Destiny {h.s}

14

                              Olivia's POV

The cold late October wind thrashed at my face as I walked my way back home. After the date from hell with Luke, I decided it would be best to head home and tell my Mom what really has been going on this whole time.

These heals are killing me. It has been a good 20 minutes since I left the restaurant. Not once has Luke or anybody else tried to contact me. I decided it would be nice to walk home despite the cold weather. I needed to clear my head and get my thoughts straightened out. I see I'm approaching a nearby park. Maybe I will just sit for a second and rest my feet while watching the beautiful sunset behind the autumn leaves.

I sit on the nearest bench and relax. Soon an elderly man with a cane comes over and asks if the seat next to me on the bench is taken. I quickly shake my head to indicate that no one is sitting there.

As he takes a seat next to me I try to see if I recognize him at all, but nothing. It surprises me that I grew up in this small town yet I don't know this man.

The old man turns to me and says, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes..." I lightly say while staring at the sunset.

"You are awfully dressed up just to be at the park all alone at this time of night." He says turning he attention to the dress that is not suitable for this weather.

"I was on a date, but the guy was a jerk so I left." I explain feeling strangely comfortable with this old guy who just showed up out of nowhere.

"Well, he lost himself quite the catch if you ask me." He says slightly leaning in.

"Thank you..." I softly say back. "Where are you coming from?"

"I just got back from visiting my wife in the nursing home." He say slightly looking at the ground. I felt sorry for him. Here he is outside enjoying the sunset with me when he could be with his wife.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. If I may ask, what's wrong with her?" My curiosity got the best of me.

"She can't remember who I am. The doctors tell me it's common to forget even the most basic details when you have Alzheimer's Disease. It pains me to see her like that, but I love her more each and everyday. She has been with me through thick and thin, now I'm gonna do the same for her." He says with determination clear in his voice.

"See. That's what I want." The realization hit me right then and there. "I want someone supportive, caring, sweet. Someone who will love me more with each passing day. Some who will love me, and someone who I can love. What you two have is special. I fear a love like yours just doesn't exist anymore." I say venting out my frustrations with dating. It's a rough world out there. Dating is no exception...

"You will find what you are looking for. What's meant to be will always work out." He says trying to reassure me. "It's how I met my wife and it is how you will meet your significant other. But for now sit back and relax. Also don't try to force anything......it won't ever lead anywhere good."

"Thank you. I needed to hear that. You don't understand how much that helps me." I say getting up to my feet. It was time for me to leave. The sun had completely set already and I still had quite a bit of a walk left.

Me and the old man exchange goodbyes as I head off. After taking maybe 5 steps I realized I never got his name, so I turn around to the same bench I was just sitting on, but he was gone. Just like that. I couldn't believe it.

I got home a little later still thinking about the words he said to me still fresh in my mind. He was right I shouldn't force anything. After this visit with my parents I am heading back to New York happy and single. Just me. I can do this, and hopefully at some point something will workout in my benefit for once.

I explained to my Mom what Luke told me and how he was using her. She was understandably hurt. I felt sorry for her, but that is what you get for trusting Luke. I knew he was shady....

I quickly replace my dress with comfy pjs and slip into bed with thoughts about the old man I talked to today and how he mysteriously disappeared. Who was he anyway?