Chapter 14

Traveling through the snowy darkness of Barrow, Alaska, on the outskirts of town, Mark observed from a distance, discerning the faint outlines of buildings and the vast expanse of snowy terrain.

His curiosity piqued, he turned to Billy and inquired, "I noticed on the sign that the town's population is just over a hundred. Is that considered small for Barrow?"

Billy nodded, his breath visible in the cold air. "Oh, that? Me and my partner just updated the sign earlier. Usually, our town's population is over 500. It's just because of the yearly polar night. We endure 30 days of darkness, and the sun doesn't come out during this time of year," he explained casually, his tone reflecting the matter-of-fact nature of life in Barrow.

"It's considered larger during the polar night because many folks prefer to leave and come back after the annual darkness period. Staying through the 30 days of night isn't everyone's cup of tea, and the population drops below 100 during other times of the year," he continued.

Mark's initial curiosity softened into understanding. "Ah, I see," he said, nodding appreciatively.

Satisfied with the explanation, Mark settled back in his seat. Casually, he retrieved a backpack from his storage, careful not to attract Billy's attention in the rearview mirror.

Being a stranger in town, he didn't want to appear suspicious without even having a carry-on with him. Inside the bag, he had packed some extra clothes and chocolate bars, just in case.

He retrieved a cigarette from his pocket, biting it absentmindedly as he stared out into the snowy darkness. Although he didn't light it, he found comfort in the familiar routine. Feeling the chill creeping in, he reached for a scarf and wrapped it around his neck.

Billy glanced in the rearview mirror, spotting Mark's bag, and raised an eyebrow in surprise. Shaking his head, he ignores it and asked, "So, Mark, how did you end up in Barrow? Not the best timing."

***

In a desolate stretch outside the town, Stella stood by her wrecked car on the snow-covered road, a considerable distance from the airport.

Checking her watch anxiously, worry creased her brow – she hoped she wasn't running late for the plane. The accident with the ditch driller had left her stranded, intensifying her anticipation as she waited for Billy to arrive.

Glancing towards the ditch driller's driver, Malekai, she overheard snippets of his conversation.

His frustration mirrored her own predicament. "Mom, I need you to tow me back to town," he pleaded into the phone, a mix of irritation and helplessness in his voice. Stella felt a twinge of empathy.

She cast a frustrated look at her car, clearly displeased with its sorry state.

A quick check of her watch only deepened her dissatisfaction. Restless, she paced around, practically writhing with anxiety. Her gaze fell to her tires, hoping for a miracle, but they were just as busted.

"Your ride is ready, Ms. Oleson," Billy teased, a carefree tone in his voice, as he pulled over to the side of the road.

Stella jumped in gratitude, quickly grabbing her carry-on and eagerly sliding into the passenger seat. To her surprise, she noticed Mark in the backseat. 'A new face.' she thought, her curiosity piqued.

She couldn't help but notice his good looks. She arched an eyebrow at Billy, silently questioning who the other person in the back was.

Billy, picking up on her curiosity, chuckled. "He's Mark, a new friend. He's on a monthly vacation, stuck with us for now."

Mark gave her a friendly smile, his eyes lingering on her fire marshal jacket, clearly finding her attractive even in the thick coats.

He offered his hand for a handshake and grinned, "You rock the fire marshal look." he said playfully.

Stella welcomed his gesture with a warm smile, extending her hand. "I'm Stella," she replied, her tone light. "And it's very comfy." Her response made Mark chuckle.

She couldn't help but find Mark's presence attractive, and a pleasant feeling washed over her. However, as she remembered the time she woke up, 'Not now, Stella. We need to go home. Maybe another time,' she thought.

She looked outside the window and asked Malekai if he was okay. He waved at them, reassuring her. Billy started the car, heading towards the airport.

Inside the car, Mark sat gazing out of the window, his face lost in thought as he considered the plot of "30 Days of Night."

Stella, looking occasionally at Mark through the rearview mirror, broke the silence, saying, "It's pretty dark out here, isn't it? This time of year, the sun barely shows its face."

Mark's musing was interrupted by the sound of Stella's voice. He offered a warm smile as their eyes met in the reflection.

"Yeah," he agreed, "it's surprisingly calming, though."

Stella nodded and turned to face him directly. "Oh, it definitely is," she said. "The winter nights can be challenging, but there's a unique beauty to it. Have you ever seen the Northern Lights?

Mark's eyes lit up. "Not yet, but it's now on my list. They say it's like a real spectacle seeing it."

Stella smiled. "It is. When they paint across the horizon, it feels like nature's own light show. I hope you get to see it while you're here."

Mark's face brightened as he playfully suggested, "Me too. It would be even more enjoyable if you could join me. How about a little tour?"

Stella's eyes held a glimmer of enthusiasm as she replied, "That sounds interesting. Unfortunately, I'll be leaving later, so perhaps we can save it for another time." She smiled apologetically.

Billy listened quietly as he noticed their growing comfort in conversation.

Clearing his throat, he gently interrupted their exchange. 'Oh, Eben,' he thought, 'Stella's slipping away.' He couldn't help but wonder about Eben and decided to bring up the topic.

"You wanna know how Eben's been doin'?" Billy asked, glancing at Stella.

Stella looked at him, her lips curving into a a half-smile laced with a hint of annoyance. "You're gonna tell me whether I ask you or not, right?"

Billy smiled lopsidedly and returned his attention to the road.

"Just drive, okay?" Stella said as she turned to look at Mark. She found him smirking as he gazed outside at the dark landscape.

They sat in silence until the moment they reached the airport road. With a swift farewell wave, Stella dashed off and caught sight of a small plane ascending overhead.

Stella watched, crestfallen, as the plane soared away. "No, no, no, no..." she muttered in disappointment.

Mark watched as Stella, her steps heavy with disappointment, walked back to them after being left by the plane.

Billy, catching Mark's gaze in the rearview mirror, couldn't help but comment, "She's married, you know?"

Mark met Billy's eyes and replied jokingly, "I'm not the jealous type."

Billy raised an eyebrow in response.

Mark coughed and corrected himself, "I mean, she looks like she's in her 20s. I didn't know she's already married. So she's taking the plane to go home to her husband?"

Billy stayed silent for a moment, then answered, "No, Eben's in town."

He continued, his voice softening, "It's a bit complicated. But hey, I might introduce you to someone else later or maybe tomorrow. Her name's Kirsten, around 20, I think."

Mark grinned in response, "If she's pretty, why not. I'm 24(18)."

Stella, absentmindedly climbed into the vehicle and took a seat beside Mark in the backseat.

Billy, a sympathetic look in his eyes, offered his suggestion, "There'll be someone you can bunk with for the month."

Stella's mind briefly flickered with thoughts of Eben. "Don't start, okay?"

Billy quickly corrected. "No, I meant Lucy, or Denise, or hey, Peggy and me could even move the girls into one room and you –"

Stella's eyes widened with concern. "I can't stay here! I've got bills to put in the mail – my plants'll die!"

Billy remained patient, his tone reassuring. "Well, you can call somebody from our place to handle some o' that, cantcha? You gotta know someone in Anchorage who can help?"

Stella shakes her head in frustration.

"C'mon, it'll work out." Billy leaned back, trying to reassure Stella. He started the vehicle's engine and began driving. "Course, the price of rent at my place might be explaining to me and Peggy what the heck's wrong with you and Eben." He chuckled.

Stella shook her head with a wry smile. "Not enough time this century to cover that, Billy."

Mark, who had been silent for a while, discreetly glanced at the interaction between Stella and Billy.

Finding the opportune moment when Billy's attention was elsewhere, he subtly took hold of Stella's gloved hand and whispered, "At least now you can join me in northern lights watching and be my tour guide for the entire month." As Mark spoke, his warm breath tickled Stella's ear, and she shivered slightly.

He playfully shoved her with his shoulder, and Stella instinctively leaned closer to him as she chuckled softly.