did to Kaitlyn on Galapagos. Shortly after, Sarah provided the necessary power to stab Shawn with his own knife.
Micah ran his hand through his hair in agitation again, "Fine. In the meantime, we're going to Greenland. She likes to snowboard."
Chapter 9
Covering the Tracks
It was around the third night I really began to question my sanity when I resolved to live in a cave. Running water was something I couldn't do without, especially with a newborn baby. A washing machine, toilet, shower, sink – hell, even the filtered water that came out of the refrigerator was a modern convenience taken for granted.
After a hard, drawn-out battle, a natural labor and birth, and two weeks of travel, I finally had a chance to heal. I mean, really heal. Ahi’s mom – Mama, as the entire town called her – was the town’s go-to doctor for those that didn’t have insurance or who couldn’t afford the expensive South American doctor that had set up shop on the island. She didn’t speak any English, but Ahi translated the necessities for us.
Her advice was invaluable. With her help, I was able to nurse Bee the right way, no more bleeding nipples – a godsend in itself. On her diet, I gained energy.
Over the next few weeks, I learned how to cook with local produce, turning it into traditional meals. I repaired squeaky hinges and even a leaky hole in the roof, though it took several attempts.
Mama and I spent at least two hours a day weeding and planting in the small garden in their backyard. When Bee wasn’t sleeping, she was tethered to my back. Had the island not been a hotspot, feeding me energy willingly, I'm not sure I could have ever done it. And to think, most mothers do this all without magical powers.
We were cleaning up from erecting a new fence around the garden. Mama rolled up the remaining chicken wire, talking incessantly in Spanish. I was beginning to pick up words and phrases.
A surge of energy came from the far end of the island. It was easy to pinpoint; near one of the extinct volcanoes.
I dropped my shovel, running inside. I’d been found. That was all I could think it could be. Grabbing the backpack that had seen us here all the way from Australia, I began stuffing it with everything now considered essential; Bee's u-shaped pillow, her blankets, powder, my clothes. All of it wouldn't fit. My resolve flickered. If they could find me here, what use was running?
I crawled into the playpen with Bee; she was still sound asleep.
What to do, what to do?
I hugged my knees and began rocking back and forth, unsure and desperate and scared. Bee stirred, snapping me out of my panic.
I threw the blanket Mama knitted over her, covering her entire body. Maybe I could hide her. I could say something went wrong; she didn't survive. If they didn't find her, she'd be safe. Her limbs jerked and the blanket was pulled from her head. No, that would never work. I couldn't leave her.
Suddenly, I knew. A shield. I recalled the shield Shawn's Elementals had built around him during our battle. I could do the same and hopefully keep it up around us until the threat passed. I began by forming several water weaves, but stopped before they could shape themselves into condensation. Next was air, then fire and earth. A circle of thick braids surrounded me and Bee, and I started making adjustments. Less fire here, more earth there – the braids melded together to form an invisible shield. Shawn would've been proud – or enraged. Guess we would find out, if he was the source of the energy surge.
Bee's eyes fluttered open. I picked her up and placed her in my lap, cooing at her. She began swatting at the ends of my hair. I turned my head to give her better access to my curls, and I saw Ahi's mother standing in the doorway, her face white. I straightened in alarm. Could she see my weaves? No, of course not. Maybe there really was an emergency on the island?
"El volcán?" I asked.
She didn't respond.
Ahi's face poked into the