Snow Much Love [ Christmas Special ]

Chapter 2 - It Takes One To Snow One

        Gwen frowned smacking her lips together distastefully looking down at her sad attempt of making coffee in the mug before her. Cook she could do, but the magical trick of coffee still eluded her. It had been three days since she had a good cup of coffee, it was more than disappointing to her mood and taste buds.

Glancing to the clock on the wall past her computer screen she saw that it was barely ten on Christmas eve. She argued with herself internally for a few moments. 'Its suppose to snow today... but not till later this afternoon, probably evening. The bear could be there, it will be weird... it's been days, plus its Christmas eve, the lumber mill is definitely closed.'

With the final argument settled she grabbed her keys and slipped on her soft boots and grabbed her book, not planning to stay long inside the shop, just long enough for the cup of coffee and maybe a pastry or two.

Giving a cautioned glance around the area before exiting her car she was quickly greeted by the familiar bell of the coffee shop. A few people sat drinking their coffee and tea and only gave her a second glance before returning to their cups. However the female barista from the encounter a few days ago brightened up when she saw her, "Gwen! Oh my gosh, I thought you died, I hadn't seen you in days" she said her hand to her chest in releaf.

"I'll admit I'd been avoiding the shop for a few days", Gwen hummed glancing up at the menu.

A male voice drew both their attentions, "Iced mocha with two shots of espresso?" the other barista spoke up appearing next to them teasing her.

Gwen puffed out her cheeks slightly, "I could get something different you know".

"So you don't want that?" the male barista questioned smugly.

"Well I didn't say that..." she trailed off which made the two peppy baristas laugh.

"And I suppose you don't want the half off chocolate croissants either" the female barista teased her further.

Gwen's lips puckered sourly at the teasing, "That was mean Aida... I'll be in my usual spot" she sulked away from the woman behind the counter as the pair disappeared behind the side doors to get her order ready.

Sinking into the comfortable chair in the back of the room, she tucked her feet up under her and into comfortable position and lounged, bringing her book out of her coat pocket to read.

Aida soon appeared at her side sliding the warm plate toward her, two warm chocolate croissants and an apple muffin. Gwen looked up in paused confusion but Aida quickly explained the additional pastry, "We need to clean out the pastries, we are closing the shop for the holidays, and they won't be good to sell by the time we get back".

Aida glanced up to the tv in the corner showing the news, "Oh no, the storm is moving up" she noted standing straight up. "Make sure to leave early enough, ok? I'm sure that little car of your doesn't do snow well". Not hearing a response Aida turned back to Gwen who had a croissant in her mouth.

Realizing she couldn't really respond, Gwen gave the unamused expression from Aida a thumbs up in reassurance mid chew. She planned to leave in plenty of enough time to avoid the storm, after all while she was experienced in driving in the snow her little car probably wouldn't be the best to handle in the weather.

A few hours passed, Gwen not noticing the banner at the bottom of the tv screaming bright red in warning of the winter storm approaching even faster.

However a broad silhouette spotted her quickly as he passed the window making him back up a few steps in confusion. He glanced to his side seeing only a few cars parked on the road like his red truck, one little car was definitely not ready for the snow that was now starting to come down. However it defononlaty hadn't been one of the ones he'd seen over the last few days.