A & A

[05]: the bakery

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05

the bakery

"Sugar

and all things nice

remind me

of you and I."

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"So," Aurora started as she stared at Sally, who held a paper and pen in her hands as she went over the inventory of her bakery. "That's all I'm supposed to do, right? Check the inventory, take the orders, serve the food, watch over the whole bakery?"

"That's right." Sally replied, her eyes going back and forth from the paper and to the cakes and pastries in front of her.

Aurora kept her gaze on her stepmother as she thought over all the things she's supposed to do. She was expecting all of that of course, but there was still a part of her that is hoping the workload wouldn't be as much as this one. Not having that much workload would mean more free time on her side of things, and that would give her more than enough time to still be able to do some of the things that her and her friends had already planned--even if it’s just something as simple as spending a night in a resort they were able to find.

The fact that her summer vacation was also already planned even before the school year ended was something that dwelled on her ever since she found out that she wouldn’t be able to do all of those things. She and her friends met up at the park near their school and went over the things they were planning to do over the summer--kayaking and going to water parks being one of those. However, all of that went down the drain the moment her father called and asked her to watch over her stepmother's bakery.

To say that she was bummed would be an understatement. She knows that her friends feel the same way as her; they just didn’t tell that to her face. Still, they didn’t need to convey it verbally in order for her to know that that’s exactly what they’re feeling. The way their disheartened and disappointed faces were blatantly plastered on their faces was enough of a message for her. She’s pretty sure they didn’t say anything for her sake as well, since it has been a long time since she’s seen her father and her brother.

Despite all that though, Aurora is still thankful for the fact that her friends decided to keep their displeasure unsaid because actually hearing it (rather than merely seeing it) would make her feel torn once more about what she should do.

Remembering all of her ruined plans, Aurora released a sigh as she leaned on the table in front of her with an absent-minded look plastered on her face. Her attention then was grabbed by the muffin near her, especially since the smell coming from it was just exquisite. Finally not having the self-control to hold back on her sudden want to taste the pastry, she lifted her hand to get a piece of the muffin lying temptingly on the table, peeled the paper from it, and took a bite. A variation of flavor instantly invaded her senses, smiling when she tasted blueberries among them—her favorite of all time.

Sally noticed Aurora's movement, making her stop whatever she was doing and focused her attention on her stepdaughter, who is eating the muffin happily. "Is it good?" She asked.

"Uh-huh." Aurora mumbled absentmindedly as she continued taking a bite out of the food in her hands. Truth be told, the muffin is absolute heaven. It's one of the best muffins she's ever tasted, and that's saying something considering how it's her stepmother who made it. She has always known that Sally bakes great cake and pastry, especially since she always brings one whenever she, Frank and Theo visit them at her mother's house. The first time she’s tried it, she was absolutely certain that it was the best one she’s had so far. The way the flavors blended together so perfectly was what made it all the more enjoyable. Of course, Sally doesn't know that she enjoys the cakes she brings, but her mother does.

Carol has always thought it's amusing that her daughter sneaks in the kitchen after dinner and brings the rest of the cake Sally made up to her room, thinking that neither her nor Graham has noticed her actions. Aurora might not admit it out loud, but Carol knows her daughter enjoys them nonetheless--as well as being fully aware that her mother and stepfather knows exactly what she’s doing.

Sally released a chuckle, relief and delight filling her entire body. "Well I'm glad you enjoy them."

"I'm glad you made them too. These are great." Aurora replied, not noticing that she just complimented her stepmother unconsciously—she's too far gone because of the muffin she ate.

"I'll teach you how to make them, if you want. You're going to need to anyway since you need to stock up when the cakes and pastries all run out." Sally told her as she went back to what she was doing before she noticed Aurora eating one of the muffins. As she lifted her pen again, she added, “It’s also a pretty straightforward procedure as well.”

Those words were enough to snap her out of the trance she was in. She gaped at her stepmother for the longest time, not caring that she's being uncharacteristically polite to her. At the moment, she has other things to worry about. Besides, it’s not like it’s a secret that she can be polite to her stepmother sometimes. She’s done it on several occasions, but she’s pretty sure that that certain action of hers is still enough to elicit a feeling of surprise from the people who aren’t used to seeing her like that. "And I'm doing all of these alone?" She asked, eyes wide and forehead creased in a frown.

Her stepmother gave out another chuckle. "Oh no, absolutely not. I wouldn't want to burden you with everything. There's going to be two of you here. He's going to be like your co-manager."

"Then why isn't he here?" came Aurora's reply, her lips slowly turning into a frown.

"That's because him and his family are still visiting a relative, so he'll be back later this afternoon. Around three, I think." Sally went back to check the inventory, eyes now cast down at the paper in her hands before it looked back up at the table.

Aurora could only nod her head in reply. She can't do anything about that, now can she? At least she's going to get some help around here managing the place because there's a part of her that knows that she's going to need it. Scratch that--she knows she’s going to need all the help she can get. Managing all of these alone just isn’t something she thinks she can do with such and finesse. Sometimes, it really makes her think how Sally has managed to keep everything afloat all on her own, but she guesses the experience and knowledge she’s gained throughout the years helped her a lot in that certain aspect. Aurora doesn’t have any of that, so it would only be practical to get help from everyone available--even if it’s from her stepmother herself. She might have denied wanting her help when she talked with her mother and stepfather, but she’s already accepted that fact a long time ago--albeit internally.

She released a sigh as she let Sally continue whatever it is she's doing. Her mind wandered back to her stepmother's words, making her think what her co-manager would be like. She could only imagine that it's going to be one of those guys that she usually sees at bakeries: the one who has this calm look on their face along with the friendly personality they seem to be naturally born with and eyes that always look happy and enthusiastic about everything. She thinks it's alright since that type of person is going to be very easy to talk to and they could easily get along with one another.

She just hopes it's not going to blow up in her face and be the complete opposite of what she thinks. Now that would be a problem. It would be hard to get along with such a stoic looking guy, knowing first hand what it would be like. It was a miracle she even managed to befriend a guy that's completely like that, but it was probably just luck that made him relent to her offer of being friends--as well as wanting to end her incessant whines about why he never accepts her friendship.

Looking back on it now, she really just wants to hit herself for being such a brat. What in the world possessed her to even do all of those things? If the situation was reversed, she’s pretty sure she would have found it annoying as well.

"Well don't let me keep you here." Aurora looked up at Sally. "I'll just explain everything later when Andy arrives. That way, I won’t have to repeat myself as well.”

Aurora's eyebrows furrowed instantly. "Andy?"

"Yes. That's your co-manager's name. Oh he's an absolute sweetheart. You're going to get along with him just fine." Sally told her, the delight in her eyes clearly seen in those green orbs.

By the way Sally said it, Aurora doubts that would be the case, but she’s willing to give her co-worker the benefit of the doubt. After all, if she instantly thinks badly of him without ever meeting him in person, it just wouldn’t sit right with her at all--not to mention that it would make her feel extremely guilty. If possible, she would want to keep those feelings to a minimum.

"Let's hope so." Aurora murmured. She leaned away from the table, her eyes still trained on her stepmother. "Just call me when you need me to be here again. Should I also be here at three?"

"Three should be just fine." Sally answered.

With a nod of her head, Aurora made her way out of the bakery, the gentle breeze coming from the sea swooshing around her and the chirping of the birds gracing her ears. It's only her second day here, yet she's already loving the spot of Sally's bakery. The boardwalk found only a few feet away is always full of people finding a serene place to rest and stay, to get away from the stress and pressure of the harsh world that awaits them outside of this place. All kinds of people could be found lounging in here, from businessmen to avid workers, teenagers to children, walking about with friends or family.

Overall, she just loves the place. She wasn't really expecting that the bakery would be found here of all places, but she's at least glad to know that it is. Due to her living in the city all her life, she rarely ever comes across a place such as this one, so it's refreshing for her to be here. This unexpected, yet nice change of scenery was something that she didn’t know she needed at all. Having faced that now made her realize that little fact. All of a sudden, she's glad that she did take her father's request of watching over her stepmother's bakery. If she wasn't going to enjoy her work, at least she can enjoy the place.

She didn't know when she started moving, but she found herself sitting on one of the benches, eyes gazing at the people passing by with her phone held tightly in her hands. When she saw a group of friends not too far away from her, she instantly had the urge to talk to the friends she won't be seeing for a while.

So with that thought in mind, she opened her phone and sent a message to her friends.

BROKE(N) HEARTS

Aurora:

So I'm here outside the bakery and I saw a group of friends not too far away from me and I suddenly wanted to talk to all of you

Dexter:

That's funny because I was just about to message you too

I missed you, Aur

Are you coming home any time soon?

Aurora:

Not quite

Dexter:

Dang

That's too bad

Kent:

How could it be bad?

We're going to be away from her for a two months

Alicia:

Could you be any ruder?

Kent:

Not really

Aur, you know I love you anyway

Aurora:

Stop with the sugarcoating stupid

Modesty doesn't become you

Alicia:

You should see him right now

Modesty really doesn't become him

Dexter:

Well, I suggest you shouldn't really

He's flirting with a girl right now

Aurora:

What?

I thought he was with Raine?

Alicia:

Stupid Dexter

Are you blind?

You're giving Aur false information

Aurora:

What the hell is happening over there?

Dexter:

Sorry

My bad

It was Raine who walked by

I didn't notice

Kent:

You're going to put me in a lot of trouble because of that mouth of yours, Sholp

Dexter:

I honestly didn't see it was Raine

All I saw was blonde hair and a killer body

Aurora:

That's because that's all you see

Dexter:

Not true

I see you, don't I?

Alicia:

Barf

Kent:

Here we go again

Dexter:

You guys are such haters

Just because you and Aly let me tag along to become a fifth wheel, you can't treat me like that

Aurora:

Wait what?

What fifth wheel?

Aly is with SOMEONE?

Alicia:

You know

Somehow, I find that reaction highly insulting

Kent:

You shouldn't

Aur was only speaking the truth

Even I was surprised when you walked in the door with a guy

I couldn't believe the fact that you actually did manage to snag a guy

Aurora:

WHY DON'T I KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS????

Dexter:

That's because Aly dearest didn't say anything until now

Aurora:

How could you do this to me

You didn't even let me meet him

Alicia:

Surprise?

Kent:

You're just not special to Aly

That's why she didn't tell you

Alicia:

Don't go around sputtering bullshit

Kent:

I was only kidding

Jeez

You have such a temper

Aurora:

And you're still stupid

Kent:

This is so unfair

How could you still side with her?

She didn't tell you shit

Dexter:

What the hell is your problem?

Alicia:

Let him be

Kent is just an asshole

A stupid asshole

Kent:

Oi

I'm offended, Aly

Aurora:

You actually know how to be offended?

Kent:

You're all so mean

I'm hurt

Dexter:

Shut up

Raine is staring at you

Kent:

She is?

Alicia:

Yes stupid

Now go and talk to her

You're such a shitty guy

Kent:

Alright fine

Do I look alright?

Is my hair perfect?

Is my outfit okay?

Is my smile swoon-worthy?

Are my eyes sparkly enough?

Aurora:

Oh my God

Alicia:

STOP WASTING YOUR TIME CHATTING HERE

RAINE IS f*****g STARING AT YOU

TALK TO THE DAMN GIRL

Kent:

I'M NERVOUS

WHAT IF I MESS s**t UP

Dexter:

WELL YOU'RE GOING TO MESS s**t UP IF YOU DON'T TALK TO HER NOW

Aurora:

GO FOR IT KENT

I'M ROOTING FOR YOU!!!!!!

Kent:

Thanks

Gotta go

Alicia:

And there he goes

Our baby bird is finally spreading his wings

Aurora:

And you still owe me a story

Dexter:

And this is the part where I leave and let Aurora rant

Alicia:

You traitor!

Dexter:

Sorry, your boyfriend's calling for me

Gotta go

Alicia:

Jerk!

Aurora:

So

Story?

Alexander:

So

Aly

You finally got a boyfriend

Aurora:

Okay bye

You're not needed here

Go away

Alicia:

Aur, behave

And Alex, yes I do have a boyfriend

What about you?

Alexander:

Well I'm not really into boyfriends

Aurora:

Are we supposed to find that funny?

Alexander:

Wasn't expecting you to

And for the record, I wasn't talking to you

Alicia:

It's so exhausting talking to the both of you

All you ever do is fight

Sort your s**t out before the both of you talk to me together

My boyfriend is calling for me too

Bye

Aurora:

NO

DON'T GO

Alexander:

Too late

She's already gone

Aurora:

Well then

I'm out too

Bye bitch

Alexander:

Are you really that nervous about talking to me alone that you just bolt when it's just us?

Aurora:

You wish

Alexander:

Not wishing

But hoping

Aurora:

I seriously think there's something wrong with your brain

Alexander:

And I think there's something wrong with your heart for still wanting me, but you don't hear me complain, do you?

Aurora:

Who said I still want you?

Deluded bastard

Alexander:

Why do you even still try and deny it?

I can also want you back

Aurora:

That's it

I'm out

Alexander:

There you go again

Reeling back when I start telling you things

Do I make you nervous?

Aurora:

Piss off, Giovanni

You're not worth shit

Alexander:

And that's why we're perfect

Because you're worth shit

Opposites attract, right?

Aurora stared at her screen in disbelief, willing down the blush that threatened to appear on her cheeks. What nerve he has to say all of those things to her! Just who does that think he is? As of the moment, she really has no idea what to feel about the whole situation anymore. Despite the bubbling rage that she could feel inside of her, the feelings of affection that she held for the guy made its presence known as well. Out of all the people in the world, why does it have to be him?

Aurora locked her phone as she crossed her arms against her chest, her mind constantly reeling her back to the words that Alexander kept throwing at her. He has got to be the most confusing guy she has ever met. His words say one thing, yet his actions speak another. Can’t he just make up his damned mind and get it over with? Surely that would be something even a stupid guy like him can do, right?

“Stupid Alex.” She muttered angrily, her emotions now in a never-ending turmoil. Ever since that day Alexander made his presence known to them once again, all kinds of emotions burst forth inside her. It’s ridiculous how just one message from him was more than enough to disrupt the peace she has carefully built over the past few years. She’s become quite successful in convincing herself that she felt nothing for the guy, but she didn’t know that that line of thought was so fragile. Looks like she really miscalculated a lot of things right from the very beginning.

The sudden ringing of her phone brought her out of the reveries she was previously immersed in. Seeing who it was, she immediately answered the call; like it was second nature to her.

“Hi.” Aurora greeted.

Silence enveloped them at first, before she finally heard the slight chuckle that came from her friend. “Was it that bad?” Alicia queried, the amusement in her tone of voice too impossible to miss.

A groan escaped Aurora’s lips. “Don’t even get me started.” She let out a huff. “Honestly, I think that guy was born to be a living thorn in my life.”

Alicia laughed. “Oh come on. He was your prince charming once upon a time, wasn’t he?”

Hearing that instantly made Aurora feel slightly embarrassed about the whole thing. The pink that covered her cheeks was something that she couldn’t hide any further that she’s glad her friend couldn’t see her right now. If she could, Aurora is absolutely certain that Alicia would tease her like there’s no tomorrow. 

Aurora cleared her throat. “That was a long time ago.”

“Well, by the looks of it, it’s not that long ago with you.” The bustling noise, as well as Dexter and Kent’s voices, could be heard from Alicia’s side. Aurora doubts that her friend is aware of the background noises being absolutely within earshot, but the former doesn’t really mind. If anything, hearing all of that brought a sudden comfort that she wasn’t expecting. “And by how Alex is acting with you, I’m sure it’s not that long ago for him too.”

The scoff that Aurora let out was enough to send Alicia the message that her claim was the most ridiculous thing she has ever heard so far. “Aly, let’s be realistic here. Do you really think that asshole is capable of feeling that?”

“He’s not really a heartless person per se…”

“Whose side are you on?” Aurora scowled, not caring at all that she can’t show her friend her vexation in person.

“Neither.” Alicia replied. “I’m both your friend, so I’m taking neither. If I did, it would only spell trouble for me, and that’s definitely something that I want to avoid as much as possible.”

“So you’re just trying to save your ass--basically.”

“What’s so wrong about that?” came her friend’s instant retort. “Besides, who would want to be in the middle of you and Alex when you’re both arguing like that? It’s exhausting, and frankly, it’s not fun at all--playing mediator with you two, I mean.”

A specific person instantly came to Aurora’s mind when she heard Alicia’s reply. That person might have been an annoying prick as well, but he sure knows his stuff. How he was still able to stay sane despite all of that is really a wonder to her. “There’s one.”

“Ah yes, him.” The dryness that came with Alicia’s reply wasn’t left unnoticed by Aurora. “That guy was stupid as hell, but if he made it work, then why not, right?”

Aurora chuckled. “Yeah, it must have been a strain on him as well. He didn’t really complain, so I guess he was fine with that?”

“Why would he?” Alicia chuckled slightly. “He was having way too much fun playing that role too.”

“It suits him too.”

“It does.” Aurora smiled. “Do you still talk with him?”

That instantly brought down the smile that appeared on Aurora’s lips. With a sigh, she replied, “No. I don’t even know what to say to him.”

Honestly, she can’t even remember what was the last thing they talked about. It was so long ago that all memories of those times just transformed into a blurry image of the past--something that Aurora has been wanting to bury for the longest time, but just can’t seem to. She just hopes that if ever they get to have the chance to communicate with each other again, it would be a pleasant one.

“That’s to be expected, I guess. Still, it would have been nice if he kept in contact as well.”

As Aurora looked up at the sky, thinking about all the things that she could have done differently if given the chance, the only thing she could tell her friend was, “Yeah, it would have.”