Chapter 10

Brisk fresh air greeted Lucas as he stepped out of the hotel and walked down the stairs, heading in the direction of his car. The sun was painting the sky in shades of purple and orange, its tracks falling down on Lucas' face as he drove down the streets of Capitol City.

He felt numb this morning. Talking to Gustave this morning took its toll on him. He couldn't even stomach the breakfast, just drank half a cup of tea before giving up on that as well. He could feel the headache creeping up to him.

Surprisingly, he slept tightly through the night, but conversation with Gustave this morning opened the wounds that didn't even start to heal.

Gustave's readiness to be there for him was like a balm to his wounded spirit. His cousin assured him that he will take care of everything and that he just concentrates on his life in Capitol City.

He took a deep breath and exhaled trying to calm himself down as he thought about talking to the local sheriff last night. He knew that the case would require much of his time and attention, not to mention all the Governor's duties that he will have to take over next week…

…But, right now, he needed some peace. He needed something to focus on, to try and heal a bit from everything that happened in the last ten days…

Without a warning, Grace's face showed up in his mind, taking him up by surprise. He couldn't understand why, but he could feel a sense of peace as he thought about time spent in her company. Her warmth, compassion, empathy and selflessness moved something deep inside him.

He turned on the right and the orphanage building came into view.

Lucas turned off the engine and taking a bag from the seat beside him, he left the car and knocked at the doors.

The doors opened revealing Grace's smiling face.

"Hey. Good morning", she smiled widely.

Lucas slightly nodded.

"Good morning, Grace" he smiled gently as she opened the doors, inviting him in.

"Come in. Welcome", her eyes carefully watched his face, noticing redness in his eyes…

He bowed his head a bit to come inside the building. Grace shut the doors closed.

He turned to look at her.

"I brought some fruit", he said "Wasn't sure what the children like so I bought a little bit of everything. We can make some fruit salad, oatmeal with pieces of fruit…if that's alright with you and Lillian", his voice drifted away as he took her face in. Her warm eyes were looking at him with such a gentleness that he could feel his heart tighten with warmth.

"Lucas? Are you okay?", she whispered, her voice full of concern.

Willing himself not to break down, Lucas squeezed his eyes shut.

Swallowing hard, he opened his eyes and looked back at her. Grace watched him, growing even more concerned. She could tell that he was crying.

At that moment Lillian showed up.

"Good morning, Lucas", she smiled.

Both Lucas and Grace looked up.

"Good morning", he silently replied "Ah…where can I put these?, he handed a bag of fruit to Lillian.

She smiled.

"Thank you. Lets take these to the kitchen", she started to walk and Lucas and Grace followed her.

As he stepped inside the kitchen Lucas stood frozen, mesmerized.

There, in an adjoining hall was a huge dining room full of children. Little feet pitter pattered across the hall as they all pitched in to set up the tables.

"Anna and Jamie took upon themselves to organize older kids to set up the table in order for me to stay put", Grace said, her eyes set on the kids in front of her, a gentle smile playing on her lips "I can't even carry napkins", she shook her head.

"That's what the young children are delegated for", Lillian said warmly and smiled as she noticed little Anna waving at them. Three of them waved back and watched as little Anna rushed toward them. Stopping, she smiled widely as she looked up at Lucas.

"Good mowning, Wucas. I hewp you now", she smiled remembering their talk last night.

Lucas felt his heart and soul warming up at the little girl's words and he knelt down to be Anna's size.

"Good morning, Anna. You did good by helping Miss Grace this morning", he caressed the little girl's hair.

Anna nodded.

"Gwacie is huwt. We help and she tell stowies aftew bweakwast", she said, grinning.

"Really?", he smiled, feeling his headache drifting away, slowly, but surely

"Yeah. You can listen with us", Anna offered

"Thank you. I might know some stories too", Lucas gently smiled, winking.

Anna's eyes widened.

"You do?", she gasped.

Lucas nodded.

"Absolutely. Why don't we make some breakfast first and then it's story time!", he encouraged her and Anna giggled, taking his hand and following him to the kitchen.

Llllian smiled as she took out a few pieces of bread and placed it in front of Lucas. He nodded, took a knife and started to cut bread, chatting with Anna all the time.

Very soon, more and more kids came closer, curious to meet him and learn how to make an oatmeal with fruit. They followed Lucas all over the kitchen, completely in awe and asking millions of question in milliseconds.

"Watch out, Jamie, it is hot. Here", Lucas took out bananas and handed them over to a boy about six years old "Can you peel these for me? Look, like this", he took one banana and slowly peeled it and placed it in the bowl.

Jamie took another banana and worked carefully, his little tongue peeking out a bit as he concentrated on the task in his hands.

Grace hid her smile between fingers of her good arm, her heart melting at the scene in front of her.

"I did it!", Jamie exclaimed happily.

Lucas smiled brightly.

"Well done, Jamie!", he said warmly.

"I wanna peal too!", "Where does this go?", "It's squishy!", children exclaimed excitedly, giggling all the time. Lucas quickly delegated harmless tasks to them and in a flash, breakfast was served.

Lucas wiped his hands with tablecloth and smiled as he watched little ones having breakfast.

He felt her presence beside him before he even saw her.

Grace looked up at him, whispering "Thank you".

Days they surround you through the day, Words imprison you they say.

Maybe there is something you can do, Look around there's no resisting truth.

Just breathe it out, And find out what you're looking for. Yeh breathe it out, And find out what you're looking for. Just leave it now, And let your mind roam free.

Help me get you through the night, Hush and listen to the quiet. Tell me if there's something I can do, Trust in me don't be misunderstood.

Just breathe it out And find out what you're looking for Yeh breathe it out And find out what you're looking for Just leave it now And let your mind roam free.

Turn another page in the Red Book Then you'll see.

(TEXAS - "Red Book")