Recluse Island

Chapter 57

Present

June 2049

Did you get my package???

No.

You should have gotten it by now. Are you sure it's not there????

Let me check.

Mia slid off her bed putting Rebecca O'Sullivan's manuscript on her nightstand which she had been reading aloud to Sabrina while she painted her nails.

"Aww it was just getting good," grumbled Sabrina, who, for the record, had been royally pissed when she found out Mia had been reading it without her. "I'm sure Albert can wait."

"Alan," said Mia, tired of having to constantly correct her.

But she did have to admit Sabrina was right, finally getting to the arrival of Warren Muckernut was exciting even if they still were a long way from finding out about room four hundred and twenty-eight. Mia entered the kitchen to find Nelson making chicken kabobs for dinner while Millie watched on as she drank a glass of pinot grigio and nibbled on some cheese and crackers.

"Did a package come for me?" asked Mia.

"I don't think so," said Nelson who wore an apron that said: I cook to avoid arguments.

"Actually, something did come a few days ago," said Millie who after Nelson's prompting had donned a sleeveless tropical print dress. "What with all the new visitors I totally forgot."

Millie got up and left the room. She returned shortly with a small brown package.

"Is that from Alan?" asked Nelson suspiciously while he marinated the chicken.

"No dad, it's from Cher," said Mia sarcastically and laughed as she left the room.

"I told you to update your music collection," Millie informed him.

"Cher is classic," Nelson said in his defense.

"What's that?" asked Sabrina when Mia had returned to their room.

Ignoring Sabrina, Mia sat on her bed and quickly pulled off the seal on the package. Inside she found an engraved journal along with a handwritten note from Alan.

Mia hadn't forgotten about Fiona; Alan hadn't given her a straight answer if they were dating again or just doing a favor for their mom's by attending that charity ball together. But Mia did realize that while she certainly cared for Alan more than in just the platonic sense, she still wasn't ready to move their relationship past the friendship phase at this time.

The journal was green, Mia's favorite color and in bold black letters it said: The Brilliant Thoughts and Fantastic Dreams of Amelia Niles.

"A journal," said Sabrina who had wandered over and was clearly disappointed by what she had found.

It probably wasn't a great gift for someone like Sabrina, but it spoke volumes to Mia. And now she knew why Alan had asked for her address! The note was written on a piece of stationery. Mia handed the journal to Sabrina to look at (hoping to distract her) while she read it.

Mia,

From one dreamer to another I hope things are working in your favor now that you've spent some time on Pigscula Keys. I still miss you like crazy!!!! Apparently, you're the only one that thinks I'm funny lol. I thought this journal would be a great way for you to keep track of all your thoughts and discoveries. Someone has to tell their story and there is no one better for the job than you!!! Keep up the good work and don't forget about your biggest supporter!!!!

Your adorably charming friend,

Alan

PS Do you know what the state flower of Maine is? Hint it's not an actual flower!! At least I don't count it as one.

"What are you laughing at?" asked Sabrina, handing the journal back to her.

"Quick look up what the state flower of Maine is!" Mia snapped urgently.

"Why?" Sabrina asked dubiously.

"Just do it!" ordered Mia snatching up her phone.

I got the journal!! And I love it!! Thank you!!!!!!

You're welcome. It just screamed Mia to me.

"The state flower of main is the white pinecone," said Sabrina reading from her phone, "I don't get it."

Laughing Mia texted Alan back.

The state flower of Maine is the white pinecone!!!!

So not a real flower, right????

Agreed!!!!

Anything new????

TONS!!!

"So, I guess you aren't going to answer me," Sabrina grumbled, going back to painting her nails.

Mia quickly; speed dialed Alan.

"Hey," he answered, and Mia melted a little at the familiar sound of his voice.

"Hey," she answered back a bit breathlessly.

"So, what's new?" Alan cajoled, prompting Mia to giggle.

"I have a question for you first."

"Okay, shoot!"

"If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?"

"That's easy Pigscula Keys."

"Pigscula Keys?" Mia cried, surprised, "Why?"

"That's where you are." he quickly replied.

"What about Fiona?"

"She's not you."

Whether he meant more by that statement or not Mia wasn't going to ponder it right now.

"Well as my dad's would say, there's no man like a present man."

Alan laughed, "Do they still think I'm gay?"

"Yep!"

"I'll prove them wrong someday, in the meantime fill me in!"

"Okay, so today..."