Page 47 of Micah
“Then we bring her here.” Colton says, still tracing the lines of Evie’s photo. “She wants to be a nurse again? We can get her a job with one phone call. She wants to take a break and just look after her little girl? We got her. We set her up in one of the apartments downstairs, and help her build a new life. She’d be way better off with us.” He looks up, his eyes burning. “We’ll take care of her.”
“You will?” The generosity of these men still amazes me. But I don’t understand it. “Why? Why would you do that?”
Micah’s answer is simple. “She’s yours. You’re ours. That makes her ours, too. And we take care of our own.”
My heart is pounding a strong, steady rhythm. With these guardian angels on her side, Evie’s going to be ok.
“I want to talk to her.”
Colton reaches into his pocket, pulling out a brand new phone. “I got you set up with a plan. I’ve got all our contacts in there already. I’ve put Evie and Robyn in too.”
I take it slowly. “You got me a phone?”
“You needed it. Micah wanted to make sure you could always reach someone.” He says, shrugging. “I’ll show you how to use it.”
He got me a phone. Not a basic flip phone like Brent allowed me to have, but a brand new iPhone. This feels monumental. A connection to the world I didn’t have before.
Micah brushes a gentle finger over my cheek, then takes his coffee over the couch, settling into a patch of sun facing me. Minnie’s up on his chest in a matter of seconds.
There’s something about him giving me space to figure this all out that makes me feel stronger. He’s letting me decide how to approach Evie. How to help her. He’s not pushing any ideas on me, but I know he’s listening and will help with anything I need. This level of support is almost dizzying.
After a quick iPhone crash course from Declan, I open up Evie’s contact, and send her a message. I can’t hesitate, if I do, I’ll over think everything and never get it sent.
Me:Evie, this is Hannah. Can we talk?
I don’t know her work schedule. It might take her hours to reply. Or maybe she doesn’t want to hear from me, and never replies. I have to prepare myself for that possibility. That she hates me and blames me for all the horrible things that happened to her. So even while I acknowledge the very real possibility she won’t reply, I still hold the phone close, hoping she will.
I jump when a ping comes from the phone. My heart skitters around in my chest as I read her message.
Evie:Hannah. Are you ok? Are you safe? I’m at work but I’m on a break in ten. Can we Facetime then?
“Can this phone Facetime?”
Declan nods. A giggle sob escapes as I type my reply.
Me:I’m safe. Brent's in jail. I’ll be waiting for your call. I go by Holly now.
Evie:Holly’s a beautiful name. I can’t wait to talk to you.
When her call comes in, I slap the phone in a panic, trying to accept. I’ve been on the verge of a meltdown for the last ten minutes, and when I see her face, I lose it.
“You’re too skinny,” I sob, looking at the sharp lines of her face. She must have lost fifty pounds. She looks worn and weak. Not that I would ever say that last part.
She’s laughing and sobbing too. “I know,” she says, not expanding. But I know it’s because she’s stressed, and probably skipping meals to take care of her daughter.
That sets off a new round of tears. “I’m so sorry Brent framed you. You saved me Evie. No way would I be alive if it weren’t for you.” I’m vaguely aware of Colton standing behind my shoulder, far enough that he’s out of frame, but close enough that he can see the screen.
“That’s all I wanted. For you to be safe. Brent is a piece of shit. Don’t apologize for him. What he did was in the news. He’s going to pay for what he did. Maybe he’ll be someone’s bitch in there.” She smiles through her tears. “See! That idea makes me so happy.”
She’s trying to make me feel better. Still, after everything that’s happened to her. “They took Mia from you.”
Her smile fades. “I got her back. She’s so beautiful, Hanna…Holly. She’s three now, and she’s so smart. She’s counting and reading. She has a horrible singing voice.” Evie's chuckle is warm and full of love. “And she’s so sassy. She’s perfect.” She glances off screen, whispering to someone before coming back. “I’m sorry. I only have a few more minutes. I’m so glad you’re ok. You are ok aren’t you? All things considered, I mean.”
“I’m ok,” I say. “I have a lot to work through. But I’m safe. You don’t have to worry about me.” Her eyes drift to the side again, like she’s checking a clock. I’m running out of time. “Evie…if you could go back to your old job, old life. Would you want to?”
Her lips firm. “I used to think I wouldn’t. I was feeling very wronged. But I’m a mom. And I’m barely making ends meet. So yes, I would take any job that paid what I used to, even if I have to work with people who think I’m a thief at best, or an addict at worst.”
Her answer makes things so much clearer. “What if I told you there’s a job waiting for you here in Chicago? One that pays better than the NICU. And an apartment. Would you consider it?”
