Page 7 of Mika's Heart

Chapter 2

Mika

I’ve been in Alaska for several weeks now and I’ve still been unable to make contact with Taylor Burns.

The cost of living here is so much more expensive than I thought it would be.

I’ve been watching every penny that I spend, buying the cheapest things possible in order to eat every day.

Knowing that I need to pay for yet another week in this hotel, I’m afraid that the only way I can manage it is if I cut back to only one meal a day.

That will only help me through one more week though.

Thoughts of being homeless in a place where I know absolutely no one has brought on nightmares when I sleep at night.

The phone ringing gets my attention and I rush to answer it, glad to hear a friendly voice on the other end.

“Jan! It’s so good to hear from you.” I say with excitement.

“How’s it going up there?” She asks.

“I’ve still been unable to contact him. I really hope he comes back soon.” I sigh, looking down at my notebook where I keep up with my meager finances.

“Can his secretary not give you his number?”

“She wouldn’t. She did ask to relay a message but I really think this is something that should be done face to face. Don’t you?”

“Actually yes. Otherwise he may think you are another one of those gold diggers looking for a pay out.”

“I don’t want his money!”

“Of course not. I know you aren’t like that but he won’t know that until he gets to know you better.” She sighs over the phone. “Have you at least seen any of the sights around town?”

“Just the free ones.” I chuckle. “I can’t afford anything else. I can’t even afford my own food.”

“Surely it’s not as bad as that. I can ask my parents to loan you some money if you want.”

“No. It’s okay. I actually have a job interview later today. I might as well work while I’m waiting for him to come back.” My heart races with the lie.

“If you’re sure. You know my parents love you and wouldn’t like to know that you’re going hungry.” Her concern causes my eyes to go blurry with tears.

“I promise that I am fine. Really. I have it all under control.” I breathe deeply to control my emotions.

“We all miss you, ya know. We can’t wait until you come back.”

Her admission takes me by surprise because I’ve never actually thought about going back.

“Have you heard anything else from my parents?”

“Nothing so far. You think they’ll really come back again?”

“I’ve no idea. It’s not like they really cared much in the first place. They weren’t even at my graduation.”

“You know, their punishments towards you have always seemed quite harsh to me. I don’t know how I’d feel if my parents were like them.”

“Your parents could never be like them. They very clearly love each other and you very much.”

“I’m glad too. Otherwise they may kill me when I tell them that I’m putting off college for a semester.”

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