Time

Alaska: Chapter 7

"Well I could use some help with my hauling business and I'm sure Charlotte could use some help tending to things around here" Otto suggested casually as we are

"Nonsense Otto. They came here to have fun, go sightseeing. Not to work"

"On the contrary Charlotte, I don't mind learning new skills and helping out. Right Anya?" I looked at her questioning

She smiled and said: "exactly, whatever you need me to do Charlotte I'll do it"

"It's settled then, you stay here as long as you like, and help around while you're here" Otto explained taking a sip of wine

"Of course if you want to go sightseeing let us know, I won't let Otto hold you back from enjoying your trip" Charlotte declared flashing Otto a sweet smile

"Will do Charlotte. Thank you" Anya said gratefully

"Speaking of which, I heard they're having a dance of some sort at town hall tomorrow. Maybe we should all go, dance, have some fun and meet some of the locals" Otto suggested

"Sounds great!" Anya exclaimed in excitement

"Great! Well, sun rises early in the summer so we better not stay up too late" Charlotte said as she started gathering the dishes

"It's okay Charlotte, we got this" I said as Anya and I got up and proceeded gathering up the dishes and headed to the kitchen

Anya and I helped Charlotte in the kitchen, washing dishes, while Otto went out to check on the cattle. We heard the front door open and shut as Otto walked through the house with Storm, their husky, circling his feet.

I don't think Storm likes me very much, I don't know why but the way he looks at me with those ghostly grey eyes makes me a little... nervous to say the least.

We sat in the living room talking with Otto and Charlotte about, well everyday things, working in Seattle, Otto's boat, their son and Charlotte's craft shop in town. A hour of talking and laughing later Otto and Charlotte decided to call it a night and went to bed. Even though there was electricity, they didn't have a TV so Anya and I decided to go to bed after calling our parents first.

"Yes dad, we're ok." I heard Anya talking on the phone "Yes dad the couple we're staying with are really nice"

I sat down on the bed next to her. Her room had pastel peach floral wallpaper and her bed covers was different shades of magenta, lavender and mauve. The room was pretty empty, 'side from the bed, a vintage dresser and vanity table. I saw her bags open on the floor and noticed a scrapbook. I took the book from her bag and opened it on my lap as I sat back down on the bed.

On the first page was the list of our world travel plans in Anya's hand writing. As I turned the page I noticed a collage of postcards she had collected so far and at the top of the page was scrolled Skagway, Alaska in big bold letters also made by Anya.

"Yes dad, we'll be careful. Goodnight daddy. Love you to. Bye" she hung up and placed her phone on charge. "So, how's your dad?" I asked nonchalantly

She sighs softly "fine just being overprotective as always. What did your parents say?"

"I spoke to dad, so it was mostly business talk. Mom says hi though" she looked at me, almost feeling sorry for me

"I'm planning to do our whole trip like that" she explained scooting closer to me and tracing her fingertips on the edge of the book on my lap

"It looks nice sunshine" I mused

She closed the book as she took it from my lap and got up off the bed placing the book on the dresser. "We should go to bed, we start bright and early tomorrow"

"Yeah, you're right" I stood up off her bed and walked over to her to give her a hug goodnight "sweet dreams sunshine"

"Goodnight Demitri" she answered as I walked out her room closing the door behind me.

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7 am when I heard a knock on my door and Otto yelling at me to get up. I rubbed my eyes as I yawned and rolled out of bed. I grabbed some clothes, nothing special her and and a T-shirt, my shower supplies and a clean town Charlotte gave me last night and headed to the bathroom.

I quickly finished my morning routine and headed downstairs. The smell of bacon eggs and toast hit my nose as soon as I reached the stairs. I hurried to the kitchen where I found Anya and Charlotte laughing as they set the breakfast table.

"Morning Demitri, sleep well?" Charlotte greeted with a smile

"Like a rock, thank you Charlotte" was my warm hearted answer as I sat next to Anya at the table

We all are in contentment and spoke about the day's events. Anya had been helping Charlotte for a hour already and Otto asked me to help him at the port today.

"Being tourist season, we have a lot of stuff to load on Destiny before we ship off in a few days. Hope you don't mind some manual labor Demitri" Otto deliberated as he finished his coffee

"Not at all. I read that sitting in a office all day is worse than smoking" I joked. But only Anya smiled next to me

"Well let's get going then. See you gals later" Otto exclaimed giving Charlotte a kiss

I followed Otto out the door and started our day..

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A/N Ok so this chapter was long and boring... or at least it was for me. But I promise things do get more interesting.

This is NOT a travel guide so I'm not going to give a lot of detail when they go off and do "touristy things" as they travel. This story is about the relationship between Anya and Demitri.

P.S. I have not traveled to any of these places so nothing I say is totally accurate... sorry

Thanks again for reading and please make me smile by voting for this chapter and leaving me a comment

Cyber hugs to all! 🤗🤗🤗