Page 40 of Mika's Heart

Mika

It’s been two weeks since I left Alaska and my heart still aches.

Starting every day with a workout at Hay’s den then late hours at the shop with Fiona and Lily, I should be too tired to think but nothing is enough to keep my mind off Atka.

When I close my eyes at the end of the day and will myself to sleep, I feel his hands on my body. I see his eyes looking into mine like he worships the ground I walk on.

Did I make a mistake?

Jan is flying in today. The people here are awesome but I need her. Maybe she can help me sort this out in my head.

I’m so excited I can’t sit still. It has only been a couple of months but feels like forever since I’ve seen my best friend. Lily’s husband Austin drove me to the airport to pick her up.

Austin is awesome! He’s been teaching me to fight. He was only supposed to teach me self-defense but after seeing him and Lily sparring, I was hooked.

Even at six months pregnant Lily doesn’t hold back. They have a beautiful daughter named Cordy, this baby is supposed to be a boy. Lily wants to name Micah.

I think the name is adorable, but then I am a little biased. Micah, Mika you see what I’m talking about?

Last night she let me feel her belly when the baby moved. It was an incredible feeling but it made me sad.

During my time with Atka, I was picturing little babies with his hair and my eyes.

Nervously pacing the waiting area, I jump when my phone rings. I’m wary of answering it because I don’t recognize the number.

“Hello, is this Miss Stone?” The voice asks.

“Yes,” I cautiously answer.

“This is Darren Jonas with the FBI. We were recently contacted about your situation. Can you meet with us to discuss it?”

“Umm sure,” I answer.

“We can have an agent in Anchorage call you to set up a meeting if that’s convenient.” Mr. Jonas tells me.

“Oh, I’m not in Anchorage right now. I’m in White Summer Montana.”

“That actually works out better. I’m in Billings Montana and could meet with you myself in the next few days.”

I ask him to meet me at Bella’s Brew and we set up a time, just as he is saying goodbye Jan’s flight is announced. Not sure if I answered him or just hang up as I make my way to her gate.

By the time I see her, tears are streaming down my face. Throwing my arms around my best friend I finally feel something besides my broken heart.

Austin collects her luggage, while we head out to his car. As we are exiting the airport, I think I see Atka but that’s not possible. He hated his last trip to White Summer; no way he would come back.

The entire drive back to White Summer, she talks not letting me get a word in. Some things never change.

Arriving back at Poison Pen, Jan is yawning non-stop so I encourage her to take a nap.

Pushing her into my bedroom and closing the door, I decide to sketch out a tattoo that’s been on my mind.

Quickly losing track of time, I’m alerted something is wrong when Comet starts whining and scratching at the door. He’s never acted like that before. It makes me nervous.