Chapter 3: The Scar-faced Man
1098 Words
Lila's POV
“Sonia, how long has that man been sitting down there.” I asked one of my staff breathlessly.
“Who?...which man?” Sonia asked quickly, her brown eyes opening wider in latent fear.
“I don't know…but…eeerhh…he used to come around once in awhile some couple of weeks ago, then he suddenly stopped coming.” I explained calmly. “He has a scary scar at the right side of his face.”
“The few times he cames around, after paying for his coffee and donuts, he drove off quietly in his black pickup van. I've never seen him interacted with anyone. He is acting like an hermit.”
“Hhhmmm… I think I've seen him once.” Sonia said thoughtfully.
“He looks scary.” Sonia said with a flinch.
“It was absurd watching him sitting at the corner of the shop eating his breakfast. He has never done that before.” I said ruefully.
“Maybe he is lonely…or something.” Sonia said offhandedly.
“Hhhmmm…lonely? And you think the only place he could get a potential date is in my pastries shop?” I queried as I wiped out some some butter from a big plastic container.
“You can find the love of your life anywhere.” Sonia said smiling.
“Yeah.” I managed to say. I doubt whether I still believe in love. Those that are searching for love, good luck to them. I doubt whether I would’ve the heart to love again. I might give it a try later, but for now, I think it is a big no.
Sonia watched with keen interest as I measured the floor, sugar, and butter into the electric mixer. I want to bake simple cake for one of my elderly customers. I will also prepare some croissants and donuts. No doubt, it's going to be a busy day for me.
I'm proud of the progress my pastries business has made in the past few months. I encountered series of personal doubt and challenges when I started. I was desperate to forget everything about my heartbreak and betrayal that I didn't mind starting all over again as I immersed my body and soul into the business. I think I'm in a far better place right now than the miserable wreck of a human being I was few months back. The Moon Goddess might have shown me mercy.
“Sonia, please help me with the spatula and warm up the oven for me.”
I scooped out the batter from the mixer and started to knead it on the kitchen table. This is the part I enjoyed the most in my baking routine. As knead the batter I could feel the soul in the dough. So ethereal!
“Can you spare me a minute?”
For a moment, we were startled by the sudden booming voice emanating from the door. Standing with his entire huge six feet physical frame at the kitchen door, is the strange scar-faced man. I never knew he was still around.
My heart started thumping against my chest. I was scared. Sonia stared at him with a wide frightened eyes. I don't know what to do next. I was completely frozen with fear.
He was staring at me with those bloodshot eyes.
“You.” He pointed a rough grubby finger at my direction.
“Who…me?” My wolf, Clara started howling softly. What is going on here? What does this strange scar-faced man want from me? Am I in danger? Should I alert the police?
“I need you to help me with something.” He said finally, his hands tucked inside the pocket of his black jacket. The way he stood defiantly, it appears that he is ready to wait forever.
Sonia looks as if she was ready to scream aloud for help if he happens to move one step into the kitchen.
“Ok…what for? I hope everything is ok?” I found myself regaining my composure.
“I will be waiting outside.” He said with an air of finality as he disappeared from the kitchen door.
He was already sitting at the far corner of the shop, staring into space with a deep scowl in his face. I walked slowly towards his table. He barely acknowledged my presence as I took a seat adjacent to him. I clasped my sweaty palms. My heart was beating real fast. Sitting close to him, the scar on the right side of his face looks scarier. His red eyes kept on staring into space. The awkward silence continue to be ominous as the clock ticked away.
“ My name is Ryder, I need somebody that would prepare food group of about twenty people in three days time.” He said while still staring into space.
“Chef?...I am not a chef. I am a baker. Maybe you are in the wrong place.” I laughed nervously.
“I don't care what you are, I want you to prepare to prepare dinner for about twenty people in three days time.” He reiterated angrily, this time staring at me straight in the eyes.
“I… how do you expect me to do something that I have never done before in my life. I'm a baker. I've never been a chef in my life.” I said determinely.
“Who cooked your dinner at home?” He asked, staring at my soul.
“Eeerhh… me – what does that got to do with anything?” I asked looking away.
“So, you are qualified to prepare dinner for about twenty of my friends.” He snarled triumphantly.
Lila, I have spoken more than enough for the day. You can send me the cost estimates of everything.” He scowled at me.
“Wait, how do you know my name? Who are you?” I was about getting pissed of my this strange scar-faced man.
“That is my number.” He dropped a piece of paper on the table.
“Lila, it's nice talking to you.” He stood up, adjust his black hat and walked the door.
“I can't do it…I won't…” I said defiantly after him.
“Lila in three days time, me and my friends would be eating dinner prepare by you.” He didn't bother to hear my response as he quickly closed the glass door of the shop after him.
I watched him sauntered into the morning sun. He entered his blank pickup van and drove off.
The silence after was deafening.
- Writer
