The Keys to freedom

Stupid Expensive Lobster

It was a Friday night, and The Cove was usually packed with families and tourists, but this one was dead and quiet only a handful of groups shuffling in sporadically. Oz and James exchanged worried glances as the hours dragged on. Panic gnawed at Oz's insides, though she tried to keep it hidden behind her usual sarcastic edge. James, on the other hand, kept his cool, never letting his growing anxiety show. He had always felt the need to be the strong one, thinking that if he acted calm, it might help ease her stress. But it had the opposite effect—his nonchalance only made her feel more agitated, as if he wasn't taking their situation seriously enough. With half their shift gone, their combined tips amounted to a mere 30 dollars. If they lost their house sleeping on the streets would be the least of their worries, the bigger reality was they could end up in foster care, possibly even separated from each other. They had always relied on one another, and the idea of being torn apart was scarier than anything else they were facing.

"That vein in your forehead looks like it's about to explode," Jessper remarks, meeting Oz at the empty tray station.

She had a blank stare as she spoke, "Do you think Josh would notice if there was a little bit of cash missing from the register?"

Jessper quickly scans their surroundings before leaning in to whisper, "Are you serious? You can't steal money from our boss. You'll get fired, and word will spread. Then, nowhere will hire you."

Oz sighs, acknowledging she's right, "I've only made 20 dollars in tips tonight, Jess."

"I guess the wonder twins aren't doing many wonders, huh?" Jessper attempts a joke, but Oz's expression indicates it's not the time. "The night's not over, Oz," she says, placing her hand on her shoulder with a comforting pat.

The bell on the door rings, diverting their attention as a group of boys enters the shack and takes a booth in the corner.

"Go get this one," Jessper nods toward the group. "I have to go check on my table."

Oz grabs her notepad, straightens her apron, and puts on a big smile before approaching the booth.

"Hi fellas, what can I get for you tonight?" she says sweetly before her smile drops.

"Depends," Pyke says with fiesty eyes. "what do you have for me," he finishes, looking her up and down. He and his friends are all dressed in their version of casual—plain or button-down shirts with blazers and jeans.

Oz rolls her eyes. "This is a fish shack. We have fish."

"I'll have the lobster then," he smiles.

"We don't have lobster."

"Lobster is a fish," he argues.

"Lobster is an expensive fish, that expensive restaurants have, so why don't you go to one of those instead and get your stupid fancy, expensive fish" she replies angrily her patience fading.

He grins widely, showcasing his perfectly straight and ridiculously white teeth. "How about you pick something out for me then? You know what I like," he winks, handing her back the menu.

"What are you even doing here, Pyke?" she says unamused and annoyed at his presence.

"I'm hungry," he looks around, confused. "Is this not a place to eat?"

"You never come here," she growls.

"Well, who knows, this might become my new favorite place from now on," he smirks.

She swallows down the choice words she wants to hurl at him, before completing the rest of their orders and  disappearing into the back.