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    • Part Three Navi heard the front door shut followed by a flurry of hushed and excited whispers. She wanted to turn to see what prompted the excitement, but fear of another spanking kept Navi immobile. Brynn cleared her throat and spoke softly. “Navi?” It was Brynn’s kind voice. The one she used for apologies and quiet talks of compromise. Navi slowly rotated her head. Brynn stood with Jessie and Callie. She motioned Navi to join them. Navi peeled her bare bottom from the wooden stool. The resistance felt as if she had temporarily been glued to the spot. Brynn gently took Navi’s hand and the four women padded silently into Navi’s room. A single nightstand lamp illuminated the room. It cast dramatic shadows on the far wall. No words were spoken as Brynn eased Navi out of her blue bear onesie and guided her diminutive nude body onto the mattress. Navi marveled at the expanse of giant her bed. She crawled to the center, stretched out onto her stomach, and let out a small moan. Jessie, now wrapped in her errant towel, perched on the small bench at the foot of the bed and watched. Callie propped her left foot onto the bench and slowly unrolled her stockings. She repeated the sequence and removed her long gray skirt. Brynn had retrieved some lotion and gently massaged it onto Navi’s tiny bottom. Each caress elicited further moans from Navi which delighted Brynn. Jessie stared, fascinated by Navi’s size, especially her small bottom. Her hand found the open fold in her towel and discovered her wetness. Soon she added her own sound of pleasure to Navi’s. Jessie closed her eyes and allowed her head to roll back. A nude Callie eased down onto the bed and reclined next to Navi. She slowly stroked her arm feeling the tiny follicles of hair. Navi opened her eyes halfway and acknowledged Callie’s touch. Brynn’s circular administrations on Navi’s backside widened. Navi moaned again at the soothing lotion and slid her legs outward. Brynn accepted the invitation and allowed her hand to migrate between Navi’s coltish legs. Navi emitted a deep resonate expression of pleasure. Everything on Navi felt new. As though, in her shrinking, her body had contracted in such a way as to reveal a fresh layer of skin. Everywhere was more sensitive. She was still an adult, albeit a smaller version of her former self, but it reminded Navi of her first fumbling encounters. Navi pushed against Brynn’s hand. Brynn responded and pressed. Callie and Brynn’s eyes met. Brynn’s hand remained between Navi’s legs. Both women leaned over Navi and kissed each other deeply. Navi sighed. Brynn slipped off the bed and peeled off her jeans and gray sweater. She swiftly rejoined the naked bodies. Brynn spread her legs into a “V” position and revealed her excitement. The aroma was intoxicating, and Navi rolled toward Brynn. Softly Brynn’s left hand returned to Navi’s moistness between her legs. Navi, on her back, rested her head on Brynn’s leg while her own small legs draped over Brynn’s thigh. Brynn could feel the heat from Navi’s bottom. Navi gazed upward through half closed eyes of pleasure and met Brynn’s smile. But it was the two attractions below Brynn’s welcoming features which called to Navi. Brynn gently lowered her breasts. Navi parted her lips in anticipation and immediately surrounded the right nipple and began to suckle. Brynn threw her head back in ecstasy. Navi continued with soft enthusiasm, as though the action might produce real milk from Brynn. Brynn’s right arm cradled Navi’s head closer as her left hand gyrated in and out of Navi’s shrunken vagina. Brynn’s breath quickened accompanied by a low moan. Callie stroked Navi’s hair and gradually migrated to her tiny breasts and stomach. Brynn vacated her dominion and allowed Callie to invade Navi’s lower region. With her eyes still closed, Jessie erupted. Satisfied, Jessie oozed off the bench onto the bed and began kissing Callie’s lower back and ass. Occasionally she paused from her adoration to passionately engaged Brynn’s very erect nipples. Navi unlatched and rotated toward Jessie. They kissed fervently. Callie rolled onto her back as Brynn shifted her attentions downward. Soon the songs of delight were more frequent interrupted only by stray giggles and playful slaps. In minutes, in the dimly lit room, the four women were indistinguishably intertwined. Each brought to full and numerous orgasms until they were completely spent. It was a strange scene. The interconnected limbs of the naked women wildly stretched across Navi’s bed. Clearly there were three women. However, the fourth woman bore a closer examination. There was an obvious height difference even on a horizontal level. And the size and shapelessness conveyed the innocence of a child. The soft cherub like features and modest figure spoke to a younger less developed age. But the portrait presented was one of sexuality. It strained the imagination. The younger female was clearly involved in the previous moment and exhibited the same physical exhaustion. One by one the three women departed. Each kissed the other and lingered on Navi. Jessie staggered out of the room first determined to find sustenance before bed. Callie was next but hesitated, burdened by some secret knowledge. Brynn silently shook her head and squelched Callie’s vocal urgency. Callie leaned in and planted a long kiss on Navi’s forehead then disappeared into the dark hallway. Brynn softly touched Navi lovingly entranced by her form. She kissed her and departed. Exhausted Navi managed a half smile and allowed the sweet aftermath of sexual sleep to envelop her. The aroma of fresh brewed Columbian coffee nudged Navi awake. Too self-conscious to wear her revealing silk robe she dug into the back of her armoire for her teal terry cloth robe. This was normally relegated for cold weather, but these were unusual circumstances. It took a moment, but Navi managed to roll the sleeves up her arms. The hem of the robe dragged behind her like a wedding train as she entered the kitchen. Navi stopped in the doorway which halted Callie and Brynn’s conversation. They smiled and Navi squinted at them suspiciously. Navi vigorously stretched to reach a coffee cup from the overhead cabinet. She pressed her stomach hard into the edge of the counter. She raised up onto the tip of her toes unaware the girls were watching her. Victorious she poured a cup and slid into her seat. Navi felt her legs dangle above the floor and resisted the urge to swing them in fear of kicking Callie. Navi sipped the strong flavorful brew and closed her eyes. When she opened them Callie and Brynn were staring at her again. “What?” Navi inquired with no attempt to hide her irritation. The two women looked at each other then turned back to Navi. “We have something to tell you,” Brynn said. “Last night,” Callie began tentatively. “Oh, last night was ridiculous. When is the last time we did that? We should make it a regular thing. I haven’t slept like that – “ “I did something really bad last night,” Callie interrupted. “You sure did,” Navi smiled wickedly. It was an uncomfortable response from the youthful girl. “I mean with the fairy,” Callie continued. Her words formed slowly as if each utterance was painful. Callie recounted the events prior to their tryst. “So, while Brynn was spanking you, I was spanking the fairy. I thought it was only fair.” Navi eyes widened. She leaned over her coffee excitedly. “That’s when it happened,” Callie added quietly. “What?” Navi piped. “She broke her wand,” Brynn chimed in determined to end the awkward moment. Navi’s expression launched Callie into a rapid monologue. “I had snatched her out the air while everyone was talking. I used my hand for a minute, but then I thought it would be more appropriate to use her own wand on her. Well, I guess I hit her a little hard and the wand broke right over her little butt. So, I stopped. I grabbed her and we walked away. I certainly didn’t want that saleslady to see.” “She wasn’t watching. She was more interested in Navi’s butt,” Brynn added. Navi’s mouth hung open as a dozen questions inundated her. But before she could ask Callie continued. “When we walked in the hallway, I showed her the damaged wand. She was really upset. And as far as I could tell she hadn’t planned on changing you, just the costume. But when she realized her mistake, she planned to fix it. You know she’s never changed anything for more than a few minutes. So, I don’t think it was intentional. But after she saw her broken wand, I sort of gathered she could have it replaced or repaired because she flew down the hall and held up her hand like this.” Callie held up her open hand with fingers spread. “We think it means five days,” Brynn said. “Or she was staying stop,” Callie began but caught herself as she glanced at Navi’s face. “But you know how she communicates. It’s all hand signals and motions. It’s gestures, implications, and a little telepathy. I really think she meant five days.” “Or it could mean five weeks or five years! What the hell Callie!” Navi shouted. “What am I supposed to do in the meantime?!” “Calm down Navi. It’ll be okay,” Brynn soothed. Brynn’s condescending tone struck Navi and fueled her indignation. “Don’t play me Brynn. I’m still mad at you for spanking me last night. And what was that all about anyway?” Brynn stiffened. She didn’t dare tell Navi her appearance and the scenario excited her beyond reason. Instead, she adopted a motherly tone. “That is exactly why I spanked you, for this type of behavior,” Brynn stated regally. “Oh, come on Brynn, I’ve spanked you for worse!” A muffled giggle escaped behind them. They turned and saw Jessie posed in the doorway. She was dressed in a sheer blue nightgown. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders and ended just above her breasts which were extremely visible. She might as well have worn nothing as the nightgown did little to hide her creamy assets. “I heard shouting,” Jessie said. “What are you laughing at Jessie?” Navi shot. “I was just picturing you trying to spank Brynn.” The three women snickered, and Navi narrowed her eyes at Jessie. “I know you are upset but it’ll be fine,” Callie eased. Navi pushed the previous day’s imagery from her head. It had been harrowing but now she was home and finally safe. “I’ll help you Nav’,” Jessie sang. “I only have one paper due this week. It’ll be fun,” Jessie giggled as she poured an oversized bowl of cereal. Navi internally scoffed at Jessie’s optimism but decided to be courteous. “I don’t have anything to wear,” Navi added. “Oh goody! We can go shopping!” “I’m not going anywhere like this Jess,” Navi corrected. She waved her arms and her robe flapped generously. Jessie’s upbeat disposition diminished. “Fine. I’ll go shopping,” Jessie answered flatly. Callie leaned over the table and rested her hand on Navi’s arm. “Again, I am really sorry. I’m sure she’ll be back soon and fix this,” Callie apologized. “Maybe I can summon her. I mean, it’s almost Halloween. Maybe that’ll help.” Navi smiled politely. She had completely forgotten about Halloween. She would miss everything, costume parties, and social gatherings. She sank deeper into thought and drank her coffee. One by one the girls departed until Navi was alone. She hoped Callie was right. The fairy was very impulsive and mischievous, so it was easy to associate them with imps. But usually, any dramatic changes by the fairy were corrected promptly. But Navi would not leave the house until she returned to normal. Her dreadful encounter at the costume shop had induced Agoraphobia. She would catch up on her reading and other small projects on which she had procrastinated. Navi adjusted her oversized robe. She shook her head at the absurdity of Jessie shopping for her. Jessie had good fashion sense, but her tastes could be juvenile. But Navi couldn’t stumble through the house in her robe for five days. She needed clothes which fit her. She went to her room and closed the door. Navi opened her armoire and stared blankly at her wardrobe. She glanced sideways at the infantile blue bear onesie which occupied a spot on the floor near her bed. It irked Navi she had paid for the costume. Originally it had been a sexy schoolgirl uniform before the saleslady had exchanged it. Costume by costume Navi had regressed until the saleslady forced her into the blue drop seat nightmare. Perhaps later there was a way to return the onesie when she was her normal size. She shuddered to think what would unfold if she returned the costume now. The saleslady might humiliate her into something even worse. Navi continued to spiral downward. She recalled the spanking Brynn had given her and Callie’s unfortunate mistake with the fairy’s wand. Navi’s temper rose. She imagined turning the tables on Brynn and Callie when the fairy reappeared. How delightful! Normal sized Navi with a shrunken Brynn over her knee. She spied the onesie again and imagined forcing Brynn or Callie into it before spanking them. Navi shook the fantasy from her head and slid a few hangers back and forth. Frustrated she shifted her focus to her lingerie drawer. She chose a familiar bra and panty set. Navi yearned to feel sexy. Last night improved her mental state but in the harsh morning light any lingering images of sexuality had vanished. Since the costume shop Navi had avoided mirrors. But now she stood bravely staring at her diminished body draped in her favorite light teal lingerie. Normally her bra would have been stretched to its fullest as her created cleavage threatened to spill forward. But the oversized cups hung comically over her flat chest. The lace bra was beautiful and was a testament to Navi’s expensive tastes. Navi attempted to adjust the straps for a better fit. She noted the smaller size and grimaced at the futility. Navi purchased slightly smaller bras to accentuate her breasts. A trick she learned from her aunt. Her aunt! Navi’s mind flashed to the last spanking she received from her aunt. At her current size she couldn’t imagine the experience. Navi winced. Her aunt’s maternal interference and discipline would overwhelm Navi. Navi had to keep a very low profile. The idea of venturing out of the house or even out of her room was unthinkable. Navi cursed the fairy again. Her spell had been too thorough. It might have been fun to be a little shorter for a few days, but the overall reduction of her assets made her appear far younger. Her breasts were practically gone, and her hips were slimmed to boyish proportions. The fancy bra looked like it had been slung across a flat board. The only form was the bra itself. It was not being given any support from her. Navi ignored the inequity and struck a sexy pose. She shifted her hips and caught the sheer panties just before they headed south. The panties were already precariously clinging to her left hip and the motion loosened them. Exasperated Navi swiveled away from the mirror and threw the lingerie across the room. The ease with which it slid from her body tormented her. Navi slid hangers and opened drawers, but her wardrobe offered no salvation. Clad again in her oversized robe she glided into Jessie’s room and inspect her closet’s contents. Anything remotely small enough in size was either see through or uncomfortable. Navi sighed. She wasn’t in the habit of rummaging through her friend’s closets, but this was an emergency. Navi thought. Based on her bone structure and conservative styles any clothing Callie owned would either be ill-fitting or uncomfortable. However, Brynn’s relaxed ensembles might produce a shirt or a pair of exercise shorts. Navi triumphed when she discovered a short gray set in Brynn’s lower drawer. But as there was no way to adjust the shorts when Navi stepped away, they plummeted to the floor. Navi screamed. Frustrated she grabbed handfuls of clothing from the open drawer and threw them straight into the air. Navi stood silently nude. Scattered around her the adult reminders of her childish explosion. She debated for several minutes. Five minutes later, Navi, again clad in her terry cloth protection, stood in the little one’s bedroom. Her choices, like her, had diminished. And like the costume shop, children’s clothing was her only option. Navi opened a drawer and searched through a stack of pajamas for the largest pair. It was October and although the house was well insulated there was a distinct chill in the air. Additionally, Navi wanted to cover her body and skin as much as possible. Navi considered donning the ensemble sans underwear but the thought of her bare lips rubbing inside the textured cloth might be too stimulating. She glanced around the room and immediately averted her eyes as they encountered the changing table. Only two pairs of underwear remained inside the bottom drawer. She had hoped for a more colorful pair, but both were white. Reluctantly she held the small shorts in front of her and shuddered. These were for the little one. She had already unwillingly shared his punishment stool. That was enough humiliation. Now she was about to compound her embarrassment further by wearing his tiny underwear. Part of her prayed they wouldn’t fit but she wished they would, if only to feel somewhat normal. She peeled her robe off her shoulders and allowed it to drop behind her. It felt strange to be nude in his room. Of course, she had been nude in this room dozens of times before but not like this. She stepped into the holes and wiggled the underwear over her slim hips. She snapped the waistband. “Ooh”, she exclaimed softly as the elastic popped her. She wriggled her legs into the bottoms. They were open at the end with small blue elastic cuffs. She popped her head through the pajama top and shimmied her arms to the end where similar blue elastic cuffs greeted her wrists. She pulled the pajama top down and frowned. Since the pajamas were made for a boy, they did little to enhance her form. Instead, she seemed flatter than before. She hated the ensemble and prepared herself to be teased. But she didn’t care. At least now she was clothed and could accomplish some overlooked projects. Navi gathered up the pile of terry cloth and walked into the hallway. She stopped. A whirring sound echoed.
    • Evelyn nodded her head and agreed with her brother, "true she is six years old and this is all new for her, but what about  Amber how has she been treating my daughter."
    • Chapter 7: Saturday morning arrived beneath clear blue skies. For Ben, it felt as though it had taken years. He wasn’t sure he’d actually slept. If he had, it couldn’t have been for more than an hour or two at a time. Every time he closed his eyes, his mind replayed the dinner from the week before. Emily’s warm smile. Kevin’s easy laugh. The invitation. “We’d like you to spend next weekend with us.” Each time he looked at the clock, fewer hours remained. Eventually, he gave up trying to sleep. At six-thirty in the morning, he climbed out of bed and wandered into the tiny kitchenette of his apartment. He made toast. Took one bite. Lost his appetite. The toast eventually found its way into the trash. His stomach wasn’t upset. He was simply too excited. And too nervous. His phone buzzed on the kitchen counter. A text from Kevin. Kevin: Good morning, Ben. Hope you managed to get some rest. Our driver should arrive around 9:00. No rush when you get here—we’re just looking forward to seeing you. Ben smiled. He quickly typed back. Ben: Morning. I’ll be ready. Looking forward to seeing you both too. He hesitated before adding another sentence. Ben: Thanks again for inviting me. A response appeared only a minute later. Kevin: You’re very welcome. Safe travels. Emily has been counting down the days. Ben chuckled quietly. Somehow, that made him even more nervous. He looked around his apartment. Kevin had told him not to pack much. “Just bring a light bag,” he’d written. “Anything you’ll need this weekend, Emily and I have already taken care of.” That sentence still puzzled Ben. What exactly had they prepared? He tried not to think about it. Instead, he packed carefully. A change of clothes. Toothbrush. Phone charger. Wallet. A paperback mystery novel he’d been halfway through. One extra pair of shoes. That was it. The small duffel bag looked almost empty. He zipped it closed anyway. By eight o’clock, there was nothing left to do. So he waited. He sat on the couch. Stood up. Walked to the window. Looked outside. Sat back down. He checked the time. 8:03. Only three minutes had passed. He sighed. “This is ridiculous.” He picked up his book. Read the same page three times without absorbing a single word. His eyes drifted back to his watch. 8:17. He laughed to himself. “I just checked…” Another walk around the apartment. He made sure the lights were off. Checked the faucet. Checked the stove. Checked his wallet again. Everything was exactly where it should be. Still…He checked once more. His thoughts wandered. What if this weekend changes everything? He pictured eating breakfast with Kevin and Emily. Watching movies. Talking. Laughing. He’d imagined family life countless times growing up. Sometimes while sitting alone in foster homes. Sometimes while walking past neighborhoods where parents played with their children outside. Sometimes during Christmas when everyone else seemed to have somewhere to go. Now…For the first time…Someone had invited him in. Not out of obligation. Not because they had to. Because they wanted to. The realization settled heavily in his chest. He blinked rapidly. “No crying,” he muttered with a nervous laugh. “Not before they even pick you up.” Across town, the Harrison penthouse was already alive with activity. Emily had been awake since dawn. She’d insisted on making breakfast herself despite the chef offering several times to help. The kitchen counters were covered in ingredients. Pancake batter. Fresh strawberries. Blueberries. Whipped cream. Maple syrup. Kevin walked in carrying a mug of coffee. “You’ve made enough pancakes for a football team.” Emily looked over her shoulder. “I don’t know how hungry he’ll be.” Kevin smiled. “I don’t think anyone has ever starved in this apartment.” She laughed. “I know.” She carefully arranged fruit onto a serving platter. “I just want everything to be nice.” “It already is.” Kevin wandered over and peeked into the guest room once more. The bed had been perfectly made. Fresh flowers sat beside the welcome card. The navy sweatshirt Emily had purchased rested neatly folded at the foot of the bed, alongside the pajamas and slippers she’d carefully chosen. He smiled. She really had thought of everything. Emily joined him in the hallway. “Do you think he’ll actually use any of those?” Kevin looked toward the folded clothes. “I’m not sure.” “I probably went overboard.” “You definitely did.” She sighed. “I know.” Kevin wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “But it came from the right place.” She leaned against him. “I keep remembering what he said. I’ve never been invited to spend a weekend with a family before.’” Kevin nodded. “So do I.” Emily smiled softly. “I hope when he leaves on Sunday…” She paused. “…he leaves with a few happy memories.” Kevin looked at her. “I have a feeling all three of us will.” Back in his apartment, Ben glanced at his watch again. 8:45. Only fifteen minutes. His heart began beating a little faster. He slipped on his blazer—not because anyone had asked him to dress formally, but because it made him feel a little more confident. He picked up his duffel bag. Set it back down. Checked the apartment one final time. Then stood by the window. Every dark sedan that drove down the street caught his attention. Every time one continued past, his anticipation grew. He looked at his watch once more. 8:58. Two minutes.  He rested a hand on the strap of his duffel bag and took a slow, steady breath. In less than an hour, he would be stepping into a home unlike any he had ever known. He had no way of knowing exactly what awaited him behind the doors of the Harrison penthouse. But for the first time since he was a little boy, the future didn’t feel lonely. It felt full of possibility.   Chapter 8:   At precisely nine o’clock, a gleaming black Rolls-Royce eased to the curb outside Ben’s apartment building. Ben glanced out the window, his heart skipping a beat. “They’re actually here.” He grabbed his duffel bag, took one last look around his apartment, locked the door behind him, and walked downstairs. As he stepped onto the sidewalk, the driver was already waiting beside the rear passenger door. The gentleman appeared to be in his late fifties, neatly dressed in a tailored black suit, polished shoes, and a matching chauffeur’s cap. His posture was impeccable, but the warm smile on his face immediately put Ben at ease. “You must be Ben.” Ben smiled. “I am.” The driver extended his hand. “I’m Dave.” They shook hands. “It’s nice to meet you.” “And you as well.” Dave reached for the duffel bag. “I’ve got that.” “Oh, you don’t have to—” “I insist.” Ben hesitated only briefly before allowing Dave to place the bag carefully into the trunk. Once they were both seated, Dave eased the car into traffic with practiced smoothness. For several minutes, neither spoke. The city slowly drifted past the windows. Ben found himself admiring the quiet luxury of the vehicle. The leather seats were softer than any furniture he’d ever owned. The cabin was almost silent despite the busy streets outside. Everything felt…Effortless. Dave noticed Ben looking around. “First time riding in one of these?” Ben laughed sheepishly. “Is it that obvious?” Dave chuckled. “A little.” “It’s… nice.” Dave smiled. “They are.” Another comfortable silence settled between them before Dave spoke again. “So.” Ben looked over. “Nervous?” Ben laughed. “Very.” “I figured.” Dave kept his eyes on the road. “I’ve worked for Mr. and Mrs. Harrison for ten years.” “Really?” “I started shortly after they moved into the penthouse.” Ben listened carefully. “They’re good people.” There wasn’t a hint of hesitation in Dave’s voice. “They treat everyone with respect. The staff. The concierge. The housekeeping team.My family.” Ben looked over. “Your family?” Dave nodded. “When my daughter graduated college, they came to her graduation party.” Ben blinked. “They did?” “They insisted.” A smile crossed Dave’s face. “They’ve always remembered birthdays. Anniversaries. They ask about my grandchildren.” Ben found himself smiling. “They sound…They’re exactly how they seemed at dinner.” Dave glanced over briefly. “I imagine this weekend means a great deal to them.” Ben nodded quietly. “I think it does.” Dave smiled. “And judging by the look on your face…It means a great deal to you too.” Ben looked out the window. “…Yeah.” His voice was almost a whisper. “It really does.” As they continued downtown, the buildings grew taller. Glass towers reflected the morning sunlight. Busy sidewalks filled with professionals enjoying the weekend. Dave eventually slowed as they approached one of the city’s most recognizable residential skyscrapers. Ben’s eyes widened. The building was breathtaking. Its sleek glass exterior shimmered beneath the morning sun, while polished stone framed the grand entrance. Fresh landscaping surrounded the property, and elegant fountains flanked the driveway. The entire tower had the look of something pulled from the pages of an architectural magazine. Dave smiled knowingly. “It had a major renovation last year.” Ben stared upward. The building seemed impossibly tall. Way up near the top…The penthouse occupied the highest floors. It almost disappeared into the clouds. The view must be unbelievable, Ben thought. Dave pulled beneath the covered entrance where uniformed attendants immediately approached. One opened Ben’s door. Another retrieved his duffel bag. Dave stepped out beside him. “Welcome home…” He stopped himself with an apologetic smile. “I suppose it’s a little early to say that.” Ben smiled warmly. “…Maybe not.” Dave grinned. “I hope you enjoy your weekend, Ben.” “I already think I will.” They shook hands. “Thank you.” “My pleasure.” Ben turned toward the enormous entrance. The revolving glass doors opened into a magnificent marble lobby. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead. Fresh flowers decorated elegant tables. Soft classical music played quietly through hidden speakers. The air carried the faint scent of polished wood and fresh lilies. Before Ben could take more than a few steps, an older gentleman behind the concierge desk smiled. “You must be Mr. Ben Carter.” Ben nodded. “Yes, sir.” The gentleman stepped around the desk. “My name is Charlie.” He extended his hand. “I’m the head doorman here.” “It’s nice to meet you.” “You as well.” Charlie smiled warmly. “We’ve been expecting you.” Ben couldn’t help smiling. “You have?” “Oh yes.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “Mrs. Harrison has mentioned your visit several times this week.” Ben chuckled. “That sounds like her.” Charlie gestured toward a set of private elevators tucked away from the main bank. “If you’ll follow me.” They crossed the lobby together. Charlie stopped before a pair of beautifully crafted bronze elevator doors. “This elevator serves only the penthouse residence.” He pointed toward a single button positioned slightly apart from the others. “Simply press the top button. t will notify Mr. Harrison that you’ve arrived. Once he grants access, the elevator will take you directly upstairs.” Ben nodded. “Thank you.” Charlie smiled. “Enjoy your stay, Mr. Carter. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.” “I… thank you.” Charlie tipped his hat before returning to the lobby. Ben stood alone before the elevator. He shifted the strap of his duffel bag on his shoulder. His pulse quickened. He reached forward. Pressed the illuminated top button. For a moment…Nothing happened. Then his phone vibrated. A text from Kevin. Kevin: We’ve got you. See you in just a minute. Almost immediately, the elevator chimed. The bronze doors slid open silently. Ben stepped inside. The doors closed behind him. The elevator began its smooth ascent. Floor after floor slipped by. The city outside the glass panel beside him gradually fell away. Soon, neighboring rooftops disappeared beneath him. Then office towers. The skyline stretched farther and farther into the distance. Sunlight poured through the glass as the elevator climbed toward the very top of the building. Finally…The elevator slowed. A gentle chime echoed through the cabin. The doors began to slide open. Standing just beyond them, waiting with unmistakable anticipation, were Kevin and Emily. Emily clasped her hands together to keep from fidgeting, while Kevin wore the same calm, welcoming smile Ben remembered from dinner. For a heartbeat, all three of them simply looked at one another. Then Kevin stepped forward “Welcome,” he said warmly. “We’re so glad you made it.”
    • Thank you for the update! I almost forgot about the story. It had such a good start. I am really excited to read more and see where this is going. You bring in a nice touch with the field trip and how he can deal with it. Telling the group is a very adult thing to do. 
    • I’m in Burnaby if you wanna meet. Can also drive. 
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