Time-Bound

Chapter 36

November 25, 2019

Bellevue hospital.

The Johnsons had gone to the hospital for Brenda's radiation but they didn't meet Dr. Parker there so Anthony had to give him a call.

“He'd be here soon.” He said as soon as he hung up.

“How soon?” Victoria, who was already losing patience, asked.

“Don't worry, he said soon.” Anthony said, tapping his fingers.

“We've waited for an hour Daddy. How much more time will he take?” Mercy said.

“Didn't you hear what I said? He is on his way.” Anthony was getting annoyed.

“Okay Daddy.” Mercy said quietly.

They waited for another hour before Dr. Parker finally arrived.

“I'm so sorry for coming late. I had to drive my kids to school.” Dr. Parker grinned.

“It's fine.” Anthony said.

“No, it's not.” Victoria shook her head.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Can we still do the radiation?” Brenda asked.

“Yes, sure.” Dr. Parker said. “Come with me while your family wait here.”

Brenda got up and left with Dr. Parker.

Anthony turned to the women with him. “What was that all about?”

“What?” Victoria asked.

“Don't ask me. You know what.”

“Is it Dr. Parker?” Mercy asked.

“Ehnehn. Dr. Leila.” Anthony hissed.

“What did I do?” Victoria asked.

“Are you seriously asking me that? Why would you behave like that?” Anthony hissed.

“He came late now.” Victoria said.

“And so what? He had duties to carry out and unlike you, his family comes first in everything.” Anthony frowned. “And besides, Did we make an appointment with him? Answer me!”

“No Daddy.” Mercy shook her head.

“Can you hear that? No. We just came here and called him after we arrived, and he made time for us.” Anthony paused. “And you want him to arrive early at your own convenience. How cheap!”

“I didn't know we didn't book an appointment.” Victoria said.

“How will you know? When you're always stuck up with your looks, phone or the T.Vs. I always hate that you had to come on this trip with us because you've been nothing but a pest and an ingrate. You've been mean to everyone we met.”Anthony hissed.

“Who was I mean to?” Victoria asked.

“Ahnahn Mummy!” Mercy laughed.

“Are you seriously asking that? Even she knows that you've been mean.” Anthony said. “Remember Ben, my brother? You were mean to him because he has no car.”

“I'm  sorry.”

“And Sanjay, a good friend of mine that did all he could to help us. Is he related to us? No, but he still helped us. His family members were nice to us, you insulted them too. What's your business with their culture? You have no right to mock them. None at all.” Anthony looked away from her.

“I didn't mean to, I was just surprised.” Victoria looked down at her shoes.

“Oh yes! Surprise! Who says mean things when they're surprised? You ask questions damn it! Not being rude!” Anthony said.

“I'm sorry.”

“You could have as well said that to the people you offended.” Anthony sighed. “Sometimes, I actually think you've changed that I could have a new and better Victoria but every single time, you destroy things with your tongue. Can't you control yourself?”

“I'm sorry Tony.”

“Please don't call me that. You had that right when we were married, now let's be formal.” Anthony paused. “Wait, why are you on this trip?”

“For Brenda.”

“If I slap you, you say Brenda? Or you're here to see the world, to travel like you always enjoy doing?”

“No, I came here for Brenda.”

“I don't think so. If you did, you'd be more focused on her and not the T.V, your phone or your looks like a normal mother should.” Anthony said. “All the years that we've been divorced, did you even pick up your phone to call your children or call me to ask how they're doing? Did she?”

“No, Daddy.” Mercy wore an angry look on her face.

“And you claim to care about their well-being. You have no right to be on this trip with us.”

“I'm a mother.”

“I think you lost that right when you decided to bring a Nanny in to look after them. You never performed your role well, either as a wife or as a mother.”

“Can I say something?” Mercy asked.

Anthony nodded.

“I think I know why you guys used to fight.” Mercy said.

“Why?” Anthony and Victoria asked.

“Because Daddy expected Mummy to carry out her duties and be with her kids, while as the man of the house, he works day in- day out to ensure we eat.” Mercy said.

“I work to ensure we eat too.” Victoria said.

“That's what you think. After you left, Daddy took up the responsibilities and did well with us. He was and he still is better off without you.” Mercy snorted.

“I...You...” Victoria tried to say.

“And we're back!” Dr. Parker walked in with Brenda.

“How is she?” Anthony asked.

“We'll find out when we see the reports but for now, I think she is just fine.” Dr. Parker grinned.

“Okay, thank you.” Anthony smiled.

“The pleasure is all mine brother.” Dr. Parker patted him.

“Can we go home now?” Victoria asked.

“There's nothing else you came here for right?” Dr. Parker asked.

“No.” Mercy shook her head.

“Then you can leave. Why ask?” Dr. Parker said.

“Thank you.” The Johnsons said to him before leaving.