Fix: A Two-Part Story

Winter, age 17

Escaping the cold air from outside Gage and Josephine quickly entered Lawton's Bakery and Café. Holiday music played over speakers and a small tinsel Christmas tree centerpiece adorned each table. Peppermint hung in the air overpowering the usual scent of baking sweets and coffee.

"I hope Gerry and Tabitha can find a parking spot," Josephine said, brushing the dusting of snow off her shoulders. "It's brutal out there."

Gage stomped his shoes against the rug knocking off built-up moisture. "Since the snow started coming down, I'm sure people will clear out soon."

"Hopefully. I'll order if you want to grab us a seat."

Gage looked around at the empty seating area seeing that the snow had already scared away all the customers. "I'll come with, I might get something other than that chocolate cheesecake this time."

Josephine snorted. "As if."

They walked up to the counter and a guy about their age greeted them.

"Good afternoon. Would you like to try our new Peppermint Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa topped with house made peppermint infused whipped cream?"

"No thank you, could I get a medium praline iced coffee with half and half and one of those giant white chocolate macadamia nut cookies," Josephine said pointing to the display.

The guy tapped on his screen. "Anything else?"

"Large black coffee and a raspberry bismark," Gage said, reaching for his wallet. He didn't miss Josephine's eye roll.

The guy tapped away on the screen and gave them their total. Gage swiped his card and returned his wallet to his pocket.

"What are the names on the drinks?" he asked, clicking a silver permanent marker.

"Bartholomew on the black coffee and Ophelia on the praline," Josephine said, giving the guy their usual aliases.

"Alright," he said unaffected by the strange names, "they will be out in a few." Taking the cups he moved toward the coffee machine.

"It's twenty degrees outside and you get iced coffee?" Gage turned to her, shoving his hands in his coat pockets.

"The psychopath that ordered black coffee," disgust flashing on her face, "doesn't get to judge my coffee choice." She pulled off her knit hat running her hand through her hair.

"Don't know what you're missing, taking a bite of something sweet and drinking this dark roast coffee is an experience."

"I'll have to take your word for it," she smiled. "Still not taking back the psychopath comment."

The door chimed to signal the entrance of new customers. Out of habit the two of them turned around. Tabitha and Gerry shuffled through the door bringing snow along with them.

"Fuck, its cold," Gerry said loudly as if the sheer volume if his voice would change anything.

"Lower your voice," Tabitha scolded, giving him a serious look. "What if there were children around?"

"There weren't so I don't see the problem."

Tabitha rolled her eyes and walked toward Josephine, Gerry nodded his head toward the seating area and Gage moved to follow him.

"Have you two been here long?" Gerry asked, sliding into a booth, the one furthest from the counter.

Gage slid into the seat opposite him. "We just ordered before you two came in."

"Okay good," Gerry said. He shrugged off his coat and leaned toward Gage with his elbows on the table. "So look, I need your help."

Gage set his own coat next to him. "What is it?"