Today Bernard was going back to town to make arrangements for his moving here. Lucas had decided that he and Olivia would accompany him because he wanted to sell some of his paintings and get some things at the store.
They were fully loaded, and they were on their way. The journey was long, and they stopped along the way to get some refreshments.
They finally got to the city and Lucas dropped off Bernard first. He got out the car so he could bid him farewell.
"Thank you for letting me stay."
"Its always a pleasure Bernard."
"I will see you soon, neighbour." Bernard said.
Lucas laughed, as he gave him a hug and he went back into the care. He got in and he found Olivia asleep. He looked at her, she looked so peaceful.
He drove to store to first get some supplies. He decided to go in alone because he didn't want to disturb her.
He got in the store and bought some more art tools, he bought her a sewing kit and a book. Some novels to occupy her. He got more cooking pans and some paper because he wanted her to start helping him with the paper work. He got her some dresses, and when he was satisfied with what he had, he went and paid for it.
He came out the store and went to the car to only find Olivia gone. He put the items he had bought in the car.
He wandered if she went to look for the bathroom. Lucas waited for a couple of minutes and then the minutes started to grow longer and longer. He didn't have a good feeling about this. Was she taken again?
It was impossible because no-one knew they were coming. Lucas started to search around and look all over for her.
He saw a woman and he went up to her,
"Excuse me mam,"
"How may I help?" as she blushed.
"Did you perhaps see a lady with white hair, walking past?"
"Yes, I did, she left a few moments ago. It looked as if she was in a rush."
"Do you know which direction she went?"
The lady pointed at the direction that Olivia had gone. "Thank you."
Lucas ran back into his car and he drove towards the direction that the lady had told him. He was on the lookout and he searched in vain. So she had ran away on her own accordance.
After a few hours of searching and getting out his car to ask people he felt tired. He went to a motel and he got himself a room.
He went in the diner and he had dinner by himself. When he was done, he went back, and he wondered why she had run away? How long had she been planning this for? Why hadn't he noticed the signs? He thought that she was starting to like to live with him.
Lucas started to shudder at the thought that he might not be able to find her again. Oh Lord what do I do? I love her, and please let me find her. Let her be safe wherever she is.
Sleep evaded him as he tossed and turned, when he finally gave in, he woke up covered in sweat. He put on his shirt and he walked outside. It was late at night, but he needed some fresh air. He felt as if he was suffocating in his room.
When he got outside, he enjoyed the breeze and he prayed for Olivia. She didn't have any money so was she alright?
Lucas started to wonder if it had something to do with Bernard, had he said something to her that made her react this way. He was going to sought him out tomorrow.
Morning came, and he showered, got dressed and had breakfast. He went out, and he was driving slowly in case he spotted her.
He got to Bernard's house and he knocked.
The door opened, and Bernard seemed a bit surprised to see him there. He opened the door wide enough so that he could get in.
He sat on the couch. "Do you want some tea?" said Bernard.
"No thanks, I already had breakfast."
"Okay give me a second then, because I could use a cup of tea."
After a couple of minutes Bernard came back with a glass in his hand. He sat across him, "Did you already miss me?" Bernard said.
"I wish that was the case."
"Are you okay?" Bernard asked. "You don't look so well."
"I lost Olivia, do you have any idea as to where she might be?"
Bernard leaned forward, he had a gleam in his eyes. "How did you lose her?"
"I went into the store supply and when I came back, she was gone."
"You mean she ran away?" said Bernard.
"Yes, that's what it means."
"I don't know where she might be. The last time I saw her is when you dropped me off."
"Is there any other areas you know of, that I can go and look for her?"
"Not that I know of." Bernard said.
Even though Bernard knew, Lucas doubted that he would tell him. He seemed very excited that she was gone.
"Well everything happens for a reason. If she is gone then you have to move on." Said Bernard.
Lucas didn't say anything as he clenched his jaw. He spoke to Bernard a bit more. He seemed to be in high spirits. Lucas left soon because he didn't share the same energy as he did.
"You should let me know how it goes." Bernard said.
"I will."
"Don't be sad man, like I said she is not worth the trouble." Said Bernard.
Lucas left feeling more despondent than ever. He felt tired but he couldn't fall asleep as he would have nightmares.
He got into his car and he drove, looking around again, until he got into his motel. He went into his room and hoped he would find her.