Chapter 8 Lucas missing

(Eliana's POV)

The day after checking in, I placed an order for breakfast to be served to the kids in the room exclusively. Even if they beg to stay indoors, we spend a few hours in the room watching their favourite cartoon after breakfast.

"Good morning, Eliana. I hope you all slept well?" Mr. Richardson called to inquire about our well-being and to let me know that the client meeting is set for around four o'clock.

"My babies, don't worry. I'll take you to the garden in the evening... But I want a promise from you all three that you will not wander off alone" I gave him my response, hung up the phone, and looked at my kids sulky look and told them about visiting the garden before making them grin once more.

"Now tell me who wants to have an ice cream?" I smiled as I picked up the hotel phone before inquiring and the following minute, all three of them were hurling themselves at me and yelling the name of their favourite ice cream.

The doorbell rang in the following ten minutes, and they all went to it while I followed in behind. We all took our ice cream and then sat down in the drawing room, me in the centre and my babies on either side of me. I took them to get ready for a game of catch in the garden before the clock struck four. I left them there and made my way to the lounge, which featured a few private cubicles for each person. I found it comfortable to stare out the window at my kids from the seat we occupied.

A little while later, our client arrived, and Mr. Richardson gave us an introduction before continuing to address the matter. It must have been 15 minutes since the meeting started, during which I kept glancing at my kids, who were playing in the garden with other youngsters. During the entire discussion, there was a point when I had to note down some important points for Mr. Richardson and I had to take my eyes off my kids to give him my total attention.

"Lucas!...Fuck!" The instant my eyes focused back on them, Lucas was nowhere. I began to panic and searched for him for a minute or so before my heartbeat quickened and I hurried out of the lounge.

"Liam- Leo, where is Lucas? Where is he, babies? He was playing with you guys, where did he go? Why did you leave him?" I instantly dropped down in front of them and began hastily asking questions. I didn't realise that I was holding their arm tightly the entire time until someone called my name from behind me.

"Lucas, Mr. Richardson...I-I am not able to find him...Lucas, my baby... Wh-Where... L-Lucas" When I stood up and turned around, Mr. Richardson was there. When he approached me, I began to shake, my speech was shattered, and tears were streaming down my face.

"Eliana, relax, we'll find him. But you are putting your stress on your other kids, look" He put his hand on my arm to soothe my body and mind. When he mentioned my other two boys, I turned to see them, and they had tears streaming down their faces as Liam held Leo close to his chest. It seemed as though they were afraid of me, their own mother.

"No-No-No, babies I am here...Shh, mumma will never hurt you or say anything... mumma is sorry baby, mumma is just worried about Lucas...I love you three...Come" I instantly knelt down in front of them and made an effort to calm them after trying to relax myself. This time, I was preoccupied with Lucas so much that I failed to notice my other two children's feelings. I cradled them in my arms, kissed their forehead, and stroked their back after soothing them and giving them kind words.

"Excuse me, actually we are not able to find our kid. Can you pls help us?" I was startled out of my reverie by Mr. Richardson's voice, and I noticed him approaching a staff member to inquire about Lucas.

"Mr. Richardson, can you pls be with Liam and Leo? I'll go to the reception area" After a staff worker instructed us to go and report a missing child at the reception area while I accompanied Liam and Leo to him before going there.

"Lucas! Oh my god baby... Are you ok? Did you get hurt?" As soon as I approached the reception area in the light, I noticed a child standing there with the receptionist. I took further steps and called out his name, gave him a quick embrace before making sure he wasn't hurt. I requested the receptionist to give me his name so I could thank him after she told me everything, but she said she couldn't give out guest information, so I asked her to thank him on my behalf.

"Where did you go baby? I was so worried about you...Lucas" I cradled him in my arms and questioned him, but all he did was hold my neck tightly and not answer. Liam and Leo came running to me as soon as I entered the garden, hugging me on my knees and peering up at Lucas, who was still hiding his face in my neck.

"Lucas is alright, babies. Don't cry, he is with us now" I patted my kids' weeping faces and gave them a minute to hold my legs while I stroked their hair. Then, thanked Mr. Richardson and brought my triplets to their room.

"Are you ok, Lucas? Do you need anything baby?... What happened son? You know, you can tell mumma everything" I changed their clothes and nestled them in bed with me. As I reclined next to Lucas, putting my arm beneath his head, he gave me a sideways hug. He held me close and his eyes were closed while I stroked his arm and inquired about his concerns.

"I was scared mumma. I was all alone" He said after a time, so I just gave him a quick kiss on the head to reassure him that I was still present and invited Liam and Leo, who were still awake, to join us for a cuddle. I made sure to be by their sides at all times and gave each of them a firm hold. My children are my lifeblood, and I am theirs.