Sweet Deception

Chapter 4- Sugar and Spice

Christiana

The kitchen looked like a war zone only instead of bullets and bombs, the ammunition was flour, sugar and eggs. I was covered in flour and sugar, my 3 and half year old daughter Emma by my side. We were baking cupcakes, and Emma was taking her job very seriously. She climbed up onto the stool, her brow pigtails bouncing with each movement, and gazed up at me with big, brown eyes.

As we worked, the warm scent of vanilla and sugar wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of sizzling butter and the hum of the mixer. The sunlight streaming through the living room windows cast a warm glow over the kitchen, illuminating the flour-dusted countertops and the colorful ceramic jars lined up on the dark-stained wooden island. I gazed out at my cozy kitchen. The open floor plan of my small apartment made the space feel larger than it was, and I loved how the kitchen flowed seamlessly into the living area.

My creamy white quartz countertop was my favorite spot to cook and bake, and Emma loved climbing up onto the stool to "help" me. The pale gray cabinets above the counter were the perfect place to store my cookware, dishes, and kitchen gadgets.

To my left, the stainless steel sink and stove combo sat along the wall, with our small, round dining table tucked into the corner. It was Emma's favorite spot to sit and watch me cook, and I loved how the natural light pouring in through the living room windows made the space feel bright and airy.

The dark-stained wooden island in the center of the kitchen was my happy place. It added warmth and texture to the space, and was the perfect spot to display my favorite cookbooks and colorful ceramic jars. As I worked, Emma danced around the island, sprinkling sugar and giggling with glee. It was moments like these that I cherished, surrounded by the people and things I loved.

I tried not to think too much about the job or the interview or why they had not yet gotten back to me. At least they should send a rejection email no?

“ Mummy sprinkles!” Emma’s voice pierced through my thoughts as she squealed her brown pigtails bouncing as she jumped up and down.

I laughed, handing Emma a spoonful of colorful sprinkles. “ Okay baby girl, You can be in charge of the sprinkles”.

Mia, my best friend, sat on the counter watching the chaos with amusement. Her hair was a shade of blue and green today, classic Mia. “I don’t know how you do it, Tiana. Emma is a tiny tornado.

I grinned, wiping a smudge of flour off Emma's cheek. “That’s what makes her so much fun.

“Scoot over, I want in on the action”. Mia said, already getting off the counter and taking charge.

As I watched the scene my mind wandered off to Alex, the guy I’d been seeing for a while. He was tall and handsome, with piercing blue eyes and a charming smile, he was sweet, always bringing me gifts and surprise visits, he was everything I wanted and a breath of fresh air from all the chaos that seemed to surround me. He had taken me out for dates, remembered Emma’s birthday, finds ways to just make life easier for me. But Mia wasn’t a fan.

“I know that look, Mia said, rolling her eyes. “Someone is daydreaming of Mcdream boy,”

I blushed a little caught out. “That’s not his name and to be honest I don’t know you don’t like him”, I protested. “he’s nice, perfect even and he likes you too plus he really wants to meet Emma” I say offering a smile.

“Exactly! I don’t trust him, he’s too clean… too sterile not even a drop of dirt on him, of course he’d like me..ever seen anyone who didn’t and over my dead body will he meet my daughter” Mia said scrunching her nose.

“What do you mean not a drop of dirt” I ask tilting my head to the side. “OMG, MIA PENELOPE JOHNSON, did you run a background check on him??” I nearly hit an octave with how high my voice was.

“ Not the middle name, I meannnnn I feel you should be bothered if I didn’t, it was meant to happen, plus now we know he’s not a serial killer” Mia said shrugging.

I laughed, shaking my head at the total nutcase Mia was “ You are just being paranoid, Alex is a great guy and he’s really good at making me laugh”

Mia shrugged. "Maybe. But I'm just looking out for you."

My phone buzzed with a text breaking the conversation. I picked it up, my eyes scanning the message. A huge smile spread across my face.

"What is it?" Mia asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"I got the job!, I’m to start on Monday!" I exclaimed, pumping my fist in the air.

Emma cheered, throwing her arms around my legs. "Yay, Mama!"

Mia stopped turning the batter to come give me a hug. "Congratulations, girl! I knew you'd get it."

As we finished up the cupcakes, Mia mentioned that she'd gotten my car fixed. "I knew you wouldn't want me to get it changed, so I just had it repaired."

I smiled, grateful for my friend's thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Mia. You're a lifesaver."

As we sat down to enjoy our freshly baked cupcakes, Emma climbed onto my lap, her eyes sparkling with sugar-fueled excitement. "Mama, yum!" she squealed, taking a big bite of her cupcake.

I laughed, hugging her tight. Life was sweet, and I was grateful for my little family - Emma, Mia, and even Alex, despite Mia's reservations.