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Title: Good Mornings Summary: Mulder and William pay an early morning visit to the coffee shop. I always liked this neighborhood. Nestled away in the tiniest nook of a cruel city, these surrounding streets bring back memories of a more idyllic time. Most people write off my little section of Georgetown as a center of high-powered neurotic yuppies and drunk college students who have two things in common: cell phones and Starbucks. But those outsiders, the ones who write the magazine articles, are just spreading rumors. My café has thrived despite the onset of corporate chain designer coffee and the portability of the high tech world. Sure a good portion of my customers walk in with their Nokias and Motorolas, but most of them take the time to be polite and friendly and slow down once they cross the threshold into my shop. I make sure that my staff doesn't pressure these people do leave after twenty minutes, and I make sure that I'm open for the early risers and the night owls. My theory is that there is a reason why people are driven to work all hours of the day and to always be on edge: they are displaced. That's why I welcome them to my home. The people who come here are like some sort of extended family, albeit dysfunctional. It doesn't matter if you are a dollar short or having a bad day. You are always welcome. I have only one rule here, and that is to respect the other customers. I have found that after ten years, that's the only rule I need in order to run a successful business that also doubles as a close knit family. I make it my business to call everyone by their first name, to make them feel as though they belong. Sure the revenue is great, but just knowing that my coffee shop has been the site of engagements, the beginning of friendships, laughter, tears and joy has been, in the true sense of the word, awesome. It is definitely worth the aggravation of waking up only a few short hours after closing time. These days, I have two guaranteed customers, who arrive as soon as I open, if not before. I was a little bit surprised, nearly worried, when they don't arrive until nearly half past five. "I'm going to miss this, once he starts sleeping through the night," Fox tells me as he wanders inside clad in pajama pants and rumpled gray t-shirt, his hair unbrushed and face unshaven. "He's been up to sleeping five hours at a time now. That was our new record last night, right Will " "I'm sure his mommy appreciates that," I respond, fondly remembering those early morning memories I spent with my son nearly a quarter of a century ago. "Well Mommy's been asleep since nine, so she doesn't know yet. We're going to surprise her, right Will " coos Fox . Even though Dana hadn't been allowed to drink caffeine during her pregnancy, she had stopped in daily for tea and biscuits. I recalled when she first told me that Fox was missing. When her pregnancy began to show, my heart lurched. I have spent that past seven years witnessing the accidents, heartache and stress that the two lovers had gone through. A miracle finally happens when disaster strikes. But all is well now. Fox comes every morning with a smile on his face, and Dana glows when she wanders in the shop while taking Will on his afternoon walk. Everyone deserves to be as happy as their family. Will just gurgles in response, and Fox takes him out of the infant carrier, allowing the six week old infant to stretch his small arms and legs. "I'll have my usual," Fox tells me. "I think that Dana would like a French Vanilla decaf and a half dozen of those cinnamon rolls would be great. You think that your gramma would like those, Will " Will just beats his tiny fists on his father's chest. "I think that's a yes," grins Fox . I put the buns in a bag, and Fox arranges both baby and breakfast in the infant carrier, his large hands protectively strapping in the precious bundle. He manages to cradle the coffee without spilling any of his load. "Looks rainy today," I say to Fox . "We'll be fine," Fox answers, waving off my attempt to hand him his change and a dish towel to cover the baby for their short walk home. "Every day is a good morning now." I smile as tears come to my eyes. Yes. Every day is a good morning. ~~Finis~~ short, sweet, any good Let me know...tabbyxf@hotmail.com
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