Some Scars Never Fade

Nicholas and Senor Francisco left the rich family's farm satisfied with the deal. Seeing how farming was going to be a massive part of the American life now that slavery was abolished, the rich man decided to invest in as much in farming equipment as he could, and sell it to the farmers down south.

It was fifteen before five and they decided to go celebrate at the nearest bar, where they made time as the carriage was being altered for the long trek back to Sacramento. Nicholas was not looking forward to it. Regardless of the success from their trip, it didn't feel right to leave Olivia behind, he hated the idea that she would stay with that man to suffer through his beatings every night. Nicholas wished she had changed her mind.

Five minutes before five and they decided to walk to the hotel to retrieve their horses. They didn't need to go inside, their stuff already packed and sent to the shop where the carriage was being mended. They paid, they tipped the boy who looked after the horses and they made their way two blocks away, to the shop.

It's five O'clock and they secured their horses to the carriage, they fastened the ropes and they checked their luggage to make sure they were intact. They boarded the carriage, they paid the owner of the shop and with a click of the tongue from Francisco, they traveled down the streets of Boston, back to Sacramento.

Maggie rushed inside the hotel lobby and gave the letter to the concierge. The concierge shook his head apologetically. "They checked out fifteen minutes ago."

Maggie's heart dropped. "Do you know if they were going to the canal, sir?"

"No, they had their own transportation. A carriage and two horses."

Maggie was at a loss. What could she do now? She looked down at the letter sadly. Olivia would be greatly disappointed.

Feeling lonely inside the carriage, he kept Francisco company as he led the horses quietly. In the distance, Nicholas kept his eyes alert, as if expecting to see Olivia walking down the street or exiting a store.

Instead, he found Bradford. He walked down the street slowly, looking straight forward, chin up as if everyone was below him. What a difference from when he first met him. Nicholas clenched his fists as he felt his face go hot. He wanted to beat him so badly. He wanted to make him suffer.

"Stop!" Nicholas exclaimed.

Francisco came to a halt abruptly.

"I need to get her," Nicholas explained as he jumped off the carriage and started unfastening one of the horses.

Francisco didn't question him. He helped him with the horse and agreed to meet them behind the public library.

Nicholas climbed on the horse, and urged it to trot as fast as possible towards the farm. He needed to get there before Bradford. If necessary, he would throw her over his shoulder and take her with him to Sacramento. No was not an option.

Nicholas arrived. He let himself in through the back door but came to an abrupt stop. The house was empty and quiet. The newly hired servants were nowhere to be seen. Nicholas thought about searching the house but he stopped himself, everything was too quiet, it sent chills down his spine. Something was very wrong. He walked slowly down the hall yearning for noise.

Silence.

Maggie appeared from the front door, Nicholas rushed to her relieved to see her. Maggie's eyes widened in astonishment. Before she could speak, he asked, "Where's Olivia, I need to see her."

"She's—"

"Maggie!"

They froze as they heard the male voice coming from behind her. Nicholas stepped back and hid behind the opened door.

"Where's my wife?" Bradford asked harshly as if not seeing her waiting for him at the front porch was disrespectful.

"She went to the market, sir," she replied quietly.

"She left."

Nicholas ran towards the dining room as Mary appeared from General Clark's office.

"Where did she go?" Bradford's voice was heard.

"Father passed away and she decided to leave me with the funeral arrangements," came Mary's angry voice.

Nicholas's gasped at the announcement. General Clark? Dead? He leaned against the wall, brought a hand up to his scar. The scar on his cheek was a constant reminder of General Clark, how he fought a confederate protecting him from a sword to the back. He shut his eyes and took deep breaths. He couldn't imagine what Olivia was going through.

"She left to the store, Miss" Maggie replied from the other side of the door.

"You tell me where she is right now, Negro or I'll have you whipped!" screamed Bradford. It took all of Nicholas' self-control to not reveal himself to punch Bradford on the face. Where could Olivia have gone?

Nicholas made his way to the kitchen and hoped Maggie would meet him. Olivia got the courage to run away, it brought a smile to his face. But he wondered, why she hadn't gone to find him. Were his affections for her not reciprocated?

Maggie rushed into the kitchen and handed him a letter. She stepped away as she had to prepare a meal for Bradford, who was under the impression that Olivia had gone to the store.

Nicholas ripped the letter open and held his breath.

Please meet me at the Pawtucket Canal in Lowell. There's nothing for me here, and I wish to be with you.

Love,

Olivia

He felt exhilarated, he gave Maggie a strong embrace taking her off guard. She was her protector and he would forever be thankful to her. "I won't forget about you, Maggie," he said gratefully. "I'll come for you," he promised for he knew her loyalty towards Olivia was unlike any other.

He rushed out to get his horse, andleft as fast as possible before Bradford could get the truth out of Maggie. 

A/N: Hello guys! i want to thank all of you for your support, it's quite amazing the amount of votes it has gotten!