25 Chapter 25 (1/2)

Olivia sat with Lucas by the porch. ”Here.” As Lucas passed her a package and she wondered what was inside. She opened it hesitantly and found materials, sewing and knitting kits. She found books inside, so she could study.

”Do you like them?” he asked.

”Yes, I do.” She felt something that she didn't want to analyse. When the days began to pass, she would clean the whole house and cook. She would sweep outside, and water the plants. When the day finished, she would cook and wash the dishes.

Lucas wanted to help her, but she would beat him to it because she wanted to make up for what she had done. She wanted to lessen his burdens.

She got into their room and she went and changed into pajamas. When she got into the bed, Lucas turned to her.

”You don't have to do everything by yourself, I can help you.”

”I can do it Lucas, you don't need to worry about anything besides your painting.”

”I want to help you Olivia.”

”I don't need it.”

Lucas gave up on it, she would work for his forgiveness but what he really wanted was her love, but all he got was her labour.

He was glad that she had told him all of that but now she wasn't letting him help her. He wanted to be part of her life.

Days ran together, and Olivia felt as if she was letting Lucas down. She wasn't pleasing him, and she felt the distance grow.

Olivia sat outside, and she felt the sun on her face and she relaxed. She didn't notice Lucas until he was standing in front of her.

He had his canvas and he set it up, he went and took paints.