't worry. Keep up Brenda. You've got it.” Anthony urged her.

The waiter brought their food.

“Thank you.” Brenda looked at her drink. “Please change this to orange juice.”

“Who picks orange juice over coke?” Chloe asked.

“Yes!” Anthony and Damon slammed their hands on the table.

“What?” The women looked at them.

“She made a sentence without stammering.” Anthony and Damon drummed on the table and then hugged.

The women had a confused look on their faces.

“What? Don't tell me you didn't hear it.” Anthony said.

“Who heard it? Raise your hands.” Damon requested.

“I did.” Alex raised his.

Brenda raised hers.

“I think I did.” Chloe raised hers.

“We didn't.” Victoria, Elizabeth and Mercy said.

“Speak again.” Anthony said.

“Th-Thank you Daddy. You've supported me and not gi-given up on me.” Brenda said.

“Ugh. There's a stammer at the beginning and close to the end.” Victoria said.

“Don't worry. My daughter can speak well again. I heard her speak and I know she's coming around soon.” Anthony grinned. “In a week's time, she'd be talking normally again with no stammer. Watch this space.”

No one said anything again and they ate in silence.

After that they all went to the park to have some fun and they were very picky as to which games and rides they would take because of Brenda's condition.