CHAPTER TWELVE

I heard the blast of the speakers from the ground floor, and I could tell what room the sound was coming from. The waiting boy, who had been changed no more than seven times since taking up residence here (yes, I kept counting), gave me a strange expression. I smiled at him.

Darby had the children in her arms and was gliding across the room. I believe I can fly because R. Kelly was playing and she sang along. I smiled and walked to a couch. She had not even noticed me come in.

“Darby.” I shouted, trying to raise my voice above the blasting speakers and hers too.

“Darby!!” I shouted again, but she could hardly hear me. Sighing, I stood up from the chair and approached her.

“Darby.” I touched her arm, and she jumped. Quickly, I took the children from her while she picked up the remote and turned off the audio player.

“You startled me.” She said this, putting her hand on her chest. “When did you come in?”

I shook my head disapprovingly. “I could hear the speakers from four blocks aw