Page 6 of Mika's Heart

I’ve got to get a job. There’s no way around it but considering that all of my documentation is fake, I need to try to find something that will pay me in cash.

Deciding to go for a walk to find a newspaper, I put away all my things and head out the door.

Once I’m on the road, I look both ways and turn to go the opposite direction from earlier. Not having seen a newspaper stand back towards the store I had visited.

I walk for nearly fifteen minutes when I finally spot one, so I cross the street hurriedly in that direction.

Putting it under my arm, I head back to the hotel to read it there.

It’s getting late even though the sun has not gone down. Apparently, this time of year it’s still daylight at eleven p.m. And the sun still rises again before five a.m. Thank God my hotel room has dark window coverings.

Once back in my room, I fix a bowl of ramen, turning the TV on for background noise while I read the newspaper.

Hoping that I can find a job before I completely run out of money.

A few minutes later, my phone ringing drags my attention away from the paper in front of me. Picking it up, I smile seeing Jan’s number.

“Hey, I was just about to call you.” I answer.

“Your parents came by here looking for you.” She interrupts.

My heart kicks up at that wondering what they could possibly want.

Neither of them seemed to care that they missed my graduation or that I moved out of their house.

“Did you tell them?” I ask.

“Of course not. I told them I didn’t know where you went.”

Holding my hand over my racing heart, I sit back on the bed.

“They say what they want?”

“No. Just told me to tell you that they need to talk to you as soon as possible.”

“Good.” I pick up my bowl of noodles and take a bite.

“So how’s it going up there?”

“Not very well.” I admit.

“You haven’t been able to find him?” She asks.

“Yes and no. I found his law firm but the secretary told me he was out of state. She wouldn’t tell me when he’d be back.”

“Well, you could see the sights while you wait for him to get back.” I can hear her smile over the phone. “I bet it’s beautiful there.”

“It’s beautiful and also expensive. I’m going to have to find a job if he’s not back soon or else I’ll be out on the street.” I huff.

“I’m sorry girl. You know if I had any money I’d help you.” Her voice puts tears in my eyes.

“I know. You are an amazing friend and I wouldn’t be here now if you hadn’t helped me. Don’t worry about me. I’ll find something.”

We both change the subject and talk about other things for several minutes before getting off the phone.

I miss having someone to talk to. Jan was and still is all I really have.

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