It was a major tourist spot here.
I was a bit hesitant, and he added, “Don’t
worry, I camp all the time, it is very safe.”
54
I agreed, he was a friendly guy. He went back
to his house and brought out two bags, all of
his equipment plus his painting gears, all on his
back.
I tried to share the load, but he refused, “I’m
strong enough, it is not heavy at all.”
On the mountain trail, we shared our lives, and
dreams. My past seemed boring, nothing more
than just the life around Liam, I was just his
wife without a true name.
But Ben is different, he has so many plans, and
always talking about the future.
“Life is just an experience, my goal is to be a
known artist, so I have to try, right? FYI, I ran
<
64
away from home, don’t tell them! If one day, my place is empty, it is likely my family had finally captured me.”
I laughed, we are both runaways. He has family
who would come and find him, but mine, will be happy that I disappeared.
We got to the top of the mountain just before sunset. The warm light touched every inch of me, making me feel peaceful. I was looking down on the town, it was quiet, and calm, just like my heart.
Ben is busy putting up the tent, “The sunset is beautiful, why aren’t you painting?”
“I like the sunrise more, each sunrise is a new beginning, a symbol of possibilities and life.”
I sat down and watched him. My mind
wandering back to that conversation. Leaving.
Liam is the bravest thing I have ever done. But I
<
am running away, trying to hide in the small
town, never thinking of the future. Am I just
going to stay in the small house forever?
I am only 25 years old, I have so many
possibilities.
Ben finished putting up the tent, gave me water
and snacks. He laid down next to me, with his
arms behind his head, looking at the stars.
“Hey, try to see the stars from this angle, it is a
different experience.”
Back in Liam’s house, I’m always under
scrutiny, my every move judged. I could never
do anything out of place. I heard “Mrs. Sterling
you can’t do that” too many times.
I never thought about laying on the ground to
see the stars.
Before I could think it over, Ben had already
<
grabbed my hands, and pulled me down. “Just
lay down!”
I wasn’t going to be prissy, I followed him.
The stars were everywhere, I felt like I could
touch them. We laid there, looking at the sky,
talking about anything and everything.
I made a decision that night. I have to be brave
and move on. Running away is not the solution.
I will make new friends, and discover the world.
One day, I will look at Liam, and he will be no
one to me.
I fell asleep in my tent. I felt peaceful.
I woke up slowly, and found Ben had set up the
easel. He looked so serious.
The sun started rising, the gentle sun rays
touched me everywhere. This is my new
beginning.
<
11:54
“Sarah! Don’t move!”
54
I was shocked and froze in place, looked at him
with my eyes.
He is using me as a model.
I massaged my neck after he was done. Being a
model is not easy.
“Let me give you a massage, I’m thanking you
for being my model.”
His hands felt strong and firm. It was really
relaxing, I closed my eyes and enjoyed it.
On the way back, Ben kept talking about his new inspiration. I saw his painting, and it looks very nice, but I don’t understand it completely.
As soon as he got back, he went straight to his
garden. I turned on the TV, and was shocked to
see Liam on the screen. I jumped back, and
<
almost turned it off, but I stopped myself. I’m
glad I made that decision yesterday. I will see
Liam everywhere. I can’t keep running away.
The reporter was interviewing Liam, and it
seemed that nothing had changed about him.
He was asked about his recent rumors of
marriage problems, and he brushed it off, “My
wife is just throwing a tantrum, she will come
back soon.”
Everyone was so envious, me, an orphan, being
taken in by the family, and married into the
family, that is good karma. But only I know, that
no one sees me, Liam hates me. I am nothing
more than an empty title.
Every year, in the season of yellow roses, Liam
would have his staff cut the roses, and fill the
house with them. The piano in the greenhouse,
is polished daily. Amy is gone, but Liam is still
reminding everyone of her presence.
“We heard that you and Mrs. Sterling had
problems because of your assistant.” Liam
frowned, annoyed, and automatically tried to
touch his wedding ring, but there was nothing
there. He remembered that Sarah had finally
turned hard, she returned the ring, and ran
away.
