An Invitation?
710 Words
Elena's Point of view.
The bakery began to take shape as the afternoon wore out but I still continued to work tirelessly alongside Claire and Maggie who were unpacking boxes and arranging the furniture respectively, while I stocked the shelves. Even the kids alternatively helped and also caused chaos but brought life to the space with their heartily laughter.
And by the time the sun had gone down, in the evening, the bakery was looking and feeling like home. I stood by the window as I watched the city lights come to life with evening activities and passer-bys. Just then Claire's voice pulled my thoughts back to the bakery as I turned to her.
“You have a mail… lot of them, why don't you ever check them?” Claire asked, behind my laptop. She briefly looked at me with a smile, “Elena, you might just want to see this."
“What's that?" I asked with a frown as I made my way to her side while wiping my hands against my apron.
“An invitation was sent to you a month ago which you didn't respond to, then a reminder was sent yesterday. It's an invitation to cater for an event and I can tell it's a grand party,” she explained with a smirk.
"What?” I asked, freezing mid step. "Are you sure about that?” I hastened my step.
"Of course I am,” she replied, briefly turning the laptop to my view. "The initial invite was when you were still in Paris, probably when you were preparing to come back home and apparently the last work you did in association with your school got you noticed by some billionaire folk and this job is massive, Elena. You are to cater for something big and grand.”
My heart sank as I thought this over and it was something I didn't want. The last thing I wanted to do was draw some unnecessary attention to myself. I just want a simple life away from people of power and money, Victor could be in their circle.
“Just reject it outrightly and apologize for the delay, I can't…” I announced.
“Oops, Elena, it's too late because I already accepted it," she replied to me with a genuine look.
“What! You did what?" I screamed at the top of my voice.
“I'm sorry but I thought you wanted this and was just hesitating," she said in her defense.
“You can't make such a massive decision for me, what part of me suggested I wanted that, Claire?" I flared up.
"I'm sorry but you have always wanted to go big, Elena even before Victor and this… this is a life changing opportunity, the one you only get once in life, you can't supposedly say no to this, can you?” She asked with concern but I could see her mischievous grin.
"Oh my goodness, Claire!" I groaned in frustration. “This is very stupid of you, I swear you are just impossible. I don't want it, not with everything going on in my life. Just reject it now,” I allowed my emotions to get the best of me as I buried my face in my hands.
“I am sorry once again but I can promise you, Elena, that you will thank me later. You can't stop growing just because you are in a pickle at the moment. Maybe… just maybe this is what you need, you never can tell,” she assured me with a wink.
Maggie suddenly chuckled from where she stood behind the counter. "Well, what if this family has a son who might just need more than your catering service, won't Claire be getting her wish finally?” She asked with a smirk.
"What?” I voiced.
"Are you sick or something? This isn't some movie or novel, girl! That is never happening… even if it's true, get your minds out of that nonsense!” I snapped.
“Well, we just have to find out if that can happen or not,” Claire muttered with a smile.
"Hell no, reject that damned invite at this moment!” I said aloud.
“Sorry Elena, I just got a response!"
- Writer
