Page 3 of Fractured Hope
“How can you drink that stuff?” Seb grimaced at Theo.
“It keeps me healthy,” he replied with a smirk.
“All right. All right. I’m on it.” I quickly left for the café.
The sun was just peeking over the ridge line as I pulled on my sunglasses and walked around the corner, then down Main Street. Hope’s Ridge was a small town in the middle of nowhere, with a large mountain range—or ridge as us locals called it—on one side and a mix of open fields, farmland, and forests on the other. We were far enough away from the nearest big citythat we only had to contend with the occasional city slicker or someone who got turned around on the interstate. We’re a welcoming town and caring community. Always happy to help a neighbor or a newcomer, but very few tended to venture out of town. I avoided the big city as much as possible. There were too many people, and it was far too impersonal for my liking. I loved Hope’s Ridge; it was my family, my home, and it was engrained in me.
Turning the corner, Jolt came into view with its black-and-white awning and red brick facade. The vintage-style chained wooden sign stuck out from the side of the building next to the door. The chains squeaked in the fall breeze as they swung back and forth. It all filled me with so much nostalgia. I remembered coming here throughout my teens.
Lyric’s best friend, Kaydence Beck, would be working the counter, just like his parents before him. The Becks had owned this café for generations, and while they’d kept that old sweet shop vibe, they’d added a modern twist with the pops of color inside, the variety on their menu, and renaming it Jolt, back when Kay’s grandparents took it over. They never skimped on their coffee and baristas, so much so that they insisted on sending their kids to a four-year college for a business degree and a coffee artisan course. Coffee was life to the Becks, and to most of the people in Hope’s Ridge, it really was the only good cup of Joe in town.
Pulling open the door, I listened for the familiar jingling of the bell, then greeted everyone with a smile and a wave as I walked up to the gleaming yellow counter. The bold color always made me smile, along with the glass display case showing all the savory and sweet offerings for the day. As expected, Kaydence was at the counter ready to take my order.
“Morning, Kay,” I said with a smile. “I see you’ve fared much better than that brother of mine this morning.”
Chuckling, a light blush colored his cheeks. “You know Lyric. Not much holds him back.”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sighed. “I just wish he thought things through before acting, or at least, remembered he has work in the morning.” I rolled my eyes.
Kay rubbed the back of his neck, lifting his shoulder-length honey-blond hair. He was a good-looking kid, tall with a surfer vibe, lean muscles, and sun-kissed skin, but his square-framed black glasses gave him an added dash of hipster mystique. He fit Jolt perfectly. He looked up from the order tablet with a hesitant smile, then shook his head like he’d talked himself out of something. “So.... What can I get you?”
I rattled off my order and quickly peered into the display case. There was one breakfast wrap left. I tapped the glass. “I’ll add that to my order along with some muffins for the boys.” It was my lucky day because I was rarely early enough to snag one of the town’s coveted breakfast wraps.
“Sure thing. You want it on the business tab?” Kay asked.
“Please,” I added with a nod as I moved to the side to wait for my order. I turned and gazed out the large picture windows at the front of the café. I noticed the Greyhound bus making its way into town. Those buses rarely came through, especially during the week. Who could possibly be on the bus for it to make the trip? Was it city folk looking for business opportunities or someone new to town? I was intrigued. We never had new people move here; I couldn’t remember the last time it had happened.
Turning back to the counter as Kay called my name, I balanced the drink tray on the muffins and slotted my wrap between the cups. With a nod of thanks at Kay, I used my back to open the door and headed toward the garage.
3
BODHI
The busfinally came to a stop in Hope’s Ridge, and this time I was awake and ready to step off. I’d known the town was tiny from the drive in, but to step onto the picturesque Main Street, full of small-town charm was surreal. The stores, boutiques, and other businesses were all squished together, and each had a vintage feel, with weathered awnings, handwritten chalk signs relaying the sales or specials of the day, and locals bustling from place to place, greeting each other like they were family. I was filled with a sense of optimism and courage. I hoped I would find a safe place to start over.
I still couldn’t believe I’d actually done it—left.Escaped.The freedom still didn’t seem real.
As my newfound optimism reached its peak, it quickly crashed, along with the pit in my stomach. I’d been so on edge with the adrenaline of making a getaway and finally taking action that I hadn’t really thought much further than that. Now, I was in a new town I didn’t know, and I needed to form a plan of action to get back on my feet.
Looking up and down the street, I noted the grocery store, a Greek restaurant called Elpízo, and a charming little café on the corner. The café was singing the siren song of caffeine. I needed a place to sit, gather my thoughts, and hopefully grab something to eat. As I approached, I checked out the business sign—Jolt. Cracking the first smile I had in a long time, I opened the door to a jingling sound, glancing up at the bells attached. I stepped farther inside and nearly froze in place as almost everyone turned to look at me. My heart raced as I quickly approached the weirdly vibrant yellow counter, avoiding everyone’s gaze. The person waiting to take my order greeted me with a pleasant smile, and thankfully, he gave off a chill vibe. I relaxed.
“Don’t worry about that. They’re all friendly. We don’t get many new people in here.” He chuckled softly. “What can I get you?”
He wasn’t wearing a name tag or uniform, and he was dressed in a plain black polo shirt and jeans, but he seemed close to my age or maybe a few years older. I was never very good at guessing ages.
Smiling back at him, I shrugged. “Downside to a small town, I guess, if I’m the only new person around here.”
Chuckling, he nodded. “Yes, but this weekend there might be a few more.”
“Good to know.” I quickly scanned the menu on the wall behind him. “Can I just grab a latte and B.E.L.T.?” I didn’t actually know what time it was, but it felt early.
“Sure, I’ll get that ready now.” He sent me a genuine smile. “Eat in or to-go?”
“I’ll eat here, thank you.”
I quickly handed over some cash and went to take a seat by the window so I could look out onto the street.
That was the most interaction I’d had with someone other than Derek in a long time. I smiled. Now to think of my next steps. What could I do with my life?
