Fix: A Two-Part Story

Winter, age 16

Winter break came quickly, bringing Max and Nadia back home just after Christmas.

Living with his father, they never celebrated the holiday. Gage didn't remember celebrating any holidays. Maybe he brought home the typical, holiday themed paper decorations he made in grade school, but it never went further than that. Those didn't even make it to the fridge. Even two days late, this was his first real Christmas.

His first Christmas tree. A large gaudy fake thing that took two days for the three of them to put together and decorate. His first stocking, it hung over an actual fireplace. Gerry and Josephine stuffed it with candy and random gag gifts—a tradition of theirs. His first gingerbread house decorating contest, which ended in an icing fight due to the dispute of a winner. His first Christmas movie binge, by the demand of Josephine and to Gerry's dismay. His first Christmas Eve gift exchange. His first Christmas morning breakfast.

It was the most picturesque time of his entire life. He constantly checked to see if it was a dream. The current moment was no different.

Max and Nadia were on day four of their seven day stint home. All five of them were in the kitchen, chatting after dinner. Another meal of banter, stories and laughs, reminded Gage that not every conversation led to conflict. Though he sat silent through most of it, just listening to the back and forth was enough for him.

Max sat at the nook with Gerry and Josephine, while Gage helped Nadia with the dishes drying what was passed to him. Classical music played low in the background.

"So, Gage, tell me how your first term went. Anything exciting happen?"

The question was one he expected, just not from Nadia. He expected Max to ask him when they were alone. Apparently, it was whoever got to him first.

"No, not really. I'm just trying to hang in there. The coursework is pretty intense and not what I'm used to," he confessed. Not mentioning that he barely held C's in all of his classes. But knowing Max and Nadia, they already knew that. Gage knew they got regular updates on all of the kid's progress through email or other channels. It would be out of character if they didn't.

Nadia nodded, passing him a large skillet. "It is an adjustment coming from public education, I'm sure. If it becomes too much, we can always transfer you out. Schoolwork is important but we don't want you more stressed about getting the grades. It can have a negative effect."

"Why did I get enrolled at Holden, instead of one of the public schools?" he asked, setting the skillet on the counter. "I mean, the tuition isn't cheap right? Public school would have been less of a hassle." It was something he battled with constantly. Every test grade that came back barely passing, made him question why he was there. It started to feel like a waste of time and of their money.

"True. But it was more about you being near people you know. Gerry and Jo told me you don't have any classes with them, but still. The transition from Port Sheridan to here was rough as is. Sending you to a different school, where you knew no one seemed a bit much. We felt more comfortable knowing that Gerry and Josephine were there for you to lean on. We didn't want there to be a divide if you went to a different school. The money never mattered. You seem to be getting something out of it," Nadia smiled, handing him the last dish.

Gage returned the smile, taking the casserole dish. Some of the guilt washed away knowing that they had no expectation for how his time at Holden turned out.

"Other than school, are you settling in okay? Gerry's not being too much of a pain, is he?" she laughed moving to put up the dishes.

"Everything's perfect, really, you and Max," he trailed off feeling embarrassed. He wanted to say 'thank you' but couldn't do so. "You two are giving me more than I could ever ask for." His cheeks burned and his voice neared a whisper.