Chapter 1: Lake Orion

I looked in the rearview mirror to see Amelia still sleeping soundly. Her blondish brown hair had fallen around her chubby face. She had done so well on this long journey. We were almost to our destination. Lake Orion was a very isolated town in the heart of Alaska surrounded by miles and miles of greenery and we were it's newest residents. I used part of my inheritance to buy a quaint little two bedroom home where Ame and I would be comfortable to grow. The grief of my fathers passing struck my heart again and tears fell down my face. My father was a great man and his life was cut short due to a drunk driver hitting him head on. Amelia didn't fully understand the concept of death at her age, but when she saw her grandpa get lowered into the ground she cried too. It seemed as if our lives was filled with nothing but loss and that's what inspired me to move to a completely new part of the country. We left Connecticut and took on the grueling trip mere months after my fathers death. I was able to make a profit from selling my childhood home combining that with my inheritance when it came to money we were more than fine. As I made my way around the winding road I finally saw a sign the town was only two miles ahead.

I pulled up to the house and exhaled feeling relieved to be done driving after four long hours on the road. There was a lockbox on the door and the realtor had given me the necessary code to get in. I quickly opened the door and set down our necessities before going to get Ame out of the SUV. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was ideal for Alaskan weather and it was a comfortable fit for her car seat as well.

"Is this our new house mama?" her hazel eyes took in the small house as I placed her on the ground grabbing her small hand in mine.

"Yes, what do you think?" I looked down at her waiting for an answer.

She took her time taking it all in.

"I like it mama." she said with finality.

"Good. Let's go look at the inside." we run inside giggling at the excitement of it all. She had only lived in one house her entire three years of life so this was a whole new experience.

The house was a bit dated but the previous owners had already made small improvements in the floor plan making an open floorplan on the ground floor. All in all it would do nicely.

"Okay how about we freshen up and go find some food in town?"

"Pizza?" asked the cheery toddler.

She would eat pizza everyday for every meal if I let her.

"Sure pizza." I nod. Why not.

We were both dressed in long sleeves and pants because even in June the temperature here was lower than we were used to. It was 6pm and the sun was still in the sky as this time of year there was 18 hours straight of daylight. That would take some getting used to.

I drove the jeep to what appeared to be the only restaurant in town. We made our way in hand in hand sporting matching French braids at the back of our heads.

"Well hello there sweethearts, I certainly don't recognize you two." said the hostess dressed in jeans and a plain black t shirt. She had brown hair in a shag cut with blue eyes rimmed in black eyeliner.

"We just moved in."

Silence fell in the restaurant as many of the occupants stopped eating and gave us curious looks.

"A booth for two please." I spoke up to fill the awkward silence.

"Of course here you are sweetie." she handed me two menus.

"Do you have pizza here?" asked Amelia with hopeful innocent eyes.

"We do honey. Once you take your seats I'll be right over to take your order. My name is Jo by the way." she looked towards me at the end.

After looking over the menu I decided to order a large pizza so we could take it home with us to eat while we unpacked tomorrow. Once Jo took our order I glanced around the restaurant. I got some odd looks here and there but tried to brush it off.

Although Jo seemed friendly it felt a bit forced and I found myself questioning moving all the way here without knowing much about the place. Amelia chatted away happily about how cool the plane ride was and how she would love to ride one again soon.

"Hey mama, are you sad about grandpa?" she asked innocently.

"Yeah, I am baby." I wipe away a stray tear.

"Can't we go visit him up in heaven?"

"That's a great idea Ame, but we can't. It's not allowed." I sniff.

"Don't cry mama grandpa will come see us when he misses us."

I nod my head. She was only three years old and she didn't understand the concept of death. I didn't have the strength to explain such a morbid topic.

"Okay here's the pizza. You girls enjoy." Jo said quickly and rushed off to another table.

The diner door opened and closed with the ring of a bell as Ame and I dug into our pizza.

"This pizza is yummy mom." she spoke with her mouth full despite me telling her not to everyday of her life.

"Not with your mouthful Amelia. Chew your food first." I shake my head and continue eating when the hair on the back of my neck stands up.

The booth behind us that had originally been empty was now occupied. The occupant was staring at the back of my head, I could feel it. I self consciously touch my French braid checking for anything abnormal in my hair. My hair felt undisturbed and exactly like a normal French braid so what the hell are they staring at?

"Hey Shaw, what brings you into town?" asked Jo from behind me.

"I had some business here today figured I'd stop in and check on the place." said a deep gruff voice.

The entire time he talked it felt as if his eyes never left my back.

"Will it be the usual?" asked Jo with a flirtacious lilt to her voice.

"Yes." He sounded unimpressed with her attempt at flirting.

"You're a creature of habit that's for sure." She tried again.

Awkward silence. Followed by glances from various diners nearby.

"Finish up quickly Ame, we need to get going." The tension was too thick and I hated to rush her, but I felt too uncomfortable staying here any longer.