Painting Clovers

4 days.

I didn't want to count the days but I couldn't help it. Only 4 days left and I have to go back. I have my mom back home, I can't leave her. But I have Lena here, and I know I can't leave her too. I pushed the depressing thoughts out of my head and got up, jumping a few times to try and get my spirits up. Lester is nowhere to be found, probably already out with some new friends he met in the city.

After a quick shower, I went down to the café to get our customary coffees. The staff had already grown familiar with me so they already knew my order. I got back to our wing, listening for any signs of her. I made my way to the end of the hallway because I think those are the only rooms left. As I got to the end, I was a little confused. All the doors are closed, so I didn't hear her (The rooms are sound proof.). I tried again, walking slowly this time from the end of the hallway to the beginning. I carefully held both cups in one hand as I reached for each doorknob, trying to open them. All the doors are locked. Lena never locks the door when she's painting, she never even closes the door.

I was starting to get a little worried. No, scratch that, I am already worried, a lot. I tried calling her but her phone is turned off. I run to our room and tried calling her room phone, maybe she hasn't gotten up yet. At 15 rings, the call automatically connects to the front office, and I tried calling 8 times.

Is she with Liam? I ran down to check the restaurant, they're not there. I asked the staff but they haven't seen her. I went back to the café but no signs of her either. I asked the front desk but nobody has seen her.

It's pass 11 am and I've been running around the hotel, looking for her. if she went out, I'm sure one of the staff at the front office would have seen her, or even the guards maybe.

Is she hiding from me? Avoiding me? is she still mad at me because of last night? Is that what this is? Lena had been angry with me hundreds of times before but it never lasted long. She would get mad for a couple of hours but we'd be fine afterwards.

Have I crossed a line last night?

As a final attempt, I called Liam. He isn't with her. I was already in full blown panic mode, but Liam was calm. Apparently, Lena used to disappear when she was thinking things through. Of course that was back then, when she had no one else here. But that changed right, since we met. Right?

Feeling defeated, I grudgingly made my way back to our room.

I hope she's okay. I've got four days left and it seems to be going by faster.

"Asher!" I looked up as the elevator doors opened. Lena was standing in the hallway, she waited for me to get out. When I didn't move, she got in and pressed the close button and the ground floor. I was still staring at her when she looked up at me and flashed me a huge smile.

I sighed in relief. She's not mad. She wasn't avoiding me. so…

"Where were you? I've been looking all over for you, and I've been trying to call you."

Her brows furrowed in confusion then she got her phone from her pocket.

"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't notice the battery is drained." She held up her phone for me to see the blank screen.

"Where were you?" I asked again.

"In my room."

Now it was my turn to be confused.

"I called your room. 8 times."

"You did?" She tilted her head a little. "Oh. I was wearing earphones. I'm sorry."

Now that I know where she is and that she's okay, I felt myself relaxing. I actually found myself funny for over reacting earlier.

I chuckled, shaking my head.

"What's funny?" she asked.

"Nothing. What were you doing in your room the whole morning anyway?" I checked my watch and it's already 11:30.

She smiled at me knowingly as the elevator doors opened. "Painting Clovers." She stepped out of the elevator and kept walking. She stopped when I didn't follow and looked over her shoulders.

"Coming?"

I stood there, watching her as she walked. Then her question pulled me back to the present, the elevator doors were about to close and I quickly pressed the open button and jumped out, following Lena.

"Where are we going?" I asked, walking beside her.

"Lunch."

Lunch with Lena is great, especially if she's in a good mood. We were laughing the whole time, she seemed to be over our discussion last night and I'm not going to be the one to bring it up. Lena will talk about it once she's ready.

==

Lester found me in our room, staring intently at my laptop.

"What are you doing?" He stood behind me looking at my screen. "Looking for a job? Here?"

"I don't know. Maybe." I shrugged.

"You do know that you have a mother right? And she's back home." He took a sit at the edge of my bed right behind me.

"I know. I know. But, how can I leave her now?" I shut my laptop and turned to look at Lester. Lester seem like a happy-go-lucky type of guy, which he sometimes is, but he's really insightful. He's helped me more times than I can count.

"I don't know dude. Sorry."

I got up and faced the balcony window. My head hurts from over thinking.

"Did you tell her we're leaving? Where is she anyway?"

I pointed to the next room. "In her room."

"What's she doing in there?"

"I don't know. Painting clovers."

"Huh?" Lester looked at me questioningly. I just shrugged. "I don't know."