Only Time Could Heal

After the show was over, Lucas when back to the dressing room and shut the door behind him. He brought out the rings once more and gave the smaller one a peck with his lips. He felt it, he was so close. He knew she was waiting for him to find her. Bethany Johnson. His high school sweetheart that he purposed to on Graduation Day. He helped her get to New York to follow her dream of being an actress, while he stayed behind to get his start in modeling; they had wedding plans made and everything was set for him to move to New York with her, but he knew she was trying to find a better place for them to live. Suddenly after he sent her a text that the wedding bands were ready, and he was going to pick them up. He never heard from her, except for a text that said: this number is no longer in service. The police tried to find her, but her apartment was already vacant. Her bank accounts her cancelled. She had disappeared. Her own parents never heard from her. Lucas never gave up hope. He went to New York in multiple towns for weeks at a time; no luck. No one had ever seen or heard of Bethany Johnson in New York. One theory was that she ran away because she failed at her acting career. Another one was that she had an affair and ran away with her new lover. The last one scared him the most, she had been taken by someone. Some days, he prayed for results that she was with someone else or that she was in hiding. If he was ever to find out she was being tormented every single day and night while he lived the cozy life, he could never live with himself. Once more, he checked his phone out of habit, but something wasn’t normal. Unknown number had called him. Voicemail (1). He immediately checked the message, bringing the phone to his ear, his heart racing. “One new message: Lucas, this is Trey Unger, PI. I found your fiancée. Come to my office as soon as possible.” Lucas’ eyes were widened. He found her? It was too good to be true! Lucas had hired some private investigator weeks after Bethany went missing. If the police or her family and loved ones weren’t going to help her, he sure as hell was. He was never going to give up! And now, he just had to hope she was alive. Just because Trey found her, that doesn’t mean she’s found alive. “Please, God…” Lucas closed his eyes. “Let me bring her home.” … … … … … … “Sit down, Mr. Law.” The 6’4’’ thin man with thick glasses and suspenders demanded as he sat down in his own chair across the desk. He sure didn’t seem like the private investigator type, but he was the best in the business. Trey waited until Lucas sat down across from him before throwing him a manila folder. “She changed her name.” Lucas couldn’t open the folder fast enough as he saw her ID picture. She looked just the same; her hair was longer, but that’s all. There she was. Her ID described her perfectly. Her picture was just so beautiful to him. Her brown eyes shining, her strawberry blonde hair flowing over her shoulders, her skin a perfect shade of light tan, and no chance of make up on her skin. Lucas swore he fell in love all over again. “Look at the rest, Mr. Law.” Trey said, looking interested. Lucas was startled. He forgot that Trey was there. He kept his cool and turned the page. He saw her books…books? “She’s a writer?” He didn’t even know she liked to write. “Yes. She quit her theatre career, that reason is unknown.” Trey said, leaning back in his chair. “She became a writer soon after. She is famous for her books in New York.” “That’s my girl.” Lucas smiled lightly, but then panicked. “She’s not with someone or married, is she?” As Trey leaned forward near him, Lucas held his breath, waiting for the heartache… “No.” Lucas let out a breath he forgot he was holding inside. “Oh.” “She’s been single. No husband, boyfriend, no kids, and no life.” Trey frowned. “That’s why it took me three years to find her. She has literally never left her loft in Manhattan. I’m only guessing that part because all they have there are lofts for the rich and famous. Since her PO Box is in Manhattan, I’m only assuming that’s where she lives.” Lucas saw a picture of her at a book signing, smiling at her fans. He ran a hand over her face, almost felt a tear escape his eye. “What happened, my love?” “Listen, she has a book signing tomorrow in a bookstore, where apparently fans are already lined up to see her.” Trey told him. “I’m just saying. If you want to talk to her, that would be a great place to go.” Lucas sharply looked up at him. “Give me the name of the store.”