Chapter 8- 30 Minutes To Destiny
923 Words
It was a bright Saturday morning. Mrs. Williams stood by the bakery counter, phone in hand, a frown slowly forming on her face.
“Archie isn’t coming,” she muttered, placing the phone down. “Lex’s bike is faulty again... How am I going to make the castle delivery?”
Jessica looked up from behind the fridge. “You mean that big order from Mrs. Montgomery?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Williams sighed. “And she’s one of our newest high-paying clients. I can’t mess this up.”
“Then don’t stress,” Richard said, emerging from the back. “We’ll deliver it.”
Kate’s eyes widened. “We will?”
“Yes,” Alex joined in. “It’s Saturday. We’ve got time.”
Mrs. Williams hesitated. “It’s a huge mansion. The gate alone is intimidating.”
“Come on, Mum,” Richard smiled. “We’re strong enough to face a little castle.”
---
The Montgomery estate stood like a palace—gilded gates, marble statues, and flowerbeds that seemed to bloom in order. As the trio approached, the housekeeper led them to the back entrance where the delivery was to be received.
“I still feel like we’re walking into a movie,” Kate whispered as they rolled in the final tray.
“You're not wrong,” Alex replied, amused.
As they finished unloading, Richard suddenly patted his pockets.
“My phone... wait—I must’ve dropped it near the fountain!”
Kate and Alex exchanged glances.
“What?” Kate rolled her eyes.
“I’ll be right back. You two stay here,” Richard said, dashing off.
---
Inside the mansion, Mrs. Montgomery stood by a tall window, phone in hand. She wore an elegant robe, but her face was tense. Her brother, Uncle Arthur, was beside her, sipping tea.
“I’ve received the documents,” she said slowly.“They confirmed it. My son.... is alive.”
“You’re sure?” Uncle Arthur asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Yes.” She replied scrolling up her phone.
“You abandoned him,Ivy,” Uncle Arthur said sharply. “Don’t expect him to run back into your arms.”
“I had my reasons—”
“Which still left a child motherless.”
Just then, a staff member entered, handing her a phone. “Ma, someone dropped this outside."
"Hold it the person might come back for it.” Ivy said sharply still looking at her phone.
"My son is grown up now." she said seeing a picture and a profile containing his name, school and home address.
"Richard!" she cried.
---
Meanwhile, at the gate, Richard collected the phone from a staff member and walked out, completely unaware of the storm brewing behind the walls.
He rejoined Alex and Kate, who were finishing up a bottle of water beside the bakery van.
“Find it?” Alex asked.
“Yeah. A staff member found it ,” Richard said. “Anyway, guys, let’s stop by that amusement arcade. It's nearby—should be fun. Just thirty minutes.”
Kate groaned. “I’m already sweating.”
“Come on,” he teased. “Could be the last fun before Monday.”
“Fine,” Alex said, standing. “But only thirty minutes.”
---
The place was calm, surrounded by gentle rustling trees and children running around. Birds chirped in the distance. After a short walk, they found a shady bench under a tall almond tree.
“You two chill,” Richard said. “I’ll go get some snacks.”
He strolled off toward the vendor area and soon spotted a woman in a striped scarf helping a small boy adjust his sandals.
“Aunt Ava?” he blinked.
She turned, surprised. “Richard?”
They hugged immediately.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said warmly. “Meet Samuel, my son.”
“He’s so grown now!” Richard smiled. “Wow... it’s been long.”
They sat under a palm shed to catch up.
“So how’s school?” she asked.
“I’m not in a hostel anymore. I live with someone—Mrs. Williams. She’s like a foster mum now.”
Aunt Bola paused. “Wait... you’re not in the hostel? But... Mr. Gabriel told me you were.”
Richard’s smile faded. “He lied. I haven’t seen him in years.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t believe this... all this time, he made us think you were fine in boarding school... Richard, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay,” he said softly. “Mrs. Williams raised me well.”
Aunt Bola exhaled deeply. “Please... give me her address. I want to meet her.”
Richard nodded and quickly sent it to her phone. “She’ll love to meet you.”
---
Meanwhile, back at the arcade bench...
“Where’s Richard?” Kate asked, checking the time.
Alex leaned back, staring into the trees. “He said thirty minutes. It’s already forty-five.”
Kate stood. “I’m going to look for him.”
Alex groaned but followed. “He better be carrying pizza at this point.”
They wandered through the park, past the swings and food stands, asking vendors.
On the other side, Richard finally wrapped up his talk, remembering his promise.
“They’ll kill me,” he muttered. “I was gone too long.”
He jogged back to the almond tree.
The bench was empty.
He spun around, looking in every direction.
“Where could they be?”
- Writer
