Page 36 of Mika's Heart

Chapter 9

Mika

Before boarding the plane, Taylor hands me an envelope and makes me promise not to open it until landing in Montana. Sitting here staring out the window, I’m tempted but hold myself back.

It’s been a long day and I just want to sleep but every time I close my eyes, I see that woman with her hands on Atka.

At first I didn’t say anything because I thought he would push her away. Then when he put his arm around her, I didn’t say anything because my heart was being crushed into a million pieces.

The Weavers told me all about Catori and her wedding plans. They gushed about the traditional dress that was being made for her.

One of the women even showed me some of the hand embroidery that would be applied once the bodice was finished.

I thought Atka had feelings for me. He never said he loves me or anything but the way he looks at me, the way he touches me, provides for me, how could it all be an act?

Every day when he finished work he would come to the shop to see what I was working on.

Then he would go to the apartment and cook dinner. No matter what time I dragged myself in after work, he was waiting for me with a hot meal.

Whether the shop closed at midnight or two in the morning, he was always there. Not wanting him to suffer, I begged him not to wait for me. His work day starts at eight.

I don’t know how Taylor managed it but he arranged for Comet to have his own seat next to me, instead of being stuck in an animal carrier.

It must be nice to have money. He says there is money for me too. An inheritance.

He never gave up hope of finding me so when our Father died he left my inheritance untouched.

I’m not ready to claim it yet, I don’t know what’s holding me back but it just doesn’t feel real.

Most of the flight I’m lost in thought. When the Pilot announces we’ll be landing soon, I grab for my phone.

“Hey Jan.” I greet when my best friend answers her phone.

“MIKA!” She screams excitedly.

I give her a moment to calm down before I share my news. “I’m in Montana.”

“Oh my God! Where?”

“White Summer. Come see me, please.” I plead. “I need my bff.”

Jan asks me what’s going on but before I can answer the flight attendant taps me on the shoulder. “I’m sorry dear but you need to turn off all your devices for landing.”

Quickly saying goodbye and letting her know I’ll call after we land, I reluctantly hang up. Landing is uneventful then I find myself sucked into the crowded terminal.

Taylor said someone would meet me here but I have no idea who I’m supposed to be looking for.

Instead of fighting the crowd at baggage claim, I’m standing back to wait for it to clear out a bit when suddenly the roar of motorcycles vibrates the whole building.

A commotion at the entrance draws everyone’s attention, including mine.

We watch as a tornado blasts through the door. This tornado is wearing shorts and a tank top, showing off tattoos that cover nearly every inch of skin from the neck down.

Just her presence in the room demands attention and respect.

It isn’t until she calls out my name that I notice the men surrounding her. Standing by her right side is an intimidating man that looks like he could snap a person in half. The guy on the left has the same eyes as her and he’s wearing a leather jacket that matches the other four men walking behind her.

Every eye in the room is glued to this group.

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